Antony expresses concern over insurgency

Bangalore, Jun 14 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today sounded caution about growing incidents of violence and infiltrators into India from various quarters.

Speaking to newspersons after inaugurating the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) campus here, he feared that infiltration and violence were likely to increase in coming months as destructive forces, both inside and outside the country were trying to disrupt peace.

'' These forces did not want free and fair elections and would make efforts to cause trouble. If the elections were held in a free and fair manner, it would reflect the progress of the country which these forces did not like,'' he added.

Reacting to the attack by militants on four personnel of the Border Roads Organisation near Jammu, he said such attacks on those involved in developmental activities of the country would increase in coming months to create a scary atmosphere.

However, the Centre had already taken precautionary measures to curb infiltrators who were out to disrupt peace in the country, he said adding that it was for the Election Commission ultimately to ensure free and fair elections.

Denying reports that the Air Force was rethinking on placing orders for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) fighter keeping in view the poor performance of the engine, the minister said the IAF had already expressed its satisfaction about the performance of the indigenously built fighter aircraft and had placed an order for 20.

Additional order for another 20 aircraft was in the pipeline. The aircraft with high thrust engine would fly in the Indian skies by 2010, he added.

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