Another ultra killed outside Samba Brig Hqrs
Infiltration by 9-10 militants suspected
*‘Kaluchak-2’ averted: Brig Chibber

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, May 12: With third militant gunned down by Army in Samba this morning during last two days, Intelligence agencies have sounded that a group of at least 9-10 militants might have succeeded in infiltrating into this side after cutting fencing from Regal in Samba sector on Thursday night when the BSF claimed to have foiled the intrusion bid by a big group of ultras.

Intelligence sources told the Excelsior that at least 9-10 militants had succeeded in crossing the international border from Regal in Samba sector after cutting the fencing with a wire cutter. As the infiltration attempt was detected and there was a heavy exchange of firing between BSF and militants, a group of five ultras appeared to have succeeded in leaving the area along with their guide, which had to take one group to Lohai Malhar in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district.

Second guide which had to take the other group of four militants to Samba reportedly lost contact with the ultras and escaped, the agencies said. The group headed for Lohai Malhar was bound for Doda through Dudu-Basantgarh belt in Udhampur district. This particular traditional infiltration route of the militants has been brought under surveillance by police and security agencies but, sources admitted that keeping in view the terrain of the area it was not possible to get them.

Sources said four militants appeared to have headed for Samba with a "definite plot" to target Samba Garrison but, in the absence of their guide, were unable to trace the Army location. Finding no help from the local population, two militants struck in the house of Hoshiar Singh and were later killed at Kaili Mandi.

While their third colleague was eliminated by the Army this morning outside 168 Brigade, the fourth militant could be hiding somewhere in the forests. Keeping this in view, security forces and police continued massive searches in entire Samba town, surrounding areas besides the infiltration route leading to Mansar, Manwal and Dhar Road.

Brigadier Rakesh Chibber told a group of journalists after the killing of third militant this morning that an alert Sentry on duty at the main gate of 168 Brigade Headquarters about one km inside Samba town observed movement in grown up ‘sarkanda’ just close to the Headquarters at 10 pm last night. The Sentry challenged the militant, who opened firing. Retaliatory firing by the Sentry fixed the militant at one particular place.

Brig Chibber said a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) immediately took position in the area and surrounded the ultra. It was decided to resume the operation in the morning. At 6 am today, the area was cleared and a contact with the militant was established at 9 am. The militant lobbed grenades and opened firing with his AK-47 rifle. In retaliatory action, he was gunned down at 11.10 am.

Like his two colleagues eliminated yesterday, the third militant killed this morning was also wearing Army uniform and appeared to be a Pakistani. From his possession, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, eight UBGL grenades, six HE grenades, 100 AK rounds, dry fruit including ‘khajoors’, Pakistan made toffees, two notes of Rs 500 denomination in Indian currency and two mobile telephones

Brig Chibber said the militants wanted to enact "Kaluchak-2" by targeting Samba Garrison which was clear from their movement in the area. One of the militant had even reached very close to the Garrison but plot of the militants was foiled.

To repeated queries about the presence of more militants in the area, the Army officer neither confirmed nor denied the reports but declared that task of the Army is to prevent any damage to Samba town and Samba Garrison.

"Though no other militant has been spotted, we are in touch with different Intelligence agencies", he said and advised the people to immediately inform Army or police if they observe the movement of any unknown person in the area.

"Inputs we have got suggest that the militants had been tasked to target Samba Garrison and create ‘Kaluchak-2’ like situation", Brig Chibber said.

On their part, police parties led by SSP Samba Rajinder Gupta, DySP Headquarters Ajay Sharma and SDPO Samba Ram Singh Charak continued searches in entire Samba belt including the National Highway to trace the militants.

Telecom signals roving across border in J&K

NEW DELHI, May 12: Telecom companies in Jammu and Kashmir may have to halt their expansion programmes, as the State police and other security agencies have denied them permission to install antennas near the border until equipment to block the flow of signal across the border was installed.

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and other mobile companies operating in the militancy hit State and neighbouring Punjab have been prohibited from erecting towers along the international border and Line of Control until they have put in place a mechanism to block or weaken signals from travelling to Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, official sources said.

