Renewal of land lease for army opposed in Kashmir

Residents living near an army firing range land held a demonstration here, demanding a written assurance from the state government that it would not re-lease the land to the army.

The residents living near the Tosa Maidan forest area in Badgam district gathered at the Press Enclave of Srinagar city and sought written assurances that the lease of the controversial Tosa Maidan firing range would not be extended.

Union minister and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah told an election rally in Khansahib area of Badgam district Tuesday the state government would not extend the lease of Tosa Maidan firing range to the army.

He also assured the locals the army would be asked to vacate the area after the lease expires.

The lease of Tosa Maidan firing range expires Friday.

Abdullah also told the people that vacating the firing range would in a way start the process of revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state.

The army here, however, said nothing has been decided as a committee headed by the state chief secretary to look into the issue is yet to submit its report.