Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 12: The Army today said it was willing to look for alternative firing sites in Jammu and Kashmir as the state government proposed constitution of a high-level committee to re-examine short-term extension of firing ranges.
"Though we have shifted our firing points to meet needs of the local people, we are willing to look for alternative sites if offered," said General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra.
The Army Commander was speaking at the Civil-Military Liaison Conference, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at Nagrota on the outskirts of the city.
"Most of the field firing ranges, required for operational capability building for troops, are due for notification," Lt Gen Chachra said.
The Chief Minister said "we recognise and appreciate Army's operational, training and strategic requirements."
"We have conveyed a proposal to set up a high-level committee, including Army and government representatives, to re-examine short-term extension of the firing ranges while considering alternative locations," he said.
The Lt Gen said he had ordered a comprehensive audit of Army's land holdings and requirements in the entire state with a view to retaining only essentially-required land. In the process, a total of 12 buildings had recently been vacated by the Army and another eight would be vacated very shortly, he said.
The Chief Minister appreciated and commended the role of the Army in protecting the country and safeguarding the people from external and internal threats.
He emphasised the need for further strengthening the civil-military liaison to address the issues concerning them speedily and amicably.
Omar constituted a committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, to look into various land related cases.
In case of Tosha Maidain firing range, it was decided a committee will look into all aspects of the matter and suggest various options.
The Army Commander said "the volatile internal security in the state has been effectively controlled due to pro-active and concerted efforts of security forces and the civil administration."
He said the army would be happy to assist the state administration in fields of education, health and sanitation.
"Our future social projects have been re-oriented to look at small-scale schemes to meet aspirations of the people residing around our bases," he said. |
