Jammu: Continuing with the de-induction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir, Army today (Nov 20, 2004) moved out the second column of its 3000 personnel from the forward Defence locations along the Line of Control in Rajouri sector.

Over 3000 troops (around two and a half battalion) were withdrawn from the forward Defence locations along the Line of Control in Sunderbani sub- sector of Rajouri district this afternoon, Defence sources said.

Spotlight: Kashmir is NOT negotiable

"This is the first ever troop reduction from Indo-Pak border and second from Jammu and Kashmir," the sources said adding that first withdrawal was done in Anantnag district of South Kashmir during the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to valley on November 17.

The troops left in a convoy of buses around the afternoon from forward area camp at Sunderbani to Punjab sector, they said.

They said the same number of nearly 3000 troops will be de-inducted from Jammu region in the third phase of drawing down in Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow (Nov 21, 2004), they said.

De-induction of formations will be carried out from B D Bari transit camp in Jammu around 0900 hours tomorrow, they said.