 |
‘People
to be protected at any cost’ DIBRUGARH (ASSAM), Apr 21: Assuring that those responsible for violence in Gujarat would be punished irrespective of their religion, caste and political affiliations, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said people’s life, property and self-respect would be protected at any cost. Gujarat is passing through a crisis and it needs help from every quarter to tide over the difficult time, Vajpayee said inaugurating the construction work of rail-road Bogibeel bridge here. "It is the duty of all countrymen to come forward and help the people of the State to come out of tragic times," he said adding the country had always rallied behind states facing difficult times like Orissa devastated by a cyclone and now Gujarat saddled with violence. "We are all one. There may be different religions, languages, castes and festivals but there is unity in this diversity and we unite in times of adversity and crisis," Vajpayee said. In an obvious reference to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said "some of our neighbours do not want us to remain united, but to disintegrate. However, this dream of theirs will never be fulfilled." He appealed to militants of the North-East to give up violence and help the country move ahead. "Terrorism is an international challenge and what is happening here is also terrorism which has no place in a civilised society," Vajpayee said asking the militants to "leave the wrong road and take the path of peace." He said the change achieved through lawlessness had ended in anarchy and, therefore, the youths of the region should renounce this path. The Prime Minister said the key to progress is development which can be achieved by setting aside petty differences, adding political parties should cooperate on matters of security and development. There is no place for militancy in the country, he told the gathering which braved inclement weather to attend the function at Chowkidinghee ground here. Stating the country’s army is strong to meet any eventuality, Vajpayee said "arms have to be taken to defend the nation and army is there to fulfil that duty." Referring to reservation for women in legislatures, the Prime Minister said "we want to give a rightful place to women in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha." Assuring the people of the North-East of full support from the Centre, Vajpayee said the Centre would take all steps to help the region develop and get a right place in the world map. He said the country is faced with a challenge with the whole world looking towards it. Vajpayee said during his recent visit to Singapore and Cambodia he noticed the tremendous progress made by these countries in a few years. China too has made immense progress. "We must learn lessons from them and establish friendly relations with our neighbours," he said. The Prime Minister said his Government was determined to raise the quality of lives of Dalits, Adivasis and other weaker sections of society. Vajpayee said the Centre would certainly help the Assam Government in tackling the flood problem. Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Nitish Kumar announced the Centre would grant special status to the North East in development of railways. Stating the rail-cum-road bridge would have a double line which would spur economic activities, he said the gauge conversion between New Jalpaiguri and New Bongaigaon would be completed soon. Union Minister for Disinvestment and Department of North-East region, Arun Shourie, said all schemes and projects submitted by the North-Eastern States are cleared within 15 days. The allocation of funds by each ministry for the North-East has increased by three times. He said under the tenth five-year plan, Rs 500 crore has been allocated for compensation to Jhum cultivators. The Centre, Shourie said, has signed an agreement with China recently to provide hydrological information from Tibet to tackle floods in the region. (PTI) |
|
Ramnavmi havan after 13 years in Kashmir valley Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 21: For the first time since the eruption of militancy about 13 years back, Kashmiri Pandits today thronged the traditional Ramji temple here to celebrate Ramnavmi. Over 2,500 Hindus including a large number of women and children, took part in the ‘Havan’ organised by the Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir (HWSK) on the occasion. Ramji temple, located at Barbar Shah in the heart of the city, reverberated with religious songs as the organisers were busy performing Havan. Devotees started visiting the temple since early in the morning to perform Pooja, reminding one of the pre-militancy days when thousands of Pandits used to visit the temple on Ramnavmi, Omkar Nath Panjoo, chairman of the HWSK, an organisation representing the voice of Kashmiri Pandits living in the Valley, said. "We have performed the havan to get the blessing of our Lord so that peace and happiness could be restored in Kashmir," Panjoo said. He said the havan was felt necessary as not only Kashmiri Pandits but majority Muslims were the worst sufferers of the unabated violence since 1989. The Havan has also given a chance to the Kashmiri Pandits to unite and chalk out a programme to highlight the problems being faced by them, the chairman said. He also praised the Muslim community for its support during all these years. Ghulam Mohammed, a shopkeeper in the area, said the celebration of the festival remind him of the pre-militancy days when thousands of Kashmiri Pandits used to visit the temple on Ramnavmi and other occasions. Though there was no threat authorities had deployed police around the temple for the security of the devotees. A report from Baramulla said Ramnavmi was celebrated in the Devi temple where Kashmiri Pandits took part in the Pooja. |
|
Malhi new CS; Cabinet meet
