Delhi keen to reduce terror
Ceasefire in J&K can be considered: Patil
*Pak not doing much to stop infiltration

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU/SUCHETGARH, Nov 7: A cease-fire in Jammu and Kashmir can be considered by the Government of India "if the situation so arises". This disclosure was made by Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, on Sunday after visiting border outposts in R S Pura sector.

The Home Minister also disclosed that the present Government was keen to intensify efforts to reduce elements of terror and bring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"As a matter of fact we are trying to protect life and properties of people. When a situation so arises we will consider a cease-fire in the State", he told media persons after he was asked if the Government was considering a cease-fire in the State in view of the truce along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).

"Our efforts are to reduce elements of terror and bring normalcy and peace in State", he said.

On specific question about BJP president L K Advani alleging UPA Government was softening its stand on militancy, especially on Naxal issue, Patil said that why should he comment on what had been said by others.

He also made similar observation on Hurriyat leader Sayed Ali Shah Geelani’s comment that it was Congress which had messed the Kashmir issue in over last 50 years, Patil said, "our Government believes in goodwill, efficiency of democracy, social justice, providing jobs to the unemployed and rule of law".

The Home Minister charged Pakistan with not doing much to stop infiltration from its side. India, he said, had taken several steps, including the fencing job, to prevent infiltration.

On the dialogue process in J&K, Patil said, "we are talking to different sections including elected representatives, representatives of students, agriculture, trade, intellectuals and others. We believe in talking and discussions and who so ever is ready is welcome. If some wants to have more time, we will leave it to them to come foward.". This he said while referring to reservations expressed by one faction of the Hurriyat Conference.

"But we have established dialogue with different sections of people in the State as democracy basically implies expression of opinion", he said. On talks with Hurriyat, the Home Minister said that the Government had always kept the doors open for parleys. "You should ask them as to what type of reservation they have", he added.

Home Minister has made it clear that Congress-led coalition Government at the Centre will take up for examination Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf’s latest talk in relation to the future status of Jammu and Kashmir only after Islamabad officially and formally apprises New Delhi of the actual and factual position in this regard.

After his whirlwind tour of a portion of the International Border (IB) in Suchetgarh area of R S Pura sector on Sunday, Shivraj Patil also made it plain that the General Musharraf had not forwarded any concrete proposals vis-a-vis divisioning of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India, he told media persons on the occasion, cannot be expected to make available its reactions or comments on those suggestions that were advanced by General Musharraf while taking a cup of tea at an Iftar party in Islamabad.

"Matters or issues of importance are not discussed or reviewed in a non-serious manner-and that too in the course of taking and offering a cup of tea", Union Home Minister remarked. This remark was enough to suggest New Delhi’s opposition to the idea which favoured divisioning of Jammu and Kashmir on communal lines.

Fielding yet another question on the issue, Shivraj Patel said that since the Government of India had not so far received any authentic version from Islamabad with regard to utterances of General Musharraf on the future set-up of the State of J&K, it would not be prudent for the Government of India to make public its standpoint in this regard.

"In a situation like this, we have to be watchful", he insisted.

Strongly defending the erection of fencing along the International Border, the Home Minister said that such a step will not only ensure security of the local population residing on this side of the border but will also help substantially reduce, if not eliminate, infiltration and exfiltration.

The fencing work along the International Border in Jammu region will be completed by March 2005, a year ahead of schedule. Out of 196.66 kilometers long border, fencing is to be done on 185.58 kilometers as the rest of the area constitutes water bodies. A Border Security Force (BSF) official informed the Home Minister on the occasion that the fencing on only 28 kilometers, out of 185.58 kilometers remain to be completed and this would be done by March next.

The Union Home Minister, who was on his second day of his three day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, was accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, two Ministers of State in the Home Ministry, Sriprakash Jaiswal and S Raghupathi, Home Secretary, Dharinder Singh and J&K Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma.

On question of illegal intrusions, Patil said that there had been a reduction in infiltration from across the border after the fencing. At the same time, infiltration, though not on a large scale, was still going on, he said.

