Crime Watch – Weekly Newsletter for February 21-28, 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Timeline of 26/11 case

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Monday upheld the death sentence of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, nearly 27 months after he and nine other gunmen created mayhem in Mumbai killing 166 and injuring over 230 people. Here is the timeline of the case:

Nov 26, 2008: Kasab and nine Pakistani gunmen launch a … Original article on : Timeline of 26/11 case.

Kasab will be asked to appeal: Lawyer

MUMBAI – Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab will be advised to appeal in the Supreme Court against his death sentence the Bombay High Court confirmed Monday for his role in the 26/11 attack, his lawyer Farhana Shah said.

“We will certainly advice Kasab on filing an appeal in the Supreme Court when we meet him,” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kasab will be asked to appeal: Lawyer.

20 killed in Afghan suicide attack

KUNDUZ – A suicide bomber in the northern province of Kunduz killed at least 20 people and injured dozens inside a government building, an official said Monday.

The attacker detonated his explosives in the Imam Sahib district headquarters, killing and injuring at least 50 people, district governor of Imam Sahib Mohammad Ayub Haqyar said.
Provincial …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Now, hang Kasab fast, say Mumbaikars

MUMBAI – Bursting crackers and shouting slogans, Mumbaikars Monday welcomed the Bombay High Court’s decision upholding the death sentence of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab for his role in the 26/11 attack. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan termed it a triumph of democracy.

Several people were seen sharing the news with each other while … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Now, hang Kasab fast, say Mumbaikars.

Death for Kasab is victory of justice, says Ujjwal Nikam

MUMBAI – This is a victory of justice and defeat of drama by Pakistani terrorist Kasab, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said here Monday after the Bombay High Court upheld the death sentence to Kasab a lower court awarded for the killings during the 26/11 terrorist strike.

Speaking to mediapersons, a beaming Nikam said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Death for Kasab is victory of justice, says Ujjwal Nikam.

Hostage crisis: Maoist bandh hits life in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – A 24-hour statewide bandh called by Maoists hit normal life in parts of Orissa Monday, police said.

The rebels, who abducted Malkangiri district collector R. Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi Feb 16, have called for the shutdown to exert pressure on the government to fulfill their demands, including halting of … Read more »»».

Co-accused Indians acquitted for lack of evidence

MUMBAI – Two Indian nationals, alleged to be co-accomplices in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, have been acquitted by the Bombay High Court which upheld the death sentence to Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab here Monday.

The duo – Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed – were named as co-accused in the case and had …. Original article : Co-accused Indians acquitted for lack of evidence.

Raymond Davis is a CIA spy, says British daily

LONDON – Raymond Davis, who gunned down two men in Lahore, sparking a diplomatic crisis between Islamabad and Washington, is a CIA agent, a media report here said.

The Guardian has dramatically revealed that Davis, 36, was on assignment at the time he shot dead two men who had pulled up near his car Jan … Read more »»».

Kasab smiled as court upheld his death sentence (Second Lead)

MUMBAI – Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab smiled and grinned as a grim division bench of the Bombay High Court Monday upheld the death sentence awarded to him by a lower court for the killings during the 26/11 terrorist strike, lawyers said.

He appeared before the division bench comprising Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice … Read more »»».

Kasab to hang: Bombay High Court

MUMBAI – Bombay High Court Monday upheld the death sentence of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, convicted for the 26/11 attack on Mumbai, police said.

A division bench comprising Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice R.V. More dismissed an appeal filed by Kasab challenging the death sentence by Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani in May 2010.
…. Source article : Kasab to hang: Bombay High Court.

Orissa hostage crisis may linger: Mediator

BHUBANESWAR – The release of an Orissa district collector and a junior engineer kidnapped by Maoists on Feb 16 may take some more time as a key rebel ideologue is still behind bars, a mediator said Monday.

G. Haragopal, one of the three mediators chosen by the rebels, said the talks with Maoists may linger … Read : Orissa hostage crisis may linger: Mediator.

Kasab death penalty upheld

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Monday upheld the death penalty of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab for the 26/11 attack in this city.

