|
|
 |
|
|
SRINAGAR, Nov 3: Expressing concern over continuing cross-border terrorism and infiltration, Army chief General J J Singh today said the Indo-Pak joint anti-terror mechanism was still at the discussion level. "It (joint anti-terror mechanism) is still being discussed. We are concerned that cross border-terrorism and infiltration are continuing," he told reporters here. He said the matter would be discussed at the proposed Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries later this month. India and Pakistan agreed on a joint anti-terror mechanism in September at a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during the Havana NAM summit. Commenting on reports about India inching towards agreements on Siachen and Sir Creek issues, Singh said "I think the Government has been conveyed our views. We hope security concerns will be kept in mind during the foreign secretary-level talks". He said though infiltration and cross-border terrorism continued, there was a 30 per cent decrease in violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and civilian casualties reduced to a minimum. The Army Chief rejected the allegations of human rights violations and said a majority of the complaints during the past 15 years proved to be untrue on inquiry. "Only 4 per cent complaints proved true and the army has awarded punishment to 110 officers, JCOs and soldiers," he said adding that complaints of human rights violations had also come down. Earlier, the Army Chief presented President’s colours to 17th battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment. He handed over the ‘Nishaan’ (colours) on behalf of the President to the battalion in recognition of distinguished service and sacrifices made by soldiers of the battalion since its raising on March 1, 2003. Accompanied by Northern Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor, GOC of 15 corps Lt Gen A S Sekhon, he also laid wreath at the regimental war memorial. Singh took the salute at the marchpast of soldiers of the battalion at the historical Bana Singh parade ground and released the first day cover of the army medal to the battalion. As per tradition, religious teachers of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists worshipped the ‘Nishaan’and involved the blessings of the almighty. General Singh called for taking proactive measures to analyse and address the causes that led to the fratricidal killings in the armed forces in the recent past. "This is a big challenge...And I am sure we will overcome this one in the similar way we have faced all other challenges in the past," Gen Singh said. He said a court of inquiry has been ordered into every such case. "The Army itself is going into the causes that triggered such incidents...For a 1.3 million Army, five cases of fragging in Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past is not an indicator that things are wrong," Gen Singh added. Fragging is an Army term for soldiers turning their weapons on their colleagues. He said being a professional organisation, the Army would take whatever corrective action needed to overcome this challenge. "We are most concerned with these unfortunate cases, especially in counter insurgency areas. Suitable measures are being taken and institutionalised to prevent recurrence of such incidents," the Army Chief added. Earlier, Gen Singh had instructed senior Army commanders to assess and investigate each of the seven fratricidal killings in one month and to come up with corrective measures. Since the past one year, as many as 12 cases of fratricidal killings have taken place in the Army, mostly in Jammu and Kashmir. Admitting that there was certain amount of pressure and stress on the soldiers engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the country, General Singh said about 100 suicide cases have been taking place on an average every year in the armed forces during the past 4-5 years. He said the Army personnel were trained to cope up with the operational challenges and stress. "Operational challenges and stress are not the only causes. Certain amount of pressure is there, but that does not absolve a good leadership from overcoming such challenges," he added. "On an average, we have been having about 100 suicide cases in a year during the past 4-5 years. This year, the figure has been about the same," Gen Singh said. (Agencies) |
|
|
|
IED destroyed near
