Security forces did their job in Kashmir, withdraw them: PDP

Srinagar, Oct 3 (UNI) Alleging that security forces have constructed concrete structures at tourist sites in violation of Supreme Court orders, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Ms Mehbooba Mufti said Army had done its job and it was time to withdraw it.

''Kashmir is a political issue in which security forces have no role to play,'' Ms Mufti said, adding troops reduction could pave way for a long lasting solution to the problem in the sub-continent.

A statement issued by the PDP, a partner of the Congress led coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, said Ms Mufti had informed Defence Minister A K Antony that security forces have constructed concrete structures in violation of the apex court's order banning construction at tourist sites, including Zabarwan, Gulmarg and Sonmarg.

She has also expressed concern over the demarcation of saffron land by the CRPF at Pampore in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Since saffron was a vital component in the state's economy and inheritance, the CRPF move has created panic among the saffron growers.

The statement further said that Ms Mufti also inquired from the minister why the Central government was delaying the decision on the report submitted by the defence committee set up by Prime Minister Monmohan Singh on troops withdrawal.

There was a confusion among the top Army ranks on the Kashmir situation, she said adding former Army chief General J J Singh had time and again said that Kashmir was a socio-political problem which needs to be addressed in a political way, leaving no role for the security forces in solving the vexed issue.

However, she expressed surprise over the statement of the new Army chief in which he negated the troops reduction saying that normalcy was yet to return in Kashmir.

She also informed the minister about the attack on Magam police station by the Army in which six police personnel were injured.

UNI