Pak rules out army pullout from LoC

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: Pakistan today firmly ruled out any possibility of a troops pull-back from the Line of Control in Kashmir saying that the situation there was volatile and it would not be prudent to lower our guard and regretted that India’s response to Army chief Gen Pervez Musharraf’s talks offer was not positive.

We all know (that) the situation regarding the LoC is qualitatively different, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmed told reporters here adding that the LoC had always been volatile with heavy concentration of troops across it.

Under the present circumstances of shelling and indiscriminate firing by Indian troops, it is not prudent to lower our guards, Ahmed said, in his first press briefing since the army takeover on October 12.

He was reacting to a demand by the US that Pakistan expand Musharraf’s proposed unilateral de-escalation of forces along its international border with India to include forces along the Line of Control in Kashmir to lessen tension between the two neighbours.

Musharraf had in his first televised address on Sunday to the country after the October 12 coup offered to hold an unconditional and result-oriented dialogue with India and announced a unilateral de-escalation of troops along its international border with India.

Speaking in New Delhi, hours after Musharraf’s offer to reduce troops, National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra, noted that the withdrawal was along the international border and not the LoC in Kashmir as agreed between DGMOs of the two countries in Attari in July. Army chief V P Malik also dismissed the offer as not amounting to much militarily.

Ahmed said it was unfortunate that India had not responded positively to Musharraf’s offer for an unconditional and result-oriented dialogue. Musharraf’s offer was an important initiative In terms of confidence-building, and was made in good faith, he said.

The responsibility for creating the requisite atmosphere lies with India, he said. Mishra had made it clear on Sunday that New Delhi would talk to any regime in Pakistan provided cross-border terrorism was stopped.

Vijaydashmi celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 19: Vijaydashmi- the festival symbolising triumph of good over evil, was celebrated all over the region with religious fervour and gaiety. Effigies of Ravana, Kumb-karana and Meghnath- the symbols of evil, were burnt at several places amidst chanting of Dharam Kee Jai Ho and Papion Ka Nash Ho.

The main function was held at Parade Ground where about one lakh people witnessed celebrations of the Dusherra. This function was jointly organised by the Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Dharamarth Trust and supported by the various religious and social organisations. Mr Bodh Raj Bali, Minister for Industries and Commerce presided over the function while Vaid Vaishno Dutt, newly elected Member Parliament from Jammu-Poonch constituency, was the chief guest.

Amidst chanting of bhajans and shouting of religious slogans, effigies of Ravana, Kumbkarana and Meghnath were consigned to the flames. "Dharam Kee Jai Ho, Papion Ka Nash Ho and Bhagwan Shri Ram Chander Ji Ki Jai" repeatedly rented in air as the fire, amidst bursting of deafening crackers, engulfed the effigies. As the fire engulfed the effigies so were the slogans aired by the people who came all the way from different rural areas to witness the traditional Dusherra at Parade Ground.

Earlier, an impressive Vijaydashmi procession was taken out in the City of Temples. Depicting teachings of Bhagwan Shri Rama, large number of devotees participated in the procession, which started from Shri Raghunath Mandir and culminated at Parade Ground after passing through City Chowk, Old Hospital Road, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Jain Bazar, Pucca Danga and Moti Bazar. Beating of drums, dholkies and chimtas, large number of devotees chanting slogans participated in the procession. All the way from Raghunath Bazar to Parade Ground, hundreds of the people joined the Dusherra Jhanki which swelled into thousands when it reached at a function venue.

As the procession reached Parade Ground, some scenes of holy Ramayana were also staged which depicted how Bhagwan Shri Rama killed Ravana. People resorted into shouting Bhagwan Shri Ram Ki Jai as Shri Rama shot an arrow and killed leader of all evil forces.

The City of Temples was well decorated today as thousands of saffron flags were seen fluttered all around the walled city.

Flooded with banners and buntings, the City was gripped with religious fervour and gaiety. Loud Speakers airing bhajans were installed at many places. Various market associations also arranged langers and distributed parshad among the passers-by on the occasion of the conclusion of holy Navratras.

An impressive Dusherra function was also held at Dusherra Ground, Gandhi Nagar. This function was organised by the Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Gandhi Nagar. Thousands of people witnessed burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbkarana and Meghnath. Prominent citizens were also present on the occasion.

Earlier a Jhanki was taken out from Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar which culminated at Dusherra Ground after passing through entire locality of Gandhi Nagar and some parts of Shastri Nagar.

Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the function.

Army regulars, ultras work as single entity
Pak trying to replicate Afghan strategy in J&K

NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Army Chief Gen V P Malik has said Pakistan is attempting to replicate in Jammu and Kashmir the military strategy it followed in Afghanistan with its Army regulars and militants working as a single entity.