Kasab, the sole surviving terrorist in the 26/11 strike, was given the death penalty by a trial court in May 2010.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Kasab death penalty upheld.

Orissa hostage crisis may linger, says mediator

BHUBANESWAR – The release of an Orissa district collector and a junior engineer who have been in Maoist captivity since Feb 16 may take some more time as a key rebel ideologue is still behind bars, a mediator said Monday.

G. Haragopal, one of the three mediators chosen by the rebels, said the talks with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Orissa hostage crisis may linger, says mediator.

Orissa hostage crisis: Talks inconclusive, to resume Monday (Intro Night Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Four days after a district collector and an engineer were abducted by the Maoists, the Orissa government Sunday began talks with the mediators chosen by the rebels. The talks, however, were inconclusive and will resume Monday, an official said.

People from various walks of life including government employees, students, and civil society … Read more »».

Orissa hostage crisis: Talks to resume Monday (Night Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Four days after a district collector and an engineer were abducted by the Maoists, the Orissa government Sunday began talks with mediators chosen by the rebels. The talks were inconclusive and will resume Monday, an official said.

Three negotiators — Dandapani Mohanty and human rights activists and academicians G. Haragopal and R. Someswar … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Orissa hostage crisis: Talks to resume Monday (Night Lead).

Orissa-mediators’ talks end, to resume Monday

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government’s talks with mediators chosen by the Maoists for the release of a district collector and an engineer abducted by the rebels ended inconclusively Sunday. The talks will resume Monday.

Three negotiators — Dandapani Mohanty and human rights activists and academicians G. Haragopal and R. Someswar Rao — held a prolonged …. Original article : Orissa-mediators’ talks end, to resume Monday.

65 killed in Afghan military operations

KABUL – The governor of Afghanistan’s Kunar province said Sunday 65 people, including civilians and anti-government militants, were killed by NATO-led forces in operations over the past four days.

Kunar province is 185 km east of Afghanistan capital Kabul.
“In the four days of operations against insurgents in Ghazi Abad district, 65 people including … Original source on Gaea Times at : 65 killed in Afghan military operations.

Hostage crisis: Orissa talks to mediators (Second Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Intensifying efforts for the release of a district collector and an engineer abducted by the Maoists, Orissa Sunday began talks with two mediators chosen by the rebels, an official said.

Two senior government officials held a prolonged discussion with human rights activists and academicians G. Haragopal and R. Someswar Rao who arrived here … Read : Hostage crisis: Orissa talks to mediators (Second Lead).

Will not be cowed down by ULFA threats: Gogoi

GUWAHATI – Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Sunday the ruling Congress would never be cowed down to threats by hardliners of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) of attacks on leaders and workers in the run-up to the assembly elections.

“Threats to our leaders and workers by the ULFA is nothing new … Read more >>.

US, Arab world patronising Taliban: Pakistani leader

HYDERABAD – The US and its allies, including the Arab world, are patronising Taliban terrorism to destabilise South Asia, a former Pakistani minister said Sunday, apprehending that religious fanatics could take over his country.

Accusing the US, its allies NATO and the Arab world and even the Pakistani army of supplying money and arms to …. Original article : US, Arab world patronising Taliban: Pakistani leader.

Maoist hostages: Orissa continues talks with mediators (Second Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Intensifying efforts for release of a district collector and an engineer kidnapped by Maoists last week, the Orissa government for the third day Tuesday continued talks with the three mediators chosen by the rebels, an official said.

State Home Secretary U.N. Behera and Panchayati Raj Secretary S.N. Tripathy began the talks with the …. Original source : Maoist hostages: Orissa continues talks with mediators (Second Lead).

Tribal student leader killed in Assam

GUWAHATI – Tribal militants Tuesday shot dead a leader of the influential All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA) in the state, officials said.

A police spokesperson said AASAA president Bosco Chermako was killed around 10 a.m. after being shot from close range near Jacobpur in Kokrajhar district of Assam, bordering West Bengal.
“Preliminary reports … Original article on : Tribal student leader killed in Assam.

