Daily Excelsior....News Page

Hizb: He is our militant's relative, not a militant himself
Captured 'militant' says he did it for Hizbul Mujahideen

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

PULWAMA, Nov 11: Even as Hizbul Mujahideen today denied that the youth captured by residents of Tahab on Friday was a militant of that organisation, 22-year-old Ghulam Nabi Mir alias Shora of Littar confessed in Army's custody before media that he had thrown the grenade on the Bareilvi cleric, Maulana Abdur Rasheed Dawoodi, on the direction of an upper ground activist, Gulzar Ahmed Mir alias Nikka Mir of Chowdhary Gund. As already reported, 5 youngsters had got killed and 60 others had sustained injuries in the explosion that sent shockwaves throughout Kashmir valley yesterday. Meanwhile, statements of condemnation are pouring in from all quarters and Pulwama-Pakahrpora belt of south Kashmir observed a shutdown in protest against this act of sectarian terrorism.

As exclusively reported by EXCELSIOR in today's edition, outraged residents of Tahab had captured Ghulam Nabi Mir alias Shora S/o Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir R/o Littar, Pulwama, immediately after the blast on Friday and later handed him over to troops of Rashtriya Rifles 55 Bn with the complaint that he had thrown the grenade on the Bareilvi cleric and the crowd of his followers at Jamia Masjid.

Commander of Army's 70-Infantry Brigade, Brig G S Katoch, produced the captured youth, Ghulam Nabi Mir alias Shora, before mediapersons at the Headquarters of RR 55 Bn and claimed that none other than him had lobbed the grenade. He described Shora as a labourer and said that his maternal uncle, Abdur Rasheed Ganai alias Ashfaq of Wachi, was a top wanted commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. He said that facing the depletion of its trained and regular cadres, Hizbul Mujahideen had been engaging 'irregulars' for throwing grenades on its combat and civilian targets since earlier this year.

Brig Katoch said that the common people had begun to realise the futility of the gun culture and they were now empowered enough to capture armed militants. He said that Shora was the second Hizbul Mujahideen militant captured by the people and handed over to the authorities in Pulwama district in the last few weeks. He claimed that the 'irregular militant' confessed to his active involvement in certain acts of terrorism and a live grenade was recovered on his identification of the spot from his residential village today. "He would have thrown yet another grenade somewhere and left more people dead and wounded", Brig Katoch said and showered praise on the 'courage' shown by the people of Tahab. He said that the youth would be handed over to Police in the next 24 hours.

Brig Katoch claimed that militant outfits had engaged a number of youngsters for 'temporary tasks' and as many as 27 boys had, of late, disappeared in Pulwama district alone. He said that Shora had close contact with the Nikka Mir, who had been running a tea stall at Chowdhry Gund, and the Hizb "District Commander" Abdur Rasheed Ganai alias Ashfaq of Wachi and "Battalion Commander" Rayees Ahmed Dar alias Rayees Kachru of Punjgam. He said that he had been arrested once earlier and a large quantity of arms and ammunition had been recovered from him but later he had been released.

On this occasion, Shora admitted that he had been hired by the Hizb upper ground worker, Nikka Mir, and given the task of lobbing a grenade on Maulana Dawoodi at Tahab. He revealed that he had received the cash payment of Rs 1,000 for this deadly task. He said that he had been captured by a group of 50 to 60 people, beaten up mercilessly, kept in confinement for hours and ultimately handed over to Army. He disclosed that on one occasion his captors decided to set him on fire. However, a Naib Subedar of 162-Territorial Army, Mushtaq Ahmed alias Ashfaq of Zasu, who had surrendered in 1995 after working as "District Commander" for Hizbul Mujahideen for several years, came to his rescue and took his custody from the people.

"I beg for mercy. I have done a mistake", said the bearded youth with tell-tale signs of physical torture on his body and outfits.

Seeking to discredit Police and Army claims, Hizbul Mujahideen spokesman Junaidul Islam claimed in a statement to local news agencies that Shora was not even remotely connected to militancy. He admitted that he was the nephew of a Hizbul Mujahideen commander and claimed that he was not himself a militant. The Hizb spokesman said that a National Conference activist, Farooq Ahmed Ganai, captured the youth on the basis of "enmity and vengeance". He claimed that some people had told Ganai that he had not thrown the grenade but he did not relent and held him captive.

The Hizb spokesman put the blame of yesterday's blast on the armed forces agencies and claimed that his organisation did not believe in striking on civilians. He said it was "an anti-Islam and anti-movement act" and called for a fair investigation into the whole episode by international human rights bodies. He said that the people, who had attacked Maulana Dawoodi in Pinglena on September 16th, were "identified and known to everybody" and attempts of dragging Hizbul Mujahideen into the controversy were "aimed at defaming" the militant organisation.

