J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Afghan refugees may sneak into J&K
Jammu, November 15
The military regime in Pakistan has started exploring the possibility of sending back Afghan refugees who have been camping in various areas of the country for the past several years. There are about 20 lakh Afghans in Pakistan.

Centre pulls up J&K for reducing Shah’s security
Jammu, November 15
The Union Home Ministry has pulled up the state government for having reduced the size of the security cover to the Democratic Freedom Party Chairman, Mr Shabir Ahmed Shah. Official sources disclosed that within days of the reduction of the security cover to several separatist leaders, including Mr Shah, the Home Ministry conveyed its displeasure and suggested to the state government that the security cover to Mr Shah be strengthened.

Paramilitary troops detain a Kashmiri boy and take him to a nearby security camp in Srinagar on Thursday. Officials say the youth threw a grenade and will be questioned while in custody. — Reuters photo

Afghan refugees may sneak into J&K
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 15
The military regime in Pakistan has started exploring the possibility of sending back Afghan refugees who have been camping in various areas of the country for the past several years. There are about 20 lakh Afghans in Pakistan.

Reports reaching here from across the border revealed that the possibility of the Taliban sneaking into Pakistan or the Pakistan occupied Kashmir could not be ruled out in case the new regime in Kabul indulged in witch hunting against the pro-Taliban forces.

Here in Jammu and Kashmir the state government functionaries do not feel excited over the fall of the Taliban government in Kabul. They are happy that staunch fundamentalism has taken a back seat in Afghanistan which could have its impact in Pakistan too but their worry stems from reports that Islamabad could push these Afghan refugees into the Pakistan occupied Kashmir in case they refused to return to Kabul.

The state functionaries are of the view that it would not be difficult for these refugees to enter Jammu and Kashmir. And the agencies which are aiding cross-border terrorism would use these refugees for kicking up violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A senior police officer said it was necessary for the Government of India to take up the matter with Islamabad and with the US Government. He said if the Afghan refugees, including the Pro-Taliban forces choose Kashmir as their next destination the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir may assume serious dimensions.

It will also place added burden on the Indian troops while trying to stop infiltration.

Centre pulls up J&K for reducing Shah’s security
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 15
The Union Home Ministry has pulled up the state government for having reduced the size of the security cover to the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chairman, Mr Shabir Ahmed Shah.

Official sources disclosed that within days of the reduction of the security cover to several separatist leaders, including Mr Shah, the Home Ministry conveyed its displeasure and suggested to the state government that the security cover to Mr Shah be strengthened.

The state authorities immediately ordered the posting of additional police guards and personal security officers to Mr Shah. These guards have been posted at his residence and at the headquarters of the DFP in Srinagar.

The police had carried an outreview of the security bandobast provided to the separatists twice during the past one month. First, the security cover was reduced by 30 per cent and during the second exercise it was further reduced by 60 to 70 per cent.

According to the DIG (Security), there was no reduction in the size of the security cover to Maulvi Umar Farooq, Chairman Awami Action Committee and senior Hurriyat Conference leader. He explained that it was done because the threat perception to the Maulana was bigger than that to other Hurriyat Conference leaders.

In case of the Chairman, Hurriyat Conference, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mr Abdul Gani Lone, and Maulvi Abbas Ansari and Mr Shabir Ahmed Shah the number of security guards, including PSOs, was reduced from 13 to 4.