Currency,
22 mortar bombs seized Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 10: Army struck another blow to Pakistan’s Inter Service Intelligence (ISI), when it eliminated five hard-core militants and critically injured two others at village Dunga Gala in Tarkundi area of Gambhir sector in the early hours of this morning. While four of the slain militants owed allegiance to the formidable Harkat - ul - Ansar (HUA),the another was affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Troops recovered a big consignment of arms and ammunition from the possession of slain militants which include 22 bombs of 82 mm mortar, five assault rifles and Rs 3.5 lakh cash in Indian currency. A Defence spokesman said that troops led by Subedar Banwar Singh allowed four infiltrating militants to fall in trap at village Dunga Gala at around 0600 hours this morning. Once they entered into the killing road, Subedar and his colleagues attacked the armed ultras, which retaliated with sophisticated weapons. The spokesman said a fierce gun-battle between the two sides continued till 1300 hours today. All four militants, who were affiliated with the dreaded Harkat - ul - Ansar (HUA) outfit were shot dead by the troops without suffering any casualty on their side. Identity of the militants couldn’t be ascertained immediately but all of them were stated to be the foreign mercenaries. Their bodies have been shifted to a local police station for identification. Large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession which include five AK-47 and AK-56 rifles, Rs 52,000 cash in Indian currency, three radio sets, one sophisticated pistol, 22 mortar bombs, 20 grenades and a large quantity of ammunition, magazines and accessories of the explosive devices. The spokesman said it was being ascertained whether the currency was genuine or fake. It may be reported that Army had recovered an 82 mm mortar on November 28 from a militants’ hide-out. Shortly after the said incident, militants made another vain infiltration bid, which was however successfully foiled by Grenadier Saloanki Pratak. During the ensuing encounter, Army troops killed a militant, who was identified as commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. Arms and ammunition recovered from the site included one AK - 56, a Chinese rifle,besides two radio sets, and Indian currency worth nearly Rs 3.2 lakh. Sources said the slain militants alongwith some of their associates were trying to move deep into Indian territory after crossing the Line of Control (alongwith) from Pakistan. They don’t rule out the possibility of some of the militants having managed to escape back to Pakistan during exchange of firing. Army continued search operation in the area anticipating infiltration of some more militants. Searches were going on till late this evening but there had been no report of any further breakthrough. The spokesman said since their deployment in Gambhir sector, the Grenadiers have gunned down 26 hard-core militants including several foreign mercenaries. They have recovered Rs 14 lakh Indian currency from the possession of slain militants so far. Senior officers of the Army, who visited the spot today to supervise the search operations, have hailed the efforts of Grenadiers in eliminating top Pakistan-trained militants in the area. With these four killings, a total of 15 militants have been gunned down by the Army in Rajouri district during last four days. Most of them were foreign mercenaries. This year, troops had foiled about 36 infiltration bids and killed 114 militants in similar encounters besides other achievements. "ISI has become desperate due to its failure to push in ultras during the past some time and even militants tried to ex-filtrate have not been able to do so for most of their guides have been eliminated", sources said adding, "12 guides have been killed during the past three months". "Militants on this side are suffering shortage of money and equipment due to building pressure of security forces", they maintained. Meanwhile, reports said that Pakistan Army personnel continued firing on Indian positions at different areas on the Line of Control (LoC) in both Rajouri and Poonch districts last night. Indian Army returned the firing. There was no casualty on Indian side during the firing. Reports said Pakistan Army also targeted civilian areas in Poonch during the firing but failed to hit any intended target. |
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Shutdown
in valley on Human Rights Day Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 10: While the Valley today observed a near-total shutdown on occasion of the World Human Rights Day, militants struck in broad day light near Police Station at Pattan and gunned down a constable. Security forces left one Hizbul Mujahideen militant killed in Shopian. Meanwhile, the death toll in Thursday's grenade explosion at Bandipora reached seven as three more critically injured persons succumbed since last evening. Official sources told EXCEL-SIOR that two militants wielding a loaded pistol appeared at a barber's shop behind Police Station at Pattan in Baramulla district at 1100 hours today and pumped a single shot into the head of a police constable who was busy in making his shave. The constable, identified as Mohammad Ashraf (belt No. 652/Bla), died on spot. The two assassins picked up his AK-47 rifle and made good their escape even as they were spotted and chased away by another constable from the police station. The slain constable, a resident of Punzgam Awantipora, was the Personal Security Officer (PSO) with the newly appointed SHO Pattan Gurmeet Singh. SHO Gurmeet Singh as well as Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Abdur Rasheed-- both having a track record of counter-insurgency operations-- were present at office when the two militants dared to strike in broad day light, killed the constable and even decamped with his AK-47 rifle. This