Peshawar, Sept 26 (ANI): Five civilians, including women and children, were killed and several others injured when Pakistan military launched air strikes at the fleeing tribal families, mistaking them for militants at Gang village in Salarzai Tehsil of Bajaur Agency, last evening.

Two gunship choppers started shelling the fleeing tribal families after militants fired missiles on Civil Colony in Khar where the political administration had convened a tribal Jirga, The News quoted tribal sources as saying.

They said that the missiles on the colony were fired from Baba picket in Khar Tehsil and the choppers started shelling on tribesmen who were fleeing their homes via a road in Gang area of the almost militant-free Salarzai Tehsil.

According to tribal sources, around 400 families fled homes during fierce bombing by jet fighters and gunship helicopters and artillery shelling on suspected hideouts of militants in Mamond, Inayat Kalley, Mulla Said Banda, Charmang, Tang Khatta and Loisam areas.

"Since the government clamped a curfew for an indefinite period, the tribesmen living in the troubled spots have been using the only road that passes through Gang area of Salarzai Tehsil to shift their families to safer places in the settled districts," said Ghaniur Rahman, a tribal elder. (ANI)

Be first to comment this article | Add as favourites (7)

Imphal, Sept 26 (ANI): Five militants were killed in separate incidents in Manipur last night.

Following an information that some persons are moving in a suspicious manner, security forces raided Phunal Maring hill area in Imphal East district, official sources said on Friday.

In the ensuing encounter, three militants were killed. Two 9mm pistols, eight live rounds and a grenade were recovered from the possession of the slain ultras.

The same day in another incident, police commandos shot dead an unidentified militant at Awang Leikinthabi in Imphal West district. One grenade was recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile, T Bobo, a self-styled 'sergeant major' of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) was shot dead by three gunmen who reportedly belonged to a rival faction at Ithai in Bishenpur district on Thursday, the sources said. (ANI)

Be first to comment this article | Add as favourites (7)

Kullu, Sept 26 (ANI): Army and people have rescued more than 900 people who were marooned in Lahaul Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh as early snowfall disrupted road connectivity.

A few of the rescued people have been admitted in the Regional Hospital in Kullu for treatment.

The area remains cut-off since September 18, when an unusual early snowstorm lashed the high altitude region depositing over five feet of snow.

"For one night, I was stuck in snow and for the whole night, we were trying to cut our way through snow. We had only one kilogram of food which 18 of us shared. The next day again, we were walking through ice. We managed to reach Chatru from where the authorities sent us to Keylong. There I was treated for a day," said Beer Bahadur, a rescued person.

The 476 km Manali-Leh National Highway which passes through the Rohtang Pass at 13,051 ft, that connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti valleys, has been cleared for the army supply to Leh and Kargil sectors.

However, the movement in Lahaul Spiti is not still permitted as the area is still experiencing rough weather.

The heavy downpour in the lower Himalayas in the state has caused floods and triggered landslides. Landslides have affected many districts of the state including Shimla.

The picturesque Lahaul Spiti Valley draws many tourists including foreign tourists for adventure sports like paragliding, white water river rafting.

With its panorama of temples, rivers and mountain peaks, the valley is fast emerging as a favourite destination for adventure seekers. (ANI)

Be first to comment this article | Add as favourites (5)

Koraput (Orissa), Sept 26 (ANI): A wild bear has created terror in villages surrounding a forest in the Koraput district of Orissa killing four people and injuring another two in the sleepy hamlet Deopattangi village.

The village located about 50 kms from Koraput town is inhabited by the tribals who depend for a living on the forest where the bear is roaming free.

The villagers fearing more attacks from the bear have formed groups to scare away the wild beast. They fear to venture into the forest and this has affected their livelihood.

"In these forests, the bear is hiding and is attacking people. People and the tribals of this area are scared, " said Binod, a resident.

Officials of the Forest Department said that they were taking all measures to trap the bear. They have also urged the villages not to go towards the forest till then.

"We have announced that no one should go towards the forest. We are patrolling the villages where this bear is expected to go. We have also requested the redesigns to bring it to our notice if the bear approaches their village," said Asif Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Koraput Division.

The Forest Department has also released 5000 rupees each for the families of those killed and.2000 rupees each for the families of those injured.

According to environmentalists, main reason for wild animals encroaching on human settlements is the rapidly declining forest cover due to expansion of human habitations. (ANI)

Be first to comment this article | Add as favourites (7)