Ceasefire could lead to a final solution on Kashmir: Fernandes

RAIPUR, Nov 26 : Expressing hope that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan could take them to a solution of the vexed Kashmir issue, Defence Minister George Fernandes today said the matter should be looked at from a "positive angle".

"There are enough reasons to believe the ceasefire could take them (the two countries) to a final solution as it was implemented after a serious thought," he told reporters here.

Maintaining that the matter should be looked at from a "positive angle", he said the initiative taken by India earlier had not yielded success but the step taken by the Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali would give momentum to resolving the outstanding issues and both the nations should work to take it to a "final solution".

However, the ceasefire would not be binding on the Army as far as militants were concerned and any one trying to intrude into the border would be given the same treatment that was being given earlier, Fernandes said.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had promised he would try once again and this ceasefire was an outcome of that, he said.

On whether Pakistan was adopting a "soft" attitude towards India because of the impending visit of Vajpayee, the Defence Minister said he was not aware of the reasons.

"Who does not want all the outstanding issues to be resolved permanently and relations strengthened to remove the effect of tension on development," Fernandes said.

To a question about dialogue with militants, Fernandes said Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has taken steps for a dialogue with them and this ceasefire would also bring momentum to that.

He dismissed reports that the step was taken on "instructions" from the US, saying, "no one can instruct India on any matter since it is a powerful nation".

Asked about Pakistan not being reliable in the past, Fernandes said "in relations between nations there comes a time when one does find a need to come to terms and resolve whatever problems that exist.

"And therefore for the two neighbours like India Pakistan, when Prime Minister (Atal Bihari Vajapyee) made a third offer, despite whatever may have happened in the interregnum, the latest response by the Pakistan Prime Minister shows a lot of hope. Therefore, one should not take it lightly and dismiss it."

With regard to infiltration from across the border, Fernandes said "this had figured in discussions between Directors General of Military Operations of the two countries. If there is any infiltration, it will be dealt with in the same manner it has been dealt with so far".

Meanwhile, it was all quiet on India-Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir with no reports of any shelling or trading of gunfire after the first-ever ceasefire between the two armies since the outbreak of militancy in the State came into force midnight last night.

"No firing incident has been reported from anywhere along the 778-Km Line of Control, 198-Km International Border and 150-Km stretch of the actual ground position line in Siachen since the truce came into effect," an Army Spokesman said in New Delhi.

He said Army had been told not to target Pakistani troops even if there were attempts by militants to cross the border.

However, there would be no let up in anti-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesman said.

In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Defence spokesman, Maj Gen Shoukat Sultan, told PTI that "the ceasefire is holding. There has been no violation from either side."

There was exchange of fire in some sectors along the LoC till afternoon yesterday but "guns finally fell silent by midnight last night", he said.

"The ceasefire is holding on the entire LoC, Siachin sector and the rest from midnight last night. There was no violations from either side. Hope it stays like that to set the stage for improvement of relations between the two countries," he said.

Maj Gen Sultan said Pakistan forces have been instructed to observe restraint in case of any firing from the other side.

"They will observe ceasefire. They have been instructed to observe maximum restraint," he said.

The timing of the ceasefire has been agreed by Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries over the hotline yesterday.

The ceasefire was proposed by Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali in his address to the nation over TV and Radio on November 23.

India subsequently came up with a positive response. After clarification from Pakistan that the ceasefire offer held good for the world's highest battle ground, Siachin sector also, the two sides agreed to observe it from midnight last night.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had in November 2000 announced a Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at bringing the militant groups for talks with the Centre’s interlocutors. However, this was rejected by Pakistan-based Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin.

Meanwhile Indian jawans congratulated Pakistani troops on the occasion of Eid and exchanged sweets at Octerie Border Out Post (BOP) and Suchetgarh in Jammu, Northern Command Spokesman Lt Col R Sen told PTI on phone from Udhampur.

Such exchanges also took place in some other places in the State, he added.

