Army needs land for operational and training needs
Srinagar:
The snow-capped peaks of Gulmarg and Sonmarg, long visited by tourists, can now see more army presence. The government has allotted 129 acres of land in India’s finest skiing destination Gulmarg and 44 acres in Sonmarg to the Army for operational and training requirements.
The decision, which has given rise to concern, has been taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory government, which has notified the land as “strategic areas” following a request by the Army to use it for military purposes.
The two regions have remained largely free of conflict. The Army already has a presence in both the places, where it is running the High Altitude Warfare School.
In 2020, the government amended rules in Jammu and Kashmir, authorizing the administration to notify “strategic areas” for use by the armed forces, and to regulate construction through a special arrangement.
Accordingly, an order was issued by the J&K Tourism Department notifying the land in Gulmarg and Sonmarg as “strategic areas” and allotting the bulk of the land to the Army. The department asked the army to comply with environmental laws and prevent any danger.
“The Corp Commander shall ensure strict compliance of environmental laws to prevent any environmental hazard,” said an order issued by the Secretary, Department of Tourism.
“The Corp Commander shall ensure that no other law in force in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is in violation,” the order said.
Political parties criticized the decision, saying it was going to further militarize the picturesque region and demanded a review.
Imran said, “This land acquisition by the security forces will inevitably create a war zone-like atmosphere in the region. Now that they have occupied around 1,300 kanals of land in Gulmarg and Sonmarg, it is extremely sad that our forces are at key locations.” is captured.” Nabi Dar, Spokesperson, National Conference.
The PDP has alleged that the transfer of land in tourist places to the Army is an attempt by the government to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a military cantonment. PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan said the government should notify the land instead of increasing the security footprint for the return of migrant Pandits.
Mr. Bhan said, “What is the need of the hour? It is to make this place civilian instead of bribing the army at the footsteps of the people. The irony is that Kashmiri Pandits have been waiting for the last 32 years to return, but they have been given land. Didn’t get it.”
Given the huge presence in Kashmir, where the army needs land for operational and training needs, tourism enthusiasts are questioning why land has been allotted for military purposes in the two major tourist destinations.
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