Crime Watch – Monthly Newsletter March 2011

Julie Powers Schenecker Denied Bail

TAMPA (GaeaTimes.com)- Julie Powers Schenecker was produced at a Tampa court on Monday for a brief hearing in the murder case of her two teenage kids, 16-year-old Calyx and Beau 13. Dressed in a prison suit with hands bound in handcuffs, the 50-year-old woman had her first court appearance at the Hillsborough County Court … Read : Julie Powers Schenecker Denied Bail.

Jayme Biendl Strangled

SEATTLE (GaeaTimes.com)- A state corrections officer of Washington, Jayme Biendl was found dead in the prison chapel last Saturday. The law enforcement officials said that the woman was strangled with a microphone cord. The authorities are of the opinion that her inmate Byron Scherf is the prime suspect of the murder.
Department of Corrections spokesman …. Original source  : Jayme Biendl Strangled.

Serious challenges to internal security: PM

NEW DELHI – The internal security situation was by and large stable but serious challenges and threats remained, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Tuesday.

Addressing a meeting of chief ministers on internal security here, the prime minister said there were “serious challenges and threats” from left wing extremism, cross border terrorism and fundamentalism.
He … Original article on : Serious challenges to internal security: PM.

Militants kill two sisters in Kashmir, Omar condemns incident

SRINAGAR – Suspected guerrillas gunned down two teenaged sisters after forcing them out of their home in the Jammu and Kashmir town of Sopore, triggering panic in the area. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident.

A senior police officer said a group of heavily armed guerrillas entered a house in the Muslim Peer locality …. Original source  : Militants kill two sisters in Kashmir, Omar condemns incident.

17 dead in Somalia shootout

MOGADISHU – At least 17 people were killed and several others injured Monday in a shootout between two units of government security forces in the Somalian capital, Xinhua reported.

The firefight erupted after government troops killed a soldier in civilian clothes. The killing in the capital Mogadishu triggered retaliatory attacks from other unit, Omar Dahir, … Original article on : 17 dead in Somalia shootout.

ULFA ban: Court issues notices to Nagaland, Meghalaya

NEW DELHI – A tribunal headed by a Delhi High Court judge Monday issued notices to Nagaland and Meghalaya on the central government’s plea seeking its nod to extend a ban by two more years on militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

“Issue fresh notices to the states of Nagaland and Meghalaya through … Read more : ULFA ban: Court issues notices to Nagaland, Meghalaya.

Official killed in militant ambush in Tripura

AGARTALA – A central government official from Andhra Pradesh was killed and his driver critically injured when separatist tribal guerrillas fired at their car from across the India-Bangladesh border in northern Tripura Monday, police said.

“National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) official G.N. Mani, 51, was gunned down and his car driver was injured when outlawed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Official killed in militant ambush in Tripura.

India probing Somali pirates’ terror links

NEW DELHI – Indian security agencies are probing the suspected terror links of the captured Somali pirates with Pakistan-based terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The suspicion comes in the wake of increased pirate attacks on merchant vessels passing through the sea lanes close to the Indian coast.
Coast Guard Director General Vice … Read more »».

ULFA holds meetings for peace talks – without Baruah

GUWAHATI – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has secretly held its general council meeting – though without its elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah – to chart out a roadmap for peace talks with the government, top members of the banned outfit said Wednesday.

We completed our central executive first and then the resolutions taken …. Read the original article  : ULFA holds meetings for peace talks – without Baruah.

11 killed, 32 injured in Peshawar blast

ISLAMABAD – At least 11 people, including three children and two women, were killed and 32 injured Wednesday in a massive explosion in Peshawar, capital of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

The deafening blast took place in Budha Bair area in the outskirts of this city.
“The bomb was planted in a vehicle that …. Original source  : 11 killed, 32 injured in Peshawar blast.

Suspected Maoists kill CPI-M supporter in Bengal

KOLKATA – The body of a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporter killed by suspected Maoists was found near Sapdhara village in West Bengal’s Jhargram police district Wednesday, an official said.

A group of Maoist guerrillas had taken away Baria Soren at gunpoint from the village in West Midnapore district Tuesday.
“We have received the …. Read the original article  : here.

Grenade blasts rock Sopore town in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Separatist militants hurled two hand grenades at the house of a senior Congress leader and a paramilitary patrol team in north Kashmir’s Sopore town Tuesday morning, police said. No one was injured in the explosions.

A senior police officer said the guerrillas hurled a grenade which exploded near the house of a senior …. Original source  : Grenade blasts rock Sopore town in Kashmir.

Eight killed in Peshawar blast

ISLAMABAD – At least eight people, including two children, were killed Wednesday in a powerful blast in Peshawar, capital of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

“The bomb was planted in a vehicle that was destroyed completely,” police said, adding that “several vehicles and nearby shops were also damaged in the blast”.
“At least 15 people have … Read more »»».

Soldiers of sorrow: Maoists or children?

BHUBANESWAR – “I thought it would be fun, but now I realise that I should go back to school…I was tortured in the Maoist camp,” said 12-year-old Rajani Mota Majhi, who has surrendered before police in Orissa. Officials say one out of every seven rebels in the state is a child.

Children like Rajani are … Read more : Soldiers of sorrow: Maoists or children?.

Guard against religious fundamentalism, new terror, states told (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – The central government Tuesday asked states to guard against religious fundamentalism and new terror groups while some of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministers at a conference here did not agree with its assessment about improvement in the situation concerning Maoist violence.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who inaugurated the chief … Read more >>.

Maoists send demands for release of abducted Chhattisgarh cops

RAIPUR – Maoists Tuesday finally sent a list of demands to authorities in Chhattisgarh to release five policemen they had abducted Jan 25 in the state’s Narayanpur district.

“I heard that Maoists have sent a list of 11 demands from their forested location late Tuesday in exchange of the abducted cops’ release… we are trying … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Maoists send demands for release of abducted Chhattisgarh cops.

Another key accused in 2008 Malegaon blast held

MUMBAI – The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad has nabbed Praveen Mutalik, one of the key accused on the run in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, a top official said here Tuesday.

He was nabbed from Karnataka late Monday and a hunt is now on for two other accused – Ramji Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange …. Read the original article  : Another key accused in 2008 Malegaon blast held.

Karnataka says Maoist menace almost eliminated

NEW DELHI – Karnataka Tuesday said that it has “almost eliminated” the Maoist menace from the state though “a handful of individuals” are still active.

“I am happy to state that due to the relentless efforts on the part of the Anti-Naxal (Anti-Maoists) force of the Karnataka Police, this menace has been almost eliminated but … Read : Karnataka says Maoist menace almost eliminated.

Britain advised Libya on Lockerbie bomber’s release: WikiLeaks

LONDON – British government ministers secretly advised Libya on securing the successful early release of the Lockerbie bomber from a Scottish prison, according to the US documents released by WikiLeaks.

A Foreign Office minister sent Libyan officials detailed legal advice on how to use Abdelbaset al-Megrahi’s cancer diagnosis to ensure he was released from a …. Source article  : Britain advised Libya on Lockerbie bomber’s release: WikiLeaks.

Another key accused in Malegaon blast held

MUMBAI – The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad has nabbed Praveen Mutalik, one of the key absconder accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, an official said Tuesday.

He was nabbed from Karnataka late Monday and a hunt is on to trace another two accused – Ramji Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange – who are still at … Original source on Gaea Times at : Another key accused in Malegaon blast held.

Suspected Maoists attack Bengal CPI-M leaders’ houses

KOLKATA – A group of suspected Maoists Tuesday damaged and looted two houses of Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) leaders in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, police said.

“We were informed that the house of Paritosh Samanta, CPI-M’s zonal committee secretary, and local committee member Kanai Dutta in Patina village of Nayagram area were …. Original source  : Suspected Maoists attack Bengal CPI-M leaders’ houses.

For cops’ release, stop army training centre: Maoists

RAIPUR – Maoists in Chhattisgarh say they will release five captive policemen only if the government gives up its plan to set up an army training centre in a forested territory.

This is one of 11 demands put forth by the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in the restive Bastar region. The policemen have …. Source article  : For cops’ release, stop army training centre: Maoists.

LeT, United Jehad Council condemn Sopore murders

SRINAGAR – Guerrilla outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has denied involvement in the murder of two teenaged sisters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore town, days after police blamed it for the killings. The incident was also condemned by the United Jehad Council (UJC).

In a statement to a local news agency Wednesday evening, LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : LeT, United Jehad Council condemn Sopore murders.

Maoists kill Salwa Judum leader

RAIPUR – Maoists Wednesday shot dead a senior member of anti-Maoists civil militia movement Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh, police said.

The killing took place near a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Bastar regions Bijapur district, some 420 km from state capital Raipur.
“Maoists opened fire on Salwa Judum leader Nohar Singh …. Source article  : Maoists kill Salwa Judum leader.

Al Qaeda may have plotted five attacks on 9/11: WikiLeaks

LONDON – A group of Qatari men, suspected of supporting the plotters of the serial attacks of 9/11, may have been preparing for a fifth suicide strike in Washington, according to the secret US diplomatic cables leaked by WikiLeaks.

The disclosure, in US diplomatic cables obtained by WikiLeaks, has raised suspicions that the three men [..] Read the original article: here.

Al Qaeda’s dirty bomb poses risk of nuclear 9/11: WikiLeaks

LONDON – Al Qaeda has been trying to stockpile “dirty” nuclear explosives and recruit rogue scientists to plot 9/11-like terror attacks in world’s major cities, secret US diplomatic cables leaked by WikiLeaks have revealed.

Tomihiro Taniguchi, the deputy director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned the US that the world faces the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Al Qaeda’s dirty bomb poses risk of nuclear 9/11: WikiLeaks.

Two killed in Lahore blast

LAHORE – A remote controlled bomb exploded in a Sufi shrine in this Pakistani city killing two people and injuring 27, police said.

Lahore district coordination officer Ahad Khan Cheema said the two were killed instantly when the bomb exploded Thursday night outside Baba Haider Sain’s shrine in Lorri Adda area, APP reported.
The blast …. Original article  : Two killed in Lahore blast.

Britain faces wave of suicide attacks: WikiLeaks

LONDON – Britain faces the risk of a wave of terror attacks by British-born “suicide operatives” who are not on the intelligence services’ radar, secret US cables leaked by WikiLeaks have revealed.

British spy agency MI6 has warned that the country faces a “unique” threat from a generation of home-grown terrorists, the Telegraph reported, citing …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Britain faces wave of suicide attacks: WikiLeaks.

Car bombing injures 29 soldiers in Colombia

BOGOTA – At least 29 soldiers were injured in a car bomb blast near the Colombian border with Venezuela, military officials said.

