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re-arrested, ‘comdr’ at large Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 27: Two hardcore Pakistani militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit, who had been nabbed by Special Operations Group (SOG) Jammu with the help of local police from Mumbai last month, escaped from the lock-up of Surankote police station in Poonch district early today. One of them was re-captured by police from Jharan Wali Gali (JWG), about three kms from Surankote, after a six hour search operation while the other remained untraced till late tonight. Official sources identified the militants as Mohd Tayab alias Abu Abdullah son of Nazir Ahmed of Faisalabad, Pakistan and Mohd Afzal alias Abu Mohaz son of Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Pattan, Lahore. While Mohd Tayab has been re-arrested, Mohd Afzal, a ‘commander’ of Lashkar, was still at large. Army, BSF and police have launched a massive combined operation to apprehend Mohd Afzal before he could cross over to Pakistan as the Line of Control (LoC) was barely a couple of kms away from JWG where his associate was apprehended. Sources said four militants, all Pakistanis, had been arrested by SOG Jammu with the help of Mumbai Police on November 23. The militants had planned to target Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s residence, RSS headquarters at Nagpur and vital Navy installations in Mumbai. They had been arrested on a specific information developed by SOG Jammu. According to sources, all four militants were handed over to SOG Jammu by Mumbai Police after about a fortnight of questioning. Of four, two militants were sent to Surankote police station lock-up as they were wanted there in connection with militant activities. Sources said at about 0230 hours, both the militants complained of an early nature’s call and asked the Sentry to open the gate of lock-up. The Sentry responded. As soon as the duo came out, they over-powered the Sentry and fled away. A message was immediately flashed by police and security forces were put on alert. At about 1015 hours today, Mohd Tayab was re-arrested by a police party from JWG area when he was moving towards the LoC for crossing over to Pakistan. He was shifted to a safer area for questioning. Security forces and police continued searches to nab the other absconding ultra. Till the reports last came in tonight, he hadn’t been traced. "Escape of Mohd Afzal was a big setback to security agencies as he was a hardcore militant and a ‘commander’ of Lashkar outfit involved in a series of militancy related incidents", the sources said, adding all out efforts were being made to nab him. An inquiry has been ordered into the escape of militants and Sentry on duty suspended, the sources said, adding the authorities have taken a ‘very serious note’ of the lapse leading to escape of militants, who had been arrested after massive efforts put-in by SOG and Mumbai Police. Meanwhile, Militants attacked a camp of Indian Reserve Police (IRP) with rockets and automatic weapons at Draba in Surankote tehsil last night while army foiled an infiltration attempt in Poonch sector overnight. According to police sources, a group of militants opened heavy firing and then launched rocket attacks on an IRP camp at Draba from atop a hill late last night. The firing was retaliated by the IRP personnel from their camp effectively. Sources said the exchange of firing continued for more than half an hour after which the militants fled away. No loss of life was reported on either side in the cross-firing though several bullets landed inside the IRP camp. However, all rockets fired by militants missed the intended target and exploded harmlessly in the adjoining fields. In the morning, IRP jawans accompanied by security forces launched a search operation in the hilly areas from where the militants had attacked the camp. No arrest could be made out immediately. Meanwhile, army foiled an infiltration attempt by the militants in Poonch sector late last night. A group of militants, who were trying to sneak into Indian territory, were challenged by army and engaged in an encounter, which lasted more than two hours. Militants were forced to flee back to Pakistan. They left behind a large quantity of ammunition and explosives which were recovered by army. Seizure included seven rounds of 82 mm high explosive, two 82 mm illumination rounds, two flame throwers, 10 rounds of unidentified high explosive, 10 rounds of smoke dischargers, six kgs of explosive sticks, four hand grenades, three electrical initiation devices, woolens and ruck sacks. |
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HC asks CE Kashmir
