No Troops Withdrawal: Indian Defense Minister

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 02, 2002

No Troops Withdrawal: Indian Defense Minister

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Defense Minister George Fernandes Friday once again ruled out withdrawal of troops from the border, saying Pakistan should end cross-border terrorism and hand over to India the 20 listed criminals and terrorists before seeking de-escalation.

"There is no de-escalation on their (Pakistan) side as well ...their armored units stayed behind after their exercise and we havehad suspicions since then," he told reporters.

To questions on withdrawal of troops, he categorically said, "We are not withdrawing troops. We have told Pakistan to send us the 20 persons (a list of whom has been submitted by India) and end cross-border terrorism."

On infiltration of militants from Pakistan side, he said, "It is down a little bit but not mentionable." Any withdrawal would depend on "how long the infiltration continues and what was the actual situation on the ground and in the Line of Control," he added.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Musharraf Sees Little Possibility of Pak-India War

India, Pakistan Trade Fire Amid Confusing Signals

>> Full Coverage