Gujjars killings aimed at spreading terror
Resentment among nomads against politicians

Excelsior Correspondent

BAKOREE (RAJOURI), Mar 4: Tears streamed from the eyes of ailing Nazir Ahmed, 70, while narrating the incident how so-called Muhajideens had brutally butchered his only son Mushtaq as the poor boy had refused to response to their diktats.

"They did not kill Mushtaq only, but snatched our lone bread earner from us. If they are true Jehadis, they should have at least thought of our poor family" says Nazir with chocked voice. "They barged into our house, dragged my son out at gun point and next day his mutilated body was found from a Khud", narrated Nazir sobbingly. Only fault of Mushtaq, a Gujjar, was that he had cordial relations with securitymen deployed in their area.

Nazir’s family is not a solitary case, many Gujjars and Bakerwals families, who are soft-targets of militants, are pitted against difficult times after so-called Jehadis have killed their bread earners. Militants active in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri have resorted to wanton killings of Gujjars and Bakerwals to force the nomadic community into submission and to make them responsive to their diktats.

Though braving militants’ threats, members of this nomadic community, living in dhoks scattered on the hill tops, are committed to work for the integration of country, there is a wide spread resentment and anguish among the Gujjars and Bakerwals over apathy and callous attitude of the rulers towards their security.

" We are worst victim of the rulers of the State and we are not treated as human beings", said a Gujjar youth of village Reet while expressing anguish over, what he alleged, criminal silence of the politicians. Pointing towards bedlam in the Assembly and wide-spread protests by the politicians, cutting across parties lines and other groups over Sopore firing incidents, Shah Mohammed, another Gujjar youth of Bakoree regretted that carnage of 15 Bakerwals was treated as normal thing by our politicians.

"We do agree that Sopore police firing incident was also inhuman act and it deserve wide spread condemnation but those killed by militants at Kot-Chadwal were also citizens of the country", he regretted. Except giving press statements politicians have done nothing for the families of those who were brutally killed by militants at Kot-Chadwal.

There is strong feeling among Gujjars of these twin border districts that they became victim of the apathy of the rulers despite the fact that they have been sacrificing their lives while guiding security forces in anti-militancy operations.

" To make us respond to their diktats militants resorted to wanton killings of Gujjars and Bakerwals and later branding them as security forces and police mukhbirs (informers)", said Mohammed Sadiq and counted that during the last few months about 80 members belonging to nomadic community have been killed by militants. "Though killings of our community members going unabated still we have been fighting militancy as ours is a nationalist community", said Mohammed Aziz.

Aziz, who visited that Morha Salui village of Kot-Chadwal area where 15 Bakerwals, including minors, were brutally killed and later charred to death by the militants, asserted that inhabitants of that hamlet were still ‘strong-willed’ to continue their fight against militancy. Aziz, however, lamented that 3 Bakerwals were killed on February 4 at Dharamsal followed by the killings of 15 more at Kot-Chadwal but authorities have not initiated any step to protect lives of this nomadic community.

Shockingly in many cases neither compensation has been paid nor Government jobs have been provided to the kiths and kins of those who were killed by militants. "Being a marganalised, ignored and illiterate lot we have been treated just as voters not as human beings by the politicians", lamented a educated Gujjar youth of village Lalkot.

It is learnt that militants have been committing atrocities on the families of Gujjars and Bakerwals families living in the higher reaches of twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. In some cases militants even tried to gouge out their eyes by placing red hot iron rod on their eye-lids.

Service chiefs to draw up blueprint for control of nuclear forces

NEW DELHI, Mar 4: The Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs are understood to have been asked to draw up a blueprint for operational command and control of the nuclear forces as part of the key recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on national security.

The crucial report of the three heads of the armed forces, who are members of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, which will take a decision on creation of a minimum but credible nuclear deterrence structure for land, air and sea-based forces, sources said.

The GoM, which reviewed the entire security set up in the wake of the Kargil conflict and submitted its 137-page report to the Prime Minister last week, is believed to have suggested creation of a new post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to hold command of the nuclear forces and ensure greater coordination of the security apparatus.

