Mufti softens stand, says I am not counting days

Srinagar, Mar 31 (UNI) From saying ''I can't wait till summer'' to ''I am not counting days''...it has been a major climb down from PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's hard posturing since he arrived in Delhi on March 21 to his return here today.

Soon after his arrival in the national capital on March 21, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister told reporters that the Centre must at least initiate the process of troop reduction in the state if complete withdrawal was not possible at present.

''Troop reduction is important because the ground situation in the state has improved. I cannot wait till summer for troop withdrawal...each day counts,'' he had then said.

But today at a news conference here, Mr Sayeed appeared to have softened his stand.

''There is no time limit. I am not counting days. The people of Jammu and Kashmir would soon get relief in the form of troop reduction,'' he said.

When journalists persisted with questions on time-frame, the PDP supremo said: ''Insha Allah jaldi (God willing soon).'' ''There is no time limit. After all, the Defence Secretary has been appointed as the head of an expert panel to deal with the demands for troop withdrawal and repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). He cannot be given any time limit,'' he added.

He said the members of the three expert panels would soon start their work. These will study the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir and submit reports to a high-powered committee, headed by the Defence Minister, as soon as possible, the PDP leader said.

However, he asserted that his party's demands for troop withdrawal, repeal of AFSPA, vacation of agricultural and orchard land, besides private and government buildings, by security forces in the state would definitely be implemented.

''These would be implemented. It is imperative for the success of the ongoing peace process. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have to get this relief. The armed forces will have to play a limited role in the internal security of the state,'' he said.

Asked if his demands would be fulfilled before the next assembly elections in the state in 2008, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the polls were too far as of now.

''Troops would be definitely withdrawn before the next elections.

Our ten-day talks with the Central leadership were not a gimmick.

Whatever we have said we meant it. We went to the last possible extent. The Prime Minister's decision would have far reaching consequences in the state,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said the strength of the armed forces would be reduced and the internal security of the state handed over to police.

He also appealed to the gun-wielding youth to abjure violence and join the peace process so that the people get some relief.

UNI