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India will
continue dialogue process with Pak NEW DELHI, Aug 15: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today promised free and fair elections to the people of Jammu and Kashmir while warning Pakistan that it could not wrest the State through terrorism. Terming the activities of Pakistan-supported ‘Jehadi’ organisations as "unholy", Vajpayee asserted that India would not hesitate in the least to crush cross-border terrorism in J and K. In his 30-minute address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 54th Independence Day anniversary, he said India would continue to be engaged in the dialogue process with Pakistan. Vajpayee’s speech amid unprecedented security reiterated his known stand in dealing with Pakistan and did not unveil any fresh political initiative on Kashmir. However, he made a significant reference to free and fair elections in J and K which is expected to go to polls next year. "Panchayat elections have been held in the State recently. The people of J and K will elect a new Assembly after some time. We shall ensure free and fair elections to the State Assembly," he said. Vajpayee outlined Government efforts at improving the economy and allayed apprehensions that cheap farm imports would flood Indian markets because of the country’s commitment to WTO. The Prime Minister announced a number of new initiatives for uplift of farmers, women and downtrodden which included a Rs.10,000 crore rural employment programme and a national nutrition mission for adolescent girls and expectant and nursing mothers. Vajpayee asserted that Indian economy with its strong foundation would ward off the current slowdown as prices were stable, inflation was under control, foreign exchange reserve was at a record level and the granaries were full with foodgrains. "Adding further optimism is the prospects of a record harvest due to good monsoon rains this year", he said while speaking from behind a bullet-proof shield. Vajpayee announced that Government would evolve a permanent and institutionalised structure to effectively deal with natural calamities like the Gujarat earthquake, the Orissa super-cyclone, floods and drought. The Prime Minister also asserted that the country cannot afford to turn a blind eye to corruption. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Ministers I K Gujral, H D Deve Gowda, P V Narasimha Rao, Chandrashekhar and V P Singh besides union ministers and chiefs of diplomatic missions were present on the occasion. Referring to the Agra summit, Vajpayee regretted that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf came here with a single-point agenda —to make India accept Pakistan’s terms on Kashmir and said he had no interest in improving relations in all possible areas. Declaring that there was no question of Musharraf’s logic of describing cross-border terrorism as "Jehad" and "freedom struggle", he said "let no one entertain any delusion that Pakistan can succeed in wresting J and K through Jehad and terrorism, what it has failed to get through wars." Vajpayee made it clear that India could not accept Musharraf’s condition that Simla and Lahore accords should be forgotten and a new journey undertaken from Agra. Prime Minister’s remark assumes significance as it comes a day after Musharraf’s address on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day in which he contended that Indo-Pak ties could not progress without finding an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue. Vajpayee said as expected there had been a spurt in terrorist activities after the Agra summit and referred to the massacres of innocent people in Amarnath, Kishtwar, Doda, Jammu and yesterday’s bomb blast in a train near Ghaziabad. "Today I wish to tell the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh that we feel your pain and agony. We have been making all efforts to remove them. We shall intensify the efforts that we have been making to bring normalcy to the state and to reach the fruits of development to its people," he said. Stating that India and Pakistan had faced 54 years of hostility, Vajpayee said he told Musharraf that the two countries could avoid spending scarce resources on preparations for war. "We ought to be spending these resources on the development of the two countries and to improve the lives of our people," he said. Observing that the situation in the north east was a matter of concern, he said violence complicated problems and created hurdles in the path of development. On the cases of corruption and scandals that have surfaced in recent past, Vajpayee asserted "we cannot turn a blind eye to corruption, nor can we let corruption proliferate". He assured the nation that corrupt elements would not be able to escape the long arm of the law "irrespective of how high a chair they may occupy" and said that a fresh Lokpal bill to check corruption in high places had already been introduced in Parliament. Declaring that the Government had decided to give a new pro-poor, pro-village and pro-employment orientation to the economic policy, the Prime Minister said necessary modifications would be made to remove geographical imbalances and social inequalities. Announcing the launch of "Ambedkar-Valmiki Malin Basti Awas Yojana" for providing housing to scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, backward classes and other weaker sections in urban areas, Vajpayee said the Urban Development Ministry would give a yearly grant of Rs 1,000 crore to this project and HUDCO, which would implement it, provide another Rs 2,000 crore as loan amount. The Prime Minister said to meet the housing shortage for families of jawans of the armed forces, the Government has decided to build three lakh housing units in the next four years. Government’s ambitious Rs 55,000 crore national