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‘Army
maintaining full alert’ CHENNAI, Dec 6: Chief of the Army Staff, Gen S Padmanabhan, on Friday came out with a significant piece of information: The Army is viewing seriously Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s statement that infiltration of terrorists is still taking place across the Line of Control (LoC) from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. Putin’s statement surfaced during his visit to India. Gen Padmanabhan told newspersons here after inaugurating a new building for a state-of-the-art military hospital: "He is the leader of a great nation and must have considered carefully why he said it". The Army Chief said that the situation was "good", though cross-border terrorism existed "to some extent". He emphasized: "We have to stop it and we are maintaining full alert". His assessment: Infiltration from across the border has been reduced by about 43-44 per cent. "Reduced infiltration on the border for this part of the year is reasonably good", he said. There was always some infiltration going on, he pointed out. He described as "rubbish" the description of occupancy of Indian territory by Pakistani soldiers in March this year, which became public only recently as a ‘mini Kargil’. He said that what really happened was that 14 Pak soldiers had crossed the border and stayed for three days on a piece of unoccupied land near a specific point. They had been identified by an Indian patrol party and thrown out, he explained. Gen Padmanabhan said that he did not want to endorse the view that the act of the newly-formed Jammu and Kashmir Government of releasing some arrested militants had rejuvenated terrorist activities across the border. "We have to give enough time to the new Government to take control of things", he observed. On the pull-back of heavy equipment from the forward areas, Gen Padmanabhan said that it was not a pull-back but a redeployment and relocation of the equipment and forces. The exercise being carried out in the east, central and south of the forward areas would be completed by the end of December, he said. He welcomed the Naval Chief, Admiral Madhavendra Singh’s suggestion at Navy Day celebrations that the Navy, particularly its submarine wing, be made the main repository of the country’s nuclear arsenal. "It is an excellent idea", he remarked, stating that it would be in keeping with futuristic warfare. Asked to comment on the Army’s proposed ‘cadre review’, which was expected to encourage young and upcoming Army officers, he said that the proposal had been sent to the Centre for a final decision. Some of the "fancy" designations mentioned in the proposal, he said, may not be accepted by the Centre. On the question of VRS for Army personnel, Gen Padmanabhan said that it was for the Finance and Defence Ministries to take a decision on the issue. (AGENCIES) |
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Jammu witnesses scenes of
brotherhood during Eid celebrations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 6: Seeking cooperation of the people for steering the State of Jammu and Kashmir out of the morass, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today asserted that active support of the people was a must to meet the prevailing challenges. In his brief speech at Idgah, where thousands of Muslims offered Id prayer this morning, Mufti dwelt on the situation in which the State had been passing through for the last 13 years. Chief Minister touched all issues and highlighted his achievements and priorities of his one- month-long regime. While praying for peace and tranquillity, Chief Minister, who was clad in white dress with black jacket and traditional Karakulli cap, said, "coalition Government is pursuing the agenda to usher in an era of peace with dignity in the State". He referred to the Government’s policy of healing touch that has assumed immense significance in view of the suffering the people have undergone. Chief Minister said that challenges were enormous and difficulties manifold that have to be met with fortitude. He sought the cooperation of all in meeting the challenges with grit and unity and asserted that all out efforts would be made to bring about peace and normalcy in the State. Assuring people that new regime is committed to ameliorate their lot, Chief Minister referred to various measures taken during the past one month and also referred to relief in power curtailment. He said the relief on power front would continue despite the enormous amount of money being spent by the Government on procurement of electricity. Thousands of Muslims had gathered at Idgah-where biggest congregation was held on the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Fitr. Besides Chief Minister, several Ministers, Legislators, leaders of various political parties, prominent citizens and senior officers also offered prayers at Idgah. Scenes of amity and brotherhood- the hallmark of Jammu’s glorious heritage