DATE=7/26/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA - PAKISTAN - KASHMIR (L)
NUMBER=2-252156
BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: India says it has cleared all intruders from
its territory in Kashmir. Indian commanders say all
of the guerrilla fighters, who they say invaded from
Pakistan, have now been cleared from Indian soil. V-
O-A's Jim Teeple reports from New Delhi while the
fighting in Kashmir has ended, tensions remain high
along the Line of Control, which divides Kashmir
between India and Pakistan.
Text: A top Indian General says even though Pakistan
withdrew its forces from Indian Kashmir on July 17th
many guerrilla fighters remained behind and Indian
troops have been involved in heavy fighting in recent
days to evict them. Lieutenant General N-C Vij, the
director general of military operations for the Indian
Army, says the last three sectors where guerrilla
fighters were active have now been cleared.
// Vij Act //
These intruders have now been evicted and there
is no Pakistani presence on Indian territory.
// End Act //
// OPT // Pakistan denies all involvement in the
fighting in Kashmir, but Pakistan's Prime Minister,
Nawaz Sharif, did agree to work to withdraw forces
from Indian territory earlier this month after a
meeting with President Bill Clinton in Washington. //
END OPT //
General Vij says while the fighting has now ended in
Kashmir and all of what he calls Pakistani-backed
intruders have now been evicted from Indian territory,
Indian forces will remain vigilant. He says shelling
continues from both sides of the border - something he
says will likely continue until Pakistan and India
reach some sort of understanding over border issues in
Kashmir.
// 2nd Vij Act //
As far as the situation in the Kargil sector
goes, both sides are in the process of occupying
new positions on the Line-of Control. There is
very active patrolling and sporadic firing
(artillery) is being carried out by both sides.
// End Act //
General Vij says Pakistan has recently reinforced its
troop strength on its side of the Kashmir border and
tensions along the border will not likely ease
anytime soon. The Indian Army General says he
considers the operation to clear Indian territory a
success, but he says large numbers of Indian troops
will remain in the mountainous area indefinitely to
prevent any future incursions into Kashmir. (Signed)
NEB/JLT/KL
26-Jul-1999 10:27 AM LOC (26-Jul-1999 1427 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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