police station Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 3: One of Hizbul Mujahideen's most prominent commanders in south Kashmir, who had surrendered before Police earlier this year, has been eliminated by militants in Anantnag. Meanwhile, militants fired some shots towards a Police party in Tral and Police destroyed an IED which had been planted by militants near Police Station Sher Garhi. Informed sources told the EXCELSIOR that late last night, unidentified gunmen, believed to be militants, stopped a marriage party in the Anantnag town outskirts of Bumthan. They accosted a particular Maruti car and pumped bullets in the head of one of the four persons travelling in it. The marriage party was returning with the bride from Bumthan after taking dinner. The victim of the targeted firing died on spot. He was identified as Bilal Ahmed Parray alias Bil Wahab S/o Abdul Wahab Parray R/o Kamad, Anantnag. Bil Wahab had functioned in different capacities with Hizbul Mujahideen for about 12 years before his surrender earlier this year. He had laid down arms before then SSP Anantnag, Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari. After some weeks of protective custody, during which he handed over a large quantity of arms and ammunition, Bil Wahab was let off by Police. According to official records, he had functioned as Hizbul Mujahideen's "Chief of Operations" in Anantnag area and appointed as "District Commander" after security forces killed the most wanted Shabir Bidouri. Sources said that Bil Wahab had surrendered before Police with the assistance of two PDP leaders but he had been immediately declared as "traitor" and put on the top of its hit list by Hizbul Mujahideen. Hizb spokesman Junaid-ul-Islam today claimed that the militants of his organisation gunned down Bil Wahab for he had surrendered and later arranged surrender of several other militants. Sources said that suspected militants had planted a 10-kg IED in a water filter-cum-cooler which had been wrapped in a carton and put on the near in front of Police Station Sher Garhi. A time device had also been put in the IED. Bomb Disposal Squad swung into action on a specific information, carried the IED containing 10 Kgs of explosive material towards the nearby Indoor Stadium and subsequently neutralised the same. Agencies Add: Militants abducted one Farooq Ahmad Lober at Dooniwari in the frontier district of Kupwara last night. Meanwhile, three police officers today escaped unhurt in a militant attack at Pinglish village in Tral area of Kashmir, official sources said . Superintendent of Police, Awantipora, Sardar Khan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations) of Tral and Station House Officer of Tral were travelling from Shikargah to Tral when they came under heavy militant fire at Pinglish village, the sources said. The officers escaped unhurt in the attack, but their vehicles were damaged, the sources said adding their escort personnel returned fire, forcing the militants to take refuge in a nearby forest area. The entire area has been cordoned off and a massive search operation launched, they added. Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit claimed responsibility for the attack on the police officers. Earlier, the outfit, in a statement to local news agencies, warned police to desist from working in coordination with security forces or face "dire consequences". Meanwhile, security forces have been asked to remain on high alert following intelligence inputs that militants will try to strike before the seat of Government (Darbar Move offices) reopens in Winter Capital of the State, Jammu on November six. Official sources said security forces deployed in the summer capital, Srinagar and all other major towns of the Kashmir valley have intensified search operations, frisking of pedestrians and searching of vehicles. They said that there are intelligence reports about the militants’ plans to carry out car bomb and IED blasts, grenade and fidayeen attacks in the Valley. Militants used to cause blasts or carry out attacks at crowded places before the seat of Government shifts to Jammu almost every year since 1990. Pedestrians and customers were being searched in the Civil Line area where one Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was killed and two others were wounded by militants near Regal Chowk yesterday. Security forces were seen frisking people and checking their identity cards before allowing them to leave the sealed area. security forces are conducting search of all vehicles entering into the city from rural and outskirts to foil any militant attempt to smuggle in arms and ammunition. The vehicles, particularly Sumos and Maruti cars, coming from outskirts of the city were thoroughly searched and occupants properly identified before allowing them to enter the city. Similar operations were also being conducted in other major towns of the Valley. Meanwhile, on specific information of an arms and ammunitions cache, two Army columns were lunched for search near Pharkiyan Gali, Kupwara today. During search of the area one of the columns struck upon war like stores which was wrapped in polythene, close to a nala under thick foliage. One AK Rifle, five AK Magazine, 90 AK ammunition, 20 Pika ammunition, one Radio set, two Rocket Propelled Grenade, two Booster for Rocket Propelled Grenade, three Under Barrel Grenade Launcher rounds, one Hand Grenade, one Explosive Device of 7 Kg, one Improvised Explosive Device switch and a Detonator were recovered. With the recovery of such huge war like stores the militants have got a setback in carrying out their anti-national activities, a Defence spokesman claimed. |
|
|
|