Appreciating the role of BSF personnels in guarding the border, Shivraj Patel held out an assurance that the Government would take care of all their requirement. In this regard, he said, his Ministry was planning to make available censors as asked by the BSF. Patil inspected one border post which is just 11 kilometers from Sialkot city of Pakistan.

Responding to question, Shivraj Patil said that the Centre could reopen the road connecting Jammu with Sialkot provided Pakistan was equally interested in and serious about it. On the reopening of this road as well as Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, he said he would provide detail as and when it happens.

The Home Minister, who flew into Jammu earlier in the day from Srinagar on a half day visit to the city, flew in an Army helicopter to border areas to inspect construction of fencing and to review the security along the border.

The Home Minister declined to be drawn into discussion when a couple of media persons shot questions in relation to the Centre’s renewed efforts to continue dialogue with opposition groups and separatists in Kashmir. All that he let it be known was that the Centre was keen to see complete peace and normalcy in the State. "Our efforts will also be to ensure that all categories of militants eschewed violence and gave up arms", he said.

The Home Minister also refused to allow himself into any discussion or debate over the recent statements of Dr Farooq Abdullah with regard to "deteriorating" law and order situation in the State. He, however, stated that militancy in the State had of late shown sign of abatement.

Dixit, Aziz to meet secretly before next round of talks

ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: Ahead of the next round of talks between Indian and Pakistani officials later this month, National Security Advisor J N Dixit and his Pakistani counterpart Tariq Aziz would meet to iron out differences over various issues, including the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service.

"Aziz will meet Dixit at some time after November 20 as a part of track-II diplomacy to sort out differences between the two sides over various issues such as Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, nuclear CBMs, trade and commerce-related matters," official sources said here.

During the November 29-30 talks, the two sides will take up issues like narcotics control, train services between Munnabao and Khokhrapar, meetings between coast guard officials to establish hotline links, Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service and trade issues.

As both the sides want some concrete progress particularly on the issues of nuclear CBMs and Srinagar-Muzaffarbad service, they expect the meeting between Aziz and Dixit to prepare a suitable ground, the sources were quoted as saying by Pakistani daily ‘The Nation’.

Senior officials in New Delhi and Islamabad hope that the emissaries of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be able to find some ways and means to have mutually acceptable solutions to these issues, they said.

According to the sources, the two have met secretly three to four times in the past few months in Dubai and Singapore to sort out various bilateral issues.

Foreign Secretaries of the two countries are scheduled to meet in Islamabad next month to begin the second round of the eight-point composite dialogue process. (PTI)

Aziz to visit India on November 23

ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: The Indo-Pak peace process and issues related to the SAARC regional grouping would figure high on the agenda of Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s maiden visit to India later this month during which he would hold talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and other leaders.

Aziz, who will visit Sri Lanka and Maldives on November 21 and 22 in his capacity of SAARC Chairman, would arrive in India at the end of his tour on November 23, Pakistan officials here said.

During his two-day visit to the country, Aziz would hold comprehensive talks with Indian leaders, including President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other ruling and opposition leaders, they said.

Aziz’s itinerary was tentatively finalised after consultations with Pakistan’s High Commissioner to New Delhi Aziz Ahmed Khan yesterday. The Pakistani envoy is currently in his country to finalise the arrangements.

Indian Ambassador to Islamabad Shiv Shankar Menon also called on his counterpart last night to discuss the schedule.

A number of trade-related issues, including granting of MFN status to India and Pakistan’s response to 72 proposals made by India during the last round of composite dialogue to improve trade relations between the two countries were expected to come up for discussion during Aziz’s visit.

Aziz’s visit takes place after the recent Kashmir proposal by President Pervez Musharraf who suggested division of Kashmir into seven regions and demilitarising them. His visit to India comes ahead of the second round of composite dialogue process on Kashmir and seven other issues initiated by the two countries.

Foreign Secretaries of the two countries were scheduled to meet in Islamabad next month to hold talks on peace and security and CBMs.

