Army says it has strong evidence of terror camps in PoK

Srinagar, Jan 12 (UNI) The Army today said it has strong evidence and confirmed intelligence reports about the existence of terror camps and their exact locations across the Line of Control (LoC).

''Definitely...Pakistan's support for militants continues unabated otherwise insurgency would have ended in Kashmir a long time ago,'' XV Corps General Officer-in-Commanding (GOC) Lt Gen Amarjit Singh Sekhon told reporters here.

The statement comes a day ahead of the maiden visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Pakistan.

Gen Sekhon said the terror training camps and the militant infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was intact as evident from the recent infiltration bids.

''We have strong evidence about the existence of terror camps in PoK. We even have confirmed reports and inputs about the exact locations of the militant training camps, launching pads and communication hubs across the LoC,'' he said at the Raising Day of the XV Corps here.

The Corps Commander said the increase in the surrender of militants in the recent past owed to many factors.

''Firstly, the militant leaders are leading a lavish life there and the condition of the ultras is pitiable. Secondly, Kashmiri militants are treated as second class citizens while Pakistanis, Afghans and other nationals are given preference and top priority.'' Gen Sekhon said militancy was on decline and the level of violence had gone down significantly in 2006 as compared to 2004-05.

''This is mainly because of the cooperation of the people who have been coming forward with information about militants which resulted in some major successes. This has also helped us in conducting surgical operations against militants,'' he added.

The Corps Commander said the excellent coordination between the Army and other para-military forces has also resulted in major successes against militants.

Security forces were in complete control of the situation in Kashmir despite presence of some hardcore militants, he added.

Gen Sekhon expressed the hope that the graph of violence would go further down in this year. The Kashmir valley would witness a boom in tourism and at the same enough employment opportunities for youth would be generated in 2007, he added.

The Corps Commander declined comment on ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was a national and strategic decision and he has nothing to do with it.

UNI