Bomb Attacks
Four security personnel were killed and two others injured in a landmine explosion in Surali area, some10 kilometers from Sui town of Dera Bugti District, on Janaury1, reports Daily Times. According to sources, a paramilitary troop vehicle was on routine patrol in Sui, when it hit a landmine planted by unidentified militants, killing four personnel on the spot while injuring two others.
Three persons including two Levies personnel were killed and eight civilians were injured when a powerful car bomb exploded in Landi Kotal Bazaar of Khyber Agency on January 3, reports Dawn. Officials said that explosives fitted in a car were detonated with a remote controlled device when a number of Levies and Khasadar personnel and civilians were present in Bacha Khan Chowk at around mid-day. The killed were identified as Gulzar and Roza Khan, both Levies personnel, and Mohammad Ikram a cloth merchant. Local militant outfit Abdullah Azzam Brigade claimed responsibility for the blast and said that their target was the Khasadar and Levies personnel posted at the square. The group threatened to carry out more attacks against Security Forces.
Two persons were killed and 19 others got injuries when a bomb planted in a motorbike at Azam Tower on Arbab Road in Peshawar went off on January 3, reports Daily Times. Police said that the blast took place in the basement of Azam Tower where two Internet cafés were located.
A powerful bomb planted in a pick-up van exploded at a petrol station in Jamrud bazaar in Khyber Agency, killing 35 persons, four of them Khasadar personnel, and injuring 78 others on January 10, reports Dawn. The bomb was triggered by remote control. Senior Administration Official Shakeel Khan Umarzai, put the death toll at 35 and the number of injured at 69 while 11 of them were in critical condition. Officials said the pick-up was removed by the Khasadar personnel from near a vegetable market and parked at the fuel station, adjacent to a taxi stand. About an hour later, the pick-up exploded. The blast destroyed several kiosks, six vehicles and the filling station. Khyber Agency Administrator Mutahir Zeb said it appeared that Zakhakhel tribe which had formed a lashkar (militia) against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants in the area was the target. The incident could be a reaction to a military operation under way in Khyber Agency, particularly in Bara, added Mutahir Zeb. However, a TTP ‘spokesman’ who identified himself as Mohammad told by phone from an unspecified location that his organisation had not carried out the attack.
Ambush
At least 14 of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, including two junior commissioned officers, were killed in an ambush in the Wakai area near Nawano check post in Turbat city of Turbat District on January 11, reports Daily Times. Sources in Balochistan Levies said that a group of armed militants attacked two vehicles in the mountainous area firing rockets at the vehicles. Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Target Killings
Two persons were killed and another sustained injuries in an incident of firing in Bakra Mandi area of Eastern Bypass in Quetta on December 26, reported Daily Times. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Jan Marri and Hamza Marri.
Two persons were killed in separate acts of sectarian killing and violence in different areas of Karachi on December 27, reported Daily Times. A man, identified as Nayyar Abbas, belonging to the Shia sect was shot dead near Sajjadia Imambargah in Orangi Town within the limits of Mominabad Police Station. Abbas was a scout leader of North Nazimabad’s Hussaini Sajjadia Imambargah and used to live in Kausar Niazi Colony, North Nazimabad. Separately, a Pesh Imam (present prayer leader) of Lal Masjid, Gulbahar, and caretaker of the seminary, identified as Maulana Abdus Samad Soomro, was shot dead in an act of target killing within the remit of Gulbahar Police Station. He was associated with Tehreek Ghalba-e-Islam and Ittehad Bain-ul Muslimeen.
A Shia leader of the Pasban-e-Jaffaria, Askari Raza, was killed and his companion, Ali Mehdi, was injured in an assault on Rashid Minhas Road within the limits of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Police Station in Karachi on December 31, reported Daily Times. Two armed assailants were also wounded after the Shia leader’s companions opened fire on them in retaliation.
Sindh University Director of Student Affairs Professor Bashir Ahmed Chanur was killed in an armed attack by unidentified assailants in the varsity’s premises in Jamshoro District on January 2, reported Daily Times. One of the assailants got injured when a security guard retaliated by firing. However, they managed to escape. Sindh University has been witnessing a wave of protests by groups of students affiliated with different political parties, after the university rusticated 19 students and banned four ex-students from entering the university premises, blaming them for causing law and order situation.
Separately, unidentified armed militants shot dead a local leader of Awami National Party (ANP), identified as Furqan Shaha, in Hasrat Mohani Colony in Karachi, triggering indiscriminate fire that left five people injured. There were some unconfirmed reports that the ANP leader was killed over extortion dispute but Station House Officer (SHO) Abdul Moid termed the incident as an act of target killing.
A local Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader and former Nazim (secretary) Haji Mohammad Azeem Khan was killed and his driver was seriously injured when unidentified assailants attacked his pickup near Naverkhel on Begukhel road in Lakki Marwat District on January 2, reports Dawn. Haji Azeem was going to his village Begukhel along with driver Ikramullah and a guard.
One Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI), Ghulam Raza Bangash, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Nawan Killi area of Quetta on January 5, reported Dawn. It is believed to be a sectarian attack.
In a separate incident, one unidentified security personnel was killed and two others injured in an accidental landmine explosion in Maro area of Dera Bugti District. According to sources, security personnel were clearing land mines from the area, when one of the men stepped on a landmine, adds Daily Times.
A former activist of Sunni Tehreek (ST), identified ad Abdul Aziz alias Bhayya was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in an incident target killing at Tonga Stand Street, Jutt Lines in Karachi on January 8, reported Daily Times. Investigation Officer Sub Inspector (SI) Asif said that the victim quit ST one year ago and was working as a painter.
Former Chairman of the Punjab Bar Council’s Executive Committee, Advocate Chaudhry Nasrullah Warraich, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Lahore District on January 9, reports Daily Times. Police said some unidentified militants visited Nasrullah Warraich’s house, and enquired about his son Mansoor. Nasrullah responded, and as he turned back, the accused opened fire and fled.
A worker of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, identified as Ahmed was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in an act of target killing while two others, Nadir Bharam and Imran sustained injuries in the same incident at Cantt Bazaar within Shah Faisal Colony in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, on January 10, reports Daily Times. Tension prevailed in Shah Faisal Colony over the incident. Nadir Bharam was also an active member of MQM.
Two bullet-riddled bodies were found in Yak Mach and Shakar Aab areas of Chagai District on January 13, reports Daily Times. “The victims had bullet wounds in the head,” an official said, adding that the identities of deceased are still not known. Separately, unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at the residence of a Government employee, identified as Saleem Khokar, in Killi Ibraimzai area on Brewery Road in Quetta. The grenade exploded inside the residence, damaging the door and window of the house. However, Khokhar and his family remained unhurt in the attack.
Militant Arrests
Taxila Police on December 31 arrested two alleged militants, identified as Amjad Hussain and Tanvir Ahmad, and recovered heavy cache of arms from their possession in Rawalpindi, reported Dawn. According to Police sources, a Police party intercepted a car and during the search recovered heavy cache of arms and ammunition, including three repeater guns, five pistols, 44-bore gun and 2,500 bullets.
Miscellaneous
A member of Tank peace committee, Nizamuddin, was killed and two of his associates received injuries when unidentified assailants opened fire on them in Wazirabad area of Tank District on December 27, reports Dawn. So far seven key members of the peace committee, including its head Shahabuddin Khan, had been killed. The committee was formed in 2009 before the launch of Operation ‘Rah-e-Nijat’ on the directives of the Government to curb the growing activities of militants in the region. In 2011 it was disbanded after complaints from local people.
Separately, Siraj Khan, assistant director of the Intelligence Bureau, by killed by unidentified gunmen as he was returning home after Isha (night) prayers on the Dora Road under Yakatoot Police Station in Peshawar.
Further, the Additional Station House Officer (SHO) of Badbher Police Station, Sub-Inspector Mursaleen Khan, was shot dead as he patrolled Musazai area on the outskirts of Peshawar. A Police official said Sub-Inspector Mursaleen Khan and other personnel were fired at when they signaled two men riding a motorcycle to stop at around 11am.
A pro-Government tribal elder of Mamond tribe and senior leader of peace committee, Malik Fazal Wahid escaped unhurt when a remote-controlled bomb exploded near his car in the Damadola area of Bajaur Agency on December 27, reports Dawn. According to an eyewitness, Malik Fazal Wahid was going in a car from his hometown Damadola to Khar, the agency headquarters. Mr. Fazal had recently formed a lashkar (tribal militia) against militants in the area. Mr. Fazal’s elder brother Malik Hamid Khan was killed in 2009 in an attack by militants.
Unidentified assailants shot dead a tribal elder of Orakzai Agency in Bosti Banda area of Kohat District on December 29, reports Dawn. Police said that the assailants, who are on motorcycle, managed to escape after killing the tribal elder, however, they left behind their motorcycle, bearing registration number RLA-4672.
Fifteen militants were killed and five hideouts were destroyed when fighter jets bombed militant hideouts in Torsmat, Jabba Kellay, Akhunkot and Sama Bazaar in Upper tehsil (revenue unit) of Orakzai Agency on January 1, reports Daily Times. The dead included five terrorists of ‘Commander’ Ziaur Rehman group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
At least 12 militants were killed and three hostages were rescued from their custody after an encounter with Security Forces in the Alamgir Killay of the Karmina area in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency on Jan 1, reports Dawn. Khasadar Force sources said that a Frontier Corps (FC) soldier was also killed and another injured during the encounter. According to official sources, TTP Tariq Afridi group ‘commander’ Qari Kamran was among the dead. Security sources said that Kamran was involved in various attacks on SFs and installations in Nowshera, Risalpur and Shabqadar. SFs took into custody three women and five children from a house where militants had taken refuge and freed three people held by them.