Police records, meanwhile, revealed that then a Harkatul Mujahideen militant, Rameez Ahmed Malla of Littar, and a top wanted Pakistani militant, Abu Azaan, had escaped in injured condition in an encounter with Police and security forces at Nulai Poshwari in Pulwama district in June 2005. Later, Police arrested Rameez from Bone & Joint Hospital Barzulla. During interrogation, he revealed that before going to the hospital for treatment, he had kept his AK-56 rifle in the custody of his friend and fellow villager, Ghulam Nabi Mir alias Shora. When Shora was arrested, he disclosed that he had passed on the gun to his uncle Ashfaq.

Rameez was detained under PSA but a Court quashed his detention order. He returned to Hizbul Mujahideen in a few days of his release. Shora was also released. Their associate, Imran Ahmed Bhatti alias Abu Azaan of Multan, got killed alongwith a Muzaffarabad-based militant and two more---Yaqoob Bhat of Ladi, Imam Sahib, and Mudassar Ahmed of Kenihama---in an encounter with Gujarat Police in February this year.

Meanwhile, entire south Kashmir belt between Tahab and Pakharpora today observed total shutdown to register a strong protest against the grenade blast that left 5 youngsters dead and 60 others injured on Friday. The bandh was spontaneous and no organisation had given a call. At Tahab, people took out a procession and demanded severe punishment to the killer. While almost all the political and religious organisations have condemned this incident, some of the second-rung mainstream and separatist politicians visited the outraged village and expressed their sympathies with the bereaved families. DC Pulwama, Meraj Ahmed Kakroo, paid cheques of ex-gratia relief to the bereaved families while an official handed over the same to three of the injured victims at SKIMS.

Meanwhile, a civilian driver of a Tata Sumo, hired by troops of RR 32 Bn, namely Bashir Ahmed Khan S/o Mohammad Sultan Khan, has succumbed to injuries. As already reported, his vehicle, carrying troops, had been ambushed by militants at Rawuchh, Rafiabad, in Baramulla district last night and he had sustained injuries in the shootout. Residents today put up a strong demonstration against security forces with the allegation that they had hired Khan forcibly and fired upon him after the shootout. Under public pressure, Police have registered a murder case and mentioned the troops as accused.

A Defence spokesman maintained that Khan sustained injuries in crossfiring. He said that troops did not suffer any casualty.

4 militants awarded over 22 years RI

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 11: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu, Subhash Chander Gupta today awarded 22 years and six month rigorous imprisonment to four militants, working at the instance of ISI of Pakistan, namely Altaf Ahmed, Mohd Azad, Jahangir Hussain, Ikhtiar Ahmed all residents of Village Fazalabad, Tehsil Surankote District Poonch and declared Janat Gul Commander Hizbul Mujahideen of Pakistan and Khalid Javid of Surankote as absconders while initiating proceedings u/s 512 CrPC against them.

According to the prosecution case, the accused Jahangir Hussain had hired a room in village Fazalabad in Tehsil Surankote, where some arms and ammunition were dumped. Accused Altaf Hussain, Mohd Azad, Ikhtiar Ahmed and Jahangir Hussain were in league with each-other and were involved in terrorist activities.

On receipt of this information, the FIR was registered and the house of Jahangir was raided. In a moment, a blast took place inside the room and three persons who tried to run away from the house, were injured. These persons were apprehended identified as Altaf Ahmed, Mohd Azad and Ikhtiar Ahmed and were taken to Surankote.

On the search of the room, explosive material was recovered. The accused were interrogated, during the interrogation, they disclosed the involvement of accused Jahangir Hussain, Khalid Javid and Janat Gul, Commander HM. Accused Bashir Ahmed was also apprehended and a paper slip having some endorsement of Zabir Aslam Commander Harkat-ul-Ulmas was recovered from the possession of accused Mohd Azad. Accused Altaf Ahmed made a disclosure which led to the recovery of rocket MD/107 M.

All the accused were sent to interrogation and during interrogation, it was revealed that they were involved in the FIR 182/1999 and 15 of 1999. Accused Mohd Azad disclosed that he had obtained Rs 10,000/- from Janat Gul Commander HM for causing blast in Surankote which has been deposited in the bank, which was also seized.

The Judge after hearing Public Prosecutor E A Tak appearing for the State and Advocate Mohd Aslam Bhat appearing for the accused persons, observed that with the voluntary confession of guilt made by the accused, it is amply proved that the accused were in possession of explosive material and were preparing the explosive devices meant for destabilizing the Govt of J&K established by law, and were working at the instance of ISI (Intelligence Agency of Pakistan). The offences u/s 3 Enemy Agent Ordinance, 7/25 Arms Act and 120-B RPC were proved against the accused Altaf Ahmed, Mohd Azad Jahangir Hussain and Ikhtiar Ahmed. Accordingly, the accused persons were convicted for the commission of offences punishable under the sections mentioned above.

