Army vacates 11 govt buildings in Rajouri

Jammu, Jan 11 (UNI) The Army has vacated all 11 occupied government buildings and handed them over to the civil administration in Darhal area of bordering Rajouri district, Defence spokesman said here today.

''These buildings were under security forces occupation since last couple of years to facilitate counter insurgency operations against militants in the region and provide protection to the people, Lt Col S D Goswami told UNI.

The buildings were vacated by the 48 Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of 13 Sector Romeo Force to facilitate functioning of the government and civil administrative machinery.

The initiative was taken after the Army held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri.

During the course of meeting, the common concern voiced by attending Government officials was there own security and the need for continued Army presence in the vicinity to ensure security in the region.

However, the buildings were vacated after the meeting and the battalion had re-demarcated its boundary after handing over the government buildings including the Dak Bunglow of the Public Works Department, Lt Col Goswami added.

UNI VBH AM AS2035