to supply similar information Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 27: Over rupees 164 crore have been calculated as arrears by Power Development Department (PDD) from various categories of consumers on account of electricity supplied to them by the Department in three electric divisions of Jammu. While the State’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) is the highest defaulter owing rupees 7185.618 lakh to the department, the arrears pending against domestic consumers has been worked out as over rupees 821.105 lakh . Further, there are 134 consumers against whom arrears dues are over rupees one lakh in Parade, Gandhinagar and Division Number-III of Jammu. They owe over rupees 13 crore to the PDD. The illegal and unauthorised connections identified upto December 22, 2000 stand at 17383 mark in the three divisions of Jammu while’s the electric connections regularised during the period were 3732. This vital information has been submitted by Chief Engineer, Electric Maintenance and RE wing Jammu, Mr H S Raina in pursuant of the High Court directive in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an Association of Self Help and Awareness. As per the information furnished in the Court, the arrears on account of electricity supply against domestic consumers is rupees 821.105 lakh, commercial consumers rupees 395.339, industrial consumers rupees 655.621 lakh, irrigation Tube wells and pump sets rupees 2037.450 lakh, State Government Departments rupees 2905.088 lakh, Centre Government Departments rupees 164.129 lakh, MES rupees 335.712 lakh, Public Health Engineering Department rupees 7185.618 lakh, Municipality , Town Area Committees and Notified Area Committees rupees 680.962 lakh, Jammu University rupees 58.855 lakh, migrants rupees 998.945 lakh and security forces rupees 206.539 lakh. The total arrears of the division number I,II and III of Jammu wing ending November 2000 has been worked out as rupees 164,45.363 lakh. According to the report submitted by the Chief Engineer , Mr Raina, the illegal and unauthorised connections identified upto December 22, 2000 were 17383 in all the three electric divisions of Jammu, while’s the electric connections regularised during this period were 3732 and the balance under process of regularisation was 13651. As per the list furnished by the Department pursuant to the earlier High Court directive, there are 134 consumers against whom the arrears dues are over rupees one lakh. In Parade Division, the number of such consumers is 33 and the arrears enduing November 2000 pending against them were over rupees five crore. In Gandhinagar division, such number of consumers was 85 with total arrears of about rupees seven crore and ninety lakh pending against them. Similarly in Electric Division Number-III, there were 16 consumers who owed over rupees one lakh to the department. The total pending arrears against these 16 consumers was worked out to be over rupees 33 lakh. The number of Industrial connections in Bari Brahamana Complex, having huge arrears stand disconnected for the past many months and others who failed to liquidate the arrears ( over rupees one lakh) have been disconnected with the exception of State and Centre Departments, Municipality, University and Defence Installations, the report submitted to the Court further said. It said that the massive drive has been launched in all 12 Sub-Divisions of Jammu Divisions for identification of illegal electric connections. Meanwhile, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Chief Justice Dr B P Saraf and Justice N A Kakroo has directed Chief Engineer Electrical Maintenance and Rural Electrification, Kashmir Division, to supply the identical information pertaining to illegal power connections and arrears, to the Court before the next date of hearing, as has been sought from Jammu Division. The Court said that pursuant to the directions, the Chief Engineer Electric Maintenance and RE wing Jammu has submitted his report alongwith the list of the consumers who are in arrears of rupees one lakh and above. " The report and the list of the defaulters are on the record and the Court will pass appropriate orders in regard to disconnection of the power supply to the defaulters after the reopening of the Court", the Division Bench said. It directed that the matter be listed on January 30, 2001 with the direction to the Chief Engineer to submit a fresh list of defaulters alongwith the detailed report about the period for which the amount mention in the list of the arrears. Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer, Jammu has prayed before the court that in order to complete the process of regularisation of unauthorised connections and recovery of arrears and also to come up with the bottle-necks, three to four weeks time be granted by which period the Department proposed to cover the entire Jammu province, especially rural arrears where the number of illegal connections is reportedly more. |
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Ceasefire has positive impact,says DG CRPF NEW DELHI, Dec 27: CRPF Director General Trinath Mishra today said the ongoing ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir has had a very positive impact on the ground despite some attacks by militants opposed to it. "There is a very good reaction from the people to the ceasefire... My officers and men tell me that the step is helpful," Mishra told a news conference here on the eve of the force’s 61st Raising Day. Describing the ceasefire as a "bold and important" step, he said it would help towards restoration of peace in the State. Responding to a query, he disclosed that CRPF was not consulted before the announcement of ceasefire on November 28 but added "prior to that analytical discussions were held in which we participated." Immediately after the ceasefire came into effect, a CRPF camp in Anantnag district of Kashmir was stormed