highway development project would be further intensified, he said. In an apparent reference to the recent disruption of Parliament by the opposition, Vajpayee said while political opposition was natural in a democracy, "there should be no opposition for the sake of opposition". Stating that there was "political stability" in the country, he said,"there is a thriving democracy. In a big country like ours, there are bound to be small and not-so-small problems," he said. Vajpayee said Government would announce before the year-end a progressive national tourism policy and sought the cooperation of State Governments and private businesses for its effective implementation. Observing that Government has set up 1,700 fast track courts to reduce the number of long pending cases, he said necessary steps would also be taken soon to repeal or amend all laws and rules affecting interests of the poor. "We shall also review all those procedures and practices, which unfortunately have tended to make the poor the targets of harassment by agencies of the Government,’’ he said. Stressing that Government was committed to its goal of health for all, he said after the success of the polio vaccination campaign, it has been decided to soon start similar mass campaigns against leprosy, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS and other such diseases. Vajpayee said a rapid action force would be constituted to monitor the implementation of various poverty alleviation and employment generation programmes. (PTI) |
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‘Those enjoying
India’s security have no qualms to curse India' From Ahmed Ali Fayaz SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today launched scathing attacks on Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference and the former Union Home Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, holding them responsible for Kashmir’s destruction eversince the outbreak of militancy in 1990. While making his ceremonial speech, after unfurling the Indian tricolour on occasion of the Independence Day at Bakhshi Stadium here today, Dr Abdullah asserted that Pakistan would not usurp an inch of the Indian soil even if the current proxy war went on for many more years. He said that the rulers in Pakistan had the right perception that they could never annex Kashmir to that country. But the problem was that Pakistan’s political leaders and Army junta had turned the so called Kashmir issue into an emotional platform to exploit their own people. The purpose, he claimed, was to divert the peoples’ attention from domestic problems and to remain in power. Dr Abdullah said that Pakistan would never cooperate with India in opening of Srinagar-Rawalpindi road, as, according to him, it would open the eyes of the people on both sides of Line of Control (LoC). "Pakistan knows well that it would deflate the balloon of the Hurriyat and put an end to the bloodshed in Kashmir", Dr Abdullah said, adding that the separatist movement was completely based on false propaganda vis-a-vis Kashmir. "When the people of Pakistan will see that we have achieved development in spite of 12-year-long insurgency and Kashmiris will observe how Pakistan was still on 1947 level, who would like to support this senseless violence?", he asked. Dr Abdullah said that India, as well as the state of Jammu & Kashmir, were enjoying the world’s best form of freedom —in religion, politics and media. He said that the freedom of religion was exemplary in Jammu & Kashmir, which had its own way of chanting the hymns (Darood), and paying obeisance at mausoleums of great saints. He said that Pakistan and her Jihadis were trying to impose their own form of religious belief, which the devout Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir would never accept. He said that by committing massacres and killing innocent, unarmed civilian, Pakistan and her militants had smudged the image of Islam throughout the world. "They shall have to do a lot, to wash those stains", he added. Commenting on the current menace of throwing acid on Kashmiri women and seeking to enforce the Islamic dress codes on gunpoint, Dr Abdullah alleged that militants had a gameplan in it all. He argued that when every woman would wear a Burqa, it would facilitate the militants to use females for carrying weapons and even striking on soft targets. While praising the Indian democratic system and the freedom of thought and expression enjoyed by the politicians, Dr Abdullah described it as an irony that even some mainstream political leaders were out to defame their own institutions. In an obvious reference to the former Union Home Minister and president of J&K Peoples Democratic Party, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Dr Abdullah said that some mainstream politicians were ahead of all to visit the home of the terrorists killed and offer a Fatiha for them. "Had he been in Pakistan, he would have been hanged in the Lahore Fort", he added. Dr Abdullah wondered that the same person (Mufti Sayeed) was shedding tears for the terrorists who, in power, had threatened to fire one thousand bullets in reply to one bullet. As for the separatist leaders, he said that they had no qualms to curse India while, for themselves, enjoying Indian protection and bulletproof cars. "They (Hurriyat leaders) make their movement courtesy Farooq Abdullah’s Police and still the same people abuse Farooq Abdullah publicly", he lamented. Urging the security forces to observe restraint for all innocent civilians and show a human face in combating terrorism, Dr Abdullah sought to make it clear that every Kashmiri Muslim was not supporter of Pakistan. He claimed that "just a few people" had been working in Kashmir as Pakistan’s Trojan horses eversince the state’s accession to India and the entire people of Kashmir should not