Governor hopes new Govt will act responsibly on SOG

NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Jammu and Kashmir Governor G C Saxena today expressed hope that the new State Government would "act with responsibility" regarding its plans to amalgamate Special Operations Group (SOG) with the state police.

"Things will emerge only when they start implementing it ... We will see the impact it has. They (state leaders) are very experienced and practical people and I hope they will act with responsibility," Saxena told reporters after a 45-minute meeting with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani here.

This was Saxena’s first meeting with Advani after the State Assembly polls and formation of the new Government.

The Governor said he briefed the DPM about how the elections were conducted and the process of Government formation.

Asked whether PDP-Congress Government would hold talks with him on their promise of releasing political prisoners, Saxena said "we can have any exchange of views on the issue".

To a question whether Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed could himself take a decision on the matter, he said "CM is after all the CM. He is the executive head of the Government. He also heads the Unified Command. He will be the person to take decisions".

To questions on when were the proposed talks between the Centre, the elected representatives and other sections likely, the Governor said "these are a matter of political decision" and added that the Chief Minister would hold discussions with the Centre in this regard.

"They will request the Centre to initiate the dialogue process", Saxena said adding that modalities for the talks would have to be decided at the political level.

"Any dialogue is welcome", he said.

Regarding formation of the new coalition Government in the State, he said it was his constitutional duty to satisfy himself that the coalition had the numbers to enjoy confidence of the House. (PTI)

Army porter, 2 militants killed in Valley
Rs 19 lakh looted from bank in broad daylight drama

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 5: While as gunmen today looted cash worth Rs 19 Lakh from a branch of UCO Bank in downtown Srinagar, one Army porter died and three civilians sustained injuries in Pakistani troops’ shelling in north Kashmir. Meanwhile, security forces today eliminated two militants in an encounter in Bandipore area.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that four unidentified young men barged into the Zainakadal branch of UCO Bank in downtown at 1350 hours today. They took different positions and one of them held all the 8 employees and 12 customers on gun point. One of them lifted cash worth Rs 24.90 Lakh from the counter of cashier-cum-clerk, Faulad Singh and packed the same in a bag. While withdrawing from the bank, the dacoits dropped cash worth Rs 5.85 Lakh on the staircase as their bag was packed to capacity. There was no resistance from anybody present in the branch situated on the first floor of the building. Thereafter, the four-some walked out and made good their escape in broad daylight.

Interestingly, the spot is just 30 metres from the company headquarters of BSF 89 Bn. According to eye-witnesses, the four persons came from and returned via Malikpora Gali across the Zainakadal bridge. The only security guard of the bank was absent from duty today.

Looting cash from banks in Srinagar city has become a common feature in the last few years. While as most of these incidents have been dumped in papers and the beneficiaries have succeeded to suppress or influence the investigations, the hand within has been established in at least three cases. Due to this failure of system, senior Police officials recently shifted a case of bank dacoity from Police Station Sadar to District Police Budgam, which unravelled sensational facts.

In a month-long investigation, Budgam Police exposed how employees of Ellaquai Dehati Bank had conspired with professional bank dacoits and looted a huge amount from their own bank at Hyderpora. All the five culprits were arrested by Budgam Police and a part of the cash besides the weapon used in the criminal act were recovered.

Meanwhile, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire in Uri, Keran and Karnah sectors in Baramulla and Kupwara districts of north Kashmir last evening. One civilian, who was working as a porter with Army, got killed at Nawaranda, near LoC, in Uri sector. He was identified as Abdul Aziz Hajam S/O Manzoor Ahmed Hajam R/O Gohalan. Three other civilians sustained injuries. They were identified as Mohammad Deen of Jeelan, Nazir Ahmed of Gohalan and Ali Mohammad Khan of Gharkot. One woman sustained injuries in Pakistani shelling at Muthal in Urei where one house got damaged.

Reports from Kupwara said that three more civilians sustained injuries in Pakistani shelling at Tangdar in Karnah sector. Reports said that at least four residential houses suffered damage in Karnah nad Keran sectors.

