Crime Watch – Weekly Newsletter for December 6-13, 2010

Fresh evidence says Sarabjit is innocent: Pakistani lawyer

CHANDIGARH – A new mercy petition for Sarabjit Singh – the Indian who is on death row in Pakistan – has been sent to the president of that country, says his Pakistani lawyer who also claims to have submitted fresh evidence to prove it is a case of mistaken identity.

Sheikh, who is handling the …. Read the original article  : Fresh evidence says Sarabjit is innocent: Pakistani lawyer.

Sarkozy backs UNSC bid, India-France ink n-deals

NEW DELHI – French President Nicolas Sarkozy Monday backed India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and also called upon Pakistan to fight terrorism even as India and France signed seven deals, most of them for setting up two nuclear plants.

“It (UNSC seat) is not just an important matter for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sarkozy backs UNSC bid, India-France ink n-deals.

Cash from pilgrims used to finance 26/11: WikiLeaks

LONDON – Militants often use the annual Haj pilgrimage for laundering money and cash from pilgrims was used to finance the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, a confidential US embassy cable published by whistle-blower websitse WikiLeaks says.

A Sky News report cites the New York Times as detailing a long list of possible methods terrorists might [..] Read the original article: here.

US doubtful about winning war on Pakistan border

WASHINGTON – US diplomats in Pakistan are sceptical about eventually winning the military struggle in Pakistan’s badlands, saying peace talks go nowhere and murderous militants control key towns, a leaked State Department cable made available to Wikileaks reveals.

A long cable from the US consulate in Peshawar also says eight years of airstrikes, military patrols … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US doubtful about winning war on Pakistan border.

Rebels kill pro-Maoist activist

KOLKATA – A member of the pro-Maoist tribal body, Peoples’ Committee Against Police Atrocities, was killed by the rebels in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district because they suspected him to be an informer, police said Monday.

“Asit Bera was dragged out of his home Sunday night and later shot. His body was found in Bachurkhamar …. Read the original article  : here.

Guerrillas attack Kashmir police officer’s house

SRINAGAR – Heavily armed separatist guerrillas attacked the residence of the Sopore police chief in Jammu and Kashmir by opening fire and hurling grenades, police said Monday.

The guerrillas fired at least four grenades followed by heavy firing from automatic weapons at the official residence of Superintendent of Police Altaf Khan in north Kashmir’s Sopore, …. Read the original article  : Guerrillas attack Kashmir police officer’s house.

Maoist shutdown hits NMDC iron ore transportation

RAIPUR – A weeklong shutdown enforced by Maoists has hit iron ore transportation by NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter in the public sector, at its key mining facilities in Chhattisgarh, an official said Monday.

NMDC Ltd has several mines at Bailadila in insurgency-riddled Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh where it produces more … Read more : Maoist shutdown hits NMDC iron ore transportation.

Pakistan declares Afghan border region militant-free

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s security forces have managed to get more than 85 percent of the country’s troubled Orakzai agency cleared from the militants to enable return of displaced people, authorities said.

Orakzai is one of the seven agencies in the federally administered tribal area of Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan, where the security forces launched a crackdown … Original article on : Pakistan declares Afghan border region militant-free.

Greek police charge six with terrorism after raid

ATHENS – Police Sunday charged six people of having connections with a terrorist group after confiscating guns and explosives at various locations across Greece.

The suspects range in age from 21-30 and include one woman. They were detained following police raids in Athens, the port of Piraeus, the western town of Agrinio and the southern … Read more : Greek police charge six with terrorism after raid.

WikiLeaks: LeT planned to kill Modi, set up bases in south India

WASHINGTON – Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed for Mumbai terror attack, had planned to assassinate Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and use Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu as a strike base in southern India, a leaked US diplomatic cable reveals.

A June 19, 2009 secret State Department cable signed (Secretary of State Hillary) Clinton … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : WikiLeaks: LeT planned to kill Modi, set up bases in south India.

Kishenji alive and fit, reveal arrested Maoist leaders

KOLKATA – Ending the confusion over elusive top Maoist leader Kishenji’s health, arrested rebel leaders have revealed he is alive and fully fit, police said Sunday.

“During interrogation, Sudip Chongdar alias Kanchan, the state committee secretary of Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) and other state committee members arrested Friday, have revealed that Koteshwar Rao alias [..] Read the original article: here.

India may allow Pakistan access to 26/11 witnesses

NEW DELHI – India may allow an investigating team from Pakistan to question Mumbai witnesses of the 2008 terror attack so that the trial against militant conspirators arrested in that country could be concluded.

According to informed sources, the government is awaiting “necessary opinion from the Bombay High Court – where the case is …. Read the original article  : India may allow Pakistan access to 26/11 witnesses.

Abducted official offered dog meat by Garo militants

SHILLONG – A Meghalaya government official, abducted and held hostage by Garo rebels for nearly two months, Sunday said he had been offered dog meat during his captivity but subsisted on a vegetarian diet.

