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From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz SRINAGAR, Jan 22: Days after Police unearthed the "coalition of terror" involving two councilors of the PDP and Congress parties in Srinagar, a deadlier Police-militant nexus has surfaced in Shopian area of south Kashmir. Two personnel of Special Operations Group (SOG) of District Pulwama Police, who had been appointed on the basis of their counter-insurgency operations but later worked for Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, have been arrested and disarmed. Meanwhile, Baramulla Police have arrested two officials of Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank (BMCB) who had visited Pakistan on passport and visa and were allegedly working for Lashkar-e-Toiba. Killing of two top-ranking militants of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen at the residence of a Congress party’s councilor at Shopian last week has unfolded sequences of drama that has all the trappings of a Bollywood movie. Excelsior today learned from well-placed official sources that Police have arrested Constable Rafeeq Ahmed Dar S/o Abdur Rehman Dar R/o Gadapora Shopian and SPO Nazir Hussain S/o Faqeer Mohammad R/o Rajouri, disarmed them both and subjected them to sustained interrogation. Both the detainees had been working at SOG’s Gagran camp. Sources revealed that during the sustained interrogation the SOG personnel admitted that after getting a number of SOG’s sources killed by militants they had planned to kill the head of SOG Pulwama in an IED blast. They had struck a deal of Rs 5 Lakh with Saifullah. However, police and security forces succeeded in eliminating Saifullah and they seized two of his mobile phones which led Police to sensational disclosures. On January 9th, an SOG Pulwama party had pounced upon the most wanted Harkat militant, Bilal Ahmed Sheikh alias Saifullah of Hind Sitapur Shopian, in Pulwama town. In a brief exchange of fire, he sustained injuries and dropped his mobile phone with BSNL SIM card, bearing No: 9419491723. SOG’s selection grade constable Naseer Ahmed, who had pounced upon the militant, also sustained gunshot wounds and the militant managed to escape. On January 18th, SOG Pulwama and Army swooped on the Congress councilor’s house at Shopian and killed Saifullah alongwith his associate, Shabir Ahmed Najjar alias Talha R/o Manzgam, Bren, Nishat. While launching the operation, SOG and troops arrested the Congress councilor Nisar Ahmed Dahal’s sister, namely Ruby, and recovered from her possession Saifullah’s second mobile phone 9419527034. Again, it had a BSNL SIM card. While working on the digital data recovered from the two seized SIM cards, Police learned that Constable Rafeeq Dar and SPO Nazir Hussain of SOG’s Gagran camp had been continuously in touch with Saifullah over Rafeeq’s mobile phone. As both of them were arrested and interrogated, they spilled the beans. They made a sensational disclosure that they had struck a deal for eliminating SP Operations Pulwama with Saifullah for Rs 5 Lakh and they were in the process of obtaining an IED. The SOG duo revealed that they had stolen an AK-47 rifle from their camp and sold it off to Saifullah for Rs 1.00 Lakh on May 14th last year. Saifullah and his Harkat militants were resourceful enough as they had looted Rs 36 Lakh from Kachdora branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank in 2004. On these revelations and additional inputs, SOG Pulwama arrested four persons, namely Mohammad Ishaq Itoo, Tanvir Ahmed Sofi, Khursheed Ahmed Mir and Hilal Ahmed Zargar in Pulwama while two conduits of the militant-Police nexus were arrested from Gagran. They were identified as Abdul Awwal S/o Bashir Ahmed Shah and Zubair Ahmed Mantoo. Sources said that the detained SOG personnel admitted to have helped militants in eliminating a counter-insurgent source, namely Maroofa wife of the slain counter-insurgent Mukhtar Ahmed Bhat R/o Borihalan Shopian on April 11th , 2005. After militants killed her husband, she had been appointed against a class 4th vacancy in Tehsil office Shopian. Saifullah and his associate, Abdur Rasheed alias Adnan R/o Shopian had killed the woman after the two SOG personnel informed them that Maroofa had been visiting their camp. The detainees also exposed their involvement in the killing of Mohammad Altaf Shah S/o Sarwar Shah R/o Mahore, Udhampur who had been sliced into pieces in Killora area. SP Operations and incharge SP Pulwama, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir confirmed the arrest of the two SOG personnel. He said that the duo had been passing information of almost every SOG operation to Saifullah through Rafeeq’s mobile phone and it was because of this connection that Saifullah had managed to escape in as many as 25 operations. Mir refused to comment on other revelations, pleading that the investigation was still underway. Interestingly, Rafeeq Ahmed Dar had been appointed in SOG on the basis of his counter-insurgency assistance to police that included killing of Lashkar-e-Toiba’s "Divisional Commander" Abu Talha with three of his key associates at Bemnipora in Shopian area. In the wake of this particular operation, militants had killed two of Rafeeq’s relatives including his brother, Bilal Ahmed Dar, in 2002. Notwithstanding this, Saifullah managed to plant him as his source in the SOG, sources said. Meanwhile, official sources in