NEW DELHI (PTI): As the battle between security forces and militants continues unabated, president’s rule was extended in the strife torn state of Jammu and Kashmir once again for the sixth consecutive term March 3, for a six-month period. Meanwhile 23 persons were killed in the state in militant related violence during the last four days while 25 subversives were apprehended by security forces.

Four persons were killed across Kashmir valley between Sunday and Monday night.

A border security force soldier was injured and seven militants nabbed during search and cordon Operation in different areas of the valley during the period.

The killing of Habibullah Mircha, brother-in-law of the state congress chief G.R. Kar assumes significance as it comes at a time when the administration was seriously thinking of initiating a political process in the state and is viewed as move by the militants to thwart that process.

Ghulam Nabi Baba retired assistant Commissioner and four suspected militants were among six persons killed in Kashmir valley.

Five suspected militants were arrested as security forces launched massive combing operations in parts of Srinagar, Baramulla, and Badgam and Anantnag districts of the valley during the period. Twelve militants were among 13 people killed in militancy related incidents on Wednesday, while security forces nabbed 13 militants including a self-styled platoon commander of a militant outfit in Kashmir valley. All the 12 militants were killed in encounters with security forces during search operations in Baramulla, Anantnag and Kupwara districts. Meanwhile as the Pak inspired militants continue subversive activities, the northern Kashmir valley is now witnessing another Exodus, albeit of another kind.

This time, students have started moving out to other parts of the country in pursuit of higher education. The Exodus of students is the third such large-scale migration to safer places. Nearly two hundred thousand people belonging to minority community left their houses in the Kashmir valley with the onset of Pak abetted militancy in 1990. According to official sources, over 20,000 Muslims have also migrated from the Kashmir valley to take shelter in Jammu and other parts of the country.

Article extracted from this publication >>  March 12, 1993