“They (the rebels) always went to nearby villages and brought dog meat, pork, dry rotis (chapattis) and (lentil) dal for … Read more >>.

Greek police nab nine suspected terrorists

ATHENS – Counter-terrorism police raided hideouts across Greece belonging to terrorism group Sect of Revolutionaries, confiscating a cache of guns and explosives and arresting at least nine people, reports said Sunday.

Police officials said three machine guns, seven handguns, grenades and 50 kg of explosive powder and 200 grams of TNT were discovered in a …. Original source  : Greek police nab nine suspected terrorists.

Balochistan chief minister escapes bid on life (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – The chief minister of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province escaped an attempt on his life Tuesday when a suicide blast targeted his cavalcade in capital Quetta, killing at least one person and injuring nine others.

The blast was carried out when the cavalcade of Chief Minister Aslam Raisani was passing through Saryab Road in …. Source article  : Balochistan chief minister escapes bid on life (Second Lead).

Terror from Pakistan not acceptable: Sarkozy

MUMBAI – French President Nicolas Sarkozy Tuesday said it was unacceptable that terrorist attacks originate in Pakistan and the 26/11 strike in Mumbai proved terrorism is “nothing but criminal activity”.

“We know of the price the Pakistan population is paying for terrorism but it is not acceptable for the world that terrorist attacks originate from …. Source article  : Terror from Pakistan not acceptable: Sarkozy.

Terrorists can’t be allowed to threaten India: Sarkozy

MUMBAI – French President Nicolas Sarkozy Tuesday said terror groups from the neighbourhood cannot be allowed to threaten India and it was unacceptable that Taliban and Al Qaida should find refuge in Pakistan.

“The Mumbai attack proved one more time that terrorism is nothing but criminal activity. It pretends to act for political or … Original article on : Terrorists can’t be allowed to threaten India: Sarkozy.

No ex-gratia for Kanishka victims in action plan

TORONTO – Canada is set to unveil an action plan to implement the recommendations of the Air India bombing inquiry commission which submitted its report in June. But there will be no announcement of ex-gratia payments to the victim families as recommended by the panel headed former Canadian chief justice John Major.

All 329 passengers … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No ex-gratia for Kanishka victims in action plan.

Che’s granddaughter, Guzman’s son invited to Maoist do

KATHMANDU – Though he never came to Nepal, slain Cuban revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara remains one of the best-known foreign faces in the Himalayan republic that nursed a 10-year Communist revolution of its own.

His image in the celebrated red beret, immortalised by Cuban photographer Alberto Diaz Gutierrez, looks out from the backs of whizzing … Read more >>.

Balochistan chief minister escapes Quetta suicide blast

ISLAMABAD – The chief minister of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province escaped unhurt Tuesday when a suicide blast targeted his cavalcade in capital Quetta, killing at least one person and injuring six others, an official said.

“The blast was carried out moments after the cavalcade of Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani passed through Saryab Road in [..] Read the original article: here.

One killed in Pakistan blasts

ISLAMABAD – At least on person was killed and many others were injured Tuesday as two powerful blasts rocked Pakistan’s Quetta city, Geo News reported.

The injured have been shifted to hospital.
…. Read the original article  : One killed in Pakistan blasts.

Mumbai terror suspect Rana’s trial set for Feb 14

CHICAGO – Pakistani-Canadian terror suspect Tahawwur Hussain Rana, co-accused with Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Headley in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, will go on trial in a federal court here Feb 14.

Wearing an orange jumpsuit and leg shackles Rana stood before US District Judge Harry Leinenweber here Monday as defence and prosecution attorneys hashed out …. Source  : Mumbai terror suspect Rana’s trial set for Feb 14.

Meghalaya seeks public support against Garo rebel outfit

SHILLONG – Ruling out talks with the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels, the Meghalaya government Monday appealed to the public to extend their cooperation to curb the rebel group’s activities.

The three districts of Garo Hills region in western part of Meghalaya has witnessed spurt of GNLA’s anti-national activities, prompting the government to …. Original source  : Meghalaya seeks public support against Garo rebel outfit.

Night raids to continue despite Afghan objections: NATO

KABUL – A NATO spokesman said Monday the alliance would continue night operations in the fight against Taliban insurgents, despite strong objections from Afghans, including President Hamid Karzai.

NATO spokesman General Josef Blotz said the night operations – conducted chiefly by special forces – were part of a wide range of tactics used by allied …. Source  : Night raids to continue despite Afghan objections: NATO.

German Bakery blast plot hatched in Colombo: Charge-sheet

PUNE – The plot to bomb the German Bakery in Pune on the eve of Valentine’s Day (Feb 13) was hatched in Colombo in March 2008, according to the charge-sheet filed by the Maharashtra Police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad in a local court here.

Himayat Baig, the alleged mastermind, had secured training in assembling explosives in …. Original source  : German Bakery blast plot hatched in Colombo: Charge-sheet.

