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No compromise on territorial integrity, says Vajpayee KURUKSHETRA, Mar 6 : Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today ruled out any compromise on country’s territorial integrity declaring that if anyone questions it "we will be compelled to react". "We want peace and development. We don’t want anyone’s land. But we won’t give an inch of our land to anyone either," Vajpayee declared while addressing a mammoth public meeting here. Stressing that the country went nuclear "not for offence but for its defence", he said "if someone questions our sovereignty then we will be compelled to react." Referring to the significance of Kurukshetra, which witnessed a battle to re-establish the supremacy of "right" over "wrong", the Prime Minister said "we will take the message of peace from this place". Stating that the rulers were weak when the East India company had entered the country, he said the present coalition government was strong. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated a unique "Kurukshetra panorama and science centre" showcasing the epic battle of Mahabharata and also laid the foundation stone of Southern Parikrama of the Brahma Sarovar here. Hitting out at the opposition for blaming the Government for everything "including drought, flood and even surplus potato production", Vajpayee said "governments come and go. But there should be consensus on some issues. Development is one such issue. They (opposition) should rise above party lines on matters of national interest." Lamenting that the country was faced with acute shortage of power even after 50 years of Independence, he said this was because of "wrong policies" of the previous governments. Referring to opposition charge that multinational companies were enslaving the country, he said "it is absolutely wrong to say that mncs are buying and enslaving us. Our 100 crore population comprising hard working farmers and valiant soldiers can never be enslaved." About the ETO, Vajpayee said that while Government was committed to protecting the domestic industries and agriculture, "we also want to go alongwith the rest of the world." It was precisely for this reason that the Government has imposed heavy duty on agricultural imports "so that it is more expensive than the domestic produce," he said. Stating that when the NDA coalition came to power there was a lurk of suspicion, Vajpayee said the Government became stable and the country’s image improved globally. In the Information Technology the country was in a position to lead the world, he added. The Prime Minister said that the country after attaining self-sufficiency in foodgrains was faced with the problem of its storage. He exhorted the farmers to construct cold storage and godowns for the preservation of foodgrains for which provisions had been in the union budget. He said more than 10 lakh Kisan credit cards had been given to farmers which would enable peasants to avail the insurance cover and credit. More farmers should make use of this facility, he said. The Prime Minister also suggested a meeting of Chief Ministers of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab to formulate policies on "common problems" faced by these states including the contentious issue of water sharing.(PTI) |
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Thousands offer Eid prayers in Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 6: Id-ul Zuha was celebrated throughout Kashmir region with traditional gaiety and fervor today. Although the people, especially youth were seen celebrating the festival by visiting famous Mughal Gardens and bursting the crackers, yet the overall enthusiasm attached with the festival was subdued this year due to the prevailing conditions in the Valley. Nevertheless, it was by and large an incident free Id-celebrations in Srinagar. The main Id function was held at historic Hazratbal shrine here, where about 45,000 Muslims offered their Id prayers. Works Minister, Ali Mohd Sagar also offered his Id prayers at Hazratbal. The second biggest Id congregation was held at Jamia Mosque in Srinagar, where senior Hurriyat leader and President of Anjuman-e-Nusrat-ul-Islam, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq joined 25,000 people to offer special Id prayers. on the occasion, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq threw light on the importance of the day. Senior Hurriyat Conference leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani offered his Id prayers at Jamia Masjid Sopore, where 20,000 other Muslim brethren joined him at Id prayers. About 15,000 people offered their Id prayers at Pulwama where Minister Incharge Food and Supplies, B A Nengroo also offered prayers. At Khankah-e-Moulla Srinagar, 20,000 people offered Id prayers. Democratic Freedom Party president, Shabir Shah offered his Id prayers at Anantnag. The devout Shia Muslims offered Id prayers at various Imambaras in Kashmir valley at Bemina, Hassanabad, Zadibal, Magam and Kamal Kot, Uri. Id prayers were also offered at Syed Sahib at Sonawar by 15,000 Muslim brethren. |
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Militants strike in