The Court after looking to the facts and the circumstances of the case, considered seven years and nine months rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 5000/- u/s 3 EAO, rigorous imprisonment for seven years and fine Rs 2000/- for the offence 7/25 Arms Act and rigorous imprisonment of seven years nine months u/s 120-B RPC sufficing to meet the end of justice.

Accordingly, accused Altaf Ahmed, Mohd Azad, Jahangir Hussain and Ikhtiar Ahmed were sentenced to undergo these rigorous imprisonment. The Court further ordered that all the sentences shall run-concurrently.

Violence, progress can't go together: Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

Kishtwar, Nov 11: Saying that gun culture and development have no relation in the civilized and high-valued society, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that peace is the only medium to realize goal of prosperity and equitable development of the State.

Addressing a mammoth gathering at a function held here, the Chief Minister said that permanent rooting of peace is a must to place the State in the orbit of safety, development and well-being.

The function, organized by Islamia Faridia Education and Research Institute Kishtwar on its annual day, was attended by a large crowd of the area including scholars, teachers, students, prominent citizens and management of the institution.

Spelling out high principles of Islam with regard to respecting fundamentals of humanity and each others faith, the Chief Minister said that some elements have brought bad image to this great religion by letting loose violence for their vested interests. He said time is ripe enough that Islamic scholars should propagate Islamic teachings in its true spirit and clear doubts from the minds of other communities created by some misguided elements.

He said the State of Jammu and Kashmir has been an abode of great saints, sufis and mahatmas and a beacon light of secular temperament, amity, brotherhood and co-existence since ages. "This treasure has to be preserved and enriched for generations to come".

Mr. Azad while laying emphasis on curbing of violence all together from the State, asked the people to rise to the occasion as a force against violence and reject all its forms at all levels. "How long we can see our children falling prey to bullets, sisters becoming widows and young buds orphan. Enough is enough, we have to protect the future of State and pull the society out of miseries, hardships, harrassment and agony let loose by militants", he maintained. He said security forces and police alone cannot end the violence, collective public resentment against killing of innocents need to be further strengthened and expressed openly.

The Chief Minister said that there are very cordial relations between the State and the Central Governments, adding that UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh are taking keen interest in the speedy development of Jammu and Kashmir and providing liberal assistance for the purpose. "We should avail ourselves of this golden opportunity to make Jammu and Kashmir a well developed modern state in all spheres".

Mr. Azad referred to the historic initiatives taken by the State and Central Governments particularly during the past one year for strengthening peace and dialogue process.

The Chief Minister said that the Government has not only implemented Wazir Commission recommendations but gone far ahead and created eight new districts, three sub-divisions and 13 tehsils to accommodate aspirations of people of all areas. He said that the new administrative units including district at Kishtwar would start functioning from next financial year.

On overall integrated development of Doda district, Mr. Azad said that an amount of Rs. 10718 crore is being spent in this district out of Prime Minister’s reconstruction plan. The prestigious and high public utility projects under the programme included Bursar and Baglihar hydel projects, construction of approach road to Sawalakote hydel project, upgradation of Batote-Doda-Thathri-Symthantop road and Kishtwar and Bhaderwah tourism development authorities. He said that the matter would be taken up with the Central Government for constructing tunnel at Chingam Chatroo.

Mr. Azad lauded the management of Islamia Faridia Education and Research Institute, which was established 101 years ago for providing quality education. He also laid stress on imparting moral education along with scientific knowledge so that holistic personality development of youth is ensured.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated multi-purpose hall at the institute and assured consideration for opening of BCA and BBA classes in the institution.

Mr. Azad also visited Adarsh Balniketan High School at Kishtwar and addressed there a largely attended gathering on its annual day function.

The Chief Minister highlighting inculcation of value based education among students said that character building alongwith acquiring excellence in science and technology should be basic aim of education. He reminded people of high traditions of brotherhood, co-existence, secular temperament and amity state has remained epitome of and said that district Doda possesses rich pluralistic cultural ethos.

The Chief Minister also announced Rs. 10 lakh each for Islamia Faridia Education and Research Institute and Adarsh Balniketan High School Kishtwar.

Mr. Azad was honoured by Dastarbandi at Islamia Faridia Education and Research Institute.

Earlier, on reaching Kishtwar this morning, Mr. Azad paid obeisance at the ziarats of Shah Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi and Shah Asrar-ud-Din Sahib and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State. He said that accommodation for pilgrims would be established at both the ziarats at Kishtwar on the pattern of Shahdara Sharief.

