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New Defence Minister’s
message to Pak NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Taking over as External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee today sent out a message to Pakistan and other neighbours that "tension-free" situation should be created on the borders to enable countries of the region to live in peace. He steered clear of the controversy over the kind of proof collected by security agencies with regard to Pakistan’s involvement in the July 11 Mumbai blasts, saying "certain evidence" had been gathered which will be shared with Islamabad. "We cannot alter our neighbours. As we cannot alter our neighbours, it is desirable to live with our neighbours in peace and create tension-free situation on our borders with our neighbours," Mukherjee told reporters while responding to questions on Pakistani role in terror attacks in India. Mukherjee, who has moved from the Defence Ministry, said peace and tranquility in the region as well as other parts of the world was "most important" to ensure that India succeeds in its ambition of achieving sustained high economic growth of 9-10 per cent and above. For attaining the high economic growth, India will require investments and access to state-of-the-art technology, he said on returning to the ministry after 10 years. The Minister said peace in the world at large was also desirable as developments in one part have impact on other parts. With regard to the controversy over the kind of evidence available with regard to Pakistani involvement in the Mumbai blasts, Mukherjee said his views cannot be different as he was part of the same Government. "Our law enforcement agencies have gathered certain evidence," Mukherjee said, adding it will be shared with Pakistan. He was asked about differing statements made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and Home Secretary V K Duggal. While Singh has been saying that India has "credible" evidence, Narayanan said last week that the evidence was "pretty good" but not "clinching". Duggal later said the evidence was "fairly solid". To a question about terrorism emanating from Bangladesh, Mukherjee disagreed with a suggestion about use of "force" against it. The Minister said India has already taken up the issue with Bangladesh and suggested to them that it is in the interest of both countries that terrorist activities are curbed. The matter was even raised with Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia when she visited India in April this year, he said. Mukherjee was allocated the External Affairs Ministry portfolio yesterday, a year after the post fell vacant when Natwar Singh had to resign. Singh had to quit after his name appeared in Volcker Committee Report as a ‘non-contractual’ beneficiary in Iraq’s oil-for-food scam. (PTI) |
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Bill protecting women from violence comes into force NEW DELHI, Oct 25: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 will come into effect from tomorrow providing protection to the wife or female live-in partner from violence at the hands of the husband or male live-in partner or his relatives. The act was passed by Parliament in August last year and approved by the President on September 13, 2005 following which the Ministry of Women and Child Development issued a notification bringing it into force from October 26. The time gap was due to the need for detailed consultation required with the State and other agencies for framing the rules under the law which also extends protection to sisters, widows or mothers. Domestic violence under the act includes actual abuse or the threat of abuse whether physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or economic. Harassment by way of unlawful dowry demands to the woman or her relatives would also be covered under this definition. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury said the Bill will go a long way in providing relief to women from domestic violence and get their due. The Ministry has requested all the State Governments and Union Territories to ensure that the necessary administrative arrangements are immediately put in place for the commencement of the Act, she added. The Bill seeks to cover those women who are or have been in a relationship with the abuser where both parties have lived together in a shared household and are related by consanguinity, marriage or a relationship in the nature of marriage, or adoption; in addition relationship with family members living together as a joint family are also included. Even sisters, widows, mothers, single women, or women living with the abuser are entitled to get legal protection under the proposed Bill. One of the most important features of the Bill is the woman’s right to secure housing. The Bill provides for the woman’s right to reside in the matrimonial or shared household, whether or not she has any title or rights in the household. This right is secured by a residence order, which is passed by a court. The other relief envisaged under the Bill is that of the power of the court to pass protection orders that prevent the abuser from aiding or committing an act of domestic violence or any other specified act, entering a workplace or any other place frequented by the abused, attempting to communicate with the abused, isolating any assets used by both the parties and causing violence to the abused, her relatives and others who provide her protection from domestic violence. (UNI) |
