Andhra Government deploys additional forces in trouble hit old Hyderabad

March 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Hyderabad, Mar 29 (ANI): The Andhra Pradesh Government on Monday ordered deployment of additional security forces in old Hyderabad city where tension prevails, following overnight clashes between two communities.

Over 60 people have been injured in violence between both communities in Hyderabad on Sunday evening.

Police have arrested 70 people, for indulging in violent activities.

There were reports of attacks on places of worship in several areas.

Incidents of stabbing, arson, stone pelting, attacks on places of worship, shops and vehicles were reported from over a dozen areas well past midnight Sunday.

Police opened fire in the air, used teargas shells and batons to bring the situation under control.

Addressing the State Assembly, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said his government is constantly monitoring the situation.

“We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation and also talking to the Centre on this. The Centre has sent 10 companies of paramilitary forces on my request to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram,” he said.

Rosaiah assured the House that the government would take every step to ensure peace and appealed to all sections of the society to observe restraint.

Meanwhile, police have imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of IPC, in 18 police stations of south zone and four police stations of Goshamahal division of west zone of the city. (ANI)

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No takers for ULFA ideology in birthplace Sibsagar

March 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Guwahati, Mar 25 (ANI): The United Liberation Front of Asom’s (ULFA) ideology and its violent activities have no takers in Assam’s Sibasagar -its birthplace.

What people want here, like the rest of the state, is peace and development.

This is possible only if the ULFA decides to come forward for talks with the Union Government.

Since the arrest of top ULFA commanders in December last year, the Assamese have a reason to feel more optimistic.

They foresee a peaceful and progressive Assam, like other states in the country.

“There is peace in Assam. Now ULFA is showing interest for cooperation, so they will also have to give us importance, and how to cooperate in all sectors of life,” said Amit Das, a local businessman

“For peace negotiation is a must, the ongoing peace process being taken up by both parties is a welcoming one. Now we hope that there will be no more bomb blast; no more Army killing ULFA and ULFA killing Army,” said

Ranjit, a local trader.

“For the past 30 years, there has been unrest, we want there should be peace. Tourism is increasing, and militancy has gone down. It is not like that ULFA was born here, so tourist won’t come here, this place is still at peace,” said Diganta Das, a local.

Tourists come to Sibsagar from across India and abroad to see the 200-year-old Sibsagar Tank and Rang Ghar, the oldest amphitheater in Asia.

Once a hotbed of militancy, Sibsagar now is a tourist hotspot.

“I am seeing that the place I have visited here is quite peaceful, and whatever people say it is a beautiful place,” said Chandon Hazarika, a local.

“I came to see Rangghar, it’s a beautiful place and many historical places are there and there is no problem here. Some people think of ULFA, but they should not fear them,” said Manoj Dutta, a tourist

The consensus in Assam is that ULFA should talk to the Union Government.

The government on its part is taking every possible initiative to bring the ULFA to negotiating table.

The people of Assam have suffered a lot in the last three decades of militancy.

Whether it is Sibasagar, the birthplace of ULFA or any other part of Assam, there is one common theme – peace.

If there is peace there will be economic growth. And this is what the people want. (ANI)

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Maoists’ frequent Bandh calls badly disrupt life in Bastar

September 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Sep.1 (ANI): In Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, which is one the most Maoist infested districts of the State, the frequent shutdown calls by Maoists have badly affected people’s daily lives.

One of the worst affected are local train services which make it difficult for people to commute to their workplaces.

Routine Bandhs badly affect the train services, which ultimately troubles hundreds of passengers who commute from Jagdalpur of Bastar to rest of the country.

“I keep travelling for my business purpose and after arriving here I came to know that the train is not coming anymore and might not come for the next two days. Many a times, Maoists issue a threat saying that the train should not move beyond Jagdalpur and we face a lot of difficulty. The bus fares are more expensive than the train,” said Manoj Pandey, one of the stranded passengers.

“Due to the Maoist violence and their frequent calls for shutdown, the common men are affected a lot. In fact recently in Bastar, when the Maoist stopped the movement of vehicles, a man who had fallen ill and had to be taken to Narayanpur for immediate treatment, died,” said P. B. Ramna, an analyst on local issues in Bastar.