Chairman State Social Welfare Board G. M. Saroori also spoke at the function at Islamia Faridia Education and Research Institute and dwelt on the measures being taken by the Government for putting development of Doda district on fast track.

Chairman Auqaf Islamia Kishtwar Tanveer Ahmed Kichloo in his welcome address spelt out the measures taken for ensuring excellence in education in the institute and its futuristic agenda.

Among those present on the occasion were Sajad Ahmed Kichloo MLA, Brij Mohan Sharma MLC, President Municipal Committee Kishtwar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pramod Jain and Deputy Commissioner Doda Dr. Pawan Kotwal.

FPF complains police part of timber mafia
Police ASI thrashes FPF Inspector past midnight

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 11: Roughed up and held by two Police parties over the seizure of a truckload of illicit walnut timber in a midnight operation, Forest Protection Force (FPF) officials have complained to higher authorities that the staff of Police Stations of Budgam and Khansahib was part of the timber mafia in areas falling under the jurisdiction of Pir Panjal Forest Division. They have complained that two Police parties not only disrupted their seizure of a truckload of walnut timber but also hijacked the truck and roughed up the FPF squad officials in Budgam.

Informed sources disclosed to the EXCELSIOR that Minister of Forest & Environment, Qazi Mohammad Afzal, today received a written complaint from Joint Director of FPF, Kashmir Division, Liaquat Ali Dar, seeking urgent action against the officials of Police Stations of Budgam and Khansahib for allegedly preventing FPF squads from discharging their duties. It has been complained to the Minister that during the night intervening November 9th and 10th, a FPF squad of Budgam Unit, headed by Inspectors Imtiyaz Ahmed Bhat and Noman Ahmed, intercepted a Tata-407, bearing registration No: JKE-3104, at FPF checkpost Bugroo on Budgam-Khansahib Road.

According to the complaint, a Forester of PP Division Budgam was spotted escorting the truck laden with illicit walnut timber in Tata-Sumo JK04-4223. When the driver, namely Nazir Ahmed Wani of Kremshore, was asked for documents and permission for carrying the illicit timber by night, he pleaded that he had been hired by officials of PP Division Budgam and asked to deliver the timber at the residence of a Forest Officer at Barzullah. He told the FPF party that he was not carrying any documents.

While none other than Divisional Commissioner is competent authority for issuing permission for felling of a walnut tree in very special circumstances, the timber can not be carried without a proper permission from the Forest authorities. Besides, carriage of any kind of timber, legal or illegal, with or without permission, from evening to morning is banned in the State.

As the vehicle, laden with the illicit timber, which had successfully crossed two checkposts of PP Division, was seized and its driver taken into custody, suddenly a 6-member Police party, headed by SHO Khansahib, reached the spot. It insisted that the FPF can not seize the truck in Khansahib area and made sustained attempts to take the seized truck and timber back to Khansahib.

The crisis was resolved when Director FPF Vinod Ranjan and JD FPF Kashmir, Liaquat Ali Dar, complained the matter over telephones from Jammu to SSP Budgam, Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari. "Subsequently, the truck was allowed to go by incharge Chowki Officer (Khansahib) himself at about 1.00 a.m. night. But, interesting part is that when the truck reached Budgam, incharge ASI Police Post Budgam, alongwith 4 armed gunmen and Munshi, stopped the truck, who were waiting for it, which appears that the message has been passed to him either by Forester or by the incharge Police Post Khansahib himself", reads the complaint.

According to the complaint, the officer of Budgam Police Station hijacked the truck, parked it at Police Station and he thrashed the FPF Inspector and one of his forest guards, all in uniform. When all arguments and attempts to seek release of the truck failed, JD Kashmir called the SSP at 2.00 a.m in the night. The complaint, restricted to officials of the two Police Stations, is all praise for SSP Budgam, Ashiq Hussain Bukhari "who gave a positive response and helped us in releasing this truck from the Police officials of Budgam, who, otherwise, were bent upon to keep this vehicle in their campus".

JD FPF Kashmir confirmed that he has sought immediate removal and suspension of the Police officials, who, according to him, appeared to be part of the timber mafia and were repeatedly interfering with the operations of his organisation against the timber smugglers. Deputy Director FPF Budgam, Qamar-ud-din, said that last week his squad had faced a tough time in seizing and carrying a truckload of illicit fir of 300 cft to PC Depot Srinagar. He too said that his organisation can not function an inch in absence of "extremely nice and cooperative SSP Mr Bukhari".

SSP Budgam confirmed that he had to intervene at 2.00 a.m in the night in the release of the truck. He said that SHO Budgam had told him that Police had actually done the duty of seizing the illicit timber and truck. He said that he would look into the matter in detail and initiate stringent action against his subordinate officials if they were found to have disrupted a genuine operation of the FPF.