Mediators meet top Maoist for Orissa hostages’ release

BHUBANESWAR – Two mediators Tuesday met a top Maoist leader, who was brought to a jail here to speed up negotiations for the release of a district collector and a junior engineer held hostage by Maoists since Feb 16, officials said.

“A special police team brought Ganti Prasadam from a jail in Koraput to Bhubaneswar … Read more »».

Hostage crises: Top Maoist brought to Bhubaneswar for talks

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Tuesday brought here a top Maoist to speed up the negotiation process for the release of a district collector and a junior engineer held hostage by Maoists since Feb 16, officials said.

“A special police team brought Ganti Prasadam from a jail in Koraput to Bhubaneswar by road. Prasadam reached … Read more : Hostage crises: Top Maoist brought to Bhubaneswar for talks.

US drone strikes kill 15 militants in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Two US drone strikes Monday killed at least 15 alleged militants linked to Al Qaeda in Pakistan’s tribal region along the Afghan border, intelligence officials said.

An unmanned aircraft fired four missiles into a suspected Al Qaeda training centre in the early hours in Birmal area, 13 km west of Wana, the main …. Source : Gaea News Network.

‘Perverse’ 26/11 attacker Kasab’s death penalty upheld for attacking Indian state (Intro Roundup)

MUMBAI – Terming the 26/11 mayhem an attack to destabilise the Indian state, the Bombay High Court confirmed the death penalty awarded to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab for his extremely brutal, grotesque, diabolical, revolting role in the assault and noted that the case fell in the rarest of rare categories.

“He (Kasab) indulged in … Read more >>>.

Kasab waged war against India to destabilize the government, rule judges

MUMBAI – The strongest aggravating circumstance which nailed Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab was the manner in which he waged war against the Government of India, the Bombay High Court noted Monday in its 1,215-page judgment while upholding the death sentence on the Pakistani terrorist.

The conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan with the objective …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Brutal, perverse, depraved Kasab a threat to society: Judges

MUMBAI – Confirming the death penalty awarded to Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab for his role in the 26/11 attack, the Bombay High Court observed that he is “a threat to society” and committed murders of innocents in “an extremely brutal, grotesque, diabolical, revolting or dastardly manner”, exhibiting “extreme perversity and depravity.”

In their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brutal, perverse, depraved Kasab a threat to society: Judges.

12 killed in Iraq suicide attack

TIKRIT – At least 12 people were killed and 18 injured Monday in a suicide car bomb attack targeting security forces in Iraq, Xinhua reported.

The attack occurred in Salahudin province’s Samarra city, some 110 km north of Baghdad, when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a military base belonging to a …. Original source : 12 killed in Iraq suicide attack.

Hostage crisis: Government agrees to eight of 14 demands

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa has agreed to eight of the 14 demands made by the Maoists holding a district collector and a junior engineer hostage for the past five days, state Home Secretary U.N. Behera said Monday.

He added that the two officials, held hostage since Feb 16, are safe and are expected to be released [..] Read the original article: here.

Hostage crisis: Maoists move court for bail

BHUBANESWAR – Five hardcore Maoists, including ideologue Ganti Prasadam, moved a court for bail in Orissa Monday as the state authorities held talks with mediators for the safe release of a district collector and another official held hostage by the rebels for the past five days.

According to a defence lawyer, those who have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hostage crisis: Maoists move court for bail.

26 killed in Afghan suicide attack

KUNDUZ – A suicide bomber in the northern province of Kunduz killed at least 26 people and injured 37 inside a government building, an official said Monday.

The attacker detonated his explosives in the local statistics office at Imam Sahib district headquarters, Mohammad Ayub Haqyar, district governor of Imam Sahib, said.
The attack took place …. Source article : 26 killed in Afghan suicide attack.

Orissa hostage crisis: Talks on, officials hopeful (Third Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – The district collector and engineer kidnapped by Maoists Feb 16 are safe and the situation may “soon” be resolved, Orissa Home Secretary U.N.Behera said Monday, the second day of the talks between the state government and the three mediators chosen by the guerrillas.

Stepping up efforts for the release of Malkangiri collector R. … Original article on : Orissa hostage crisis: Talks on, officials hopeful (Third Lead).

