MAN KILLED IN ARMY FIRE

SRINAGAR: A 21-year-old was killed and another injured when army opened fire on protesters in Trehgam Kupwara. The police said incident is being investigated.

Locals blamed army for killing the man, identified as Khalid Ahmad, a shopkeeper by profession. Meanwhile, apprehensive of protests, all schools and colleges in Kupwara district will remain shut Thursday, police said.

pated in the elections described it as a vote to seek an end to their day-to-day problems.

“We have been asked to be ready for panchayat and local body elections in the J&K,’’ a BJP legislator told Hindustan Times. “We are ready for these polls and will participate in these elections with all our strength. I think these polls could be held within the next two or three months.’’

After chairing several review meetings in Srinagar on June 5, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said the solution to problems lies in empowering the people and strengthening the institutions of local self governance. “With renewed focus on good governance and development; the Centre is looking forward to kindle new aspirations and hopes among the people. Development and good governance had remained elusive for the common people of J&K,’’ Singh said.

Shafiq Mir, president, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, said, “The elections should not be turned into a political issue. These are community government intuitions meant to help the common masses, it has nothing to do with the politics.”