ISI targeting people supporting peace in J&K

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: In a bid to take over the command and control of Hizbul Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmir and check those wanting a ceasefire, Pakistan’s ISI has asked militants of various other outfits to target and neutralise "elements" favouring a peace process.

The first such targetted killings took place in Baramulla (north Kashmir) when militants shot dead one Noor-ul-Amin, a close confidante of Hizb chief commander Abdul Majid Dar, official sources said.

The sources, quoting wireless intercepts and revelations from arrested militants, said Amin, who was a Jamaat-e-Islamia cadre, had openly supported Dar’s desire for peace when he announced a unilateral ceasefire offer on July 24.

They said Pakistan, after ensuring effective takeover of the Hizb in their country by taking over its command and handing it over to Islamabad-loyalist outfit Jamaat-e-Islamia, was now "eyeing" such a take-over of the outfit on this side of the border.

The sources feared more such attacks elsewhere in the Valley. They said threats to people like Fazalul Haq Qureshi, the official interlocutor appointed by the Hizb for talks with the Centre during its unilateral ceasefire offer in July last, had increased.

Qureshi, who declined the offer of security cover by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, has since been shifting from one place to another, the sources added.

In order to prevent any such clashes in future, the security agencies were keeping a close watch on the activities of militants besides giving a "shadow cover" to likely targets, official sources said.

The sources said even Hurriyat leaders could be targets as some militants would try to target them and later put the blame on security forces.

The Hurriyat leaders have been declining to take the security cover but the State Government still keeps some guards outside the residence of these leaders and tail them whenever necessary.

This is yet another indication that Pakistan has lost confidence in Kashmiris and is now relying more on foreign mercenaries.

The sources said even though Majeed Dar’s offer for a ceasefire was a surprise to everyone, reports had suggested that "Hizb was at loggerheads with ISI, especially after the set up of Maulana Masood Azhar’s Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM)."

The sources quoted reports that in June this year, Hizb’s self-styled chief Syed Sallahuddin had a heated argument with ISI and Pakistani Army for dumping the Kashmiris.

The sources said as the rank and files of Kashmiris-dominated militant outfits were growing more and disgruntled, there were more chances of inter-group clashes besides ISI’s desire to target "elements wishing for peace". (PTI)

Centre approves Rs 120 crore IT plan for J&K

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: Centre has approved a Rs 120 crore comprehensive Information Technology (IT) plan for militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir to provide an it network throughout the State, assist in disaster management and create job opportunities.

The IT plan is part of a 20-point Economic Development Programme for the state initiated by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Omar Abdullah.

In the first phase of the plan, Pilot projects covering 30 blocks would be implemented at a cost of Rs 20 crore during the current fiscal.

"The IT package will be of great assistance to the State in governance, creation of job opportunities, explo-ring new avenues of higher education and better disaster management in the event of a crisis," Omar Abdullah told PTI here.

Government has also approved setting up of a software technology park in Srinagar at a cost of Rs 6.12 crore of which an amount of around Rs four crore has already been sanctioned.

The State Government had also approached the Planning Commission with an it proposal to link the district and villages through internet.

The Government is also consid-ering providing a financial package for the State similar to the one for the insurgency hit North-East.

"Commerce Ministry has already made its recommendations on the issue to the Finance Ministry and a package is expected soon," he said. (PTI)

HM commander declines to follow diktat from JeI

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15: Even as the militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) has denied that Jamaat-e-Islamia (JeI) had taken over the command and control of the outfit, recent media reports indicate that the takeover had been effective on the ground.

Recently an ongoing fight between the two factions of HM in Kotil district of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) not only resulted in dozens of casualties within the cadres of the two factions but also claimed the lives of three local citizens, reports "The Friday Times" weekly.

The fighting began when Amir of the JeI in PoK Rashid Turabi tried to replace Masood Sarfaraz, the comm-ander of HM, commonly known as Pir Panjal range, the paper said.