The two countries have also announced the schedule for talks on eight other issues, including official-level talks on November 29-30 to resolve differences on modalities to run the Srinagar-Muzafarabad bus service. There would also be a meeting between narcotics control authorities of the two countries.

Earlier this week, Aziz visited Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. During his visit to Nepal, Aziz raised a few eyebrows in Pakistan by stating that Pakistan strongly opposed changing of SAARC charter, which prohibits discussion on bilateral issues at its forum.

"There is no shortage of avenues for countries to discuss bilateral issues. We have certain SAARC objectives and it (raising bilateral issues) may prevent us from achieving these objectives. I will, at least, stay away from calls for amending the SAARC charter" he had said. (PTI)

Infiltration bid foiled due to detection mechanism: Pranab

NEW DELHI, Nov 7: Declaring that attempts to push in infiltrators across the Line of Control have been stepped up, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said these were being foiled by the sophisticated detection mechanism put in place.

Asserting that the new Government had given a fillip to the modernisation drive, he said besides the near completion of the anti-infiltration fence, more unmanned aerial vehicles and other detection equipment had been given to the troops fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir and North East.

Giving details, Mukherjee said that in the first six days of November, the Army has foiled four major infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control in which 11 ultras, mostly Pakistani nationals, have been killed and large amount of arms and ammunition recovered.

"Though the number of infiltrations are down, it appears that militants across the border are making desperate attempts to cross over to the Indian side before the mountains become impassable," the Defence Minister, who have just returned from a five-day visit to Poland, said.

Mukherjee said his ministry by streamlining the process of the arms purchases has cut delays in armament inductions.

He said by the September end, his ministry has already utilised 40 per cent of the funds earmarked for modernisation.

"I am confident that by the end of the financial year all the budget’s funds would be spent," Mukherjee said, rubbishing reports that his ministry have been lack-lusture in meeting the targets set by the Prime Minister.

Though Mukherjee did not elaborate on arms purchases, Defence Ministry sources said India is close to sealing a deal worth 230 million US dollars with Israel for purchase of UAV and their joint production in India.

Under the deal, Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) will also sell India communication equipments and intelligence gathering devices that use optics and radars.

These drones carry an electro-optical payload system and maritime petrol radar.

According to reports, Israel is providing 50 Eagle-Heron drones, the medium altitude long-endurance type UAV that can operate at a distance of more than 1000 kms and at an altitude above 25,000 feet for more than 24 hours providing real time intelligence.

The system also features automatic take-off and landing, integrated mission planning and sensor technology and can simultaneously carry a widerange of payload.

About five years ago, IAI signed a similar deal worth 550 million US dollars with IAF, Army and special forces for surveillance on the Line of Control.

On his visit to Poland, the Defence Minister said a joint working group has been set up to pinpoint areas of boosting cooperation between army and airforce of both the countries. (PTI)

5 top militants surrender
Two ultras, Subedar killed in Poonch

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Two Pakistani militants and an Army jawan were killed as troops of Poonch Brigade and 10 Sikh Li foiled an infiltration attempt on Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector in early hours of this morning.

Three Hizbul ultras surrendered before Army in Banihal while two others laid down arms in Doda and Latti and another militant was captured in Gajansoo, official sources said.

They said troops of Poonch Brigade and 10 Sikh Li observed movement of a group of five militants in forward area of Domail along Poonch river, about two and a half km from Poonch town at 1 am. Troops cordoned off the area and asked the militants to surrender.

However, the militants opened heavy firing on the Army personnel, who retaliated. At about 4.30 am, the troops gunned down two infiltrators while three others managed to escape back to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

An Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Subedar Jagat Bahadur Pillay also sacrificed his life while fighting bravely in the encounter, the sources said.

They said both the slain militants were believed to be the foreign mercenaries though their identity hasn’t been established so far. Three militants, who escaped back to PoK, were also suspected to be Pakistanis.

