India cuts Kashmir troops

Singh's decision was promptly welcomed by Pakistan as well as the moderate separatists and mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir even though the Indian Prime Minister made no mention of its linkage with the ongoing peace process with Islamabad.

Announcing his decision to cut the number of troops deployed in the state, Singh said in a statement issued Thursday night that there was visible improvement in the situation and attributed it to "effective counter-infiltration measures and mobilising the support of the people in the war against terrorism."

"During the past several months, the Indian army and other security forces deployed in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have achieved success in bringing about an improvement in the security situation in the state," he said.

"This is reflected in the increasing tempo of economic activity, continuing increase in tourist arrivals and a general sense of security among the people," he added.

The Prime Minister, however, made it clear that the decision to cut troops deployment could be reviewed if "levels of infiltration and terrorist violence increase there and more troops will be redeployed."

"We cannot, however, afford to relax our vigil. We are aware that infiltration attempts from across the border and the Line of Control continue and the infrastructure of terrorism in the shape of training camps and launching bases remain intact," he said.

Last November, India had announced ceasefire along the Line of Control, which divides India and Pakistan, which was immediately reciprocated by Pakistan.

Officials here said the decision on reduction in troop deployment in the state is apparently linked to the assessment that infiltration level is normally lower in the winter when heavy snowfall covers all mountain passes between India and Pakistan and hamper free movement of infiltrators.

The announcement about cut in the number of troops in Jammu and Kashmir comes at a time when the mood in Kashmir valley is somewhat sour following allegations of the rape of a woman and her daughter by an army officer who was put under suspension by the Army.