The border situation in J-K was "totally quiet" and there were no reports of any shelling or trading of gunfire since the ceasefire came into effect since midnight, Sen said. (AGENCIES)

3 killers of Lone brothers gunned down in Kupwara

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 26: In a major success, police and army today gunned down three Hizbul Mujahideen militants including a ‘divisional commander’ and a ‘company commander’, who were involved in last year’s killing of National Conference leader and the then Minister of State for Law Mushtaq Ahmed Lone and his brother Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Lone, in two encounters in Kupwara district of Kashmir valley today.

Mushtaq Lone was killed during campaigning for the Assembly elections in Kupwara in September last year while his brother Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Lone was gunned down about three months later in December.

"The three militants killed today in two encounter in Kupwara were killer of the Lone brothers", DIG Baramulla-Kupwara range, Ashok Gupta told Excelsior, when approached on phone. He added that with the killing of three militants, only two militants including Nazir Kakkar were now at large in Lone brothers killings. Earlier, police had detained a Station House Officer (SHO) and a Munshi of Sogam police in connection with the killings of two brothers.

Gupta said two militants identified as Ghulam Ahmed Dar alias Bilal, a resident of Lasipora, Sogam and Manzoor Ahmed alias Sajid, a resident of Bhat Mohalla, Sogam, were arrested during a joint search operation by army and police at Lasipora late last night.

During overnight interrogation, police came to know that they were among the killers of Lone brothers. Their names had earlier also surfaced during investigation of the killings.

Gupta said the militants disclosed their hideout in Palnar forest area during their questioning. In wee hours of the morning, both were taken to the forest for recoveries where they dug out a grenade and lobbed it on the cops causing serious injuries to three of them. Cops retaliated and gunned down both the militants. Injured police personnel who including an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI), a constable and a Special Police Officer (SPO) have been hospitalised.

Recoveries made from the hideout included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, seven grenades and two wireless sets.

Ghulam Ahmed Dar alias Bilal was a ‘company commander’ of Hizbul Mujahideen. In addition to Lone brothers’ killing, they were also involved in a series of other civilian killings and attacks on security personnel.

During their interrogation, the militants had also disclosed identity and hideout of their another associate, who two was involved in the killings, Gupta said, adding on the basis of their questioning, police and army raiding another hideout at Ganbug in Sogam forest and gunned a Hizbul Mujahideen’s ‘divisional commander’ Hillal Ahmed Dar, a dreaded militant, after a two hour long fierce exchange of gun fighting.

One AK-47 rifle with three magazines, one Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) with seven grenades and a wireless set were recovered from the slain militant.

Killings of Lone brothers’ killers came after more than one year of Mushtaq Lone’s killing in which some local cops were also actively involved.

Meanwhile, people in Sogam have heaved a sigh of relief with the killing of Hillal. Reports said the people refused to join his burial, which was performed by his family members only.

Complete ceasefire on border
*Indo-Pak troops exchange sweets

By Nishikant Khajuria

JAMMU, Nov 26: While guns remained silent on entire border with Pakistan after a cease-fire came into force between two countries since last midnight, Indo-Pak troops exchanged sweets at Suchetgarh in R S Pura sector, today.

"A complete cease-fire was observed all along Line of Control LoC), International Border (IB) and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in Siachin in Jammu and Kashmir since midnight and no violation of the truce from either side has been reported," Spokesman Northern Command Lt Col R K Sen told Excelsior this evening.

The army has been directed to exercise maximum restraint and not to violate the truce, he said but at the same time added that forces are also ready in the wake of any hostile action of their counterparts on other side of the border.

Mr Sen further informed that Border Security Force jawans greeted Eid-ul-Fitr to Pakistani Rangers and exchanged sweets on the occasion at Suchetgarh in R S Pura sector under 16 Core Zone. "Instead of exchanging gunfire, which they use to trade on the border, troops exchanged sweets and extended greeting to each other, he said and added that similar greetings were also exchanged in some other Border Out Posts (BOPs).

This is for the first time that India and Pakistan are observing a cease-fire on border with mutual consent since the erruption of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir for the last fourteen years.