year, pro-Pakistan militants have re-established their base a number of mainstream political activists, counter-insurgent cadres and police personnel. Security forces conducted a cordon-and-search operation at Handow, Shopian, in south Kashmir and shot dead a Hizbul Mujahideen militant, namely Manzoor Ahmed Rishi alias Man Kandroo son of Ghulam Ahmed Rishi of Reban, Zainsapora. Official sources claimed that the militant got killed in his abortive attempt to escape from the cordoned area. One AK-56 rifle, one grenade and a wireless set were claimed to have been recovered from the site. Sources said that with the death of three more civilians, Thursday's grenade explosion at Bandipora has taken a toll of 7 human lives. Subsequent details of the incident today said the HE-36 hand grenade went off in the pocket of the 22-year-old Noor Mohammad Khan son of Mohammad Shafi Khan, resident of Arin, Bandipora, when he was alighting from the passenger bus which had just arrived in from Aragam. His limbs flung into air and he died on spot with four other civilians namely Bushra Begum of Dachigam, Mugli wife of Ghulam Rasool resident of Kralteng Sopore, Nighat alias Shokhi daughter of Manzoor Ahmed Ganai. Later three more civilians succumbed to injuries who were identified as Khatiji wife of Ali Mohammad Hajan resident of Chakla Baramulla, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi son of Fateh Sofi resident of Brar Bandipora and Syeeda wife of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din resident of Bandipora. There has been no report of Noor Mohammad Khan's having been a militant though he happened to be the close relative of two prominant militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, both killed in 1994-95. Meanwhile, National Conference MLC and the former Ikhwan commander Javed Hussain Shah has expressed his shock over the killing of 7 civilians in the grenade blast which also left over a dozen others injured. Shah, in a statement, extended his condolences to the bereaved families. At Javed Shah's residential village of Nadihal, near Bandipora, militants today caused an IED explosion at a water storage tank. A parked vehicle of security forces suffered minor damage and one personnel got injured. The blast occured at 1145 hours. Unconfirmed reports said that a civilian namely Zahoor Ahmed Khan was left wounded when militants fired upon him at Chak Manigam Wagoora. Reports available from Kupwara said that SOG and security forces launched a joint operation in Gulgam forest area this evening after receiving reports about militants' movement in that area. In Lolab valley, gunmen and timber smugglers beat up a driver of the State Forest Corporation (SFC) and burnt his truck laden with timber. The injured driver has been admitted at Sub District Hospital. Bandh in Valley On occasion of the World Human Rights Day, the valley of Kashmir today observed a near-total shutdown in response to a call given by the separatist umbrella All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). The bandh had tremendous impact in the capital city as well as some major towns where most of the shops, business establishments, banks, financial institutions, educational institutions and even Government office remained closed. With little signs of the State Administration, only skeleton passenger services and some modes of private vehicular traffic were seen in operation. Reports from Anantnag, Budgam and Kupwara said that the three rural districts observed a partial strike while as the shutdown was almost complete in Srinagar, Baramulla and Pulwama districts. With the entire Hurriyat leadership having rushed to New Delhi, there was no public demonstration against the alleged human rights abuse by the security forces, though chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmed Shah and a handful of his fellow activists made two feeble attempts to come on streets, Shah alongwith a dozen of his associates was prevented by police and taken into custody at Ikhrajpora, close to the DFP headquarters at Rajbagh. A host of DFP demonstrators, who shouted pro-Azadi slogans, were lifted at Lalchowk. Shah alongwith his associates was detained for the day at Rajbagh Police Station. A DFP spokesman said that police also raided the party head office at Rajbagh and lifted a number of Shabir Shah's cadres but officials did not confirm it. PM asks nuclear powers to set time-frame for dismantling weapons NEW DELHI, Dec 10: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today asked nuclear powers to set a time-frame for dismantling of all weapons of mass destruction and sought convening of a world conference on combating terrorism without violation of human rights. Basic human rights of the people were gravely imperilled by weapons of mass destruction, the Prime Minister said, adding that there should be no further delay by nuclear weapons powers to work out a time-frame for destroying all such weapons. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the year-long celebrations of adoption of the universal declaration of human rights, Vajpayee said India had reported well in combating cross-border terrorism without violating human rights. Equating terrorists with tyrannical rulers of the past, he said terrorism amounted to the ultimate end of human rights and called for convening of an international conference to work out a mechanism for combating terrorism while maintaining human rights. The Prime Minister also sought evolving of a new world economic order to obliterate the divide between the North and the South. He said much was still required to be done to face the challenges of unrelenting poverty, lack of basic health care, protection of rights of the child and empowering the unempowered, eventhough the Government had taken several path-breaking steps towards fighting these ills. The Prime Minister said the issue of human rights was in evidence ever since mankind came into existence and added that the ‘Vedas’ reflected this concern which later got incorporated in the Constitution. Makers of the Indian Constitution had themselves had the first-hand experience of segregation, racism and exploitation which led them to the resolve of fighting the menace, he said. Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister L K Advani too referred to India’s battle against terrorism without violating human rights. He asked all State Governments to set up State-level human rights commissions in line with the Centre’s suggestions in this regard. Welcoming the guests, Home Secretary B P Singh said in our long history, we have witnessed along with the powerful voice of compassion and progress, the negative acts of cruelty and regression. The need for awareness of human rights is therefore necessary to ensure that each person in this country gets his dignity and rights. The function concluded with a programme of dance and music performed among others by inmates of Delhi’s Tihar jail. The programme containing poetry written by the Prime Minister himself and other literature was choreographed by danseuse Sonal Mansingh. (PTI) Rs 7000 extorted from
villager Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 10: The Vigilance Organisation has registered a case of corruption against a Tehsildar and a Patwari after prima-facie the allegations levelled against them by a complainant were established during investigations conducted by the organisation. Both the officers identified as Tehsildar Shanti Swaroop Gupta and Patwari Sat Pal Sharma were likely to be arrested by the Vigilance Organisation anytime for interrogation, official sources today said. Giving details of the case, the sources said a villager of Arnia identified as Bua Lal son of Haqim, a resident of Ward No. 7 in Arnia had approached Vigilance Organisation alleging that both Tehsildar and Patwari during their postings in Bishnah had extorted Rs 7000 from him for settlement of a land dispute in his favour. Bua Lal—being illiterate and ignorant—was told by both the officials that the money was to be deposited with the State Government for settlement of case in his favour, the sources said adding the officers, however, didn’t pay any receipt to the complainant. Bua Lal told Vigilance Organisation that he handed over Rs 7000 to these two officers in the presence of two witnesses identified as Anant Ram son of Lachoo and Prabh Dayal son of Shanker Dass, both residents of Arnia. The complainant alleged that he approached both Shanti Swaroop Gupta and Sat Pal Sharma for return of the money extorted from him but couldn’t get any positive response from them. He then approached the office of Vigilance Organisation. Sources said a senior officer of the Vigilance Organisation ordered investigations into the case. The Vigilance teams started hectic investigations into the case. They pursued the record and recorded the statements of all concerned persons including complainant and witnesses. In the meantime, the sources said, Mr Shanti Swaroop Gupta was transferred as Tehsildar Bishnah and posted as Tehsildar Jammu. At present, he was posted as Tehsildar (Recovery) Jammu while Sat Pal Sharma, Patwari was also transferred from his present place of posting. Sources said the hectic investigations conducted by the Vigilance team established the allegations of corruption levelled against both the officers. A case against them has been registered under Section 5 (2) Prevention of Corruption Act and 120-B RPC. The investigations in the case have been assigned to a DySP Vigilance. Sources said the case was titled Bua Lal versus Janak Raj, both residents of Arnia pertaining to khasra No. 2424 minimum measuring 10 marlas situated at Bye-Pass Arnia. The case was subjudice in Tehsildar Bishnah Court. Sources said of Rs 7000 graft money taken from Bua Ram, Rs 5000 were taken by the Tehsildar and Rs 2000 by the Patwari. They said further investigations in the case were going on and both the officers were expected to be arrested shortly for interrogation before the case is challaned in the court of law. Bid to blow up bridge
foiled Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 10: Militants owing allegiance with pro - Pak Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit gunned down wife of a surrendered militant while militants made an abortive attempt to blow up a bridge in Surankote tehsil of this district. Sources said that militants armed with sophisticated weapons barged into the residence of Ali Mohammad — a surrendered militant. While Ali was not present at his residence, militants abused his wife and subsequently rained bullets into her body. Thereby, militants fled from the spot without little opposition, leaving her body in a pool of blood. The slain woman was identified as Sugara Bi. Sources said that militants responsible for the killing of woman belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. After the incident, civilians of nearby area came out of their house and informed at the security picket. In another militancy - related incident, ultras made an abortive bid to blow up Dhundan bridge in Surankote tehsil of the same district. Sources said that on the intervening night of December 9 and 10, militants detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the vicinity of Dhundan bridge shortly after the passage of a convoy of Army vehicles. However, there was no damage to the bridge. Alarmed over the bang of explosion, troops got off their vehicle and took positions. Army personnel conducted thorough searches of the area and were able to lay their hands on another IED which had been concealed behind bushes. The personnel defused the explosive device in time, thereby averting a tragedy. Hurriyat on strike against
