Delhi rules out cease-fire in J&K
Centre to examine Hizbul's proposal for talks: Advani

NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Government will examine the proposal of Hizbul Mujahideen that it was willing for a dialogue on Kashmir, Home Minister L K Advani told Rajya Sabha today, reports PTI.

"I will examine it (Hizbul Mujahideen’s proposal)," Advani said responding to supplementaries to a question on terror unleashed by militant outfits in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Government was willing to discuss and negotiate the issue with any organisation which was prepared to lay down arms and come to the negotiating table. This was one of the essential components for dialogue, Advani said.

"If any such organisation, irrespective of its past, says that it is willing for negotiations, we will examine the proposal," he said.

Without naming Pakistan, the Home Minister said ever since the change of Government in 1999 in the neighbouring country, efforts have been made by the new regime to promote terrorism.

Referring to Kargil, he said the defeat of the militants in the conflict encouraged them to indulge in further terrorist activities.

However, New Delhi had succeeded in mobilising international opinion in its favour, he added.

B L Kak adds:The Government of India does not intend to initiate cease-fire process in Jammu and Kashmir in the given situation.

If there was any doubt about it, it was set at rest by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr Vidyasagar Rao, in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. "No such proposal is under consideration at present", he said in reply to a question by Vijaya Raghavan.

Mr Vidyasagar Rao said that the Government had adopted a multi dimensional strategy to curb terrorism and check infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir. The strategy, he pointed out, included, among other things, strengthening of border management, gearing up the intelligence machinery, improved technology, weapons and equipment for security forces and enactment of a comprehensive law on terrorism.

In his reply to a question by Mr K Rama Mohan Rao and Mr Vijaya Raghavan, Mr Vidyasagar Rao said that in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the J&K Assembly complex at Srinagar, the State Government had taken various measures to strengthen the security of vulnerable places prone to such attacks. Between October 1, when this incident took place, and November 15, as many as 90 militants have been apprehended. Mr Rao stated that 367 militants, including 93 foreign mercenaries, had been killed during the period.

Mr Vidyasagar Rao informed the House that besides appointing Mr KC Pant as New Delhi’s principal interlocutor with all groups and outfits in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre had kept its "doors open" for talks with all those "who are ready to eschew the path of violence".

Mr Rao stated in reply to a question by Mr Dina Nath Mishra that the Government of India had invited attention of all Chief Ministers to the new dimension of terrorism that had emerged in the wake of terrorist attacks in USA on September 11. While sensitizing the States about various challenges in the internal security scenario of the country, such as Pak-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, inter-linked and externally supported subversive activities of militant groups in the North-East and the violence perpetrated by the Left Wing extremist groups in some States, the possibility of use of weapons of mass destruction was also highlighted as an area of immediate concern, he said.

Mr Rao informed Mr Yadlapati Venkat Rao and Mr CM Ibrahim during question hour that a lesser known militant outfit, ‘Lashkar-e-Jabbar’, supported by a few other outfits like Dukhtaran-e-Milat, issued public diktat in Jammu and Kashmir to regulate the ‘dress code’ for women of different religions. However, the incidents of acid-throwing as well as the call for imposition of a ‘dress code’ for women were condemned by people from all walks of life.

Mr Rao stated that the campaign of ‘Lashkar-e-Jabbar’, according to the report of the J&K Government, had completely fizzled out having received no support from the people. Nevertheless, the police and security personnel, he added, were maintaining a strict vigil, particularly at public places where women generally congregate.

Mr Rao said in reply to a question by Mr Rumandla Ramachandraiah that the Centre constantly reviewed the internal security situation in the country and had been sensitizing the State Governments about threat perceptions and activities of militant and terrorist groups from time to time. He pointed out that as a result of coordinated action between Central and State intelligence and law enforcement agencies, several Pakistan-backed modules had been neutralized.

Admitting that it was difficult to assess the exact figure of infiltration, Mr Vidyasagar Rao told the House that some infiltration "is continuing" into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. He said in reply to a question by Mr KM Khan that steps were being taken to flush out terrorists and curb their activities. These steps included close vigil through multi-tiered deployment of forces on the LoC and International Border, establishment of naka parties and pickets in depth to check infiltration and exfiltration and intensive patrolling.

"No", was Mr Vidyasagar Rao’s reply when Mr Dina Nath Mishra and Mr Janeshwar Mishra asked if the terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir had increased since October 7 after the US started attacks on Taliban. Mr Rao said that there had not been any perceptible change in the terrorist-related violence in J&K since October 7.

