Srinagar, November 17
Coinciding with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir following his announcement on troop reduction in the state as part of efforts to win hearts of the people, the Army today began moving out troops starting from Anantnag.
Army sources said troops of 5th Para Regiment of Sector 1 Rashtriya Rifles left TCP Khanabal in Anantnag for a destination outside of Jammu and Kashmir.
They said the first batch of troops had moved out and more would follow depending on instructions from the Army headquarters.
Locals in Khanabal, taken by surprise over Army troops moving out, said they had no idea that troop reduction would start from their area.
The Prime Minister had recently announced troop reduction in Jammu and Kashmir following reduction in the level of infiltration from across the border largely due to efforts of the security forces.
Calling it an experiment, he had said the government would keep the move under constant review.
The separatist Hurriyat Conference, while welcoming the announcement, had also demanded withdrawal of the Special Powers Act.
In his address at Srinagar rally today, Dr Singh said further reduction of troops could be considered if conditions improved and incidence of infiltration and violence remained under control.
The reduction of troops has begun from the home district of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Observers here felt that troop reduction in winter would not adversely affect the security situation in the state.
They said troops were relocated by the Army every year during the winter before the Kargil War, as snow in the higher reaches made infiltration difficult.
