J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Security tightened for Amarnath yatra
Srinagar, June 29
Security arrangements have been further tightened ahead of the month-long annual Amarnath pilgrimage beginning on July 22, following two successive explosions along the route in south Kashmir district of Anantnag during the past two days.

Srinagar kids hold peace rally Schoolchildren during an anti-war rally in Srinagar on Saturday. Over 500 children marched from Sher-i-Kashmir Park to Lal Chowk this morning.  — PTI photo

Jawan killed, girl hurt in Pak firing
Jammu, June 29
One Army jawan was killed and a girl sustained bullet injuries when Pakistani troops opened heavy and unprovoked fire on the Regal Border Out Post (BOP) and its adjoining areas along the international border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district late yesterday, the police said today.

In video: Migrants from border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, who had fled their homes to escape Pakistani shelling, are scared to return to their villages. (28k, 56k)

• 2 CRPF jawans die in accident

Security tightened for Amarnath yatra
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 29
Security arrangements have been further tightened ahead of the month-long annual Amarnath pilgrimage beginning on July 22, following two successive explosions along the route in south Kashmir district of Anantnag during the past two days.

Registration for the pilgrimage has already through 80 Jammu and Kashmir Bank branches in the country. Over 15,000 pilgrims were registered on the first day of registration which will continue till July 5.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah yesterday announced the deferment of Rs 2000 entry fee to the passenger buses from outside the state carrying pilgrims for the Vaishno Devi and Amarnath shrines.

The security forces have stepped up combing operations along the yatra axis in view of the two explosions and other militant activities.

Srinagar kids hold peace rally

Srinagar, June 29
Schoolchildren in the Kashmir valley today organised a rare peace rally higlighting the horrors of nuclear war. Over 500 schoolchildren marched from Sher-i-Kashmir Park to Lal Chowk, carrying banners. They denounced war and highlighted the perils of a nuclear war.

The banners read, ‘Save Humanity from Horrors of Nuclear War’, ‘Liquidate Warmongering from Power and Politics’ and ‘No War, Yes to Talks.’ The peace rally was organised by a local NGO, ‘Human Watch’. PTI

Jawan killed, girl hurt in Pak firing

Jammu, June 29
One Army jawan was killed and a girl sustained bullet injuries when Pakistani troops opened heavy and unprovoked fire on the Regal Border Out Post (BOP) and its adjoining areas along the international border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district late yesterday, the police said today.

The police said Pakistani troops opened sudden fire from heavy machine guns (HMGs) targetting the Regal BOP and its adjoining areas killing Army jawan, Mohan Singh, and injuring a girl, Shakuntla Devi. She has been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In retaliation, Indian soldiers opened fire from similar calibre guns and the showdown lasted throughout yesterday night, the police said.

Meanwhile, a civilian, Pawan Kumar, had his right leg blown off when he inadvertantly stepped on an anti-personnel mine at Sinki Chhapri in the Bengalad area of the Samba sector along the international border this afternoon. Pawan has been rushed to a nearby hospital where he is being treated. UNI

2 CRPF jawans die in accident

Jammu, June 29
Two CRPF jawans were killed and 25 others injured when their vehicle overturned near Sidhra, on the outskirts of the city, this afternoon.

The police said that the vehicle carrying CRPF personnel was heading towards Bhaderwah in Doda district. As it reached Sidhra the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned negotiating a sharp turn.

Two jawans died on the spot. The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital in the area, the police added. UNI