New Delhi: Requisite number of troops will remain deployed till the clearing of
mines, laid on the international border during 'Operation Parakram', is over,
Defence Minister George Fernandes said on November 28.
Plans have already been drawn up for mine clearance operations and "the requisite
number of troops will remain deployed" till these
are completed, he told Lok Sabha
in a written reply during Question Hour and added there would be "no lowering of
vigil" in Jammu and Kashmir.
Stating that forward deployment of troops since last year had drawn international
attention, he said, "The experience gained during the mobilisation has enabled the
Army to re-assess and re-validate its operational plans and procedures."
He said the infiltration from across the border in J&K has "come down considerably"
compared to figures in the corresponding period last year.
After elections in J&K were conducted successfully despite terrorist violence and
intimidation, the Cabinet Committee on Security on October 16 decided that the armed
forces be asked to re-deploy from positions on the international border with
Pakistan.
PTI