Official sources said that, on a specific information, troops of RR 15 Bn and SOG Bandipore launched a cordon-and-search operation at Panzigam, in Bandipore area. According to the tip-off, a group of four militants was hiding in the village. During the operation, a fierce encounter took place between the security forces and the holed up militants in which two militants got killed. One of them was identified as Bashir Ahmed Mir of Watpora. He was reportedly a "Battalion Commander" with Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen.

According to eye-witnesses, an injured militant managed to escape from the cordoned area.

Earlier, during previous night, troops of RR 22 Bn eliminated two militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba in an encounter outside their company headquarters at Mazbug, in Sopore area. After an unsuccessful attempt of stroming into the protected premises, the two militants had escaped and hidden in a nearby structure.

During the same night, unidentified persons kidnapped and slaughtered a 60-year-old civilian, Mohammad Sidiq Bhat S/o Abdul Gaffar Bhat of Shahnagri, Mawar, in Handwara area of Kupwara district.

NC MLC's kin among 14 hurt in blast

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 5: Fourteen persons including a kin of National Conference MLC Nazir Ahmed were injured, four of them seriously, in a grenade attack in the town here late last evening. The blast took place soon after electricity supply in the town was switched off.

Police said a terrorist tossed a grenade from a by-lane near a ‘Ziarat’ in Ward No. 9 at 1830 hours yesterday during Diwali celebrations. The grenade fell near Sharon Hotel, where a number of people were busy in shopping.

Fourteen persons were injured as the grenade went off with a big bang. Panic gripped the busy market. Darkness in the area added to the confusion and people ran helter skelter for safety. Power supply was restored within 10 minutes of the blast, which, according to police, clearly indicated involvement of some PDD employees with the terrorists.

Police parties rushed to the scene of blast and shifted the injured to district hospital. Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri K A Khan and SP Rajouri Prithvi Raj Manhas also visited the spot and the hospital to inquire condition of the injured.

Four seriously injured were later referred to Jammu and admitted in the Medical College hospital. They have been identified as Rabiya Mir, 8, daughter of Javed Ahmed, Altaf Lone son of Abdul Majid R/o Rajouri, Kewal Krishan son of Tara Chand R/o Chowki Chowra, Sunderbani and Romesh Chander of Rajouri. Rabiya Mir was grand daughter of NC MLC Nazir Ahmed.

Ten injured admitted in the district hospital included Aftaab Ahmed son of Abdul Majid R/o Ward 9, Mohd Sadiq son of Mohd Qasim R/o Ward 10, Mohd Rashid son of Mohd Shaffi R/o Ward 10, Kamal Kishore son of Tara Chand R/o Ward 5, Bashir Ahmed son of Abdul Rehman R/o Ward 10, Sunil Gupta son of Dharamvir R/o Ward 5, Farooq Ahmed son of Ghulam Ahmed R/o Ward 10, Sonu son of Darbari Lal R/o Nowshera and Chander Parkash son of Dhuni Ram R/o Ward 5.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Yogesh Sharma has demanded an inquiry into disruption in the electricity supply in the town during Diwali celebration that led to a grenade attack. He also alleged that some PDD employees had developed a nexus with the terrorists and appealed to the police to trace out the nexus.

I may join Ministry, decision to stay away not final: Tarigami

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 5: Senior CPI (M) leader and Member Legislative Assembly from Kulgam in Kashmir, Mr Mohd Yousuf Tarigami who played a crucial role in the formation of coalition Government in the J&K state today said that he may join ministry and the decision to stay away from the Government is not final.

Immediately after arriving here from Srinagar today, Mr Tarigami told Excelsior that no doubt the CPI (M) played a major role in the formation of Government and persuaded the PDP and the Congress besides the other independent groups for coming closer and deciding seriously about the mandate of the people, yet the party has not taken a final decision to stay away from the Ministry.

" We are already coalition partners in the Government and for the first time a true democracy has been witnessed in the J&K state involving the people participation from all the regions and groups. The democracy was there in the past too, but it is a true nature of the democracy now seen here and the coalition will ensure justice to all the three regions of the State," he maintained. Responding to a question regarding scope of existence of the coalition Government for full term, Mr Tarigami said, " We are quite hopeful of the continuation of this Government for longer term and moreover it is not only the question of numbers. If every coalition partner remained serious and cooperative, the Government would complete its full term."

