Terrorist Activities in Pakistan
Suicide Bombings
A suicide car bomb attack killed five soldiers and wounded 12 others on December 24 at Tochi Scouts’ main office in Bannu District, reported Dawn. The bomber drove his explosives-packed vehicle into the camp office of the paramilitary Frontier Corps troops, killing five personnel and injuring 12 others.
Bomb Attacks
Two Policemen were injured in an explosion at Khalabat Township Police Station in Haripur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Nov 25. According to the Police, they received a tip-off about a suspected car parked outside a seminary, upon which they reached the spot and found a plastic canister fitted with wires. The blast took place as the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was defusing the device. The canister was carrying nearly 25 to 30 kilograms of powdered explosives and it exploded due to mishandling by officials. The injured were identified as Sub-Inspector Kala Khan and Constable Basharat.
Two Security Force (SF) personnel were injured in a landmine explosion in the Katisar area of Kurram Agency on December 19, reports Daily Times. The incident took place when a SF vehicle on routine patrolling duty hit a landmine in the Katisar area.
Target Killings
A Shia man, identified as Ghulam Hussain, was shot dead in a sectarian attack at his shop within the limits of North Nazimabad Police Station by unidentified armed assailants on November 25, reported Daily Times. Police suspected that sectarian issue could be motive behind the incident.
Gwadar District Hospital Chief Medical Officer Doctor Naseem Baloch was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pasni area of Gwadar District on Dec 16, reported Daily Times. According to sources, Baloch was sitting in his clinic in Main Pasni bazaar when some armed militants barged into the clinic and sprayed him with bullets killing him.
A former Unit in-charge of Sunni Tehreek (ST), identified as Adil Hashim, was killed at Joria Bazar in Karachi on Dec 18, reported Daily Times. The victim left his house and reached at the corner of his street after receiving someone’s phone call. The person who called him is suspected to be behind his killing.
Two people, identified as Dost Muhammad and Allah Noor, were shot dead and another injured in a firing incident in the border town of Chaman in Qilla Abdullah District on Dec 18, reports Dawn. The victims were standing on the road when unidentified armed militants opened fire, killing the two on the spot.
A man, identified as Muhammad Iqbal, was shot dead in Killi Fatima area of Mastung District on December 19, reported Daily Times.
Three people were killed and two others injured when unidentified armed militants opened fire on a van in the Daring-gar area of Mastung District on Dec 22, reported Dawn. The deceased were identified as Nuroz Khan, Nasiruddin and Mohammad Umar. The injured passer-by were identified as, Ahmed Khan and Babul.
Unidentified armed assailants on Dec 23 attacked a mobile telecommunication company franchise office at Shadman Town in Karachi killing two young employees and wounding two others, reported Daily Times. The incident was captured in the close circuit cameras installed at the franchise. According to CCTV footage, two armed militants entered the franchise, opened fire on the staffers, set counter on fire and fled after swift operation.
Two armed militants shot dead two persons, identified as Mohammad Aslam and Shahzad Bashir, in the Manno Jan Road area of Quetta on December 25, reported Dawn. Aslam and Bashir belonged to Dera Ghazi Khan District of Punjab province and had come to Quetta in search of work.
In another incident, two people were killed and two others got injured when armed assailants opened fire on them at a hotel in the Tump area of Turbat District.
Ambush
Prominent businesswoman Nilofar Abadan who was abducted on March 8, 2011 from Gurdat Singh road area in Quetta returned home on December 22, reported Dawn. The abductors had contacted the family and demanded a huge amount as ransom for releasing her. The sources said that the abductors later threw her on the Double Road area and escaped from the scene. It was not known on what conditions she was released by the abductors. Her husband Faridon Abadan, who served as the Minister for Minority Affairs in the cabinet of Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, had been abducted on February 17, 2002 and his whereabouts are still not known.
Militant Arrests
Five militants of Jundullah were arrested by the Law Enforcement Agencies along with a huge cache of weapons that included five TT pistols and also a map of central jail and a hit list of prominent personalities from their possession on November 29, reported Daily Times. Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on a tip-off intercepted a taxi and arrested five members of Jundullah. The militants reached Karachi from Waziristan Agency and interior Punjab via Khyber Mail. The accused, identified as Syed Kamran alias Salar, Muhammad alias Khalid, Amjad Khan alias Kargil, Farhan Khan alias Hussain and Muhammad Munir alias Azeem, were involved in a firing incident which took place outside the City Court on June 19, 2009.
Intelligence agencies and the Lahore Police arrested a terrorist, identified as Saad, along with a suicide jacket and explosives weighing 16 kilograms from Raiwind Road near Thokar Niaz Baig area of Lahore on December 9, reports Daily Times. Sources said that Saad belonged to Waziristan Agency and was planning a terrorist attack at Thokar Niaz Baig. The intelligence agencies traced his phone records and eventually arrested him.
Police on December 16 claimed to have arrested six suspects, including the leader of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) al Mukhtar group, which is also linked to al Badar Mansoor group, and recovered a huge cache of arms and explosives from their possession, reported Daily Times. The arrested suspects included ringleader Asghar alias Omar, while five of his accomplices were identified as Zahid alias Osama, Abid, Usman alias Hamza, Shakir and Ali Akbar. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aslam, group leader Asghar is the expert in making bombs and had got training of bomb making in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency. He said all the bombs used in the terror activities in Karachi were made by him. The SSP said the accused were planning to carry out attack on the exhibition being held in Korangi area.
