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Musharraf appoints himself President ISLAMABAD, June 20: Pakistan’s military ruler General Pervez Musharraf today got himself appointed President in a surprise move giving him constitutional status ahead of his summit in India next month and a total grip over power by continuing as Army Chief and Chief Executive. Pakistanis woke up this morning to find from media that 20 months after he seized power by toppling Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup on October 12, 1999, Delhi-born Musharraf, had already set in motion the process of tightening his hold over the country. 58-year-old Musharraf assumed the office after summarily removing incumbent Rafiq Tarar and dissolved the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies, suspended since he took over power. He was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Irshad Hassan at an impressive ceremony at the white marble President house, attended by federal ministers, top civilan and military officials and diplomats, including acting Indian High Commissioner Sudhir Vyas. His wife and other family members were also present. Shortly after being sworn-in Musharraf said "I have a role to play in the stability of the country. My main concern is the political stability and harmony ...I pray to god that I should continue to serve the nation with all humility. "I have a job to do ... I will not let this nation down. And that’s the reason I have decided to assume the office of the presidency." Shortly before he assumed presidency, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee called him over telephone, the first personal contact after he extended the invitation for the summit last month. The two leaders felt that political rhetoric on both sides should end in the run up to the summit. Musharraf’s decision to assume the office of the President came just a day after the formal announcement that he would visit India from July 14 for talks with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Observers see the general’s sudden decision as a clever move to acquire a constitutional legitimacy in the eyes of the world before going to India. But the decision is unlikely to have the support of the country’s political parties. Domestically his decision is seen as a shrewd attempt to consolidate himself politically for ensuring his place in a future civilian Government which the Supreme Court has decreed to be formed by October next year. Musharraf, the fourth military ruler to assume the power of President in Pakistan that has been ruled by the military for 26 of its 53 years of existence would continue to be the country’s Chief Executive, a new title he assumed soon after he seized power. Observers see Musharraf’s sudden decision as a clever move to acquire a constitutional legitimacy in the eyes of the world before going to India where he may now be taken more seriously. But the decision is unlikely to have the support of the country’s political parties. They said the general may make sweeping changes in the constitution giving more powers to the President and ensuring Army’s role in any future set up. Musharraf told reporters "let there be no doubt that there is a change in our perception for the future. The Supreme Court order and judgement of holding elections in October 2002 is very clear. We will abide by that. "The provincial and national elections will be held on schedule next year. There is no change in that. Let there be no doubt on that score. The political activity and all activities will continue as before." Earlier in the day the state run radio and television announced the Presidential change in special bulletins and said the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies, suspended after the coup, had been dissolved and Tarar has ceased to hold the office of the President with immediate effect. Tarar had been President since January one, 1998 and was due to occupy the post until January 2003. The announcement said two amendments have been made to the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO), through which Musharraf has been running the country after seizing power, to enable him to take over as President. (PTI) |
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NEW DELHI, June 20: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today telephoned Pakistani military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf for the first time since inviting him to India for talks and agreed with him that political rhetoric on both sides should be toned down in the run up to the July 14 to 16 summit. During the conversation that lasted about six minutes at 1045 hours, Musharraf expressed the view that it would be good if rhetoric could be brought down before the summit since it could have an impact on the political forces in both countries, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said. Vajpayee "agreed with these sentiments," she said adding "no purpose will be served in scoring any debating points through the media". The Prime Minister thanked Musharraf for his message