KASHMIR UPDATE :

KASHMIR UPDATE :

Two militants killed in encounter

JAMMU : Two militants were killed in a fierce gunbattle with security forces in Kishtwar district today.

Acting on an information about the presence of militants, a joint operation party of Rashtriya Rifles and police launched a cordon and search operation in Sarawa forest belt in the district early this morning, a senior army officer of 16 Corps said.During the search operation, militants fired on the troops, who retaliated resulting in the fierce gunfight, he said, adding that in encounter, which was still on, two militants have been killed.

The identity of militants have been established as Noman and John Mohmmad, possibly of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit, he said, adding that recoveries from the spot included an AK rifle, two magazines, one grenade among other things. (Agencies)

Nervousness grips Hurriyat (M)

A devout Muslim, Ittehadu'l-Muslimeen supreme and the former Chairman of Hurriyat (M) faction, Maulana Abbas Ansari could not say no to an unexpected guest landing at his residence one fine morning. His faction is a component of the Hurriyat (M) conglomerate. Stung by the audacity of the Mualana, the Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz wasted no time in suspending the group from the conglomerate. This is nothing new or surprising for organizations where dictatorial style of functioning spews arbitrary decisions even on crucial matters. The soft-spoken Maulana tried to shield himself by saying that he had not invited the interlocutors but since they appeared from blue, he could not say no to them. That is the logic he thinks will wriggle him out of a deepening controversy. But can a responsible and formally accredited team on an assignment from the Home Ministry of talking to Kashmiri separatists, dare to enter a Kashmiri dissident leader's house without prior information and without some basic groundwork done for the event? To say the least, it indicates yet another fissure in the Hurriyat structure, the first one happened with Ali Shah Geelani chartering his separate path. The fissure has come about after the New Delhi appointed team of interlocutors returned to the valley for the seventh time to resume their interaction with various segments of Kashmir society. Hurriyat's inflexible stance in regard to participation in elections, panchayati elations and all other related democratic processes in the state including interface with the interlocutors has, at the end of the day, brought it more criticism on national, regional and international levels. Observers and Kashmir watchers had been feeling for some time that by adopting a rigid posture in regard to talks with the interlocutors the Hurriyat was not serving well the cause it stood for. Knowledgeable circles know that Ittehadu'l-Muslimeen led by Abbas Ansari, and mostly of Shia community, does not necessarily represents only a section of Kashmir Shia community. It sees Hurriyat's obstinacy only detrimental to the interests of people. However, the point to be made is that the Hurriyat (M) is not prepared to allow freedom of views and expression to its affiliates. This is going to make it vulnerable to further fissures. Maulavi Abbas' justification of talking to the interlocutors may be a façade and something for public consumption, the fact is that the Hurriyat (M) is raven within on conflicting views on the question of talks with interlocutors. In the process they get sidelined and for their own faults.