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Moscow
Declaration cautions against conflict spilling From S D Rohmetra MOSCOW, Nov 6: India and Russia today declared that terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and Chechenya ‘in reality’ represented acts of terrorism and warned against the spilling over of the current Afghanistan conflict beyond its boundaries. They called for decisive steps to target those, who support or train terrorists. A Moscow Declaration signed by the visiting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Russian President Vladimir Putin also came down heavily on violent actions being perpetrated in Russia and India under the slogan of self-determination. In an obvious reference to terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and Chechenya, the declaration said the violent actions there represented acts of terrorism. India and Russia also agreed that the campaign against international terrorism "must be pursued to its logical end" and asserted that there was no place for Taliban in a future Afghan Government. Significantly, Russia came out in strong support of India’s candidature for permanent membership of an enlarged UN Security Council. The Declaration said the on-going operations in Afghanistan could be "at best a first phase in the campaign against international terrorism which must be pursued to its logical end". In an obvious reference to New Delhi’s concerns over Pakistan-backed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts, the statement said "it was essential that every state be made to refrain from organising, instigating, assisting or participating in terrorist acts in another state or acquiescing in organised activities within its territories directed towards the commission of such acts." Reaffirming that global terrorism was a threat to international peace and security, the two sides stressed that combating this menace should be on a "comprehensive and long-term basis and should be directed also at those supporting, harbouring or providing safe haven to terrorists". This assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of the US declaring Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad as terrorist outfits. Both leaders declared that terrorism, whether in Kashmir, Afghanistan or Chechnya, needed to be tackled in the same effective manner. "There cannot be double standards. There cannot be good terrorists and bad terrorists, our terrorists and their terrorists," Mr Putin said. "A policy of double standards could result in a split of the common international position, and given the seriousness of the situation, this is inadmissible," he said. Mr Vajpayee said the world community must tackle terrorism effectively, pointing out that India had been facing the problem for a long time in Jammu and Kashmir. He said it was time the world woke up to such issues. "The international community cannot tolerate states which assist, support and offer shelter to terrorists and use terrorism as an instrument of state policy," he said. The declaration initialled after the summit and delegation level talks between Vajpayee and Putin on the third day of the former’s visit to Russia said all states, individuals and entities which render support, harbour, finance, instigate or train terrorists or promote terrorism should face any "decisive measures" worked out under the international law. Declaring that the evil of terrorism can be vanquished only by combining the efforts of all countries, the declaration said terrorist acts are unjustifiable whatever be the motive of their perpetration be it political, ideological, philosophical, racial, ethnic, religious or any other. The two countries also reaffirmed the central role of the UN in the efforts of the global community in the struggle against terrorism and agreed such an effort must be conducted on the basis of international law including the UN charter. In this context, they called for an early completion of negotiations under UN auspices on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and the convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism. The comprehensive convention has been sponsored by India. The declaration said it was essential that all countries, without exception, should pay particular attention to the prevention of access of terrorist groups to financial resources on the basis of international law. The declaration also said multi-ethnic and democratic societies are especially vulnerable to acts of terrorism which are an attack against the values and freedoms enshrined in such societies. India and Russia also resolved to developing cooperation in the struggle against new challenges in international terrorism in the nuclear, chemical, biological, space, cybernetics and other spheres. The presence of close nexus between terrorism and illegal trafficking in narcotics and arms trade was also noted. Vajpayee, on a four-day state visit to Russia, discussed the entire range of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern with the Russian leadership. The two sides noted that military-technical cooperation has acquired a new dimension covering not only trade in arms and military equipment but also joint research and development of new