Augest.27 : It is just as well that the Prime Minister chose the forum of the ongoing conference in New Delhi of India's ambassadors and high commissioners overseas to underscore that this country had been a victim of terrorism, and that it was essential to tackle global terrorism with vigour and resolve in order to ensure national progress. After the fiasco of the Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement with Pakistan, which sought to "de-bracket" terrorist acts against this country and talks with Pakistan, it was important to reassure India's top diplomatic representatives that the official position in respect of terrorism emanating from Pakistan was not in any way being sought to be played down for a short-term or expedient reason. It was evident after Sharm el-Sheikh that there was not a little unease with the formulation among our top diplomats overseas and senior officials of the external affairs ministry. There was the distinct impression abroad that among those uncertain about the perceived change were particularly those who have dealt with Pakistan and India's neighbourhood. Dr Manmohan Singh's extempore address on Tuesday is likely to assuage any professional anxieties our diplomats may have entertained. What is more, the issuing of a Red Corner Notice by Interpol against Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan's principal ideologue of jihad against India who is officially described here as the "mastermind" of the Mumbai outrage last November, materialised on the day the Prime Minister addressed the diplomats on a matter of existential concern.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Govt’s firm line on Pak welcome
The Red Corner Notice against Saeed follows the request recently made by the CBI to Interpol buttressed with suitable evidence. The international police organisation clearly saw merit in the case made out by the CBI, although the authorities in Pakistan have consistently dismissed the material produced by Indian investigators as being inadequate for the purposes of prosecution. Saeed had been placed under house arrest initially in the light of a UN Security Council resolution naming him as a terrorist to be restrained, but the Lahore high court set him free a few months ago as the Pakistan government did not press the case against him. Apparently, he is now being tried in camera in Rawalpindi. Since the trial is being held in secret, it can be made to take a turn that the authorities choose. Given Saeed's deep-going relationship with Pakistan's spy agencies in the light of that country's covert war against India, it is a given that only that aspect of the trial will be permitted to be made public as suits Islamabad. The Red Corner Notice is not an international arrest warrant. Nevertheless, after the Interpol's move, the Pakistan government will be under some pressure to at least give the impression that it is not taking the matter lightly. India, however, cannot afford to let up pressure in respect of Saeed and other dramatis personae in the Mumbai terror attack. The Prime Minister had spoken of credible information on terrorist threats from Pakistan at a conference on internal security a week ago. This had been the first intimation of a pull-back from Sharm el-Sheikh. Dr Singh's address to the diplomats is in the nature of confirming that trend. A day earlier, external affairs minister S.M. Krishna had been quite blunt in telling the heads of our missions that meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can begin only when it takes serious steps in the Mumbai case. A consistent line thus looks to be emerging. But to signal that there can be no ambiguity about this, the discussions at the foreign secretary-level - proposed at Sharm el-Sheikh - need to be kept in abeyance until the circumstances are apposite.
Infiltration up, admits Army
Aug. 26: GOC-in-C Northern Command Lieutenant-General P.C. Bhardwaj on Wednesday claimed that although the rate of infiltration bids from across the border has gone up, the general security situation has considerably improved in the state.
Lt. Gen. Bhardwaj said the threat from across the border still exists and it is evident from the upswing in infiltration this year. "Logistic support to militants, too, is intact from across the border. Yet no major incident of violence has occurred in the state, which is suggestive of dipping level of violence. Peaceful conduct of elections and a smooth Amarnath Yatra this year — these factors suggest that the security situation has improved," he asserted.
It was maintained that the terrorists were using latest technology, satellite phones and GPS system but the Army was well-prepared to tackle all threats posed to the security of nation.
On the question as which was the hot border, the reply was: "The borders, both with Pakistan and China, were hot. Yet with China all the disputes could be resolved amicably during flag meetings."
A senior Northern Command officer said claimed, "Around 26 infiltration attempts were foiled by the Army this year till date in the area of state under command yet the majority of attempts (25) were made in the Valley. So far 59 terrorists (majority in the Valley) were killed. Around 72 terrorists managed to infiltrate."
