Jammu: Fencing along the entire 490-km line of control, from where maximum infiltration is reported in Jammu and Kashmir, would be completed by March next and the de-mining of the Indo-Pak border in the state by December next year, Chief of Army Staff Gen N C Vij said on October 11.

"We are focussing on the completion of the border fencing along the LoC, where maximum infiltration is taking place. By the end of March, 2004, we will complete fencing along the entire 490 km of LoC in Jammu and Kashmir," he told a press conference at the technical airport.

The Army Chief said fencing along a 100-km stretch of LoC has already been completed and work was on in full gear to complete it in the remaining portion. Fencing along the LoC had started in February last in Poonch-Uri Sector, while 80 km of International Border has already been fenced in Jammu.

Vij said Indian troops have set up a multi-tier security, comprising sensors, thermal imagers, border fencing and surveillance, along the LoC and the IB to check infiltration.

On de-mining works, the Army Chief said, "Our troops are working hard to remove mines from the border belt in Jammu and Kashmir and the entire belt along the International Border would be de-mined by December, 2004."

While the border belt falling in North of Chenab would be cleared by 2003, that from Chenab to Basanter area in Jammu sector would be completely de-mined by February 2003, he said, adding the borders Basantar to Punjab in Kathua sector would be de-mined by December, 2003.

Once the de-mining process was completed, the agriculture lands would be handed over to border dwellers for regular farming activities, he added.

PTI