Jammu, March 15
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today told former Chief Minister and PDP patron Mufti Sayeed that “time is not conducive” for the withdrawal of troops from Jammu and Kashmir as intelligence inputs suggested terrorists might strike in case such an action was taken.

The Mufti this morning received here a reply to his letter from the Prime Minister in which he reportedly has said gradual pullout of troops could be undertaken once the situation stabilises.

Sources said in the two and a half pages letter, the Prime Minister had told the Mufti the decision would be reviewed after tourist season in summer in case the situation further stabilised.

The Prime Minister has also said the demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act could be considered simultaneously with gradual pullout of troops from the valley.

Regarding the third demand of the PDP for the vacation of orchards, agriculture land and public properties under the occupation of the security forces, Mr Manmohan Singh has said Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has sent a report the process of vacating such properties has already been initiated in the state. The process would be followed vigorously, the Prime Minister has said in the letter.

He has said that “we” shall watch the situation for some time before taking a final decision on the three demands.

The Prime Minister has reportedly appreciated the previous regime of the Mufti and the present government of Azad for taking effective steps to improve the militancy related situation in the state. The security scenario has improved considerably due to the steps taken by the coalition government in the state.

Sources said the Prime Minister, while appreciating the concern of the Mufti, has said he himself did not relish presence of troops in the civilian areas, but this was necessary in J&K to protect innocent people from becoming target of terrorists.

The Mufti had written a letter to Mr Manmohan Singh a week ago listing the three demands of the PDP.

It is learnt senior leaders of the PDP, including the party chief Mehbooba Mufti, ministers A.A. Zargar, Tariq Hameed Karra and PDP thinktank Muzaffar Beig, were closeted with the Mufti at his residence discussing the letter of the Prime Minister. The PDP yet has not given any official response to the Prime Minister’s letter.

Srinagar, March 15
Three days after disruption in power supply due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir, the restoration work began today with most parts of Srinagar and major towns of the valley getting power, while supplies were being restored in rural areas. This followed a decision of the striking Power Development Department employees to suspend the strike for three days to overcome the crisis.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who flew from Jammu to this summer capital after resumption of air traffic to the valley yesterday, reviewed the situation arising after disruption in power and water supplies and blockade on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. He was informed by the chief engineer, Power, that all the major supply trunk lines and grid station had been charged in time and there was no shortage of power in the valley.

However, the consumers were still facing shortage of power because of the strike by the Power Employees Union.

The striking power employees have been on strike since March 5 in support of their demands. However, the demands are pending with the Finance Minister, Tariq Hameed Qarra (PDP), while the employees had been assured by the Power Department that their demands had been agreed to and they should resume work.

Reviewing the stock and supply position, Azad was told that ample stocks of ration and essential supplies were available. To deal with the problem of stagnant water, the meeting was told that of the 64 permanent dewatering stations, 24 with DG sets were functional and 36 mobile pumps had also been pressed into service.

Assessing the damages caused to the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors, those at the meeting were told that 60 to 75 per cent damage had been recorded in almonds.

CM’s aerial survey

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has been camping here had an aerial survey of the valley areas on Thursday in the wake of heavy snowfall. He visited Budgam, Chadoora Pakharpora, Pulwama, Shopian, Kukgam, Pahalgam and Jawahar Tunnel areas, an official spokesman said here this evening. 

Jammu, March 15
Terrorists shot dead police constable Shanti Swaroop in Doda district today.

Shanti Swaroop was on his way to the police station when militants intercepted him at Panjari and opened fire at him early this morning, the police said. He died on the spot.