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Bhat calls
for plebiscite in J&K SRINAGAR, Apr 26: The executive committee of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) today rejected the Centre’s talks offer on Kashmir, saying it is not ready to join the crowded train which goes nowhere. "We are ready to enter into a dialogue with the Centre provided we are allowed to go to Pakistan, and New Delhi accepts Hurriyat Conference as the only representative body in Jammu and Kashmir," chairman Abdul Gani Bhat told a crowded press conference after about a three-hour long executive committee meeting here this evening. In reply to a question, Prof Bhat said the Centre should talk to the Hurriyat Conference because it represented the sentiments and political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. When asked how he will convince the ‘third party’ that the Hurriyat was the only party which represented the people of the State when the BJP was in a majority in Jammu and the Buddhist in Ladakh, he said it was the decision of the majority which ultimately prevailed. "Let the Government of India hold plebiscite. Since it is as good as elections it will decide who stand where," he said. If the people of Jammu and Kashmir decide to join india, we will withdraw our demand." He said if the Government of India agreed to hold plebiscite, it will be the people who will decide whether to join India or Pakistan or to oppose joining them. "You have to take a measured step which I am sure can take you to your destination and if you do not take measured step and just start walking it will break your legs if not the head," he said. When asked if he wanted the Hurriyat delegation to tour Pakistan for holding talks, Prof Bhat said it was the only step that would ultimately lead to the resolution of the dispute and restoration of peace, and improve relations between the two major nuclear countries in South Asia. "I am sure that the Government of India will see reason in what we say as we have taken a step which I am sure will yield good results, he said, "our Pakistan visit will take shape," he added. When asked if the mission to Pakistan should follow talks, Prof Bhat said: "yes, as this is the first step towards purposeful talking to achieve some results". "If we have to hold talks to find a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, Pakistan and leaders of Mujahideen have to be involved and if they are not we are not going to reach anywhere," Prof Bhat said. "While considering our proposal to visit Pakistan, India has to realise the situation across the sub-continent. "If we talk to Mujahideen, I hope we will be able to work out a formula which will ultimately lead to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and restoration of peace in the sub-continent,"he said. He, however, refused to divulge any details saying,"I cannot give you the details right now." When asked why the Hurriyat Conference had put conditions for holding talks with the Centre’s negotiator when it demanded unconditional talks in the past, Prof Bhat said: "we have not put any conditions except that talks should proceed in the right direction." "I do not know what I said is a condition as according to me if you call reality a condition I put it." When asked what according to him was the right direction, he said: "if we will know that Pakistan will get back to us a dialogue would open with them on Kashmir." He said the two Governments have to address the Kashmir issue and if they did not they would be trying to create peace in a vacuum which will not happen. He said "there are two parties in Pakistan-the Government and people of Pakistan, and the leadership of Mujahideen—with whom we have to hold talk and when we get back we can hold talks with India which will then be more meaningful and result oriented". When asked whether the Hurriyat Conference would join talks if there were renewed talks offers, Prof Bhat said: "we are prepared to talk to Pakistanis in Pakistan and Indians in India and find ways to resolve this vexed issue once and for all in the interest of peace and for brighter future of the people of India, Pakistan and whole South Asia." He said, "when the future is at stake what is important is to put in a collective effort to achieve a breakthrough." "If we sincerely want to find an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue we have to involve Pakistan, India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. When a reporter asked that people will not understand the diplomatic statement issued to the press on the Centre’s talks offer on Kashmir, Prof Bhat said: "we are dealing with diplomats and politicians so our language is also the same and our people understand the language of their leaders well." (UNI) |
