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ISLAMABAD, Mar 11: In a firm endorsement of India’s stand, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said that Lahore Declaration and not UN resolutions could pave the way for a solution to the Kashmir issue. "I call upon both India and Pakistan to retain the spirit of the Lahore declaration. This will require restraint, wisdom and constructive steps from both sides," Annan told newsmen at the Chaklala airbase on his arrival here on the first leg of his four-nation visit to South Asia last night. Answering a question on why the UN resolution on Kashmir could not be implemented on the lines of the resolution on East Timor, Annan said there were two types of UN resolutions. "The UN resolutions that come under chapter seven of the charter were self-enforcing like those related to East Timor and Iraq. The second type of resolutions which do not fall in the purview of chapter seven needed co-operation of the concerned parties for their implementation. "The UN resolutions on Kashmir do not fall in the category of chapter seven and hence required cooperation of the concerned parties for their implementation and in this case it is lacking," he said. Annan said that he expected the Kashmir issue to figure in his talks with the Pakistani leadership. "I expect Pakistan is going to raise the Kashmir issue. We would like to encourage progress in the relationship between these two countries - Pakistan and India," he said. On alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, Annan said the world body had a very active human rights commission based in Geneva, which regularly monitors human rights situation world over. On Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden issue, Annan said he had not brought any specific proposals in this respect. However, he would meet Afghan Foreign Minister Wakil Ahmed Muttawakil and "see what surprises he has for us". Referring to the humanitarian situation in war-torn Afghanistan as "tragic and desperate", Annan said he had called on Afghan donor nations to contribute generously for the humanitarian assistance. On the Taliban Government decision to smash ancient statues, he said, "there is enormous concern in the world regarding the decision to destroy the historic relics." The UN Chief will raise the question of holding general elections next year in Pakistan and restoring democracy during his discussions with Pakistan’s military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf. He also called upon both Pakistan and India to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as soon as possible. This is Annan’s first visit to Pakistan as UN Secretary General. He will leave tomorrow for a day-long visit to Kathmandu, where he is scheduled to meet the King, Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues before proceeding to Dhaka on Tuesday evening. He will spend three days in India from March 15 where he will meet President K R Narayanan, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh. (PTI) |
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Rather to present budget today Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar. 11:Finance Minister Mr Abdul Rahim Rather will present State Budget for 2001-2002 in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. Simultaneously, the Budget will be presented in the Legislative Council also. This will be his seventh budget, second during his present tenure as Finance Minister. Last year budget was presented by him in the State Legislature in March after taking over as Finance Minister of the State, for third time in mid-December 1999. Earlier, Mr Rather had held the portfolio of Finance in the State Cabinet from June 1983 to July 1984 and March 1987 to January 1990. There will be general discussion on the budget in both the Houses of the Legislature for three days each. The Finance Minister will reply to the discussions on 16th of March in the Legislative Assembly and on 17th March in Legislative Council. |
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135 villages in Valley
identified to provide By Gopal Sharma JAMMU, March 11: Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and senior BJP leader, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that 135 villages have been identified to provide security cover to the Sikh families residing in Kashmir. In an interview with Excelsior, the senior BJP leader who is also representing Udhampur—Doda Lok Sabha constituency expressed that the security was reviewed at a high level meeting by Union Home Minister L K Advani and Defence Minister George Fernandes last week. The meeting discussed measures to provide security cover to the members of minority community. It was decided to ensure special security cover to 135 villages. Military and Para-Military forces have been tasked to ensure security to these minorities. Not only this, various confidence building measures have been adopted and Government has promised jobs to the youth of the minority community and allied facilities. Additional security pickets have been set up and it is hoped that migration will be prevented by adopting such confidence building measures. He claimed that most of the Sikhs were not in favour of this exodus from Valley. Responding to a question the Union Minister said that Hurriyat had no bonafides. They infact, do not represent the people of Ladakh, Jammu and not even Kashmir in totality." If they want to go to Pakistan, let them go with their own agenda. But it should be very clear to all that they can not mediate