Monday, May 15 2006 16:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Ruling out reduction in force levels in Jammu and Kashmir, Government today (May 15, 2006) made it clear that it would firmly deal with terrorism while continuing dialogue with 'responsible' groups and individuals to bring peace in the border state.

"There is no question of demilitarization redeployment is different from reducing force levels there is no question of withdrawal of forces and certainly no question of demilitarisation till terrorism ends," Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Lok Sabha while intervening in a debate on a BJP-sponsored adjournment motion on this month's Doda and Udhampur massacres.

The motion, moved by Leader of the Opposition L K Advani, charging the Government with failure to make security arrangements to protect lives of citizens in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir was rejected by a voice vote.

Asserting that Government would do its duty in combating terrorism, Patil said "there is a problem and we have to solve it there may be mistakes here and there, but we have to find a solution."

Explaining government's multi-pronged strategy in dealing with the Kashmir issue, including engaging in dialogue 'responsible' individuals and groups, Patil said the dialogue process would continue.