Red corner notice against five Pakistanis for 26/11
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Oct 8, 2010, 01.41am IST
NEW DELHI: Interpol, at India's behest, has issued Red Corner Notices (RCN) against five people, including a retired and two serving Pakistani army majors, for their direct role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The RCNs have been issued against HuJI commander Ilyas Kashmiri, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Majid, serving Pakistani army officers Major Iqbal and Major Sameer Ali and retired officer Major Abdur Rehman on the basis of non-bailable warrants secured against them by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) through a Delhi court.
The global arrest notice against Kashmiri comes at a time when intelligence agencies have found inputs about his involvement in other plots against India as well.
The names of the five men were disclosed by American terrorist David Coleman Headley during his interrogation by NIA and the FBI. "Besides the Mumbai terror attack, they were involved in a series of attacks in India from time to time," the RCNs issued against them said.
Though Pakistan has a history of ignoring the world police body's notices against terrorists, the move may put some pressure on it to deliver on its promises to the international community.
The case of Lashkar founder and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed -- against whom India had secured an RCN in the wake of 26/11 -- is a blatant example of Pakistan's stand over Interpol and UN Security Council notices against terrorists linked to al-Qaida.
Saeed, despite being put on the list of global terrorists, has not only been moving freely in Pakistan but has also been making provocative anti-India and anti-America speeches in various public gatherings. Another Lashkar commander and one of the 26/11 masterminds, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, is the other accused against whom Interpol had issued an RCN in the Mumbai attack case.
All these terrorists along with others, including Zarah Shah, Abu al-Qama and Abu Kahafa, had closely worked with Headley in executing LeT's plot to attack Mumbai in November 2008 in which 160 people, including six US citizens, were killed.
LeT's operational commander Sajid Majid alias Sajid Mir of Lahore had played a crucial role in planning and executing 26/11. He was also one of the handlers of Headley who was arrested by FBI at Chicago airport in October last year.
HuJI commander Ilyas Kashmiri is also a member of al-Qaida's deadly 313 Brigade, which is believed to be one of the outfits that trained the 10 Mumbai attackers, including the arrested Ajmal Kasab.
Headley's interrogation and subsequent investigation revealed that serving Pakistan army officers Major Sameer Ali and Major Iqbal, along with the retired Major Syed Abdur Rehman, had worked with Lashkar to carry out the 26/11 attack....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQ0gvMjAxMC8xMC8wOCNBcjAwMTAx&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Jammu and Kashmir:...Will this serve the purpose?
A politician may replace Vohra as J&K governor
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Oct 5, 2010, 12.47am IST
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir, which has a history of having either retired bureaucrats or defence personnel as its governor, may get a politician as head of state as the Centre is mulling an option to replace N N Vohra (retired IAS officer) with a senior political leader.
Though Vohra, who was appointed as J&K governor in 2008, still has nearly three years of his term left, he may be shifted to some other state to make way for a new person who has been through the rough and tumble of politics.
Athough widely acclaimed for his administrative accumen, Vohra has not been quite visible since the eruption of trouble in the sensitive state, something that is seen as compounding problems for the chief minister, a political sophomore.
The search for a political governor is reflective of a shift in the government's focus -- from defence against Pakistan-backed terrorists to a political response to grievances driving the current agitation. It is felt that the chief minister, seen by many as bereft of political advice from his senior National Conference colleagues, can do with the advice from a political governor.
"Even though the governor does not have any direct role in governance, a politician with better understanding of representative politics can be useful for J&K where the general public feel quite alienated at the current juncture," said a senior government source summing up the thinking in the government.
Vohra was the central interlouctor for the state before he replaced Lt General (retd) S K Sinha as the governor in June 2008.
The Centre is also looking for a senior Congress politician -- someone who may not be in active politics but not quite a "has-been" either -- for J&K to head the group of interlocutors. He may be given the rank of a Cabinet minister.
Union home minister P Chidambaram is believed to have discussed the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a one-on-one meeting on Monday when names of some senior Congress leaders are understood to have figured.
"The names are expected to be announced as soon as possible," said the source. The appointment of interlocutors is part of the Centre's eight-point peace initiative announced last month.
Sources hinted that most of the interlocutors would be from outside J&K but would be having a fair idea about the issues there. The issue of appointing Muslim, Hindu and women representative as interlocutors was also being considered, sources said adding the chairman of the group would certainly be a close confidant of the Prime Minister.
