Some developmental work in Keran halted after Pak objections

India has stopped some developmental activity in Keran sector of North Kashmir after Pakistan raised objections citing violation of treaty signed between the two countries of not undertaking any construction activities near LoC.

Kupwara: India has stopped some developmental activity in Keran sector of North Kashmir after Pakistan raised objections citing violation of treaty signed between the two countries of not undertaking any construction activities within 150 metres of the Line of Control (LoC).

According to official sources, Pakistani troops used loud speakers last evening from their side asking officials of the Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately stop work near the LoC. The state government was developing a children`s park and improving facilities of a school in the area under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). However, as the state government moved in some machines to level the surface for the park, Pakistani troops came near the LoC and used loud speakers to convey that the work needs to be stopped immediately as it was in violation of the agreement between India and Pakistan, the sources said. Keran was adopted as a model village under the BADP and Rs 2.45 crore was earmarked for improving the facilities at a village which includes setting up of a community centre, creating sheds, scientific laboratory for a school and improving road facility. "The work on other projects at the village is going as per schedule," Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara Itrat Hussain Rafiqi said. Rafiqi said that he had got a message from police about stopping of work.