Recoveries made from the scene of encounter include one AK-47 rifle with 11 magazines and 85 rounds, 10 hand grenades, Rs 45,000 in Indian currency, two I Com radio sets, one night vision device, four remote controls, two batteries, 21 pencil cells, two pouches and a large quantity of Pakistan made eatables like biscuits, juice and dry fruit packets.

One AK rifle was washed away in Poonch river, the sources said.

This was second infiltration attempt foiled by the troops in Poonch sector during last two days. yesterday, Army had eliminated five infiltrators near Roshni post in Balnoi area of Mendhar sector.

Three militants of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit including a ‘section commander’ today surrendered before Army at Gonel in Banihal tehsil of Doda district.

They have been identified as Mohd Manswani son of Gul Mohd, a resident of Banihal, who was operating as ‘section commander’ of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, Ghulam Hussain alias Bitta son of Afzal Dar R/o Zanihal, Banihal, an ‘area commander’ and Mohd Alyas son of Abdullah Azeer R/o Kankot, Banihal.

They handed over one AK rifle, one magazine, nine rounds, two hand grenades, two 9mm pistols, two pistol magazines and 15 rounds at the time of surrender.

Surrender by three militants of Hizbul Mujahideen especially by a ‘section commander’ was a big setback to the outfit, the sources said.

Two more militants today surrendered before Army and police in Doda and Latti, Udhampur. They have been identified as Nazir Ahmed Bhat son of Nasarullah Bhat R/o Thathri, an activist of Muslim Janbaaz Force (MJF) and Akhter Hussain son of Gullah Hussain R/o Marmat, Doda.

Bhat had gone to Pakistan in 1993 and was staying there for last 11 years. After training, he was acting as an "instructor" in a training camp of the militants, the sources said.

They handed over one Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), four grenades and two hand grenades at the time of surrender.

A suspected militant Mohd Afzal was arrested by the Army from border village of Chaleali in Gajansoo area. He has been sent for interrogation.

Another militant Abdul Rehman son of Ghulam Qadir R/o Adbes, Mahore was arrested by police today.

Centre ready to allow Hurriyat leaders to visit Pak
*Allegation of rape baseless: Mufti

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 7 : The Centre today said it will grant permission to Hurriyat leaders to visit Pakistan as and when they apply for it, reaffirming removal of all impediments in continuing the dialogue process on the Kashmir issue.

"The Government will look into the Hurriyat leaders’ applications for passport and visa to visit Pakistan as and when submitted by them," Home Minister Shivraj Patil who returned here from Jammu told media-persons this evening.

Mr Patil said the Manmohan Singh Government was ready to hold unconditional dialogue with any group willing to talk.

"We are ready to talk. Our doors are open and we will talk without any condition attached. We will continue the process. If anybody has any difficulty it is alright... We will talk later but we will talk and continue the process.," he added.

Mr Patil refused to comment when asked if the Centre had any roadmap to resolve the vexed issue. "I can’t talk about it any more...We have already said a lot about it."

The Home Minister maintained that the level of infiltration had come down significantly in the recent past and added that the Centre was doing its best to end bloodshed and violence in the State.

About divergent opinions in Pakistan on resolving the Kashmir issue, Mr Patil said every country has several schools of thought but it is always advisable to highlight the thought which promotes good relations.

"If some people in Pakistan say good things about India we should highlight it more and not blame the entire country if some people talk bad about us."

He said normalcy in Kashmir is mainly the result of changing attitude of the people towards militancy, the State Government, security forces, central policies and the neighbouring countries.

Mr Patil said that Centre has asked the State Government to raise India Reserve (IR) Batallion to address the issue of unemployment in the State. Each batallion will have 1,000 personnel, he said.

Asked whether the Centre would announce a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister said the forces fire only to protect innocent people. "What the State Government is doing with the help of the Centre is to protect the lives, limbs and property of the innocent people... We are not firing. We only fire to protect".

Briefing reporters about his interactions in the last two days at Srinagar and Jammu, Mr Patil said everybody recommended the path of dialogue.

He said he held discussions with Governor Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and leaders of various political parties.

