The Centre today asserted that dialogue with Pakistan cannot progress, if ceasefire violations and infiltration continue.
Talking to the reporters in Srinagar the Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said it is extremely important that these kind of violations which are taking place at the LoC must stop for the situation to normalise.
Replying to mediapersons' queries negatively when asked if dialogue with Pakistan would go ahead if the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir continued, Mr. Jaitely said it is obviously not and ceasefire violations must stop for further progress.
He said that India has maintained that it has been its endeavour to establish peaceful and friendly relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan. He reminded Pakistan that maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border is a “pre-condition for having a normal relationship between the two countries.
The Defence minister today visited army posts close to the Haji Pir pass and lauded the troops for working selflessly towards maintaining the sanctity of the LoC and retaliating to ceasefire violations.
In a tweet, he said our soldiers are doing a commendable job in safeguarding the country.
Jaitley, on his maiden two-day trip to Jammu and Kashmir, was accompanied by Army Chief General Bikram Singh.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had called on the Defence Minister during which the two leaders discussed the prevailing security scenario in the state.
He expressed satisfaction on over all security situation in jammu and Kashmir.
AIR correspondent reports that the defence minister's visit has signaled keen interest of new government at centre to consolidate peace and development process in the state.
The defence minister visit demonstrated a process of all inclusive consolidation on security issues in the state.
The marathon review meeting and visit to forward post also signalled being prepared and vigilant to meet any challenge.
It also demonstrates keeness of new government at centre to carry forward comprehensive measures to consolidate peace n development in the sensitive region.