He stated that as a new deceptive ploy, they (terrorists) try to sneak in five to six groups from different places at a time.
13 Chhattisgarh cops face music for staying away from Maoist area
Thirteen policemen have been dismissed in Chhattisgarh for disobeying the official order and not joining the Mandanwada police outpost in insurgency-hit Rajnandgaon.
“Thirteen policemen were suspended on the charges of insubordination, indiscipline and cowardice,” Inspector General of Police RK Vij told The Pioneer on Wednesday.
Earlier, this month, these policemen were transferred to Madanwada police outpost on temporary postings. They were put under suspension after they failed to join their duties. Their reluctance to join the duty even after suspension was followed by their dismissal.
Sources say, the reluctance of policemen to join duty was felt to demoralise the spirit of other cops, who are fighting a crucial battle against the Leftwing insurgents in the State.
Earlier, on July 12, 29 policemen including a Superintendent of Police were killed by the Maoists in Madanwada area of Rajnandgaon disrict in four consecutive attacks. The police have opened an outpost in the area said to be badly infested by the Maoists.
“Thirteen policemen were suspended on the charges of insubordination, indiscipline and cowardice,” Inspector General of Police RK Vij told The Pioneer on Wednesday.
Earlier, this month, these policemen were transferred to Madanwada police outpost on temporary postings. They were put under suspension after they failed to join their duties. Their reluctance to join the duty even after suspension was followed by their dismissal.
Sources say, the reluctance of policemen to join duty was felt to demoralise the spirit of other cops, who are fighting a crucial battle against the Leftwing insurgents in the State.
Earlier, on July 12, 29 policemen including a Superintendent of Police were killed by the Maoists in Madanwada area of Rajnandgaon disrict in four consecutive attacks. The police have opened an outpost in the area said to be badly infested by the Maoists.
Dhumal Govt proposes to hike salaries of Speaker, Ministers
The Himachal Chief Minister PK Dhumal introduced on Wednesday four amendment Bills, seeking to hike the salaries and allowances of Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, CPS and MLAs.
Salary of MLAs is proposed to be raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 per month while the Constituency allowance would be almost doubled to Rs 20,000. The basic pension of ex-MLAs for one term is also proposed to be doubled from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 while the hike for every additional would be Rs 400 instead of Rs 200 at present.
Salary of the Chief Minister would be raised from Rs 18,000 to Rs 34,000; the Ministers would get an increased salary of Rs 31,000, up from current Rs 15,000, while the State Ministers’ salary would go up from Rs 11,000 to Rs 28,000 and that of Deputy Ministers from Rs 10,000 to Rs 27,000.
The salary of the Speaker would be Rs 31,000 at par with the Cabinet Ministers and the Deputy Speaker would draw a salary of Rs 28,000, equivalent to the Ministers of State.
Salary of MLAs is proposed to be raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 per month while the Constituency allowance would be almost doubled to Rs 20,000. The basic pension of ex-MLAs for one term is also proposed to be doubled from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 while the hike for every additional would be Rs 400 instead of Rs 200 at present.
Salary of the Chief Minister would be raised from Rs 18,000 to Rs 34,000; the Ministers would get an increased salary of Rs 31,000, up from current Rs 15,000, while the State Ministers’ salary would go up from Rs 11,000 to Rs 28,000 and that of Deputy Ministers from Rs 10,000 to Rs 27,000.
The salary of the Speaker would be Rs 31,000 at par with the Cabinet Ministers and the Deputy Speaker would draw a salary of Rs 28,000, equivalent to the Ministers of State.
Martyr’s father exposes Govt irregularities
A decade after conflict, father of a Kargil martyr has transformed himself into an accountability activist through sustained use of the Right to Information Act.
HL Attri, who retired as director from the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2002 has exposed through RTI Act how his fellow colleague in the Ministry was given out of turn increments in a single financial year in contravention of the existing rules.
