Jammu and Kashmir

Calling for an all out war against corruption in Jammu and Kashmir, opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday alleged that the National Conference- Congress government had degenerated into a coalition of vested interest that had "institutionalized loot at the highest level".

With about 35,000 devotees each day in this holiday season, authorities have been forced to regulate entry to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine near Jammu. According to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) officials, about 35,000 pilgrims have been reaching the base camp Katra, about 45 km from here, daily for the last one week.

More than 100 youths, who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for arms training during the last two decades, have quietly returned home following the announcement of rehabilitation policy for them by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Tension gripped an army regiment here after a group of officers and jawans clashed following an incident of alleged molestation involving an orderly and the reported capturing of the armoury by the agitated soldiers.

The State Accountability Commission on Saturday issued notice to Congress minister Manohar Lal Sharma in connection with the multi-crore scam in Jammu and Kashmir Cooperatives Housing Corporation.

Several JKLF leaders, including Vice Chairman Bashir Ahmad Bhat, were on Thursday detained by the police at Pattan in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, official sources said.

Army officers and jawans based in Ladakh were involved in a scuffle during field firing, official sources said on Friday.

Five militants were on Thursday killed in an encounter with security forces near the Line of Control in Uri sector of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

In an apparent effort to strengthen the party at grassroots, the BJP has decided train its block level cadres about the party's future vision from Friday.

Demanding permanent rehabilitation and education and employment packages, refugees from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) who are settled in the state on Thursday took out a rally here in support of their demands.