This is strange that the PDP, a ruling alliance in Congress-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, is continuously demanding to reduce the troop presence in the valley at a time when the infiltration is at increase in comparison with last year cases.
The J&K Panthers Party has recently withdrawn its support from the ruling coalition on PDP’s demand.
At the same time, the General Officer Commanding-in-Charge, Northern Command Lt Gen H S Panag has said strongly that this is not the good time for the demilitarization of the region. He said it on the occasion of the 36th Raising Day of the Northern Command.
He said:
Infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a marginal rise than last year. The number of infiltrators was 118 between January and June last year. This year the number is 137 so far.
The increase is not a strong enough reason for the troop withdrawal. There are at least 52 terrorist training camps within PoK, which are still intact. At least 1,140 militants are still operational in the state.
He said later that the militant outfits and the United Jehad Council (UJC) of Pakistan have a clear-cut agenda and there is no change reported in that. So, why should be any change in India’s planning of tackling terrorism and counter-insurgency operations? He clearly said that the demand of the troop withdrawal is not well timed.
Lt Gen Panag told media persons that the troop withdrawal is possible only if the situation would become conducive for doing this. The time is not mature to take this decision right now.