The Vigilance Telecom Monitoring Cell of Jammu and Kashmir, along with the State police, had tested the signals of BSNL and private companies within the range of 10 km of the LoC and the border and it was found that active signals were drifting across.

A senior State Home Department official said the signals would come in handy for militants operating from across the border and the least police can do is to choke the signals from roving across the border.

In the meantime, a policy is being framed by the Centre regarding installing cell sites or radio transmitters for mobile services falling within 500 metres along the international border and LoC, so that mobile services could be provided to people within 10 km of the border between Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir and Pathankot in Punjab.

Department of Telecom (DoT) has been asked to impose strict conditions on the licensees so that they use the requisite technology to ensure that the signals become unusable within 500 metres of the international border round the clock.

DoT would also put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the service providers in these areas strictly follow the conditions of the license.

"Technical experts from the Intelligence Bureau and Ministry of Defence should also be made part of the monitoring group," a note circulated for consideration of Committee of Secretaries (CoS) said.

The security agencies in the State initiated this move after signals of Pakistani telecom companies were seen travelling into Jammu and Kashmir freely.

"Some of the conversations recorded during our interception showed militants talking on the mobile phones, but it was difficult to get the GRIT reference," a senior police official said.

It was only after some Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in an encounter, the mystery ended after activated mobile SIM cards of Pakistani telecom companies were recovered from them in Kupwara in North Kashmir, the official said. (PTI)

DG BSF admits infiltration, blames Al-Meran

NEW DELHI, May 12: BSF DG A K Mitra today admitted that some militants had managed to sneak in from Samba sector and did not rule out reinforcement in the area.

"We thought that the infiltration bid has been foiled by us but if you see the entire incident perhaps some people may have been able to infiltrate," Mitra told reporters.

He said that with the Amarnath yatra soon to begin and Assembly elections slated later this year, the possibility of militant strikes was always there.

Terming the Samba incident as an "eye opener", the BSF chief said the force was "proposing" to enhance its strength in the area.

A surprised Mitra said this was the first time that militants had managed to sneak in by cutting the border fence along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the possibility of Pakistan Rangers involvement in Friday’s gunfire, he said there is "no specific evidence" to establish the role of the Rangers.

He said security forces have intercepted a message exchanged among terrorists which revealed that the slain militants belonged to a new outfit called Al-Meran. (PTI)

Frantic calls by people

Frantic calls by people from different villages in Samba and Kathua districts to police that they had observed movement of militants in Army uniforms today led to search operations jointly by different security agencies at various places.

A school student told police that an injured militant in Army uniform asked him about the location of a BSF post at Katau at Jarain Wali Gali in Saida Chak area between Samba and Hiranagar sector. He told the cops that the militant was in an injured condition.

Army, BSF and police rushed to the spot and launched searches. All bushes in the area were sent on fire but there was no trace of any militant.

Similar search operations were carried out at Dulme Chak, Dinga Amb, Gurha Metian, Kali Bari and Koota Morh in Samba and Kathua districts on calls received from the people that they had observed movement of the militants. However, no ultra was traced in the area.

Meanwhile, security forces this evening detained one Kala Gujjar in Samba following suspicion that he was in possession of some Army uniforms. He was being questioned but so far no recoveries have been made from him.

Cong writing chapter of peace: Soz
We are ready for cross-LoC trade: Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

Uri, May 12: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that India had made all arrangements for cross-LoC trade with Pakistan and it was now for the neighbouring country to decide when it wanted the trucks to ply on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road.

"So far as we are concerned, we have made all arrangements including construction of godowns and customs office and double-laning Baramulla-Kaman Post road. It is now for Pakistan to decide when it wants the cross-LoC trade to take off", he said while addressing a public meeting here today, adding, "if Pakistan agrees, we are ready for cross-LoC trade to start tomorrow".

Mr Azad said that India had done everything that was required to open Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade. He said the ball was now in the court of Pakistan to let the trucks ply on the road. He said but for developments in Pakistan the trucks carrying goods from either side should have started since plying between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. He said some vested interests wanted the people to believe that Pakistan was ready for the cross-LoC trade but the Central and the State Governments did not want it to happen.

