Mehbooba demands reduction of troops in the Valley

Jammu, Feb 24 (UNI) Even as Jammu and Kashmir government has started an inquiry into the killing of four innocent youths allegedly by the army at Dodipora in Handwara, People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti has reiterated the demand to reduce the troops deployed in the strife-torn state.

While addressing a party convention yesterday in Baramulla, Ms Mufti alleged that at least 12 innocent people were killed by the security forces in the Kashmir valley since the change of guard in the state.

Demanding the deployment of state police even in border areas, the PDP chief claimed excesses by security forces have increased since the Congress took over.

With a view to garner support over PDP's demands of ''demilitarisation'' and ''self rule'', she has also written a letter to former prime minister V P Singh.

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