on Apr 24 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 21: Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Mr I S Malhi will be the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, relieving present incumbent, Mr Ashok Jaitly, who will be the Principal Advisor to Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah from next month. Highly placed authoritative sources told EXCELSIOR that Mr Malhi will take over as Chief Secretary from Mr Jaitly, here on April 30, whose term ends that day. Mr Jaitly, who was due to retire in January last on superannuation, was granted three months extension. The sources said that Mr Jaitly, will handover the charge to Mr Malhi on the last day of this month and from May 1, he will take over the new assignment of Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister in the State. The sources said that Mr Jaitly will be vested with the special powers and all matters, except the routine ones, will route through him to the Chief Minister in order to run the State administration in a well coordinated and efficient manner. Mr Jaitly will be retaining his houses in Jammu as well as in Srinagar, the sources further said. Mr Malhi, will be the Chief Secretary of the State for another six months, as he is proceeding on superannuation in October this year. Meanwhile, State Cabinet is meeting here on April 24 to discuss some issues in respect of Darbar Move. This will be the last Cabinet meeting here, as Move offices are closing on April 29 and will reopen in Srinagar on May 7. The sources said that during April 24 Cabinet meeting, some changes at the senior Commissioner level will be affected, particularly keeping in mind the elevation of Mr Malhi to the post of Chief Secretary. There will be, however, no changes in the Police Department, the sources added. |
|
Tension again erupts on IB Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 21: Three persons including a woman and a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan were injured in intensified firing on the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) over-night. Mortar shelling also took place at some places in Nowshera sector. Pakistan army resorted to heavy firing all along the IB in Jammu sector last night. Firing was intense in RS Pura sector, official sources said. Firing continued till this morning and was effectively retaliated at all places by the Indian army. A woman was hit by a bullet in her house at village Devipur, close to the IB, in RS Pura sector at 0545 hours today and was seriously injured. Simultaneously, a BSF jawan was injured in the firing in the same village. Both injured were evacuated from firing site by the security personnel and admitted to hospital. Several bullets were reported to have landed either inside or very close to the residential houses in RS Pura sector, which created panic among the people, the sources said, adding the firing stopped at about 1000 hours. Heavy exchange of shelling and firing was also reported from the LoC in Nowshera sector this morning. A civilian Purshotam Kumar son of Ved Parkash was injured in the firing in forward village of Makri in Nowshera sector. He has been admitted in the Military Hospital, Nowshera. Shelling was reported from eight villages in Nowshera sector including Bhawani, Lam and Sher Makri. Shelling in Nowshera sector came after a lull of about one week. About 30 to 40 mortar shells were reported to have been fired by Pakistan army in Nowshera sector. Indian side retaliated in similar fashion. Casualties and damage suffered by Pakistan side in the shelling couldn’t be ascertained immediately, the sources said. Meanwhile, a Defence handout issued here this evening said tension was again building up on the International Border for the past few days due to heavy firing by Pakistan army intermittently on various forward posts despite no provocation at all. On the Indian side, the BSF in most of the cases showed restrain and didn’t retaliate. However, Pakistan has taken recourse of blasting poles and damaging the border fencing to increase tension on the border, the spokesman said, adding Pakistan has made eight attempts since last year to interfere in the construction work of border fending. Despite such provocative acts, there was no reaction from the BSF. Again in an unprovoked act, the spokesman said, Pakistan army commenced heavy as well as small arms caliber firing last night forcing the Indian side to retaliate. In retaliatory firing brought down by the Indian side, some damage was caused to a Pakistani post and the personnel manning it, he added. "If Pakistan side didn’t stop unprovoked firing, the troops on this side will have no option but to retaliate", he warned. |
|
2 Pak militants killed in
Kupwara encounter Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 21: Even as two militants have been eliminated by security forces in a gunbattle in Kupwara today, militants have shot dead an Army source in Budgam district and two non-Kashmiri traders have been slaughtered to death in Anantnag. Informed sources in north Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that an encounter took place between militants and security forces at Pir Nallah, Dardpora Lolab, in Kupwara district today. Troops of Rashtriya Rifles 18 Bn and SOG Lalpora (Kupwara) participated in the operation. Security forces had information regarding the presence and movement of a group of Lashkar-e-Toiba in the area. During the gunbattle, troops killed two Pakistani militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba who were identified as Ghulam Mustafa and Abu Taraz alias Sher Baz. Two AK-56 rifles, six hand grenades and eight UBGLs were recovered from the site of operation. Officials, who participated in the operation, said that one militant was believed to have got injured in the encounter. Search operation was still in progress to trace him in the woods. Official sources said that militants ambushed a counter-insurgent source of the Chhoon camp of Rashtriya Rifles 35 Bn in Budgam district and shot him dead at Yarisatru, in Khansahib belt of upper Budgam. He was identified as Rajinder Singh S/O Jignath Singh S/O Dalwan, Chadoura. He had been openly operating in Budgam-Khansahib belt. Reports from south Kashmir said that Police recovered the slaughtered dead bodies of two unidentified civilians from mustard fields between Nagam and Khalhaar in Anantnag district. They seemed to have been kidnapped and slaughtered. Police sources believed that both of them were non-Kashmiri traders who could have been in the area in connection with some small business. One of them turned out to be Muslim while as another was a Hindu. Sources in Anantnag said that a knife, possibly used to slit the throats of the duo, has also been recovered from the same spot where the two dead bodies lay in a pool of blood. Neither of the slain individuals had been identified till late this evening. A senior Police official speculated that money or settlement of accounts would be the cause behind the double murder. He insisted that it was not a militancy-related incident. |