Governor, Army chief pay homage to Maj Somnath (Excelsior Correspondent/Agencies) SRINAGAR, Nov 3: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today paid glowing tributes to Major Som Nath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra awardee of Independent India, by placing wreath at his larger than life size statue at Srinagar Airport. Army Chief General J J Singh, Army Commander, Lt. Gen Deepak Kapoor, Corps Commander 15 Corps, Lt. General Amarjit Singh Sekhon and senior civil and military officers followed the Governor in paying floral tributes to the great martyr. The Governor and the senior officers saluted at the memorial as the ceremonial bugles blared and smartly attired contingent of the Army also presented salute to the martyr, who scripted a saga of valour in the chequeered military history of India. In an informal interaction with the media persons, the Governor recalled this day about 60 years ago, when the young Major Som Nath laid down his life at Budgam and defeated the enemy’s design of advancing towards Srinagar in 1947. He gave a vivid account of 1947 operations in Budgam, saying that the martyr was keen to advance to Baramulla as the first company of Indian Army to take on raiders, who had created havoc in Baramulla by indulging in plunder and mayhem. He was itching for an action when he landed at Srinagar airport with fractured arm. Health Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma also paid tributes to Maj Som Nath Sharma. On this day Major Sharma of 4 Kumaon Regiment, who was martyred fighting against the Pakistan-supported tribals from North Waziristan, became the first soldier of independent India to receive the PVC, the highest gallantry award, for his supreme sacrifice and outstanding gallantry in action. Maj Sharma was the eldest son of an illustrious father, Maj Gen A N Sharma who was the first Director of Medical Services of the Indian Army after Independence, and was the brother of two distinguished individuals-Lieutenant General S N Sharma, who retired as the Engineer-in-Chief and General V N Sharma, who retired as the Chief of Army Staff. Throughout the second world war, he served with the 9/19 Hyderabad Battalion, which had the distinction of taking part in the famous Kangaw battle in Arakan where Maj Sharma was awarded a mention-in-Dispatches. Pakistan-aided tribals launched an attack on Kashmir which made the Maharaja to cede the Valley to Union of India. Accordingly, the first batch of Indian troops landed in the State on October 27. The D Company of 4 Kumaon, led by Major Somnath Sharma, was airlifted to Srinagar on October 31. Even though the Major had one of his arm in plaster due to an injury suffered in a hockey game, he refused to stay back and joined his Company to fight the tribal aggression. The ‘Kabailis’ resorted to guerrilla tactics to sneak into the Valley. But the induction of more troops enabled the Army to cover the area better. On November 2, 1947, Major Sharma’s company was ordered to lead a patrol to a Budgam village in central Kashmir. He reached his objective at first light on next day and by 0930 hours the troops had established a firm base at Budgam. As no enemy movement was observed during patrolling, two companies moved back to Srinagar by 1400 hrs. However, D company led by Major Sharma which had taken up position south of Badgam was asked to stay on in the area till 1500 hrs. At 1435 hours, the troops were fired upon from some houses but they did not retaliate for fear of killing civilians. While Major Sharma was discussing the threat with the Brigade Commander, about 700-strong ‘Kabaili’ group appeared to the west and attacked with 3-inch mortars, LMGs and rifles, having been completely outnumbered and with withering fire being brought to bear on its position from three sides, the Company sustained heavy casualties. Major Sharma understood the gravity of the situation as well as the imminent threat to both Srinagar town and the airfield. He rushed across the open ground to his sections, exposing himself to enemy fire. He also laid out panels to guide IAF aircraft to their targets. When heavy casualties significantly weakened the firing power of the Company, Major Sharma, with his right hand in plaster, started loading light machine gun magazines for his troops. However, a mortar shell explosion killed him. But Major Sharma’s company held onto its position and the remnants withdrew only when almost completely surrendered. His inspiring example had resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours. Thus gaining time for reinforcements to get into position at Hum Hom to stem the tide of the enemy advance. His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy outnumbering them by seven to one for six hours, one hour after this gallant officer had been killed. His last message to Brigade HQ, received a few moments before he was killed, "The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered . We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round." His answer has now become a part of the army lore. Besides Major Sharma, one JCO and 20 other ranks were martyred in the battle of Budgam. Major General Amarnath Sharma received India’s first and highest war-time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, on behalf of his brave son. To commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by Major Sharma, a memorial was made at New air field Srinagar on November 3, 2004. Every year, Late Major Sharma is remembered on this day for his bravery and supreme sacrifice for the nation. |
