J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Swami rules out separate homeland
JAMMU, Sept 26 — Ruling out the possibility of the creation of a separate homeland for Kashmiri migrants, the Union Minister of State for Home, Mr I.D. Swami, said displaced families would be rehabilitated in their ancestral villages at an appropriate time.

J & K Sikh bodies back Tohra
JAMMU, Sept 26 — Several Sikh organisations, including the State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board, state Akali Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal, AISSF, state Istri Akali Dal, have cast their lot with the Gurcharan Singh Tohra camp by issuing an appeal to the voters of Sunam to vote for Prof Prem Singh of the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal.

Swami rules out separate homeland
From Rajni Gandotra

JAMMU, Sept 26 — Ruling out the possibility of the creation of a separate homeland for Kashmiri migrants, the Union Minister of State for Home, Mr I.D. Swami, said displaced families would be rehabilitated in their ancestral villages at an appropriate time.

In an exclusive interview with this correspondent yesterday, Mr Swami said the displaced families would not be forced to return to Kashmir and added that these people would be rehabilitated after the situation became normal.

Mr Swami said though the firing from across the border was continuing yet the morale of the residents was high after the success of Kargil operation and there was also an increase in the tourist traffic in the state.

While replying to a question he said all arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of pilgrims during Navratra festival at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

Mr Swami said the Centre was playing a pro-active role for peace in state and holding of census in the state was an outcome of Centre’s efforts.

Mr Swami opposed the demand for the trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir as it would not solve the problem.

While addressing a news conference here today Mr Swami said the Centre would deal firmly with the militants.

In reply to a question he said if the election laws allowed the separatists, including Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin or anybody else could contest the elections in the future.

Mr Swami said fencing of the International Border would be taken in hand at any cost. He said Pakistan’s plan of disrupting fencing would be foiled by “our troops”.

In reply to another question the Union Minister ridiculed the National Conference's claim that the Centre did not release adequate funds which had prevented the state from holding the Panchayat elections. He said the Centre had been providing liberal financial assistance to Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Sikh bodies back Tohra
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, Sept 26 — Several Sikh organisations, including the State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board, state Akali Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal, AISSF, state Istri Akali Dal, have cast their lot with the Gurcharan Singh Tohra camp by issuing an appeal to the voters of Sunam to vote for Prof Prem Singh of the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal.

At a joint meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Mr S.S. Wazir, President of the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, these Sikh organisations accused the Congress and the Akali Dal led by Mr Parkash Singh Badal of having ignored the interests of the people of Punjab, especially Sikhs.

Mr Wazir said that a number of workers of their organisations had already been sent to Sunam for campaigning in favour of Prof Prem Singh.