"I heard their concern... All have emphasised on economic development to create a better atmosphere. We also say that economic development and peace talks should go together."

The Home Minister assured the State Government of all possible Central assistance. "All the delegations stressed for job oriented economic package to the State and inclusion of all sections of society in the dialogue process," he added.

The Union Minister also said that he would look into the issue of shifting DD Kashmir headquarters to Kashmir from Delhi.

Asked if the Centre would allow Amnesty International to visit Jammu and Kashmir as demanded by separatist leaders, Mr Patil said he was not aware of any such demand. "If they have demanded, we will see", he said.

Asked about the "increase" in the alleged human rights violations in the State, the Home Minister said that he had a different report.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed, who was also present when Mr Patil was talking to the media-persons, said that all such allegations were ‘baseless’.

Describing the allegations of rape of a 10-year-old girl by the secutiy forces in Handwara area as baseless, the Mufti said the medical examination showed there was no rape even as a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the allegations of sexual assault on the girl’s mother.

To a question about a similar incident some time ago wherein a woman was allegedly raped by a Rashtriya Rifles Jawan in Mattan, Mufti said the medical examination report showed that the allegations were baseless.

Pak welcomes Patil’s remarks

ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: Welcoming Indian Government’s statement that it would consider Hurriyat leaders’ demand to visit Pakistan, Islamabad today said it was a right decision made in the right direction.

"It is a right decision made in the right direction. It would help promote interaction between Kashmiri leaders, Pakistani and Indian leadership. Ultimately it should be an inclusive dialogue," Foreign Office Spokesman Masood Khan said here.

Khan was reacting to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s remarks in Srinagar yesterday that Hurriyat Conference’s demand for visiting Pakistan before holding talks with the Indian Government would be considered. (PTI)

Pak pressurising Hurriyat-A to stay away from talks: Centre

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Pakistan was pressurising Hurriyat Conference (Ansari) group not to resume talks with Government of India till Islamabad was included as a " third party" in such dialogue process.

This was indicated in a statement issued by Union Home Ministry on the second day of Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement said that although the UPA Government has announced its commitment to continue dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir, "so far Hurriyat leaders have not come forward for talks as they have some genuine difficulties."

"There have been attacks on some of the (Hurriyat) leaders, their relatives and institutions/properties belonging to them," said the statement.

The Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government are pursuing a multi-pronged strategy, envisaging pro-active tackling of cross-border terrorism, accelerating economic development and preparation of police to take lead role in anti-terrorism operation, to restore peace in the State, the statement said.

It was stated that Pakistan has been controlling the level of cross-border terrorism and infiltration emanating from its soil. While cross-border infiltration has come down compared to last year, Pakistan has not taken any concrete steps to dismantle the infrastructure and offensive capabilities of terrorist groups operating from its side.

The communication infrastructure across the border and within J and K among militants is in tact. In other words, Pakistan continues to retain the capability to calibrate the levels of cross-border terrorism and infiltration directed against India, while simultaneously retaining the deniability advantage to ward off international pressure, it said.

"India has always maintained and reiterated that the resolution of all problems lies in peaceful means only. Accordingly, the Government kept its doors open and have, from time to time, extended the offer of dialogue to different organizations and people in the State," the statement said.

On the steps being taken by security forces and intelligence agencies to counter terrorism in the State, it said the thrust areas include protection of minorities, remote and scattered populations, protection of vital installations and countering over ground support base of terrorists by initiating actions as per law.

These also include strengthening of counter-terrorism grid through use of improved technology and gadgetry for State Police, preparing police to take lead role in direct anti-terrorism operation, providing specific intelligence to ensure operations with focused target and involving people through volunteer village defence committees, it said.

Besides, it includes dynamic force deployment and flexibility of tactics to counter the changing strategies of terrorists and advisory to political workers/VIPs who are being targeted and constant review of their security arrangements, the statement said.

To tackle cross-border terrorism, the strategy includes curbing infiltration and exfiltration, fencing of International Border and creating obstacles along Line of Control and in depth areas along terrorist routes and enhancing intelligence capabilities, it said.

