J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Ex-SI's son, ultra among 4 killed
SRINAGAR, Feb 1 — At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Kashmir valley since yesterday.

Employees' bodies hail agreements
SRINAGAR, Feb 1 — Various associations of the State Government employees in Kashmir have hailed the agreements reached upon between the Chief Minister and the striking employees. Following these agreements the 42-day-old strike in Jammu and Kashmir ended on Monday.

Flights for Haj from Feb 10
SRINAGAR, Feb 1 — Arrangements have been made for smooth operations of flights for Haj pilgrims to Mecca from February 10.

Ex-SI's son, ultra among 4 killed
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Feb 1 — At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Kashmir valley since yesterday.

The police here said that one militant, Javed Ahmad Khandey of Amlar village, was killed in an encounter with a joint operations group SOG of Police and Border Security Force at Kahlil Tral in Pulwama district yesterday.

Militants shot dead two persons in Baramulla district last night. Mohammad Ramzan was killed when militants intruded into his house at Chakla in Baramulla. Militants also shot dead Ghulam Ahmad Beigh (28) in his house at Rannan in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district. He was the son of a former sub-inspector of police, reports said.

The police today found the body of an unidentifed person at Hadipora near Kupwara in North Kashmir.

Employees' bodies hail agreements
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Feb 1 — Various associations of the State Government employees in Kashmir have hailed the agreements reached upon between the Chief Minister and the striking employees. Following these agreements the 42-day-old strike in Jammu and Kashmir ended on Monday.

These associations included the Employees Joint Action Committee (JKEJAC), Employees and Workers Confederation (EWC), Food and Supplies Employees Association Kashmir, State Employees Conference, Employees and Workers Action Forum etc. Several other employees unions and leaders have hailed the decisions taken by the government in ending the 42-day-old stalemate in the talks between the government and the striking employees.

According to Syed Ashraf Qadiri, president of the State Employees Conference, the agreement was a welcome step, adding that the government should make it clear that there was no further delay in the fulfilment of the demands of the employees. Any further delay in the fulfilment of the employees' demands would force the employees to resume their struggle, he said.

The Employees and Workers Action Forum also announced postponement of the lockout till the position about the agreement was clear. The Forum has, however, announced to hold a meeting to discuss the outcome of the agreement with the government and decide on the future course of action accordingly.

Meanwhile, work in the State Government offices was resumed. The offices have started functioning.

Flights for Haj from Feb 10
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Feb 1 — Arrangements have been made for smooth operations of flights for Haj pilgrims to Mecca from February 10.

The State Haj Committee has already announced a schedule of flights carrrying 230 Haj pilgrims in each flight twice a day from Srinagar. These flights will start from February 10 to Feburary 17.

Pilgrims from Jammu and Ladakh regions would get the special Haj flights from Jammu this month.

Meanwhile, the intending Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to bring (holy water from Mecca) on their own. According to a spokesman for the Haj Committee here, this decision has been taken following the refusal of Air India to bring the holy water from Mecca separately.

The pilgrims coming from various areas are provided services of special buses by the RTC to carry them from district headquarters and major towns to Srinagar airport.