It is believed that it would be easier for a group of interlocutors to look beyond Srinagar during the peace process. The interlocutors can travel to small towns like Baramulla, Anantnag, Sopore, Uri, Doda, Rajouri and other areas and interact with cross-sections of people unlike in the past when a single interlocutor hardly looked to the hinterlands.
Meanwhile, 49 stone-pelters have been released and nine bunkers of security forces removed from some civilian areas in the state as part of the government's peace initiative....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMTAvMDUjQXIwMDEwNA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Oct 5, 2010, 12.47am IST
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir, which has a history of having either retired bureaucrats or defence personnel as its governor, may get a politician as head of state as the Centre is mulling an option to replace N N Vohra (retired IAS officer) with a senior political leader.
Though Vohra, who was appointed as J&K governor in 2008, still has nearly three years of his term left, he may be shifted to some other state to make way for a new person who has been through the rough and tumble of politics.
Athough widely acclaimed for his administrative accumen, Vohra has not been quite visible since the eruption of trouble in the sensitive state, something that is seen as compounding problems for the chief minister, a political sophomore.
The search for a political governor is reflective of a shift in the government's focus -- from defence against Pakistan-backed terrorists to a political response to grievances driving the current agitation. It is felt that the chief minister, seen by many as bereft of political advice from his senior National Conference colleagues, can do with the advice from a political governor.
"Even though the governor does not have any direct role in governance, a politician with better understanding of representative politics can be useful for J&K where the general public feel quite alienated at the current juncture," said a senior government source summing up the thinking in the government.
Vohra was the central interlouctor for the state before he replaced Lt General (retd) S K Sinha as the governor in June 2008.
The Centre is also looking for a senior Congress politician -- someone who may not be in active politics but not quite a "has-been" either -- for J&K to head the group of interlocutors. He may be given the rank of a Cabinet minister.
Union home minister P Chidambaram is believed to have discussed the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a one-on-one meeting on Monday when names of some senior Congress leaders are understood to have figured.
"The names are expected to be announced as soon as possible," said the source. The appointment of interlocutors is part of the Centre's eight-point peace initiative announced last month.
Sources hinted that most of the interlocutors would be from outside J&K but would be having a fair idea about the issues there. The issue of appointing Muslim, Hindu and women representative as interlocutors was also being considered, sources said adding the chairman of the group would certainly be a close confidant of the Prime Minister.
It is believed that it would be easier for a group of interlocutors to look beyond Srinagar during the peace process. The interlocutors can travel to small towns like Baramulla, Anantnag, Sopore, Uri, Doda, Rajouri and other areas and interact with cross-sections of people unlike in the past when a single interlocutor hardly looked to the hinterlands.
Meanwhile, 49 stone-pelters have been released and nine bunkers of security forces removed from some civilian areas in the state as part of the government's peace initiative....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMTAvMDUjQXIwMDEwNA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Jammu and Kashmir.....Is this time to give PDP a chance?....saving lives of misguided youths is important
All-party team to visit J&K, AFSPA issue open
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 16, 2010, 12.39am IST
NEW DELHI: The political class on Wednesday decided to reach out to the estranged population in Jammu and Kashmir by deciding to send an all-party delegation as the first step towards a dialogue for resolving the current crisis.
The decision to send a delegation by Sunday, reflecting all strands of opinion, was taken at the all-party meeting convened here against the backdrop of the continued downslide in the situation, with violence spreading beyond the Valley to reach Jammu. The delegation may also travel to Jammu during its two-day trip to the state.
The all-party meeting saw UPA chairperson and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi signalling the willingness of the ruling dispensation at the Centre to make concessions to de-escalate tensions and create an atmosphere suitable for dialogue.
The Congress chief acknowledged the role of inimical forces both within and beyond the state -- an unmistakable reference to Pakistan and its proxies. She also appreciated the risks and constraints that security forces face.
But her thrust was clearly on fence-mending and concessions that would make that possible. "We must give them hope, we must understand and respect their legitimate aspirations. This should be reflected in what we say and decide. We need to be magnanimo us and mature in our approach, as befits a strong, confident and inclusive democracy," she said.
The focus on bridge-building came out clearly when she said, "The people of Jammu and Kashmir are our people, they are our citizens. Let us demonstrate it in a spirit of accommodation."
