J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Shiv Sena for regional councils
JAMMU, July17 — The State unit of Shiv Sena while opposing the demand for the trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir has favoured setting up of autonomous regional councils for Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu.

6100 pilgrims have darshan of Amarnath
PAHALGAM, July 17 — More than 6100 pilgrims performed darshan of the holy ice lingam of Lord Shiva today. These included a number of pilgrims who reached the holy cave shrine at the height of 13000 ft via the Baltal route.

Shiv Sena for regional councils
From Our Correspondent

JAMMU, July17 — The State unit of Shiv Sena while opposing the demand for the trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir has favoured setting up of autonomous regional councils for Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu.

The President of Shiv Sena, Mr Devinder Singh Shastri and general secretary, Mr Yash Paul Gupta, told mediapersons here today that vivisection of the State was against the interest of the country.

The Shiv Sena leaders supported Panun Kashmir’s demand for carving out a separate homeland for the displaced people within the valley. Mr Shastri said for the past 11 years they were living a miserable life in the camps.

The Shiv Sena leaders criticised the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, for his volte face on the autonomy issue by inviting Dr Farooq Abdullah for talks.

Mr Shastri said the issue of division of more powers to the State should be discussed with the Chief Ministers of other states, not only with Dr Farooq Abdullah. 

6100 pilgrims have darshan of Amarnath
Tribune News Service

PAHALGAM, July 17 — More than 6100 pilgrims performed darshan of the holy ice lingam of Lord Shiva today. These included a number of pilgrims who reached the holy cave shrine at the height of 13000 ft via the Baltal route.

Ramesh Padroo (35) of Lakshmi Nagar, Delhi, died of an electric short circuit at Pahalgam today. Earlier an official of the State Government had died after his pony slipped near Pissu Top on Friday last.

There are reports of a heavy rush of pilgrims on the 48-km-long trek between Chandanwari and the holy cave, in violation of the prescribed rules. At least 8000 pilgrims were allowed to proceed on Saturday, the second day of the beginning of the yatra. This is in violation of the orders according to which the total number of yatris on the track should not exceed 6,000.