Another director in the MoEF, Rajendra Mishra was given two increments at one go in 1996 causing a loss of lakhs of rupees to the exchequer.
“Now that the wrongdoings of Rajendra Mishra have been exposed, the Government should either recover the illegal increments given to him or accord similar increments to other officials of the Ministry in the grade of director,” Attri told The Pioneer.
The reply by MoEF to Attri’s RTI application read, “…grant of annual increment to Shri Rajendra Mishra on 1.1.96 appears to be erroneous as no normal increment was due to Shri Mishra as he was stagnating at the maximum of his scale. He was… entitled to stagnation increment on 1.1.96 and his pay ought to have been fixed at Rs 13,875.”
Instead, Mishra’s monthly pay was fixed at Rs 14,250 and accordingly he has been receiving pay scales in contravention of the rules, Attri added.
Attri has in the past exposed how a V-C of the Delhi-based Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University exploited the emergency powers for taking even routine decisions, including appointments bypassing the procedures laid out for administration.
Attri’s son Captain Ayush Attri was killed during an operation in Kargil and was decorated for his bravery by the Government.
HL Attri, who retired as director from the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2002 has exposed through RTI Act how his fellow colleague in the Ministry was given out of turn increments in a single financial year in contravention of the existing rules.
Another director in the MoEF, Rajendra Mishra was given two increments at one go in 1996 causing a loss of lakhs of rupees to the exchequer.
“Now that the wrongdoings of Rajendra Mishra have been exposed, the Government should either recover the illegal increments given to him or accord similar increments to other officials of the Ministry in the grade of director,” Attri told The Pioneer.
The reply by MoEF to Attri’s RTI application read, “…grant of annual increment to Shri Rajendra Mishra on 1.1.96 appears to be erroneous as no normal increment was due to Shri Mishra as he was stagnating at the maximum of his scale. He was… entitled to stagnation increment on 1.1.96 and his pay ought to have been fixed at Rs 13,875.”
Instead, Mishra’s monthly pay was fixed at Rs 14,250 and accordingly he has been receiving pay scales in contravention of the rules, Attri added.
Attri has in the past exposed how a V-C of the Delhi-based Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University exploited the emergency powers for taking even routine decisions, including appointments bypassing the procedures laid out for administration.
Attri’s son Captain Ayush Attri was killed during an operation in Kargil and was decorated for his bravery by the Government.
India-US joint transport aircraft exercise on Oct 19
A five-day joint exercise Cope India-09, involving IAF and USAF transport aircraft, will be held in Agra from October 19 onwards. The participating IAF aircraft will include IL-76, AN-32 and Mi-17 helicopters, while USAF contingent will comprise C-17 Globemaster, C-130J (Super Herclues) and C-130H transport aircraft.
The exercise is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of joint operations in the realm of tactics, aero-medical aspects and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions involving medium and heavy lift transport aircraft, an IAF spokesman said here on Wednesday.
Nearly 160 USAF personnel and about 200 IAF air-warriors will participate in the exercise, he added.
The Indian and US Air Force have regularly conducted joint exercises in India and US over the last ten years. Moreover, the SU-30 fighter jets of IAF last year took participated in the 'Red Flag' exercise in the US where five other countries took part. This exercise is rated as the most demanding and sophisticated and the IAF gave a very good account of itself.
The two countries over the years have also increased military to military relations including joint exercises of the Army and the Navy. Besides this, the defence relations between India and the US have also seen an upswing in the last decade and the US defence industry now has a sizable presence here. These companies are keen to have a share of the nearly $30 billion proposed procurement by India in the next five to seven years.
The exercise is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of joint operations in the realm of tactics, aero-medical aspects and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions involving medium and heavy lift transport aircraft, an IAF spokesman said here on Wednesday.
Nearly 160 USAF personnel and about 200 IAF air-warriors will participate in the exercise, he added.
The Indian and US Air Force have regularly conducted joint exercises in India and US over the last ten years. Moreover, the SU-30 fighter jets of IAF last year took participated in the 'Red Flag' exercise in the US where five other countries took part. This exercise is rated as the most demanding and sophisticated and the IAF gave a very good account of itself.
