Siege Ends, All-Clear at Taj

The Terrorists’ siege on the Taj Mahal Hotel and Mumbai ended on Saturday morning after a joint commando operation killed three terrorists holed up inside the swank Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality dating back to the British Raj. "Finally, we have been able to win the battle and do the job," a visibly tired JK Dutt, the head of the National Security Guard (NSG), was quoted as saying after the final phase of operation “Black Tornado’

The despicable attack on Mumbai, which started on Wednesday night, left 148, including 20 foreigners, dead and wounding hundreds.

Among the dead are several security personnel that laid down their lives making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Billows of black smoke emanated from the ground floor of the hotel signaling the end of a nearly 59 hour siege on the hotel by terror perpetrators that were eventually smoked out and put down by a team of 200 commandos drawn from the NSG, the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Mumbai police.

A sanitization process is reportedly underway at the Taj, where security personnel are gleaning the sprawling complex for detonators or explosives left behind by the now dead terrorists.

The operation launched at the crack of dawn on Saturday marked the culmination of a four-day effort that began Wednesday evening after several terrorists, armed with grenades, explosives and assault rifles, sneaked into the city on an inflatable boat after being set off from a terrorist ‘mother ship.’

Ratan Tata at Taj

Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata group that owns the Taj hotel, arrived at the site after security forces sounded an all-clear on Saturday.

Tata inspected the damage wrought on the historic building during the terror that began Wednesday night and lasted nearly 59 hours before being brought to an end on Saturday.

(IANS and Internet Inputs)

Bush Saddened by Mumbai Attack, Vows Action

US President George W. Bush said on Friday that he was saddened by the terror attacks on Mumbai, in a statement released from Camp David where he spent the Thanksgiving holiday with his family he vowed to fight against extremists "who offer nothing but violence and hopelessness."

"Laura and I are deeply saddened that at least two Americans were killed and others injured in Wednesday's horrific attack in Mumbai, he said.

"We also mourn the great loss of life suffered by so many people from several other countries, and we have the wounded in our thoughts and prayers," he said.

The statement was issued after three Americans were confirmed dead in the two-day attacks in the Indian's financial capital.

A New York rabbi, Gavriel Noach, and his Israeli wife, Rivka, who ran the local headquarters for a New York-based Jewish organization, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, were confirmed among the dead.

The other Americans, Alan Scherr, 58, and his 13-year-old daughter Naomi, who were working on a meditation program in Mumbai, were also killed in the Oberoi hotel on Wednesday night.

Bush said in the statement that the US had been closely working with India and the international community to ensure the safe release of "those still under threat."

"We will continue to cooperate against these extremists who offer nothing but violence and hopelessness," he said.

(Xinhua inputs)

Mumbai Terror Hijacks Headlines, Front Pages

If it was headline space they wanted, they got it. The attack on Mumbai pushed Madhya Pradesh polls and death of former Prime Minister VP Singh off the first pages, which were practically covered with the latest on what experts in India and abroad term India’s own 9/11.

The terror attack on Mumbai is unarguably the biggest story of the year, taking a cue from the TV and print media, the Google news (India) homepage is almost completely swarmed by related copy from sources across the world. On the minute updates on numerous web-editions across the globe make it virtually impossible to give the news a chronological pattern.

With the unabated gun-fights almost in their 48th hour, the bone-chilling attack is likely to keep journalists awake through the night on Friday, as they struggle to add last minute updates to a spread that will span the length of the front pages on Saturday.

Nightmares triggered by Mumbai terror desperadoes and mayhem wrought on the country’s commercial capital will continue to echo in media reports for years to come. In the initial spurt -- the fall-out of the attack, the following investigations and the now visible diplomatic efforts are likely to echo in the international media for several weeks.

All aspects of the attack, from the failure of intelligence system to the permeable Indian coastline will make headlines and trouble the government, which in the economically slack season is left to pick up a burgeoning tab for a heightened terror response capacity that the Mumbai attack validates beyond doubt.

Though a momentary quiet prevails over the country’s political firmament, the attack on Mumbai is likely to reverberate in electoral battlegrounds and voters’ hearts when they set out to elect a government next year, all with help from the fourth estate.

Sound Bytes: Condemnations Pour in over Mumbai Attack

The global community came out strongly in support of India on Wednesday, as she reeled under the impact of one the worst terror attacks on her soil late on Wednesday night in Mumbai that killed at least 80 and wounded another 900.The United States and Britain led the condemnation.

The United States said the attacks were "horrific", while US President-elect Barack Obama pledged to work with India to "root out and destroy terrorist networks".

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said such violence was "totally unacceptable", while Britain condemned the late Wednesday attacks on its former colony as "outrageous" and the European Union expressed its "horror and indignation".

One British guest at the Taj Mahal hotel told television reporters. "They said they wanted anyone with British and American passports."

The United States and Britain said they had no reports of casualties among their citizens, although Japan reported one of its nationals killed and another hurt, and two Australians and a European Parliament staffer were also injured.

Washington condemned the "horrific" attack and the White House said it had convened a meeting of top intelligence and counter-terrorism officials in response, and stood "ready to assist and support the Indian government".

Obama's chief national security spokesman, Brooke Anderson, said the president-elect's prayers were with the victims and their families.

"These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism," Anderson said.

"The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks."

UN Secretary General Ban also condemned the attacks, saying: "Such violence is totally unacceptable."

"The secretary-general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly," read a statement issued by his office.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had sent Indian premier Manmohan Singh a message assuring that "the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help".

"These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response," he said.

The French presidency of the European Union said it had learnt of the attacks "with horror and indignation" and "condemns them in the strongest possible terms".

It said the EU "shares in the mourning of the Indian nation and stands by its side during this dramatic test".

In a separate statement, the EU's executive arm, the European Commission, said: "Terrorism is never justified and is no means to achieve any goal."

"This is a cowardly act. It's indiscriminate, it's a terrorist act, it's an assault on democracy," said acting Australian Foreign Minister Simon Crean.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon condemned the "savage terrorist attacks" and stressed his country's ties with India.

"Canada and India share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Among our mutual priorities is close cooperation to promote international security and to fight terrorism," he said.

Spain's Crown Prince Felipe also voiced "tremendous sadness and condemnation of the attacks which seem to have left such a high number of victims".

Brazil reaffirmed its "strong condemnation of all forms of terrorism" and offered its condolences to the families of the victims, as did Argentina.

Colombia said that it had "also suffered at the hands of terrorism and supports the Republic of India in its fight against this international scourge, recognising that terrorism is a criminal and unjustifiable action".

Bangladesh's foreign minister condemned the coordinated attacks in India's commercial capital Mumbai as "cowardly" and "mindless acts of terror".

"I condemn it as mindless acts of terror. I wish to underscore that terror can serve no purpose. Our hearts are with those so many innocent people, Indians and foreigners, who have been affected by these cowardly bombings" he said.

(Agencies)

Suicide Bomber Targets US Embassy in Kabul

A suspected suicide bomber has struck close to the entrance to the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, witnesses and police say. At least one person, reportedly a civilian, was killed, reports say the bomber detonated explosives about 200m from the heavily guarded entrance to the US compound.

Security in Afghanistan has become a key concern as the country faces an increasingly strong Taleban insurgency.

Kabul's police chief, Mohammad Ayoub Salangi, said one person had been killed and six injured.

However, the city's head of criminal investigations told reporters that four had died in the bombing.

The Associated Press said the US embassy was hosting a Thanksgiving Day event, and Americans and others foreigners were entering the compound at the time of the explosion.

No Hand in Mumbai Attack: Pakistan

Amid heightened tensions over attacks in Mumbai, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that has country has nothing to do with Mumbai attacks, reportedly, the clarification came after premier Singh told his Pakistani counterpart that New Delhi had evidence to prove cross-border involvement.

