Cong steers clear of govt announcement on troop cut in J

New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Congress today steered clear ofthe government''s announcment on troop reduction in Jammu andKashmir saying it would be better if political parties didnot give their views on the matter.

It is a matter between the Union Home Ministry, DefenceMinistry and the state government and it will be better thatpolitical parties do not give their views on it", partyspokesman Manish Tewari told reporters.

His comments came in the backdrop of reports whichsuggested that Army Chief V K Singh was countering Union HomeSecretary on the matter.

While Home Secretary G K Pillai yesterday hinted at a25 per cent reduction in security forces'' strength in Jammuand Kashmir, Army Chief General V K Singh said they do not notfeel the need to "cut down" their forces in the state.

However, the Army Chief today clarified that he wastalking about the Army personnel while Home Secretary G KPillai was referring to the paramilitary forces.

"I think there was some confusion," he said.