PM discusses Kashmir issue with core group

New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was today understood to have reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with a core group of his Cabinet colleagues in the wake of the PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's demand for withdrawal of troops from the valley, particularly residential areas.

It could not be ascertained immediately whether any decision was taken and who all attended the meeting as officials were not forthcoming with any detail, stating that there was nothing for the media.

Normally, among those who attend core group meetings are Mr Pranab Mukherjee (External Affairs), Mr Shivraj Patil (Home) and Mr P Chidambaram (Finance).

The meeting comes in the wake of two rounds of talks Dr Singh had with the Mufti whose party had threatened to pull out of the Congress-led coalition government in the state.

After these meetings, the Prime Minister had stated that the Centre was constantly reviewing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and would reduce the level of troops presence, depending upon the threat perception.

UNI