Every step would be taken for restoration of peace, Patil

Srinagar, June 30 (UNI) Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said that every step would be taken jointly to restore peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

'' Whatever is required on the demand of troops cut in the state will be done as the objective is restoration of peace and normalcy'', Mr Patil told a group of reporters afer chairing a high-level meeting on the overall security situation in the state, particularly in the valley.

He expressed satisfaction on the overall improvement in the situation.

In reply to a question on troops reduction, he said that the matter has been in discussion and senior state leaders have already discussed the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Home Minister said a committee has been formed which is looking into all aspects of the suggestion of cutting troops.

The meeting assumes significance against the backdrop of sudden spurt of violence in the Kashmir valley.

The two-hour meeting was attended among others, by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Secretary C Phunsog, Director General of state police Gopal Sharma, state financial commissioner (Home), GOC of 15 and 16 corps, Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) S I S Ahmad and additional Director General of Border Security Force (BSF).

Official sources said Mr Patil was given a detailed account by senior Army, paramilitary and police officials about the prevailing security situation in the state.

He was told about the recent spurt in violence in which a number of militants, civilians and security forces were killed.

Sources said he was informed about the measures taken by the security forces to meet the challenge of militants.

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