When asked if after the US war on Afghanistan foreign mercenaries active in J&K had started leaving the State, Mr Rao said: "No such general movement of foreign mercenaries has taken place, though some infiltration and exfiltration of terrorists have been going on". New Delhi, he added, had used every opportunity to apprise the international community of Pakistan’s support to and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism in India.

No inquiry counter to guide patients
Registration counter in OPD fails to cater visitors' need

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Nov 21: Contrary to the tall claims of every Head-of-the-Departments (HoDs), Head-of-the-Units (HoUs) and a person sitting on the highest post of the, what proudly is called ‘premier institution of the region’, the Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu seems to have reduced to merely a structure with problems and problems for the visitors and only plans and plans in the mind of senior authorities for the sake of planning only.

Long queues outside the Out Patient Department (OPD) counters in GMC Hospital and lack of proper guidance and the much needed human touch shows that there is no one in the hospital to realise the ailing needs of the visitors.

Sometime, there is a sea of heads inside the main OPD hall of the GMC hospital and crowds can only be described as massive.

One Darshan Kumar of remote village of Darhal in Rajouri district with minor daughter in his arms managed to get registration slip from the long queue outside the OPD counter only to visit one door to another to reach the concerned doctor for the check-up of his daughter Bhanu. "Neither I have any clue nor there is any kind hearted person to guide me properly as to which doctor I will have to approach for examination of my ailing daughter", he said when asked why he is looking so disturbed.

Similar is the condition of Raj Bhandhari of Uttar Pradesh, who came Jammu for onward journey to have darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi, had to visit the hospital as suddenly his wife become ill. It was his first visit to this hospital and he had to face inconvenience and problems due to lack of knowledge. He got his wife sit on one corner of the OPD hall and he himself started roaming here and there only to find a person who could properly guide him but all in vain. After 15 minutes of exercise, a nurse came in the shape of Goddess and guided him properly and he got his wife examined by the doctor.

This is not the story of these two persons but every day a number of visitors have to face such ordeal before reaching the concerned doctor. Moreover, the long queue to get registration slip further adds to the woes of people who have no other option but to either leave the hospital or wait for about an hour or so to get the slip.

In such a big hospital there should be enquiry counters at appropriate places to guide the visitors so that they could reach the concerned doctor or section without any inconvenience. But in the premier institution of the region there is only one inquiry counter that too only near the Emergency Ward.

"There is a dire need to open more registration counters in the OPD for the convenience of the people as mere a single person on registration counter cannot provide slips to every intending patients numbered between 800 to 1000 per day", the sources in the hospital said, adding "sometime standing in long queue for about one and half an hour does not serve the purpose of the visitors as when their turn comes either the employees inside the counter are about to leave or the doctors are not available".

Keeping in view only one registration counter, the people usually reach hospital early in the morning to get the registration slip first but that too creates confusion and chaos resulting into large number of patients remaining unattended by the doctors.

It is very difficult to understand as to what is problem in opening inquiry counters for the convenience of the visitors when crores of rupees can be spent for bringing and installing new machines. "If people can not reach the concerned sections or doctors, how can people derive benefits from such machines", the sources said.

When contacted Principal Dr H L Goswami said that he has also received information from certain quarters that only one person on registration counter in OPD can not cater to the needs of visitors. "We are in the process of appointing more persons on registration counters to minimise the problems of visitors", he disclosed and added that separate counters for women and men would be opened shortly.

Regarding opening of inquiry counters at appropriate places, he said that due to less manpower he can not open more inquiry counters but added that he will look into the matter and will come out with a solution at an earliest. "This is the job of social workers but presently we have only two social workers that too in Emergency Ward", he further said.

CEC flays absence of democracy within political parties

NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh today launched a veiled attack on political parties not electing their leaders and said lack of democracy within parties reflected on the democracy of the country.

He said a new breed of politicians had come up "which is quite capable of milking the public finances and welshing the mutual funds.

"How can there be democracy in the true sense when there is little internal democracy in the political parties, where leaders of parties are not elected in certain cases," Lyngdoh asked while addressing a workshop on `money and democratic politics’ here.

Admitting that there were instances of misuse of money in polls, he said besides the elected politicians, even those who fail at the hustings have shown that they can be influenced by powerful media houses and multinationals.

"It is now unabashedly admitted that media and MNCs are more potent than the State itself," the CEC said.

He said overspending in elections was a universal phenomenon and India was no exception to that. "The Election Commission has a limited role in curbing this and the entire society has to get together to get rid of this nuisance," Lyngdoh said.

