Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) chief minister Omar Abdullah will discuss in detail the roadmap for resolution of the Kashmir issue when he meets Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The two are also expected to discuss ways to deal with the Bharatiya Janata Party's plans to hoist the Tricolour at Srinagar's Lal Chowk on Republic Day, which Abdullah fears could cause serious trouble in the Valley.
But the reduction of troops and withdrawal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be the prime focus of the meeting, sources told Hindustan Times. AFSPA gives the security personnel immunity from prosecution against civilian killings, among other features.
"Steps to maintain peace in the Valley and the calendar of things to happen will be discussed at tomorrow's (Wednesday's) meeting," the sources said.
Union home secretary GK Pillai's recent statement that the Centre was considering cutting down paramilitary troops in the state by 25% following an improvement in ground situation, has generated a positive buzz in the state.
On Sunday, the chief minister chaired a unified headquarters meeting in Jammu to review the security situation in the state. Abdullah held detailed discussions with senior officers of the police, security agencies and the Army.
{{/usCountry}}On Sunday, the chief minister chaired a unified headquarters meeting in Jammu to review the security situation in the state. Abdullah held detailed discussions with senior officers of the police, security agencies and the Army.
{{/usCountry}}"We have to move on a clear roadmap, in which there would be greater transparency, greater accountability and acceptability and a greater role of the J&K police," Abdullah had told HT recently.
Pillai's statement has been met with apprehension by some quarters, particularly the Army. Army chief general VK Singh said they did not feel the situation in the state permitted reducing the forces' presence.