New Delhi, March 7 (PTI): Government today denied that minority Hindu families of Jammu and Kashmir are being forced to flee from the state.

"No, Sir", said Minister of state for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal in a written reply to a question.

However, he said 18 Hindu families of village Sanwara, Tehsil Gandoh (District Doda) migrated to Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) on October 2 last year due to fear of terrorism.

Through constant liaisoning and persuation of the group leaders by the district administration, the families have since returned to their village on October 15, he said.

To another question, Jaiswal said a Special investigation team headed by a DIG rank Officer has been constituted by the state government to look into the allegation of murder of innocent civilians in fake encounters.

Seven policemen, including one Senior Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police, have been arrested so far, he said, adding a judicial probe has also been ordered by the state government to probe the matter.

Jaiswal also informed the Upper House that according to reports received by NHRC from states/Union Territories, there were 1,730 custodial deaths during year 2005-06.