NATO airstrike kills six civilians, says Afghan official

KABUL – A NATO airstrike targeting a group of alleged insurgents mistakenly killed an Afghan family of six, an Afghan official said Monday.

“A rocket from a NATO airplane mistakenly hit a house, killing a couple and their four children,” said Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the provincial governor’s spokesman. “Three Taliban fighters were also killed …. Original article : NATO airstrike kills six civilians, says Afghan official.

Pro-Maoist activist held in Gyaneshwari train sabotage case

KOLKATA – A pro-Maoist activist was arrested in connection with the May 28, 2010 Gyaneshwari Express sabotage in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district in which 148 people were killed, police said Monday.

“Bablu Rana was one of the accused of the Gyaneshwari Express tragedy and named in the chargesheet produced by the Central Bureau of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pro-Maoist activist held in Gyaneshwari train sabotage case.

Ten dead in suicide blast at Mogadishu police camp

MOGADISHU – A suicide bomber detonated a vehicle at a police training camp in the Somali capital Mogadishu, killing at least ten people, government and police officials said Monday.

A suicide bomber in a vehicle entered a police station in the Hamar Jajab district, wounding a number of police officers, government official Ali Ibrahim said. …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Ten dead in suicide blast at Mogadishu police camp.

Hostages safe, discussion on: Orissa home secretary

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Home Secretary U.N. Behera Monday said the two state officials kidnapped by Maoists Feb 16 were safe.

“All the issues they have raised ..we are discussing…they have assured us they (the hostages) are safe. We are very hopeful that it (the matter) will be sorted out soon,” Behera told reporters during the …. Source : Hostages safe, discussion on: Orissa home secretary.

26/11 attacker Kasab’s death penalty upheld (Roundup)

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Monday upheld the death sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab for his role in the 26/11 attack, closing another chapter in one of the most watched legal trials in the world and hailed as a triumph of the Indian legal system.

A division bench of … Read more : 26/11 attacker Kasab’s death penalty upheld (Roundup).

Kasab to appeal death sentence in Supreme Court

MUMBAI – Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, convicted in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, will appeal in the Supreme Court against the death sentence awarded to him, his lawyer said here Wednesday.

The Mumbai High Court had on Monday confirmed the sentence awarded to him in May 2010 by Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani.
… Read more >>>.

Orissa anxiously awaits arrival of hostages at home

BHUBANESWAR – Thousands of people in Orissa Wednesday anxiously awaited for the arrival of a district collector and a junior engineer kidnapped by Maoists last week after a mediator said they will be released, officials said.

G. Haragopal, the mediator, said Tuesday night that they will be released within 48 hours.
People from various walks [..] Read the original article: here.

Orissa government accepts demands, hostages to be freed in 48 hours (Night Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – The district collector and engineer kidnapped by Maoists in Orissa last week are safe and will be back at home in 48 hours as the state government had agreed to all the guerrillas’ demands, officials said Tuesday.

We expressed our satisfaction at the outcome of our mediation, said G. Haragopal, one of the … Read more >>.

Orissa agrees to demands, hostages to be freed in 48 hours

BHUBANESWAR – The district collector and engineer kidnapped by Maoists in Orissa last week are safe and will be back at home in 48 hours as the state government had agreed to most of the rebels’ demands, a mediator said Tuesday.

We expressed our satisfaction at the outcome of our mediation, said G. Haragopal, one …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Orissa agrees to demands, hostages to be freed in 48 hours.

Orissa agrees to demands, hostages’ release soon

BHUBANESWAR – A district collector and an engineer kidnapped by Maoists in Orissa last week will be back home in 48 hours as the state government had agreed to most of the demands of the rebels, a mediator said Tuesday.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Orissa agrees to demands, hostages’ release soon.

Orissa hostage crisis: Maoist gets bail as talks continue (Third lead)

BHUBANESWAR – A Maoist was granted bail by a local court in Orissa Tuesday as state authorities continued their efforts to secure release of a district collector and an engineer kidnapped by Maoists last week, officials said.

