SKARDU, Sept 4: The Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, Nisar A. Memon on Wednesday announced Rs10 million for the rehabilitation of the displaced families of Gultari affected by the Indian firing across Line of Control in Baltistan.

The minister was speaking to a gathering of the affected people from Brolmo and Gangani valleys in Gultari and Kargil sectors during his first visit to Baltistan after taking oath of office of the chief executive of Northern Areas on Tuesday.

The minister said that on the instructions of President Pervez Musharraf one kanal plot and Rs40,000 for the construction of houses would be given to the 88 affected families.

The minister praised the people of Northern Areas for fighting alongside the army against the enemy.

The minister said that the president was taking keen interest in the development of the area and the approval of the multi-purpose Sadpara Dam was a case in point. It would be completed in four years at a cost of Rs2 billion.

He also said that the capacity of Skardu radio station would be enhanced to cover a much larger area.