PDP hoping early troop reduction in JK: Mehbooba

Jammu, Apr 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today stated as ''unfair'' the continued deployment of army and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. ''We are looking forward to early troops reduction in the state, she said. Addressing a public gathering at Kishtwar, Ms Mufti reiterated her party's demand for reduction of troops, revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state and vacation of civilian and institutional properties by the security forces.

She said PDP respects and trusts the commitment and sincerity of the UPA leadership including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The gradual withdrawal of the armed forces from the state is a key component of the reconciliation and resolution process and the thinning of troops must start, she said adding that the sooner the better.

''The Government of India must grab the opportunity and relax the security situation in the state as the continued use of army and security forces was unfair,'' she said.

''A mechanism has been devised for the purpose and we are looking forward for early positive movement in this direction,'' Ms Mufti added.

As has been done in case of all other major policy issues concerning the people of the state, the leader of main coalition partner of Congress-led state government, made it clear that PDP would take this issue to its logical conclusion.

Instead of falling into the trap of the hawkish elements, Ms Mufti emphasised that efforts should be made to win the hearts and minds of the people.

''I think such measures are worth in the larger interest of peace and stability,'' she said.

Referring to the growing need for speeding up infrastructural and economic development of the state, Ms mufti, however, expressed dismay over the noticeable slowdown in the momentum of the development process, especially on the intra-state road connectivity projects, initiated in 2002. ''We fail to understand why there has been a conspicuous deceleration in the execution of important projects like Udhampur-Bbaramulla railway line, north-south corridor, Mughal road, Kishtwar-Simthan-Anantnag road and some major state-owned power projects,'' she said.

The central and state governments must ensure that these projects do not fall prey to the machinations of the saboteurs with vested interest, she warned.

Calling for disbanding of the Village Defence Committees (VDCS), Ms Mufti said instead of relying on VDCS, the government must launch a massive recruitment drive in the police at the block-level to develop an organised force for taking on the future responsibilities of the internal security.

The creation of VDCS she said, has resulted a dangerous divide among the various communities and such a practice has to be done away with immediately.

The PDP president said the people here, especially the youth, have suffered immensely due to the political turmoil in the state.

''Our united effort now must be to build mutual trust and understanding for sustainable peace and prosperity to ensure a bright and flourishing future for our generations next,'' she added.

UNI