suffer for them. "Hundreds of innocent Kashmiris and my party workers are being killed every month by Pakistan’s militants. What are they dying for? India has to realise that every Kashmiri killed by Pakistan’s bullet is shedding his blood for India", Dr Abdullah emphasised. He said that thanks to security forces and Police, Indian sovereignty in Kashmir was safe and secure. Amid applause, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for security forces and Police saying that they were fighting Pakistan-sponsored proxy war while giving sacrifice of life in Jammu & Kashmir. In his hour-long speech, the Chief Minister referred to miseries perpetrated by Pakistan on Kashmiris in particular and said that in the name of Islam their agents have committed heinous crimes against humanity. Hapless women have been subjected to humiliation that has touched alarming dimensions with sprinkling acid on them for not being veiled. In fact, under the camouflage of veil, militants want to further their dirty game plan to target innocent civilians, he added. Dr Abdullah said in the name of so-called freedom, they are killing innocents, coercing people and newspapers to toe their line and above all, defaming the fair name of Islam.’Let they target Farooq Abdullah, why do they pick up innocents here and there’, he said, adding that the people are not deterred by the enemy’s dirty tricks. ‘We don’t want dismemberment of Pakistan, as one never nurtures ill-will against the neighbour ‘, he said and referred to the observations of the Prime Minister at Tangdhar that friends can be changed but not the neighbour. Pointing to the peace initiative of Prime Minister, he reiterated that India is for good neighbourly relations with Islamabad and it was in this backdrop that President Pervez Musharraf was invited for Agra summit. But, this great opportunity fell to Pak stubbornness. Pakistan, he said, did not respond to the confidence building measures announced by India that included opening of Rawalpindi road for the sole fear of getting exposed as the people living across would see for themselves progress achieved in this part despite 12 year terrorism. It will also serve for the people here as they would know the pitiable conditions in which ‘our brethren live across the LoC, be it in Hunza, Gilgit and other northern areas of PoK’. He decried attempts of imposing code of conduct on Kashimiris, saying they have their distinct way of life. The people have been going to shrines from times immemorial but in the recent past some indoctrinated elements objected to it. ‘Let people in Kabul and across the border live the way they want and spare us from their code of life’, he said adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir wish good to all. He ridiculed their propaganda that there is no religious freedom and mosques are closed in Kashmir and said, ‘We have greater freedom here than the people across the border’ Dr Abduallh came heavily on disruptive elements that tend to divide people in the name of region and religion and said that this tendency is detrimental to the secular fabric of India. The challenges posed by such elements have to be met unitedly as division among people will not only impede the growth of development but also weaken the nation, he said. Lambasting those who talk about trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister rejected the idea outrightly and said if they want separate land for Hindus and Budhists, they should be prepared to separate states for Jains, Sikhs, Christians etc. Describing it as dangerous for the nation, he said the country cannot afford any more division on the basis of religion. A mistake was committed in 1947 for which ‘we are facing the consequences even now’. About restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister allayed the apprehensions that this demand would weaken the ties of the State with rest of the country. He said the people of the State do not want to get out of India but yearn for further strengthening their relations with the country. ‘We want India to be strong, as in its strength lays the strength of Jammu and Kashmir’, he declared. Without naming any party, the Chief Minister said some leaders miss no opportunity to defame his Government and glorify elements inimical to peace. They forget that but for the situation created by the National Conference, they would not have been in a position to roam around in villages freely and to criticize their opponents. Those swearing for India are hobnobbing with enemies of peace, he regretted. Dr Abdullah said the strength of Indian democracy lies in the fact that those campaigning against the nation are not only to be tolerated but provided security and escorts to move around in bullet proof vehicles freely. In similar situations in Pakistan, such elements would get nothing but gallows, he said. Enumerating the measures to steer the State to progress and development, Dr Abdullah said militancy damaged infrastructure has been reconstructed. Several gutted schools and bridges have been constructed while schools made functional with the introduction of Rehbar-e-Taleem programme. Health services have been brought back on rails and efforts are underway to harness the rich hydel potential of the State. While the generation capacity of Baglihar project is being upgraded, work on Sawalakote project is likely to commence in January next. He hoped that work on seven hydel projects handed over to the centre would also start soon. With this, the State will be able to meet the power requirements of North India, he said. Dr Abdullah said militancy took toll of economic activity, particularly the tourism that is mainstay of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. However, Mata Shri Vaishno Devi pilgrim traffic sustained the State economy to some extent. Stressing the need