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Arms
haul by Delta Force, police Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: In a spectacular success, troops of Rashtriya Rifles of Delta Force and Ramban police today liquidated seven militants, five of them foreign mercenaries, after a day long gun-battle in the upper reaches of village Khurji in Mangat area of Banihal tehsil in Doda district. An army jawan also lost his life in the gun-fight while a woman was injured in the exchange of firing. SP Ramban Saji Mohan told EXCELSIOR that troops of Delta Force and Special Task Force (STF) Banihal got a specific information that a big group of atleast 10 militants was on way to Banihal through Pir Panjal range. The militants had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from Poonch and trekked through Pir Panjal to reach upper reaches of Banihal. Army and police personnel were dispatched to the heights this morning from Rashtriya Rifles camps and STF camp Banihal to track down the militants. Troops sealed all exit routes of Mangat village and launched a massive search and cordon operation. According to official sources, the militants group was moving along a mountain pass when they were noticed by army around 0800 hours today. The militants, who were equipped with heavy fire arms, opened firing on approaching columns of securitymen, who retaliated. A fierce exchange of gun-battle followed in which initially three militants were killed and seven others escaped. Army and police personnel continued to chase the fleeing ultras and again engaged them in an encounter. This time, the sources said, jawans eliminated four more militants taking total death toll on ultras side to seven. An army jawan Sepoy Banwar Khan of 12 Rashtriya Rifles, who fought bravely with the militants, succumbed to his injuries he had sustained in the exchange of firing. His body was today sent to his native town with full military honours. A woman identified as Taja Begum wife of Abdul Aziz Khandey was injured in the cross-firing and has been hospitalised. The sources said army personnel have intensified searches in Mangat village to catch hold of three to four militants, part of the same group, who were still at large. All exit routes of the militants have been surrounded by troops and there was no possibility of their escape. Army was hopeful of eliminating the absconding militants by tonight or tomorrow. Bodies of all seven slain militants were recovered this evening from the scene of encounter. Five of them were confirmed foreign mercenaries while two others were locals. Only one of them has been identified so far as Mohammed Ramzan son of Abdul Rashid, a resident of village Sarachi in Banihal tehsil. All slain ultras were in combat dress and were suspected to be the activists of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit. Troops have so far recovered two AK rifles, 10 magazines, 63 rounds, one hand grenade, two rifle grenades, a wireless set and explosives material from the scene of encounter. More recoveries were expected from the area as a search operation was still on. With this major operation, the crack troops of Delta Force in assistance with police have eliminated 27 militants during this month in Doda district. This success by Delta Force is being viewed as one of the final blows to dying terrorism in Doda district. Population of Doda was happy with repeated set backs to Pakistan-sponsored militancy, the sources said. They said the General Officer Commanding of the formation Major General Mohinder Singh has congratulated the troops of Rashtriya Rifles of Delta Force for this dare devil operation. |
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Woman killed, BSF jawan
injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: In an attempt to target civilian population living in the forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC), the Pakistan army has once again resorted to firing artillery shells, which are mostly used during war. Meanwhile, a woman was killed and a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was injured in continued firing and shelling from across the border in Akhnoor and Pallanwalla areas of Chhamb sector today. A Defence spokesman said a 120 mm mortar tail unit was recovered today in Jhalas area of Poonch sector. The mortar had caused a havoc in Jhalas town causing injuries to four civilians including a woman and a child. He said the Pakistan army has artillery units known as Mortar Regiment and Mortar Batteries, which were equipped with 120 mm mortars which can fire shells upto a range of seven kms which means that a large number of forward Indian villages can be targeted by enemy troops. On October 4 this morning, Pak troops had fired artillery shells for the first time in Poonch sector which too had resulted in a number of civilian casualties. "Such endeavours by Pakistan army are reflective of their desperation as they have failed to provide impetus to terrorism and influence the locals, who have understood nefarious