The explosion occurred Thursday when a military patrol was passing between the towns of Tame and Puerto Rendon in Arauca region, bordering Venezuela, Xinhua quoted the commander of the army’s Brigade 18, Jairo … Read more »».

Suspected bomber behind Moscow airport blast identified

Moscow, Feb 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday that the suspected suicide bomber in the attack on Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport has been identified.

The powerful blast, which ripped through the international arrivals hall of Russia’s largest airport, Jan 24 killed 36 people and injured over 100.
Federal Security Service’s chief … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Suspected bomber behind Moscow airport blast identified.

Attack on Danish cartoonist act of terrorism, court rules

COPENHAGEN – A court in Denmark Thursday ruled that the attack by a Somali-born man on the Danish cartoonist who sparked outrage with his depiction of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed was an act of terrorism.

The court in the western city of Aarhus found the 29-year-old defendant guilty of attempted murder. He is to be …. Original source  : Attack on Danish cartoonist act of terrorism, court rules.

Chinese weapons fall into hands of militants: WikiLeaks

LONDON – China’s failure to enforce export controls on arms to Iran has led to the Chinese-made weapons falling into the hands of insurgents fighting coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, secret US cables leaked by WikiLeaks have revealed.

US diplomats also feared that Chinese companies were selling materials to Iran that could be …. Read the original article  : Chinese weapons fall into hands of militants: WikiLeaks.

Maoist slit contractor’s throat

RANCHI – Maoist rebels killed a contractor by slitting his throat in Jharkhand’s Chatra district Thursday, police said.

Asraf Mian was abducted from his house in Giddhor area and his dead body was found early Thursday from Mahuatand area.
The rebels left a pamphlet terming the contractor as “pimp” of the government, a police official … Read more »».

Maoist hideout busted in Bengal, arms seized

KOLKATA – Security personnel Thursday recovered a sophisticated firearm, explosives and huge cache of ammunition from a Maoist hideout in West Bengal’s West Midapore district, police said.

Joint forces conducted raids in Kanyabali and Lakhanpur forest areas near Lalgarh and unearthed the Maoist hideout.
“No Maoist cadres were present there that time. But an …. Original source  : Maoist hideout busted in Bengal, arms seized.

ULFA to open unconditional talks from Feb 10

GUWAHATI – The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Saturday said unconditional peace talks with the central government will begin Feb 10, in a move that may bring the curtains down on more than three decades of insurgency in Assam.

Formal peace talks with the government of India are expected to begin in New …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

ULFA ready for peace talks from Feb 10

GUWAHATI – The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Saturday said unconditional peace talks with the central government will begin Feb 10, in a move that may bring the curtains down on more than three decades of insurgency in Assam.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ULFA ready for peace talks from Feb 10.

Tehelka Magazine Names 15 Tax Evaders

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Tehelka Magazine, revealed the names of 15 individuals, including three trusts, who “had stashed black money” in LGT Bank in Liechtenstein, to evade taxes. This bank is situated 190 kilometers away from Munich, and is known as a famous Tax haven. Although the Tehelka Magazine got 16 of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tehelka Magazine Names 15 Tax Evaders.

Two Madhya Pradesh officials fired for releasing SIMI members

BHOPAL – The Madhya Pradesh government Friday removed the principal secretary for jails and suspended the deputy jailer of Khachrod sub-jail in Ujjain over the release of five activists of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

Sudesh Kumar, who was principal secretary for jails, was removed and Ashok Das, principal secretary in home …. Original source  : Two Madhya Pradesh officials fired for releasing SIMI members.

Kashmir protests murder of two sisters in Sopore

SOPORE – A shutdown was observed in this north Kashmir town Friday and sporadic protests erupted in other parts of the valley against the murder of two sisters allegedly by the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit here.

Markets remained shut and transport went off the roads in Sopore, 54 km from Srinagar, following the protest called by hardline … Read more >>>.

British Muslims on jehad trip to Somalia: WikiLeaks

LONDON – British Muslims are travelling to Somalia for “jehadi tourism” to get training for terrorist attacks in Britain, secret US diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks have revealed.

The UN special envoy to Somalia was so worried about rebels linked to the Al Qaeda that he urged the US to launch targeted strikes against extremists … Read more : British Muslims on jehad trip to Somalia: WikiLeaks.

22,000 flee due to fighting in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – About 22,000 people have fled Pakistan’s restive tribal region due to intense fighting between military and terrorists, the government said Friday.

Roshan Khan Mehsud, a government spokesperson, said the estimated 22,000 displaced are now living in camps away from the troubled area and are being provided with food and aid, The Nation reported … Read more >>>.

Track Sopore girls’ killers speedily, says Chidambaram

JAMMU – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Friday demanded that the killers of two teenaged sisters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore town be speedily tracked down and given severe punishment.

Attending a meeting of the Unified Command here before leaving for Kishtwar to attend a security review of the mountainous parts of Jammu region, … Read more »»».

Congress demands probe into release of SIMI members

BHOPAL – The opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh Friday alleged that a Bharatiya Janata Party minister and officials took Rs.3 crore bribe to release five activists of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) from jail on Republic Day.

Congress spokesperson K.K. Mishra Friday demanded a high-level inquiry into the issue.
The Congress party … Read more : Congress demands probe into release of SIMI members.

Bomb scare prompts evacuation in Moscow

Moscow, Feb 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Authorities ordered an evacuation of passengers from the Leningradsky and Yaroslavsky train stations in Moscow following a bomb threat, a police source said Sunday.