Earlier, senior Congress leader Salman Khursheed and BJP leader K Swain stressed the need for allowing income tax-free corporate funding in a publicly accountable and transparent manner.

Khursheed favoured a level-playing field for winners and losers in the funding.

"Politics is an expensive business. Where do we find money for parties and individuals? corporate funding should be allowed and made income tax free," Khursheed said.

He also favoured entry of "good people" in politics, even as he lamented that defections continued in the political spectrum despite an "impressive anti-defection law".

Swain, while disfavouring state funding as "not practicable", said corporates should be allowed to donate money publicly and these donations should be it-free.

The two leaders differed on the having an interim administration just before the elections on the pattern seen recently in Bangladesh. While Khursheed favoured it, Swain said the Bangladesh experience could not be applied here.

Khursheed also said the Congress was a mass-based party and wanted to be cadre-based like BJP while the latter was a cadre-based party wanting to be mass-based. (PTI)

No let up in fight against Al-Qaeda:US
Alliance set to enter Kunduz

ISLAMABAD, Nov 21: The anti-Taliban forces appeared poised for a major offensive against the militia troops holed up in northern Afghanistan city of Kunduz after serving an ultimatum to them to surrender by tomorrow morning or face "consequences", while the US said there would be no let up in the fight against terror network Al-Qaeda.

The beleagured Taliban vowed to defend its southern stronghold of Kandahar and claimed that "three or four provinces" were still under its control.

Rival Afghan factions, including Northern Alliance which now controls most part of the country, took the first step towards forging a representative post-Taliban Government by agreeing to multi-party talks in German capital Berlin next week.

In Rome, exiled king Mohammad Zahir Shah agreed to send a delegation for the talks likely to be attended by exiled Afghan community in Pakistan.

Maintaining their seige of Kunduz, where nearly 30,000 Taliban soldiers including Pakistanis, Chechens and Arabs are holed up, Northern Alliance today said the militia troops have "until Thursday morning to give themselves up. After that they will have to take responsibilty for the consequences."

The ultimatum was given by Gen Nazir Mahmad in Khanabad, about 20 km east of Kunduz, where US warplanes kept up their pounding.

Taliban approached the UN for the surrender of its troops in Kunduz but the world body said it has no means to oversee a surrender.

"It is evident that the UN cannot, has no means, is not present on the ground and simply cannot possibly acceede to this request," UN special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said.

The UN has expressed its opposition to any negotiated surrender, saying it was against foreign nationals fighting alongside the Taliban to walk free from one of the militia’s last holdouts.

"It would be most unfortunate if the foreigners in Afghanistan, the Al-Qaeda and the Chechens and others who have been there working with the Taliban, if those folks were set free and in any way allowed to go to another country and cause the same kind of terrorist acts," US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said.

But Rear Adm John Stufflebeem told reporters in Washington that bombing in Afghanistan could be halted if opposition forces asked. "If the opposition would ask us not to bomb a specific facility or location so they could continue discussion, we’ll certainly honour that."

Brahimi said he wanted fewer than 30 Afghan leaders to quickly decide on a broad-based transitional administration for Afghanistan at the Berlin meeting.

"I very, very much hope out of this meeting which is not, hopefully, only symbolic we will take some concrete decisions and steps," he said after briefing the UN Security Council.

President of the Northern Alliance-led Government in Afghanistan Burhanuddin Rabbani called for an end to the warfare and said he was not opposed to individual Talibans who have not committed crimes being part of a broad-based Government in the country.

A spokesman of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar said that the militia has sufficient military strength to defend Kandahar and surrounding provinces, and denied that there was any negotiations going on for transfer of power of the southern city.

"At present, our forces in Kandahar and surrounding provinces, they are enough to defend our present controlled areas," Syed Tayyad Agha said.

The commander of the US military campaign in Afghanistan flew to an air base near Kabul to meet with anti-Taliban leaders and said that there would be no letup in the fight to destroy the Al-Qaida terror network.

Gen Tommy Franks said he yesterday met with top Northern Alliance leaders for several hours at Bagram air base near Kabul and discussed coordination between US special forces and Alliance fighters. US soldiers have been advising the Alliance and directing bombing attacks against the Taliban.

Franks said "the process of fracturing the Taliban has occurred and is occurring. We have worked and will continue to work with opposition leaders who seek one thing and that one thing is to rid the people of Afghanistan of this plight of terrorism." (PTI)

12 infiltrators killed by BSF in Ramgarh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 21: Twelve intruders, suspected to be Bangladeshis, were gunned down by security forces at two places in Nanga and SP-1 early today. BSF, however, described the slain intruders as ‘Pakistani nationals’.

