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Life returns to normal for nomads

SRINAGAR, JUNE 8 . Jammu and Kashmir government will take all possible steps to ensure safety and security of nomads (migratory Gujjars and Bakerwals) in various pastures.

This assurance was given by the minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar, to prominent citizens of Bandipora where two Gujjar children were killed allegedly by security force mortar shell firing on June 6.

The killing of the children led to disruption of life in Bandipora by local people yesterday. They alleged that security forces fired a mortar shell killing them. However, defence authorities denied the allegations and said they were killed in a mine blast planted by militants to target security forces.

Mr Zargar said in the wake of prevailing security scenario in the upper reaches of the state, the concerned army officers have been asked to ensure security to families of nomads and their livestock in these pastures.

The minister, on the instruction of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, distributed ex-gratia relief cheques of Rs 2 lakhs among the next of kin of two Gujjar children killed in shelling.

Mr Zargar instructed the District Development Commissioner, Baramulla to immediately process the case to the next of the kin of deceased for compassionate appointment under SRO-43.

Later, speaking at a gathering of prominent citizens of Bandipora, the Minister said that safety of life and property of the people was of prime concern to the coalition government and no lapse on this account would be tolerated.

Responding favourably to the demands of local people, the Minister assured that all possibilities would be explored to provide shelter sheds in various pastures for convenience of the migratory Gujjars and Bakerwals.

He called upon the people to lend their wholehearted co-operation to the administration for restoring everlasting peace in the troubled state.

He said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was concerned about the safety and security of all citizens including Gujjars and Bakerwals and all necessary measures would be taken to ensure peace.

The Minister also had a meeting with the local army authorities, district and tehsil officers and took stock of the security situation in Bandipora and adjoining areas.

UNI

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