Armed forces guarding the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir should not lower their guard though infiltration from across the border has come down "to a large extent," Defence Minister A K Antony said on Friday.
"India wants peaceful relations with its neighbours... But we should not lower our guard and have to remain vigilant to face any challenge," Antony said while interacting with troops in the 14 Corps headquarters in Leh.
Admitting that cross-border terrorism and infiltration have come down to a large extent and peace has currently taken root in the border state, Antony asked the soldiers not to get carried away by the prevailing situation.
"We have to maintain tight vigil to strengthen the peaceful atmosphere. If the situation reverses, we should be able to face the challenge accordingly," he said.
Antony, accompanied by army chief General J J Singh, arrived in Leh on a two-day tour and is scheduled to visit forward locations on the Siachen glacier on Saturday.
Assuring the soldiers about the Centre's plan to improve their living standards, the minister said the Pay Commission has been set up to improve their lot.
He said training for security personnel would change as modernisation of equipment has been set in motion to meet the requirements of soldiers.
Antony directed the district administration to help defence personnel needing government assistance in tackling their problems.
Earlier, Antony was given a rousing reception on his arrival in the border town.
He was received at the helipad by state Power Minister Nawag Rigzin Jora, veteran Congress leader and member of Upper House P Namgiyal and Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council chief R Dorjay.
GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen B C Bradwaj and top defence and police officials were also present at the technical airport.
Ladakhi people dressed in traditional dresses turned up in good numbers along both sides of the road to accord a warm welcome to Antony.
Some of them waved Congress flags and cheered as the minister left in a convoy from the airport to Leh town.
Antony is scheduled to visit soldiers performing their duties in the cold desert of Siachen glacier on Saturday.