Crime Investigation Department (CID) on December 19 claimed to have arrested six suspects and recovered weapons from their possession from different places including Korangi Industrial Area, Sohrab Goth and Saddar area of Karachi, reported Daily Times. Officials said that the accused were associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and used to provide logistic support to TTP militants who arrived in the city from tribal areas. The detained suspects include Ejaz, Fateh Khan, Akbar Khan, Tabish, Imam Buksh and Adnan Khan. A Kalashnikov, four TT pistols and narcotics were also recovered from their possession. According to details, one of them, Ejaz is said to be an activist of a political party.
Miscellaneous
Security Forces targeted terrorist strongholds in Kurram Agency at midnight of November 25, killing 35 and injuring 15 others, reports Daily Times. Four soldiers were also killed in the firefight, which lasted several hours.
In a separate incident, SFs killed 16 militants and arrested two others in Dabori and Khadezai areas of upper tehsil (revenue unit) in Orakzai Agency, reports Dawn. Sources said that one soldier was injured in clashes with insurgents.
Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) and Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) in a joint raid killed three cadres of the Punjab chapter of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Dec 5 during an encounter in Korangi in Karachi, which ensued in a bid to recover an abducted industrialist Ahmed Chinoy, reports Daily Times. Two Policemen Raees Baloch and Abdul Sattar were also wounded in the skirmish. Chinoy was abducted from Landhi Industrial Zone of Quaidabad on October 8. Officials said that the abductors had initially demanded PKR 70 million for his release but later decided to settle for PKR 20 million after negotiations. Officials also claimed to have recovered 20 kilogrammes of explosive besides a huge cache of weapons, including four hand grenades and three TT pistols from the hideout.
Suspected militants blew up a power pylon of heavy transmission line at Gula Khan Zangali village in Mera Balarzai area of Peshawar in the early morning of December 9, reports Dawn. An official of Badhber Police Station said that militants had planted explosives with the base of tower which went off after midnight and destroyed the tower located at Gula Khan Zangali village.
An activist of the Awami National Party (ANP), Sualeh Shah was shot dead in Bengali Market of Korangi area in Karachi on Dec 9, reports Dawn. Sources said that unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on Sualeh Shah in Bengali Market when he was sitting at a shop. The assailants managed to escape.
Two pro-Government peace lashkar (tribal militia) volunteers were killed and three others sustained bullets injuries in the encounter between the militants and Khasadars along with peace lashkar volunteers in Shalobar area of Bara tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency on Dec 14, reports Daily Times.
Six militants were killed in retaliatory fire by Balochistan Frontier Corps in Balgudar area of Turbat District on the night of December 14, reports The News. A group of militants ambushed a Frontier Corps convoy proceeding to Panjgoar from Turbat with sophisticated weapons leaving two troopers injured. As the troops retaliated, six assailants were killed. A number of their accomplices managed to escape in cover of darkness leaving behind huge cache of heavy arms including rocket launchers, Kalashnikovs and rounds.
25 militants and one soldier were killed in clashes between the militants and Frontier Corps in Khanki village in the Upper Orakzai region on Dec 16, reported Daily Times. Frontier Corps were attacked by 50 militants while driving through the Mamuzai area of Orakzai, the stronghold of Hakimullah Meshud, the leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). One soldier was killed and more than 20 were wounded. The troops retaliated and killed at least 25 militants.
Separately, three people, including a woman, were killed after mortar shells hit their house in Muslim Dhand area of Bara tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency.
Three soldiers, including an official, were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast at Katasarai village in Kurram Agency on December 17, reported Daily Times. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. However, local intelligence officials suspect the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
At least 17 militants were killed during an air assault on their secret hideouts by Security Forces in Jawaki and Samaa areas of Orakzai Agency on December 18, reports Daily Times. Three secret hideouts were neutralised.
At least 30 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed and 18 Security Force personnel were injured in the ongoing operation in Upper Orakzai Agency on Dec 21, reports Daily Times. According to sources, SFs were advancing towards Alikhail and Kago Qamar areas of Upper Orakzai Agency where a clash between SFs and militants took place in which at least 18 soldiers including Major Samiaullah were injured. In retaliation, the SFs opened fire on terrorists, killing at least 30 militants. The SF sources said that a store of explosive material and two vehicles used by the terrorists were also destroyed.
A Frontier Corps official was killed when the FC check post came under militant attack in Malazai area of Tank District on Dec 22, reports The News.
Two unidentified militants were killed and five people of Amn (peace) Force sustained injuries during a clash in Loti area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan on Dec 24, reports Daily Times. The identities of the dead could not be ascertained.
At least 22 militants and three Security Force personnel were killed and unspecified number of others got injured as clashes erupted between the two sides in Jogi area in Kurram Agency on Dec 25, reports Dawn. Both sides used heavy and light weapons in fighting that continued for hours.
