Infiltration across LoC on the rise: PM

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Tuesday termed as "worrisome" attempts by secessionist and militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir to make common cause with "outside elements" to create an impression of turmoil in the state and said such a situation must not be allowed to develop.

Dr Singh also said infiltration from across the Line of Control and also via other routes such as Nepal, Bangladesh and the sea is "going up".

Dr Singh said there were reasons to be satisfied that both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state were held in a peaceful manner and that the level of violence is "perhaps at its lowest levels" since the beginning of insurgency in the late 80's.

"But there are certain developments that are worrisome. Infiltration across the Line of Control and also via other routes such as Nepal, Bangladesh and the sea is going up. Encounters with armed militants have become more frequent in recent weeks and months," he said.

In an obvious reference to terror groups operating from Pakistan, the Prime Minister said secessionist and militant groups within Jammu and Kashmir were again attempting to make common cause with outside elements and have embarked on a series of protest movements.