The Hindu : National : Troop levels in J&K will be reduced: Manmohan Singh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 13, 2004

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Troop levels in J&K will be reduced: Manmohan Singh

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, NOV. 12. Following a "visible improvement" in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has announced that the Government had "decided to reduce the deployment of troops this winter" in the State.

In a statement aimed at improving the internal situation in the State and the climate for a dialogue with Pakistan, Dr. Singh said in a three-paragraph statement released by the External Affairs Ministry on Thursday: "During the past several months, the Indian Army and other security forces deployed in the State of Jammu and Kashmir have achieved success in bringing about an improvement in the security situation in the State.

"Effective counter-infiltration measures and mobilising the support of the people in the war against terrorism have led to a visible improvement in the situation. This is reflected in the increased tempo of economic activity, continuing increase in tourist arrivals, and a general sense of security among the people.

"In recognition of the improvement in the situation in the State, the Government has decided to reduce the deployment of troops this winter."

The announcement comes days before Dr. Singh leaves for his November 17-18 visit to Jammu and Kashmir — his first since becoming Prime Minister in May. It also comes days before the first anniversary of a comprehensive and successful ceasefire between India and Pakistan that took effect on November 26, 2003.

`Review if problems arise'

However, the Government said the decision could be reconsidered if any problem arose. "We cannot, however, afford to relax our vigil. We are aware that infiltration attempts from across the border and the LoC [Line of Control] continue and the infrastructure of terrorism in the shape of training camps and launching bases remain intact. The decision to reduce the deployment of troops would, therefore, be kept under constant review. If the levels of infiltration and terrorist violence increase, more troops as necessary will be redeployed," the release added.

South Block sources told this correspondent that Dr. Singh's statement was a recognition that the internal security situation in Kashmir was improving gradually. "This move is intended to act as a motivating factor for elements like the Hurriyat conference to hold a dialogue with the Centre."

`Tangible measure'

The sources said that instead of floating trial balloons of possible "final solutions" like the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, had done with his latest proposal on demilitarisation, the Government had come out with a tangible, meaningful confidence-building measure.

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