Farooq's terms for talks with militants
JAMMU, Dec 6 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said he is not averse to a dialogue with militants provided they lay down arms and initiate talks within the ambit of the Indian Constitution. "How can talks be held with those who kill innocent persons and target the security forces," Dr Abdullah said at a function here yesterday.

2 brothers among 8 killed in valley
SRINAGAR, Dec 6 — Two brothers, a Special Police Officer and two militants were among eight persons killed last night in the Kashmir valley even as a bandh called by the All Party Kashmir Hurriat Conference affected life in the state today.

33 per cent seats for women in panchayats
SRINAGAR, Dec 6 — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in panchayats, elections for which will be held next year after a gap of 22 years.

2 Army men killed in accident
JAMMU, Dec 6 — Two Army men were killed and 41 others injures, 17 of them seriously, when their bus met with an accident near Patnitop, about 100 km from here, yesterday, a defence spokesman said today.

Farooq's terms for talks with militants

JAMMU, Dec 6 (PTI) — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said he is not averse to a dialogue with militants provided they lay down arms and initiate talks within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.

"How can talks be held with those who kill innocent persons and target the security forces," Dr Abdullah said at a function here yesterday.

Dr Abdullah expressed confidence that his government would be able to overcome the challenges of Pakistan-sponsored militancy. He accused Pakistan of giving a boost to militancy in parts of the Jammu region "in order to execute ethnic cleansing in selected parts of the state."

Criticising the obstacles created by Pakistan in the Tulbul project and depriving the people of Kashmir of the benefits of its hydel potential, Dr Abdullah urged the Prime Minister to take up the issue firmly with the neighbouring country.

2 brothers among 8 killed in valley

SRINAGAR, Dec 6 (UNI) — Two brothers, a Special Police Officer and two militants were among eight persons killed last night in the Kashmir valley even as a bandh called by the All Party Kashmir Hurriat Conference (APKHC) affected life in the state today.

An official spokesman said unidentified militants shot dead two brothers Ghulam Mohammad and Yousuf at Pattan late last night.

He said militants shot dead one Nissar Ahmad Dar, relative of a National Conference worker, at Pulwama and SPO, Tahir Ahmad, at Anantnag.

A jawan was killed in an encounter with militants at Poonch. The security forces killed one militant each at Gurnar and Bahak villages during overnight operations.

Meanwhile, normal life was thrown out of gear in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley in the wake of state-wide strike observed in protest against the visit of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and demolition of Babri Mosque.

While the Hurriyat Conference gave the strike call in protest against "approach of the Centre towards Kashmir issue", pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen outfit and Dukhteran-e-Milat asked people to observe strike against Mr Vajpayee’s visit to the state and demolition of Babri Mosque.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and vehicles remained off the roads in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley.

33 per cent seats for women in panchayats

SRINAGAR, Dec 6 (PTI) — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in panchayats, elections for which will be held next year after a gap of 22 years.

The much-delayed panchayat poll will be held in March-April, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said and asked women to participate actively in the elections.

The Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting at Shadipora-Sumbal in Baramula district yesterday.

2 Army men killed in accident

JAMMU, Dec 6 (PTI) — Two Army men were killed and 41 others injures, 17 of them seriously, when their bus met with an accident near Patnitop, about 100 km from here, yesterday, a defence spokesman said today.

The bus, attached to the Army, was on the way from Jammu to Srinagar when its brakes failed.

Havildar Mangu Ram of the Garhwal Rifles and Lance Naik Shiv Ram Singh of the Rajput Regiment died on the spot, he said.

All injured persons were taken to the field ambulance at Batote. The 17 critically injured were later airlifted to the Command Hospital at Udhampur.