Srinagar, May 30 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, despite the deadline set by the Indian Defence Minister, A K Antony for evacuation of troops from educational institutions, hospitals, historical forts, orchards, government and private buildings, which expired on November 30 last year, hundreds of sites throughout the disputed territory still continue to be occupied by military and paramilitary forces.

Eight buildings and four hundred kanals of Agriculture College Wadoora in Sopore, 4215 kanals of agricultural lands, 94 industrial units and other areas are still under the occupation of Indian army, paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force, (BSF).

The students of Agricultural University of Wadoora Sopore told mediamen that since 1992 the university is under occupation of Indian troops and the Indian Central Reserve Police Fore personnel of 92-bn had made it military garrison adding that the forces’ presence worsened the career of students.

The residents of Handwara said that their agricultural lands, gardens, residential houses and business centres are under occupation of Rashtriya Rifles and Special Task Force personnel.

In Srinagar, the Kashmir Valley-based industrialists and business chambers have demanded the evacuation of troops from industrial estates, orchards, and other business establishments.

The President of Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Shakeel Qalander said that industrial estates of Sopore, Bijbehara, Zainakote, Sumbal, Kupwara, Khonmoh, Anchidora, Lasipora, Rangreth and Baramulla are still under occupation of troops adding, “There are hundreds of instances where the entire industrial estates, like the sports industrial complex of Bijbehara, which is spread over an area of 206 kanals, have been occupied by troops.”

Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Factoo told mediamen that as on date 94 units are still under troops’ occupation.