Payyambalam park row: Indian Army ready to give up land

The Indian army has come forward to give up the land at Payyambalam park here in lieu of alternate land contiguous to the existing defence estate, with a view to put an end to the controversy relating to the park at Payyamablam.

A press release was issued by the Indian army authorities to clarify the army’s stand in connection with the land.  The army’s press release stated that there had been a series of reports in the media about the issue of Defence land at the cantonment at Kannur.

According to the press release, ‘the land developed as a Park by the District Tourism Promotion Council has been established as Defence land by two joint surveys conducted by the Government of Kerala and Indian Army. However, in public interest, the Indian Army has come forward to give up this land in lieu of alternate land contiguous to the existing defence estate. Contrary to media reports, the Indian Army has never insisted that the area of Payyambalam Park should be given back to the Army.”

The Army had blocked access to an unauthorised structure built by a private party.

This has been done in the interest of security. The case is sub judice and the Army has left the matter to the legal system of the country. The Army authorities at Kannur are duty-bound to protect Defence property from being usurped.

This legitimate activity is however being painted otherwise by vested interests. “The Indian Army reserves its right to initiate all actions necessary under the law of the land to protect its property,” said the press release.