Opening Roads in Military Cantonments

What is the issue?

Government recently ordered the opening of all roads in military cantonments.
Families of Army officers and retired Army personnel are increasingly opposing this move.

What are military cantonments?

Cantonments are designed as places of residence of both civilians and military personnel.
There are nearly 6o cantonments across the country.
Cantonment Boards are elected bodies.
They run schools, hospitals, and vocational training centres.
They cater to a civilian population of more than 21 lakh.
Moreover, cantonments are notified in the gazette and governed by an Act of Parliament.
Any change in the governance of cantonments needs an amendment to the Act by Parliament.
This includes barring civilians from using the roads within them.

What was the problem?

There were instances in which places of worship could not be reached due to closure of these routes.
Other incidents highlighted the cemetery becoming inaccessible due to these restrictions.
Some roads were closed by the local military authorities without following the existing procedure.

What is the government's decision?

A government order for opening all roads in cantonments was issued.
Also, a procedure for closing any road was also formally given by the Defence Ministry.
It will be based on intelligence inputs and for security considerations.
The Ministry proposes to undertake a review of the state of roads in cantonments soon.

What are the concerns?

The major objection to the opening of roads is related to the security of military installations.
Also, the families of Army personnel staying inside the cantonments.
There is also a fear that the land mafia might try to encroach on defence land in the cantonments.
Retired officers complain that the decision was taken without consulting the Army.
The issue has suggested a deterioration of civil-military relations.

What is the government's response?

The order was issued only after a litany of complaints to the Ministry.
The government argues that its orders do not affect the security posture.
This is because they do not deal with military stations but only with cantonments.

Source: Indian Express