Indian Army guarded on Kashmir troops' panel
Mar 30, 2007 - 7:53:04 PM
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The officer also pointed out that the fact that no timeframe had been set for the panel to submit its report meant that its deliberations could be open ended.
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By IANS,
[RxPG] New Delhi, March 30 - The Indian Army reacted guardedly Friday to the appointment of a panel to address the issue of troop withdrawals in Jammu and Kashmir even as it reiterated that the time was not ripe for any immediate force reductions.
'The panel - has just been formed. We will present our case before it and abide by its recommendations,' a senior officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The panel is seen as the first step in addressing the demand of Kashmir's People's Democratic Party - for a cut in troop levels. The PDP is the junior partner in Kashmir's Congress-led ruling coalition.
'It - would determine whether there is a need to relocate and reconfigure security forces. While making its determination, the panel should ensure that cardinal aspects of security are not compromised in any manner,' a statement from the Prime Minister's Office - said.
Representatives from the ministries of defence, home affairs, the armed forces and the Kashmir government will be included in the panel. Another panel will consider the demand for repealing 'draconian' laws in Kashmir.
A committee headed by Defence Minister A.K. Antony will then consider the reports of both panels before taking a final decision on the two issues.
Speaking moments after the panels were announced, Indian Army chief Gen. J.J. Singh said: 'Violence levels have come down. The dialogue process is on.'
While this could be interpreted any which way, a senior army officer pointed out that it was not necessarily an indication that the time was conducive for reducing troop levels in the troubled state.
'We have repeatedly been saying that this is not the time to consider any reduction in force levels. This is because with the melting of the snows in the Himalayas, this could lead to a spurt in infiltrations - in summer,' the officer said.
The army has also drawn heart from Antony's repeated assertions - the latest on March 25 - that troop reductions could be considered only after support to terrorist groups from across the border ceased.
This apart, Antony has also said any decision on reducing force levels would be taken after receiving the recommendations of the Indian Army and the other security agencies.
Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad reinforced this view Thursday, when he said the decision should be taken by 'professionals' and not politicians.
'This is a very important issue. The decision should be taken by professionals and not the politicians,' Azad maintained.
To that extent, the appointment of the panel under the defence secretary augured well, the officer said.
'We are confident we will get a fair hearing. After that, we will follow whatever orders we receive,' he added.
The officer also pointed out that the fact that no timeframe had been set for the panel to submit its report meant that its deliberations could be open ended.
'Since no deadlines have been set, the panel will have greater flexibility in its functioning,' the officer contended.
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