Army to de-mine border areas for cultivation in J and K

Gigrial, on line of Control, Jan 16 (UNI) 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.

UNI