J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

PM meets political leaders in Srinagar
Srinagar, May 22
Barring the Hurriyat Conference and other separatist groups, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today met leaders of various political parties to ascertain their views on political and economic problems of Jammu and Kashmir, besides the current Indo-Pak military stand-off on the borders.

PM sympathises with Lone’s family
Jammu, May 22
Among the VVIPs who conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family of Abdul Gani Lone, who was killed by a gunman in Srinagar yesterday, was the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee.

In video: A day after a popular separatist leader Abdul Ghani Lone is assassinated at a public rally, a shutdown is observed in Srinagar. (28k, 56k)

Sikhs seek package for J&K
Jammu, May 22
Various Sikh organisations, expressing concern over the migration of people from border villages owing to Pakistani firing, have appealed to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, to take a firm decision on “aar paar ki ladai” to free the state of violence and miseries.

PM meets political leaders in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 22
Barring the Hurriyat Conference and other separatist groups, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today met leaders of various political parties to ascertain their views on political and economic problems of Jammu and Kashmir, besides the current Indo-Pak military stand-off on the borders.

After visiting the frontier areas of the state this morning where he addressed jawans and reviewed the military build-up, the Prime Minister met leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, the Congress, the Awami National Party and a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The Hurriyat Conference had already announced that it was not keen to meet Mr Vajpayee. No invitation was extended to the leaders of the 23-party separatist conglomerate.

Similarly, Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chief Shabir Shah also stayed away from the meeting. There was no response from the DFP office on whether Mr Shah would meet the Prime Minister.

Earlier, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah met Mr Vajpayee and apprised him of the latest political and security situation in the state. Dr Abdullah had repeatedly stated that the level of infiltration had not come down. It was followed by a meeting with Governor Girish Chander Saxena.

The Prime Minister was assisted in talks by Defence Minister George Fernandes, National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra and Minister of State in the PMO Vijay Goel.

The PDP delegation, led by Mehbooba Mufti, told Mr Vajpayee that the only approach in finding a just solution to the Kashmir issue was through a dialogue and reconciliation.

It said conducive conditions were required to be created for the dialogue. UNI

PM sympathises with Lone’s family
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 22
Among the VVIPs who conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family of Abdul Gani Lone, who was killed by a gunman in Srinagar yesterday, was the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Mr Vajpayee rang up Mr Sajjad Lone, son of the slain Hurriyat Conference leader, last night and conveyed condolences on the assassination of his father.

Mr Vajpayee told Mr Sajjad that the murderous assault was highly condemnable and conveyed deep sympathies to the family members.

He said he was shocked to learn about the killing of Lone who represented the voice of tolerance, sanity and moderation in Kashmir.

Sikhs seek package for J&K
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 22
Various Sikh organisations, expressing concern over the migration of people from border villages owing to Pakistani firing, have appealed to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, to take a firm decision on “aar paar ki ladai” to free the state of violence and miseries.

Leaders of Bhai Kanahiya Nishkam Seva Society, AISSF, SAD Sikh Naujawan Sabha, state Akali Dal and others held a meeting here today in which a resolution was adopted, urging the Prime Minister to announce an economic package for the people of the state.

They said the Centre should constitute committees of leaders of various political and religious organisations to monitor the utilisation of the Central funds.

They also demanded a suitable compensation for those farmers whose crops were affected as a result of migration.