Relocation of security forces already started in J

Srinagar, July 12 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said the process of relocation of security forces from government buildings and orchards had already started and asserted that there was a need to give it a further push.

Addressing a day-long Congress convention at Badgam in central Kashmir, he said the process of arranging alternate accommodation for security forces was going on a war-footing.

Mr Azad said the infrastructure facilities at present under the occupation of the security forces could then be used for the purpose these had been constructed.

Referring to his meeting with Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt here last week, the Chief Minister said he had made it clear that the outstanding payment of rent to the owners of orchards occupied by security forces be paid in one go.

''And, where these (orchards) could not be vacated soon, the rent should be paid regularly on monthly basis,'' he added.

Mr Azad said since becoming the Chief Minister he had been stressing on the need to arrange alternate accommodation for security forces lodged in private and government buildings.

UNI