Rajouri killings ''eye-opener'' for those demanding troop-cut: CM

Jammu, Mar 30 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today condemned the brutal killing of five Hindu labourers in the Rajouri district last night and said the incident was an ''eye-opener'' for those demanding ''premature demilitarisation'' in the state.

Mr Azad said since he took over the reins of the state, he advised security forces to deal strictly with militancy but also avoid any human rights violation.

''I never remained silent whenever any case of human rights violation came to my notice. The recent investigation into the killing of five people of south Kashmir in fake encounters is known to everyone.'' he added.

The Chief Minister hoped that those demanding demilitarisation would ''learn'' from the Rajouri incident.

He said when he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi he emphasised on the non-interference of any political party in sensitive matters of security in the state.

''I always say that militancy is not over yet, but it is playing a hide and seek game and we will not get entrapped through their gameplans,'' he maintained.

Mr Azad hoped those who were misleading innocent people through slogans to defame security personnel for their vested interests would not now interfere in security matters after this incident.

''Security forces are playing an important role in the state and it is because of their contribution that the graph of militancy has come down and any premature demilitarisation or reduction of troops is not feasible at this juncture,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister was convinced that the security matters should be left only to officers concerned and no political parties should be allowed to interfere in sensitive security matters.

UNI