12 militants were killed and seven others injured when jet fighters pounded militant hideouts in Toor Semat, Jandri and Jabba Killi localities in Muhammadzai, a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stronghold of Orakzai Agency on Dec 25. At least five hideouts were destroyed.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan pulls out of Bonn international conference on Afghanistan talks
Pakistan on November 29 decided to boycott Bonn (Germany) international conference at on Afghanistan in December, widening its protest over NATO cross-border attacks on November 26 and exacerbating a deep crisis in US ties, reports Daily Times. “Pakistan looks forward to the success of this conference but in view of the developments and prevailing circumstances has decided not to participate in the conference,” a Government statement said. Prime Minster Yousaf Raza Gilani, who chaired the meeting, announced to summon a joint session of parliament after the recommendations of the parliamentary committee on National Security to discuss the NATO attack and the controversial memo affair. Addressing the meeting at the Punjab Governor’s House, the prime minister said there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity or on the nation’s resolve to safeguard its frontiers.
US evacuating Shamsi air base
At least seven aircraft landed at the Shamsi air base in Balochistan on December 6 to airlift personnel and equipment out of Pakistan, Daily Times reported. “Seven aircraft have landed here since morning,” a local confirmed, adding, “They also set several containers on fire today and we saw its thick flames rising.” “They are evacuating the base, evacuation is in the process,” confirmed an unnamed senior Pakistani Government official in Islamabad.
According to sources in the Washuk District, American officials were likely to vacate the airbase on December 8. The United States is evacuating the Shamsi air base following orders from the Pakistan military incensed by a NATO raid on the border that left 24 soldiers dead, officials said. The deadline for the removal of all US personnel and equipment from the base was set for December 11.
US will be held responsible if Pakistan fails in war
against terrorism, says Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar while giving a briefing to Parliamentary Committee on National Security on December 15 said that the United States would be responsible if Pakistan failed in war against terrorism, reported Daily Times. She told the committee that the US Senate had stopped USD 700 million aid to Pakistan. “We are talking to other countries for the release of US aid. Relations with US are on hold and would proceed further if parliament allows. Pakistan has two written agreements regarding allied forces in Afghanistan, one is about NATO supply line and the other is about Ministry of Defence,” she added. Khar said that US would be responsible for potential defeat in Afghanistan and that Pakistan could not fight war on terror alone, adding, Pakistan would approach other countries to get the aid restored.
Foreign Minister Khar further said that Pakistan will fight the war on terrorism according to its own terms and conditions and not that of the US Congress. Khar said that she was confident because Pakistan did the internal re-evaluation that was needed. “[It] will not only strengthen the space within the country or give us ownership of our foreign policy… but it will also strengthen the partnership that we pursue with any other country.”
Former PML-N’s councilor shot dead in Balochistan
Former female councilor of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Fahmida Qadir Bhaksh, was shot dead by unidentified militants in the Sengani Sar area of Turbat District on December 17, reported Daily Times. According to Police, unidentified armed militants forcefully entered the house of Fahmida Bhaksh and opened fire on her, killing her on the spot.
ASI killed and three other injured in ambush in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
An assistant sub-inspector, Maraj Khan, was killed when unidentified assailants ambushed a Police mobile of the Rustam Police Station of the Charguli checkpost on Gujrat Road near the Kandarkas village in Mardan District on Dec 17, reports Daily Times. Soyurces said the Police mobile van was under routine petrol when unidentified assailants hidden in a sugarcane field opened fire. Driver Muhammad Hussain and constables Shahzeb and Asif were seriously injured in the attack.
Pakistan deadliest country for journalists in 2011
Pakistan remained the deadliest country for journalists for the second year in a row, while coverage of political unrest around the world was “unusually dangerous,” a New York press advocacy group The Committee to Protect Journalists said on December 20, reports Dawn. The Committee to Protect Journalists said in its year-end report that 43 journalists died around the world in 2011. Seven journalists were killed in Pakistan, where 29 journalists have been killed in the past five years.
16 people injured in a sectarian clash in Punjab
At least 16 Punjab University (PU) students were seriously injured in a sectarian clash between Islami Jama’at-e-Talaba (IJT) and Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) in Lahore District on December 22, reported Daily Times. The clash occurred over the organisation of a ceremony in connection with Imam Hussain (AS) Day at New Campus. ISO activists were preparing to organise an event to mark Imam Hussain (AS) Day with the permission of PU administration at lawns of Chemical Engineering Department when some activists of IJT attacked them with bamboo sticks and stones.
The trouble began when the IJT and ISO requested the PU administration to organise separate events on Imam Hussain (AS) Day. The administration allowed IJT to organise its event on condition that ISO could stage theirs as well. However on the night of December 21, IJT activists announced that their event would be held at the same time and place as the ISO’s. IJT activists also threatened to kill eight ISO activists to avenge an incident in 1994, which claimed the lives of four IJT activists, and asked them to refrain from organising their event.
No plan for ‘takeover’, says Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Kayani
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on December 23 brushed aside all the speculations of any military takeover, reported Daily Times. “The Pakistan Army has and will continue to support democratic process in the country,” General Kayani declared when he spoke to troops stationed in the forward posts in Mohmand and Kurram Agencies. General Kayani dispelled the speculations of any military takeover and said that these were misleading and being used as a bogey to divert the focus from the real issues. The army chief emphasised that the issues of National Security need to be considered on merit alone, saying that irrespective of all other considerations, there could be no compromise on the National Security.
