Internal ''crisis'' in Pak will affect J

Jammu, Feb 3 (UNI) Former Minister of State for Defence Chaman Lal Gupta today claimed that the internal ''crisis'' in Pakistan would have a cascading effect on Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, Prof Gupta said the situation in the neighbouring country was not normal after the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and it would definitely impact the state in coming days.

Supporting the statements of the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen S K Sinha (Retd.), the senior BJP leader said, ''The conditions are not favourable for troops withdrawal on the borders. More army is required to meet the infiltration bids being attempted by the militants from across the border.'' ''I agree with the Governor, who has clearly indicated that the situation in Pakistan will have direct influence in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir,'' Prof Gupta said asserting that around 5,000 militants of different outfits were being trained in the camps in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

''The militants are being trained to spread terror in the state.

As per reports, around 1,400-1,500 militants are actively operating in the state, including the foreigners,'' he asserted.

Moreover, the former Defence Minister said thousand tones of deadly weapons and explosives have been smuggled from across the Line of Control, which is still to be recovered.

Criticizing the Congress-led coalition government, the senior BJP leader said the militancy victims were yet to be rehabilitated by the government, adding ''adjournment of Legislative Assembly sine die recently is deplorable as the government seemed to be non-serious in discussing major issues related to the masses.'' Demanding implementation of De-limitation Commission in Jammu and Kashmir, he said free and fair elections should be conducted under the Governor Rule.

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