AHMEDABAD, April 19: Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes said on Friday that the army would continue to be deployed in Gujarat until the state government felt it was no longer needed.

“The final decision of pulling out the army from the state will be taken by the state government,” said Fernandes, who was on a four-day visit here.

Fernandes was speaking at a meeting organized by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

The minister ruled out any decision on pulling out the army by the end of his visit.

“When we brought in the army we took time to decide on deployment. In the same way, only after a thorough assessment of the situation, we will move it out,” said Fernandes.

The senior minister also felt that there was an environment of distrust and hate in the state and it was very important to find ways of getting rid of animosities between different communities.

“Even though there is no tension in the city, there is still an environment of tension in the relief camps. It is very important that we mend the broken relationship between people of Gujarat.”

Fernandes had a two-hour meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, visited air force headquarters in the city and schools where examinations were held.—Reuters