Srinagar, Feb 20 : National Conference president and Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah on Monday said it was the government’s decision to reduce or increase the footprints of the Army in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah was reacting to a report that suggested that the Narendra Modi government was considering a phased withdrawal of the Indian Army from Kashmir’s hinterland. The Indian Express reported that the Union government is considering a plan to withdraw the Army from the Kashmir hinterland in a phased manner and replace it with CRPF personnel. “Reducing footprints (of Army) is a prerogative of the government. How much they will reduce or increase is purely their decision,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar. On the reports that the J & K government has halted the demolition drive, Abdullah said it happened due to the pressure of the people.

“If people had not made noise, they would have intensified the drive. People should remember when they are united their voice has the power to shake the government,” the former chief minister said.