Take positive stand on troop cut in JK: PDP to Azad

Srinagar, Jun 17: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a key ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, has asked Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to take a positive stand on the issues of troop reduction and revocation of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) from the troubled state. By doing so, senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig said Mr Azad would respect public sentiment and consensus of views on the issues.

Addressing a public meeting at in Badgam district, he said almost all the political parties were now convinced that the PDP's demand for troop reduction and revocation of the AFSPA was the fundamental element of the ongoing peace process.

''The Congress and the Chief Minister must take an affirmative stand on the issues instead of politicising these. A government has to respect a broader viewpoint and cannot afford to go against public sentiment,'' Mr Baig said.

Taking advantage of the emerging unanimous view on the issues, he said Mr Azad must forcefully project these before New Delhi so that the people get the much-needed relief.

The former Deputy Chief Minister said there was absolutely no logic in maintaining such a massive troop presence in the state to fight, as per a government estimate, some 1500 odd militants.

''This noticeable and interfering deployment of troops is now becoming discomforting, not only for the people, but embarrassing for the government as well,'' he claimed.

Mr Baig said the exposure of troops must essentially be now restricted to prevent their interference in the day-to-day lives of the people. ''This is the most vital element of the peace and reconciliation process,'' he maintained.

Expressing concern and dismay over the resurgence of 'Ikhwanis (surrendered militants)', the PDP leader said unfortunately these elements have been reactivated in various parts of the Kashmir valley, particularly in Badgam district, for political coercion.

''This is the most disturbing trend and would certainly shatter the budding public faith in the democratic institutions and processes,'' he cautioned.

In Badgam district, Mr Baig alleged that 'Ikhwanis' have been let loose to harass and malign the PDP activists and workers.

''The Chief Minister must take note of this dangerous trend,'' he said and warned that any failure to curb their activities for political gains would have ''destructive implications''.

Speaking on the occasion, PDP General Secretary Nizam-ud-Din Bhat asked the state government to make public the findings of the House Committee on the large-scale bungling in the Revenue and Custodian Departments between 2002 and 2005.

He said the public has the right to know that how many backdoor appointments were made in the Custodian Department during that period and how the properties of the Department were allotted on political considerations by the then Revenue Minister.

UNI