Talwara Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Mar 6: Troops repulsed another ‘fidayeen’ attack on their camp—second during the last two days—and gunned down both ‘fidayeen’ of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit at Bhatadurian in Jharan Wali Gali (JWG) area in this district in the wee hours of today morning. Meanwhile, expanding their area of operation, the militants last night struck in Talwara attacking an army post with rocket launchers causing injuries to three jawans. Defence sources said two militants of LeT’s suicide squad tried to barge into an army camp of 20 Sikh (33 Brigade) in Jharan Wali Gali area at 0130 hours today in an apparent attempt to inflict casualties on troops. However, alert army soldiers retaliated immediately after spotting the two ‘fidayeen’. In about five minutes exchange of firing, troops eliminated both the suicide squads instantly without suffering any casualty on their side. In the morning, bodies of two fidayeen were recovered from the scene of encounter and identified (with the help of identity cards recovered from their possession) as Abu Usma and Abu Ujaid, both Pakistanis and activists of Lashkar outfit. From their possession, army recovered two AK-56 rifles, five magazines, 153 rounds and eight hand grenades. "The miscontrued idea of leaving a mark on the eve of Eid has sadly resulted in the death of ‘fidayeen’ with nobody to mourn for them", a Defence spokesman commented. Only yesterday, troops had thwarted a similar attack by two ‘fidayeen’ at their camp in Seri Khawaja area of Surankote killing one of the suicide squad and critically wounding another. An army jawan had also lost his life in the encounter while eight others were injured. Meanwhile, an army post came under militants’ attack in Talwara area of Reasi tehsil in Udhampur district overnight. The post was attacked with three rockets and subsequently by heavy firing. Army soldiers from the post took positions and fired back. Three army jawans were injured in the attack. In retaliatory firing brought down by army in an effective manner, all militants fled from the spot leaving behind some ammunition and explosives, which have been seized. Troops cordoned off the area in the morning and launched a massive combing operation to track down the ultras, numbering between five to six. Operation was on when the reports last came in but ultras remained untraced. This was the first ever strike by militants in Talwara area which house NHPC oil depot, AMC, CISF, Police Tech headquarters and Police Training College. Security arrangements were being intensified in the area. |
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RK scamsters being declared as proclaimed offenders Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: Following mounting public pressure, the Crime Branch have initiated legal process to declare four partners of a fraud Aar Kay Finance Company as proclaimed offenders, which will help in issuing an arrest warrant against them nation-wide and legally seizing their property in all places in the country. Aar Kay partners, accused of cheating consumers worth several crores of rupees across the State, will be initially declared as absconders and if they don’t surrender or are arrested even after that, they will be got declared from the Court as proclaimed offenders, IGP Crime and Railways Masood Chowdhary, who was personally supervising the investigations, told EXCELSIOR today. Chowdhary said so far the Crime Branch sleuths have detected and seized property of scamsters to the tune of Rs 2.50 crore while the complaints of investments have come to the tune of Rs six crore by 210 investors. Most of the investors either didn’t come forward to register their complaints or do it for a very small amount and not the exact one, which they had deposited in the Company. Investigations in the multi-crore scam have reached a ‘crucial stage’ with Crime Branch getting some very ‘vital clues’ about the Finance Company partners including Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Ravinder Kumar, Romesh Kundal and Neeraj Samnotra. Reliable sources in the Crime Branch said they had reports that accused had recently established contact with some influential investors of the Company and struck a deal with them on refunding of their amount. On its part, the special cell of Crime Branch, which had been set up to investigate the cases of finance companies, was carrying out raids at different places in and outside the State to catch hold of most wanted accused. "We have identified a couple of states where the scamsters could be hiding. Crime Branch sleuths have been deputed in the State to keep a vigil on accused and ensure their arrest", the sources said, adding that one Intelligence agency had recently given a report that accused had managed to reach abroad on fake passports. However, they hastened to add that this report couldn’t be authenticated. Declaration of four partners as proclaimed offenders will go a long way in tracing accused as it will help in pasting photographs of the accused at all prominent places like railway stations, airports and bus stands across the country, the sources said. As of now, a total of 25 business concerns of Finance Company partners have been sealed by Crime Branch teams. However, during search of business establishments, no important document could be recovered as they appeared to have been taken away by the accused while fleeing from the State. "This indicates that all four partners of the finance company had duped the investors in a well planned manner. They had also taken their time while finally deserting the State which was evident from the fact that all important documents were missing from their business concerns", the sources said. |
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SPECIAL REPORT From B L Kak SOMEWHERE ON INDO-PAK BORDER: Members of an Indian field intelligence unit (FIU) have informed the Army Headquarters and the BSF’s top brass about the "possibility of a fresh flare-up" on some points along the International Border in Jammu region in the coming days. The FIU is said to have gathered evidence suggesting the involvement of a section of the Pakistani Army in the task of re-energising the paramilitary Rangers for the past 15 days across Ranbir Singh Pora and Samba sectors of Jammu region. What is termed as "highly sensational" by the FIU is the Pak Rangers’ plan to target at least half a dozen strategic Indian posts in these two sectors. Pak soldiers, according to intelligence inputs, have of late become "more eager than before" to grab, SH Way post, to begin with. This post, manned by the Border Security Force, is strategically