US want closer political and military ties with Pakistan
The United States on Dec 24 said that it will continue to work with Pakistan towards improving bilateral relations, which saw significant challenges throughout the year, reports Daily Times. The State Department’s comments came amid strained relations between the sides following the November 26 NATO cross-border attacks on Mohmand Agency (FATA) check posts, which resulted in the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers. “We desire a closer, more productive relationship with Pakistan both militarily and as well as politically. And we’re constantly working to build that closer cooperation. As I said, we’ve been very forthright in acknowledging that this is a relationship that needs to work,” acting spokesman Mark Toner said. “We’ve been, I think, pretty candid in saying that there have been some significant obstacles throughout this year in the relationship,” Toner added. “But at each juncture, we’ve tried to address those challenges and we have recommitted ourselves to working with Pakistan. And we’re going to continue to do that because we believe we need to work with Pakistan,” Toner remarked.
REGIONAL
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Three militants arrested in Dhaka
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three suspected members of banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Dhaka city and neighbouring Dhamrai area on November 26, Daily Star reported. According to RAB officials, all three detainees, identified as Faruk Hossain alias Kosai Faruk, Abul Hossain and Mohammad Abdul Gaffar are accused in the August 17, 2005 serial bomb attacks across the country.
Two PBCP militants killed in Khulna and Pabna Districts
Two militants of Purbo Banglar Communist Party were murdered in Khulna and Pabna on December 13, reports Daily Star. In Khulna, Police recovered the body of PBCP-Janajudhha faction militant Niamul Islam (38) from near Camelia Kindergarten School at Matamdanga in Khulna city.
Meanwhile, the body of another PBCP militant, identified as Abdur Rahim was found in Balughata Beel (water body) area of Faridpur sub-district of Pabna District.
Explosives seized from Dhaka City and Kushtia District
Police on December 19, seized a huge quantity of explosives from several storehouses in Dhaka City’s Tantibazar and Shakharibazar areas and arrested three persons in this connection, reports Daily Star.
Arms and ammunition recovered in Joypurhat District
Police arrested three people, identified as Farid Hossain, Ibrahim Mollah and Rocky along with a revolver and six bullets at Ananda Super Market in Joypurhat District town on December 20, reports Daily Star.
Three bombs recovered in Jessore District
Police recovered three bombs from Benapole Primary School area in Jessore District early on December 21, reports Daily Star. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Officer in-Charge of Benapole Police Station, said acting on a tip-off, they raided the area and recovered the bombs.
Six bombs recovered in Gaibandha District
The Police recovered six locally made bombs in a garage and arrested three persons at Rajmoti Market in Gobindaganj municipal area in Gaibandha District on December 22, reports The Daily Star. The arrestees are identified as Towhidul Karim, Litu Sarker and Russel Mia. Towhidul worked as storekeeper, while Litu and Russel worked as computer operator for Sumon Traders, a local distributor of Unilever Bangladesh.
PBCP-J cadre arrested in Meherpur District and two assailants arrested in Faridpur
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on December 22, arrested Purbo Banglar Communist Party-Janajuddha faction cadre, identified as Jahangir Alam alias Liton, at Chhatian village in Gangi sub-district of Meherpur District, reports Daily Star. RAB also recovered a shutter gun and five bullets from his possession. Gangni Police said Liton is accused in two bomb blast and two extortion cases.
Separately, Detective Branch of Police on Dec 23 seized a foreign made 6mm pistol, two magazines and 13 bullets in New Market area of Faridpur District town. They also arrested two assailants Khokon Mia and Suroj Miah.
Five ICS cadres and one JeI party member arrested in Joypurhat District
Five cadres of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and a Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) party worker were arrested from Joypurhat District on Dec 23, on charge of preventing Police and doing vandalism on Joypurhat Government College campus in September, 2011, according to Daily Star.
PBCP-Red Flag cadre arrested in Pabna District
Police arrested a cadre of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party-Red Flag faction from Parshadanga village of Chatmohar sub-district of Pabna District on Dec 23, reports Daily Star. The arrestee has been identified as Mohammad Rubel Hossain.
India – Internal Dynamics
5000 detonators recovered in Jharkhand
A total of 5000 detonators were recovered and four persons were arrested in this connection from Jogia Pahari in Giridih District on November 28, reports The Times of India. Police suspect the four persons of supplying detonators to the Communist Party of India-Maoist.
Three fishermen stabbed by PFI in Kerala
The Times of India reports that three fishermen of Azhikkal harbor suffered stab injuries when they were attacked by cadres of Popular Front of India (PFI), an Islamic extremist outfit, and Campus Front, its student wing, on Dec 9. Police said the three were attacked by an 18-member gang of Campus Front and PFI cadres, led by one Suhaid and Shamseer. The day before, the local people had opposed the cadres of Campus Front when they came to paste poster on the walls of the government regional fisheries technical vocational higher secondary school in Azhikkal.
