New Delhi, July 15: Continuing with its efforts to reduce unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has cleared raising of seven battalions of "home and hearth" force in militancy-hit border state. The new battalions would be able to provide employment opportunities to nearly 7000 youths of the state, state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed said here after meeting Defence Minister George Fernandes. The proposal for raising of seven battalions was mooted by the state government after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had announced creation of one lakh jobs in the state within two years.

The new force would be created on the pattern of territorial army which would assist security forces in performing their duties besides providing material backup in operational duties.
During his meeting with Feranandes, Sayeed also demanded re-location of Jawahar Institute of Mountineering from Batote in Jammu region to Aru in picturesque Phalgam in south Kashmir.
The two sides also discussed the militancy situation in the state. Bureau Report