|
|
|
Minister only
authority of sanctioning timber to mosques Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 3: Forest Protection Force (FPF) has seized 200 cubic foot of freshly felled green divdar timber from a sawmill at Delina in Baramulla district today. Meanwhile, Minister of Forest, Qazi Mohammad Afzal, has issued orders that nobody other than the Minister incharge would be the sanctioning authority of timber for places of worship like mosques, temples, Gurudwaras and shrines in the State. Informed sources revealed to the EXCELSIOR that on the basis of a specific information available with Joint Director FPF Kashmir, a squad of FPF, headed by Deputy Director Baramulla Mohammad Maqbool Rather and Inspector Jehangir, conducted a raid on Shagoo Timber Traders at Delina on Srinagar-Baramulla Road at 1630 hours today. Even as the sawmill owners ran away and were absconding till late tonight, the FPF squad recovered 6 freshly felled logs of divdar as also a large quantity of the illicit timber already sawn. JD FPF Kashmir, Liaquat Ali Dar, confirmed that his force raided the sawmill and recovered 200 cft of illegally felled and transported divdar. He said that on the instructions of the Forest Minister, entire quantity of the timber was seized and the sawmill was sealed. He said that a case was being registered under Forest Act and action against the guilty was being initiated against the timber smugglers under PSA. He said that FPF would investigate how the quantity of timber, felled in violation of all laws including a Supreme Court of India ban, had been grounded and transported from a forest compartment to Delina. Meanwhile, Minister of Forest and Environment, Qazi Mohammad Afzal, said that he had taken strong notice of the transportation of 300 cft of fir from compartment No: 31-Raithan to Parneewah near Budgam. He said that Minister of Transport and MLA of Khansahib, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, spoke to him over telephone and sought release of the seized truck and timber as, according to Mr Hakeem, it had been carried for renovation of a gutted mosque at Dreygam. As already reported in this newspaper, FPF had seized the timber with a tipper at Parneewah in Budgam after noticing that the driver had driven past the FPF checkpost at Bugroo and tried to escape when two officials of Pirpanjal Division, who were escorting the tipper from behind, vanished into darkness. Qazi Afzal said that it were the people of Parneewah village who helped FPF squad in seizing the tipper and the timber. He said that a thorough investigation would find whether the timber had been sanctioned in favour of the mosque at Dreygam by the competent authority or the same was being smuggled. He confirmed that there were standing orders of the Government that any vehicle carrying timber between dusk and dawn would be treated as illegal. He said the inquiry would find why the timber was being carried by night when it was seized by FPF with the help of people. Qazi said that he was issuing orders that nobody other than the Minister incharge would be the competent authority for sanctioning timber to places of worship. It has been observed in over a dozen cases that when the timber was seized, certain people began to project that the same was "actually for a mosque". Meanwhile, residents of Dreygam told the EXCELSIOR that they were not aware of any sanction of timber for their village mosque. They complained that they had 5-year-old sanctions of 30 or 40 cft but Forest Department had never issued them timber. "If the seized timber was for our mosque, why was it being carried during night to Budgam, Hyderpora and Friends Enclave at Airport?", they asked. They said that carrying timber from "A" zone to "C" zone was "part of a largescale bungling, which they would expose soon". |
|
|
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) high command seems to be in favour of fielding BJP leader Ashok Khajuria for the post of State president in Jammu and Kashmir, for which election, if necessary, will be held on November 8. Authoritative sources said majority of party top brass has favoured Mr Khajuria as next party president in place of Dr Nirmal Singh, whose extended term has also expired. Mr Khajuria will file his nomination form on November 7. Election, if necessary, will be held on November 8. If no other party leader filed his papers, Mr Khajuria will be elected unopposed. Electoral college for president’s election comprised 42 votes. To file nomination papers, a party leader will need support of a minimum of 10 votes. Brij Lal Renwa, former BJP president of Punjab, will supervise the election. |
|
|
|