He said nothing could be more inaccurate and farther from the reality. "Why would we construct godowns, customs office and double-lane the road leading to the Kaman Post if it was not for starting the trade?" he asked. He said that the Pakistan Government should now fulfill wishes of the people on both sides regarding the trade through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road.

He said Foreign Minister, Pranab Mukherji would visit Pakistan later this month and discuss with his counterpart the cross-LoC trade also. He hoped that the new Government in Pakistan would carry forward the dialogue process initiated by India with its predecessor Government to usher the sub-continent in an era of peace and progress.

Mr Azad lashed out at the leaders and groups promising people the unrealizable things and befooling them with misleading slogans. He said nobody had the right to promise to people what he knew could not be achieved. He warned people against such groups and leaders. He said his party and Government had chosen the path of peace and development instead of hollow slogans and illusory dreams.

The Chief Minister said peace and friendship was also sought with Pakistan and expressed satisfaction that after 60 years of acrimony the leadership in that country was for the first time openly saying that they did not want war with India on Kashmir and preferred dialogue to address issues. He said the change in their thinking had vindicated the stand of India that issues could only be resolved through dialogue.

He said the Indo-Pak bilateral relations were at its best since the UPA Government assumed office at the Centre. He said for the last four years there was peace on borders as guns on both sides had fallen silent. He said the pleasant change in atmosphere was due to the efforts of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi. He hoped that the new Government in Pakistan would take forward the peace and dialogue process.

The Chief Minister said that he would pursue with the Central Government the demand for according ST status to Pahari speaking people. He said he had held meetings with the Union Home Minister on this issue and would again take it up with him. He said he did not want any tension between ST and non-ST people. He spoke at length on the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of October 2005 and the efforts made by his Government in quick rehabilitation of the victims.

In his address, Prof Saifuddin Soz said that the Congress party had taken upon itself to provide peace and relief to the people and was actively engaged in the service to the masses. He said the party believed in clean politics and would promise only what it could fulfill. He said he and Azad were writing a new chapter of service to the people through the Congress party in J&K. He said Congress president, Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as also other leaders of the party, wanted peace and development in the State as violence had brought havoc to the lives of the people here. He said the past two and a half years would be remembered as an era of development in J&K. He credited the Chief Minister with bringing about all round development in the State.

He said although the development works were going on before he took over as the Chief Minister but during his time the process was speeded up and expanded.

Mr Soz announced Rs 15 lakh from his MPLAD for the development of Uri town. He also announced two lift irrigations at Manzgam and Uranbua. He also assured funds for the completion of Ujara lift irrigation scheme. He said he would get full funds from the UGC for the Uri degree college and desired it to be a Science college to allow better job opportunities to the students passing out from here. He hoped that the cross-LoC trade would soon take off and Kashmir fruit reach the Central Asian markets through Uri. He hoped that the Suchetgarh-Sialkote road would also be opened.

Hearing begins in sex scandal case

SRINAGAR, May 12: A full bench of the State High Court today began hearing in the infamous sex scandal case involving Ministers and bureaucrats after a division bench last year gave a split verdict on the future course of action against those named.

The bench comprising Justices Nisar Ahmad Karu, J P Singh and Virender Singh heard the arguments of the counsel of Kashmir High Court Bar Association which has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the sex scandal case of 2006.

The case was referred to the full bench by Chief Justice K S Radhakrishanan after the division bench comprising Justices Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain and Bashir Ahmad Kirmani gave orders which were differing in opinion on the future course of action against those allegedly named by the victim girls in the case.

The bar counsel Zaffar Shah, however, pointed out that the bench had not been constituted in accordance with the rules of the State High Court.

"The justices of the division bench have not concurred on the points of disagreement," Shah said, adding what was the necessity for referring the case to the larger bench.

CBI counsel and Assistant Solicitor General of India Anil Bhan seconded the opinion of Shah saying the points of disagreement should have been identified by the members of the division bench.

However, Advocate General Altaf Naik said the full bench could try the case under rule 33 of the High Court which authorises the bench to go through the case afresh.

Several politicians, including Ministers in the State Government, bureaucrats and security force officials have been named in the sex scandal, which created a storm in the Valley.

