JK Congress rejects PDP demand; says troop cut dangerous move

Srinagar, July 9 (UNI) The Congress in Jammu and Kashmir today rejected outright the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demand for troop withdrawal in the militancy-hit state, saying the ground situation was not conducive for any such ''dangerous'' move.

Addressing a party convention in Baramulla district, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president and state Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said the ground situation in the state was contradictory to what is being projected by some political leaders.

Any withdrawal of troops from the internal security could be considered only when the situation improved, he added.

Mr Sayeed said many pockets in the state were still facing militancy threat and the entire political leadership was living under the security cover.

As such, the propagation of troop withdrawal from the troubled state was not in the interest of the people, he added.

''The fear psychosis still prevails and threat perception has not evaded. Under these circumstances, removing of security forces from the internal security duty will prove dangerous,'' he claimed.

Mr Sayeed said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, were mature enough to read between the lines. Hollow slogans and emotional exploitation could not led them astray, he added.

UNI