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Thousands assemble at Sc
College to seek Bapu’s blessings Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 26: Thousands of people thronged the GGM Science College Ground where Sant Shri Aasa Ramji Bapu delivered his religious speech amidst ‘Bhajan Kirtan’ today. A large number of women and children had also come to listen the teachings and thoughts of this great Saint who came for the first time to address the public in the temple city. The people had started arriving at the site behind Boys Hostel ground of the College, situated near the right bank of river Tawi, adjoining Maulan Azad Stadium. This four day programme will continue up to April 29 evening. The district Administration has made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of this programme. But the sewadars (followers) of Bapuji including men and women had well organised the entire programme. Huge Pandal with the capacity of more than one lakhs gathering has been erected for this four day religious discourse. Most of the tent house items have been brought from Delhi. During his brain storming discourse the great saint said that soul is a part of God’s power. It changes thousands and thousands of bodies but never leaves you. It existed before your birth and will remain even after your death. So, search for the God within yourself and with the power of your Karma to free yourself from the cycle of death and birth. Shri Bapuji incited certain examples and maintained that practice makes a man perfect. So, practise and concentrate continuously and fully involve yourself in meditation of great God. Bhagwad Bhajan and Satsang definitely bring a man closer to God. Great enthusiasm was observed among the people who had assembled there to have glimpse of Bapuji and seek his blessings. Minister of state for Agriculture Mr Ram Paul kept sitting for long to listen the teachings of great guru. Shri Bapuji said that a man should try to manage direct connection with the huge power-house of great God which has no end. Sant Shri Bapu is on a weeklong visit of J&K. His son who is also a saint is accompanying him besides other pupils. Special stalls for books, some eatables, drinking water etc. have been arranged for the people visiting the Pandal site to listen to Bapuji. Meanwhile, a spokesman of Shri Yog Vedant Sewa Samiti told that a special programme on moral and spiritual education has been arranged for the children/ young students. Bapuji has agreed to deliver a special lecture to the children in the morning session of April 28 from 9 to 11 AM. The evening session of routine programme is from 4 to 6 PM. A large number of people not only from Jammu but from other places like R S Pura, Bishnah, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Bari Brahmana, Samba, Udhampur, Vijaypur, Katra, Reasi and other places are arriving to listen Bapu’s thoughts. |
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Excesses by police
alleged Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 26: Over 100 families today migrated from Basantgarh and took shelter in the town here after demonstrating for over three hours outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office alleging repression by local police in the wake of 10-days indefinite bandh observed by them against excesses. The migrant families, comprising both communities, reached here in the morning from Basantgarh and sat outside Deputy Commissioner M S Khan’s office demanding an end to police excesses on them. Otherwise, they threatened that they wouldn’t return to their houses. Deputy Commissioner held negotiations with the migrant families but couldn’t persuade them to return. After protesting outside DC’s office, the migrants took shelters in the town. Agitated migrants told EXCELSIOR outside DC’s office that local police had been targeting the people, who had observed a complete bandh for 10 days early this month against excesses committed on women by a special mobile party of police. The bandh was called off after the visit of SSP Udhampur Deepak