Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 26: High Court today granted permission to Army to make necessary repairs and renovations of the structures of High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg tourist resort.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Alok Aradhe while hearing an application moved by the Army through its counsel T A Shamsi (ASGI), permitted the Army to affect the repairs and renovation of structures in question subject to a video recording of the existing structure of the school.
It has been highlighted before the Court that in view of the ensuing winter season, which would result in heavy snow fall in the area, it may be extremely difficult to carry out the necessary repairs and would be the source of huge inconvenience to the High Altitude Warefare School and the Indian Army.
Court, however, while granting the relief made it clear that in case the applicant(Army) deviate from the information which has been furnished to BOCA, no equity shall flow in favour of the applicant and the applicant would have to abide by any orders which may be necessitated.
This application has been filed by the High Altitude Warfare School (Army) which as per the statement has been established in the year 1948, seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the respondents, complaining violation of the orders dated August 22, 2017, November 16, 2017 and June-2, 2018 passed by the Court.
It has been pointed out before the Court that it is one of the infiltration routes used by the infiltrators from PoK to the hinterland and is thus highly vulnerable to actions which are highly prejudicial to the security of the country
“So far as High Altitude Warfare Centre is concerned, the Army imparts training to its officers in HAWS. It is utilized for the purpose of imparting training in service in high altitude regions not only to the Indian Army officers but also to the personnel from all over the world”, reads the application.
“We are noting these submissions only for the purpose of illustrating and emphasizing the strategic importance of the school as well as of its proper maintenance and availability of appropriate conditions”, DB recorded in the order.
One more important fact stated in the application is the importance of maintaining the security of the Line of Control which is stated to have necessitated to increase the requirement of troops trained in high altitude warfare and administrative infrastructure.
Court for all these reasons, said, it is essential to ensure the safety of the buildings and upgradation of the infrastructure to meet the changing requirements of the Indian Army and the High Altitude Warfare Centre.
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