The Indian premier has also asked for ISI chief to be sent to India which his Pakistani counterpart has agreed to.

Manmohan Singh mentioned intelligence intercepts and the arrest of a Pakistani national involved in the dastardly attack on Mumbai, the sources said.

The sources also said that Gilani told Singh that both India and Pakistan are victims of terror and added that groups acting against India are also enemies of Pakistan.

Reuters India adds on Saturday, refuting earlier reports Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani’s office has said that a representative of the notorious Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and not its Director General would be deputed to India, for investigations into the Mumbai Terror crisis.

Reports appearing in a section of the media had earlier said that the top ISI official would be sent to India.

(NDTV Inputs)

PM Addresses Nation, Promises Tough Action

In a tough and extraordinary address to the nation on Thursday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh blamed elements outside the country for the terror strikes in Mumbai, and warned that India will not tolerate the use of territories of its neighbours for attacks on the country.

Premier Singh said: "It is evident that the group which carried out these attacks, based outside the country, had come with the single-minded determination to create havoc in the commercial capital of the country."

India will take up "strongly with our neighbours that the use of their territory for launching attacks on us will not be tolerated, and that there would be a cost if suitable measures are not taken by them."

He said the "well-planned and well-orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic by choosing high profile targets and indiscriminately killing foreigners."

Before promising that "strongest possible measures" would be taken to deal with such elements, including the use of the National Security Act and setting up of a Federal Investigation Agency to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

"We will take a number of measures to strengthen the hands of our police and investigation authorities. We will curb the flow of funds to suspect organisations. We will restrict the entry of suspects into the country.

"We will go after these individuals and organisations and make sure that every perpetrator, organiser and supporter of terror, whatever his affiliation or religion may be, pays a heavy price for these cowardly and horrific acts against our people," the Prime Minister said.

While the National Security Act would be employed to deal with situations of this kind, the existing laws would be tightened to ensure that there were no loopholes available to terrorists to escape the clutches of the law, he said.

"Most importantly, it is essential to immediately set up a Federal Investigation Agency to go into terrorist crimes of this kind and ensure that the guilty are brought to book," Singh said.

Transcript of PM's Address to the Nation (November 27, 2008)

Dear Citizens, The dastardly terror attacks that took place in Mumbai last night and today leading to the loss of many precious lives and injuries to many others have deeply shocked the nation. I strongly condemn these acts of senseless violence against innocent people, including guests from foreign countries. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to those injured. The Government will take all necessary measures to look after the wellbeing of the affected families, including medical treatment of injured. The well-planned and well-orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic, by choosing high profile targets and indiscriminately killing foreigners. I salute the courage and patriotism of the police officers, including the Chief of the Anti-Terror Squad, Shri Hemant Karkare and men who have laid down their lives in fighting these terrorists. I assure the country that we will attend in an urgent and serious manner to police reform so that the law and order authorities can work unitedly, effectively and in a determined manner to tackle such threats to national integrity. We are not prepared to countenance a situation in which the safety and security of our citizens can be violated with impunity by terrorists. It is evident that the group which carried out these attacks, based outside the country, had come with single-minded determination to create havoc in the commercial capital of the country. We will take the strongest possible measures to ensure that there is no repetition of such terrorist acts. We are determined to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. Instruments like the National Security Act will be employed to deal with situations of this kind. Existing laws will be tightened to ensure that there are no loopholes available to terrorists to escape the clutches of the law. Most importantly, it is essential to immediately set up a Federal Investigation Agency to go into terrorist crimes of this kind and ensure that the guilty are brought to book. We will take up strongly with our neighbours that the use of their territory for launching attacks on us will not be tolerated, and that there would be a cost if suitable measures are not taken by them. We will take a number of measures to strengthen the hands of our police and intelligence authorities. We will curb the flow of funds to suspect organizations. We will restrict the entry of suspects into the country. We will go after these individuals and organizations and make sure that every perpetrator, organizer and supporter of terror, whatever his affiliation or religion may be, pays a heavy price for these cowardly and horrific acts against our people. In this hour of tragedy, I appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony so that the enemies of our country do not succeed in their nefarious designs. All concerned authorities are on alert and will deal sternly with any attempts to disturb public order. I am confident that the people of India will rise unitedly to face this grave challenge to the nation’s security and integrity.

Bangkok Cut off: Second Airport Closed

The battering of Thailand continues Thursday as authorities were forced to shut down Bangkok's second airport after it was swarmed by anti-government protesters, the closure cut off the capital from the rest of the world as the prime minister rejected resignation demands, deepening the country's crisis.

Thailand's powerful army commander, who has remained neutral in the conflict, stepped into the fray Wednesday, urging Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down.

He also asked thousands of protesters to end their siege of the main international Suvarnabhumi airport. It has been shut since Tuesday night, leaving hundreds of flights canceled and drawing world attention to a turmoil that has reduced Thailand to a dysfunctional nation.

The anti-government protests, which gathered pace four months ago, have paralyzed the government, battered the stock market, spooked foreign investors and dealt a serious blow to the tourism industry.

The crisis worsened early Thursday as authorities shut down the Don Muang domestic airport, which had been receiving some diverted flights from Suvarnabhumi.

A top airport official said, authorities feared that protesters might harm passengers and aircraft, thousands of tourists are stranded at the two Bangkok airports.

He said authorities might use the U Ta Pao air force base, 140 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Bangkok, and were alerting airports nationwide to be ready to receive more diverted flights.

The closure of the two airports left thousands of foreign tourists stranded, including Americans trying to get home for their Thanksgiving holiday Thursday.

The protests are being led by a loose coalition known as the People's Alliance for Democracy. It accuses Somchai of acting as the puppet for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a September 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power. Thaksin, who is Somchai's brother-in-law, is in exile, a fugitive from a conviction for violating a conflict of interest law.

On Wednesday, a district court ordered the alliance leaders and their supporters to immediately leave Suvarnabhumi International Airport, calling it "an infringement on other individuals who have freedom of movement."

However, the protesters are unlikely to heed the order -- a reflection of their boldness amid the government's unwillingness to use force for fear of causing bloodshed.

Still, Prime Minister Somchai, who returned from Peru on Wednesday but was forced to land in the northern city of Chiang Mai, is also not budging from his position.

Orissa House Adjourned after Pandemonium

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was left red-faced on Wednesday as Bharatiya Janata Party legislators disrupted proceedings in the Assembly reiterate their demads for the immediate arrest of the killers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati.

Coalition Dharma notwithstanding, BJP legislators, part of the ruling alliance, rushed to the well and raised slogans. They criticised the government for its failure to arrest those involved in the assassination.

The pandemonium continued despite repeated requests from speaker Kishore Mohanty and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty.

With the chaos continuing to prevail, the speaker adjourned house proceedings twice, with the MLAs repeatedly filling in the well. He adjourned the proceedings till Thursday.

The ensuing melee also saw legislators of the opposition Congress also rushed to the well, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. Opposition leader and veteran Congressman J.B. Patnaik said the Chief Minister should step down as the BJP had lost faith in the government.

Cracks in the ruling BJD-BJP alliance were visible on Tuesday, when the BJP boycott the joint legislature party meeting called by Chief Minister Patnaik.

Leader of the BJP legislature party Biswabhushan Harichandan informing journalists said his party was not satisfied with the action taken by the police in the case pertaining to the killing of the VHP leader.

The party was also unhappy over the issue of conversion. Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four others were killed at an ashram in Kandhamal district on August 23. The incident had led to widespread anti-Christian violence in the State.

The Crime Branch of the State police is investigating into the murder, and three suspected Maoists have been arrested.

