Crime Watch – Weekly Newsletter for February 7-14, 2011

Sikhs in Pakistan seek compensation for terror losses

ISLAMABAD – Sikhs in Pakistan’s Orakzai Agency bordering Afghanistan have asked the government to compensate the community for the huge losses inflicted on them by terrorists.

A group of Sikh leaders said that terrorists had burnt 26 houses, 18 shops and some factories of their community, Dawn reported Monday. The leaders included Parjeet Singh, Mahan … Read : Sikhs in Pakistan seek compensation for terror losses.

Maoists blast Chitrakot police post, disrupt Bastar life

RAIPUR – Maoists in Chhattisgarh blew up an under-construction police outpost at the tourist location of Chitrakot, blocked a national highway and disrupted life in the interiors of Bastar region to enforce a daylong shutdown Monday.

The first ever attack by Maoists at Chitrakot, some 340 km south from capital Raipur in Bastar district, created …. Original article  : Maoists blast Chitrakot police post, disrupt Bastar life.

Maoist strike hits life in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – A daylong strike called by Maoists to protest against price rise and corruption affected life in southern districts of Orissa Monday with both private and commercial vehicles staying off the roads in several places, police said.

There was no movement of government vehicles in Gajapati, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts, a senior … Read more »»».

Abducted cops still in Maoist captivity, families anxious

RAIPUR – Five policemen, abducted from a passenger bus at gun point, are still being held captive by Maoists in Chhattisgarh and police searches have failed to trace them despite raids in known rebel strongholds in jungle areas.

“No news so far about abducted colleagues, we carried out several raids in the jungles of …. Original source  : Abducted cops still in Maoist captivity, families anxious.

ULFA split, Paresh Baruah rejects Feb 10 peace talks

GUWAHATI – The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has vertically split with the elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah Monday rejecting the proposed Feb 10 peace talks between New Delhi and the rebel leadership now out on bail.

The decision taken by the general council to hold peace talks with the government cannot …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ULFA split, Paresh Baruah rejects Feb 10 peace talks.

Maoists blast in tourist destination Chitrakot

RAIPUR – Maoists in Chhattisgarh blew up an under-construction police outpost at the tourist location of Chitrakot, blocked a national highway and disrupted life in the interiors of Bastar region to enforce a daylong shutdown Monday.

“Several armed rebels, mainly women insurgents, blew up an under-construction police outpost through improved explosive devices in early …. Original source  : Maoists blast in tourist destination Chitrakot.

Kasab death sentence: Mumbai court to decide Feb 21

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Monday set Feb 21 as the date when it will pronounce its verdict on Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, sentenced to death for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

The court announced that it will give its verdict Feb 21 confirming or commuting the death … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kasab death sentence: Mumbai court to decide Feb 21.

Mumbai court to decide on Kasab appeal Feb 21

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court will pronounce on Feb 21 its verdict on Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab’s appeal against the death sentence awarded to him for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said Monday.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mumbai court to decide on Kasab appeal Feb 21.

Maoist blow up railway tracks in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoist guerrillas blew up railway tracks at two places in Jharkhand early Monday while enforcing a daylong shutdown, affecting train services, police said.

“Maoists blasted a railway track between Yogeshwar and Dania railway stations in Bokaro district. One metre of the railway track has been damaged,” a police official told IANS.
The rebels …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

11 injured in Pakistan bomb blast

ISLAMABAD – At least 11 people were injured Sunday in a bomb blast in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, Xinhua reported.

A bomb exploded Sunday evening near the office of a local land officer in the city of Hub. The blast injured 11 people, including two children, local media reports said.
All the injured were shifted … Read more »».

Ten Al Qaeda suspects stand trial in Yemen

SANA’A – Ten suspected Al Qaeda militants appeared at a state security court in Sana’a Sunday to face charges of plotting attacks on state facilities and foreign interests in Yemen.

The 10 defendants, aged between 20 and 39 years, appeared behind bars during the first hearing that was held amid tight security around the court.
… Read more : Ten Al Qaeda suspects stand trial in Yemen.

Chechen terror suspect threatens Moscow

MOSCOW – Chechnya’s top terrorism suspect Doku Umarov, in a video clip aired Sunday, claimed a connection to the recent suicide bombing at Domododevo airport and threatened further attacks.

The man declared by Russian officials as public enemy number one was seen in the clip wearing a camouflage uniform, sitting in front of a black … Original article on : Chechen terror suspect threatens Moscow.