The Weekly quoted sources in the PoK’s JeI as saying that the number of complaints—ranging from arbitrary use of funds to mismanagement in the training camps—against Sarfaraz prompted Turabi to replace him.

Earlier, reports said JeI of Pakistan had effectively taken over the control of Hizbul Mujahideen and formed a small committee to oversee the functioning of the militant outfit, which had earlier declared a unilateral cease-fire in Jammu and Kashmir.

A HM spokesman had dismissed reports about the Jamaat-e- Islamia of Pakistan taking control of the functioning of the Hizbul Mujahideen but the recent reports are contrary to it.

According to sources, who quoted reports from across the border, JeI chief Qazi Hussain will be in complete command and control of the functioning of HM.

Sarfaraz, the weekly said, is a nephew of so-called former president of PoK Sardar Sikander Hayat, who had helped the Hizb commander in carving out a separate niche for himself.

The Friday Times described the increase in armed groups fighting in Kashmir as signs of indiscpline, a phenomenon that had already been witnessed in Afghanistan at one stage in the development of its resistance movement earlier against the Soviets.

Experts warn that sustenance of armed groups and the tendency of intelligence agencies to control them by creating and encouraging splits can lead to more such fighting in the future, the weekly said.

"This is a phenomenon that we have seen at its bloodiest in Afghanistan. It had laid that country waste. It now threatens the social fabric of Pakistan as well," The weekly quoted an analyst with long experience in Afghanistan as saying. (PTI)

Jammu's women occupies pivotal post in UK

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Jammuities have reason to feel pride as Kamlesh Jolly, Daughter of the Soil- who has occupied a pivotal post at United Kingdom which is difficult for even a Britisher to get. Mrs Jolly, daughter of Late Munshi Roop Singh, is serving as Democracy Advisor to the local Government of Middlesbrough, State of the United Kingdom. Her job is to advise the Britishers how to govern and how to solve woes of the people. She is the first Indian and the Asian woman, who has been assigned the job by the British rulers to solve conflicts of their society. Daughter of a social worker, Mrs Jolly belongs to a family which is well known in the entire Jammu city. One of her brothers Balwinder Singh served the people as Administrator Jammu Municipality while her another brother Arvinder Singh Vicky is a political activist. Married to a Chemical Engineer, Mrs Jolly did her schooling from Presentation Convent School. She did her Law and MA from Delhi University.

Mrs Jolly, who is presently in the City of Temples, shares her experiences in an interview with Daily Excelsior. Excerpts:

* You have been assigned very important job. What do you feel as Indian while serving at this pivotal post?

I always feel proud of while discharging my duty on the important post of Democracy Advisor. And I am putting my every effort to prove my capability. Being an Indian, I have advantage of my background and my culture. People there have very high thinking about Indian culture especially about our family system.

* What is the nature of your job ?

To advise each component of the Government to rejuvenate the activities of the Government. Every Ministers and officials of my state- Middlesbrough, have to take advise from me while formulating any policy and programme for the people.

* Is it a political or administrative post ?

Purely a political post but I have achieved this post on merit. I have already proved by capability while serving different posts in the United Kingdom. I joined the U K Government as Coordinator of Women Project in 1983. I also worked as advisor to Cleveland County Council as Advisor on Equality from 1988 to 1996. I visited South Africa during first election in that country as international observor in 1994. Since 1999, I have been working as Democracy Advisor.

* Why this post was created ?

Like in India, political participation has been decreasing in the United Kingdom. In my state of Middlesbrough, only 31 percent people participated in the last elections. Local Government has taken serious note of the development and appointed me to educate the people to participate in the political process.

* It means that people there have also lost faith in politicians ?

I don’t say so. But it is true that politicians have lost respect among masses. And then one can’t compare that system with Indian system.

* What are the main political issues there ?

