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No Reduction Of Indian Forces In Kashmir

Ruling out a reduction of forces in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government made it clear that it would deal with terrorism both firmly and diplomatically. Kashmir, a disputed territory of both Pakistan and India, has led to past wars between the two nuclear powers. A devastating earthquake last year seemed to bring in its wake prospects for a peaceful settlement, though terror attacks have continued.

There are reports that the Indian Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, said "There is no question of demilitarization. Redeployment is different from reducing force levels. There is no question of withdrawal of forces and certainly no question of demilitarization till terrorism ends." Terrorist groups based in Kashmir often carry out attacks in major Indian cities.

Asserting that the government would do its best to combat terrorism and bring peace in the border state, Patil said, "There is a problem and we have to solve it...There may be mistakes here and there, but we have to find a solution." Both India and Pakistan lay claim to Kashmir, a victim of the arbitrary borders often drawn in the wake of major conflicts and independence movements.