MLIRC makes clarification about Firing range Land

The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre Belagavi in a press release has rebutted the story about army authorities acquiring private land. The release says –

It is hereby clarified that on 05 Feb 18, ‘Tarun Bharat’ edition carried an article titled, ‘Proposal for Permanent Acquiring of Land for Firing Range’, which is completely false and has malafide intentions of creating disharmony between general public and Army authorities.

The article quoted that Army authorities are proposing to permanently acquire 7,469 acres of land adjoining nine villages of Nanawadi and Mandoli. However, it is to be noted that out of the 7,469 acres being mentioned, 609 acres of land in Bagdad Asmara Field Firing Range is A1 Defence Land which is exclusively used for carrying out training by the Army. This land has been in use as training area even prior to Independence. At no point has the land been used for agricultural activities as stated in the article.

The misinformation about threat of injury to life and property due to firing is also false since Army has strict safety regulations in place for conduct of firing practices. The civil authorities and police department are informed for proper clearances for conduct of firing. Till date there has not been a single adverse incident of loss of life or injury due to firing, is a testimony to the fact that all safety precautions by Army are adhered to.

It has to be understood by all that training in firing is bread and butter of Armed Forces for them to be capable to guard National interest. The Army has always stood by staunchly against external threats and internal strifes, also protecting citizens of India in natural calamities only because of its able training and discipline. So it is reiterated that general public should not be swayed by misinformation being perpetuated against Army Authorities in Belagavi for selfish gains of select individuals.