The move followed an anonymous telephonic warning that a bomb had been placed at a train station. Security forces immediately began combing train stations elsewhere in …. Read the original article  : Bomb scare prompts evacuation in Moscow.

India, Pakistan to hold talks in Bhutan Sunday

NEW DELHI – The foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan are set to meet Sunday in Bhutan even as both countries engaged in a spat over the 2007 Samjhauta Express train blast that killed many Pakistanis.

Nirupama Rao is expected to hold bilateral talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir in Thimphu on the sidelines … Read more >>.

Indian lacks courage to expose Hindu extremists: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – India lacks courage to expose the role of Hindu extremists in the Samjhauta Express blast, Pakistan said Saturday, a day before the two countries are expected to hold secretary-level talks in Thimphu.

“India seems to be lacking courage to unearth culpability of Hindu extremists and their links with some Indian Army personnel,” APP …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian lacks courage to expose Hindu extremists: Pakistan.

Bangladesh hands over three ULFA rebels

SHILLONG – Bangladesh authorities Saturday handed over three more rebel leaders of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to Indian frontier guards at Dawki area in Meghalaya, an official said.

ULFA ‘captain’ Upen Buragohain alias Antu Chaudang, ’second lieutenant’ Pradip Chetia and corporal Saurav were handed over to the Border Security Force … Read more »».

Two NATO troops, 19 militants killed in Afghanistan

KABUL – Nineteen Taliban militants and two NATO soldiers have been killed in latest violence in Afghanistan, officials said Saturday.

Two NATO-led International Security Assistance Force service members died in two separate bombings in southern Afghanistan, the military alliance said.
NATO did not specify where the incidents took place or the nationality of the deceased.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Free innocent Muslims, say AMU students

ALIGARH – The confession of a Hindutva activist on his involvement in several terror attacks called for the immediate release of Muslims detained for these crimes, a student group here said.

The Sir Syed Educational and Welfare Movement made the demand in a memorandum to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chief Sonia Gandhi that was submitted …. Original article  : Free innocent Muslims, say AMU students.

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.

Indonesian cleric’s terrorism trial resumes

JAKARTA – Muslim militant cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir, alleged leader of terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, was back on trial Monday in Indonesia.

The trial of Ba’asyir, accused of allegedly helping to set up and fund an Islamic militant training camp, was adjourned Thursday for a technicality.
If found guilty, the 72-year-old cleric could face the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesian cleric’s terrorism trial resumes.

ULFA leaders set to meet PM

NEW DELHI – A delegation of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for a courtesy call Monday evening, days after they initiated talks with the central government to end 30 long years of insurgency in Assam.

An eight-member ULFA team, headed by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, will …. Source article  : ULFA leaders set to meet PM.

Pune pays tribute to German Bakery blast victims

PUNE – Thousands of people paid tribute to the victims of last year’s blast at Pune’s popular German Bakery Sunday with candlelight marches, blood donation camps and memorial services.

People gathered in large numbers at Koregaon Park, where the bakery is located, and other places including Ishanya Mall and Fergusson College and expressed their … Original article on : Pune pays tribute to German Bakery blast victims.

Iraq suicide blast toll rises to 33

TIKRIT – The death toll in a suicide bomb attack on Shia pilgrims near the holy city of Samarra in northern Iraq rose to 33 Sunday, Xinhua reports.

Our latest report about Saturday’s suicide bomb attack on a bus carrying Shia pilgrims near Samarra, indicates that 33 people were killed and 27 wounded,” a police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Iraq suicide blast toll rises to 33.

An appeal to Maoists, administration to reopen school

PATNA – Hundreds of students of a school in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district have appealed to the Maoists and the district administration to help them resume classes which were stopped after the rebels beat up two teachers earlier this month.

Tengrari High School has been closed since Feb 2 after the guerrillas badly beat up the …. Original source  : An appeal to Maoists, administration to reopen school.

Maoists blow up school in Bihar

PATNA – Suspected Maoists blew up a state-run school in Bihar’s Gaya district at night, leaving it badly damaged, police said Tuesday.

According to police, Maoist guerrillas late Monday surrounded and blew up the building at Barha village in Gaya, about 100 km from here.
The guerrillas used dynamite to blow up the building, which …. Source article  : Maoists blow up school in Bihar.

Two killed in Russia blasts

Moscow, Feb 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least two police officers were killed and about 20 injured in two successive blasts in Russia’s restive North Caucasus region, an official said Tuesday.

A female suicide bomber blew herself up near a police station in Gubden village of Dagestan Monday evening, killing one policeman and injuring several, the … Original article on : Two killed in Russia blasts.

Want special status for Assam like Kashmir, says ULFA leader

NEW DELHI – Even as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has begun peace talks with the government to end 30 years of insurgency in Assam, a top leader of the banned outfit has said the group wants the Indian Constitution “overhauled vis-a-vis Assam” to grant the northeastern state special status like Jammu and … Read more : Want special status for Assam like Kashmir, says ULFA leader.

Ship with nine Indian crew hijacked, proceeds to Somalia

MUMBAI – Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked a Maltese-flagged ship with nine Indian and 13 Iranian crew members on board, a top Indian maritime official said here Monday evening.

The ship, M.V. Sinin, is loaded with around 52,000 tons of iron ore and was proceeding from Singapore to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), …. Read the original article  : here.

Maoists kill special police officer in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Maoist guerrillas killed a special police officer Monday in Chhattisgarhs restive Bastar region, police said.