designs of Pakistan", the spokesman said, adding Pak army wants to target the civilians for their outright refusal to support militants. On its part, the Indian army has been exercising utmost restraint but can’t remain a silent spectator to such developments, he said and warned that this restraint shouldn’t be misconstrued as a weakness. Meanwhile, Pak army started heavy firing and intense mortar shelling in Akhnoor tehsil today targeting army posts and villages. A large number of mortar bombs fell in Pallanwalla, Millan-Di-Khui, Chani, Panjtut, Dhar-Khour and Hamirpur Sidhra. The firing resulted into the death of a woman Shanti Devi wife of Hari Singh, a Nambardar of village Hamirpur Sidhra. She was hit by Pakistani bullets while working in her house and died on the spot. A BSF jawan, who was manning a forward post in Khour, was also injured in the firing. He has been identified as Mohd Issaq of 68 battalion. He was hospitalised in serious condition. The other day, a youth was killed in Pakistani firing at Garkhal in Akhnoor tehsil. Approximately over 1400 rounds including mortars, RCL guns and RPG were fired by Pakistani troops in Pallanwalla and others areas of Chhamb sector in which a number of civilians houses were also damaged. Our Rajouri correspondent adds: A number of mortar shells were again fired by Pak army in Kalaal and Lam area of Nowshera sector today but no report of casualty or damage was reported. |
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Assailants remain
untraced Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 29: Six members of a labourer’s family were hammered to death by some unidentified miscreants at their shop-cum-residence at village Chappar Morh along Jammu-Pathankote national highway, about two kms from Hiranagar last mid-night. Hailing from village Samrari in Raipur district of Madhya Pradesh, the family of 40-year old Kanhaya Dass was putting up in the village for the last couple of years and working as labourers. They had no enmity with the locals but rivalry within the labourers was suspected by police as a reason behind the killings. SSP Kathua Manohar Singh, when contacted, ruled out the hand of militants behind the killings. The very fact that a hammer was used in the killing the entire family indicated that it was a crime executed by a group having rivalry with Kanhaya Dass, he said. The victims have been identified as Kanhaya Dass, 40, son of Bindass, his wife Jeevan Mati, 32, three daughters Yashoda, 12, Tarlochan Devi, 10, Primla, 8 and son Agarsen, 6, all residents of Samrari, Raipur. Police said some unidentified miscreants, number between two to three, entered the rented shop-cum-residence of Kanhaya Dass around mid-night and attacked the sleeping family members with hammer(s). The entire family was mercilessly killed by the assailants. Before fleeing from the spot, the murder accused downed shutter of the shop. In the morning at about 1100 hours, a local shopkeeper became suspicious after seeing blood coming out of the shop and opened up the shutter. He saw the entire family lying dead inside the shop and immediately informed Hiranagar police station. A police party from Hiranagar police station besides senior police officials from Kathua rushed to the scene of crime. A Dog Squad was also pressed into service to sniff out the criminals besides a massive search operation was carried out in Chappar Morh and other villages falling along the highway and 33 suspects, mostly labourers hailing from Madhya Pardesh and Bihar were detained by the police parties. Suspects were being questioned to reach to the culprits of heinous crime. Police was also trying to ascertain that whether some labourers were missing from the villages. "As of now, we anticipate rivalry within the labourers as a reason behind the killings but others theories were also being investigated", a police officer said. Sources quoting preliminary investigations said that Kanhaya Dass had won sufficient amount in gambling on the day of Diwali. This could have been one of the reasons behing his and his family's massacre. Meanwhile, dead bodies of the victims were shifted to sub district hospital in Hiranagar for post-mortem. Bodies were kept in the mortuary. Raipur police in Madhya Pardesh has been informed of the killings and efforts were being made to contact relatives of the victims there. Hiranagar police have registered a case in the killings for further investigations. There was strong resentment prevailing among the villagers of Chappar Morh against the brutal massacre of Kanhaya Dass and his family, which had a good rapport with the locals. |
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Punjabi being introduced