The strong pitch kept the door open for the home ministry to take a fresh stab at withdrawal and dilution of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) despite continued reservations within, as well as resistance from non-Congress parties and armed forces. Release of political prisoners and some of the stone-pelters who have no history of trouble-making are other "gestures" on the table.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggested that the evidence of Pakistan stoking trouble should not come in the way of the government's quest for a reconciliation. He said some of the incidents were orchestrated by certain groups, but underlined, "what we have seen over the past three months must persuade us to reflect or deliberate on the way forward". For all these measures to fructify, however, Singh will require solid political backing from the Congress chief.
The meeting saw even outfits like BSP, Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal cautioning against any measure that could demoralize the armed forces, lending strength to the BJP and Shiv Sena who reiterated their known opposition to tampering with the special law that the Army deems crucial for its operations in insurgency-hit areas. The Left and National Conference supported withdrawal or pruning of the law.
An official statement said, "The government will take into account the deliberations at today's meeting while considering measures and initiatives to reach out to the people of Jammu & Kashmir."
Sources in the government, however, interpreted Sonia's remarks as a green signal to explore ways by which AFSPA could be stripped of its "draconian provisions", without crimping the functioning of the armed forces.
The deliberations were, save the sparring between bitter rivals National Conference and PDP, remarkably bereft of finger pointing that such exercises often get reduced to. There was no attack on Omar Abdullah, raising the hope that the chief minister -- widely blamed for messing up matters in the state -- could hang on to his job if he gets his act together even now.
The absence of acrimony, however, could not mask the differences, with the parties hewing to their known postures. So, while PDP's Mehbooba Mufti demanded that talks be held without any condition, the PM emphasized that the dialogue offer he made last month was valid only for those groups "which do not espouse or preach violence". In a statement issued after the meeting, the PMO emphasized that the "Constitution of India provides ample scope to accommodate any legitimate political demand through dialogue, civil discourse and peaceful negotiations".
The BJP insisted that talks should be held only after violence ended and only with those who were ready to abjure violence and work within the framework of the Constitution.
Home minister P Chidambaram too said a solution had to be within the framework of the Constitution.
In his remarks, the PM referred to the fresh wave of violence, which was provoked by outrage over rumours about burning of the Quran in the wake of a US pastor's threat to do so. "I am sure all of us share a deep sense of distress over the unfortunate sequence of events, during and after Eid, particularly in the context of a reported act by a misguided person thousands of miles away," the PM said.....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMTYjQXIwMDEwNQ==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 16, 2010, 12.39am IST
NEW DELHI: The political class on Wednesday decided to reach out to the estranged population in Jammu and Kashmir by deciding to send an all-party delegation as the first step towards a dialogue for resolving the current crisis.
The decision to send a delegation by Sunday, reflecting all strands of opinion, was taken at the all-party meeting convened here against the backdrop of the continued downslide in the situation, with violence spreading beyond the Valley to reach Jammu. The delegation may also travel to Jammu during its two-day trip to the state.
The all-party meeting saw UPA chairperson and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi signalling the willingness of the ruling dispensation at the Centre to make concessions to de-escalate tensions and create an atmosphere suitable for dialogue.
The Congress chief acknowledged the role of inimical forces both within and beyond the state -- an unmistakable reference to Pakistan and its proxies. She also appreciated the risks and constraints that security forces face.
But her thrust was clearly on fence-mending and concessions that would make that possible. "We must give them hope, we must understand and respect their legitimate aspirations. This should be reflected in what we say and decide. We need to be magnanimo us and mature in our approach, as befits a strong, confident and inclusive democracy," she said.
The focus on bridge-building came out clearly when she said, "The people of Jammu and Kashmir are our people, they are our citizens. Let us demonstrate it in a spirit of accommodation."
The strong pitch kept the door open for the home ministry to take a fresh stab at withdrawal and dilution of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) despite continued reservations within, as well as resistance from non-Congress parties and armed forces. Release of political prisoners and some of the stone-pelters who have no history of trouble-making are other "gestures" on the table.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggested that the evidence of Pakistan stoking trouble should not come in the way of the government's quest for a reconciliation. He said some of the incidents were orchestrated by certain groups, but underlined, "what we have seen over the past three months must persuade us to reflect or deliberate on the way forward". For all these measures to fructify, however, Singh will require solid political backing from the Congress chief.
The meeting saw even outfits like BSP, Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal cautioning against any measure that could demoralize the armed forces, lending strength to the BJP and Shiv Sena who reiterated their known opposition to tampering with the special law that the Army deems crucial for its operations in insurgency-hit areas. The Left and National Conference supported withdrawal or pruning of the law.
