Locals oppose eviction by Army from defence land

Tension prevailed nearthe Mysore Lancers Military Mosque and temple heretoday as a group of locals opposed theParachute Regiment TrainingCentre's (PRTC) attempt to evict them from the premises.
While PRTC officials claimed that people were staying on the premises illegally, locals said they have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Courtagainst the eviction and officials have to wait for the outcome.
Locals also alleged that Army personnel restricted their access to the mosque, a statement refuted by the force.
The situation returned to normal following intervention bylocal community leaders, senior police officials and Armycommandant, police said.
Mysore Lancers Military Mosque and Anjenya Swamy Military Temple are located on defence land which was built for the troops of Mysore Lancers during the pre-Independence period.

Stating that it was noticed that certain people were staying on the premises "illegally", the Army in a statement said,"They were served notice to vacate the same".

"The illegal occupants did not heed to the notice served and hence legalaction had to be taken to evict them."
It said the local military authorities initiated eviction process to take over the administration of the mosque andthe temple with the assistance of state police including women police, and all legal procedures were followed during theconduct of the eviction process.
"Throughout the proceedings, the Army Personnel displayed highest degree of restraint, discipline and compassion. No restrictions on access to the mosque were imposed on locals to offer the prayers," the statement added.