Excelsior... Nation

LeT militant involved
in temple blast killed

HYDERABAD, Nov 23: A suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba militant Mohammad Azam, involved in the bomb blast at the Sai Baba temple near here on .......more

Govt not to allow Akalis to disturb peace: Amarinder

CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today said that the Akalis will not be allowed to succeed in their alleged nefarious . ....more

More women in the IAF

MUMBAI, Nov 23: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be inducting more women officers in the near future, Air Vice Marshal P S Ahluwalia, the Air Officer Commanding, Maritime Air Operations has said. .....more

Infam locks horns
with Government

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nov 23: In another controversial move, Kerala’s church-sponsored farmers’ movement - Indian Farmers’ Movement (Infam) - has taken on the United Democratic Front Government in the State. ......more

HC imposes Rs 20,000
cost on PFA for sumbitting wrong facts

NEW DELHI, Nov 23: Delhi High Court has imposed cost of Rs 20,000 on People for Animals, an NGO headed by former Union Minister Maneka ........more

Govt examining legal
aspects of sending
Mani as emissary

BANGALORE, Nov 23: Bowing to the opposition demand to end the Nagappa hostage crisis only through negotiations, Karnataka Government. ......more

Advani chairs crucial
meeting on Nagaland
issue

NEW DELHI, Nov 23 : Ahead of the proposed peace talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of.....more

Mainstream Sikh leaders slam Musharraf for
meeting radicals

NEW DELHI, Nov 23: Cutting across party lines, mainstream Sikh leaders today .....more

LeT militant involved in temple blast killed

HYDERABAD, Nov 23: A suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba militant Mohammad Azam, involved in the bomb blast at the Sai Baba temple near here on Thursday, was shot dead by police in an encounter in the neighbouring Ranga Reddy district in the wee hours today and a hunt is on for his accomplice Mohammed Imran.

Police has detained and is interrogating a cloth merchant who had checked out of a lodge near the temple in Dilsukhnagar immediately after the blast which left a woman dead and injured 21.

Azam was picked up by the police around 11.30 p.m. last night at Medapalli checkpost, about 30 kms from here, when he was ridding a scooter without a number plate, Ranga Reddy District Superintendent of Police M V Ramachandra Raju said.

The encounter took place in Paravatipuram area where he had taken a police party for the recovery of explosives he had hidden, Raju said.

As soon as the police party along with Azam reached the spot, the ultra, while pretending to take out explosives hidden in bushes, whipped out his revolver and fired on the police personnel who retaliated killing him on the spot, he said. The US-made revolver was recovered.

During his interrogation earlier, police claimed Azam, 32, confessed that he alongwith Mohammad Imran alias Azeez had planted the time bomb in the scooter at a parking lot near the temple.

Azam, a resident of Yakutpura in the old Hyderabad city, also admitted to his links with Lashkar-e-Toiba and was trained in Pakistan, police said adding that the militant was working for LeT headed by Abdul Bari alias Abu Amza who is residing in Saudi Arabia.

The militant told his interrogators that he was planning to kill the VHP’s State unit president G Pulla Reddy and two others in the city to create communal tension in Andhra Pradesh, police said.

The material seized from his vehicle was similar to that used to trigger explosive devices, they said.

Azam said his associate had left the city soon after the blast, police said adding "we are on the look out for Imran".

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his Government would "mercilessly crush those elements which seek to create trouble" in the State.

Asked whether the police has any concrete evidence about LeT’s involvement in the temple blast, Naidu told reporters "they (police) may have some evidence. We are conducting a thorough probe and based on that we will build the case".

When further questioned he said "it is not proper for me to comment when the investigation is still on. I will get the information".

The Chief Minister replied in negative when asked whether Hyderabad was turning into a haven for ISI agents and said "we will never allow that to happen".

"Only a handful of disgruntled elements are trying to disturb peace and communal amity. We will deal with them mercilessly. They ca not escape from this place", he said. (PTI)

Govt not to allow Akalis to disturb peace: Amarinder

CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today said that the Akalis will not be allowed to succeed in their alleged nefarious designs of vitiating the peaceful atmosphere in the border State.

