Violations Along Line of Control Must Stop: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley in Srinagar

Srinagar: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who is currently on a two-day visit to Srinagar, today said that violations along the Line of Control or LoC must stop and that in itself was a 'Confidence Building Measure'.

Without naming anyone, he said, "There are forces which are inimical to India, which would not like peace to continue".

"Talks and aggression can't go together. For the situation to normalise, it is important for the ceasefire violations to stop," said Mr Jaitley.

Responding to a query on the possibility of talks with separatists, he said "we are willing to hold talks with anyone who respects the constitution and India's sovereignty".

Mr Jaitley claimed that he was "quite optimistic" about the situation in the state.

He was quick to add, "Even when I am optimistic, there is an element of caution in my optimism".

His comments came in the wake of a special security review meeting in Srinagar to discuss internal security, the situation along the LoC and arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu, among other issues.

The meeting was attended by Mr Jaitley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and top officials of the Army and state police.

Mr Jaitley, accompanied by Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh, had arrived in Srinagar on Saturday on his maiden visit to the state after he took over as the defence minister.

The focus of Mr Jaitley's visit was on the recent violations of the bilateral ceasefire agreement by the Pakistani Army along the LoC.

Speaking about the ceasefire violations, he said, "They go on from the other end, our jawans protect and retaliate. I am confident that our security forces will be in a position to repudiate any such attempt".

Mr Jaitley said he was confident after the review and he was "going back with a sense of reasonable satisfaction".

On the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, he said, "We are watching the situation. It is too premature for me to comment at this time".