At least 20 militants were killed in two separate operations by the Army on January 1-2 in Upper tehsil (revenue unit) of Orakzai Agency, reports Daily Times. Earlier, 12 militants were killed and nine others got injured when jet fighters pounded their hideouts in Bilras, Bar Mella and Toor Semath area of Mamozai tehsil on December 31, reports Dawn. Sources said that hideouts were destroyed. Separately, three militants and a volunteer of Qaumi Lashkar (community militia) were killed during a clash in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency on January 2, reports Daily Times.
Five Tehreek-e-Taliban militants were killed and 13 others arrested in a clash with the Frontier Corps (FC) troops in Murgha Kibzai area of Zhob District on January 4, reported Daily Times. A FC spokesman said Security Forces (SF) received information about the presence of TTP militants in Murgha Kebzai area and dispatched troops there. He added that when they reached the area, militants opened fire from a compound, injuring two FC personnel. Troops then returned fire and killed five militants. Later, during a search operation, they recovered a rocket launcher and several machine guns.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants on January 5 killed 15 Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency to avenge, in the words of a TTP spokesman, the death of one of their ‘commanders’ in another tribal area at the hands of Security Forces (SFs), reports Dawn. The bullet-ridden bodies thrown on a hill in Mir Ali sub-district were spotted by tribesmen in the morning. According to an unnamed security official, “We had been trying to get them freed and we maintained contacts with their captors. Until last night the indications were positive. God knows what happened afterwards.” TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told local media the killings were in retaliation for the death of Qari Kamran, an important ‘commander’ of TTP, who was killed along with 12 others on January 1 by SFs at Alamgir Killay in the Kermina area near Landikotal in Khyber Agency. “This is revenge for the killing of our comrades in Khyber by Pakistani forces. We will soon take revenge for other operations too,” Ehsan added. The 15 personnel guarding the boundary between the FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been taken hostage on December 23, 2011 in a pre-dawn attack by TTP militants on their post in Mullazai area of Tank District (KP).
At least six militants were killed and 12 injured on January 6 after Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) and its rival Zakhakhel tribal force exchanged gunfire to gain control of a key base in Bazaar Zakhakhel area of Landikotal in Khyber Agency, reported Dawn. The injured included six fighters of the militant outfit and six Zakhakhel force volunteers.
A Police Sub-Inspector (SI), identified as Zarnosh Khan, and Bawar Khan, the father of a militant ‘commander’ Tariq were killed when law-enforcement personnel raiding a house in Jungary village of Dubai Adda area in Mardan District came under attack of the hiding militants on January 6, reports Dawn. A search operation was being carried out on information about the presence of Tariq and other militants. According to official sources, four suspected militants, including two brothers of Tariq were arrested. They were identified as Abid, Nadeem, Sardar Hussain and Javed.
At least seven Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) militants and three Security Force (SF) personnel were killed in an attack on a checkpost in Sarbanda, a suburb of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the late night of January 12, reports Dawn.
PAKISTAN
Al Qaeda warns of revenge attacks for the killing of its leaders in Pakistan
Al Qaeda on December 26 warned America, Pakistan and Afghanistan of attacks to avenge killing of its influential leader Tehsin bin Ali Abdul Aziz and his two aides in a drone strike in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on August 1, reports Dawn. A three-page pamphlet in Arabic with Urdu translation on a separate page, issued by Abdul Aalaam Maatafi Haleema (Abu Baseer Al-Tartusi), Amir of Al-Harkatah Alamia Kurdistan Iraq, said the attacks would be carried out in the three countries as they were allies. The pamphlet said Al-Harkatah Alamia Kurdistan Iraq was a sister organisation of al Qaeda. It said that Tehsin, along with two associates Hussain Iraqi and Taliban leader Sahib Noor Ahmedzai Wazir, had been killed in the US drone attack.
Terror bid foiled in Punjab
Wah Cantonment Police foiled a terrorism bid by arresting a militant, identified as Naseem Shah, with two hand grenades in Islamabad on December 27, reported Dawn. Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Raja Taifoor Akhter said acting on a tip-off, a Police party intercepted a van and during search, recovered two grenades from him.
Separately, four Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants, including the leader and senior activist Doctor Arshad, were arrested in Chakwal District in connection with November 12, 2011 killing of four security personnel and a civilian at Pir Chambal in Jhelum District. His three accomplices, Mazhar Hussain, Iqbal Ahmed and Wasif Mehmood were also arrested. However, Express Tribune reported that the four LeJ militants arrested were detained in one of the Agencies of Waziristan.
High-profile Police surgeon killed in Quetta
A Police surgeon, Doctor Baqar Shah, was shot dead by two unidentified armed militants while returning home from the Bolan Medical College Teaching Hospital on Sabzal Road in Quetta on December 29, reported Daily Times. Baqar Shah was the witness of the May 17, 2011 Kharotabad incident where five Chechens and Russians were killed by the Police and Frontier Corps. According to initial reports, he received five bullets, all in his head and chest, making the incident instantly fatal.
