NEW DELHI, Oct 16:
Jammu and Kashmir Government’s reluctance to re-notify at least 10 field firing ranges has apparently stymied the Indian Army’s training plans for its soldiers, who are deployed there in large numbers to counter both terrorism and threat emanating from Pakistan.
The issue came up for discussion in the Army Commanders’ conference, which concluded here today.
“Top commanders expressed concern over the ever reducing number of firing ranges and the issue was discussed at length in the meeting,” Army sources said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s opposition to re-notify Army ranges was noted with serious concern.
There were 12 firing ranges in J&K, which need to be ratified by the State Government after every five years.
With local politics in mind and greedy eyes of land developers, the State Government is under tremendous pressure not to give its nod for re-notification of these ranges, the sources said.
In all, the Army has 51 field firing ranges across the country, out of which 12 are in J&K and the notification period of 10 is expiring over the next 12 months.
Army has two kinds of firing ranges – one operated directly by it and the other notified, where the forces move in and ask the local population to move out of the area.
Acquired ranges are directly in control of the Army.
Notified ranges are located around the border areas of Army deployments, where it becomes extremely critical to have firing ranges in close vicinity of deployment.
“Re-notification is a difficult and lengthy process, with States required to take clearances from the Union Environment and Forests ministry for use of forest land for non-forest activities,” the sources said. (UNI)
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