Decline in infiltration from Pakistan, says Antony

New Delhi, June 25 (PTI) India Thursday said
infiltration from Pakistan has declined in the recent past,
but the threat from terrorists in northern state of Jammu and
Kashmir is "real" and there is no question of lowering the
guard.

"Of late, there has been a decline in infiltration in
the borders but we cannot say it is an improvement," Defence
Minister A K Antony told reporters after addressing the
Unified Commanders' Conference here.

He made it clear that "there is no question of
lowering our guard, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, as even
now these terrorist outfits are working there. It is a real
threat."

Antony said the relations between India and Pakistan
can "move forward" only if strong action is is taken by
Islamabad against anti-India outfits operating from across the
border.

"We are emphasising and trying to convince Pakistan
that they have to take strong actions against the anti-India
groups operating from there. Only then the two countries can
move forward and we can help in improving relations," he said.

He termed the security situation in Pakistan as a
"matter of great concern" for India.

On India's plans to raise two mountain divisions in
Arunachal Pradesh, he said, "India is not against any country.
We want to maintain friendly and cordial relations with all
our neighbours but at the same time it is our duty to increase
our capabilities."

About his proposed meeting with US National Security
Advisor (NSA) James Jones Friday, Antony said the security
situation in the region, especially Afghanistan, is likely to
figure among other issues in the discussions.

"We are going to discuss the security scenario around
us. While discussing this, we cannot avoid Afghanistan.
Taliban is a threat to world peace and threat to our region
and a threat to India also," he said.

On the progress made on the issue of a Unified Command
for the armed forces, the Defence Minister said that after
initial resistance, the three services have realised the need
to work together.

"There has been considerable progress in the last
eight years. Initially there was resistance from three
services but now they have realised the necessity of jointness
because in the modern times just one service cannot protect
the security of the nation and meet challenges," he said.

"That realization is there. So, things are moving very
fast and this conference is a turning point," he said.

When asked if the controversy on the issue of price of
Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov could have any
negative impact on Indo-Russian defence relations, the
Minister said, "Discussions are going on for Admiral Gorshkov.
As far as our defence relations with Russia are concerned,
they are very cordial. There is no doubt about that." PTI