J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Army remembers its soldiers
Separatists observe bandh
Srinagar, October 27
Offices and commercial establishments in the valley were closed today on a call of separatists who annually observe October 27 as black day, protesting against the landing of Indian troops 60 years back on this day to secure the valley from tribal invaders backed by Pakistan.

Antony reviews situation in valley
Srinagar, October 27
Defence minister A.K. Antony, who paid a day-long visit to Kashmir, reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the SKICC here today.

Karva Chauth shoppers add colour to markets
Jammu, October 27
Markets in the city are bustling with activity these days as a large number of women out on a shopping spree for the Karva Chauth festival to be observed on October 29. The shops selling glass and synthetic bangles are favourite haunts of women, especially the married ones.

A woman selects bangles for Karva Chauth in Jammu on Saturday. — Tribune photo by Anand Sharma

Police rescues businessman
Srinagar, October 27
The police has rescued a businessman held captive by suspected militants of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen for over two days after action in Rangwar forests of the Lolab area in the frontier district of Kupwara last night.

Army remembers its soldiers
Separatists observe bandh
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 27
Offices and commercial establishments in the valley were closed today on a call of separatists who annually observe October 27 as black day, protesting against the landing of Indian troops 60 years back on this day to secure the valley from tribal invaders backed by Pakistan.

However, transport services ran, though not to their full capacity, sparing people some inconvenience. The day largely passed off peacefully. In Srinagar, the police officials said, some restive youths were contained by the police.

The Army observed the day commemorating sacrifices made by its soldiers while repulsing the tribal fighters. Governor Lt-Gen S.K. Sinha (retd) was the chief guest in Baramula at a function to remember the death of Mohammad Maqbool Sherwani, a local who died while fighting off invaders. The Governor also laid a wreath at the Sikh War Memorial built to commemorate the death of Col Dewan Ranjit Rai, who died in the battle. He was honoured with a Mahavir Chakra. The Army also organised a run-for-peace-and-harmony attended by schoolchildren. General Sinha said days of violence in the valley were almost over.

The 15 Corps of the Army based in Badami Bagh Cantt also observed the day with traditional fervour.

Some separatist leaders held peaceful dharnas at some places in the valley.

Antony reviews situation in valley
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 27
Defence minister A.K. Antony, who paid a day-long visit to Kashmir, reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the SKICC here today. Various other issues related to the rehabilitation of people affected due to the Khundroo Arms Depot fire, vacation of government and private accommodation by security forces and revision of rentals for land and orchards were also discussed.

It was revealed that the Defence Ministry had paid the entire amount of Rs 26.7 crore projected by the state government as a compensation for victims of the ammunition depot fire. The security forces had also been asked to vacate all school buildings and alike constructions, currently under their use in Kashmir by November 30 this year.

Karva Chauth shoppers add colour to markets
Tejinder Singh Sodhi
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 27
Markets in the city are bustling with activity these days as a large number of women out on a shopping spree for the Karva Chauth festival to be observed on October 29.

The shops selling glass and synthetic bangles are favourite haunts of women, especially the married ones.

“It is the duty of every married woman to dress up and observe a complete fast on the day of Karva Chauth,” said Anita Sharma, who was busy purchasing glass bangles in the market.

She said, “It has been said if a woman observes fast on Karva Chauth, her husband is blessed with a long life. So she has to break the fast only after seeing the moon and the face of her husband.”

“This year it will be my first Karva Chauth. As items for the festival are not available in my village, so I have come to Jammu to purchase these,” said Bimla, a resident of R.S Pura sector in the Jammu region.

The shopkeepers in Jammu are doing a booming business, as almost all cosmetic shops in the city are busy selling synthetic and glass bangles and cosmetics. “Thank God we are experiencing a very good sale ahead of the festival and the profit is also good,” said Raman Lal, a shopkeeper in the Purani Mandi area of Jammu city.

Police rescues businessman
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 27
The police has rescued a businessman held captive by suspected militants of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen for over two days after action in Rangwar forests of the Lolab area in the frontier district of Kupwara last night. The hostage, a policeman and one of the militants were injured during the rescue operation, while all four militants suspected to be involved in the abduction and demanding a ransom, managed to escape.

Director-general of the Jammu and Kashmir police Kuldeep Khoda announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for the rescue party and complimented it for the operation.