Veerappan’s Widow Held in K’taka

Karnataka Police on Wednesday arrested Muthulakshmi, the widow of slain forest brigand Veerappan, in connection with TADA cases registered against her, a top police official said. Veerappan the notorious sandalwood smuggler was gunned down by Tamil Nadu police in a 2004 encounter.

"Muthulakshmi wanted in Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases in 1992 and 1993 was arrested in the wee hours today," Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) of Karnataka AR Infant was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

Meanwhile, Muthulakshmi's father Aiyyanan (65) told media that his 43-year-old daughter was taken into custody by a team of Special Task Force (STF) personnel from Karnataka from her Ramnagar residence near Mettur dam, located in Tamil Nadu.

DSP (Mettur) said that the Karnataka police have informed the local police about her arrest. The police station at Karumalaikudal has been informed about her detention, Sivanandam told reporters at Mettur.

Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan was killed in an encounter with Tamil Nadu police in 2004.

Bloody Hell in Mumbai Continues….

Marine commandos have recovered 30 bodies from the Taj hotel and have said that around 200 people were held hostage at one of the halls of the hotel. Commandos told reporters that terrorists were well aware of the Taj's layout and they were carrying AK series rifle. They recovered 1200$ and Rs 6000 from the assailants.

Marine commandos also handed over a Mauritian national identity-card and a number of credit cards recovered from the militants inside the Taj hotel.

Earlier, a gunbattle between NSG commandos and a militant holed up inside the Taj hotel raged up.

An explosion was also heard at the ground floor of the old building of the hotel.

Earlier, Indian Army commander confirmed that at least one militant continues to battle Indian commandos in the Taj Hotel in Mumbai and may be holding two or more hostages.

"Almost all the guests in the hotel and the staff in the hotel have been evacuated," Lieutenant-General N. Thamburaj told reporters.

He told reporters that almost all guests and staff had been evacuated from the Taj and the operation would be wrapped up there in a few hours. "It is just a matter of few hours before "we wrap up things" says GoC, Southern Command.

The new building of Taj hotel has been totally flushed out and cleared and handed over to police, he said adding that one terrorist, possibly two, had moved into the adjacent old heritage building.

"We have heard the sound of a woman and a man, giving indications that they are being held hostage," Thamburaj said but added that almost all guests and staff in the hotel have been evacuated.

He conceded that the there were some casualties among the NSG commandos but would not disclose their numbers and whether they were fatal or otherwise saying that operational details would affect the "mental makeup" of terrorists.

Thamburaj said that operations had to be "deliberate and slow" to ensure the safety of the hostages, guests and hotel staff. The commandos had been told not to rush things under the "pressure of media or citizens".

He said some rooms in Taj are still bolted from inside and people inside are not responding, probably they are scared. "As soon as communication and room services are restored, we will inform them about the situation and ask them to come out".

(Agencies and TOI Inputs)

Bloody Hell in Mumbai

In a blatant reflection of growing impunity, terror perpetrators armed with heavy machine and rapid fire rifles, and grenades struck high profile targets in the commercial capital, Mumbai. The hyper-busy CST rail terminus; the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel at the Gateway of India, the plush Oberoi Trident at Nariman Point, the domestic Santa Cruz airport; the Cama and GT hospitals near CST, the Metro Adlabs multiplex and Mazgaon Dockyard were targeted in a concerted effort to spawn mayhem and trigger paranoia, leaving at least 80 dead and wounding over 900.

The attacks took their toll on the city's top police brass: The high-profile chief of the anti-terror squad Hemant Karkare was killed; Mumbai's additional commissioner of police (east) Ashok Kamte was gunned down outside the Metro; and celebrated encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar was also killed.

The attacks appeared to be aimed at getting international attention as the terrorists took upto 40 British nationals and other foreigners hostage. The chairman of Hindustan Unilever Harish Manwani and CEO of the company Nitin Paranjpe figure on the terror hostage list at the Oberoi. All the internal board members of the multinational giant were reported to be holed up in the Oberoi hotel.

Two terrorists were reported holed up inside the Oberoi Hotel. Fresh firing has been reported at Oberoi and Army has entered the hotel to flush out the terrorists.

An unknown terror outfit, Deccan Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the attacksin an email message to news organizations.

The Army and Navy in Mumbai were put on alert. 65 Army commandos and 200 NSG commandos were reportedly rushing to the Mumbai, informs Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

The Navy commandos are assisting the police.

Some media reports attribute the attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba. There were also unconfirmed reports that some of the terrorists came in by sea. A boat laden with explosives was recovered off the Gateway of India, early on Thursday morning

Well after midnight, sources said two of the terrorists were shot and wounded at Girgaum in south Mumbai. The two were driving in a silver-coloured Skoda car. Earlier, these men had sprayed bullets from a police Bolero, outside the Metro Adlabs multiplex.

The attacks occurred at the busiest places. Besides hotels and hospitals, terrorists struck at railway stations, Crawford Market, Wadi Bunder and on the Western Express Highway near the airport. Several of these places are within a one-km radius of the commissioner of police's office.

"This is definitely a terrorist strike. Seven places have been attacked with automatic weapons and grenades. Terrorists are still holed up in three locations Taj and Oberoi hotels and GT Hospital. Encounters are on at all three places," said Maharashtra DGP A N Roy.

St George's Hospital and G T Hospital are reported to have received 75 bodies and more than 250 injured, additional municipal commissioner R A Rajeev said. Bombay Hospital got two bodies and 30 injured people were admitted there; Cooper Hospital, Vile Parle, got three dismembered bodies.

Three of the deaths occurred inside the Taj and one G T Hospital attendant died in a shootout inside the hospital. There were reports of people cowering under tables and chairs at both the Taj as well as G T Hospital.

Train services at CST were suspended and all roads leading to and from south Mumbai were blockaded.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh cut short his Kerala visit and was returning to Mumbai. He described the situation in Mumbai as "very serious".

Army Moves in to Oberoi, Taj

Army commandoes moved into the luxury Oberoi and the Taj Mahal hotels early on Thursday to flush out terrorists that continue to hold several foreign nationals hostage.

Four suspected terrorists were killed in two separate incidents overnight including two during a gun battle in the country's iconic landmark Taj hotel, police said.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister R R Patil said nine suspected terrorists have been arrested. Schools and colleges were ordered shut.

"The operation (by security forces) is still going on," he said. Besides army commandoes, naval commandos and Rapid Action force personnel joined in the operations to rescue those stranded in the two hotels. Five columns of Army and 200 NSG commandoes have been rushed. Two sten guns have been recovered by police so far, he added.

The chief minister said the Taj and Oberoi is not in control yet. He said there are no terrorists in Cama hospital which was also targeted by gunmen.

Police reported that some hostages were still being held at the Taj Mahal and Oberoi with eyewitnesses saying the gunmen had targeted foreigners after they kept shouting: "Who has US or UK passports?" Several guests were also stuck.

Fire was still raging in the old wing of Taj hotel several hours after it was rocked by five to six blasts and enormous clouds of black smoke rose from the the century-old edifice on Mumbai's waterfront.

Train Services at CST Resume (Update)

Trains resumed plying normally early on Thursday at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), nearly six hours after it was closed following a series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai.The Mumbai Patna Express train left at around 4 am from the railway station, which was besieged after suspected terrorist launched yet another series of planned and synchronised attacks in the heart of India's financial capital around midnight Wednesday, officials said.Among the seven terror targets was the CST, formerly known the Victoria Terminus - one of the city's two busiest railway stations that is a World Heritage site.

Pak Disbands ISI Political Wing

Attempting to free democratic processes from Military clutches, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday night officially announced the winding up of the political wing of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to a report carried in ‘The Dawn’ a leading English daily in the neighbouring country.

In a press release issued on Wednesday night, the prime minister confirmed new reports about the disbanding of the wing and hoped that the move would improve ISI’s effectiveness.