for down-sizing the administrartion, he said that large funds are being incurred on smooth operation of various services. He said about Rs 51 crore are being spent annually on Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences that has staff strength of about 4000. The expenditure on establishment will have to be curtailed and diverted to the requirements of the patients. He said the wage bill of the employees alone comes to around Rs 3200 crore. He admitted that there is problems in power supply and said that while Rs 1000 crore was spent on procurement of power last year, the revenue generated from the consumers was only to the tune of Rs 270 crore. Dr Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister and the Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission for appreciating the difficulties of the State and fixing sizable plan for the State. ‘This has to be utilized judiciously’, he said adding that services to the people will be strengthened. The State, he said, could benefit from the Prime Minister’s Rural Road Connectivity Programme. He also complimented the people for successful accomplishment of Panchayat elections and said with the advent of Panchayati Raj the authority will percolate down to villages from the Secretariat. People are the real fountain head of power, he said. Extending his warm greetings to the compatriots on Independence Day, the Chief Minister said that hard won independence from the British is due to non-violent movement led by the Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi). ‘We owe our independence to the martyrs who laid their lives for our today’, he said, adding ‘Unhoon Ne Phirangyoon se azadi le kar is desh mein tiranga phehraya’. He said the state of Jammu and Kashmir got freedom from the autocracy. During the past 54 years, India has progressed in all spheres. A country dependent on others has emerged as a leading exporter and Indian commodities are now found elsewhere in the world. The credit for this transformation goes to innumerable work force, scientists, industrialists and professionals; he said, hoping they will keep up their march towards progress. Making a passionate appeal to youth to come forward for nation building, Dr Abdullah urged them to excel in academics and pursue various professional courses than to stick to traditional pursuits. He said information technology and other disciplines have tremendous avenues. He also urged youth to prepare in various sports for finding place in the national team to participate in Afro-Asian games. Dr Abdullah announced three awards to be presented by the Governor for three distinguished persons for their excellent performance in varied fields. While Mr Gurbachan Jagat, former Director General of Police, J&K will get the award for reactivating the State police force, Mr Mohammad Yousf Khan, Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Bank has been selected for steering the premier bank of the State to new heights of banking around the globe. Noted industrialist, Mr Lalit Suri will also get the coveted award for promotion of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, the Chief Minister took salute at an impressive parade by the smartly attired contingents of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Jammu and Kashmir Auxiliary Police, Lady Police, Fire Services and school children. Breaking the tradition, the Chief Minister stepped down from the dais to take salute from young boys and girls from various schools, who participated in the march past. The pipe and brass bands of the Jammu and Kashmir Police played patriotic tunes. The Information department and Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar presented a cultural programme. The motorcyclists of Jammu and Kashmir Police gave a dare devil demonstration on the occasion. The Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil, Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Rashid Dar, legislators, judges, leaders of various political parties, senior army, civil and police officers were among those present on the occasion. |
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Massive searches around
Airport Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 15: A blast occurred in forward village of Suhagpur in Arnia tehsil this morning while police carried out day long searches in Govindpura area of Satwari, on the backside of Jammu Airport following reports speaking about the movement of two militants in army uniform. Police said a blast rocked village Suhagpur, about two and a half kms short of Arnia at 1000 hours this morning when Independence Day was being celebrated in the town and local schools. The blast took place in an isolated field and failed to cause any damage. "The saboteurs might have planned to plant the AD at a vintage point to disturb August 15 celebrations but failed to do so due to tight security measures taken by police and security forces", a police officer said. Independence Day functions throughout Arnia sector including forward villages continued smoothly despite the blast. Blast site was cordoned off by police for investigations. Barring Arnia explosion, no other untoward incident was reported from any part of Jammu district during the day today for which tight security arrangements had been made by police with the help of security forces. Police and para-military personnel were deployed in every nook and corner of the City to ward off any possibility of a fidayeen attack to disrupt Independence Day celebrations. Police officer remained at their toes to ensure peaceful celebrations. A report that two militants in army dresses have been spotted in Govindpura, near Airport, kept police busy throughout the day today. Police personnel led by SHO Satwari Ram Singh Charak carried out massive searches in Govindpura and adjoining villages. The report turned out to be a rumour, police said. Earlier reports had indicated that militants were noticed by a woman, who told police that ultras were carrying rifles and asked her to prepare tea. Later, she said, the militants disappeared. Police, however, described the reports of militants’ presence as baseless. Nevertheless, police continued searches and was investigating the matter. An unclaimed brief-case was found in Narwal Pain along canal in Satwari this evening. A Bomb Disposal Squad was rushed to the spot from Police Control Room (PCR), which opened-up the brief-case only to find some clothes of an army jawan. |