of recovery from knee joint replacement surgery. A PTI report from Islamabad said Musharraf complained to Vajpayee that some statements emanating from India were not "proper" for a dialogue between the two countries and sought a check to the "rhetorics". A Pakistan Government statement said Musharraf discussed with the Prime Minister details of his visit to India from July 14 to 16. The statement said the two leaders exchanged views with each other in an atmosphere of complete cordiality and understanding. "The Indian Prime Minister agreed with the Chief Executive and said a conducive atmosphere is necessary for talks. He further pointed out that sometimes exaggerated statements were printed and quoted out of context," the Pakistani statement added. Replying to questions on summit agenda, the MEA spokesperson said "the issues are quite clear and the two leaders will discuss them when they meet". On Musharraf taking over as Pakistan President, she said "we are continuously analysing and monitoring the situation closely". Maintaining that it would not shy away from interactable issues, New Delhi has stated that it has always projected the larger picture of peace, cooperation and dialogue in its ties with Pakistan. The Vajpayee-Musharraf talks are expected to be spread over two days on July 14 and 15 at Agra. Musharraf is likely to visit Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan before emplaning for Islamabad. Musharraf would be accorded a ceremonial reception given to heads of state at Rashtrapati Bhavan before he leaves for Agra on July 14. The main talks are understood to take place during the retreat at Agra. Sources said there would not be a strict sort of pattern for the dialogue. There would be talks without aides between the two leaders followed by delegation level parleys. Preparation have already begun in Agra for the summit and various places are being surveyed, the sources said adding that protocol aspects of the visit with Musharraf becoming President are being worked out. (PTI) |
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Major among 6
security forces men injured Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 20: Police and security forces claimed to have eliminated four militants in three separate encounters in Kashmir valley today. Three Army personnel, including a Major, and three CRPF men have been left wounded in two attacks by militants in Budgam district. Official sources told EXCELSIOR that on the basis of a specific information, troops of Rashtriya Rifles 02 Bn — from Soibug camp of Kilo Force — raided a militant hideout at Gowharpora (Wathora) in Chadoura area of Budgam district this evening. As the troops, alongwith SOG Budgam, zeroed in on the hideout, militants opened fire. One rifle grenade exploded yards away from a Major who sustained injuries alongwith two more soldiers. Troops destroyed the target house in 3-hour-long gunbattle, killing two unidentified militants. Even as they remained unidentified, residents disclosed that both of them were Kashmiri cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba. Sources said that troops had launched the operation for eliminating an SPO-turned-militant, Jehangir, who was not however among the dead. Two AK-56 rifles, with grenade-launching attachments were recovered from the debris. As the gunbattle continued for over three hours, reinforcements rushed to the village from RR 35 Bn (Victor Force). DC and SP Budgam besides SP (city) South visited the spot and supervised the operation. Earlier, at 12.30 p.m. three men of Budgam Police in mufti chased two militants on two brand new scooters. At Rishi Mohalla (Zaindar Mohalla), Habbakadal, Police targetted the two militants. One of them escaped and took position on a roof-top. However, in the brief encounter, Police gunned him down. He was later identified as Firdaus Ahmed Waza S/o Ghulam Mohammad Waza R/o Chandpora (Nowhatta). His pistol and a scooter without registration number were seized. A fake identity card in the name of Mohammad Rafeeq Khan S/o Mohammad Yaseen Khan R/o Jamalatta, Aalikadal, was recovered from his pocket. Sources said that Police were chasing Firdaus and his associate, Bilal Sanghi, when the two militants attempted to escape. One constable sustained injuries in the encounter. However, residents alleged that Waza was captured and killed in custody. They put up a protest demonstration against what they described as custodial killing. A Hurriyat statement identified the slain individual as Mohammad Rafeeq Khan S/o Mohammad Yaseen Khan R/o Aalikadal and alleged that he was captured and killed in physical torture. It claimed that his scooter and an associate were taken away by STF. Shops remained closed in Habbakadal area in protest. Reports from Kupwara said that troops of BSF 81 Bn raided a militant hideout at Meelyal, in Chwkibal area, this morning. An encounter took place between the two sides in which one unidentified militant got killed. Three of his associates are believed to have escaped. Meanwhile, a fierce encounter began between militants and security forces at