New Delhi, January 10: Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said armed forces are working as peacekeepers in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the annual media briefing, General Bipin Rawat said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be brought under 'better control'. The Army chief said the forces are following a policy of 'hard and soft approach'.

"We are gradually moving forward to bring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir under better control. We are following a hard and soft approach. Both need to be done," General Rawat said. The Army chief further said that the situation along the western borders with Pakistan and the northern borders with China has been 'managed well' and that there was no need for concern. Challenge for Army is to Harness Latest Defence Technology: Gen Rawat

Speaking on the politically sensitive issue of talks with separatists, General Rawat reiterated the government's view that terror and talks cannot go hand in hand. "Our position is very clear that shun the gun and stop taking support from the western neighbour. Talks can happen only if they shun violence," he said, adding that around 300 terrorists are waiting across the LoC to infiltrate into India. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Says Can’t Give Women Combat Roles in Army Due to Maternity Leave, Responsibility of Kids.

General Rawat also said that the government should hold talks with the Taliban if India has an interest in Afghanistan. "Do we have an interest in Afghanistan? If, yes, then we can't be out of the bandwagon... Should we in some way be a part of the talks? We should not be left out," he said. The Army chief, however, clarified that the same analogy cannot be applied in Jammu and Kashmir.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2019 01:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).