The Indian Army is working on a proposal to relocate villages situated ahead of the fence along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The move is deemed “necessary” for safeguarding civilian lives, according to Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps.
“There is a lot of thought going into this. We already have blueprints in place, but cooperation with the civil administration is essential as various aspects are involved,” Lt Gen Ghai informed reporters on Thursday.
While security remains a primary concern, Lt Gen Ghai emphasized the importance of considering the socio-economic implications for residents. “We cannot ignore the socio-economic factors that affect these people. A plan is evolving, and it will unfold in the near future because it is necessary,” he added.
Highlighting the challenges posed by the geographical locations of these villages, he noted that development in such areas may be limited, and the safety of civilians during cross-border firing or shelling is a significant issue.
“Although there is a ceasefire understanding, the safety of people during any potential firing is a major concern. This initiative is a work in progress, and a plan is being deliberated on,” Lt Gen Ghai concluded.