projects. New Delhi and Moscow reaffirmed their commitment to promote the formation of an equitable multipolar world order based on the principles of rule of law and equality, territorial integrity and non-interference in domestic affairs of states with a view to removing threats to stability and international security. The two countries agreed on the need for expansion of the UN Security Council to make it more representative and increase its effectiveness. Moscow reiterated "it supports India, an influential member of the international community, as a strong and appropriate candidate for the permanent membership of the expanded UNSC." The two countries stressed the need for early finalisation of the convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism and India’s initiative for a comprehensive convention on international terrorism in the UN. On Afghanistan, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Afghanistan. They agreed that for peace and stability to return to Afghanistan, it was essential to ensure the establishment of a broad-based independent Government with representation from all ethnic groups. Both sides stressed that there could be "no place for elements of the Taliban in any future Afghan Government", the statement said. They underscored the important role the international community would have to play in the political, social and economic reconstruction of Afghanistan and in this context agreed to ensure close coordination between them. The statement said the two sides remained deeply concerned over the threat to security and stability in Central Asia posed by international terrorism and religious extremism. They felt regional cooperation could play an important role in stabilisation of the situation in the Central Asian region. The Prime Minister’s visit would facilitate further development of strategic partnership between the two countries, expansion of bilateral cooperation and interaction aimed at strengthening international strategic stability and in the building of a just, fair, democratic and multi-polar world, the statement said. The two sides agreed to give greater depth, span and content to their bilateral relations and identified steps to further strengthen them. They agreed to step up efforts at the diversification and establishment of new settlement procedures in the area of trade and economic cooperation. The Prime Minister extended an invitation to the Russian President to visit India which was accepted. Dates for the visit would be notified later. |
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Russia supports India's role in post-war Afghanistan Excelsior Correspondent MOSCOW, Nov 6: Firmly backing India’s role in the post-conflict situation in Afghanistan, Russia today said New Delhi should be involved in the six-plus-two group of countries proposed by the United Nations for the solution of the problem. After a 90-minute one-to-one summit talks between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Vladimir Putin followed by delegation-level parleys, Putin told a press conference that both the countries have "identical views" on combating international terrorism and the current campaign against Afghanistan is a part of that. "We reached an agreement that the six-plus two mechanism (involving the neighbors of Afghanistan plus Russia and the US) should be employed. But at the same time, India should be involved in it more appropriately by participating in such a mechanism for a solution," Putin said in reply to a question what role Russia saw for India in post-conflict Afghanistan. In this respect, he said, "India is not just an acceptable partner to US but a desirable partner. Our views are identical." The Russian backing for India’s inclusion in six-plus-two assumed significance as it came close on the heels of Vajpayee’s letters to five UN Security Council members and seven other countries suggesting broadening of the existing mechanism to deal with the Afghan situation. In his remarks, Vajpayee said there was a consensus between India and Russia that there should be no compromise on terrorism and that it should be eliminated. The international community must keep in mind that the countries which harbour terrorists and use terrorism as a state policy should not be allowed to get away with it, the Prime Minister said. Vajpayee said his discussions with Putin covered putting in place a post-Taliban Government and the rehabilitation measures to be worked out for the people of Afghanistan. Putin said India and Russia had a long-standing cooperation on regional and international issues including the combat against international terrorism. "India is a country within that region and it had a national interest in solving it," he said. In an apparent reference to US and other countries that wavered hitherto on the issue of terrorism, Putin said there should be no "double standards" on the issue of battling the scourge. "We are categorically opposed to any double standards. There is nothing like a good terrorist or a bad terrorist. All those who have resorted to arms to settle political disputes should not be tolerated by individual countries and should be resisted by the world community," he said. On Kashmir, Putin said Russia favoured a