Terror camps across LoC remain: Army

Intelligence inputs, presented before the committee earlier this month, said that no perceptible step was taken to dismantle training camps, 52 of which are fully functional, in Pakistan and traditional routes of infiltration are still being used by the militants.

While it has conceded that the number of terrorists operating in the Valley has decreased to 681 this year after a high of 1,655 in 2002, the Army has told the committee that any reduction in counter-insurgency operations would bring the numbers back to dangerous levels.

Defence Minister A K Antony, who reviewed the situation in the state during a two-day visit, also indicated that an immediate reduction in troops was not on the cards. “If we slacken our effort, it will be very bad or in fact very, very bad. Things are improving but we have to ensure that it continues to improve, as neither violence has stopped nor infiltration,” he said.

While he avoided comment on the likely recommendations of the committee to relocate and rationalise troops, the Minister indicated that the demand of relocating troops from orchards, residential areas and cities would be met to a great extent.

“There are certain genuine grievances and apprehensions and we would do out best to address. But we will do it without compromising national security interests,” Antony added.

The recommendations of the committee, expected to be announced close to Independence Day, are also likely to include a substantial compensations package for owners whose properties have been occupied by the Army.