Security Arrangements | SilverScorpio.Com

Maoist shutdown compel railway authorities to tighten security in Patna

May 18, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Patna (Bihar), May 18 (ANI): In the wake of a two-day shutdown call of Maoists in five states, the Railway authorities have tightened its security measures here.

Maoists have called for a two-day shutdown beginning today in the five states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and Chhattisgarh, to protest the anti-Maoist operations by paramilitary forces.

Railway Protection Forces (RPF) personnel have been deployed at the railway station, to check the railway tracks with metal detectors to avoid any untoward incident.

“We along with the forces are checking for explosives at the Patna Junction. We are checking cars as well. We are also checking the railway property like engines. We are on high alert. Every corner of the station has forces deployed with metal detectors,” said A.M. Sharma, Sub Inspector, RPF, Patna.

The passengers appeared pleased with the security arrangements, but asserted that it should remain in the similar fashion throughout the year.

“On orders of Railways Minister Mamta Banerjee, every coach of the trains is being checked. People are very happy to see the kind of investigation and security arrangements,” said Binod Kumar, a passenger.

“But the main thing is that the kind of Maoist alertness now should be maintained. We strongly demand that,” he added. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: alertness, Chhattisgarh., coach, explosives, fashion, Jharkhand, mamta banerjee, maoist, maoists, Metal Detectors, Orissa, paramilitary forces, railway authorities, railway station, railways, RPF, security arrangements, trains, untoward incident, west bengal

Al Qaeda plot to attack FIFA WC unearthed

May 18, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

London, May 18 (ANI): Al-Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri is planning to carry out a terror strike at the eagerly awaited FIFA World Cup 2010, a recently arrested Al Qaeda operative has disclosed.

The operative, Azzam Saleh Misfar al-Qahtani is a former Saudi Army Colonel and has previously been behind two suicide bombings in Baghdad, and had been appointed as the security chief for al-Qaeda”s local branch in Iraq.

It has emerged that England�s opening match against the US was the likely target.

“He participated in the planning of a terrorist act in South Africa during the World Cup. He was in contact with the terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri to organise the plan hatched by al-Qaeda,” the Telegraph quoted Major General Qassim Atta, head of security in Baghdad as saying.

This revelation will probably lead to a review of security arrangements in South Africa, security forces there had hitherto been concentrating on curtailing violent crime for which the country is notorious.

There are precautions against terror strikes but the police say they are still investigating the claims.

“The South African police are still working on getting confirmation,” Nonkululeko Mbatha, a spokeswoman, said. (ANI)

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Chinese police warns of crackdown on potential school attackers

May 15, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Police in China have warned that they will impose the law of the land �firmly� and �without hesitation� when dealing with anti-social elements like the men who brutally slashed elementary school children in two separate incidents.

Wu Heping, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Security, told a press conference in Beijing that the killing of innocent children must be condemned by the whole society.

“If offenders dare to attempt such crimes again, the police will enforce the law firmly without hesitation, in line with the Criminal Law and police code of using guns and other weapons,” the Xinhua news agency quoted Wu as saying.

Schools have emerged as soft targets for such misanthropes and with a view to tighten security arrangements and fill in the gaps the police will be conducting a thorough inspection of schools nationwide. Especially in private schools and those in remote or rural areas.

In Beijing, police will patrol all schools ten minutes prior to the students� arrival and ten minutes before the final bell rings.

Addressing the social causes that might have generated the fury of the stabbers Wu said, “We will also work to help solve disputes, and provide psychological counselling for people suffering mental problems.� (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: attackers, Beijing Police, Bell Rings, chinese police, counselling, crackdown, criminal law, Final Bell, gaps, hesitation, innocent children, Misanthropes, Police Code, private schools, public security, rural areas, security arrangements, Social Elements, soft targets, Xinhua news agency

PPP not scared by Musharraf’s ‘last bullet in pistol’: General Secretary

May 10, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Faislabad, May 10 (ANI): Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) General Secretary Jehangir Badar has challenged former President General Pervez Musharraf to face the probe being conducted into former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination if he wants to comeback in country’s politics, saying the party is not scared by his ‘one last bullet in pistol.’

Interacting with media persons here, Badar backed the UN commission’s report over Bhutto’s murder, saying Musharraf was directly responsible for her assassination.