An official statement said, "The government will take into account the deliberations at today's meeting while considering measures and initiatives to reach out to the people of Jammu & Kashmir."
Sources in the government, however, interpreted Sonia's remarks as a green signal to explore ways by which AFSPA could be stripped of its "draconian provisions", without crimping the functioning of the armed forces.
The deliberations were, save the sparring between bitter rivals National Conference and PDP, remarkably bereft of finger pointing that such exercises often get reduced to. There was no attack on Omar Abdullah, raising the hope that the chief minister -- widely blamed for messing up matters in the state -- could hang on to his job if he gets his act together even now.
The absence of acrimony, however, could not mask the differences, with the parties hewing to their known postures. So, while PDP's Mehbooba Mufti demanded that talks be held without any condition, the PM emphasized that the dialogue offer he made last month was valid only for those groups "which do not espouse or preach violence". In a statement issued after the meeting, the PMO emphasized that the "Constitution of India provides ample scope to accommodate any legitimate political demand through dialogue, civil discourse and peaceful negotiations".
The BJP insisted that talks should be held only after violence ended and only with those who were ready to abjure violence and work within the framework of the Constitution.
Home minister P Chidambaram too said a solution had to be within the framework of the Constitution.
In his remarks, the PM referred to the fresh wave of violence, which was provoked by outrage over rumours about burning of the Quran in the wake of a US pastor's threat to do so. "I am sure all of us share a deep sense of distress over the unfortunate sequence of events, during and after Eid, particularly in the context of a reported act by a misguided person thousands of miles away," the PM said.....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMTYjQXIwMDEwNQ==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Jammu & Kashmir:...Is Omar testing the ground?
Omar threatens to quit, no call on Army powers
M Saleem Pandit & Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 14, 2010, 12.53am IST
SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that although both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister P Chidambaram had agreed on the need to make concessions in the Valley, his proposal (to quit) was not considered by the Cabinet.
According to sources, the chief minister, who was in New Delhi on Monday before flying back to Srinagar, may have already indicated his inability to continue if the Centre did not create political headroom for him.
A beleaguered Omar, whose handling of the situation is seen as inept and one of the reasons for the crisis, disclosed his plan to quit after a three-hour CCS meeting failed to hammer out a response to his demand for withdrawal of AFSPA from certain parts of J&K. The CCS, instead, decided to call an all-party meeting to discuss AFSPA and other issues.
"Earlier in the day, I was hopeful that something would emerge from the evening meeting but it was painful to learn later that the CCS members have decided to hold an all-party meeting on the issue of even partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act," the CM said.
He further referred to differences in the CCS which was holding up a decision on lifting AFSPA. " Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister P Chidambaram were in agreement with my suggestion, but the proposal was not considered in the CCS meeting today," he said.
Omar's quit threat comes at a time when the Centre finds itself in an acute bind over how to deal with the sudden surge in violence which claimed 15 lives on Monday, with an audio clip suggesting that Syed Ali Shah Geelani may have discarded the restraint he had so far exercised and joined those like Masarat Alam to choreograph unrest by forcing security personnel to open fire.
Centre is unhappy with Omar for messing up matters, and does not lay great store by his acumen to stem the slide. However, it is not clear whether it would like to come directly in the line of fire of separatists on an issue which evokes strong feelings in the country by doing away with the buffer that state leaders can offer. The anxiety gives Omar leverage even when he stands discredited, especially because his demand appears moderate in comparison to the postures of even moderate Hurriyat leaders.
The CCS again witnessed the divergence between the ministry of defence and the ministry of home over withdrawal of AFSPA. Sources said the defence ministry counselled caution even with regard to the removal of certain contingents of paramilitary personnel from the Valley.http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMTQjQXIwMDExMQ==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
M Saleem Pandit & Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 14, 2010, 12.53am IST
SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that although both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister P Chidambaram had agreed on the need to make concessions in the Valley, his proposal (to quit) was not considered by the Cabinet.
According to sources, the chief minister, who was in New Delhi on Monday before flying back to Srinagar, may have already indicated his inability to continue if the Centre did not create political headroom for him.
A beleaguered Omar, whose handling of the situation is seen as inept and one of the reasons for the crisis, disclosed his plan to quit after a three-hour CCS meeting failed to hammer out a response to his demand for withdrawal of AFSPA from certain parts of J&K. The CCS, instead, decided to call an all-party meeting to discuss AFSPA and other issues.
