Apni Party demands relocation of fence at LoC in Mendhar

Jammu, July 24

Apni Party has urged the Central government to relocate the border fencing, which is behind the zero line at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and serves as the secondary defence in case of infiltration.

Apni Party spokesperson Raqeeq Ahmed Khan said the relocation of fence at Mendhar in Poonch will “end the day to day hardships being faced by the villagers while going to their respective villages close to zero line ahead of the fence”.

While there is fencing at the zero line on the LoC between India and Pakistan, another advance fencing at some distance was installed years ago to work as a secondary defence in case of infiltration. The residents of the villages who live between these two fences have to obey the timings set by the Army as gates are installed at the secondary fence.

“These border dwellers have to face restrictions while moving out and returning back to their respective villages in Mendhar because of the fence. They have to complete formalities every time they leave or return to their villages,” said Raqeeq, while addressing a press conference in Mendhar.

He said the authorities are not concerned about the various problems being faced by these border dwellers, nor does any official ever visit these villages to listen to their grievances.

He said that work on Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of many roads in Mendhar, which were submitted in 2022 on priority, has not started as yet. He appealed to the government to ensure the completion of these roads.