Villagers protest against building Army camp in Anantnag
Several villagers gathered to protest near the deputy commissioner's office in Kulgam police station against the establishment of an army camp in Shamsipora Village in Anantnag, Kashmir. The Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles has been measuring the land in the village for setting a camp. When the villagers asked them to leave the ground, the Army reverted them to the deputy commissioner.
Why the protests?
The residents said that the army camp will be in an area which is designated as a grazing land and a cricket ground spreading over 1,000 square meter. However, the deputy inspector general of police said that the camp is a temporary one and it wouldn't hamper the daily activities of the villagers. He assured that negotiations are underway with the local delegation team.
The locals speak
"The occupied land is significant for farmers and the youth for sports activities. The villagers have spent Rs 10-15 lakhs on the stadium. However, due to the army establishment, not only sports activities but our daily life is bound to get affected," said a protester.
Some more details about the protest
The protesters including men, women and children shouted anti-government slogans in front of the DC's office in Kulgam. They demanded that the camp should be removed immediately. Although the IG has assured that the camp will be in a minor area, the villagers are threatening to intensify their protest if the camp is not removed, indicating a propensity of another unrest in the Valley.