Jawans ready for blizzard winter in Siachen

SIACHEN GLACIER , Nov 11: As Indo-Pak political leaders inch towards efforts to demilitarise the world’s highest battlefield, Indian soldiers on the battlefront prepare themselves for another harsh winter.

The 72 km-long Siachen Glacier, where the mercury dips to sixty degrees below freezing and the annual cumulative snowfall is 10 to 15 meters long is an issue which is likely to figure in the Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary-level talks starting in the capital on Tuesday.

While the two countries have come to a broad consensus

On demilitarizing the glacier, the hitch remains on modalities for putting in a monitoring mechanism to ensure that neither side surreptitiously re-occupies these heights.

Unmindful of these parleys, for the soldiers guarding icy heights ranging from 6000 to 7000 metres, it is business as usual to mount a vigil on the glacier.

"We are fighting two enemies. Weather conditions are more of an enemy than the real enemy," Commander of the Siachen Brigade Brigadier Om Prakash told a group of visiting journalists here.

Apart from stockpiling of boots, warm clothes, special ration like dry fruits and juice, soldiers are readying themselves with training on ice-craft, how to operate weapons and survival technique for extreme conditions. Besides, they are being trained how to spend longer periods in fibre glass huts, bunkers, ice caves and ice tunnels.

"Seventy nine per cent posts of our brigade are located above 16,000 feet while the Bana post is located at a height of 21,753 feet. So you can well imagine the degree of difficulty," Brigadier Prakash said.

In such conditions, the most difficult task is to remain healthy and medically fit, combating the extremes of weather and terrain. After an arduous climb over hard ice which could extend up to 28 days, one gets to his home on the glacier for his tenure.

"But it cannot deter the blazing spirit of the soldiers of the Indian Army who brave these extreme vagaries of inclement weather and gruesome terrain and serve with a smile," Brigadier Prakash said.

Getting inducted into duty at the glacier is no mean task. One has to follow a proper stage-wise acclimatisation schedule and get used to the rarified atmosphere and dry climate of the area. This is followed up by specialised training at the Siachen Battle School on various aspects of life at the glacier.

There are several ailments which often strike the soldiers serving at high altitude areas. These include Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema, High Altitude Cerebral Oedema, besides others.

In such situations the sick soldier is evacuated immediately in special bags, called HAPO bag, with the help of Indian Air Force helicopters.

"Though we have high protein food, soldiers lose appetite. Besides they feel lonely. So we are constantly in touch with each of them, talk with them regularly, listen to their grievances and give them support to keep their morale high," Colonel Sunil Kumar NV of 5 Raj Rifles said.

Frequent visits by senior officers to the forward posts are also an important factor in ensuring the high morale of the troops.

"But despite all odds we are ‘Ajit hain, abheet hain’ (we are invincible and fearless,") Brigadier Prakash said. (PTI)

Drive against encroachers begins
45 kanals land worth Rs 3 cr evicted

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Nov 11: In first major operation to evict Government land from the encroachers following November 6 statement of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad that 13 lakh kanal Government land has been encroached in the State, Jammu Police today got about 40 to 45 kanals of land worth nearly Rs 3 crore vacated at Roop Nagar and arrested four land grabbers including a jeweller.

A concrete structure including two rooms and boundary wall etc. raised inside the land was demolished during the operation carried out jointly by police, Revenue authorities and Forest Department, SSP Jammu Mukesh Singh, who supervised the operation, said.

A specific information was developed by SP City (North) Sanjay Kotwal and SHO Janipura Inspector S S Bloeria that about 40 to 45 kanals of Government land in khasra No. 1189 having a market value of Rs 3 crore was being encroached upon about one km inside from the main road in Roop Nagar.

During secret investigations, police authorities verified the record with Forest and Revenue Departments. It was established during investigations and pursuing of the records that the land being encroached upon belonged to Forest Department.

At 11 am today, a joint team of police, Revenue and Forest Department launched an operation in the area and arrested a jeweller along with three criminals for encroachment of land. Another criminal, who was part of the land grabbers, was not present on the spot.

Construction raised at the encroached land was demolished by the police personnel. Entire 40 to 45 kanals of land has been evicted from the possession of land grabbers and restored to the State.

Revenue authorities on the spot were led by Tehsildar Jammu R C Misri.

Mr Kotwal identified the arrested persons as Parbhat Honda son of Shadi Lal Honda, a resident of Jhullaka Mohalla who runs a jewellery shop at Jain Bazaar, who was making construction at the plot, Mohinder Singh alias Deepu son of Pritam Singh, a resident of Bishnah, Atul Nagar alias Rinku son of Rajinder Nagar R/o Jhullaka Mohalla and Vishal Sharma alias Manu son of Ravi Kumar R/o Muthi.

