Srinagar, October 12
Two fidayeen, who had stormed a CRPF camp near the Dal Lake last evening, have been killed by security personnel. One of the militants was killed soon after they entered the camp, while the other, holed up there for the night, was killed this morning, police and CRPF officials said.

Alert soldiers immediately pushed the militant duo under cover, resulting in only minor injuries to three personnel, who were discharged after first-aid, DGP Kuldeep Khoda said.

The slain fidayeen have been identified as Abu Hashim and Abu Zahid. Both hail from Pakistan as per documents recovered from them.

The militants had blasted hand grenades and run into Hotel Boulevard, which houses the 144 battalion of the CRPF, spraying bullets there.

The strike by militants came after the United Jihad Council (UJC), a Pakistan-based amalgam of militant groups operating in Kashmir, had announced a three-day ceasefire beginning today in the valley due to Id celebrations.

By carrying out these attacks, officials said, LeT has tried to show that a unilateral ceasefire, announced by the UJC, would have little bearing on the ground.

Katra, October 12
Amidst unprecedented security, the annual Navratra festival commenced here today in this holy town, which is the base camp of the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.

Minister of health and medical education, Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma and minister of rural development Jugal Kishore inaugurated the festival amidst chanting of “Jai Mata Di” by a large number of devotees.

Hundreds of people, including locals and pilgrims from outside the state, participated in the Navratra festival. An impressive procession was taken out in the town, which passed through different bazaars. The procession showcased the Dogra culture.

Addressing the function, the health minister said these types of festivals reflected that situation had changed in the state. He hoped that during this year's festival, a record number of pilgrims would visit the shrine.

This year the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Tourism Department have initiated several steps to make the Navratra festival more attractive. Information Department and cultural organisations of Katra will organise cultural, folk music and dances of the Trikuta hills during the festival. The Hotel and Restaurant Association Katra has announced 50 per cent discount on room tariff during the festival.

Another attraction of the festival is All-India Devotional Songs/Bhaint Competition. The winner will be given Rs 1 lakh.

Meanwhile, keeping in view the blast at the Sufi shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer, a red alert has been sounded in Katra and adjoining areas.

Udhampur, October 12
Squads of various departments conducted surprise checkings in different bazaars of Kishtwar and Bhaderwah to keep a check on the quality as well as prices of essential commodities. Taking an advantage of the pre-Id shopping spree, shopkeepers in Kishtwar and Bhaderwah were over charging from the customers.

At Kishtwar, DC Shahid Inayat Ullah led the squad and checked the rate list of various items being sold by the shopkeepers. The DC also inspected the quality of the eatable items, especially mutton and chicken. During the checking, some items were found spurious which were later destroyed by the squads.

At Bhaderwah, a delegation of the Citizen Council, led by A Q Bhat, called on SDM, Bhaderwah, P K Pole. The delegation asked the SDM to ensure the supply of fresh mutton, vegetables and other eatables during Id. They also asked the SDM to ensure control of the prices of the essential commodities.

Earlier, some officers of the Notified Area Committee and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) had conducted surprise checkings at various bazaars.

Udhampur, October 12
A motorcyclist was knocked down by a speeding vehicle near here on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Mohammed Shafi, son of Bashir Ahmed of Bemina, Srinagar, died on the spot when a vehicle hit the bike.

Pillon-rider Yogesh Kumar, son of Raj Kumar of Udheywalla, Jammu, also received severe injuries. He has been shifted to the Government Medical College for treatment. — TNS