Time not ripe for demilitralisation in JK: Azad

Srinagar, Mar 4: Dismissing reports about an immediatedemilitralisation of Jammu and Kashmir in the near future, ChiefMinister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that time was not ripe for such amove.''

Addressing a public meeting at Uri, about 100 km from here innorth Kashmir yesterday, Mr Azad said once peace was visible on theground in the state, withdrawal of troops will automatically follow.

Immediate demilitarization was not possible when innocent peopleare being killed,'' he said, adding that peace was not visible inKashmir despite people desperatey yearning for it. For withdrawal oftroops, peace is a pre-condition, he added.

Lauding the security forces for their work during all these years,he said they are deployed in the state for the safety and security ofthe people.

Without naming the coalition partner in the government, PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) and the separatist organisations, Mr Azad saidthose demanding withdrawal or reduction of troops should take intoaccount the ground situation before making such a demand.

''Who will guarantee if there is a flare up in the militancy oncethe troops are withdrawn, ''he asked, adding they have to guarantee thesafety and security of common people.

Mr Azad said after resuming the bus services between Srinagar andMuzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), peoplewere eager in favour of starting the truck service.

''We are ready but Pakistan is creating hurdles,'' he said and expressed the hope that the service will be started soon.

About the peace process between India and Pakistan, he said it was moving towards right direction.

He said those opposing the ongoing dialogue process between the two countries will not be allowed to succeed.

UNI

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