A press release from the PRO HQ IGAR (S) has rebutted the charges by the Human Right Initiative that the AR post at Kwatha is causing inconveniences to the people of the area and that the post has infringed on a PHC and a sacred place as reported in the state dailies today.
“The major task of the post of AR located at Kwatha is primarily to maintain peace, check and monitor strict vigil of underground cadres from the area and to look at the overall development of this remote border village,” the statement said. It further went on to add that on the request of the villagers for vacation of a PHC building and temple premises, a prompt action was taken by AR authorities. “After deliberations, planning and visits of senior officers to the post, 10 Mar 13 and the buildings of the PHC and temple were handed over to village authorities on March 10, 2013,” it said adding that the same was published in all local newspapers on 14 March.
The AR post in Kwatha has been instrumental in developmental projects undertaken in the remote border areas. A total of 6,30,000/- has been spent by the AR under various military civic action projects for Kwatha village which includes infrastructure projects like provisioning of solar lights, improvement in Mandir complex and repair and maintenance of water tanks in the village, it said. The release added that troops and medical staff of AR have been regularly conducting medical camps and awareness drives about life style and life threatening diseases. Due to the terrain, only one water source is available and there is a lack of water storage facility at the village, it said besides elaborating that on request of the villagers and to overcome the water scarcity in the area of Kwatha, the AR had recently repaired the water tank of the village to ensure supply of water to the village and troops at the post. In view of the religious sentiments of the villagers, the mandir complex is repaired every year before the annual festivities in the month of May. Troops of AR and locals were jointly targeted by the UGs in a gruesome IED blast near the vicinity of Kwatha on 28 Sep 12 where one civilian had died.
The release said that locals and troops of AR have peacefully co existed in the area with the aim of overall development of the area which has brought peace and tranquility in the region. “The statements made during the HRI press conference depict a complete disconnect from the ground realities prevalent in the village and without any survey conducted on ground,” said the PRO HQ IGAR (S) statement which went on to add that the charges appear to be an act to defame AR and bring down the good name earned by it. “The statements made during the HRI press conference depict a complete disconnect from the ground realities prevalent in the village and without any survey conducted on ground,”