J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Four militants killed in J&K
Srinagar, May 15
Four militants, including a top commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, were among seven persons killed in separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since last night, the police said today.

Civil aviation gets Rs 14.05 cr in J&K
Jammu, May 15
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has earmarked Rs 14.05 crore for the civil aviation sector during the current financial year against Rs 60 lakh last year. Official sources said the big jump in the annual allocation is the result of the government decision to purchase a helicopter. 

Zee Kashmir from May 27
Srinagar, May 15
The Zee Network is launching an exclusive one-hour time band ‘Zee Kashmir’ to showcase the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the state from May 27 that would also focus on everyday social and political life of its people.

Kashmiri girls present a Kashmiri folk dance during the launch of ZEE Kashmiri Channel in Srinagar on Sunday. — PTI

Bandh observed against killings in Rajouri
Jammu, May 15
Blocking traffic on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway, local residents today observed a bandh to protest against the killing of four members of a family by militants in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said.

Four militants killed in J&K

Srinagar, May 15
Four militants, including a top commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, were among seven persons killed in separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since last night, the police said today.

A self-styled battalion commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Abaas Kuka, codenamed Umer, was killed in an encounter with security forces at Razloo-Qazigund, 80 km from here, in Anantnag district today.

Another militant of the same outfit, identified as Maqbool Ahmed Khan of Haknoora-Rafiabad, was killed in an encounter with security forces at Mushnar-Kralgund in Kupwara last night, the spokesman said, adding one AK rifle, three magazines, 72 rounds, one UBGL and some grenades were recovered from the slain militant.

In another encounter, two unidentified militants were killed and a security jawan injured in an on encounter that broke out at Dar Ganigund forests in Tral, 40 km from here in Pulwama district.

Also, two unidentified persons forcibly took away a car from Bashir Ahmed Wani, Principal of Sri Pratap College, on the outskirts of the city, the spokesman said.

Wani, a resident of Lal Bazar area of the city, was at home when the two individuals snatched the car from him last evening, he said, adding they also snatched the Principal’s mobile phone and identity card.

Militants shot dead three civilians and wounded two others in the state since last evening, the spokesman said.

Hakeen Mushtaq of Indergam Pattan in Baramula was shot dead by militants last evening, he said.

The militants also entered the house of student Fayaz Ahmad Wani at Daroosa Lolab-Sogam in Kupwara last night and shot him dead, the spokesman said.

However, residents of the area, led by National Conference MLA and President of its youth wing Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, staged a protest demonstration outside the office of the District Development Commissioner of Kupwara alleging that the student was shot dead by security forces during a search operation in the area.

Militants also shot dead a villager, identified as Khalil Ahmed, in Poonch district today.

Ahmed, who was going to Surankote town, was intercepted and abducted by militants at Lasana. After torturing him, they shot him dead, the sources said, adding his body was recovered from Fazalabad area in the district.

Militants shot at and critically wounded shopkeeper, Mohammad Yousuf Kilam at his shop in Anantnag district this afternoon.

They also fired on Khalid of Baranil Lamar in Anantnag district last night. — PTI

Civil aviation gets Rs 14.05 cr in J&K
Our Correspondent

Jammu, May 15
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has earmarked Rs 14.05 crore for the civil aviation sector during the current financial year against Rs 60 lakh last year. Official sources said the big jump in the annual allocation is the result of the government decision to purchase a helicopter. A senior police officer said during the past several years helicopters had to be pressed into service for airlifting the wounded in militancy-related violence to the medical colleges in Jammu and Srinagar for treatment.

Official sources said on a number of occasions the government had to take on rent a helicopter belonging to the J.P.Industries which is engaged in the construction of the 900 MW Baghliar power project in Jammu region.

They said in the recent past one helicopter and one aircraft crashed, leaving only one helicopter with the state government. One aircraft has already been purchased.

During the NC rule a government survey had revealed that there was need for at least eight to nine aircraft and helicopters in Jammu and Kashmir which could be used during emergencies and in tourism sector also. However, paucity of funds had prevented the former Government from making fresh purchases.

Zee Kashmir from May 27

Srinagar, May 15
The Zee Network is launching an exclusive one-hour time band ‘Zee Kashmir’ to showcase the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the state from May 27 that would also focus on everyday social and political life of its people.

Announcing this here today Mr Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the Zee Telefilms Limited, said that this would be a time band for about three months after which it would be expanded to a full-fledged 24-hour channel. The entire programming was being done from the state with Zee Kashmir’s alliance with Take One TV.

“It would not only cater to the cultural, social and political aspirations of the people of the region but also provide them with a global platform”, Mr Subhash Chandra said.

Describing it as a new chapter in the history of private channels in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Devender Singh Rana, Managing Director of Take One TV, said that it would try to meet the expectations of the people of all the three regions of the state.

Man murders grandson, commits suicide

Jammu, May 15
A 70-year-old man murdered his minor grandson over a trival issue, besides inflicting serious stab wounds on his daughter, and then committed suicide by jumping from a mountain into a gorge at Shadol near Gulabgarh in Reasi today.

Police sources said Abdul Aziz had a verbal duel with his grandson Umar Din, alias Hyat (15), at their residence at Shadol this afternoon.

In a fit of rage, later stabbed Umar to death. The sources said when Aziz’s daughter Haneefa tried to save Umar, the old man stabbed her too. She was hospitalised.

Aziz later jumped into a deep gorge from a nearby mountain and died.

The police has registered a case. — UNI

Bandh observed against killings in Rajouri

Jammu, May 15
Blocking traffic on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway, local residents today observed a bandh to protest against the killing of four members of a family by militants in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said.

People of Kalakote came out on the streets and resorted to demonstrations against militants who killed four members of a family in Taryath village in Rajouri district yesterday, they said. — PTI