J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

NC in favour of dialogue: minister
JAMMU, April 21 — The National Conference is in favour of a dialogue for resolving all irritants that could result in peace not only in Jammu and Kashmir but in South Asia too.

Militants blow up electric towers
JAMMU, April 21 — Militants blew up two electric towers in Rajouri disrupting power supply to the district, official sources said today.

NC in favour of dialogue: minister
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, April 21 — The National Conference is in favour of a dialogue for resolving all irritants that could result in peace not only in Jammu and Kashmir but in South Asia too.

This was stated by the Minister for Education, Mr Mohammad Shafi, and Industries Minister, Dr Mustafa Kamal, while reading a book “Neelaam Ghar” a collection of poems written by Tehir Muzatar, a journalist, here today.

Dr Kamal,who is the younger brother of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, said “we are not against a dialogue with any section of the people or political circles” but the Centre should take into account the need for restoration of peace in the state. A “dialogue which will result in a momentary peace would be a dangerous exercise”, he added.

He indicated that some political groups were vying for a dialogue and the Centre should be careful about it. He said “we are ready to cooperate with the Government if the dialogue will ensure peace and end the bloodshed.”

He expressed concern over continued turmoil in the state and in other places and wanted people and politicians not to harbour misgivings even before the start of a dialogue. “Let the dialogue be initiated for ending violence and we should wait for the results and not attribute motives,” he added.

He said Tahir Muztar had painted a picture of the misfortune that hit the Kashmir valley due to which tolerance, communal harmony and human values had been sacrificed at the altar of violence. He hoped that displaced families would be able to return to Kashmir.

Militants blow up electric towers

JAMMU, April 21 (PTI) — Militants blew up two electric towers in Rajouri disrupting power supply to the district, official sources said today.

No casualty was reported when militants triggered two powerful improvised explosive devices, fitted to two electric towers on the outskirts of Rajouri around 11.45 p.m. yesterday, the sources said.

The explosions took place when the security forces engaged in flushing out militants came close to the militant hideout. The militants, however, escaped towards the upper reaches, following the blasts, the sources said.

SRINAGAR: Three militants were killed and two of their hideouts smashed in Kashmir valley today, an official spokesman said.

Army and police personnel in a joint operation in Gund-Dooru village in Anantnag district raided a hideout of militants who opened fire and in the ensuing encounter three militants were killed.

The forces raided two other militant hideouts in Srinagar and Baramula and seized a large quantity of ammunition, including 3293 rounds of AK ammunition, pistols and a Chinese grenade.

BSF and police personnel also detected and defused an improvised explosive device planted by militants at Zinpanchal-Batapora on Chrar-e-Sharief road in Badgam district of central Kashmir.