Time has come for reduction of forces from J

Jammu, Nov 16 (UNI) Senior CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today said the presence of existing security forces in Jammu and Kashmir was ''disproportionate'' to the requirement, more so, in view of the changing situation.

Mr Tarigami, in a statement, said the time had come for the reduction of forces in the restive state.

Hailing the resumption of composite dialogue process between New Delhi and Islamabad, CPI(M) leader asked both the governments to solve forthwith the less intractable issues like Sir Creek, Siachen and Baglihar, on which a certain degree of unanimity existed.

He also wanted the two governments to arrive at an agreed mechanism for correction of gross distortion of history, culture of the people of one country by the other and a review of laws, rules practices and regulations based on hostilities between the two countries.

Mr Tarigami further asked both the governments to allow and facilitate emergence of a ''force that speaks autonomously'' for Jammu and Kashmir, which, he said, could strengthen the ongoing peace process between the two countries.

He said there was no ready-made formula for the solution of Kashmir, but the desire to live together was universal indeed.

Mutual differences, he said, could be narrowed down by debate and discussion. There was every reason to believe in the ultimate wisdom of great people of the state, who wanted peace with dignity, he added.

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