New Maoist outfit formed in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A 50-member strong Maoist splinter group has been formed in Jharkhand, police said Sunday.

Known as Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), it has around 50 people trained in operating sophisticated weapons, a police officer told IANS on condition of anonymity.
“The new outfit organised a training camp for its members in the jungle … Read : New Maoist outfit formed in Jharkhand.

Super Bowl Mystery Clip Suspect Arrested

TUCSON (GaeaTimes.com)- Almost two years after the 2009 Super Bowl game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals was mysteriously interrupted by a porn clip display, police has been able trace the man responsible for the notorious act. On Friday, FBI and Marana police arrested an Arizona man named Frank Tanori Gonzalez on suspicion …. Read the original article  : here.

Suspected Maoists torch truck in Bengal

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists set on fire a truck carrying sponge iron in West Bengals West Midnapore district Sunday morning, police said.

The truck was torched on state highway No.9 that passes through Kalaboni forest in Jhargram sub-division of the district, West Midnapore’s Additional Police Superintendent Mukesh Kumar told IANS over phone.
“The road was … Read more »».

GenNext of Taliban joins insurgency

ISLAMABAD – The second generation of Taliban guerrillas, who are now in their early 20s, have become a part of the insurgency in Pakistan and Afghanistan, police and intelligence officials said.

The sons of the Taliban fighters who were 10 or 12 years of age at the time of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan …. Read the original article  : GenNext of Taliban joins insurgency.

Benazir killing: Malik in dark about Musharraf being named accused

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik did not know that former president Pervez Musharraf was to be included in the list of accused in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and was taken aback when he saw the news on TV, a media report said.

Dawn reported that the Federal Investigation Agency’s joint investigation team, …. Original article  : Benazir killing: Malik in dark about Musharraf being named accused.

Jawaharlal Nehru University MMS Scandal Out!

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- In an unexpected revelation that has sent shock waves across the country the Jawaharlal Nehru University authorities picked two male students of the universities for making and circulating a MMS clip featuring a female student. The sex video has been circulated in the campus of the prestigious university and the students … Read more >>.

Cop killed, four injured in Peshawar blast

PESHAWAR – A police inspector was killed and four other personnel were injured in an attack launched on a police checkpost and police van by unidentified gunmen in Mathra area on Peshawar’s outskirts early Tuesday,

The police checkpost was destroyed and the van was badly damaged in the attack, The News quoted Geo News as …. Read the original article  : Cop killed, four injured in Peshawar blast.

Maoist leader killed in Orissa gunfight

BHUBANESWAR – A Maoist was killed in a gunfight in a forested area near the steel city of Rourkela in Orissa Tuesday, police said.

Samir Khalko, area commander of the Communist Party of India-Maoist, was killed by police and paramilitary forces in Sundergarh district, Superintendent of Police Diptesh Patnaik told IANS.
The gunbattle took place … Read more >>>.

Chechen rebel claims responsibility for Moscow bomb attack

MOSCOW – Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attack at the Domodedovo airport in Moscow last month, Xinhua reported.

In a video received late Monday, Umarov said he had ordered the Jan 24 attack that killed at least 36 people and injured more than 130 others, according to the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chechen rebel claims responsibility for Moscow bomb attack.

Germany indicts Sri Lanka Tamil spokesman on terrorism charges

KARLSRUHE – A spokesman in Germany for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been indicted on terrorism charges, federal justice authorities said Monday in Karlsruhe.

Agilan W., who now holds German citizenship, was arrested in November and indicted Jan 24.
Prosecutors said he was spokesman in Germany for the Tamil Coordination Commitee, a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

British government played role in Lockerbie bomber release: Dossier

LONDON – Britain’s previous Labour government did “all it could” to facilitate the early release from jail of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, a Libyan man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing in which 270 people died, official documents released Monday showed.

The papers, published by the Conservative-led government of Prime Minister David Cameron, appear to contradict repeated …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

100 Europeans in Al Qaeda training camps: French daily

PARIS – Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terrorist network is stepping up its recruitment of European combatants with a view to striking more targets in Europe, a leading French newspaper reported Monday, quoting secret service documents.

Le Figaro quoted a confidential French secret service memo as saying over 100 Europeans were undergoing training in Al … Read more >>.

Police custody for Maoist leader linked to Silda attack

KOLKATA – A court in west Bengal’s West Midnapore district Monday sent a Maoist leader, suspected of involvement in the attack on a camp of the Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) February last year, to police custody for seven days, police said.