Unlike India, health is both social and political issue. Every political party in its election manifesto promises to provide better health care to the people. Instead of making hue and cry for emotional issues, people are more concerned about health there. No political party can ignore this issue. Employment in other issue which dominates the political scenario of my state.

Another thing which is very relevant to mention here that race is an important issue but health and unemployment always dominate this emotional issue.

Two militants killed in Rajouri
3 army jawans killed in ambush near Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 15: Three army personnel including a Naib Subedar were killed in an ambush laid by the militants at village Dadwali in Poonch district while troops of Bhimber Gali Brigade gunned down a militant at Mankot Sadyal in Thandi Kassi area. Another ultra was killed in Molhan Phagal area of Mandi sector.

Official sources said the militants ambushed a patrol party of army jawans at Dadwali in Poonch district early this morning from atop a hill. The patrol party, which was returning to its base camp after night halt, also took position and fired back.

However, the militants had the advantage of firing from a hill. Besides firing with automatic weapons, the ultras also lobbed grenades on troops. In the exchange of firing, three army jawans were killed while militants managed to escape towards a surrounding forest area.

Deceased army jawans have been identified as Naib Subedar Noor Din and Sepoys Phool Singh and Sanjay Kumar. Re-enforcement of troops rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. They launched an operation to track down the militants involved in ambush. An operation was going on in the area when the reports last came in.

Bodies of deceased jawans were shifted to an army camp and later sent to their native towns.

Meanwhile, troops of Bhimber Gali Brigade of Ace of Spades Division launched a search operation at village Mankot in Sadyal area near Thandi Kassi, about seven kms from here in the early hours of this morning after getting an information that a group of six to eight militants has managed to infiltrate into Indian territory from across the Line of Control (LoC).

Troops encountered a couple of militant at Mankot, about three-four kms deep into the LoC and eliminated one of them after a fierce gun-battle. Other militants managed to escape but were reported to be still hiding in the village as they hadn’t been able to cross back to LoC.

One AK-47 rifle with four magazines, two hand grenades and 90 rounds of AK-47 were recovered from the scene of encounter. There was no casualty on army side in the gun-battle. Identity of the slain militant couldn’t be established immediately but he was believed to be a foreign mercenary.

Another militant was shot dead by army in half an hour long encounter at village Molhan Phagal under the jurisdiction of Mandi police station in Poonch district. One AK rifle and some ammunition was recovered from his possession.

Slain militant remained unidentified. However, a diary recovered from his pocket indicated that he could be an activist of Harkat-ul-Jehad Islami (HUJI).

Two activists of the slain militant escaped during the exchange of firing. Army and police have launched a joint operation to eliminate them.

Army jawan injured in firing
Two intruders killed in Ramgarh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down two Pakistani infiltrators on the International Border in Ramgarh sector while an army jawan was injured in continued firing and shelling by Pak army on the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district in two separate incidents today.

Official sources said security personnel noticed some movement near their Majra post in Ramgarh sector in the wee hours of this morning and became alert. They observed that a group of three to four militants were trying to infiltrate into Indian territory alongwith a consignment of arms and ammunition.

As the intruders reached within the firing range of BSF jawans, deployed at Majra post, security personnel opened firing. One of the militant, who was carrying an assault rifle, retaliated. In the brief exchange of firing that followed, BSF jawans eliminated two infiltrators while their two or three associates fled back to Pakistan.

Following abortive infiltration attempt, Pakistan army started heavy firing on Majra and adjoining posts of BSF in Samba sector. Security personnel retaliated and silenced enemy guns. No casualty was reported on either side in the exchange of firing.

In the morning, troops carried out searches in the forward post and recovered dead bodies of the killed militants, who appeared to be a Pakistani. A rifle and some ammunition was recovered from his possession.

Sources said a major infiltration attempt was foiled by the BSF troops by killing two militants and forcing others to retrieve back to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan army also continued firing and shelling on both defence and civilian locations on LoC in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. An army jawan, who was manning forward Pirthal Post in Bhawani sector in Nowshera tehsil sustained injuries in the enemy shelling.