The case was handed over to CBI by the State Government for investigation following massive demonstrations across the Valley over alleged sexual abuse of girls by the influential and powerful people.

Eighteen people, including two former Ministers, an ias officer, a DIG of BSF and some police officers were arrested by the CBI for their alleged involvement in the case.

All the accused, who are undergoing trial in a Chandigarh Court, are currently released on bail.

The case was shifted out of the State by the Supreme Court on the apprehensions expressed by the accused that they may not get a fair trial in their State in view of the charged atmosphere.

The division bench of the High Court, which was monitoring the investigations by the CBI, last year named some more persons, including a Minister and a MLA, for their alleged involvement in the case.

However, the two Justices differed on the course of action to be followed against those named in the order passed last year. (PTI)

Demonstrations against Samba killings, infiltration
Complete, peaceful bandh observed in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 12: A complete and peaceful bandh was observed in Jammu today in protest against the infiltration by heavily armed militants into the State from the Samba sector and subsequent killings of innocent people.

The call for bandh was given by all the political parties including ruling Congress to send a loud and clear message against the terrorist acts and continuous support of the neighbouring Pakistan to the militants in keeping the pot of violence boiling in Jammu and Kashmir.

There was spontaneous response to the bandh call from all sections of the society particularly traders, who kept their business establishments closed throughout the day and there was hardly any area even in the rural area where the bandh had to be enforced.

Since the public transport was off the road following transporters support to the bandh call, the attendance in the Government offices was very thin thereby affecting the normal works.

While the political parties in opposition held massive protest demonstrations against the State Government and security forces for their failure to contain militancy, the demonstrations by those supporting the Coalition Government including ruling Congress party remained confined to killing of innocent people at Samba encounter and continuous support of neighbouring Pakistan to the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir.

The activists of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by State president Ashok Khajuria and district president Rajesh Gupta held protest demonstrations at Kachi Chawani and Bikram Chowk and burnt the effigy of Congress for its pro-militant policies.

Speaking on the occasion, the BJP leaders said that Congress has given liberty to all such forces which have been working against the national interests and promoting the cause of separatists and fundamentalists. They said that killing of innocent people at Samba by the militants has exposed the tall claims of the Coalition Government about the restoration of peace and normalcy in the State.

The BJP activists also held protest demonstrations at various places and expressed resentment over the Samba incident. Hundreds of Congress workers and activists including office bearers of Pradesh Congress Committee, District and Block Committees held demonstration at Shaheedi Chowk. Carrying placards condemning the forces inimical to the peace process, they took out a march from the party office which after passing through Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk and Rajinder Bazar, concluded at PCC Headquarters.

Addressing the party activists and workers, the senior PCC leaders Dharam Pal Sharma, Pardhuman Singh, Vinod Sharma, Kanta Bhan and others described the militant attack as cowardly and result of utter frustration due to growing support of the people to the efforts of restoration of peace and normalcy. They expressed shock over the killing of photo-journalist Ashok Sodhi, prominent leader of Samba Hoshiar Singh and others.

Similar protest rallies by the Congress workers were also held at several other places.

The activists of Shiv Sena led by Ashok Gupta took out a protest rally against the killing of innocent people including photo-journalist Ashok Sodhi at Samba. The rally passed through Moti Bazar, Purani Mandi, Raj Tilak Road before culminating at City Chowk where the effigy of Coalition Government was burnt.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gupta said that it was due to the failure of the security forces that the militants were able to execute their nefarious design at Samba. He demanded Rs 20 lakh as relief to the family of photo-journalist Ashok Sodhi besides Rs 5 lakh each to families of other deceased and Rs one lakh to the injured person.

Beopar Mandal activists led by Sunil Dimple also held anti-Pakistan protest demonstration at New Plots and held the State as well as Central Government responsible for the killing of innocent people including photo-journalist Ashok Sodhi at Samba.

Reports said that complete and peaceful bandh was also observed in Samba, Udhampur and Reasi while in Kathua the bandh was partial. The activists of different political parties held massive protest demonstrations to denounce the killing of innocent persons at Samba.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) chief Prof Bhim Singh, in a press conference, raised several questions on the chain of events leading to the killing of Hoshiar Singh, his wife, photo-journalist Ashok Sodhi and others.