"The thrust area also puts emphasis on ensuring that while no quarter is provided to the terrorists, the security forces take steps to avoid collateral damage and also to show humane face to the innocent civilians and this to develop better relations with the local population," it adds.

The Government is open to initiating a dialogue process with all groups in Jammu and Kashmir especially those who eschew the path of violence and express desire for such talks, the statement said.

No Pak pressure: Hurriyat

SRINAGAR, Nov 7: Rubbishing Centre’s claim today that its leaders were under pressure from Pakistan not to resume talks with the Government, moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference said had it been so they would have never entered into parleys.

"It is rubbish that we are under pressure from Pakistan not to talk to the Government", former chairman of Hurriyat Maulana Abas Ansari said.

"Had it been so we would have never entered into talks with the Government. We had two rounds of talks with the Centre as we consider dialogue as the only way to resolve the vexed Kashmir problem", he said.

Ansari said "we are committed that dialogue is the key to resolution of the problem".

However, he said the fresh offer of talks by the Centre would be discussed by the executive of the conglomerate when all the members are present in Srinagar. While two executive members were in Delhi, he and acting chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq were busy with religious ceremonies in view of the holy month of Ramzan.

The Executive, the highest decision making body of the amalgam, would meet and discuss and deliberate on the offer and take a decision, Ansari said.

The Home Ministry, on the second day of Union Minister Shivraj Patil’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir said there are indications that Pakistan is exerting pressure on Hurriyat Conference leaders particularly its acting chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq not to resume dialogue with the Centre till Pakistan was included as a third party. (PTI)

No need to fear: RSS to minorities

HARDWAR, Nov 7: In an obvious message to minorities, RSS chief K S Sudarshan today told "the other sections of the society" that they had nothing to fear from the strength and organisation of Sangh "if they do not suffer from guilt".

Continuing his attack on the Left wing, Sudarshan charged them with possessing a "destructive mentality" and blamed them for the "lack of development" in West Bengal.

"Any society has to be strong and organised to preserve its identity. The weak have no place in this world. Nobody respects them," he said addressing hundreds of RSS workers at the conclusion of the two-day RSS national executive here. Without naming any community, Sudarshan said "it will be ridiculous to think that I do daily exercise to beat my neighbours and not to keep myself healthy and disease free".

He said "other sections of the society" have no cause to fear (from the Sangh) "if they do not suffer from guilt".

Quoting from RSS founder K B Hedgewar, he said "neither we will frighten nor will we get frightened" and added "if there is no fear there is no love. Without social strength nobody will listen to you".

RSS general secretary Mohan Bhagwat, VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia and former Union Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd) B C Khanduri were among others present.

Asserting that culture was the backdrop of nationhood, the RSS chief justified the saffronisation of education initiated by the previous NDA Government saying "education should link you to the roots".

"Students in West Bengal are taught about Lenin, Stalin and Mao while those in the Madrassas are taught about Arabiya and Iran," he said.

Citing developmental statistics, Sudarshan pooh poohed 27 years of Left Front rule in West Bengal and said "the State should have become a role model for other states by now... The Communists cannot do anything constructive. They possess a destructive mentality and treat the RSS and Hindu forces as their enemy number one".

In his annual Vijaydashmi Address at Nagpur, the RSS chief had made a scathing attack on the Communists.

Lamenting the river water and other inter-state disputes, Sudarshan stressed on the move to have a national perspective and constructive approach for the holistic development of the country.

The RSS top brass would be meeting local Hindu religious leaders informally here tomorrow. (PTI)

Hotels in quandary over camera phones

NEW DELHI, Nov 7: Hotels have not taken too kindly to the latest mobile gizmo - the camera phone.

After hiccups in Navratri celebrations due to camera phones in Mumbai, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations has issued a warning note to its members, urging them to be more cautious about the use of camera phones in the hotel premises.