Batpora, Kralpora, in Kupwara district. Troops of 1/4 GR destroyed one house but the holed up militants maintained firing. Till late tonight, three houses had gutted but there was no more information available from the area. Sources said that at 7.20 p.m. today, unidentified gunmen shot dead one Nazir Ahmed Sofi S/o Mohammad Shaban Sofi at Noorpora Tral when he was returning to his home in Maruti car No: JK-02K 2226. A woman, namely Zooni wife of Abdul Aziz, sustained injuries as she was in the car. Reports from Budgam said that militants lobbed a hand grenade on a contingent of CRPF 122 Bn at Higher Secondary School of Beerwah when the paramilitary troops were on security duty for smooth conduct of an examination.. It exploded, causing splinter injuries to three CRPF men. |
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People hold protest,
block highway Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Government today ordered magisterial enquiry into the suicide of a police constable at his house after being brutally tortured by the police personnel of Gandhi Nagar Police Station. The enquiry has been ordered after the people including relatives of deceased constable Sukhvinder Singh, son of Saroop Singh of Digiana along with neighbours held protest demonstration against the brutality of the police. They blocked the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway at Digiana Ashram this morning by putting the dead body in middle of the road and disrupted the normal traffic for more than two hours. They were shouting slogans against the police personnel of Gandhi Nagar Police Station particularly Head Constable Jasbir Singh who used third degree methods on him when he was taken to Gandhi Nagar Police Station on June 6 by making allegations of his involvement in theft cases. The protestants alleged that it was the police brutality that the constable was forced to take this extreme step. "Sukhvinder was a gentleman and neither he was involved in any theft case nor he was drug addict", the protestants told visiting EXCELSIOR Correspondent and disclosed that the Head Constable Jasbir Singh had personal grudge with him. "It was only personal grudge of Jasbir Singh that Sukhvinder was taken away on that day and was given cruel treatment in the Gandhi Nagar Police Station", brother of the deceased said, adding had Sukhvinder been involved in any theft case, as said by the police personnel of Gandhi Nagar Police Station, then why not Bari Brahamana Police was contacted under whose jurisdiction the residence of deceased fall. The body of the deceased also wore injury mark on legs and back which clearly indicated that third degree method was used on him at Gandhi Nagar Police Station. The protesting relatives of the deceased were demanding proper enquiry into the incident and strict action against the police personnel who tortured Sukhvinder brutally. They, by putting the body in the middle of the road, disrupted the traffic on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway for about two hours. Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Mr Ajay Sadhotra who was on his way from Bishnah to Jammu was also not allowed to proceed further and his vehicle was stopped by the protestants at Digiana Ashram. The Minister, after hearing the tale of wailing relatives of the deceased constable, assured them that proper enquiry would be conducted into the whole episode. After his assurances, the protestants lifted the blockade. The Minister, later, called a meeting with the Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone Mr R V Raju and discussed with him the whole matter. He also asked the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Mr R K Goel to depute a magistrate to conduct an enquiry into the episode and submit report at an earliest. Earlier, the body of Sukhvinder Singh was handed over to his family members after a post-mortem conducted under Medical Board. It may be recalled that Sukhvinder on June 6 had also made suicide attempt in police custody by hanging himself in the room of the Investigating Officer and at that time police tried its best to give a twist to the case and claimed that it was not Medico-Legal Case and got him admitted under fake name—Balwinder Singh and MRD No. 266080. Later, after doctor found internal injury on his throat, a MLC case No. 1525-(a) was registered and after preliminary treatment in the GMC, the victim was shifted to the ENT unit of SMGS hospital. He was admitted to Ward No.11. The victim on that day too informed the visiting EXCELSIOR correspondent he had no knowledge about any gang of thieves and he was falsely implicated into the case. |