Kumar to Basantgarh on an assurance that action would be taken against the erring police personnel and an inquiry into the excesses would be conducted by an IPS officer S K Pathak. However, the migrants said, soon after the withdrawal of agitation, the local police adopted a vindictive attitude towards people. They alleged that a police party threw a pistol in the house of Mohd Azeeem son of Mohd Sultan in Basantgarh yesterday and then arrested him on the charges of being a militant. A number of people and shopkeepers, who had participated in an indefinite dharna during the strike, were also being targeted by the police and not allowed to come out of their houses. Migrants said even police personnel were not allowing them to migrate from their houses. "We deserted out houses in the night and reached here via Billawar road", they said, narrating their experience of harassment. Reports said that DIG Udhampur-Doda range Sheikh Owais Ahmed was also reaching Udhampur tomorrow morning to meet migrants and persuade them to return. The Deputy Commissioner was also expected to again meet the migrant families representatives tomorrow morning to find out a solution to their problem. Migrants were adamant that they won’t return to their houses till all erring police personnel were removed from Basantgarh and replaced by responsible and genuine officers. They also charged the local SHO with shielding the accused cops. |
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Farooq ridicules Hurriyat rejection of peace talks Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today ridiculed the pre set notions of Hurriyat on peace talks with New Delhi, saying that assumption that these would yield nothing is a mere excuse to keep off from the dialogue. . Reacting to the rejection of the Centre’s offer by Hurriyat working committee in Srinagar today, the Chief Minister said that they were never sincere about bringing peace in the State. ‘Hurriyat pessimism about the outcome of talks even before entering into dialogue is ridiculous’, he observed. Dr Abdullah, however, said the rejection would not affect the peace process, as the people understand Hurriyat apathy towards bringing peace in the State. Anyone obstructing peace process is bound to be rejected by the people of the State whose yearning for peace is loud and clear. The process will continue till its logical end as the people long for restoration of complete normalcy in the State, Dr Abdullah added. |
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Transfers, postings in PDD Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 26: The State Government has promoted five Executive Engineers (X-ens) and 40 Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) to their next ranks and accordingly adjusted them in various capacities in Power Development Department. According to Government order number 172-PDD of 2001, five Executive Engineers— R L Gadoo, A G Chalkoo, S K Dulloo, K B Sharma and G M Sheikh have been promoted as Superintending Engineers (SE) (Elect) in the pay scale of rupees 12000 -16500. Consequent upon the promotions, R L Gadoo has been posted as SE Procurement and Material Management Circle Jammu against an available post. A G Chalkoo will report to Chief Engineer, Elect Maintenance RE Kashmir. The post of SE Elect Inspection Circle Jammu has been transferred for period of one month in the office of Chief Engineer EMRE Circle Kashmir to enable Mr Chalkoo to draw his pay. S K Duloo has been posted as SE Elect Planning and Designs Circle Jammu against an available post. K B Sharma will be SE Elect Maintenance and RE Circle Batote against an available post. Similarly, G M Sheikh has been posted in J&K SPDC against an available vacancy. He will take over from Manzoor Ahmad, SE Elect maintenance and RE Circle-II Srinagar on his retirement on May 31,2001. Meanwhile D S Tara, SE Inspection Circle J&K has been transferred and posted in J&K SPDC on substantive post of SE in PDC. The Government by another order number 173-PDD of 200 has promoted 40 AEEs to the post of X-ens. They include S C Padha, M Y Khan, Paras Ram Sarangal, Shamsher Singh, Teshring Tashi, D N Dubey, Dharam Vir, P C Sharma, Jalal-ud-Din, M A Reshi, Ghulam Hassan Beig, D K Gupta, J S Samyal, M N Sharma, M M Nargotra, Mohd Ashraf, Damodhar Singh, S K Raina, Aftab Ahmad Chewoo, Shafat Dar, A K Koul, K C Gupta, A M Gilkar, N H Qadri, Sonam Gailson, Niaz Ahmad