“Maoists squad member Bishnu Soren alias Rimil was arrested Sunday night for his alleged …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police custody for Maoist leader linked to Silda attack.

JNU MMS Video Clip: Authorities In Action

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The scandal of MMS video clip in JNU has sent shock waves in the educational communities in India and the dazed students of the University are yet to come out of the effect. The chief proctor’s office at JNU is probing into the matter and the administration has made it clear …. Read the original article  : here.

Two blasts in Pakistan city

ISLAMABAD – Two low-intensity blasts targeted offices of law enforcement agencies in different areas of Gujaranwala city in Pakistan’s Punjab province early Wednesday, causing injuries to one person, Geo News reported.

One of the blasts occurred outside the CIA Centre building, while the other explosion occurred near the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) …. Source  : Two blasts in Pakistan city.

JNU MMS Video Clip Making Waves

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The shocking news of the MMS video clip made by two JNU students have sent the university authorities scurrying for cover. The faculty members and other students of the university are equally shocked. The prestigious university known for its liberal values has been left red faced by the scandal. The university …. Original source  : JNU MMS Video Clip Making Waves.

Families angry as Air India bomber appeals conviction

VANCOUVER – Jailed Air India Kanishka bomber Inderjit Singh Reyat’s petition to challenge his latest conviction has angered families of the victims of the 1985 tragedy.

After spending 15 years in jail for his role in the Air India bombing plot, Reyat got additional nine years last month for lying 19 times under oath to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Families angry as Air India bomber appeals conviction.

India to seek Headley details from Pakistan

NEW DELHI – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will seek from Pakistan details of the assets, bank accounts and the associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Headley after Islamabad denied permission for a probe in that country.

The details are required to corroborate the information Headley had given to NIA sleuths during his questioning in … Original article on : India to seek Headley details from Pakistan.

Suspected Maoists abduct two contractors in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Suspected Maoist guerrillas abducted two contractors from Jharkhand’s Latehar district, police said Tuesday.

According to police, a complaint was lodged Tuesday in Chandawa police station of Latehar district which said that Bisawajit Bhattacharya and Rajkumar went missing Monday night.
They were working as contractors in Abhijit Power Ltd’s plant in Latehar.
“It …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Suspected Maoists abduct two contractors in Jharkhand.

Three terrorists killed in gunfight

JAMMU – Three terrorists were killed by security forces in a gunfight in Ramban-Banihal area along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday, army sources said.

Sources say that though the identity of the three was yet to be ascertained, one of them was understood to be Qari Zuber, a divisional commander of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three terrorists killed in gunfight.

Afghan district governor among three killed in suicide attack

KUNDUZ – A district governor in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz and two other people were killed Thursday when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a government building, officials said.

Abdul Wahid Omarkhel, the chief of the Chardarah district, died on the spot when the bomber detonated his explosives-filled vest inside Omarkhel’s office …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Afghan district governor among three killed in suicide attack.

Indian Railways Player Shot Dead

PATNA, BIHAR (GaeaTimes.com)- In a sensational development a drunk CRPF Jawan has shot dead a Kabaddi player who played for Indian railways in Bihar. The national level female player reportedly declined to give the jawan her number which infuriated him and he shot her from closer distance. The 21 year old player named Manisha …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian Railways Player Shot Dead.

27 killed as `schoolboy’ bomber attacks Pakistan Army centre (Third Lead)

PESHAWAR – At least 27 cadets were killed and 40 were injured Thursday in a suicide blast carried out by a teenager disguised as a schoolboy at a military training centre in northwest Pakistan, said officials.

The suicide attack targeted the Punjab Regiment Center in Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said police official Zeeshan Haider.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 27 killed as `schoolboy’ bomber attacks Pakistan Army centre (Third Lead).

27 die as `schoolboy’ bomber targets Pakistan Army centre (Second Lead)

PESHAWAR – Twenty-seven soldiers were killed and 40 injured Thursday when a teenaged suicide bomber, disguised as a schoolboy, blew himself up at a Pakistan Army training centre in northwest Pakistan, authorities said.

The suicide attack targeted a military parade at Punjab regiment centre in Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said police official Zeeshan Haider.
… Read : 27 die as `schoolboy’ bomber targets Pakistan Army centre (Second Lead).

