By News Agency of Kashmir
Srinagar, May 5 (NAK): Pledging to carry forward the agenda of "peoples' empowerment" envisaged by Peoples Democratic Party to its logical end, former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed today said that those criticizing the demand of troop's reduction were negating the aspiration of the masses.
Addressing a public meeting at Srigufwara in Anantnag district, today, Sayeed he said the criticism only strengthened his resolve to revive the civil society in the state and give legitimate and people friendly politics full space.
Mufti said the demand of the PDP to withdraw troops from internal security duties in the state was an essential component of the peace process and a necessary first step towards the ultimate resolution of the problem. Those who oppose and ridicule this demand in fact are negating the aspiration of the masses.
The PDP patron said army and para-military forces had played their part in restoration of peace. This should be realized by all concerned including those who still believe that gun could force a resolution of Kashmir problem. He said the Indian armed forces had distinguished themselves by their steadfast commitment to non-interference in the political affairs of the country and its democratic functioning.
In order to strengthen the belief of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in democratic functioning and constitutional governance it is necessary that the same principle is followed here as well. "Jammu and Kashmir could not be an exception to the democratic functioning of the country", he added.
He said the need for cutting down the troops in a phased manner and scrapping Special Powers Act (AFSPA) had been recognized at the national level and the Prime Minister's commitment in this regard is proof enough of the urgency of the matter. Those who oppose this even after the decision at the highest level are obviously speaking out of turn, he said and added that it was satisfying that some areas had been vacated by the forces recently.