|
Over-stretching of BSF, CRPF jawans affect efficiency From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Apr 21: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received significant signals from the chiefs of the two crucial organizations, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), vis-a-vis the adverse results from the over-stretching of the paramilitary personnel. The Director General of BSF has been devastatingly blunt in bringing to the fore his finding that over-stretching of his force is adversely affecting the operational efficiency, while the CRPF’s DG has argued that "excessive commitment" of his force is taking its toll by affecting physical and Psychological well-being of the personnel. A document reveals that while a large number of BSF units from borders as well as reserves have been diverted for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur, as many as 58 battalions of the Force remained deployed on the Western border as part of ‘hot war’ deployment of forces. Prepared by parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs, the document covers the BSF’s organisational and operational set-up, its role in peace and war, preventing trans-border crimes, unauthorised entry into or exit from the territory of India, smuggling and other illegal activity, holding ground in earmarked sectors and protection of vital installations. On modernization plans for the BSF and CRPF, the document says that weapons upgradation of BSF will include Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) and automatic grenade launcher, Carl Gustav rocket launcher, heavy machine gun, bomb detection and disposal equipment, global positioning system, laser ranger finders and dry zeroing devices, hand held thermal imagers, sensors and mobile surveillance vehicles. Modernization programme for the CRPF will include acquisition of INSAS, machinery and equipment, communication, computerization and training. Referring to the Government’s approval for raising of the CRPF’s strength, the document points out that the total number of CRPF Battalions would be 205 by 2005. Present strength stands at 141 Battalions. The CRPF’s deployment pattern was over 97 percent since 1997. Jammu and Kashmir State accounted for 33 percent of the CRPF deployment. Elite National Security Guard (NSG) will get Rs 82.49 crore for its modernization, covering weapons, ammunition, equipment etc spreading over five years. The NSG’s Director General has been quoted in the document as saying that primary and associated task of the commandos is to engage and neutralize terrorists in specific situations, under-take anti-hijack operations, hostage rescue missions, provide mobile security to VVIPs and maintain National Bomb Data Centre. The document, significantly, is silent on the human rights record of BSF. On the other hand, it has mentioned the DG CRPF as having asserted that his force has "remarkable track record in human rights". The document has also quoted the Director General of ITBP as saying that the human rights record of his Force has been "excellent". The ITBP has been notified as lead intelligence agency for India-China border in the States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchal as per recommendations of Groups of Ministers (GoM). |
|
Militants make civilian prey on suspicion of being army moles SRINAGAR, Apr 21: Around 150 civilians have been killed by militants in south Kashmir during the past six months on suspicions of being involved in counter-insurgency operations, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Victor Force, R S Jamwal has said. "Information gathered by us through different sources indicates that there are about 500 militants from different outfits, including Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashker-e-Toiba and pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen, active in Anantnag, Pulwama and Badgam districts," Maj Gen Jamwal told reporters in Awantipora yesterday. He said a majority of these were hiding in the upper reaches of the districts and "our security forces are already on the job to get them." However, Maj Gen Jamwal said in a bid to terrorise the locals after the latter refused cooperation, the insurgents killed about 150 civilians on charges of working with security forces. "After getting each case investigated through our own sources, we were shocked to see that most of the civilians killed were innocent. "What sin was committed by two brothers studying in 9th and 10th standards who were recently killed by militants at Kulgam," he asked. However, he said they would ensure that such incidents were not repeated. "Our security forces have already started operations against the militants and they would not be allowed to terrorise the people further," he said. He said they had taken "every precaution" to foil the militant designs, and the results can be seen as "people are generally feeling safe now and can be seen doing business till late in the night." In reply to a question, he said the main and only task for them was to contain militancy and "not, in any way, harass people." "We always try that innocent people should not get harassed during our operations against militants," he said, though admitting that "sometimes, we too can make mistakes." "I have directed all my men to show due respect to people during the counter-insurgency operations as they (people) belong to this country," he said. Maj Gen Jamwal said for the smooth traffic movement, they had removed road blocks and stopped unnecessary checking of vehicles at different places. "Also, I assure that my forces will stop any operation if it is felt that life and property of civilians is in danger." Asked to comment on allegations that counter-insurgents working with the Victor Force were harassing civilians, the GOC said they had been given clear instructions not to harass anybody. "They cannot, and will not, go for any operation on their own... And have to work under our security personnel during any operation," he said. "They have no authority to conduct any operation independently and this has been made clear to them. Anybody found violating our directions will have to face the consequences." He also gave details of the civic action programmes undertaken by the Victor Force in south Kashmir. (UNI) |