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3 women, 2 brothers among
victims Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Aug 15: In yet another massacre, the militants gunned down five old members of a minority community family in remote Sahar Badoli village in Thanda Top area of Mahore last night while two other civilians were killed in an explosion when they went to the massacre site to lift the dead bodies. Two civilians were seriously injured. This was third massacre of minorities in the upper reaches of Udhampur and Doda in less than a month and has sent a fresh wave of panic among the people living in remote areas of both the districts. Police sources told EXCELSIOR on telephone that six members of a family including three women and two brothers had gone to their dhoks in upper reaches of Sahar Badoi to celebrate Janamashtmi in an old temple. Militants struck in the dhoks sometime late last night and opened firing on the civilians killing five of them and wounding another. Presuming all the civilians dead, the militants escaped. Report of the massacre was given to local people by an injured girl Lalita Devi daughter of Faqir Chand this morning after she trekked a distance of five kms to reach an adjoining village. Sources said some local people went to the scene of killings this morning and tried to shift the bodies. A grenade, tied by the militants with one of the body with its pin removed, went off killing two civilians and wounding another. With the blast, a total of seven civilians were killed and two others were injured. Civilians killed in the firing have been identified as Partap Singh, 63 and Shiv Sharan, 68, both brothers and sons of Jagat Ram, Surma Devi, 60, wife of Shiv Sharan, Kamla Devi, 56, wife of Partap Singh and Guran Devi, 48, wife of Faqir Chand, Lalita Devi daughter of Faqir Chand was injured. All of them were residents Sahar Badoi in Neelam hills of Mahore. Two civilians, who were killed in the IED explosion when they were lifting the dead bodies, were identified as Ghulam Din, 30 and his brother Fateh Mohammed, 27, sons of Noor Mohd, Yaseen son of Abdul Zabbar was injured. Army and police jawans rushed to the site of killings soon after getting a report and shifted the bodies to village. Two injured have been rushed to a hospital. Their condition was stated to be stable. Troops have launched a massive searches operation in Neelam hills where the militants were suspected to be hiding after the massacre. Reports said that a total of five militants were involved in the operation. Four of them were believed to be foreign mercenaries while the fifth was a local, reportedly a guide of the militants. Sources said there were reports that some local people had informed the militants about minorities celebrating Janamashtmi festival in an old and historic temple in the upper reaches of Thanda Top. Meanwhile, last rites of all seven victims were performed in Sahar Badoi village this evening. Army and police officials were camping in the village monitoring the situation. Sources said a strong resentment was prevailing among local people against the killings. They said the booby trap, which killed two civilians, had been laid by the militants for army jawans. Militants had anticipated that troops will lift the bodies of five civilians and become casualties to the grenade explosion. However, the civilians went to lift the bodies and became victims of the grenade, which had been tied by the militants with Partap Singh’s body. Pin of the grenade was kept open by the militants, which resulted into the blast as soon as a civilian tried to remove the body. Third was third massacre of minorities in the upper reaches of Udhampur and Doda district in less than a month. First two massacres had taken place at Cherji and Luddar areas of Kishtwar in which 25 people were killed and seven others were injured. Official sources said the village Sahar Badoi in Thanda Top area, where the killings took place, was surrounded by Neelam hills. Generally, Neelam hills were considered to be free of militants due to present of an army battalion. However, the militants were reports to have moved to the village from another area to execute the massacre and escaped. |
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Six injured in Bhaderwah
blast Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 15: Six militants including a hardcore Hizbul Mujahideen ‘commander’ Ghulam Rabbani alias Peeta and an army jawan were killed while two other jawans were injured in separate encounters in Poonch and Udhampur districts today. Six police personnel were injured when their vehicle was blown up with an IED at Halyan nullah in Bhaderwah area of Doda district last night. Our Poonch correspondent reports that Poonch Police and army launched a joint search operation in Timbra Top near Chandak in Mandi area this morning following reports that a group of militants were camping there to disturb Independence Day celebrations. Army and police encountered the militants in the afternoon and engaged them in fighting. Exchange of firing between the two sides continued for about two and a half hours in which three top militants were killed. An army jawan and a Special Police