INDIAN DEFENCE MINISTER STATED THAT IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH SITUATION IS NOT LIKE KARGIL

Defence Minister A K Antony Tuesday discounted the possibility of Kargil-type operations in Arunachal Pradesh as apprehended by a minister of the state, saying the situation on the border was under constant monitoring and capabilities were being upgraded.

"Just as the other side (China) is increasing their capabilities in our part, our Army and Air Force are steadily increasing their capabilities. So we are confident of protecting our interest in any territory. At the moment the border is peaceful," he told reporters.

"We are closely monitoring the border situation. Our Armed Forces, especially Army, are constantly upgrading their capabilities in the eastern sector," he added.

Arunachal Pradesh's Minister for Finance and Planning Kalikho Pul, during his meeting with Planning Commission Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, had reportedly cautioned the government against a Kargil-like situation in the state.

During his meeting with Ahluwalia on June 13, Pul reportedly also discussed the infrastructure development projects carried out by the Chinese in areas bordering Arunachal Pradesh.

On deployment of Army battalions in Chattisgarh, Antony said, "Army is training in many states in most difficult terrain because they want to have a feel of all the terrains like deserts, mountains and plains. They are now establishing a new training unit there."

He further said, "The land is alloted only for training. We will not cut a single tree, we will not harass anybody there. We are not against anybody, it is not an enemy territory."