Signalling a commitment to taking the peace process forward with Pakistan and sending a significant goodwill message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir a week before he goes to Srinagar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced the reduction in the ‘‘deployment of troops this winter’’ in the state.

Although no details of the cut—by how much or from where—were announced, the wording of the statement underlines the acknowledgment of popular will. For, the decision to cut troops is attributed to the ‘‘improvement in the situation in the state,’’ which, in turn, is the result of ‘‘effective counter-infiltration measures and mobilising the support of the people in the war against terrorism,’’ the statement said.

Last year, on October 22—also on the eve of Diwali—India had proposed 12 ‘‘conventional’’ CBMs that included: talks on air and rail links to resumption of sporting links, the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus and the Khokrapar-Munabao rail link.

Today’s decision, ratified by the Cabinet Committee on Security this evening, comes at a time when the mood in the Valley has soured—angry protests have rocked the state over the alleged rape of a woman by an Army major. And the moderate Hurriyat finds itself marginalised following a deadlock in its dialogue with the Centre and a recent put-down by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

‘‘This the improvement in the situation is reflected in the increased tempo of economic activity, continuing increase in tourist arrivals and a general sense of security among the people,’’ said the statement, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs quoting the Prime Minister.

However, Singh made it clear that the reduction would be kept under constant review and ‘‘if levels of infiltration and terrorist violence increase, more troops as necessary will be redeployed.’’

Pak PM Shaukat Aziz welcomes announcement. He’s expected in New Delhi on November 23
Pak Foreign Office: It’s a wise decision… we think decision on Id eve will have a salutary impact in Kashmir
It will definitely make the atmosphere of the Valley conducive
We will closely monitor in coming days, weeks the physical manifestation of troop reduction

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

Sources said that the reduction, which was being discussed for more than a month, was announced following a dip in infiltration.

Last November, India had announced a ceasefire along the LoC which was immediately matched by Islamabad.

When contacted, ex-Army chief General V P Malik said: ‘‘I think the PM is justified in this decision, since the cut would be all right operationally, and there would be significant political gains. From the military point of view, in winter, infiltration is lower because of climate and terrain. It is possible to reduce troops at this time. On the political side, it will make the people of Kashmir happier, so why not. There will be no adverse effect operationally. And there are all gains on the political side, so I think it is a good step.’’