No troop reduction in Jammu and Kashmir: Army

Observing that security situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir, Army on Saturday said that there was no move to reduce the number of troops deployed in the state as it might lead to problems for security forces engaged in counter terrorist operations for over two decades.

"No, there is no such proposal... We have to carry on the pressure on terrorists. If you let anything loose, then we may have problems," a senior Army official said when asked if there was any proposal for 'thinning' troop presence in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the improved security situation there.

They said the situation has improved considerably in the state but it had not reached a situation where such a move can be made by the government.

In the last one year, there has not been much of violence in the state and terrorist-related incidents have gone down considerably.

Sources said "anti-peace" elements were still active in the Valley and constant vigil has to be maintained there to continue the present atmosphere.

The Army's stand on the issue comes against the backdrop of demands by various groups to remove the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain parts of the state in view of the improved security scenario there.

The Army has been opposing any such move saying a similar step in Manipur, where the Imphal valley was de-notified from the AFSPA, has resulted in creation of safe pockets for terrorists.