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Sawhney expelled; Bar to go ahead with strike Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Bar Association, Jammu today strongly reacted to news items that it had called off its two month long agitation against the establishment of fast track and circuit courts. The Association also denied that a no confidence motion has been passed against Bar Association president D S Saini. Over 600 lawyers assembled in Saddar Courts complex this morning and held a meeting under the chairmanship of D S Saini. All lawyers unanimously expressed their full faith in elected president of Bar Association D S Saini and described the reports of his removal as ‘baseless’. The jam-packed house of Bar members also took strong exception to the anti-Bar activities of A K Sawhney, who without any locus standi met Chief Justice and thereafter declared that two month long agitation, launched by Bar Association against opening of fast track and circuit courts, has been called off. The members unanimously passed a resolution expelling A K Sawhney from primary membership of Bar and issued him a stern warning for betraying the cause of lawyer community. Following expulsion of Sawhney from the Bar membership, he has also been declared in-eligible for contesting the forthcoming election of Bar Association. In the meeting, A S Manhas, president Young Lawyers Association categorically denied the version attributed to him in local media and extended full support to the agitation of Bar Association. Manhas clarified that a meeting of Young Lawyers Association was held yesterday in which it was unanimously resolved that the decision of Bar Association will be binding on the members of Young Lawyers Association. After the meeting, the lawyers took out a massive procession in Saddar Court complex raising slogans in support of their demands. Bar president later told mediamen that some vested interests had launched a disinformation campaign against the agitation of Bar Association. Saini said the agitation of Bar will continue till its logical conclusion. |
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NEW DELHI, June 20: It would be a choice between ‘love’ and ‘lunatic asylum’ for India and Pakistan during the forthcoming talks between the two countries being held at Agra. Commenting on the venue of talks between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhat told PTI "well they have a choice. Either they stick to the 16th century message of peace of epitome of love (Taj Mahal) or the lunatic asylum which is in its vicinity." Bhat, however, feels that the two leaders would be encouraged by the beauty of history in the city and "promise yet another Taj Mahal to the people of entire sub-continent by burrying their differences and making concerted efforts in resolving the Kashmir issue by involving its people. "The two leaders have the capacity to rise to the occasion," he said. (PTI) |
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Militant surrenders,
SPO shot at Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, June 20: Poonch police and army today eliminated another hardcore militant Sohail alias Shikari, a ‘commander’ of Hizbul Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment (HMPPR) in Upper Kasbrari area of Mendhar tehsil taking the encounter toll to two. Meanwhile in Udhampur, a dreaded militant surrendered before police in Mahore tehsil while a Special Police Officer (SPO) was shot at by his colleague in Bhaderwah, Doda. Official sources said Poonch police and army continued searches in a forest area of Upper Kasbrari last night after eliminating one militant yesterday afternoon. Early today, security personnel met with another success when they eliminated one more militant in the forest area. Slain ultra has been identified as Sohail alias Shikari alias Ali Asgar Kashmiri, hailing from Pakistan and affiliated with HMPPR outfit. Shikari was working as ‘district commander’ of the outfit for Mendhar. Shikari’s associate, who was killed in the encounter last night, was identified as Abdul Latif, also a Pakistani. Recovery made from the encounter site included one AK-56 rifle with three magazines, one pistol with one magazine and 12 rounds, one wireless set and three hand grenades. Killing of Shikari was stated to be a major success of Poonch police and army and a big setback to HMPPR outfit. No casualty was reported on security forces side in the exchange of firing. Our Udhampur correspondent adds: A hardcore militant Sultan Mohd alias Daga son of Abdul Gani, a resident of village Khurd, Mahore surrendered before DySP Mahore last evening. Daga was Incharge of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit in Mahore and was operating in the tehsil for last more than one year. Daga was involved in a series of subversive activities in Thanda Soo, Shikari Top and Basnali villages of Mahore tehsil and was on the hit list of police and security forces. Daga handed over a rifle, a pistol, ammunition and explosive devices to police at the time of his surrender. Surrender by a hardcore Lashkar militant like Daga has jolted the outfit in Mahore tehsil, police sources said. In another incident, one SPO Kirtiyaz Ahmed son of Imam Din was seriously injured at his post in village Malothi in Bhaderwah tehsil of Doda district this morning. He had sustained a gun shot of SLR and was admitted in the district hospital of Doda in critical condition. Police said Kirtiyaz appeared to have been shot at and seriously injured by his associate. However, the possibility of an accidental fire was also not ruled out. |