Officer (SPO) were injured. Of three slain ultras, two were identified as Abu Safiyan and Abu Samarian, both Pakistanis. Identity of third militant couldn’t be established. They were affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit. Two Ak rifles, one pistol, a wireless set besides some explosives and ammunition were recovered from their possession. Injured army jawan and SPO Mohd Ashraf have been hospitalised. Their condition was stated to be stable. Official sources said two killed militants were wearing army uniforms while other was wearing a Pathan suit. Security forces continued searches in Timbra Top hills in view of the reports that some more militants were hiding there. Another militant was eliminated by army on the LoC in Poonch today. Yet another encounter was going on between army and militants at Khanetar in Poonch district. Till tonight, there had been no report of any casualty on either side. A militant Tanvir Mir S/o Habib Ullah Mir R/o Thalila, Rajouri was arrested by army today. A pistol with two magazines and 10 rounds were recovered from him. Our Udhampur correspondent adds: An army jawan and a hardcore Hizbul Mujahideen ‘area commander’ Ghulam Rabbani alias Peeta son of Ghulam Nabi R/o Jib Dhandli, Doda were killed in an encounter at village Ballar in Mahore tehsil this morning. Encounter lasted 40 minutes. Peeta was a dreaded militant, operating in Mahore for the last six months. From his possession, army recovered one AK rifle with three magazines, 120 rounds and Rs 20,000 in cash. Deceased army jawan has been identified as Chandershekhar of Rashtriya Rifles. Two associates of Peeta escaped during the encounter and were being chased by security forces. A police vehicle No. 539 JK06, which was on way from Ramban to Bhaderwah to apprehend two wanted criminals, was blown up by the militants with a remote-controlled IED at Halyan nullah in Bhaderwah last night causing injuries to all six cops, travelling in the vehicle. A police party rushed to the scene of explosion and shifted the injured to hospital. They have been identified as Ram Raj, head constable, Mohd Afzal, constable, Shadi Lal, Rashpal and Hardev Singh, SPOs and Vijay Kumar, driver of the vehicle. Their condition was stated to be ‘out of danger’. |
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Bid to blast new Tawi
bridge foiled Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 15: Bagh-e-Bahu police and Special Operations Group (SOG) Jammu foiled Kashmiri militants’ plan to blast newly constructed Tawi bridge on Independence Day today by apprehending two dreaded ultras and effecting recovery of a large quantity of explosive devices from their possession. Police sources said an information was developed by SOG Jammu that two Kashmiri militants of Hizbul Mujahideen have sneaked into Bagh-e-Bahu area from Kashmir with directions from the outfit leadership to blast the bridge on river Tawi, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah last month. SOG and Bagh-e-Bahu police teams were maintaining a strict vigil in the entire area surrounding the second bridge on river Tawi, which linked Bahu Fort with Gujjar Nagar. In the wee hours of this morning, the police parties noticed movement along the banks of Tawi river and became alert. Plainclothesmen of SOG and Bagh-e-Bahu swiftly came into action and executed the operation very carefully. They succeeded in apprehending both the militants alive and shifted them to Bagh-e-Bahu police station. Militants were carrying two very powerful IEDs filled with RDX, which they had to use in blasting the bridge, 5 kgs Addl RDX, besides one pistol with seven rounds, two detonators and one sophisticated Kenwood wireless set. The militants were also carrying accessories like fuse wire and iron pieces, which they had to tie with the IEDs to ensure maximum damage to the bridge. Police sources identified the arrested militants as Bashir Ahmed Dar alias Irfan, a resident of village Adoora in Handwara area of Kupwara district and Mohd Ramzan alias Azad son of Mohd Sultan, a resident of Hanga Sattargund in Handwara. Irfan was an ‘area commander’ of Hizbul Mujahideen and had been assigned the task of blasting the bridge alongwith Azad. Both of them had undergone special training in fabricating and handling explosive devices in Pakistan early last year. They were operating in Kupwara district for last about one year and were wanted in a series of subversive activities in that district. Since Irfan and Azad were expert in planting the explosives, they were specially deputed by Hizbul Mujahideen leadership to blast Bahu bridge on Independence Day. Sustained interrogation of the militants was being carried out jointly by SOG and police officers to ascertain the Hizbul Mujahideen’s network in Jammu district. Some vital clues were expected during the questioning, the sources said. The Hizbul ultras disclosed that they had reached here from Kashmir valley a day before and were hiding in a forest area, somewhere near Nagrota. A major tragedy has been averted with the arrest of two Kashmiri militants and recovery of explosive devices from their possession, the sources added. |
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PM defends Principal