The CDS will report directly to the Defence Minister and would also serve as a key adviser on military issues to the Government.

The GoM is also believed to have recommended that the post of National Security Adviser (NSA) should be a permanent one. The NSA should head a national intelligence board, it is understood to have been recommended but a final decision on the issue has been left to the Prime Minister.

The GoM, headed by Home Minister L K Advani, comprised Defence Minister George Fernandes, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha and National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra.

The GoM, which was set up on April 17 last and had held 27 meetings to finalise its recommendations, is also understood to have given wide-ranging recommendations on revamping the intelligence gathering machinery mainly consisting of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and military intelligence.

Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is currently under the Cabinet Secretariat while IB reports to the Union Home Ministry.

The report, which would now go to the CCS, is also believed to have suggested setting up of a defence intelligence committee headed by a Lieutenant General or his equivalent in the other two services to analyse information and data received from various agencies.

It is also understood to have observed that the coast guard as a distinct sea-based force be further strengthened and high-tech equipment deployed besides fencing for preventing infiltration and smuggling across the borders.

The GoM had considered the recommendations of four task forces on intelligence apparatus, internal security, border management and defence management set up by the centre following submission of the report of the Kargil review committee headed by defence analyst K Subrahmanyam which had reviewed the events leading to the Pakistani aggression in Kargil in 1999.

The GoM also dealt with recommendations of the task force on defence management on changes in the existing organisations and structures "in the emerging security scenario having regard to the nuclearised environment".

It is believed to have suggested methods to bring about improvements in the procurement process of the Defence Ministry and make them cost-effective.

Similarly, the task force on intelligence apparatus had recommended detailed measures for greater coordination and cooperation among the myriad of agencies, including civil and military, especially in view of the observations made in the Kargil committee report. It had also recommended several steps to strengthen the system of information exchange among these agencies.

The task forces on border management and internal security considered the existing threat perceptions regarding cross-border terrorism, operations of militant outfits, infiltration of arms and drug smugglers and recommended number of steps to deal with the situation.

The epilogue of the GoM report, containing six chapters, provides a framework for effective implementation of its recommendations. (PTI)

Tearful pilgrims ascend Mount on Muslim Haj climax

MOUNT ARAFAT, (SAUDI ARABIA), Mar 4: Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims ascended Mount Arafat today in an emotional march to pray for mercy on the culmination of the annual Haj pilgrimage.

A seemingly endless sea of pilgrims clad in white swept the barren, rocky plain shortly after sunrise as the faithful made their way on foot and in vehicles from Mena where they had spent the night under tents or out in the open air.

As the human waves began reaching Mount Arafat, they joined voices in a crescendo chant of the traditional Haj call.

"Here I am, oh god, here I am thou art without a partner here I am all praise is for thee and from thee are all the blessings to thee alone power and rule belongs"

Many were moved to tears at the place where Prophet Mohammad delivered his final sermon 14 centuries ago to declare utter submission to god. Jabal Al-Rahmah (mercy mount) hill where Mohammad stood was flooded with pilgrims who came from all over the world.

"This is the greatest day in my life," Mustapha, a clearly moved pilgrim from Morocco, told Reuters as tears streamed down his cheeks. "To be standing here in the presence of the almighty is overwhelming."

By noon all of the nearly two million pilgrims performing the ritual must be assembled on the mount. Leaving all wealth and material things behind, the pilgrims in seamless white clothes symbolising purity, will pray for salvation and forgiveness throughout the day.

The pilgrims will descend the mountain after sunset towards Muzdalifah, where they will gather pebbles for Monday’s ritual stoning of the devil at Jamarat.

"God forgive me for my sins. Have mercy on me and my family and loved ones," an Egyptian pilgrim prayed out loud with his hands and face raised to the heavens. "God also grant your nation victory over its enemies," he added.

Saudi officials say the Haj, which had been marred in recent years by tragedies, was proceeding smoothly so far.

Saudi authorities have spent several billion dollars over the past decade to improve the facilities as well as road and electricity networks

Police helicopters hovered over Mount Arafat as thousands of sanitary workers struggled to keep the roads clean. Vendors at makeshift shops along the road sold fresh fruits and cold soft drinks to pilgrims.