in schools Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah has asserted that to provide justice to the common masses, particularly the minorities in the State, was the prime responsibility of his Government. Speaking at a meeting of Sikh delegation from all social, political and District Gurudwara Prabhandak Committees of Kashmir here today, the Chief Minister said that the steps would be taken to provide due representation to Sikh community in Civil Secretariat and other Government departments. Besides, the Government would consider their demands for giving them representation in Public Service Commission, Recruitment Board, State Human Rights Commission, State Minority Commission and State Women Welfare Commission, the Chief Minister declared. Referring to the recruitment drive launched by J&K Police in far-flung areas like Chittisingpora and Brari Angan, Dr Abdullah said that soon after the reopening of the offices at Jammu, he will ask Director General of Police to recruit deserving candidates from other areas also. The Chief Minister said that Punjabi will be introduced in Government schools in Sikh populated areas. The teachers for this purpose would be recruited from amongst the Sikh Community under Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme, Dr Abdullah further declared. He asked the Sikh community to nominate capable, talented and honest persons for the election in the State Legislative Council. The persons, so nominated should be able to serve the community with full dedication, he said. Dr Abdullah said that Sat Goru Jagjeet has promised him to visit the State and explore the possibilities of setting-up an hospital here for the poor and needy people. The Chief Minister assured that PHE scheme Singhpora Baramulla would continue to provide drinking water to Singhpora area and its water would not be diverted to any other area. Earlier, chairman, Shiromani Akali Dal Kashmir presented charter of demands while’s chairman Land Development Bank, Dharam Veer Oberoi and Sikh leader Janak Singh Sodi were also present on the occasion. |
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3 ultras killed, 2
guides held Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Oct 29: Army today thwarted yet another attempt by Fidayeens (suicide squad of Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit) to attack a Rashtriya Rifles camp at Draba in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district by killing one militant and apprehending another in injured condition. In another incident, troops of 22 Punjab of Gorkha Rifles under Poonch Brigade gunned down two foreign mercenaries at Chukandi Bagh near Gulpur, about two kms inside the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector this morning. More militants were holed-up in the area till this evening when the reports last came in. Official sources said alert sentries of army, on guard duty at Rashtriya Rifles Draba camp, noticed two militants hiding behind bushes, a small distance away from the camp and awaiting an opportunity to storm the camp. Militants opened firing on the security guards and tried to sneak inside the camp. However, army personnel retaliated killing one Fidayeen on the spot and seriously wounding another. In the subsequent searches carried out by the jawans, the injured militant was reported to have been arrested. But, Defence sources didn’t confirm the arrest. Two local guides of the militants, who had reportedly helped the militants in carrying out the attack, have also been arrested by army during searches in the area. They were identified as Liakat Hussain and Shauqat Hussain, both brothers and resident of Majihari village. No casualty was reported on army side in the attack. From the scene of encounter, army recovered one AK-56 rifle with five magazines and 100 rounds, one hand grenade and some ammunition. Identity of the slain militant hasn’t been established but he was suspected to be a Pakistani and member of Lashkar-e-Toiba’s suicide squad. This was second attempt during the last two days by Fidayeens to attack police and army camps in Surankote, which has been successfully thwarted by security personnel. Yesterday, two Fidayeens had tried to enter SOG headquarters in Surankote. While one of them, later identified as a Saudi Arabia militant, was killed, his associate had managed to escape. Meanwhile, troops of 22 Punjab of Gorkha Rifles, part of Poonch Brigade (Ace of Spades Division) noticed the movement of militants at Chukandi Bagh in Gulpur area of Poonch sector at 0235 hours today. Militants after crossing the Line of Control (LoC) had entered deep into the Indian territory. A fierce exchange of gun-fight followed between the two sides which continued till late this morning in which two militants were killed. About three to four militants were still holed-up in the grown up grass in the village and were being chased by army personnel. Both killed militants were foreign mercenaries. From their possession, army recovered 30 packets of RDX, weighing 15 kgs, 10 hand grenades, two rifle grenades and two Khan dresses. Army didn’t suffer any casualty in the operation. |
