Defence report blames Pak for supporting terrorism

NEW DELHI, Mar 20: Noting that there was a "marked deterioration" in the internal situation in Pakistan, India voiced fears that the growth of extremist violence there could fuel disturbances in this country.

"Rising instability" in India’s immediate neighbourhood "remains a matter of deep concern", the Defence Ministry said in its annual report released today.

Pointing out that the "the preceding year witnessed a series of developments which impinged directly on India’s security environment", it referred to the "deteriorating situation" in Pakistan, continued unrest in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka".

"There has been a marked deterioration in the internal situation in Pakistan, which has serious implications on overall stability and peace in the region.

Warning that "newer challenges" are being thrown up in the battle against terrorism within the country, the security projections says that instability in the neighbourhood could fuel disturbances in India.

The report said India wishes to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence, free from violence and terror with Pakistan and towards this end various confidence building measures were being worked out.

Turning to the situation within the country, the report said the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir was well under control though activities in the militancy-hit State continued to be supported and sponsored from across the border.

"The violence in the State had been brought down considerably by effective counter-infiltration operations along the LOC and sustained terrorist operations by the security forces in the hinterland", the report said.

On Sri Lanka, the report said recently there had been an increase in violence, tension and conflict in the country and India strongly believes there was no military solution to the problem in the island nation.

"What is required is a settlement of the political, constitutional and other issues within the framework of a United Sri Lanka, which addresses the concerns of all communities, especially the ethnic minority", the report said.

The reports also points out to the deterioration in the situation in Afghanistan with the continued resurgence of Taliban.

India has a vital stake in peace and stability in the country, the report said, adding New Delhi continued to support the process to help the country emerge as a stable democratic State.

On China, the report said India was following a policy of constructive engagement to resolve the long outstanding border dispute.(PTI)

CM, AAI team conduct on spot tour
New airports, modernisation on anvil

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Jammu & Kashmir is all set to have a massive facelift in Civil Aviation sector with all airports in the State being modernised and air connectivity extended to some new areas.

On the persuasion of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Airport Authority of India (AAI), is working on development of airports in the State on a fast track basis. Apart from building an international airport terminal at Srinagar, the AAI is also building new terminals and extending runways at Leh and Jammu. The extension of runway of Kargil airport and extension of Kishtwar air strip is also in the pipeline.

Mr Azad alongwith a high level team of AAI, led by its Chairman, Dr. K. Ramalingam, today visited Leh, Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu to review expansion and development projects of airports, besides flying over Kishtwar to make an aerial survey of the proposed airport.

Minister for Industries and Commerce, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Youth Services and Sports and Technical Education, Haji Nissar Ali, Executive Director (Planning), AAI, R. C. Chitkara, General Manager (ACCM), AAI, Harpal Singh and Director, Civil Aviation, J&K, S. Katoch also accompanied the Chief Minister.

Mr Azad also took meetings at Leh, Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu with the visiting Central team and local officers including Army, Air Force and civil administration and was briefed about the salient features of the expansion projects.

The day-long visit was concluded with a meeting at Jammu in which Chief Secretary, B. R. Kundal, GoC, 9 Corps, Lt. Gen. Vinay Sharma, AOC, J&K, Air Commodore A. K. Prasad, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Anil Goswami, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sudhanshu Pandey and other senior officers also participated.

Mr Azad and Mr. Ramalingam inspected pace of work on new terminal building at Srinagar airport. Total cost of the project is Rs. 101 crore. The airport will have integrated terminal building for domestic and international passengers. The international flights are scheduled to operate from the airport from this summer and the modernization project will be completed by May 31.

The new look airport will have two aero bridges initially whose number could be increased subsequently. The terminal building will handle 500 domestic and 450 international passengers at a given point. It will be first airport in the country to have inline baggage X-ray system. The terminal building comprised six sections and is spread over an area of 2 lakh square feet.

The Chief Minister asked the project executing agency, M/S Vij Construction Ltd. to speed up construction and do three shifts of work to meet the deadline of May 31 when the international airport will be inaugurated. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal, Director Airport Authority, Srinagar, Rakesh Kalra and senior civil officers were also present.  