According to reports, Pakistani troops fired 50 to 55 shells towards Pirthal Post alone in the early hours of this morning besides targeting civilian areas in the same sector.

Exchange of firing and shelling was also reported between Indo-Pak troops at several other places on the LoC in which no casualty or loss of life was reported.

In Akhnoor sector, army recovered a large consignment of explosive material from forward village Kalasara late last evening. Sources said the militants had dumped the consignment in a field and disappeared. A hunt continued to nab the militants but no arrest could be made out immediately.

Recovery include three anti-tank rifle grenades, one smoke grenade, one Under Barrel Grenade Launcher with 21 grenades and nine Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Another recovery was made by army from Hari Buddha village in Surankote tehsil which include three RPG rockets, four magazines and 25 rounds of AK and one binocular.

Youth opens firing in marriage party

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: A youth fired four shots from a revolver aiming his rival in a marriage party function at Karan Palace on Akhnoor road under the jurisdiction of Domana police station last night.

Police said a contractor-cum-property dealer Subash Sharma of Patoli and his associate Naresh Kumar tried to kidnap one Pawan Kumar son of Chowdhary Mulkh Raj of the same locality at gun point. Naresh Kumar also fired four shots in the marriage party creating panic among the participants.

However, Pawan Kumar managed to snatch the revolver from Naresh and fled from the function. No one was injured in the firing incident though it disrupted the marriage party for sometime.

Pawan Kumar later appeared at Domana police station and handed over the snatched weapon to police. He alleged that an attempt was made by his rivals to kidnap him from the marriage function.

Both rival parties have lodged complaints against each other in Domana police station. "We are verifying authenticities of the complaints made by two groups before making any arrest", a police officer said.

K oil black-marketing gang unearthed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 15: Katra police have unearthed a gang indulging in black-marketing of kerosene oil in the holy town by arresting two persons and booking two kerosene oil depots.

Police sources said two depots—one at Katra owned by Om Raj and another one at Ban Ganga owned jointly by two brothers Naresh Kumar and Jagdish Lal Shastri of Katra were raided by a police party headed by SHO Katra Inspector Ashok Sharma.

Both the depots were found selling kerosene oil in black market at a rate of Rs 13 per litres as against the fixed rate of Rs 9.80 per litre.

Two persons were arrested by police in connection with black-marketing of kerosene oil while owners of both the depots were absconding. A case has been registered against them by Katra police station for further investigations.

RDX, other arms seized in Delhi

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: Frustrating Pakistan’s evil designs of reviving militancy in Punjab, CBI and Delhi Police have seized huge quantity of arms and ammunition including 30 kgs of highly explosive RDX from North-West Delhi in a swift joint operation last night.

Two persons, identified as Pyare Lal and Baldev Raj of Amritsar, have been arrested from Libaspur areas near Azadpur Mandi in the district when they were trying to load the consignment for further delivery in Jalandhar, agency’s Special Director P C Sharma told reporters here today.

"The arms and ammunition seized have an enormous lethal potential and the consignment was meant to be passed on to a very active militant Babbar Khalsa group in Punjab," he said.

Describing the recovery as a "very significant catch", Sharma said Punjab Police has been asked to make further enquiries to establish the linkages of the arrested persons with the militant groups.

Sharma said, "it appears that it was a desperate attempt on the part of foreign intelligence agencies to revive Sikh militancy in a big way. Had the consignment reached the right hands, it would have led to the revival of militancy in Punjab."

Besides Babbar Khalsa, the consignment was meant for subversive activities in Punjab, Delhi and other parts of northern India.

The joint team of CBI and Delhi Police chanced upon the deadly RDX and other arms and ammunition while they were conducting a search for narcotics. The RDX and other material was seized when it was being loaded in a truck carrying a huge consignment of brooms to Jalandhar.