dialogue between India and Pakistan and hoped this could bring some positive results. Earlier, opening his one to one summit talks with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at the Kremlin, the Russian President said relations between the two countries were developing in all fields and Russia is "attentively" watching the developments that are taking place in India. "Indian economy today is one of the most stable economies of the world with six per cent annual growth rate," Putin said. "Our political dialogue is developing and our military-technical cooperation has risen to a new level," the Russian President said. The two leaders agreed that an intensive political dialogue between the two countries was sustained since their last summit in New Delhi in October last year. The two leaders discussed the current global campaign against terrorism and the post-conflict situation in Afghanistan. The talks were followed by delegation-level parleys in which India was represented by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra, Foreign Secretary Chokila Iyer and other officials. The Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov assisted President Putin. Commerce Minister Murasoli Maran has already made it clear that national interest will be the "touchstone" at Doha meeting, beginning on November 9 saying that "we do not want India to be a graveyard for domestic industry." Elaborating why India was opposed to these extraneous issues, the senior Commerce Ministry official said situation was ripe for developing countries to open up fully on such areas. Citing trade and investment, Maran said this would mean that developing countries allow free flow of foreign direct investment and 100 per cent foreign equity on all sectors. In defence, India did not allow beyond 26 per cent foreign equity and all such restrictions would have to go which are detrimental to the developing countries’ interests. Another issue of concern was trade facilitation. While it takes just three hours for cargo to be cleared at Singapore Port, it takes several days in Indian ports. If trade facilitation was brought into the work programme of WTO, then these sort of delays in clearance at ports could become a matter of dispute at the dispute settlement mechanism of WTO leading to a whole lot of unmanageable legal hurdles for developing countries. The two sides would sign the Moscow declaration on international terrorism unveiling their joint strategy to combat the menace. Another agreement to be signed is the Rs 14,000-crore Kudamgulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu to be built with Russian technical assistance. The project will produce 2000 mw units of power and is expected to be completed by 2006-07. Earlier, due to heavy snow, Vajpayee cancelled his visit to the tomb of the unknown soldier. The two countries have similar positions on issues like religious terrorism and the present conflict in Afghanistan. They are expected to have a common view on the type of future Government in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, India and Russia today agreed to work jointly with other states on creation of global control system for non-proliferation of missiles and missile technology on a global, equal and non-discriminatory basis, under the UN auspices. The two countries also expressed support for preserving existing arms control and disarmament agreements including anti-ballistic missile treaty, a joint statement on "strategic issues" released after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin here said. As strategic partners, the two countries expessed their commitment to cooperate bilaterally and at the multi-lateral level on strategic issues for the development of a multi-polar world based on a new cooperative security order. Russia welcomed India’s voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing and positively evaluated the Indian government’s efforts to develop a broad national consensus on the issue of CTBT, the statement said. India welcomed the readiness of Russia and the US to further reduce the strategic offensive weapons. The two countries called upon other nuclear weapon states also to join the process of nuclear reductions at an appropriate stage. They reaffirmed their support to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s proposal for an international conference to address and effectively eliminate nuclear dangers and to convene the fourth special session of the UN General Assembly on disarmament. The statement said the two sides consider as of priority importance strengthening regional and international security as well as support for advancing towards general and complete disarmament, in particular by systematic and progressive efforts to reduce nuclear weapons globally with the ultimate goal of eliminating these weapons. As original states-parties to the chemical weapons convention, both sides stressed their commitment to ensuring that the provisions of the convention are fully and effectively implemented and called upon other states to do so. Both sides reiterated the importance of the conference on disarmament as the single multi-lateral disarmament-negotiating forum. They stressed that the body should respond to the global