Reports said the first group of intruders was intercepted by BSF jawans at Nanga post in Ramgarh sector in the wee hours of this morning. This group comprising eight male members was eliminated by security personnel, guarding the international border round-the-clock against any infiltration attempt by Pakistan-backed terrorist groups.

Almost simultaneously, another group of four sneaking persons was gunned down by the BSF jawans. The group members reportedly tried to escape back to Pakistan after being signalled to stop, which prompted the BSF jawans to open firing.

Since no recovery of arms, explosives or incriminating documents was made from the possession of slain persons, it was being presumed that infiltrators were not Pakistanis but Bangladeshi nationals, the reports said.

However, an official spokesman of BSF claimed here this afternoon that all 12 slain intruders were believed to be the Pakistani nationals. The spokesman, however, hastened to add that only Rs 600 in Indian currency were recovered from both groups.

Meanwhile, there was no let up in heavy firing by Pakistan army on the International Border last night. Indo-Pak troops exchanged firing in Samba, Suchetgarh, Arnia, RS Pura and Kanachak sub sectors.

No casualties or damage was reported on Indian side in Pakistani firing, which was described by official sources as ‘routine’. Both sides were trading small arms firing almost daily, the sources said. Casualties on the other side couldn’t be ascertained.

SPO-turned-terrorist shot dead in Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 21: A Special Police Officer (SPO)-turned-terrorist was gunned down by troops of Rashtriya Rifles and Special Task Force (STF) Doda at village Poni Patnazi in Kishtwar tehsil this afternoon. He has been identified as Aziz Ahmed son of Abdul Gani, a resident of Patnazi.

Police said Aziz Ahmed had deserted a SPOs post alongwith his official weapon in Kishtwar in August this year and re-joined Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit. Army and police were looking for Aziz ever since he deserted the post.

Early today, police got a tip off that deserter SPO had come to his native village of Poni Patnazi to meet his family members. Troops of 26 Rashtriya Rifles and STF Doda sealed the village and asked Lashkar terrorist to surrender.

However, Aziz refused to oblige the security personnel and opened firing with his AK-47 rifle. After about 20 minutes exchange of firing, army jawans gunned down Aziz Ahmed. There was no report of any casualties on army or police side.

Aziz was not accompanied by any of his associates. Security forces conducted searches in the village but no movement (of any other terrorist) was noticed.

Besides one AK-47 rifle, three live hand grenades were also recovered from the possession of Aziz Ahmed, police said.

They said Aziz Ahmed had gone to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 1997 for arms training alongwith some other local youths of Kishtwar tehsil. He returned to Doda in March 1998 and remained active in militancy for about six months.

Later, Aziz Ahmed surrendered before security forces and was recruited as SPO. He deserted the post in August this year and re-joined militancy.

Body of Aziz Ahmed was handed over to his family this evening after post-mortem in the hospital.

Advani condemns VHP for temple trespass

NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Home Minister L K Advani today condemned Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for storming the make-shift temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya on October 17 and said the guilty must be punished as per law.

"I have already publicly condemned VHP’s act and today again I do so and I emphasise that the guilty must be punished as per the law," Advani told the Rajya Sabha replying to the calling attention motion.

However, dissatisfied with the reply the entire opposition staged a walkout saying there was no assurance from the Government to stall VHP’s move to start construction of Ram temple on Basant Panchami next February.

Advani said the Centre was committed to adhering to the Supreme Court order at any cost.

There is a standing committee for the security of Ayodhya having representation from both the State and the Centre, he said.

Advani said the Ayodhya problem could be resolved either by the decision of the court or through a dialogue between Hindus and Muslims. There could be no other solution.

As far as court’s decision is concerned, Advani said "I think it is very difficult to arrive at any decision as it has taken a number of years and one does not know how many years more it will take."

Soon after Advani’s reply, Congress member Suresh Pachouri wanted to know what steps Government proposed to take to prevent VHP’s move to start construction of the temple from Basant Panchami day.

When Advani did not respond, the entire opposition staged a walkout.

Advani said "we should not forget that the country had witnessed partition on the basis of religion despite Mahatma Gandhi saying that Hindu and Muslim are his two eyes."

But in 1950, three years after the partition, India declared that it would remain a secular country and this is its biggest strength.

In case, the minorities feel insecured in this country, it is not good, Advani said. (PTI)

Gupta posted IG Jammu, Rajendera IG Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 21: The Government today ordered a reshuffle at top level of Police Department promoting two DIGs and shifting some IGPs.