Buch, M Y Khandey, M A Zargar, Mufti Mohd Sharif, Bharat Khosla, Mohd Yousuf Sherwani, Ghulam Qadir Najar, B M Kohli, S C Gupta, Laxman Dass, R K Razdan, Bhupinder Singh, S K Khazanchi, Kartar Chand and Joginder Koul. Consequent upon the promotions, 64 X-ens have been transferred and adjusted at various places in PDD. S C Padha will work at M&RE Div-II Jammu and will take over on the retirement of G M Ganai. Mohd Yaseen Khan has been adjusted at Gas Turbine Pampore, Paras Ram Sarangal at M&RE Division Udhampur, Shamsher Singh at M&RE Div Doda, Teshring Tashi at PDC Leh, D N Dubey at TLMD-I Jammu, Dharam Vir at TLMD-IV Udhampur and P C Sharma at M&RE Div Kathua. V K Koul has been transferred from TLMD Udhampur and posted at STD Udhampur while’s K R Gupta has been shifted from STD Kalakote to TLMD-III Udhampur. M Jalal-ud-Din has been posted at M&RE Div Handwara while’s MA Reshi will be TO with CE M&RE Kashmir. Ghulam Hassan Beig has been posted at M&RE Div-IV Srinagar, D K Gupta at General Division Chenani PDC, J S Samyal at Purchase Office P&MM Jammu, M N Sharma at STD Kathua, M M Nargotra at Workshop Div Jammu, Mohd Ashraf at P&MM Kashmir against available vacancy, while as Damodhar Singh has been adjusted at TLMD-II Pampore. The order said that S K Raina will work at STD Kalakote, Aftab Chewoo at STD-II Kashmir, Shafat Dar at USHP-II Kangan and A K Koul has been posted at Grid Construction Div Jammu. Mohan Singh, presently posted at Grid Construction Div Jammu has been shifted to Planning and Designs Circle Jammu while’s V K Malhotra has been transferred from STD-I Jammu to TLCD-II Jammu, vice V K Arora, who has been posted in place of Mr Malhotra. K L Bhagat, presently posted at Survey Division Jammu has been shifted to M&RE Div-III Jammu against an available vacancy. R L Gupta, posted at M&RE Div Batote has been transferred to Central Stores Division Jammu, while’s K C Gupta has been adjusted at Planning and Design Circle Jammu. A M Gilkar has been posted at M&RE Div-II Srinagar, while’s N A Qadri has been adjusted in Commercial Division Srinagar. Sonam Gailson has been posted at PDD Leh, N A Buch at STD Bijbehara, M Y Khandey as Purchase Officer P&MM Kashmir, M A Zargar at STD Sopore, while’s Mufti Mohd Sharif has been asked to report to MD PDC. Bharat Khosla will report to CE M&RE Jammu while’s Ghulam Qadir Najar has been posted in M&RE Div Anantnag. N A Wani, presently posted at Gas Turbine-I Pampore has been adjusted at TLMD-I Bemina. Eight promotee Diploma holders— B M Kohli, S C Gupta, Laxman Dass, R K Razdan, Bhupinder Singh, S K Khazanchi, Kartar Chand and Jatinder Koul have been adjusted in Inspection Div Jammu, Planning & Design Jammu, Survey Div Jammu, M&RE Div Batote, Workshop Div Srinagar, Commercial Div Jammu, Purchase Office P&MM Jammu and M&RE Div Kargil respectively. Jatinder Singh, presently posted in Inspection Div Jammu has been transferred to M&RE Div Rajouri, whiles S C Gupta, holding the post at P&D Circle Jammu has been shifted and posted as Purchase Officer P&MM Circle Jammu. D S Manhas, posted at STD Udhampur has been transferred and posted at TLMD-II Gladni Jammu in place of R K Seli, who has been posted at M&RE Div-I Jammu. Nissar Hussain Khawaja, posted at M&RE Div-I Srinagar has been shifted to Grid Construction Div Srinagar, while’s Sunil Khosa, posted at M&RE Div Leh has been posted at TO-II DCP. D R Kalhotra, posted at M&RE Div Udhampur has been now posted as Purchase Officer P&MM Jammu, while’s A G Ahangar, posted at M&RE Div Awantipora has been transferred to TLMD Amargarh, Sopore against an available vacancy. A A Sheikh, posted at TLMD-II Pampore has been transferred to TLMD-IV Pampore vice S A Qadri who has been shifted to P&D Srinagar against an available vacancy. M M Mir, posted in Commercial Division Kashmir has been transferred to M&RE Div Badgam against an available vacancy, while’s A R Guru, posted in Survey Div Srinagar has been shifted to M&RE Div Awantipora. A K Khan, posted in Workshop Div Srinagar has been posted to TO CE S&O Srinagar against and available vacancy, while’s Bashir Ahmad Khan, posted in M&RE Div-IV Srinagar has been shifted to central Stores Div Pampore. Showkat Rashid Wani, posted in USHP-II Kangan has been posted in M&RE Div -I Srinagar, while’s G N Khan, posted in Central Stores Division Srinagar has been transferred to PDC Kargil. Mohd Yousuf Sherwani on his promotion has been adjusted in P&D Srinagar, the order further said. |
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GMC orders inquiry into rape attempt by doctor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 26: Government Medical College, Jammu authorities today ordered an inquiry into an alleged attempt by a doctor to rape a female attendant of a patient on Sunday night. The inquiry was ordered after the victim Sheetal Chowdhary, a resident of Bari Barahamana submitted a written complaint to Medical College Principal Dr H L Goswamy. Dr Goswamy told EXCELSIOR that inquiry will be conducted by Medical Superintendent Dr Romesh Gupta and Head of Medicines Department Dr M B Wadhwa. The inquiry committee has been asked to submit its report immediately for initiating further action against Dr R C Sharma, a House Surgeon, who had allegedly tried to rape Sheetal. Dr Goswamy said the written complaint of Sheetal Chowdhary, which she submitted to him this morning, has been forwarded to the inquiry committee. The committee members have been asked to record the eye-witness account of staff, patients and others. Denying that Medical College authorities were trying to suppress the facts, the Principal said Dr Sharma hasn’t reported to the duties for the last four days after the alleged incident of attempted rape. A House Surgeon was entitled to six leaves and if he don’t report on duties, he will stand terminated from the services, he said. The delay in issuing orders for an inquiry was due to the fact that Sheetal hadn’t submitted a written complaint so far. As soon as she lodged a complain today, the inquiry was ordered in no time. "There was absolutely no question of hushing up the case. Justice will be done at all costs", Dr Goswamy said. Meanwhile, Medical College authorities said Sita Chowdhary, an ailing sister of Sheetal Chowdhary has left the CCU unit of the hospital, where she was referred yesterday after her condition showed signs of deterioration. Sita was not seen in the CCU after 1925 hours yesterday, the authorities said, adding the doctor on duty in CCU has reported that Sita left the hospital on her own without getting a discharge certificate. Sita was initially admitted in Medicines Ward No. 15 and Bed No. 68. However, after the alleged rape attempt, the patient was shifted to Ward No. 12. Yesterday, she was referred to CCU in view of her critical condition. In the meantime, Medical College police last night raided the residence of Dr R C Sharma but he was not available in the house. Police said their raiding team was told by doctor’s family members that he had gone to Udhampur. A case against Dr Sharma, as already reported, had been registered under Section 354 RPC at Medical College police post yesterday. |
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Two sisters, 4 militants among 8 killed in Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 26: Two sisters, four militants and a boy were among eight persons killed in separate incidents across Poonch and Rajouri districts over-night. Three militants, killed in Surankote yesterday, were also identified this evening as dreaded Pakistani ultras. Official sources said an army patrol party was camping at hilly Nagi Narh village in Loran area of Mandi sector of Poonch district since last evening following reports regarding the movement of militants. Three militants were noticed by troops this morning while moving in a field and were asked to surrender. However, the heavily armed militants opened firing on army soldiers and tried to escape towards a surrounding forest area. Troops fired back and gunned down all three militants after an hour long encounter. No casualty was reported on army side in the operation. Three AK rifles and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered from the scene of encounter. Identity of the militants hasn’t been established so far but all of them were believed to be foreign mercenaries from Pakistan and affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit. Another ultra was shot dead by troops this evening at village Nadiyali in Suranthal area of Surankote tehsil. The unidentified militant was killed after an hour long operation at 1745 hours. Encounter was still in progress at Nadiyali when the reports last came in. Troops were hunting three to four other militants trapped in the gun-fight. One AK rifle has been recovered from the possession of killed militant. Three militants, who were gunned down by army