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Border with China safe: Fernandes ITANAGAR, Oct 29: In the backdrop of reported Chinese incursions into Arunachal Pradesh, Defence Minister George Fernandes today said the border with that country was quite safe and there was no cause of any concern. Time to time border talks were being held to sort out problems and "our border was absolutely protected and there was no evidence of intrusion as such", Fernandes told reporters at the Raj Bhavan here before leaving for New Delhi after a three-hour visit. Fernandes said his main purpose of visiting Arunachal Pradesh was to discuss threadbare with the State Government the question of improving road communication and he had brought with him the Director General of Border Road Organisation, Lt Gen A K Puri. On the recent statement of Chief Minister Mukut Mithi on intrusions by the Chinese along atleast four sectors of Tawang, Taksin, Dibang Valley and Maja, Fernandes said there was no concreate evidence and such issues could be discussed at the flag meetings between the authorities of both the countries. Fernandes had a two-hour closed door meeting with Governor Arvind Dave and Chief Minister Mukut Mithi soon after his arrival this afternoon. After the meeting Mithi told reporters that the MacMohan line being an implied line, ununiformed people cross it without any ulterior intentions. But on many occasions, it had been reported that the people from other side were moving frequently to this side of the border either as graziers or otherwise which should be prevented. Mithi said generally it was found that the Chinese graziers were accompanied by uniformed mens and said "we should be more vigilant." The Chief Minister said the border road organisation has taken up many major and strategic road projects for rapid socio-economic development of the State which figured at the discussion with Fernandes. Mithi said he requested for inclusion of more projects to connect some far flung areas. The Chief Minister said he had underlined the need for army intervention in Tirap and Changlang districts where fighting between two factions of NSCN had created havoc. The development in these districts had been badly affected, he said, adding these districts had been notified as disturbed areas long back. (PTI) |
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Barnala being appointed
as first Governor SANGRUR, Oct 29: Former Union Minister Surjit Singh Barnala today confirmed that he was being appointed as the first Governor of Uttaranchal state being carved out of Uttar Pradesh. Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Barnala said he would devote himself to the service of the people and would take care of the sikhs settled in the region. In reply to a question, Mr Barnala said although it was a great challenge to be the Governor of a newly created State, he would definitely take it as he already had enough experience as Governor of Tamil Nadu. (UNI) |
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Prasada, first to contest against Nehru-Gandhi family NEW DELHI, Oct 29: Dissident Congress leader Jitendra Prasada would be the first one to contest against a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family for the top party post when he fights incumbent Sonia Gandhi in the November 12 election. A quick look at the Congress history shows that only four times in the post-independence era has there been a contest for the top post. In 1948, the first tussle took place when Purushottam Das Tandon, backed by Sardar Patel defeated Acharya Kripalani, whose candidature was supported by Pandit Nehru. Tandon, however, resigned a few months later as some senior leaders including Nehru declined to work in the Congress Working Committee. The next election was in 1977 when Brahmananda Reddy, supported by Indira Gandhi, defeated Siddhartha Shankar Ray who had the backing of leaders like Y B Chavan, who later formed the syndicate Congress. Karan Singh had emerged a poor third in the polls. The next clash took place in 1997 when incumbent Sitaram Kesri trounced the challenge from Sharad Pawar and late Rajesh Pilot. In pre-independence days, Subhash Chandra Bose had won against Pattabhi Sitaramaiya in 1938 but resigned soon as Mahatma Gandhi, who had endorsed the candidature of Pattabhi, declared it was "my moral defeat". Bose soon resigned as senior leaders including Pandit Nehru declined to work as CWC members. (PTI) |
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PPP, PML to join hands
