Omar attacks PDP for raising ''senseless'' troop cut demand

Srinagar, July 12 (UNI) National Conference (NC) president Omar Abdullah today came down heavily on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its ''senseless'' demand of troop reduction in strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a news conference here, Mr Abdullah criticised the PDP for ''playing politics'' over demilitarisation.

''I wonder what the PDP actually wants. First they (PDP leaders) said there should be demilitarisation. Now, they want the security forces to move out of orchards, schools, hospitals and occupy other places, which is just redeployment,'' he added.

The former Union Minister said it amounted to abuse of the trust of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

''Raising such a demand is senseless. Any troop reduction can be determined by the agencies involved in fighting militancy in the state,'' he added.

Mr Abdullah said experts know better whether the situation in the troubled state warranted demilitarisation, troop reduction or redeployment as they have the correct figures on infiltration, number of militants and their movement.

''When I say experts, I do not mean people who sit in Delhi.

There is a unified command in Jammu and Kashmir headed by the Chief Minister who has the advice of security agencies and can recommend any reduction in troop deployment in the state,'' he added.

About his recent claim that he had names of some corrupt politicians, the NC chief said his statement was in response to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks in which he had asked the vigilance organisation to do something about corruption among politicians. ''I have the names and am waiting for a call from the Chief Minister,'' he added.

Mr Abdullah also ruled out any support to the Congress in case the ruling alliance partner PDP withdrew from the coalition government in the state. ''If the government falls now, the NC candidates are ready to fight the elections,'' he added.

UNI