Bitta opposes troop reduction in Valley

Gwalior, Apr 1 (UNI) Opposing troop reduction in Kashmir, Congress leader and All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) President Maninderjit Singh Bitta today said that the Centre was taking such a step despite a spurt in militancy in the Valley where lakhs of soldiers and civilians paid with their lives.

''The response to extremism can only be a bullet for every bullet. Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru should be hanged soon and if that does not happen then the AIATF will return president's medals and bravery medals on December 13. Some other strong steps may also be taken,'' he told mediapersons here.

Responding to a question, Mr Bitta mooted special courts for tackling terrorism cases, within a maximum period of six months each, and also separate prisons.

''Strong decisions are not taken for political reasons. The advisors of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are probably not giving them the right advice. Financial terrorism is being perpetrated by a certain major company,'' he added.

On reservation, Mr Bitta said that the needy should be provided this facility but it should not lead to caste struggle.

UNI