Cross-Border Terror Must End for Indo-Pak Dialogue Success: Antony

New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) Despite increased expectancy levels about a peace dividend in the wake of political and diplomatic developments and initiatives on both sides, Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir remains a cause of concern to India, Defence Minister AK Antony said today.

''There is no change in Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir... This remains a cause of concern to us'', Minister Antony told a Conference here of the Indian Army's top Commanders chaired by Army Chief Gen JJ Singh.

''Islamabad will have to put an end to cross-border terrorism for the dialogue to be successful'', said the Defence Minister -- in uncharacteristic plain-speak coming from a usually soft-spoken person.

Reiterating the Indian Government's position on the issue, Minister Antony said: ''Although we wish to continue the talks process with Pakistan, it is imperative for us to keep a close watch on various developments and maintain constant vigil....'' Dwelling on a wide range of issues relating to the security situation in the country and in the region, the Defence Minister said the situation in J&K was, by and large, under control.

''The violence has been brought down to a large extent by effective operations by our security forces -- along the Line of Control as well as in the hinterland. The policy of the security forces of 'Iron Fist with Velvet Glove' -- as enunciated in the recently released doctrine on sub-conventional operations -- is paying dividends... the ceasefire along the Line of Control is holding....'' Meanwhile, Pakistan continued to increase its defence budget and receive military assistance from various countries, observed the Minister.

Turning to the North-Eastern region of the country, the Defence Minister said the conducive security environment there had manifested itself in the peaceful conduct of elections in Manipur and smooth organising of the National Games in Guwahati.

And while more and more groups were entering into a ''suspension of operations'' agreement with the Government, the peace talks with ULFA got disrupted because of its 'intransigence'.

''Due to sustained pressure of the security forces against the ULFA cadres, the latter's ability to influence and intimidate the people has been considerably reduced....'' The Defence Minister further called upon the Armed Forces to ''take utmost care'' so that incidents of violation of human rights did not take place while they fought against terrorism.

''Our Armed Forces also need to guard against any incidence of violation of human rights in their fight against terrorism... While the need to exert pressure on the terrorists is necessary, utmost care needs to be taken to avoid any act which may be exploited by the terrorists and separatist elements to alienate the population...

This has an adverse impact on the gains made so painstakingly....'' Referring to the northern neighbour, Minister Antony said India was following a policy of positive engagement with China in an attempt to forge better ties.

''The institutionalisation of confidence-building measures and the signing of an agreement on political parameters and guiding principles for settlement of the India-China boundary question have provided an added impetus to the process....'' Turning to Afghanistan, the Minister said prospects of an early conclusion of the ongoing operations by the International Security Assistance Force appeared to be remote.

''It is important that the efforts to bring stability to this country troubled by terrorism proves successful... Otherwise it is bound to have dangerous implications not only for the entire region, but also for the world....'' UNI DG PK GC1808