Many pilgrims carried umbrellas to fend off a blazing sun. Temperatures were expected to hit 34 degrees celsius (93 fahrenheit) later in the day.

Saudi authorities will distribute 10 million chilled bottles of mineral water and one million hot meals to the pilgrims for free throughout the day.

Some pilgrims will sit in tents listening to lectures on Islam and Prophet Mohammad or read the Muslim holy book, The Koran, while others will spend the day praying in open air.

Official figures showed that 1.36 million Muslims from 160 countries are taking part in the Haj this year, 96,000 more than last year.

About 500,000 worshippers from inside the Kingdom, seeking repentance, purification and spiritual renewal, are also performing Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

The Haj, taught by Mohammad to his followers 14 centuries ago, symbolises the story of Abraham.

King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah were in nearby Mena to supervise the movement of the pilgrims from Mena to Mount Arafat, the most gruelling leg of the Haj.

Leaders from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sudan are among dignitaries performing the ritual this year.

The Arab news local newspaper reported on Saturday that 53 Indian pilgrims had died of natural causes in the days leading to the Haj.

The Haj is mandatory once in a lifetime for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. (REUTERS)

Pak training youth for Jehad despite India’s ceasefire

ISLAMABAD, Mar 4: Pakistan continues to train youth, mostly teenagers, for Jehad in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s announcement of ceasefire against militants notwithstanding.

More than 200 men, mostly teenagers, have enlisted in a month-long training programme being conducted in the remote mountains of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). The camp has been declared a base-camp for ‘Kashmiri freedom struggle’ by the PoK Government.

The camp consists of one or two large makeshift shelters and mud and brick rooms used mostly for storing weapons, maps and supplies. Trainee Mujahideen spend most of their time in the open in extremes of temperatures.

A report published in the latest edition of weekly ‘Newsline’ says that gruelling training at militant camps has produced a breed of young and hardened fighters for whom Jehad is the key to paradise.

Rigorous training is imparted in throwing hand grenades, setting off explosives, use of a variety of light weapons including pistols, assault rifles and rocket launchers. Basics of map reading and handling of communication equipment are also included in the programme.

Religious and psychological gruelling is a routine. Trainees are taught to tolerate long spells of hunger and thirst, crawl and walk on mountains for days. Quranic lessons are regular.

The volunteers, most of whom are from rural backgrounds and low income families, begin their day at the camp with Islamic prayers. Till evening they are kept busy in gruelling physical and military exercises.

According to the Newsline weekly, Kashmir is one of the world’s "hottest Islamic Jehad spots." Inspired by the "spirit of Jehad in Afghanistan" trainees believe that Kashmir is the first stage towards their ultimate goal of achieving Islam’s domination over other civilisations.

"Thousands of trained guerillas are anxiously waiting for their turn to sneak into ......Kashmir. But not everyone is lucky enough to get a chance. They move into action when only their Ameer asks them to."

The weekly says that Lashkar-e-Toiba, which was proscribed by the British Government alongwith many other Pakistan-based militant outfits with its headquarters at Muridke near Lahore, has produced a large number of highly-motivated Islamic fighters who have given a new dimension to militancy in Kashmir. Its cadres prefer to die in an encounter rather than get arrested by the security forces.

According to the weekly, when militancy in Kashmir began in 1989, training was initially imparted in Afghanistan. Now camps operate in remote regions of PoK and some isolated parts of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) close to the border with Afghanistan.

Every year thousands of young men are trained for Jehad by more than a dozen militant groups including LeT, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed (of Maulana Massod Azhar), Al Badr and Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen. There are also several small organisations which specialise in operations in a particular area of Jammu and Kashmir.

"In Afghanistan the whole world was helping us and crossing the border and ensuring supplies were easy. But Jehad in Kashmir is a totally different Ballgame...In Kashmir the terrain is more difficult. Pakistan is under pressure from western powers to rein in militants and Indian forces are more ruthless," the weekly quoted a commander of a Kashmiri militant group as saying. (UNI)

Tension in Kathua, people protest
Dalit woman gang-raped; 3 arrested, 2 abscond

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 4: A Dalit woman was gang raped in the absence of her husband last mid-night at village Said Magloor under the jurisdiction of Rajbagh police station. The woman was raped by five miscreants of a particular community allegedly in vengeance to the abduction of a young girl of their community by a local Dalit boy.