‘human NEW DELHI, Dec 10: Leaders of Hurriyat Conference, an amalgam of 23 religious and militant organisation, today began a 48-hour hunger strike to protest the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. We condemn both types of violations - committed by security forces as well as by militants, chief spokesman of the conference Prof Abdul Gani Bhat told reporters here. He alleged security forces were engaged in gross human rights violation in the State, which should be stopped immediately. When his attention was drawn towards the violations committed by militants, Bhat replied we condemn that also. Former chief of Hizbollah Militant Group Shahid-ul-Islam (arrested last year and later released on bail) chief of JKLF Yaseen Malik, Javed Ahmed Mir and others were among the Hurriyat leaders on hunger strike. Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was also present at the dharna. However, former Chairman and Mirwaiz of Kashmir Maulvi Umer Farooq was conspicuous by his absence. Informed sources said he was unhappy over the functioning of the present leadership. But Bhat sought to dismiss his absence saying he is not absent. His party leaders are with us and Umer lives in our heart. Asked about the recent failure of talks between Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Bill Clinton on the Kashmir issue, he said America has made its stand clear that it will only mediate when both parties (India and Pakistan) are interested. Referring to Talibans, Bhat said they are busy fighting among themselves and have no time nor plans to come over to Kashmir. Asked whether Talibans would focus their attention on Kashmir instead of solving their internal problems, Bhat said we welcome any country which supports our cause. Referring to the recent visit of British Parliamentarian Lord Eric Averbury and an about-turn in his stand vis-a-vis Kashmir, Bhat replied we neither accepted his kisses nor will we accept his bites. Averbury got an award last year from Pakistan Government and may be he is vying for an Indian award this year, he added. (PTI) ISLAMABAD,Dec 10 : Accusing successive Afghan leaders of "savagely assaulting the rights" of women, dozens of Afghan women protested outside the United Nations Offices in the Pakistani capital today to mark the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Human Rights. The women attacked the rigid Islamic Law imposed by Afghanistan’s current rulers, the Taliban religious Army, which controls roughly 90 per cent of the country. The protest was organised by the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, which is headquartered in neighbouring Pakistan because its members are unable to return to their homeland fearing attacks by the hardline religious militia. The women’s association also issued a stern warning to the International community saying "the world community and Human Rights Organisations would be meaningless without unequivocal condemnation of the Taliban, who deride the civilized seat at the United Nations.(AP) 2 fodder scam accused surrender PATNA, Dec 10: Two senior IAS officials Mahesh Prasad and Beck Julius, who face arrest warrant in connection with the fodder scam case, today surrendered before a CBI court here. Designated CBI Judge S K Lal remanded them to judicial custody and instructed the jail officials to produce them tomorrow along with other accused involved in a conspiracy angle of the case relating to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 97 lakh from the State Treasury by officials of the Bihar Animal Husbandry Department The Judge had issued a non-bailable warrant against both the accused last month and instructed the Director General of Police to get them arrested and produce them in the court. Two former Chief Ministers, Laloo Prasad Yadav and Dr Jagannth Mishra, former Union Minister Chandradeo Prasad Verma, former Bihar Minister Vidyasagar Nishad and RJD MLA R K Rana are at present lodged in judicial custody in Beur jail in the case. (PTI) CHENNAI, Dec 10: Tamil Nadu Director General of Police F C Sharma today denied the presence of the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) in Tamil Nadu. Addressing a press conference here on the security arrangements to maintain law and order in the city in view of the general strike called by the Labour Unions tomorrow, Mr Sharma declined to comment on Union Home Minister L K Advani’s caution to all State Governments about ISI infiltration. He said the ISI were not even involved in the February 14 serial bomb blasts in Coimbatore city. Mr Sharma also announced that "Al Umma" president S A Basha has been shifted to Coimbatore by the CB-CID police for interrogation. He would be lodged in Coimbatore jail till the interrogation was over, the DIG added. Mr Sharma claimed that the veracity of the police version on the circumstances leading to the death of the 21-year-old Dalit housewife Chitra after she was taken to a police station in connection with a robbery case, would be proved by the judicial probe. (UNI) Women’s quota Bill likely today, says Khurana NEW DELHI, Dec 10: The Women’s Reservation Bill providing for 33 percent quota for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Lal Khurana said today. Barring Samajwadi Party, RJD and Muslim League, all other parties including Congress have agreed on the Bill in its present form, he told reporters here. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who convened an all-party meeting to evolve a consensus on the issue last night, expressed hope that the Bill will be debated in a peaceful and democratic way in the House. Khurana said Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav had sought changes in the Bill before giving his party’s approval. The changes suggested included allowing the concerned parties to decide on the reservation based on allocation of party tickets for women, Election Commission de-recognising those parties which did not adhere to this stipulation, and providing reservation for minorities, including Muslims, Dalits, SCs and STs. RJD and Muslim League also supported Yadav’s stand, he said. (PTI) |