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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Indian PM orders troop reduction in Kashmir |
| 2004-11-12 |
| NEW DELHI - India's prime minister has ordered a reduction in troops in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir this winter, citing a decline in separatist violence in the disputed Himalayan territory. Rival Pakistan said the move would help ease tensions in the territory, divided between the South Asian neighbors but claimed by both in its entirety. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that in "recognition of the improvement in the situation," the forces would be withdrawn starting this winter and ending in March, though he did not disclose how many troops would be cut. "We cannot, however, afford to relax our vigil," Singh said in a statement Thursday. "If the levels of infiltration and terrorist violence increase, more troops as necessary will be redeployed." Brahma Chellaney, a New Delhi-based defense analyst, said the real test would come when the snow melts next year, making it easy for militants to cross-mountain passes. "In recent weeks there has been some drop in infiltration," he said. "But we do not know if this is because of the difficult climate conditions or a result of Pakistan's action against terror groups." |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 AAHh Shucks...Maybe next year India and Pakistan can nuke each other over the lush garden like land of Kashmir! |
| Posted by: smn 2004-11-12 1:11:18 AM |