Srinagar: Notwithstanding the ongoing troop reduction in Jammu and Kashmir, the Army would not vacate any of the strategic positions on the Line of Control or in the hinterland, a senior Army official said in Srinagar today (Nov 23, 2004).

The withdrawal of troops is going on but readjustments would be carried out not to leave any positions, General Officer Commanding, Northern Command Lt Gen Hari Prasad told reporters.

Spotlight: Kashmir is Not Negotiable

"The reduction of troops is being carried out following Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's announcement, but the Army would not vacate any strategic position either on the Line of Control or in the hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

To a question, Prasad, who is among the probables to succeed the incumbent Army Chief on his retirement, said the reduction of troops may not be visible on the ground initially but as time passes by, people will feel whether the number of troops has gone up or come down.

The Army has not lowered its guard and the situation in the State would be reviewed from time to time and re-induction of troops in the State was a possibility, if required, he said.

On the infiltration from across the Line of Control, he said, "During this month we had eight infiltration bids which were all intercepted and foiled. The intruders were all killed or forced to flee back."