New Delhi, June 18 : Indian Army, which takes utmost care while operating against militants to not harm civilians, has been complimented by Defence Minister A K Antony for their stellar role in coming to the aid of civilians during natural calamities and reaching out to the people of Jammu and Kshmir.

The Defence Minister today called upon the troops deployed in the State to take utmost care to see that human rights are not violated at any cost, during their operations against militants.

Addressing the troops at Baramulla after a brief visit to the Balbir Post, Antony said, “Knowingly or unknowingly, you must not create any kind of difficulties for the local population, while taking action against militants.”

Antony said the Government would give a further boost to the Sadbhavna programme as it aims at assuring the citizens that the troops are there to protect them.

Antony on Wednesday concluded his two-day visit to the State to review the security situation in the run-up to the elections, which is due to be held later this year.

He said by and large the security situation in the State is in good shape, and hoped that it will continue to be so to create the right atmosphere for holding elections in a free and fair manner.

The Defence Minister, however, cautioned the troops that the relatively improved security situation in the State might be disturbed in the coming months with attempts of more infiltration and violence by militants.

He expressed confidence that the troops will be able to meet these challenges.

Antony said his other purpose of visiting the State was to have a first-hand experience of the conditions in which our brave soldiers are working against heavy odds away from their near and dear ones.

Describing the situation as “a trying experience”, he said only a few days ago some of our Border Roads Organisation personnel, who are not even engaged in any combat activity, became the victims of militant violence.

“It is most unfortunate that the BRO personnel, who are involved in creating infrastructure such as roads and bridges became targets of militants,” he said.

Commenting on the Sixth Pay Commission, Antony assured the soldiers that the anomalies brought out by the Armed Forces will be addressed for “a satisfactory and amicable solution.”

He said, not only he himself, but also the Prime Minister is taking a personal interest to look into the issues. (ANI)