by a two-men suicide squad of militants on December four and the 22-hour gun-fight left six CRPF personnel and the two attackers dead. Mishra said the force had learnt "hard lessons" while fighting insurgency and all "our actions" are analysed to improve upon these. "Each step is taken after careful calculations. There is no lowering of guard and routine is being updated from time to time so that the opponent does not get any chance," he said. Mishra said the militants may sometimes appear to have an upper hand "because they are not bound by the law and can do whatever they want. On the contrary we have to observe the law even during operations." To ensure faster communication, micro-processor-based automatic message switching systems and Burst Error control System for Teleprinters (BEST) has been installed at nodal signal centres, Mishra said. The force has also acquired state-of-the art wireless sets with Surface Mounted Device technology (SMD) which give larger number of communication signals simultaneously. Computerisation is also being undertaken, he said. On the counter-insurgency front, Mishra said the force has formed Special Operations Group (SOG) in Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura and Assam and the results have been good. In Jammu and Kashmir, 170 terrorists were killed and 186 arrested by CRPF this year till December 20, he said, adding the force lost 26 jawans and 96 were injured in 144 encounters during this period. The force killed 75 insurgents and arrested 3154 others while losing 19 jawans and 80 being wounded in the North East during this period, he said. The force, which is sometimes accused of violating human rights during counter-insurgency operations, has introduced a capsule course for all ranks to give emphasis to this aspect. Subjects concerning human rights have also been included in syllabus of basic training, in-service and promotional courses, he said. (PTI) |
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Threat to include
emergency Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 27: The health care services in Government Medical College Hospital were affected due to flash strike of the junior doctors today. However, the impact of the strike was less in the SMGS Hospital. The doctors have threatened to include Emergency Ward in the strike from December 30 if their demands weren’t conceded by then. The junior doctors today went on strike in protest against the admission of 50 candidates of unrecognised Medical College (PRIME), Budgam, Srinagar to Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar. They said that the said order is in gross violation of rules of the Medical Council of India and is a stumbling block for thousands of students who burn midnight oil for preparation of entrance test to qualify MBBS/BDS. They are demanding cancellation of Government order The strike put the patients in the Government Medical College to unavoidable inconvenience as all the junior doctors including house-surgeons and registrars did not attend their respective duties. It was the day full of hardships for the patients as all doctors excepting seniors remained out of the hospital for whole day. In the morning, the junior doctors went into every ward of the hospital and forced the doctors to join them in strike. The junior doctors also had a scuffle with a senior doctor of Orthopedics faculty. They mis-behaved with the said senior doctor and used indecent language. Though the senior doctors were available in the Out-Patient Department (OPD) yet the patients were made to face various inconveniences. Due to the non-availability of the junior medicos, the senior doctors could not attend all the patients and most of the patients were forced to leave the hospital without any check-up. Similar was the condition of the routine operation theatres where nodoubt operations were performed but not in large numbers as being conducted on routine days. The senior doctors attended only those cases which were serious while the other operations were postponed till the end of the strike. As it was the first day of the strike thus there was little impact of the strike on the operation theatres’ working and OPD. The Emergency Ward where one can see hustle bustle of visitors and patients in routine days today also wore deserted look. There were only two patients each in the Emergency Ward and post-recovery ward. In the Emergency operation theatre only three operations were performed till this evening. The patients have also started leaving the wards due to non-availability of the junior doctors. "After the round of the senior doctor in the morning, we have not seen any doctor so far", told a patient and his attendants in the Ward No. 14 to this visiting correspondent in the evening. A number of patients have also left the hospital apprehending that the strike will last long. A senior officer in the hospital also informed that a large number of patients were forced to leave the hospital due to the strike. Though the strike paralysed the services in the Government Medical College Hospital yet it had little impact on working of SMGS Hospital. But there was possibility of doctors in SMGS Hospital also joining the agitation from tomorrow. Meanwhile, a spokesman of Health and Medical Education Department today clarified that