Thiruvananthapuram: India yesterday (Dec 31, 2006) said mere good words about friendship by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf were not enough and asked Islamabad to act sincerely and effectively to stop the infiltration from across the border to match its utterances.

"Mere good words by President Pervez Musharraf on friendship with India alone are not sufficient. Pakistan should take strong steps to check terrorists from coming across the borders," Antony told sources at the Southern Air Command (SAC) at Akkulam near here.

India was keen to improve its ties with Pakistan and the country expected this to be reciprocated with positive signals from the other side, he said.

Though infiltration into Kashmir had been on the decline and under control, the problem was on the rise along Bangaldesh and Nepal borders and also through the seas, he said.

Stating that the well-being of the soldiers who keep an vigil for the nation's security was a matter of top priority, Antony said he would take up with the Central Pay Commission the need to improve their pay and service conditions.

"There is a general feeling that the last Pay Commission did not do due jusice to defence personnel commensurate to the service they render. To correct this, the matter would be taken up effectively with the Pay Commission," Antony said.