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Militancy kills 588 civilians in Kashmir

Five hundred and eighty eight civilians were killed and 704 injured in militancy-related incidents in Kashmir valley during the past six months.

In a written reply, Home Minister L K Advani informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the situation. This includes strengthening border management, gearing up intelligence machinery, pro-active action in hinterland, protection to minorities, and modernisation of police.

The home minister informed the Upper House that the state government disbursed Rs 149.7 million till October as ex-gratia relief. This includes compensation for damaged property.

The Union government has reimbursed the amount, Advani said, adding that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee sanctioned Rs 5.45 million from his relief fund.

India's neighbouring countries have promised not to let undesirable elements operate from their territory, the home minister added. Information available with his ministry showed that the insurgents of the north-east were using camps just across the border for training and as safe havens. The matter has been taken up with the governments concerned, he said.

In another reply, Advani said 789 kilomotres of the Indo-Bangladesh border has been fenced by September 30. Under the Assam Accord, which provides for a secure international border, the government has sanctioned the fencing of 896 km.

Of the 2,784 km of border roads sanctioned by the Centre, 2,116 km have been constructed, Advani said.

UNI

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