Police, however, categorically denied the vengeance theory saying the accused were known ‘bad characters’ and were earlier also involved in an attempt to rape case. Nevertheless, the incident has created tension in the area and panic among Dalits.

Victim has been identified as Kamlesh Devi, 24, wife of Thoru Ram, a resident of Said Magloor. A police spokesman identified five accused as Sagar Singh alias Fundi, Shamsher Singh alias Shera, Surinder Singh, Karnail Singh and Jarnail Singh alias Bittu. Sagar, Shamsher and Surinder have been arrested while the other two rapists were at large.

Police said Kamlesh Devi was alone in her house as her husband had gone out when all five miscreants intruded into the house, kidnapped the woman, took her to an adjoining isolated field and gang raped her, rendering the woman unconscious. All of them fled from the village.

After regaining consciousness, the woman reached her house and informed neighbours, who lodged a complaint with Rajbagh police station. Sensing gravity of the situation, a Rajbagh police station party immediately swung into action and apprehended three rapists while a hunt continued to nab two others.

The gang-rape of a Dalit woman sparked off tension in Said Magloor and all adjoining villages. People protested against the incident at several places demanding stern action against the rapists and immediate arrest of two others.

A young girl of the same village identified as Sunita Singh, 19, daughter of Girdhari Singh had allegedly been ‘kidnapped’ by a Dalit boy Tirath Ram, 22 son of Bikham Chand of the same village. Both of them were missing since February 20 and police had lodged an FIR on the basis of a complaint registered by girl’s family on February 22.

Kathua police sources denied that rape was related to the kidnapping incident on the ground that all five accused were known ‘bad characters’ and were earlier also involved in an attempt to rape case. However, there was tension and panic among the Dalit community of the village against the gang-rape of woman.

Meanwhile, Hiranagar police have recovered another ‘kidnapped’ girl Meenakshi, 22, daughter of Tirath Ram R/o Randhwal, Hiranagar from Bahu Fort. However, her alleged ‘abductor’, Rinku of Randhwal, an employee of Kot Bhalwal jail, wasn’t arrested as girl gave a statement to police that she was adult and had willingly married Rinku in a Court on March 2.

Kathua police also arrested Rangeel Singh, an instigator of attempt to murder one Kamaljeet Singh alias Tissu at Lachipura few days back. Rangil was absconding since the day of crime. Police said Rangil’s son Gurmeet Singh alias Gama was also wanted to police in connection with the same crime but was absconding.

Kashmir issue could be solved politically: Ex-Hizb chief

NEW DELHI, Mar 4: Former Hizbullah chief and now a senior Hurriyat leader Shahid-ul-Islam today said the Kashmir issue could be solved only "politically" and hoped that the Centre would show "sincerity" by allowing Hurriyat leaders to visit Pakistan for holding talks with the militant leaders there.

"I do not know why the Centre is delaying a genuine process which is only aimed at converting the unilateral ceasefire into a multilateral one," Shahid, who is in the capital to meet some detenues in Tihar jail, told PTI.

Shahid, who has received arms training in Afghanistan, feels that the Kashmir issue could be solved politically but felt the "initial" armed struggle was necessary so as to highlight the Kashmir issue internationally.

"I picked up the gun and I have no regrets," he said. The former Hizbullah chief, who had been critical of Hurriyat Conference during his militant days, says now the amalgam was the right platform which could act as a "bridge" to solve the issue.

An advocate by profession after studying science, Shahid said India should not hesitate to talk to Pakistani military ruler Gen Pervez Musharaff.

"They have done in the past when Gen Zia-ul-Haq was there and moreover it is a great opportunity that an armyman is talking as no decision in Pakistan could be complete without the consent of the armed forces," he said.

"Gen Musharraf seems to me a refined man and the Indian Government should not waste time as opportunity knocks seldom," Shahid said.

