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Centre wants assurance from Mufti
that terror won't rise

The Centre wants Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed to give an assurance that its olive branch to the militants would not result in an upsurge in violence in the state.

"J&K Governor Girish Chandra Saxena, during his meeting [on Tuesday] with Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, was told that the Centre wants some kind of assurance that the chief minister's proposal to hold talks with militants will not give a fillip to militancy," a top government official told rediff.com

He said the Centre also wanted the Mufti to clarify how he would tackle militancy, since he had decided to withdraw the Prevention of Terrorism Act from the state.

"His government's common minimum programme says that the application of POTA in J&K will not be required because normal laws abound to tackle militancy. But the Centre cannot be an idle spectator when doubts persist," he pointed out.

"It has talked about dismantling and relocating the Special Operations Group. Army commanders [deployed in J&K] have highlighted the SOG's utility in countering the terrorists because of the exclusive nature of the intelligence they receive. If the J&K government dismantles SOG then so be it, but there has to be an alternative arrangement," he contended.

He indicated that Advani had queried the governor on these vital aspects of national security and the latter had assured him that the Mufti and his government were aware of their responsibilities.

He said Advani indicated the Centre's willingness to extend full cooperation to the state government.

Asked why the meeting was held, he said: "It was basically a courtesy call. But developments across the border have caused some concern. Our information is that Taliban cadres are regrouping in Pakistan. They are likely to create trouble in J&K."

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