J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

J&K Budget session begins amid protests
JAMMU, Feb 23 — The state Governor, Mr G.C. Saxena, said here today that greater international pressure should be brought to bear on our recalcitrant neighbour to see reason and cease to sponsor cross-border terrorism.

Two ultras killed, 3 held in valley
SRINAGAR, Feb 23 — Two top militants of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen were killed and three arrested in two separate operations carried out by security forces in South Kashmir today.

J&K Budget session begins amid protests
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23 — The state Governor, Mr G.C. Saxena, said here today that greater international pressure should be brought to bear on our recalcitrant neighbour to see reason and cease to sponsor cross-border terrorism.

Addressing the joint session of the members of the Legislative Assembly and Council on the first day of the Budget session here today, Mr Saxena said it was a matter of regret that the state government’s worst fears were confirmed with the premeditated intrusions from across the Line of Control. Mr Sexena said the ISI had sponsored aggression by hired mercenaries from across the border and embarked on a full-scale operation by Pakistani army from the other side.

He said it was a matter of record now that the evil designs of the enemy came a cropper, thanks to the fitting and decisive response by our Army and Air-Force. Paying tributes to the soldiers and Air Force men for defending the territorial integrity of the nation in a professional manner in the best traditions of the armed forces, Mr Saxena said: "Our hearts specially go out to those who made the supreme sacrifice in defending our sovereignty. The families of these patriotic countrymen deserve our gratitude, sympathy and active assistance."

When the Governor was speaking about the autonomy report of the state government there were protests and boycotts from the Opposition MLAs from BJP the and the Congress.

Mr Ashok Khajuria, BJP, MLA, later told reporters that they would not allow the ruling National Conference to manipulate the autonomy report and people of the Jammu region would oppose this report.

Meanwhile, over 300 activists of the BJP courted arrest in front of the state assembly in protest against the irregular power and water supply and the autonomy report.

PTI adds: The Jammu and Kashmir legislature Budget session commenced here on Wednesday amid a protest demonstration, lathi charge and "gherao’’ of the civil secretariat complex housing the Legislative Assembly and the Council.

According to official sources, the BJP took out a protest rally from its headquarters against the "autonomy" demand and failure of the ruling National Conference government.

The BJP supporters marched towards the civil secretariat, housing the Assembly and Council. However, a heavy contingent of the state police and paramilitary forces prevented them from moving to the venue.

Two ultras killed, 3 held in valley

SRINAGAR, Feb 23 (PTI) — Two top militants of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen were killed and three arrested in two separate operations carried out by security forces in South Kashmir today.

Militants owing allegiance to the pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen ambushed a joint party of special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir police and security forces during search operations at Marhama village in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district today, an official spokesman said.

The joint party of security forces retaliated killing the two top militants of Hizbul Mujahideen. They were identified as Jehangir Ahmad Najar, self-styled district commander and Bilal Ahmad Reshi, company commander of the outfit. An AK assault rifle, a pistol and some ammunition were recovered from them, the spokesman said.

In another operation, he said security forces apprehended three top militants of Hizbul Mujahideen during a raid on their hideout in Pulwama district today.

The captured ultras were identified as Nazir Ahmad Dar, chief organiser, Mohammad Shaban Guroo, Pulwama district co-ordinator and Manzoor Ahmad Dar, financial collector of Hizbul Mujahideen, he said.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition, including eight kg of explosives, was recovered from the captured militants, he said.