A couple of months ago, an abortive attempt had been made to bring the intelligence agency under the control of the interior ministry.

A notification was also issued in this regard, but the decision was held in abeyance for unspecified reasons.

Analysts said the winding up of the agency’s political wing from the ISI hierarchy would have far-reaching effects on national politics.

The ISI has been accused of being actively involved in ‘monitoring and managing’ political activities inside and outside the government and ‘making or breaking’ political parties and alliances for over the past three decades.

It is learnt that the decision would help the ISI tackle more pressing issues like handling crucial aspects of the war against terror.

Although the ‘wing’ was accused of being associated with several controversial activities in the past, including the creation of an anti-Benazir Bhutto alliance called the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) in 1988, more recently questions were raised about the role it played in the 2002 general elections, helping former president Pervez Musharraf to achieve his political objectives and form a coalition government by merging a few factions of the PML.

Mumbai Attack Bombs Congress Hopes in MP

Akbar Khan

Coming hours before polling was scheduled to commence in 230 constituencies of Madhya Pradesh, the audacious attack on Mumbai, which continues at the time of filing this report, has bombed Congress hopes of returning to power in this BJP ruled state, as the macabre assault on the country is bound to weigh heavy on voters mind as they key in their preference this morning.

The BJP through its state-wide campaign has blistered the Congress over its alleged laxity on terror, and the Mumbai attack according to the ruling party in Madhya Pradesh is a fall-out of the lack of an effective anti-terror mechanism.

Facing a severe onslaught from the BSP and BJS in the state, that vowed to polarize the ruling party vote banks, and a latent Congress campaign, the ghastly attack on Mumbai may trigger greater poll percentages across the state, a trend that is almost sure to see the BJP negate its anti-incumbency, BSP and BJS factors.

Closer home in Bhopal, the development and the following insecurity in minority voters is likely to embargo the major exodus of minority vote-banks that threatened local strongman Arif Aqueel, who is contesting the election on a Congress ticket.

For the first time in his career spanning nearly three decades, the Aqueel campaign faced severe anger from minority voters in the old city areas that openly campaigned for BJP first-timer Alok Sharma.

In Narela, prospects of SP and BSP candidates Syed Abdul Jaleel (Shiraz) and Izhar Ahmed will be hurt by the development as the 80,000 odd minority voters in the area are now bound to stick to a time tested political principal, the Congress.

Elsewhere in the state, the BJP is sure to use its offices to ‘internally’ attempt to raise poll percentages and as the day progresses heavy voting may be seen in poll stations across the state.

On his maiden electoral turf, the attack in Mumbai dooms Suresh Pachauri’s carefully planned campaign that counted on two-sided polarizations, anti-incumbencies and dissentions to levitate his party to power, in what till yesterday seemed to be a 'low scoring match'.

(at 0800 hours IST)

Sound Bytes: Condemnations Pour in over Mumbai Attack

The global community came out strongly in support of India on Wednesday, as she reeled under the impact of one the worst terror attacks on her soil late on Wednesday night in Mumbai that killed at least 80 and wounded another 900.The United States and Britain led the condemnation.

The United States said the attacks were "horrific", while US President-elect Barack Obama pledged to work with India to "root out and destroy terrorist networks".

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said such violence was "totally unacceptable", while Britain condemned the late Wednesday attacks on its former colony as "outrageous" and the European Union expressed its "horror and indignation".

One British guest at the Taj Mahal hotel told television reporters. "They said they wanted anyone with British and American passports."

The United States and Britain said they had no reports of casualties among their citizens, although Japan reported one of its nationals killed and another hurt, and two Australians and a European Parliament staffer were also injured.

Washington condemned the "horrific" attack and the White House said it had convened a meeting of top intelligence and counter-terrorism officials in response, and stood "ready to assist and support the Indian government".

Obama's chief national security spokesman, Brooke Anderson, said the president-elect's prayers were with the victims and their families.

"These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism," Anderson said.

"The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks."

UN Secretary General Ban also condemned the attacks, saying: "Such violence is totally unacceptable."

"The secretary-general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly," read a statement issued by his office.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had sent Indian premier Manmohan Singh a message assuring that "the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help".

"These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response," he said.

The French presidency of the European Union said it had learnt of the attacks "with horror and indignation" and "condemns them in the strongest possible terms".

It said the EU "shares in the mourning of the Indian nation and stands by its side during this dramatic test".

In a separate statement, the EU's executive arm, the European Commission, said: "Terrorism is never justified and is no means to achieve any goal."

"This is a cowardly act. It's indiscriminate, it's a terrorist act, it's an assault on democracy," said acting Australian Foreign Minister Simon Crean.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon condemned the "savage terrorist attacks" and stressed his country's ties with India.

"Canada and India share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Among our mutual priorities is close cooperation to promote international security and to fight terrorism," he said.

Spain's Crown Prince Felipe also voiced "tremendous sadness and condemnation of the attacks which seem to have left such a high number of victims".

Brazil reaffirmed its "strong condemnation of all forms of terrorism" and offered its condolences to the families of the victims, as did Argentina.

Colombia said that it had "also suffered at the hands of terrorism and supports the Republic of India in its fight against this international scourge, recognising that terrorism is a criminal and unjustifiable action".

Bangladesh's foreign minister condemned the coordinated attacks in India's commercial capital Mumbai as "cowardly" and "mindless acts of terror".

"I condemn it as mindless acts of terror. I wish to underscore that terror can serve no purpose. Our hearts are with those so many innocent people, Indians and foreigners, who have been affected by these cowardly bombings" he said.

(Agencies)

Suicide Bomber Targets US Embassy in Kabul

A suspected suicide bomber has struck close to the entrance to the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, witnesses and police say. At least one person, reportedly a civilian, was killed, reports say the bomber detonated explosives about 200m from the heavily guarded entrance to the US compound.

Security in Afghanistan has become a key concern as the country faces an increasingly strong Taleban insurgency.

Kabul's police chief, Mohammad Ayoub Salangi, said one person had been killed and six injured.

However, the city's head of criminal investigations told reporters that four had died in the bombing.

The Associated Press said the US embassy was hosting a Thanksgiving Day event, and Americans and others foreigners were entering the compound at the time of the explosion.

Time to Rise above Politics: BJP

BJP leaders LK Advani and Rajnath Singh after months of blistering the Congress over its handling of the internal security situation, on Thursday said the party will refrain from being critical of the government at this juncture in view of the Mumbai terror strikes which it termed a "national crisis".

BJP chief Rajnath Singh spoke to party Prime Ministerial candidate LK Advani this morning over phone from Jaipur and decided "not go critical" of the government on the issue "in this time of crisis", the party said.

The party also asked the people to rise above political affiliations and stand by the security forces in their fight against terror.

"It is a time of national crisis. The country has been challenged. It is time for us to rise above politics. There is no government side or opposition side. Our top leadership has decided to stand by all steps to defeat the forces who challenge our sovereignty," BJP Vice President Mukthar Abbas Naqvi said.

TN Rains Kill 64

Cyclone Nisha was bearing down on the Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday night as heavy rains lashed coastal districts, taking the death toll, in the havoc that started last month, to 64. with rains lashing the delta districts for the fifth consecutive day, authorities evacuated nearly 42,000 people from coastal hamlets and low-lying areas.

At least 22 people have been reported dead over the last few days alone, while more than 50,000 hectares of crops in the Cauvery delta districts were submerged and 64,000 hectares officially declared flood-hit.

As revenue officials in several districts moved into disaster management mode, the Met office said the cyclone lay 20km off the Nagapattinam district and was likely to cross the southern coast early on Thursday.

Chennai reeled under sheets of water for the second successive day. The sole casualty in the city was a man travelling in an autorickshaw, who was killed in the Shenoy Nagar locality when a tree fell on the vehicle. However, several deaths were reported from various parts of the state.