The modernization of Leh airport is being done at a cost of Rs. 112 crore. The new terminal building is proposed to be an integrated structure to handle domestic and also international flights, if and when these operate from there. The airport will have two aero bridges. The apron work has been completed.

The Kargil airport is in for runway extension from present 6000 ft length to 7500 ft. Possibilities of a 19-seater civil aircraft service to Kargil soon were also under active consideration.

The length of the runway of Jammu airport is being extended from existing 6700 ft to 9000 ft. The new terminal building of the airport is estimated to cost over Rs. 100 crore. The meeting held here today discussed the acquisition of land and related matters for extension of the Jammu airport runway. The need for development and extension of apron and parking bay was also highlighted.

The Chief Minister underscored the need for immediate extension of Jammu airport runway in the wake of ever increasing pilgrim rush to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. He said the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine annually had crossed 7 million and given the rate it was increasing every year, the airport must have the capacity to handle the inflow of pilgrims arriving by air.

The Chief Minister and the AAI team made a low fly survey of Kishtwar town where the runway of the half way left airport is being resumed and extended.

It may be recalled that on February 12, the Chief Minister had a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister, Praful Patel where besides taking a decision to construct new terminal buildings of Jammu and Leh airports and extend their runways, it was decided to send a AAI team to make an on spot survey of Kishtwar for having first airport in hilly and far-flung area of Jammu division. It was also decided then that the State Government will construct small airport at Surankote in Poonch district.

IAF, Army showcase military might in war-games

POKHRAN, Mar 20: In one of the biggest war manoeuvres in recent years, the Army and the Indian Air Force showcased their combat prowess, by effectively engaging latest array of weaponry in a joint air-land battle setting just 75 kilometres from Indo-Pak border in Thar desert in Rajasthan.

With diplomats and military attaches from 59 countries in attendence, the exercise code-named ‘Brazen Chariots’ had Army’s frontline T-90 tanks, SMERCH long-range missiles, spy drones, latest air defence gun systems, and fighter jets in action at the Pokhran field firing ranges here.

Voicing happiness over the synergy achieved by Army and IAF during the simulated land and air exercise, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor said all the objectives that "we had set for ourselves were fairly well achieved.

"I think its gone up excellently well. The aim was to try out the modern weapons and their efficacy. And also to carry out a bit of synergy with functioning of the Air force and the Army together and see the effect," General Kapoor said after the exercise yesterday.

The exercise saw participation by the Army’s Southern Command and IAF’s South Western Air Command.

Asked if the exercise was aimed at sending any message to the foreign observers, Gen Kapoor said, "It is not aimed at anyone, we are not trying to send out any message through this exercise.

"The foreign observers are here to see what the Indian Army and the IAF are capable of," the General added.

Synergy between air and ground forces marked the Corps level exercises with IAF fighters like SU-30 MKI, deep penetration MiG-27s, upgraded MiG-21 Bisons and attack helicopters coordinating with their counterparts on the ground.

Over 37,000 personnel from Army and IAF took part in the fire and manoeuvre combat exercise manning Army’s tank and Artillery units and IAF’s frontline combat jets unleashing their firepower to devastating effect on the enemy targets.

For most of the over 100 foreign observers, the exercise, providing an opportunity to witness Indian Armed Force’s military assets and capabilities, was more than impressive.

"The synergy between the ground forces and the aerial attack was perfect. It was a well executed performance," a US official who wished not to be named said.

In a sign of growing proximity in military-to-military relations between New Delhi and Beijing, a strong Chinese military observer group also witnessed the exercises.

"I found the exercise impressive. It was a well planned exercise," Chinese Defence Attache in New Delhi Li Chao said.

Pakistan was not invited to the exercise as the country has not yet signed on one of the military confidence building measures of exchanging military observers.

