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Pakistan troops put on high alert

K J M Varma in Islamabad

Claiming movement of Indian troops on the border, Pakistan on Wednesday evening said its forces were on a state of high alert and 'reserve the right to retaliate any action of aggression by India'.

Describing as 'irresponsible', the remarks made by Defence Minister George Fernandes on Tuesday, and referring to the 'unprovoked' firing by Indian troops across the Line of Control, Pakistani defence spokesman Major General Rashid Qureshi said their armed forces 'are fully alive to the situation'.

"The forces are on a high state of alert and ready to foil any attempt of mischief and misadventure," he told reporters at the daily foreign office briefing.

"We have information that India has moved some troops and relocated some airforce assets which may prove to be a threat to Pakistan," Qureshi said.

"This action, when seen in the context of the irresponsible remarks of the new defence minister and unprovoked firing on civilian targets across the working boundary two days earlier have become a cause for concern," he said.

Qureshi said Pakistan has made amply clear that while the world attention was focussed on Afghanistan no one would be allowed to undertake any hostile or belligerent action against Pakistan.

"Pakistan armed forces reserve the right to retaliate appropriately any action of aggression by India," he said.

The spokesman also said demonstrations by some extremist groups in Pakistan could have given some impression of a weakness of the country and asserted 'Pakistanis will come together whenever a threat emanates'.

Qureshi declined to give any operational details of the alleged mobilisation of the Indian troops except to say that a movement of troops has taken place.

Pakistan is on alert ever since the strikes in Afghanistan began and 'we are alive to the situation on the eastern border', he said.

Meanwhile, India dismissed Pakistan's claim as 'complete fabrication'.

Reacting swiftly to Qureshi's remarks in Islamabad, New Delhi through an external affairs ministry spokesperson said, "We refute these statements in their totality."

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