(Relief Web Inputs)

Bangkok Cut off: Second Airport Closed

The battering of Thailand continues Thursday as authorities were forced to shut down Bangkok's second airport after it was swarmed by anti-government protesters, the closure cut off the capital from the rest of the world as the prime minister rejected resignation demands, deepening the country's crisis.

Thailand's powerful army commander, who has remained neutral in the conflict, stepped into the fray Wednesday, urging Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down.

He also asked thousands of protesters to end their siege of the main international Suvarnabhumi airport. It has been shut since Tuesday night, leaving hundreds of flights canceled and drawing world attention to a turmoil that has reduced Thailand to a dysfunctional nation.

The anti-government protests, which gathered pace four months ago, have paralyzed the government, battered the stock market, spooked foreign investors and dealt a serious blow to the tourism industry.

The crisis worsened early Thursday as authorities shut down the Don Muang domestic airport, which had been receiving some diverted flights from Suvarnabhumi.

A top airport official said, authorities feared that protesters might harm passengers and aircraft, thousands of tourists are stranded at the two Bangkok airports.

He said authorities might use the U Ta Pao air force base, 140 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Bangkok, and were alerting airports nationwide to be ready to receive more diverted flights.

The closure of the two airports left thousands of foreign tourists stranded, including Americans trying to get home for their Thanksgiving holiday Thursday.

The protests are being led by a loose coalition known as the People's Alliance for Democracy. It accuses Somchai of acting as the puppet for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a September 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power. Thaksin, who is Somchai's brother-in-law, is in exile, a fugitive from a conviction for violating a conflict of interest law.

On Wednesday, a district court ordered the alliance leaders and their supporters to immediately leave Suvarnabhumi International Airport, calling it "an infringement on other individuals who have freedom of movement."

However, the protesters are unlikely to heed the order -- a reflection of their boldness amid the government's unwillingness to use force for fear of causing bloodshed.

Still, Prime Minister Somchai, who returned from Peru on Wednesday but was forced to land in the northern city of Chiang Mai, is also not budging from his position.

Somchai said in an address to the nation that he came to power through elections and has "a job to protect democracy for the people of Thailand."

The statement amounted to a rejection of Army Gen. Anupong Paochinda's suggestion to quit, which seemed to put him on a collision course with the military, although the general has said he would not launch a coup.

Orissa House Adjourned after Pandemonium

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was left red-faced on Wednesday as Bharatiya Janata Party legislators disrupted proceedings in the Assembly reiterate their demads for the immediate arrest of the killers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati.

Coalition Dharma notwithstanding, BJP legislators, part of the ruling alliance, rushed to the well and raised slogans. They criticised the government for its failure to arrest those involved in the assassination.

The pandemonium continued despite repeated requests from speaker Kishore Mohanty and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty.

With the chaos continuing to prevail, the speaker adjourned house proceedings twice, with the MLAs repeatedly filling in the well. He adjourned the proceedings till Thursday.

The ensuing melee also saw legislators of the opposition Congress also rushed to the well, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. Opposition leader and veteran Congressman J.B. Patnaik said the Chief Minister should step down as the BJP had lost faith in the government.

Cracks in the ruling BJD-BJP alliance were visible on Tuesday, when the BJP boycott the joint legislature party meeting called by Chief Minister Patnaik.

Leader of the BJP legislature party Biswabhushan Harichandan informing journalists said his party was not satisfied with the action taken by the police in the case pertaining to the killing of the VHP leader.

The party was also unhappy over the issue of conversion. Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four others were killed at an ashram in Kandhamal district on August 23. The incident had led to widespread anti-Christian violence in the State.

The Crime Branch of the State police is investigating into the murder, and three suspected Maoists have been arrested.

Veerappan’s Widow Held in K’taka

Karnataka Police on Wednesday arrested Muthulakshmi, the widow of slain forest brigand Veerappan, in connection with TADA cases registered against her, a top police official said. Veerappan the notorious sandalwood smuggler was gunned down by Tamil Nadu police in a 2004 encounter.

"Muthulakshmi wanted in Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases in 1992 and 1993 was arrested in the wee hours today," Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) of Karnataka AR Infant was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

Meanwhile, Muthulakshmi's father Aiyyanan (65) told media that his 43-year-old daughter was taken into custody by a team of Special Task Force (STF) personnel from Karnataka from her Ramnagar residence near Mettur dam, located in Tamil Nadu.

DSP (Mettur) said that the Karnataka police have informed the local police about her arrest. The police station at Karumalaikudal has been informed about her detention, Sivanandam told reporters at Mettur.

Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan was killed in an encounter with Tamil Nadu police in 2004.

Ordeal Ends: Captain Goyal, Others Reach New Delhi

Much to the relief of his wife Seema, who led a valiant campaign for the release of her husband Captain Prabhat Goyal and rest of the crew members aboard the hijacked Japanese cargo vessel Stolt Valor, arrived at the IGI Airport from Muscat at 0400 hours Tuesday.

Celebrations, hugs, tears and smiles marked occasion that culminated an almost two month long ordeal at the hands of Somali pirates that held the crew hostage for two months.

"The experience was very bad. They tortured us mentally. But in the end, we are happy to be back safe," an emotional and tired-looking Goyal told the waiting media at the Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi.

All the 18 crew members on board the Japanese ship have now returned to India after their two-month ordeal. While Goyal and rest of the crew arrived today, five others had landed at Mumbai on Monday.

Recalling the ordeal, crew member Rajinder Malik from Haryana, said. "The pirates tortured us mentally and physically. They often fired in the air to terrify us. communication was another problem. The only words they uttered were 'go', 'sit' and 'ok'."

The crew survived on 'dal' and fishes, he said, adding the arrogant pirates, numbering around 30 to 35, often fought with eachother.

The ship was hijacked by Somali pirates on September 15 and the 22-member crew was kept hostage at the port of Eyl in Somalia for nearly two months until an undisclosed ransom was paid by the owners of the vessel.

Asked about the ransom, Goyal refused to comment saying, "it is confidential and a secret kept between me, ship owners and the pirates.

"We would like to thank the media, the Indian government and the ship owner for their efforts and concerns in our safe release. I'm happy to be back," he said.

The crew members broke down when they were given a warm welcome by their relatives and friends.

Seema Goyal, wife of the ship's captain, said her husband is in good health and that the family plans to celebrate his safe return in a big way.

"Definitely we will celebrate. But first let them relax for a day. After that a big party will be hosted at our home in Dehradun," a beaming Seema, accompanied by her three children and other family members, said.

She had earlier relentlessly worked for the ship's release and sought the Indian government's mediation in the matter. "We thank God, the ship company and all people of India who stood with us in the difficult times.

Pakistan Clips ISI Political Wings

A day after Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari made strong overtures to India, Islamabad disbanded the political wing of the Inter-Services Intelligence, the notorious military-run spy agency, in a bold move intended to reduce sharply the military interference in politics in the Islamic state.

The effort to refocus the intelligence agency came a day after Zardari offered to abandon Pakistan's first-strike nuclear threat, sign a South Asian nuclear non-proliferation treaty and join India in an economic union.

The ISI, one of the most powerful forces in Pakistan, is often described as a "state within a state", with a domestic and international remit that helped the army tighten its grip on the country.

The agency played a role in supporting insurgents in Kashmir and militants in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation of the country. However, military rule during much of Pakistan's short history has encouraged its political wing to expand its role deep into domestic affairs.

"The ISI is a precious national institution and it wants to focus fully on counter-terrorism activities," said Shah Mehmood Qureshi, foreign minister, in a statement.

Zardari's latest initiative will be welcomed in Washington, where the incoming administration of president-elect Barack Obama is preparing for a renewed engagement with Islamabad to counter the Islamist threat.

A senior US official this year appealed to the newly elected Pakistani government to bring the ISI under greater control to prevent it aiding terrorist attacks and supporting the -Taliban. Qureshi's announcement coincided with the arrival of Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's former military ruler, in London. His visit has fuelled speculation that he may be scouting for residence outside Pakistan.

However, Tariq Azim, a former minister and now leader of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid e Azam, warned that a permanent end to the military's role in politics would only be achieved when civilian governments were more robust and effective. Indian officials have met the reforming mood in Islamabad with caution.

(Financial Times Inputs)

5 Stolt Valor Crew Members Return

Finally ending the two-month ordeal suffered by the 18 Indian sailors onboard the hijacked merchant vessel Stolt Valor, five of them safely reached Mumbai at 0600 hours Monday. Captain Prabhat Goyal, and the remaining Indian crew members are scheduled to return later this week.

The cargo liner, owned by a Japanese company and managed by Fleet Marine Ltd Mumbai, was hijacked by Somali pirates, off the Gulf of Aden on September 15. The pirates demanded a ransom of 6 million USD for the release of the crew, before lowering it to USD 2.5 million.

The ship was freed on November 16 after two months of captivity, when Somali pirates released the vessel in the Gulf of Aden following payment of an unspecified ransom amount.

National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) general secretary Abdul Ghani, along with the retuned crew members, held a press conference to express his gratitude to the Indian government and the media. He termed the pirates maritime terrorists.

Underlining the lack of co-ordination between the various international Navies present in the region, Ghani said the vessels patrolling the area are very particular about the nationality of the hijacked crew and are more pro-active in their efforts if the hijacked crew belongs to their country.

Thanking the government Ghani said, “We appreciate the role of Indian government,” adding that the Indian Navy is doing a good job.

Ghani made special mention of Captain Goyal’s wife Seema Goyal and said, “Mrs Goyal’s role is appreciative as she took the matter to the highest level.”

Terming the two-month period as a terrible experience, the crew members said they were held at gunpoint and could do nothing without the permission from the pirates. They, however, denied any physical torture and said that they were tortured mentally.

The sailors said there were at least 30 hijackers and their sole concern was money. “They could have done anything for money,” they added.

Prez Seeks Beneficial Linkages with Vietnam

India on Tuesday expressed its willingness to play the role of a "useful partner" with Vietnam. Offering expertise in the fields of infrastructure development, engineering and power generation, President Pratibha Patil urged entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity generated by the economic reforms.

While addressing business leaders at the Vietnam-India Business Forum, she asked businesses in both countries to boost bilateral trade and create mutually beneficial linkages.

"We would be happy to share our experience. In many other areas, such as engineering, transportation and power generation, Indian companies can transfer their expertise to Vietnamese. Also, in higher education, research and human resource development, Indian can be a useful partner," Patil was quoted as saying by PTI.

Patil, on a four-day visit to the country, cited investments by ONGC, TATA steel and ESSAR in Vietnam as examples of beneficial exchanges between the two countries.

While ONGC has invested in the country for oil exploration, TATA Steel for an integrated steel plant and ESSAR to set up a steel rolling mill.

(PTI Inputs)

No Objection to Indigenous Peace Process in Nepal: Pranab

India on Tuesday told Nepal that it had "no objection" to an indigenous peace process in the Himalayan country. Advocating the need for political consensus to draf the country's first-ever Constitution, New Delhi, said all political parties should be involved in the framing the document of "Nepalese origin and orientation".

Favouring building of political consensus for drafting the country's first-ever Constitution, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said all political parties should be involved in the framing of the document.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the first Indian leader to visit the land-locked country after its recent transition to democracy, held a "very productive" meeting with Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda Tuesday during which issues of bilateral concern, that covered the repair of the Kosi embankment and maintenance of the East West highway figured.

"We have no objection in a peace process that has Nepalese origin and orientation," Special Adviser to Nepal Prime Minister Hira Bahadur Thapa quoted Mukherjee as telling Prachanda.

Thapa also said that the major issue of review of the Indo-Nepal Trade and Transit Treaty of 1950 did not figure in talks on the second day of Mukherjee's three-day visit.

Steering clear of any direct involvement, Mukherjee impressed upon Prachanda the need for building consensus among political parties in framing the new Constitution.

Mukherjee's visit comes as the ruling Maoists are in the midst of a crucial debate regarding the future political system in the country -- whether to continue with multi-party system or opt for a single party Communist rule.

Odds Stacked Against UPA Regroup

Akbar Khan (visionmp.com news service)

Mayawati pulled out over inflation and “step motherly treatment”, the Left over the Indo-US nuclear deal, Lalu Prasad Yadav nearly a fortnight ago threatened pull out over the MNS attacks in Maharashtra and Karunanidhi has been threatening to rock the boat over the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.

With the BJP vowing a tooth for nails battle in the parliamentary elections scheduled for 2009 and the Left-BSP combine swearing by a no-truck with the Congress, the chances of the UPA principal cobbling up support for a government on the other side of the general elections are growing bleaker by the day.

With Mayawati seemingly in control of her own, as well as, rival flocks in Uttar Pradesh, a huge Congress upheaval in the heartland seems highly improbable, at least at this juncture.

Future partners are almost sure to take into consideration the treatment meted out to Samajwadi allies by the Congress, which the former put up with, only due to dwindling electoral fortunes and a resultant Mayawati onslaught in the heartland.

The main Opposition BJP is also unlikely to pull off any spectacular results in Uttar Pradesh, the saffron party is seemingly readying itself to emerge as the second largest party in the country’s most important electoral battleground, Uttar Pradesh. And is likely to attempt a revival of core Hindutva agenda to push its election campaign to surge ahead of competition.

The outcome of the ATS probe into the Malegaon blast has acquired huge political dimensions as the right flank is sure to dub the arrest of Sadhvi, Swami Dayanand Pandey and others accused in the case, as an attack on Hindutva, a ploy that is sure to catalyse a huge voter exodus in favour of the BJP.

Congress inaction over anti-bhaiyya attacks in Maharashtra are bound to reverberate when UPA allies, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Pawan hit the campaign trail in Bihar, the parties are likely to face a severe tirade launched by JD(U) that emerged with unequivocal brownie points from the controversy.

Stringent action against MNS boss Raj Thackeray in Maharashtra may even result in a sympathy wave for the regional firebrand and a massive drubbing for the Congress-NCP alliance that rules the state.

The role of former Sena man Narayan Rane gains significance especially as he is known to be a staunch critic of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who many say governs the state with the blessings of NCP boss Sharad Pawar.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference (NC) also face growing public ire in Kashmir, where luckily for them, the chances of a huge electoral turnout are nullified by ‘negative vote’ calls by the secessionists.

The BJP will, in all likelihood, improve poll earnings in the Jammu region where it supported and backed the pro-land transfer agitation spearheaded by the Sri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SASS).

In Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi faces growing by the minute anti-incumbencies for failing to convince the central establishment to take up the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils that share close cultural and family ties with people in the state.

By espousing the cause of Lankan Tamils the MDMK is already reported to be consolidating its position in the state.

In Andhra Pradesh the entry of matinee idol Chiranjeevi is expected to disbalance political equations and the thespian’s heightened war of words with chief Minister YSR may be viewed as a pointer towards his political leanings.

Allies though, silent at the moment, also talk of internal skirmishes and blame the Congress for attempting to hurt secular allies to better its own poll showings in pockets controlled by its partners.

The conclusion of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is likely to result in severe infighting between the various Congress factions both in the states and at the Center, thus pushing for a power shift, which may eventually come about after the general elections.

The ouster of former Minister and CWC member Margaret Alva, though unanimously condemned for her anti-party ramblings, may eventually turn out to be a first round victory for the factions pushing for a change of guard in the Congress.

