Srinagar, Mar 23 : Wildlife authorities in Kashmir have initiated a census on the Hangul deer, one of the endangered species, to identify threats to the species and formulate a strategy to save them.

The Hangul is characterized by impressive, spreading antlers of the adult male and its rich brownish red coat. Female Hanguls don''t have horns.

Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir), Mar 22 : Khadim Hussain, a teenager from Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, reportedly missing for the past three years, is now suspected to have been lured by militants to join their outfit.

Khadim had quit school in July 2005 and went missing afterwards.

After a few months his family heard a rumour that Khadim has been forcibly recruited by an unknown militant organisation.

Suleiman Hussain, Khadim's father hopes that his son has taken up some productive vocation and not fallen as a prey to the militants.

Srinagar, Mar 22 : Three Army personnel, a Major and four militants have been killed in an encounter at Hafrada forest in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to sources, the gunbattle, which is continuing since Friday, has also injured a soldier.

On receiving information of the militant infiltration in the forest area, the Army, assisted by the local police acted promptly and launched a gunbattle in which Major Mehak and three other jawans were killed, while Havildar Rakesh Kumar was injured, sources said.

Srinagar, Mar. 21 : A Jammu and Kashmir based engineer has come out with a 504-year cyclical chart so that countries celebrating Islamic holidays do not face confusion over Islamic calendar dates.

"I have revised a lunar calendar for 504-years. The work, the approach is totally unprecedented and in my assessment the whole thing will go a long way in preserving the chaotic conditions that we face time and again," Bilal Ghulam Nabi Mir said.

Srinagar, Mar 21: Houseboat Owner''s Association has launched campaign to spread awareness among the residents as well as tourists about Dal Lake.

Raw sewage, land encroachment and years of neglect have threatened survival of the lake.

Members of the Association are now pasting banners and poster with the message of protecting the lake on houseboats and Shikaras (Canoe).

Kathua, Mar 21: Ahead of general elections, Border Security Force (BSF) beefed up security at Indo-Pakistan international border in Jammu following political upheaval in Pakistan.

BSF personnel have been put on high alert and routine patrolling has also been increased along the international border from Paharpur to Akhnoor in Jammu division.