Maoist Srinivas Srimanulu is currently lodged in a jail in Malkangiri district, and is facing several charges.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Orissa hostage crisis: Maoist gets bail as talks continue (Third lead).

JuD starts ‘Hate America’ campaign on Davis issue

ISLAMABAD – Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), the public face of banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is gunning for the head of US diplomat Raymond Davis, accused of killing two Pakistanis, by starting a “Hate America” campaign in Pakistan.

Several banners have been put up along the streets of Lahore, capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, where Davis is …. Original article : JuD starts ‘Hate America’ campaign on Davis issue.

AGP colluding with ULFA, says Assam chief minister

GUWAHATI – Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi Tuesday levelled serious charges at the states main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) by saying that it colluded with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in targeting Congress leaders ahead of the assembly elections.

Why is the ULFA threatening only Congress leaders and not other politicians? …. Source article : AGP colluding with ULFA, says Assam chief minister.

Orissa intensifies efforts for collector’s release

BHUBANESWAR – Malkangiri district collector R. Vineel Krishna continued to be in Maoist custody for the eighth day Thursday even as Orissa intensified efforts for his release by evening. Negotiations hit a roadblock after the rebels set new conditions, including setting free some more Maoist leaders from jail.

“The government of its own cannot release … Original source on Gaea Times at : Orissa intensifies efforts for collector’s release.

Canada bars entry to Indian Airlines hijacker

TORONTO – Canada has refused to re-admit the mastermind of the 1984 Indian Airline hijacking who was deported to India last year.

Parminder Singh Saini, 47, who was the leader of five Sikh militants who hijacked the Srinagar-Delhi flight to Lahore July 6, 1984, had filed a plea in a federal court Feb 3 … Read : Canada bars entry to Indian Airlines hijacker.

Gaddafi ordered Lockerbie bombing, says ex-minister

STOCKHOLM – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi allegedly ordered the 1998 bombing of a Pan Am airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, the North African country’s ex-justice minister is quoted as saying by a Swedish newspaper.

Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, who resigned Monday over Gaddafi’s violent crackdown on protesters, said he had “proof that Gaddafi gave the order” of the …. Read the original article : here.

Home ministry’s plan for umbrella intelligence body finds no favour

NEW DELHI – The Indian home ministry’s plan to have an over-arching body for intelligence sifting has found no favour with two security think-tanks that worked separately to promote reforms in the country’s spy agencies.

The two studies carried out by the think-tanks on changes needed in the country’s intelligence agencies’ functioning have concluded … Read more »»».

Maoists set new demands for collector’s release

BHUBANESWAR – In a dramatic turn of events, Maoists late Wednesday put forth several new demands for the release of abducted collector R. Vineel Krishna, their mediators said.

“They have set various other demands. They include the visit of the mediators to Malkangiri district. The conditions are not acceptable to us. We appeal them to … Read more >>.

Orissa collector will be freed in 48 hours: Released engineer (Second Lead)

MALKANGIRI – Orissa junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi, who was freed by Maoists Wednesday, said Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna was “in good health” and the rebels will free him within 48 hours.

“He (collector) is safe and is still in the cut-off area. I do not know the exact location. The Maoists said … Read more »»».

Orissa collector will be freed in 48 hours: Released engineer

MALKANGIRI – Orissa junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi, who was freed by Maoists Wednesday, said that Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna was safe and the rebels will free him within 48 hours.

“He (collector) is safe and is still in the cut-off area. I do not know the exact location. The Maoists said they’ll …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Orissa collector will be freed in 48 hours: Released engineer.

Orissa collector safe, to be freed in 48 hours: Released engineer

MALKANGIRI – Orissa junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi, who was freed by Maoists Wednesday, said that Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna “is safe and the rebels will release him within 48 hours.”
…. Original source : Orissa collector safe, to be freed in 48 hours: Released engineer.

Rebel group voices concern on slow negotiations

SHILLONG – The outlawed A’chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC), a powerful rebel group in Meghalaya, Wednesday blamed the state government for the slow pace of political negotiation for the creation of an autonomous council.