north Kashmir said that in yet another dramatic operation, Baramulla Police arrested Bombay Mercantile Cooperative Bank’s computer operator Suhail Ahmed Gadha alias Abu Hassan R/o Krankshivan Colony, Sopore, and orderly Zahoor Ahmed Parray alias Raihan alias Abu Darda R/o Amar Garh, Sopore. Sources said that both of them were arrested after Police learned that while working with the bank they had been operating as militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba. SSP Baramulla, Mohammad Ashkoor Wani, confirmed the bank officials’ arrest and said that they had visited Pakistan in 2003 and 2004 on passport and visa and returned after 10 days of training at a Lashkar-e-Toiba camp. He said that they had also visited Lashkar’s headquarters at Muridke, near Lahore and returned via Wagah. He claimed that while working at the bank for the day, the duo had been working as militants of Lashkar. He also claimed that a pistol and a hand grenade were recovered from the detained bank officials. Wani said that the duo had established intimate contact with Lashkar’s "District Commander" Salah-ud-din alias Charlie-1 and they had also fired upon a PDP activist in Pot Khah last year.
Security beefed-up in Srinagar SRINAGAR, Jan 22: In an effort to ensure a trouble free Republic Day, the city has been put under one of the tightest security regimens ever with the Bakshi stadium, the main venue of the celebrations, resembling a virtual fortress. Authorities have increased the deployment of police and paramilitary forces around the stadium and started area dominance and sanitisation exercises in the localities within one kilometre radius of the venue, official sources said. House to house searches are being conducted and security forces are making a list of all suspects with tenants renting houses and rooms in the area asked to register themselves with their nearest police station, the sources said. The released militants are being watched closedly and they might be asked to report at their respective police stations just ahead of the Republic Day, they added. Describing the security measures as part of the normal drill, Inspector General of Police Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar said, "we will take all possible steps to ensure a trouble free and smooth conduct of Republic Day celebrations." There are no specific intelligence inputs about militant plans to carry out any attacks on Republic Day or on its eve but the security drill was being carried out to nip in the bud any such attempt. Sniffer dogs being used to search for any explosives or IEDs which the ultras might have already planted in the vicinity of Bakshi stadium just to create sensation on the Republic Day. Yesterday security forces recovered a five-kg IED concealed in a plastic cannister at Iqbal Park, near Bakshi stadium, just five days ahead of the function. The heightened tension is quite palpable in the entire Valley. Almost all separatist and militant organisations have called for a complete shutdown on January 26. Surveillance cameras have been installed at various places in the Srinagar City to maintain a constant vigil over sensitive spots and suspicious persons. Sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service to detect hidden explosive devices. Security personnel could be seen manning every nook and corner of the summer capital and other parts of the Valley. Troops stopped pedestrians and all vehicles at several points for thorough checks and frisking. Drop gates have been errected at various points to check possible movement of the militants. Minimal traffic is plying on the roads. While private vehicles are nearly off the roads, public transport is also sparse. The Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the main function, is out of bounds for civilians. Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig is likely to take the salute and unfurl the tricolour there. All roads leading to the stadium have been blocked and adjacent areas extensively searched to foil any attempt by the ultras to disrupt the function. Snipers, with electronic surveillance gadgets, have been positioned on roof-tops near the stadium to keep a constant vigil. In the past, militants have fired rocket propelled grenades from high rise buildings at the Bakshi Stadium. Massive security arrangements have been put in place at all venues, district headquarters and important townships in the state where the tricolour would be unfurled. (Agencies) |
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Salaried class to be exempted from IT returns: Chidambaram RAJIV NAGAR, HYDERABAD, Jan 22: Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said the salaried class would be exempted from the need for ‘‘actual filing of Income Tax return" and the Government had put on hold the decision to cut food subsidy by over Rs 4,000 crore. The exemption from actual filing would be given after the electronic filing of returns had become a norm, Mr Chidambaram told reporters while making clarifications on the proposed economic resolution of the Congress. However, salaried people would have still file "virtual returns," the details of which would be announced in due course, he said. The Finance Minister also assured the tax payers that the tax rates would be maintained at reasonable levels and that the present personal Income Tax exemption on Rs one lakh and the savings threshold of Rs one lakh were reasonable. Asked