Maoists eyeing commercial hubs in Western India to spread Red terror
After facing some reverses in their strongholds, the Communist Party of India-Maoist has formed a ‘Golden Corridor Committee’ to build its base in hitherto untouched industrial areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra, stretching from Pune to Ahmedabad, including commercial hubs like Mumbai, Nashik, Surat and Vadodara, reports The Times of India. Besides, the Maoists have planned to expand their movement to Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara and Yavatmal Districts of Maharashtra in addition to their existing bases in Gadchiroli, Gondia and Chandrapur in the state. Maoists’ game-plan is to make foray into these unexplored areas was disclosed by the Union Home Ministry in response to a question in Parliament on December 13. The ministry informed the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) that Maharashtra alone had witnessed 221 deaths in Naxal incidents from 2008 till November, 2011. The State has reported more deaths this year as compared to 2010 when it had witnessed 45 killings in Naxal violence.
‘Naxals making bid to spread activities in Andhra Pradesh’, says report
A report on the law and order situation in the State that was tabled at the collectors’ conference on Dec 15 said the Communist Party of India-Maoist is making desperate attempts to regain a foothold in the State and is making inroads in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar and Adilabad Districts, reports The Times of India. All these Districts border the neighbouring states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
RAW gets authority to tap phones and track emails
The Indian Government has recently notified Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) as one of the eight agencies to intercept phone calls, e-mails and voice and data communication’s domestically, as reported by The Times of India on December 18. This move has been done to make RAW is at par with international spy agencies in terms of arming it with legal snooping powers. The other agencies in the list are Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Technical Research Organisation and State Police. This is the first time that R&AW has been authorized to tap phone calls and intercept electronic communications.
Four Police personnel injured in Meghalaya
The Telegraph reports that Suspected Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants opened fire at a Police truck and a Maruti Gypsy carrying firewood for the fifth Meghalaya Police battalion near Rongrengre Reserve Forest in East Garo Hills District on December 20, injuring four Police personnel.
New militant outfit formed in Assam
The Nagaland Post reports that a new outfit under the nomenclature ‘National Dimasa Protection Army’ (NDPA) has emerged in Dima Hasao District. ‘Publicity Secretary’ of the outfit Sumit Dimasa on December 20, said that Dimasas would not accept anything but an ‘autonomous state’ for the community. NDPA has declared that ‘armed struggle’ for achieving an autonomous state would continue until the goal was reached.
Cache of arms recovered
The Odisha Police recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from a forest in Koraput District on December 23, reports Zee News. According to reports, the Police recovered landmines, tiffin bombs, one tonne of gunpowder and approximately 50 litres of liquid explosives and forty walky-talkies belonging to the Communist Party of India-Maoist.
Maoists fire at Police Station in Maharashtra
The Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres opened fire on the Phulbodi Gatta Police Station in Dhanora tehsil in Gadchiroli District in the night of Dec 24, reports The Times of India. The Maoists also raised slogans against the Police and hailed their martyred leader Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji. Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, S Veeresh Prabhu said that the Security Forces could not spot any one who could be firing upon the post.
Cache of arms recovered and nine Maoists arrested in Chhattisgarh
In an ongoing anti-Naxalite [Left Wing Extremism (LWE)] operation, the Chhattisgarh Police attacked a Communist Party of India-Maoist camp in Dantewada District and busted an arms manufacturing unit on December 25, reports Daily Bhaskar. The Police also arrested nine top Maoists during the raid.
| Monthly Fatalities The following deaths, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism, occurred during the period Nov 25, 2011 to Dec 26, 2011: | ||||
| Civilians | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Assam | 11 | 02 | 03 | 16 |
| Manipur | 04 | 00 | 05 | 09 |
| Maharashtra | 02 | 00 | 02 | 04 |
| Meghalaya | 02 | 00 | 02 | 04 |
| Left-wing | 06 | 02 | 09 | 17 |
| Total | 25 | 04 | 21 | 50 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Bomb detonated at Bank Employee’s House in Bardiya District
An unidentified group detonated a socket bomb at the house of Chabbilal Pathak, a bank employee, of Khairi in Gulariya Municipality-4 on November 27, reports inseconline.org. Meanwhile, claiming himself as the Bardiya in-charge of the Free Terai Madhesh Mukti Tiger, Ranbir Singh owned up the explosion. Talking to media persons, he said that the explosion was a warning as Pathak had gone against the party by not supporting the group.
Time Bomb goes off in Rautahat District
A time bomb went off at the District Development Committee (DDC) in Rautahat on December 9, reports inseconline.org. The bomb, planted at the second floor of the DDC office, had exploded. No one was injured in the blast though it damaged window glasses of the training hall. Rautahat in-charge of Jantantrik Terai Madheshi Mukti Morcha (JTMMM), Abhay Singh, owned up planting the bomb.
SJ MM central member arrested in Udaypur District
Bed Man Tamang, central member of Samyukta Jatiya Mukti Morcha (SJMM), was arrested from Gaighat bazaar in Udaypur District on December 14, reports inseconline.org. Police said Tamang admitted his involvement in various bomb blasts that took place in the district in the last two years. Tamang also admitted that he collected NPR 7,000 each from secretaries of 21 VDCs in the District, Police added. Meanwhile, one Bishwo Kranti, claiming to be the spokesperson of SJMM, urged an immediate release of Tamang stating that SJMM is in the process of talks with the Government and he is also a member of the talks team.
