Document Fragment View

Matching Fragments

16.05 hrs Title: Regrading incidents of killings in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of 1 and 2 August, 2000.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): Mr. Speaker, Sir, a series of ghastly incidents perpetrated by militants taking a toll of as many as 80 lives have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir on the night of 1st – 2nd August, 2000.

In the first incident, at about 6.45 p.m. last evening, on 1st August, a group of terrorists fired indiscriminately at Pahalgam where Amarnath Yatris were camping. The incident took place across Lidder Nallah on the road leading to Aroo when terrorists fired at two Langars and CRPF personnel. The firing was retaliated by the CRPF. Twenty seven persons including two police personnel have been killed and 50 injured. Two militants responsible for the firing were also killed on the spot. From them the following recoveries have been effected : AK Rifles – 2; AK Magazines – 19; Rifle grenades – 8; Hand grenades – 2; Grenade launcher – 1; Rounds – 55; Transistor – 1.

श्री सोमनाथ चटर्जी : वहां इंटेलीजेंस क्या कर रही थी?

SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : The basic point is that Pahalgam was the central point of assembly of all the pilgrims. Basically, every year, they assemble there in big numbers. Mr. Minister, can you clarify whether at the assembly point there was the Army or the paramedical forces to take care of the langar and everything. That is the main point because Pahalgam was the main assembly point. I know about Pahalgam.… (Interruptions)

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: The reports that I have till now indicate that the CRPF was there. Whether the Army was there or not, I would not be able to say. But the CRPF is there. After all, two policemen belonging to the CRPF have also died in that incident. But I will certainly find out so far as the Pahalgam incident is concerned.… (Interruptions)

SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR : Mr. Minister, the point is not whether the Army was there or not. I am amazed that it has taken 24 hours for you to come here. And 24 hours after coming here, you still do not know whether at 6.45 p.m. yesterday the Army was there or not there. Why do we have to wait? … (Interruptions) Why do we have to wait for it again. Surely, you should have found it out by now.

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: It is simply because the information with me at the moment is that the CRPF was posted there. It is the CRPF which opened the fire. Two militants were killed there. They also seem to be of Lashkar-e-Toiba. That is the information..… (Interruptions)