Time not ripe for troop cut: PM to Mufti

The Prime Minister’s letter is expected to put an end to the ongoing coalition crisis in the state. PDP had boycotted Cabinet meetings and had launched a campaign for reduction of troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations. Sayeed had sent a letter to the Prime Minister on this issue and demanded reduction of troops and repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the state saying it was the part of Common Minimum programme adopted in 2002.

Giving reasons for deferring the review of the troop presence in the state, PM has cited “intelligence inputs that suggest that militants might raise the level of violence in coming months”. “We may, therefore, take up this (demilitarisation) issue for review in mid-summer after properly monitoring the situation. I personally agree to your concern but an abrupt reduction (in troop strength) right now would not be politically advisable.”

Besides, the PM has also referred to the ongoing Indo-Pak dialogue process which, he has expressed, will deliver a positive outcome and bring situation in Kashmir back to normal. “We are talking to Pakistan. Talks have showed signs of improvement,” the letter says.

When contacted, former deputy chief minister and senior PDP leader Muzaffer Hussain Beig admitted that the party had received a “ fairly positive letter” from the PM. Beig said a political affairs committee meeting of the party on Sunday would debate the letter and formulate a response.

In the meantime, the senior party leadership has decided not to comment on the letter until the Sunday meeting, thereby retaining the atmosphere of uncertainty that has engulfed the state over the past month. PDP, the party sources said, would not want to give an impression of giving in easily after building up a political storm over the issue.

The letter has also touched on the issue of vacation of civilian property by the security forces and the Prime Minister has conveyed to Sayeed that the state government headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad has already initiated the process even before the demand was raised by the PDP.

As many as 135 government buildings, including schools, have been vacated by the security forces during November 2005 to February 2007 and 18 hotels along the banks of picturesque Dal Lake during the same period, the letter says.

(With PTI)