Disqualified PLA combatants announce nationwide protest programmes
The disqualified combatants of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist on December 18 announced nationwide protest programmes putting forth four-point demands including the cancellation of their disqualified recognition, reports Nepal News. Organising a press conference in Kathmandu Central Struggle Committee of the Disqualified People’s Liberation Army (PLA) combatants announced that they will take out protest rally in Dhangadi on December 23, Nepalgunj on 25, Itahari on 27 and Hetauda on 28. They also plan to enforce bandh (general strike) in all the development regions on different dates to be followed by Nepal bandh on January 4. The then United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) had disqualified 4,008 combatants, including 2,973 minors during the verification.
Jantantrik Tarai Mukti Party abducts farmer in Mahottari District
Cadres of Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Party (JTMP) abducted a farmer, identified as Ramnandan Yadab (35), of Balawa Village Development Committee-6 (VDC-6) in Mahottari District on December 18, reports inseconline.org.
Parties agree to incorporate ‘Armed Struggle’ phrase in preamble of new constitution
The Unified communist Party of Nepal-Maoist bid to incorporate “People’s War” phrase into the preamble of new constitution that is being drafted has failed as political parties instead agreed to replace it with “Armed Struggle” phrase, reports Nepal News. A meeting of the Dispute Resolution Sub Committee formed to settle contentious issues seen in constitution drafting and peace process on December 20 ended the disagreement among the parties over the issue of whether to incorporate “People’s War” or “Armed Struggle” into the preamble.
Meanwhile, a Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Singha Durbar this evening ordered NA to start the process to recruit 3000 personnel from the Janjati, Dalit and Madheshi communities after passing the policy paper for the new recruitment to turn Nepal Army (NA) “inclusive”.
Opposition parties slam Government decision to recruit Madheshis in Nepal Army
The opposition parties- Nepali Congress (NC) and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) – have taken strong exception to the Government decision to establish a separate battalion of the Nepal Army (NA) by recruiting Madheshi youths to ensure inclusiveness in the Army, reports Nepal News. Talking to the Nepal News on December 21, NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC said that this decision would harm the reputation and the professionalism of the NA. Meanwhile, ex Lt General Kul Bahadur Khadka said the Government decision goes against the NA’s principle.
Separately, In a fresh drive of property seizures, Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist cadres close to the hard-line faction led by party Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya captured two houses and around 22 hectares of land in Kapilvastu District on December 19, reports Kantipuronline.
Bomb defused in Jhapa District
A bomb disposal team of the Nepal Army (NA) defused a socket bomb found at Mukti chowk of Birtamod in Jhapa District on December 22, reports Kantipuronline. According to the Area Police Office, Birtamod, the team from Charali barracks defused the bomb planted nearby the Sayapatri Lodge. No one has so far taken responsibility of planting the bomb, Police said.
New recruitment in NA will be done on competition, says Defence Ministry
The Defence Ministry clarified that the new recruitment in the Nepal Army (NA) will be done on competition, denying that there will be “group entry” of Madheshis, reports Nepal News. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, who also oversees the Defence Ministry, unveiled the policy paper on making the NA inclusive. He said that 2000 youths from different communities in Madhesh will be recruited in the NA through reservation out of total 3000 posts to be filled.
Meanwhile, the Government is all set to withdraw over a dozen cases involving more than 130 individuals accused of being part of serious crimes including murder, arson and robbery, reports Kantipuronline. The withdrawal process initiated in line with the four-point deal signed between the ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist and the United Democratic Madheshi Front (UDMF) could come into effect at an “appropriate time”, a highly-placed Government source said. Most of the accused are close to the ruling political parties, but some are also close to the main opposition Nepali Congress and the Chure Bhawar Party.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Clash in the Anuradhapura Prison in Sri Lanka over LTTE inmates trying to celebrate Heroes Day
A clash took place in the premises of the Anuradhapura Prison following an attempt by several incarcerated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam suspects to celebrate the Maveerar Day (Heroes Day) inside the prison on November 27, Colombo Page reported. Prison sources have been quoted as saying that about 65 inmates had tried to celebrate the Heroes Day that coincides with the birth anniversary of the slain LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.According to reports the inmates had attempted to hold a ceremony in the prison compound and several Sinhalese had then protested to the actions of the former LTTE suspects.
Government to release all detained ex-LTTE cadres by mid-2012
Authorities expect to release all remaining former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam by the middle of 2012 following the completion of their training program, according to Colombo Page. The last remaining group of 700 former LTTE cadres will be released by mid-2012 after providing them the mandatory 12 months training, Secretary for the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, A. Dissanayaka said on December 9. The official made this claim following the visit of 104 former LTTE female cadres to the Sri Lankan Parliament on December 9 before being reintegrated into society after their one year rehabilitation program. The rehabilitated female combatants visited the parliament during the committee stage debate of the Ministry of Prison and rehabilitation. They were the members of the last group of around 700 remaining ex terrorists. During and immediately after the final phase of the war 11,700 LTTE cadres have surrendered to the Government Security Forces. Sri Lanka has allocated LKR 750 million for the rehabilitation process for 2011. The Government says it has spent LKR 2.5 billion on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009.
