Srinagar, Sept 10: Strong resentment is brewing among the residents of Hardshiva in Sopur town where Army has acquired land to set a camp to counter militancy.

 Reports and officials told Press Bureau of India that Army has acquired at least 18 kanals of land from the state government in Pazalpora locality of Hardshiva area of the apple town to establish a camp for its troops posted in the volatile North Kashmir town. 

 The camp, reports and eyewitnesses said was being established to counter militancy in the town.

 Senior Army officials identified the land and got it demarcated by the concerned Patwari last week. 

 After demarcation, Army erected scores of poles on the land.

 Government primary school and high school and an Eidgah already exist on the hundreds of kanals of grazing land, a portion of which Army has acquired from the government. The Eidgah, locals said serve as prayer grounds for thousands of residents of Dooru, Sempora, Macchipora, Mundji, Takia Khan Mohammad, Cherhaar, Kawal, Umran and adjoining villages.

 Army’s move to set up a camp, eyewitnesses said has created ripples in Hardshiva and its adjoining villages. 

 The local Auqaf committees of the Hardshiva and its adjoining villages have expressed serious concern over government’s nod to the Army to set up a camp in the area.

 “We will lay down our lives but will not allow Army to set up a camp. We have grown up girls. Will they be safe, if Army comes to the village,” an Auqaf member, who attended the meet told PBI on anonymity.

  “Army officials visited the village frequently. We thought it was routine patrolling. However, last week they came and demarcated a piece of land. They also erected poles and flags on the land,” Abdur Rashid, a local said.

 “The occupation of land by the Army has triggered panic in Hardshura and its adjoining villages. Yesterday, thousands of people staged demonstrations at Eidgah. Angry youth uprooted the flags and poles from the land,” he added

  “Yes, some land is being provided to Army for setting up a camp. The camp will help to counter growing militancy in the town,” a senior civil official wishing not to be named told Press Bureau of India.

 Pertinently, veteran pro-freedom leader and Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani last year launched a campaign to protest occupation of land by forces and complete troop withdrawal from Kashmir. 

 Geelani, who kick started his campaign from South Kashmir’s Shopian district claims around 2761140 kanals of land were under the occupation of forces.

(PBI)

Lastupdate on : Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 11 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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