Why did not the NC-Congress coalition give nod to the extension of the lease of firing ranges in two places in the State, namely Tos Maidan in Budgam district and Kaleeth in Kathua district? Practice till date was that extension was given in routine. But what happened that the coalition denied it and thus created difficulties for the army. Did that Government find it a subtle way along with other measures to discourage deployment of army in the State and reduce its activities? It remains a mystery. Why did Congress succumb to the pressures of NC while it was in power in the Centre? This appears a very ludicrous and complicated matter.
The army has to conduct uninterrupted training of combats. Firing is the preliminary and most essential training to be given to a soldier. Firing ranges are usually off the road and inhabited places. The lease for which the above mentioned two firing ranges expired cannot be used by the army any more. The only alternative left is that army should dispatch jawans and guns to the firing ranges in Rajasthan to give them training and keep them in battle readiness. But that takes long time in transportation. Besides that it also means absence of combat personnel from the scene of operation in J&K meaning LoC and IB. In given conditions, that is not desirable at all. We cannot lower guard on our borders when we know that the enemy seeks even the smallest chance to push its agenda.
This is a serious matter which the Defence Ministry should immediately broach with the Governor. It is closely related to our security arrangements with far reaching consequences. We are confident that the new Government will realize the negative impact of closing down the firing range in the state and forcing the Defence Ministry of taking the risk of agreeing to long absence of our gunners from the scene of operation. Refusing to extend lease of two firing ranges is very inconvenient decision of the State Government and should be revoked.
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