October 28, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 1, 1424

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NEW DELHI, Oct 27: Indian Chief of Army Staff, Gen N.C. Vij, said on Monday that troops would not be withdrawn from key forward posts along the LoC in occupied Kashmir and army operations against Mujahideen would continue throughout the winter season.

With five-day crucial annual meeting of top commanders from Army, Navy and Air Force commencing on Monday, Army chief disclosed that the country’s political leadership including the prime minister were being involved in operational war games, conducted by the three services to ensure that there is a smooth chain of command in times of conflict.

“This is not the first time that political leadership would be involved in operational scenario, including conduct of war games for future conflict threats”, Gen Vij told the reporters on eve of commemorating Infantry Day here.

The five-day top commanders meet is being held separately and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee will address the combined commanders conference on Nov 1 where he will be given a graphic presentation by the Army chief of the existing ground situation, particularly in occupied Kashmir.

The presentation is likely to help the government chalk out steps for an India-Pakistan thaw and commence a dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference in occupied Kashmir, observed a news report.—Agency