Earlier, a group of armed men tried to abduct him from a roadside, which he resisted. He identified them as Policemen and he used to deal with them on and off while handling medico-legal cases. Senator Haji Lashkari Raisani said “He was receiving threats after compiling post mortem reports.”
President Barack Obama signs law to freeze USD 700 million aid for Pakistan
President Barack Obama on December 31 signed a wide-ranging defence bill into law, which freezes some USD 700 million in assistance until Pakistan comes up with a strategy to deal with improvised explosive devices, reports Daily Times. The president gave approval to the bill despite having “serious reservations” about provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation and prosecution of suspected terrorists.
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on January 1 said that the future relationship between Pakistan and the US should be based on mutual respect and the country’s interests should be kept supreme. Addressing a public meeting in Mardan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fazl said Pakistan was a sovereign country and its relationship with the international community should be based on trust and equality.
Two suicide bombers killed in Punjab
Two alleged suicide bombers blew themselves up near Gorali locality of Gujrat town in Gujrat District of Punjab on January 3, reports Daily Times. According to Police, two alleged suicide bombers, identified as Ramzan Ali and Muhabbat Khan of Bhimber in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), wearing suicide jackets were heading towards their target on a motorcycle when they heard the sound of siren of the Rescue 1122 ambulance. Thinking that police were chasing them, they blew themselves up near Gorali.
Violence down in Pakistan in 2011, says PIPS annual report
The Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) annual report 2011 released on January 4 shows the decrease in violence in 2011, reports Daily Times. Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), a think tank monitoring security situation of the country, suggested “crucial steps” should be taken to root out militancy and terrorism despite reduction in violence in 2011. “Although conflict-related violence decreased in Pakistan in 2011, the complex security landscape in the country made it one of the most volatile states in the region and necessitated effective measures to curb militancy and terrorism,” PIPS said in a press release.
The report noted that the trend of an overall decrease in the number of violent incidents and casualties in Pakistan that was witnessed in 2010 continued in 2011. The report attributed a fall in conflict-related casualties largely to military operations in the Tribal Areas and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and to fewer suicide bombings and drone strikes in the country in 2011.
According to the report, a total of 2,985 violent incidents—including terrorist attacks, security forces operations, ethno-political violence, inter-tribal clashes, drone attacks, and cross-border attacks—were reported in Pakistan in 2011. This is compared to 3,393 incidents in 2010 and 3,816 in 2009, a decrease of 12 percent and 22 percent, respectively. Casualties in violent incidents also went down, from 10,003 fatalities in 2010 to 7,107 in 2011, a decrease of 29 percent. The number of people injured in these attacks declined from 10,283 in 2010 to 6,736 in 2011, representing a 34 percent decrease.
REGIONAL
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
PBCP ‘regional leader’ arrested in Pabna District
The Police on December 27 arrested a ‘regional leader’ of the outlawed Purbo Banglar Communist Party identified as Kamal Hossain (28), in Sadar sub-district of Pabna District and recovered a two barrel gun and four bullets from his possession, reports Daily Star.
Separately, the Police recovered six bombs from Ahammadpur Uttarpara village in Sujanagar sub-district in same District.
Three AL men injured in bomb blasts in Kushtia District
Three leaders and activists of Awami League (AL) and one of its associate bodies were injured in bomb blasts triggered by suspected militants in Mirpur sub-district in Kushtia District, on December 28, reports The Daily Star. The injured are identified as Kamrul Arefin, joint convenor of AL Mirpur sub-district unit and also the chairman of Sadarpur Union Parishad, Taimur Islam, an AL activist, and Masud Hossain, an activist of Jubo League local unit. Captain Abul Kalam Azad, commander of Kushtia Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), said three bombs exploded simultaneously at around 10:30 pm near Amla High School ground where a programme in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the country’s independence was going on. The three AL men were standing over there and received injuries, he added.
Meanwhile, the Police recovered seven bombs from Kharki area in Jessore District on December 29. Acting on a tip-off, the Police raided the area where a gang of militants was holding a “secret” meeting.
Four bombs recovered in Jessore District
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel recovered four bombs from Balunda village under Benapole Police Station in Jessore District on December 30, reports The Daily Star. Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB-6 raided the village at around 4:00pm and recovered the bombs on a field in an abandoned condition.
Arms and ammunition recovered from Natore District
Members of Rapid Action Battalion-5 (RAB-5) recovered a revolver, one pistol and eight bullets from Rajshahi-bound Titumir Express train at Natore (Natore District) Railway Station on December 1, reports Daily Star.
