Choppers to be used for anti-insurgency operations

The helicopters will help in rapid deployment of forces for fighting militants in far-off and hilly areas. At present, it takes at least two to three days for the forces to reach places like Romeo sector Rajouri-Udhampur districts by road, he added.

To a question about the recent visit of the high level Central team to assess the situation in the State, the CM said it would serve no purpose unless they gave something concrete in return.

Referring to the troops deployment position in the State, he said that the strength of Border Security Force BSF in Srinagar has come down from 18 battalions to 12. 8220;We need troops for deployment in Romeo sector and also for strengthening our borders,8221; the CM said and added that he would be meeting Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajapyee regarding the matter before the end of the current month.

To another question, the Chief Minister said that India should go in for war with Pakistan if it fails to resolve the Kashmir issue through talks. Pointing out that the Pakistan8217;s thrust would be on increasing militancy during the next millennium, he said that 8220;though our defence budget may go up a little, we have to be stronger to face the challenge.8221;

He, however, hoped that forthcoming visit of United States President Bill Clinton would help in mounting pressure on Pakistan to stop militancy in the State and bring peace in the region. Pakistan must realise that no development was possible in the region unless the two countries lived in peace, he added.

Asked about the challenges in the new millennium, Farooq said besides Pakistan8217;s attempts to step up militancy, unemployment was going to be another problem. A large number of educated youth including technocrats were without jobs in the State, he added, and hoped Central assistance for initiating development activities in the State would come soon.