with Pakistan on behalf of Indian Government over Kashmir issue", he asserted. A division has surfaced in the Hurriyat camp and it seems that personal interests of Hurriyat leaders are coming in the way of peace efforts. Not only in Hurriyat but in the Hizbul leadership (local and foreign) in J&K, differences have been crept. These people have to prove their credentials as they do not enjoy the public support. Prof Gupta while defending Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s ceasefire extension, expressed that a very bold and wise decision has been taken by Mr Vajpayee. The efforts were being initiated for the last fifty years to resolve this vexed issue but no sincere thought was given to it by heads of past Governments at the Centre. "At least somebody had to take this challenge and Mr Vajpayee is not wrong in showing some courage, " he added. In response to a question, the Union minister said that the incidents of killings were not new in this State in last 11 years of militancy. The major incidents of massacres at Prankot in Mahore, Swari in Rajouri, Sarthal and Chapnari in Doda occurred much before the cease-fire announcement by Prime Minister. After the Lahore bus Yatra and Kargil misadventure, Pakistan stands exposed before the world. Several countries have realised the fact that Pak was aiding terrorism in the region. But this all is not to security win on account of diplomacy or to remain in good books of other countries. It is sincere effort on the part of NDA Government to resolve this prolonged issue. Referring to the role of Pak Army ruler and his poor response after peace initiative by India, Prof Gupta alleged that Gen Musharraf was a prisoner in the hands of ISI and the situation prevailing in Pak. He can not think freely and take decision at his will. It seems that he is a puppet in the hands of ISI and was under tremendous pressure from the leaders of militant organisations. Commenting on the two-day seminar being organised by former J&K Chief Minister G M Shah on Kashmir solution at Jammu on March 16 and 17 in which various top leaders from Pakistan, PoK and Gilgit have been invited, Prof Gupta said it is totally futile exercise. He wondered how a man who was a Chief Minister and took oath of the Constitution is now changing stance and considering Kashmir a disputed territory. Responding to another question on fear of mass migration of Sikhs from Kashmir after Mehjoor Nagar and Chhatisinghpora incident, the Union Minister said that confidence building measures were discussed at a high level meeting which was attended by Home Minister Mr L K Advani and Defence Minister George Fernandes. The meeting reviewed various security measures for members of minority communities in Valley and identified 135 villages where elaborate security arrangements were ensured. The Army and para-military forces have been tasked to provide security cover to the Sikhs and a few Pandit families residing on Valley. The Minister claimed that Sikhs of Kashmir are not in favour of migration. They are determine to face the challenge posed by some anti-national elements in Kashmir. Replying to yet another question Prof Gupta said that there was no contradiction between the pro-active approach of Home Minister Mr Advani and the peace initiative of Mr Vajpayee. Both the policies have their own relevance. The pro-active approach have prevented some major incidents to occur. The ceasefire do not mean that militants will be allowed to attack and our soldiers will remain inactive. Any such attempt of militants will be thwarted effectively. The peace initiative is for resolving the fifty year old most vexed Kashmir problem, he maintained. Commenting on the security arrangements at various airports, the Union minister said that he personally visited several airports in the country and suggested security measures.The security has been improved up to the satisfaction of a common observer and the alertness of securitymen has been proved with the killing of all the six Fidayeens at Srinagar airport recently. Despite this, all the airports in the country are hyper-sensitive and a strict check is being maintained round the clock at such places. In response to yet another question Prof Gupta said that proposal to declare Srinagar airport as an International Airport has been submitted to the Union Cabinet. But it awaits a clearance from the Home Ministry as well as the Defence Ministry. As soon as the proposal is okayed, Srinagar will have International Airport. |
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Two held for SHO’s
killing Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 11: An activist of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and an alleged informer of security forces were killed and a woman seriously injured as militants made an abortive attempt on the life of a counter-insurgent turned politician in Kashmir today where eight persons including two militants were killed. Militants also set ablaze two houses and bombed another house, while police repulsed a militant attack on their picket established for the protection of minority community in the Valley during the period. In a gruesome attack, unidentified gunmen shot dead a PDP activist and caused serious burn injuries to his sister in Pulwama district of south Kashmir late last night. The gunmen whose number was not known immediately forced their entry into the house of PDP activist Mohammad Yousuf Lone alias "Shabnam" at Kulpora late last night. Sensing trouble, his sister Sara Begum asked her brother to escape on noticing the