March 28, 2002	Thursday	Muharram 13, 1423

NEW DELHI, March 27: Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes on Wednesday refused to rule out the possibility of war with Pakistan and dismissed the prospect of pulling back troops from combat positions on the border.

“Our forces are facing each other eyeball to eyeball. In a situation like this, one should not overlook any possibility,” Fernandes told the Press Trust of India (PTI).

“There is nothing that can be interpreted as a desire on Pakistan’s part to end terrorism. There is no tangible change on the ground,” said Fernandes.

“Unless there is a positive response and Pakistan puts an end to cross-border terrorism, one will have to keep troops massed on the border.”

Fernandes also said he was worried that Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters hiding in “safe havens in Pakistan” might try to cross into occupied Kashmir.

“There is enough evidence that Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters have found shelter in Pakistan. One need have no doubt that there could be incursions into Indian territory by these elements,” said Fernandes.

“One has to take this factor into consideration. The threat to our security is very real. This is an issue on which there can be no compromise,” he added.—AFP