US now focused on LeT as it ‘could pose a threat’

WASHINGTON – The United States has “focused” its attention on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based terror outfit behind the Mumbai terror attacks, as it “could pose a threat” to the US and Europe, according to a senior US official.

“In Pakistan, we remain focused on Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which remains a … Read more : US now focused on LeT as it ‘could pose a threat’.

Al Qaeda militants among fugitives who fled Egypt prisons

Cairo, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) Egypt’s Vice President Omar Suleiman has said that Al Qaeda militants and operatives from other armed organisations were among the prisoners that managed to escape from the country’s prisons last month amid the confusion caused by protests calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

Suleiman said the fugitives included members … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Al Qaeda militants among fugitives who fled Egypt prisons.

14 killed as suicide bomber targets Pakistan Army centre

PESHAWAR – At least 14 people, mostly soldiers, were killed and many injured Thursday when a suicide bomber attacked a Pakistan Army centre in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The blast took place in Mardan town inside the Punjab Regiment Centre, a unit of the Pakistani Army, a TV report said.
Witnesses said that the massive blast … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 14 killed as suicide bomber targets Pakistan Army centre.

10 die in Pakistan blast

PESHAWAR – Ten people were killed Thursday in a huge explosion at an army centre in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

The blast took place inside Punjab Regimental Centre in Mardan Thursday, Geo News quoted a police official as saying.
…. Original source  : 10 die in Pakistan blast.

‘Threat of terrorist attack in US high’

WASHINGTON – The threat of a terrorist attack in the US is as high as since the Sep 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, in part because of the recruitment of US citizens to carry out plots, US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said.

“There’s no question that we have made many important strides in securing our … Read more >>>.

Dooars firing: Maoists call for shutdown Friday

KOLKATA – Strongly condemning the police firing in north Bengals Dooars area which killed two Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) activists, the Maoists Wednesday called for a 24-hour shutdown in three western districts of West Bengal. The rebels also said they would observe Thursday as a black day.

Comparing Tuesday’s firing in Dooars – foothills of … Original article on : Dooars firing: Maoists call for shutdown Friday.

11 killed, 104 injured in Iraq car bombings

KIRKUK – At least 11 people were killed and 104 injured Wednesday in three car bombings in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, security and medical sources said.

One bomb went off near the headquarters of Kurdish security, affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Sixty seconds later, another car exploded a few metres away, targeting … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 11 killed, 104 injured in Iraq car bombings.

Empowered councils way forward in northeast: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Formation of empowered autonomous district councils with necessary funds is “the way forward” in the troubled northeast of India, Home Minister P.Chidambaram said Wednesday.

Chidambaram was addressing a meeting of the Parliamnetary Consultative Committee of his ministry called to discuss “matters relating to insurgency” in the northeast and the peace process initiated … Read more >>.

Two children killed every day in Afghan war in 2010: Report

KABUL – At least two children lost their lives every day in the Afghan conflict in 2010, a rights group said Wednesday, blaming the Taliban-led insurgents for two thirds of the deaths.

“About 739 children lost their lives in the conflict-related security incidents in Afghanistan from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2010,” said the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two children killed every day in Afghan war in 2010: Report.

First round of ULFA peace talks begins Thursday

GUWAHATI – The first round of formal peace talks between the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the central government begins in New Delhi Thursday, the outfit suffering a vertical split with the hardline faction headed by elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah rejecting the proposed dialogue.

An eight-member ULFA team led by outfit’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nine killed, 78 injured in Iraq bombings

KIRKUK – At least nine people were killed and 78 injured Wednesday in three car bombings in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, police sources said.

One bomb went off near the headquarters of Kurdish security, affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Sixty seconds later, another car exploded few metres away targeting a police patrol.
…. Original source  : Nine killed, 78 injured in Iraq bombings.

Three Maoists killed in Orissa gunfight

BHUBANESWAR – At least three Maoists were killed in a gunfight with police and security personnel in a forested area of Orissa Friday, police said.

The rebels opened fired in the forest near Bisra in Sundergarh district, forcing police and other security personnel engaged in anti-Maoist operation to retaliate, Inspector General of Police (operation) Sanjeev …. Source article  : Three Maoists killed in Orissa gunfight.

`It’s terrifying bomber was 14-year-old in school uniform’

ISLAMABAD – The suicide bombing by a 14-year-old dressed in school uniform at a military training centre in northwest Pakistan is a “terrifying event”, said a Pakistani daily Friday.