During the exercise, fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters including SU-30 MKI, Mig 21, Mig 27, IL 76, AN 32, Mi17 and Mi-35 aircraft unleashed firepower of a variety of weapons on simulated targets like artillery gun positions, company defended localities, communication nodes, logistics camps and armoured depots of the enemy.

In addition the IAF’s ability and reach to para drop special forces and para troopers with heavy combat and logistic loads was being integrated in the exercise.

"We wanted to showcase the combat potential of the Indian Army and IAF," Gen Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Army’s Southern Command Lt Gen N Thamburaj said.

The officer further said inviting the foreign observers to the exercise was "one way of bonding with each other and reducing the chances of war."

The exercise was reflective of the importance of coordinated approach in critical battlefield operations and to validate the "doctrine of jointness in a network centric environment, Thamburaj said.

The exercise involved engagement of an air target by soldier fired air defence missiles, special heliborne operations, firing of multi-barrel launchers, heli drop, deployment and conduct of airborne operations.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (AUV) with electronic sensors was also used to provide necessary support to the simulated operations.

The combat exercise also included the deployment of a comprehensive communication and data linking systems incorporating Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) and Force Multiplier Command Post (FMCP).

Detailing over, the General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 12 Division, Major General G P Kamath said "the aim was to conduct air and land operations in a mechanised environment to deliver an integrated and lethal blow."

A Defence Ministry official termed the exercise as the biggest war games to be conducted by the Armed forces since ‘Operation Desert Strike’ in 2004-05.

"It is based on manoeuvre and rapid response to disrupt enemy’s decision cycle," the official said. (PTI)

Youth's killing leads to massive protests

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: A youth died under mysterious circumstances after returning from Women Cell, Canal Road where he had been called in connection with a complaint of torture registered against him by his wife leading to massive protests by people at Canal road this afternoon along with dead body of the victim.

Police said a large number of people gathered at Canal Road near Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) this afternoon carrying along with them the dead body of 32 years old Om Prakash son of Kanshi Ram, a resident of village Malke Chak, Phlayan Mandal falling under the jurisdiction of Satwari police station.

A complaint against Om Prakash was received by the Women Cell on March 17 and he was called to police station yesterday. When he was returning to his house in the evening, he was found unconscious in a matador at Satwari bus stand.

He was shifted to Government Medical College hospital in serious condition where he died last night.

Alleging that the youth, who was a labourer, had died due to torture by police in Women Cell, the local people marched to Canal Road from Phalayan Mandal this afternoon and blocked the road after taking body of the victim from Medical College hospital after post-mortem.

They were shouting slogans against Women Cell and police authorities and blamed them for the killing of Om Prakash. They demanded suspension of SHO Women Cell police station for torturing and misbehaving with a poor labourer leading to his death.

SP City (North) Sanjay Kotwal and SDPO Bakshi Nagar M L Kaith rushed to the spot and talked to the protesters. The police officers assured the people that an inquiry will be held in the killing and necessary action will be taken.

Following assurance from police, the people dispersed and took the body to Phalayan Mandal for cremation.

According to reports, Om Prakash’s wife, Rajni Devi, had lodged a written complaint with Women Cell police station alleging that her husband besides husband’s brother and bhabhi had been harassing her for last eight to nine months.

It was on the basis of Rajni Devi’s complaint that Om Prakash was called to the police station for investigations. He was sent back the same evening.

Reports said the victim appeared to have consumed poison as he was feeling embarrassed due to the complaint of his wife to police. Preliminary police investigations also revealed that he might have ended his life by consuming poison.

3 jawans killed during exercise

POKHRAN, Mar 20: Three armymen were killed and two, including an officer, were injured during the wargames here.

Two havaldars and one gunner were killed when a Mortar shell burst during firing, sources said.

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and a jawan were injured in the mishap, they said.

A court of inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

In one of the biggest war manoeuvres in recent years, the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased their combat prowess, by effectively engaging latest array of weaponry in a joint air-land battle setting just 75 kilometres from Indo-Pak border in Thar desert in Rajasthan.(PTI)

Huge shortfall in number of returns by Govt employees

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Mar. 20: As a large number of Government employees have not yet filed their returns of income and current financial year is drawing to close, the Income Tax Department has sought the assistance of District Development Commissioners of all the districts across the State.