‘Operational Commander’ of Gonomukti Fauj killed in Kushtia District
The ‘operational commander’ of Gonomukti Fauj, identified as Motaled Hossain (45), was killed during a gunfight between cohorts and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Mokhlurchar area of Kushtia District on January 5, reports Daily Star. He was accused in a number of cases, including five for murder. RAB recovered five light guns, a pistol, a revolver, 12 bullets, two hand bombs and two swords from the spot.
Two JMB militants arrested in Rajshahi District
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel on January 8 arrested a son of detained Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) chief Maulana Saidur Rahman, identified as Abu Talha Mohammad Fahim alias Bashar and one of his accomplices, Mohammad Abdul Alim from Achintola Bahrampur village in Rajshahi District, reports Daily Star.
Abu Talha Mohammad Fahim is the finance wing chief and also a Majlish-e-Sura (council) member of the JMB, and his accomplice is an Ehsar (first organizational tier consisting of activists) member of the outfit, According to RAB officials, Bashar is a fugitive accused in an explosives case with Dhaka’s Sabujbagh Police Station in 2009 while Alim is a fugitive convict in another explosives case with Manikganj Police in 2005.
JMB militant and close aide of Bangla Bhai arrested in Dhaka City
A close aide of executed Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh leader Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai was arrested at Uttara area of Dhaka City on January 9, reports Daily Star. He has been identified as Emadadul Haque Uzzal. Police also seized from his possessions several publications of the banned organisation and some books giving instructions on how to make bomb and operate firearms like AK-47. Nisarul Arif, Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Division stated that, “The theme of many of the publications is motivating people to wage jihad and form suicide squads”.
Further, it has been reported that leaders and activists of banned JMB are trying to reorganise giving priority to collecting funds from their well wishers and building communication with grassroots activists. Quoting detained Abu Talha Mohammad Fahim alias Bashar, a son of detained JMB chief Saidur Rahman, officials of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said the reorganisation attempt was taken at the directives of JMB acting ‘chief’ Sohel Mahfuz who is reportedly in hiding.
India – Internal Dynamics
Maoists kill Postmaster in Jharkhand
Suspected Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres killed a postmaster in Giridih District on December 26, reports IBN Live. Two-motorcycle borne gunmen fired three shots at Lal Bihari Yadav, the post master of Boria Dak Ghar, at Deori killing him on the spot, the Police said.
Meanwhile, the Maoists pasted posters warning villagers to abide by their (Maoist’s) law in Ramgarh District, reports IBNS. According to the villagers, a group of Maoists entered the village and pasted posters on houses and buildings.
Top militant arrested in Nagaland
The Telegraph reports that Security Forces (SFs) on December 25 arrested a ‘camp commander’ of the National Democratic front of Bodoland training camp at Taka in Myanmar, identified as Basnil Basumatary, from Jail Colony in Mon town. He had come to Mon town only recently to escort a group of newly recruited NDFB cadres to Myanmar.
Woman injured as hand grenade hurled at Health Minister’s residence in Manipur
Some unidentified persons attacked the residence of Health Minister Langpok-lakpam Jayanta located at Pishumthong in Imphal West District by hurling a hand grenade which exploded near the gate on January 1, reports The Sangai Express. The attack was carried by two bikers at around 6.20 pm local time. The shrapnels of the bomb injured one Memcha Devi from Pishumthong. It also damaged two vehicles which were parked near gate.
Nagas on threshold of achieving goal, says NSCN-IM chief Isak Chisi Swu
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah chairman Isak Chisi Swu on December 31 said that the outfit had reached the “threshold” of achieving its goal and Nagas should prepare to enter a “new Nagalim” in the New Year, reports The Indian Express. “We have now reached the threshold of achieving our goal. My fellow Nagas, it is the duty of every individual to participate in the struggle to bring our aspiration to fruition,” Swu said.
Three Maoists killed in an encounter in Bihar
The Hindu repoprts that three top Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres were killed and another got injured in an encounter with Special Task Force (STF) personnel assisted by Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) near Matiyaon village under Chutia Police Station in Rohtas District on January 2. The Police brought the bodies to the District headquarters in Sasaram. The slain Maoists were identified as ‘area commander’ Kashi Kaul (28) of Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Guddu Singh alias Prasadji (30) of Chandauli District in UP and Santosh Yadav (28) of Garhwa District in Jharkhand, adds The Telegraph. The injured Maoist, identified as Sushil Choudhury, a resident of Madhukutia village under the Nauhatta Police Station area in Rohtas District, was arrested during the encounter. Police recovered one SLR, one looted Police rifle, one automatic semi-rifle, one 315 bore rifle, one walkie-talkie, several detonators and live cartridges from the encounter site.
Babbar Khalsa International plotting revival and big strike, says Delhi Police
The arrest of two operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) on December 22 has confirmed what Delhi Police have been suspecting for a while now that the Punjab-based terror outfit is on the lookout for a major strike to announce its revival, reports Economic Times. “Delhi Police arrested two Babbar Khalsa operatives who were planning to assassinate some political and religious leaders. We are investigating to confirm how many people are working with the group,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ashok Chand said. The Police claimed that these operatives were planning strikes in Delhi and Punjab by reviving the BKI modules. Chand said: “After the end of militancy in Punjab, the remaining BKI operatives went underground. But with the recovery of the RDX from Ambala [Haryana] and the arrest of these two operatives it is clear that the BKI is trying to revive itself.”