Barring Honda, all three were criminals with whose muscle power, the land was being encroached upon, the SP City said, adding another criminal Pinku of Jhullaka Mohalla slipped away.

Mr Kotwal said Parbhat Honda told police that he had purchased land from Arun Arya and one Manhas, whose exact identity he didn’t recall. Police, however, maintained that entire land was Government land and it can’t be sold or purchased by any individual.

Police said National Conference leader Chander Mohan Sharma had also tried to encroach upon the same land earlier and when an attempt was made to get it vacated, Sharma got a stay which was subsequently vacated by the Court.

A case against all four persons arrested from the spot has been registered at Janipura police station for further investigations. More arrests will be made during further investigations of the case.

Drive against the land encroachments will be intensified in the days to come, the SSP Jammu said, adding all concerned police stations and police posts have been directed to identify the land encroached upon under their jurisdiction.

Soz takes up Hajis' issue with PM

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 11: Union Minister for Water Resources, Prof Saif-ud-din Soz has urged upon the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to accommodate all left out persons intending to go for Haj from Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof Soz, who met the Prime Minister last evening, had a discussion on how best to accommodate 6273 pilgrims more from Jammu and Kashmir. He explained to Dr Singh that out of the proposed allotment of 10,000 additional seats by the Saudi Arabian Government, accommodating 6273 aspiring pilgrims from Kashmir would be highly desirable.

The Prime Minister assured Prof Soz of his sympathetic consideration of the plea made for aspiring pilgrims from Kashmir and said that a method could be found to allot maximum number of seats to J&K, out of the quota available now with the Government. But Prof Soz emphasised strongly that out of the available quota, 6273 seats may be allotted to Kashmir, while rest of the seats be offered elsewhere.

Prof Soz had a round of discussions with Union Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahmed and Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel earlier and impressed upon them the need to accommodate all the intending pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir which happens to be the only Muslim majority State in the country and deserves special consideration.

Rubiyya case hearing on Dec 2

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: The TADA court here today adjourned till December 2 the hearing of the cases against Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leaders, including its supremo Mohammed Yasin Malik, recently-freed Bitta Karate, Javid Mir alias Nalka, Showkat Bakshi, Ali Mohd Mir, Manzoor Sofi, Mohd Rafiq alias Nanaji, Mehraj-ud-Din Sheikh and Javed Zargar.

Presiding Officer TADA Court, Wani ND part- heard the arguments on framing the charges in killing of five Air Force personnel at Batmaloo Srinagar in January 1990, besides their involvement in abduction of Rubiyya Sayeed.

The Court after hearing arguments in part, adjourned the case and fixed December 2 as next date of hearing.

In December 1989, according to the CBI, the accused, including JKLF chairperson Malik, kidnapped Dr Rubiyya Sayeed, daughter of former Chief Minister and the then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, while she was going to the Medical College Hospital in a matador.

For the release of Rubiyya, the State Government was compelled to release five hard-core JKLF militants.

The other case was murder of Air Force officials in Batmaloo (Srinagar) in January 1990.

Both the cases are still at the stage of framing charges for the last over 15 years.

3 AKs, 4 pistols seized

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Nov 11: Army and police today recovered a consignment of arms and ammunition including three AK rifles and four Chinese pistols during a search operation at village Kota in Mendhar tehsil of this district.

Recoveries made from a natural cave, being used by the militants as a hide-out, include three AK-47 rifles with three magazines and 840 rounds, four Chinese pistols with eight magazines and 30 rounds and some documents, official sources said.

Troops of 13 Sikh and SOG Mendhar carried out searches in the area but no arrests were made. Searches were on to nab the militants. The SOG Mendhar team in the operation was supervised by SHO Mendhar Inspector Brij Mohan Sharma.

Security forces recovered 15 kg explosive, four detonators, one Chinese hand grenade and Rs 2,000 Pak currency from Randhar, Ramsu in Ramban police district today.

Ultra beats-up SI, cop in jail

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: A Hizbul Mujahideen militant from Bhadarwah, Doda beat-up a Sub Inspector and a constable of Jail Security inside Kot Bhalwal jail before being taught a lesson by Jail Superintendent Sheikh Rashid. The militant was lodged back in the barrack.

Official sources said Showkat Ahmed, a Hizbul militant from Bhadarwah, who was "incharge" of vegetables was abused by the foreign mercenaries after they saw rotten vegetable being brought to the jail in a truck.