The two countries over the years have also increased military to military relations including joint exercises of the Army and the Navy. Besides this, the defence relations between India and the US have also seen an upswing in the last decade and the US defence industry now has a sizable presence here. These companies are keen to have a share of the nearly $30 billion proposed procurement by India in the next five to seven years.
Move to bring traffic police under Delhi Govt
In a major decision, the Delhi Government has proposed to bring traffic police under its jurisdiction through Delhi Urban Mass Transit Authority Act (DUMTA) 2009.
Under the Act, an authority would be created and all the agencies involved in road maintenance, engineering, traffic and transport would come under its purview.
A presentation to this effect was made by the Transport department and Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System before the CM on Wednesday.
Sources said the CM has asked the officials to prepare a proposal in this regard as they needed approval of the Union Home Ministry.
Under the Act, an authority would be created and all the agencies involved in road maintenance, engineering, traffic and transport would come under its purview.
A presentation to this effect was made by the Transport department and Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System before the CM on Wednesday.
Sources said the CM has asked the officials to prepare a proposal in this regard as they needed approval of the Union Home Ministry.
Supreme Court judges to disclose assets
Under mounting public pressure, the judges of the Supreme Court today decided to make public their assets, an issue that had been haunting higher judiciary for quite some time.
“A decision in principle has been taken on the issue at a meeting convened by Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan and the details of the assets to be declared by the judges would be put on the Supreme Court website,” a top apex court source said after the two-hour deliberations.
The decision comes after months of public debate over making public the details of higher judiciary, especially the apex court judges and their families, ever since the Right to Information law triggered a clamour on the issue.
The source said the decision, adopted in the form of a resolution, would be effective only after the minutes are signed by all the judges.
“Once the minutes are recorded the assets would be made public and would be posted on the Supreme Court website,” the source said.
The decision was immediately welcomed by senior advocates Soli Sorabjee and Prashant Bhushan, who has been campaigning on the subject.
Sorabjee said it was a decision in the right direction. He said it was not much about judicial corruption and that they had something to hide but it was due to some misgivings.
The issue of declaration of assets had also led to a spat with Karnataka High Court judge Justice DV Shylendra Kumar, who questioned Balakrishnan’s authority to speak on behalf of all judges. The CJI hit back saying the judge was “publicity crazy”.
A couple of days ago, the CJI, however, had maintained that judges were free to disclose their assets and nothing prevented them from doing so. Only there was a lack of consensus, which he said was being worked out.
In between, Justice MK Kannan, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and Justice Kumar declared their assets while Justice K Chandru of the Madras High Court expressed his inclination to do so. — PTI
“A decision in principle has been taken on the issue at a meeting convened by Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan and the details of the assets to be declared by the judges would be put on the Supreme Court website,” a top apex court source said after the two-hour deliberations.
The decision comes after months of public debate over making public the details of higher judiciary, especially the apex court judges and their families, ever since the Right to Information law triggered a clamour on the issue.
The source said the decision, adopted in the form of a resolution, would be effective only after the minutes are signed by all the judges.
“Once the minutes are recorded the assets would be made public and would be posted on the Supreme Court website,” the source said.
The decision was immediately welcomed by senior advocates Soli Sorabjee and Prashant Bhushan, who has been campaigning on the subject.
Sorabjee said it was a decision in the right direction. He said it was not much about judicial corruption and that they had something to hide but it was due to some misgivings.
The issue of declaration of assets had also led to a spat with Karnataka High Court judge Justice DV Shylendra Kumar, who questioned Balakrishnan’s authority to speak on behalf of all judges. The CJI hit back saying the judge was “publicity crazy”.
A couple of days ago, the CJI, however, had maintained that judges were free to disclose their assets and nothing prevented them from doing so. Only there was a lack of consensus, which he said was being worked out.
In between, Justice MK Kannan, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and Justice Kumar declared their assets while Justice K Chandru of the Madras High Court expressed his inclination to do so. — PTI
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