Jammu Srinagar

Jawan, 4 militants killed in valley
SRINAGAR, July 14 — Four militants, including an infiltrator and a security jawan, were among the seven persons killed while troops captured two militants in the Kashmir valley during the past 24 hours.

Kargil exposes Hurriyat rift
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, July 14 — Kargil has brought out differences between the various constituents of the All- Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) to surface, with some of its leaders trying to come out of the shadows of Pakistan.

The drift and disarray was evident during the general body meeting held on June 16 where some middle wrung leaders of the organisation came close to exchanging blows on the issue of the Hurriyat’s failure to capitalise on the frustration and disenchantment of the Kashmiri poeple with the state’s adminstration and government, the sources said.

The issue was raised by the representative of the Layers Association, Mr Nasir Ronga, who said that the APHC was drifting away from its objectives as it was getting isolated from the people.

Mr Ronga was challenged by fiery JKLF youth leader Yasin Malik who accused the former of pursuing an independent agenda away from the goals of the Hurriyat. At a time, when Kargil operations were going on, Mr Ronga was trying to divert the attention from the main issue, Mr Malik reportedly said.

The Muslim Conference leader, Prof A.G. Butt came to the defence of Mr Ronga saying there was nothing wrong in highlighting people’s issue. Prof Butt said that such debates should not be held against Mr Ronga.

The Poeple’s Conference leader, Mr A.G. Lone further attacked Mr Ronga for organising a programme for highlighting the issue of imposition of taxes on the people which have put an extra burden on the struggling masses of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The situation turned ugly as some leaders, including Mr Malik and Mr A.G. Lone, and Mr Ronga and others came close to exchanging blows, the sources said. It could be averted at the intervention of some senior leaders.

In murmered voices, some middle ranking leaders took objection to Pakistan’s Kargil operation. They said Islamabad was only exploiting Hurriyat to its advantage.

The issue of finances also came up for discussion with some members raising objections to lack of transparency in distribution of funds. Small constituents of the APHC were not getting enough funds for their activities, Mr Bashir Ahmad Tota of the People’s League (United) said.

Insiders said the APHC would have to really rethink its strategy as it was evident that Hurriyat was no more a useful tool for Islamabad. The pro-Pakistan factions led by the Hurriyat Chairman, Mr S.A.S. Gillani, and others who have been pleading for an independent line away from Islamabad are heading towards a bitter battle ahead, the sources said.

Tourists will flood Kargil, hopes J&K official

NEW DELHI, July 14 (PTI) — In what could be termed as turning disadvantage into advantage, the Jammu and Kashmir Government hopes to make trouble-torn Kargil a major international tourist attraction in the new millennium.

“It is not to mock at the valiant sacrifice of our soldiers. But with the withdrawal of intruders and situation improving there will be an unprecedented rush of tourists in Kargil,” M. Ashraf, Director General of State Tourism, told reporters here yesterday.

He said the picturesque Kargil is perhaps the most attractive tourist spot in the state, but it did not get adequate publicity in the past and thus the local people remained “deprived” of the immense tourism potentials. “Thanks to the media, especially televised coverage, now we can say if you want ultimate adventure come to Kargil.

“With the scenic Suru valley and famous Nun and Kun mountains, Kargil had attracted over 3000 tourists last year and now it is expected to go up by leaps and bounds,” Mr Ashraf said, adding that two private tourist buses were on their way to Kargil from the Union capital.

To a question, he said minimum infrastructure facilities like guest houses and trekking and rafting were available in the area.

“There is no need for additional or any extra-ordinary security arrangements”, Mr Ashraf said.

Distress sale of rice in Jammu
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, July 14 — Continued Pak firing and shelling from across the border in the Jammu area has not only affected over one lakh people of the border areas but also their agricultural production.

Following migrations from the Ranbir Singh Pura sector which is famous all over the country for its world class basmati rice people of this place who are mainly dependant on agriculture have started selling foodgrains (mainly basmati) at throwaway prices. As most of the men have already shifted their womenfolk, children, elders and belongings to safer places.

It is becoming very difficult for them to carry quintals of basmati rice with them which they have stored in their houses.

The prices of basmati rice have been slashed to quite a low level following Pak firing and subsequent migrations. Over a month ago, one quintal of rice which was being sold between Rs 1500 and 1700 has come down to just Rs 600 as a result of which farmers who had worked hard throughout the years in their fields are on the verge of starvation.

Lambardar Shravan Kumar of Gulabgarh village situated just near the international border in the R.S. Pura sector said farmers of his village, including himself, had sold off basmati rice at just Rs 700 per quintal. "But we have been forced by the prevailing situation along the international border to do so. If we don't sell off our agricultural products it would be left behind at the outbreak of war, said Shravan, adding that it was impossible for them to carry foodgrains worth thousands of rupees and weighing quintals with them. "When we do not know our own fate, where would we keep these foodgrains", he said.

Most of the farmers of Abdullian, Gharana, Chanda Chak, Suchetgarh, Korotona, Sai Kalan etc which form this famous rice bowl have been selling foodgrains in panic which has gripped the entire region.

The farmers alleged the state government did not do anything to prevent distress sale of foodgrains. In fact, the rice dealers were doing good business in connivance with these government officials, they alleged.

Meanwhile, Mr Balraj Puri, former working chairman of the Regional Autonomy Committee, J&K and convener, Citizens Coordination Committee, has urged the state government to stop the distress sale of foodgrains by the farmers migrating from the border areas due to continuous shelling from across the border.

He has urged the government to fix a minimum price for food grains and also procure foodstocks. He also suggested the Chief Minister should appoint a mini cabinet comprising ministers stationed here in Jammu assisted by a senior Additional Chief Secretary with the powers of the Chief Secretary to deal with the problems created by the war in Kargil.

Jawan, 4 militants killed in valley

SRINAGAR, July 14 (UNI) — Four militants, including an infiltrator and a security jawan, were among the seven persons killed while troops captured two militants in the Kashmir valley during the past 24 hours.

An official spokesman said four militants, including the foreign mercenary, was killed in an encounter between militants and security forces during a search operation at Bedar Atholi village last evening.

One security jawan was also killed in the encounter while four others, including two special police officers were injured. Four AK rifles, two pistols, one grenade launcher, four grenades, 14 magazines and 110 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the militants' possession.

Militants kidnapped and later killed one Mohammad Shafi Lone at Kulgam in Anantnag, while one Ghulam Ahmad was shot dead at Chatoo last evening.

The forces captured two militants and recovered 5 kg of explosives, 20 grenades, two time-pencil bombs, two mines, one anti-personnel mine, four detonators and one roll of cordex wire during overnight operations across the valley.