Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Jan 2: Army today said that revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that gives special powers for the force to tackle militancy, can’t come in their way to fulfill the role of providing secure environment in Kashmir.
When asked about demand for revocation of AFSPA from the State, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt General Subrata Saha, said that Army will provide secure environment under all circumstances. “Army’s role is to provide secure environment and that we will continue to do under all circumstances”, he said.
The GOC who was speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of a function on disaster preparedness at Wazur in South Kashmir, said that Army is ready to deal with border tension, ceasefire violations and infiltration.”Just like we ready for the disaster, we are ready for any kind of challenge on the borders”, he added.
Lt General Saha said that Army will effectively deal with the militancy and Fidayeen attacks in Kashmir. “Our job is to provide a secure environment and we will provide it at any cost”, he added.
The GOC said that Army will respond to any cross Line of Control (LoC) infiltration irrespective of the number of infiltrators. “There are 160-170 militants waiting for the cross over and irrespective of the numbers we are ready to respond to that”, he added.
Lt General Saha said that Army has brought the avalanche rescue teams from the LoC and have set up helipads at various places to rescue people during any snow related disaster. “Helipads have been set up at various places. We are conducting helicopter trails soon. The avalanche rescue teams are also ready. We have brought them from LoC and they will prepare more teams here”, he added.
The GOC said that Army along with district administration have made elaborate arrangements to tackle any disaster in South Kashmir. “There are elaborate arrangements. Relief centres and medical centres are being set up; firewood, gas cylinders and ration has been kept ready for any disaster”, he added.
Lt General Saha said that series of meeting were conducted over the period of time for disaster preparedness. “This is the third meeting of the disaster management in the district. First there were sector level and now we are giving final touches to the disaster preparedness. We conducted meeting with the district administrations, Border Roads Organization, RR units and CRPF battalions operating in the area for the disaster preparedness”, he added.
The GOC said that there is coordination between various agencies and the district administration for tackling the disaster. “There is coordination between various security agencies and district administration on the same pattern as was during the elections”, he added.
A Defence spokesman said here that high level delegates of Army and Civil administration met together on a coordinating conference at Army cantonment at Wuzur to assess the preparedness for disaster management in winter months in South Kashmir.
“The area being avalanches prone, both Army and Civil administration discussed utilization of resources so as to ensure synchronized application of efforts of both the bodies in any possible disaster due to avalanches in winter months”, the spokesman said.
The spokesman said that presiding over the conference, Lt Gen Subrata Saha, emphasized on the need for joint efforts of both Army and civil machinery. “The coordinating conference was also attended by DC Anantnag, Kulgam, DIG (SKR) and SSPs of Anantnag, Kulgam. GOC, Victor Force, Commander, 2 Sector and Commanding Officer, 9 RR were also present in the conference. Paramilitary forces were represented by Comdt 24 Bn CRPF and 163 Bn CRPF. Officials of Beacon, responsible for snow clearance were also present”, he said.
The spokesman said that the efforts of Army and Civil administrations will go a long way in rescue and relief in any disaster situation. “Given the regular tendency of avalanches in this part of the State, the effort will be a Welcome step for the inhabitants and tourists”, he added.
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