PDP hails Centre's decision to move troops out of Orchards in J

Jammu, Apr 20 (UNI) People's Democratic Party (PDP) today hailed the Centre's decision to start the process of moving troops out from the Orchards and private properties in Jammu and Kashmir.

''We welcome the decision and expect some more initiatives in the near future,'' PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said while addressing a public meeting at Thathri in Doda district.

Ms Mufti said, it was a significant move and a laudable confidence building measure (CBM), especially in the run-up to the upcoming third round table conference (RTC).

''PDP is looking forward to more such concrete measures including reduction of troops and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for the general relief of the people,'' she said.

Such measures, Ms Mufti said, would consolidate the people's faith in the democratic institutions and processes facilitating peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, as has been time and again reiterated by her party.

She said, the security forces had commendably accomplished their task and now the political forces and the civil society has to be given more space to consolidate and carry forward the normalisation and democratic process.

More than a decade long turmoil has left behind tragic human miseries and a collective effort is now needed to rehabilitate the victims of violence so that they could live honorable lives, PDP president added.

''A rehabilitation programme has to be formulated and implemented at the earliest to bring joy to the families who have lost their near and dear ones during militancy.'' UNI