Addressing party workers from Punjab and Chandigarh in presence of party chief Sonia Gandhi, the Chief Minister in a strongly worded tone said the Government will ensure peace at all costs. "I know Akalis well and also how to tackle them", Singh said and added that in and out of power the Akalis have different agenda.

He charged the Akalis with using religion for arousing the passions of the people. Any such move of the Akalis to arouse religious passions and provoke sentiments of the people will be "tackled sternly".

Referring to the recent deployment of police on a road in the SGPC complex at Amritsar for the SGPC executive body elections, Singh said during Akalis time the police was also right inside the Akal Takht and other places in the complex. "But when we deployed police for maintaining law and order in view of threats and counter threats of Akali factions, they started agitating".

Sonia Gandhi, however, in her speech after the Chief Minister’s address, did not make any mention of the Akalis or SGPC poll or any other related issue during her 10 minute address to party workers.

Singh assured Sonia Gandhi that her directions and decisions of Congress Chief Minister’s conclaves in Guwahati and Mount Abu would be fulfilled in the State and some direction had already been made in power and fiscal reforms.

He said that the new industrial policy would be announced in next 10 days and State would take steps for implementing welfare measures in other areas, including rural water supply and toilets for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Punjab Congress chief H S Hanspal expressed the hope that Sonia Gandhi would soon visit the State as leader of House (Prime Minister) as today it was her visit to Chandigarh as leader of opposition after the installation of party Government in Punjab.

He told the party chief that the decision to allow PDP lead the coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir was in national interest. The decision also showed to the world that the Congress is not power hungry, Hanspal added.

Sonia Gandhi was accompanied by general secretaries Ambika Soni and Mohisina Kidwai. (PTI)

More women in the IAF

MUMBAI, Nov 23: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be inducting more women officers in the near future, Air Vice Marshal P S Ahluwalia, the Air Officer Commanding, Maritime Air Operations has said.

"We are also in the process of evaluating various aspects of offering permanent commission to the lady officers and it will be a reality soon," Air Vice Marshal Ahluwalia, who is based in Mumbai stated.

He was delivering the keynote address at an international conference — ‘Women in aviation: challenges and achievements’ co-hosted by the Aeronautical Society of India (AESI) and Indian Women Pilot Association (IWPA).

He said that currently there are 450-odd women officers in the IAF and this is roughly four per cent of the total number of officers. "Not only officers, we are also planning to induct women on other ranks," he informed.

Air Vice Marshal Ahluwalia, who is a Mirage pilot, said that today women have excelled in every field and same is with the case of the IAF. "We believe in equality and the Indian women officers are second to none," he said. "There is no gender bias in the IAF."

Today women are in every branch of the IAF except for the combat pilots. The induction of women in the IAF was cleared in 1990 and the induction process actually started in 1992.

About women as fighter pilots, he said that several studies are being carried out by the IAF and other bodies to study the aero-medical aspects of combat flying. "The torso of an average woman seems to be more delicate than that of her male counterparts in view of the fact that they have to withstand the G-force in combat flying," he said.

"Flying a fighter plane is very demanding and at times an average male finds it difficult to fly a fighter plane," he said and added that the cockpit also needs a bit of modification so that women pilots can fit.

He said that the IAF is satisfied by the performance of the women officers during the last decade and in future there are plans to offer them with permanent commission. "They are treated at par with their male counterparts and women in IAF have proved themselves," he added. (UNI)

Infam locks horns with Government

The latest in the war of words between Infam leaders and the UDF leadership is the demand for a "high level" vigilance enquiry into the activities of Infam, which is spearheaded by the priests.

"Ours is an open book and we are inspired by the Bible," said an Infam spokesman reacting to the call for a vigilance probe. It is quite unbecoming of the UDF leaders to question our credentials, he added.

Janadhipatya Samrakshana Samithy (JSS), a constituent of the ruling Front, led by Agriculture Minister K R Gouri Amma has demanded a high-level impartial probe into the activities of Infam including its reported rubber export deals.

JSS state president Kayikkara Babu and secretary C K Seetharam have demanded that an enquiry be ordered forthwith into the alleged irregularities in Infam’s deals. A vigilance enquiry would expose the organisation claiming to be the champion of farmers’ causes, they said.

