Orphan
kidnapped, raped, killed in Kokernag SRINAGAR, Dec 1: Even as the people in Uri held the security forces responsible for another "custodial murder," militants shot dead a counter-insurgent source of Army at Pattan in north Kashmir today. In the south Kashmir district of Anantnag, militants kidnapped, raped and shot dead a 17-year-old girl while as one civilian got killed and two more injured in an IED blast at the district headquarters. In other militancy-related incidents across the Valley, since last evening, militants left 3 civilians and 2 paramilitary personnel injured in two grenade attacks on the security forces while as two minor blasts occurred at Baramulla. Official sources told EXCELSIOR that police recovered the bullet-riddled dead body of a 17-year-old girl, namely Nusrat Jan daughter of late Mohammad Ibrahim Beg resident of Chirhard Kokernag, in the same area. According to the reports available from the locality, militants had abducted the orphan girl the other day and subsequently shot her dead. Circumstantial evidence, according to sources, suggested that the young lady had been sexually assaulted and later done to death. No militant outfit had owned up the shameful act by this evening. Sources said that at 1535 hours this afternoon, an IED blast occurred on national highway at Harnag locality of the capital town of Anantnag. A civilian, namely Abdur Rasheed son of Ghulam Ahmed, resident of Kunzargam Kulgam got killed and two more civilians namely Javed Ahmed Shah of Chehlan Shopian and Javed Ahmed Dar of Seepan Anantnag, sustained injuries. Both the injured were admitted at District Hospital Anantnag for necessary medical treatment. Some militant, according to official sources, had placed the IED in a polythene bag, wrapped by a canvas bag, and laid it on the highway close to the headquarters of Rashtriya Rifles 01-Sector. Pedestrians spotted the unclaimed bag and informed police as well as security forces who rushed to the spot and began removing the people from the particular spot. While the process of clearing the space was on, a powerful explosion took place. Abdur Rasheed of Kulgam area, who was present at an automobile workshop, 70 metres from the spot of explosion, was hit in his head by a sharpnel. He sustained critical injuries and breathed his last after a while. Two other civilians sustained injuries. Reports available from Uri said that security forces today handed over to police dead body of a civilian namely Abdul Qayoom Khan son of Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, resident of Limber village with the explanation that he was a "detained militant functionary" who had got killed while effecting recoveries from an arms dump of militants. Security forces maintained that Khan led the troops to a militant hideout close to Army’s brigade headquarters in Rampur forest area and got killed when he hit an explosive device. People of the locality refused to accept the Army’s version and claimed that Khan was an "innocent civilian" who had been arrested by troops and later "eliminated in custody". They lodged a strong protest against what they alleged "another custodial killing" and demanded legal action against the civilian’s killers. Police sources at Baramulla confirmed that an FIR had been lodged and investigation had begun into the allegations of the "custodial killing." Meanwhile, at 0525 hours, two minor blasts occurred at Baramulla town, just 150 metres from police station. The blasts, which occurred with an interval of 3 minutes, failed to cause any damage. Police recovered from the spot a chit, scribbled on a letterhead of ‘Al-Barq’, in which "district commander" Zahid Mir had announced the comeback of militancy and ridiculed the official claims of normalcy in the north Kashmir township. Police sources, however, claimed that was neither the existance of ‘Al-Barq’ in Baramulla nor was any "district commander Zahir Mir" operating in that area. At 1530 hours this afternoon, militants in broad daylight fired pistol shots on an Army source, namely Bilal Ahmed Dar son of Mohammad Ramzan Dar resident of Ghat Palhalan, at Buran Ganjipora, close to the highway township of Pattan. As the counter-insurgent lay in a pool of blood, militants managed to escape. In critical condition, he was rushed to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura where, reportedly, he succumbed this evening. Sources said that on Monday, an exchange of automatic fire took place between militants and security forces at Kakwa Gulli border area in Kupwara district. Even as nobody was injured from either side and all the militants managed to escape, security forces seized 2 AK-56 rifles, one pistol, 10 hand grenades and Indian currency worth Rs 14,000/- from the spot. In the capital city here, militants today conducted two grenade attacks on paramilitary vehicles, one at Kaksarai in the morning and another at Exhibition Crossing in the afternoon. Both the grenades missed the intended