Ramna tells the violent activities of Maoists at times have tragic repercussions for the public at large. Like in 2007, the Maoists blasted off High Tension Towers due to which electricity could not be restored for many days here. Such incidents also affect the people seeking medical attention e.g. the life saving drugs cannot be stored as refrigerators cannot work.

He said Maoists often trigger violence to push Government on back foot and demoralise security agencies here.

According to M. R. Nayak, Station-in-charge at Jagdalpur, people are scared of confronting Maoists.

“Whenever there is any Maoist threat, we get orders from our superiors to stop the movement of trains,” said M. R. Nayak, station in-charge, Jagdalpur.ccording to the state finance department one-day shutdown causes a loss of Rs. 2,700 crore to exchequer.

Naxals call for frequent shutdowns to make their presence felt in the region. But the main sufferer remains the common man.

People here expect the Government to take necessary steps for their welfare and to establish a fearless environment. (ANI)

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Maoists’ frequent Bandh calls badly disrupt life in Bastar

September 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Sep.1 (ANI): In Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, which is one the most Maoist infested districts of the State, the frequent shutdown calls by Maoists have badly affected people’s daily lives.

One of the worst affected are local train services which make it difficult for people to commute to their workplaces.

Routine Bandhs badly affect the train services, which ultimately troubles hundreds of passengers who commute from Jagdalpur of Bastar to rest of the country.

“I keep travelling for my business purpose and after arriving here I came to know that the train is not coming anymore and might not come for the next two days. Many a times, Maoists issue a threat saying that the train should not move beyond Jagdalpur and we face a lot of difficulty. The bus fares are more expensive than the train,” said Manoj Pandey, one of the stranded passengers.

“Due to the Maoist violence and their frequent calls for shutdown, the common men are affected a lot. In fact recently in Bastar, when the Maoist stopped the movement of vehicles, a man who had fallen ill and had to be taken to Narayanpur for immediate treatment, died,” said P. B. Ramna, an analyst on local issues in Bastar.

Ramna tells the violent activities of Maoists at times have tragic repercussions for the public at large. Like in 2007, the Maoists blasted off High Tension Towers due to which electricity could not be restored for many days here. Such incidents also affect the people seeking medical attention e.g. the life saving drugs cannot be stored as refrigerators cannot work.

He said Maoists often trigger violence to push Government on back foot and demoralise security agencies here.

According to M. R. Nayak, Station-in-charge at Jagdalpur, people are scared of confronting Maoists.

“Whenever there is any Maoist threat, we get orders from our superiors to stop the movement of trains,” said M. R. Nayak, station in-charge, Jagdalpur.ccording to the state finance department one-day shutdown causes a loss of Rs. 2,700 crore to exchequer.

Naxals call for frequent shutdowns to make their presence felt in the region. But the main sufferer remains the common man.

People here expect the Government to take necessary steps for their welfare and to establish a fearless environment. (ANI)

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Two high value al Qaeda terrorists arrested in Islamabad

July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, July 14 (ANI): Pakistani Police has arrested two high valued terrorists and foiled their attempts to carry out violent activities in Islamabad.

On the basis of an intelligence report, Islamabad Capital Territory Police arrested two terrorists belonging to banned al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud, Mahmood Agency and Buner Group.

According to a press statement, 34-year-old Muhammad Owais and 30-year-old Ubaidullah belonged to the terrorist group ‘Ghazi Force’ and also had links with terrorists in Miran Shah and Batgram.

The two are accused of recruiting young men to fight against the government from Islamabad and Pakistan Occupied Kasmir for training at terrorist camps.

Both accused are well trained and are experts in using the latest weapons. They have also got the training of preparing bombs from training camps of Taliban in Miran Shah and Batgram.

Muhammad Owais has also received navigation training. He was a student of electronic course and was working with the Taliban as a communication expert. He used to trap communication of police and security forces and scan the conversation on mobile phones.

These accused were also involved in the explosions at Special Bracnh on April 23, 2009 and camp of FC at sector F-7/2 on May 4, 2009 which resulted the loss of several precious lives of the cops.