Secretary From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Aug 15: Even as the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr LK Advani, and the External Affairs and Defence Minister, Mr Jaswant Singh, are said to have voiced displeasure at the alleged interference in Jammu and Kashmir affairs by the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, Mr Brajesh Mishra, Mr Atal Bihar Vajpayee has ruled out any action against Mr Mishra. After reports were circulated in the Union capital early morning, prior to the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, about the turf war over Jammu and Kashmir having broken out within the Government with Mr Advani and Mr Jaswant Singh anxious for the end of interference by Mr Brajesh Mishra, Mr Vajpayee was found strongly defending his Man Friday. Mr Vajpayee, according to sources in the PMO, even went to the extent of demonstrating his determination to retain Mr Mishra in the PMO as his Principal Secretary. These sources said that Mr Vajpayee’s equally important signal related to the stand taken by him that the Prime Minister’s Office cannot be ignored by anyone in the ruling coalition at the Centre and bureaucracy while taking any step or framing a strategy in relation to Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister continues to be under pressure from the BJP and RSS hardliners to send Mr Brajesh Mishra packing. But Mr Vajpayee has so far resisted the pressure. Mr Vajpayee, significantly, has not objected to the standpoint of Mr Mishra against certain moves seeking to convert the PMO into an extension of the BJP. The high-profile Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister has his own contact-men within the Sangh Parivar, BJP included. But he has managed to have the Prime Minister’s trust and confidence on the question of enduring that the PMO was not allowed to turn into a ‘drawing room’ for the BJP and RSS hardliners. Mr Mishra is ostensibly keen to ensure that his Prime Minister possessed a larger image. With the unbridled freedom enjoyed by Mr Mishra and with Mr Vajpayee seemingly being influenced more by his Principal Secretary than by others in the Government, the attitude of Mr Advani and Mr Jaswant Singh towards him (Mr Mishra) cannot be expected to be warm and friendly. Mr Mishra continues to call the shots, although both Mr Advani and Mr Singh are ranged against him. Mr Advani would like to handle Jammu and Kashmir without any interference from others, particularly the PMO. But Mr Brajesh Mishra, obviously with the support of his Prime Minister, does not want the Home Minister to move forward on the Kashmir front without due consultations with the Prime Minister’s Office. Differences between Mr Advani and Mr Mishra got deepened after the Home Ministry shot down the proposal favouring a visit to Pakistan by Kashmir’s All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) delegation. In fact, it was much against the wishes and expectations of Mr Advani that Mr Brajesh Mishra had favoured the idea of grant of permission to the Hurriyat team to visit Pakistan. Recent history bears testimony to the fact that Mr Mishra, who continues to derive his authority directly from Mr Vajpayee, managed to isolate Mr Advani temporarily on Kashmir. True, Mr Advani has for the past some days begun to assert himself as the advocate of a hardline policy on Kashmir. But he and his Ministry have been told not to act without consultations with the PMO. Mr Jaswant Singh’s anxiety is real than apparent. While Mr Mishra is widely known for his keen interest in foreign policy, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee has made it clear on several occasions that his interest is greater in the conduct of India’s foreign policy. The PMO, significantly, came across little difficulty as it virtually eclipsed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on policy matters on more than one occasion. |
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5 civilians among 19
injured Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Even as militants failed to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations everywhere in Kashmir valley today, they struck in a dare-devil manner at Handwara, leaving 19 people wounded. Militants also targetted the motorcade of Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Anantnag but the IED blast failed to cause any damage. Half-an-hour after the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Abdul Jabbar Chaket, unfurled the tricolour at Chinar Bagh, in Handwara, militants fired rifle grenades and gunshots from a distance. Since a high pitch cultural show was in progress, it did not cause any trouble. But, within five minutes, two heavily-armed militants appeared in close vicinity of the venue and fired several grenades from a spot, near the residential quarter of an executive engineer and a mosque. Volumes of gunfire also came in from the same direction. At least three grenades fell on the parking place outside the Chinar Park, causing splinter injuries to a number of Police and security forces personnel. Amid a hysteric stampede, chaos and confusion, Police and security forces returned the fire, rather indiscriminately. According to eye-witnesses, for over one hour bullets showered in all directions with nobody targetting anybody. Turned into a battlefield, Handwara township felt that there was a big Fidayeen strike by foreign militants. However, when the firing subsided, there was no militant around—dead, injured or alive. While as both the militants managed to escape unharmed, as many as 19 people were found to have sustained bullet or splinter injuries. They included seven J&K Police personnel, namely Raja Begum, Mohammad Rafeeq Shah, Ghulam Qadir, Feroz Ahmed, Abdul Majeed, Ghulam Hassan and constable-driver Chhankar Singh, who is said to be the driver of SP Handwara Gareeb Das. SDM’s driver as also two J&K Fire Services employees, Abdur Rasheed and Habibullah, also sustained injuries. Besides, three soldiers of RR 21 Bn, one soldier of BSF 81 Bn and five civilian ( Ghulam Nabi Kaboo, Mukhtar Ahmed Tantray, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Sofi, Abdul Majeed Chopan and Shayista D/o Habibullah) were also among the injured. Minor damage was caused to six Police vehicles, two private vehicles and a hospital vehicle. Lashkar-e-Toiba spokesman, Abu Usama, claimed over telephone from Islamabad (Pakistan) that two Fidayeen of the