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No international patrols along LoC: India

New Delhi on Thursday rejected patrolling of the Line of Control in Kashmir by international troops.

"The terrain in Kashmir is very difficult. Only the Indians and Pakistanis know every inch of it," National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra said after holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

"It is much more difficult than Afghanistan, where with all western technological achievements, many mistakes were committed," he said, adding inexperienced international patrol could result in civilian casualties.

"So you will forgive me if we have some questions about the efficacy of international monitors," Mishra said.

His remarks came amidst reports in the British media that US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, during his visit to India and Pakistan next week, could propose a US-British military monitoring force for Kashmir.

Mishra said if Islamabad agreed "in principle" to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's proposal for joint patrolling of the LoC, the modalities could be discussed with them.

He said Putin, during the 10-minute meeting, expressed full support for India in ending cross-border terrorism and defusing the current Indo-Pak standoff. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov was also present.

Putin expressed understanding of the situation in the region, Mishra said, adding "some" bilateral issues were also discussed.

Underscoring that the word "mediation" was not taboo while talking about the Indo-Pak standoff, Mishra welcomed and appreciated Putin's "mediation" in avoiding a military conflict between the two countries.

"Russia, like the United States, United Kingdom, China and many countries, is engaged in efforts to avoid an Indo-Pak military conflict. If these efforts succeed in ending cross-border terrorism and avoid a military conflict, it would be great," he said.

He, however, ruled out any third-party mediation in resolving Indo-Pak issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir problem, and said the 1972 Simla Accord and 1999 Lahore Declaration provide the mechanism for a bilateral dialogue.

Mishra arrived in Moscow from Almaty to take part in the 10th jubilee celebrations of the Russian Security Council.

PTI

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