Villagers oppose ITBP firing range

Itanagar: The Durpa Village Welfare Committee of Arunachal Pradesh has opposed establishment of a proposed firing range of the 10th Bn of ITBP at Durpa-I village under Kimin circle, claiming that locals are under threat because of it.
In a letter to the DC, the committee claimed that the firing range was being used without any ‘notification’, thereby affecting life and liberty of over 500 locals.“According to the The Manoeuvres, Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938 and The Works of Defence Act, 1903 (Act VII of 1903), the areas could be notified by a state government, subject to the provisions such as giving notice before three months while conducting any maneuvers,” the letter pointed out.
However, without complying with the law, the battalion is carrying out firing practice at Durpa Village in an arbitrary manner, the letter said.
The All Kimin Youth Welfare Association is also of the opinion that the proposal should be cancelled.
The association said the proposed firing range is situated at a distance of 300-400 metres from the Government Higher Secondary School, which would create disturbance in the area.