Pranab breathes easy on fencing, ceasefire

Today’s statement assumes significance as Pakistan had earlier objected strongly to the LoC fencing and even taken up the issue with diplomats. Flanked by Army chief Gen N.C. Vij and Northern Command chief Lt Gen Hari Prasad, Mukherjee said fencing all along the LoC has almost been completed and will help vigilance on the border.

‘‘Better surveillance and vigilance of the security force, coupled with the border fence and electronic gadgets, will help in effectively checking infiltration from across the border,’’ he said.

The Minister said the recent spurt in attacks, especially the killing of tourists in Pahalgam and a railway engineer and his brother were an attempt to subvert the peace process launched by India and Pakistan. ‘‘The militant psychology is whenever major events take place, militants step up their activities…the recent attacks were also carried out to derail the peace process,’’ he said.

Asked why the attacks have increased especially after the Congress-led UPA Government took over at the Centre, he said the formation of the new government is itself a major event and ultras wanted to show their presence by resorting to violence. ‘‘It (violence) happens on important events like national days and on the formation of new government. They want to convey a message to us that we are here,’’ he said. The Defence Minister said infiltration, as of now, has not increased compared to last year but a large number of militants were waiting to infiltrate.

He turned down queries if massing of militants on the one hand and peace talks on the other show Pakistan’s doubletalk. He dismissed queries if the UPA is considering withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Earlier, Mukherjee visited the LoC in Uri and other sectors of north Kashmir. He said the Centre is also taking up the Bagga Commission recommendations for reviewing wages.