Significantly, Chief Minister A K Antony has also charged the Infam leadership of "communalising farm politics." Strongly condemning the "drama" enacted by Infam president Fr Mathew Vadakkemuri and his subsequent arrest last week, the Chief Minister said that priests who ought to show maximum restraint were crossing the limits in regard to the Infam agitation. Mr Antony alleged that Fr Vadakkemuri had tried to misuse the goodwill and regard enjoyed by him. It was quite inapprorpiate on the part of a priest to have staged a sit-in outside the Agriculture Minister’s office in the State secretariat, he pointed out.

Fr Vadakkemuri, however, strongly denies the Chief Minister’s allegation of Infam "communalising farm issues."

"Infam is not church-sponsored. I was not asked by the bishop to organise the farmers’ movement. We are only taking up social issues", he argued. He said "it was a pity that a leader of Mr Antony’s stature had stooped so low in making false allegations against Infam."

The controversy followed an attempt by Fr Vadakkemuri and other Infam leaders last week to stage a dharna outside the cabin of Agriculture Minister K R Gouri Amma in the State secretariat here.

Ms Gouri Amma said, the agitation had been stage-managed with cheap publicity in view. "Going by the way it was organised under media glare, the whole drama was pre-planned. The father had come to my cabin under the pretext of giving a memorandum, accompanied by a few media persons and television crew," she said.

The minister clarified that she had no grudge whatsoever against infam or its leaders. "My concern is that the rubber growers should benefit from the export subsidy which the infam is claiming," she added. "Let Fr Vadakkemuri submit records regarding procurement of rubber from farmers for the exports effected by Infam, then the Government will pay them the export subsidy."

However, Infam has a different story. According to its trustee M C George, the five-member delegation headed by Fr Vadakkemuri had fixed up an appointment with the minister in advance. As soon as they entered the minister’s cabin, they were arrested by the police already present there, he said. The leaders had gone to give a representation to the minister against the denial of the subsidy due to them.

According to JSS leaders, the records and documents which Infam claims to be having regarding its rubber procurement and exports are all "fabricated" and therefore needs to be seriously enquired into.

The export subsidy on rubber was introduced for the rubber growers’ benefit and not to allow a handful of agencies to corner the whole money, they pointed out. An amount of Rs 40 crore had been set apart as a relief for the rubber growers by the Government. Out of this, Rs 13.5 crore was released last year and this year, Rs 6 crore has been released so far. (UNI)

HC imposes Rs 20,000 cost on PFA for sumbitting wrong facts

NEW DELHI, Nov 23: Delhi High Court has imposed cost of Rs 20,000 on People for Animals, an NGO headed by former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, for presenting before it wrong facts in a petition on illegal slaugher of animals in the capital.

The PFA had alleged in a PIL that animals were brought in a particular truck from Haryana to Delhi on February 16 this year in ‘most cruel’ conditions for illegal slaughter. Photos were produced to back the claim.

On October 29, the court, acting on the petition, had directed the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to "shake up" the administration by taking appropriate steps, including transfers, saying prolonged stay in one post could lead to officials developing vested interests. They also ordered the transfer of the manager of the Idgah Slaughter House.

However, after investigations police informed the court that it found that the animals were never brought to Delhi but were sold in Ballabhgarh in Haryana and the State police had registered an FIR in the regard.

The cause taken up by the NGO was good but "it adopted wrong means" to highlight it, the judges said yesterday.

They also told the high court administration to consider appointing two mobile magistrates to check the illegal slaughtering of animals in the capital.

Why were corrupt officials who were "hand in glove" with the law breakers not transferred, the judges asked on October 29.

The petition sought prevention of cruelty to animals while being brought to the capital for slaughter.

Appalled at the traumatic and injury inflicting manner in which the animals were brought, they said: "It surprises us that the manager of the Idgah Slaughter House has not taken any action in this regard and reported the matter to police."

"He failed to carry out his duty. The present manager has been in the post for seven years. It is high time he is transferred so that conditions improved," they said.

Despite such treatment to the animals which would be a cognizable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty Act and the transportation of animals rules no action had been taken against transporters and traders, the justices said and added that the guilty should be brought to book.

