New Delhi: The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (Nov 17, 2004) cautioned the Government against "lowering of guard" in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir even as it welcomed efforts to carry forward the peace process.

Referring to the killing of six people helping in counter-insurgency operations on November 15 and the gunbattle this morning near the venue of the Prime Minister's public rally, party spokesman Arun Jaitley said, "It is a grim reminder that whereas carrying forward the peace process is welcome and all steps must be taken as the Prime Minister has said to hold talks with various groups, there should not be any lowering of guard in the fight against insurgency."

Spotlight: Kashmir is NOT negotiable

"We are confident different political parties will be taken into confidence on whatever efforts the Government makes towards the peace process," he said.

Asked about de-induction of troops, he said, "Assessment of security including deployment and operational matters is the job of security agencies but there should be no lowering of guard in dealing with terrorists."