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Infiltration bid foiled SRINAGAR, Oct 25 : Militants killed three persons, including two brothers, while security forces foiled an infiltration bid and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition in Kashmir since last evening, an official spokesman said today. He said militants shot at and critically wounded two brothers —Matloob Ahmed Ganai(25) and Hafiz Ahmed Ganai (18)— at Duraswani Lolab in the frontier district of Kupwara last evening. The injured were hospitalised where they succumbed to their injuries this morning, he said. The spokesman said militants broke into the house of one Abdul Aziz Mir at Yaripora in Kulgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district this afternoon and shot dead his son Abid Ahmad Mir, a former Special Police Officer. Police have launched a manhunt to nab the culprits, he added. Meanwhile, Border Security Force (BSF) foiled yet another infiltration bid when they arrested three Pakistani intruders near the Line of Control in Uri sector today, a BSF spokesman said. He said troops guarding the LoC noticed a group of militants sneaking from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Uri sector. When challenged the militants surrendered before the BSF personnel, he said, adding a pistol with magazine and ten rounds were seized from them. The infiltrators have been identified as Bashir Ahmad Mir alias Reisi, Abdul Rashid Peer alias Imran and Ashiq Iqbal Sofi alias Abu Hassan, the spokesman said, adding the intruders were affiliated with the Al-Badr militant outfit. A pistol, one magazine and 10 rounds were recovered from the Al-Badr militants. This is the fourth infiltration attempt in the Northern Sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the past four days. Seven infiltrators have been killed by the security forces during the past three days. (AGENCIES) |
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Political situation grim: Mirwaiz SRINAGAR, Oct 25: Terming as "grim" the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the moderate Hurriyat Conference today hoped that the upcoming Foreign Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan would create a congenial atmosphere for seeking a permanant solution to the contentious Kashmir issue. "We hope that the proposed Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries would create an appropriate atmosphere for resolution of the Kashmir issue on permenent basis," chairman of the Hurriyat, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said addressing people at the Jamia Masjid on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr here today. The Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary-level talks would be held in New Delhi on November 14 and 15 this year. He said people of Kashmir were praying for the success of the comprehensive talks between the two countries. "We pray for the success of comprehensive talks between India and Pakistan," he said. Referring to the acceptance by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of an invitation to visit Pakistan, he said a visible and positive headway in resolution of the Kashmir issue could be witnessed if the visit takes place. Singh’s visit to Pakistan will also pave the way for tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and representatives of Kashmiris to find a solution to the thorny issue acceptable to all the three parties. About the current situation in the State, he alleged that the political situation was grim as cases of human rights violations in different areas of the Valley by the forces and paramilitary troops were growing. (PTI) |
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Eid celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Oct 25: Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of fasting month of Ramzan, was celebrated today throughout Jammu and Kashmir with traditional fervor and gaiety and no untoward incidents were reported from any part of the State. Dressed in their best, men, women and children thronged mosques and shrines to offer special Eid prayers. Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chief Ministers Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Farooq Abdullah and National Conference president Omar Abdullah were among large number of people who offered prayers at the Hazratbal shrine in the outskirts of Srinagar admist tight security, officials said. The second largest gathering was witnessed at the historic Jamia Masjid. Hundreds of Muslims gathered at Idgah ground in downtown Srinagar as also at the Polo Ground, Sonawar, sources said. Similar gatherings were reported in all districts and tehsil towns, including Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama, Kupwara, Shopian, Bandipora, Tangmarg, Sopore, Chrar-e-Sharie, Kangan, Ganderbal and Kulgam. The Shia-dominated Kargil district, along with followers of Aga Syed Hassan Budgami, an executive member of the Hurriyat Conference and Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party celebrated Eid yesterday. There was no report of any untoward incident from any part of the Valley, officials said. Eid was also celebrated in Shia dominated Kargil