gunmen. The gunmen immediately fired indiscriminately on Lone, killing him on-the-spot. They also poured kerosene oil on his sister for asking her brother to escape and set her ablaze before making good their escape. Sara was rushed to hospital by the locals where her condition was stated to be "serious". Lone became the second victim who fell to the bullets of unidentified militants within four days. Earlier, gunmen shot dead PDP activist, Mohammad Jamaal Wagay at Hardinav in Shopian area of Pulwama district on March eight. In a fierce encounter, troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and SOG Baramulla killed a top militant at Nadihal, Rafiabad this evening. An army jawan Sepoy Tara Chand was also killed and another injured in the cross-firing. One rifle and six grenades were recovered from slain ultra. SOG Baramulla apprehended a dreaded militant Shaheen Ahmed Lone alias Colonel alias Abu Hamza from Delina Ghat. He handed over one rifle to police. Lone was an employee of PHE Department. He has confessed his involvement in two killings. Militants also killed an alleged informer of security forces, Abdul Rashid alias "Zalzalla Khan" at Shoolipora in Badgam district of central Kashmir last night. Militants lobbed a grenade inside the residential house of a counter-insurgent turned political, Mohammad Sidiq Parray at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag district last night. Parray, secretary of recently floated Awami Conference, a splinter group of counter-insurgent turned MLA Kukka Parray led Awami League, escaped unhurt as the device missed the intended target and exploded on the road smashing the window panes. A foreign militant, Abu Talha Hazarvi was killed when security forces fired back after being ambushed by militants during patrolling at Kasvari in Badgam district of central Kashmir today. An AK assault rifle, three magazines and some ammunition were recovered from the deceased militant. Militants shot dead two former Special Police Officers, Haroon Ahmad Dar and Abdul Latief Dar in their village at Arath in Beerwah area of Badgam district this afternoon. A counter-insurgent, Abdul Jabbar Sheikh who was seriously injured in a shoot-out between militants and security forces at Pattan in Baramulla district three days back succumbed to his injuries today. He said militants also set ablaze two houses including that of Abdul Rehman Sheikh, an alleged informer, at Hakladiv-Beerwah and blasted the house of a former militant of Al-Jehad, Mohammad Shafi Lone at Chadoora in Badgam district last night causing damage to the properties. Militants fired upon a minority picket at Kular in Beerwah last night. The police guards posted there for the protection of minority community fired back and repulsed the militant attack. Body of an unidentified person was picked up by police from Kalinar in Kupwara district today. Meanwhile, Special Operations Group (SOG) Srinagar today arrested two militants, who were involved in the killing of Inspector Ghulam Hassan Naz, SHO Ram Munshi Bagh police station. They have been identified as Gulzar Ahmed Lone son of Manzoor Ahmed Lone of Nowpora and Aijaz Ahmed Dar son of Bashir Ahmad Dar of Kohnakhan Nai Sarak, Dalgate. From the possession of arrested militants, SOG sleuths recovered two hand grenades, three detonators, one wireless set and some incriminating documents. Militants have also confessed their involvement in an IED blast on Boulevard road in December 1998 on the eve of a VVIP’s visit to Srinagar. |
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Declares Kashmir a
political issue SRINAGAR, Mar 11: Contrary to the views of former Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Jamaat-e-Islami has said the nature of the Kashmir issue was more political and human rather than religious and military. "The nature of the Kashmir issue is human and political — it is a human issue as both the majority and minority community are directly or indirectly getting affected by its continued non-resolution and both the communities are suffering economically also," a Jamaat-e-Islami spokesman said after the day-long meeting of its Executive Advisory Council `Majlis-e-Shoura’ yesterday. Similarly, he said the issue was political in nature as its military solution was not possible. "It is only through peaceful means like the exercise of the promised right of self-determination or, in the alternative, tripartite talks, that a lasting solution of the issue can be possible,""the spokesman said. The Jamaat had called the meeting of Majlis-e-Shoura to take stock of the "organisational matters and the prevailing situation in the Valley." Presided by Jamaat chief, G M Bhat, the meeting was attended by all the Shoura members, including its firebrand leader Geelani. While Geelani had taken a hardline stance and declared Kashmir as a religious issue where there was no room for secularism, other Hurriyat leaders and even the Jamaat chief had declared it as a political issue. The Shoura underscored the need for the Centre to give up its "traditional obduracy and fulfil its obligations without any further delay. Jamaat considers Hurriyat Conference as a representative forum of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said "we appeal to Hurriyat leaders to close their ranks and not to bicker over petty matters and avoid creating confusion ... And instead stand united against the machinations of enemy." The spokesman said Jamaat wants peace to be restored in Kashmir as it is a must for propagation of religion and imparting religious and moral teachings in the society. On the unilateral Ramzan ceasefire and its extension, he said Jamaat had initially welcomed the ceasefire after seeing in it a potential for starting a process for Kashmir solution. However, the Shoura regretted that even after the peace initiative, the Indian Government did not take any steps to start a political process for the just and amicable resolution of the Kashmir issue. As a result, the talk of peace proved to be a "farce," the spokesman said. Accusing Centre of deliberately delaying the Hurriyat visit to Pakistan, the spokesman said "New Delhi is adopting unseemly methods to hold back the passports to the leaders and this approach pointed to a malafide design behind the announcement of unilateral ceasefire which is to mislead the world community." (PTI) |
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Hurriyat charges
denied SRINAGAR, Mar 11: Invitees from Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have agreed to attend the two-day peace conference at Jammu from March 17 to find a workable and politically feasible solution to the Kashmir issue. Chairman of the organising committee Muzaffar Shah told a news conference here that the number of participants had increased from 399 to 752 as more and more Kashmiris living across the globe were interested in attending the conference being held for the first time after 1947. An invitation was also extended to the supreme commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salhu-ud-Din in Pakistan, Mr Shah said. However, there was still no response, he said and hoped that Mr Syed will respond positively. He said majority of the invitees had confirmed their participation and they had applied for visas and other travel documents. Refuting the allegations that the conference was being held with the blessings of the Indian Government to sabotage the All Party Hurriyat Conference’s peace initiative, Mr Shah said, "I deeply regret what the Hurriyat chairman and others are saying". The conference was postponed twice earlier because of Hurriyat’s proposed visit to Pakistan, Mr Shah said and denied that it was aimed at scuttling the Hurriyat’s possible parleys with the Government of India. On the participation of the Hurriyat leaders, he said besides a number of separatist leaders, all the seven Hurriyat executive members were among the invitees. But, he said, the conglomerate has decided not to participate in the conference."The loss is totally theirs if they would not participate." Referring to the Hurriyat Conference’s proposed peace talks, he said the conglomerate had completely failed in their efforts to suggest or identify an acceptable solution to the Kashmir issue. When asked if the travel documents were not issued to the invitees from other countries and PoK, Mr Shah said the top leadership of Awami National Conference will meet and then decide the further course of action. However, he was confident that Indian and Pakistani Governments will allow all the interested parties to travel to Jammu. Member of the organising committee former Chief Minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah has written to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan military ruler General Parvez Musharraf seeking their cooperation to make the conference a success. "We have sought their cooperation and help to make this conference a success so that people belonging to Jammu and Kashmir could meet and discuss the 53-year vexed issue in an open atmosphere," Mr Shah said. Mr Shah said 25 invitees, including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Aman Ullah Khan from Pakistan and PoK have already applied for visas. He strongly denied allegations by Hurriyat Conference that the proposed two-day all party conference was a Government-sponsored one. "The only purpose of holding this conference is to provide a broad-based forum for reassertion of power of dialogue and facilitate interaction between political leaders, protagonists of the armed struggle, social activists, intellectuals, technocrats and eminent citizens from both sides of line of control", Muzaffar Shah, said. Deeply regretting the comment of Hurriyat chairman Abdul Ghani Bhatt, Shah said the conference was just a humble exercise to provide a platform for pro-Pakistan, pro-India and pro-independence parties. He said Pakistan-based supreme commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salahuddin was among the 752 invitees to the conference but had not yet confirmed his participation. Asked whether he will go ahead with the conference in the event of the Governments of India and Pakistan refusing permission to the invitees to attend, he said the party high command will discuss the matter and decide. However, he said as of now "positive" signals had been received from both New Delhi and Islamabad regarding the holding of the conference. (Agencies) |
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Cop shot at by SPO Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Troops gunned down another militant at village Morha Kha in Dudasan area under the jurisdiction of Thanna Mandi police station in Rajouri this morning while a Special Police Officer (SPO) shot at and critically wounded a constable in Dul Hasti area of Doda district. Official sources said troops were hunting for a couple of militants, who managed to escape during Friday’s encounter at Udarian, Dudasan in which three militants and three army jawans were killed. One of the absconding militant was spotted by troops at Morha Kha this morning and was asked to surrender. The lone ultra, when trapped, opened firing on army soldiers and tried to escape. Troops fired back and gunned down the militant, whose identity couldn’t be established immediately but he was suspected to be a foreign mercenary. One AK rifle and some ammunition was recovered from the possession of militant, who was stated to be an activist of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. With the killing of one more militant, death toll in Dudasan encounter has gone upto seven—four militants and three jawans. Army continued searches in adjoining villages of Dudasan to track down the other militants. Thanna Mandi police parties led by SHO Dharminder Singh Katoch were also assisting army in the operation. Meanwhile, one SPO Karan Singh, posted in a police post at Dul Hasti in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda district, shot at a police constable Dimple Singh in his post with a service weapon. The injured constable was rushed to sub district hospital in Kishtwar where his condition was stated to be stable. Police have arrested erring SPO and registered a case against him. Reason behind the shoot-out couldn’t be ascertained immediately. |
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SRINAGAR, Mar 11: The Hurriyat Conference today reacted sharply to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s remarks on the resolution of the Kashmir issue, accusing the world body of being "biased" and "shirking its commitments" to the Kashmiris. While Hurriyat chairman Abdul Ghani Bhat refused to comment on the statement, saying it would be discussed at tomorrow’s executive committee meeting, two senior leaders of the separatist conglomerate said the UN could not escape its responsibility in solving the 53-year-old issue. "It is the moral obligation of the UN to resolve the longstanding problem and use its influence to force the solution of the problem between the two concerned countries," former Hurriyat chairman and executive committee member Syed Ali Shah Geelani told PTI reacting to Annan’s statement ruling out implementation of the UN resolution on Kashmir. "If he (Annan) has said like that it is not appreciable and it would not be wrong to say then that the UN is inactive and biased," said Geelani, who was earlier today placed under house arrest by police to foil his plan to visit Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar and stage a demonstration against alleged excesses by the security forces in the area. "How can they escape from the responsibility," he questioned and said the UN has a role in bringing peace in the world. Another Hurriyat executive committee member and former chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said "such statements give a hint that the UN is shirking its commitments made to Kashmiris." Annan, who began his South Asia visit yesterday, ruled out in Pakistan implementation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir or a separate UN Human Rights Commission for Kashmir, saying a lasting solution to the issue lay in implementation of the Lahore Declaration. Bhat said the Hurriyat is meeting tomorrow and Annan’s statement would be discussed there "to see its intentsions". Stating that the Hurriyat was not averse to bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, Mirwaiz Farooq said the earlier pacts had however failed to achieve any breakthrough so far. Accusing India of delaying the resolution of the Kashmir issue for the last 53 years, Geelani said if the UN required cooperation of the concerned parties, "then it has the moral obligation to take stern action against the country trying to delay the resolution of the problem which lies with the UN". Reacting to Annan’s remark ruling out a separate UN Human Rights Commission for Kashmir, the Jammat-e-Islami leader said "the human rights situation in the Valley is very grim and the situation demands separate UN Human Rights Commission for Kashmir". (PTI) |
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From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Mar 11: In a significant turn of events, China has warned Pakistan to stop support to Muslim militancy in the Chinese province of Xinjiang, formerly known as Sinkiang. The warning, according to highly-placed diplomatic sources, has been necessitated by the "involvement" of some Islamic fundamentalist groups, based in Pakistan, in attempts to aid and abet Muslim militants in the highly sensitive province of Xinjiang. The Sino-Pak collaboration in defence and other areas is universally known. However, Beijing has conveyed to Islamabad that China’s "unconditional" support to Pakistan on Kashmir dispute can undergo a change if sections of Muslim fundamentalists in Pakistan were not prevented from extending their support to Muslim militancy in the Xinjiang province. China, of course, is a powerful country enjoying a massive military power and potency. Yet, it is, one can say without any fear of contradiction, concerned at the growing Muslim militancy in Xinjiang province. Naturally, therefore, all the more reason for a message emanating from Beijing, which warns that mutually beneficial and cordial exchange of technical expertise between China and Pakistan can be affected if Islamic extremists based in Pakistan and Afghanistan continued overt and covert support to Muslim militancy in the Xinjiang province. Pakistan’s military Government, diplomatic sources have gathered, has also been warned that Chinese authorities cannot be expected to be lenient towards "provocative" activities of certain Pakistani nationals close to the Xinjiang