State-sponsored militancy and terrorism by Pakistan today is replication of its Afghanistan strategy ... Today there is a greater collusion of the Pakistani Army regulars and the so-called Mujahedeens or militants. They are definitely working now as a single entity and not separate forces, Malik said during an interaction with editors of PTI at its head office here.

The Army Chief said a special operation to search and destroy militant hideouts has been launched in the North and South of Peer Panjal ranges dividing the Kashmir valley from the Jammu region.

Referring to the current state of Pak-sponsored militancy, he said the militants were now better equipped and obviously better controlled by the Pakistan Army through its communications network.

What people do not understand is that ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) is not a separate entity. Officers go to ISI from the armed forces and return to them, Malik said, adding that ISI was adjunct of the armed forces.

The Army Chief said radio intercepts of the militants showed how happy they were about the military takeover in Pakistan.

Malik said there was a setback in the fight against militancy when certain units of the armed forces were moved from the Valley to Kargil sector in May last.

We did not have enough troops for offensive operations (against militants). The paramilitary forces were by and large protective and were not going in for offensive operations, he said, adding some forces were later brought back to resume offensive anti-militancy operations.

However, since then there has been improvement in the situation and September was a good month during which a large number of militants were killed.

He said these days we have launched certain major operations, both North and South of Peer Panjal ranges, basically to bust militant hideouts in the jungles and in the mountains. We are using more force for these operations.

The Army Chief said the problem facing India and the international community was that Pakistan has become a breeding ground for militancy and terrorism.

For the Army, war neither began nor ended with the Kargil operations. The Army has been engaged by Pakistan in a proxy war which has gone on for ten years, Malik said.

Referring to the proxy wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Lebanon, the Army Chief said such a war goes slow, lasts long and less attention is paid by the media, the international community or even our Governments.

Kargil is linked to what has been happening elsewhere. Regular (Pakistani) Army troops tried to put on a facade of militants and look like them, he said.

Malik said while 969 Army personnel were killed between 1990 and 1998 in anti-militancy operations in J and K, this year the Army has suffered 382 casualties till last month.

But with the operations against militants being stepped up in September, he said 145 militants had been killed during the month and 177 weapons recovered. (PTI)

Army seizes Sharif’s tax documents
Military court may try Sharif

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: A spokesman for Pakistan’s military regime Tuesday said the nature of incriminating evidence against the deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will determine his trial in a civilian or a military court.

Sharif’s trial "depends on the nature of charges" against him, Brigadier Rashid Qureshi, head of the military Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department, said at a press briefing.

The spokesman did not rule out that a military court might try Sharif.

"There are still many areas being looked into before drawing conclusions," Qureshi said.

He said Sharif and all those arrested since last Tuesday, when army chief General Pervez Musharraf dismissed the civilian government, were "being treated well".

The spokesman did not say where Sharif was being held. But local news reports say he has been moved to the attack fort, about 90 kilometres southwest of Islamabad, maintained by the army and notorious for rigorous conditions for those detained there.

"Most of those who were taken into protective custody have been released," said the spokesman who could not give a timeframe for the investigations being completed against those still being detained.

Qureshi said a probe has started into the charge against Sharif that he disallowed a plane with General Musharaf aboard to land in Karachi.

General Musharaf, who has proclaimed himself as Pakistan’s Chief Executive, has accused Sharif of conspiring to kill him in a plane crash.

"The Chief Executive is not interested in the mere label of democracy but the substance of democracy for which action will be taken," Brigadier Qureshi explained to a question on international pressure on Pakistan over its military rule.

"Pakistan needs to put its house in order to survive and progress. The chief executive is striving for a mechanism by which we can achieve these objectives," he said.

Qureshi explained that a decision to put a set-up in place required extreme caution and therefore there was a delay in its announcement.

He said most members of the future set-up would be civilians.

General Musharaf, who has expressed respect and regard for the media, would speak to the press only after the Government is finalised, Qureshi said.

While Pakistan regretted its suspension from the Commonwealth, analysts in Karachi said today it would have very little impact on economy of Pakistan.

"Although Britain and Canada were instrumental in the move to suspend Pakistan’s membership, we believe the countries will not favour stoppage of financial assistance to Pakistan", head of research of investment bank Jahangir Siddiqi and company said Tuesday.

The Commonwealth yesterday suspended Pakistan’s membership demanding restoration of a democratic regime after the military takeover on October 12.