"Earlier in the day, I was hopeful that something would emerge from the evening meeting but it was painful to learn later that the CCS members have decided to hold an all-party meeting on the issue of even partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act," the CM said.
He further referred to differences in the CCS which was holding up a decision on lifting AFSPA. " Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister P Chidambaram were in agreement with my suggestion, but the proposal was not considered in the CCS meeting today," he said.
Omar's quit threat comes at a time when the Centre finds itself in an acute bind over how to deal with the sudden surge in violence which claimed 15 lives on Monday, with an audio clip suggesting that Syed Ali Shah Geelani may have discarded the restraint he had so far exercised and joined those like Masarat Alam to choreograph unrest by forcing security personnel to open fire.
Centre is unhappy with Omar for messing up matters, and does not lay great store by his acumen to stem the slide. However, it is not clear whether it would like to come directly in the line of fire of separatists on an issue which evokes strong feelings in the country by doing away with the buffer that state leaders can offer. The anxiety gives Omar leverage even when he stands discredited, especially because his demand appears moderate in comparison to the postures of even moderate Hurriyat leaders.
The CCS again witnessed the divergence between the ministry of defence and the ministry of home over withdrawal of AFSPA. Sources said the defence ministry counselled caution even with regard to the removal of certain contingents of paramilitary personnel from the Valley.http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMTQjQXIwMDExMQ==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Sunday, September 12, 2010
ALERT: Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid....controversy to revisit again
Centre tells states to beef up security for Babri verdict fallout
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Aug 30, 2010, 05.03am IST
NEW DELHI: Apprehending that the Allahabad High Court verdict over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit may evoke a communal flare-up, the Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to give maintaining law and order "top most priority" as the judgment, expected sometime in the second half of September, has the potential to "evoke sharp reactions".
In its communication, the home ministry also informed states and UTs of the activities of various religious groups, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) which has already announced a countrywide mass mobilisation and awareness campaign called 'Hanumat Shakti Jagran Abhiyan', in view of the forthcoming court verdict.
The ministry's missive also referred to comments made by some Muslim leaders, including Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, who have strongly commented on the proposed programme of the VHP. Stating that the court verdict "is likely to evoke sharp reactions and communal passions among both Hindus and Muslims depending on the way the judgment goes", the ministry asked states and UTs to keep a close watch on activities of religious bodies of both the communities in the run-up to the judgment.
Besides, the ministry has asked central paramilitary forces including CRPF and Rapid Action Force (RAF) to be ready with reinforcement as and when needed by states for deployment in sensitive areas prior to the verdict.
"The CRPF has been asked to identify the companies which can be sent to Uttar Pradesh, which recently asked for deployment of 458 companies (over 50,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces," said an official.
The special full Bench of the Allahabad HC at Lucknow has already completed hearing of the final argument of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit and kept its judgment reserved....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDgvMzAjQXIwMTAwMg==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Aug 30, 2010, 05.03am IST
NEW DELHI: Apprehending that the Allahabad High Court verdict over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit may evoke a communal flare-up, the Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to give maintaining law and order "top most priority" as the judgment, expected sometime in the second half of September, has the potential to "evoke sharp reactions".
In its communication, the home ministry also informed states and UTs of the activities of various religious groups, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) which has already announced a countrywide mass mobilisation and awareness campaign called 'Hanumat Shakti Jagran Abhiyan', in view of the forthcoming court verdict.
The ministry's missive also referred to comments made by some Muslim leaders, including Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, who have strongly commented on the proposed programme of the VHP. Stating that the court verdict "is likely to evoke sharp reactions and communal passions among both Hindus and Muslims depending on the way the judgment goes", the ministry asked states and UTs to keep a close watch on activities of religious bodies of both the communities in the run-up to the judgment.
Besides, the ministry has asked central paramilitary forces including CRPF and Rapid Action Force (RAF) to be ready with reinforcement as and when needed by states for deployment in sensitive areas prior to the verdict.
"The CRPF has been asked to identify the companies which can be sent to Uttar Pradesh, which recently asked for deployment of 458 companies (over 50,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces," said an official.