Sarabpreet and Jaswinder Singh, in their early 30s, were arrested in a joint operation by Delhi Police’s Special Cell and Crime Branch on December 22. While one was arrested in Delhi, the second was arrested from Ropar District in Punjab.
Maoists behead ‘police informer’ in Jharkhand
Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres beheaded one youth, identified as Sukhram Munda, at Gamaria Raja Bazaar under Adki Police Station limits in Khunti District on January 3 after branding him as a ‘Police informer’, reports Hindustan Times. “The headless body was recovered near a river bridge at Gamaria Raja Bazaar and the victim’s head was found after a search of the area during the day,” Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) AK Sinha said. A leaflet left by the Maoists read that similar would be the fate of Police “informers”, SDPO Sinha said.
Karnataka CM bemoans lack of coordination in tackling Maoist menace
IBN Live reports that speaking at the Karnataka State Senior Police Officers’ Annual Meeting held at the Police chief’s office on January 9, Karnataka Chief Minister, D.V Sadanand Gowda observed that there was no co-ordination between the Anti-Maoist Force and the local Police, reports The New Indian Express. “If they work together, better results can be expected. We have plans to depute young and energetic staff to the ANF,” he added. Home Minister, R. Ashok said that the Maoist activities in the State were curbed and there was information that supari (contract) killers from Tamil Nadu were operating with the CPI-Maoist.
Alert sounded in Sonepur Railway Division in Bihar following Maoists threats
An alert has been sounded in Sonepur Railway Division of East Central Railway (ECR) in the wake of intelligence reports on January 13, that the Communist Party of India-Maoist might target railway stations on Republic Day, reports Hindustan Times. According to intelligence inputs received by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Samastipur, Maoists might target railway stations on Republic Day, particularly Karpoorigram railway station under Sonepur division in Samastipur District. The RPF had received threats from ‘sub-zonal commander’ Kamleshwari Thakur alias Ranjit, ‘area commander’ Rakesh alias Bihari and Women squad ‘commander’ Shila, the sources said.
| Monthly Fatalities The following deaths, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism, occurred during the period May 26 to June 25, 2012: | ||||
| Civilians | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Assam | 11 | 03 | 07 | 21 |
| Manipur | 02 | 00 | 02 | 04 |
| Maharashtra | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
| Meghalaya | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| Left-wing | 09 | 03 | 11 | 23 |
| Total | 24 | 06 | 23 | 53 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
PAC summons AISC secretariat over “misuse”
of fund released for Maoist combatants
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the parliament on December 29 summoned secretariat of the Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) to clarify about the fund released by the Government for the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist combatants who were not found in the cantonments during the regrouping process, reports Nepal News. The PAC meeting held in the day asked AISC to furnish clarification about the amount released for 2,4,49 combatants who were found to have left the cantonments. The PAC called AISC secretariat to appear in its meeting on January 8 with the details about the combatants and the money released for them.
Meanwhile, the disqualified PLA combatants of the UCPN-M enforced far-western region bandh (shut down strike) putting forward several demands, reports Kantipuronline. The Maoist ex-fighters have been agitating from the past couples of weeks expressing dissatisfaction that the State has kept them out from the cantonments labelling ‘disqualified’ in an indecent and discriminatory manner.
Voluntary retiremen of combatants to start within a week
The Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) has decided to start voluntary retirement and rehabilitation of the former People’s Liberation Army (PLA) combatants within a week, reports Nepal News. A meeting of the AISC held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister took the decision to this effect. The voluntary retirement and rehabilitation of combatants, who had chosen these options during the regrouping process, will conclude in 12 days, AISC member Ram Saran Mahat said. The combatants opting for voluntary retirement will receive cash according to their ranks while the Peace and Reconstruction Ministry will make arrangements for those choosing rehabilitation. Only six combatants are going for rehabilitation package.
Top political leaders fail to make headway on forms of governance
The meeting between the top brass leaders of the major political parties was put off for second time on January 2 after the leaders failed make headway on the forms of governance, reports Kantipuronline. The meeting held at the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction dwelt on the report prepared by a taskforce, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal informed after the meeting. He, however, added that the meeting would continue on January 3 as well.