and ethos, were witnessed near Idgah. While Muslim brethren were offering prayers, a large number of people from other religions including Ministers, leaders of various political parties, legislators assembled in the Idgah to offer their greetings to their Muslim brethren. Scenes of religious amity, for which Jammu is known, were witnessed in all along Raghunath Mandir Chowk to Shahedhi Chowk. At every place Hindus were seen embracing their Muslim brethren to offer them Id Mubarak. Some youth with flowers in their hands were seen standing on Residency Road to greet their Muslim brethren. Scenes of amity and brotherhood were also witnessed at mosque near Tawi Bridge. As this mosque, was located next to Lord Shiva Temple, Muslim brethren were greeted by Hindu devotees who were coming out of Shiva Temple after offering prayers. At the official residence of the Chief Minister, people from various walks of life thronged since the morning to greet Mufti Mohammed Sayed on Id. Sitting on chair in the centre of the lawn, Chief Minister was seen accepting the greeting and interacting with the people. The visitors included Deputy Chief Minister, Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma, Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Chief Secretary, leaders of political parties and social organisations, leaders of the trade and industry, prominent citizens, senior officers and a large number of people. Id-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety, all over the State. Id prayers were also offered in various mosques and Idgahs of the city and elsewhere in the division. |
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6 LeT ultras killed in Kashmir SRINAGAR, Dec 6: Six militants belonging to pro-Pakistan Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit were gunned down in an encounter with security forces at Kreeri while a civilian was killed and two others injured when army opened fire on stone-pelting protestors at Bagdora in north Kashmir Baramulla district, official sources said. Based on a tip off last evening, security forces laid an ambush to a hideout at Danmoh-Kreeri in Pattan area of the district where six militants were hiding, the sources said. The security forces challenged the militants who opened indiscriminate fire upon them, leading to an hour-long fierce gunbattle in which the six ultras were killed, they said. The sources said four of the militants were foreign mercenaries while the remaining two were locals. Six AK assualt rifles, two pistols and two Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGL) were recovered from the site of encounter, the sources said adding that there was no collateral damage, either on security forces or the civilians. In another incident at Bagdora village of Sopur town, three persons were injured when Army opened fire on stone-pelting protestors to disperse them, the sources said. One of the injured, Mohammad Sultan Malik, succumbed at a hospital here while the condition of other two - Mohammad Sameer Malik and Mohammad Yusuf Ganai — was stated to be critical, the sources said. According to a defence spokesman, a militant hideout was busted yesterday alogwith some recoveries at Bagdora. Today, some anti-national elements provoked the villagers and forced them to block the road near Chhur. One tried to snatch the weapon from a soldier and in the ensuing scuffle, the weapon went off, he added. Meanwhile, an official spokesman said a security jawan was injured when militants fired upon a patrol party at Magam in Kokernag area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. On a tip off, security forces raided a hideout of a Hizbul Mujahideen militant in the forest area of village Laribal Shakargah in Pulwama district, he said. The militants opened fire upon the security forces which was retaliated. During the exchange of fire the militants managed to escape, the spokesman said. One wireless set, one binocular, three quintal of ration, two gas cylinders one gas stove, some religious books and incriminating documents were recovered during the search of the hideout, he added. (PTI) |
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Advani vows to defeat Pakistan in proxy war THAN (GUJARAT), Dec 6: Playing the nationalist card to the hilt, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today campaigned in the politically-crucial Saurashtra region vowing to defeat Pakistan in its proxy war against India and charging Congress with 50 years of "misgovernance". Addressing a public meeting in this remote village known for its ceramic industries in Surendernagar district, he declared that the two objectives of the BJP-led Government were to make Pakistan behave and ensure that every village had hospitals. Recalling that Pakistan has been defeated thrice in direct confrontation with India and has now resorted to terrorism, including attacks on shrines like Akshardham, he said "with your cooperation Pakistan will be defeated in the proxy war". Launching