Munnalal Markam was killed in Gondpalli village in Dantewada district, more than 400 km south of state capital Raipur.
He was posted at Dantewada police station and had gone to a relatives house at Gondpalli when the rebels [..] Read the original article: here.

Suspect in Pakistani politician’s assassination indicted

ISLAMABAD – Authorities in Pakistan Monday charged the main suspect in the assassination of a government official with murder and acts of terrorism.

Mumtaz Hussain Qadri is alleged to have shot dead former Punjab province governor Salam Taseer in Islamabad Jan 4 while deployed as a security guard for the politician.
His lawyer Raja Shujaur … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suspect in Pakistani politician’s assassination indicted.

ULFA leaders meet PM briefly

NEW DELHI – A delegation of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh briefly on a courtesy call Monday evening, days after the central government initiated talks with the outlawed militant group to end 30 long years of insurgency in Assam.

An eight-member ULFA team, headed by the coutfit’s chairman … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ULFA leaders meet PM briefly.

Two die in suicide attack at Kabul shopping mall (Second Lead)

KABUL – Two people were killed Monday in a massive suicide bombing at a shopping mall that is frequented by foreigners in this Afghan capital, officials said.

The blast happened in Charrahi Ansari area in downtown Kabul, Xinhua said. City Center is a shopping mall frequented by foreigners and wealthy Afghans.
DPA adds: Private … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two die in suicide attack at Kabul shopping mall (Second Lead).

Blast, gunbattle rock Kabul shopping mall

KABUL – A massive bombing followed a few minutes later with gunfire rocked a shopping mall frequented by foreigners in downtown Kabul, an official said.

“Gun battle is continuing between the attackers and police inside the City Center,” an official told Xinhua.
He said that the attackers first carried out the bombing at the … Read more : Blast, gunbattle rock Kabul shopping mall.

Suicide bombing in Kabul

KABUL – A suicide bomb attack took place Monday near a shopping mall in the Afghan capital Kabul.

“The blast happened in Charrahi Ansari area in downtown Kabul,” Xinhua quoted an official as saying.
The mall is often frequented by foreigners and wealthy Afghans.
…. Read the original article  : Suicide bombing in Kabul.

Iraq war: Defector says he lied about WMDs

LONDON – A defector, whose information was used by the US to justify the Iraq war, has admitted for the first time that he lied about the secret biological weapons programme as he “had the chance to fabricate something to topple the regime”.

Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi’s tall tale convinced the US that Iraq …. Read the original article  : Iraq war: Defector says he lied about WMDs.

Two girls injured in militant attack in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Two girls were injured when separatist guerrillas attacked their house in Baramulla district of north Kashmir late Tuesday night, police said.

Guerrillas opened fire at the house of Muhammad Akbar Lone in Wagoora village, injuring his 16-year old daughter Shaista and his 8-year old granddaughter, Moomina.
“The two injured girls were immediately shifted … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two girls injured in militant attack in Kashmir.

Batla House shootout: Court paves way for trial

NEW DELHI – Paving the way for the trial to begin, a Delhi court Tuesday formally slapped charges against Shahzad Ahmed, a suspected Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorist, arrested in south Delhi’s Batla House shootout in which a Delhi Police inspector was killed in 2008.

Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar framed the charges against Shahzad … Original article on : Batla House shootout: Court paves way for trial.

CBI to take custody of NDFB rebel

NONGPOH – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would soon take custody of National Democratic Front of Bodoland’s (NDFB) cadre Mathuram Brahma alias Mudoi, the prime accused in several bombings and killings in Assam, Meghalaya Police said Tuesday.

Mudoi, who also holds the rank of sergeant major in the outfit, was arrested by …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoists set conditions for Orissa collector’s release (Third Lead)

BHUBANESWAR – Giving a 48-hour ultimatum, Maoists have demanded a halt on combing operations to release an Orissa district collector, police said Thursday, a day after the abduction. This is the first time the rebels have taken an IAS officer hostage in the state.

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer R. Veenel Krishna, the district collector …. Read the original article  : Maoists set conditions for Orissa collector’s release (Third Lead).

Backyard bomb injures four of family in Assam

GUWAHATI – Three children and a woman, from the same family, were injured when a bomb stashed inside a schoolbag in their backyard exploded in Goalpara district of Assam Thursday, police said.

The schoolbag was lying in the backyard of the family’s home in Goalpara town. On noticing the bag, the family tried opening …. Original article  : Backyard bomb injures four of family in Assam.

US concerned over LeT’s expanding horizons

WASHINGTON – The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has enough capabilities to launch a Mumbai-type terrorist strike in Europe and other parts of the world, say US officials concerned over expanding horizons of the Pakistan based terrorist outfit.

“What they did in India could theoretically be launched elsewhere. But we have not yet seen those steps occur,” Michael …. Original source  : US concerned over LeT’s expanding horizons.

Cambodia jails two Bangladeshis, one Nepali for terrorism

PHNOM PENH – A court in the Cambodian capital Wednesday sentenced two Bangladeshis and one Nepali national – members of terror outfit Al Qaeda – to eight years in prison, Xinhua reported.

The three were convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on charges stemming from their signatures on a letter that threatened to attack …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cambodia jails two Bangladeshis, one Nepali for terrorism.

Hostage crisis: Patnaik urges Maoists to extend deadline

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday appealed to the Maoists not to harm the Malkangiri district collector and an engineer they are holding captive and urged them to extend their deadline that lapses in the evening.

