SRINAGAR: After a public outcry and swift action by Jammu and Kashmir government, work along the Line of Control at Keran village in North Kashmir resumed today, a day after it was stopped following Pakistan’s objections.
Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara Itrat Hussain Rafiqi, who had deputed senior officials at the spot, told PTI that the work resumed from 10 AM after it was conveyed to Pakistani troops that the construction was meant for civilian use and had nothing to do with any defence establishment.
“People from the village gathered at a triburtary of Kishen Ganga and argued with Pakistani troops that the work had nothing to with army and was meant only for people of the village,” he said.
The Pakistani troops had said that they would get back by 9 AM today. “However, since there was no word, the district administration immediately moved in trucks carrying material and other things and resumed work for children’s park and a playground separately from 10 AM,” Rafiqi said, adding there was no further objection by Pakistani troops.
Pakistan had yesterday forced India to stop the work in this village claiming the construction was in violation of a treaty signed between the two countries of not undertaking any construction activities within 150 metres of the Line of Control (LoC).
Pakistani troops had used loud speakers last evening from their side asking officials of Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately stop work near the LoC.
The state government was developing a children’s park and improving facilities of a school in the area under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP).
Keran was adopted as a model village under the BADP and Rs 2.45 crore was earmarked for improving the facilities at a village which includes setting up of a community centre, creating sheds, laboratory for a school and improving road facility.
The construction work was resumed this afternoon following resolution of the dispute at local level, police sources said.
They said the local sarpanch, panchs and some state government officials had visited the ‘Zero Line’ in an attempt to explain the matter to local Pakistan authorities who were present on the other side of the river.
However, the Pakistan army officials refused to budge and told the Indian officials and panchayat members to ask higher authorities to take up the matter with their counterparts on Pakistani side, the sources said. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel