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Omar misleading people over safety of Tosamaidan 6/4/2016 12:07:44 AM Early Times Report Budgam, June 3: Omar Abdullah is trying to mislead the people of state particularly of his constituency in Beerwah by questioning the Government about Tosamaidan being a safe place for tourists , as he apprehends presence of live shells in the area; But the reality is that on 22nd October 2014 Omar Abdullah had himself paid a visit to Tosamaidan along with GOC of 15 Corps when the Operation Falah concluded at Tosamaidan. Details available with Early Times reveal that from August 1 2014 to 22nd October 2014, Army had undertaken Operation Falah which was meant for clearing Tosamaidan from live shells. According to reports more than 2000 live shells were destroyed by the army during that campaign and Omar Abdullah had visited during the concluding day of the campaign. Pertinent to mention that on Thursday Government informed the Legislative Assembly that Army has demined Tosamaidan in central Kashmir's Budgam district, which was officially opened as new tourist destination last week, after Omar Abdullah former CM raised his concern about safety of tourists visiting the meadow. "If the Government is not sure about demining of the Tosamaidan then why are you putting lives of people in danger by holding tourism festivals there," said Omar referring to the recent visit of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to the meadow where she was informed by officials that Army was yet to provide clearance to State for using the meadow for tourism purpose. "The Chief Minister recently visited the Tosamaidan and raised apprehensions that the Army hasn't completely demined the meadow. We want assurance from the Government on the demining," said Omar. Responding to the queries, Minister for Education NaeemAkther said: "The Army has informed us that 65 sq kilometers of Tosamaidan has been completely demined and is safe for tourism activity." Akther was speaking on behalf of Chief Minister who also holds Tourism portfolio. "We are conscious about this and it is only after ascertaining that the area is safe and secure, our Government has opened it for tourists," said Akther. A vast meadow, Tosamaidan, which witnessed at least 60 deaths in the past due to littered shells, was used as field firing range by Army for 50 years before vacating it in 2014. Of the 11200 hectares of land at Tosamaidan that were used by the forces for firing range, 1809 hectares were the 'actual impact area' while the remaining 9390 hectares were 'safety zone.'   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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