Troops withdrawal a step towards resolution of Kashmir issue, Mufti

Srinagar, May 5 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said withdrawing troops from the state was an essential component of the peace process and a necessary first step towards the ultimate resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The PDP, a coalition partner in the Congress-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, would take its agenda of the empowerment of the people of the state to its logical conclusion.

Addressing a public meeting at Srigufwara in Anantnag district today, he said the criticism of adversaries only strengthened his resolve to revive a civil society in the state and give legitimate and people friendly politics full space.

He said those who oppose and ridicule the demand of troops reduction in fact are negating the aspirations of the masses.

The PDP patron said army and para-military forces have played their part in restoration of peace and this should be realised by all concerned including those who still believe that gun could force a resolution of the Kashmir issue.

He said the Indian armed forces had distinguished themselves by their steadfast commitment to non-interference in the political affairs of the country and its democratic functioning. In order to strengthen the belief of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in democratic functioning and constitutional governance it is necessary that the same principle is followed here as well.

''Jammu and Kashmir could not be an exception to the democratic functioning of the country,'' he added.

He said the need for cutting down the troops in a phased manner and scrapping Special Powers Act (SPA) had been recognised at national level and the Prime Minister's commitment in this regard is proof enough of the urgency of the matter.

Those who oppose this even after the decision at the highest level are obviously speaking out of turn, he said and added that it was satisfying that some areas had been vacated by the forces recently.

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