|
Civilian killed, another
kidnapped Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Apr 21: Army eliminated two Pakistani terrorists in an hour long encounter in Gursai area of Mendhar tehsil this afternoon while the ultras gunned down a civilian in Gambhir Mugalan area of Manjakote in neighbouring Rajouri district last night. Defence sources said a joint team of army and police launched a search operation at village Sarhuti in Gursai area of Mendhar tehsil in the afternoon on a tip off about movement of the terrorists. The operation lasted one hour in which two top Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit were killed. One of the terrorists has been identified as Haider Ali, a resident of Gujranwalla, Pakistan. Identity of his associate, however, couldn’t be ascertained immediately. Haider Ali was stated to be an ‘area commander’ of the outfit. Two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, two grenades and a pouch were recovered from the scene of encounter. Troops didn’t suffer any casualties in the operation. Sources said two terrorists managed to escape during the exchange of gun-battle. They were being chased by the troops in Sarhuti forest area. Till tonight, the ultras hadn’t been spotted again. Searches, however, continued. Meanwhile, two terrorists struck in village Gambhir Mugalan under jurisdiction of Manjakote police station last night and kidnapped a civilian Mohammed Hafiz son of Bagga Khan. They took away the civilian to a forest area, about half kilometer from his house and shot him dead. Body of the civilian was recovered from the forests by a police party at 1100 hours today. According to sources, Mohd Hafiz had been shot from point blank range in his head resulting into his instant death. Body of Hafiz was handed over to his family after post-mortem this afternoon. Manjakote police have registered a case in the killing for investigations. No reason could be ascertained immediately behind the killing, they said, adding local people held a demonstration in Gambhir Mugalan today to protest the incident. In another incident, the terrorists have kidnapped a 25-year old youth Mohd Qasim son of Mohd Shaffi from village Kot Chadwal in Budhal area of Rajouri district. Qasim was returning to his house from the fields when he was waylaid by two terrorists and taken away to an unidentified location. Family members of Qasim informed police about the kidnapping. Police and security personnel have started a search operation to trace the youth and apprehend the terrorists but no breakthrough had been made so far. |
|
13 killed, as fresh violence hits Gujarat AHMEDABAD, Apr 21 : At least 13 people were today killed and 100 injured as members of two communities clashed and houses and shops were set on fire in widespread violence here and Kheda and Mehsana districts of Gujarat even as Defence Minister George Fernandes claimed improvement in the situation in the State. Ten of the 13 perished in police firing in labour-dominated Gomtipur, Bapunagar, Rakkhiyal localities and Behrampura localities of Ahmedabad and Mehmdabad and Kapadwanj towns of Kheda district, police sources here said. Police sources here said 11 people, including a constable and a woman, were killed, in Gomtipur and adjoining Bapunagar and Rakhiyal localities, with seven of them in police firing on mobs indulging in arson as Army was called out and curfew imposed in all the three localities. One person was stabbed to death, another died in petrol bomb attack and yet another succumbed to injuries by sharp-edged weapons in the localities. Police opened fire on a stone-pelting mob at Behrampura area of Danilimra Police Station area of Ahmedabad killing one person around 9.30 pm. At least 80 people were injured in group clashes, arson and police firing in the violence-torn areas of Ahmedabad today. Police opened fire on mobs indulging in arson killing two persons in Kheda district’s Kapadwanj and Mehmedabad Talukas overnight prompting imposition of curfew in both the areas, police sources said.(PTI) |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 21: Sikkim Governor Kedar Nath Sahani today called on the Governor, Mr. G C Saxena at Raj Bhavan. Mr. Sahani is currently on a 3-day visit to Jammu. Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah also had an interaction with Mr. Sahani in the evening. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 21: An unidentified terrorist was killed when he jumped into river Chenab from Marsoo bridge after a brief encounter with army in Doda last night. Police said the terrorist was challenged by army and asked to surrender. However, he opened firing and after a brief exchange of firing, jumped into the river. Body of the terrorist couldn’t be fished out immediately. One AK-56 rifle with one magazine and 26 rounds were recovered by the troops from the bridge. |
|
Army toll 3 in Surankote encounter Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 21: Death toll of army in last night’s ambush at Milan in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district today rose to three with an injured Sepoy succumbing to his wounds. Major Bhandari and Naik Rajesh were killed and seven others were injured in an ambush loud by the terrorists at Milan last night. Injured Sepoy Subash died in a hospital early today, official sources said. Six injured jawans were undergoing treatment in the Military Hospital. |
|
|
|
|
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |