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First two months see 62 civilian deaths in Jammu

Sixty-two civilians lost their lives at the hands of militants during the first two months of 1999, while 72 militants were killed in encounters with security forces in Jammu region.

Inspector General of Police (Jammu region) Kuldeep Kuha said the forces suffered nine casualties during the same period.

Kuha said the militants were now venting their frustration through strikes against innocent villagers. The number of militants killed during the corresponding period last year was only 39, he added.

He said the massacre of civilians was aimed to engineer migration of minorities and trigger communal feud -- but both have been frustrated by the people.

The IG said security forces captured 28 militants during January and February, and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including 119 kg of RDX, 38 improvised explosive devices, 12 remote control devices, 120 detonators, 90 grenades and several assault guns.

He said the number of AK rifles recovered was 62, as against 33 during the same period last year.

Another significant achievement this year was the recovery of two 2-inch motor guns and 10 2-inch mortar bombs, he added.

UNI

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