The CPI(M) leader further pointed out that it was a new experience for all the coalition partners to have such type of Government which may provide representation to all the regions and groups and ensure equitable development of all the areas. Therefore, it was resolved not to let this opportunity to go waste and come forward with an initiative of giving due respect to the people’s mandate with responsibility.

When asked whether he will be joining as Cabinet Minister or as the Minister of State, Mr Tarigami quipped " Cabinet sey kam kya Dengey.’’ But again, it is yet to be decided by us. " We will be meeting soon to take any such decision. Commenting on the consensus being formed on the recommendation of his candidature by certain groups in the Legislative House for the post of Speaker, Mr Tarigami said I will not comment on this issue right now. We are member of Coordination Committee and will decide on this matter if such proposal comes to the CPI (M) from our partners." He did not rule out the possibility, but maintained that things will be clear in next few days.

The CPI (M) leader while responding to another question said his Party’s top priorities will be the restoration of peace in the State, providing healing touch to the sufferers, create sense of participation among the people of all the regions, provide clean and transparent administration and provide justice to all the three regions of the State. The people of Jammu and Ladakh besides different communities will not be allowed to feel neglected.

Earlier, a grand reception was accorded to Mr Tarigami by the activists of CPI(M) soon as he arrived at the airport. A large number of party workers who had assembled here to receive their leader, garlanded him profusely and took him to a heavily decorated open jeep. They were raising slogans in his support and honour and some were seen dancing on the tune of drums.

In the form of a big rally including scooters, motor-cycles, cars/jeeps, mini-buses and buses, fitted with the Party flags, Mr Tarigami was taken to his official residence at Gandhinagar. Enroute, Airport road, Satwari, Nai Basti and Gandhinagar he was honoured by the several groups. The traffic authorities had a tough time in managing the vehicular traffic during the CPI (M) rally.

Mufti's CMP fraught with dangerous consequences: BJP

CHENNAI, Nov 5: BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu today cautioned that the Common Minimum Programme of the Mufti Government in Jammu and Kashmir was fraught with serious consequences for the security of the State and the nation.

Addressing the media here, he said the programme promising the release of militants held for heinous crimes, non-application of POTA and disbanding of the Special Operations Group formed to fight militancy, would give a fillip to Pakistan-based militants as also militancy in general, besides demoralising the security forces.

The Congress, a major partner in the coalition Government there, should impress upon the Chief Minister to give up the dangerous trend, Mr Naidu said, warning that failure to do so would be dangerous and the Congress would be held responsible for the fiasco.

The People’s Democratic Party, heading the Government, had no mandate to toe a softline towards Pakistani militants as also those supported from across the border, the BJP leader asserted.

In Jammu region alone, about 400 militants involved in heinous crimes had been held. Their release following the new policy would send wrong signals to the nation’s polity and Pakistan, Mr Naidu opined.

Asserting that the peace and prosperity of the State depended on the close cooperation and coordination between the State and the Centre, he said both Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani would be more than willing to help the State in restoring peace and normalcy and rendering all assistance. On the Assembly elections in Gujarat, Mr Naidu said the BJP would focus on attempts by the Congress and other "pseudo-secularists to denigrate the people of Gujarat and tarnish the image of the State and the country in the international fora."

GPCC chief Shankarsinh Vaghela’s attempt to invite the US Senate’s religion sub-committee to visit Gujarat was an attempt to encourage foreign interference in the internal affairs of the nation, he alleged, adding that it would be exposed.

The pseudo-secularists’ double standards on numerous issues such as conversion bill, Supreme Court verdicts, NCERT syllabus, Godhra killings and Ahmedabad riots would be the focus of the party’s poll campaign, the BJP leader said.

To a query, Mr Naidu said Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin would not be highlighted in the Gujarat election campaign by his party "although the issue is still alive."

The BJP legislators’ conference, scheduled for November ten and eleven at Nagpur, had been postponed to January in view of the Gujarat polls, he said.

