India plans troop cut in IHK amid anti-Indian protests and US pressure

[Naveed Yaseen]

NEW DELHI: Following massive anti-government protests across the IHK, and intense pressure from the US government, sources have claimed the home ministry is working on a plan to thin the army presence in IHK. While the army wants to defer any decision on the matter until September, the issue would likely be discussed at the meeting of the top commanders of the army, the navy and the air force.

The US has been privately asking India to reciprocate Pakistan’s decision to move several battalions from its border with India to Afghanistan. “Their argument is that Pakistani support is necessary to clean up Afghanistan,” sources said. Other factors being considered by the home ministry include a decrease in militancy-related incidents, and a growing public outcry against the forces in Kashmir.

“We have to respond to the improving situation in Kashmir,” a senior official at the home ministry said. The number of violent incidents until May 31 reduced to 186 this year, against 270 in 2008. The home ministry’s tentative plan involves moving the army out of all major cities, and allowing the state police or the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to take charge. An official said a three-stage process was being planned: reducing the army presence, reducing the CRPF personnel, and helping the state police with security.

“The CRPF has not been very impressive. Look at the Shopian rape and murder. They mishandled it. Earlier, we could not trust the state police but today the situation is different,” the official added. iftikhar gilani

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg7_3