J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Pak militant shot, encounter ends
Jammu, December 1
The joint encounter of the Army and security forces with two Pakistani militants ended today when the second militant was shot dead early in the morning in Sidhra-Mahamaya forest area on the outskirts of the city.

In video (28k, 56k) A police officer salutes a casket containing the body of constable Bal Krishan, who was killed in an encounter with Pakistani militants on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday. — Photo N.R. Sharma

Migrants to get arrears of enhanced relief
Jammu, December 1
The arrears of enhanced cash relief from July onwards to the Kashmiri migrants would be disbursed to them during first fortnight of December, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said.

Kalam presents colours to regiment
Jammu, December 1
The President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, today presented colours to the 86 Armoured Regiment at the Mamun Cantonment near Pathankot. The President reviewed an impressive mounted parade of T-55 tanks.

Pak militant shot, encounter ends
Tribune News Service & Agencies

Jammu, December 1
The joint encounter of the Army and security forces with two Pakistani militants ended today when the second militant was shot dead early in the morning in Sidhra-Mahamaya forest area on the outskirts of the city.

With this, both militants, who had taken shelter in the forest belt after attacking the vehicle of IAS officer K.B. Pillai and injuring him near the Mahamaya temple on the Sidhra railway station road, were killed, an official spokesman said.

Security forces had laid a seige around the area to plug out escape routes, but had suspended the operation late last evening. However, it was resumed in the wee hours of today.

The identity of the slain militants is yet to be ascertained. However, eyewitnesses said both of them spoke Kashmiri. They had infiltrated through Khanpur village in Kanachak sector along the international border early last morning, sources said.

A bag carried by the militants contained a paper on which threats were written in Urdu against the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani.

Baramula: Ration for security forces was looted by militants in north Kashmir on Monday, official sources said.

The sources said the ration was being taken on horseback for security force personnel at Kadoora camp, near the Line of Control, when it was looted by militants in the Chuntimuilla-Bondipora forest.

The attendants with the horses were freed after the entire ration was looted.

Migrants to get arrears of enhanced relief

Jammu, December 1
The arrears of enhanced cash relief from July onwards to the Kashmiri migrants would be disbursed to them during first fortnight of December, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said.

Later, they would get the cash relief as per the enhanced scale regularly, the Chief Minister said, while interacting with a deputation of 250 Kashmiri Pandit migrants who called on him here yesterday.

The Chief Minister said that every effort had been made by the coalition government in the state during the past one year to improve conditions in the migrant camps and he himself has visited the camps.

The situation was improving and the conditions were better now, though “We do not claim that we are out of woods yet”, he said.

Hoping that peace would dawn in the valley soon, he said conducive atmosphere was developing with ceasefire on borders and Pakistan’s positive response to India’s peace initiative.

The Chief Minister said those Kashmiri willing to return to the valley would be provided security, employment and all other facilities required for their rehabilitation.

Other sites have also been identified at Harnag, Mattan, Salia, Nowgam, Sagam, Shivpora, Ganpatyar and several other places in Kashmir where voluntarily returning migrants of all communities could be rehabilitated, he said and added all these would be multi-storeyed buildings with adequate facilities. — PTI

Kalam presents colours to regiment
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 1
The President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, today presented colours to the 86 Armoured Regiment at the Mamun Cantonment near Pathankot.

The President reviewed an impressive mounted parade of T-55 tanks. He released the first-day cover to commemorate the historic occasion.

On his arrival, Dr Kalam was received by the Colonel of the regiment, Lt-Gen K. Davar. The parade was commanded by Col R.S. Malve, Commandant of the regiment.

In his brief address, the President commended all ranks for the yeoman service rendered by them while safeguarding the security of the country. He described it as a very challenging and daunting task.

He said during the 26 years of its history, the regiment had participated in operations like “Trident”, “Vijay” and “Parakram”, and exhibited valour and courage against counter-infiltration and during counter-terrorist operations. He expressed confidence that the regiment would always respond to difficult missions, even beyond the call of duty.

Presentation of a “standard” by the President is a rare honour and the 86 Armoured Regiment deserved the colours due to the highest standard of professional conduct that it has maintained since its raising on March 1, 1977, as a mixed-class composition at Ahmadnagar.

The regiment has consistently given an excellent account of itself, both in the field and in peace. It has to its credit two Param Vishisht Seva Medals, one Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, two Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and seven General Officer Commanding in Chief Commendation Cards.