Army may be withdrawn from Valley’s rural areas

SRINAGAR — The Government of India is discussing a proposal to withdraw the Indian Army completely, in a phased manner, from the Valley hinterland.

Reports said that before or shortly after the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army may be withdrawn from rural and remote areas of Kashmir Valley.

There are currently scores of Army camps in rural areas of Kashmir. Reports added that the proposal of withdrawing the Army from the hinterland has been analyzed and it needs the Government of India’s nod only.

If approved, the Army will have a presence only on the Line of Control (LoC).

Reports said that it is also proposed that the CRPF would fill in to meet the challenges of both law and order and counter-militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir.