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Hurriyat's
role in proposed talks ruled out NEW DELHI, May 28: Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is its integral part, India today rejected Pakistan’s demand for a referendum in the State and ruled out any role for Hurriyat Conference in the Vajpayee-Musharraf talks. "The whole of J and K is an integral component of India and that stand remains unaltered. The question of referendum does not simply arise," External Affairs and Defence Minister Jaswant Singh said at a crowded press conference here. Dismissing as a ‘non-issue’ the demand for involvement of the Hurriyat in the Indo-Pak talks on Kashmir, Singh said Pakistan’s military ruler General Pervez Musharraf was coming here at the invitation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee for summit-level parleys. Asked whether the Kargil ghost had stopped haunting the Government, he said "we believe we have to move beyond the confines of history. Unless India and Pakistan address the challenges of tomorrow, we will be causing great damage to the peoples of the two countries". On persistent queries whether a change had taken place in New Delhi’s stand that it would not talk to Pakistan till a conducive atmosphere was created, Singh said it is Government’s assessment that such an atmosphere has been created taking into account the ‘totality’ of the situation. Singh fielded a spate of questions on future of Indo-Pak relations, situation in Afghanistan and West Asia, New Delhi’s stand on proposed US ballistic missile defence plan and security issues. This was Singh’s first press conference after being given charge of the Defence Ministry two months back. The 90 minutes press conference was telecast live by some TV channels. Singh said India was still awaiting a formal response from Pakistan to Vajpayee’s invitation to Musharraf and his wife. Preparations for the summit began much before the invitation was extended, he said. It would be a "balance of mutual convenience of calendars of both heads of Governments". These talks were being approached with "a sense of realism", he said, adding "it is a long road to walk together". He said Vajpayee’s invitation to Musharraf had been "explicit" and he spoke about picking up threads from the 1999 Lahore Declaration as also the 1972 Simla Agreement. On Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba’s objectionable remarks against India, he said it is a terrorist organisation and the security forces have "instructions to deal with it". The Minister clarified there was no change in Government’s stand on J and K. "Government is a servant of Parliament. And Parliament has said the whole of J and K is an integral component of India and that stand remains unaltered". On whether inviting Musharraf meant India giving legitimacy to the military regime, Singh said "the fact of the situation remains that he has come to office through a military coup". Noting that Musharraf has been in office for a period of time, he said "we have to deal with the Government of the day. It is our decision to deal with them". Asked to spell out India’s bottomline on Kashmir, he said Islamabad has been constantly defining its position but "we do not wish to enter into any contention with Pakistan before Musharraf’s visit". When pressed to elaborate on the basis for India’s assessment that a conducive atmosphere had been created for talks, he said there had been "significant and substantive fall" in exchange of fire along the Line of Control in Ladakh, Kashmir valley and Jammu sectors. "This marked decline is a welcome development and we will continue to build on it", he said. The Minister emphatically replied in the negative when asked whether the talks were taking place under pressure from the US. To a question why India was talking to Pakistan on Kashmir when New Delhi asserts that the State was an integral part of the country, he said under the eight-point composite dialogue process agreed upon by the two sides earlier, Kashmir was part of it. "We have no difficulty or hesitation in talking about anything including Jammu and Kashmir", he said. Asked whether return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir would be taken up during the parleys, Singh gave a general response stating that all issues could come up during the talks. "India’s position is not absolutist," he said stressing there was need for "perseverance with patience". On Government’s decision to call off the six-month old ceasefire in J and K, he said there had been no sufficient response from the terrorist groups. "This phase is over". He further said "it is a fact that terrorism is being encouraged and abetted by Pakistan". About next month’s meeting of SAARC Foreign Secretaries in Colombo, he said there would ‘certainly’ be a meeting on the sidelines between the Indian and Pakistani counterparts and this could be one step in the direction of reviving SAARC summit. Singh also emphatically asserted that India’s relations with the US or any other country was not hyphenated. "India is not a tool to be used against one or the other", he told a Chinese correspondent who asked about the impact of growing Indo-US ties. India, he said, would continue to oppose sanctions against Iraq as they were "counter productive". The minister said New Delhi was considering dates proposed by Bangladesh for border talks. Government today said moves were afoot for integration of the three Services within 90 days and to seek a political consensus for the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) which would work as a single point of advice on strategic affairs. Refraining to comment whether the CDS would hold a rank higher than the other Services chiefs or be first among the equals, and whether the post be rotational, Defence Minister Jaswant Singh told reporters here that proposed creation of the post would not appropriate the operational and administrative control of the three Service chiefs. Singh said under the Group of Ministers proposal accepted, the Service chiefs would have enhanced powers of decision making as well as greater decision on finances. He said consultations with opposition parties on the CDS issue had not yet begun as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was out of Delhi and Government was looking at the convenience of opposition leaders. Singh said the Ministry of Defence had brought out an extensive paper on modalities for the creation of the post of CDS, integration of three Services and setting up of a common defence procurement board to which a special secretary had already been appointed. He said with the time-frame set for integration of the three Services, their headquarters would become an integral part of the decision-making process in the Defence Ministry. Singh said the idea behind setting up a Defence Procurement Board was to step up arms purchases needed for national security and to ensure that funds earmarked for purchases could be utilised. On the purchase of aircraft carrier ‘Admiral Gorshkov’, the Defence Minister said a high-powered committee had been set up in the ministry to study its feasibility. The committee had already submitted two reports. Singh said acquisition of Gorshkov and other security matters of mutual concern would come up at the first-ever meeting of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on military and technical cooperation in Moscow in June. He said during his talks in Moscow, the schedule for Prime Minister A B Vajpayee’s visit to Russia would figure. Singh said with the calling off of ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir security forces would intensify operations against terrorist groups especially targetting mercenary groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba. He said during the last six months there had been a "significant and substantial" fall in exchange of fire along the Line of actual Control. Singh dismissed newsmen’s query that Siachin sector had recently witnessed a flare-up. Singh said the Government would make efforts to build upon the stabilisation achieved all along the Line of Control during the last six months. Asked if New Delhi was going ahead with its programme to build a nuclear submarine in the project labelled Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), he said he was not aware of any such project. On the Tehelka issue, the minister said the army court of inquiry had submitted its report to the Western army commander who would submit it to the army headquarters after his assessment. (PTI) |
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Militant, jawan killed Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 28: Militants attacked the house of former PCC(I) chief Chowdhary Aslam in Surankot causing injuries to four police personnel while a militant and an army jawan were killed in two separate encounters across Poonch district and one soldier was injured in an IED explosion in Dudasan area of Thanna Mandi overnight. According to official reports, a group of militants opened heavy firing with automatic weapons and launched grenade attacks with a launcher on the house of former State Congress president Chowdhary Aslam in Surankot last mid-night. Guard of police and security forces, deployed in the house of Aslam, retaliated. In cross-firing that lasted 20 minutes, four police constables were injured, one of them seriously. Militants attack on Congress (I) leader’s house and a former MLA from Surankot was repulsed by police and security personnel. No family member of Aslam was injured in the attack. Ultras managed to escape. This was fourth attack on ex-PCC (I) chief’s Surankot house by the militants during past sometime. In the morning, army reached the spot and started a search operation for the militants. However, they remained untraced. In another incident, a group of militants ambushed a patrol party of army at village Kasmarari, about 14 kms from Mendhar early this morning. The night patrol party comprising eight jawans retaliated. In the exchange of firing, one army jawan was killed while the militants managed to escape towards a forest area. More army personnel reached the site of encounter and started a hunt for the fleeing militants. Body of deceased army jawan was shifted to an army camp. He belonged to Sikh Li. Till reports last came in, the militants hadn’t been encountered by troops. Meanwhile, Poonch police and army personnel launched a search operation in Loran Mandi area of Poonch this afternoon after getting a tip off about militants movement in a populated village. Security personnel cordoned off the village tactfully and encircled the militants after evicting people from some houses. In fierce exchange of gun-fighting, police and army jawans eliminated a dreaded local militant Mohd Shaffi alias Gama without suffering any casualty on their own side. Two associates of Gama fled away taking cover of civilian population. Security forces exercised restraint and didn’t open firing in a bid to avert civilian killings. One AK-56 rifle with two magazines and 32 ammunition rounds, one Kenwood wireless set, six hand grenades and some documents were recovered from the scene of encounter. Security forces continued searches in the forests surrounding Loran Mandi to track down the absconding militants. Meanwhile, one army jawan was seriously injured in an explosion triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at village Dudasan in Thanna Mandi late last night. The explosion occurred after an IED, planted by the militants, went off when a patrol party of army walked over it. Rifleman Maggar was seriously injured in the explosion. He has been hospitalised. Reports said Indo-Pak troops continued to exchange firing at different places on the Line of Control (LoC) but no casualty was reported on Indian side. Firing was started by Pakistan army and was totally unprovoked. |
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Pant meets Governor, reviews J&K development Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 28: Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Mr K C Pant today discussed development scenario of Jammu and Kashmir at a high level meeting and got briefing about the status of various schemes in thrust areas aimed at giving boost to development activities in the State. He reviewed the progress achieved in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, tourism, power, health, education, industry, employment, works, water supply and irrigation sectors. He also took stock of the achievements registered in rebuilding of infrastructure and measures afoot to steer the State to progress and prosperity. The high level State officials gave an account of works and schemes under implementation for the welfare of the people. Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly who led the top ranking officers, spelled out the broad lines of development and said special emphasis are being laid to harness the abundant hydel potential. To achieve this, two mega power projects are being undertaken under the state sector while five schemes would be executed by the NHPC. Besides several mini hydel schemes are also contemplated to be taken up for execution, he said. About power position, the Chief Secretary said the State is facing acute problem with big gap in demand and supply as the local generation has dropped due to fall in water level in the wake of dry spell. He emphsised the need for adopting improved technology to tap high potential in horticulture, floriculture and several other sectors of economy. This will result in significant growth in productivity and place the State in good stead to compete in the international market. Tourism being the mainstay of the State economy , has to be revived in a big way for generating employment and giving fillip to handicrafts and other traditional crafts connected with tourism trade. For ensuring large inflow of tourists and organizing national level conferences in the Valley, a drive has to be launched for attracting tourists and event management organizations, Mr Jaitly added. Mr Pant was apprised about Rs 185 crore externally funded project formulated for upgradation of medicare in rural areas, under which inter alia, operative and diagnostic services would be strengthened and upgraded. Thrust is also being laid on training medicos and para medical staff for which liberal funding would be required. In education sector, a major break through has been achieved with reopening of all closed schools by introducing a unique scheme, Rehbar-e-Taleem, and measures are underway to launch computer education in the educational institutions in a phased manner. A Rs 65 crore World Bank aided project is envisaged to upgrade and strengthen polytechnics. The Chief Secretary also referred to holding of Panchayat elections and said the grass root level democratic institutions would be entrusted with the responsibility of maintenance of minor irrigation schemes and other developmental activities besides monitoring and supervision of primary schools. He mentioned about NABARD funding and said this has accelerated the pace of development in the state. Mr Pant said the all possible steps are to be taken to steer the State to progress and development and sufferings of the people mitigated earnestly. He called for a joint effort and said the needs of the State would receive due consideration. About tackling unemployment in the State, the Deputy Chairman said that corporate Sector is being involved for creating openings for the states technocrats, professionals and other unemployed youth. He said the IT Sector has also been approached to accommodate the youth. Earlier, Mr Pant who arrived here on a week long visit to the State was received at Srinagar Airport by Finance Minister, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather and senior officers. Immediately after his arrival in the Summer Capital, he met the Governor, Mr G C Saxena and held a meeting with the representatives of trade commerce and industry. |
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Hizb owns responsibility SRINAGAR, May 28 : An Army Officer and a woman were killed and 10 others, including four minor children and five soldiers, wounded in two separate explosions triggered by militants in Kashmir today, an official spokesman said. In a major incident, an Army Officer and a woman were killed and seven others, five of them securitymen were injured in a powerful bicycle bomb detonated by militants in Baramulla district in north Kashmir today, the spokesman said. Militants exploded the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) placed on a bicycle alongside a road near Sangrama, 45 kms from here, today when an Army column was on move, the spokesman said. He said the explosion blew up an Army vehicle . He said the injured were immediately rushed to hospital where Major Sicka, Officiating Commanding Officer of the force and a woman, Sayeeda succumbed to their injuries. The condition of the injured civilians including eight-month-old son of the deceased woman, Rizwan Maqbool and Rafeeqa was stated to be "critical", the spokesman said, adding of the injured soldiers, Company Commander of Army unit Pothkhah of 22 Rashtriya Rifles, major Nayar and a jawan was stated to be "serious". Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit claimed the responsibility for the blast. Hizbul spokesman Saleem Hasmi told PTI from Islamabad office that its activists carried out the attack. Three school children identified as Arif, Aijaz and Ruby were wounded when some explosive device went off in a school building at Nishat on the outskirts of Srinagar early today. The blast, which was of low-intensity, shook the middle school Zeethair wounding two boys and a girl, the spokesman said. He said a Hizbul Mujahideen militant, Mohammad Hussain Rather was killed in an encounter with Army at Kakroosa in frontier district of Kupwara last night. Militants opened fire on a police party at Sadav in Shopian area of Pulwama district last night, but none was hurt in the shootout, the spokesman said. He said some gunmen took away Rs 21,000/- from two truck drivers at Magermalbagh area of Srinagar where they had parked their trucks last evening. Army nabbed a Hizbul Mujahideen Militant, Ashiq Hussain Bhat from Kulangam area of Kupwara during course of search operation last evening, the spokesman said. (PTI) |
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Kashmir mission aimed at finding a political solution: Pant SRINAGAR, May 28: The Government interlocutor on Kashmir K C Pant today said that his mission was aimed at finding a "political solution" to the complicated Kashmir issue by talking to people with different shades of opinion. "I am here to hold talks with all groups who are desirous of entering into parleys with me. After all the entire process is aimed at finding a political settlement to the Kashmir issue", Pant told reporters after holding a series of meetings with various shades of opinion on the opening day of his six-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir. Pant, currently Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, said his mission was to write a new chapter of restoration of peace for the people of the State as peace was necessary for development and political settlement of J and K problem. Pant replied in the affirmative when asked whether he would be meeting Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who today spurned his offer for talks but said he would meet the Government negotiator if he visited his residence. About Hurriyat Conference’s demand of including Pakistan in the talks, Pant said the Government has already initiated a process in that direction and it was up to Hurriyat to decide whether to enter into a dialogue with the Centre. Pant said he had not so far received any communication from Hurriyat Conference to his invitation of April 15. Pant said he had come here to talk to people to know "deeper understanding and thinking of the people" of the State. Since his appointment as Government negotiator, he said, he has been talking to various people in Delhi and "now I have come to Srinagar to carry forward peace process in the State". Recalling his long association with Jammu and Kashmir, he said, he had many friends in Kashmir and the latest visit was to renew the friendship with old friends and make new friends. "The main thrust of my talks with all shades of public is to understand the difficulties and problems and generally to know how together we can make progress to write a new chapter in the State," Pant said. He said the process is a long one and the Kashmir issue is a complicated one. All of us jointly have to work and we should look ahead and leave the past behind. Pant replied in the affirmative when asked whether he is meeting senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah saying "yes, I am meeting Shabir Shah". However, he refused to comment on the latest statement of Shah that he would not formally talk to the Centre’s interlocutor Pant during his visit to the Valley and only said "I am meeting Shabir Shah". Pant is likely to meet Shah at the latter’s residence tomorrow, sources close to Shah told PTI. Pant also refused to say anything about the oft repeated demand of Shah for tripartite talks saying "Government has already made its stand clear on the issue". Asked about his stand on the demand, Pant said Shabir Shah was satisfied with the clarifications sent by him on the issue. Asked whether he would renew the invitation to Hurriyat Conference during his stay here, Pant said it was for Hurriyat to reconsider their decision. "I have not received any communication from Hurriyat Conference to the invitation of April 15. (PTI) |
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Sharif elected leader of PML(N) ISLAMABAD, May 28: Deposed Premier Nawaz Sharif, currently in exile in Saudi Arabia, has staged a major comeback into Pakistan politics today with his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party unanimously electing him as its leader. He was elected by the general council of the PML, which was vertically split early this year amid allegations that pro-Musharraf loyalists within the party engineered divisions to get majority of PMLs elected parliamentarians to help Musharraf takeover as the President next year. Significantly, Sharif was elected by flouting an ordinance promulgated by the military regime which specified that no convicted person could hold any political office. Chairman of PML (N) Raja Zafarul Haq, who is leading the party in the absence of Sharif, said that elections for the party leadership has been delayed due to hurdles created by the Government. "We wanted to hold the party elections one year ago but the present Government did not let us do so. We have neither parted ways with Sharif after the October 12 coup nor changed our stance. If any one had misconception that we could be forced to part our ways with him, he should be disillusioned now," Haq told a largely attended convention here. Referring to recent Indian offer of dialogue, he said if General Musharraf goes to India, he will have to hold talks under the Lahore Declaration, which was signed by Sharif and Prime Minister Vajpayee in February, 1999. Haq said democracy and Constitution, rather the Government of Sharif would be restored with the efforts of Muslim League workers, adding Pakistan was established through the right of vote and it would survive through the same right of franchise. PML leaders said that Sharif’s election may not have immediate impact but would enable him to remain at the helm of Pakistan politics. Today’s meeting was attended by 25 members of the suspended National Assembly and large number of members of the general council and workers. Significantly, PML held its convention on Yaum-e-Takbeer (great day) which is being observed today to mark the third anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests. Sharif loyalists also criticised the Government for splitting the party. The PML leaders have alleged that Sharif opponents within the party have formed a kings party within PML to get the required supported of PMLs elected representatives in order to make Gen Musharraf President. According to the Supreme Court ruling, Gen Musharraf has to surrender power to an elected Government by October 2002. (PTI) |
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SRINAGAR, May 28: Walking a tight rope, senior secessionist leader of Kashmir, Shabir Shah in a volte face today said he would not formally talk to the Centre’s interlocutor K C Pant during his visit to the Valley from today but there might be an informal meeting if the latter visited his residence. With almost all separatist groups in Kashmir including the Hurriyat Conference having reservations on engaging in the dialogue initiated by Pant, Shah took exception to Pant’s reported remark that he was visiting Jammu and Kashmir to talk to "our own people". Shah, president of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), told reporters "I am not among the own people of K C Pant as I challenge the accession of Kashmir with India so Pant will meet those who consider Kashmir’s accession with India final". Pant arrived here today on a six-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the ground situation besides holding talks with certain political leaders. "Pant has neither contacted me personally nor the office of JKDFP for a meeting", Shah, who earlier indicated his willingness to talk to Pant after seeking clarifications on the scope of the dialogue, said. However, he said if Pant came to his residence for an informal meeting he could not turn him back and would talk to him. While hailing the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s invitation to Pakistan’s military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf for talks, Shah said his party’s executive has decided to work for tripartite talks involving Kashmiris in the talks as "bilateral talks have proved futile so far". However, Shah said for initiation of talks it is necessary to create a conducive atmosphere and initiation of confidence building measures. Elaborating, he said, "if Prime Minister is serious and sincere to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful and meaningful talks, it is obligatory for New Delhi to create conducive atmosphere for holding talks by putting an end to the atrocities and excesses of the forces and release of militants languishing in jails and interrogation centres in the State and outside it". Asked whether these were fresh pre-conditions for talks with New Delhi, Shah said he would request "the Prime Minister to intervene and stop these excesses and humiliation of the people on the roads". Shah said he wanted to tell the Prime Minister that when talks are initiated "ceasefire is announced to create conducive atmosphere but in Kashmir the ceasefire was withdrawn". "On one hand India invited Pakistan’s Chief Executive for talks and on the other hand the unilateral ceasefire was withdrawn, although, it (ceasefire) was never implemented on the ground", Shah said, adding paramilitary forces and special operations group of the local police remained engaged in their operations. "Talks are held in a peaceful and pleasant manner and not when people are humilitated on the roads and political leaders are not allowed to hold public meetings", he said. Shah termed militants as "freedom fighters" and said they have expressed fears that talk offered by New Delhi was a hoax and an act of delaying tactics as India has been doing this right from 1947. "In these circumstances talks will not be held", he said. Shah also demanded lifting of two special laws in force in Jammu and Kashmir for the last 12 years, saying the Disturbed Areas Act and the armed forces (J and K) Special Powers Act have conferred unlimited powers to the security forces and police and they kill people without any accountability. The JKDFP chief appealed to the opposition parties in India and Pakistan to extend their support and cooperation to the ruling parties in the two countries to resolve the Kashmir issue as it involves the future of entire population of the subcontinent. He also appealed to pro-freedom leaders to close their ranks and unite at one platform. "If we cannot become one at this crucial juncture then when will we become one", he asked and appealed to them to unite at one platform so that Kashmiris present their case unitedly before the leaders of India and Pakistan. Replying to questions, Shah said he loves the people of India but "I am not one among them. I can be a good friend of them". "We are challenging the accession of Kashmir with India", he said, adding "own people for India means ruling National Conference, Congress and others and not those who challenge the accession". (PTI) |
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15 IRP jawans hurt in Rajouri mishap Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 28: Fifteen jawans of Indian Reserve Police (IRP) were injured when a police truck carrying them rolled down from Khanal bridge and went about 500 feet deep into a nullah here late last night. Police said the truck No. 8369 JK02 was carrying 15 jawans of IRP third battalion and was returning to police camp when driver tried to save a civilian walking in the middle of road at Khanal bridge. In the process, driver lost balance over the steering sending the truck rolling down into a nullah. All 15 IRP jawans, travelling in the truck, were injured. A police party reached accident site and shifted victims to district hospital. They have been identified as ASI Ghulam Hassan Wani, head constable Naseer Ahmed, driver Kewal Krishan, Mohd Yusuf, Manzoor Ahmed, Farooq Ahmed, Farooq Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohd Maqbool, Gulzar Ahmed, Dwarka Nath, Ghulam Zeelani, Mohd Tahir, Farooq Sartaj and Aijaz Ahmed, all constables. Our Jammu correspondent adds: A TATA Sumo on way from Jammu to Udhampur met with an accident near Udhampur early this morning causing injuries to four passengers. Three passengers had sustained minor injuries and were discharged after first aid in district hospital of Udhampur. One of the seriously injured passenger was shifted to Medical College hospital here in serious condition. He has been identified as Sunil Kumar son of Bodh Raj, a resident of Udhampur. Police was investigating reasons behind the accident. A case has been registered. Police said TATA Sumo operator lost balance due to fast driving leading to the accident. The vehicle was also damaged in the mishap. |
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Saboteur killed, girl hurt in Pakistan firing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: The Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down a Pakistani infiltrator on the International Border in Ramgarh sector while a young girl was seriously injured in heavy firing by Pakistan army in Akhnoor sector early today. A BSF spokesman said their jawans, maintaining a strict vigil on the border, noticed movement in Ramgarh sector and asked the intruder to halt. However, he tried to escape back to Pakistan and was shot dead by BSF jawans. His body was recovered from the spot during a search conducted in the morning. One IED and Pakistan currency was found from the possession of suspected ultra, whose identity couldn’t be established immediately. The spokesman said the slain intruder was suspected to be a saboteur and was infiltrating into Indian territory alongwith IED to blast fencing pillars. In the same sector, Pakistan-backed saboteurs had recently blasted over 20 fencing pillars with a series of explosions. Following blasts, the BSF soldiers had intensified vigil along the International Border to thwart any fresh Pak attempt to sabotage border fencing. However, Pakistan army continued firing on the border to interrupt fencing work by the BSF jawans. In heavy unprovoked firing, a young girl was hit by the bullets in forward village of Kathar in Akhnoor sector and got seriously injured. She has been identified as Renu Kumari. She was admitted in Medical College hospital here in critical condition. Besides Akhnoor sector, Pak army also continued firing in RS Pura, Kanachak, Ramgarh, Samba and Hiranagar sub sectors. Firing was replied by security forces at all places. There was no report of any casualty on security forces side. |
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GANDHINAGAR, May 28: A week ahead of the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s slated visit to earthquake-ravaged Bhuj on June three, security forces have apprehended an armed Lashkar-e-Toiba militant from the bordering Kutch district last night. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Haren Pandya said here today that an AK-47 rifle and 29 live cartridges were recovered from the possession of Mujabir Hussain Abdul Gafoor Gujjar, who was taken into custody from near a religious place along the International Border. Deputy Inspector General (Border) of State Police A K Singh along with officers of intelligence agencies and BSF were jointly interrogating in Bhuj, Pandy told reporters adding Gujjar had confessed that he belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba. However, Gujjar’s two accomplices in Kutch have managed to escape, he said adding that a vigorous combing operation has been launched by the security forces to nab them. (PTI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: The State Government has promoted nine Inspectors to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. According to Home Department order, the promotee Inspectors include Khazir Mohd, R K Raina, Mohd Afzal Makhdoomi, Manohar Lal Sharma, Shadi Lal, Mohd Sultan, Vijay Kumar, Mufti Manzoor Ahmad and H L Bhan. Their postings will be issued separately by Police Headquarters, the order said. |
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Include Kashmiris in talks: Salahuddin ISLAMABAD, May 28: The chief of United Jihad Council and leader of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salahuddin today urged India and Pakistan to include Kashmiris in proposed talks between Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan military ruler Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Salahuddin told newspersons here that Kashmiris are basic party to the Kashmir problem and without their participation, talks on the long-standing issue will be "futile." However, he said "there is no sincerity in the Indian offer. On the one hand, Vajpayee ended the ceasefire, though there was virtually no ceasefire, and on the other he invited Musharraf for talks." He said the conflict was not a border dispute that India and Pakistan can sit together and decide but a "tripartite" one. "The people of Kashmir enjoy the status of basic party. Even if talks are held ignoring them they will not prove conclusive. Even if Musharraf goes to Delhi and holds talks there, it does not seem that it will prove fruitful," he said. He, however, expressed the hope that Kashmiris would be taken into confidence by Pakistan. (PTI) |
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BJP, Samata opt out of Manipur race NEW DELHI, May 28: The BJP and Samata Party today withdrew from the race for Government formation in Manipur, which appeared headed for President’s rule, but MSCP, a constituent of the State’s ruling coalition, and Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy Singh staked claim to form Government giving yet another twist to the political drama in the State. Manipur Governor Ved Prakash Marwah said in Imphal he would take a decision in a couple of days on the political impasse after exploring all possibilities and meetings with political leaders. A meeting of Central and State leaders of BJP and Samata "unanimously" decided that they would neither stake claim to form an alternative Government nor support any other group for the same. BJP and Samata together command 38 MLAs. The decision goes directly against the State BJP-led Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) which had been pleading its case for forming an alternative Government after the defeat of the Samata-led ministry in a confidence vote mainly due to BJP MLAs voting against Samata-led Government. PDA has a total strength of 41 MLAs. BJP legislature party leader and Chief Ministerial aspirant R K Dorendra Singh said his party has pulled out of PDA in which it was the lead partner with 26 MLAs. Undeterred by this, MSCP (Chaoba), a PDA constituent with just ten MLAs in the 60-member assembly, submitted a letter to the Governor staking claim to form Government. Speaker Dhanjay Singh, who was elected on MSCP a ticket, also submitted a letter to Governor staking claim to form Government with a list of 41 MLAs in his support. (PTI) |
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