Sharif’s dismissal was welcomed by the nation but criticised abroad, analysts noted. (DPA)

Many hospitalised
Dental College students threaten self immolation

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Several students of the Prime Medical and Dental College, who were on hunger strike, were hospitalised today following the deterioration in their health condition.

However, in a blatant display of Government’s apathy towards the dying students, senior National Conference leader and MLA, Mr Mohammed Shaffi Bhat allegedly told the students to get killed as " their death did not matter".

Disgusted students of this college are on protest hunger strike for the last six days as Kashmir University (KU) has failed to conduct their examination for the last four years.

Meanwhile, the condition of five students deteriorated today and they had to be hospitalised. The doctors attending them have described their condition as " serious". All of them are suffering from acute dehydration, coupled with the official apathy. Those hospitalised include Shaheen, Junis, Basharat and Shahnaaz.

Moreover, the students have decided to continue with their strike and have even threatened self immolation if their ordeal was not put to an end.

The spokespersons of Prime Dental College, Ms Fariya Khalid, Ms Saima and Ms Benazir said that they either want their career or want to die, as their precious four years have already gone down the drain. They lamented that 33 other colleges in the State have been fully recognized, but in case of PDC, the Government was bent upon spoiling the career of the students.

Now, when the students have taken up agitational path after becoming fed up of the promises and breach of promises, a senior ruling party leader, Mr Mohd Shaffi Bhat comes and tells the students that already 70,000 people have died in Kashmir and if more 80 students die, it won’t make a difference. The students termed the statement of Mr Bhat as mere childish and applying the salt on their already bleeding wounds.

The students complained that they have been beaten several times on one pretext or the other even when they tried to meet the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah in recent past.

Particularly agitated with the Law Minister Mr P L Handoo, the students said that this Minister although instructed by the CM to solve their case, was not interested in finding the solution.

The students said that numerous colleges across India are working on the same form like PDC College Srinagar, but nowhere the students have been made to suffer on account of the high-handedness of the authorities.

They protested that the students of JVC admitted with them under the same conditions have been examined by KU , but they were still waiting for the examinations, which created doubt about the integrity and autonomy of KU.

The students , as a last bid again appealed to those at the helm of affairs to save their career, otherwise they might be forced to kill themselves, the responsibility of which will lie on the shoulders of those claiming to be the well wishers and leaders of Kashmir.

Caretaker Govt in few days
Pak ready to take up Kashmir issue with India

LONDON, Oct 19: Pakistan is prepared to take up Kashmir and all other contentious issues with India as a package, its new military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf has said.

I am prepared to deal with India on all contentious issues as a package and the status of Kashmir cannot be treated separately, Gen Musharraf said in an interview published in the Guardian newspaper today.

The General, who sacked the Nawaz Sharif Government in a coup on October 12, however, said neither had he called Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee nor was he planning to do so.

In his first interview with a British newspaper, the Chief Executive of Pakistan said accountability was the key factor and his first task was a thorough cleansing of the nation. We will start at the top and work down. Nobody is out of the ring. We have a lot of work to do.

Gen Musharraf said he proposed to announce the caretaker Government in a few days. The delay, he said, had not been due to indecision. The delay has been getting the right people.

The Army Chief, in the interview conducted before Commonwealth suspended Pakistan from the body yesterday, said Islamabad always had a special relationship with China.

On ties with the US, he said, in a unipolar world, relations with the United States are very important.

The 56-year-old General said he was happy at the way things were going. I have been encouraged by the reaction of the international community (to my address to the nation on Sunday). They seem to understand that we (Pakistan) are facing huge problems and had to act.

Gen Musharraf admitted that last week I had a very tense time and was initially extremely apprehensive. Now things are unfolding and we can see the sort of support we are getting in the country and outside. I feel very happy.

In a separate interview, he told Turkish television that he admired former military ruler of Turkey, Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, and regarded him as a model. I have read his biography. We will see what I can do for Pakistan, he said.

Gen Musharraf said he was a little tired, but that is to be expected. One has to make sacrifices when there is work to be done.

Asked whether he was enjoying himself in his new role, the General said, to put it frankly, it’s always nice to be in charge. (PTI)

2 soldiers, 5 militants among
10 killed in Valley

Excelsior Special Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 19 : Even as security forces have eliminated at least 5 militants in different operations in Kashmir valley since last evening, two Army personnel have got killed a major combing operation in Kupwara district. Besides, unidentified gunmen have killed two persons and a civilian has got killed in an encounter at Shatpora in Lolab.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that two Army soldiers and an equal number of militants have got killed in a major combing operation that has been going on for the few days in Rajwar belt of Kupwara district. Sources said that the two soldiers of 8-JAKLI, namely Jaffar and Ashiq Hussain, got killed in confusion firing between two different units of security forces in the dense forest area, 15 km from Zachaldara. An official handout said that two militants two killed in an encounter with security forces at Sadganga and two AK rifles were recovered from the spot. The handout said that one more militant got killed in an encounter with troops at Nalabend, Kupwara and one AK rifle was recovered from the spot.