frontier. Beijing’s message to Islamabad has made it plain that China’s support to Pakistan on Kashmir will remain unaffected only if the Pakistan Government fully ensured that dissidents in the Xinjiang province would not receive any form of support from anyone in Pakistan. Islamabad cannot afford to incur Beijing’s displeasure, particularly at a time when China has been found to be an active supporter of Pakistan, cooperating in the provision and development of weapons. Even the known foreign publication, Jane’s Intelligence Review, has hinted at the possibility of a change in the prevailing relationship between Beijing and Islamabad in the event of Pakistan-based Islamic extremists getting involved in support of Muslim militancy in Xinjiang province. One thing, which has resulted in a re-assuring effect among the rulers in Islamabad, relates to Beijing’s assurance that China would continue to uphold its defence collaboration with Pakistan. At the same time, Pakistan’s military ruler, Gen Parvez Musharraf, has been reported to have called for an increased domestic production of spare parts and ammunition. And he has justified his Army’s heavy reliance on obtaining Chinese tanks. Pakistan military leadership has approved a plan seeking fresh supplies of Chinese tanks, including the Norinco Type 85, of which more than 400 are in service. Pakistan’s Defence Ministry has already been energised to ensure the supply from Ukraine of over 300 T-80 UD tanks. The introduction of newer and rebuilt tanks by Pakistan military leaders has taken pressure off the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, which was having difficulty maintaining older equipment for front-line use. Norinco Type 85 and T-80 UD tanks reportedly form the major part of strike forces. There are reports that technology from the United Kingdom, Sweden and Belgium has resulted in improvement in advanced tank and artillery ammunition, which is produced in increasing quantities by Pakistan ordnance factories for domestic use and growing exports. While Pakistan has on the one hand started negotiations with the British Government for continuing the defence cooperation with Islamabad, Gen Musharraf has, on the other hand, called for prompt and effective measures for the implementation of the programme of production of Khalid MBT (Main Battle Tank). |
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JeM turning to students for new cadres ISLAMABAD, Mar 11: With not many youth coming forward to join militant outfits, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leaders have started approaching innocent school students asking them to take up arms training camps during ensuing summer vacations. Media reports here say that JeM activists floated by Masood Azhar, who was freed in exchange of passengers and crew of Indian Airlines plane in Kandahar, were visiting Government schools asking students to join military training camps in Manshera district of NorthWest Frontier Province. A report in "Dawn" quoted a school principal in Rawalpindi district as saying the JeM activists "don’t even ask for permission" before addressing the student assembly to exhort them to join the camps. It quoted a trainee in a camp, situated in Jaba village in Manshera, as saying that four kinds of military courses were being imparted to about 2,000 youth. These courses, the report said, were ‘Taseesi’ for 30 days, ‘Arrad’ (three months), guerilla training (six months) and ‘Jandullah’ (nine months) in three disciplines. The three disciplines were ‘Doshka’ (use of hand-held weapons), ‘Domella’ (use of shoulder-fired weapons) and ‘Zaka Zak’ (use of heavy artillery). The trainee, according to the report, said the first batch of 750 militants trained in JeM camp at Jaba had been sent to Afghanistan. He said militants from the Indian side of the Line of Control were "not allowed to meet" those from Pakistan and imparted training separately, the report added. (PTI) |
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Chokila Iyer takes over as Foreign Secretary NEW DELHI, Mar 11: Chokila Iyer will tomorrow take-over as India’s first-ever woman Foreign Secretary at a time when New Delhi’s relations with key countries like US and Russia are on the upswing with the international community acknowledging its growing influence in world affairs. A 1964 batch Indian Foreign Service Officer, Iyer, a tribal from Sikkim, takes charge from Lalit Mansingh, who leaves for Washington on Wednesday for his new assignment as India’s Ambassador to the US. Mansingh will take over from Naresh Chandra well in time before the upcoming visit to the US of Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha later this month and of External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh in the first week of April. His appointment is aimed at maintaining and stepping up the tempo of close ties the two countries have developed in the last one year, with the new Bush administration. Soft-spoken and unassuming, Iyer, who came here mid-February from her posting as India’s Ambassador to Ireland, has since been acquainting herself with the task ahead. Her tenure will run till June, 2002. "It is coincidental," she told reporters at a reception here when asked whether Government’s decision to appoint her had anything to do with the observance of international women’s year. Iyer, whose mother tongue is Sikkimese, has served as India’s Ambassador in Mexico besides getting posting in Berne and Mahe and working in senior capacities in the Foreign Office. (PTI) |