During his militant days, Shahid held talks with two Pakistani premiers — Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif — and still feels that Gen Musharaff was the right person to solve the dispute once for all.

He was arrested in 1997 and later bailed out in 1998 after which he started his political career with the Hurriyat Conference.

Asked whether the Hurriyat Conference delegation nominated for Pakistan would be able to convince the militant leaders, 35-year-old Shahid said "let them give a chance first — success and failures could be gauged later. After all the centre is not going to speak to Lashker-e-Toiba or Harkat chief directly."

Shahid, who was attacked recently by some unidentified gunmen in the heart of Srinagar city as he had welcomed the ceasefire offer of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, also said that the issue could be solved when all the concerned parties to the dispute were present at the negotiating table. (PTI)

Man shot dead, daughter wounded by militants

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 4: Militants gunned down a middle-aged man and critically wounded her daughter in their house at village Duggabala in Thathri area of Doda district last night.

Official sources said three to four militants attacked the house of Ghulam Ali at Duggabala around mid-night and fired indiscriminately on the house inmates with an AK-47 rifle. Ghulam Ali and his daughter Shaheen Begum were seriously injured in the firing.

Presuming both of them as dead, the militants escaped from the house. Neighbours shifted the injured to hospital with the help of police where Ghulam Ali succumbed to his injuries. His daughter has been admitted in district hospital of Doda in critical condition.

Police party from Thathri visited the spot today for investigations. However, no arrest has so far been made in the killing. Police believed the hand of Hizbul Mujahideen activists behind the attack.

Meanwhile, in search operations troops recovered a Pika gun alongwith a large quantity of its ammunition from village Badoon in Darhal area under the jurisdiction of Thanna Mandi brigade. The gun was recovered on a tip off by local people.

It may be recalled that militants had used Pika gun in ambush on a police matador in which 14 cops and two Medical Assistants were killed and nine others were seriously injured.

Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, 230 rounds, one Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), eight UBGL grenades, 50 Pika ammunition, one binocular and some ammunition. Recovery was made during a search operation at village Pokhar on the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district overnight.

After recovery, army jawans carried out searches for the militants but they remained untraced.

Cong splits in WB

KOLKATA, Mar 4: The Congress in West Bengal today split with eight party MLAs and three AICC members crossing over to Trinamool Congress, whose chief Mamata Banerjee upped the stakes in her battle against ruling CPI (M) in coming assembly elections in the State by declaring it was a "now-or-never" fight.

Announcing their decision to quit the party at a "Congress unity convention" at the packed University Institute hall, the pro-Mahajot Congress MLAs led by WBPCC vice president Saugata Roy, said they were compelled to sever ties with their 116-year old party as it was "impossible" to fight the Marxists by remaining within.

Commenting on the desertion, WBPCC president Pranab Mukherjee, however said "it was expected and there was nothing new in it".

Alleging that the Congress leadership was ‘hand-in-glove’ with the CPI-M, the pro-Mahajot leaders who had favoured an electoral pact with Trinamool to oust the LF from power, said the Congress high command and the Pradesh leadership had rejected the demand of the ‘people and party workers’ for a one-to-one fight against the Leftists on the ‘pretext’ of BJP’s alliance with Trinamool.

Besides Roy, the MLAs who left the Congress were Tapas Roy, Paresh Pal, Tarak Banerjee, Sital sardar, Devi Shankar Panda, Anupam sen and Shibdas Mukherjee.

Amidst slogan-shouting by Congress workers, the firebrand Trinamool Congress chief made a dramatic entry into the meeting venue, and said it would do what Congress could not all these years. "Hoi Ebar Noi Never" (either this time, or never). (PTI)

350 cops promoted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 4: Additional Director General of J&K Armed Police, Mr Gopal Sharma has promoted 350 constables to the rank of Sg Constables.

The orders to this effect were issued by Armed Police Headquarters yesterday.

It may be recalled here that 55 Sub Inspectors, 61 Assistant Sub Inspectors, 491 Head Constables and 535 Sg Constables have already been promoted in J&K Armed Police during the past three months.