"The incident has exposed the claims of the Border Security Force (BSF) that no militant was able to infiltrate from across the border", he said, adding "the killing of innocent persons was the outcome of lack of coordination between different security agencies and brazen cover on the failure of the BSF".

He alleged that as long as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was in the Coalition Government the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir will not come to an end. Prof Singh demanded white paper from the Coalition Government on the incident within seven days.

He also demanded judicial enquiry into the entire chain of events and a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the families of the martyrs.

On the call of Bar Association, Jammu, the advocates suspended their work in all the courts including High Court in protest against the barbaric act of militants at Samba in which several precious lives were lost.

The Bar, in a meeting held under the chairmanship of its vice-president Chander Mohan Sharma and general secretary Pawan Kumar Maini, urged the State Government to adequately compensate the next kith and kin of the deceased persons by granting an amount of atleast Rs 10 lakh as ex-gratia relief and job to one member of each family.

Samba incident doesn't augur well for peace: Farooq

NEW DELHI, May 12: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said incidents like Samba encounter, which left six people dead, did not augur well for establishing permanent peace in the State.

"These incidents do not augur well for the state and may hamper a peaceful environment from being established in future," Abdullah said here.

Abdullah was reacting to the yesterday’s incident which saw four civilians and two army jawans killed in an encounter which lasted for nearly 12 hours in Samba area of Jammu region.

The patron of National Conference said that while India should try and prevent such incidents from taking place, Pakistan, on its part, should try and rein in such elements which were against establishment of peace in the sub-continent.

"Talks should be allowed to take place between the two countries on working out a permanent peace in the region and for that, the number of such incidents has to come to down to zero," Abdullah, who has been holding series of meetings ahead of elections later this year, said.

He refused to get involved in a blame-game and said the issue at present was that the State Government as well as the opposition parties should work together in preventing loss of innocent lives in the State.

"Lot of innocent blood has flown. We are not here for playing politics over the dead...We want peace to be the order of the day," he said. (PTI)

Antony condoles Sodhi's demise

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 12: Defence Minister A K Antony today condoled the death of Daily Excelsior chief photographer Ashok Sodhi in militants’ firing at Samba yesterday morning and described him as a martyr who sacrificed his life in the true tradition of a fearless journalism.

In a message released to the media, Mr Antony said the actions and deeds of Sodhi "are inspirations for us to amulate".

The Defence Minister conveyed deep sympathies to the Excelsior management and family of Sodhi and prayed to the Almighty to grant strength to the bereaved family.

Following is full text of Mr Antony’s message:

"With profound grief, I, on behalf of all ranks of Defence forces wish to convey our deep sympathy on the sudden demise of Ashok Sodhi, who attained martyrdom in an encounter in Samba yesterday. He had sacrificed his life in line of duty in the true tradition of a fearless journalism. His actions and deeds are inspirations for us to amulate. We pray to the Almighty to grant strength to the bereaved family".

Militant gunned down in Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, May 12: Police and a SPO gunned down a Pakistani militant in an encounter at Draba, Surankote in this district last night. A SPO was injured in the operation.

SSP Poonch Jagjit Kumar said a Pakistani militant of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit Abu Maseh and his colleague opened firing on the houses of two police constables—Mohd Yunus and Mohd Showkat and a SPO Shamim Ahmed, who had come to their houses on leave, at Draba, Surankote.

The cops and SPO retaliated. In the meantime, jawans of 184 CRPF also joined the operation. SPO Shamim Ahmed was injured in the operation.

The militant was gunned down after half an hour long gun-battle. From the possession of slain militant, one Klashnikov rifle with 110 rounds, four magazines, four hand grenades and one Nokia mobile telephone (Model 1601) were recovered.

Injured SPO has been hospitalised.

In another operation CID (CI) and SOG Poonch recovered three pistols with three magazines and 145 rounds, 10 detonators, five audio cassettes, three hand grenades, two kg RDX and some documents from village Bhainch in Khanetar area of this district.

In Doda, police, 4 Rashtriya Rifles and 159 Territorial Army recovered arms and ammunition from Banjoti forests in Bhalla area of Bhadarwah in Doda district.

