Jammu, May 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tonight said some 40 militants had crossed over from across the LoC into the state recently.

 "As of now it (the figure of infiltrating militants) is provisional. But, there are indications anything between 30-40 militants have crossed over (to JK)," he told reporters at a function here.

 "This information is independently provided both by state and central intelligence agencies," the Chief Minister said.

 "There is credible information to suggest that there have been successful attempts of infiltration last month," Omar said.

 He was replying to a question regarding media reports about some 40 militants entering Jammu and Kashmir from PaK.

'CAUTIONS AGAINST KNEE-JERK REACTION TO HEADLEY'S TESTIMONY'

 Meanwhile, Chief Minister counselled against knee-jerk reaction by India in the light of the testimony of David Coleman Headley about involvement of ISI in Mumbai attacks saying suspension of talks with Pakistan would be counterproductive.

 Agreeing that the testimony of Headley has implications for India's relationship with Pakistan, Omar said "it is something that needs to be taken up diplomatically".

 "What I don't recommend is any sort of knee-jerk reaction that we have seen in the past because there is no alternative to dialogue with Pakistan", he said.

 Omar said, "Violence is not an option and therefore any sort of knee-jerk reaction where we suspend any dialogue or talks will only be counter-productive".

Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 IST