Grenades seized in Basohli

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 4: Police today recovered two live grenades from village Marta in Nagrota area of Basohli, where militants had ambushed a police matador the other day killing two cops and wounding five others.

Grenades were recovered during a search operation launched by police under the supervision of SDPO Basohli Devinder Sharma.

Recovery of grenades has also given police some clues about militants movement, police sources said.

Indian pilgrims safe: Farooq

NEW DELHI, Mar 4 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said tonight over one lakh Haj pilgrims from India were safe.

Abdullah, who heads the 15-member Indian Haj goodwill delegation, told PTI over phone from Muzdalifa, Saudi Arabia, that all pilgrims were safe and moving to collect pebbles which would be thrown at ‘Shaitan’ as part of ceremony in Haj pilgrimage.

He said that after an overnight stay at the Arafat Maidan the pilgrims were moving safely towards Muzdalifa.

Asked about the welfare of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said, "they are all safe and comfortable and are praying for return of peace and prosperity in the State."

The Chief Minister said Haj Committee and the Saudi Arabian Government had made elaborate arrangements for Haj pilgrims. (PTI)

Ultra killed, arms haul in Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 3: Army gunned down a hardcore militant in a fierce encounter at Gajot in Bhaderwah and recovered a large consignment of arms and explosives in general area of Gandoh in two separate incidents across Doda district.

A Defence spokesman said an army column was attacked by militants south of Gajot village at 0400 hours today. The army column was on a routine night patrolling in the village. Troops were ambushed by the ultras and fired upon forcing them to retaliate.

In the exchange of firing that followed, troops eliminated one militant while his associates fled away to a jungle. No casualty was reported on army side in the exchange of firing, which lasted about one hour.

From the scene of encounter, army jawans recovered a self loading rifle, a Chinese grenades, two magazines and one Yeasu radio set. Body of the slain ultra has been recovered but not identified so far. It was believed to be that of a foreign mercenary.

Meanwhile, another column of army busted a major cache in general area of Gandoh this morning. A hideout of the militants, erected under ground was unearthed and destroyed. The hideout measuring 20 ft X 10 feet had wooden paneling all around behind which arms and ammunition had been hidden by the militants.

Recoveries made from the hideout included five AK magazines, 60 rounds, one Tarpaulin, six blankets, two jackets, 200 kg ration, plastic pipes, explosives and personal belongings of the militants.

According to spokesman, a tip off about the hideout was given by local people.

In Rajouri, troops thwarted an infiltration attempt on the Line of Control (LoC) in Pokhra area of Nowshera tehsil last night.

Noticing suspicious movement and sound of an explosion, army soldiers became alert and opened heavy firing, the spokesman said and added that infiltrators fled back to Pakistan after army firing.

Army personnel recovered four hand grenades, a Yeasu radio set, two pouches, six magazines, 176 rounds and Rs 1000 Indian currency during a routine search in Thanna Mandi area of Rajouri this evening.

Civilians’ ears chopped off

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Mar 3: Militants chopped off the ears of two civilians at village Narala under the jurisdiction of Dharamshal police station here last night.

Police said three militants entered into the houses of Sita Ram and Mori Ram and chopped off the ears of both of them with sharp-edged weapons.

While fleeing, the militants snatched gun from a civilian Bodh Raj and fled away.

Youth involved in firing on DC Excise held

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 3: Police today arrested a youth involved in firing on Deputy Commissioner Excise, Lakhanpur S M Rizvi in his office chamber at Lakhanpur. Accused has been identified as Arun Kumar son of Yog Raj, a resident of Lakhanpur.

SSP Kathua Manohar Singh said Arun Kumar, an Excise agent had fired two shots in the office chamber of Rizvi few days back in view of alleged delay in excise clearance of his vehicle. Rizvi had a narrow escape in the shoot-out.

Police said Arun Kumar, who happened to be son of an Excise Inspector Yog Raj, fled to Beas after the firing. A police party arrested accused from Sujanpur today.

Police also arrested a Baazigar Harbans Lal R/o Chak Nathal, Rajbagh for murdering his wife Indro Devi after a minor dispute. He was arrested from Beas.

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