Recoveries include one AK rifle with two magazines and 34 rounds, one UBGL with three grenades, one RPG booster, one RPG shells, two wireless sets and a large quantity of incriminating material.

Searches in the area were going on.

DM to visit border areas today

NEW DELHI, May 12: A day after two militants were gunned down near the International Border with Pakistan near Jammu, Defence Minister A K Antony will undertake a visit to forward most border posts in Punjab tomorrow.

Antony would be accompanied by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor when he will tour border posts in the Huessinawala sector.

Later he will pay homage at the ‘martyr samadhi’ of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev located in the enclave.

Antony will be briefed on the situation along the International Border with Pakistan by western Army Commander Lt Gen T K Sapru and also interact with troops at Ferozpur before returning to the capital in the evening. (PTI)

India to test fire 5000 km range missile

NEW DELHI, May 12: Buoyed by the string of successes with the intermediate range ballistic missile Agni-III, India is planning to test a missile with 5000 km range soon.

The test of the next series of Agni missiles will propel the country into the select group of nations which have long range ballistic missiles.

Indicating that planning process for the test launch of such a missile was in final stages, Avinash Chander, Project Director of Agni-III, said today Scientists were awaiting the Government nod for carrying out the test flights which could be anytime by this year-end.

The launching of the 5,000-km range missile would entail strapping third stage booster rocket on Agni-III missiles powered by solid fuel propellant.

Along with longer range Agni missiles, India will also carry out further tests of its special Naval missile, an acronym used by DRDO scientists for a submarine launched ballistic missile, and the second test of interceptor missile which will be undertaken by September-October.

On the special Naval missile, DRDO Director General M Natarajan said that his scientists were "heavily engaged" in the project, but, at the same time, refused to be drawn out on when India’s first nuclear submarine would roll out.

"The Advance Technology Vehicle, as the nuclear submarine project is known, is not my project," Natarajan shot back at reporters when asked whether the DRDO would stick to the 2009 launch schedule for the submarine.

On the interceptor missile, Project Director V K Saraswat said this would give India the capability to intercept any incoming missile.

Dismissing suggestions that the development of such a missile could lead to an arms race, he said it would give India a stronger defence.

"With such a missile in our arsenal, we don’t have to match the capabilities of our adversaries. On the other hand, they will have to think twice as anything they fire at us can be intercepted," he said.

Saraswat said it would take three to four more tests to develop a robust anti-missile battery system which could be fielded from the frontline to protect the country’s vital assets.

"We are not looking far. If the tests go according to plans, such a system can be deployed in a few years time," he said.

Elaborating on DRDO’s future programmes, Natarajan said the primary focus has been the development of strategic systems and technologies.

He said DRDO had concentrated on developing tactical systems such as Akash surface-to-air missile, multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka, electronic warfare Samyukta Combat Engineer system and NBC warfare defence system.

DRDO was also developing fuel cell technologies, gas turbine propulsion, ring laser gyros for precision navigations guidance and AB class steel for building aircraft carriers and titanium alloys and carbon composites for aerospace applications. (PTI)

15 killed, scores injured as terror strikes Pink City

Jaipur: Terror struck Jaipur tonight when six serial blasts rocked crowded areas including one near a temple in the space of a few minutes leaving at least 15 killed and scores injured.

Police sources said that 15 persons perished in the attack that triggered a stampede in the affected areas in the walled city which are frequented by foreign tourists. Six women were among the dead.

It is for the first time that the Pink City is coming under terror radar.

Unofficial figures put the toll at around 20.

Scores of wounded people were ferried to several hospitals soon after the low-intensity blasts hit at Tripolia Bazar, where large number of devotees turned up at a Hanuman temple, Johari Bazar, Manas Chowk, Badi Choupal and Choti Choupal in the walled part of the city.

Rajasthan Director General of Police A S Gill said it was "obviously a terror attack." Police sources said the attack was meticulously planned and the first blast occured around 7.40 PM and the remaining blasts were set off in quick succession.

The Union Home Ministry reviewed the situation while Mumbai and Delhi were put on high alert. (PTI)