Arun Trisal
Early Time Report
Kathua, Apr 9 : The people of Kathua have sought advance compensation for land sought by the army for firing exercises.
The people put forth the demand in a meeting attended by army officers and officials from the from district administration.
A meeting was held by Army officers, officials of Tehsil & District, rural bodies and inhabitants of Panchayat Surara & Saida where Amry sought venue for firing exercise but inhabitants demanded previous compensation.
It is pertinent to mention here that about 22 years ago in 1992, the army established an artillery firing range for conducting exercise and practice of small, medium and heavy artillery guns firing from various points having zero Km distance between installation of guns and falling of shells in three dozen villages of Tehsil Hiranagar and Tehsil samba.
Army withdrew the firing exercise in 2008 but wants to use the venue again. The inhabitants of villages demand compensation for previous losses where 137 villagers died accidentally, 348 houses were damaged, hundreds of families migrated from their native places.
The irony is that no-payment or compensation is given to anybody for any damage during that period notwithstanding tall promises from the army. RR Kumar, Brigadier who chaired the meeting, expressed concern over non-payment of compensation for previous losses. While ensuring the villagers and rural bodies a fair deal, the Brigadier said he would take up the matter with the army chief and Ministry of Defence. He said different army units usually attend 5 day firing exercise in Rajasthan that takes 6 to 7 weeks and huge amount is also spent to train the soldiers.
He said wastage of time and money can be lessened if people allow Army to use the venue within the state. He said it would be beneficial for security purposes too where army can neutralize terror attack as well.
Ch Sat Paul and Kant Kumar both Sarpanchs, said the people of Saurara, Ratwana, Said, West Chilk, East Chilk, Kettle, Koota, Balthar, Nonath & Jatwal, strongly condemn such firing range in the area as there are total 10 firing range in state but army again wants to do it in Kathua range which would not be tolerated.
They said army should exercise at other ranges and can use venue in turn for decided 15 years. The villagers demanded rehabilitation for migrated villagers, compensation for losses before choosing the venue for firing exercise.
DDC Kathua Dr Shaheed Iqbal assured appropriate compensation for their losses, urged army officers to proceed with the case to Army Chief and Ministry of defence. He advised people to frame a committee that will regularly discuss the matter with administration and army officers.
The people have decided that shift this firing range to an appropriate place and arrange the payment/ compensation of all sorts of damage caused by the firing exercise since 1992. |
