Troops deployed in J&K to foil infiltration bids, not for unrest: Parrikar

Panaji: The Centre on Friday said deployment of additional troops in Kashmir was aimed at foiling attempts by terrorists to enter India from across the border and the move has nothing to do with the ongoing unrest in the Valley.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the deployment of troops in Jammu and Kashmir was meant for foiling infiltration bids and it has nothing to do with the protests in the Kashmir Valley, which started after the killing of a militant Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.

"Army does not act in internal matter unless requested by the local administration. Our mandate is to seal the border and foil infiltration bids by terrorists," he said.

Parrikar was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organised to commission Indian Coast Guard ship "Sarathi" in Vasco town, about 40km from Panaji.

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh, who was also present at the event, said deployment of Army men in J&K had nothing to do with the current situation in Kashmir.

"The situation in Kashmir is being handled by district administration. We are providing them all the support they want," Singh said.

Responding to a question, Parrikar said India is taking necessary precautions in aftermath of the Scorpene submarine data leak episode.

The Defence Minister said the leak did not occur in an Indian naval area but on side of the French company which is a partner in the submarine project.