August 19, 2002	Monday	Jamadi-us-Saani 9, 1423

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SKARDU, Aug 18: A student of seventh class was killed, while his mother and two other women were injured when an explosive device exploded in the Kharmang valley, some 150km from here, sources said here on Sunday.

The 15-year-old Arif, a resident of Olding, Kharmang Valley found what he thought was a decoration piece in a field and brought it to his house. As he began to open, it exploded and he died on the spot, while his mother and two other women received injuries.

The injured were admitted to district headquarters hospital, Skardu, where their condition is stated to be out of danger.

DISEASE:A mysterious virus has hit the apple trees in Baltistan.

A study revealed that the disease, which is badly affecting the apple fruits and leaves, attacks on the branches and within a short span of time the apple fruits stop its growth.

“I have almost one dozen apple trees in my orchard, all of which have been infected with the disease”, a farmed told this reporter. “I used to spray pesticides thrice in a year but to no avail,” he added.

He expressed the fear that if measures were not taken soon the farmers will face a great loss.