Ammunition depots in Jammu & Kashmir are safe, assures Army

Jammu: The Army said on Sunday that all its ammunition depots in Jammu and Kashmir are safe as regular safety audits of these installations are carried out. Reacting to some media reports that raised questions over the safety of the Army’s ammunition depots in the state, Colonel SD Goswami, spokesman of the Army’s Udhampur headquartered Northern Command, told IANS in Jammu, “The Army is sensitive to the issue of safety measures in ammunition depots located in Jammu and Kashmir.” “Regular safety audits are undertaken and the latest one has been ordered on 2 June, 2016,” he said. [caption id=“attachment_2817972” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. PTI[/caption] “Some media reports have emerged raising questions on deficiency of essential fire fighting equipment. These reports are incorrect,” Col Goswami said. He pointed out, “Adequate fire fighting equipment and measures are in place. Modern equipment is being regularly procured to upgrade safety measures. Fire services staff is completely rehearsed in their role.” “The army places the highest priority on the safety of civilians living in the vicinity of ammunition depots. All measures are being taken to ensure the highest standards of security.” His remarks come against the backdrop of the massive fire that engulfed one of the Indian Army’s largest ammunition depots in Pulgaon, Maharashtra, on 31 May, and left killed 19 people, including two officers.