The special full Bench of the Allahabad HC at Lucknow has already completed hearing of the final argument of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit and kept its judgment reserved....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDgvMzAjQXIwMTAwMg==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Technology bridges the gap...We are in the 21st century...the digital age
Munda has some anxious moments before he takes oath
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 10, 2010, 04.05am IST
NEW DELHI: Even as the Union Cabinet on Thursday recommended revocation of governor's rule in Jharkhand clearing the decks for government formation in the state, BJP leader Arjun Munda still has some anxious moments before he takes oath as President Pratibha Patil had to leave the country for her 10-day foreign visit without signing on the dotted line.
Since the Cabinet decided to revoke governor's rule after the President's departure for her Laos and Cambodia trip, Rashtrapati Bhawan now has no option but to get her signature on the scanned copy before Munda's swearing-in schedule for 11 am on Saturday.
Though getting the required paper signed when the President is out of the country does not appear to be difficult, the nitty-gritty involved in it could have been avoided had the Cabinet Secretariat decided to hold the meeting of the Union Cabinet keeping in mind Patil's schedule.
"The meeting of the Cabinet could have taken place late on Wednesday night or early on Thursday morning to avoid such a situation," said an official.
Since the President's scheduled visit was not a secret, the move to hold the Cabinet meeting after she was to leave for Laos around 10 am left many in the government puzzled.
Government sources said officials in Rashtrapati Bhawan were now on the job to get Patil's signature on the scanned copy and they would get it anytime before the swearing-in ceremony of the new Jharkhand chief minister.
Since the President had to leave before signing the paper, all that Union home minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the Cabinet meeting was, "The Cabinet has made appropriate recommendation to the President based on the governor's recommendation. You will have to wait for the President's decision."
The incident is a reminder of what then President APJ Abdul Kalam had to do in May 2005 when he had to approve the Cabinet's decision to dissolve the Bihar assembly while he was in Moscow.
After receiving the then Bihar governor's report on May 22, 2005, the Union Cabinet met around 11 pm the same day and decided to accept the report on dissolving the state assembly. Subsequently, a fax message about the Cabinet's decision was sent to Kalam, who had already left for Moscow by that time. Kalam had then accorded his approval and sent it through fax leading to the notification about dissolution of the Bihar assembly being issued the very next day on May 23, 2005......http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMTAjQXIwMTcwMA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 10, 2010, 04.05am IST
NEW DELHI: Even as the Union Cabinet on Thursday recommended revocation of governor's rule in Jharkhand clearing the decks for government formation in the state, BJP leader Arjun Munda still has some anxious moments before he takes oath as President Pratibha Patil had to leave the country for her 10-day foreign visit without signing on the dotted line.
Since the Cabinet decided to revoke governor's rule after the President's departure for her Laos and Cambodia trip, Rashtrapati Bhawan now has no option but to get her signature on the scanned copy before Munda's swearing-in schedule for 11 am on Saturday.
Though getting the required paper signed when the President is out of the country does not appear to be difficult, the nitty-gritty involved in it could have been avoided had the Cabinet Secretariat decided to hold the meeting of the Union Cabinet keeping in mind Patil's schedule.
"The meeting of the Cabinet could have taken place late on Wednesday night or early on Thursday morning to avoid such a situation," said an official.
Since the President's scheduled visit was not a secret, the move to hold the Cabinet meeting after she was to leave for Laos around 10 am left many in the government puzzled.
Government sources said officials in Rashtrapati Bhawan were now on the job to get Patil's signature on the scanned copy and they would get it anytime before the swearing-in ceremony of the new Jharkhand chief minister.
Since the President had to leave before signing the paper, all that Union home minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the Cabinet meeting was, "The Cabinet has made appropriate recommendation to the President based on the governor's recommendation. You will have to wait for the President's decision."
The incident is a reminder of what then President APJ Abdul Kalam had to do in May 2005 when he had to approve the Cabinet's decision to dissolve the Bihar assembly while he was in Moscow.
After receiving the then Bihar governor's report on May 22, 2005, the Union Cabinet met around 11 pm the same day and decided to accept the report on dissolving the state assembly. Subsequently, a fax message about the Cabinet's decision was sent to Kalam, who had already left for Moscow by that time. Kalam had then accorded his approval and sent it through fax leading to the notification about dissolution of the Bihar assembly being issued the very next day on May 23, 2005......http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMTAjQXIwMTcwMA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Friday, September 3, 2010
Commonwealth Games...The concerns
Only one week for full security drill at CWG venues
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 2, 2010, 12.22am IST
NEW DELHI: As Commonwealth Games venues are to be handed over to Delhi Police by September 7 — a delay of over one month — security agencies are now left with no choice but to finish the required 'drills', including intensive anti-sabotage checks, in just one week by September 13.
