NEW DELHI, MAR 25
Amidst demands from the PDP for a reduction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP today alleged that there has been a "silent" pull out of security forces from districts in Jammu bordering Pakistan over the past one week.
"Our fact-finding team visited places in the border districts of Doda, Poonch and Rajouri. It found that security forces have been removed in these areas. It seems that the Congress-led government at the Centre has surrendered itself to the PDP's demand, compromising the country's security," BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar told reporters here.
"There has been a silent pull out of troops without informing the country. The government should clarify on this issue," he said.
The BJP fact-finding team led by Ashok Khajuria found that a whole brigade has been ordered to pull out from Budhal in Rajouri district. Security forces were also withdrawn from Kulhand in Doda district where 19 Hindus were killed last year, Javadekar claimed.
Military pickets were removed from Shatru, Daschan, Pader, Balesa, Martam, Dharmshala and Puranu, he alleged. Trooops were also asked to vacate pickets in Tanna Manchi, Manjakot, Khwas, Shahdra Sharif, Kalakot, Tarihat and Dalhori beyond Budhal in Rajouri district, he claimed.
In Poonch, the removal of troops was evident in Biji, Swarnkot, Gundi, Mandi, Chandiman, Krishnaghati and Chilas, he said.
"We condemn the pull out of troops and demand the restoration of army pickets," Javadekar said.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks last week with PDP leader Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on the party's demand for troop cuts in Kashmir
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