Meanwhile the people living near border, who have become habitual to shelling and firing, also celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr today without fear of Pakistani guns and offered prayers in open. Just at a stone throw distance from the Pakistani territory, the border hamlet of Suchetgarh wore a festive look with decorated market places and sounds of drum beats by some over enthusiastic village youth.

It may be mentioned here that due to border shelling and firing, 172 people have been killed and around 450 injured during the last three years. Over 1.25 lakh border people have migrated from several areas near LoC and International Border and are living in migrant camps due to unprovoked Pak actions during the last five years.

Ceasefire must lead to cessation of violence: Mufti

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 26: Describing cease-fire on borders on Id-ul-Fitr as a good omen for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today expressed the hope that this historic step would lead to cessation of violence in the State.

Addressing a massive Id congregation at the sprawling Idgah here this morning, Mufti Sayeed hailed the cease-fire offer of Pakistan and equally spontaneous response of India in the pursuit of peace in the region. He said that there could not be a better Id gift for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Since this major initiative is the manifestation of the yearning for peace of the people of India and Pakistan, it is bound to fructify. These peace initiatives started from the soil of Kashmir with the Prime Minister extending hand of friendship to Pakistan would lead to logical end. He said the whole process started as a sequel to unequivocal desire of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come out of the morass and restore peace with dignity. ‘We have special reason to be happy as it is we who talked about it, worked on this agenda and facilitated the entire process’, he said with a sense of satisfaction, adding that walls of hatred would gradually collapse between two neighbours.

Mufti Sayeed said that with the silencing of guns on the borders, lakhs of people living along the border from Kathua to Ladakh have for the first time heaved a sigh of relief. They were the most harassed people due to frequent firing on the border. Many people have lost their lives and thousands of families uprooted from their homes. Today is a great day for them, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the coalition Government and the people extremely appreciate the decision of Prime Minister to appoint Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani to talk with the separatists and resolve the vexed issue of Kashmir. ‘We pray for success of the talks so that our dream of making Kashmir again an abode of peace and tranquility is realised’.

Later, talking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister hoped that the talks between Mr. Advani and separatists would commence soon, paving way for a lasting peace in the State. He said gun has no role in solving problems and more so when dialogue is in progress.

Mufti Sayeed said that Pakistan has taken the historic step of cease-fire after due consideration. It is a well-considered move on the part of Pakistan and there should be no reason why peace process is not carried forward. He said when Pakistan has taken such a major move towards peace, what is the justification for gun-totting youth to keep holding the weapon and create problems for the people. It is high time they realize the writing on the wall and drop the gun, respecting sentiments of the people who are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the peace process. What we need is the end of violence within the State as well and militants must give peace a chance, he added.

The Chief Minister, ministers, legislators, political leaders and high ranking officials were among thousands of Muslims who offered Nimaz-i-Id at the Idgah. A large number of non-Muslims from a cross section of the society were present to greet their Muslim brethren on the occasion.

Later, hundreds of people representing all walks of life and shades of opinion visited the official residence of the Chief Minister and greeted him on Id. Some of the persons greeted Mufti Sayeed with ‘Id Mubarak-Peace Mubarak’, with obvious reference to the peace agenda of the coalition Government on peace with dignity.

A large number of people also called on the ministers and senior Muslim officers and greeted them on Id.

Two army jawans, militant killed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 26: Two army jawans and a militant were killed in three separate incidents across the region overnight, official sources said today.

They said an army jawan lost his life when the militants ambushed an army patrol party at Madan bridge in Surankote tehsil in Poonch district late last night. Another jawan was killed in an encounter with the militants at Hayatpura, Kalai in Manjakote area in Rajouri district.

In both operations, the militants managed to escape.

Army today gunned down one more militant in an encounter in Mahore tehsil in Udhampur district. He has been identified as Abdul Rashid Mugmal son of Abdul Sattar R/o Shalomar, Mahore. One AK rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds, Rs 105 Indian currency and Rs 10 in Pakistan currency were recovered from him.