in hilly Topa Gali of Surankote yesterday, were identified today with the help of identity cards recovered from their possession. They included Sher Khan alias Commando alias Guerrilla alias Pathan alias Commander T, Raja Rizwan Khan, both Pakistanis and Ghulam Rasool son of Shaffi Mohd of Hari, Surankote. Meanwhile, two sisters were killed in practice firing by army at village Ghai Dhangri on the outskirts of Rajouri last evening. They have been identified as Santosh Devi daughter of Omi Chand and her three year old cousin sister. Sources said Santosh Devi was sitting along her three year old ailing cousin in the premises of her house when both of them were hit by bullet. While Santosh Devi died last evening immediately after her hospitalisation in the district hospital, her cousin succumbed to the injuries this afternoon. A boy was killed in a mine blast in Keri area of Budhal last night. He has been identified as Mohd Jameel. Police shifted the boy to hospital where he was pronounced as dead. His body was handed over to the family today for post-mortem. Reason behind the mine explosion were being ascertained. Bullet-riddled dead body of Ghulam Rasool was recovered by security forces this morning from Gool. Ghulam Rasool appeared to have been kidnapped and killed by the militants. |
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Shakeel Ansari again escapes; gunman shot Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 26: Hardcore Hizbul Mujahideen ‘commander’ Shakeel Ansari today again dodged police while his body-guard was killed in an encounter with STF Doda and army at village Rote in Marmat area of Doda district. SP Doda Ashkoor Wani said a team of STF Doda was camping in Marmat area for the last one week in view of reports indicating presence of Hizbul Mujahideen’s hitman Shakeel Ansari there. Early this morning, the STF party succeeded in identifying a hideout of Shakeel Ansari and surrounded it. The team asked Ansari to surrender but he and his two body-guards opened firing on STF personnel, who had the backing of 10 Rashtriya Rifles. Police and army jawans retaliated. In the encounter, a body-guard of Shakeel Ansari identified as Riaz Ahmed, a resident of Marmat was killed. However, Shakeel and his another gunman managed to escape from the scene of encounter and fled towards a forest area. STF and RR jawans chased fleeing Ansari but couldn’t get him. Operation in the area continued to nab Ansari, one of the most wanted militant across Doda district. It was in Marmat forests that Shakeel Ansari’s brother Farooq Ansari was gunned down by army and police in a joint operation last year. In the same operation, Shakeel was also injured but he escaped and survived. He had resumed his activities only last month after fully recovering from the gun shot wounds. Ansari brothers, hailing from a remote village of Chenani tehsil in Udhampur district, had let loose a reign of terror in Doda district, which was their main area of operation. Meanwhile, one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 25 rounds, a wireless set and a binocular were recovered from the possession of slain body-guards of Shakeel Ansari. |
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Many injured
‘critical’ Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 26: Eighteen persons were killed and 23 others were injured, some of them seriously, when a bus carrying them rolled down about 150 deep into a gorge at village Maslot in Arnas area of Reasi tehsil this afternoon. The bus No. 4509 JK02 carrying about 45 passengers was on it way from Dharmari to Reasi. Official reports said the bus skidded off the road after driver lost balance over the steering and rolled down about 150 feet deep into a gorge at 1430 hours today. Eight passengers were killed on the spot in the accident while five others succumbed to their injuries while being shifted to hospital. Five seriously injured passengers breathed their last in the district hospital this evening taking death toll to 18. Twentythree injured have been admitted in sub district hospital of Reasi. Few of them, who were seriously injured, were being brought to the district hospital here. Army and police personnel rushed to the site of accident and launched a rescue operations. An army doctor, ambulance and additional resources also reached the spot. A Defence spokesman said the timely physical and medical assistance rendered by security personnel saved precious lives of many injured persons. Only five deceased have so far been identified. They were Nazir Master, Bibi Fatima, Mushtaq Ahmed, Balak Ram and Mohd Shafi. The injured included Sadiq Ali, Mohd Yusuf son of Sai, Raghubir Singh, Matlu, Khalid Hussain, Rahana Bano, Mohd Aslam, Abdul Rashid, Mohd Bashir, Mohd Qasim, Manzoor Ahmed, Mohd Rashid, Mohd Hussain, Mir Qasim, Mohd Latif, Devinder Singh, Sakina, Mohd Farooq son of Sadiq Mohd (conductor), Subash, Abdul Rashid, Mohd Yusuf son of Sadiq Ali, Abdul Ghani, Mohd Yusuf son of Dali Bakerwal. Local police was investigations reasons behind the accident. |