“We are not going to be scared no matter how many bullets does Musharraf have in his pistol,” he said while referring to Musharraf’s remark that he has one final bullet in his pistol which he will use for his defence in the murder case.

It is pertinent to mention here that Musharraf had outrightly rejected the UN commission’s report, saying it contained no new information.

The UN enquiry commission”s report had blamed the then Musharraf government of ”deliberately” failing to probe the 27 December 2007 suicide attack on Bhutto, saying the tragedy could have been averted if adequate security arrangements would have been made.

“The Musharraf government failed to provide foolproof security to Ms. Bhutto which ultimately allowed a lethal assault on her. The security breach left wide-open room for an attack to happen,” the report said in its opening
remarks. (ANI)

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South Africa bolsters security to keep hooligans out of FIFA World Cup

May 10, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Johannesburg, May 10 (ANI): South African authorities have set up various �special cells� and accelerated judicial processes in order to keep European hooligans at bay during the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the country.

South Africa which itself has one of the worst rates of violent crime is beefing up security arrangements keeping in mind the track record of over-zealous English fans who have been known to go on a rampage when their team loses.

South African National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele said his country was hoping to stop troublemakers before they got to the World Cup, but was concerned that many were already on the move, the Herald Sun reports.

�We have met the intelligence chiefs of Britain � I didn�t know that there were countries that had a football police, but we have met the football police � and they are giving us information on those fans they won�t let leave their countries (due to prior convictions),� the paper quoted Cele as saying.

The police have also set up special remand and court systems to cope with any arrests during the tournament.

�For those fans that are here, we will have special courts, we will have special cells � if they do anything out of hand, we will put them in the special cells and try them and give them a life sentence if it is serious and let them go home if they are innocent,� he said.

Cele has been a controversial figure in South Africa due to his claims a FIFA official told him that the World Cup is going to be taken away from South Africa due to safety concerns, and for saying that he is praying USA doesn�t make it to the second round so that he could avoid having to host President Obama, the paper reports. (ANI)

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Mumbai Special Court sentences Kasab to death

May 6, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Mumbai, May 6 (ANI): A Mumbai Special Court on Thursday sentenced the lone surviving Pakistani terrorist of the 26/11 attacks Ajmal Amir Kasab to death on four counts.

Judge M L Tahiliyani awarded death sentence for Kasab on—waging war against India, murder, conspiracy to murder, and participating in an act of terror under Unlawful Activity Prevention Act (UAPA).

Judge Tahaliyani felt that Kasab”s crime fell under the judicial definition of “rarest of rare”.

With today’s judgment, Kasab became the 52nd prisoner on death row in India.

Judge Tahiliyani also awarded life term to Kasab on five other counts.

He said, “A common man will loose faith in court, if this man is let loose. The death penalty is required. There is no other option. This man has lost the right to get humanitarian treatment.”

Judge Tahiliyani also felt that having Kasab alive can be a perpetual danger to the nation.

He also added that Kasab has been a menace to the society.

After the judge pronounced the verdict, Kasab broke down to tears in the courtroom.

His whole body was reportedly shuddering, just moments before the judge pronounced the quantum of punishment.

Immediately after pronouncement of the death sentence, Judge Tahaliyani sent his order for confirmation to the Bombay High Court.

The death penalty will not be implemented immediately it has to be confirmed by the High Court.

Kasab has the option of appealing to higher courts, and can also file a mercy petition for the consideration of President of India.

Earlier, Kasab was pronounced guilty on Monday and the prosecution and defence ended their arguments on quantum of sentence on Tuesday.

Elaborate security arrangements were made in and around the Arthur Road Central Jail where the special court decided the fate of Kasab for his role in the 26/11 terror attacks.

The Arthur Road Jail became a fortress with large number of police personnel posted at various vantage points on Sane Guruji Marg which was made one way for the traffic movements.

While the prosecution wanted death sentence for Kasab, his lawyer has appealed for leniency on the grounds that he”s just 22 years old.

Kasab has turned into India”s one of the costliest prisoner. Till now, the Government has spent over 35 crore rupees for his safety.

On Tuesday, the public prosecutor, Ujjwal Nikam, attacked Kasab for two hours, describing him as “worse than a wild beast… Kasab is a killing machine… and the orders for this machine came from Pakistan.”

On Monday, Kasab was found guilty on more than 80 of the 86 charges brought against him for planning and executing the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.

