Mirwaiz says troop withdrawal essential for continuing talks with Centre

All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference chief Mirwaiz Umer Farooq today called for pullout of troops from Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is an essential part to carry forward its talks with the Centre.

Srinagar, June 5 : All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference chief Mirwaiz Umer Farooq today called for pullout of troops from Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is an essential part to carry forward its talks with the Centre.

"We have always believed in carrying forward the talks and demilitarisation is an essential part of the whole process," he added.

Commenting on the External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee dismissal of Pakistan's charge that India had heavily militarised the strife-torn region, Mirwaiz said: "We feel that his statement is far from the truth that there is no need for demilitarisation in Kashmir as there is no militarisation."

"I think it is away from the truth because the truth is that Kashmir is one of the most heavily militarised regions of the world. The security forces are not here for pleasure trip and their approach is very clear," he added.

Mirwaiz said the separatists would not participate in elections till their demands were met with.

"Till the issue of Kashmir is resolved, it is not possible for us to leave our cause and get associated with something which does not yield results," he said.

ANI