important. In the past, several attempts were made by Pakistanis to grab this post, located about 700 meters from the ‘defence bandh’ already constructed by Pakistanis close to the border. And Pakistanis, in spite of the effective Indian defence system in the region, have not abandoned their plan to destroy, if not capture, five other strategic Indian posts, including Pir Baba and Chakbala. Indian Field Intelligence units, EXCELSIOR has been informed officially, attach much significance to the recent concentration of Pak forces in and around seven border pickets across Ranbir Singh Pora, namely, Hut, Anula, Salim, Jhugi, Harbal, Haranwali and Salhi. Equally significant is the fresh supply of 12.7 assault equipment by the Pak Army to various posts on the Pakistani side of the International Border. The Indian FIUs have also reported concentration of Pakistan troops at several places, particularly Zaffarabad post of Pakistani Rangers. This post is situated about 300 meters from India’s SH Way post. The Zaffarabad post, too, has been equipped with 12.7 assault guns, imported by Pakistan from some arms mandis in European countries. The effective range of 12.7 assault equipment is about 2,000 meters. An Indian defence analyst said that while 2000 militants were presently being trained by Pakistan, around 2000 to 2,500 awaited to infiltrate into the Indian territory from various places adjacent to Kanzalwan, Machhal, Keran, Tangdhar, Lippa Valley, Uri and Gulmarg. According to the analyst, almost an equal number of militants are awaiting to infiltrate into Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region. J&K-bound infiltrators undergo a basic and motivational training for three to four months. They are taught to handle and fire weapons besides the basic tactics of ambush and raid. Pakistani attempts to push into the Indian territory infiltrators via the borders of Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat continue. In the course of an informal chat with a couple of Indian officials in a border area, EXCELSIOR was also told that while porters received Rs 10,000 to carry an ammunition box, guides who helped militants or jihadis infiltrate into the Indian territory received an amount of Rs 60,000 for helping 15 to 20 terrorists. The Pakistani Army, it was pointed out on the basis of oral and documentary evidence, was "openly" involved in training, aiding and abetting terrorists. Pakistani formations have already taken direct control of tactical training of terrorists and also there has been a big increase in hostile propaganda. According to some captured intruders, militants of Afghan, Sudanese, Yemen and Chechenyian origin, apart from undergoing training in their respective countries, also undergo training in Pakistan. They are imparted advanced training in commanding terrorist groups. They specialise in language, urban warfare, sabotage and assassination. Women and children are also being used as couriers. Communication training is also given to selected personnel. Motivational training includes religious fundamentalism coupled with anti-India rhetoric. The militants armed with pistols fitted with silencers are under orders to target security personnel moving alone. |
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Jihadi groups termed
as criminals LONDON, Mar 6: Describing Jehad groups as "criminals", an international conference on terrorism in Asia has asked moderate secular voices in the Islamic world to condemn those who kill innocent civilians in the name of god and said Pakistan should stop supporting such "criminal groups" as well as the Taliban militia in Afghanistan. The conference was attended by over 140 guests comprising diplomats from all the major embassies in London, leading academicians, Government officials and businessmen, M H Gohel, Chief Executive of Asia Pacific Foundation (APF) and convener of the conference, said today. A senior fellow of a Washington think-tank, Selig Harrison, blamed Pakistan for sponsoring terrorist activity in Kashmir. Another Pakistani writer with the far eastern economic review, Ahmed Rashid, held Islamabad responsible of supporting the Taliban and for much of the terrorist activity in central and south Asia, as well as China. The conference, held in the wake of the enactment of a new terrorism law in the UK and the publication of a list of proscribed terrorist groups, marked the launch of the newly-formed foundation. In a press release, Gohel said four major thoughts emerged from the conference. Firstly, it was felt that demonising any religion would not solve the issue. Secondly, those who kill unarmed civilians are criminals in the eyes of the law. Thirdly, it must be recognised that there is a need for the moderate and secular voices to stand up and make sure they are heard. And finally, there has to be an international response to this global problem. Assistant Commissioner of the Scotland Yard (in-charge of counter terrorism), David Veness, said the intention of the new legislation on terrorism was to prevent groups from either recruiting personnel or raising funds in the UK for terrorist activities abroad. Rashid said Taliban could not survive without the support of Islamabad, and this Islamic militia was responsible for the training of myriad Jehadi groups which then practised their art in Kashmir, central Asia, and provinces of China. He emphasised that a Sunni creed of Jehadis has been created who had their origins in Pakistan, and blamed them for massacres including those of Shia Muslims. He warned that Pakistan was in danger of international isolation, and blamed the Islamic world for not reacting strongly to these developments. US-based South Asia expert, Selig Harrison, sought an international response to the new developments. He claimed the agenda of Pak-supported Jehadi groups was to create an Islamic caliphate stretching across central and South Asia. Kipper, meanwhile, urged moderate voices in Islam to speak up. "Where are the moderate secular voices of Islam? why do they not stand up?" (PTI) |
