'No Army withdrawal from Siachen, Leh, Ladakh'

Chittorgarh, Apr 18: Minister of State for Defence P Raju has clarified that Indian Army would not be removed from strategically sensitive areas like Siachen, Leh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.

While talking to the mediapersons here today, Mr Raju empahsised that India would not move its unit from strategically important peaks in these areas until Pakistan removes its units from Pak-occupied low-lying areas.

Answering queries about removal of army units from other areas of Jammu and Kashmir, he said this process is being carried on phase wise and according to need of the hour.

On the existence of terrorist camps in the border areas, the minister said India is keeping a close watch on the situation and assessing the situation regularly.

On the exchange of Prisoner of Wars (PoWs) between India and Pakistan, he said until proper identification of PoWs are done, there can be no progress in this regard.

Expressing regret that no progress has been made between the two countries, Mr Raju said the talks would be futile until terrorist activities cease across the border.

Concerned over the increasing number of suicides in army, the minister said a psycological analysis of the problem is being done.

UNI