Page 671 - War Conflict
J-K: Terrorists hurl grenade at CRPF post
Terrorists hurled grenade on a police- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post in Keegan village of Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.The security personnel also retaliated with firing.More details are awaited.On April 1, at least 12 terrorists and three soldiers were among 20 people killed in three separate gunfights in the Kashmir Valley.Three separate encounters took place in the valley - one in Anantnag during the night and two on Sunday morning in Dragad and Kachdoora villages. As many as 25 others were injured in the encounters.
Known for leading from the front, J&K Police's young IG Pani visits Srinagar's volatile downtown
Known for always leading from front, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani today visited volatile downtown of the city, an area infamous for stone pelting and militant attacks, on a day when separatists have called for a strike. Pani, 41, talked to the police personnel posted outside the historic Jama Masjid area which invariably witnesses stone pelting after every Friday prayers. Significantly, Pani stood at the same spot where Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayub Pandit was brutally lynched by a mob in June last year, an incident that was widely condemned. The Joint Resistance Forum, comprising separatists groups including both the Hurriayt Conference factions, had called for a 'bandh' today to protest the killing of 13 militants in Shopian on Sunday. Pani, who has the distinction of being the youngest IPS officer to have become IGP, Kashmir range, asked his men about the difficulties they faced performing duties. He also visited the Nowhatta Police Station
Eight naxals held in Sukma district
Eight naxals were today arrested in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district, police said. The cadres were picked up by a joint team of security forces during a search operation in Fulbagdi police station area, said Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena. The personnel belonging to Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF), District Reserve Guard (DRG) and district force were involved in the operation, he said. Of the arrested, Madkam Kona (29), Padami Joga (30), Padami Sukkam (22), Padami Bheema (37), Padam Kosa (24), Padami Handa (23) and Padami Joga (32) were active as militia members while Kawasi Lakhma (30) was a member of Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangthan (DAKMS)- a frontal wing of Maoists, he said. "They all were allegedly involved in triggering an improvised explosive device (IED) blast on January 18 this year in Madopara forests wherein one jawan was injured," said Meena. The ultras were also allegedly involved in killing a villager, identified as ...
97pc BSF personnel satisfied with meals provided on duty: DRDO study
Ninety seven per cent BSF personnel have expressed "satisfaction" with the quantity and quality of meals provided to them on duty at the borders and elsewhere, a special study by a DRDO laboratory has said. The study was conducted by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Science (DIPAS) on a special commission by the Border Security Force, after a BSF jawan last year posted a video on a social media site claiming bad food was being served to the personnel. The study, commissioned last year, was conducted by collecting data of "food preference and satisfaction level" from eight frontiers of the force - four each from the western and the eastern command - and focussed group discussion at 37 unit mess' and cook houses, it said. "The report has summarised that the data...collected from 6,526 participants under eight frontiers with different terrain and geographical area indicated that 97 per cent personnel are satisfied with respect to quantity and quality of food," the BSF said .
Report says food to BSF personnel nutritious
A report by an independent agency has said that the food provided to the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel is full of macro and micronutrients.The report has summarized that the data of satisfaction level and food preferences collected from 6526 participants under eight Frontiers with different terrain and the geographical area indicated that 97 percent are satisfied with respect to quantity and quality of food.The report registered that food was able to provide all macro and micronutrients as per Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of ICMR.The data from 6526 personnel was collected and focused group discussion (FGD) was made at 37 different Unit mess/Cook houses visited by study group.In February last year, the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Science (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence initiated the study for determining nutrient requirements of BSF personnel and adequacy of their diet under the condition of deployment ...
Soldier killed in Pak shelling to be cremated tomorrow
Last rites of the 21-year-old army jawan killed after Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, will be performed tomorrow. The mortal remains of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure reached Aurangabad airport this evening, from where they will be taken to his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites. The soldier's cremation will be performed early tomorrow with military honours, an official said. "Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here," a relative of the soldier said. The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said. The soldier's father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income ...
Egypt sentences 35 to life on terror charges
Egypt today sentenced 35 alleged Muslim Brotherhood members to life in prison for allegedly forming "terrorist cells" to attack security forces and state institutions. The Sohag Criminal Court in central Egypt sentenced another 155 defendants to three to 15 years on similar charges, including plotting to kill public figures and security officials, and joining an outlawed group, a reference to the Brotherhood. The verdict can be appealed, and 124 suspects who remain at large will be re-tried once they are apprehended. Also today, an Egyptian military court sentenced four suspected Muslim Brotherhood members to life imprisonment on terror-related charges, a defense lawyer said. Two of the suspects were sentenced in absentia and they will be re-tried once they are apprehended, Khaled el-Masry told The Associated Press. The court sentenced two others to 10 years each and acquitted 13, he said. The charges include plotting militant attacks against the security personnel and bombing malls ..
5 Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Jharkhand
Five Maoists, including two commanders carrying rewards of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Latehar district today, officials said. The over-an-hour-long encounter with the Maoists began around 7.15 am in the forest area between Bhadgaon and Kedu villages under Heranj police station during a search operation by the CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar and the district police, according to a police press release. Jharkhand Jaguar is an elite anti-Naxal task force of the state police. Located around 120 km from state capital Ranchi, Latehar has been a hotbed of Naxal activities. The two self-styled sub-zonal commanders carrying rewards of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads were identified as Shivlal Yadav and Shravan Yadav, it said. During the search operation, the police recovered three AK 47 rifles, one INSAS rifle and one .303 rifle and bullets from the place. The release said that Jharkhand Police and para-military forces were committed to root out ...
Radicalisation has emerged as a global challenge: Govt
Radicalisation has emerged as a challenge world over and the terrorist organisations are using various platforms to propagate their ideology and to attract recruits, the Rajya Sabha was informed today. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said the central and state law enforcement agencies were making concerted efforts to counter the radicalisation efforts of terrorist organisations and a number of persons have been prevented from getting misled. "Radicalisation has emerged as a challenging problem world over, including India. The terrorist organisations are using various platforms to propagate their ideology and to attract recruits," he said in a written reply to a question. He also said the cyber space was also being closely watched in this regard.
Israel arrests 10 Gazans accused of planning naval attack
Israeli authorities said today they had arrested 10 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip over alleged plans to carry out a missile attack and hostage taking against a navy ship. Seven of those arrested were released later Wednesday by an Israeli court, while three were kept in custody, including the main suspect, who was charged, Israel's Shin Bet domestic security agency said. Authorities did not explain why the announcement of the March 12 arrests was delayed for more than three weeks, though Israel often keeps such cases under a gag order while it investigates. The announcement comes ahead of expected new mass protests along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel on Friday. A protest by tens of thousands last Friday led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 17 Palestinians and injured more than 1,400 others, the bloodiest day since a 2014 war. There were no casualties among Israelis. Shin Bet announced the arrests in a statement, saying the 10 Palestinians from the city of Rafah in ...
Spy poisoning: Russia urged to cooperate with chemical weapons watchdog
Russia must cooperate with the global chemical weapons watchdog's investigation into the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury, the EU said on Wednesday during an emergency session here with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Body of jawan found in Chhattisgarh
The body of a jawan was found on Wednesday in Badesurokhi area of Chhattisgarh.The Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Force (CAAF) Jawan was missing since March 24.The Jawan has been identified as Bosaram Netaam.Badesurokhi village is located in Gidam Tehsil of South Bastar's Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh. Dantewada district is badly hit by Naxal violence.
India gave grant of Rs 4,312 crore to Afghanistan, Nepal and Lanka from 2014-18: Govt
India has given a grant of Rs 4,312 crore to Afghanistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka between 2014 and January this year for development activities "in a spirit of promoting friendly ties", the government today informed Lok Sabha. In a written response to a question, V K Singh, minister of state in the External Affairs Ministry, said India gave a grant of Rs 2,088.19 crore to Afghanistan, a country torn by war and insurgency, between 2014 and 2018 (until January). Grants of Rs 1,199.09 crore and Rs 1,025.12 crore were given to Nepal and Sri Lanka respectively, he said. "India has played an active role in rebuilding and reconstruction activities of several countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. India's contribution to rebuilding efforts of these countries in a spirit of promoting friendly ties strengthens bilateral cooperation and promotes mutual goodwill," he said. Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. Many of the country's historic sites were damaged, including ...
Ganja worth nearly Rs 50 lakh seized, trio held
A total of 275 kg of ganja, worth nearly Rs 50 lakh, has been seized from three persons in East Godavari district, police said today. Police, acting on a tip off, checked an SUV and a two wheeler yesterday and effected the seizure. Two of those arrested were from Maharashtra and one from Visakakaptanam, police said.
30 fall ill after consuming 'prasadam' at temple in TN
At least 30 people took ill after consuming 'prasadam' at a temple in Mettupalayam near here, police said today. The devotees, including two children and women, took 'pongal' at the Sri Selvamuthu Mariammal Temple last night, they said. Shortly afterwards, they complained of sickness and vomitting following which they were hospitalised, they added. Inquiry revealed that the use of spoilt ghee for the 'prasadam' (offering) and lack of maintenance of the utensil used for cooking caused food poisoning, police said.
Mirwaiz detained for trying to defy house arrest
Chairman of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was today detained after he tried to defy house arrest and march to Shopian, police said. Mirwaiz, who was put under house arrest on Sunday, tried to defy the restrictions and march towards Shopian, a police official said. He said Mirwaiz came out of his residence and addressed supporters who had gathered there. Mirwaiz then tried to march to Shopian but was detained and taken to Nigeen police station, the official said. The police also barred hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani from coming out of his Hyderpora residence, the official said. Geelani was also put under house arrest on Sunday. Separatists Geelani, Mirwaiz and JKLF chief Yasin Malik had called for a march to Shopian to express solidarity with the families who lost loved ones in three encounters between militants and security forces on Sunday. Malik was arrested on Sunday and is lodged in central jail here.
Police detain Mirwaiz
Chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was today detained after he tried to defy his house arrest and march to Shopian, police said. Mirwaiz, who was put under house arrest on Sunday, tried to defy the restrictions and march towards Shopian, a police official said. Mirwaiz came out of his Nigeen residence and addressed his supporters who had gathered there. After the address, he tried to take out a march to Shopian but was detained and taken to Nigeen police station, the police official said. Meanwhile, police also barred hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani from coming out of Hyderpora residence, the official said. Geelani was also put under house arrest on Sunday. Geelani, Mirwaiz and JKLF chief Yasin Malik under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) had asked people to march to Shopian to express solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in the three encounters between militants and security forces on ...
Russia accuses Britain and US over 'grotesque' spy poisoning
Russia today accused British and US secret services of being behind the poisoning of a Russian former double agent as the world's chemical weapons watchdog held a closed-door meeting on the incident at Moscow's request. Russian foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin in a speech in Moscow said the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with a nerve agent was a "grotesque provocation... that was crudely concocted by the British and American security services" with the intention of implicating Russia. He also warned that Moscow and the West must avoid escalating their current standoff to the dangerous levels reached at the height of the Cold War. British and Russian officials meanwhile faced off at a closed-door meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the first time since the poisoning of the Skripals on March 4. The meeting in The Hague was held on Moscow's request to discuss the Skripal poisoning while an inquiry is still ..
Woman Naxal commander held after encounter in C'garh
The police has arrested a 20-year- old woman Naxal commander, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on her head, after an encounter with the ultras in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district, an official said today. The cadre, identified as Bukal alias Bukali, was apprehended yesterday from a forest near Kotmeta Tumdiwal village when a team of local police was out on a search operation, Kondagaon's Additional Superintendent of Police Maheshwar Nag told PTI. When the patrolling squad reached Kotmeta Tumdiwal, located around 300 km from the capital, a group of ultras started firing on them, leading to a gun-battle, he said. However, the ultras soon fled the spot when the security personnel started zeroing-in on them. But the police caught the woman Naxal after a brief chase, he said. Bukali, active as the janmilitia commander, was allegedly involved in several Naxal-related incidents, including attacks on police teams, looting polling boxes in panchayat elections, and also robbing ...
12 European hostages freed in troubled anglophone Cameroon
Twelve European tourists have been freed after being taken hostage in western Cameroon, where anglophone militants are campaigning for an independent state, the government said today. The group, comprising seven Swiss and five Italians, "were taken hostage by a band of armed terrorists" in the Nguti area of the Southwest Region before being rescued by troops on Monday in a "special operation," the communications ministry said in a statement. Separately, six municipal councillors in the neighbouring Northwest Region - another seat of anglophone unrest - were also released in operations that saw "tens of assailants neutralised, huge stocks of weapons and ammunitions as well as large quantities of drug(s) seized," it said. Cameroon's government is fighting insurgents demanding a separate state for the two regions. They are are home to most of the country's anglophones, who account for about a fifth of the predominantly French-speaking population. On October 1 last year, the breakaway ...