target and exploded on road. Three civilians namely Javed Ahmed Shah of Nawab Bazar, Ghulam Qadir of Kaksarai and Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rishi of Tangmarg got injured at Kaksarai. They were rushed to the nearby SMHS Hospital. Sources said that two paramilitary personnel got injured near Exhibition Crossing. At Bandipora, security forces apprehended a militant namely Ashiq Hussain Wani of Aloosa and recovered from him a loaded pistol. Our Anantnag correspondent adds: Official sources tonight disclosed to EXCELSIOR that Special Operations Group (SOG) and district police Anantnag have achieved a major breakthrough in over half-a-dozen incidents of firing, grenade and IED blasts with the arrest of at least 3 Hizbul Mujahideen functionaries. These detained militants, according to sources, have revealed the names, code names and hideouts of their associates who were likely to be apprehended in a day or two. The top-wanted saboteurs, according to sources, include at least a couple of girls who had helped the militants carry out the explosions during the last three months, killing and injuring a large number of civilians and security forces personnel. Sources said that sensational disclosures were expected from the sustained interrogation of the detained militants. |
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jawans sacrifice lives NEW DELHI, Dec 1: Union Home Minister L K Advani today exhorted the officers and jawans of the Border Security Force (BSF), the largest paramilitary force in the world, to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of nation in the fast changing international scenario. Delivering the address as chief-guest on the 33rd raising day celebration of the BSF at their Chhawla Campus on the outskirts of the megapolis here, Mr Advani said guarding international borders to ensure security, is one of the important goals before the country. He said of late, the paramilitary forces are being increasingly deployed on internal security duties, besides playing a commendable role in containing the insurgency and terrorism. He also referred to a difficult security situation in almost all border states, mainly the north-eastern parts of the country where infiltration of illegal migrants is a major problem. All this leads to serious social, economic, political and security implications. Mr Advani said a one-third of BSF is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Infact, he observed that it won’t be an exaggeration to say that in containing terrorism and militancy in Kashmir, the BSF has played a pivotal role. The nation would always remain indebted to the BSF praharies for their supreme sacrifices and sufferings of their dependents, he said and assured that in turn authorities would do their best to mitigate their sufferings. He assured rehabilitation of the disabled and widows of BSF praharies, announcing Rs 15 lakh as a grant-in-aid to the force from his ministry for the same. Earlier, the Home Minister took salute at a parade by 18 BSF contingents, including three tableau, dog squad, mounted columns of horses and camels. Welcoming the gathering, BSF Director General E N Rammohan listed many of the force’s achievements, including participation in Bangladesh liberation and 1971 Pak war. The force has suffered 792 casualties in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir alone since 1990 and won as many as 329 President police medals for gallantry during the corresponding period, he said. Mr Rammohan assured that in the years to come, the BSF will stand upto the challenges and serve the nation with devotion living upto its motto duty unto death . Mr Advani presented President police medals for gallantry to 42 BSF personnel, including next of the kin of the five late-praharies and President’s police medal for distinguished service to IG R N Bhattacharya now with Gujarat police, DIG John Stanley, ADIG R P Dabas, Mr M S Bisht, Mr M S Mahapata and Mr R P Singh. (UNI) Probe ordered into NC
leader's death JAMMU, Dec 1: The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today visited Phalni village in Budhal tehsil of Rajouri district to convey condolences to the bereaved family of Mr Mohd Sharief, block secretary of National Conference, who was gunned down by the militants the other day. Accompanied by the Minister for School Education, Mr Mohd Sharief Tariq, the Chief Minister consoled the family members of the deceased party worker and handed over a cheque of Rs one lakh to the widow of deceased. The next of the kin of Mr Sharief has been provided a job while scholarship would be given to his children for continuing their education. Speaking to a large number of mourners, the Chief Minister said, the militancy has taken a toll of innocent people who have fallen prey to the bullets of those inimical to peace and progress of the State. He said, the senseless and merciless killings would not dampen the spirits of the people who have