Nikam had laid out eight arguments on why Kasab deserves to be hanged, among them, that the 26/11 attacks was meticulously planned and that policemen and defenceless civilians were “mercilessly butchered.”

He also argued that Kasab wanted to inspire others to take part in fidayeen or suicide attacks. (ANI)

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Oz Trade Minister’s visit to boost India-Australia links

May 3, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): Australia’s Minister for Trade Simon Crean is in India on a weeklong visit to strengthen partnership and lay the groundwork for continued growth in the trade and economic relationship.

Crean visit to India started on May 2 and will last on May 8 during which he will take the Australia-India trade relationship to a new level.

The Australian Trade Minister will discuss the finalisation of the bilateral FTA Feasibility Study in meetings with his counterpart Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma in New Delhi.

India has a population of 1.2 billion, is the world’s largest democracy and is Australia’s fastest growing major trade relationship.

“This will be my third visit to India and comes at a crucial time with booming trade and investment between the two nations and an opportunity for even greater growth. The Government has put India in the front rank of our international partnerships,” Crean said

On Monday Crean will meet with the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, Suresh Kalmadi, and will be briefed on preparations for the October 2010 event.

“The Games will be a great event for India and New Delhi and we look forward to Australia sending its largest Commonwealth Games team ever,” he said.

“Part of discussions will be security arrangements for Australians representing Australia at the Games. We are pleased with cooperation so far and these talks will continue with the Games less than six months away.”

Crean’s visit will include the capital New Delhi, the financial centre Mumbai and Hyderabad.

In Delhi, Crean will discuss the FTA feasibility study and meet Indian Ministers from a variety of portfolios to push forward the broad bilateral agenda.

Along with his counterpart Sharma, Crean will address the Confederation of Indian Industry and meet delegates from the Joint Business Council.

He will host a function in honour of the Advance Emerging Leaders India Summit, which is being held in Delhi on 4 May. (ANI)

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PPP to file murder case against Musharraf for Bhutto’s assassination

April 29, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Karachi, Apr.29 (ANI): The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has said that it would file a murder case against former President General Pervez Musharraf on the basis of the UN commission’s report on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

The enquiry report has indicted the then Musharraf regime for Bhutto’s death in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on 27 December 2007.

Talking to media persons during a press conference, PPP’s Central Secretary Jehangir Badar said: “Bhutto’s assassins would not be identified on the basis of personal enmity but by acting within the parameters of justice and rule of law.”

It is pertinent to mention that the UN enquiry commission’s report had blamed the Musharraf government of ‘deliberately’ failing to probe the December 2007 suicide attack, adding that the tragedy could have been averted if adequate security arrangements would have been in place.

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British government mum on Musharraf’s security protocol removal

April 27, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

London, Apr.27 (ANI): The British Government has neither denied nor confirmed reports regarding the removal of expensive security contingent, including three to four Scotland Yard officials and an armoured car, guarding former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf.

The British Home Office denied making any statement on media reports that said that following the UN commission’s report on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, which blamed the then Musharraf government for her death, security cover being offered to him were discontinued.

“We do not comment on security arrangements for individuals and organisations,” The News quoted a spokesman at the British Home Office, as saying.

Musharraf’s spokesman Fawad Chaudhry has also rejected reports, saying the former general is provided with armoured vehicle and security as and when required.

Musharraf, who has been living in London on an unannounced exile since 2009, had brought with him his most trusted Special Services Group (SSG) for a full-time security duty.

According to sources, the SSG men were Musharraf’s most trusted and he would “feel incredibly insecure and paranoid without their protection.”

Highly placed sourced said that the British government has decided not to extend the visas of these SSG guards who form Musharraf’s personal security force.

Musharraf has been spending some exquisite time in the British capital where he had purchased a luxury apartment in the heart of central London on famous Edgware Road, also known as Little Arabia.

Protected by top Scotland Yard officers and his own team of security guards the autocratic ruler is enjoying every moment in the city, spending a lot of time on eating out at high-class eateries and shopping at Harrods. (ANI)

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India promises safe, secure and splendid Games to Australia

April 20, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Sydney, Apr.19 (ANI): India has promised Australia a safe, secure and splendid Commonwealth Games.

Suresh Kalmadi, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, made the pledge as the Queen”s Baton Relay arrived in Australia as part of a tour of all 71 Commonwealth countries leading up to the XIX Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi in October this year.