Any surprise victories in the ongoing Assembly series or the Lok Sabha elections is bound to result in increased longevity for the current power base at the center, a scenario that many within the Congress vow to thwart, at any cost, to the party.

CBI, Quashes Togadia Terror Link Reports

Reports appearing on the internet and the electronic media linked VHP leader Pravin Togadia with little known right wing group Ahinav Bharat, suspected of involvement in the Malegaon blasts case, the CBI scotched the rumours while Togadia threatened those behind the reports with legal action.

In New Delhi, CBI rubbished reports of Lt Colonel SP Purohit, accused in the September blast, having told the agency that Togadia had helped in the formation and funding of Abhinav Bharat.

Reacting to the media reports, Togadia, in Ahmedabad, said they were "false and malafide" and threatened legal action against those dragging his name into the case.

The blast in a crowded Malegaon market killed six and left over 80 injured.

In a statement, Togadia's advocate Dipak Shukla said. "My client firmly denies any funding or involvement related to Abhinav Bharat or any of their affiliated or non-affiliated people in any of their activities."

Shukla also threatened legal action against those who are trying to drag Togadia’s name in the Malegaon blast.

"Any attempt by any electronic media, print media, public or private communicators, government or private agency or anyone whosoever to spread the above or any such malafide, false, derogatory and criminally defamatory lies about my client will attract civil and criminal legal action as deemed fit," he said in a communiqué.

Shukla said, "Any damage to my client's public and social image, as well as his organisation's image and standing and his family's social standing or businesses will be the sole liability of anyone who tries to spread such malafide rumours."

He also said any political party or politician found to be spreading "malafide lies about my client will also attract suitable civil and criminal legal action" and will also be liable to compensate my client, for any damages caused to him, his organisation, family and family businesses," Shukla said.

Accused Presented in MCOCA Court

After the Malegaon blast case was moved from Nasik to Mumbai, eight Malegaon blast accused including, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, were produced in the Special MCOCA court on Monday.

This includes the sadhvi too whose remand application ends on Monday.

Last week, the ATS charged all the 11 accused in the Malegaon blast under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the court proceedings were moved to Mumbai.

Troops Attack Tiger Bunkers from Three Sides

In a decisive war against Tamil Tiger rebels, the Sri Lankan army has launched a push to capture Kilinochchi, the rebels' administrative headquarters in the north, the troops have been pounding the rebels' defences from three directions since Sunday morning. The military says both sides have suffered casualties.

The government forces are attempting to crush the Tigers and end their two and a half decade old fight for a separate state for the ethnic Tamil minority.

Advancing troops have begun attacking bunker lines around Kilinochchi from several directions, according to the spokesman for Sri Lanka's military, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara.

He said the Tigers were putting up stiff resistance and both sides had suffered casualties.

Kilinochchi is a key target of the government's offensive to try to crush the rebels. The town has been the Tigers' de facto capital, with political offices, courts, a police headquarters and other administrative buildings.

Its capture would be a major symbolic victory for government forces - but would leave the rebels still in control of territory in the north-east of Sri Lanka around Mullaitivu.

The Tigers' leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is due to deliver his only speech of the year Thursday, when the rebels commemorate their dead.

With communication lines cut to the north, the Tigers have not commented on the military's claims directly.

But the website TamilNet, which reports from rebel areas, said since Friday at least 78 government soldiers had been killed in battles around Kilinochchi.

It added that heavy rain was increasing the hardship for civilians.

Aid agencies have estimated as many as 230,000 people in rebel controlled areas have been displaced by the fighting.

The rebels have been fighting for a separate homeland for Tamils in the north and east since 1983 and about 70,000 people have been killed in the violence.

Dalai Lama Rubbishes Retirement Rumours

Scotching rumours of a retirement exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday expressed saying. "There is no point or question of retirement. It is my moral responsibility till my death to work for the Tibetan cause." He was speaking after a six day meeting of the exiled community, in Daramsala.

"My body and flesh is all Tibetan. I remain committed to the Tibetan cause," the Dalai added.

A special six-day meeting of the Tibetan leaders on Saturday declared they would not hold any further talks with Beijing on the Tibet issue till China "responds positively" to their demands.

In their strongest message to Beijing in two decades, the Tibetan leadership in exile has decided to break off negotiations with China. It also virtually put on notice the Dalai Lama's "middle path" policy of seeking autonomy within China. On Saturday, the exiled leaders said the Dalai Lama's approach could not continue indefinitely and independence would be their only option in the near future.

"If the middle path fails in the short term, we will be forced to opt for complete independence or self-determination as per the UN charter," Dolma Gyari, deputy speaker of the Kashag, or parliament-in-exile, said at the end of the six-day conclave here.Although there was some tension in the air before the recommendations were collated — the younger generation led by the Tibetan Youth Congress pushed for "complete independence" as the goal — the meeting of exiled Tibetan leaders ended with delegates unanimously agreeing on the draft that gives "some more time" to the middle path.

"It's a turning point in our struggle," said poet-activist Tenzin Tsundue, who was at the forefront of demand for independence. "A call for self-determination would effectively demand full independence," said the activist, adding that the ball is now in the Chinese court.

While the tone and text of the conclave's resolution are a major departure from the Dalai Lama's Strasbourg Proposal of 1987 in which he sought "genuine autonomy" under Chinese rule, the parliament speaker, Karma Choepel, said the future policy in the Tibetan campaign for greater autonomy will be determined by the Dalai Lama and will always be non-violent.

(Agencies)

TN Emergency Meet Concludes in Patient Wait

Attempting to regain lost political ground and mount pressure on the Centre over the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has decided to lead an all-party delegation to Delhi on December 4. The resolution came at an ‘emergency’ meeting of legislative parties convened by Karunanidhi.

The delegation will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking his intervention for an ‘immediate’ ceasefire in the island nation.

It is not clear whether representatives from opposition AIADMK, its ally MDMK, BJP, CPI, CPI-M and DMDK will be part of the delegation as they boycott the meeting, terming it "unnecessary".

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, which was attended by leaders of DMK, Congress, and PMK, Karunanidhi ruled out withdrawal of support to the UPA government at the Centre over the issue, saying it is not necessary at this juncture.

The Chief Minister said his only regret was that a ceasefire had not come about in Sri Lanka, despite a promise by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in this regard.

It was also decided at the meeting that MPs from all political parties from the state would meet the Prime Minister on November 28 to reiterate their demand.

A resolution adopted at the meeting asked the Centre to warn the Sri Lankan government to stop the war against Tamils in the island nation, instead of just asking them to do so repeatedly.

However, Karunanidhi said the Centre had ensured supply of food, medicine and clothes to Tamils in the island nation soon after Mukherjee visited Chennai to discuss the matter with him.

Casting aspersions over the motives of the meeting, opposition sources said “ with the anti Tamil battle in Sri Lanka escalating with each passing day, he (Karunanidhi) is merely attempting to cover up for the Center’s inactivity over the matter.

“Why has the so called emergency meeting decided on a 10 day wait before traveling to Delhi, the Tamil cause may well be dead by then,” they added.

News: Explosive: ATS Volte Face on RDX

http://visionmp-news.blogspot.com/2008/11/explosive-ats-volte-face-on-rdx.html#links

News: Israel to Free 250 Palestinians in December

http://visionmp-news.blogspot.com/2008/11/israel-to-free-250-palestinians-in.html#links

Explosive: ATS Volte Face on RDX

Putting the functioning of anti-terror operations under the scanner and in the public domain, a red-faced Maharashtra ATS on Monday retracted an alleged submission in the court that Lt Col Srikant Prasad Purohit had misappropriated 60 kg of RDX from the Army for use in the train blasts.

ATS counsel Ajay Misar, who had earlier told a Nashik court that RDX was used in the Samjhauta Express blast, attempted to undo the damage on Sunday, by accusing the media of misinterpreting his statement in court.

