Date:05/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/05/stories/2006060508561300.htm

National

Relief for owners of houses damaged in encounter

Shujaat Bukhari

Police rescues minor girl 28 days after kidnapping

South Kashmir DIG hands over cash, building material for reconstruction

Girl was kidnapped by alleged "pro-Government" gunman

SRINAGAR: In a major policy shift, the South Kashmir Police have provided relief to people whose houses were damaged in a three-day long encounter in Amirabad village of Tral on May 31.

Normally, the owner of a house damaged in an encounter is not given relief by the Government. But, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South Kashmir range, Hemant Kumar Lohia, has a different view. "We realise that in certain cases the gun-toting militants enter a house and owners have no choice but to relent. And these people are very poor." Mr. Lohia said cash assistance and some building material were given to these families. On a visit to Amirabad recently, Mr. Lohia also handed over Rs. 1, 83,700 in cash and 12 mobile phones, recovered from a house. Cases requiring aid for reconstructing houses have also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner in Pulwama. While one house was completely destroyed in the encounter, four were extensively damaged and five houses suffered minor damage. Three militants were killed in the encounter.

Girl restored

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have also restored a minor girl, kidnapped by an Ikhwani (pro-government gunman) in the Shopian area, to her parents.

Sixteen-year-old Bilquees was kidnapped by Jehangir Ganai, an alleged "pro-government militant" working with security forces, on May 6 from her school in Shopian. Her parents immediately lodged an FIR with the police and pleaded with the authorities to get her freed from Jehangir's clutches.

Bilquees' parents also visited all top officials with requests for her rescue, but to no avail. Finally, Mr. Lohia came to their rescue. Police parties fanned out throughout the Valley to track the duo.

"A police party finally succeeded in tracing them from a local court in Pulwama on Saturday," said Mr. Lohia. A medical examination was conducted on the girl and the report is due.

Being verified

The accused is being questioned by the police. He has told them that Bilquees and he wanted to marry. "We are verifying the details, but on the face of it is a case of abduction," Mr. Lohia said.