Country does not need an international Policeman to solve its internal matters, asserts External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris
External Affairs Minister G L Peiris on December 14 stated in Parliament that Sri Lanka does not need an international Policeman to solve its internal matters, reports Daily News. He also stated that Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation and can solve its internal issues on its own. The Minister opposing the suggestion by Tamil National Alliance (TNA), to have an international mechanism to probe human rights issues, said Sri Lanka will not allow such external interventions, adds Colombo Page.
Security Forces had not deliberately targeted civilians in the NFZs, concludes LLRC
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), while admitting that there were civilian casualties due to crossfire, has concluded that Sri Lankan Security Forces had not deliberately targeted civilians in the ‘No-Fire Zones (NFZs)’ established by the Government, reports Colombo Page. “On consideration of all facts and circumstances before it, the Commission concludes that the Security Forces had not deliberately targeted the civilians in the NFZs, although civilian casualties had in fact occurred in the cause of crossfire,” the report said. The Commission concluded that several causes contributed to the civilian deaths during the last phase of the war that ended in May 2009.
The report pointed out that political leaders and civil society of both Sinhala and Tamil communities must fully acknowledge the tragedy and repent for reconciliation. The Commission blamed the southern political leaders of the two main political parties saying that if they acted in the national interest and forged a consensus between them to offer an acceptable solution to the Tamil people the tragedy could have been averted.
LLRC report is true mirror of humanitarian operation, says Minister G L Peiris
External Affairs Minister G L Peiris stated in Parliament on December 19 that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report is prepared with transparency whereas the Darusman Report is not, according to Daily News. He also stated that the Darusman Report had many flaws but the LLRC report has been prepared with responsibility. The External Affairs Minister also said that there were factual discrepancies of the incidents that took place during the last phase of the humanitarian operation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the Darusman Report and the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.
The minister said that the LLRC report is transparent and the way that data was gathered had been outlined properly. However, the Darusman Report fails in mentioning the way it procured data for that report. This absence of methodology of gathering data alone makes it an irresponsible report. The LLRC report is impartial and acceptable to all those who need to know what really happened. Though the Darusman Report says it obtained data from people, it fails to mention who these people are, Peiris said. The evidence mentioned in the Darusman Report is not credible and authoritative when compared to the LLRC report. The LLRC report reveals so much facts that we must take into account. The LLRC report highlights the way the LTTE had fixed their artillery in areas inhabited by civilians. This made it very difficult for the advancing troops to separate them from the people. Apart from that the terrorists used people as a human shield by parking their vehicles in areas close to hospitals. They were not following any laws or principles but our troops were adhering to the laws of the country and international norms of engagement throughout their mission.
TNA’s negative mindset tramelling discussions, says President Mahinda Rajapakse
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been requested to name their nominees for the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), which will be entrusted with formulating a solution to the grievances of communities, reports Daily News. However, the TNA has so far not obliged. “They are proving to be as difficult as the LTTE in talks, adopting the same negative tactics,” President Rajapakse said on December 20. He further said that the Government has no problems with the TNA, but the TNA had a mindset problem. “They yet have a war mentality, this is getting in the way when talking to the Government. They must get out of this, which is entirely shaped by the past” he added. The President went on to say that the TNA is getting instructions from abroad and this was a considerable obstacle when it came to conducting fruitful negotiations with the Government. He also noted that an outstanding demand of the TNA for Police Powers to the North and East is not a practicable proposition. The President also noted that the government has recruited Tamil speaking citizens to the police. Interviews are presently being conducted to recruit another batch of Tamil citizens to the police service, Colombo Page adds.
Army camps to stay, stresses President Mahinda Rajapakse
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the Army camps set up at District level are of national importance, and these camps which have been established with the intention of promoting national security will not be removed, reports Daily News. He noted that this was a policy maintained by every Government after achieving independence. He also asserted that those Army camps set up for the national security would not be removed.
INTERNATIONAL
Iran threatens to hit Turkey
Iran will target NATO’s missile defense installations in Turkey if the US or Israel attacks the Islamic Republic, a senior commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard said Saturday, Nov 26. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guards’ aerospace division, said the warning is part of a new defense strategy to counter what he described as an increase in threats from the U.S. and Israel. Tensions have been rising between Iran and the West since the release of a report earlier this month by the International Atomic Energy Agency that said for the first time that Tehran was suspected of conducting secret experiments whose sole purpose was the development of nuclear arms. “Should we be threatened, we will target NATO’s missile defense shield in Turkey and then hit the next targets,” the semiofficial Mehr news agency quoted Hajizadeh as saying. Tehran says NATO’s early warning radar station in Turkey is meant to protect Israel against Iranian missile attacks if a war breaks out with the Jewish state. Ankara agreed to host the radar in September as part of NATO’s missile defense system aimed at countering ballistic missile threats from neighboring Iran.