Meanwhile, Pakistani security forces’ have also arrested 13 al Qaeda terrorists en route to Punjab via bus from Dera Murad Jamali in Balochistan, a private TV channel reported. (ANI)

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No talks with Taliban until it ‘repudiates al-Qaeda publicly’: US

July 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, July 12 (ANI): The United States has ruled out any negotiations with the Taliban until it lays down arms and severe all its ties with Al-Qaeda.

When enquired about the statement of the Pakistan Army’s spokesman, Major General Athar Abbas, that the Pakistan military can bring the Taliban to the discussion table with the United States, the US Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, said such a possibility can only occur when the Taliban ‘repudiates al-Qaeda publicly’.

“No, I don’t know what he’s talking about. The Taliban and al-Qaeda are linked like this. And, unless the Taliban repudiates al-Qaeda publicly, this is a nonstarter,” Holbrooke said during a television interview.

He said until the Taliban and Al-Qaeda shun their violent activities the ‘war against terror’ against these outfits in Afghanistan would continue.

“This war is not going to end on the decks of the USS Missouri, like World War II did. This war is going to end when the Taliban lay down their arms and reintegrate into society,” The Nation quoted Holbrooke, as saying.

“The United States and President Hamid Karzai have long said that Taliban reconciliation is part of our programme, people who work with the Taliban, who support them, who want to lay down their arms and participate, the door is always open,” he added. (ANI)

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Libyan extremist group severs ties with Al-Qaeda over ‘indiscriminate violence’

July 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, July 10 (ANI): What may be seen as a severe blow to Al-Qaeda, one of its ally, the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) has decided to severe its ties with Osama bin Laden saying that the “indiscriminate bombings” and the “targeting of civilians” was not in accordance to its objectives.

This is the first such instance when an ally of Al-Qaeda has parted ways with it due to its policy of ‘indiscriminate violence.’

The LIFG, which once aimed to topple Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, criticised Al-Qaeda for carrying out attacks on innocent civilians and said that such violent activities did not achieve the “aims of the group in removing oppression.”

Officials believe that the LIFG’s back out is a great blow to Al-Qaeda which is facing a massive surge by the US led allied forces in Afghanistan at the moment.

“LIFG figures had ‘graduated to become major players’ in al-Qaeda and the group’s withdrawal amounted to a ‘moral blow’ to the network,” The Telegraph quoted an official, as saying.

A statement issued by the LIFG claimed that the group had no link with Al-Qaeda in the past.

“The decision to join bin Laden’s network had been invalid, and the LIFG had no link to the Al-Qaeda organisation in the past and has none now and we demand that those parties remove the name of the Fighting Group from those lists,” the statement said.

During the 1990′s the LIFG’s leaders were forced out of Libya. They then escaped to Afghanistan and started coming closer to different extremists groups based there such as Al-Qaeda. (ANI)

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Maoists ready for talks and cease-fire

June 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi June 23 (ANI): Putting a moderate step a day after the imposition of ban by the central government, the CPI (Maoist) said it is ready for talks and demanded to pull back the forces from Lalgarh.

Speaking to media Gaud Chakraborthy, a spokesperson of the Maoist organisation, expressed his group’s intention to declare ceasefire.

Reacting to this the Union Home Ministry ruled out calling back the forces from the trouble-hit district of West Midnapore in West Bengal.

Meanwhile on the second day of the 48-hour bandh called by the CPI (Maoist) in protest against the police action in Lalgarh, the ultras continued their violent activities in Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand amidst strong presence of the security forces.

The activists of the red brigade blew up a mobile tower and a community centre near Gaya in Bihar, torched the CPM office in Jhargram in West Bengal, and blew up a Panchayat office in Palamu Saridi in Jharkhand.

According to the Bihar police, the red ultras entered Jhikatia village in Aurangabad district around midnight and blew up a community centre using dynamites, no one was hurt in the incident.

In a separate incident, the Maoists blew up a mobile telephone tower belonging to a private mobile company at Kharasi village in Gaya district, close to Bihar – Jharkhand border. They also left notes indicating that, this act was in retaliation to police action in Lalgarh.

Significantly, despite the heavy presence of the forces the Maoists attacked the CPM office in Jhargram town barely 50 kilometres from trouble torn Lalgarh.

