Patna: Ruling out any demobilisation of troops along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence minister George Fernandes on July 12 admitted the situation in the strife-torn state remained unchanged since last month's visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to the sub-continent to ease tensions between India and Pakistan.

"Overall things have not changed since Armitage's visit for defrosting in the sub- continent. Cross-border infiltration and export of terrorism to India continues," Fernandes told reporters rejecting the possibility of demobilisation of troops.

"There can be no movement in the direction of peace until Pakistan hands over to India the 20 most wanted men taking shelter in that country, ends infiltration and dismantles terrorist camps run by it," he said.

Asked to comment on Armitage's statement that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had assured him of ending cross border terrorism and shutting down of terrorist camps, Fernandes said, "The situation has hardly improved after Armitage went back. Later there were reports quoting Musharraf that he never said cross border terrorism would end permanently."

Fernandes, now in Bihar, is expected to return to the capital either by July 13 or on July 15.

PTI