“We are not happy with the undue delay of the political negotiations. We wanted a solution to our demand but …. Source : Rebel group voices concern on slow negotiations.

Maoists free engineer, Orissa awaits collector’s arrival

BHUBANESWAR – Exactly a week after they were abducted by Maoists, a junior engineer was set free even as Orissa eagerly awaited the arrival of the kidnapped district collector, official sources said. A day earlier the state had agreed to all the rebels’ demands.

Junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi was released from the same Chitrakonda … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Maoists free engineer, Orissa awaits collector’s arrival.

Family of six killed in Iraq attack

BAGHDAD – Six members of one family were killed when unknown gunmen attacked their house Friday, security sources said.

The attack took place in Falluja, 60 km west of Baghdad.
Some members of the family worked with the Sahwa militia, the security sources said.
Also known as Sunni Awakening movement, Sahwa is comprised of Sunni …. Source : Family of six killed in Iraq attack.

Putin fears growing Islamic radicalism in north Africa

Brussels, Feb 24 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he fears the growing unrest in north Africa will strengthen radical groups, which could have a negative impact on Russia’s volatile North Caucasus region.

A wave of unrest, which has already toppled authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and Egypt, is sweeping through the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Putin fears growing Islamic radicalism in north Africa.

Saudi arrested for planning to attack Bush’s home

WASHINGTON – A Saudi citizen has been arrested in Texas for allegedly building a bomb for an attack among others on former president George W. Bush’s home in Dallas, which he disparaged as the “Tyrant’s House”.

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, who attended a small college near Lubbock, Texas and kept a detailed journal outlining plans for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Saudi arrested for planning to attack Bush’s home.

10 NATO tankers torched in Pakistan, 4 killed

ISLAMABAD – At least four people were killed as militants in Pakistan’s restive tribal region torched 10 NATO tankers meant for fuel supply to troops in neighbouring Afghanistan, a media report said Friday.

The tankers parked on the roadside in Peshawar, the capital of northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, was attacked by a group of militants … Original article on : 10 NATO tankers torched in Pakistan, 4 killed.

12 killed in Iraq suicide bombing

BAGHDAD – At least 12 people were killed in a suicide bombing late Thursday that targeted a celebration in the city of Ramadi to mark Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

Security sources said the bomber blew himself up in Ramadi, which is about 120 km west of capital Baghdad.
Also Thursday, a father and his three sons …. Original article on Gaea Times at : 12 killed in Iraq suicide bombing.

Orissa collector released by Maoists (Third Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist rebels in Orissa Thursday released Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna after keeping him in captivity for eight days. Thousands of people gathered to greet the official as he reached his home in the night, a pointer to the development work he has done among the poor and tribals.

“He is released. … Read more »»».

Orissa collector released by Maoists (Second Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist rebels Thursday released Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna in Orissa after keeping him in captivity for eight days, officials said.

He is released. We talked to him. He has left Chitrakonda for Malkangiri, state Panchayati Raj Secretary S.N. Tripathy, who was one of the officials involved in the negotiations, told IANS. …. Original source : Orissa collector released by Maoists (Second Lead).

Orissa collector freed by Maoists

BHUBANESWAR – Maoists Thursday released Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna in Orissa after keeping him in captivity for eight days, officials said.

The rebels handed over Krishna to some select media persons near a village in Chitrakonda area from where he and a junior engineer were abducted Feb 16. The junior engineer was released … Read more : Orissa collector freed by Maoists.

Orissa collector reportedly freed by Maoists

BHUBANESHWAR – Maoist rebels Thursday reportedly released Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna in Orissa after over a week in captivity, sources said.
… Original article on : Orissa collector reportedly freed by Maoists.

Orissa hostage crisis: Mediators flown to Malkangiri

BHUBANESWAR – Agreeing to one of the new demands put forward by Maoists, the Orissa government Thursday rushed two mediators to Malkangiri to negotiate the release of Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna, official sources here said.

G. Haragopal and Dandapani Mohanty were flown in a state helicopter.
“They will land in Koraput and go … Original article on : Orissa hostage crisis: Mediators flown to Malkangiri.