Yesterday, army had killed two militants in Mahore.

Ceasefire marks Jamali's one year

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26: Having failed to end the deadlock over President Pervez Musharraf’s Presidency, Pakistan’s military-backed Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has completed his first year in office on a high note this week by working out a rare ceasefire with India on the Line of Control.

Jamali caught the world and his country by surprise on November 23 by announcing an unconditional and unilateral ceasefire along the LoC as well as re-modified proposals to normalise ties with India in his address to the nation over the TV to mark the completion of 1 year in office.

While announcing Eid ceasefire with India, the Pakistan Prime Minister also over-ruled the earlier conditional response given by Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar to the recent Indian proposals to normalise ties with Pakistan.

Fresh from a prolonged Iftar dinner meeting with Musharraf and other top officials, Jamali said in his address that Pakistan was ready to hold talks with India to run bus services between Srinagar and Muzafarabad to link Kashmir regions on both sides, re-open Kokharapar-Monabao border connecting Pakistan’s Sindh province with Rajasthan and to run a ferry service between Karachi and Mumbai.

Early this month, Khokhar virtually shot down all the three transport services suggested by India.

In a nationally televised press meet, Khokhar said if India wanted to run a bus service between Srinagar and Muzafarabad, it has to agree for its passengers to travel with UN documents and permit UN officials to man the checkposts as it was "disputed" region.

Few days ago, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri also made the remark that India wanted to run a bus service between two sides of Kashmir "to enable terrorists travel in luxury and comfort."

Kokhar also said the Kokharapar-Monabao bus service and Karachi-Mumbai ferry service could be discussed only after India agreed for composite dialogue on Kashmir and other issues.

But Jamali, with consent of Musharraf, has overturned all that in his 40 minute-long address and said that Pakistan was ready for talks to start all the three transport services without any riders.

Besides, Jamali’s address was devoid of traditional anti-India rhetoric as well as allegations of human rights violations by India in Kashmir.

His sudden peace overtures to India has breathed new vigour into his otherwise lacklustre year-long tenure as Prime Minister, playing second fiddle to Musharraf. (PTI) s

CBI probe in Biharis killing

GUWAHATI, Nov 26: Assam Government has decided to ask for CBI probe into the recent killing of Biharis in the State.

"We have decided for the CBI probe because if the State Government was to conduct the probe then the opposition parties would allege that it was one-sided," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told a press conference here today.

"We will be writing soon to the Centre for a CBI probe as all the facts should be revealed as to who was responsible for the attacks", he said.

Dismissing claims by BJP and the RSS that illegal Bangladeshi migrants were behind the attacks, the Chief Minister said there was no evidence.

Reiterating that the carnage took place due to lack of sufficient security force, Gogoi said of late 15 more companies of para military force had arrived which raised the strength to 125 companies in the State.

"Had the para military forces been present here earlier we could have perhaps avoided such unfortunate incidents", he said. (PTI)

Migrants hope ceasefire will lead to their return

By Dinesh Manhotra

DEVIPUR CAMP (AKHNOOR), Nov 26: Although there was not much enthusiasm in their camps, the mid-night ceasefire between India and Pakistan has brought a ray of hope among the hundreds of hapless border migrants, who have been putting up in virutally hellish conditions, that they will return to native places after more than four years.

Excitement was very much visible on the faces of displaced border people as both Indian and Pakistani forces have decided not to pound ammuntions from Idd but they were not looking much eager to return to their villages.

Apart from the fear of Pakistani firing, most of the displaced people don’t have homes to get shelter in their native places as majority of houses in the border belt have been either damaged or destroyed due to shelling from across the border.

"I will wait for a fortnight to take back my family to our native village", said Bua Ditta of village Bhagwana Chak, Pallanwalla while puting up in his tent. Besides excitment, there were apprehensions among the villagers that Pakistani may again resort to shelling on this side as ‘our neighbourer is notorious for breaching commitment ‘. By and large it is very postitive development but it is also difficult for us to have faith on Pakistani Army which has forced us to leave our homes and hearths, he said.

