The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	5 CRPF jawans injured in Sopore grenade blast Third such attack in separatists’ bastion since January Majid Jahangir/TNS Srinagar, June 17 Five CRPF personnel were injured in a grenade attack in north Kashmir’s Sopore town. Police said suspected militants lobbed a grenade at a picket of 179 CRPF Battalion near bus stand Sopore at around 10 am, resulting in injuries to five paramilitary troops. The injured CRPF men have been identified as Mohammad Razaq Khan, Anil Kumar, Sia Ram, Javid Khan and Rajah Kumar. “All the injured persons were shifted to sub district hospital Sopore. Khan and Kumar were referred to SKIMS Soura for further treatment,” Sudhir Kumar, a CRPF spokesman, said. Police has registered a case and started investigations. Immediately after the grenade attack, the police and the CRPF launched a manhunt to nab the culprits involved in the attack. Police sources said the militants, taking advantage of the rush and panic in the area, escaped. Senior Police and CRPF officers reached the spot. No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. This was the third such incident in Sopore, a separatists bastion, since January this year. On January 7, two policemen were injured in a grenade attack on Sopore police station. Suspected militants on May 19 had also lobbed a grenade towards the main gate of Sopore Police station, injuring 10 persons including three policemen. The Sopore grenade attack took place two days after a block president of ruling National Conference was shot dead in Srinagar city. Recent incidents May 17: A major tragedy was averted with the timely detection of a 70 kg IED at Chhanpora in Srinagar. May 19: 10 persons, including three policemen, were injured in grenade attacks in Sopore town and Batamaloo area of Srinagar. May 30: 7 CRPF men were injured in firing at Victory Crossing Khanyar in the old city. June 5: Militants issue death threats to panches and sarpanches in south Kashmir. These threats have forced over 250 panches and sarpanches to resign from their posts. June 6: The house of a village head attacked in south Kashmir.
	J&K Govt, Army to begin dialogue on AFSPA Arun Joshi Tribune News Service Jammu , June 17 The state government and the army would start dialogue on the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) as a sequel to the first meeting between Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Saturday. The matter was hanging fire for the past over seven months as the Army was not willing to concede to the state government’s proposal to withdraw the special powers of the security forces from six districts. The sensitive issue came up during the discussions and it was agreed that consultations on the issue would start. No promise was made by the Army Chief whether there would be any change in the Army’s position. He was, however, willing to open the turf of dialogue wherein search for middle ground would be launched. There was a contrast in the approach and attitudes as well, as this meeting came in the backdrop of the fact that Gen Singh’s predecessor Gen V K Singh had not called on the Chief Minister during his farewell visit to the state, underlining the frigid relationship between the two, especially on the issue of the revocation of the AFSPA that provides legal immunity to the security forces from their acts of omission and commission while fighting terrorism. “We were always on a stand-by mode. Now we will be moving forward in search of a middle ground though the final call would be taken by the Central government,” a top source in the government told The Tribune . However, the final call on the issue would be taken by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultations with the state government. The positive thing to emerge is that the talks in which the two sides were to search for the middle ground on the revocation of AFSPA in a gradual manner would at least start. Omar was pleading for the removal of AFSPA from areas like districts of Budgam and Srinagar from the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Samba, Kathua from the Jammu region. The army was pointing out to its fears that such an action would hurt its logistics and also feared that the militants would reactivate themselves in such areas. What Omar wants The CM has been pleading for the removal of AFSPA from areas like districts of Budgam and Srinagar from the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Samba, Kathua from the Jammu region. The army is pointing out to its fears that such an action would hurt its logistics and also feared that the militants would reactivate themselves in such areas. No promise by Army Chief No promise was made by the Army Chief whether there would be any change in the Army’s position. He was, however, willing to open the turf of dialogue wherein search for middle ground would be launched.
	Alleged desecration of holy book 6 BRO labourers detained Complete shutdown observed in Bandipore town Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 17 While J&K police has detained six labourers of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) for questioning, the north Kashmir’s Bandipore town observed a complete shutdown today in protest against the alleged desecration of a holy book by unidentified persons. “We have detained over six labourers of the BRO,” said a police officer in Bandipore. “A case under Section 295 of the RPC was registered on Saturday and we are questioning the labours,” he added. Life in the town was thrown out of gear as shops and other business establishments remained closed to protest the alleged desecration of a holy book. “The situation remained calm in the entire Bandipore town,” the police officer said. Police sources, however, said the protests were held in the border village of Tulail in Bandipore district where hundreds of people staged demonstration against the alleged desecration of a holy book. The protests continued throughout the day. The alleged desecration had taken place on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday at Tragbal on the Bandipore-Gurez road. As the news about the alleged desecration spread, protests were held in the town on Saturday. Minor clash between protesters and police was also reported. A defence spokesman said that Beacon authorities were disturbed due to the incident. “Beacon authorities are very sad and disturbed over the incident which took place in Bandipora. Chief Engineer Beacon has clarified that no person of Beacon is involved in this incident. “It may be the act of some miscreants to cause disharmony and disturbance in the peace-loving state and the same is strongly condemned. It is not possible any person of Beacon is involved in such deplorable incident,” the defence spokesman said in Srinagar. Meanwhile, Jamat-i-Islami has demanded stern action those involved in the alleged desecration. “Stern action should be taken against those involved in the incident so that no one dares to repeat it in any part of the state,” Zahid Ali, a Jamat spokesperson said.