"A large number of employees of J&K Government who were liable to file their returns of income by July 31, 2007, have not yet filed their returns of income for the assessment year 2007-08 relevant to financial year ended on March 31, 2007", the authoritative sources told the Excelsior.

There has been huge shortfall in the number of returns filed by employees of the J&K Government during current year so far as compared to the number of returns filed during previous financial year, they said.

They further said that a total of 92675 returns were filed till February 29, 2008 as compared to 94647 of corresponding period of previous year. "While 4832 non-filers (other than Government employees) have been issued notices by the Income Tax Department, the defaulting Government employees are being given directions through District Development Commissioners (DDCs) across the State," the sources further said.

"The Income Tax Department has requested the DDCs that the legal obligation of employees of the State Government to file returns of income be communicated to them through their respective district heads of the departments", the sources further said.

As per provisions of Section 139 (1) of IT Act, 1961 every individual whose income during the previous year ended on March, 31, 2007 exceeded Rs. one lakh are required to furnish return of income on or before July 31, 2007 to the concerned Assessing Officer holding jurisdiction over the case.

"Failure on the part of employees to file their returns of income make them liable for imposition of penalty of Rs. 5000 under Section 271-F of the IT Act," the sources said.

They said that certain employees, whose income for financial year ended on March, 31, 2007 is above the taxable limit but due to the deductions claimed under different sections of IT Act, tax deductible from their income was nil and other employees whose case tax was deducted by their DDOs at source are under the impression that they are not required to file their returns of income.

"However, such impression is misplaced. Infact all such individuals are required to file their returns of income before March 31, 2007 for the Assessment year 2007-08", the sources said, adding in case they have not filed their returns of income, they should file the same by March 31, 2008 failing which penal provisions of IT Act would be attracted in their case.

Through the DDCs, the Income Tax Department has also appealed all such individuals to have Permanent Account Number (PAN) for payment of Income Tax as well as for filing of returns.

"The DDCs have also been conveyed that incase they feel it necessary to organise special camps for receipt of returns of income of employees, the Income Tax Department can depute its teams for the purpose", the sources said.

300 flats allotted to migrants

By Avtar Bhat

JAMMU, Mar 20: Three hundred Kashmiri migrant families putting up at Battal Ballian Camp Udhampur were allotted the two room sets at newly constructed quarters at Purkhoo and Nagrota in the second phase today.

The allotments were made by Relief Commissioner Vinod Koul at a function held at Abhinav Theatre here, today. Out of these 300 families 251 were allotted the two room sets at Purkhoo Camp while six cancer patients were allotted the sets at Muthi and 43 families were adjusted at Nagrota.

The Relief Commissioner said all the migrants putting up at Battal Ballian were allotted quarters today except those who had constructed their own houses at Jammu and other places.

However, he said in case any deserving person who could not find his name in today’s allotment list can approach the Relief Organization and their cases will be decided by March 26.

Later all the migrants took possession of their quarters at Purkhoo. The allotments were made after conducting the proper census and taking the camp representatives into confidence, Mr Koul said, adding the Relief Organization has taken a decision that those migrants who have constructed their own houses will not be allotted the quarters.

With the shifting the Kashmiri migrants putting up at Battal Ballian Camp Udhampur to different places in Jammu a long cherished demand of these camp inmates was solved who were facing a lot of threat to their lives due to the industrial pollution in the area.

The camp inmates over the years have been pleading before the Government to shift the camp to some other alternative place to save them from impending threat of pollution.

Besides the industrialists had also been pleading with the Government that the camp be shifted to any alternative place as they were facing a lot of problems in expansion of industry in the area.

Though it was an occasion of jubilation for the camp inmates who were allotted the two room sets by the Relief Organization today and they hailed the Government and Relief Commissioner’s efforts in this regard, yet some camp inmates who could not find their names in allotment lists expressed their resentment against the authorities and alleged that they were subjected to injustice by the Relief Organization.