the party’s poll campaign in Gujarat last week, Advani had dared Pakistan for a fourth direct war with India. The DPM did not refer to Godhra or its aftermath while campaigning in this region where the party faces an uphill task in the December 12 Assembly polls. Advani’s visit here and five public meetings in this region is itself being seen by political Pundits as an indicator of the tough fight put up by the Congress. Charging the Congress with "missing the bus" following the 1971 war when 93,000 Pakistani soldiers had become prisoners of war, Advani said "Bhutto was begging for their release and we should have made them accept Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India and thus solve the Kashmir problem for ever. We had missed in 1947 as well". He ridiculed the "courage" of Pakistanis saying "had the Pakistani soldiers got killed it would have been understandable, but surrender of 93,000 soldiers shows how brave they were". Charging the Congress with providing "misgovernment" in 50 years, he said "in 1947 we got Swaraj (self-Government) but during 50 years of Congress rule we did not get Suraj (good-governance)". Taking exception to the Congress blaming BJP "misrule", Advani said his party had grown from a meagre two MPs in 1984 to its present strength because people believed it to be a sincere and a nationalist party which would eliminate unemployment, corruption, poverty besides providing for water, schools and hospitals for one and all". Giving full credit to former Chief Minister Keshubai Patel and his successor Narendra Modi for the excellent work done in facing cyclone, earthquake, flood and drought and taking the waters of river Narmada across the State he said, "Gujarat needs a leader like Modi to build a new State and transform Swaraj into Suraj". With a view to win over the local populace, he promised to arrange a meeting between the Union Rail Minister and ceramic industry representatives to ensure that important trains halted in the area. He also praised Gujaratis for their hardwork and making a mark across the world. (PTI) |
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CHANDIGARH, Dec 6: Beleaguered Punjab Agriculture Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal today met Congress president Sonia Gandhi for the second time in three days, apparently to plead her case against Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, whose Government slapped the case of alleged embezzlement of public funds against her in a Chandigarh court three days after a Bathinda Judge had returned the challan, saying it was not in the jurisdiction of his court. Reliable party sources said Mrs Bhattal, accompanied by Congress president’s political secretary Ambika Soni, met Ms Gandhi at her 10, Janpath Residence in New Delhi this afternoon. This was Mrs Bhattal’s second meeting with Ms Gandhi in three days. Earlier, she had met the AICC president in her Parliament office on Wednesday. Congress Working Committee member Natwar Singh, a close relative of the Punjab Chief Minister, was reportedly present during Mrs Bhattal’s 20-minute interaction with Ms Gandhi then, the sources said. Immediately after her second meeting, Mrs Bhattal left for Gujarat to campaign for the party, the sources added. Bathinda’s Additional Session Judge Jaspal Singh had returned the challan against Mrs Bhattal in a case of corruption on November 26, saying his court did not have the jurisdiction to try the case. But the Punjab Vigilance Bureau filed the challan in the court of Chandigarh District and Sessions Judge on November 29. This was construed as an act of political vendetta by the supporters of Mrs Bhattal. But the Chief Minister had denied the charge, saying the challan was presented in the local court in compliance of the order of Bathinda Court. Captain Amarinder Singh said at party level he would offer all help to his ministerial colleague to fight the case and offered best legal assistance from the Congress party funds. The case under Section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 409 of the IPC was registered against Mrs Bhattal in May, last year, during the previous Badal regime. Complainant Balwant Singh Dhillon had alleged that Mrs Bhattal as Chief Minister of Punjab in 1996-97 had not paid the promised Rs five lakh to his District Boxing Amateur Association for setting up a boxing ring from the money she had drawn from the Chief Minister’s relief fund in December, 1996. Mr Bhattal had drawn Rs 20 lakh from the fund vide two cheques for Rs ten lakh each. Mr Dhillon, who at one time had sought withdrawal of his complaint, has now written to Ms Sonia Gandhi, pleading her to restrain the Punjab Chief Minister from helping Mrs Bhattal. In his letter dated December two, Mr Dhillon, an advocate and a human rights activist, also urged the AICC president’s to ask Mrs Bhattal to resign as minister. (UNI) |