Reports available from Kupwara said that today in the afternoon troops of Kilo Force's 8-Sector Rashtriya Rifles and SOG Kupwara killed a militant of Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit at Duraswani in Lolab. Four AK-56 rifles, 25 magazines, 1500 rounds and one hand grenade were claimed recovered from the site of encounter.

Troops of 8-Sector RR had laid an ambush at Shatpora, Lolab. A civilian, namely Ghulam Hussan Gujri of the same village got killed as he was mistaken as a militant.

Here in the capital city, SOG Srinagar claimed to have eliminated an unidentified militant in an encounter at Baran Pathar, Batmaloo. Official sources claimed that the SOG team was patrolling the area so as to prevent a possible attack on Civil Secretariat from that locality. Two persons emerged from an alley who were asked to halt. They instead threw a grenade and made an attempt to escape. Officials said that a SOG official sustained splinter injuries but retaliated the fire and gunned down a militant. A brand new Chinese pistol was claimed to have been recovered from the spot.

However, civilians of the locality claimed that the SOG party pounced upon one Abdus Salam Sofi of Malabagh, Zakoora, as soon as he alighted from a bus. He was taken into the locality and shot dead at 1420 hours.

Reports available from Beerwah said that during last night militants kidnapped a former militant of Al-Barq, namely Mohammad Akbar Bhat alias Gulab Khan S/o Abdus Samad Bhat resident of Churat. His dead body was recovered today from the same locality. Bhat had turned a counter-insurgent source with RR 34 Bn and helped the troops in carrying out several operations.

Dead body of one Gulzar Ahmed Khan S/o Late Mohammad Yusuf Khan, resident of Sangeen Darwaza, Hawal, was recovered today from Haka Bazar, Hari Parbhat in the capital city. He had been kidnapped by two unidentified persons from his home last evening. The dead body had no bullet marks but a cut of sharp-edged weapon on its forehead. Unconfirmed reports from the locality said that he too was a counter-insurgent source.

‘Hurriyat not representative of all Kashmiris’

WASHINGTON, Oct 19: The US-based Kashmir Study Group has dismissed the claim of the Hurriyat conference of being a representative organisation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir saying it is basically a organisation of the Muslims whose efforts to attract Hindus is just window-dressing.

In a report released today, it said, political leaders of the Hurriyat Conference were described at best as corrupt and self-serving and at worst little better than terrorists.

The group, which visited India in 1997 to assess public opinion, also claimed there was much more support than appeared on the surface in both India and Pakistan on making the Line of Control (LoC) the International Border. Such an outcome, it said, was implicit in the Simla Agreement.

The group suggested that all people of Kashmir, including the Pandits, Buddhists of Ladakh and also the Hurriyat, should be party to settling the region’s problems.

In Pakistan, the report said, the official position was self-determination for Kashmiris, but the team sensed that higher officials regarded the demand for plebiscite in Kashmir as a dead issue. (PTI)

Hurriyat concern over arrests

NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Hurriyat Conference today expressed Concern over the continued detention of its 24 leaders, who were held under Public Safety Act (PSA) last month, claiming this would further complicate the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

This attitude of the Government was not going to help them in resolving the Kashmir issue and instead it would further complicate the situation, Hurriyat spokesman in Delhi Abdul Majid Bandey said in a statement.

The entire leadership of Hurriyat Conference including its chairman Sayed Ali Shah Geelani was arrested under PSA last month and later shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

Bandey said Hurriyat Conference would move the court for allowing its members to meet the jailed leaders.

The spokesman claimed that a two-member Hurriyat team comprising Deputy Director of Institute of Kashmir Studies G M Bhat and senior advocate Mohammed Tufail were not allowed to meet the Hurriyat leaders lodged in Jodhpur jail last week.

Besides Geelani, 23 Hurriyat leaders including Yaseen Malik, Abdul Gani Bhat, Moulana Abbas Ansari, Javed Ahmed Mir and Mohammed Ashraf Sehrai were shifted to Jodhpur jail after their arrest.

This is for the first time in seven years that the top Hurriyat leaders have been jailed outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Malik and Mir had been lodged in Jodhpur jail during their active role in militancy in late 80’s and early 90’s. Both belong to the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Yaseen) faction. (PTI)

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