Thursday, June 23 2005 17:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Reduction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir depends on further improvement of overall situation in this border State, Union Minister of State for Home Sri Prakash Jaiswal said in Jammu today (Jun 23, 2005).

He said the present status quo on deployment of troops would be maintained and both CRPF and BSF would continue to deal with anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

"As the situation improves decision would be taken to keep only one of the forces deployed for insurgency duties in the State," he said.

Jaiswal, who reviewed security and ongoing Amarnath yatra during his two-day visit to the State, told sources in Jammu that there was no proposal for troops cut down in the State in view of present tourist inflow and Amarnath pilgrimage.

The Minister, who visited the border areas of Rajouri, Poonch, Chaamb and Jourian last evening (Jun 22, 2005), said fencing along the border would be completed by July end while flood lighting would be completed by September.

"Fencing and flood lighting would be instrumental in foiling infiltration and exfiltration bids by terrorists and other anti-national elements," he said.

On modernisation of State police, he said the Centre would provide all necessary funds for the purpose but the State Government has to provide utilisation certificate.

"Jammu and Kashmir is the only State to whom Centre provides cent per cent funds for all modernisation plans of its police force," he said and added efforts are being made to ensure that police force in the entire country is modernised.