yesterday. However, nearby Drass and other areas of the district celebrated today. Meanwhile, a police spokesman said prayers passed off peacefully in all places. Priests and other Ulcmas highlighted the importance of Eid which comes after a month-long fasting. At several places, Muslim security personnel were seen offering Eid prayers along with other civilians. People were seen greeting each other. A large number of people from other religions also greeted their Muslims brethren. Children wearing colourful dresses burst crackers to mark the festival. People in the Drass, the world’s coldest place after Siberia, also celebrate Eid today. At Leh, only Shias celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr yesterday while Sunni Muslims offered Eid prayers today. The authorities had made special arrangements for the detenues to offer prayers within the jail premises and other detention centres. Family members of the detenues have been granted special permission to meet them. Our Jammu Correspondent adds: Eid-ul-Fitr which marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramzan, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour by the Muslims across the region today. The festival of fast breaking that ends the holy month of Ramazan started with special prayers at the religious places of Muslims in the city this morning where members of the community in large number, assembled at the mosques and Idgahs and held prayers for the peace and prosperity in the region and throughout the world. Scores of people offered ‘namaz’ at the main congregation at Idgah ground on Residency Road, Mosques at Ustad Mohalla, Talab Khatikan, Bagh-e-Bahu, Gandhinagar and other parts of the city. The people greeted each other on this occasion. At Idgah, a large number of prominent persons including a few legislators, participated in the Eid prayers. The religious preachers, Ulemas and other speakers highlighted the importance of Eid which comes after a month long fasting. At several places, security personnel were seen offering prayers alongwith other civilians. The Army units located at different locations also organised functions in connection with the Eid and celebrated the festival alongwith the Muslims brethren. The prominent leaders from the Hindu, Sikh and Christians communities were also seen assembled to greet their Muslim brethren near the Idgarh ground here. Minister for R&B Gulchain Singh Charak and senior officers of the district administration were also present on the occasion to greet people. A great enthusiasm was witnessed among the children who were seen clad in the new and colourful dresses. The markets wore a festive look today. Reports from Poonch said that members of Muslim community assembled at main Jama Masjid Idgah place in the town to offer special prayers. The local MLA besides other prominent leaders from the community were also seen at the Idgah. SSP Poonch, ADC Mubarik Singh besides several prominent leaders from Sikh and Hindu communities greeted Muslims on this occasion. The local priest while speaking on the occasion extended gratitude to the Army and Civil Administration for taking care of the people and extending relaxation to the Muslims during late evening for opening ‘Roza’ and offering prayers in mosques, despite curfew along the border belt. In Kathua town, the Eid prayers were held at main Idgah ground near Sadar Treasury this morning. A large number of members of Muslim community assembled there for Eid prayers. Deputy Commissioner, Sarita Chauhan, SSP Kathua J P Singh and several other prominent persons were seen greeting Muslim brothern on this occasion. Reports of Eid celebrations were also received from Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Bhadarwah, Udhampur, Rajouri, Reasi and other parts. |
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Under-trial escapes from GMC, 3 cops suspended Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 25: A thief, who was suffering from cardiac problem and had been admitted in Ward No. 3 of Government Medical College, escaped from the hospital last night despite being escorted by three police personnel. All three cops have been placed under suspension and an inquiry ordered against them, police said. The thief identified as Subash Chander son of Thakur Dass, a resident of Chenani was arrested by police in Sarwal last month for stealing Rs 50,000 of the house owner where he was putting up as a tenant. Subsequently, he was sent to District Jail in Ambphalla on October 13. Ambphalla Jail Superintendent Rajni Sehgal said the under-trial was referred to Government Medical College hospital after he complained of chest pain. He was escorted by police-guard and not jail guard, she said, adding he was very sick even when he was brought to the jail. An ailing Medical Superintendent, GMC Jammu Dr Vinod Gupta after visiting the spot said the patient was admitted to Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) with unstable angina. However, after the thief’s ‘Trop T’ test came negative, he was shifted to Ward No. 3. The thief escaped after opening his handcuff as all three cops, escorting him, left the Ward at 10.30 pm last night to take rest presuming that the patient had gone asleep. The thief had enacted drama of sleep and escaped from the Ward as patients and attendants near his bed were also asleep. Escape of the under-trial