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Blood bathes Jammu and Kashmir again

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

A spate of violence across Jammu and Kashmir has left 32 dead and 10 injured in the past 48 hours.

The killed include 20 militants, four soldiers and three members of a family. An army captain and four soldiers are among the injured.

Police said militants opened fire after forcing their entry into a house in Doda's village Kilher, killing Mohammad Akbar, his wife and son. No one has been arrested yet.

The Srinagar police said three foreign militants and two army soldiers were killed in a fierce encounter in Fatehpora, Anantnag district, on Thursday. Two soldiers received injuries in the fighting, which followed a search operation.

Seven militants were killed in clashes with security forces at Pattan, Barramullah and Pulwama.

Five militants died in a fierce fight at village Dhar-Gongala in Rajouri district. Huge quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered from the site.

Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah demanded fresh but "free" election in the state. "The government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah has failed on all fronts," he said, "Corruption is rampant."

The Centre has released sufficient funds, which have "been wasted on the purchase of helicopters, 10-seater aeroplanes, decoration and renovation of mansions, perks and amenities for legislators, secret funds for ministers, constructions of personal properties and countless vehicles," he alleged.

Shah, who is Dr Abdullah's brother-in-law, also alleged that the chief minister was using government helicopter for his golf trips to Patiala. He demanded an enquiry into this.

"The Centre has allocated Rs 132 billion. Till last month, Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 126 billion," he claimed, "Despite such huge amounts, the state is facing a financial crisis!"

Shah alleged that Dr Abdullah demolished the planned forest, built in the city for Rs 180 million, to construct a golf course.

The former chief minister favoured the division of the state. Parts of Jammu and Ladakh should be merged with the valley and Jammu, Udhampur and Kathua districts be given over to Himachal Pradesh, he said, adding "Kashmir should be given greater autonomy."

Replying to questions, Shah said his party desired an honourable and acceptable solution "which would be in tune with the wishes of all parties concerned."

"Such solution can only be found by negotiations on tripartite basis," he added.

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