Besides huge quantity of RDX, other ammunition seized include two AK-56 rifles, six magazines of AK-56, 183 live cartridges (7.62 mm) of AK-56, two ammunition bandoleers for AK-56 with Chinese markings, 20 pistols, 40 pistol magazines, 717 live cartridges for pistols, seven packets time pencils, six detonators, nine electronic detonators, 6 ABCD timers (programmable time devices), Cordex fuse wire and match fuse.

The consignment had entered into the country through western border, Sharma said adding that further investigations into the matter was being done jointly by CBI, Delhi Police and Punjab Police.

Asked why a circuitous route was taken for delivery of the arms and ammunition from western border to Punjab, Sharma said "they could have thought Delhi is a soft spot."

Sharma said the team, which seized the consignment, was apprehending some shoot out. "But ultimately everything went smoothly without any violence."

He said a case had been registered under Arms and Explosives Act.

This is the third major haul of arms and ammunition by CBI in this year. Earlier, the agency seized 25 pistols and seven-kgs of high grade heroin in Ahmedabad and later 25-kgs of drugs alongwith some arms and ammunition in the central Delhi. (PTI)

Chinese built mule trails found in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Oct 15: Indian Army and intelligence have recently discovered a Chinese-built mule trail in Kaila Pass in Dibang valley district which prove "repeated" incursions by Chinese Army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Mukul Mithi said today.

The intrusions, the Chief Minister said, were taking place particularly in Tawang, Taksingh and Maja areas of the State, which has a 1030 km border with China.

"The recent discovery of the mule trail by the Army and intelligence proves beyond doubt that the Chinese Army intrudes into Indian territory and the entire border is not safe," Mithi told PTI in an interview here after a tour of interior areas yesterday.

"Normally they come in the guise of graziers or hunters by encroaching on the Macmahon Line (LAC) and sometimes claim that the land there belongs to them," Mithi said.

He said "in 1986 the Red Army intruded into Sum Drong Chu valley in Tawang frontier and built a helipad. It was demolished after the Indian Army took timely action following intelligence reports."

Referring to the conference of Chief Ministers and Governors convened by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the backdrop of the Kargil conflict, Mithi said he had then urged the Centre "to be more vigilant" and take precautionary steps" in Arunachal.

A 13-member Parliament standing committee on Home Affairs is on a visit to the State now to review the security scenario and impact of development projects, Mithi said adding the team is touring the border district of Tawang and would arrive here to hold discussions with a high-level official team,

The Chief Minister cautioned that vigil against incursions in Arunachal Pradesh should be maintained round-the-clock because of the difficult terrain. The unchecked intrusions might "snowball into another controversy," he said.

Detailing the steps taken by the Centre, he said the recommendations of a Central Government committee to the Union Government to construct roads in frontier areas was accepted and work had started. (PTI)

Kesri’s condition improving

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: Former Congress president Sitaram Kesri, undergoing treatment with supportive systems at the Intensive Care Unit of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here for the last two days, was showing signs of improvement following which the ventilator was removed, his family sources said today.

He took a little soup after three days and could recognise family members and friends. He also spoke to them, they said.

Kesri was admitted to the hospital on Thursday for treatment of a fractured leg but was shifted to ICU the following day after he developed breathing problem.

President K R Narayanan, Vice President Krishan Kant and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were among those visited Kesri at the hospital. (PTI)

Gandhi’s newspaper relaunched in SA

DURBAN, Oct 15: A newspaper founded just under a century ago by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa’s east coast city of Durban and Dormant for about 40 years was relaunched today by Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

Gandhi established the "Indian Opinion" in 1903, using it to highlight the injustices of colonialism and white domination and promote his principles of non-violence, truth and welfare for all.

The newspaper, now called "Opinion," had a role to play in "influencing South Africa’s transformational and reconciliatory agenda," Zuma told the 1,000 people at the relaunch ceremony.