disarmament agenda through multi-laterally negotiated, internationally and effectively verifiable agreements. Both the countries felt the need for an early commencement of negotiations at the conference for banning the future production of weapon grade fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices. The two sides called upon the international community to make efforts for concluding appropriate, legally-binding instruments to ensure non-weaponisation of the outer space while at the same time preserving the use of space for full range of cooperative, peaceful and developmental activities. They said a comprehensive agreement in this regard should include banning deployment of weapons in outer space, non-use of force or threat of the use of force against space objects. Both sides said they were determined to maintain and further strengthen their already effective and transparent system of national export controls, in line with the objective of non-proliferation in all its aspects without adversely affecting the peaceful applications of dual use materials and technologies. They also decided to hold consultations on strategic issues on a regular basis. (with agencies) |
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NC's autonomy, war cry a gimmick: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 6: Coming down heavily on Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for again raising bogey of autonomy, former Home Minister and president of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayed today said that Chief Minister’s demand for autonomy was nothing but a gimmick to befool the masses. Addressing a press conference, Mufti said that every time when Centre initiates sincere efforts to solve vexed problem of Kashmir, Farooq starts crying for autonomy. "Why Farooq did not raise demand of autonomy when Mr H D Deve Gowda was Prime Minister of India", he asked and recalled that most of the United Front leaders were in the favour of granting autonomy to the State. "Farooq always raised controversial demand during unfavourable conditions", he alleged and added that during favourable conditions his only concern has been to get more and more funds from the Centre to accomplish his luxuries. Mufti cautioned people against nefarious designs of Farooq Abdullah, who according to him, was trying to befool them by raising demand of autonomy. Criticising Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for, what he alleged, repeatedly giving provocating statements, Mufti Mohammed Sayed today said that war-cry of Dr Abdullah was nothing but a gimmick to divert attention of the people. In which capacity Farooq Abdullah is demanding war with Pakistan? He is neither Prime Minister nor Defence Minister, Mufti challenged authority of the Chief Minister for demanding war. He, however, advised the Chief Minister to remain in his limitation. "It is better if he (Farooq Abdullah) concentrates more on heeding towards woes of this militancy plagued State", he said. "Except promising moon Farooq Government has not done for the betterment of the people", he said, adding "there is wide-spread resentment among masses against National Conference as their miseries have compounded due to anti-people policies of the Government. "With a hope that democratically elected Government will solve their woes, inhabitants of this State, braving militants threats, had expressed their faith in ballot during the last Assembly elections", Mufti recalled but lamented that instead of providing healing touch to the wounds of the residents of this violence plagued State, National Conference further increased alienation of the people manyfold due to its wrong policies. "People are asking NC leaders about achievements of their Government during the last five years. Keeping in view the increasing pressure of the people Chief Minister has been raising bogey of war and autonomy to divert their attention", he said. Describing suspension of senior IAS officer, Mr Asgar Samoon as ‘unfortunate’, former Union Home Minister and president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammed Sayed today regretted that honest and straight forward officers are being harassed by the State Government. Mufti Mohammad Sayed said that officers of dubious character have been patronised by the National Conference Government while those of high integrity are facing wrath of the ruling elite. Taking strong exception to the decision of the Chief Minister to suspend Mr Asgar Samoon for, what he called, exposing mis-deeds of the State Government, Mufti listed names of corrupt officers who have not only been provided prized posting but partonised by the State Government. |
