Army issues clarification on road closure issue

Hyderabad, Oct 27 (INN): The Army Authorities has issued a statement clarifying its stand on the road closer issue in the internal Army Area in Secunderabad.

The Army has described the reports that appeared in a section of media on closure of internal military roads as "disparaging and misinformed".

"Through its long history, the Army has always been rendering yeoman service to the Nation and the people. In Secunderabad Cantonment, despite security concerns and untold difficulties faced by its own troops, no restrictions on civilian movement on internal Army roads were ever imposed. This was largely to avoid inconvenience to civilians residing in adjoining colonies, which, incidentally came up much after the Cantonment had already been established," the Army said.

It is pertinent to note that despite orders of High Court of Andhra Pradesh passed in September 2014, which clearly ruled that the authority to close the roads rests with the Army, the actual closure of AOC roads has been deferred to allow time for creation of alternate avenues for civilian traffic movement. In the interim, intense parleys have been held with State Government and Civil Administration for development of alternative roads for civilian movement as per directions of High Court, which is imperative to alleviate the problems of civilians who are currently using Army roads.

The willingness on the part of Defence authorities to objectively examine and render assistance as required in developing alternative roads along the periphery of AOC Centre towards Mahendra Hills has also been communicated. A detailed and specific proposal from the competent civic authorities is however, still awaited. Ironically, the ire of the public appears to be directed at the Army which has no direct role or mandate to provide civic amenities, rather than at those who are obliged to provide essential services to the population.

"Emerging security threat, for which regular inputs are received from State Government and Central sources, burgeoning and unmanageable civil traffic and its own requirements, overlooked so far in larger public interests, have now necessitated gradual and phased closure of AOC roads. In the meeting with RWAs, MPs, MLAs and Military authorities at New Delhi, the Defence Minister had upheld the Army view point and had asked them to close the roads in a time bound manner, and in concert with civic authorities, suggest alternative road/corridor on the periphery of AOC Centre However, to prevent inconvenience to civilians, roads were not immediately closed even as the Army's interests were compromised. For the last one year only night restrictions have been in place," the Army clarified.

Given the preceding developments and circumstances, the State Government and the Police have been notified about closure of Gough Road shortly. Keeping requirements of our civilian brethren in mind, the other roads would continue to remain open during day for some more time, even as concerned agencies explore means to provide alternate roads. Towards this end, the Army is willing to provide all assistance and would urge all responsible agencies to plan and complete all arrangements earliest. Also, emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines, private vehicles with critical patients, etc., would always be allowed to go through AOC Records as a humanitarian measure.

"It may thus be seen that the Army authorities in Secunderabad remain committed to providing all necessary assistance to the civilian population, as they always have. Responsible citizens will appreciate the concerns and sensitivities of the Army, since eventually the people's good and National interest will only be served better if the Army's interests and efficiency are not compromised in any manner," the Army said in its statement.