Month after custodial death of 3 civilians, Army helps develop Poonch's Topa Peer

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, January 25

Almost a month after three civilians who were picked up by the Army died in its custody, a massive development programme was launched in their village —Topa Peer — in Bafliaz of Poonch.

The Army has not only remodelled and provided necessary medical equipment along with medicines at the health centre in the village, but has also upgraded the local schools for the children of the community.

After the December 21, 2023 ambush on an Army vehicle near Dera ki Gali in which four soldiers were killed, soldiers had picked up many members of Gujjar community for questioning. Three civilians who were interrogated by the soldiers were later found dead.

However, the Army had adopted the hamlet in the forest area and assured to turn it around and bring about development.

On Thursday, a day before Republic Day, the local unit of Army visited the village and interacted with the local residents.

An official of the Army said, “The upgrading of facilities of the local primary school at the village by Indian Army bears testimony to Army’s efforts at the uplifting of educational standards by providing class furniture, books and stationery to the students.”

As many as 25 solar streetlights installed by Army were also inaugurated which illuminated not just the village, but also the hopes of its residents.

The day commenced with the unfurling of the national flag followed by felicitation of the village elders who were presented with shawls and blankets as a mark of respect.

The Gujjar community living in high mountains and forest areas of the UT have been known as an ‘ally’ of the Army as they provide information about the movement of terrorists in higher reaches. The incident in which three members of the community died had soured relations and could have impacted operations in forest areas.

“The Army and the locals of the village immersed themselves in the festivities, promoting a feeling of pride, patriotic spirit and creating a strong bond based on trust and mutual respect. Ushering in peace, harmony and development into the tiny and remote hamlet, Indian Army and local villagers participated in the event,” the official informed.

Army’s ally

Gujjars are known as an ‘ally’ of the Army as they provide information about the movement of terrorists in higher reaches