	Geelani freed after brief detention Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 17 Separatist leader and chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani was detained along with two associates outside his house when they tried to leave for Eidgah in the old city. Geelani, who was released in the evening, had called for ‘Eidgah chalo’ today to pay tributes to the youths killed during the 2010 agitation in Kashmir. Sources said that as Geelani came out of his residence in Hyderpora locality of the city, a police officer asked him to abort his Eidgah programme. “As he (Geelani) refused, he was detained for a few hours along with two more party leaders,” said a police officer. “There were prohibitory orders in place in the Srinagar city.” Besides Geelani, those arrested included the spokesman of the Hurriyat Conference, Ayaz Akbar, and another leader Altaf Ahmad Shah. The Hurriyat alleged that many leaders of the conglomerate, including Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Mohammad Ashraf Laya and Salman Yusuf, were put under house arrest. The Hurriyat Conference has condemned the police action.
	Tufail Mattoo killing Conclude probe in two months, HC tells SIT Majid Jahangir/TNS Srinagar, June 17 The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has given two months to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to complete its probe in Tufail Mattoo killing case in 2010, which had triggered a cycle of violence in the valley. The directions were issued after the SIT submitted the report of FSL Chandigarh, to the court. The FSL report submitted by the SIT had ruled out presence of any “gunshot residue” in the swabs. However, the forensic report indicated the presence of “some chemicals” in the swabs, which the SIT has been asked to explain. A teenager Tufail Mattoo was killed on June 11, 2010, when he was reportedly hit by a teargas shell fired by the J&K police while he was returning home. The shell hit Tufail on his head. The police had initially claimed that Tufail was killed by some unknown youth. His death sparked a cycle of violence in the valley.
	Meraj-ul-Alam being observed with fervour M Aamir Khan Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 17 Meraj-ul-Alam is being observed with traditional fervour across the Kashmir valley from tonight. Devotees would remain engrossed in nightlong prayers across the mosques and shrines of the Valley. The main function is observed at the Hazratbal shrine, which houses the holy hair strand (Moi-e-Muqaddas) of Prophet Muhammad, on the banks of the Dal Lake. According to the Islamic belief, Prophet Muhammad ascended to the highest levels of heavens on this night and the believers commemorate the holy occurrence through nightlong prayers. While the night is observed across the Muslim nations, people of Kashmir observe the Meraj in their distinct manner. Historian Prof. Mohammad Ishaq Khan said the most unique feature of Meraj-ul-Alam in the Valley is the public exhibition of the holy relic, each time after five daily prayers in the shrine on the day after Shab-e-Meraj (tomorrow). “The holy relic is displayed the next day (on Tuesday) exclusively for the women after each prayers and this feature is unique to Meraj in Kashmir,” he added. Meanwhile, the area around Hazratbal shrine is wearing a festive look as many roadside vendors selling a variety of eatables and other items. Director General of Police K. Rajendra Kumar visited the Hazratbal shrine yesterday to take stock of the arrangements made in connection with Meraj-ul-Alam and also to review traffic arrangements in view of the huge expected rush of devotees. While Monday is a state holiday in view of Meraj-ul-Alam, huge rush of devotees is expected yet again on the following Friday (June 21) at the Hazratbal shrine. On the day, the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad will be displayed after the five prayers as well.
	Omar, Governor greet people Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 17 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Governor NN Vohra have greeted people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Meraj-ul-Alam. The Governor expressed hope that the celebration of this auspicious occasion would further strengthen the bonds of amity, harmony and brotherhood and be a harbinger of sustained peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
	7 dead in separate road accidents RK Kichlu Batote, June 17 Seven persons died and five others were injured in three separate incidents on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway today. A woman, her brother, and five persons died on the spot when a Srinagar-bound truck skidded off the highway and rolled down a 400-ft gorge near the Khooni nullah. The accident happened when the driver of the truck failed to negotiate a curve to avoid a rashly-driven truck coming from the opposite direction in Ramban in the wee hours today. A road opening party of the Army, which was patrolling the area, informed the police about the accident. In another incident, a couple died instantaneously when their TATA Indica car rolled down a 50-ft gorge at Nachhlana in Banihal tehsil around 3 am today. The dead were identified as Abdul Majid Bhat and his wife Saleema Bano, of Paadshahi Bagh, Srinagar.
