RAWALPINDI: The Sadae Kashmir Radio, quoting reports received at the headquarters of the Revolutionary Council late tonight [Aug 17] said that during the last 24 hours, the Indian troops had suffered more than 100 casualties in various engagements. In Poonch sector, the Mujahdeen had captured eight Indian posts within the last 24 hours. Eight Indians were killed and a large number injured.

The Radio said that in a fierce encounter near Deva which continued till yesterday morning, the Indians were forced to retreat leaving behind 13 dead and 12 wounded. They also left behind four sten guns and a number of machine guns and a large quantity of ammunition. [Agencies] reported from Srinagar today that 300 guerrillas last night launched a heavy attack on a Police post in Yusmarg area about 30 miles south-west of Srinagar for 12 hours with mortars and machine guns, an Indian spokesman said.

[Meanwhile, as reported by our Special Representative in Washington J, Pakistan`s permanent representative to the United Nations, Mr Ajmad Ali yesterday lodged a strong protest with UN Secretary-General U Thant against India`s seizure of two outposts in the Kargil area. Mr Ajmad Ali expressed serious concerns about naked violation by the Indian Army of the Ceasefire Line.

Pakistan, he is reported to have pointed out, would take all necessary steps to safeguard its interests.

The Secretary-General, who had last week expressed his concern over the Kashmir situation to both Indian and Pakistanirepresentatives in the UN, was expected to make an announcement on the Kashmir fighting later today. According to informed sources, he does not plan to call the Security Council into session to discuss the Kashmir dispute which he can do any time he wants to as head of the world`s peacekeeping organisation.