They directed the MCD, the Delhi Police and the Delhi Government to take action in consonance with the C K Chaturvedi report that had given suggestions to improve the State of affairs in this regard.

Noting that illegal slaughter was still on in the city despite court orders, the bench also told the Delhi Police and the MCD to file affidavits enumerating the steps taken to prevent it. (UNI)

Govt examining legal aspects of sending Mani as emissary

BANGALORE, Nov 23: Bowing to the opposition demand to end the Nagappa hostage crisis only through negotiations, Karnataka Government today indicated it was examining legal aspects of sending jailed Tamil activist Kollathur Mani as an emissary to forest brigand Veerappan.

"We have accepted negotiations. The Government is party to that. Whosoever goes, we will send", Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters after a two-hour long meeting with opposition leaders, who pressed for sending Mani as emissary.

Asked if Mani would be sent, Kharge said there were ‘legal hurdles’, as he was facing five cases, but added that the legal department would examine how to overcome them.

He said unless the hurdles were cleared and Mani was released on bail, he could not be sent. Or else, the Government would have to withdraw cases against him, he said.

The Government, he said, was willing to send ‘whosoever goes’ to bring about a negotiated end to the hostage crisis.

The all-party meet, called by Chief Minister S M Krishna, is being followed by a cabinet meeting this afternoon.

Law Minister D B Chandregowda said all suggestions made by opposition parties, including sending Mani as an emissary, would be placed before the Cabinet.

JD(U) leader C Byregowda said they had made it clear to the Government that they opposed the Special Task Force operations and said Mani should be sent for mediation. Echoing similar views, opposition BJP leader in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar said negotiations were the only way to end the crisis.

Veerappan has set a 12-day deadline to send Mani, failing which he has threatened to kill the JD(U) leader. (PTI)

Advani chairs crucial meeting on Nagaland issue

NEW DELHI, Nov 23 : Ahead of the proposed peace talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland—Isak Muivah (NSCN—IM), Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today chaired a crucial meeting at his office to take stock of the ground situation in the State.

The meeting which lasted more than an hour, was convened by Mr Advani and attended by the centre’s interlocutor on Nagaland K Padnabhaiah, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Dutta, Home Secretary N Gopalaswamy and Intelligence Bureau chief K P Singh.

Emerging from the meeting, Mr Dutta told UNI that they had "reviewed the ground situation" in Nagaland ahead of the proposed peace talks. When asked how was the ground situation he said it was "very good."

The ‘Festival of Nagaland’ held recently in Calcutta was itself an indication of the good ground situation, he added.

He however did not comment when asked about the date and venue of the proposed peace talks, whether the talks would be held in Delhi or elsewhere.

Mr Padmanabhaiah also declined to comment.

Meanwhile, official sources said the next round of talks between Centre and NSCN-IM for finding a peaceful solution to the long-standing Naga problem, hitherto held in Bangkok and Amsterdam, were likely to be held in Delhi following the Naga leaders’ acceptance to come to India. However, no date had been fixed for the talks.

"NSCN-IM leaders have agreed in principle to come to India but the exact date and venue have to be fixed keeping in mind everybody’s convenience," the sources added.

The Naga leaders had indicated their willingness to come to Delhi for the talks if the Centre created a conducive atmosphere by removing certain legal impediments in their return.

Several warrants of arrest and cases pending against the two Naga leaders in Nagaland, have already been withdrawn. One of the cases was the killing of two security guards of Chief Minister S C Jamir in an ambush.

Asked whether the Central Government would lift the ban on the NSCN (IM), the sources said the ban is anyway expiring on November 26. It may not be renewed. "There is a difference between lifting of the ban and not renewing it," the sources added.

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had recently said he would like the talks to be held in the country. He had, however, added that it depended upon the NSCN’s (IM) response.

The Naga leaders have also presented a set of proposals which, in their opinion, would form the basis for discussions for finding a comprehensive solution to the Naga problem, the sources said.

The main achievement of the peace talks with NSCN (IM) some years ago was cessation of hostilities between the outfit and security forces. The agreement for cessation of hostilities, in place for five years now, has brought about a degree of peace in Nagaland and adjoining areas.

The talks had also helped both parties appreciate each other’s viewpoint on creating a conducive atmosphere for a final solution, the sources added. (UNI)