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US campaign enters second month ISLAMABAD, Nov 6 : Four US military personnel were reported to have been killed when their helicopter crashed inside Pakistan after being fired upon by the Taliban as the US-led campaign in Afghanistan entered the second month with opposition today claiming to have captured three key northern districts in their biggest success against the militia. Giving a boost to the campaign against terrorism, Germany offered upto 3,900 troops for the US war on the scourge. The offer followed a request from the US for military assistance in its war against terrorism. Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press News agency said that all four crew on board the chopper were killed in the crash last night near Dalbandin, of the three airbases Islamabad has allowed US forces to use for logistical and search and rescue operations in Afghanistan. Officials sources in Pakistan confirmed the crash in the country’s southwestern Baluchistan province, probably after being hit by Taliban ground fire. The officials, however, said they had no information about four US personnel being killed in the crash. In Washington, the Pentagon also said it had information about the crash. On Saturday, the Pentagon denied a previous Taliban claim to have shot down a US helicopter and insisted that no American soldiers had been killed. The Northern Alliance today said its forces have taken over the key Northern districts of Zari, Keshendeh and Ap-Kupruk from the militia. With the US strikes entering the second month, both sides are digging in for an extended conflict through the bitter winter and well into the next year. US warplanes struck Taliban frontlines in Northeastern Afghanistan in their sixth attack in the region near the border with Tajikistan in the last 10 days. A B-52 bomber dropped a load of bombs on a row of hills held by Taliban fighters. The American jets have also been attacking Taliban frontlines north of the Afghan capital Kabul and South of Mazar-i-Sharif in a bid to help the Northern Alliance. In a briefing the Pentagon said it believed a substantial number of Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes on the frontlines. Rear Admiral John Stufflebeam said he had no accurate casualty figure but it had been days since Taliban positions had returned fire. "They are hunkered down and not able to fire. This is a very positive sign," he told reporters.(PTI) |
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Shah under house arrest, 5 detained SRINAGAR, Nov 6: President of J and K Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), Shabir Shah, was today placed under house arrest while five party leaders were taken into preventive custody as police foiled an attempt by them to march to the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office near here to protest the "innocent killings" in Afghanistan. A posse of policemen were deployed at the Sanatnagar residence of Shah in the wee hours restricting his movement, official sources said. Shah had planned to lead party activists from his Rajbagh Party Headquarters to the UNMOGIP office at Sonawar to hand over a memorandum to protest the "innocent killings" in Afghanistan and calling for a halt to the ongoing war. As the news of Shah being put under house arrest reached his office, his party activists led by general secretary Moulana Mohammad Abdullah Tari and organiser-cum-spokesman Mohammad Saleem Geelani started marching towards Sonawar in a procession in violation of prohibitory orders in force in the city, the sources said. They were intercepted by police at Zerobridge who tried to persuade them to disperse, the sources said. However, they tried to continue the march forcing police to use mild lathicharge, the sources said, adding later police detained Geelani, Tari alongwith three others. Criticising the authorities for placing him under house arrest and "using force" against his party workers, Shah told PTI from his residence that the proposed march was to express solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. "We are suffering for the last 12 years at the hands of state terrorism and we can feel the pain of Afghan people who are facing the worst ever crisis," he said adding JKDFP wants an end to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the issue to be resolved through diplomatic and political means. The memorandum, addressed to the Secretary General of United Nations Kofi Annan, said "JKDFP feels that war on the innocent people of Afghanistan is as condemnable as the dastardly act of September 11 when the most heinous action of terrorism against Americans destroyed World Trade Centre killing thousands". "That was evil and this is evil too. War is the failure of wisdom and sanity," it said adding "terrorism is indeed the modern world’s problem number one. But trying to finish terrorism by the very methods of terrorism will create more terrorism." Calling for an end to the bombardment of the innocent Afghans, JKDFP in the memorandum said "decency and respect for civilization demand stopping of the war well before the start of the holy month of Ramzan." (PTI) |
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Complete recommendations
list yet to be submitted By Neeraj Rohmetra Jammu, Nov 6: More than two years have passed since India thwarted Pak agression in the foothills of Kargil, while loosing hundreds of its soldiers. While the Central Government was quick to claim of having punished the Pakistani troops for violating the sanctity of the Indian borders, it has so far failed to fulfill its pledge of providing substantial benefits to the families of martyrs. After the Indian forces suceeded in pushing back the infiltrators into the Pak territory, the Government had announced a special scheme for the widows and next of kin of martyrs of Operations Vijay in Kargil. It pledged that the Ministry of petroleum and natural gas would allot 500 new dealership and distributionships to these families. Sources in Northern Command indicated that these allotments were to be made on the basis of the recommendations of the Ministry of Defence (Director General Resettlement (DRG)). However, notwithstanding the sacrifices of these hundreds of soldiers, about 30 recommendations are yet to be made by the Ministry of Defence. Expressing great shock over the dilly-dallying tactics within the Government machinery, sources commented that none of the Indian soldiers hesitated to sacrifice their life for the country. "But, it is demoralising for many of our colleagues and their families to see the plight of the kith and kin of these martyrs", they regretted. The office of DGR Allotments has been scrutinising each and every case with every minute details. "In one case for which the recommendations had been forwarded by the Ministry, the file has been kept in abeyance because it didn’t match the criteria of the DGR Allotments", sources pointed out. Another evidence of the lackadaisical approch of the Government on the issue is the fact that out of the 455 cases recommended by the Defence Ministry, only 429 have been approved. There is little word on the remaining 26 cases despite being forwarded from the highest defence establishment. Officials in Petroleum and Natural Gas Department, when contacted remarked that only recently in the total sanctioned 429 cases, the oil companies have been advised to issue Letter of Intent (LoIs). The LoI is mandatory for early commissioning of the dealership and distributorships, which have been recommended. Apart from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Department, the Department of Telecommunication had also offered some benefits to the soldiers after their sacrifices in ‘Operation Vijay’. The STD calls from PCOs in Kargil, Nobra and Leh SDCAs have been 75% cheaper. ISD calls made to Nepal from these PCOs have been covered under the concessional telephone facility. Further, the Gallantry Award winners of the three Defence Services and President Police Medal Award winners have been exempted from payment of registration charges and rental charges besides other concessions already available to them. |
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200 terrorists contact
security forces From Dinesh Manhotra JAMMU, Nov 6: Antagonized over inhuman activities of so-called Mujahideens, a large number of disenchanted foreign terrorists, who had infiltrated in to this side to wage Jehad, have been desperately trying to return to their native places. Atrocities committed by the terrorists on the innocent people coinciding with increasing pressure of forces, forced not only local militants but foreign terrorists to rethink about on-going Jehad. Serious thinking started among foreign terrorist whether to continue Jehad or to return to their native places For the last fortnight a good number of foreign terrorists have made attempt to exfiltrate as they are now very much aware of real face of so-called Jehad. "Disenchanted foreign terrorists are pledging before the forces to allow them to cross over other side of the border so that they can return to their native places", informed defence sources. Defence sources disclosed that a large number of highly educated youth, lured by the vicious campaign launched by the Mullahs and other fundamentalists elements, have joined Jehadi groups to get their Kashmiri brethren ‘rid’ from the yoke of Indian hegemony. "But they have realised ground realities as soon as they stepped into this side", said sources. Defence sources narrated example of a engineer Pakistani youth, who had joined Jehad to ‘save’ Kashmiri Muslim from Indian atrocities. Belonging to a sound family of Lahore, Abdul Rashid (name changed), BE, (Civil) was influenced by the malicious campaign launched by some fundamentalist forces in Pakistan. Rashid along with some of his friends joined a Jehadi group and got training in camp located at Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Rashid later crossed over to India through Kupwara to wage Jehad against Indian forces. "Within a month’s time Rashid realised that campaign launched in Pakistan was nothing but a false propaganda to befool the youth", defence sources said. While pointing towards his interrogation report, defence sources said that Rashid visited various areas of Kashmir to get himself aware of the real situation. After spending more than one month in Kashmir, Rashid later crossed over to Jammu region where he interacted with large section of the people. Rashid, who joined Jehad to protect the honour and dignity of the Kashmiri Muslims, was shell shocked to know that Muslims of not only Jammu and Kashmir but of entire India were better placed than even Muslims of Pakistan. Rashid, ultimately, decided to shun the path of violence and to return to his native place. Abdul Rashid is not an isolated case, there are about 200 well educated terrorists, who had contacted the forces that they had mistakenly joined Jehad but now they want to live peaceful life. Defence sources said that Pakistan’s decision to ditch Muslim Taliban to offer support to United States of America (USA) has also forced to the educated militants to rethink Jehad. Taking a leaf from the interrogation report of some terrorists, who had joined Jehad to fight for Islam, defence sources said that after Pakistan’s support to USA terrorists have now realised that national interests were important than religion. "There is thinking among terrorists that if Pakistan, the so-called leader of Muslim nations, can back-stab cause of Islam for its own national interest why they should unnecessarily sacrifice their own lives", sources said. Defence sources said that disenchantment was high among local youth who have joined various Jehadi groups following instigation of Pakistan. Atrocities committed by the so-called Mujahideens on innocent citizens, Pakistan decision to ditch Taliban and increasing pressure of security forces, forced local youth to shun the path of violence and intensify efforts to restore peace and tranquillity in the State. Pointing towards killings of 52 terrorists by the forces during last week, defence sources said that it has boosted moral of the security forces while it sent shock wave among terrorists who are hell bent to disrupt peace in the region. |
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Unsound woman dubbed as informer, shot dead Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 6: Atrocities of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on innocent people have crossed all limits in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Last night, the terrorists gunned down a young unsound woman describing her as security forces informer. Saleema Bi, 35, wife of Abdul Aziz Sheikh, was shot dead by the terrorists inside her house at village Banikhet in Surankot tehsil of Poonch district last night, official sources here said. Entire village knew that Saleema Bi was mentally deranged. However, the terrorists dubbed her as an informed of army and killed her in cold blood. Sources said that security personnel from their adjoining picket in Banikhet immediately swung into action after hearing the sound of gun shots. They engaged a group of three terrorists in an encounter. But, the ultras managed to escape taking advantage of darkness. In the morning, local people held a massive demonstration in Banikhet against the killing of woman. They were demanding stern action against the terrorists, involved in brutal killing of a woman. A large number of people, who joined burial of the woman this evening, also shouted slogans against the terrorists. Security forces continued a search operation in Banikhet forests to track down the terrorists. Meanwhile, in another militancy related incident, a picket of security forces was attacked by the ultras in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district in the early hours of this morning. Security personnel replied the firing from their picket. Heavy exchange of firing continued for about one hour after which the terrorists fled away. No casualties were reported on either side in the exchange of firing, the sources said. |
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Soldier killed in Pak
shelling Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 6: While as four militants died in three different gunbattles with security forces in Kashmir valley since last evening, one soldier got killed in exchange of shelling between Indian and Pakistani troops in Tangdar area, close to LoC, in Kupwara district. Official sources in north Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged artillery, mortar and small gunfire in Tangdar-Neelam sector for several hours on Monday. One soldier of Indian army got killed and another sustained injuries when Pakistani troops targetted military installations in Amrohi area. Defence officials refused to confirm the death of a soldier but maintained that the opposite side initiated the hostilities. However, reports from across the LoC said that the shelling was initiated by Indian troops. According to these reports, a civilian, identified as Mohammad Mushtaq S/o Faqeer Mohammad got killed in Nakiyal sub sector of Neelam while as another civilian, Abdur Rehman S/o Faqeer Mohammad, sustained injuries at another place. One soldier got killed late this evening when two soldiers clashed over a trivial matter at Rangreth, near the military base of Old Airport, in Srinagar outskirts. During the clash, a jawan opened fire on his colleague, killing him on spot. The erring jawan was immediately disarmed and put in detention. Sources in north Kashmir added that a fierce gunbattle began between militants and security forces at Batpora-Haihama, in Kupwara district this evening. Troops of 14 Rajput and SOG Kupwara maintained cordon and killed one militant, namely Hafiz Mushtaq code-named Omar Mukhtar R/o Mianwali, Pakistan. He was identified as a member of Tehreek-ul—Jihad-e-Islami. According to the tip off, it was an infiltrating group of 8 militants, besides three porters and two guides. All, but one, managed to escape towards Kalaroos forest area. Officials said that the whole area would be subjected to a combing operation on Wednesday. Sources said that troops of 11 Sikh LI eliminated an unidentified militant at Choonthwari, in Machhil sector today. Sources in south Kashmir said that, on Monday evening, troops of Sector-1 Rashtriya Rifles and SOG clashed with militants of Hizbul Mujahideen at Utarsu village, near Dabran, in Anantnag district. During the four-hour-long gunbattle, security forces eliminated two militants. They were identified as Obaid Rasheed of Chursu Awantipore and Javed Ahmed Ganai R/o Lalan, Anantnag. |