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2 Lashkar, Al-Badr commanders killed in Ganderbal Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 26: In a major achievement, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu & Kashmir Police and security forces eliminated two top-ranking commanders of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Al-Badr outfits at Takia Pandachh, between Srinagar and Ganderbal this evening. Official sources told EXCELSIOR that SOG Ganderbal and troops of Rashtriya Rifles 05 Bn raided a militant hideout, on the basis of a tip off, at Takia Pandachh, in Ganderbal outskirts of the capital city this evening. In a fierce gunbattle, that began at 1800 hours and subsided at 1930 hours, two top-ranking functionaries of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Al-Badr got killed while as two more of their holed up associates managed to escape. The militants killed in the encounter have been identified as Haafiz Usman Gazali of Sargodha Pakistan and Captain Irfan alias Billa of Peshawar, Pakistan. Officials claimed that Haafiz Usman, who was operating under the radio code of Jaabir and codenames of Waseem and Hasid, was the "district commander" of Lashkar-e-Toiba for Srinagar-Ganderbal belt while as captain Irfan, operating with radio code of Aurangzeb and codenames of Mustahsan and Sher Khan, was the "deputy district commander" of Al-Badr. According to officials, Haafiz had been "fiercely active" in Ganderbal area for the last three years and he had also conducted several suicidal actions in Kupwara district. Even as troops and SOG suffered no damage in the encounter, two militants —identified as Saifullah alias Daanish alias Major of Gujranwalla and Abdullah alias Ateeq of Pakistan —managed to escape from the cordoned area and disappeared in the dense willow plantation in Anchar Lake. One UMG, one disposable rocket-launcher, one wireless set and 15 grenades were recovered from the site of encounter. Meanwhile reports from Pulwama said that during last night militants fired upon the Police guard at Wuyan and Saidpora villages. Police personnel, guarding the minority community, retaliated. Militants escaped and there were no reports of any damage. |
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One
killed, 5 injured Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 26: A civilian was killed and five others were seriously injured when rockets fired by the militants on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp missed the intended target and fell on the houses of civilians in Sudh Mahadev town early today. Official reports reaching here said the rockets were fired by the militants from atop a hill at 0720 hours today. The rockets were aimed at a CRPF camp but they landed on civilians houses causing serious injuries to six civilians. The injured were rushed to district hospital of Udhampur where Om Parkash son of Ganpat Ram succumbed to his injuries. Five injured admitted in the hospital have been identified as seven year old Laxmi, Chanchalo Devi, Ravinder Sharma, Darshan Kumar and Shanti Devi. Immediately after the rocket attacks on Sudh Mahadev town, police and CRPF teams swung into action and cordoned off the area. The teams left for upper reaches of Sudh Mahadev from where the militants had fired rockets. However, the ultras had managed to escape towards upper reaches and remained untraced. A search operation continued in the area to eliminate the militants. Reports said that hand of Hizbul Mujahideen militants (Ansari Group) was suspected behind the rocket attack on the town. Ansari group was reported to have developed its large presence in the upper reaches of Sudh Mahadev. The rocket attacks triggered panic in Sudh Mahadev, where it was first attack on the town. Re-enforcement of CRPF and police has been deployed in Sudh Mahadev to thwart the possibility of any fresh strike by the militants. Meanwhile, Panthers Party MLA from Ramnagar, Harshdev Singh has voiced deep concern over the day light strike by the militants in Sudh Mahadev town in which a civilian Om Parkash was killed. Singh said Om Parkash was brother of a Panthers Party Panch. He demanded intensification of security arrangements in Sudh Mahadev to restore people’s confidence. |