Terming the allotments made by the Relief Organization totally unfair Raghunath Dhar of Qtr No 84 from Battal Ballian Camp alleged that some genuine inmates were ignored by the authorities on the behest of some self styled leaders of the camp.

Dhar who is a cardiac patient and has four sons said neither, he nor any of his son owns a house either at Jammu or any other place. Supporting him Som Nath Bhat of quarter No 154 alleged that he too was ignored while making the allotments today. Dhar said he and other members of his family were shocked to see that they could not find their name in the allotment list today despite the fact that they had provided all the relevant documents to the Relief authorities that the family does not own any house either at Jammu or any where in India.

It may be recalled that in the first phase on March 2, the Relief Organization allotted 276 flats to displaced Kashmiri Pandits at Muthi and Buta Nagar, Jammu who were putting up at Muthi Camp Phase IInd.

Irregularities in ‘Amaani’ works of Forest proved

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Mar 20: The State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) has established irregularities in much publicised ‘Amaani’ works allotted to some contractors in the State during past few years. Allotment of ‘Amaani’ works was among a number of scams unearthed in Forest Department in Kundal Committee report.

The scams referred to in Kundal Committee report, which was tabled in the Legislature during budget session leading to sine die adjournment of both Houses, included allotment of ‘Amaani’ works in several compartments of Forests in the State.

Sanction of ‘Amaani’ work was among 13 cases sent to the Vigilance Organisation by the Government for investigations on the basis of Kundal Committee report. Seven other cases were referred to the Crime Branch.

Official sources said the investigations so far conducted by the Vigilance Organisation have established that the Forest authorities had discovered a new modus operandi to benefit big contractors through ‘Amaani’ works, under which the work was to be allotted only to small contractors and that too to local people of the area living within vicinity of the forests where extraction was to take place.

Earlier, under ‘Amaani’ there was a provision of allotment of works upto 20,000 cubic feet which was later increased by the Forest Ministry to 40,000 cubic feet. The condition of allotment of works to people living in vicinity of the forests, which was meant to help the local people, was also waived off.

All this was done to help some "favourite contractors", sources said.

In several instances, the Forest authorities with a view to benefit some contractors, had allotted collective works ranging upto 2.90 lakh cubic feet on seven different names of family members of the contractor under ‘Amaani’.

Work of 40,000 cubic feet each was allotted on seven names in one compartment (Neeru) in Doda district to a Kashmir based contractor, thus, giving a total work of 2.80 lakh cubic feet to the particular contractor without any tender. The ‘Amaani’ works upto 40,000 cubic feet, it may be mentioned, are allotted without tenders by the authorities.

Works worth several lakhs were allotted by the Forest authorities to the contractors of their choice under ‘Amaani’, sources said.

They added that another case pointed out in Kundal Committee report in which irregularities too have been established pertained to transport of timber to Jammu in papers only while as the same timber had been sold after extraction.

This way, the huge sum was shown to have been incurred on transportation of timber.

According to sources, out of 13 cases referred to the SVO by Kundal Committee report, FIR has been registered in one case while process was on to register FIR in two other cases soon.

No prisoner to be released for Sarabjit

NEW DELHI, Mar 20: Government today said that no Pakistani prisoner would be released in exchange of Sarabjit Singh, who is on death row in that country.

"We have appealed to the Pakistani Government and we hope that Pakistan will hear our appeal. Nobody will be released in exchange," Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said.

President Pervez Musharraf yesterday deferred the execution of Sarabjit fixed for April 1 by 30 days after the Indian Government made a formal appeal for clemency yesterday.

Sarabjit was sentenced to death in 1991 for his alleged involvement in four bomb blasts in Lahore and Multan that killed 14 people. His family denies he is a spy as claimed by Pakistan and insists he accidentally strayed into Pakistani territory. (PTI)

HM commander gunned down

SRINAGAR, Mar 20: Police have arrested a militant responsible for bringing money from Pakistan for Harkat-ul-Mujahideen in north Kashmir.

