J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

A place with zero crime rate
DRAS, June 23 — This coldest inhabited place in the world after Siberia, has also the distinction of having zero crime rate. Men in uniform at the local police station are not on the prowl for criminals but are busy keeping record of accidents on the hilly road from Zoji-La through Dras. That too in summers when the 204-km-long Srinagar-Kargil road is opened to traffic to the frontier cold desert region of Ladakh. During winters, the road remains blocked due to heavy snow on Zoji-La.

Army chief reviews anti-insurgency steps
JAMMU, June 23 — The Army chief, Gen V.P. Malik today reviewed the counter-insurgency situation in Poonch and Rajouri districts with senior Army officers.

A place with zero crime rate
Tribune News Service

DRAS, June 23 — This coldest inhabited place in the world after Siberia, has also the distinction of having zero crime rate.

Men in uniform at the local police station are not on the prowl for criminals but are busy keeping record of accidents on the hilly road from Zoji-La through Dras. That too in summers when the 204-km-long Srinagar-Kargil road is opened to traffic to the frontier cold desert region of Ladakh. During winters, the road remains blocked due to heavy snow on Zoji-La.

"Here we do not get any cases of crime like that in the other areas", said an official at the police station. "But we have to be ready to assist those in distress", he adds. The road is rough and hilly and, therefore, the possibility of accidents. The police personnel said the cases included negligent driving, causing accidents and injuries. They are asked to help people in distress due to severe wintry conditions.

During the winter of 1998-99 "we had to be moved to Zoji-La for rescuing two labourers from deep snow", said a policeman on duty. They were rescued after cutting through the snow near the roof.

Heavy stock of coal and spring water that pours down in spite of sub-zero temperature, within the premises of the u-shaped single storeyed complex, sustain the men in uniform. The Jammu and Kashmir Government plans to boost the upcoming tourism here and bring it on the international tourism map. But, many residents like Mohammad Ali apprehend the "criminal menace to infect" this coldest inhabited place of the world.

The township with a population of over 2,000, at a height of 10660 ft, from the sea level, falls in the foothills of Tololing and Tiger Hills. It hit the international headlines during the Kargil conflict in 1999.

Army chief reviews anti-insurgency steps

JAMMU, June 23 (PTI) — The Army chief, Gen V.P. Malik today reviewed the counter-insurgency situation in Poonch and Rajouri districts with senior Army officers.

General Malik, on a two-day visit to the forward areas of the twin border districts, was told that counter-insurgency measures taken by the troops had resulted in the elimination of 85 militants since March 1 this year.

Addressing the troops at Rajouri Garrison, he asked them to remain vigilant against Pakistan’s designs and maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control.

General Malik praised the soldiers for successfully undertaking counter-insurgency operations in the treacherous terrain.