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| PDP's love in Delhi –Antony | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Nov 2
With no apparent official communication between the Muftis and the Congress high command in New Delhi, the Defence Minister AK Antony seems to have emerged a new favorite of the embittered coalition partner Peoples Democratic Party.
Interestingly, though Antony appears in no mood to do the things as desired by the Peoples Democratic Party but he has learnt to speak a language which suits the Muftis and helps them to protest their image in the public. On one day Antony makes a statement in the situation and the next day PDP comes up with a tributary statement claiming that its stand has been vindicated.
It may be mentioned here that when PDP upped the ante March this year for demilitarization, Antony was the one who opposed vehemently even though the Prime Minister had constituted committees to examine the matter. On this issue, he has been a hate symbol for the PDP but of late has emerged as a new found love for the party.
Analyzing the Defence Minister's statement last, the PDP today pointed out that A K Antony's observations strengthen the hope of Peoples Democratic Party and such confidence building measures would not only create an optimistic atmosphere for peace and mutual reconciliation but also generate an atmosphere of confidence among the masses.
A rather smart Keralite, Antony is not moving forward on the demilitarization plan but is making encouraging statements every now and then which some times run contrary to the contentions of the Army Chief. In yet another encouraging statement today Antony said that violence in Kashmir has come down by 50 per cent compared to last year.
"As compared to last year, I am glad to inform you that violence level has come down considerably. To be accurate, the violence level has come down by 50 percent. The only concern is militancy is continuing even now," said Antony while addressing Coast Guard (CG) personnel after participating in an investiture ceremony in Kochi.
He promised measures to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, and said that the security forces would vacate schools, hostels and hospitals in the State by November 30, as the situation in the State is improving.
Antony also accused Pakistan without naming it as being responsible for cross-border terrorism and infiltration in Kashmir.
"Ceasefire in the border areas is continuing for the last three years. Terrorists and militants are still coming from across the border. They are gaining support from across the border, otherwise things by and large are improving in Kashmir," said Antony.
Defence experts estimate that there are between 400,000 and 500,000 troops in Kashmir -- making it one of the world's most militarised regions - with many camping in schools, hospitals, and other private and government buildings.
Congress-led-UPA has been under immense pressure from J-K ruling coalition partner, the People's Democratic Party, which has frequently threatened to bring down the State government if troops are not withdrawn from populated areas.
Meanwhile the PDP leaders in a joint statement today also observed that the recent statement by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 15 Corps, A. S Shekon in which he has said that army is a disciplined force and there is no place for such people in the force who don't care about human rights, vindicates that every concerned agency is taking PDP's concern seriously which is in the larger interests of public. |
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