The demand for the withdrawal of army from Kashmir valley is strong. The People Democratic Party chief Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is leading the group which strongly opposes the presence uniformed men with guns. The argument advocated for the cause is that there is quite a good improvement in the law and order of the state, so there is no need for the continued big batallions.

On the other side there is a big opposition to the army withdrawal from some quarters. The chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad sings opposite tunes to PDP which is an alliance partner in the state government. Recently he had submitted a proposal to raise 51 batallions of state police. He wants to reduce the PDP to small status. that's why he is admant to adopt different approach from his coalition partner. Despite being a senior leader of the pan Indian party, Azad sounded kiddish in his remarks. In reply to Mehbooba Mufti's demand to withdraw army from the valley, Azad said "First let them say no to their security then we will withdraw". It has become customary for the Congress leaders to take the supporting partners for a ride. It happened in Karnataka with Janata Dal (S), in Maharastra with NCP and in many other states. It is very clear that the Congress party has not yet learnt lessons to live in a coalition era. Just to say opposite to what PDP demanded Azad puts his foot. In Delhi he said that it is important to give job to the Kashmirs in police. So we will raise 51 batallions and then allow army to withdraw.

The Prime Minister too clearly stated that the time has not yet come for the complete withdrawal or troop reduction in the terrorist troubled valley. He had directed the J&K chief minister to work out the modalities with the home ministry. It will cost the state exchequer huge amount but will provide employment to 60,000 youth.

What is the reality in the state? Although the situation is better than the recent past in violent activities and killings there is a constant threat from the millitants to cross over from the PoK. If the vigillance is lowered then it will lead to massive massacres. The past experiences in the state and erstwhile shows that unless terrorists are completely uprooted the presence of troops is required. The setback in Assam, Andra Pradesh and the other problematic spots of the country after the troop reduction is a powerful reminder to keep up the vigil. The millitants want cease fire to consolidate their power. After the bulldozing of the army and police, millitants feel demoralised and cut off from the power of terrorism. Every government is keen to bring out peace. In this enthusiasm they loudly proclaim cease fire. This is taken advantage by the millitants.

Why people are afraid of the army? After all it is a prime national institutional body which is meant to protect the lives of innocent people and every other citizen of the country. This is a million dollar question. primarily the army is considered to be an alien body which is full of predators. The involvement of army men in rape, killings and law breaking activities constantly tell the people of Kashmir that there is no peace unless they vacate the state.

If the army men are devoid of anti-people attitude then the public in the Kashmir valley or elsewhere in the country will invite them to stay forever. Given the poor track record of insenstivity of the some of the army members there is no good feeling for them. Now it is upto the army to redeem its image and infuse confidence among the commoners. Till then the army will be considered as a poisonous repetile crawling in the vicinity.