Echoing Bua Ditta’s statement, Sita Ram of village Chapriyal was also not in ‘very hurry’ to leave the camp as he has lost faith in the announcements of politicians. "We are dying to return to our native places but it does not mean that we volunteered ourselves to become victim of Pakistani bullets", he said and added that within a day or two he will himself return to his village on trial basis. "I will take final decision to take back my family only after spending some days alone at my village", he disclosed.

Unlike Bua Ditta and Sita Ram, Manohar Lal of Nai Basti was very enthusiatic as he was of the strong opinion that this mid-night cease fire will change their fate. "After Kargil it is for the first time that both Indian and Pakistani Governments have decided to observe cease-fire on border so there is no question of any apprehension", he aruged and announced that he will take back his family as early as possible.

Rajinder Singh of Badwal, who was seriously reading news items regarding mid-night cease-fire, was hopeful that this effort will bring radical change on the ground. "I am optimistic but I will not take any hasty decision to bring back my family as it will take some time to implement cease-fire on ground in real sense", he said and expressed satisfaction over decision of both the neighbourers not to exchange firing.

Octogenarian Sadhu Ram was also visibly joyous as he was hopeful of returing to his native place after cease-fire. "I have witnessed three wars and displaced with my family thrice but it is first time that we have been forced to live in camps for continuously more than four years", he recalled and hoped that this cease-fire will provide him an opportunity to breath his last in his native village.

Although cease-fire has brought a ray of hope among the displaced border people that they will ultimately return to their native places, there is feeling among them that they will face starvation as vast chunk of their agriculture land has become barren. For years together border people could not cultivate their land due to shelling. Further, most of houses in the border hamlets have been damaged due to heavy shelling from across border.

"Cease-fire will definetely create an atmosphere for our return but what we will do in our villages. Neither we have house to live nor our land is worth cultivation", asserted Hari Chand of Sainth and appealed to the authorities to announce a rehabilitation plan for the displaced border people.

It is worthwhile to mention here that inhabitants of more than 60 villages comprising of approximately 11000 families of Akhnoor tehsil have been displaced due to shelling from across the border. These displaced families have been living in different places namely Devipur, Nainwalla, Pallanwala, Thandi Choi and Dheeran-Kengriyal in tents for the last more than four years. Some of the families of displaced people have been living in JDA Bhalwal.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand, who represents border constituency of Chamb which witnessed maximum migration, exuded confidence that cease-fire will create an atmosphere for the return of displaced people to their native places. The Speaker was of the view that rehabilitation of displaced people was necessary as majority of their houses have been damaged due to shelling from across the border. "Neither they have houses to shelter nor they have land to cultivate", he said while highlighting miseries of displaced people and demanded that before taking them back to their native place Government must repair their houses and tractorise their land.

Truce would last long: PM

RAIPUR, Nov 26 : Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire with India "after long persuasion" and he was sure that the truce would last long.

"After long persuasion, Pakistan has agreed for the ceasefire and I am sure it will last long," Vajpayee told an election rally here.

He expressed the hope that cross-border terrorism will end and the Indo-Pak relation will improve adding, "the neighbour has to think about that".

Referring to the achievements of his Government, the Prime Minister said there was pressure not to go for nuclear tests but they went ahead as India’s nuclear programme was defensive in nature.

After the nuclear tests, "the foreign dignatories had not only stopped coming to India but also stopped inviting us", he said.

"However, because of the good work of the Government, there is a queue of foreign guests to the country and also invitation from them," Vajpayee said.

Instead of asking him how long his Government would last, now they are asking about the plans and policies of the NDA Government, he added.

Now even the opponents are admitting that the country is focussed on development and has also overcome the economic crisis. There is no shortage of food grains or foreign exchange, he said.