resolved to fight the enemy with full vigour and steer the State to peace the tranquility. "The State Government has constituted a Human Rights Commission of its own to take cognisance of the violations committed against the peace loving people," he added. Referring to the killing of Mr Mohd Sharief, Dr Abdullah said, the circumstances leading to his death would be inquired into. He cautioned the people to remain vigilant against the misinformation campaign launched by the enemy to create wedge between the people and said, maligning security forces is a part of their strategy. He, however, said those responsible for the killing will not escape unpunished. He hoped that the security forces would take all possible steps for protection of the life and property of the people living in remote and far off places and check infiltration effectively. He said the security set up has been beefed up in Rajouri, Poonch and Doda to crush the militancy. Urging the people to maintain their traditional brotherhood, the Chief Minister hoped that they will not allow the nefarious designs of the enemy to succeed. He complimented the people for maintaining peace and amity despite provocations by the vested interests. He said the militants have not spared anyone and killed the innocents irrespective of their religious affiliations and referred to the brutal massacres at Prankote and Dhakikote. He said, the militants are destined to fail and they can never succeed in annexing even an inch of our soil. He said amidst cheers that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain a part of India. Talking to people of the area, the Chief Minister said, the Government is keen to provide equal opportunities of progress to all the areas of the State. He said special plans have been formulated for the development of remote and backward areas and hoped that the people will actively participate in the development effort launched by his Government. He asked the Government employees especially teachers and doctors to work with missionary spirit in these areas. Later, the Chief Minister and the Minister for School Education alongwith a large number of people offered fateh in memory of the deceased worker at the grave yard and prayed for peace to the departed soul. Jawan killed in Mendhar POONCH, Dec 1: Army gunned down two foreign mercenaries at Mughal Mara, about four kms from Bafliaz in Surankote area this evening while a security jawan was killed in militants’ ambush at Mendhar last night in two separate incidents in this border district. A Defence spokesman said the Army personnel carried out searches in Mughal Mara this evening as a part of ‘seek and destroy operation’ launched in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. The searches were launched on the basis of a specific information given by local people about the presence of militants. During searches, troops came across a group of two militants, who had taken shelter in a hideout at an isolated area in Mughal Mara. Militants opened firing on the Army personnel and tried to escape from the hideout. Army jawans returned the firing and gunned down both the militants after an hour long fierce encounter. There was no casualty on Army side in the encounter, the spokesman said. He said dead bodies of both the militants have been recovered by troops from the hideout and handed over to local police. Identity of the slain militants hasn’t been established but they were said to be the foreign mercenaries. Army recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, four hand grenades, two rifle grenades, two pouches, two radio sets and a large quantity of arms and ammunition from the scene of encounter, the spokesman said, adding the search operation was still going on in the area. Troops apprehended the presence of some more militants in Mughal Mara forests and continued searches to eliminate or apprehend them. Searches continued till late tonight when the reports last came in. With these killing, the total number of foreign mercenaries killed in Mughal Mara during last one week has gone upto seven. Five militants had been killed by the troops in the same area last week. Meanwhile, official sources said, a security forces jawan was killed in an encounter with militants at Jaran Wali Gali in Mendhar tehsil of this district last night. Sources said the security personnel were patrolling Jaran Wali Gali when militants ambushed the patrol from atop a hill and opened heavy firing on them. Militants also launched grenade attacks on the securitymen. They said the security jawans took positions and returned the firing. In the exchange of firing, a security jawan was killed while militants managed to escape taking advantage of darkness. The killed security personnel was shifted to a local hospital by his associates. His identity wasn’t disclosed by the authorities immediately. Sources said securitymen and police jawans carried out searches in the area this morning and saw blood stains on the spot which showed that some militants might have got injured during the exchange of firing but they managed to escape alongwith their associates. A search operation has been launched in the area to track down the absconding militants but no breakthrough has been made so far. Elimination of mercenaries
