Differences in J

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) The Congress today expressed the hope that the differences with the PDP in the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir would be resolved soon and the UPA would remain ''absolutely strong and intact''.

''Whenever some points of differences emerge among the UPA allies, we sit together, discuss those issues and resolve the differences,'' Congress spokesman Satyavrat Chaturvedi said, commenting on the differences between the two parties over the reduction of troops deployed in the border state.

''We are confident differences will be resolved by sitting across the table,'' Mr Chaturvedi said talking to mediapersons here.

He recalled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that security in Jammu and Kashmir was the top most priority of his government. The government periodically reviewed the threat perception in the state and decided about the deployment of troops accordingly, he said.

''In the present circumstances, troops pull out is not desirable,'' he added.

Mr Chaturvedi said all the people concerned in the state would agree that any laxity in security measures would not be desirable at this stage. ''The Government will not take any decision on reduction or pull out of troops under pressure and would decide the matter based on its own assessment of the situation.'' ''Just as the PDP-led government was allowed to run smoothly for its term, so also the Congress-led government will be allowed to function smoothly for the remaining term,'' he added.

UNI