Nepal Army defuses explosives in Banke District
Kantipuronline reports that Nepal Army’s (NA) bomb disposal team defused three explosives placed by an extremist group at Rajha Chowk along the Nepalgunj-Kohalpur road on January 6 (today). The flag placed adjacent to the bomb suggests it to be the handiwork of Terai Janatantrik Madhesh Mukti Morcha (TJMMM) and a leaflet with its ‘commander’ Bharat Singh’s signature has been recovered from the area.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Navy unearths large stock of weapons
A large stock of weapons, explosives and other war like equipments buried by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam while they were fleeing after their defeat in 2009, was unearthed by Naval troops in Narantanai West in Kayts on January 1, reports Daily News. The troops attached to the Northern Naval Command, following information, made the recoveries, Navy spokesman ‘Commander’ Kosala Warnakulasooriya said on January 3. The recoveries included one 60mm mortar launcher, one 60mm mortar cleaning rod with brush, five T56 weapons, four T81 weapons, 484 ammunitions of 7.6254mm, 769 ammunitions of 7.6239mm, 12 ammunition boxes of 7.6239mm, six T81 magazines, 30 T51 magazines and two communication sets.
Government raises concern over issue of stamps by French mail service depicting LTTE
Minister of External Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris on January 3 called in the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Christine Robichon, to express Sri Lanka’s concern over the issue of four stamps by the French mail service La Poste depicting images of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, according to Colombo Page. Professor Peiris pointed out that when Governments, especially in the West allow the pro-LTTE groups to operate in such a manner, the Sri Lankan public will question those countries’ bona-fides and the Sri Lankan Government has to consider the public opinion since the pro-LTTE groups overseas are still seeking to achieve their objectives through different means.
Meanwhile, the French Ambassador confirmed the publication of 360 stamps by La Poste. However, after the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed La Poste that LTTE is a terrorist group banned by the EU in 2006, the mail service has assured that no such stamps will be printed further.
Daily News adds that Peiris urged the French Government to ensure that publications like the four stamps issued by La Poste of France, depicting images related to the LTTE, including its insignia, should not happen and their publication be cancelled.
Government ready to discuss Police and land powers with TNA
Loosening its stance against granting police and land powers to the provinces according to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the Government said on January 3 that it is ready to consider its scope provided the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) put forward its proposals at the talks with the Government, according to Colombo Page. The Government spokesman, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, “As a Government we are concerned about giving Police and Land powers to provinces. However, we are ready to consider giving those powers within certain scope if such a proposal is made by the TNA to the Government. For that the TNA should remain at talks with the Government.” Minister Rambukwella told the Government Media Unit.
Former LTTE cadres could join Police
The Sri Lanka Police Department will create opportunities for former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam cadres who are well educated to join the Police, Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon said, according to Sunday Observer. He said if the former LTTE cadres were willing to join the Police after fulfilling the requirements, the Department would recruit them. “They need to have the required educational qualifications and pass the physical fitness tests”, he said. The Police Chief said that the ex-LTTE cadres who wish to join the Police need to have clearance from the rehabilitation authorities about their conduct to consider their eligibility to recruit them to the police. The Government conducted rehabilitation programs for over 11,500 ex-LTTE cadres who surrendered to the Security Forces at the end of the war.
Government to beef up security to prevent revival of LTTE in the country
Sri Lanka plans to strengthen security in the country to prevent any resurrection of the vanquished Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on January 10, according to Colombo Page. Denying accusations, leveled against the Government by some groups that the country is being militarized, Rajapaksa said the Security Forces are being strengthened in order to establish lasting peace and harmony in the country.
He observed that the LTTE, although defeated in the country, is still active overseas and groups sympathetic to the LTTE cause are attempting to revitalize their movement at international level. While assuring that the Government Security Forces are capable of bringing down terrorist elements within the country, said the Government will strengthen the intelligence unit to the fullest. He pointed out that pro-LTTE organizations have enormous amounts of funds at their disposal and these funds are now being used to destabilize the country. He noted that the Government has fully strengthened the democratic rule in the country now and it is planning measures to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to resolve the national issues.
INTERNATIONAL
25 dead in Nigeria Church explosion
An explosion ripped through a Catholic church during Christmas Mass near Nigeria’s capital Sunday, Dec 25 killing at least 25 people, officials said. A second explosion later went off near another church in the restive city of Jos, raising fears that a radical Muslim sect was to blame. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts, but the explosions come amid a wave of attacks in Nigeria by Boko Haram, which has been blamed for at least 465 killings this year alone. Last year a series of Christmas Eve bombings in Jos that were claimed by the militants left at least 32 dead and 74 wounded. The first explosion on Sunday struck St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, a town in Niger state close to the capital, Abuja, authorities said. Rescue workers recovered at least 25 bodies from the church and officials continued to tally those wounded in various hospitals, said Slaku Luguard, a coordinator with Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency.
Pope decries glitter, commercialisation
Pope Benedict ushered in Christmas for the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics urging humanity to see through the superficial glitter and commercialism of the season and rediscover the real significance of the humble birth of Jesus. The 84-year-old pope, celebrating the seventh Christmas season of his pontificate, also urged that those marking the holiday in poverty, suffering or far from home not be forgotten.
