NC supports troops reduction: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 8 (UNI) National Conference (NC) Chief Farooq Abdullah today supported the demand of troop withdrawal from Jammu and Kashmir and said the government can take a decision in this regard after taking into account the ground situation.

''The state and Central government are receiving reports from intelligence agencies about the situation in the state, therefore, they are the best judges to decide about the withdrawal or reduction of troops,'' the former chief minister told reporters after inaugurating a blood donation camp near here.

He said his party, the main opposition in the state, wanted that local police should take the control of all towns and villages.

''Nobody wants troops in the towns,'' he said, adding it was the government which can take a decision in this regard.

He said he was happy that the peace process between India and Pakistan was making good progress.

Dr Abdullah said, in his opinion, the ground for finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue was being made. However, he said, nobody can predict how long it will take to make a breakthrough.

UNI