J&K sex racket case CHANDIGARH, Nov 3: A court, hearing the Jammu and Kashmir sex racket case, today directed the CBI to file replies by tomorrow on defence pleas to allow two of the accused to visit a temple and on that of seven others for being lodged in Srinagar jail during the trial period. The direction to CBI was given by District and Sessions Judge B S Mehndiratta, who adjourned the case till tomorrow after hearing arguments on the chargesheet against the accused person. Counsel for accused former BSF DIG K C Padhi and former Supreme Court Judge R P Sethi’s son Anil Sethi moved an application seeking permission to visit a temple at Hoshiarpur for few hours to pay obeisance. An another application was moved by seven other accused contending that they be lodged in the Srinagar jail during the trial period as they were finding it difficult to acclimatise themselves with the weather conditions here. They also said their near and dear ones and their lawyers had to spend huge amounts of money to come here to meet them. The judge directed the CBI to file its replies tomorrow. The CBI chargesheet presented before the court in the case is a coded form to prevent disclosure of names of witnesses. While the defence sought the copy of chargesheet in the coded form, the prosecution argued that the safety and security of the witnesses was paramount and cited an order of the High Court in Srinagar on witness protection. The prosecution argued that a court in Srinagar had earlier accepted the CBI application that chargesheet had been coded to protect the identity of witnesses. At the last hearing on October 12, the court had allowed nine of the accused to be shifted to Srinagar prison from October 14 to November two in view of Ramadan. However, four of the accused - Padhi, sitting MLAs Raman Mattoo and Ghulam Ahmed Mir and Sethi preferred to stay back at Burail Jail here. A mild flutter was caused outside the court premises after one of the accused Sabina started using abusive language against media persons waiting outside the other accused persons were boarding the police bus which was to take them to Burail Jail. Of the total 14 accused in the case, one Iqbal Khandey, a bureaucrat, is on interim bail. The Supreme Court on September four had transferred the cases of 14 accused from Srinagar to Chandigarh for trial after they were chargesheeted by the CBI. The accused included Sabina’s husband Abdul Rashid Mullha. (PTI) |
|
|
|
From 6 HIV +ve in
2001 to 200 in 2006 By Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Nov 3: AIDS, a deadly disease till recently confined to metro cities, is fast spreading in this region of the State taking even housewives and children in its grip. From six HIV positive patients in 2001, the number has crossed 200 in 2006 till October, according to official figures. The number of HIV patients in Jammu region alone is more than Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab, three North Indian States. In 2001, there were only six HIV positive patients in Jammu, all of whom were male. The number went upto 138 in 2002—94 male and 44 females. In 2003, there were 164 HIV positive patients including 99 male and 65 females. The number of AIDS patients stood at 175 in 2004—115 male and 60 females while in 2005, 181 AIDS patients were registered, 112 of whom were male and 69 females. In 2006, the number of patients upto October has crossed 200. "Presently, there are 115 AIDS patients getting treatment in Government Medical College, Jammu. About 30 of them were women, mostly housewives and 18 children", a senior doctor in Medicines Department of the GMC Jammu told the Excelsior. He said the children under treatment are between the age group of 1 to 8. Housewives and children had acquired infection from their husbands and parents respectively, the doctor said. Figures revealed that since 2001, about 1200 patients have been tested HIV positive in Jammu. According to the senior doctor, AIDS patients are admitted depending upon their condition. Majority of them are given drugs and advised to take them in their house. AIDS patients presently didn’t need isolation as used to be the case earlier. AIDS patients in Jammu region mostly belonged to rural areas. Though their names and residential address are recorded, their identity is not revealed. The patients under treatment presently include drivers and conductors, small time workers from Jammu, who had been working in different companies in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and security personnel. "Presently 115 AIDS patients are receiving treatment and availing nearly free of cost drugs at HIV AIDS Clinic in the GMC Jammu’s OPD and follow up clinic every week. The treatment is given at Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centre, which are being run by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)", sources said. Barring CD4T Cell, all tests required for HIV positive patients are being conducted in the GMC Jammu. Equipments required for conducting CD4T Cell tests are also expected to reach the hospital shortly under ART scheme. With availability of treatment and awareness among the people, survival rate among the AIDS patients is also increasing rapidly. "A HIV positive woman, who is a Government employee and hails from a village near Satwari is surviving for last 8 years. She had come when the disease was at initial stage", Dr Annil Mahajan, who has been treating a number of AIDS patients, added. Dr Rattan Kudiyar, HoD Medicines, GMC Jammu is Incharge and Nodal Officer of HIV/ART Centre in Jammu, which was treating the AIDS patients. |