The mercenaries chased Showkat Ahmed, who came out of the barrack to meet the Superintendent. As he was being chased by foreign militants, Jail constable Darshan Lal on gate duty took time to open the gate. At this, Showkat slapped Darshan Lal.

Sub Inspector Romesh Chander, who came to the rescue of Darshan Lal was also beaten-up.

In the meantime, Jail Superintendent Sheikh Rashid rushed to the spot and taught a lesson to Showkat for beating-up jail staff. Showkat was sent back to the barrack.

Few days back, local and foreign militants had clashed inside Kot Bhalwal jail after the Jail Superintendent was held hostage by the latter. The local militants had rescued him.

Search engines to unearth tax evasions

BANGALORE, Nov 11: Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said innovative search engines were being created to mine information and unearth tax evaders.

Speaking at the inauguration of India’s first Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) here, he said limited information was coming in the way to reach tax evaders, but it would change. A group professionals was working on several innovative search engines, which would help in gaining information leading to unearthing of tax evaders, he added.

Chidambaram said a small number (of tax evaders) believe they are "clever" but that is no longer true. "We have more information than you (tax evaders) think we have".

The minister said the Government intends to open LTUs in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Out of this, he expects one or two to commence operations before March. There are 830 entities, which are eligible to join LTUs: 202 in Delhi, 282 in Mumbai, 132 in Chennai, 131 in Kolkata and 83 in Bangalore.

He said the cost of tax collection was the lowest in India at 0.67 per cent and expected it to drop to 0.64 per cent this year.

Chidambaram said it was necessary to bring about administrative and attitudinal changes and incorporate modern management principles into tax administration. "That’s what we are trying to do". There was a need to make the tax administration more friendly and helpful. The Finance Minister also said compliance was key to further tax reforms.

LTU officials said 31 out of 83 eligible large taxpayers have joined LTU here. The total tax revenue paid them in 2005-06 was Rs 1,464 crore. They said the figure was expected to go up to Rs 1,800 crore in the current fiscal. (PTI)

Terrorism to top agenda of Indo-Pak Fn Sec talks

NEW DELHI: Terrorism will top the agenda at the crucial round of the Foreign Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan to be held here on November 14-15.

Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon will meet his Pakistani counterpart Riaz Mohammad Khan for the dialogue which assumes special significance as it is being held after nearly a year.

The talks will also review the third round of the Composite Dialogue Process (CDP) and prepare a roadmap for future engagement.

The talks, scheduled to be held in July, were put on hold in view of the Mumbai bomb explosions which killed nearly 185 people. India says ISI was involved in the incident.

India will hand over ''some'' evidence about ISI involvement in the bomb explosions and has made it clear that it would put Pakistan to ''test'' how it cooperates in the fight against terrorism.

''We will only share information which requires line of investigation in Pakistan. A charge-sheet has to be filed first before the evidence is given,'' a senior official said while clarifying why only ''some' evidence would be given.

He, however, asserted that it did not mean that India did not have enough evidence. India had enough of it, he said.

''We wait to see how Islamabad fulfils its January 6, 2004, commitment about stopping the flow of terrorism from its soil,'' a senior official of the External Affairs Ministry said.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said ''terrorism is an important issue because earlier talks were suspended because of the public outrage after Mumbai blasts.''

''I would like that they should stick to the assurances (to check terrorism from their soil) which they have given,'' Mr Mukherjee told reporters on the sidelines of a conference here on Friday night.

Mr Mukherjee said the two sides would also discuss the setting up of the Joint Mechanism on Terrorism which was proposed at a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on the sidelines of the NAM summit in Cuba in September.

In Islamabad, a high-level inter-ministerial meeting was convened by the Foreign Ministry to review and finalise preparations for the peace dialogue.

The Pakistan Foreign Secretary will lead a nine-member delegation ''to discuss with his Indian counterpart the vital issues of peace and security as well as Jammu and Kashmir,'' a Pakistan High Commission official here said.

The Pakistani delegation will comprise senior Foreign Ministry officials including Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) M. Akhtar Tufail, Additional Secretary (UN) Tariq Osman Hyder, Director-General (South Asia Division) Jalil Abbas Jilani, spokesperson and Director-General (UN) Tasnim Aslam. Director (Kashmir Affairs) Mariam Aftab, Director (India) Irfan Ahmad and Director (Foreign Secretary's Office) Moin ul Haq.

The talks will also be Mr Menon's first meeting after his appointment as the Foreign Secretary. Prior to assuming charge as the Foreign Secretary, Mr Menon was India's High Commissioner in Pakistan.

The Pakistani delegation will arrive here tomorrow for the talks.

A senior official of the External Affairs Ministry said India believes the upcoming round of negotiations will be different in view of the circumstances under which these are being held after a year.

''It will be more than just a meeting. This is a round which is going to be different in view of the circumstances,'' the official said.

