Centre to protect J&K Annual Plan

SRINAGAR, Sept 18 (UNI) — The Centre has agreed to fully cover the non-Plan deficit and protect the annual Plan of Rs 1900 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said here today.

Informing the state Cabinet, which met here today, about his recent discussions with the Prime Minister and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman at Delhi, the Chief Minister said the Centre had agreed to immediately increase the cash flow to the state so that the working season could be utilised to the maximum.

The Cabinet expressed concern over the serious fiscal position of the state.

It directed the Planning Department not to take up new schemes for the time being. However, the ongoing schemes will be implemented.

The Cabinet, also called for suitable austerity measures.

It directed the revenue earning departments to fix monthly targets for collection and the action against those defaulting on this count.

6 Army men die in road mishap
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Sept 18 — Six Army personnel are reported to have been killed when the bus carrying them was hit by a boulder near Ransu on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

According to the police, the ill-fated bus was coming from Srinagar to Jammu when it was hit by a boulder near Tenter bridge, killing six on the spot and injuring one.

Unified security meeting today
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Sept 18 — A meeting of the Unified Security Command will be held here tomorrow to discuss the large-scale and continuing infiltration of Pakistani terrorists in various sectors in the Jammu belt.

The deteriorating security environment in Doda, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur districts will be discussed at length. The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, will preside over the meeting at the Unified Command Headquarters.

During the past 30 days or so, the security forces have succeeded in eliminating more than 150 militants, including 30 foreign mercenaries, at various places. A large quantity of explosives has also been seized.

Hurriyat leader arrested

SRINAGAR, Sept 18 (UNI) — The police today arrested at least 23 leaders, including the Chairman of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani, for violating prohibitory orders at the historic Lal Chowk, near here.

The police resorted to a lathi charge on APHC leaders who had gathered at Lal Chowk to stage a demonstration in protest against the alleged atrocities by the security forces in the valley and Doda district.

At least six APHC leaders, including Mr Javid Ahmad Mir, were injured.

Meanwhile, shops and business establishments in Srinagar remained closed on a call given by the APHC.