"Militancy increased after Musharraf’s take-over"
JAMMU, Nov 15 — The number of Pakistan-sponsored militancy incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has increased manifolds since military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf’s takeover in Pakistan on October 12 last, Inspector-General of BSF, Jammu Frontier, UC Chabbra said here today.

3 militants killed in valley
SRINAGAR, Nov 15 — Three militants were killed and six others arrested in the valley in past 24 hours while militants attacked a security forces camp in Anantnag with rockets and automatic weapons last night.

3 burnt alive in hostel fire
SRINAGAR, Nov 15 — Three children were charred to death and 36 rescued in a fire that destroyed Bal Ashram Hostel building at Leh, in Ladakh region, an official spokesman said here today.

"Militancy increased after Musharraf’s take-over"

JAMMU, Nov 15 (PTI) — The number of Pakistan-sponsored militancy incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has increased manifolds since military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf’s takeover in Pakistan on October 12 last, Inspector-General of BSF, Jammu Frontier, UC Chabbra said here today.

"There is an increase in militancy after Musharraf took over as military ruler of Pakistan. Number of encounters/attacks on security forces, vital installations and infiltrations have increased manifolds after the period", Mr Chabbra said.

However, there was no change in the situation along the international border and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in the state, he said.

He said "no change was effected in pattern, volume of firing and attacks by Pakistani troops along the border."

Besides, the Pakistan’s Inter-Services-Intelligence (ISI) had also set up a suicidal squad of militants for the first time during Musharraf’s rule, Mr Chabbra claimed.

The suicidal squad code named "Fedyeen" has been formed from diehard and highly motivated mercenaries of pro-Markez-e-Toiba outfit of the Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT), he said.

The outfit was instrumental in the killing of Army Public Relations Officer Maj. P. Purushottam in an attack on Badamibagh cantonment, Civil Secretariat and also on security forces camps in Kupwara, Poonch and Rajouri.

The outfit mission was to target VVIP areas, installations, political leaders, top officials and ministers, Chief Minister, he added.

Regarding the situation at the border, Mr Chabbra said the BSF was vigilant all along the border from Kathua to Akhnoor to foil any attempt by Pakistan to push in armed militants into Jammu.

"The situation was well under control and we are trying to de-escalate border tension", he added.

From 13.7 and 14.5 kvt weaponry used during Kargil’s Vijay Operation period, Pakistani troops are now using 12.7 kvt weaponry in firing along the border, he added.

Asked about the aim of Pakistan troops’ raids on different border outposts along Jammu border recently, Mr Chabbra said it was to highlight international border into a "working boundary’’, term used by Pakistani Rangers.

"We have repulsed all these raids and inflicted casualties on the raiders", he said.

He said cultivation was taking place right up to border outpost level or zero line after several years of its suspension due to Pakistani firing.

3 militants killed in valley

SRINAGAR, Nov 15 (UNI) — Three militants were killed and six others arrested in the valley in past 24 hours while militants attacked a security forces camp in Anantnag with rockets and automatic weapons last night.

An official spokesman said militants fired rockets and bullets on a security force camp at Quazigund in Anantnag last night. However, the rocket missed the target and exploded without causing damage. Security forces also returned the fire but the militants managed to escape.

He said security forces killed a militant at Khanyal Gali during a search operation last night. Two grenades and one wireless set were recovered from the slain militant.

He said militants and security forces exchanged fire during a search operation at Dangerpora village in the frontier district of Kupwara this morning. Bodies of two militants have so far been recovered. Operation was still in progress when the reports last came in.

He said forces arrested six militants in Badgam and seized four AK-47 rifles, 18 detonators, 16 IED circuits, 12 hand grenades, 20 Kg of explosives, two magazines and 60 rounds from them.

3 burnt alive in hostel fire

SRINAGAR, Nov 15 (PTI) — Three children were charred to death and 36 rescued in a fire that destroyed Bal Ashram Hostel building at Leh, in Ladakh region, an official spokesman said here today.

The blaze was believed to have broken out last night in the hostel run by the state Social Welfare Department. The hostel was illuminated with candles yesterday on the occasion of Children’s Day and the fire might have broken out due to the candles which were left burning, he added.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned Rs 25,000 each as ex gratia relief to the next of kin of the three victims, he said.