''Pakistan is to be seen implementing its commitment on terrorism, first made on January 6, 2004.''

The official maintained that India had ''credible'' evidence about Pak-based terror groups' involvement in terrorist incidents not just in Mumbai, but in other parts of the country.

''We will see what is the forward movement.''

''Let's see...We will put them to test,'' he said and added that India would not like to pre-judge what Pakistan would do.

''Our job is to get Pakistan to do something to stop terrorism. This is a central issue which must be addressed.''

Referring to the entire peace process with Pakistan, the official said it was a ''three-legged process.'' One was Pakistan's commitment about stopping the flow of terror from its soil, the second was the resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir and the third, attempt to build people-to-people contact which is more important than resolving disputes.

The third aspect would make relations much more comfortable between the two countries and their people.

To a question on India's reaction to terror outfits changing their names, the official said the main issue was terrorism. ''For us, terrorism is terrorism whether any group changes its name,'' he added. (UNI )

Army against vacating Siachen glacier

KUMAR POST (SIACHEN): Amidst talk of resolving the standoff between India and Pakistan on the world's highest battlefield, army officials guarding Siachen appear to be averse to demilitarising the glacier which they say is vital for defence purposes.

"We hold 12 tactically important peaks on the glacier. Besides we have the advantage in Nubra and Shyok valleys. If we vacate the glacier, it will weaken our position," Brigadier Om Prakash, the commander of the unit responsible for guarding Siachen, told a group of visiting journalists.

He said Siachen is vital for the defence of the Ladakh region and if the glacier is demilitarised, the enemy would be able to dictate terms to New Delhi in this strategic region.

"India's hold on Siachen is a great disadvantage to Pakistan and blunts its expansionist design," Prakash said.

Indian troops currently hold the Saltoro ridge that overlooks Pakistani positions, giving them a military advantage. It is, however, more difficult to supply the Indian positions, which are largely dependent on aerial support.

Since four of the world's eight highest peaks are located in this region, mountaineers from across the globe come there for expeditions and bring in foreign exchange for the country's exchequer. "Besides, the area is a 5,000 sq km water reservoir which no one can ignore," Prakash said.

New Delhi rushed troops to Siachen in 1984 following reports that Pakistan was allowing mountaineering expeditions to the glacier. Prakash said there is no sight of Pakistani forces in the vicinity of Siachen. "The Pakistanis are as far away as 20 km west of Siachen glacier. They don't even have a glimpse of the main glacier," he said.

Siachen is the world's largest glacier outside the polar region and the coldest battlefield.

Asked about the effect of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan which has been in effect on the glacier since late 2003, Prakash said the situation has improved to a great extent and the number of casualties has gone down. "Now we have casualties only due to weather conditions," he said.

An Englishman, W Moorcroft, was the first outsider to reach the region in 1820 while another traveller, Henry Starchy, was the first to explore the glacier in 1848. Major F N Workman and his wife stayed in the area for a long time in the 1910s, surveyed the glacier and named it Siachen.

In the local Ladakhi language Siachen means "place of roses", though there are no roses in sight. The first Indian expedition team to Siachen was led by an army man, Narendra Kumar, in 1978. When Pakistan sent in mountaineering expeditions, India sent an army team to hold the glacier on April 13, 1984.

Four days later, another army team was sent to the glacier, and since then the whole of Siachen has been under Indian troops.

The dispute over Siachen has its origin in the fact that the ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was not extended beyond the map coordinate NJ9842 up to the glacier in 1948. Since then, India and Pakistan have had differing positions on how the line should be extended. (PTI)

Cross-border infiltration this year
more than double than last year

New Delhi : Ahead of Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary level talks, infiltration remains a cause of worry for New Delhi as the number of infiltrators from Pakistan has been put at nearly 650 this year, more than double than last year.

The infiltrators, entering the valley mainly through Kupwara region in North Kashmir and Balakote in Jammu region, have cut the barbed wires at certain places, sources in the Union Home Ministry said.

At a recent meeting of Union Home Ministry officials with central security agencies and other central para military forces, inputs from various forward posts and those gathered through Technical Intelligence (TECHINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) were shared after which the figure of nearly 650 was arrived at, the sources said.

India's concern over infiltration would be shared with the visiting Pakistani delegation, the sources said.

Most of the militants who infiltrated are from Afghanistan and Pakistan while a small number of terrorists, mostly belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen, are Kashmiri.

Besides sneaking into the valley through traditional routes in Kupwara, the militants also used difficult terrain along the Razdan Pass in Gurez sector, they said.

In Jammu region, the militants entered into the state through Poonch and Mendhar sectors.

The infiltration figures last year stood at less than 200. (PTI)