Separatists open finance companies in Guwahati

GUWAHATI – Several northeast separatist groups have floated finance companies and doing business in Assams main city Guwahati besides setting up bases in cities outside the region.

It is true that some militant groups or individual militant leaders have opened finance companies in Guwahati and even giving loans to people, besides carrying out businesses, Assam … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Separatists open finance companies in Guwahati.

Five injured in Manipur blast

IMPHAL – At least five people were injured Monday when militants lobbed a grenade at the crowded Nagamapal market in Manipur capital Imphal, police said

Probably the militants lobbed the grenade from a motorcycle and sped away, a police officer said.
Five people, most of them either shoppers or vendors, were injured and shifted to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Five injured in Manipur blast.

China blocked UN sanctions on 3 Pakistani terrorists: WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON – Apparently at the behest of Pakistan, China, which wields a veto in the UN Security Council, put a “technical hold” on an Indian request to slap sanctions on three Pakistani terrorists, a leaked State Department cable reveals.

“On the international stage, Pakistan has sought to block the UNSCR 1267 listings of Pakistan-based or … Read more : China blocked UN sanctions on 3 Pakistani terrorists: WikiLeaks.

40 killed, 70 injured in Pakistan blasts (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – At least 40 people were killed and more than 70 injured Monday in two successive blasts in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, state-run PTV reported.

The blasts hit an office of local tribal elders in Mohmand agency district. According to security officials, the first blast took place at the gate and the second one …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 40 killed, 70 injured in Pakistan blasts (Second Lead).

Nepal finally feels WikiLeaks heat

KATHMANDU – More than a week after whistleblower website WikiLeaks started to publish confidential US embassy cables, Nepal began to feel the heat Monday after a media report indicated that the Islamic terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had penetrated the Himalayan republic.

Late reactions started coming Monday after a BBC report Saturday highlighted a cable sent [..] Read the original article: here.

8 killed, 40 injured in Pakistan blast

ISLAMABAD – At least eight people were killed and more than 40 injured Monday in a blast in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Express TV reported.

The blast took place at a building in Mohmand agency district where a group of tribal elders were holding a meeting. “The exact nature of blast is not yet known,” …. Original article  : 8 killed, 40 injured in Pakistan blast.

15 killed in Pakistan suicide blast

ISLAMABAD – At least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured Wednesday morning in a suicide blast in Kohat’s busy Teerah market in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, state-run PTV reported.

The suicide bomber blew himself up in a barber’s shop located near a bus stand. The death toll could rise further, the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 15 killed in Pakistan suicide blast.

Deal firmly with terrorists, says CPI-M

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Wednesday asked the government to deal firmly with terrorists, a day after a terrorist bomb blast killed a two-year-old girl in Varanasi.

Condemning the bomb blast on the bank of the Ganga that also injured over 20 people, the CPI-M expressed “heartfelt sympathy to all those …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Deal firmly with terrorists, says CPI-M.

Uttar Pradesh ignored specific terror input: Chidambaram

VARANASI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of ignoring a specific warning issued in February about terrorists planning to attack the Sheetla Ghat on the banks of the Ganga river.

Chidambaram, who travelled to the temple town of Uttar Pradesh a day after a blast killed a two-year-old girl, said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bomb blast kills 15 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A bomb exploded at a local market in Tirah Valley in Pakistan’s federally administered tribal area, killing 15 people, sources told Geo News.
…. Read the original article  : Bomb blast kills 15 in Pakistan.

Chidambaram visits Varanasi blast site, meets injured

VARANASI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday visited the site of the blast here which killed a toddler and left over 20 people, including foreigners, injured. He also met those wounded in the terror strike.

Chidambaram headed to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) where several injured are being treated – straight after arriving at the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chidambaram visits Varanasi blast site, meets injured.

US denounces Varanasi terror attack

NEW DELHI – US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer Wednesday condemned the “deplorable and cowardly” bomb attack in Varanasi that left a girl child dead and over 20 people injured.

Offering his “heartfelt condolences” to the Indian people and to the victims, Roemer described Varanasi as “a city well-known for the tolerance of its citizens and … Original article on : US denounces Varanasi terror attack.

Mayawati should quit, opposition says after blast

VARANASI/LUCKNOW – Attributing the terror attack in Varanasi to security lapses and intelligence failure, opposition parties Wednesday demanded the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

A day after the blast in the eastern Uttar Pradesh town claimed the life of a two-year-old girl and injured over 20, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress …. Read the original article  : Mayawati should quit, opposition says after blast.

Varanasi Bomb Blast Sends Shock Waves

VARANASI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)-The Varanasi Bomb Blast which killed a child and left several others injured has sent shock waves across the nation and it marks the re emergence of terrorist activities after a period of lull. Manmohan Singh the Indian prime minister has said in his statement that the residents of India should be …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Varanasi Bomb Blast Sends Shock Waves.