These incidents indicate the Maoist’s attempt to show their presence, beyond Lalgarh in West Bengal. (ANI)

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Mehsud rejects Mullah Omar’s appeal of stopping terror activities in Pak

June 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Peshawar, June 20 (ANI): In yet another incident which proves that fissures in the Taliban are getting wider, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud has rejected the calls of the Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar Akhund for halting terror strikes in Pakistan.

According to sources, Akhund had asked Mehsud to stop the terror acts in Pakistan and focus more on activities against the US led allied forces in Afghanistan.

“Mullah Omar is our Ameer, but like Afghanistan, we are determined to continue resistance in Pakistan,” Mehsud reportedly told a delegation of the Taliban.

Sources said the delegation asked Mehsud to shun his violent activities in Pakistan, which according to them is ‘damaging image of Taliban in Pakistan’, but Mehsud out rightly rejected the appeals of the 11-member delegation.

The top Taliban leaders who met Mehsud included Abu Yahya Al Laibi, Abdul Haq Turikistani, Siraj Ud Din Haqqani, and Abdul Hakeem Sharaee, The Nation reports.

In the past few days, Mehsud has been facing the ire of his former aides, as they have attacked the warlord for his decision to carry out terror strikes inside Pakistan.

Rival commander Qari Zainudin Mehsud recently blamed the TTP chief for all the terror strikes in Pakistan, and termed them ‘unIslamic’.

Another former close aid of Mehsud, Qari Turkistan charged Mehsud of being the biggest enemy of Islam.

“Mehsud attacked mosques and madrassas, ordered explosions in markets and the slaughtering of religious scholars and troops, it is not Islam,” Turkistan said. (ANI)

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Manipur encourages street plays highlighting need to resolve militancy problems

May 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Imphal, May 3 (ANI): For centuries, street plays have played a significant role in communicating important social, cultural and religious messages, especially in the rural areas, where they are an effective medium for influencing social change.

Recently, a group of theatre artists of Manipur Theatre Academy staged street plays at various places here that attempted to highlight problems caused by militancy in the northeastern states.

Organised by National Institute of Performing Arts, New Delhi in collaboration with United Manipur Theatre Academy Artists, Wangoi, these plays were staged at many places.

It included places like Leiphrakpam Awang Leikai, Turel Ahanbi Bazar, Lilong of Thoubal District and also at Pallel Bazar, Chandel District in Manipur.

The attempt was to make people aware of the urgent need for harmony in the society and to bring an end to violent activities.

Meanwhile, the plays urged the audience to work towards bringing lasting peace and finding a solution to insurgency.

“This is a very useful initiative for the society to bring about development and get rid of militancy from the state,” said Oinam Ibomcha, a local resident.

“The activities carried out by the youth in the society are not good and we don’t support them. They are all our children. We should live together in harmony as brothers and sisters. We should do away with evils of the society,” said Chandramani, a local resident.

“The aim of the play is to appeal to the people to turn away from the path of violence and mindless activities like insurgency and terrorism. We want to give the message that the people are fed up with militants and that they should stop killing the people. Everyone is facing problems because of the situation and this should stop,” said N.G. Khamba Singh, Programme coordinator, Manipur Theatre Academy (MATA).

People in the audience hoped that such initiatives would help bring about a positive change in the society.

“I feel really happy as I am able to tell the people about what the militants are doing and what the Government is doing to contain it. It’s a great opportunity to be part of the play and express these concerns,” said Indira Devi, an artiste.

Street plays were also staged in various parts of northeast that carried a message of universal brotherhood and peace. By L.C.K Singh(ANI)

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Street plays promote peace in Assam

March 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Guwahati, Mar 21 (ANI): Theatre groups in the North Eastern region are promoting national integration, peace and harmony through the medium of theatre.

Street plays on peace that also dealt with problems caused by militancy were staged in different parts of Assam.
The National Institute of Performing Arts, New Delhi in collaboration with United Theatre Artists, Tezpur organised and performed street plays in Jorhat.

“We the people of north east and a group of theatre activists are doing street plays so that people can become aware of the insurgency. Our main motto is to bring peace and harmony, and to curb insurgency in the north eastern states,” said Aishwariya Kakoti, Secretary, United Artist, Tezpur.

