Security forces have vacated 1,474 premises in J&K

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 26

The security forces have vacated 1,474 buildings and 56 bunkers in Jammu and Kashmir in the last six years, the government said in the Legislative Council here today.

Till date 1,474 premises comprising 179 schools, 37 hospitals, 922 private buildings, 268 government buildings, 34 hotels, 31 industrial units and three cinema halls have been vacated by the security forces, stated an official document tabled in the Upper House here today.

The document further stated that 56 bunkers have also been removed from public places in Srinagar city since 2009.

Replying to a question on by NC’s Bashir Ahmed Veeri during the question hour, Minister for Horticulture Abdul Rehman Veeri said efforts were afoot to have remaining premises vacated and utilised for their original purpose.

Veeri was speaking on behalf of the Home Department, a portfolio held by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syaeed.

“As on date, 1,307 private houses, 278 government buildings, 27 hotels, five cinema halls, three hospitals and 18 industrial units are still under the occupation of the Army and other security forces in the state,” Veeri added.

He also informed the House that more than 1,70,696 kanals of land continued to remain under unauthorised occupation of the Army and other security forces.