After blast, prayers as usual at Ganga in Varanasi

VARANASI – Faith emerged victorious over terror as devotees converged along the banks of the Ganga to perform prayers amid heavy security arrangements Wednesday morning, a day after a blast rocked this holy city, killing a two-year-old girl.

Undeterred by the terror strike, devotees, including foreigners, participated in ‘aartis’ and performed other rituals along the … Read more : After blast, prayers as usual at Ganga in Varanasi.

IM e-mail tracked to Mumbai: Police sources

MUMBAI – The e-mail sent by terror group Indian Mujahideen claiming responsibility for the blast at Varanasi Tuesday has been traced to Mumbai’s northern suburb of Malad, police sources said.

Several search teams were rushed to Malad to track the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the e-mail in which the group said the attack was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : IM e-mail tracked to Mumbai: Police sources.

‘We are ok’: Foreigners tweet about Varanasi blast

NEW DELHI – Slovakian Brano Gege, a first time visitor to Varanasi, had been enjoying the Ganga ‘aarti’ on the ghats of the ancient city, where he had been staying for the last two nights. Instead, he became a witness to a terror attack.

“#varanasi we are ok, have been hundreds meter from the blast, …. Source article  : ‘We are ok’: Foreigners tweet about Varanasi blast.

Girl killed, more than 20 injured in Varanasi blast (Intro Night Lead)

VARANASI/NEW DELHI – A small girl was killed and over 20 people, including a few foreigners, were injured when a bomb exploded on the banks of the Ganga during Tuesday evening’s ‘maha aarti’ watched by hundreds and sparked off a stampede, authorities and witnesses said. Terror group Indian Mujahideen, in an e-mail, claimed responsibility for … Read more >>>.

Indian Mujahideen claims responsibility for Varanasi blast

NEW DELHI – Terror group Indian Mujahideen Tuesday owned responsibility for a bomb explosion in Varanasi that killed a small girl and left 20 injured, saying it was to avenge the 1992 demolition of Ayodhya’s Babri Masjid.

In an e-mail to media houses soon after the blast, the terror group said: Indian Mujahideen attribute(s) this … Read : Indian Mujahideen claims responsibility for Varanasi blast.

Girl killed, over 20 injured in Varanasi blast (Night Lead)

VARANASI – A girl just two years old was killed and more than 20 people, including a few foreigners, were injured when a bomb exploded on the bank of the Ganga during Tuesday evening’s ‘maha aarati’ watched by hundreds, sparking off a stampede, authorities and witnesses said.

Swastika Sharma succumbed to multiple splinter injuries and …. Source article  : Girl killed, over 20 injured in Varanasi blast (Night Lead).

‘Had informed about security laxity in Uttar Pradesh’

NEW DELHI – As a bomb explosion in Varanasi left a child killed and injured more than 20 people, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Lok Sabha member from the Uttar Pradesh temple town Murli Manohar Joshi said Tuesday that he had expressed concern over the “lax security” to the state government.

“I had …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Had informed about security laxity in Uttar Pradesh’.

Army captain injured in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – A captain of the counter insurgency Rashtriya Rifles was injured Tuesday evening in a fierce gunfight with a group of separatist guerrillas holed up in a house in north Kashmir’s Sopore town.

The gunfight erupted as troops of 22 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the state police jointly surrounded a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Army captain injured in Kashmir gunfight.

Two year old girl killed in Varanasi blast

VARANASI – A two-year-old girl was killed in the blast in Varanasi Tuesday evening that also left more than 20 people injured, police said.

Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal said the child, Swastika Sharma, was killed in the explosion that ripped through the Shitla Ghat on the banks of the Ganga river during …. Original article  : Two year old girl killed in Varanasi blast.

Maintain calm, peace, appeals PM after Varanasi blast

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday appealed to people to maintain peace and calm following a bomb explosion in the temple town of Varanasi that left many injured.

Expressing concern over the blast, Manmohan Singh asked people to “maintain calm and peace, an official in the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The prime minister … Original source on Gaea Times at : Maintain calm, peace, appeals PM after Varanasi blast.

Many injured in blast near Ganga in Varanasi (Third Lead)

VARANASI – More than 20 people, including a few foreigners, were injured Tuesday when a powerful blast ripped through the bank of the Ganga during the evening ‘aarti’ ritual watched by hundreds and sparked off a stampede, authorities and witnesses said.

A large number of people had gathered at the Shitla Ghat to watch the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoists not getting external support, says minister

NEW DELHI – The government Tuesday rejected the suggestion that Maoist guerrillas were getting foreign financial or military support.

There are no inputs to indicate that Left-wing extremist groups are getting assistance in terms of weapons and finance from foreign countries, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken told the Lok Sabha in a …. Original article  : Maoists not getting external support, says minister.

‘Lockerbie bomber close to dying’

LONDON – A Libyan man convicted for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing in which 270 air travellers were killed is in a coma and may have only days to live, a media report said Thursday.