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1400 more pilgrims
registered By Avtar Bhat JAMMU, June 20: Undeterred by the ongoing militancy in Kashmir valley and last year’s attack on Yatris at Pahalgam and Jammu, hundreds of people continue to throng the City of Temples daily from the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Chandigarh for advance registration to have the pilgrimage of Baba Amaranth this year commencing from July 2. "The militants attack and threats can not dampen our spirits as Baba Amarnath is a matter of our religious faith ", says Raj Kumar from Jalandhar, Punjab who is visiting the Shrine Cave for 23rd time this year. Kumar who could not visit the Cave Shrine last year after the August 1 Pahalgam carnage for the first time since 1978 is all determined to have the Darshan of Icy Lingam this time at any cost. "I attain a lot of solace and mental peace by visiting the abode of Lord Shiva, in the glacier covered mountains, he said adding "why should I be afraid of militants or any body else because I have firm faith in my Lord who is the saviour of this mankind." Kumar who had reached here early in the morning with his other colleagues was standing in the queue outside the TRC for registration at 2pm. "We have reached here at 7-30 am and will not leave till we get the registrations slips", said Shambo Sohankar Kumar’s companion who was also standing in the queue before him . Though these pilgrims have no reservations against the arrangements made by the State Government here however, suggested that the yatra should continue for two months instead of one month to accommodate every pilgrim and decrease the daily rush. They also demanded that the registration counters be opened in Punjab where from a large number of pilgrims are visiting daily here. The yatris from the outside states feel that their precious time is wasted for advance registration by visiting Jammu. However, the views of Vinish Aggarwal a trader from Dharampur Himachal Pradesh were quite different. Aggarwal who had also reached here early in the morning from HP by traveling all the night to seek advance registration along with an eight member group was sore over the State Government by describing the arrangements inadequate. "We are waiting in the queue since 7-30 am for registration while some influential persons come and seek the registration within no time, says an agitated Khem Chand who accompanied Aggarwal in the group for seeking enrollment of 50 yatris. The method of registration has been made cumbersome this time, he said. Had the method not been made so tough one person could have sought the registration for the entire group of 50 pilgrims, he added. Being businessmen we have to abandon our work for the sake of registrations and travel such a far off place from Himachal. Moreover, the people standing in queues are asked to keep their bags outside and what guarantee we have that they will not be stolen till we return from inside, he added. Meanwhile on the 11th day of advance registration which started on June 10, 1410 more pilgrims were registered today. Giving this information the Deputy Director, Tourism, Mr Manhas said this includes 1258 male and 152 females. He said elaborate arrangements have been made by the Government for Yatris this year and 24 buildings have been arranged for their accommodation at Base Camp Jammu. Denying the allegations that favoritism is shown while making the registration, he termed them baseless saying that whosoever comes for registration how influential he may be is asked to remain in queue. Even a police officer from Pathankot was asked to remain in queue for getting the enrollment. He said there has been no complaint against any staff members deployed for registration and added "Strict instructions have been given to the employees not to do any thing unethical while making the registrations". |
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Youth takes CRPF jawans for ride Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 20: A mentally sick youth today took the CRPF jawans for a ride by telling them a self made story of militants presence at Nagri bus stand. In full battle dress, the CRPF jawans laid a cordon around Nagri bus stand this morning after getting a report from one Ganesh Kumar that four militants were moving in a matador No. 8172. CRPF jawans even arrested three youths after they were identified by Ganesh Kumar as the militants. Arrested youths identified as Surinder Singh, Tarlok Singh and Sudhir Singh were handed over severe thrashing by the para-military personnel. However, the CRPF jawans shortly recognised that they had been misled by Ganesh Kumar, who had a tiff with matador driver Amarjit Singh. Ganesh, for settling his personal score with Amarjit, planned the entire drama. After his plot was exposed, police arrested Ganesh Kumar and registered a case against him. Three injured youths were later admitted to district hospital and a Medico Legal Case registered. |