During the solemn service in Christendom’s largest church as choirs sang, cantors chanted and organ music filled the centuries-old basilica.Benedict, the Pope wearing resplendent gold and white vestments, urged his listeners to find peace in the symbol of the powerless Christ child in a world continually threatened by violence. “Today Christmas has become a commercial celebration, whose bright lights hide the mystery of God’s humility, which in turn calls us to humility and simplicity,” he said in his homily to about 10,000 people in the basilica and millions more watching on television throughout the world.” Let us ask the Lord to help us see through the superficial glitter of this season, and to discover behind it the child in the stable in Bethlehem, so as to find true joy and true light.—Reuters
Libyan mily to enroll rebels
Libya will include thousands of former rebels who helped topple Muammar Gaddafi in its armed forces from January, the defense minister said on December 26, testing the government’s ability to get rebel leaders to cede command of their fighters. Although rebels met a deadline imposed by the National Transitional Council (NTC) to withdraw this week from the capital Tripoli, militias led by rival commanders still guard key installations and checkpoints across the city.
The lack of a fully functioning army and police force, has given militias free rein to fight turf wars after the uprising that ended Gaddafi’s 42-year dictatorship in August. “The program aims at including the revolutionaries in many fields including defense,” Osama al-Juwali, interim defense minister told a news conference also attended by interim interior minister Fawzi Abd al-All. Juwali said that part of the plan was to train the rebels to take up high-ranking positions in the military.He said it would take a month to register and allocate them to the military, police and other civilian posts, and months before they were trained to guard borders and installations, including oilfields and refineries, now held by rival militias. “Everyone is allowed to join the special forces, the navy and others,” he said.
Covert war
Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said the Islamic Republic is highly capable of employing aerial drones to counter any potential US-led covert war against the country. Iran has great capabilities in all fields of national defense, including the use of intelligence drones as well as the decoding of such aircraft and countering electronic and covert warfare, Vahidi said on Dec 26. He added that the Islamic Republic will develop and maintain its accomplishments which have been achieved during “the most difficult circumstances and under full, comprehensive sanctions.” The minister noted that Iranian scientists would persistently follow the path of Iran’s progress and reach even more scientific and technical milestones. He also slammed the UN silence on the violation of Iran’s airspace by an American spy drone, recently brought down by Iranian air defense forces. The United States blatantly breached all international regulations and violated the rights of Iran and Afghanistan, Vahidi said, adding that, however, the issue faced the silence of international bodies, particularly the United Nations. On December 4, the Iranian military’s electronic warfare unit downed a US RQ-170 Sentinel stealth reconnaissance aircraft inside Iran with minimal damage. The aircraft, designed and developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, had crossed into Iran’s airspace over the border with neighboring Afghanistan. Vahidi questioned the performance of the UN which issued a resolution to condemn a US-fabricated assassination plot attributed to Tehran but has kept silent on the blatant violation of Iran’s airspace as well as the violation of the national sovereignty of Iran and Afghanistan. On October 11, the US Justice Department accused Iran of plotting to assassinate Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Washington, Adel al-Jubeir, with help from a man suspected of being a member of a Mexican drug cartel. Tehran has categorically denied the allegations and stressed that the media hype fabricated by Washington is an attempt to deflect attention from the anti-corruption and anti-corporatism protests currently rocking the United States.—AP
Mubarak trial politically motivated: Lawyers
The murder trial in Egypt of ousted leader Hosni Mubarak is politically charged but legally weak, lawyers say, predicting a verdict before the anniversary of the uprising that overthrew him in order to placate the public. The historic trial could see the fallen dictator, his former interior minister Habib al-Adly and six security chiefs sent to the gallows if convicted of complicity in the deaths of peaceful protesters during the uprising launched on January 25.The political significance of the trial is clear, as Mubarak is the first Arab dictator toppled by the Arab Spring revolts to appear in court.
But the strength of the case against him leaves much to be desired, lawyers say. Lawyers also voiced concern that the military, criticized for its handling of the transition, has used the trial to show it is responsive to popular will, rather than to serve justice. “There is little evidence, legally speaking, incriminating Mubarak,” said Gamal Eid, a lawyer representing those who died during the revolt.”The prosecutor’s arguments sounded more like a political speech than a legal case,” he told AFP.
“Even the prosecution admits the case is weak,” he said, after prosecutors accused the interior ministry and intelligence services of hampering the case by refusing to cooperate.On Thursday, prosecutors delivered an emotional appeal to the court to sentence Mubarak to hang as they wrapped up their closing arguments.”Calling for the death penalty does not mean a death sentence,” said Eid, who explained that by simply asking for the death penalty prosecutors could placate protesters calling for a mass rally on January 25.Following tense months marked by deadly clashes between protesters and the army, the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is eager to show that it is fulfilling its promise of bringing those accused of abuse to justice.But despite the weak evidence against Mubarak, an acquittal would likely inflame public opinion.
“In the current circumstances, the authorities want to calm the general mood.—AP
| 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. | ***** |
| Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion/occupation by enemy. | |