will end proxy war:Saxena SRINAGAR,Dec 1: The Governor Mr Girish Chander Saxena has asserted that the proxy war unleashed by Pakistan will be won with the elimination of all foreign mercenaries in the State. " Although the security forces have restored normalcy in the State, yet the last round of the proxy war by our neighbour is still to be won and will end with the elimination of all the foreign mercenaries", Mr Saxena said on the eve of the 34th Raising Day of Border Security Force (BSF). Lauding BSF for its counter-insurgency role , Mr Saxena said that the local people have totally rejected the militancy, but the domination of the foreigners in the militant ranks has added a new dimension to it". Terming this aspect as a ‘new challenge’, the Governor asserted that the forces won’t find it difficult to deal with the foreigners, but it is the locals within them whose hearts and minds have to be won. He said that he felt both sorry and proud over the BSF’s losing 469 lives to bring peace back to the State and announced Rs 50,000 for the welfare activities of the jawans. Later speaking to the mediamen, Mr Saxena said that the strength of our country comes from the rule of the law and our tradition of respect for each other. Asked to comment about the functioning of the present State Government, the Governor replied:"the Government doesn’t need a clean chit from me". He expressed his satisfaction with the overall situation and the way things are being handled. Asked to rate the Indian espionage agencies with Pakistan’s ISI, the former RAW Chief expressed his inability to do so. He, however, said that " when it comes to international standards, we are pretty good, particularly in cost effectiveness". The Governor also ruled out starting of any type of operations against militants in the coming winters. When asked to comment upon the counter-insurgents groups of the former militants and their human rights record, the Governor said that these "counter insurgents form the part of our popular support to us but nobody should be allowed to take law into his hand". Commenting upon the recent killings of political activists in the Valley, he revealed that the militant groups had planned to target everybody who disagreed with them. In his capacity of being the Chancellor of Kashmir University and reports of unauthorised appointments in University during the years of ‘peak militancy’, he stated that there were definitely reports of people holding illegal adhoc appointments and authorities will deal with them very soon. The Governor witnessed the lively cultural programmes organised by BSF in connection with the Raising Day and participated in "Bara Khanna" on the occasion. BHOPAL, Dec 1: Congress leader Digvijay Singh was today installed as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for the second successive term capping an impressive victory for his party in the Assembly poll proving prophets of doom wrong. Fiftytwo-year-old Singh, an engineer-turned-politician, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Bhai Mahavir at a function at the Raj Bhavan here. Earlier, Singh was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party after his choice was approved by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. An announcement about Singh’s election was made by party high command observer Pranab Mukherjee at a meeting of newly-elected legislators here. Asked if Singh was the undisputed choice for Chief Ministership, Mukherjee said Sonia Gandhi had pointed out that Singh was the only leader who had projected a Congress victory in the State when others predicted defeat. Singh said his Ministry was likely to be expanded within a week after consultations with the party high command. Singh said strengthening the Panchyati Raj in the State was one of his top priorities. The return of Singh to the helm of affairs was the icing on the cake for the man who single-handedly steered the party to triumph belying pollsters and political analysts. The exit polls had projected a BJP win and political pundits put the odds heavily against the Congress playing up the anti-incumbency factor. (PTI) Medical report contradicts
