Mhow (MP): Stating that there has been a lot of improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir at present as compared to the same period last year, Chief of Army Staff Gen N C Vij today (Dec 7, 2004) said even the terrorist activities have been brought under control.

"There is a lot of improvement in the situation in Kashmir valley as compared to last one year or six months. The terrorist activities too have been brought under control though not yet eliminated," General Vij told reporters after laying the foundation stone of the Army's Shooting Range.

Denying that there is an escalation in violence in the valley after the withdrawal of troops as part of the confidence building measures (CBMs) with Pakistan, the General said troops were withdrawn keeping in mind the country's security perspective.

"Barring few incidents of violence which are nothing in comparison to last year, the situation in the valley has improved," he reiterated.

The cross-border infiltration has been checked despite their (enemy's) constant efforts to infiltrate in the country, he said adding, the occurrence of one or two incident is natural. "After all it is a battle ground and not a playground," the General said.

"There is a State-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir and it is difficult to stop it completely. Despite that terrorism has been effectively checked though not eliminated totally. Still, the Army is ensuring that no untoward incident takes place there," he said.