(a) whether it is a fact that large chunk of agricultural land all along Indo-Pak
border have been occupied by Army for operational reasons during various wars;
(b) if so, the area of land under the possession of Army at present;
(c) whether there is any proposal for handing over such land to their owners; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Approximately 4735 acres of land are still in possession of the Army at present.
(c) While most of the lands earlier occupied have been handed over to the owners,
the remaining lands will be handed over after de-mining except a small area of land
which will be retained for operational requirements.
(d) As stated in (c) above, a small area of land is required for operational purposes.