to launch struggle ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: With the common aim of ending the one-year old military rule in Pakistan, arch rival political parties Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML) have agreed to join hands to launch a joint struggle for restoration of democracy, a media report said here today. PPP, PML, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and around 26 other parties are considering to form a new alliance to launch a joint struggle for restoration of democracy, the ‘Dawn’ newspaper reported quoting sources close to these parties. The new alliance, if formed, will replace the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), which the PML is so far reluctant to join, the paper reported. According to sources, the new alliance would be headed by GDA chief Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan and is expected to be launched by the end of next month, the report said. The proposal was discussed at a recent meeting between PML leader Syed Zafar Ali Shah and PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto in Dubai and also at Thursday’s Lahore meeting between Kulsoom Nawaz, wife of PML chief and ousted Premier Nawaz Sharif, and the GDA chief Nasrullah Khan. It is understood that Kulsoom also discussed this issue with PML coordinator Raja Zafarul Haq and Shah, the report said. The PPP, they said, had no objection to the formation of a new alliance and it had already conveyed its willingness to join it. (PTI) |
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Rajnath breaks BJP tradition, visits temple in own city MIRZAPUR, Oct 29: Breaking the BJP tradition, new Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Rajnath Singh today visited the Vindhyavasini Temple in Vindhyachal and not the controversial site in Ayodhya to pay obeisance on assumption of power in Lucknow. Residents and Bharatiya Janata Party workers welcomed Mr Singh on his maiden visit to the city after becoming the Chief Minister. BJP legislators Ramchandra Maurya and Bhailal Kole, besides senior Government officials, were in attendance. Party cms before Mr Singh visited Ayodhya after coming to power to pay obeisance in the make-shift Ram Temple at the disputed site there. The new CM also visited his old house in Mirzapur city from where he had taken the first step into active politics. Mr Singh was a teacher in the local college. Mr Singh told reporters that the people would "see a qualitative difference in the administration," within a few days. On the Ram Temple issue, Mr Singh said the Central Government had acquired the disputed land in 1992 and only it was authorised to take action in this regard. He said he believed in winning the trust of the allies, not weakening them. Not favouring any clash with the opposition, he said his aim was to start a new era of development with everyone’s support. The Chief Minister stressed on maximum resource utilisation and removal of shortcomings at the level of implementation. He, however, said he would face the political challenge of the Samajwadi Party. Mr Singh said farmers would be the focus of his Government’s policies and programmes. He himself was a farmer’s son and his effort would be to provide them with regular water, power and other essential inputs, besides ensuring remunerative price for their produce. Controlling crime and steps to encourage financial investment in the State were the other priorities of his Government. (UNI) |
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V P Singh condemns Israeli "atrocities" on Palestinians HYDERABAD, Oct 29: Former Prime Minister V P Singh today vehemently condemned Isreali "atrocities" on unarmed Palestinians and demanded United Nations’ intervention for the cause of Palestine. Addressing a protest public meeting, organised by Indo-Arab league here tonight, he said India has since ages supported the cause of Arab world and it is high time the NDA Government spell out its support to Palestine and condemn Israel’s oppressive policy against the innocent Palestinians. Expressing solidarity with the Palestinians and Iraqis, leaders of different political parties, including CPI, CPM and Congress, asked the Centre Government to condemn the Israel attitude in denying the Palestinian rights and for unleashing a reign of terror. Former Premier H D Deve Gowda expressed his grief over the killings of innocent Palestinians and urged the Union Government to support the Palestine cause. Ambassadors of Palestine and Iraq Khalid Al Sheikh and Saleh Al Mukhtar respectively said the sinister design of the USA to demolish the Arab world would not succeed. Indo-Arab League chief Syed Vicaruddin said India should show solidarity with Palestinians in their hour of need. The protest meeting also adopted a resolution, appealing the Indian Government to demand immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied territories and implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 which call for creation of a Palestine state. (PTI) |
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Soren rejects Dy CM post, but not averse to power sharing JAMSHEDPUR, Oct 29: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo Sibu Soren said his party would reject the post of Deputy Chief Ministership but may consider power sharing on rotation basis with NDA in the new Jharkhand State. "If any proposal on power sharing for six months on rotation basis is forwarded to us, then we will consider it", he told reporters here last night. Soren, who was here to participate at a function expressed confidence that the first Chief Minister of the tribal State will be from the JMM and said the Chief Ministership of Jharkhand would be decided by NDA and not by BJP alone. Claiming yesterday’s negotiation between NDA and JMM delegation at Delhi as positive, Soren said JMM delegation will hold another round of talk with Defence Minister George Fernandes. (PTI) |