The plays were also performed in Golaghat and Darrang districts of Assam and drew enthusiastic crowds.

Their enthusiasm clearly demonstrated what they think about the issue of militancy and their desire for peace and harmony in the region.

“It was really touching because the play was based on conflict and violence caused by militants and terrorists. It is also about spreading the message of peace and harmony in our land,” said B. Arup, a resident.

Ashut Borah, another resident, added, “So many lives have been lost in blasts. We should keep peace in our mind, in our soul and shun all the violent activities.”

Another play “Mujhe Maaf Karo” that was performed was based on the need for peace in the region.

Its theme is about forgiveness and love and the need to live together in harmony and build a strong nation.

“This play is very nice. We should maintain peace and harmony. This is a special message to the youth,” said Porag Borah, a resident.

The plays highlight how insurgency in the region has devastated the region.

Everyday, there is news of killings, bomb blasts, abductions and these issues were taken up in the plays.

The plays sent out a positive message that regardless of differences everyone should work for permanent peace and spread the message of non-violence in the region.

The return of peace and normalcy can provide momentum to growth and development of the region.

And this initiative is a novel attempt by the theatre personalities of the area to make people aware about the urgent need for harmony in the society. By Vaschipem Kamodang(ANI)

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ULFA faction fears sabotage during Lok Sabha elections

March 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Guwahati, March 4 (ANI): The ‘pro-talk’ group of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which declared a unilateral ceasefire with the government, has warned of efforts at disruption during scheduled Lok Sabha election in Assam by the parent group of ULFA.

United Liberation of Front of Assom (ULFA) is presently divided into the ‘Pro-talk’ and the ‘Anti-talk’ groups.

‘Pro-talks’ leaders have given assurance of morally supporting those political outfits who promise security in the region.

“We will not be following any direct rule but the parties whose viewpoints are identical to the public of Assam, whose manifesto would include security issue of the state and who would work for the public of Assam, we would morally support them,” said Mrinal Hazarika, the Chairman of ULFA Pro-talk central committee.

“There is possibility of sabotage. But for this, there is no public support. This is not good. ULFA might create sabotage at two to three places. So sabotage is possible but motivating the people to support any party will not happen,” said Jiten Dutta, General secretary of the ULFA Pro-talk central committee.

Since 1991, ULFA has influenced elections in Assam, and political parties backed by them have benefited. However, analysts fear that as ULFA’s influence has been waning over the years; they could go in for strong-arm tactics in the upcoming elections.

“Keeping in mind that their support base in Bangladesh is coming down. So as a survival question there is possibility that ULFA might go for some kind of explosions or they might go for selective killing also. So that possibility cannot be ruled out,” said Dr. Noni Gopal Mahanta, a political analyst in Assam.

With declining support and lack of funds, ULFA has resorted to violent activities like killings and extortions to make its presence felt.

Over 20,000 people have been killed so far in the ULFA insurgency. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)

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Now, Pak ‘sharia’ chief wants entire world under Islamic law

February 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore,Feb.18 (ANI): After inking a deal with the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government for implementation of Islamic law in the Swat Valley, the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Sufi Muhammad, has expressed his desire of implementation of a similar law over the whole world.

Expressing his hatred for people’s rule, Muhammad said Islam does not have any mention of democracy or elections.

“From the very beginning, I have viewed democracy as a system imposed on us by the infidels. Islam does not allow democracy or elections,” The Daily Times quoted Muhammad, as saying.

He said that the continuous bloodbath in the region was due to the hesitant approach of different regimes in the country to accept the superiority of the Islamic law.

“Had the government accepted our demands in 1994, we would have not seen the violence we are seeing today,” he said.

Muhammad said the authorities should have held dialogues with the Taliban before initiating military action against them, as it would have resulted in less violent activities.

He hoped that the new accord signed with the government would help the Taliban in establishing a complete Islamic state.

“I believe the Taliban government formed a complete Islamic state, which was an ideal example for other Muslim countries. Had this government remained intact, it could have led to the establishment of similar Islamic governments in many other countries,” Muhammad said. (ANI)

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