JK situation improving, but no scope for complacency: Centre

Srinagar, June 14 (UNI) The Centre today expressed optimism about the improvement in overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir but asserted that there was no scope for any complacency on the security front.

''We should be optimistic. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is definitely moving toward improvement,'' Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told a news conference here.

However, he said there was no scope for any complacency on the part of security forces in dealing with the situation.

''We have to be more careful and watchful. Everybody has to put in efforts to see there is normalcy in the state,'' Mr Gupta added.

The Union Home Secretary said while there has been qualitative improvement in the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir, there were challenges in qualitative terms as well.

''The nature of challenges broadly remains the same. But, the situation at the same time is evolving,'' he added.

On troop reduction and revocation of the Armed Force (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) from the troubled state, Mr Gupta said a separate central committee, headed by Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, was looking into the issue.

''I too had detailed discussion with several officials here in this regard. I have worked out my own assessment on the issue and would present that before the higher authorities,'' he added.

UNI