“We are in the process of trying to establish contact. My appeal to the concerned persons is …. Read the original article  : Hostage crisis: Patnaik urges Maoists to extend deadline.

Cyber support for abducted Orissa collector

BHUBANESWAR – From colleagues to social activists to well-wishers, support poured in from all quarters on social networking website Facebook for the safe release of Orissa district collector R. Vineel Krishna, who was abducted by Maoists Wednesday.

Vineel, the district collector of Malkangiri, was abducted along with a junior engineer by Maoists in Chitrakonda area … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cyber support for abducted Orissa collector.

Suicide bomber kills nine in Afghanistan

KABUL – A suicide bomber blew himself up Friday morning in Afghanistan’s Khost city, killing nine people and injuring 30, a police official said.

The incident occurred in the capital of Khost province, 150 km southeast of Kabul, Xinhua reported. “A suicide bomber blew himself up near a police checkpoint,” the official said. Most victims … Read more »»».

Orissa collector still hostage, Maoists snap road links

BHUBANESWAR – Amid hectic backchannel talks, Maoists in Orissa Friday snapped road links to Malkangiri and submitted a fresh set of demands to release the collector of the district who continued to be in their custody for the third successive day, police said.

R. Vineel Krishna, the district collector of Malkangiri, was abducted along with … Original article on : Orissa collector still hostage, Maoists snap road links.

US fears terrorists might provoke India, Pakistan conflict

WASHINGTON – US Defence Secretary Robert Gates worries about the future of Pakistan, fearing that terrorist groups might try to provoke a conflict between India and Pakistan to destabilise the country.

“I worry a lot about Pakistan. It has huge economic problems… They have a serious internal terrorism threat that is seeking to destabilise Pakistan …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Orissa begins backdoor talks with Maoists for collector’s release

BHUBANESWAR – After halting anti-Maoist operations, Orissa has began back channel discussions with the rebels as the 48-hour deadline given by them for the release of an Orissa district collector and an engineer they had abducted Wednesday neared, officials said Friday.

The rebels took Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer R. Veenel Krishna, the district collector … Read more : Orissa begins backdoor talks with Maoists for collector’s release.

US has no specific threat info on cricket World Cup

WASHINGTON – The United States has warned its citizens that while it has no specific threat information about the ICC Cricket World Cup in the Indian subcontinent, such large, high-profile events can be targets for terrorist attacks.

The warning came in a travel alert issued Thursday on safety and security issues related to the Cricket …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US has no specific threat info on cricket World Cup.

Maoists abduct collector, Orissa agrees to talks (Intro Roundup)

BHUBANESWAR – A worried Orissa government halted anti-Maoist operations and agreed to negotiate Thursday, a day after the guerrillas abducted Malkangiri collector R. Veenel Krishna and a junior engineer in one of their most audacious acts in the state.

“We are not doing any operations. It has been suspended across the state,” a senior police … Read more : Maoists abduct collector, Orissa agrees to talks (Intro Roundup).

Varavara Rao appeals to Maoists to release Orissa official

HYDERABAD – Maoist sympathiser and revolutionary poet Varavara Rao Thursday appealed to Maoists in Orissa to release unharmed Malkangiri District Collector R. Veenel Krishna, who hails from Andhra Pradesh.

In an appeal made in Telugu and broadcast over All India Radio Thursday evening, Rao appealed to Maoists to set free the officer. He also …. Original article  : Varavara Rao appeals to Maoists to release Orissa official.

Orissa agrees to talks with Maoists for official’s release

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Thursday evening said it is ready for talks with the Maoists for the release of the Malkangiri district collector abducted by the rebels a day earlier.

“The government is ready to hold dialogue on the matter,” state Home Secretary U.N. Behera told reporters.
“Instruction has been issued to halt …. Original article  : Orissa agrees to talks with Maoists for official’s release.

Militants misusing social networking sites: Antony

NEW DELHI – Defence Minister A.K. Antony Thursday said militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast were misusing social networking sites and the government was planning to take steps to prevent such misuse.

“We know some people are misusing the (social) network (sites). At the same time, we are particular such misuse should … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Militants misusing social networking sites: Antony.

Malegaon blasts: CBI submits Aseemanand’s statement to court

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Thursday submitted a certified copy of the confessional statement of 2006 Malegaon blast accused Swami Aseemanand before a Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court.

While submitting the copy to Special MCOCA Judge Y.D. Shinde, CBI prosecutor A. Chimalkar said that it had not been made … Read more »».

Rights group asks Maoists to free abducted Orissa official

NEW DELHI – The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), of which rights activist Binayak Sen is the vice president, Thursday asked the Maoists to immediately release the district collector they have abducted in Orissa.

The guerrillas kidnapped Malkangiri District Collector R. Veenel Krishna and a junior engineer early Wednesday when he was going to …. Read the original article  : Rights group asks Maoists to free abducted Orissa official.

Militants release WWF volunteers in Assam

GUWAHATI – Three volunteers of environmental group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), who had been kidnapped by militants in Assam Feb 6, were released from captivity Thursday, police said.

A police spokesperson said the three male WWF volunteers were released Thursday morning by memebrs of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) near …. Source  : Militants release WWF volunteers in Assam.

Ban on night trains in Maoist areas extended

KOLKATA – Restrictions on movement of passenger trains during night in Maoist-affected areas of West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand will continue till Feb 24, a railway statement said here Thursday.