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Lashkar militant arrested Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 6: A former Hizbul Mujahideen militant was among three persons killed while a militant of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toibe outfit was arrested in the Kashmir valley during the past 24 hours. A 19-year-old boy was shot dead by unidentified militants at Qazibagh in Anantnag district of south Kashmir this afternoon, an official spokesman said. The teen-ager, who was a class-12 student, has been identified as Zahid Ahmad Butt, S/o Ghulam Mohd Butt of Janglat Mandi Anantnag. He said militants opened fire on a former Hizbul Mujahideen militant, Mushtaq Ahmad Dar,alias Anwar of Adigam, at Nihama in Kulgam area of Anantnag last evening, killing him instantly and wounding three others. The injured were rushed to hospital where one of them, Ghulam Mohammed Mir,S/o Sabir Mir of Larkipora Kulgam died, he said. However, reports reaching here from Kulgam said Mir was killed and two others were wounded when security forces opened fire after militants shot dead the former Hizb militant. The spokesman said militants shot at and critically wounded two special police officers, Mohammed Yousuf Wani and Ghulam Mohammed alias Shahnawaz, at Nilo-Kulgam in Anantnag and Palhallan-Pattan in Baramulla this afternoon. Both the injured policeman, attached with the special operations group of local police posted at Gangran-Shopian in south Kashmir and Palhallan-Pattan in north Kashmir, were shifted to hospital, the spokesman said, adding they were attacked when they were returning to their homes after offering Id-prayers. Meanwhile, police captured a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant along with four grenades and some ammunition from Watnar in Ganderbal area on the outskirts of Srinagar last night, the spokesman said. His identity has not been disclosed, the sources said, adding that, he was, however, being interrogated. |
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Terrorism must be dealt with an iron hand: Justice Verma NEW DELHI, Mar 6: While combating terrorism, the security forces should act within the parameters of the Indian Constitution, former Chief Justice of India and National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice J S Verma has said. Speaking at a debate competition on "there is no conflict between respect for human rights and combating terrorism" among personnel of the Central Police Organisations yesterday, he said terrorism must be fought with an iron hand but the security force personnel must ensure that they should not harass innocent civilians while carrying out their duties. He said,"human rights are not negotiable and the conduct of our soldiers should be regulated by the constitution and while fighting the menace of terrorism they should not only understand their duties but also pay enough importance to the resposibilities that their job involves." "Even media has a vital role to play in fighting the menace. Media should present facts in the right perspective and ensure that the reporting is correct and transparent. Just as it is the job of the media to spread information, it should also ensure that there is no disinformation and whatever is being disseminated is true. At the competition, organised by the National Security Guard under the aegis of National Human Rights Commission, participants debated on whether security forces should consider the human rights of militants while combating terrorism or should they consider militants as only militants without paying any regard to their human rights. Those who spoke in favour of the motion said fighting terrorism and terrorists were two totally different things, and the security forces, while combating the menace of terrorism, should not neglect the human rights of the militants. They should not forget that the militants are human too, but they are only a misguided lot, and given a chance they could be merged in the national stream. According to them, an eye for an eye and a bullet for a bullet is not the right solution to combating terrorism. But those who spoke against the motion held a different view and said a soldier should not feel constrained in any manner while fighting terrorism. He simply cannot be blindfolded and handcuffed by this chain of human rights as those who formulate such rights are not aware of the ground realities. According to them, as terrorism is spreading its tentacles in our country, the integrity of the country should be given paramount importance and not the human rights of a terrorist. They were of the view that as soon as a person takes law into his hands he transcends the boundaries of human rights and must be dealt with an iron hand. But at the same time, they also said security force personnel should not be trigger-happy and must ensure that while carrying out their duties they do not torture any innocent. Justice Sujata V Manohar, a member of the NHRC, Nikhil Kumar, Director General NSG, Y N Srivastava, DG NHRC and Prabhu Chawla, Editor India Today, were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. The debate competition was won by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Babli Khanam of CRPF bagged the first prize in the Hindi section while Sandip Malik of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) won the first prize in the english section. The awards were given away by Justice Verma. (UNI) |
