Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the Army Commanders' Conference in New Delhi on April 27 that the ground situation in J and K had shown signs of improvement and that incidents of violence in the state had registered a significant drop. Mr. Antony noted that the “relatively peaceful conditions” had created a conducive environment for the Assembly elections due to be held later in the year. He further stated that the situation has been made possible mainly due to the ‘commendable dedication, sacrifices and commitment of the Army1.’

Meanwhile, a team of the state police shot dead Sajjad Afghani, the J&K’s commander-in-chief of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) in an encounter at Sopore town in Baramulla district on April 29. Afghani, a Pakistani, had been active in the Kupwara-Sopore belt for the last 10 years. Afghani's death is being seen as a remarkable achievement for the state police and an equally significant setback for militants. Separately, the Baramulla Police arrested four persons, including a branch manager of J & K Bank Ltd, for allegedly having transferred Euros worth Rs 18 Lakh to militants of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT)2.

• 1. “Ground situation in J&K improved significantly: Antony,” Daily Excelsior, April 28, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08apr28/news.htm#11
• 2. “JKB Manager among 4 held in Euro-Rupee scam, HuM chief Sajjad Afghani gunned down in Sopore,” Daily Excelsior, April 30, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08apr30/news.htm#1