Bill on women’s commission adopted
JAMMU, March 23 — The state assembly today adopted a Bill regarding setting up a commission to ensure empowerment and development of women. The Bill had been introduced in the House on March 16. The Bill provides for a three-member commission to be headed by a chairperson who is known for her contribution in the field of development of women.

4 Bangladeshis shot in J&K firing
SRINAGAR, March 23 — At least four Bangladeshi nationals were killed when Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire at Jahwal post in Arina sector this morning.

2 jawans among 5 killed
JAMMU, March 23 — Three militants and two security force jawans were killed in two separate militancy-related incidents in Rajouri and Udhampur districts of the Jammu region since yesterday, official sources said here today.

Bill on women’s commission adopted
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, March 23 — The state assembly today adopted a Bill regarding setting up a commission to ensure empowerment and development of women.

The Bill had been introduced in the House on March 16. The Bill provides for a three-member commission to be headed by a chairperson who is known for her contribution in the field of development of women. The chairperson and two members, to be nominated by the government, will have a three-year tenure. One officer of the rank of Additional Secretary will function as member secretary of the commission.

The Law Minister, Mr P.L. Handoo, said that the commission would be able to provide legal safeguards against continued physical and sexual abuse of women. It would also devise measures for removing under-representation of women in political and public bodies and for raising their status.

The setting up of the commission will cost the state exchequer over Rs 34 lakhs.

During the question hour the Minister of State for Home, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, informed the House that 16,620 cases had been registered under TADA in which 34,095 persons were involved. He said that out of this 1,640 cases had been challaned and 10 persons had been convicted. There were 1,633 cases pending in the court. At present 115 persons had been in jail under TADA and 14 cases had been referred to the CBI for further investigations.

The Finance Minister, Mr Mohammad Shafi, in reply to a question, explained the reasons for the cash crunch which included non-reimbursement of all security related expenses which had touched over Rs 700 crore. He said that prior to the formation of the elected government tax arrears had not been recovered with the result the government was forced to take hard measures for recovery of sales tax and power tariff. He said that the state government expected at least 20 per cent increase in the plan and non-plan allocations from the Centre during 1999-2000 as compared to 1998-1999 budget allocations.

4 Bangladeshis shot in J&K firing

SRINAGAR, March 23 (UNI) — At least four Bangladeshi nationals were killed when Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire at Jahwal post in Arina sector this morning.

An official spokesman said Pakistani troops began unprovoked firing at Indian positions early this morning and the Indian side retaliated. The exchange between the troops continued for several hours.

The bodies of four Bangladeshi nationals were later recovered from the area.

The Indian troops have not suffered any casuality while damages suffered by the Pakistani side were not immediately known.

A report from Kargil said that Pakistani troops fired mortar and artillery shells at Indian positions in the Kargil sector last evening. However, there was no report of any loss of life or damage to property due to Pakistani shelling, it said.

2 jawans among 5 killed

JAMMU, March 23 (PTI) — Three militants and two security force jawans were killed in two separate militancy-related incidents in Rajouri and Udhampur districts of the Jammu region since yesterday, official sources said here today.

Two militants and a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan were killed and two BSF men injured in an encounter at Dalwa village in the Mahore area of Udhampur distirct, the sources said.

In another encounter in the Thanamandi area of Rajauri district, an Army jawan and a militant were killed. Two Army jawans were also injured in the encounter, the sources said.