Gigrial, on line of Control, Jan 16, 2007. The Army has agreed to
the de-mining of border areas and purchase the land occupied by it in
Jammu and Kashmir, and will pay the rent to the landowners from the
date of occupation, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad informed here
this evening.
Addressing a public rally at this bordering village in Akhnoor
tehsil, he said the army authorities in a meeting with the top
administrative official at Kachrial gate army base had agreed on
three points whereby the army will clear all the landmines from the
fields at border areas where agricultural activities are possible.
”De-mining operation of the feasible border land in Khour border
area would be completed in about 20 days. I will myself lead the
farmers to launch agriculture operation very soon.” Mr Azad said.
The Chief Minister said the army also have agreed to purchase
the occupied fields from the land owners and now the those farmers
whose land was occupied by army could get compensation.
About the third point, he said the army would also pay the rent
of the land to their owners from the date of its occupation and
mining. ”wherever de-mining is not possible rent and, if required,
compensation to the farmers would be paid,” he added.
The government had started free-ration for border people during
tensions at the borders, as they were deprived of farming due to the
shelling from pakistan as well as mining in their fields.
The Chief Minister said the state government had decided to stop
providing free ration to the border residents who have been getting
free ration during tensions at the borders, as they were deprived of
farming due to the shelling from Pakistani as well as mining in
their fields.
The state government will now provide all agricultural assistance
to the farmers, the Chief Minister said adding that the farmers
would be provided free fertilisers and seeds to restart cultivation
in their fields.
The Chief Minister mentioned Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee s
visit to Pakistan and his interaction with Pak leaders in which many
positive developments with regard to strengthening of confidence
building measures are sure to emerge by the continuation of dialogue
process between the two nations.
Mr Azad said in next two to three months many meetings between
the leadership of two countries have been scheduled, which he
declared a most significant development in the peace process.
”The people living in border areas are directly affected by the
tension at the borders where every activity gets marred by such
tensions,” the Chief Minister said.
