Reports say that Kashmir will see a withdrawal of the Indian Army
On 5th August 2019, the government decided to nullify Articles 370 and 35(A), both of which had given a special status to Jammu & Kashmir. The abrogation of this article had met with a mixed response- some were in favour of it, and many believed it to be against the promise made to the state. Large-scale protests were seen nationwide in favor of restoring the article. At this time, additional troops were deployed to help with the transition and maintain peace in the area.
Matters related to Article 370 and petitions challenging its abrogation remain pending in the Supreme Court. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said he “will take a call on it”.
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Phased Withdrawal of the Army
After removing Article 370, it has been said that the law-and-order issues have been much better in Kashmir, and incidences of violence and stone pelting have decreased. This makes the stationing of the Army in Kashmir unnecessary. Hence, the government wants to withdraw the troops from the Valley; however, they will remain at the Line of Control (LoC).
The report quotes another officer who says that as they do not want to leave a vacuum with the withdrawal of the Army, the J&K Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will fill the gap.
The report stated that the phased withdrawal of the Army would follow the steps observed in the 2000s when the BSF was withdrawn.
Rashtriya Rifles, the counter-insurgency force formed in 1990 for the J&K region, is expected to be removed in three phases and replaced by the CRPF.
As mentioned in the report, there could also be resizing of the existing troops instead of a blanket removal. The size of the battalions and sector headquarters will be reduced to lower the number of troopers in the Valley.
An official word from the Government is awaited for the final decision on the withdrawal.
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