|
|
|
CM's pvt office to function in Srinagar Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Nov 3: About 2000 persons including delegations and individuals have approached the private office of the Chief Minister during October, 2006 for redressal of their collective and individuals grievances. This was stated by Ajaz Ahmed Kakroo, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister who is heading the Private Office at Srinagar. Mr. Kakroo informed that with a view to provide quick and effective response to the people of the Valley while facing hardships during the ensuring winter months, the private office at Srinagar will be open to public on all working days. The people have been requested to approach the private office for redressal of their grievances either in person or on telephone. It was also mentioned that the schedule of the public hearings to be held by the Chief Minister at Srinagar and other district Head-quarters to take stock of the developmental works, functioning of Administration and on-the-spot redressal of the grievances of the people shall be notified from time to time. |
|
|
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 3: The State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) today arrested Executive Engineer, Special Sub Division Bandipora, Abdul Aziz Kashmiri for misappropriation of lakhs of rupees in purchase of GI pipes and pipe fittings. A Vigilance handout said the engineer had drawn more than Rs 72 lakh, mostly against fraud bills in March 2006. Entire material was shown purchased and received in the Stores and fraud entries were made in the records, it added. Investigations by the SVO revealed that Aziz Kashmiri in connivance with two suppliers Naseer Ahmed Mir and Ghulam Nabi Tantray and store-keeper Saif-ud-Din had manipulated records and embezzled huge sum. Investigations also revealed that very small quantity of GI pipes and pipe fittings had actually been received in the stores. Supplier Nasir Ahmed Mir and store-keeper Saif-ud-Din were arrested a few days back. The Executive Engineer was absconding and was arrested today. Another supplier Ghulam Nabi Tantray is still absconding. |
|
|
|
Panch held for selling forest land Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 3: Tightening noose around the persons involved in the encroachment and subsequent selling of the Forest Department land in Bathindi area, police today arrested Panch of the Bathindi Panchayat and launched hunt for a property dealer. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu Mukesh Singh said that Forest Department lodged a complaint with Bathindi Police that some persons have encroached upon forest land and sold the same to a property dealer of the area for developing a residential colony. Subsequently, a police party headed by Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) East Mamta Sharma and Incharge Police Post Bathindi Sub-Inspector Shakti Sharma started investigations and came to know that Panch of the Bathindi Panchayat Fateh Hussain was involved in the encroachment of the Forest Department land. After thorough investigations, a raid was conducted and the Panch got arrested. During questioning, the arrested Panch revealed that he had encroached upon 200 kanals of the Forest Department land in Bathindi area in the past and recently sold the same to a renowned property dealer of the area Choudhary Harun at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore. When the police team visited the said land, they noticed labourers engaged in cutting trees and removing bushes to pave the way for the construction of a residential colony. The work was immediately stopped and a hunt was launched to nab the property dealer. Soon after getting information about the police raid, the property dealer went underground and could not be arrested till late this evening. Police has registered a case under Section 447-A (encroachment of Forest/Government land) and 6/39 Forest Act at Bathindi Police Post. It is worthwhile to mention here that for the past five months maximum number of land grabbing cases have been registered in Jammu City East areas comprising of Narwal, Bathindi, Sunjuwan and Sainik Colony. |
|
|
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Nov 3: A Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was gunned down by security forces and police in an encounter at Sangiot in Mendhar tehsil this evening. Official sources said Army, police and 150 CRPF launched a joint search operation at Sangiot this afternoon after getting an information about the presence of two militants in the area. This evening, one militant identified as Abu Asrar of LeT was killed. One AK-47 rifle, two magazines and two hand grenades were recovered from him. Security personnel didn’t suffer any casualties in the operation. Sources said searches will be resumed tomorrow morning to eliminate or apprehend the second ultra. CRPF team in the operation was led by Deputy Commandant Sham Chand De.
