Gen Malik told mediapersons on the first day of his visit to the border areas that as regards apprehensions about a Taliban influx into Kashmir, ``there was no way anybody could even think of capturing any part of the country.''

Gen Malik visited Surankote, the militancy-infested belt in Rajouri-Poonch, and held closed-door meetings with local Army commanders. He is likely to visit border areas in Kashmir which witnessed the fiercest-ever exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops till two weeks ago.

Gen Malik said his visit was aimed at close interaction with commanders and troops. He, however, parried questions on the Army-bureaucracy tussles and whether the Army was getting cooperation from the State Government. ``A lot more can be achieved if we work together,'' he remarked.

The Army Chief said militancy could be tackled with a multi-pronged strategy involving all sections of governance and society. Admitting a spurt in insurgency in Jammu, he said, ``Kashmir had more troops and also the focus which Jammu lacked''.

Gen Malik said the situation in the Valley had improved, but needed constant vigilance. As regards Pakistani firing on the border, Gen Malik said the situation was under control and the ``unprovoked firing'' had been adequately retaliated.

The Army chief also met 23 Kashmiri boys, who had attempted to move to Pakistan for arms training. He inquired into the reasons behind their opting for militancy, and interacted with their parents. Gen Malik and his wife later visited the injured in hospital.

Chief of Army staff meets Abdullah

Army Chief General V P Malik, currently on a four-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir, called on state Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah here last evening.The chief minister and the Army chief discussed in detail the overall security situation and the strategy to deal with fresh challenges in militancy, an official spokesman said today.

Noting with satisfaction the gradual improvement in the situation, they felt that the pressure mounted on the militants would continue, especially on the foreign mercenaries who are being inducted by Pakistan to sustain militancy in the border state.

More than 120 foreign mercenaries have been killed in different operations in the state during the last two months, the spokesman said.