By IANS,

Srinagar : Indian Army chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor Friday said that the levels of infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border were almost unchanged in the past two years.

The army chief arrived here this morning on a three-day visit. During his stay, Kapoor will visit the forward areas with top army officers.

Talking to newsmen in Tangdhar border village, where he inaugurated a boys hostel, the army chief said: "It is too early to say anything about the level of infiltration this year as the mountain passes are still closed by snow."

Asked about the army's role in the forthcoming elections in the state, Kapoor said: "Our role is limited to providing a peaceful atmosphere so that maximum number of people use their right to vote."

The army chief dedicated the boy's hostel to the residents of Tangdhar village near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

The function was attended by Lt. Gen P.C. Bhardwaj, General Officer Commanding in Chief (Northern Command), Lt .Gen. M. Sabharwal, GOC 15 Corps and Maj Gen J.S. Bajwa, GOC Vajra Div.

Kirti Kapoor, president of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), and Deepa Bhardwaj, president of AWWA (Northern Command), were also present on the occasion.

The project, first of its kind in the border area, is an endeavour by the Indian Army to "improve the general infrastructure and educational facilities, and would benefit students of the border town of Karnah", a defence statement issued here said.

The army chief praised army formation commanders, civil officials, and NGO Care Today for their "vision and dedicated efforts in facilitating the speedy construction of the hostel".