Bemina (J-K), Nov 9 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has set up the state’s first state-of-the-art Haj House for the stay of Haj pilgrims, ahead of the beginning of the annual pilgrimage on November 11.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the swanky lodging at Bemina, on the outskirts of Srinagar, on Thursday.

The Haj House has arrangements for absolutions, foreign exchange, immigration and other passenger amenities under one roof.

Azad said that the Haj House would be beneficial because in the coming years the pilgrimage would take place during winters, when the pilgrims would be required to reach the airport in early morning hours and may have to face flight delays due to bad weather.

Pattan (J&K) Nov 8 : A militant and a soldier were killed and two others injured in an overnight gunbattle here on Wednesday.

"We received information that five foreign militants were hiding in a house. We responded immediately and cordoned off the area. When we reached, they started firing which left one army personnel injured”, said Brigadier M. K. Muthuna of 10 Sector, Rashtriya Rifles.

“In the morning one militant, who was running towards the railway line was shot dead. There are unconfirmed reports that two militants might have died. We are waiting for confirmation”, added Muthuna.

Srinagar, Nov 2 : Lieutenant General A.S. Sekhon, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Corps, has said that infiltration still posed a threat in Kashmir.

Lieutenant General Sekhon said rebels continue to cross over the military ceasefire line from areas under Pakistan’s control.

"The attempts are still being made. So, that means there are people in sufficient numbers, some may be under their control, some may not be under their control. But the fact remains that the infrastructure is still there," Sekhon said on the sidelines of a seminar on Thursday.

He further said that army has vacated schools and hospitals occupied by them.

Srinagar, Nov 1 : A large number of youth here are turning up for a five-day recruitment camp organised by Indian Air Force (IAF).

"With the help of the State Government and Deputy Director (Employment), the IAF has successfully organised this employment rally in Jammu and Kashmir. In the future, we have plans to organise more such employment rallies," said Wing Commander Shaibu Philip of the Airmen Selection Center.

The aspirants showed lot of zeal and were quite upbeat about the prospect of joining air force.

Srinagar, Oct 27 : Defence Minister A K Antony will review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir today.

Antony on Friday said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was improving compared to the past, and expressed the hope that it would improve further in the coming days.

"The situation is improving. Look at the past, compared to the past, the situation is much better. I am sure that things will improve further. As the situation improves we will take all possible measures to improve the atmosphere there and we will try to find a solution to many of their genuine difficulties," he said

Srinagar, Oct 26 : Coming down strongly on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for declaring Gigit Baltistan region as a part of Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNNP) chief Bhim Singh has said that it is a complete violation of the 1948 United Nations (UN) resolution.

Singh expressed apprehensions that the declaration would threaten the peace prospects in South Asia.

“Converting the Gilgit council in to a Legislative Assembly and proclaiming the city to be popular city of Pakistan is unacceptable and uncalled for,” the NPP chief said at a recent press conference here.

He added that the 28000 sq kilometre area forms a part of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, which could not be ceded away from it.