According to a release issued by PDP, Mehbooba said, "I am sure the measures like systematic reduction of troops and revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act would be the most appropriate response to the changing situation in the state."

Mehbooba, who has been holding a series of meetings with Congress leaders, emphasised that without "...giving in to the hawkish and obstructionist rhetorics, the UPA government must consider her party's proposals on merits to rebuild and consolidate the public confidence in the democratic process and institutions."

"There is a compelling need to initiate some more bold and people-friendly measures to consolidate these gains," Mehbooba said, adding the country and its leadership must carry out the proposed measures of reduction of troops and revocation of Armned Forces Special Act at the earliest.

While there was no official word from Congress, sources in the party said the PDP chief had been conveyed in clear terms to help smooth functioning of Chief Minster Ghulam Nabi Azad's government.

The Congress dismissed PDP's demand as a political gimmick aimed at consolidating its image.