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DUBAI, Mar 6: A day after the stampede at Mina that claimed the lives of 36 Haj pilgrims, including two Indian women, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah met Saudi Haj Minister Iyad Madni and discussed with him the steps that could be taken to avoid such tragedies. Dr Abdullah, who is leading the Indian Haj goodwill delegation, appreciated the facilities extended by the Saudi authorities to the Indian Haj pilgrims. According to Consul General of India in Jeddah Syed Akbaruddin, Mr Madni explained to Dr Abdullah various arrangements made by the authorities for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. He was sorry about yesterday’s stampede despite all the managerial efforts. Mr Madni was of the view that there was need to educate the pilgrims that ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual could be performed throughout the day and not in the morning alone. (UNI) |
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Id celebrated with gaiety in Jammu region Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: Id-ul Zuha was celebrated throughout Jammu division with traditional gaiety and religious fervor today. The main function was held at Idgah Jammu where about 25,000 Muslims offered Id prayers. Speaker Legislative Assembly, many Cabinet Ministers besides Legislators were among the Namazis. Leaders from different political parties, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Janata Dal and prominent citizens were present at the venue to offer greetings to the Muslim brethren. The administration had made all arrangements for peaceful celebrations, which included drinking water supply, electricity, sanitation and security. At the mosques of Ustad Mohalla, Talab Khatikan, Pul Tawi, Rani Talab Digiana and at Kotli Shah Doula R S Pura, the day was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor. In Udhampur district, thousands of Muslims offered Id prayers . At Ramnagar, Reasi, Mahore, Arnas and Chenani, Id prayers were held and greetings exchanged. Reports of Id celebrations were also pouring in from Poonch, Doda, Rajouri and Kathua districts. |
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2 cops suspended for unauthorised movement Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 3: Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kashmir, K Rajinder Kumar has placed under suspension two Police constables for their unauthorised movement outside famous Shalimar Gardens here, where hundreds of people had come to celebrate Id festival today. Informed sources said that the DIG was on his visit to Nishat, Harvan and Shalimar Gardens to assess the security arrangements in these areas where people had gone to celebrate the Id, when he spotted two " youth" moving under suspicious circumstances while carrying two AK-47 rifles. The sources said that the cops accompanying Mr Rajinder immediately swung into action and managed to disarm both these " youth", who, however, turned to be two Police constables in civvies. They have been identified as Bansi Lal and Raj Kumar and posted with SOG Ganderbal. The sources said that the DIG took serious notice of their unauthorised presence in the area and that too while carrying the weapons. He ordered their immediate suspension. Both the constables have been attached with Police Division Nehru Park. The sources further said that ASI Mohd Shaffi, under whom both these cops come, has also been asked to explain as how did he allow them to visit Shalimar Gardens. |
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PORT BLAIR, Mar 6 : Lashing out at Pakistan for its "inadequate" response to India’s peace initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister L K Advani today accused it of continuing to aid and abet militant outfits like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. "Pakistan’s response to this initiative has been inadequate," Advani told a press conference here when asked whether there had been positive signals from across the border to New Delhi’s declaration of unilateral ceasefire in J and K which has now been extended. "The only response Pakistan has given is to stop firing across the border. But it has not stopped aiding and abetting militant outfits like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad which are based there," he said. Outlining government’s three-pronged strategy to counter militancy in the country, he said this involved giving a boost to developmental activities whether in the North-East, Jammu and Kashmir or anywhere else to prevent the youth from being weaned away from the mainstream, and towards militancy. Without naming Pakistan, he said another segment of the strategy was to mobilise international opinion against "a country which has been aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism, which is a crime not only against humanity but also against the civilised society." The Minister described as a "very serious matter" the demolition of Buddhist statues in Afghanistan by the ruling Taliban militia and said "no words can be too strong to condemn this attack." He said the entire world has been outraged by this "heinous crime". (PTI) |
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SPO arrested for assault on BJP leader Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: A Special Police Officer (SPO) was arrested by Bagh-e-Bahu police for assaulting senior BJP leader Chander Mohan Sharma outside historic Kali Mata temple in Bahu Fort area this afternoon. Police sources said the BJP leader had a tiff with cops over out of queue entry of some persons to the temple while others were waiting for a long time to have darshan of the Goddess. An SPO and a constable attacked Sharma with a stick causing him a deep wound on his head and arms. The incident created tension in the temple premises. The BJP leader was rushed to Medical College hospital immediately. A police party led by SHO Bagh-e-Bahu Rajinder Sharma rushed to the spot immediately and arrested SPO Jagdev Singh. A case has been registered against him and further investigations were being carried out. The BJP leader, however, said that a constable was also involved in the attack but he hadn’t been arrested. |
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