According to Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, the health of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi has “deteriorated badly”, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Gaddafi was speaking …. Original article  : ‘Lockerbie bomber close to dying’.

Maoists kill three in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas Thursday killed three people in Orissa, police said.

About 30-40 rebels dragged Henko Singh, 55, and Bisra Singh, 43, from their houses in Langalakata village and killed them in a forested area near the Jharkhand border, Superintendent of Police Diptesh Patnaik told IANS.
The rebels escaped into the forest after leaving … Read : Maoists kill three in Orissa.

Five Maoists held in Bengal

KOLKATA – Five Maoists have been arrested in West Bengals West Midnapore district, police said Thursday.

They included squad member Uttam Mandi who was wanted in several murder cases, Jhargram Superintendent of Police Praveen Tripathi told IANS over telephone. He was arrested Wednesday night from Jhargram.
Maoist leader Dilip Mahato and his associates Lakshmi Kanta …. Source article  : Five Maoists held in Bengal.

Tribal refuses to join Maoists, killed

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas Thursday killed a man in Koraput district of Orissa after he refused to join them, police said.

About 30 rebels dragged 35-year-old Sambaru Huika out of his home in Odiyapentha village, about 500 km from here, took him to an abandoned house nearby and killed him, a police officer told IANS.
… Read more : Tribal refuses to join Maoists, killed.

No more aartis please, says blast victim’s father

VARANASI – An inconsolable Santosh Kumar Sharma, who lost his daughter Swastika in the blast two days ago, says the traditional ‘aarti’ ritual on the banks of the Ganga should be stopped due to the poor security arrangements by authorities.

Swastika was killed in Tuesday’s terror strike that took place at the Sheetla Ghat while … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No more aartis please, says blast victim’s father.

Germany’s imams fear hate attacks

BONN – Imams have told a top German official that Muslims in Germany fear they may suffer hate attacks.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere responded with a condemnation, telling the panel of Islamic clergy in Bonn: “Arson attacks and graffiti on mosques can have no place in our society.”
One of the imams had just …. Source  : Germany’s imams fear hate attacks.

Man charged in plot to attack US military recruiting centre

WASHINGTON – A Maryland man was Wednesday charged in connection with a plot to attack an Armed Forces recruiting station in Catonsville, Maryland, the US Justice Department said.

Antonio Martinez, aka Muhammad Hussain, 21, of Baltimore, Maryland, was arrested Wednesday after attempting to remotely detonate what he believed were explosives in a vehicle parked in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man charged in plot to attack US military recruiting centre.

Rights groups threaten fast for Maoists’ release

KOLKATA – Demanding release of recently arrested senior Maoists, including state committee secretary Sudip Chongdar alias Kanchan, and withdrawal of forces from West Bengal’s Maoist-affected districts, civil rights groups here Wednesday threatened to hold indefinite fast from Friday.

“We will stage sit-in demonstration Dec 10 at Hazra Crossing in South Kolkata, protesting against the unlawful …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two Somali-born men convicted for terror plans

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish court Wednesday sentenced two Somali-born men to four years each in prison for planning a terror attack in the troubled African country.

The two, aged 22 and 26, were linked to the radical Islamic al-Shabab militia and were convicted of planning a suicide attack in Somalia, the ruling said.
The five-member …. Source  : Two Somali-born men convicted for terror plans.

Maoist shutdown in Bengal evokes partial response

KOLKATA – The first day of the 48-hour shutdown the Maoists have called in West Bengal evoked some response in the Maoist-affected districts, police said.

The shutdown was observed successfully in Junglemahal areas (Maoist affected forested areas of three western districts – West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura), but there were no reports of untoward incidents, …. Original article  : Maoist shutdown in Bengal evokes partial response.

Militants abduct 11 labourers in Tripura

AGARTALA – Separatist guerrillas have abducted 11 labourers from a bridge construction site in a village in Tripura, police said here Wednesday.

“Heavily armed NLFT (National Liberation Front of Tripura) militants raided a labourers’ temporary shed at Govindabari village Tuesday night and kidnapped 11 workers at gunpoint while others managed to escape,” police spokesman Nepal … Original source on Gaea Times at : Militants abduct 11 labourers in Tripura.

Two GNLA rebels held in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – Two Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels were arrested Wednesday in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills and arms and ammunition were seized from them, police said.

Bijoy M. Sangma and Wimbirth Ch Marak were arrested from Williamnagar, district headquarters of East Garo Hills, district police chief Sylvester Nongtynger told IANS.
He said two pistols, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Six Maoists arrested in Bihar

PATNA – Six suspected Maoist guerrillas were Wednesday arrested in Bihar’s Gaya district, police said.

The rebels were arrested from a village under Barachatti police station in Gaya, about 100 km from state capital Patna, an official said.
Police also seized arms and ammunition from them besides cell phones and a
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Six Maoists arrested in Bihar.