“In view of security reasons, running of the passenger trains on Kharagpur-Adra, Chakradharpur-Rourkela and Kharagpur-Tata sections will continue to be suspended 10 p.m. to 5 …. Read the original article  : Ban on night trains in Maoist areas extended.

Bid to bomb sensitive buildings foiled in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A bid to bomb sensitive buildings and key installations of the armed forces was Thursday foiled in the garrison town of Rawalpindi adjacent to this federal capital, a media report said.

Dawn TV reported that acting on a tip-off, police recovered two cartons containing explosives from the busy Mureer Chowk area of Rawalpindi.
…. Original source  : Bid to bomb sensitive buildings foiled in Pakistan.

Militants fire grenades at Kashmir security camp

SRINAGAR – Separatist guerrillas fired two rifle-propelled grenades at a camp of the counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles in north Kashmir’s Sopore town late Thursday afternoon. The grenades exploded without causing any damage.

The area has been cordoned off and search for the guerrillas launched after the attack at 4.15 p.m., an official said.
…. Source  : Militants fire grenades at Kashmir security camp.

Chhattisgarh had intelligence on Maoists’ abduction plan

RAIPUR – A day before Orissa Maoists abducted a district collector Wednesday, the police chief of neighbouring Chhattisgarh had warned his state’s chief secretary, on the basis of intelligence, of rebels’ plan to kidnap senior civil and administrative officials.

Vishwa Ranjan, director general of police (DGP) of one of India’s states worst hit by … Read : Chhattisgarh had intelligence on Maoists’ abduction plan.

Bihar officials in Maoist areas alerted

PATNA – Top officials in Maoist-hit districts of Bihar have been asked to be cautious while touring rural area in the wake of the dramatic abduction of a district collector in Orissa.

“The government had made it clear to the officials to take their security seriously,” an official in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s office said …. Original source  : Bihar officials in Maoist areas alerted.

Mediator asks Orissa to free jailed Maoist to end hostage crisis

BHUBANESWAR – As Orissa Saturday intensified efforts for the release of a district collector and a junior engineer abducted by Maoists three days ago, a mediator asked the state government to release a jailed Maoist to speed up dialogue with the abductors, an official said.

R. Vineel Krishna, the district collector of Malkangiri, was abducted … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mediator asks Orissa to free jailed Maoist to end hostage crisis.

Bihar alerts officials in Maoist-hit areas

PATNA – The Bihar government has asked top officials in the state’s Maoist-hit districts to take all precautionary measures during their official visits to rural areas. It sounded an alert following the abduction of a collector of Orissa’s Malkangiri district, official said here Saturday.

“The government had made it clear to the officials posted in …. Original article  : Bihar alerts officials in Maoist-hit areas.

Orissa hostage crisis: Maoists extend deadline

BHUBANESWAR – Maoists holding an Orissa district collector and a junior engineer hostage Friday extended their deadline, giving the state government another 48 hours for acceptance of their demands.

A Maoist leader, identifying himself as Bhaskar, secretary of the Andhra-Orissa Border State Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist, informed a …. Read the original article  : Orissa hostage crisis: Maoists extend deadline.

Meghalaya rebel leaders send feelers for talks

SHILLONG – Two top leaders of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) rebel group have sent feelers for talks with the Meghalaya government, an official said Friday.

“The outfit’s general secretary Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew and publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw have sent feelers to the government for negotiations,” a top official of the union home ministry told …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Meghalaya rebel leaders send feelers for talks.

Backdoor talks on, Maoists urged to extend deadline (Roundup)

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Friday urged Maoists holding Malkangiri Collector R. Vineel Krishna hostage to extend their 48-hour deadline for acceptance of their demands even as it opened quiet talks with the rebels and asked two academics to start a separate dialogue.

With no clues on the whereabouts of the 30-year-old Krishna and a … Original article on : Backdoor talks on, Maoists urged to extend deadline (Roundup).

Orissa asks two academics to mediate in hostage crisis

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Friday asked two academics to initiate a dialogue with Maoists for the release of Malkangiri district collector R. Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi, officials said.

State chief secretary B.K. Patnaik said the government is talking to R. Someswara Rao, a retired economics professor of Sambalpur University; and Hargopal, a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

One killed in Pakistan bomb blast

ISLAMABAD – At least one person was killed and four people were injured Friday when a car bomb exploded near a police station in northwestern Pakistan, police said.

The driver of the explosive-laden car tried to crash into the police building in Bannu city but it went off before the target, Xinhua reported.
Last month, … Original article on : One killed in Pakistan bomb blast.

Hostage crisis: Orissa begins talks with mediators

BHUBANESWAR – The two mediators, human right activists and academicians G. Haragopal and R. Someswar Rao, began negotiations Sunday with Orissa government officials on the release of a district collector and an engineer abducted by Maoists four days ago.

State Home Secretary U.N. Behera and Panchayati Raj Secretary S.N. Tripathy began the talks in the … Read : Hostage crisis: Orissa begins talks with mediators.

20 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 20 militants were killed and 12 injured Sunday in Pakistan’s northwest tribal region by the police in a counter-assault that was launched after rebels attacked a police post.

A group of militants launched an attack on a police check post in the Bazai area of Mohmand Agency, a tribal area [..] Read the original article: here.

Prabhakaran’s mother dies in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – The mother of slain Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader V. Prabhakaran passed away Sunday in a hospital, a media report said. She was 81.