	Tax levied on Vaishno Devi pilgrims Police detains 5 persons, seizes over Rs 6 lakh Devinder Thakur Katra, June 17 After instructions from Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohiuddin yesterday, the police seized over Rs 6 lakh and detained five persons on Saturday for charging tax from Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims on behalf of the Municipal Committee, Katra. The instructions were issued to the officials concerned in the District Development Board meeting yesterday. The PHE Minister declared the tax illegal and ordered that it should be stopped immediately. “After getting the instructions, police officers swung into action and raided various counters of the Municipal committee, Katra, on the 13-km-long Katra-Bhawan track,” said SSP, Reasi, Raghuvir Singh. He said, “We have seized over Rs 6 lakh and detained five persons from Bhawan, Hathi Matha and Adhukuwari.” The police has requested the Municipal Committee to clear its stand on the issue. The Minister yesterday said it was totally illegal that the Katra Municipal Committee was charging tax from pilgrims for the Vaishno Devi shrine area, which was not within the limits of the Municipal Committee.
	7 injured in road accident Jammu, June 17 Seven persons, including a minor girl, were injured when a flying squad vehicle escorting Minister for Industries and Commerce SS Slathia collided with a car in the Greater Kailash area today afternoon. Reports said the escort vehicle with the cavalcade of the Minister collided with a Chevrolet Beat car at a turn near the Kalu Chack forest post in the Greater Kailash area. Five constables in the escort team, a woman and a minor girl received injuries. The injured were shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu. Police sources said no one was severely injured in the accident. A case under Section 279 of the RPC for rash driving on a public way has been registered against the drivers of the vehicles at the Gangyal police station. — TNS
	Northern Command celebrates Raising Day Tribune News Service Udhampur, June 17 The Northern Command of the Army celebrated its Raising Day today. It was on this day the Command was raised after the Indo-Pak war of 1971. A number of activities marked the occasion at the military station here. Defence PRO of the Northern Command Lt Col Rajesh Kalia said the celebrations were conducted in a befitting manner, commencing with a solemn ceremony at Dhruva War Memorial where GOC-in-C of the Northern Command Lt Gen KT Parnaik paid homage by laying a wreath as a mark of respect to the martyrs. Other activities included a performance by an Army motorcycle team, aptly called the ‘Dare Devils’, a dog show where canines demonstrated their proficiency in Army-related tasks and a rendition by the Army Symphonic Orchestra. In his ‘Special Order of the Day’, Lt Gen Parnaik extended his good wishes to all ranks and their families. Complimenting the rank and file of the Dhruva Command for demonstrating endurance, steadfastness, self-sacrifice and an exemplary sense of duty during counter-terrorist operations with a ‘people-friendly’ approach, he exhorted them to continue to maintain the exalted standards through professionalism, dedication and devotion to duty. The Dhruva Command, as it is popularly known, has lived up to the faith reposed in it by the nation, be it combating Pakistan-sponsored terrorism or the Kargil war in 1999, said Lt Col Rajesh Kalia. He said many officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and ORs of the Northern Command had sacrificed their life for the nation. Deployed in inhospitable and hazardous environments, which includes Siachen, troops of the Northern Command continue to serve with zeal and enthusiasm, drawing inspiration from the bravery and sacrifice of their predecessors, he said. On the occasion, the troops of the Dhruva Command rededicated themselves to the service of the nation and reaffirmed their resolve to work for peace, prosperity and development in Jammu and Kashmir, said Lt Col Kalia.
	Campaign against NHPC BJP steps up attack against Congress Tribune News Service Jammu, June 17 The BJP has stepped up its attack on the Congress for maintaining a “guarded silence” on the campaign launched by one of its party ministers against the government-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for “looting” the natural resources of the state. Chief spokesman of state BJP Jatinder Singh said instead of taking action against the Minister, Congress leadership has remained silent. He said the Congress leadership owed an explanation because the party Minister had been instigating people to throw the NHPC out of the state. Singh said the campaign against government companies was launched just to address the separatist sentiments in the Kashmir valley. He said the Kashmir-centric parties like the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party had reasons to rake up sentiments of the gullible Kashmiri masses because politics of these parties solely depended on raking up anti-India sentiments. He said the attitude of the Congress was shocking. “The Congress, which claims to be a national party, has been playing in the hands of anti-national forces,” Singh said. Ridiculing claims of the state government to bring back hydro electric projects from the NHPC, he said the state government was not even in a position to give salaries to its employees. “I do not know how the state government would bring back these projects?” he asked.
	Arms recovered Devinder Thakur Katra June 17 The security personnel burst a militant hideout and recovered arms and explosives during a combing operation in Mahore region of Reasi today. Acting on a tip off, the army and state police conducted a joint operation in Ban forest of Mahore, said SSP Reasi Raghuvir Singh, adding that the recovered arms and ammunition included a Chinese pistol, five rounds of 7.62 mm AK ammunition, six rounds of 7.62 mm LMG ammunition and nine pistol rounds.