news details |
|
|
| While NC plays politics over Tosa Maidan, Congress assumes silence of convenience | | | Abodh Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 25: Succumbing to the compulsions of vote bank politics, ruling National Conference has joined separatists' chorus against extending the lease of Tosa Maidan Artillery firing range to Army and interestingly, its pre poll ally Congress has assumed a stoic silence on the issue.
Though the voices of dissent against the Tosa Maidan firing range have been raised from time to time, but they have been led by those fostering separatist and anti national ideology. The din however has been raised with the ruling National Conference joining these voices for political considerations.
Nasir Aslam Wani, National Conference Provincial President recently reiterated party's support to the demand for the closure of the Tosa Maidan firing range and opposes any extension of the land lease to the security forces. Wani also said that National Conference not only endorsed the demand for the closure of the artillery range but also demanded that entire area be sanitized to prevent any accidental harm to life and property.
While NC is making political purchases over Tosa Maidan, Congress leadership has assumed silence over the issue of vital national interest and there has been no statement from Congress leadership. When contacted, PCC spokesman and MLC Ravinder Sharma said that the party is yet to decide on its stand on the issue and after consultation with the PCC President, a statement in this regard shall be issued. Meanwhile, the NC leadership from Jammu has chosen to stand by the party's stand to deny an extension to the Tosa Maidan lease in favour of the Army. "If the party and Omar Sahib have taken a call on the issue, we shall stand by it" said former Minister and MLA Vijaypur S S Slathia.
Spread over around 3000 kanals, the Tosa Maidan meadow was taken by Army on lease for the purpose of conducting artillery drills in the area. Sources said army has approached State Government to extend the lease as it has made a permanent base in the alpine meadow.
The 50-year lease of Tosa Maidan meadow in Budgam district is due to end April 18. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