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And now Azadi by killing 40 trees! Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 6: The south Kashmir town of Shopian was euphoric with an eerie silence. Black clouds and a drizzle couldn’t play the spoilsport but Police did. It swooped on Shopian-Srinagar road minutes after it learned about an unprecedented development. About 200 men, mostly from Gujjar community, had felled two particular conifer trees in Kellar forest area, sawn the same into logs and carried it by headload all the way to a spot, close to the town. As womenfolk were witnessed showering Sheerini, men were seen chanting hymns and touching the freshly sawn logs with reverence. Some of them were beating the drums. After a while, the Gujjars themselves solved the riddle when they disclosed that the two Kail trees were supposed to be taken all the way to Poonch, via Srinagar-Jammu highway. The Gujjars disclosed that they had been deployed by their Mendhar-based "saint" on the "holy mission". And the mission was to fell the two particular trees in Kellar, besides 38 more in other areas. The hermit had engaged them with the revelation that once the 40 trees reached Mendhar, end to the 13-year-long agony in Jammu & Kashmir would follow. He had made them believe that Azadi would be around the corner, once the "holy mission" was accomplished. A large number of Shopian people, who hold the Mendhar saint with reverence, offered their services and helped the Gujjars in felling, sawing and transportation. They spent around Rs 5000 on arranging steel pegs, ropes and other necessary items. Some of them even believed that, once felled the trees would bleed. The Police party, led by SDPO Shopian Imtiyaz Ahmed, seized the entire quantity of the timber and lodged FIR No: 279/2001 under sections 379 RPC, 107 RPC and 6 Forest Act, at Police Station Shopian. However, possibly fearing the wrath of the saint, the Police party didn’t go for any arrests. |
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IMW helped in arrest of Jammu cheats NEW DELHI, Nov 5: A couple accused of cheating about 500 hundred small investors of more than Rs 15 lakhs in Jammu has fallen into the police dragnet, thanks to the television series "India’s Most Wanted’. With this, Mr Manoj Raghuvanshi who is the executive producer of the programme telecast weekly on Zee TV said 47 criminals had been arrested during the telecast of 72 episodes of the series. Surinder Singh and Surjit Kaur were arrested in Navi Mumbai following a lead received within hours of the telecast of the episode last night. Mr M A Anjum, Senior Superintendent of Police, Crime and Railways, Jammu, said a police team would go to Navi Mumbai tomorrow to take custody of the two arrested persons. The couple had taken large sums from unsuspecting investors by promising them large interest. (UNI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Civil secretariat and other moving offices reopened in the winter capital here today. These were closed in Srinagar on October 29. Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah arrived the Secretariat at sharp 10 a.m and inspected ceremonial guard of honour by a smartly attired contingent of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Ministers, top officials and employees of the Secretariat greeted the Chief Minister on his arrival. He enquired from the employees about their welfare and arrangements like lodging etc. Later, Dr Abdullah conferred with his ministerial colleagues and senior officers separately and discussed the overall situation prevailing in the State. |
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5,000 Pak Mujahideen join Taliban ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: More than 5,000 Pakistani Mujahideen have joined the Taliban regime since the beginning of the United States military operation against the Afghanistan Government, the Russian news agency Ria Novosti has said. The Novosti report quoted the Pakistan-based Dawn as saying that despite the Pakistan’s vow to arrest anyone who infiltrates into Afghanistan, an 800-strong unit of Pakistani fighters, allegedly, activists of the Tehrik-Nafaz-Shariat-Muhammadi Religious Party, crossed the border this weekend to join the Taliban force. The fundamentalists used trucks to cross the Ghani Pass and arrived in the city of Asadabad, the capital of the Kunar province in Eastern Afghanistan, the paper said. According to the paper, about 10,000 armed "volunteers" are currently deployed in the Bajaur territory, the Pakistani federally administered tribal areas. The largest Tehrik-Nafaz-Shariat-Muhammadi’s units arrived in the Kunar from the Bajaur on Thursday and Friday, numbering more than 2,000 men, the paper added. (UNI) |
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