Army captain, Lashkar militant killed in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – An army captain and a foreign guerrilla were Wednesday killed in the over 20-hour gun battle between the security forces and the holed up guerrilla in north Kashmir, police said.

A captain of counter insurgency Rashtriya Rifles, who was injured in the gunfight Tuesday, died of his injuries in the hospital Wednesday.
One …. Source article  : Army captain, Lashkar militant killed in Kashmir gunfight.

Bhatkal brothers behind Varansi blast: Police

MUMBAI – Riyaz and Iqbal Bhatkal of terror group Indian Mujahideen are responsible for Tuesday’s blast in Varanasi that claimed a small girl’s life, Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal said Wednesday, adding that they were operating from Pakistan.

“The evidence gathered by the police in connection with the terror attack in Varanasi points to the …. Original source  : Bhatkal brothers behind Varansi blast: Police.

Police clueless about nature of Varanasi explosives

LUCKNOW – A day after a terror attack killed a minor girl in Varanasi, the Uttar Pradesh Police was Wednesday clueless about the nature of explosives that struck terror on the bank of the Ganga.

“We have not found any circuit, battery, remote-control device, shrapnel or splinters from the blast site. We are not able [..] Read the original article: here.

In mourning, Varanasi ‘aarti’ sees only one lamp

VARANASI – Breaking with the tradition, only one earthen lamp was lit during Wednesday evening’s ‘maha aarti’ here to protest against the previous day’s bombing that killed a girl child and injured more than 30 people.

And in contrast to the many hundreds who flock to the Ganga ghats to watch scores of ‘diyas’ float … Read more »»».

No specific input about Varanasi blast: Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday refuted Union Home Minister P. Chidambarams claim that the state had been forewarned against a possible terrorist strike on the ghats of Varanasi like Tuesday’s blast that killed a small girl.

“There was no specific actionable input from central intelligence agencies regarding the blast that rocked the Shitla … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No specific input about Varanasi blast: Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi blast: Police clueless about nature of explosives

LUCKNOW – A day after a terror attack killed a young girl in Varanasi, the Uttar Pradesh Police was Wednesday clueless about the nature of explosives that struck terror on the bank of the Ganga.

“As of now we have not found any circuit, battery, remote-control device, shrapnel or splinters. We are not able to [..] Read the original article: here.

Varanasi terror e-mails tracked to Navi Mumbai

MUMBAI – Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal Wednesday said that the e-mails claiming responsibility for the Varanasi blast of Tuesday evening were tracked to Navi Mumbai.

“The e-mails have been sent after hacking an unsecured WiFi (wireless internet) connection of Vashi township in Navi Mumbai, not from Mumbais western suburb Malad, Dayal told reporters.
Banned …. Original article  : Varanasi terror e-mails tracked to Navi Mumbai.

11 Taliban militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Eleven Taliban militants, including a rebel commander, were killed in fighting with the security forces in northwestern Pakistan, Xinhua reported Friday.

Three militants and a rebel commander were killed Thursday night in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan tribal region. Four soldiers were injured in the fighting.
Seven more militants were killed in … Read more : 11 Taliban militants killed in Pakistan.

Abducted Tripura tribals taken to Bangladesh

AGARTALA – Outlawed tribal extremists who abducted 11 tribals Tuesday have taken nine of the hostages to Bangladesh and released two, police said here Friday. The militants have demanded a ransom of Rs.15 lakh to release the captives.

According to the police, heavily armed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) militants raided a labourers’ …. Source article  : Abducted Tripura tribals taken to Bangladesh.

Sylvie Cachay Found Dead

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Renowned designer Sylvie Cachay was found dead at a posh Manhattan hotel room on the early hours of Thursday. Although no one has been charged in the case as of now, the 33-year-old fashion designer’s beau Nick Brooks has been detained by authorities for questioning as he was the last person …. Read the original article  : Sylvie Cachay Found Dead.

Policeman injured in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – A policeman was injured Friday in a gunfight between security forces and separatist guerrillas in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, police said.

Superintendent of Police (Ganderbal) Syed Imtiyaz Hussain said security forces moved in to surround Gotlibagh village late Thursday following specific information about guerrillas hiding there.
When the hiding militants were challenged [..] Read the original article: here.

Bomb threat forces plane to land in Portugal

LISBON – A Portugalia Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Lisbon late Thursday after it received a bomb threat.

However, a search of the Embraer plane did not turn up anything suspicious, an airport spokesman told the Lusa news agency.
The flight was carrying 25 passengers from Marseille to Lisbon when …. Source  : Bomb threat forces plane to land in Portugal.

University Instructor Arrested for Shedding Clothes in Anatomy Class!

ATLANTA CITY (GaeaTimes.com) — The students of anatomy class of Kennesaw State University got more than what they needed to see when the professor decided to shed his clothes off during the class.
Raymond Devaughn, 57, was a part time instructor at the suburban Atlanta college. Last month during his teaching session he had taken …. Read the original article  : here.

