Besides launching special welfare schemes for widows and dependents of Ikhwan martyrs, families of 35 Ikhwan activists killed in encounters with militants were also honoured.

This is for the first time in the history of counter-insurgency in Kashmir that a salary will be paid to Ikhwani cadres from funds reserved for such operations by the Army.

An ordinary Ikhwan member will receive Rs 3,000 per month, company commander Rs 4,000, battalion commander Rs 5,000, counsel member Rs 6,000, executive committee member Rs 7,500 and chairmanof Ikhwan Rs 12,000 per month as salary in addition to Rs 2,500 as kit allowances per annum, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) said.

On the occasion, 262 Ikhwan cadres, led by Hilal Hyder, took an oath from a maulvi to wipe out militancy in Kashmir.

General Pal announced that the Ikhwan cadres will also be covered by an insurance of Rs 5 lakh at a premium of Rs 1,500. Besides, knitting and handicraft centres for Ikhwan women, especially Ikhwan widows, will be opened at Junglat Mandee, Guree and Sodura Ikhwan camps in Anantnag. Ikhwan chairperson Liyaqat Ali said the agency had lost around 65 members since 1995, when it was formed.

The Army has also sanctioned Rs 3 lakh for Ikhwan welfare.

Gen Pal urged the cadres not to ``misuse their guns.''

and asserted its cadres would still collaborate with the Army to wipe out militancy.

Ali added the cadres have specifically been instructed to respect human dignity and said with their conduct, they are sure to win the people's hearts and remove the fearof the gun instilled in them.

Hyder said the killing of 75 militants in the last three months in South Kashmir was possible only due to the Ikhwan-Army collaboration.

Gen Pal coined a slogan befitting the occasion, `Ikhwan jawan ek hain', (ikhwan and the soldiers are one), drawing cheers from the audience.