In a message to the people of Australia, Kalmadi said: “India is on the verge of creating sporting history. In the 60 years of our independence, this is the first time we are hosting the Commonwealth Games, so it is very special and proud moment for all of us.”

“Hosting a sporting event of the magnitude of the Commonwealth Games is a matter of international prestige and pride. India is heralded as one of the next economic superpowers of the world and the Games will be another opportunity to project the nation on the world stage,” he added.

“Delhi too, as the host city, will get the chance to exhibit a new image for itself – that of a world class city with international standards,” he said further.

Kalmadi further added, “Security is of paramount importance and will not be compromised under any circumstances. A full proof security system is in place and the just concluded test events served a dual purpose, not only were the facilities tested for compliance to international standards, but it was a trial run for the security agencies in the country.”

“Some of the visiting sportspersons have gone on record praising the facilities and security arrangements. This is a testimony to the efforts in place,” he said.

The honour of carrying the baton on its first leg on Australian soil at Parramatta in western Sydney went to wheelchair athlete Kristy Pond. Later Commonwealth Games road cycling champion, Natalie Bates took the baton to Parramatta wharf where it was put on board a ferry bound for the Sydney Opera House.

Mr. T S Darbari, Joint Director General, Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi who is leading the Indian delegation to Australia coinciding with the business meet to be held with the Australian business community under the aegis of Commonwealth Games Business Community, said on the occasion: “India is a warm and hospitable country and is on the verge of creating sporting history. I welcome you all to visit us during the XIX Commonwealth Games and get a first hand experience of our wonderful country. It is our endeavor to provide safe, secure and splendid games and we are confident of its success.” (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: Australia Sydney, australian soil, Commonwealth Countries, commonwealth games 2010, Economic Superpowers, full proof, Host City, International Prestige, Natalie Bates, organising committee, paramount importance, Parramatta, Pride India, proud moment, Security agencies, security arrangements, Sydney Opera House, test events, western sydney, Wheelchair Athlete

Yeddyuruppa objects to BCCI shifting IPL semi-finals out of Bangalore

April 20, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Bangalore, Apr 19 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyuruppa has strongly objected to the Board of Control for Cricket in India”s (BCCI) decision to shift the two semi-finals of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament out of Bangalore over security concerns.

The BCCI had said that both semi finals would now be played in Navi Mumbai after two explosions took place outside Bangalore”s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Reacting to the move, Yeddyuruppa said Bangalore is prepared to give elaborate security to the players and charged the cricket board with taking a hasty decision.

“The city police have made elaborate security arrangements and enough precautions have been taken to prevent any untoward incident,” said Yeddyuruppa.

“There is no reason on the part of the BCCI to panic unnecessarily and take a hasty decision to shift the semi-final matches of the IPL outside Bangalore,” he added.

He requested the cricket board to reconsider their decision.

“Karnataka Government and the police are committed to provide sufficient security to the IPL matches, and hence, I suggest the BCCI to reverse its decision and allow the semi-final matches to continue in Bangalore, as scheduled earlier,” said Yeddyuruppa.

Earlier on Sunday, three bombs were defused near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The first one around 100 meters from the stadium and the second one near the Gandhi Murti, also near the stadium.

A third explosive was defused near Gate Number One of the stadium.

Sources said the bombers had time placed the devices behind a flex board.

At least 12 people were wounded in the incidents on Saturday, which caused an hour”s delay in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers of Bangalore.

Roughly 20,000 people were packed into the stadium and hundreds more were streaming in when a loud explosion at Gate Number 12 rattled nearby buildings.

The first explosion occurred at 3:15 p.m., and the second, 20 minutes later.

The explosives were found in bushes.

Preliminary forensic investigation revealed that the explosive was an ammonium nitro glycerine gelatin stick. It was detonated with the help of a microchip timer.

The matches were earlier scheduled to be played in Bangalore on April 21 and 22 respectively. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: bombers, bombs, challengers, city police, cricket board, explosions, explosive, First Explosion, gandhi, Hasty Decision, karnataka chief minister, Loud Explosion, Mumbai, murti, nearby buildings, Premier league, security arrangements, security concerns, semi finals, untoward incident

Yeddyuruppa objects to BCCI shifting IPL semi-finals out of Bangalore

April 19, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment