The new border management mechanism will help in resolving the occasional problems faced on the border, pending final resolution of the boundary issue.

The Unified Command Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir will finally decide on revoking Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the parts of the state.

Speaking to mediapersons at the margins of the 47th Foundation Day Celebration of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi on Friday, the Indian Defence Minister, AK Antony said : “The border dispute has been pending since 1962. Both governments have taken a decision for establishing a new border management mechanism. Arrangements are over and by the end of this year, we will officially finalise it.'

On the issue of the withdrawal of AFSPA, he said : “The CCS last year decided to leave it to the Unified Command to take a decision on partial withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir.”

The AFSPA issue has become controversial with the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly favouring its withdrawal from the state and even going to the extent of saying : “As chief minister of the state, I have the authority to lift AFSPA.”

On the occasion of the 47th Foundation Day Celebration of IDSA, Antony presented the prestigious K Subrahmanyam award to Prof. Srinath Raghavan of the Centre for Policy Research for his path breaking and insightful book ‘War and Peace in Modern India: Strategic History of Nehru Years’.

Addressing the IDSA members he said : “You must strive to formulate a short-term and long-term view to all issues – whether global, regional or local issues. The solutions will require ‘out of the box’ thinking and are practical at the same time. This cannot be done till you remain confined to closed rooms. You must undertake high-class research by going into the field. In today’s Information Age, internet is a convenient tool. However, quality research and study should not be dependent on the ‘virtual net’, but through a network of real contacts at a personal level. “

“Monopoly is a dangerous thing in any field – politics, security or even bureaucracy. Competition should be there,” he said and suggested that IDSA should compete with other think tanks and become the tallest among them. “India needs more strategic institutes. Interactions with veterans and experts have helped me in performing my duties as Minister of Defence. Security situation is changing, so we have to be careful. I am sure the future of IDSA will be bright. India of today is different and will meet all challenges successfully,” Antony said.

The Minister also presented awards to others like Brig Harinder Singh, Wing Commander Ajay Layle, Amit Mukherjee, Dr Lakshman Kumar Behera, Dr Sabita and Joe Thomas.