police charges JAMMU, Dec 1: The medical report of Neelam Kumari, who was alleged to have been kidnapped and raped by a contractor Sham Sunder Sharma alias Shangu of Gandhi Nagar, has contradicted the police claim. The medical report signed by Dr Savita Amla, Registrar GU III and submitted today, said there is no evidence of any recent inter-course though the girl is habitual to inter-course. According to report, there was no mark of violence or injury on the genitalia. Also, there were no signs of any violence or injury on any part of the body of the girl, who was medically examined at SMGS hospital on November 25 at 2200 hours. The report of smear slides also didn’t show the presence of any spermatozoa. Police had arrested the contractor from a house in Channi Himmat on November 25 afternoon on the charges that he had kidnapped and subsequently raped Neelam Kumari. Neelam had denied the charges while appearing in the court yesterday when the contractor was bailed out. . Sheila Dikshit to be sworn in tomorrow NEW DELHI, Dec 1: Sheila Dikshit, who led Congress to a landslide victory in Delhi Assembly polls, will be sworn in as Chief Minister on December three. Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor would administer the oath of office and secrecy to her at Raj Niwas at 1215 hrs, a Delhi Government spokesman said today. The entire new Cabinet comprising six members is also likely to take oath along with Dikshit, who was chosen leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) yesterday by president Sonia Gandhi. Among the probables in Dikshit’s Council of Ministers were former DPCC presidents Deep Chand Bandhu and Prem Singh, Tajdar Babbar, Mohinder Singh Sathi, S C Vats, Dr A K Walia, Ajay Maken and Narendra Nath. (PTI) Cabinet releases DA
instalment to employees JAMMU, Dec 1: The State Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah decided to release the DA instalment of State Government Employees including workcharge and contingent paid employees w.e.f. 1st January 1998. Following the Cabinet decision, the Finance Department has issued an order whereunder the Additional 3% DA making it to 16% of the Basic Pay including previous instalment shall be paid in cash w.e.f. 1-1-1999 and the arrears on this account from January 1998 to ending December 1998 shall be credited to respective GP Fund Accounts of the concerned employees. The increased DA would be paid in cash to those employees who have retired after 1-1-1998 or may retire upto December 1998. The Government have also ordered that the Pensioners/Family Pensioners shall be allowed 16% DA w.e.f. 1998. According to the order, the pension/family pension in the case of pre-1-1-1996 retirees and where family pension was sanctioned prior to 1-1-1996 means the consolidated pension/family pension as the case may be effective from 1-1-1996 in terms of Government Order No. 46-F of 1998 dated 19-1-1998. In the case of pensioners who have retired from service on or after 1-1-1996 and in the case of family pensioners whose family pension has been sanctioned for the first time on or after 1-1-1996 pension/family pension shall mean basic pension/family pension admissible in terms of SRO 19 dated 19-1-1998. However, the personal pension if any, would not be taken into account for determining DA on pension. The order further says that the other provisions govering grant of DA on pension/family pension such as regulation of DA during employment/re-employment regulation of DA where more than one pension is drawn etc. and other provisions, of the existing orders/rules (as are not in conflict to the provisions of this order) shall continue to remain in force. The order makes it clear that the DA as per this order shall heretofore be paid by the concerned Treasury Officers/paying branches of J&K Bank without waiting for further authori-sation from the Accountant General/General Manager J&K Bank. .Govt
officer, woman awarded 2 years RI JAMMU, Dec 1: The Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu today convicted and sentenced a former Project Officer, District Rural Development Agency Mr M L Tandon to a Rigorous Imprisonment of four years and a fine of Rs 20,000 and proprietor of a business concern Mrs Vaishnodevi to two years Rigorous Imprisonment and fine of Rs 10,000 for indulging in corrupt practices and causing losses to the state exchequer. The case was investigated and challaned by the Vigilance Organi-sation. Mr M L Tandon during his posting as Project Officer of District Rural Development Agency in Udhampur had entered into a criminal conspiracy with Mrs Vaishnodevi, Proprietor of M/s Vaishno Fine Arts, Udhampur and purchased a large number of signboards on exhorbitant rates during the year 1986. By this criminal conspiracy, both Government office and Proprietor of the private firm caused losses to the State Government exchequer and benefited themselves to the tune of Rs 10152. After registering the case under FIR No. 4/87 at police station of Vigilance Organisation, the Organisation officers thoroughly investigated the case and collected all requisite evidences. The case was challaned in the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu who sentenced Mr M L Tandon to Rigorous Imprisonment for two years with a fine of Rs 10,000 for offences under Sections 5 (2) Prevention of Corruption Act 2006 and 120-B RPC. Other accused Mrs Vaishnodevi, who was listed as co-conspirator in the scandal, has also been sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment for two years for offence under Section 120-B RPC. The judgement to this effect was passed by Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu today. The Judge observed "I am conscious of the fact that accused M L Tandon has retired from the service and appears to be of the age of more then 60 years. Accused Vaishno Devi also appears to be about 60 years old taking into consideration all the relevant facts and circumstances of the case accused M L Tandon is convicted and sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for two years with a fine of Rs 10,000 U/S 5(2) AC Act 2006." Under Section 120-B RPC Mr Tandon shall suffer rigorious imprisonment for a period of two years and fine Rs 10,000. Both the sentences shall run concurrently. Vaishnodevi is convicted U/S 120-B RPC to undergo rigorious imprisonment for a period of two years with fine of Rs 10,000. Chief Prosecuting Officer KS Charka appeared for the Vigilance Organi-sation, Advocate Rupinder Singh appeared for ML Tandon while Advocate OP Sharma appeared for Vaishnodevi. According to Vigilance case, accused ML Tandon was Project Officer District Rural Development Agency Udhampur from October 84 to July 1986. On 31-10-85, he invited quotations for supply of 1000 sign Boards size 3x2 of 24 guage with complete printing and writing. Four firms submitted their quotations but the tenders were not accepted by the accused on the plea that only one valid tender was received and ordered for fresh tenders on February 2, 1986 for the supply of sign Board size 1½ x 1½. M/s Vaishno Fine Arts being the lowest was accepted and the rates of 69.25 whereas earlier the same firm offered the rates of Rs 19.50 per square feet. In this way the accused purchased the sign Boards on higher rates. Militant involved in
beheading people shot UDHAMPUR, Dec 1: The Border Security Force (BSF) today gunned down a notorious militant, who was responsible for beheading a number of civilians and had let loose a reign of terror in remote areas of Mahore tehsil in this district. The militant identified as Abdul Qarim, who was being hunted by the BSF and police personnel for past quite sometime, finally fell in the trap laid by the security forces at village Dandot in Mahore area late this evening. Giving details of the success, official sources said the BSF personnel got an information through Intelligence sources and local people that the militant, who was affiliated with Harkat-ul-Ansar outfit, had moved into Dandot village with a plan to behead more people. Based on the information, the security personnel launched a major search and combing in Dandot and sealed all exit routes of the village. Abdul Qarim was finally spotted in a local village and was challenged by the security personnel. The militants opened heavy firing on the security jawans with an automatic rifle and made a determined bid to escape from the spot. However, troops engaged him in the encounter and shot him dead, the sources said. They said dead body of the militant was recovered from the spot and has been handed over to local police. One AK-47 rifle and some ammunition was recovered from his possession. Sources said the militant had killed a number of civilians in remote areas of Mahore. He had gained notoriety for beheading the people with sharp-edged weapons instead of using the assault rifle, which he was also possessing. Details of his victims
were being worked out by the local police. Bangladesh to restore
properties back to Hindus DHAKA, Dec 1: Bangladesh has decided to repeal a law that empowered the Government to takeover the property left by minority Hindus in the country after the 1947 partition of India, a newspaper said today. The Awami League Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to redeem one of its main election pledges by deciding to repeal the Enemy (Vested) Property Act, Minister of State for Land Rashed Hosharaf told the Bhorer Kagog Describing the act as black law, the Minister, however, did not give any details regarding its implementation. The annulment of the Vested (Enemy) Property Act to restore properties to the minorities is the long standing demand of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The Enemy Property Ordinance, the forerunner of the present Vested Property Act was introduced in 1965 in east Pakistan following the Indo-Pak war. Under the rules, the properties of a section of minority community (Hindus) who left the then east Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after 1947 were declared as enemy property and were vested with the Government for management. The total of number of Hindu households affected by the Enemy Property Act is estimated at approximately one million which is 40 cent of the total Hindu households in Bangladesh. Tehsil records show that total amount of land lost by the Hindu households due to the Act would be 1.64 million acres, a study by University teachers said. |