The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Tuesday, March 26, 2002, Chandigarh, India

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

J A M M U & K A S H M I R

2 Hizb ultras, woman SPO killed in J&K
Srinagar, March 25
Two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants, including a self-styled logistic commander, were among three persons killed in separate incidents while seven militants, six of them identified with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, were arrested in Kashmir valley since last night, a police spokesman said today.

2 soldiers hurt in Pak shelling
Jammu, March 25
Two soldiers were injured in mortar shelling by Pakistani troops in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir last night, official sources said today.

DISTRICT DIARY
Rain after two dry winters
Udhampur
There was snowfall and rain last year in Udhampur district after a gap of two years. As a result of the drought the rabi as well as kharif crops, electric generation and irrigation have been affected. There is shortage of drinking water.

YOUR TOWN

Jammu
Srinagar
Udhampur

EARLIER STORIES

	J&K ultras trying to regroup March 25, 2002
	J&K Assembly passes Appropriation Bills March 24, 2002
	Farooq to raise funds’ issue with Vajpayee March 23, 2002
	IED blast in shrine March 22, 2002
	Ultras warn Hurriyat on poll issue March 21, 2002
	13 escapees, 12 staffers held, says minister March 20, 2002
	Pandemonium in J&K House March 19, 2002
	Hizbul not to enter poll fray March 18, 2002
	Hizb ultra shot dead in valley March 17, 2002
	Oppn walks out of House March 16, 2002

2 Hizb ultras, woman SPO killed in J&K

Srinagar, March 25
Two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants, including a self-styled logistic commander, were among three persons killed in separate incidents while seven militants, six of them identified with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, were arrested in Kashmir valley since last night, a police spokesman said today.

The logistic commander of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit, Latief Ahmad Reshi alias Azad, was killed by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police near Gussu in Zakoora area on the outskirts of the city late last night, the spokesman said.

A pistol, a handgrenade, two rounds and a wireless set were seized from the possession of the killed militant who was having a fake identity card in the name of Mohammad Ashraf, a property dealer.

The BSF and SOG, Tral, in a joint operation, killed another Hizbul militant in an encounter at Khandaypora village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir early today.

Meanwhile, reports from Jammu said a woman special police officer (SPO) was among two security personnel killed and eight persons, including a CRPF jawan were injured in separate incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu division since yesterday, a police spokesman said today.

Unidentified militants barged into the residence of SPO Khalida Parveen and gunned her down at Ujhar village in Rajouri district yesterday, he said.

Militants killed another SPO, Shakeel Ahmed, at Bada Ganna village in Poonch district at around the same time.

Meanwhile, 15 mourners were taken into custody for violating prohibitory orders in Srinagar even as processions taken out by Shia Muslims in different parts of the valley to mark the 10th day of Muharram passed off peacefully today amid tight security, official sources said.

The mourners were detained by police at Lal Chowk when they made a dramatic appearance and tried to proceed towards Zadibal in downtown Srinagar in a procession, they said.

They were detained for violating prohibitory orders in force in the city, sources said, adding they had not sought permission from the authorities for the procession. PTI

2 soldiers hurt in Pak shelling

Jammu, March 25
Two soldiers were injured in mortar shelling by Pakistani troops in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir last night, official sources said today.

Pakistani troops, who had been resorting to mortar shelling in the sector for the past few days, targeted the Indian forward posts in Noushera sector of the district last night, injuring two jawans, the sources said.

Indian troops retaliated and the intermittent exchange of mortar shelling continued for few a hours, they said, adding that any casualty on Pakistani side could not be ascertained.

Exchange of firing with light arms has also been reported along international border and the LoC in some areas of Kathua, Jammu and Poonch districts of Jammu division since last night, the sources added. PTI

DISTRICT DIARY
Rain after two dry winters

Udhampur
There was snowfall and rain last year in Udhampur district after a gap of two years. As a result of the drought the rabi as well as kharif crops, electric generation and irrigation have been affected. There is shortage of drinking water. The snow-bound areas of Gool Gulabgarh, Patni top, Sudhmahadev, Kud, Mantalai, Dudu Basantgarh and Panchari etc have not had snow in the past two winters and remain dry. People are faced with cuts problem because of water and power shortage. But this year because of timely rains and snowfall, residents, are happy. Farmers hope for a bountiful rabi crop. The general public expects a regular supply of drinking water and electricity during summer.

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Since the militancy has spread to the whole of the Jammu region, the Mata Vaishno Devi yatra has been affected. Owing to pressure of the security forces in the valley, the militants shifted to Jammu and intensified their activities in the Jammu region. A few months back the militants opened fire on passengers at Jammu railway station and several persons were killed in the firing. The militants have of late attacked those moving on the national highway.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has reviewed the security measures and asked the government to strengthen them.

On the demand of the devotees, the board opened the traditional cave and devotees can go to Vaishno Devi shrine through the cave. The board has also taken up several developmental works for providing more facilities to pilgrims. Work on Shankaracharya Temple, about 2 km from Katra, has been started and is likely to be completed within six months. As security arrangements have been augmented by the state government as well as the shrine board, therefore a large number of pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine and Shankaracharya Temple on its completion.

* * * *

The tourism industry has been adversely affected due to a rise in militant activities in this district. Militants have exploded bombs even on the national highway, thereby keeping tourists away. After reviewing the situation the government imposed the Disturbed Areas Act in the Jammu region. Tourists visit Patnitop and Gool Gulabgarh to see snow. They have hesitated to visit these places due to militancy. No development work is being carried out made by the government at these tourist spots. Hotels, restaurants and shops at these places are on the brink of collapse in the absence of tourists.