was noticed in the mid-night. Immediately after getting a report, SP City (North) Sanjay Kotwal rushed to the hospital and dispatched police team to different places to apprehend the thief. A team was also deputed to Chenani where the thief had his house. Mr Kotwal said an inquiry has been ordered into the escape of under-trial. All three constables, who were on duty escorting the thief, have been placed under suspension, pending inquiry against them, he added and said all out efforts are being made to re-arrest the thief. Sources said the cops had been taking rest generally in the night after Subash Chander went to sleep. Dr Vinod Gupta said the thief had negative ‘Trop-T’ and normal CT Scan. While ‘Trop-T’ was done as he had complained of chest pain, CT Scan was conducted after he reportedly enacted a drama of epilepsy. He also complained of blood oozing from his mouth. With all tests normal, he was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital this morning. A case in the escape of under-trial has been registered. Sources said Subash Chander was arrested by Sarwal Police a month ago in a theft case. |
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PSA in waiting for
more encroachers By Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Oct 25: After getting a nod from top echelons, Police have decided to go all out against land mafia in Jammu, which have not only grabbed the Government land but also duped several innocent people by selling one plot to a number of persons. Cases for detention under Public Safety (PSA) of some more land encroachers, operating in the guise of property dealers, are being prepared. Official sources told the Excelsior that an offensive has been planned against the land grabbers in Channi Himmat, Channi Chowadi, Dilli and Jammu-Akhnoor road particularly in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Domana police station. "We have reports that land worth crores of rupees, both Government and private, have been encroached upon by the traditional land grabbers. While vast portions of land have already been retrieved from the possession of encroachers, still land worth several kanals remained in their possession in these areas", a survey carried out by police revealed. In many areas, the local people had also encroached upon vacant Government land, which has been got vacated on Jammu-Akhnoor, Janipur-Ghrota and Narwal By-Pass roads. "More worrisome aspect for police is receipt of regular complaints at police stations and police posts in Channi Himmat, Bhatindi, Sainik Colony, Gangyal, Domana, Chinore and Ghrota that their duly registered land had been sold twice, even thrice, to different people by the property dealers. The menace has even spread to Akhnoor where value of property was not so high. "To our surprise, all people, who had been sold one plot by the property dealers were found having genuine documents", sources said. They pointed out that they were surprised to see fake stamps of Revenue Department Officers and Notaries besides a large number of blank affidavits in the house of a property dealer Ravinder Gupta alias Gola Shah, who was recently booked under PSA for ditching several people by selling one plot twice or thrice. Some plots had even been sold to four people, they said. Gola Shah told police during questioning that he had run into losses in property business and to cover that he was preparing fake documents of plots himself and selling them to four or five people whom he owed money. "Gola Shah is not the only property dealer, who had taken to illegal recourse for minting money. Infact, many other property dealers have been found resorting to similar tactics and cheating the people as prices of land were sky-rocketing", sources said. They added that many other property dealers could soon meet the fate of Gola Shah as police authorities have directed all police station and police posts to look for FIRs and complaints registered against them for encroachment of Government land and double selling of plots. "The property dealers with more FIRs and complaints will be booked under PSA. Cases of some of them are being prepared", sources revealed. They admitted that some police officers have also been found involved in the business of property. They have associated themselves with one property dealer or the other and it was with their support that Government land was being encroached upon and sold. Many a times, these police officers had even threatened genuine plot holders against lodging complaints with police and forced them to surrender documents of plots after paying them a meager amount, they said. A report is being sent to the Government about illegal activities of police officers, who had been encouraging encroachment of Government land and double selling of plots by virtually acting as facilitators of encroachments. As reported, police had recently evicted over 600 kanals of Government land from the possession of local people in Burn area near Kot Bhalwal. A property dealer was reportedly negotiating with the locals for taking over land and selling it by making plots. Timely action by Jammu police, however, saved Government land worth crores of rupees from felling into the hands of encroachers. Similar operations have been carried out in several areas along Narwal By-Pass road and Jammu-Akhnoor road and land worth crores of rupees retrieved, they said, adding the SHOs of "sensitive areas" have been directed to keep up operations to recover Government land from encroachers and prevent "further operations" of professional land grabbers. |