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Kashmir can’t be equated with Palestine: Iran ISLAMABAD, Apr 26: Iran today refused to equate the Kashmir problem with the Palestine issue and said the best way to settle the dispute over Kashmir is to engage and not to confront India. "Frankly we should not compare any other situation with that in Palestine where Israel subjected Palestinian people to barbaric treatment," Iranian National Security Advisor Hassan Rohani told a joint news conference with Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar here. "The situation in Kashmir could in no way be compared to that in Palestine," Rohani said. Calling for a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, Rohani offered Iran’s assistance in this regard. "Iran will not hesitate to provide any assistance sought by India or Pakistan (to resolve Kashmir issue)," he said. The top Iranian official, who held talks with Pakistan military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf today, said "the best way to resolve the Kashmir issue would be to engage India and not to confront it." |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 26: The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) of police have cleared the promotions of 28 SPs as SSPs and five DySPs on ministerial cadre to selection grade. The promotions were ordered last night in a meeting of the DPC. The SPs promoted as SSPs included Rajinder Gupta, Staff Officer to DIG Jammu-Kathua range, V K Ghai, SP CID (CI) Jammu, A K Atri, Staff Officer to IGP Crime and Railways, K L Bhagat, Jagjit Kumar, SP Traffic Srinagar, J P Singh, Commandant Auxiliary Police, Abdul Aziz Khan, Johnny Williams, SP Security Raj Bhawan, H L Fotedar, Mubarak Ahmed Ganai, Parminder Singh and Bachan Singh Chowdhary, SP CIty (South) Jammu. Other promoted SPs are Surinder Gupta, SP Headquarters Jammu, Dr A K Mujtaba, SP Vigilance Jammu, Showkat Wattali, Naseer-ud-Din Wani, Aziz Samoon, Showkat Ahmed Malik, Ghulam Ahmed Sheikh, Karnail Singh and Ajit Singh. SP Yog Raj Sharma was promoted posthumously while SP K K Gupta was promoted after his retirement from the services. While Sharma had died last year, Gupta had retired as SP Crime and Railways few months back, the sources said. Promotion of five other SPs was kept in the waiting list in view of shortage of vacancies. The wait list SPs included Showkat Kanth, Shakeel Beigh, SP CID Cell, New Delhi, Hamid Sheikh, Ashkoor Wani, SP Doda and Manmohan Singh. Sources said the promotions will be confirmed as and when the vacancies were available. Few promoted officers were at the verge of retirement, which will create vacancies. Five DySPs of ministerial cadre were also sanctioned selection grade. However, the promotions of DySPs in executive cadre were not taken up, the sources added. |
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Maker of 'Kissa Kursi Ka' dead NEW DELHI, Apr 26: Former Member of Parliament Amrit Nahata, who shot into national fame with his film ‘Kissa Kursi Ka’, died here today on the eve of his 74th birthday following a cardiac arrest. Nahata is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, family sources said. Nahata’s film on authoritarian tendencies, which was seized during the emergency, later became a subject matter before the Shah Commission that went into the 1975 emergency excesses. He was a prolific writer and contributed regularly to editorial pages of leading newspapers in Rajasthan. He has also written several books and monographs, the sources said. Nahata was admitted to Escorts Heart Institute on Saturday last and underwent an angiography this morning, they said. Nahata represented Barmer as a Congress member in the sixth and seventh Lok Sabha. He represented Pali constituency in Rajasthan as member of the Janata Party in the eighth Lok Sabha. His cremation will take place in Jodhpur tomorrow, the sources said. (PTI) |
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