Yatris taking rest on way to Amarnath Cave.

1330 perform darshan of Ice Lingam
Security enroute Amarnath Shrine further tightened

Excelsior Correspondent

PAHALGAM, Aug 12: As the Amarnath Yatra is considerably picking up, the authorities have further strengthened the security measures enroute the Cave Shrine to deal with any eventuality..........more

ASI’s kin, shopkeeper injured
Two blasts rock Banihal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 12: Two powerful explosions rocked Banihal tehsil in Doda district today wounding a shopkeepers and a child and causing extensive damage to a shop in Banihal’s main market........more

India ready to face any problem
No chances of war : George

NEW DELHI, Aug 12: Defence Minister George Fernandes today discounted the possibility of a war between India and Pakistan but maintained if there is any problem, we are prepared to face it. We are not on the brink of a war and I don’t feel there is any type of threat (from Pakistan), Fernandes told reporters here when asked if a war could break out between the two countries as both possessed nuclear weapons...........more

No facilities despite hectic duty
Continued deployment telling on BSF jawans' health

BARAMULLA, Aug 12: Continued deployment of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Internal Security Duty (ISD) in the Valley without rest for upto three years, lack of basic facilities and prolonged separation from their families are telling upon their health, say force officials.......more

Nissar Khan’s house attacked in Mendhar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 12: Militants opened firing on the house of Agriculture Minister Mr Nissar Ahmed Khan at Mendhar late last night but their attack was repulsed by the alert sentries.........more

Aziz rules out chances of war ‘at the moment’

ISLAMABAD, Aug 12: Pakistan today said it was seeking to avoid a further escalation of tensions with India and ruled out chances of a war at the moment but cautioned that border patrols have been stepped up with F-16 fighters. Not at the moment ... Unless India escalates .... I think that people on both sides want peace, but they also must realise that peace involves certain difficult decisions, Foreign Minister Sartaz Aziz said in an interview to AP.......more

Drass reverberates to sound other than booms of artillery

DRASS, Aug 12: For once, the battle ravaged Drass Valley of Kargil sector reverberated to sounds, other than the usual booms of enemy artillery. .......more

Fake currency racket busted, 3 arrested

NEW DELHI, Aug 12: Delhi Police today claimed to have busted a major racket of counterfeit currency notes with the arrest of three persons, including a city police constable and a Haryana Government employee. .............more