the decision to grant admission to over 50 students of PRIME Medical College Badgam in State’s Medical College was taken by the Union Government with the permission of Medical Council of India. The spokesman said that this decision will not affect the interests of students of Medical Colleges of the State. Describing the strike by junior doctors in Jammu as uncalled for, the spokesman regretted that these doctors are unnecessarily putting the patients to inconvenience without knowing the facts of the matter. Moreover, interests of the Junior Doctors are in no way harmed by this decision of the Union Government and it is wrong to say that MCI rules have been violated by this decision. The spokesman appealed to the striking doctors not to resort to strike and put the people to inconvenience. Meanwhile sources in the Medical College informed that all four dialysis machines installed in this premier medical institution of the region were out of order for the last one year. The fifth such machine which was working since then too went ‘out of order’ about a week ago. Insiders in the Medical College alleged that a senior Nephrologist was deliberately developing faults in the said machines with an aim to refer the patients in his clinic where he had installed the said machine. The said nephrologist also had a personal grudge with other Nephrologist and to settle his personal scores he has been indulging into such activities. "Due to fight between senior and junior nephrologist, the patients have been made to pay through their nose in the private clinics for expensive dialysis", the sources informed and said that there have been a number of patients who needs dialysis after every 10 or 15 days but due to greedy attitude of the senior nephrologist their life has been put at stake. Pointing towards one such patient, the sources said that one Chuni Lal Raina, a retired Botany Professor was struggling for his life as he is suffering from renal failure but due to non-functioning of dialysis machines, he has become the worst sufferer as he is not in a position to go for dialysis in private clinics, due to financial constraints. Though the senior officers of the Medical College are claiming that engineers have been called to repair the machines, but it has come to the fore that no engineer has been called from outside the State and that local technicians were experimenting on the machines. |
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Chasing shadows in
Bihar From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Dec 27: Bihar’s versatile, wily political lord, Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav, has kept his eldest daughter, Ms Misa, ready for the "big event" if he and his Chief Minister wife, Ms Rabri Devi, are convicted in the disproportionate assets case. Ms Misa will be ‘coronated’ as the new Chief Minister of Bihar, if her mother is forced to step down. A clear hint, in this regard, was provided by Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav himself in an interview. "Nothing improper, and nothing illegal, if she (Ms Misa) is selected by the legislature party of the Rashtriya Janata Dal as a successor to her mother", Mr Laloo Yadav asserted. Ms Misa is the eldest of Mr Laloo Yadav’s nine children. Ms Misa is already married. Significantly, however, she has been found in her father’s house for the past several days, virtually working overtime in the course of receiving ‘education’ from her father. All this started after some members of Mr Laloo Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were found advocating the need for the selection of a new person to replace Ms Rabri Devi in case she is convicted in the disproportionate assets case. The verdict is expected any day. That Mr Laloo Yadav is keen on continuing his family rule in Bihar has also been explained by his interaction with various political parties, including the Congress. That he wanted to seek Ms Sonia Gandhi’s "blessings" for Ms Misa was borne out by the presence of Mr Laloo Yadav’s daughter at the Iftar party hosted by the Congress president the other day. Critics of Mr Laloo Yadav have started sending out feelers that the severity of the charges against him and his wife is such that the punishment in the case could vary between 6 months to 7 years’ imprisonment. The post of the Chief Minister will fall vacant if both Mr Laloo Yadav and Ms Rabri Devi are convicted. And considering the fact that Ms Misa has already started accompanying her mother wherever she goes and even assisting her in her official work, the possibility of the daughter becoming Bihar’s next Chief Minister is not ruled out in the event of her mother being convicted. "Nothing wrong in the grown-up daughter offering advice to her mother", Mr Laloo Yadav said when asked to comment on reports about Ms Misa having been found, on more than one occasion, giving her mother advice. Ms Misa, who is currently being groomed as the next Chief Minister, does not have an easy task. A political stalwart, Mr Ranjan Yadav, who is the working president of the RJD, has with the help of his lobby within the Government and organisation demonstrated his claim to the Chief Ministerial chair. No wonder, a battle of wits between Mr Laloo Yadav and Mr Ranjan Yadav has begun. One can call it the battle of succession, too! |