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Geelani placed under house arrest SRINAGAR, Mar 11: Former Hurriyat Conference chairman and firebrand Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was today placed under house arrest to foil his plan to visit Nowhatta locality of downtown Srinagar, official sources said. A joint party of police and CRPF laid a cordon around the Hyderpora residence of the Hurriyat leader in the wee hours today and asked him to remain indoors, the sources said. Geelani, who was scheduled to visit Nowhatta locality of interior Srinagar to express sympathies with those whose houses and shops were damaged in a fire incident after a powerful blast on Tuesday, was placed under house arrest in view of the reports that he was planning to organise a demonstration there, they said. When contacted, Geelani confirmed the arrest saying the cops led by a senior officer locked his house from outside and were not allowing anybody in or out. (PTI) |
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MALAPPURAM (KERALA), Mar 11: In one of the worst road mishaps in Kerala, at least 40 people were today burnt alive when a private bus carrying them caught fire after colliding with a car in Malappuram district of the State, police said. Only five managed to escape with serious injuries and were admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Among those in critical condition were the four passengers of the car, including two women and two children. Eyewitnesses said the mishap occurred when the bus tried to overtake a State Transport Corporation bus at high speed and collided with a car coming from the opposite direction at Pookiparambu in Tirurangadi The vehicle capsized and its diesel tank immediately burst into flames, giving no chance to the passengers to escape. Nearly 90 per cent of the bus had been burnt and the bodies charred beyond recognition. Thirteen bodies - 10 adults and three children - had been retrieved from the wreckage of the bus, police said. As soon as the mishap occurred, local people began taking the victims to nearby hospitals in jeeps and autorickshaws. According to unconfirmed reports, the bus carried at least 70 passengers, police added. (PTI) |
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NDA to support RJD rebels for dislodging Rabri PATNA, Mar 11: Senior Samata Party leader and Union Agriculture Minister Nitish Kumar today said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would extend unconditional support to rebel RJD MLAs for dislodging the Rabri Devi Government in Bihar. Claiming that the State was drifting towards fascism, Mr Kumar told newsmen here that the NDA was ready to extend its unconditional support to the rebel RJD MLAs for deposing the Rabri Devi Government. He said it was the "duty and religion" of any opposition to extend its helping hand to throw out such a Government. He said RJD president Laloo Prasad Yadav held the "Save Village Save Country" rally with the ulterior motive of saving his citadel of power which had started crumbling after the bugle of revolt sounded by a group of RJD MLAs and the party’s defeat in the Ashthawa Assembly byelection in the State recently. Reacting to the Congress’ offer to form a Government in the State with the participation of rebel RJD MLAs and NDA constituents barring BJP, Mr Kumar said one could not rely on the Congress’ statement as it was the same party which joined hands with RJD for grabbing power despite opposing the latter prior to last year’s Assembly elections in the State. He cited the recent police raid on the house of Patna district (rural) Samata Party president at Fatuah without any search warrant as an indication of the fascist culture gaining ground in the State. He said no incriminating document was recovered from his house but the security forces misbehaved with the party leader, his wife and other family members. (UNI) |
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‘Army transforms into
political party to ISLAMABAD, Mar 11: Seventeen months after it seized power, Pakistan Army has virtually become the most well-organised political party in the country with hundreds of its officers occupying the country’s most prestigious jobs, a report has said. "It is the most organised political party now and has done exactly what it accuses political parties of doing, `The Friday Times’ has reported. Military officers are virtually every where: In politics as ministers and advisors: In the intelligence services: In the accountability, education, police and health departments, foreign service, civil secretariat, railways, Pakistan International Airlines etc, the report said. The report lists about 175 serving and retired Army officers who took over the civilian positions. This includes Pakistan military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf himself who is acting as the chief executive of the country, a slot filled by the Prime Minister in a working parliamentary democracy. Topping the list is Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, who heads the much maligned Pakistan Cricket Control Board. His colleague, Lt Gen Aziz Ahmed heads the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Two retired Lt Generals are the Governors of Punjab and North Western Frontier Province (NWFP), while another two are Vice Chancellors of University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore and the University of Punjab. Another retired Lt Gen is Interior Minister Moniuddin Haider, who is also the trouble shooter for Gen Musharraf. (PTI) |
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