Srinagar, Feb 18: As Pakistan went to polls on Monday, residents in Kashmir said the elections were a step towards restoring democracy in that violence-hit country.

"I feel the elections are good for Pakistan. This is the first step towards restoring democracy. Whatever happens there in Pakistan effects us here in Kashmir," said Nisar Ahmed, a resident.

While many Pakistanis said they were disillusioned about an election which was aimed at completing a transition to civilian rule. Indians felt the polls would put an end to military rule.

"I feel voting should take place. We are happy for those living in Pakistan. This will solve many issues and also bring to an end the military rule," said Showkat, another resident.

Srinagar, Feb 15: Two top Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militants were reportedly killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama District on Friday.

According to a defence official, the incident took place at Litter village when militants who were hiding in a house opened fire at the security forces.

The duo has been identified as Rehman Bhai, a self-styled district commander of LeT, and Mosin.

Akhnoor (J-K), Feb 14: Unmanned boats loaded with lots of love and messages of peace set sail down the Chenab River in India to Pakistan to celebrate Valentine's Day.

The three boats carrying plastic guns mounted with a pair of roses on the turret and lighted candles was launched from Akhnoor, about 32 kilometres from Jammu.

Activists of the Socialistic Democratic Party, an NGO, also released scores of heart-shaped balloons and despatched cards.

Lolab (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb. 13: Abdul Hamid Chara has become the first Muslim soldier in Kashmir to be (posthumously) awarded the country's third highest gallantry award, the 'Shaurya Chakra', for his courageous effort in eliminating two terrorists in an operation.

Rich tributes were paid at a function in honour of this braveheart on Monday.

Chara, a resident of Dardpura Lolab, about 125 kilometers from Srinagar, was enrolled into 162 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army in 2004 and was deployed with the Markul (Divar) company of the 18 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion on June 12, 2007.

Suchetgarh (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb 12: Indian security forces handed over three Pakistani army personnel who inadvertently entered Indian territory on Monday.

Border Security Forces (BSF) personnel apprehended the three Pakistani soldiers on Sunday.

BSF officials said the soldiers crossed over by mistake.

"After checking on all angles, all the agencies found that it was an inadvertent crossing. They did not have any wrong motive. Our Director General decided to hand over them to Pakistan," said G. S. Virg, Deputy Inspector General, BSF.

Srinagar, Feb 11: A senior Jammu and Kashmir official has said that power supply and road connectivity in 80 per cent areas of snow-bound Kashmir Valley has been restored.

The officials gave this information to the four-member group of ministers deputed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to take stock of the post snowfall situation in the Valley.