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Jamaat offers new recruits to terrorist training camps in PoK From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Oct 29: Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami has reaffirmed its resolve to provide "all possible help" for the continuance of training camps for Kashmir-bound "Islamic fighters" in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), particularly those located near Muzaffarabad and Kotli. The Jamaat chief, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, has just announced that his organisation will soon strengthen and expand its own training camps for young men near Muzaffarabad and Kotli. These camps are run on military lines and at any time 400 to 500 volunteers are said to receive training in arms and guerrilla warfare. By the time Qazi Hussain made yet another announcement about his party high command’s decision to make available "hundreds and thousands of new volunteers" for the terrorist training camps in PoK, a set of intelligence inputs provided a sensational piece of information: Parents in search of their missing children are forbidden to enter these camps. The strident Qazi has, while holding out an assurance of "all possible help" from his partymen and supporters in and outside Pakistan for the training camps meant for jehadis, declared: "Jihad is incumbent on all Muslims and the Government is duty-bound to impart military training to people and prepare them for the jihad". The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also declared: "The jihad now going on in Indian occupied Kashmir will soon experience a massive increase in the number of jehadis. Our men will not stop until their goal is achieved-the goal being the liberation of Kashmir from the occupation of Hindu India". Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami’s private army has already become an open secret. Article 256 of the Constitution of Pakistan says: "Private Armies Forbidden. No private organisation capable of functioning as a military organisation shall be formed, and any such organisation shall be illegal". No wonder, a section of Pakistani society has started discussion on the question: Why have successive Governments of Pakistan, particularly in the last 15 years, been party to the erosion of state of sovereignty by tolerating the growth of private armies? If latest reports from Pakistan are any guide, there are at least 6 private armies with training camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan. All these armies, according to these reports, are funded by sectarian parties who have a dual agenda in the killing fields of Pakistan and in Kashmir. Who finances these private jihadi armies? There are reports of funding from Saudi Arabia, Iran and the ISI of Pakistan, says Pakistani English daily, Dawn. The Pakistan Government is not ignorant of this phenomenon. Hence, the Pak publication’s warning: "If you ride the tiger’s back for some narrow, short-sighted gains, surely the day will come when the tiger will unleash his ferocity on you". Critics of the present ruling military leadership have begun to surface. In fact, Pakistan’s known commentator, Ayaz Amir, is devastatingly blunt in his expression: "It would be far more accurate to call it the era of ISI democracy-democracy corrupted by its own masters (and mistresses) and also mangled and made a mockery of by the military and intelligence establishment, an establishment too big, its presence too overwhelming and its influence on Government too suffocating for democracy to have much of a chance of surviving". Stating that the military rule, in 12 months, has been analysed to death, Ayaz Amir has observed: "What to talk of fighting for democracy, all our heroes have been willing at one time or another during the last 12 months to cut a deal with the military Government….The Army is no answer to the nation’s political problems-never has been, never will be". History bears testimony to the fact that every military ruler begins by inventing a new concept of democracy. After Gen Zia-ul-Haq what did Pakistan get ? The ISI and Hamid Gul brand of democracy. What will it get after Gen Parvez Musharraf? Probaly a form of democracy hobbled with so many conditions and safeguards-national security council, a permanent political role for the military and so-that it will hardly be able to stand upright. And then the military, it has been forecast, will say that politicians are no good. |
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2 die in Pak shelling;arms