Handwara Police said a specific information was received that one person responsible for bringing money for HuM was scheduled to travel to Srinagar .

During the naka party one person tried to flee. However alert police personnel overpowered him.

Police said Rs 50,000 and a railway ticket of Samjautha Express were recovered from him.

During questioning the courier identified as Nazir Ahmad confessed that in February 2008 he returned from Pakistan for the 6th time. He frequently visited Pakistan to meet his brother Abdul Aziz Mir who is now a militant of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen after receiving training in arms and ammunition many years back.

He revealed that his brother had advised him to help the militants — Abu Yasir and Noman Bhai — active in Rafiabad and Qaziabad area and also to hand over the consignment to them.

He was going to deliver the amount to the militants today in qaziabad area, he disclosed.

He said that the militant further revealed that he is in possession of an Indian passport which was recovered on his disclosure from Khaipora Handwara village.

The passport bearing number A-8693812 issued on 30 June 2001 said the militant has visited Pakistan six times on visa from November 2001 and has couriered hefty amounts from Pakistan to Kashmir for aiding militants.

Meanwhile, a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen was killed by the security forces in Kashmir valley today, official sources said.

They said Special Operation Group (SOG) of police and 5 Rashtriya Rifles launched a joint operation at village Bazipora Ajas in north Kashmir following a tip-off about the presence of the militants.

During the operation militants attacked the search party. Security forces also returned the fire and in the fierce gun battle a militant was killed.

The slain militant was later identified as Muneer Ahmed Lali, self styled battalion commander of HM. One AK rifle and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant who was involved in a number of militancy related incidents.

An explosive fuse was found in the premises of a school in Anantnag district today, police said.

The explosive found in Hanief school in Nowgam area created panic among students and teachers, police said adding it was later destroyed by the bomb disposal squad.(Agencies)

Two Babbar ultras held in Punjab

NEW DELHI, Mar 20: In a follow-up to the December 31 arrest of four Babbar Khalsa militants, Police today claimed to have arrested two others of the same group from Jalandhar in Punjab.

Deputy Commissioner (Special Cell) Alok Kumar said the arrests of Jaswant Singh alias Kala (31) and Surender Singh alias Fauji (22) were made yesterday near Sutlej bridge in Jalandhar.

One .30 Star make pistol and one .22 Star make pistol with 11 live cartridges were recovered from them.

While Kala hails from Muktsar, Fauji is a native of Jalandhar in Punjab, he said.

The arrests were a follow-up to the December 31, 2007 arrest of Babbar Khalsa terrorists, he added.

Jaswant Singh is a close associate of Jagtar Singh Hawara, former BKI chief in India, arrested in Punjab for the assassination of then Chief Minister Beant Singh. Hawara, who had escaped from Burail jail in 2004, was arrested by Delhi Police in June 2005 in connection with the twin blasts at Liberty and Satyam cinema halls.

His interrogation and that of another accused in Beant Singh assassination case Paramjeet Singh Bheora had led to arrest of four terrorists—Baljeet Singh alias Bahu, Bikkar Singh alias Bant Singh and Kulwinder Singh.

The leads for the latest arrests came from them, the Deputy Commissioner said.(UNI)

India, Pak to replace protocol

NEW DELHI, Mar 20: India and Pakistan are finalizing a new consular agreement to replace the existing protocol to ensure expeditious release of and consular access to prisoners.

A judicial committee comprising superior judges from both countries, has already been set up to address such issues. The committee held its first meeting here recently.

The present arrangement between India and Pakistan on grant of consular access and the release of each other’s nationals in custody is governed by the provisions of the protocol on consular access of November 1982.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Rajya Sabha today that the Government is concerned that 372 fishermen and an estimated number of 199 prisoners are in jails in Pakistan, many of whom have not been granted consular access despite prolonged periods in custody.

On the issue of Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails for minor offences, the Minister said there had been delay in repatriation of Pakistan prisoners as travel documents were not provided to them in time by the Government of Pakistan.(UNI)