Troop pullout US Iraq to embark on new phase of ties
US Vice President Joe Biden said on Nov 30 that his country and Iraq are embarking on a new phase of relations as the U.S. troops’ complete withdrawal is underway. “Our troops are leaving Iraq, and we are starting a new path together, a new phase of this relationship between two sovereign nations,” Biden said at a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki before the two leaders hold a meeting in Baghdad Green Zone.”This (new relationship) is marking a new beginning that will not only benefit the United States of America and Iraq. I believe it will benefit the region and will benefit the world,” Biden said. “We will continue to discuss with your government over the substance of our security arrangements, training, intelligence and counter-terrorism,” Biden said.
7 die in Kazakhstan clashes
Five suspected militants and two security officers were killed in a shootout near Kazakhstan’s commercial capital Almaty, prosecutors said on Dec 8, in the latest of a series of attacks in the oil-producing Central Asian state. The five gunmen barricaded themselves in a house in the village of Boraldai outside Almaty late on Saturday after fatally wounding two security officers, prosecutors said. “After they refused to surrender voluntarily and put up staunch armed resistance, the five members of the terrorist group, including their leader, were destroyed,” the prosecutor-general’s office said in a statement. A string of blasts and shootouts have fractured Kazakhstan’s image of stability this year. The long-peaceful, mainly Muslim nation had not until this year seen the outbursts of militancy seen in other parts of the vast region north of Afghanistan. In the latest case, prosecutors did not say if the militants belonged to any wider extremist network. Law-enforcement bodies could not be immediately reached for further details.—Reuters
Iran arrests CIA spy
Iranian authorities said on Saturday, Dec 17 they had arrested an Iranian caught spying for the United States, the Islamic Republic’s latest claim of success in a spying war with Washington. State TV quoted the Intelligence Ministry as saying the arrested person had received training at U.S. bases in neighboring Afghanistan and Iraq and was meant to feed false information to Iranian intelligence. “This CIA agent of Iranian nationality began his mission after receiving training in weapons use,” the ministry said in a statement quoted on television. But he was identified by Iranian intelligence agents and his espionage missions were revealed.” He was supposed to launch his mission from Bagram base in Afghanistan, the intelligence ministry report said, but Iranian intelligence agents helped him enter Iran and later arrested him. Current and former U.S. officials told Reuters in November that Iran had succeeded in uncovering the identities of several CIA informants.
Iran said in May it had arrested 30 people on suspicion of spying for the United States and last Tuesday 15 people were indicted for spying for Washington and Israel. Spying in Iran can be punishable by death. On December 4, Iran announced it had downed a U.S. spy plane in the eastern part of the country, near Afghanistan. It has since shown the plane on television and said it is close to cracking its technological secrets.
Top al Qaeda leaders moving from Pakistan to North Africa, says The Guardian
British officials believed that senior leaders of al Qaeda in Pakistan had been killed in an intense campaign of drone strikes and others are moving to North Africa, Dawn quoting The Guardian reported on December 26. According to a report published in The Guardian, the officials are confident that a “last push” in 2012 is likely to destroy the group’s remaining senior leadership in the country. The report claimed that the militants are now moving to North Africa, including Libya, to open new fronts, raising fears that the region could become a new battle field.
Iran rejects Gulf interference charge
Iran on Thursday, Dec 22 rejected Gulf Arab leaders’ accusation of interference in their affairs, accusing them of parroting “baseless” US charges against Iran while ignoring US “espionage” against Iran. “In this statement, some fabricated and undocumented claims made by American officials have been pointed to,” the state television website quoted foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying, in reference to US charges of an assassination plot against the Saudi ambassador in Washington. “However, it was expected that the US espionage activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran be condemned,” Mehmanparast said.
Earlier this month, Tehran displayed a CIA reconnaissance drone it said it had shot down in Iranian airspace. It later paraded an American-Iranian, it named as Amir Mirzai Hekmati and said was sent to Iran to infiltrate the intelligence ministry.In a closing statement after its annual summit in Riyadh, the Gulf Cooperation Council called on Iran to “stop interfering in the internal affairs” of its six member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Mehmanparast said that Iran “emphasizes good neighborly relations, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations”.
| Current Threat Levels : | ||
| City/Region | Threat Level | |
| Islamabad | Level 2 | ** |
| Karachi | Level 2 | ** |
| Lahore | Level 2 | ** |
| Punjab | Level 2 | ** |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Level 3 | *** |
| Peshawar | Level 2 | ** |
| Quetta | Level 2 | ** |
| Upper Balochistan | Level 3 | *** |
| Lower Balochistan | Level 2 | ** |
| Upper/ Rural Singh | Level 2 | ** |
| Gilgit and Northern Areas | Level 3 | *** |
| Tribal Areas, Close to Afghan Border | Level 3 | *** |
| Index to Threat Level Perceptions | |
| Threat Level 1 Indicates there is no threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required | * |
| Threat Level 2 Indicates there is no specific threat to foreigners; however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised if traveling. | ** |
| Threat Level 3 Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Level dictates that foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation. | *** |
| Threat Level 4 Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law & order leading to anarchy. All foreigners advised to remain indoors and confined to their own city. Families and staff not required to be evacuated retaining only a skeleton staff. | **** |
| Threat Level 5 Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion /occupation by enemy. | ***** |
