Terrorist Activities in Pakistan
Suicide Bombings
Four persons, including a Sub-Inspector (SI), were killed while 13 others were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a sectarian attack outside an Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) in Gracy Line area near airport in Rawalpindi District on December 17, reported The News.
At least five soldiers were killed and 34 others, including 28 soldiers and six Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, were wounded when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a military checkpoint in Mir Ali tehsil (revenue unit) of Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on December 18, reported Dawn. A senior security official said that “a truck laden with explosives was rammed into the checkpoint when security officials were offering evening prayers”.
Ansar-ul-Mujahideen, a little-known militant group linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban faction claimed the responsibility for the attack. Abu Baseer, the ‘spokesman’ for the group, said they carried out the attack as an act of revenge for the killing of former TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud. “We will continue such attacks in future as drones continue to kill our people,” he said.
Bomb/IED Blasts
Police on November 28 foiled a major terrorism bid after it recovered and defused two bombs that weighed 18 kilogrammes each in Sarband area of Peshawar, reports Daily Times. Police said that if the bombs had exploded they would have resulted in a massive loss of life and property. A heavy contingent of Police cordoned off the area and, after the recovery of bombs, launched a search operation.
At least three people, including a private guard, were injured in firing and hand grenade attack by unidentified militants on the building of Express Media Group located near Qayyumabad flyover in Korangi Town in Karachi on December 2, reported Dawn. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nasir Aftab said, “Offices of the local Express newspaper and television channel were apparently the target of the cracker attack, which wounded at least three people.” According to details, around eight to ten armed militants tried to enter the building, located near Qayyumabad Flyover. Upon resistance from the private guards, they opened fire and hurled two hand grenades before fleeing away from the site. The grenade explosions partially damaged nearby parked vehicles also.
Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC) official was killed and another sustained injuries in a landmine explosion in Lehri area of Sibi District on December 2, reports Dawn. The spokesman for FC Balochistan Khan Wasey said that the forces were conducting a search operation to arrest the militants who had attacked a FC check post in Lehri tehsil (revenue unit) of Sibi when they hit a landmine. Militants on motorcycles opened fire at FC check post in the same area in the morning. However, there were no casualties. Later, the FC launched a search operation after the attack. The militants sped away on their motorcycles and the FC personnel became victim of landmine explosion.
Four Frontier Corps officials, identified as Rafiq, Zabitullah, Rasool Khan and Javaid, were injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by unidentified militants along a roadside in Malik Shagha exploded in Ghundai area of Jamrud tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on Dec 3.
A motorcycle bomb exploded on December 5 near a Police check post in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District, killing one civilian and wounding 20 others. Shahid Saleem, a Police official in Chaman said the apparent target of the bombing was the Police check post but Policemen there were unhurt. Another blast took place with a gap of 90 minutes that injured DSP Chaman Gul Mohammed Awan, SHO Saleem Shahid and two constables. A third bomb was defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS). No group claimed responsibility for the attack
At least four soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle in Spinwam village of North Waziristan Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on December 12, reported Dawn. Ansar-ul-Mujahideen, a little known militant group linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack. “It is in retaliation to the drone strike in Hangu,” said Abu Baseer, the ‘spokesman’ of the outfit, threatening more attacks.
A Frontier Corps (FC) convoy was attacked with remote-controlled bomb near Bibi Nani area along Quetta-Sibi section of National Highway on December 13, reported The News. However, no casualties were reported. The FC cordoned off the area and recovered 25 kilogram of bomb and defused it.
Four officials of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) were killed on December 16 in a remote-controlled blast near a BDS vehicle in Badhabar area of Peshawar, reports Daily Times. A Badhabar Police Station official said the BDS officials were on their way to defuse a bomb when the bomb exploded.
A woman, identified Nasreen (45), was killed and her daughter-in-law, Azra, was injured when a low-intensity explosion took place near Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) on Khalid Bin Waleed Road in Ferozabad area of Jamshed Town in Karachi on December 18, reported Daily Times.
Drone Attacks
A United States (US) drone fired two missiles in Miranshah area of North Waziristan Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on November 28, targeting a residential compound, reports The News, quoting sources. The attack comes amid protest against the US drone attacks by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ruling alliance led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The protesters have blocked NATO supplies from and to Afghanistan and accused US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director and its Station Chief in Islamabad of murdering people in drone attacks.
Meanwhile, Army Sector Commander North Brigadier Haider while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate a month-long cleaning drive in Khar town of Bajaur Agency on November 28 said that peace had been restored and writ of the government established in the whole area after the successful operation by Security Forces against militants in Bajaur Agency, reports Daily Times. He appreciated the tribesmen and personnel of Bajaur levies forces for their outstanding efforts in restoration of peace in the Agency.
It was later learnt that at least three suspected militants were reported killed and several others injured by the drone attack.
