New Delhi: Indian government is planning to withdraw 10,000 paramilitary troops from Kashmir in 2011, an Indian daily reported on Sunday.
The plan is part of efforts to hold talks with Kashmiri militants in the disputed territory.
more than 114 people were killed by the Indian forces during street protests last year.
“I think this year we can easily take out 10 battalions (10,000 personnel), if not more,” Indian Home Secretary Gopal Pillai told the state own news agency.
“Irrespective of the situation, I can take out 10 battalions and it would not have any impact.”
There are currently 70,000 paramilitary troops in Indian Kashmir plus 100,000-150,000 army soldiers.
Many state politicians in Kashmir believe their huge presence has fuelled recent deadly violence.
“There are more than adequate forces in Kashmir and it can do with less central forces,” Pillai, the home ministry’s top civil servant, said.
“You have to start talking to other people and get fresh ideas so I think we have to reach out to the people of Kashmir.”
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