British authorities dismiss report on Lockerbie bomber

LONDON – British authorities have dismissed a report that said the man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing – and controversially freed from jail in Britain in 2009 – was close to death.

Britain’s Sky News reported Thursday that Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who is suffering from prostate cancer, was on a life support machine and that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : British authorities dismiss report on Lockerbie bomber.

Hindus, Muslims pray at Varanasi for harmony

VARANASI – Hindus and Muslims joined hands here Thursday to pray for peace on the same Ganga ghat where a terror attack only two days ago killed a toddler and wounded over 30 people.

A few foreigners lent strength to the solemn gathering, which held candles and earthern lamps at the Sheetla Ghat.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hindus, Muslims pray at Varanasi for harmony.

Varanasi blast: UAE-based Indian Mujahideen module responsible

LUCKNOW – While Uttar Pradesh Police are yet to make any breakthrough in Tuesday’s Varanasi blast, intelligence agencies said they have traced the roots of the conspiracy to an Indian Mujahideen module based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A report submitted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to the central government Thursday identified two [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Pakistan-based Indian Mujahideen behind Varanasi blast’

BRUSSELS – Indian investigators have initial leads suggesting that the Pakistan-based Indian Mujahideen terror outfit was behind the Varanasi blast, official sources said Thursday.

However, the sources said investigators were finding problems in identifying the explosives or chemicals used in Tuesday’s explosion at the Sheetla Ghat in the Uttar Pradesh temple town.
“We have no … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Pakistan-based Indian Mujahideen behind Varanasi blast’.

Two Sikh terror suspects nabbed in Germany

BERLIN – Two Indians alleged to belong to Sikh terrorist organisation Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) have been arrested, German federal prosecutors said in Karlsruhe Thursday.

The men, named only as 35-year-old Sukhpreet S and 41-year-old Jagtar S M, both Indian nationals, were detained Tuesday and remanded in custody the next day by a judge.
They … Original article on : Two Sikh terror suspects nabbed in Germany.

Columbia University Drug Bust: Five Students Arrested

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Five students of Columbia University were detained by New York authorities on Tuesday for being involved in a drug ring and selling illegal substances from the fraternity houses and dorms of the university campus. The five youths were taken into custody following a probe that was undertaken by cops in which …. Read the original article  : Columbia University Drug Bust: Five Students Arrested.

Brittany Mae Smith Found

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- Brittany Mae Smith, the 12 year old girl from Virginia who had gone missing a week ago was found back on Friday in a shopping mall in San Francisco. Along with her has also been found Jeffrey Scott Easley, who is the suspect for having kidnapped her. The two were traced in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Brittany Mae Smith Found.

Landmine blast kills 15 civilians in Afghanistan

KABUL – Fifteen civilians were killed when the mini-bus in which they were travelling struck a landmine in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Xinhua reported Saturday.

“A mini-bus was heading to Khanshin district Friday afternoon when it hit a landmine, triggering a blast and leaving 15 commuters dead and four others injured,” Daud Ahmadi, spokesman for the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Landmine blast kills 15 civilians in Afghanistan.

Varanasi blast claims second victim

VARANASI – A woman from Madhya Pradesh succumbed to her injuries Saturday, becoming the second casualty of Tuesday’s Varanasi terror blast even as police are still waiting for forensic reports on the nature of explosives used.

“Phoolmani, a pilgrim in her early 40s, died this morning during treatment at the ICU of Banaras Hindu University … Original source on Gaea Times at : Varanasi blast claims second victim.

Indian Mujahideen: poison fruit of saffron politics, jehadi mindset (Comment)

Two factors have complicated the terrorism problem in India. One is Pakistan’s, or rather, the Pakistan Army’s implacable hostility. This animus has acquired a nihilistic dimension with the involvement of suicide squads patronised by the army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which has been described as a rogue agency by none other than A.Q. Khan, “father” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian Mujahideen: poison fruit of saffron politics, jehadi mindset (Comment).

Woman injured in Varanasi blast dies

VARANASI – A woman pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh Saturday succumbed to injuries sustained in the Dec 7 Varanasi terror blast, making her the second casualty in the incident, police said.

The woman, said to be in her 40s, was undergoing treatment at Banaras Hindu University hospital. “She died Saturday morning,” Inspector Geneal, Varanasi, R.P. Singh, … Original article on : Woman injured in Varanasi blast dies.

Detained Maoists, associates launch hunger strike

KOLKATA – At least 150 prisoners, including pro-Maoist tribal group’s convenor Chhatradhar Mahato, lodged in correctional homes in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, Friday launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding their immediate release, their lawyer said.

“Over 150 people who were arrested for being ‘Maoists’ and lodged in Midnapore correctional home and Jhargram correctional home … Read more : Detained Maoists, associates launch hunger strike.

US drone attack kills four in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Four people were killed and two others were injured in a US drone attack Friday in northwest Pakistan, Xinhua reported.