According to Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror newspaper, Parvathi Pillai died in Valvetithurai hospital in Jaffna where she was admitted last month due to several illnesses, including heart …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Prabhakaran’s mother dies in Sri Lanka.

Kasab weak, weary ahead of 26/11 verdict

MUMBAI – Pakistan terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab has withdrawn into a shell, has lost his ‘attitude’ and has not been feeling too well ahead of the Bombay High Court verdict Monday on his death sentence in the 26/11 terror attack case, his lawyer said here Sunday.

“He appears very weak and weary, probably he … Read : Kasab weak, weary ahead of 26/11 verdict.

Mediators reach Orissa for talks with Maoists

BHUBANESWAR – Human right activists and academicians G. Haragopal and R. Someswar Rao arrived in the Orissa capital Sunday to mediate with Maoists for the release of a district collector and an engineer who were abducted by them four days ago.

“Both have arrived and the negotiations will start soon,” a senior state intelligence department … Read more >>.

Pakistani Taliban issues video of ISI spy’s execution

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Taliban released a video Saturday of the shooting of a former officer of the country’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who was kidnapped from the northern tribal region.

A Taliban militant is shown in the video firing at former ISI officer, Col. (Retd.) Sultan Ameer Tarar – also known as … Original article on : Pakistani Taliban issues video of ISI spy’s execution.

Orissa hostages safe, talks likely to start Sunday: officials (Roundup)

BHUBANESWAR/HYDERABAD – The Orissa district officer and junior engineer kidnapped by Maoists Wednesday are safe and in good health while formal negotiations with the rebels for their release are likely to begin Sunday after the mediators arrive, officials said Saturday.

State Chief Secretary B.K. Patnaik said: “As per the information available with us, the … Read more >>.

Eighteen killed in Afghan bank bombings

KABUL – Eighteen people were killed and 70 wounded Saturday after bombers targeted a bank in eastern Afghanistan, a government spokesman said.

Seven bombers stormed a branch of Kabul Bank in Jalalabad city, according to Ahmad Zia Abdulzia, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Two bombers detonated their explosives, while five others were killed in a … Original article on : Eighteen killed in Afghan bank bombings.

Mediator to leave for Bhubaneswar Sunday

HYDERABAD – Human rights activist and academic Hargopal will leave for Bhubaneswar Sunday to begin mediation for the release of Malkangiri District Collector R. Vineel Krishna.

Hargopal, who arrived here from New Delhi Saturday, held talks with the other mediator, R. Someshwar Rao, and Maoist sympathiser and revolutionary writer Varavara Rao.
The trio met at … Read more : Mediator to leave for Bhubaneswar Sunday.

Hostages safe, Orissa intensifies efforts for release

BHUBANESWAR – Two Orissa officials kidnapped two days ago by Maoists are safe and in good health in rebel custody as the state intensified its efforts to free the district collector and the junior engineer, a senior state official said Saturday.

State Chief Secretary B.K. Patnaik said: “As per the information available with us, the …. Read the original article  : here.

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.

Eiffel Tower evacuated after bomb threat

PARIS – Paris’ landmark Eiffel Tower and an office building were evacuated late Friday night after bomb warnings made by anonymous telephone callers, media reports said Saturday.

The reports Saturday said that police received two calls, one warning about a bomb at the tower and another at the Tour Montparnasse office building.
Security officers ordered … Read more : Eiffel Tower evacuated after bomb threat.

Adopt a terrorist for prayer!

WASHINGTON – In a unique response to terrorism, a website has listed 165 dreaded terrorists, including Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, and urged people to adopt them so as to transform them by prayers.

The website, atfp.org, asks Christians to “adopt a terrorist for prayer” citing the popular quote from the Bible: “Love your …. Read the original article  : Adopt a terrorist for prayer!.

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 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Roadside bomb kills nine in Afghanistan.

Adopt a terrorist for prayer!

WASHINGTON – In a unique response to terrorism, a website has listed 165 dreaded terrorists, including Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, and urged people to adopt them so as to transform them by prayers.

The website, atfp.org, asks Christians to “adopt a terrorist for prayer” citing the popular quote from the Bible: “Love your …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Adopt a terrorist for prayer!

WASHINGTON – In a unique response to terrorism, a website has listed 165 dreaded terrorists, including Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, and urged people to adopt them so as to transform them by prayers.

The website, atfp.org, asks Christians to “adopt a terrorist for prayer” citing the popular quote from the Bible: “Love your …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Adopt a terrorist for prayer!.

Adopt a terrorist for prayer!

WASHINGTON – In a unique response to terrorism, a website has listed 165 dreaded terrorists, including Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, and urged people to adopt them so as to transform them by prayers.

The website, atfp.org, asks Christians to “adopt a terrorist for prayer” citing the popular quote from the Bible: “Love your …. Original article  : Adopt a terrorist for prayer!.

Rebel bomber held in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – A top rebel of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) involved in several bombings was arrested Sunday along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, an official said.

“(Self-styled) Sergeant Major Anjima Boro was arrested this (Sunday) morning after he sneaked into the country from Bangladesh through Baldova village in West Garo Hills …. Source article  : Rebel bomber held in Meghalaya.

Blasts kill eight in Afghanistan

KABUL – Eight people were killed Sunday when two bombs exploded in quick succession in Afghanistan’s southern province of Kandahar, Xinhua reported.

Five others, including four policemen, were injured. The blasts occurred on a ground in Arghandab district.
… Original article on : Blasts kill eight in Afghanistan.