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Vajpayee scotches rumours over mid-term polls KUMARAKOM (KERALA), Dec 27: In a significant statement, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today scotched speculation about mid-term polls to Lok Sabha in the near future as "baseless and misleading" and said attempts by opposition to create fissures in the ruling NDA will not succeed. Even as he spent a restful day at the scenic resort here on the famous backwaters in central Kerala, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a bulletin from his camp expressing his surprise over the speculation in certain political and media circles about mid-term parliamentary elections. The Prime Minister said, "I was surprised to read reports about mid-term polls in a section of the media after coming to Kumarakom resort yesterday. "The Government of the National Democratic Alliance enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha. The NDA is a united entity. Attempts by opposition to create fissures in the ruling alliance have neither succeeded so far nor will they succeed in the future," he said. Vajpayee said the NDA’s unity was demonstrated once again in the recently-concluded session of Parliament and added all the constituent parties of NDA "are unswervingly committed to the common manifesto on the basis of which they sought and got the people’s mandate" at the time of elections last year. The Prime Minister said, "as I have repeatedly stressed, there shall be no deviation whatsoever from this common national agenda. The opposition, rather than indulging in vain speculation, should play a constructive role by cooperating with the Government in unitedly facing the challenges before the nation." Vajpayee’s statement comes in the wake of comments from political parties, including the main opposition Congress, saying the Government was toying with the idea of mid-term polls and that was why the BJP was raking up "emotive issues" like Ayodhya. The bulletin said, "the Prime Minister spent a restful day at the scenic resort at Kumarakom on the famous backwaters in Central Kerala. He took walks around the resort lake and engrossed himself in reading books. In the evening, he was treated to an engaging performance of Mohini Attam by the artistes of the Cochin Cultural Centre." (PTI) |
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Hurriyat leaders request Centre to issue them travel documents NEW DELHI, Dec 27: Leaders of All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) have urged the Centre to issue travel documents to them immediately so that they can prepare for a visit to Pakistan for parleys with the militant groups and the government leaders there. Atleast six leaders have submitted their papers to the government with a request that their cases be expedited, Hurriyat sources said here. It is not known whether the Hurriyat made a written request for issuance of passports or verbally conveyed their plea to the Government The Hurriyat executive will meet on Januaray two in Srinagar to discuss the situation in the Valley and finalise their strategy for talks with the Pakistani and militant leaders if they were given allowed to proceed to Islamabad. The composition of the delegation would also be decided at the meeting. Except for Molvi Omer Farooq, former chairman of the All Party Hurriyat Conference, no other Hurryiyat leaders possesses passports. Mr Abdul Gani Lone was recently issued country specific passport that is valid for three months. Home Minister L K Advani has said the Government would soon decide on the issue of allowing the Hurriyat leaders to visit Pakistan. Molvi Abbas Ansari, whose passport was impoundeded by the government some time back, is also reported to have sought permission to go to Pakistan. He had requested that his travel documents be restored. Four members of the APHC executive - Syed Ali Shah Gilani, Mohd Yasin Malik, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat and Sheikh Abdul Aziz - do not have any travel document. Infact Molvi Omer Farooq and Molvi Abbas Ansari were allowed by the Government to go to Qatar to participate in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) summit, which was held there in November. The decision to send the Hurriyat delegation to Pakistan on January 15 was taken at an executive meeting held in Srinagar recently. The purpose of sending the delegation was to interact with different sections of society and militant leaders there to find a permament solution to the Kashmir issue. (UNI) |
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Civilians help