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World should not ignore terrorists in Pak : PoK leaders NEW DELHI, Dec 6: Several Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) leaders under the banner of United Kashmir Peoples’ National Party have asked the world community not to ignore certain anti-Western terrorist groups that have entrenched themselves in Pakistan. In a letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira De Mello, the UKPNP appealed the world body to use its influence for active steps to promote the restoration of genuine "participatory democracy" in Pakistan and the areas of Kashmir forcibly occupied by it at the earliest. The letter, signed among others by prominent PoK leaders including Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Mumtaz Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, drew the attention of the United Nations body toward the farcial referendum of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for continuing in power for another five years. "It is shocking that despite the wealth of information that is available about the derailment of democracy in Pakistan, powerful and influential countries, which are assiduously building up their war campaign against so-called dictatorial regime in other parts, continue to treat the general Musharraf regime with kid-gloves," it said. "It will appear that political expediency and the short sighted objective of eliminating the dregs of certain anti-Western terrorist groups...Have taken precedence over promoting" the larger goals of "expanding the circle of development," it claimed. "The present situation can be summed up like "democracy continues to remain a loser in Pakistan," it said. (PTI) |
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Survey predicts close finish in Gujarat polls NEW DELHI, Dec 6: A survey on the outcome of the politically-crucial Gujarat Assembly elections has predicted a neck and neck race for BJP and Congress forecasting that the two parties were likely to get between 85 to 95 seats in the 182-member House. The survey by TN Sofres Mode commissioned by ‘The Week’ news magazine has said "BJP’s swing from last Lok Sabha elections is negative more among Muslims and forward castes, and in urban Gujarat." While BJP may get 48.9 per cent votes, it is likely to be closely followed by Congress with 48.1 per cent, it said. The survey is based on interviews with 3,204 voters across 24 constituencies in Gujarat between November 16 and 24. It also got reactions from eight constituencies—Bhuj, Godhra, the Dangs, Ellisbridge, Sabarmati, Bharuch, Rajkot II and Baroda. In the last Assembly polls in the State, BJP had got 117 seats while 53 went to the Congress. In the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s voter share was 52.5 per cent as compared to Congress’ 45.4 per cent. The survey said Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Gaurav Yatra’ had no effect on 34 per cent of the people while 32 per cent felt that Gujarat’s pride had been restored. On people’s choice for the post of the Chief Minister, Modi headed the list with 52 per cent backing him followed by Congress leader S S Vaghela with the support of 28 per cent and BJP’s former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel being favoured only by six per cent. Modi cut no ice with Muslims, 60 per cent of whom preferred Vaghela, it said. Regarding burning issues before the electorate, it said 24 per cent put communal harmony at the top of the chart while 20 per cent felt that control of price rise was important followed by 14 per cent wanting better infrastructure. It said 45 per cent of the surveyed electorate were of the view that Hindu-Muslim relationship in the riot-hit State has worsened and 45 per cent maintained it has remained the same. On the culprits behind the Godhra incident in February, the survey said 56 per cent Muslims and 22 per cent Hindus believed that it was the handiwork of "criminals at the station". While 14 per cent of the voters surveyed termed the performance of the NDA Government as "very good" and 37 per cent as "good", 35 per cent Muslims and 19 per cent Hindus were of the view that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s influence was "decreasing" in BJP. 46 per cent Muslims and 22 per cent Hindus were "unhappy" with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani "gaining importance", it said. (PTI) |
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Peaceful Eid celebrated in Kashmir SRINAGAR, Dec 6: The Eid-ul-Fitr, culminating in the fasting month of holy Ramzan, was celebrated throughout Kashmir valley and Ladakh region with religious fervour and gaiety. Thanks giving prayers were offered in Idgahs, Jamia mosque and open fields across the Valley and Kargil and Leh divisions. The main Eid-prayers were held at the holy Hazratbal shrine and historic Jamia Masjid here where thousands of people participated. Despite severe cold people also offered prayers in Idgahs and open fields. People, particularly children, in colourful dresses were seen visiting their relatives and exchanging gifts on the occasion. Security forces were also seen greeting Muslims near their bunkers and on the road. A large number of children could be seen visiting parks and bursting crackers in the city. The Eid prayers were also offered in mosques, Idgahs and Jamia Masjid in Leh and Kargil division. Police said that there was no report of any untoward incident from any part of the Valley and Eid prayers were held peacefully. (UNI) |
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VHP attacks PM, DPM; demands Govt's resignation AYODHYA, Dec 6: VHP today attacked Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani for "failing" to effectively counter terrorism in the country accusing them of "double speak and empty talk" and demanded the resignation of the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre. Addressing a sparsely attended ‘Hindu Dharm Raksha Sammelan’ to mark the 10th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, VHP joint general secretary Onkar Bhave said "Vajpayee is indulging in double speak. He pledges to adopt a policy of fight to finish (Aar Paar Ki Ladai) against terrorism and then goes to Manali for picknicking forgetting his words to the nation." Turning his ire on Advani, Bhave said the Deputy Prime Minister "is making empty statements about fighting a shadow war against terrorism for the last 20 years." "These statements have encouraged the terrorists and as a result Parliament, Red Fort and Hindu temples were attacked," Bhave said. He accused both Vajpayee and Advani of not espousing the cause of Hindu community. Charging the NDA Government with failing to contain terrorism, Bhave said the Centre had withdrawn troops from the border with Pakistan under US "pressure" and such a policy was not in the interest of the nation. "It will be better if this Government left the office if it cannot safeguard national dignity and honour," Bhave said. (PTI) |
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21 injured in explosion; three serious MUMBAI, Dec 6: A powerful explosion ripped through a popular fast food joint injuring 21 people, three of them seriously, at the crowded Mumbai Central Station today. The explosion which took place inside the McDonald’s outlet in the vicinity of departing point for long-distance trains at 5 pm, comes close on heels of Monday’s Ghatkopar bomb blast and series of hoax calls which have caused much anxiety among the city’s denizens. While police suspect that the explosion occurred either after a gas cylinder burst or blast in the air-conditioner unit, Minister of State for Home Kripashankar Singh told PTI that forensic experts, bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs have been deployed to ascertain the exact cause of the blast. "At least 21 persons have been injured, including patrons of the eatery and its staffers", Singh, who rushed to the site, said. The injured have been admitted to nearby Nair Hospital. Suburban and long distance trains on Western Railway resumed their services after a temporary suspension, he said. The site of the explosion was strewn with shards of glass pieces, bloodstains and abandoned footwears, bags and water bottles. The mishap took place on a day when religious minorities thronged the city to celebrate Eid, which coincided with the tenth anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition and the 46th death anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar. (PTI) |
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Shanta Kumar lashes out at critics in BJP PALAMPUR, Dec 6: Union Rural Development Minister and senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar today launched a frontal attack on his detractors in the Himachal unit of the party accusing them of "hatching a conspiracy to finish my political existence". Warning his detractors in BJP that their design would not succeed, Kumar said he had been "suffering in silence the humiliation being meted out to me during the past four years." "But my patience was at its end when I realised that the interests of Kangra were being sacrificed as part of the conspiracy to finish me politically," he said addressing a `Vijay Yatra’, organised by his supporters at Nurpur in Kangra district to celebrate the deferment of delimitation process in Himachal Pradesh. "The entire delimitation exercise was a conspiracy against Kangra district and aimed at harming me. Four officers were involved in preparation of the delimitation proposals which directly hit Kangra district," he alleged, adding the persons behind this conspiracy should be exposed. Pragpur reserved seat was proposed to be opened to accommodate a "favourite", Baijnath seat of district BJP president was being reserved and Sullah constituency which had returned the Chief Minister of the State twice was being altogether scrapped. To top it all, the number of seats in the district was being reduced from 16 to 15, he added. (PTI) |
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