J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Boys learn ice skiing at the ski resort of Gulmarg — Photo by Amin War

3 ultras killed, 10 held in J&k
SRINAGAR, Feb 7 — Three militants were killed in encounters with the security forces in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region, while the security forces apprehended 10 suspects here today during search operations. Militants also shot at and injured a surrendered militant, affiliated with Ikhwan in Pulwama district this morning, a police spokesman said here this evening.

3 ultras killed, 10 held in J&k
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Feb 7 — Three militants were killed in encounters with the security forces in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region, while the security forces apprehended 10 suspects here today during search operations.

Militants also shot at and injured a surrendered militant, affiliated with Ikhwan in Pulwama district this morning, a police spokesman said here this evening.

In the intensified search operations in Batamaloo, Karan Nagar and its adjoining areas since Wednesday last, the security forces apprehended 10 suspects from the Batamaloo area today. These search operations were intensified since Wednesday last following the escape of a top militant of Jamiaut-ul-Mujahideen, Ghulam Rasool, who gave a slip to the police escort at the SMHS Hospital. He had been shifted to the hospital along with five others for treatment on Wednesday last.

Shah and another militant gave a slip to the police escort party on the pretext of going to the toilet. While Shah escaped, the other militant, Jameel Ahmad, was nabbed within minutes of the escape bid. The government ordered the dismissal of five officials, including three jail officials and two police personnel, on Saturday. This step was taken merely three days after the escape of Shah on a prima facie case against the jail and police officials.

A police spokesman said here that those apprehended were being questioned.

Militants shot at and injured an activist of Ikhwan, or surrendered militant in his Khrew village, Pampore in Pulwama district today. He has been shifted to a hospital, the spokesman said.

One militant Abdul Khaliq Afghani, was killed in an encounter with the security forces at Chiti Batti village in Rajouri district. One pistol, one magazine with 70 rounds, 18 kg of explosives, 25 rifle grenades and currency of Rs 55 from Pakistan and Indian Rs 1000, a police spokesman said here. The security forces also recovered 200 rounds of AK ammunition, two magazines, four hand grenades and three rifle grenades from the Jabra Moori jungles during search operations. Two unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with security forces at Gaichota in Poonch.

Demands referred to panel, dept
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Feb 7 — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to refer the demand of people of Poonch and Rajouri districts that the two border belts be declared backward areas to the Backward Classes Commission. It has also decided to refer the demand of people speaking Pahari to the commission on order to obtain its view whether they be categorised among the backward classes.

This decision was taken by the state Cabinet at its meeting here today. The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, presided over the meeting.

There was an animated discussion over employees' protest over the application of "no work no pay" rule under which the employees who were on strike for 42 days would be treated on leave.

The matter was entrusted to the Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitley. Mr Jaitley has been authorised to sort out the issue with the employees and submit his report to the Cabinet.

The Cabinet also took up the case of those KAS officers who were awaiting promotion to higher scales. Since some of the officers had threatened to move the court in case only some "favourites" were given the selection grade, the Cabinet referred the matter to the Law Department for its expert opinion.

The Government will take a final decision only after the Law Department send its report.