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Govt failed on all fronts: PDP SRINAGAR, June 20: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) headed by former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has alleged that State Government, which has virtually become bankrupt, has failed on all fronts. In a resolution passed at the end of first day of the party executive meeting here today, the PDP said the State is virtually bankrupt and is not in a position to make timely payments of salaries and other allowances to its employees though the Government had increased many fold the electricity tariff, toll tax and sales tax. The resolution alleged that developmental works have come to a standstill and thousands of young boys and girls are without employment. Dr Abdullah’s Government instead of exploring and devising some appropriate and responsive economic and financial measures, spends whatever meagre resources it has on unproductive and extravagant pursuits, the resolution alleged and said corruption is shamelessly rampant. There is no difference between money earned and money stolen in this State which has become a main hurdle in the process of development, it said. The policy of recruitment is based purely on nepotism, influence and monetary considerations. (UNI) |
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KANPUR, June 20: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today said conditions were conducive for summit meeting between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf on July 14 in Agra. Talking to UNI here, Sangh central body spokesman M G Vaidhya said the Pakistani leader’s gesture of showing readiness for talks even on issues other than Kashmir and Mr Vajpayee’s statement yesterday in Mumbai that the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) would also figure in the talks, were welcome. Mr Vaidhya, a former editor of Tarun Bharat, said the Sangh did endorse the ongoing line of action of the Vajpayee Government on Kashmir as its decision of culmination of the six-month-long ceasefire in the trouble-torn State was a delayed but appropriate step. He said the proactive offensive adopted by security forces against militants after the ceasefire would deliver the desired results. Endorsing the Government strategy on Kashmir, the Sangh, disapproved the Vajpayee Government’s decision of dropping from its agenda contentious issues like revocation of Article 370 and the Government’s economic policies in the name of political compulsions. (UNI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Two Station House Officers (SHOs) and two Police Post Incharges were among 22 Sub Inspectors transferred today by IGP Jammu Range R V Raju. According to police sources, SHO Lakhanpur police station Mr Dinesh Singh Jasrotia has been shifted from Jammu-Kathua range to Udhampur-Doda range. Sub Inspector Kamal Sangra has been transferred from Katra police station falling under Udhampur-Doda range to Jammu-Kathua range. Sub Inspector Mahesh Sharma, presently posted as Incharge of Police Post Chinore under Domana police station, has been transferred to Udhampur-Doda range. SI Sanjeev Mohindru, posted in Billawar police station of Jammu-Kathua range has been shifted to Udhampur-Doda range. Sub Inspector Ajay Suman Gupta has returned to Jammu-Kathua range from Udhampur-Doda range. Sub Inspectors Pardeep Gupta, Bhola Ram and Rakesh Akram Masih have been returned to Jammu-Kathua range from Udhampur-Doda. Sub Inspector Sarbjeet Singh has been shifted from Rajouri-Poonch range to Jammu-Kathua range. Two SIs Raj Kumar (No 3893-NGO) and Raj Kumar (No 4376-NGO) have also returned to Jammu-Kathua from Rajouri-Poonch range. SI Swami Raj and SI Baij Nath have been shifted from Udhampur-Doda to Jammu-Kathua range. Probationary Sub Inspector (PSI) Jagdeep Singh has also been transferred from Udhampur-Doda to Jammu-Kathua range. Sub Inspectors Majid Rashid, Rohitdev Singh, Narinder Singh and Mohd Aslam have been shifted from Jammu-Kathua range to Udhampur-Doda range. Range of Sub Inspectors Kamal Dev, Dev Raj, Mohd Sadiq and Bhattu Choudhary has been shifted from Jammu-Kathua to Udhampur-Doda range. Districts will be allotted to transferred Sub Inspectors by the concerned DIGs in next few days. |
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Pak describes J&K a disputed territory ISLAMABAD, June 20: Contesting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s assertion that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, Pakistan tonight described the State as disputed territory where people were waging "struggle for their right of self-determination". Regretting Vajpayee’s statement yesterday when he also spoke of New Delhi raising the question of the status of Pakistan occupied Kashmir at the forthcoming Indo-Pak summit, an official Pakistani statement said "final disposition" of the State was to be decided in accordance with UN resolutions. India’s claim of the State being an integral part was "at variance with ground realities," it said. The statement came hours after Vajpayee telephoned Pakistan Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf. The