PDP to take up reduction of troops from J K in next Cabinet : Mufti

Jammu, Feb 13 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said his People's Democratic Party (PDP) would take up the demilitarisation issue at next state cabinet meeting, as situation in the state has improved leading to gradual reduction of troops.

Mr Sayeed, addressing a press conference here, said PDP leaders have already given a joint letter to the state government asking for withdrawal of their personal security cover and also demanded that the armed troops be withdrawn from the state.

''Situation in the state has improved and we don't need any security cover. Four PDP Cabinet Ministers and three Ministers of state in the state cabinet would stress the government to put a request before centre to gradually withdraw security forces from the state,'' he said.

Gradual withdrawal of the troops and armed forces special powers act will send a good message of Changing scenario in the state, former Union Home Minister said.

The PDP patron said being a responsible partner in the coalition government, his party would raise the issues at the cabinet meeting.

The PDP patron said Congress-led state coalition government had always remained together with PDP in carrying forward the common minimum programmes. He, however, said the PDP move should not be seen as an attempt to weaken the alliance.

''The Congress is a big partner and they have helped in resolving many issues. This time too, we think that our viewpoint would be accommodated for wider peace in the jammu and kashmir,'' Mr Sayeed said.

Jammu and Kashmir would soon become the crucible for economic cooperation among south asian nations and in the days to come state will unfold itself as the ground from where the economic cooperation for the South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations will take off, he said.

UNI