Srinagar, November 7
Seven persons, including a district commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, were killed while six others were wounded in separate militancy related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir during the past 24 hours, an official spokesman said today.

Security forces gunned down a self-styled district commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, during an encounter at Kalipora in south Kashmir district of Anantnag last evening.

Some arms and ammunition were also seized from the slain militant, identified as Khursheed Ahmad Dar, alias Sidiq, the spokesman said.

An encounter followed between militants and security forces at Dhadam-Gool in Udhampur district of the Jammu region today in which two militants were killed.

Two assault rifles and some other arms and ammunition were also seized from the slain militants, the spokesman added.

A security jawan also sustained injuries during the encounter. He was later hospitalised.

Militants and security forces were engaged in gun-battle at Damhote-Gondoh and Khellani in Doda district of the Jammu region, earlier today.

However, the militants managed to escape. They left behind one pistol, seven rounds of ammunition, one hand grenade, one camera, one binocular set and a wireless set.

Official sources said two persons were killed and two others wounded when an abandoned improvised explosive device (IED) went off in Bandipora woods in North Kashmir district of Baramulla early today.

The four civilians had gone to the jungle to collect firewood when the IED exploded, they added.

The wounded were admitted to a hospital, the sources said.

Militants shot dead Abdul Ahad Chopan at Pattan in the same district this afternoon.

A report from Baramulla, quoting sources, said security forces gunned down a militant during an encounter at Warnow-Lolab in the frontier Kupwara district last evening.

The militant, a Pakistani national, was identified as Mohammad Rustan.

Two people were wounded when unidentified gunmen fired upon them at Shopian Chowk earlier today.

Both critically wounded were admitted to a hospital, the sources added. — UNI

Jammu, November 7
Restoring peace and ensuring equitable development in Jammu and Kashmir will be the foremost priority of his government, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said today.

"My government would strive to give good governance, ensure political stability and fulfill expectations of the people of the state," Azad told reporters after attending his office at Jammu for the first time after assuming office.

Ruling out a jumbo ministry, Chief Minister said that its size will be less than 30 even after an expansion.

The Congress leader heading the coalition government, however, parried a question on the timing of expansion of his ministry, saying "you will come to know about it".

The ministerial posts are not permanent, he said adding the "efficiency and work" of each minister will gauge his tenure.

He had last night allocated portfolios to his ministers and kept vital portfolios, including Home, General Administration, Education, Health and Medical Education, Relief and Rehabilitation and Revenue, with himself.

Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig has been entrusted with Finance, Planning, Development, Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism while former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, would hold Transport, Administrative Reforms, Inspections, Training, Grievances, Floriculture and Ladakh affairs. Observing that the state had witnessed development during last three years, he said that "the foremost priority will now to be given to peace process in which we will assist the Centre."

On reports of human right violations, the new Chief Minister said these "have to be brought to zero and we have also to check killings of innocent people by militants which are also human right violations."

The Chief Minister said development is possible if normalcy prevails in the state. For this, joint efforts have to be made by political leaders, opposition groups and different sections of the society.

His government will do utmost to fulfill the aspirations of people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions and will ensure equitable distribution of funds. Media has to play a special role in the given circumstances in the state, Azad said adding "objectivity has to be maintained at all levels".

Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said that in order to promote peace process the Centre has kept its option open for dialogue with Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference and other concerned organisations. About unemployment, he said it was a global problem but through liberalisation policy more infrastructure would be created to generate employment opportunities. — PTI

Srinagar, November 7
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has retained most of the crucial ministries, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Congress are to continue with all portfolios allotted in the previous Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government, official sources said today.

Mr Azad has kept all important ministries of Home, General Administration, Information, Education, Health and Medical Education, Revenue and Estates and other departments not held by any ministers, the sources said.

Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig has retained the important portfolios of Law, Finance, Planning and Parliamentary Affairs and has also been given charge of the Tourism ministry.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has been given the charge of Transport, Administrative Reforms, Floriculture and Ladakh Affairs.

Mr Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed will take over the charge of Youth Services, Sports, Haj and Civil Aviation.

Mr Abdul Aziz Zargar will continue to hold Agriculture and Cooperatives portfolio and has also been given Fisheries, Hospitality and Protocol.

Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has been allotted the Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution ministries.

Taj Mohi-ud-Din will take the charge of the Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Science and Technology and Information Technology ministries.

Mr Qazi Mohammad Afzal has been given the charge of the Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control Ministry.

Mr Tariq Hamid Qarra, the new entrant, will be given Housing and Urban Development Ministry and also hold the additional charge of Forests and Environment Department, they added.

Independent candidate from Ladakh Nawang Rigzin Zora has been made Power and Industries and Commerce ministry.

Haji Nisar Ali has been allotted the Social Welfare ministry.

Jitender Singh, alias Babu Singh, has been made Minister of State (independent charge), Rural Development.

Congress MLC Gulchain Singh Charak will be MoS, Road and Buildings. — UNI 

Jammu, November 7
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that he would monitor performance of his ministerial colleagues and not hesitate to strip them of their portfolios in their functioning was not up to the mark.

Mr Azad, who was talking to mediapersons after the re-opening of the secretariat here after its move from Srinagar for the winter months, indicated that he would expand his ministry and its strength would not go beyond 30.

He said that good governance, peace, normalcy and equitable development of all three regions of the state would be among the priorities of his government.

Later, addressing senior officers, Mr Azad stressed the need for a transparent, honest and responsive administration.

He asked the officers to cultivate work culture.