Mr Naidu said Jharkhand minister Pradeep Yadav had been selected to contest the Godda Lok Sabha byelection, caused by the death of Mr Jagadamba Prasad Yadav. About the Kelkar Committee’s recommendation on tax reforms, Mr Naidu said the BJP considered the recommendation to impose tax on agricultural income as neither feasible nor desirable.

The BJP’s economic cell was studying the recommendations and would convey the party’s response to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, he added.

Referring to the developments in Uttar Pradesh and the demand of the Samajwadi Party to convene the State Assembly, Mr Naidu said there was no need for this as the Government enjoyed a majority. The dissidents had not withdrawn support to the Government. If the opposition had the numbers, let them come out with the numbers or face the Assembly when convened, he added.

"We (party) are talking to some dissident MLAs. The issue will be sorted out soon," he said.

Justifying the arrest of two independents for intimidating the MLAs, he said no one should be allowed to take the law into his hands. (UNI)

Two arrested on kidnapping charges

NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Reel life differs from real life vastly. Two alleged abductors of a four-year old boy learnt this the hard way when police foiled their plans to make a fast buck.

Inspired by a television serial, Sanjay and Pappu allegedly kidnapped Dinesh from his residence in North-West Delhi on November one and demanded a ransom of Rs five lakh for his release, police said.

In true filmi style, the duo delivered an audio cassette threatening the family with dire consequences if the ransom amount was not given.

Following a complaint from Dinesh’s parents, police swung into action and aided with local intelligence, traced Sanjay to Mathura.

The plan went awry when investigations revealed that Pappu’s brother Sanjay had gone missing from the very day kidnappipng had taken place. (PTI)

Crashing Jaguar kills five

AMBALA, Nov 5: In yet another crash of an Indian Air Force fighter plane in less than two months, a Jaguar crashed on a residential area here today, killing at least five persons and injuring nine others, seven of them with severe burns.

The five victims included three females and a child, Haryana Police sources here confirmed.

Fighter Pilot Flight Lieutenant Rehani bailed out to safety, suffering injuries in the back.

Four of the victims were identified as Nirmala (70) and her daughter Arti, Lajo (40) and 12-year-old boy Bharat. The boy was identified through his head as rest of his body had been charred by the flames.

The bodies were taken out of the debris of the destroyed houses.

The Jaguar Aircraft, on a routine sortie, crashed soon after the take off around 1520 hrs, sources here maintained.

Some half a dozen other houses were damaged by the falling debris of the aircraft.

Another five persons, including women, were feared to be still buried in the smouldering debris of the two houses which were totally damaged while half a dozen other houses suffered extensive damage by the crashing aircraft.

Senior IAF, police and civil officers were supervising the rescue operations.

The injured included eight-year-old Shivani with 100 per cent burns who was shifted to PGI Hospital at Chandigarh.

Earlier, on September nine, an IAF fighter had crashed soon after taking off from the same airbase.

The entire area, where the crashed Jaguar is lying has been cordoned off. (UNI)

Pak militants pledge to support militancy

ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: Jamat-ud-Daawa, the parent unit of the hardline militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba, has resolved to continue support for militancy in Kashmir and called for release of leaders of banned militant outfits in Pakistan, including Massod Azhar, one of the three militants released by India to end the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft in Kandahar.

A statement issued by Abdul Rehman Makki, the central leader of the Jamat-ud-Daawa, the parent unit of the Lashkar said the three-day meeting held at Patoki in Punjab has resolved to continue "freedom struggle" in Kashmir apart from providing material help to Kashmiri "Mujahideen" and immigrants.

Jamat-ud-Dawa is the new name for Markaz Dawa which was till last year the founder parent unit of Lashkar. The name was changed in the height of the Indo-Pak standoff last year. Subsequently Lashkar founder chief Hafeez Saeed resigned as its head and appointed new leaders for the unit.

Lashkar was subsequently banned along with another militant outfit, Jaish-e-Mahammad in February this year by President Pervez Musharraf and Saeed held in preventive custody.

The Jamat statement also called for immediate release of Saeed, alongwith leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, Maulana Masood Azhar and Amir Aziz who has been recently arrested by Pakistan and FBI officials for his alleged links with Al Qaeda and Taliban, a report in Pakistan’s Urdu daily ‘Nawai Waqt’ said today. (PTI)

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