Ramgarh (Jharkhand): The Chief of Army Staff Gen N C Vij today (Feb 13, 2004) indicated that the proliferation of Pakistan's nuclear technology could not have been done without the knowledge of the State.

The Army Chief, who was in Ramgarh on the occasion of colour presentation to the 28 Punjab Regiment on behalf of the President, also hinted that it was difficult for a scientist to sell nuclear technology without the State knowing about it.

"How can it be possible for a scientist?" the General replied when asked whether a scientist could sell nuclear technology without the knowledge of the State, as was claimed by the Pakistan Government.

Though the Army Chief did not name anybody, he stressed that the proliferation of nuclear technology should be stopped at any cost.

Emphasising the dangers of nuclear proliferation, Gen Vij said, "There should be great efforts to control it."

To a query on infiltration across the line of control (LoC), Vij said though it decreased in recent times because of winter and Pakistan's efforts, it has not completely stopped. There was an incident of infiltration four days ago at Rajouri.

Vij also said that the ceasefire across LoC was continuing.

When asked whether US pressure was responsible for the peace initiative between India and Pakistan he said, "I just know that our Prime Minister and Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf have talked...and who has pressurised whom, I don't know."

Asked whether there was any plan to build nuke-bunkers at important places, including near the Prime Minister's residence, he said such things were not discussed in public.