Two of family killed in mishap Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 3: Two members of a Jammu based family were killed and three others, were injured, two of them critically when a car in which they were travelling hit a scooter coming from the opposite direction and rolled down into a ditch. The accident took place at Madhopur bridge near Lakhanpur. Jagmohan Vaid son of Rattan Chand of Trikuta Nagar and his sister in law Renu Gupta wife of Vinod Gupta, resident of Subash Nagar were killed in the accident while as Vinod Gupta son of Om Prakash, Menu Vaid wife of Jagmohan Vaid and Pardeep Gupta son of Chajju Ram of Trikuta Nagar received severe injuries. According to report, Jagmohan Vaid along with other family members were going to Delhi in a car bearing registration number 3078-JK02AB. As the vehicle reached near end of the Madhopur bridge, a speedy scooter hit the car. After hitting the scooter, driver lost control of the vehicle which fell into a ditch. As the ill-fated car bearing Jammu and Kashmir number, police party from Lakhanpur led by SHO Lakhanpur rushed to the spot. Two inmates of the vehicles died on the spot while as other three were taken to the Pathankote Hospital. Two of the injured Vinod Gupta and Pardeep were later shifted to Government Medical College, Jammu for advanced treatment. Govt
plans to involve pvt security agencies
in NEW DELHI, Nov 4: With terrorism posing a real-time threat, Government today said it was planning to rope in the services of around 50 lakh private security guards in the country for information gathering to boost its intelligence network. Terrorist attacks can be prevented only by gathering information about their activities beforehand and "actionable intelligence was not easily available" at the moment, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said here. "We need to know when something is going to happen and where it is going to happen. It is only intelligence that can help and in this context the services of private detectives and security agencies will be useful," he added. Terrorists have succeeded in creating a "fear psychosis" among the people even though the number of incidents have not gone up and it was not possible for the police and the armed forces to provide adequate security to everyone, he said. At present, there are about 50 lakh private security guards in the country, more than double the number of police personnel, and the intention behind bringing the Private Security Agencies Bill last year was to encourage them to make available their services to the people besides regulating the agencies, he added. Patil was speaking after inaugurating a two-day national conference on security and intelligence organised by the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) and the Association of Private Detectives of India (APDI). "Terrorists are trying to create an impression in our minds that we are all insecure...The fact of the matter is that incidents have come down but the terror quantum has gone up. We will have to control this," Patil said. Favouring utilisation of the services of private security guards and detectives, he said most of them are former militarymen and "when we could rely upon them when they were in the forces, why can’t we do it now." "Earlier, the state was expected to provide security to the people. Now it is realised that it was not possible to provide enough security to all. That is why attempts are also being made to strengthen civil defence," he added. He, however, asked private security and detective agencies to practise self-regulation and warned them that the Government would be duty-bound to take action against those who misuse the power. "It is up to you to decide whether you are a force, industry or service. I would say that private detective and security agencies should be a combination of all the three elements" so that you can be useful to the people of the country, he said. "You have to conduct in such a manner that the Act is not misused and put public to inconvenience," he added. He said the government was in the process of drafting a bill to regulate private detective agencies on the lines of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act. (PTI) 200 kg RDX, 61 detonators recovered JAMMU, : In a pre-dawn operation, security forces today unearthed a large quantity of explosive material and devices, including 200 kg of RDX powder and 61 detonators, from a militant hideout in Ramban tehsil of Doda district, official sources said. On specific information, security forces raided a militant hideout at Beuoni in Sumber area, about 20 km from Ramban, and recovered 200 kg RDX, 61 detonators, three timer pins and 500 gm each of some (unidentified) chemical besides other material, Senior Superintendent of Police (Ramban) Basant Kumar Rath told UNI. The hideout, according to sources, was of Pakistan backed Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, which is active in the area. There was no report of any arrests made in this regard as yet, while a search operation was on in the area, the sources added. (UNI) |
|
|
|