An editorial in The News daily Friday said the strike by the 14-year-old bomber “is in many ways a terrifying event”.
“Some were only a …. Source article  : `It’s terrifying bomber was 14-year-old in school uniform’.

Governments get notice on Afzal Guru’s transfer plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday issued notice to the central and Delhi governments on a petition by Afzal Guru, on death row for his role in the 2001 parliament attack, seeking his transfer from Tihar Jail to a prison in Srinagar.

The apex court bench of Justices Aftab Alam and R.M. Lodha issued … Read more >>.

Maoists blow up railway track in Bihar

PATNA – Maoist guerrillas blew up a railway track in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district early Friday, police said. Train traffic was disrupted.

They blew up the track near Kurhni railway station to protest the arrest of top Maoist leader Nakul in Chhapra district early this week. The Maoists had given a call for 24 hours’ strike …. Original article  : Maoists blow up railway track in Bihar.

UN chief condemns suicide bombing in Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday condemned a suicide bomb attack in northwest Pakistan, which killed about 30 soldiers.

“The secretary-general strongly condemns Thursday’s suicide bombing that killed and injured numerous people at an army recruitment centre in Mardan, Pakistan,” UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said.
“He’s appalled by the reported use of … Read more »».

ULFA, Chidambaram hold peace talks, seven-member goup formed (Intro Roundup)

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI – The first round of peace talks aimed at ending 30 long years of insurgency in Assam were held here Thursday between leaders of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and union Home Minister P. Chidambaram. A seven-member core group, under Home Secretary G.K. Pillai, is to take the peace process …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Assam killers arrested in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – Meghalaya Police Thursday arrested two senior leaders of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) who were the prime accused in the massacre of 21 people in Assam last year.

Haijeng, “commander” of the NDFBs “eastern command” in Assams Sonitpur district and “sergeant major” Mwdwi of the “western Command” and two corporals, … Read more : Assam killers arrested in Meghalaya.

ULFA, government begin Assam peace talks (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI – Leaders of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Thursday met Home Minister P. Chidambaram here Thursday to mark the start of long-awaited peace talks aimed at ending 30 long years of insurgency in Assam.

History was created when an eight-member ULFA team headed by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa met Chidambaram …. Original source  : ULFA, government begin Assam peace talks (Roundup).

Six killed, 40 injured in attack on Shiite pilgrims in Iraq

BAGHDAD – At least six people were killed and 40 injured Thursday in a car bomb attack targeting Shiite pilgrims in Iraq, security and medical sources said.

The attack took place in the Dujail area, some 60 km north of the capital Baghdad.
“A car parked on the side of the road blew up, hitting … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Six killed, 40 injured in attack on Shiite pilgrims in Iraq.

Two injured in separate attacks in Sopore

SRINAGAR – Two civilians were injured in two separate guerrilla attacks in Sopore town of Baramulla district in north Kashmir Thursday, police said.

In the first case, separatist guerrillas shot at and injured a shopkeeper in a busy market in Sopore town Thursday morning, a police spokesman said.
The shopkeeper, identified as Majid Bashir Khan, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two injured in separate attacks in Sopore.

ULFA meets Chidambaram – for peace

NEW DELHI – Leaders of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) met Home Minister P. Chidambaram for the first time here Thursday to mark the start of the long-awaited peace talks.

An eight-member ULFA team headed by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa met Chidambaram at his North Block office.
Details of the discussions … Read more : ULFA meets Chidambaram — for peace.

Afghan district chief among 7 killed in suicide attack

KUNDUZ – A district governor in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz and six other people were killed Thursday when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a government building, officials said.

Abdul Wahid Omarkhel, the head of Chardarah district, died on the spot when the bomber detonated his explosives-filled vest inside Omarkhel’s office compound, … Read more : Afghan district chief among 7 killed in suicide attack.

Arrest warrant issued against Musharraf

ISLAMABAD – A court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former president Pervez Musharraf on charges that he was aware that former premier Benazir Bhutto was to be assassinated.

The warrant was issued by the anti-terrorism court in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, media reports said Saturday.
Musharraf was aware the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan … Read more »»».

Maoists free abducted cops in Chhattisgarh (Third Lead)

RAIPUR – Maoists released five Chhattisgarh policemen Friday night in the state’s restive Bastar region whom they had abducted Jan 25 from a passenger bus. The rebels handed over the policemen to a team of social and rights activists led by Swami Agnivesh.