The Army will pitch in to help out with more specialized chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) checks during the period. Had all the Games venues and Village been handed over to security agencies on time, these works would have begun on August 1 giving them enough time to repeat the drills/checks a number of times.
Though paucity of time has now put Delhi Police on its toes, officials remained confident of finishing the task before athletes start arriving by the middle of September.
Home minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said security overlays in the Games clusters would be completed by September 15 and thereafter he would review the steps being taken. His promise came after he reviewed security measures being put in place in all CWG venues and the Games Village.
''We will do another review immediately after September 15. They (security agencies) have assured me all security overlays will be completed by September 15,'' he said while admitting there was delay in completing the works which resulted in slow progress of security-related tasks in the Games venues and Village. ''Delays are admitted. It is not because of Delhi Police.., but because others have to complete their work,'' said Chidambaram.
Earlier, top officials, including home secretary G K Pillai, Delhi Police commissioner Y S Dadwal and senior officials from intelligence agencies and elite anti-terror force National Security Guards (NSG), briefed Chidambaram about the security measures being taken for the mega sporting event.
Dadwal made a detailed presentation on deployment of security personnel, traffic management and contingency plan for emergency.
Referring to the presentation, government sources said a four-tier security apparatus with Army back-up would be put in place during the Games beginning on October 3.
''Though there is no specific threat to the Games, we have been taking all measures to make security foolproof amid general threats over such big events from terror groups based in Pakistan,'' said an official.
The security plan prohibits VIPs, except heads of state, from taking their cars to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. All athletes, officials and guests can visit the stadium only by bus. A fleet of 574 vehicles, including buses, will be used to ferry them across the city. Each of these vehicles will have to undergo mandatory anti-sabotage clearance every morning before athletes board them.
Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses at the stadium. Each of the 13 competition venues will have a tight security ring and special arrangements will be made to transport athletes. Helicopters carrying commando snipers will keep an eye on the convoys....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMDIjQXIwMDgwMA==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
Vishwa Mohan, TNN, Sep 2, 2010, 12.22am IST
NEW DELHI: As Commonwealth Games venues are to be handed over to Delhi Police by September 7 — a delay of over one month — security agencies are now left with no choice but to finish the required 'drills', including intensive anti-sabotage checks, in just one week by September 13.
The Army will pitch in to help out with more specialized chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) checks during the period. Had all the Games venues and Village been handed over to security agencies on time, these works would have begun on August 1 giving them enough time to repeat the drills/checks a number of times.
Though paucity of time has now put Delhi Police on its toes, officials remained confident of finishing the task before athletes start arriving by the middle of September.
Home minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said security overlays in the Games clusters would be completed by September 15 and thereafter he would review the steps being taken. His promise came after he reviewed security measures being put in place in all CWG venues and the Games Village.
''We will do another review immediately after September 15. They (security agencies) have assured me all security overlays will be completed by September 15,'' he said while admitting there was delay in completing the works which resulted in slow progress of security-related tasks in the Games venues and Village. ''Delays are admitted. It is not because of Delhi Police.., but because others have to complete their work,'' said Chidambaram.
Earlier, top officials, including home secretary G K Pillai, Delhi Police commissioner Y S Dadwal and senior officials from intelligence agencies and elite anti-terror force National Security Guards (NSG), briefed Chidambaram about the security measures being taken for the mega sporting event.
Dadwal made a detailed presentation on deployment of security personnel, traffic management and contingency plan for emergency.
Referring to the presentation, government sources said a four-tier security apparatus with Army back-up would be put in place during the Games beginning on October 3.
''Though there is no specific threat to the Games, we have been taking all measures to make security foolproof amid general threats over such big events from terror groups based in Pakistan,'' said an official.
The security plan prohibits VIPs, except heads of state, from taking their cars to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. All athletes, officials and guests can visit the stadium only by bus. A fleet of 574 vehicles, including buses, will be used to ferry them across the city. Each of these vehicles will have to undergo mandatory anti-sabotage clearance every morning before athletes board them.
Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses at the stadium. Each of the 13 competition venues will have a tight security ring and special arrangements will be made to transport athletes. Helicopters carrying commando snipers will keep an eye on the convoys....http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTAvMDkvMDIjQXIwMDgwMA==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
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