about the proposal on reservation in private sector jobs, he said the matter was pending with a Group of Ministers (GoM) and the Government’s decision on the issue would be based on the recommendations of the GoM and other considerations. On food subsidy cut, he said talks were being held with various parties to resolve the issue. Until then, the price increase for the APL families would be on hold, while the quantity available under the PDS would be reduced as decided by the Cabinet. The higher quantity had been fixed to liquidate the excess buffer stock of foodgrains. The Government would go in for disinvestment in Non-Navratna PSUs on a case to case basis after a broad agreement with the left. No target has been fixed for disinvestment. The Finance Minister also clarified that the Government would not interfere with the EPF interest rates which would depend on the earnings of the fund. Even at the present 8.5 per cent level, the epf board would have a shortfall of Rs 356 crore, he said. On liberalisation, he said the Government would pursue it with a humane face. The Government would try to maintain a balance between its fiscal responsibility and social sector obligations, he said. (UNI) |
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Militant killed, 4 hurt in Srinagar blast Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 22: While one militant got killed in a gunbattle in Zakoora area, four persons, including two CRPF soldiers, sustained injuries in a grenade explosion at Nowhatta here today. Official sources said that late last night, troops of RR 5 Bn and SOG Srinagar killed an unidentified militant when he passed through an ambush at Rangpora in Zakoora area. One AK-56 rifle was recovered from his possession. He carried an identity card in the name of Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat of Aloochibagh. Officials insisted that it was fake as nobody from Aloochibagh had turned up to claim the dead body. Sources said that militants lobbed a hand grenade on a CRPF picket at Nowhatta in Srinagar downtown this afternoon. Two CRPF soldiers as also two civilian girls, namely Sameena nad Shakeela, sustained injuries in the blast. They were stable and discharged after medical treatment at a hospital. The area was immediately cordoned off by security forces and a hunt has been launched to nab the ultras involved in the grenade attack. No militant outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, security forces apprehended three LeT militants during a search operation at Sopore in North Kashmir district of Baramulla last night. They seized one pistol, one magazine, four rounds and two hand grenades from the arrested ultras.
‘Implement Musharraf’s
commitment to Vajpayee’ RAJIV NAGAR, HYDERABAD, Jan 22: The Congress today asked Islamabad to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure completely to fulfil the solemn commitment given by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in January 2004 that he would not allow his country’s territory to be used for terrorism directed against India. In its draft resolution on external security and international affairs for consideration at the AICC Plenary session, the party called upon the UPA Government not to make any compromise with the country’s security. India’s constant willingness to go the extra mile in seach of peace should not cause slackness in the country’s defence preparedness, memories of which from the time of the previous NDA regime were still very painful, the 16-page draft resolution said. The Congress congratulated the Government for bringing the programme of modernisation of armed forces back on track and urged it to ensure that the programme was sustained. The draft resolution spoke about India’s relations with all major countries as well as those in its neghbourhood. It also took note of the ties between India and various international groupings, like ASEAN, NAM, European Union, United Nations and the Commonwealth. On Pakistan, the Congress affirmed that India desired peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with its neighbour as envisaged in the Simla Agreement of 1972, which formed the bedrock of bilateral relations. "The tragedy of the recent earthquake underscored our shared destiny as indeed the futility of extremist violence," it added. Referring to relations with China, the Congress commended the conclusion of an agreement on political parameters and guiding principles which would pave the way for the settlement of the boundary dispute between the two countries. The opening of the Nathu La Pass for border trade between India and China would be another major step in confidence building measures. On ties with the United States, the resolution said the agreement on civil nuclear energy cooperation, signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington in July 2005, constituted a significant diplomatic achievement. The Congress also took note of the ongoing stand-off between Iran and the western world over the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic. It hoped the impasse would be resolved through a mutually acceptable formula in the interest of world peace and keeping in mind Iran’s concern for freedom to use nuclear research for peaceful purposes. Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, the party mourned the death of Palestine President Yasser Arafat and hoped the Government would do its utmost help in the resolution of the conflict in West Asia. On the Indian diaspora, the draft resolution said the importance India was giving to persons of Indian origin (PIOs) would undoubtedly give the country distinct advantages in centres of political power and commercial hubs across the world. Referring to the country’s nuclear policy, the Congress reaffirmed its commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons, as a lasting tribute to the humanitarian vision of Rajiv Gandhi. "India is not a member of the NPT, but we suo motu fulfil the majority of its conditions, including a unilateral moratorium on further nuclear tests." It said India’s record in the matter of non-proliferation of sensitive technologies was irreproachable. "All cooperation extended to India in the nuclear field is used to develop our peaceful civil programme,"it added. On the country’s multilateral engagement, the Congress welcomed the operationalisation of the South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, hoping it would pave the way for the economic integration of South Asia and the eventual setting up of the South Asian Economic Community. On reforms in the United Nations, the party commended the efforts of the UPA Government to mobilise international support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the Security Council and hoped it would soon become a reality. "India believes that through the process of reform, including the reform of the Security Council, the UN will be able to play an enhanced role in development cooperation and the issues of development will once again become the central theme of international discourse," the Congress noted. (UNI) |
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HM activist killed by LeT militants Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 22: One of the longest surviving militant of Hizbul Mujahideen today surrendered before Doda police and Army while another ultra of the same outfit was gunned down in inter-gang rivalry by the LeT activists. A "deputy tehsil commander" of Hizbul Mujahideen Abdul Hamid Malik alias Rehtul Islam (Set Code Momin) son of Abdul Rehman Malik , a resident of Cheera, Thathri, surrendered before 26 Rashtriya Rifles and police officers at Thathri this morning, SSP Doda Prithvi Raj Manhas said. He said the militant was among the few longest surviving militants in the State. He was operating in Doda district since September 1990 and was trained in Pakistan. He was wanted to police in a number of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him in different police stations of Doda. The militant surrendered along with one AK-56 rifle, two magazines, 50 rounds, one walkie-talkie, one Chinese grenade and one pouch. With Abdul Hamid Malik’s surrender, a total of 10 militants have surrendered to Army and police in Doda district this month so far. Besides surrenders, five militants were gunned down by security forces and police while two others were killed in inter-gang rivalry. Slain militants included a ‘divisional commander’ of Lashkar-e-Toiba and a ‘tehsil commander’ of Harkat-ul-Jehad Islami (HUJI). In addition to a large quantity of arms and ammunition, police and Army have also recovered 90 kg RDX this month including 25 kg RDX which was recovered from Doda town the other day. On the disclosures made by surrendered militants, three hide-outs have been busted at Tanta. Meanwhile, security forces today recovered dead body of a hardcore Hizbul Mujahideen militant Mohd Sain, 28, son of Qasim Din Bakerwal R/o Kither, Bunjwah. The body was lying at Mahasha Ghati, about nine kms from Gandoh and was recovered by a security forces petrol party at 12 noon. Mohd Sain was a Pak-trained militant operating in Doda district since 2001 and was believed to have been killed by the LeT militants. His weapon was also taken away by the rival group. Security forces and police have launched a search operation in the area to look for the militants. Body of the slain militant has been handed over to his family. Security forces have arrested a suspect Mohd Shafi Wani son of Ghulam Mohd Wani from Neel Top in Doda. From his house, some ammunition was recovered. Rajouri police destroyed a hide-out of the militants at Deri Liot in Manjakote area today and recovered one sniper rifle with telescope, one magazine and 20 rounds. The police party was led by DySP Headquarters K S Jasrotia. Security forces detected and defused a landmine in forward village of Manyari in Samba tehsil. |
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10 civilians to cross LoC today Excelsior Special Correspondent POONCH, Jan 22: Ten civilians are expected to cross Line of Control (LoC) when Tata Pani point in Balnoi area of Mendhar sector opens for movement of the civilians tomorrow. Of 10 civilians expected to cross the LoC to enter Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), seven are those who had failed to make it to PoK a fortnight ago due to different reasons. While six civilians were denied entry by PoK authorities due to variation in their application forms, a woman had opted out voluntarily. All seven civilians are likely to cross the LoC tomorrow. They are Abdul Salam son of Babar Din, Kaneeza Bi wife of Noor Hassan, Noor Hassan son of Salam Din, Fayyaz Ahmed son of Ghulam Ahmed, Mohd Iqbal son of Bagga Khan, Naseem Akhter wife of Mohd Iqbal and Raj Begum wife of Shah Mohd, all residents of Rajouri. Besides them, three persons from Jammu are also likely to go to PoK from Tata Pani tomorrow. However, it couldn’t be ascertained as to whether some civilians from PoK would also cross the LoC tomorrow. |