Local TV channels, whose crews had accompanied Agnivesh, aired footage in which … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maoists free abducted cops in Chhattisgarh (Third Lead).

Maoists free abducted cops in Chhattisgarh (Second Lead)

RAIPUR – Maoists released five Chhattisgarh policemen Friday night in the states restive Bastar region whom they had abducted Jan 25 from a passenger bus. The rebels handed over the policemen to a team of social and rights activists led by Swami Agnivesh.

The abducted policemen – three head constables – Raghunandan Dhruv, Ramadhar Patel, … Read more : Maoists free abducted cops in Chhattisgarh (Second Lead).

Maoists release five Chhattisgarh policemen

RAIPUR – Maoist militants Friday evening released the five Chhattisgarh policemen they had abducted Jan 25 from a passenger bus in the state’s restive Bastar region.

The Maoists handed over the policemen to a team of social and rights activists led by Swami Agnivesh, in a thickly forested location in states Narayanpur district that falls …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists release five Chhattisgarh policemen.

Maoists release five abducted cops in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Maoists Friday released five policemen they had abducted in Chhattisgarh late last month, police said.

The five policemen belong to the Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF). They were abducted Jan 25 at gun point by the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in an interior location in Narayanpur district.
…. Original source  : Maoists release five abducted cops in Chhattisgarh.

Supreme Court seeks status of Afzal Guru mercy plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday enquired about the status of the mercy petition of Afzal Guru, on death row for his role in the 2001 parliament attack.

The apex court bench of Justice Aftab Alam and Justice R.M. Lodha also issued notice to the central and Delhi governments on a petition by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court seeks status of Afzal Guru mercy plea.

Maoists kill CPI-M leader in Bengal

KOLKATA – A Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district was shot dead by Maoists Sunday for acting as a police informer, police said.

“We were informed that a bullet-ridden body was lying near a forest in Beliabera village of Jhargram sub-division,” Superintendent of Jhargram Police district Praveen Tripathi told …. Original source  : Maoists kill CPI-M leader in Bengal.

Lakshman pays tribute to Pune blast victims

PUNE – Cricketer V.V.S. Lakshman Sunday paid tribute to victims of last year’s blast at Pune’s popular German bakery by offering flowers and lighting a candle at the site ahead of a series of memorial services planned as a mark of homage here.

Lakshman visited German Bakery, which still bears the scars of the blast …. Original source  : Lakshman pays tribute to Pune blast victims.

21 killed in southern Afghanistan attacks

KABUL – At least 21 people were killed and scores wounded Saturday in a series of attacks in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, officials said.

Seventeen people – 15 policemen, an Afghan army soldier, and a civilian – were killed and 60 others wounded in attacks by Taliban militants in Kandahar, said Zulmai Ayobi, …. Original article  : 21 killed in southern Afghanistan attacks.

28 killed, 22 injured in Iraq suicide attack

BAGHDAD – At least 28 people were killed and 22 injured Saturday in a suicide bombing attack on a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims in Iraq, security sources said.

The bomber, who was wearing an explosive belt, was on the bus taking Shiites to two large mosques in Samarra, some 112 km north of Baghdad.
Many …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 28 killed, 22 injured in Iraq suicide attack.

Better time now for peace talks with Maoists, says Agnivesh

RAIPUR – A day after ensuring the safe release of five Chhattisgarh policemen who spent 18 days in Maoist captivity, social activist Swami Agnivesh Saturday asked the chief minister of India’s worst insurgency-hit state to begin peace talk with guerrillas at “this better time”.

“After safe release of the hostages by the Maoists, an atmosphere … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Better time now for peace talks with Maoists, says Agnivesh.

Pune to pay homage to German Bakery blast victims Sunday

PUNE – Thousands of Punekars Saturday prepared to pay homage to the victims of the German Bakery blast on the first anniversary Sunday of the terror attack here.

A series of memorial services, candle light processions and other tributes are planned across the city and near the venue of the blast which left 17 dead, … Original article on : Pune to pay homage to German Bakery blast victims Sunday.

Three Maoists from Assam held in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Three Maoist activists from Assam were arrested in Orissas Sundergarh district Saturday, police said.

They were arrested from Saranda forest area. One of them identified himself as Aditya Bara, central committee member of the Communist Party of India-Maoist.
“We are verifying his claim,” Inspector General of Police (operation) Sanjeev Marik told IANS.
The …. Source  : Three Maoists from Assam held in Orissa.