Lashkar—Abu Khalid and Abu Sakhar—had trooped into the venue, killing five forces personnel and leaving dozens injured. He claimed that both the Fidayeen managed to return to their hideout safely. However, IGP Kashmir Zone, Dr Ashok Bhan, told EXCELSIOR that there was no suicidal strike. He claimed that militants had fired a grenade from a long distance which fell on the parking place, exploded on road and caused injuries to eight people, including some policemen. DC Kupwara, Syed Haq Nawaz, who visited the embattled spot alongwith SSP Kupwara, said that this evening there were just seven of the injured at Sub District Hospital Handwara, two had been referred to a Srinagar hospital and all others with minor injuries had been discharged after necessary treatment. He said that a gathering of 5000 people were witnessing the I-Day cultural programme when a couple of militants struck while firing gunshots and grenades. SECURITY LAPSE On the condition of anonymity, official sources at Handwara disclosed that most of the troops from two major formations of Rashtriya Rifles and BSF had been removed from the town recently. Armed forces justified their relocation with the argument that more troops were to be positioned at LoC. Consequently, the town provided free access to Pakistani militants and they established their base in Handwara within days. Sources said that there was neither any ROP nor was the town properly sanitised on occasion of the I-Day ceremony. CLOSE SHAVE FOR DC Meanwhile, reports from south Kashmir said that militants targetted the motorcade of DC Anantnag, Mr G A Pir, with an IED blast at Paibug (on Anantnag-Pahalgam road) from he was on way to the district headquarters from his home in Seer village. A rear escort vehicle came under attack but there was no major damage to it. Alongwith his wife and brother-in-law, Mr Pir was leaving for Saudi Arabia, to perform Umra, when militants attempted to blast his vehicle. In May this year, Mr Pir was targetted with another unsuccessful IED blast at a spot, nor far away from Paibug. That time his vehicle was almost hit but the impact of the explosion took a different direction. SHUTDOWN No other militancy-related incident was reported from anywhere in Kashmir valley today as security forces and Police had made tight security arrangements for smooth I-Day celebrations. Curfew-like situation prevailed in the Valley as no private vehicles plied on road and almost all shops and business establishments remained closed. Call for the shutdown had been given by the separatist Hurriyat Conference. With or without any call, Kashmir has been observing total shutdown on the Indian Independence Day since the outbreak of militancy in 1990. Police and security forces too do not allow the movement of vehicles or pedestrians, fearing security-related problems. |
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If Muslim is milk, Hindu is sugar, says poet Prime Minister NEW DELHI, Aug 16: "If the Muslim is milk, Hindu is sugar," said poet Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee quoting the great Kashmiri Sufi poet Mehjoor while making an impassioned appeal to the two communities in Jammu and Kashmir to stay in harmony. Rendering a Hindi translation of a Kashmiri couplet penned by the Shayar-e-Kashmir, Vajpayee said in his Independence Day address, "the caste and land of you Kashmiris is the same. Do not unnecessarily create a distance between you. If Muslim is milk, Hindu is sugar. Mix the milk with this sugar." This Sufi ideology, he said, was the point of convergence of Kashmir with the spiritual tradition of India. "Kashmiriyat is a fine example of Sarva Dharma Sambhava (secularism). It completely negates the two-nation theory. We are indeed proud of this Kashmiriyat," the Prime Minister said. (PTI) |
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Sharif, Bhutto will not be allowed to contest polls ISLAMABAD, Aug 15: The October 2002 general elections in Pakistan would not have former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto in the fray, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider has said. Mr Haider told the BBC in an interview that the elections would be held on a party basis but those who have been convicted and sentenced on charges of corruption would be debarred from contesting. The minister said,"Mian Nawaz Sharif and Ms Benazir Bhutto will not be allowed to take part in the elections as they have already been convicted and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment on the charges of corruption." They have been debarred from public life, he added. He further said that even after the restoration of the Parliaments, political parties will not be allowed to bring back their leaders to the country who have been sentenced or are facing charges of corruption. "These leaders will not be allowed to come back and will be arrested on their return", he added. (UNI) |
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Woman, grandsons stabbed in Kathua Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Aug 15: An old woman and her two grandsons were injured in an attack by five miscreants here this afternoon. Police have arrested two accused while three were absconding. Police identified the injured as Shanti Devi, 70 and her grandsons Kalsh and Kamal. They were shifted to district hospital after the attack. Shanti Devi was later referred to Medical College hospital in a seriously injured condition. Two accused, who were arrested by police immediately after the attack, were identified as Tonu and Ashok. Their three absconding associates were being chased by police. A case against the accused has been registered at Kathua police station for further investigations. Meanwhile, Gian Chand of Nangli village was killed in a wall collapse. |
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