Al Qaeda backs Libya uprising

WASHINGTON – The north African wing of Al Qaeda Thursday said it will “do whatever we can to help” the mass uprising in Libya.

A statement by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) posted Thursday on jihadist websites, has condemned Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s decision to hire mercenaries and use planes to attack protesters, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Al Qaeda backs Libya uprising.

Orissa collector could be free by evening

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa was hopeful Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna would be released from Maoist custody by Thursday evening, while the rebels are insisting their jailed leaders be freed in exchange.

State Chief Secretary B.K. Patnaik, speaking to reporters here, said: They (the mediators) have requested the Maoists to respect the decision taken … Original source on Gaea Times at : Orissa collector could be free by evening.

Bhutan not to allow anti-India rebels on its soil

GUWAHATI – Bhutans Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley Friday said Indian separatists would not be allowed to set up bases and launch hit-and-run guerrilla attacks out of the Himalayan nation.

Now there are no militants from Assam in our country and let me assure that we shall not allow any anti-India forces to use our …. Source : Bhutan not to allow anti-India rebels on its soil.

Man blows himself up outside Moscow shopping centre

MOSCOW – A man blew up himself with a grenade in an apparent suicide attack at the entrance to a shopping centre in Moscow Saturday, media reports said.

Interfax news agency reported that the 41-year-old man drove up to the store on the Yurlovsky Proyezd street in a silver-coloured Range Rover, parked the car outside …. Read the original article : here.

CBI team visits Netai to investigate Jan 7 killings

KOLKATA – Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sleuths visited Netai village of West Midnapore district Saturday to probe the Jan 7 shootings which left nine people dead and several injured, police said.

“We visited the Netai and adjacent Birkara village Saturday. We met the villagers and listened to their grievances about the incident. Several eyewitnesses …. Source article : CBI team visits Netai to investigate Jan 7 killings.

Iraq’s largest oil refinery shuts down after attack

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s largest oil refinery was shut down Saturday after gunmen bombed three production units, in an attack that killed four engineers and injured three workers.

The attack completely halted work at the refinery, which produces some 150,000 barrels per day of oil derivatives. The plant is located in the northern town of Beiji, …. Original source : Iraq’s largest oil refinery shuts down after attack.

Pakistani court adjourns hearing of Mumbai terror-attack case

ISLAMABAD – A special anti-terrorism trial court in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi city Saturday adjourned the hearing of the 26/11 Mumbai terror-attack case till March 5.

The public prosecutor of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Chaudhary Zulfiqar maintained before the court that “non-bailable arrest warrants of two prime accused, Ajmal Kasab and Faheem Ansari, have already been …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Pakistani court adjourns hearing of Mumbai terror-attack case.

Six Maoists killed in Bihar gunfight, one nabbed

PATNA – At least six Maoists were killed in a gunfight with police in a forested area of Bihar Saturday, police said. A guerrilla was arrested and arms and ammunition recovered from the site.

The incident took place at Majhadih, a forested area in Banka district, about 150 km from here.
Acting on a …. Source : Six Maoists killed in Bihar gunfight, one nabbed.

Iraq’s largest oil refinery shut down after attack

BAGHDAD – Gunmen Saturday stormed into Iraq’s largest oil refinery in Salahudin province and killed two workers before carrying out bomb attacks at the facility, police said.

“Unidentified gunmen stormed the oil refinery and shot dead an engineer and a guard before planting bombs at several units in the refinery which they blew up causing … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iraq’s largest oil refinery shut down after attack.

Roadside bomb kills nine in Afghanistan

KABUL – Nine civilians, including women and children, were killed by a roadside bomb Saturday in eastern Afghanistan, a police official said.

The explosion occurred in Lakhan, a remote village in Khost province, provincial deputy police chief Yaqub Khan said.
“Three men, two women and four children were martyred in the blast,” he said. “An … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Roadside bomb kills nine in Afghanistan.

The explosion occurred in Lakhan, a remote village in Khost province, provincial deputy police chief Yaqub Khan said.
“Three men, two women and four children were martyred in the blast,” he said. “An … Original source on Gaea Times at : Roadside bomb kills nine in Afghanistan.