The drone fired four missiles at a vehicle suspected to carrying militants in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, a stronghold of Taliban and Al Qaeda militants.
…. Read the original article  : US drone attack kills four in Pakistan.

Bring Mumbai attackers to justice: EU to Pakistan

BRUSSELS – The 27-nation European Union Friday joined India in calling upon Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attack to justice and denounced those who provide safe havens to terrorists.

A joint declaration adopted after the 11th India-EU summit said the two sides “called upon Pakistan to expeditiously bring all the perpetrators, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bring Mumbai attackers to justice: EU to Pakistan.

15 killed in Pakistan suicide bomb attack

ISLAMABAD – At least 15 people were killed and over 20 others were injured Friday when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into an under-construction building of a hospital in northwest Pakistan, a media report said.

The attack took place in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Geo TV reported.
The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 15 killed in Pakistan suicide bomb attack.

CPI-M’s district leader gunned down in Bengal

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists shot dead a local Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader inside the party office in West Bengals Birbhum district, police said Friday.

Sasthi Bauri, a member of CPI-M’s Birbhum district committee and Khoirashole panchayat samiti member, was shot dead from point blank range when he was sitting alone inside the zonal … Read more : CPI-M’s district leader gunned down in Bengal.

Former Scientist Kenton C. Doughty Sentenced to prison-based drug treatment for Heroin Use

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com) — A former water-quality scientist of Bellingham, who later turned to be a heroin dealer to lead a lavish life was sentenced to a prison based drug treatment on Dec 9, Thursday.
Kenton C. Doughty, 54 was found guilty with three counts of heroin dealing, one count of possession of heroin with …. Source  : Former Scientist Kenton C. Doughty Sentenced to prison-based drug treatment for Heroin Use.

Militant hideout busted in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – A hideout of the breakaway faction of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) was busted Sunday and five rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) were recovered, police said.

A special operation team raided the hideout in Soenang forest area,” Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told IANS.
No militant was arrested in the early morning raid, he …. Read the original article  : here.

Maoists gun down two, try to blast railway station

KOLKATA – The Maoists gunned down two men associated with the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and tried to blow up a police station while four rebels were arrested in West Bengal, police said Saturday.

The two men were brothers and were shot dead in Chotopelia village in West Midnapore district Saturday.
The two victims …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists gun down two, try to blast railway station.

Nine militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Nine militants were killed Saturday in fighting with security forces in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat Valley and Mohmand tribal region, a media report said.

Five militants were killed in Swat and four more were killed in Mohmand tribal region, Dawn newspaper reported on its website quoting senior official Amjad Ali Khan.
The army said …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nine militants killed in Pakistan.

Turn Nepal colleges into barracks, Maoist chief asks students

KATHMANDU – Undeterred by his party’s failure to turn Nepal into a military state constitutionally, Maoist supremo Pushpa Kamal Dahal is now urging all students to become “troops” and turn all universities and colleges into barracks.

Dahal, who refuses to drop his war name Prachanda – Hindi word meaning “awesome” – though his party signed [..] Read the original article: here.

Hang Afzal Guru for Parliament attack, demand marchers

NEW DELHI – Hundreds of students, accompanied by family members of those killed in the Parliament House terrorist attack Dec 13, 2001, Saturday took out a march in the capital, demanding immediate hanging of Mohammed Afzal Guru, who has been held guilty in the case.

The march, organised two days before the ninth anniversary [..] Read the original article: here.

Seven Maoists held, weapons seized in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Seven Maoists were Saturday arrested from the outskirts of Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, police said.

On a tip-off, we raided a village under Khelari police station and arrested seven rebels of the Peoples Liberation Front of India. We seized four pistols and live cartridges from them, a police officer told IANS.
The Maoist-affected Khelari … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Seven Maoists held, weapons seized in Jharkhand.

US diplomat in Peshawar leaves charge after Taliban threat

ISLAMABAD – The US consulate officer in Peshawar, Elizabeth Rudd has refused to serve in Pakistan and returned to Washington after receiving threats from Taliban militants, a media report said Saturday.

“She was under stress after receiving threats from Taliban,” daily Express reported quoting local sources.
Peshawar is the capital of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Congress saw ‘political opportunity’ post 26/11: Wikileaks

LONDON – David Mulford, then US ambassador to India, described as “outlandish and outrageous” Congress leader A.R. Antulay’s unsubstantiated claims that Hindutva forces may be behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and felt this has done to rally Muslim support for the party. Mulford said this in a US official memo leaked by WikiLeaks.

“The Congress … Read more : Congress saw ‘political opportunity’ post 26/11: Wikileaks.

Karkare’s widow slams Digvijay’s comment

MUMBAI – Kavita Karkare, widow of slain Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare, Saturday slammed Congress leader Digvijay Singh for claiming that Karkare called him hours before he was killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack to say that right-wing groups threatened his life.

“Pakistani terrorists killed my husband, Digvijay Singh is wrong,” said …. Read the original article  : Karkare’s widow slams Digvijay’s comment.