Situation in J-K may become worse if we show slackness: Antony

Defence Minister AK Antony has said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is improving, but it may become worse if any slackness is shown by New Delhi.

Tangdhar/Srinagar, July 29 : Defence Minister AK Antony has said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is improving, but it may become worse if any "slackness" is shown by New Delhi.

"Still (there is) improvement compared to the past. But at the same time, it can further improve fast and at the same time if we slacken our efforts it can take a bad shape also," Antony told reporters while wrapping up his two-day visit to the state yesterday.

Responding to questions on demands for a troop cut, Antony said the government is ready to do "whatever is needed" to bring peace in the Kashmir Valley, adding that no compromise would be done on the security front.

"We will do everything possible to bring peace and also progress of Kashmir without compromising the territorial integrity of the country, and also the national security," he said.

Commending the Indian Army for its efforts to check infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC), Antony asked troops not to lower guard.

Army Chief General J J Singh and the General Officer Commanding of Northern Command, Lt Gen H S Panag, had accompanied him.

Antony is expected to forward his recommendation on a possible troop "relocation" to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and he could make an announcement in this regard on August 15.

ANI