ultras escape Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 27: Five police personnel including a Sub Inspector and four Special Police Officers (SPOs) besides a woman were injured when militants and civilians jointly attacked a patrol party of STF at Jangan nullah in Gandoh area of Doda district last night. In another incident in Gandoh, four militants attacked a house and snatched two licensed 12 bore gun from the house owner and fled away. Official sources said a patrol party of STF from Chinyas post led by a Sub Inspector was fired upon by the militants from inside the house of Abbas Ahmed son of Abdul Aziz at village Jangan nullah in Gandoh late last night. STF jawans took positions outside the house and asked the militants to surrender. However, the militants started pelting stones on the STF party causing them serious injuries. The STF party didn’t retaliate to save the children in the house. In the melee, the militants managed to escape. Re-enforcement of security forces and STF was rushed to the spot immediately after a report of attack on the STF party was received. The injured Sub Inspector and four SPOs besides a woman Fatia wife of Akhtar Hussain, who also sustained injuries in the melee, were shifted to hospital. A police party visited the village in the morning and questioned the family members of Abbas Ahmed. In another incident, four unidentified militants stormed the house of Abdul Salam son of Mehmood Tantray in Doda last night and snatched two 12 bore guns from the family. Militants escaped from the house. Local police have registered a case in the snatching incident and was making efforts to recover the gun and apprehend militants. |
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Two Indian army porters released after 20 months Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 27: Two porters of Indian army, who had been kidnapped by Pakistani troops during last year’s Kargil conflict, were handed over to Border Security Force (BSF) officials today at forward post of Chakroi in RS Pura sector. The porters identified as Charanjeet Singh son of Budh Singh of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh and Pasang Dorjey son of Dusaj Sherpa of Nepal returned to their homeland after a gap of more than 20 months, official sources said. They said the porters, who had been assisting armed forces in their attempt to push back Pakistani intruders in Kargil heights, were reported missing ending April last year. Troops couldn’t ascertain the whereabouts of porters and it was presumed that either they had been killed during the conflict or kidnapped by enemy troops. However, it was during the follow up contacts established by Indian authorities that Pakistan army admitted that the two porters were in their custody. The case was pursued by the authorities and finally Pakistan agreed to release the kidnapped porters on the International Border this morning. The porters were handed over to BSF authorities at Chakroi post at 1000 hours today by Pakistan Rangers in the presence of senior BSF officers. The porters looked pale and were even finding it difficult to walk. Sources said the porters had been brutally tortured by Pakistan army in the captivity rendering them semi-unconscious. The duo required medical treatment for a long time to become fit again, they added. According to sources, the porters will be sent to their homes after questioning by the security forces. BSF authorities will take up with Pakistan the issue of porters’ torture. |
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Massacre reports neither accepted nor rejected NEW DELHI, Dec 27: The CRPF has "neither accepted nor rejected" the reports of two inquiry commissions indicting some CRPF personnel for the August one killing of Amarnath pilgrims and subsequent firing on demonstrators in Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the force’s Director General Trinath Mishra said today. "We are studying them", he told PTI when asked what action had been taken on the reports of a three-member commission which probed the killing of 33 people during Amarnath pilgrimage on August one and the Justice S R Pandian Commission, which probed the firing on demonstrators in Brakpora in Anantnag district on August three. He said the CRPF had "neither accepted nor rejected" the reports, even as he added that "no opportunity was provided for cross-examination". Mishra said: "We will not defend anybody. We will not cover up," he said. A three-member commission had indicted five CRPF jawans for using "excessive force" in the Amarnath episode when 33 people, including 23 pilgrims, were killed in a shootout. The Pandian Commission had indicted four CRPF jawans and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel for firing on demonstrators protesting against the missing of five local youths on August three. Terming such incidents and allegations as "occupational hazards", he said the force would "continue to do what duty demands". (PTI) |
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India wants to have friendly relation with Pak: advani MUMBAI, Dec 27: India was keen to have friendly ties with Pakistan but any sabotage attempt would be dealt with a firm hand, Union Home Minister L K Advani said. Inaugurating an exhibition of photographs of Sindhu Darshan at Keshav Srushti at Bhayander in neighbouring Thane district here today, Advani said ‘Agar Mitrata Hogi, Sneh Hoga To Dono Ko Iska Labh Hoga (if there is friendship and affection, it will benefit both the nations)’. Referring to attempts of sabotage by the neighbouring country, the Minister warned: "India can be as hard as Vajra (powerful weapon used by God Indra)’. The attitude of the country’s leadership towards Pakistan is that ‘we can be soft like a flower but at times become firm as a vajra’, Advani said quoting a saying in Sanskrit. Earlier during his speech, Advani dwelt on ‘accidental discovery’ of river Sindhu in Leh during his tour there for an election campaign. ‘After partition we thought that to have a glimpse of Sindhu one has to visit Pakistan but it was discovered that Sindhu (Indus) flows 550 kms in India before its journey to the neighbouring country’, he said. RSS chief K S Sudarshan, who also addressed the gathering said ‘those who remember the glory of the past, pains of the present and everything that it takes pride in as well as dreams of the future, only that country can progress and remain united’. Earlier, Advani addressed around 600 foreign delgates participating in the Vishwa Sangh Shibir 2000, having the topic ‘bharat vis-a-vis world scenario’. (PTI) |