General had told the Indian leader that some statements emanating from Delhi were not conducive for dialogue between the two countries, an official statement issued earlier in the day had stated. While urging India to refrain from making statements that could vitiate the atmosphere ahead of the summit, the official statement issued tonight chose to harp on UN resolutions on Kashmir and self-determination. The statement said during the summit Pakistan would call upon India to join it in finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue. The issue of references to Kashmir from leaders of both the countries figured in the telephonic conversation between Vajpayee and Gen Musharraf. An earlier statement said that Musharraf drew the attention of the Indian Prime Minister towards some statements emanating from New Delhi lately not proper for a dialogue between the two countries. The Chief Executive emphasized the need to check this sort of rhetoric to create an environment of understanding and cordiality ahead of the next months talks between the two leaders, the statement said. According to the statement Vajpayee agreed with Musharraf and said that a conducive atmosphere was necessary for talks between the two countries. He further pointed out that some times exaggerated statements were printed and quoted out of context, it said. (PTI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 20: Border Police today recovered a consignment of arms and explosives from village Agre Chak in RS Pura sector. Police said they were tipped off about a hidden arms consignment in Agre Chak by local people. Immediately, a police party from RS Pura police station rushed to the spot and recovered the consignment. Seizure included two AK-56 rifles with five magazines, two pistols with four magazines, two IEDs (each weighing two kg), two time pencils with high explosives, two grenades, one pistol silencer and one buoynet. Police said the consignment was detected when people were working in a field. SP Border Manish Kishore Sinha, SDPO RS Pura Abdul Qayoom Dar and SHO Vijay Singh rushed to the spot. Sinha ordered appointment of two youths, whose parents helped in recovery, as SPOs. He also distributed cash rewards among three civilians. |
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Pak’s dual policy on Kashmir exposed NEW DELHI, June 20: Accusing Pakistan of dual standards on the issue of Kashmir, a conglomerate of political groups in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) has said Islamabad was "shedding crocodile tears on the issue of self-determination for Kashmiris while denying the same in areas under its occupation." All Parties National Alliance (APNA), a conglomerate of 13 political parties in PoK, Gilgit and Baltistan, said in a memorandum to the United Nations that "Pakistan was denying the basic right to contest the elections to all freedom loving groups." Pakistani Government has refused to accept any nomination form without the candidate accepting the accession of the occupied territory as a part of Pakistan. This led to serious brawl between freedom loving groups including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and Pakistani rulers who cracked down on JKLF activists in PoK, APNA said. Flaying the military regime in Islamabad for having announced a farcical election in the occupied territory, convenor Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, who is also the chairman of United Kashmir People’s National Party, said the conglomerate was not opposed to any democratic means but "the military Government has resorted to undemocratic means and is trying to impose a Government on the people in the guise of elections." "Freedom loving Kashmiris are not allowed to stand and contest the elections. Only those people are allowed to contest who believe Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan is final," Kashmiri said in the memorandum to the United Nations. "Despite the fact that the Pakistani Government shed crocodile tears and called for self-determination for Kashmiris, they deny this right to the people in areas under their occupation," Kashmiri said. He also raised the voice on behalf of nearly two million people living in Gilgit and Baltistan who had no right to vote as Pakistan had illegally annexed the territory and denied it the right to be part of PoK. Other groups of APNA have also objected to the method of elections in the PoK and said "this shows the insincerity of Pakistan Government towards Kashmir issue." Meanwhile, the military Government has started a crack down on JKLF activists, who were spearheading the protests against the policies of Islamabad, and recently arrested nine leaders in Karachi, media reports from Pakistan said. The activists were raising pro-independence solgans for Kashmir when they were arrested by the police. The Islamabad regime has started a well-thought of programme against the activists of JKLF, not only in PoK, but also in the rest of country, JKLF sources said. (PTI) |
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