Pak desperate to infiltrate militants into J&K, says HM

"After the Parliamentary elections, there has been spurt in infiltration, a desperation. One can see a desperation on the part of Pakistan and PoK authorities to infiltrate into India,"  Chidambaram said at a press conference replying to questions on infiltration.

The Home Minister said infiltration from Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir was "solely" responsible for violence in the state and it was difficult to completely control it.

"Infiltration is taking place. I must admit that we have not been able to completely stop it although infiltration has come down. Thanks to the vigil of our security forces," he said.

Security forces were doing "better and better" to contain the influx of terrorists into the country, though groups across the border were recruiting young men and brainwashing them to pursue Jehad and create mayhem in India.

"The number did rise in two-three months. But now the snows will come and therefore the infiltration will come down for the next four or five months," he said.

However, the Home Minister said, there has been a marked improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and anyone who was familiar with the situation in the state would endorse his views.

"Five or six years ago large number of people were killed, but today the security situation is much better," he said.

Chidambaram said that only 395 people have fallen victims to militancy in the state in first nine months of this year which was the lowest in about eight or nine years.

But, "it should not be a matter of pride for the government. More than one people were killed per day on an average. We hope that continuing our policy, we will be able to bring to an end militancy in the state," he said.

Between January and September this year, the state saw 60 civilian deaths and 66 casualties in security forces, but 185 militants were neutralised at the same time.
The Home Minister said the government's policy was that there should be zero tolerance for violence.

"Our policy is that there is no place for violence in Jammu and Kashmir. There will be political differences, there will be different political parties, there would be shades of opinion. But whatever the political opinion, there is no place for violence," he said.

Chidambaram said the infiltrators must knew that they were not going to stay for 20 years and their commanders would be caught within six to 12 months.

Lauding the efforts of various security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the role of army was important as they defend the border and Line of Control and they would be assisted by the Border Security Forces.

The Home Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir Police has the responsibility to maintain law and order and they have been doing well in showing leadership capabilities.

"They have been in the front line of law and order situation and behind them we have provided ample number of paramilitary force. As and when J&K Police is ready to accept more responsibilities, it will be given to them," he said.

Asked if the paramilitary forces would be withdrawn from the state, he said the requirement of paramilitary forces would depend on the situation.

"It may increase or decrease. For example, during the Amarnath Yatra, it had to be increased and after the Yatra was over, these forces were withdrawn," he said.