Misar said that he had only informed the court that the police were still investigating whether 60 kg RDX, allegedly handed by the Army to Purohit to be deposited in its artillery unit in J&K, was used in some of the blasts carried out across the country, including the September 29 Malegaon explosion.

Forensic experts had earlier ruled out the use of RDX in the Samjhauta bombing. It said that the material used in the blast was a highly flammable cocktail of fuel oils, potassium chlorate and sulphur.

According to a Haryana FSL report based on investigations conducted on the two unexploded suitcase bombs recovered from the amity train, the “firebombs” were assembled using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and explosives bottles preserved with high quality sealants, which apart from covering the foul smell also helped explosives detonate with greater intensity.

The Haryana police had released sketches of two suspects and subsequently a suspect identified as Salman was picked up from Rajasthan. The police also identified a Pakistani national who allegedly threw one of the suitcase bombs off the running train. In March, the police arrested two people from Indore who had allegedly sold the suitcases used in the bombing.

The Army too has ruled out the possibility of Purohit ‘dipping into’ its RDX reserves. The Indian Army, sources told the agencies, is not known to use or store RDX. The explosives used by the Army are TNT and plastic explosives (PEK). Also, explosives seized by the Army in J&K are either destroyed on the spot or handed over to the police.

Explosive seizures, if any, are handled by the infantry and not intelligence personnel. Earlier, Misar had told Chief Judicial Magistrate H K Gantra of Nashik court that a person named Bhagwan had received 60 kg RDX from Malegaon blast accused Lt Col Purohit.

According to an ATS witness Purohit held 60 kg RDX in his possession while he was posted in Deolali, Nashik, which he did not hand over, to the Army’s artillery department in J&K, as directed.

On Monday, ATS also came under scrutiny for allegedly torturing accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh in custody, with her lawyers filing an affidavit in court alleging that she was assaulted by a man called Kanvikar.

With huge political support for the accused in the Malegaon case failing to cut ice with the Maharashtra ATS, the plight of the less fortunate, arrested on suspicion of terrorism, is only imaginable.

(With Internet Inputs)

Israel to Free 250 Palestinians in December

Caretaker Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday that 250 Palestinian prisoners would be freed in a goodwill gesture, as Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas urged Israel to maintain the Gaza truce. The two met in Jerusalem for the first time in two months.

The meeting came amid rising tensions in and around the besieged Gaza Strip where Israeli forces and Palestinian militants have continued to engage in retaliatory almost everyday since November 4.

"Abbas had asked him to free Palestinian prisoners and Olmert told him of the decision to release 250 at the beginning of December," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat after the meeting.

In a similar move in August, Israel freed 198 Palestinian prisoners. Over 11,000 Palestinian prisoners sill languish n Israeli jails.

A senior Israeli official said that no prisoner with affinity to radical Palestinian movements, such as Hamas, would be freed.

Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip in June 2007, since then secularists like Abbas have been limited to West Bank.

He added that during talks held at Olmert's official residence in Jerusalem, Abbas stressed "the need to maintain the truce in Gaza because it eases the suffering of the Palestinian people."

Abbas also urged Palestinian militants to maintain the fragile truce that went into effect in and around Gaza on June 19. "In other words, stop the futile rocket firings that don't help the Palestinian cause in any way," Abbas said.

Abbas also met British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who said it was "vital" to maintain the ceasefire. "The discussions you have had today (with Olmert) seem to me to be a very important contribution to that," Miliband is reported to have told the Palestinian leader.

Escalating violence has resulted in Israel tightening its blockade over the Gaza strip, cutting supplies to the aid-dependent region, though it lifted the embargo to allow the entry of humanitarian supplies on Monday for the first time in almost two weeks.

A report on AFP, attributing the information to a well placed Israeli official said, Olmert told Abbas that Hamas is to blame for violations of the truce in and around the Gaza Strip, and warned that in case of further escalation in violence Isael will be left with no option but to respond.

On Monday, several rockets fired from Gaza hit southern Israel without causing any casualties.

Both sides accuse the other of ceasefire violations, since November 4, several rockets and mortar rounds have been fired into Israel from the strip and retaliatory action from Israel resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Gaza militants.

Israel responds to attacks by tightening the blockade over the region, it imposed after the 2007 Hamas takeover, but said it allowed 33 truckloads of humanitarian supplies into the coastal strip on Monday.

A UN spokesman said that many more deliveries are needed in the impoverished and overpopulated Palestinian territory.

The UN Works and Relief Agency distributes food to 750,000 Gazans -- half the population.

Escalating violence as well as the political and geographical division of the Palestinian territories between Hamas-ruled Gaza and the West Bank under Abbas have complicated the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

Battle for Kashmir: 64 pc Turnout in Phase One

Inclement weather and secessionist calls notwithstanding, voters in Jammu and Kashmir came out in large numbers to exercise favour for peace and solidarity. According to mdia reports nearly 64 per cent polling was recorded, in the first phase of the seven phase Assembly elections in the state.

Repeated secessionist threats resulted in Curfew like deployment in the 10 constituencies spread over four districts of Bandipora, Poonch, Leh and Kargil.

The voting was peaceful except for stray incidents of violence and protests.

Polling in the border state has been staggered over seven phases lasting up to December 24.

According to an official spokesperson, 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase.

He added that highest polling was recorded in the Gurez constituency in the once of Bandipora district-- 74 per cent-- followed by Mendhar and Poonch (73), Surankote (68), Nobra (66) Leh, Kargil and Zanskar (all 60), Bandipora(57) and Sonawari (46).

Earlier in the day, Chief Electoral Officer B R Sharma told reporters in Srinagar that around 55 per cent polling was registered in the 10 constituencies but the figure was tentative and was revised after the final data came in.

A total shutdown in Srinagar, Bandipora and other towns marked the occasion, as an unprecedented security cover descended on the Kashmir Valley to prevent anti-election rallies.

At least seven people including a woman were injured when security personnel fired teargas shells and used mild force to disperse crowds protesting against the elections in Bandipora district.

The secessionists had called for 'Jehan election waha challo' (march to where elections are). But the march to Bandipora, 65 km north of the summer capital Srinagar, was foiled by security forces.

Jammu and Kashmir went to polls on Monday in the first phase of the seven-phase assembly elections in the state.

Expressing optimism over the high voter turnout, National Conference president Omar Abdullah said it was a positive indication for a better future and a stable state, he was on the campaign trail in the Jammu region.

Abdullah termed the turnout an “eye opener” and added, that the unprecedented participation in the polls “proves the people of the state want the Kashmir issue be resolved. They want to assert their right, elect their representatives who can address their day to day grievances.”

Five Arrested for Conduct Violation

Five government employees on election duty were arrested from the Mendhar assembly constituency for violating the model electoral code of conduct.

The election staff, including the presiding officer of a polling station, were arrested after they stayed overnight at the residence of a candidate contesting the assembly polls.

The officials were posted at the Gursai polling station under Mendhar constituency and stayed at the house of Rafiq Hussain Khan, a People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate fro the area.

The act violates section 141 of the code of conduct applicable to officials on election duty.

Militants Kill Soldier, Two Missing

Meanwhile, suspected militants killed a soldier and two other Army personnel are reported missing after in the Poonch district, officials said.

The Army is in the midst of a five-day-old operation to nab a group of militants reported to be holed up in Beri forests in Mendhar area, some 250 km from Jammu.

A soldier of the Assam Rifles was killed and two other troopers went missing in action on Monday, Army sources said.

Security forces have launched a search operation to seize the militants, officials said.

Unsubstantiated media reports appearing over the internet say four militants were gunned down by security forces in an exchange of fire in the Lachipora area, near the Line of Control, some 40 km from Baramulla in north Kashmir.