The non-profit newspaper is intended to promote Gandhi’s ideology and will be distributed monthly for free, with the first print-run producing 20,000 copies.

Gandhi, who arrived in South Africa in 1893, edited the newspaper until he left the country in 1913, when he returned to India.

A trust headed by his third son Manilal Gandhi then took charge of the newspaper, which changed its name to "Opinion" in 1956 when the Indian Congress Party and now-ruling African National Congress (ANC) agreed to work together for democracy.

The newspaper closed in 1961 for lack of funds.

The relaunch was organised by the Phoenix Settlement Trust, established to promote Gandhi’s heritage.

Trust chairman and ANC MP Mewa Ramgobind, also the interim editor, said in a recent news report that the revival of the newspaper was an attempt to use Gandhi’s legacy to "assist in the regeneration" of South Africa. (AFP)

Trinamool workers killed, 17 hurt

MIDNAPORE (WB), Oct 15: A woman Trinamool supporter was killed, 17 were injured and 20 houses looted during an armed clash between activists of CPI-M and Trinamool Congress (TC) while two TC activists were kidnapped allegedly by CPI-M workers in different areas of Midnapore district today.

Police said the 25-year old Trinamool supporter was killed by a stray bullet during gun battle between the two parties at Dotal village in troubled Keshpur area. Twenty houses were also looted during the clash.

Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) personnel were patrolling the village. The Additional Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) also rushed to the area.

Meanwhile search was on to trace the kidnapped Trinamool activists from Birsinghapur village in Sabong area this morning, police said.

Trinamool district secretary D Roy alleged that the partymen were abducted by CPI-M members. (PTI)

Govt to line up 4 ordinances

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: The Government has lined up four ordinances for promulgation soon.

The proposed ordinances are likely to be taken up for consideration in the next Cabinet meeting slated for October 23 after the convalescing Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpyee returns to the capital from Mumbai.

The first ordinance relates to the amendment of the Passport Act, 1967, seeking to confer power on the Government to suspend the passport, visas and related travel documents which dons, subversives ,militants and other anti-social elements have been resorting to by dodging the Government. This is intended to meet the directions of various High Courts.

Under the existing Passport Act, the Government both Central and States can only impound the passport. With the proposed amendment through the ordinance the Government shall have additional powers to suspend the passport and related documents. This will check the international movements of militants, subversives and anti-social elements from India.

The second important ordinance will relate to amendment of the General Insurance Companies Act,1972 seeking to demerge its four subsdiaries namely New India Insurance Company, National Insurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and United India Insurance.

The proposed amendment of the GIC Act is intended to meet the requirements of emerging globalisation of Indian insurance sector under the aegis of Indian Insurance Regulatory Development Authority set up earlier in the year by an Act of Parliament. The Authority had given a deadline of October 16 for amendment of the GIC act. The ordinance is likely to be issued as Parliament is not in session. Under the proposed amendment the equity of GIC will be raised and pegged at Rs 200 crore and for the four demerged companies will be raised and pegged at Rs 100 crore each. While the four demerged companies will continue to do general insurance business, the parent GIC company will reincarnate itself in the re-insurance business. At the moment Government is not touching Life Insurance Corporation of India.

The third important ordinance will relate to amend the Companies Act, 1956 to provide for the scheme of golden share for the Government of India as also for the State Governments in the divested public sector companies and public limited companies. Under the proposed amendment with single share known as the golden share the Governments both Central and State shall acquire the power of the veto any policy decision of the divested public sector unit or public limited company.

Yet another ordinance waiting for the approval of Union Cabinet relates to the amendment of the Banking Acquisition and Regulation Act,1969. By the amendment in 1972 and further amendment in 1980 the Government had nationalised 28 banks with 14 in July 1969.

The amendment will seek to reduce the Government’s holding in the nationalised banks to 33 per cent from the existing 100 per cent. This is in keeping with the commitment made by the Finance Minister in his budget speech for the current year. (UNI)

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