Fernandes in Kashmir

The Indian Defence Minister, George Fernandes, has said the ceasfire in Kashmir declared by Hizbul Mujahideen will not in itself end the violence there.

Speaking during a visit to Jammu, Mr Fernandes said that the talks now going on would lead to a change in the degree of militancy in Kashmir, but he felt the violence would not end completely.

Mr Fernandes ruled out the deployment of extra Indian troops along the militarised border with Pakistan.

At the same time, he said that steps would be taken to provide more security for Hindu pilgrims who trek across southern Kashmir every year.

He was referring to an attack on civilians recently in which more than a-hundred people -- including some thirty Hindu pilgrims -- were killed. India blames Pakistan for the attack, but Islamabad rejects this.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service