India rules out Kashmir de-militarisation till violence ends

New Delhi, Nov 15 (UNI) India today ruled out withdrawal of troops from Kashmir until terrorist violence ends in the valley and said the government was responsible for the safety and security of the people.

''The troops level is related to the security situation in the state...If there is an improvement in the situation, certainly we will withdraw troops. But the threat of violence has to go down,'' Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said at a press conference after concluding his two-day talks with his Pakistani counterpart Riaz Mohammad Khan.

He, however, said India had removed some troops from Kashmir in the past.

But the government had a responsibility towards its citizens, he added.

To a question, Mr Menon said terrorist-traning camps still existed in Pakistan and Pakistan knew about these.

''Terrorism has been a concern for us from the beginning. It is a very important part of the Composite Dialogue Process.

The establishment of the Joint Anti-terror Mechanism gives us an institution which helps us in dealing with the concerns ofterrorism,'' he added.

The Foreign Secretary said India had conveyed to Pakistan their concerns on Siachen.

''Our position is well known...That is why we are still talking and need to talk,'' he added.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan, at a separate press conference, said ''if there is a desire for indication of the present positions, that in any agreement, if at all reached, would be possible to be accomodated.

That concern can be met. But if the intention is to seek endorsement of certain claims, then it becomes difficult.'' UNI RB VD PM1842