Defence Minister A.K. Antony Wednesday voiced "serious concern" over an "unusual increase" in ceasefire violations on the border with Pakistan, which he said cannot take place without the "tacit support" of the Pakistani establishment.

 

 Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an event, Antony said he was confident that the Indian security forces are capable of meeting any challenges.

 

 "The ceasefire violations are still continuing, but this year there is unusual developments taking place … unusual sudden series of ceasefire violations on the International Border, which is more a matter of concern… And I am confident our security forces are capable of meeting any challenges and are handling the situation very efficiently," the defence minister said in an answer to a question.

 

 He also said that India has repeatedly said that it wants to improve relations with Pakistan. "And if (Pakistan) is serious about improving relations, how can the infiltrations and ceasefire violations increase?" he asked.

 

 He said the Indian Army and the Border Security Force were guarding the Line of Control and the International Border and on the Pakistani side the border was guarded by the Pakistan Army and the Rangers.

 

 "How can the terrorists try to infiltrate the Indian border without the support or knowledge of the armed forces of Pakistan?" Antony asked.

 

 He said the infiltrations cannot take place without the tacit support of Pakistan.

 

 Another factor of concern, he said, is that the infiltrators are better equipped and prepared for a long haul inside India.