Indian troops leave Kashmir facilities

NEW DELHI, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Indian Army is no longer using schools and hospitals in Kashmir to quarter its soldiers in a move that is being called largely symbolic.

Politicians in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir said the presence of the troops was interfering with education and health services for residents, Voice of American reported Monday.

VOA says the redeployment was originally scheduled for the end of this month but was moved up and already has been completed.

The troops have been moved to army camps around the region.

Indian troops in Kashmir include paramilitary forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force and the Border Security Force.

A panel studying troop deployment in the region has submitted a report to New Delhi but the army says there will be no reduction of troops for the time being.

Located on the northern tip of the border between India and Pakistan, Kashmir is claimed by both nations and divided between them.