Jammu, June 5
Rejecting the move of trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu province leadership of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), both Geelani and Mirwaiz factions of the All- Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), the Jamaat-e-Islami and the J-K Democratic Freedom Party have signed a joint declaration advocating ''a meaningful dialogue to resolve of the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir''.

''The bifurcation, trifurcation or quadrification of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is categorically rejected and it is resolved to forge unity of this former princely state, may be under a democratic federal structure,'' the joint declaration stated, which was also signed by the Internationalist Democratic Party, the Dogra Front and the People's Conference.

Zero tolerance of all types of human rights violation, immediate release of all political prisoners, repealing of all ''inhuman laws that curtail civil liberties'', and to strengthen the ''political and emotional unity'' of the state should be the first and foremost steps to pave the way for durable solution to the J-K problem, said the joint declaration, which was issued to the media here today after the two-day deliberations of these parties on June 4-5.

These signatory parties also made an appeal to all sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir to throw their weight behind such joint efforts so that the movement was translated into reality.

The declaration also pointed out the problem of the Kashmiri migrants was a human problem and the creation of congenial atmosphere was needed for their return. ''All the concerned parties should take the required confidence building measures to facilitate their return and ensure their safety thereafter. And also, the problems of the West Pakistani displaced persons and the nomads on both sides of J and K, whether in India or Pakistan.

These parties also appealed to all pro-movement leaders to create unity among those who considered Jammu and Kashmir as a dispute, awaiting fair and just solution acceptable to all concerned. ''Otherwise the governments of India and Pakistan may be the gainers and people of both these nations in general and those of Jammu and Kashmir in particular would be the losers,'' the declaration added.

Srinagar, June 5
The separatist Hurriyat Conference has sharply reacted to the defence minister’s statement on the presence and withdrawal of troops from internal duty in Kashmir. The APHC, led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, have also expressed concern over Pranab Mukherjee’s comment.

Addressing a press conference today, the moderate APHC chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said Kashmir was a political issue and could not be solved by adopting a stiff approach as was indicated by the statements of the top leaders. He sought a “sincere approach” on Kashmir from all the three parties - India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir - for resolving the issue.

Mirwaiz said the defence minister’s statement was “unrealistic and reflective of India’s approach” on Kashmir. He added that troops’ deployment was abundantly visible against the wishes of the people of this state.

Without stating the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Mirwaiz claimed that some mainstream parties were trying to mislead the people by giving an impression that their agenda was no different from the Hurriyat Conference. “We are for a permanent and everlasting solution to the Kashmir problem,” Mirwaiz said, adding that the aim of other mainstream parties was to win the elections.

Udhampur, June 5
Life was thrown out of gear as complete shut- down was observed in Udhampur town and adjoining areas against the decision of the state government to include four panchayats in newly carved Reasi district. All shops and business establishments remained closed and public transport was also affected due to the bandh.

The call for bandh was given by the BJP, the National Conference, the Shiv Sena and supported by various traders’ associations. Chairman of the Demarcation Commission Dr S. S. Bleoria also visited Udhampur today to assess the situation and meet cross- sections of society.

Panches and sarpanches of four panchayats of Udhampur district Painthal, Sool, Garkhayal and Bhagata have launched an agitation against the decision of the state government including their areas in Reasi district. They were demanding they should not be included in the new district.

Complete shut- down was also observed in Painthal, Sool and Garkhayal but people of Bhagata did not participate in the strike.

Later in the afternoon activists of all political parties marched in procession which started from Gole Market and culminated in front of the office of the deputy commissioner. A memorandum was handed over to the deputy commissioner. 

Udhampur, June 5
Ten militants of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) outfit, including a self-styled divisional commander, laid down their arms to morning before Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at Doda. Director-general of police (DGP) Gopal Sharma and the chief secretary of the state were also present.

With this surrender the HuM outfit has been wiped out from Doda district, says SSP,Doda, Manohar Singh.

Manohar Singh told The Tribune that all surrendered militants were locals and fed up of bloodshed and destruction. “Some of them were active since long'', he said and termed this surrender a big blow to the HuM outfit.

Sources said all 10 militants had surrendered before security forces at Bhallesa in the Bhaderwah area of Doda on late Monday night and they were taken to Doda this morning for laying down arms before the Chief Minister. Bhallesa is the native place of Azad and most of the militants belong to that belt.

According to the police, relatives and family members of these militants motivated them to surrender before the security forces and join the mainstream.

The SSP said in the past some months the police had started a campaign of interactions with the family members of the militants so that they could motivate their children to lay down arms. “Our efforts yield encouraging results'', he, exuding confidence,said more would surrender in the days to come.

Those, who surrendered today include Barkat Ali of Bharti village of Bhallesa. Self-styled divisional commander of HuM Barkat Ali had been involved in militant activities since 1993. Others who laid down their arms included Abdul Gani, alias Hamid, self-styled district commander, Javed Iqbal, Alam Hussain, Manzur Ahmed, Akthar Hussain, Ghulam Hussain, Inayatullah Khan, Talib Hussain and Jan Mohammed.

Four AK 47 riffles, one self-loading riffle (SLR), one .303 rifle, one INSAS rifle, one pistol, a satellite phone, nine radio sets, and huge quantity of arms and ammunition were handed over by militants. 

Udhampur, June 5
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said today thaw in Indo-Pakistan relations promised permanent peace in the sub-continent. He said peace was essential for development and uplift of the masses.

Addressing a meeting of officers of Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts at Doda, Azad exuded confidence peace would prevail in Jammu and Kashmir. He added holding of round- table conferences, initiating confidence building measures and opening up of routes across Line of Control were some important milestones in the march towards peace.

He said Jammu and Kashmir was on the threshold of unprecedented progress and time had provided us a life -time’s opportunity to march ahead. The state and central governments were working in coordination for faster development, he added.

Programmes under the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan, Asian Development Bank funding, Bharat Nirman, PMGSY and the National Rural Health Mission would improve the development scenario of the state and bring about healthy socio-economic change, Azad said.

Describing attitudinal change as a catalyst in socio-economic transformation, he said "development task is challenging but determination and dedication of government functionaries promise desired success on ground".

No work without administrative approval should be executed, he said and added "unless funds are provided for the work’s launching is futile. We have the experience this practice in the past has resulted in non-completion of many works for years together".

He said he had initiated a campaign to interact with officers at all levels to sensitise them about their responsibilities. To bring about a positive socio-economic change, functionaries have to gear up.