Spike in infiltrations with tacit support of Pakistan Army: Antony (Roundup)

Defence Minister A.K. Antony Wednesday voiced "serious concern" over an "unusual increase" in ceasefire violations and infiltrations on the border with Pakistan, which he said cannot take place without the "tacit support" of the Pakistani Army.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) event here, Antony, referring to the Keran incident in Jammu and Kashmir, said that the Pakistan forces were doing nothing to prevent infiltrations across the border into India.

"Attempts at infiltration are still going on, and increasing, which means with support of elements across the border... Nothing can happen without the tacit support of Pakistan Army," he said.

Antony said he was confident that the Indian security forces are capable of meeting any challenges.

"The ceasefire violations are still continuing, but this year there is unusual developments taking place... unusual sudden series of ceasefire violations on the International Border, which is more a matter of concern," the defence minister said in reply to a question.

He also said that India has repeatedly said that it wants to improve relations with Pakistan. "And if (Pakistan) is serious about improving relations, how can the infiltrations and ceasefire violations increase," he asked.

Another factor of concern, he said, is that the infiltrators are better equipped and prepared for a long haul inside India.

The defence minister said the inking of a new border accord with China was a "sincere attempt" by both countries to avoid tensions on their disputed border.

The Border Defence Cooperation Agreement was inked during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Beijing last week.

Asked if it would prevent situations like the April-May three-week-long face off between troops of both sides in Depsang area in Ladakh, Antony said he cannot foretell if it would prevent such incidents.

"I am not an astrologer," he said.

He added: "The fact that we have adhered to certain procedures does not mean nothing will happen, but there are mechanisms to immediately intervene and find solutions. And both sides are making sincere attempt for peace and tranquility on the border."

The defence minister said the BDCA would help to tackle face-off situations "as quickly as possible".

Earlier, in his address at the IDSA, Antony said India has striven to improve relations with neighbours and its ties with some countries have undergone dramatic transformation, but with some others these "continue to be problematic".

Addressing the Seventh South Asia Conference on "India and South Asia: Exploring Regional Perceptions" at the IDSA here, Antony said such conferences were an important Track II initiative to generate ideas for regional peace.

"Over the years, India has assumed a responsibility to improve its relationship with neighbours. This policy has paid off at a bilateral level. India's relationship with some countries has undergone dramatic transformation. However, its relationship with some other countries continues to be problematic. Nevertheless, India has always remained committed to further and maintain peace and friendly relations with all its neighbours," Antony said.

He said India's "natural predominance" in the region due to its larger size and economy "is viewed with concern in some states". "Such concerns about Indian intentions are far from real and often misplaced", he stressed.