PDP stresses troop reduction in J

Jammu, Feb 20 (UNI) The Peoples democratic Party(PDP) today asked the political leadership of the country and the state to support its demand for troop reduction and withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, as it would be the most appropriate people-centric confidence building measure, to consolidate the reconciliation process.

''The improved security scenario has to be complemented by substantial action that builds the people's confidence and moves to change the ground situation.'' senior PDP leader, Muzaffar Hussain Baig said in a discussion telecast on a local TV channel.

He said instead of unnecessarily raising a hue and cry over the PDP's demand, all the political parties, both at the national and the state level, must take the same on its merits so that a connect cohesive message is conveyed at this crucial moment.

Baig said as emphasized by the PDP in its letter on February 17, 2007, the Chief Minister should, in the right spirit of the coalition, convene a special meeting of the state cabinet to discuss the three demands raised by the party including phased reduction of troops, revocation of AFSPA, vacation of agricultural, land and government and private buildings by the armed forces.

''The initiative has to be taken to seize the opportunity'', he said and added that a committee could be constituted to identify the areas where the responsibility of internal security could be handed over the state police, in a phased manner.''It is now upto the Chief Minister to decide how he responds to the PDP demand,'' he said.

UNI