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Vajpayee undisputed leader: Advani MUMBAI, Dec 27: Union Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani today described Atal Behari Vajpayee as an undisputed leader and an extraordinary Prime Minister. Addressing BJP leaders and workers at the party office here, Advani said "in today’s national politics, Vajpayee is an undisputed leader and all political parties have accepted him as a national leader." Advani also said that among the six non-Congress Prime Ministers that the country had so far, only Vajpayee, V P Singh and Morarjee Desai had formed the Government without the support of the Congress party. He also launched a website "atalji.Com" on the occasion. (PTI) |
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Top LeT militant killed in Valley SRINAGAR, Dec 27: A self-styled district commander of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba, who was in close touch with the militants who stormed the Red Fort on December 22, was killed in an encounter with police at the Tengpora Batmaloo bypass here today, an official spokesman said. The spokesman said police, on specific information, raided a number of hideouts in Srinagar during the night and carried out ambushes. One of the raiding parties was fired upon by militants at Tengpora Batmaloo bypass in the wee hours today. Abu Sufian alias Abdul Rehman, a Pakistani citizen and Lashkar militant, was killed in the encounter, the spokesman added. However, eyewitnesses alleged that a youth was brought in a Gypsy and shot dead by security forces. The official spokesman said the accomplices of Sufian managed to escape and that one AK series rifle, three magazines, one wireless set, one pager and some rounds were seized. He said the recovered documents and investigations established that Sufian was in close touch with the Lashkar militants who stormed the Red Fort in Delhi. The raids by the police in different parts of the city also led to the arrest of three persons who were providing refuge and financial backing to Lashkar militants, he said. It had also been established that lakhs of rupees were transferred to the Lashkar through one of the bank accounts of the arrested persons. The identities of those arrested would be withheld till the investigations are completed, the spokesman added. In other militancy-related incidents, unidentified militants shot dead Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a peon in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, at Hakoora in south Kashmir this morning. There was panic in the busy shopping centre Hari Singh High Street this afternoon when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a time when a large number of people were busy making purchases. One security jawan and ten civilians were injured in the attack. Militants killed a released militant, Niyaz Ahmad Bhat, at Nawakadal in the down town city last evening while one Shakeel Ahmad, an alleged informer, was shot dead by militants at Panznoor in Baramulla this afternoon. Meanwhile, police fired in the air and burst dozens of teargass shells to disperse stone pelting mob that was protesting against alleged violation of ceasefire and arrest of a girl by police at Rambagh on Srinagar-Airport road this afternoon. The protesters alleged that Jammu and Kashmir Police Special Operation Group raided a house at Rambagh and arrested Raquia and her daughter late last night. The two were later set free at Rajbagh and then another house at Rambagh was raided and another girl, Ruby, was arrested, they said. The raids were against the spirit of unilateral ceasefire, presently in force in the State, the demonstrators said. They also alleged that the ceasefire was called just to mislead the world and the atrocities against the people in the Valley continued. Police fired in the air a number of times and also burst dozens of teargass shells to disperse stone pelting mob which had also blocked the Srinagar-Airport road at Rambagh. Several people, including some police personnel, were injured in the stone pelting. The situation was brought under control with the deployment of more paramilitary forces in the area. (UNI) |
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Triffle over land