recovered Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Seven militants, a Youth Block president of ruling National Conference and a constable were killed in Kashmir valley while’s two civilians including a lady and six others were injured in Pakistani shelling in Uri sector of Baramulla district during the past 24 hours. An official spokesman told EXCELSIOR that six militants owing allegiance to Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammad (JeM) outfit, including a self-styled district commander, were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces at Gujjarnar-Chewa in Safapora area of Baramulla district in north Kashmir today. He said Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) of local police had launched a joint operation in the area yesterday which sparked the fierce encounter. A big cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the killed militants. Four of the slain militants have been identified as Hyder, Bilal, Kalander and Shaheen, the spokesman said. One Universal Machine Gun and five AK 56 rifles were recovered from the encounter site, the spokesman said. Meanwhile, in a joint operation launched by SOG and Rashtriya Rifles, one mercenary was killed in a fierce encounter at Dardpora, Lolab. The slain militant has been identified as Abu Abid of Jallalabad, Pakistan. He owed his allegiance to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), the spokesman said, adding that one Ak-56 rifle was recovered from him. Militants shot dead a Block president of ruling National Conference Ghulam Ahmad Reshi at Banderpora village in Badgam district of central Kashmir last night. The sources said that the deceased was a close associate of Abdul Gani Naseem, MLA Khansahab. Meanwhile, a constable was killed by some unidentified militants at Kanihama-Magam Road today. The deceased was going to his home when he was shot dead from a close range. He has been identified as Ashiq Hussain. Ashiq was posted at Police Station Nowhatta, Srinagar. Meanwhile, two persons including a woman was killed and six wounded as Pakistani troops shelled Indian positions in Uri sector of Baramulla district today. The deceased has been identified as Mohd Rafiq and Shazia Khursheed. In another incident of Pakistani shelling, a woman was injured this afternoon in a critical condition. She has been identified as Khatuni Bi, W/o Syed Akbar. Meanwhile, in one of the biggest haul in recent times, Army personnel today seized 16 kgs of RDX and a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Baramulla after the arrest of a top militant, a defence spokesman said. The RDX and the arms and ammunition were found inside a cavity of a wall of an abandoned house of a Kashmiri Pandit at Chanderhama near Pattan, he said. The recovery was made on the basis of revelations made by a top militant Abdul Majid Dar during interrogation. The spokesman said Dar, nabbed recently, had been controlling supply of smuggled weapons to various militant outfits in North Kashmir. The seized arms and ammunition include 12 solar rockets, 11 40-mm rockets, 15 RPG rockets with 20 boosters, 20 timer devices, 19 remote control devices, 13 anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, 200 electric detonators, 31 grenades of various types and six AK-47 rifles. Meanwhile, two tankers were completely damaged a person roasted alive in an incident of fire at Marazi Filling Station Kupwara this evening. The deceased has been identified as Nazir Ahmad Malik. The conductor of the vehicle, Ghulam Nabi Lone was critically injured in this incident. The tanker number JKS-8620 was completely gutted while’s the other tanker suffered heavy losses in an incident of fire under mysterious circumstances. |
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MOSCOW, Oct 29 : At least seven Russian soldiers were killed today in an explosion in a cafe in Chechnya, Interfax News Agency said, and Chechen rebels claimed to have caused the blast. Interfax quoted security sources saying the explosion had taken place in the afternoon in the village of Chiri-yurt, about 30 km South of the Chechen Capital Grozny, and that the cafe’s female owner had also died. Chechen rebel spokesman Movladi Udugov, speaking by satellite telephone from an undisclosed location, said 14 members of the Crack Omon Police had died in the blast, eight of them officers, and that two women working in the cafe had also died. Udugov said Russian troops had sealed off the village, a strategic centre leading to the Argun gorge, and helicopters were patrolling overhead. Russia has lost more than 2,500 troops since pushing into the region a year ago to crush separatists. It formally controls most of Chechen territory, but suffers casualties nearly every week in raids launched by the rebels. (REUTERS) |
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Illegal goods seized from Jail PATNA, Oct 29 : In a raid at the Beur Central Jail, the district administration today seized large quantity of illegal goods. District Magistrate Amit Khare said more than 50 TV sets, two mobile phones, one generator, an air cooler, large quantity of ganja and several Rampuri knives were recovered during the six-hour raid which began at 0900 hrs. Several prominent persons are lodged in the Beur Central jail. (UNI) |
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