Mehbooba Mufti wary of militant activity following troop cut initiatives

Jammu, Jan 8 (ANI): People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has expressed apprehension over rise in militant activity whenever there is an announcement of troop withdrawal from the restive region.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, Mufti said: "I just want to know, why there is always some kind of attack as soon as there is an intention of troop withdrawal. So do we take that the militants want the troops to stay, that is why they attack as soon as there is an announcement."

Mufti said the troops cut was a corollary to the remarkable 65 percent turnout during the 2008 Assembly elections.

"Maybe some militant groups don't want the troop withdrawal, maybe somebody in the agencies don't want the troop withdrawal. So I think for their interests, they become one at this point of time. But I would say that the withdrawal of troops is the best compliment that you can pay to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have voted in huge numbers," she added.

Defence Minister A. K. Antony last month announced that 30,000 troops had been withdrawn from the State in the wake of improving security situation. (ANI)