SCB seconds Army's proposal

Hyderabad: The 10 pm-to-7am night restrictions on four AOC roads may be re-imposed, according to preliminary discussions. 

This time, however, the Local Military Authority will seek public opinion in accordance with the law before imposing the night restrictions on Gough, Allahabad, Wellington and Ordnance roads.

The prime concern of the Army is not residents but goods carriers like auto trolleys and mini-lorries entering sensitive zones. The LMA said it was difficult to deploy jawans at entry gates to check such vehicles. 

This the LMA was contemplating on re-imposing night restrictions; however, this is at a preliminary stage.  

Seconding the Army’s proposal, SCB elected member J. Maheshwar Reddy said  “As an additional safety concern, the Army might impose night restrictions again in future”.

Malkajgiri MP Ch. Malla Reddy, SCB elected representatives, and the LMA held a meeting on Saturday, in which the Army clarified that the orders issued by the defence ministry covered all closed roads in the Cantonment area and they would be re-opened step by step.

Brig. N.V. Reddy, Officer on Special Duty to General Officer Commanding, Andhra and Telangana Sub Area, said, “There are several sensitive units within the AOC and security is a concern. The various units heads are discussing the issue and we will open all the roads within a week, as we have to re-set the timings for physical training.”

With regard to morning walkers being blocked, Brig. Reddy said, “The Army has no issues with morning walkers or residents commuting on two-or four wheelers. Our main concern is private heavy-duty vehicles that have to be checked by the jawans.”

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Malla Reddy said, “The Army has clarified that all closed roads will be re-opened, including those on which walls and temporary structures have been built. However, due to the morning physical training and parades, the Army is working on the issue.”