"So far no cases of misuse of camera phones have been brought to our notice, but we decided to issue a warning to our members so that they are more cautious," FHRAI secretary-general Shyam Suri said.

In response to the call, a number of hotels are considering banning the use of camera phones, at least in areas such as swimming pools, changing rooms and spas. But the tricky question is how to do it.

"At the most we can request our guests not to click photographs in certain areas of the hotel, but it is not possible to put a blanket ban on camera phones at the cost of irking the guests," says hotelier Rajindera Singh, Managing Director of Hotel Ambassador, Delhi.

Welcomheritage group’s Shona Adhikari agrees. "Unless someone raises an objection, there is not much a hotel can do about it."

She felt that the problem, however, was neither new nor restricted to camera phones. "Almost all guests putting up at a hotel carry a camera, therefore, the risk of lawsuits due to photographs clicked in private areas of the hotel is not new. This is a risk most hotels factor in, particularly when celebrities are involved."

Another hotelier, who did not wish to be named, felt that banning guests from clicking pictures in the hotel premises would amount to encroaching their privacy. Complaints, if any, could be tackled discreetly. The Leela at Mumbai, however, is a step closer to the solution. Leela Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vivek Nair said the hotel had banned employees from using camera phones in certain areas of the hotel.

All employees working at the reception and front and back offices have been prohibited from carrying cell-phones with cameras as well as digital cameras.

Besides, the hotel is looking into the feasibility of extending the ban to guests.

"Security personnel in the hotel have been instructed to politely request the guests to refrain from taking photographs on the premises," Mr Nair said.

The use of camera phones has been under scrutiny world-wide due to their potential to violate privacy. They have been banned in hotels and around swimming pools in a number of West Asian countries as well as in Japan and the US.

To counter the menace, cell phone manufacturers in Japan have designed camera phones that beep or ring when a photograph is clicked.

But till the time such technology is available in India, hoteliers will have to devise ingenious ways to tackle it. (UNI)

Emergency in Iraq as 21 police officers killed

BAGHDAD, Nov 7 : Prime Minister Iyad Allawi today declared a state of emergency in Iraq to combat spiralling violence as 21 police officers were shot dead execution-style in a dawn ambush on their stations.

Allawi’s move, which will grant the Iraqi authorities sweeping powers to impose order, came as troops from the United States and Iraq carried on with intense preparations for an expected assault on the rebel-held city of Fallujah.

The state of emergency, scheduled to last for 60 days, applied for the whole country except for the Northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan, Allawi’s spokesman Thaer Naqib said.

Under a state of emergency, Iraqi authorities have powers allowing them to impose curfews, ban meetings and bug communications, in moves which echo the authoritarian rule of toppled President Saddam Hussein’s regime.

The decision was made after all peaceful channels to stop a wave of deadly bombings and killings in the country had failed, Naqib said. Allawi was due to give more details about the measures tomorrow.

It was "due to an increase in violence and terrorism in the form of daily mass slaughter, targeting even women and children," he told a news conference.

The rebels were intent on wrecking Iraq’s infrastructure and derailing the Government’s plans to hold national elections by January, Naqib charged.

A curfew has already been imposed on the restive city of Samarra, North of Baghdad, after a string of car bombs and clashes against police stations and local Government targets yesterday left 36 people dead and scores injured. (AFP)

Explosives brought to Srinagar during Patil’s stay seized

SRINAGAR, Nov 7 : About 60 kgs of explosives, enough to blow up a dozen vehicles in one go, were seized by the BSF tonight while being brought from Baramulla to Srinagar where Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, is staying.

A BSF spokesman said the explosives were being transported from north Kashmir Baramulla to Srinagar by two scooter-borne militants when they were seized by the 55 Battalion of the force in Sopore town, 55 kms from here, at around 7 pm.

The spot questioning of the two ultras revealed that the explosives were meant for subversive activities in Srinagar, where Patil is staying, the spokesman said .

The explosives were enough to blow up 10 to 12 vehicles, he said.

The spokesman termed the seizure as a "major success". (PTI)

 
 
 
 

 

 

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