Kashmir border villagers worried over troops' redeployment

Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir), March 19 : Residents in Rajouri and Reasi Districts near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir are a worried lot after learning about the government's plans to move out troops from their area.

They are concerned that the move would affect their security.

People of Chassana, Budhal and other villages in Rajouri and Reasi Districts, have urged that troops of the 51 Rashtriya Rifes located in the area have proved to be a blessing for them, and should not be moved out.

Particularly worried are the members of the Special Task Force (STF) deployed by Village Defence Committee (VDC), who have been useful to the army in military operations in the region.

The 51 Rashtriya Rifles besides providing security to over 50,000 residents have contributed to various developmental activities like constructing houses, streets, erecting solar lights, apart from launching welfare and developmental projects for the backward and poor people.

"Colonel Bhatia of the 51 Rashtriya Rifles has given us lot of support. We have been provided immense support in upgradation of many facilities, house construction, solar lights erection, and construction and maintenance of streets . At times cars were provided to carry ill patients to hospital. People do not want these troops to go " said Abdul Gani Shah, a social worker.

The troops have effectively prevented terrorist activities in these villages.

"The government is aware of conditions prevailing here. Our VDC rifles cannot help us without the army troops. It would be impossible for us to survive because these militants would then be after us," said Kirpal Singh, member of Village Defence Committee in Chassana.

The Army had helped in the formation of Village Defence Committees by training thousands of individuals.

People fear that militants and infiltrators are likely to be active once the troops move out of the area.

ANI