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.