'LoC fencing by India would complete in March 2005'
Pakistan Times Kashmir Desk

SRINAGAR: Illegal fencing by India of Line of Control in Kashmir has been going in violation of agreements and most of the projected work is reportedly nearing completion.

India's Home Minister Shivraj Patil who visited LoC was informed that 185 kilometers out of total 191.66 kilometers LoC has been completed and the remaining portion would be fenced by March next year.

The Minister was also informed that 6 Border Security Force troops have been killed and 32 injured due to landmine blasts while working on the project.

India's Home Minister announced that New Delhi would discuss the installation of sensors along LoC to tighten up surveillance in the fenced up area.

Strict military precautions in Srinagar

Srinagar witnessed a siege like situation in the wake of the Indian Home Minister, Shivraj Patil arrived yesterday.

Hundreds of people Sunday evening had a tough time as all the roads across the city including the down town areas were sealed and no body was allowed to move. Gridlock of vehicles could be seen stretching at various points. People did Iftar on the roadside and could not reach home in-time to offer Tarawi prayers.

"I regularly go to Mosque for Qurani tarawi in our locality, however today I have missed it," said Sharief Ahmed of Dalgate who was among several people stopped by the police near Court road.

Meanwhile, for the second consecutive day the Dalgate to Nishat road remained sealed for the public movement causing hardships to thousands of people living in Nishat, Shalimar and adjacent areas.

Even the weekly Sunday market in the city was forcibly closed by the police, depriving the vendors of brisk business in view of approaching Eid-ul-Fitr.●