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Ex-PM among 4 leaders released KATHMANDU, Jan 22: Nepal’s Royal Government today released four top opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, from house arrest while troops cracked down on pro-democracy agitators arresting 50 people even as suspected Maoists shot dead a mayoral candidate of the Feb 8 Municipal polls. Also, security forces gunned down 18 Maoist rebels including a section commander today and lost six of their personnel in fierce gun battles. Nepali Congress president Koirala, 83, was put under house arrest along with four top leaders and several other opposition leaders on Friday. Besides Koirala, Nepal Communist Party UML standing committee member K P Sharma Oli and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party president Narayanman Bijukchhe were released from house arrests, officials said. CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal was also released on health grounds. However, UML leader Bharatmohan Adhikari was still under house arrest. Meanwhile, Maoists today shot dead Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Mandal) Dhanusha district committee president Bijaya Lal Dash, who has decided to contest the February 8 election for the post of Mayor of Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City. This was the first such killing after the rebels threat to take "special action" against those who take part in the elections being conducted by King Gyanendra’s Government. Over 50 people were arrested today after pro-democracy activists defying the Government’s ban on gatherings clashed with riot police, leaving dozens of protestors injured. (PTI) |
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Education can wipe-out terrorism: Kalam MYSORE, Jan 22: President A P J Abdul Kalam today said that ‘terrorism can be wiped off from the country only through education with value system, elimination of poverty and transformation of religion into a spiritual system.’ Replying to questions after delivering special lecture at the Foundation of Unity of Religions and Enlightened Citizenship (FUREC) here, Dr Kalam said that FUREC had taken first step towards this and added that one should strive hard for this. Entire country should be covered through various messages and spread of education with value system besides removing poverty. Replying to another question on Education to all, he said the Union Government had already brought a Bill on compulsory education for children in five to 14 age group. The State government should implement this, he added. He said while science could help development of the country, religion would ensure peaceful life and both of them together would give the nation a bright future in the coming days. Dr Kalam said that each and every one should work collectively and individually for uplifting the poor and improve the surroundings. (UNI) |
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NEW DELHI, Jan 22: CBI today arrested two senior Income Tax officials, including an Assistant Commissioner, for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 50,000 from a jeweller. According to the CBI, Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax K C Chugh and Inspector S K Chopra were arrested by the CBI for allegedly taking bribe from a jeweller after threatening to seal his shop for some irregularities in the gold stocks. According to the CBI, Chugh, who will be retiring on January 31, had gone along with Chopra to the jeweller’s shop on January 20 and demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh, which was later negotiated to Rs 2.5 lakh. Yesterday, Chugh allegedly called the jeweller and asked him to pay Rs 50,000 to Chopra as the first instalment towards the settled bribe amount. The CBI laid a trap and arrested Chopra and later Chugh. The residence of the two officials were being searched and they would be produced before the designated court tomorrow, the CBI sources said. (PTI) |
Uma rules out floating new party BANGALORE, Jan 22: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and ousted Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Bharati today ruled out formation of a new party and claimed she was the real BJP. Talking to newsmen here, she said that she would continue to tour the country for the next three months and convince party workers to join her. Alleging that the party (BJP) was now manned by a caucus which had lust for power comprised on ideologies. " I have no plans to start a new party. I am the real BJP’, Ms Uma Bharati said. Accusing UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi of indulging in promoting conversion in the country, Ms Uma Bharati called for her (Ms Gandhi) from the post. Stating that secularism was minoritism in the country, Ms Uma Bharati said that Hinduism and nationalism is one and same just like Ram and Roti. About political development in Karnataka, she said it would be good if the present Dharam Singh Government is gone as it has not made anything good for the state. Stating that the new Government that is being planned by the JD-S and BJP coalition should resume development works otherwise they also need to be condemned. (UNI) |
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