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Benchmark in reservation needed: SC NEW DELHI, Oct 25: The Supreme Court has held that the ceiling of 50 per cent was a necessary factor while extending the benefit of reservation or otherwise it would perpetuate "casteism" in the country and result in "reverse discrimination". "If the extent of reservation goes beyond cut-off point then it results in reverse discrimination. Anti-discrimination legislation has a tendency of pushing towards de facto reservation. "Therefore, a numerical benchmark is the surest immunity against charges of discrimination," a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, said in a judgement which held that the creamy layer within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should be kept out of the benefit of quotas in Government jobs and promotions. Maintaining that though it was the discretion of the State Government concerned to provide quota subject to the existence of "backwardness" and "inadequacy of representation" in public employment, the bench said "reservation has to be used in a limited sense otherwise it will perpetuate casteism in the country". The court said in order to ascertain whether a given class or group was adequately represented in the service or not, "Government has to apply the cadre strength as a unit in the operation of the roster". "The cadre strength as a unit also ensures that upper ceiling limit of 50 per cent is not violated. Further, the roster has to be post specific and not vacancy based." The court held that the backlog vacancies cannot be carried forward for indefinite period and "the appropriate Government will now have to introduce the time-cap depending upon the fact situation". Elaborating further, the court said in working out the carry-forward rule, two factors are required to be kept in mind, namely the unfilled vacancies and the time factor and this needs to be explained. "On one hand of the spectrum, we have unfilled vacancies; on the other hand, we have a time-spread over a number of years over which unfilled vacancies are sought to be carried over. "These two are alternating factors and, therefore, if the ceiling limit on the carry-over of unfilled vacancies is removed, the other alternative time-factor comes in and in that event, the time scale has to be imposed in the interest of efficiency in administration as mandated by article 335," the bench said. It said if the time-scale was not kept then posts will continue to remain vacant for years which would be deterimental to the administration. The court said while extending the policy of reservation Article 335 was to be read with Article 46 which provides that the state should promote with special care the educational and economic interest of the weaker section of the people and in particular of the SCs and STs and protect them from social injustice. "Therefore, where the State finds compelling interests of backwardness and inadequacy, it may relax the qualifying marks for SCs and STs. These compelling interest however have to be identified by weighty and comparable data," the apex court said. (PTI) |
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Sonia, PM greet Azad, J&K people Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 25: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today spoke to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and felicitated him on Eid-ul-Fitr. While wishing well-being and good health to Mr Azad, they asked him to convey their Eid greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They prayed for prosperity of the people and the State. |
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PM watches ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ NEW DELHI, Oct 25: The ‘Gandhigiri’ fever that caught the nation did not leave Prime Minister Manmohan Singh untouched when he took time off his busy schedule today to enjoy the Sanjay Dutt-starrer "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" along with his family. Singh, who was scheduled to watch the film two weeks ago, had praised the movie during his recent visit to South Africa. Some officials of the Prime Minister’s Office also got the opportunity to witness the special screening of the film which depicts the values of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and "Satyagraha". (PTI) |
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Paul, Mehra in race for DG CRPF NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Delhi Police Commissioner K K Paul and Commissioner of Bureau Civil Aviation S R Mehra are in the race for the post of CRPF Director General, which falls vacant by the end of next month on retirement of J K Sinha. Mehra is a 1970 batch IPS officer of Assam and Meghalya cadre. Special Secretary (Internal Security) G S Rajagopal is tipped to be the next Director of Sardar Vitalbhai Patel National Police Academy at Hyderabad. The name of Rajagopal, a 1971 batch IPS officer of Rajasthan cadre, has been cleared by the Home Ministry and awaits the nod of the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Rajagopal is expected to continue handling his present assignment till his successor was shortlisted by the Government though the name of Ranjit Das, Special Secretary in the Intelligence Bureau, is doing the rounds for the post. The present Director of the Academy Kamal Kumar, who was to retire on September 30, has got an extension till October 31. (PTI) |
