February 3, 2003	Monday	Zilhaj 1,1423

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SKARDU, Feb 2: The government has approved a Rs13.8 million relief and rehabilitation package for the people living along the Line of Control (LoC) in Baltistan, who were affected by the unprovoked Indian firing.

Under this package, the allocated amount would be distributed among 2,114 affected families belonging to Kharmang, Gultari and other areas.

The deputy commissioner of Skardu, Mr Ghulam Hussain, told Dawn that 216 families of Gultari area, residing in Skardu, besides people living in Kharmang, Mashang and Marool would be provided food and financial assistance.

The DC said that the affected people of Brolmo and Gangani would be given Rs40,000 per family. He said Rs30,000 would be distributed among the families of those who were killed in the Indian firing, while Rs10,000 would be distributed among the injured persons.

It may be mentioned here that two persons were killed and four others received injuries due to unprovoked Indian firing in the Kuner village of Gultari tehsil.

ROAD PROJECTS: Out of the four mega road projects, Skardo-Deosai-Chilim Road project would be completed by December this year at a cost of Rs240 million.

Reviewing the project, PWD Skardu superintending engineer Mr Suleman Wali expressed satisfaction over the pace of work.

He said due to severe cold work on the project had been stopped for now, but it would resume in the spring season.

The portion of road from Skardu to Sadpara would be carpeted to facilitate tourists who visit the area in large numbers to see the famous Sadpara Lake.

After the construction of Skardu-Chilim road the tourists would be able to visit the Deosai plateau easily. During blockade of the Karakoram Highway the Skardu-Chilim road would facilitate the people of Baltistan.

KHAPLU: As many as 61 development schemes have been taken up in the Ghangache district under the Khushal Pakistan Programme at a cost of Rs30 million.

Deputy Commissioner of Ghangche and the chairman of KPP district advisory board, Fida Hussain, stated this while taking to Dawn in Khaplu.