dispute Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Two persons sustained critical bullet wounds when a Village Defence Committee (VDC) member opened firing on them over some land dispute in village Aghar Jitto of Reasi tehsil. According to police, the accused Jagmohan, son of Gulab Ram of Garan had some land dispute with Sohan Lal, son of Girdhari Lal of Aghar Jitto. Yesterday Jagmohan, a VDC member brought out his gun and fired three shots on Sohan Lal and Darshan Kumar, sons of Dharam Chand following some verbal dual. In the firing, Sohan Lal sustained critical injuries while Darshan Kumar escaped with some minor splinter injuries. The accused immediately fled away from the spot leaving the victims in pool of blood. Some villagers rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to Katra hospital where doctors referred Sohan Lal to Government Medical College Hospital in view of his deteriorating condition. His condition was stated to be improving. Getting the report of firing, a police party from Katra police station immediately rushed to the spot and apprehended the accused. The accused has been booked under Section 307 RPC and 3/25 Arms Act. The condition of other injured was stated to be improving. Meanwhile, two persons sustained critical injuries when their Maruti van was hit by speeding bus bearing Number JK06-0320 at Nandni. They were removed to hospital and their condition was stated to be critical till last reports came in. They have been identified as Rajeshwar of Paloura and Navneet Pandita, son of B R Pandita of Muthi. In another road accident, one Shammi, son of Baldev Dogra received serious injuries after being hit by a speeding mini-bus at Janipur. |
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BJP says Govt may review stand on ceasefire NEW DELHI, Dec 27: The Bharatiya Janata Party today said that the Government might be compelled to review its stand on ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir if Pakistan did not take steps to control ‘nefarious activities’ of Lashkar-e-Toiba in India. Talking to newspersons here, BJP vice-president K Jana Krishnamurthy said continuing violence in Jammu and Kashmir and the recent attack at Red Fort in Delhi by the Pak-based organisations and the threat to attack the Prime Minister’s Office was not just a challenge to the authority of India, but to its sponsors— Pakistan and the world community should take note of these threats. If Islamabad wants any meaningful negotiations with New Delhi, it should control the activities of the Laskhar first, he said. He said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had ‘confirmed’ the hand of Pakistan behind the violence and the announcement of unilateral ceasefire could not be construed as ‘one sided affair’. One can withstand pin-pricks, but it would have its own repurcussions, he said. The Indian soldiers and authorities were doing their best to ward off such problems. On China, Mr Krishnamurthy did not rule out talks on border dispute when Mr Li Peng, former Chinese Prime Minister and Chairman of National Peoples’ Congress, considered as number two in Communist party hierarchy would be visiting India from January 10. He said Chinese Prime Minister would vist India in the first half of 2001, he said. President K R Narayanan had visited China two months ago. Ridiculing the Congress for floating ‘rumours’ about possibility of mid term polls, the BJP vice president said the party would have to wait until 2004 to realise its dreams. Its attempts to draw a wedge among the NDA allies through their motion in Lok Sabha bore no result and alliance had remained firm, he said. Meanwhile, BJP president Bangaru Laxman today accused Pakistan of playing a "double game" by encouraging militant activities even while agreeing to maintain peace on the Line of Control (LoC). Though Islamabad had declared that it would create a tension-free atmosphere on the LoC, the spurt in militant attacks showed that it was playing a double game, Laxman told reporters here. "We would like to make it very clear to Pakistan that as long as it does not desist from encouraging militant organisations, there is no question of holding any kind of talks with them," he said. Pointing out that the ceasefire initiative had boosted the morale of Kashmiri people and yielded positive results, Laxman said the militants were getting "terrorised by this peace process" and stepping up their activities in sheer desperation. The recent shoot-out in the Red Fort was one such desperate act which showed that the forces trying to derail peace process were "extremely active" and bent upon disrupting the ceasefire initiative, the BJP president said. "The threat issued by Lashkar-e-Toiba that its next target will be the Prime Minister’s Office is a cause for concern. It demonstrates that the forces that are out to subvert peace initiatives are desperate particularly as it is yielding remarkable results", he said. Laxman, however, said he was confident that NDA Government possessed all the "resolve and capability" to crush any attempts of terrorist outfits. Lashing out at Pakistan, he said its "positive oral response" to ceasefire call was only to send a favourable message to international community, but on the other hand it was encouraging militant activities. In a statement, issued at the press conference, Laxman appealed to the international community to "see through the evil designs of militant outfits and their sponsors from across the border". There had been a growing desertion among militant outfits in the Kashmir valley, as local people had started ‘diassociating’ from militant groups and questioning their actions, he added. (Agencies) |
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