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PPP for probe into Kargil debacle ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: Pressing for its demand for an inquiry commission to go into the Kargil debacle, the opposition Pakistan’s Peoples Party has said the issue cannot be allowed to die down as it has raised questions about the breakdown of communication between the civil and military leadership. Questioning Musharraf’s assertions that there was no need to form an commission on Kargil because it was a thing of the past, a spokesman of former Premier Benazir Bhutto’s party said the "issue would not, indeed should not, die down because it had brought to the fore some very serious questions about war and peace." "When the sitting prime minister and the serving Army Chief disagree so fundamentally on who said what, it raises questions about the breakdown of communication between the civil and military leadership," Farhatullah Babar said. "Such a communication breakdown can be disastrous when the issue at stake is that of war and peace and the countries involved are nuclear armed. Who takes the ultimate decision of taking the country to war and who decides the ceasefire is a question that can be ignored at grave peril in the future," he said. The opposition leader said Musharraf’s refusal to form an commission to probe the Kargil debacle was self serving and untenable. Babar said Musharraf had insisted that Kargil plan was a marvel of a military strategy. "This raises the question whether a nation should be taken to war merely on the basis of optimism about field tactics or war and peace must be decided on consideration of wider issues of international diplomacy and politics," he said. "It was most regrettable that General Musharraf speaks on Kargil as if he had the last word of truth and wisdom on it," he said adding former chief of general staff Lt-Gen Ali Quli Khan Khattak had publicly said Kargil was an "unprofessional decision" and that "critical questions had to be answered for sacrificing so many soldiers." "In view of the conflicting assessments given by both the political leadership as well as sections of the military leadership, it is imperative that an inquiry commission is set up to probe Kargil," he said. (PTI) Two army personnel killed, 23 people injured in accident SRINAGAR, At least two army personnel were killed and 23 people injured in a tragic raod accident on Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Lethpora in Pulwama district today, a defence spokesman said. The incident occured when a State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) bus, carrying army personnel, and a private transport bus had a head-on collision at Khinbugh in Lethpora area, about 20 km from here, the spokesman said. Two army jawan were killed in the accident, while 12 other jawans sustained injuries, he said adding two jawans were admitted to a hospital in a critical condition. At least 11 civilians were injured in the mishap. The SRTC bus was part of a convoy moving towards Jammu while the civilian vehicle was on its way to Srinagar, officials said. (PTI) Karvan-e-Aman bus leaves with 28 people to PoK SRINAGAR, The Karvan-e-Aman bus today left for Aman Setu, the last Indian border post, with 28 Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) bound passengers, official sources said. They said the bus left under tight security for Aman Setu, the last Indian post on the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector from here this morning. Twenty-four passengers had come to Kashmir valley to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with to their relatives here yesterday were returning to their homes in Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK. The other four passengers are the resident of the Kashmir valley who are going to PoK to meet their relatives after a gap of more than 57 years. The passengers will deboard the bus at Aman Setu and cross over to PoK on foot through the bridge seperating India and Pakistan. However, they will again board a bus from PoK the other sid of the LoC to reach Muzaffarabad. The bus service to enable the families separated during to partition in 1947 was started on April 7 last year first the bus was flagged off by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Hundreds of Kashmiris living on both sides of the LoC have so far crossed the line to visit their relatives in Jammu and Kashmir and PoK. However, the bus service was suspended after October 8, devastating earthquaked that damaged the Aman Setu bridge and road on the other side the LoC. It took a few months to restore the service after PoK administration undertook the repair work. The damaged bridge was reconstructed by the Indian Army which was inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. A number of separatist leaders, including moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Omar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Mohammad Yaseen Malik also undertook the journey through this route. (UNI) |
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