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| Panel suggests vacation of buildings, farms | | PM may formally announce decision on August 15 | |
ET REPORTER
Jammu, July 25: In a development which may bring truce between the coalition partners, the Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, the central committee on troop reduction is reported to have recommended that the security forces should vacate the orchards, farms and the government and private buildings.
However, the committee has summarily ruled out any major reduction in the troop strength from any part of Jammu and Kashmir, it is reliably learnt. A formal announcement of this decision is likely to be made by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 15.
Sources said that the Committee headed by Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt has submitted its report to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "While admitting that the violence has registered a sharp decline over past few years, the committee has ruled out reduction in the strength of troops", said reliable sources. However, the committee has proposed vacation of troops from buildings and land.
Quoting recommendations of the committee, sources said, "all troops stationed at private and government land or building will be asked to relocate to alternate sites which will be provided by the state government." The source added, "a policy of relocation and reconfiguration (of troops) will be followed".
Though most people whose homes and fields were taken over have been paid rent, according to the government, the issue has been a constant source of resentment among Kashmiris.
In March, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh decided to set up a committee to study if troop levels could be cut in Kashmir--one of the world's most militarised zones.
Withdrawal of Indian troops from Kashmir or reducing their levels is among the foremost demands of most Kashmiri political parties as well as Pakistan.
Troops have been leaving government and private property since 2005 but the pace has been slow. The panel's proposal now is to vacate all property 'with immediate effect'.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony is due to visit Kashmir on Friday for an 'on-the-spot assessment' before forwarding his recommendation to the Prime Minister.
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