Mr P L Gupta, DIG Vigilance Organisation, Jammu and Mr K Rajendera, DIG Srinagar-Badgam range have been promoted and posted as IGP Jammu and IGP Kashmir respectively. Both of them are IPS officers of 1984 batch.

Mr P S Gill, Additional DG and Director Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur has been transferred and posted as ADG, Law and Order.

Dr Ashok Bhan, IG Srinagar has been posted as IG Security against a vacancy while Mr R V Raju, IGP Jammu will replace Mr Gill as Director Police Academy, Udhampur.

Hizb disowns statement

SRINAGAR, Nov 21: Cracks within Hizbul Mujahideen, a dominant militant group, came to the fore today with the outfit disowning statement of its commander Asad Yazdani expressing willingness to float a political party and work out a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.

Junaid-ul-Islam, who introduced himself as the new spokesman of the outfit, said in a statement to a local news agency that Yazdani was not its spokesman. Yazdani is not holding any position in the outfit at present and has been relieved of his responsibilities as divisional commander, he said.

The outfit, he said, was a jihadi group and whatever role it will play will be under the banner of Hizbul Mujahideen. "There is no need to form a separate political group", Junaid-ul-Islam said.

He said Hizbul Mujahideen had announced a ceasefire in July last year but the "rigid" attitude of the Centre scuttled its efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully.

There was no need for a fresh ceasefire now, he added. (PTI)

6 killed in landmine

GAYA, Nov 21: Five Bihar Military Police jawans were among six killed in a landmine blast set off by banned Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) at Koiribigha Harijan Tolla in Bihar’s extremist-hit Gaya district tonight, police sources said.

The victims were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector S K Trivedi, Havildar Pyare Mahato, constables Ramashes Yadav, Unni Dixit, Manoj Kumar, the sources told PTI.

Jeep driver Pramod was also killed in the blast, they said.

The two injured were taken to Gaya Medical College hospital where their condition was stated to be extremely critical, the sources said.

Senior district officials have rushed to the spot and combing operations have been launched to arrest the MCC ultras responsible for the blast.

The police headquarters here has directed neighbouring district authorities of Aurangabad, Jehanabad and Bhojpur to coordinate with the Gaya police in tracing the ultras. (PTI)

Bhutto visiting Delhi on Nov 25

NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who arrives here on a private visit on Sunday, is expected to have a meeting with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during her stay in the capital.

Bhutto, who is coming at the invitation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), will address the business forum on Monday.

Diplomatic circles here attach importance to the visit taking place at this juncture when Indo-Pak ties are deadlocked and at a time when Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is facing flak domestically for backing US-led action in Afghanistan.

Bhutto, staying in London, is contemplating returning to Pakistan to prepare her Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in the event of a general election.

Musharraf has promised the international community that he would hold election by October next year paving the way for the country’s return to democracy.

Bhutto is also likely to visit Ajmer, they said. (PTI)

Two SEs promoted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 21: The State Government today ordered promotions of two Superintending Engineers (SEs) as Chief Engineers (CEs).

Following promotion, Mr Khurshid Ahmed has been posted as Chief Engineer Procurement and Material Management vice Mr Zigmat Namgayal. Mr Namgayal has been posted as Chief Engineer System and Operations, Jammu relieving Mr H S Gupta, Development Commissioner Power of the additional charge.

Mr Bashir Ahmed, on his promotion, has been posted as Chief Engineer Commercial Survey, PDD.

Indian delegation in Kabul

NEW DELHI, Nov 21: A high-level Indian diplomatic mission, which reached Kabul this morning, will set up a temporary mission and interact with the Taliban on various crucial issues, Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah said today.

He told Star News that some members of the diplomatic mission, led by India’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan S K Lambah, would come back because of their various other commitments while some would stay on. The delegation also includes Mr Arun K Singh, Joint Secretary (Afghanistan) in the External Affairs Ministry.

"Mr Lambah will interact with the Northern Alliance over the rapidly changing situation...We felt that we must have some arrangement to monitor the situation on the ground in Afghanistan," he added.

Mr Abdullah denied a suggestion that India’s decision to send the mission had given New Delhi a head-start in the diplomatic arena. "We are not in any race...We feel we have a interest in the stability of Afghanistan".

He, however, agreed that it would be difficult for Pakistan to send such a mission to Afghanistan, given the fact that Islamabad had supported the Taliban regime. (UNI)

| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports |
| international | weather | mailbag | suggestions | search | subscribe | send mail |