"The country is safe now and has prospered during the five-year tenure of the alliance Government," which some thought it would not last, the Prime Minister said. (PTI)

Dalai Lama for autonomy to Tibet

DHARAMSHALA, Nov 26: Reacting to the recent remarks made by the Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao on pre-conditions for negotiations on the Tibet issue, the Dalai Lama has categorically reiterated his middle way approach to attain genuine autonomy for Tibet.

Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) sources said here today that the Dalai Lama’s middle path approach was based on the statement of the late Deng Ziaoping that except for the independence of Tibet all other Tibet-related issues could be discussed and amicably resolved.

The CTA sources added that the Dalai Lama was committed to genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the people’s republic of China adding that the middle path approach of the Dalai Lama was developed around 1973-74 well before Deng Ziaoping’s proposals.

He stated that the Dalai Lama was optimistic that the existing differences of opinions with the Chinese regime could however be overcome through continuation of the recent contacts between his envoys and the Chinese leadership adding that the Dalai Lama had welcomed the recent renewal of direct contacts with Beijing and stressed the need to continue this process in future too to build trust and confidence. (UNI)

Amritsar-Lahore bus by year end

AMRITSAR, Nov 26 : The Centre has given its nod for a bus service between Amritsar and Lahore which would start operations by the end of this year to facilitate travel of Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan, SGPC Honorary Secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta said today.

The Centre had conveyed its decision to the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) and was preparing the ground work with Pakistan to start the service, Calcutta told PTI here.

At present, travellers on the Delhi-Lahore bus cannot disembark before the vehicle reaches Delhi, creating hassles for passengers from Punjab. The SGPC sends groups of Sikh devotees to Pakistan four times a year to pay obeisance at Sikh shrines there.

Calcutta urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with Islamabad to set up a visa office in Wagah for the benefit of the pilgrims.

He said after the start of Amritsar-Lahore bus service, any Sikh can directly apply for visa to Pakistan without recommendation of SGPC.(PTI)

EC slaps fresh notice on Cong

NEW DELHI, Nov 26: In yet another jolt to Congress, the Election Commission today slapped a fresh show cause notice to it as to why its recognition as a national party not be suspended or withdrawn for use of the Punjab Government aircraft by leaders, including Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, for electioneering in Madhya Pradesh in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Observing that the Commission had received a complaint that an aircraft belonging to Punjab Government was "misused" from November 15 to 17 for election campaign in MP by the Chief Minister and "a leader of the ruling party" in the State, EC sources said that on enquiry it was found that the aircraft, C90 VT EHY, was used.

"The Commission is of the opinion that the aircraft owned by the Punjab Government has been used by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and a leader of the Indian National Congress in violation of the Model Code of Conduct", the sources said.

Today’s notice comes on top of the last week’s show cause notice given to party president Sonia Gandhi and Chattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi for alleged "misuse" of State aircraft for electioneering.

The Congress has since denied it.

EC sources said the reply of Congress party and Jogi to its November 18 notice "is under consideration of the Commission".

"Now, the Indian National Congress, which is a recognised national party is hereby once again called upon to show cause, within a period of seven days, as to why its recognition as a national party may not be suspended or withdrawn for violation of the model code of conduct for ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections", the sources said quoting today’s notice.

"In the event of default of the party to respond to the present notice within the time stipulated, it will be presumed that the party has nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision without further reference to the party", the sources said.

In a similar notice to the Punjab Chief Minister, the Commission asked him to explain, within seven days, as to why he "disregarded and failed" to abide by the model code of conduct, the sources said. (PTI)

Suspect detained in Kathua

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Nov 26: Police today picked-up a suspect from a religious place where he was offering prayers. He has been identified as Riaz Ahmed, 20, son of Mohd Yusuf R/o Keshwan Kukkar in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley.

Reports said police had a specific information about presence of a suspect in the religious place where a large number of people had gathered to attend the prayers. The suspect was rounded up as soon as a plainclothesman signaled the cops.

He was suspected to have affiliation with LeT.

However, a senior police officer denied any arrest of the militant.
 
 
 
 

 

 

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