At least six suspected militants were killed in a drone strike in Mach Magai area of Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) on December 14, reports Daily Times.
Targeted Killings
Unidentified militants shot dead four Policemen and injured three others, where they were on mobile duty in Latifabad area Hyderabad District on November 26, reported Dawn. The Police mobile was ambushed outside a hotel in unit-8 Latifabad by armed assailants. The assailants fired on three Policemen, who were sitting in the mobile. Their fourth colleague had gone to a nearby cabin to get cigarettes. “He was targeted at the cabin by one of the assailants, who were three in total,” said a witness. Another eyewitness account said there were six assailants riding two motorbikes and not three. The deceased Policemen are police constables. Two injured Policemen are from Sakhi Pir Police Station.
Separately, two Policemen of Sakhi Pir Police Station were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them near a bakery in Liaquat Colony of Hyderabad District on November 26, reported Dawn. “All possible links are being examined,” said SSP Bahadur.
In another incident, a private company security guard, Syed Akhtar Zaidi was shot dead outside a beauty parlour in Latifabad area of Hyderabad District on November 26, reports Dawn. Police officials doubt that he was targeted by the same people who killed the four policemen. “They perhaps mistook him as a Policeman as he was wearing a dark blue colour uniform of the company,” said a Police official.
Unidentified armed militants on November 26 opened fire at a local bus and shot dead two persons sitting inside the bus, identified as Lakhmir and Abdul Hadi, on Sariab Road near Gahi Khan Chowk in Quetta on November 26, reported The News.
A cadre of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jama’at (ASWJ), identified as Muhammad Shabbir was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town in Karachi on November 28, reports The News.
Separately, a goods transporter, identified as Raza Muhammad (28), was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Avenue Road near Ghani Chowrangi area in SITE Town on November 28, reported The News.
In another incident, a man, identified as Rafiq (39), was shot dead near Masoom Shah Colony in Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town on November 28, reports The News.
In a separate incident, one Tariq Siddiqui (40), was shot dead near the Board of Secondary Education Karachi office in North Nazimabad Town on November 28, reported The News.
In addition, the headless body of a retired sailor of Pakistan Navy, identified as Saleem alias Fauji was found from a house in Buffer Zone locality of North Nazimabad Town on November 28, reported The News. Of late he had been posing as a spiritual figure in the area, Taimuria Police said. Police suspected that unidentified militants had barged into his house at night, severed his head and took it away with them.
Two students of the University of Karachi, identified as Shadab Hussain and Hamza Naushad (27), were shot dead near Maskan Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh on November 29, reported The News. Hussain, a Shia, was a resident of Ancholi, and was studying mass communication while Naushad, a Sunni, was enrolled in the economics department. “We are probing the possibility of the dual murder being sectarian in nature,” the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East Pir Muhammad Shah said. Hussain was the grandson of the pesh imam of the Khair-ul-Amal Imambargah (Shia place of congregation), Ghulam Ali Waziri. The other victim, however, was Sunni. “Therefore, we are investigating other angles too.”
The Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and the Shia Ulema Council condemned the murder of the two students and demanded that the authorities should arrest the killers immediately. “We want the authorities concerned to take concrete steps for bringing the killing of Shia community members to an end, said the spokesperson for the Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen.”
One Policeman was killed in one incident of violence in Karachi on November 30, reports Daily Times. Police said head constable, Mohammad Shah, was shot dead in Safoora Goth.
Two brothers belonging to the Shia community, identified as Mudabar Raza and Haider Raza were shot dead in a sectarian attack on the New M.A Jinnah Road in Jamshed Town of Karachi on December 1, reported The News. Haider worked for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the brothers were also sympathisers of a political party.
Separately, a Police constable, identified as Tasawwur, was shot dead and another constable, identified as Qurban Ali, was injured in a drive-by shooting in Khamisa Goth in New Karachi Town on December 1, reports The News. Both of them were stationed at Hyderi Police Station and were deployed for intelligence on criminals operating out of the New Karachi Industrial Area.
In another incident, an unidentified man was shot dead in Gul Mohammed Lane of Lyari Town on December 1, reported The News.
Elsewhere, another unidentified man was shot dead in Gulistan Colony of Lyari Town on December 1, reports The News.
In addition, an unidentified dead body was found in a gunny bag in Mauripur area of Keamari Town on December 1, reported The News. Docks Police said that the victim had been kidnapped, tortured and killed.
Two persons, including a cadre of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jama’at (ASWJ) identified as Mufti Ahmed and Dr. Usman, were shot dead when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a clinic in Federal B Area of Gulberg Town in Karachi on December 3, reported The News. ASWJ spokesman said that Mufti was their activist. The Police said that the accused targeted Mufti Ahmed however doctor was also killed in the firing.
Separately, a worker of a political party, identified as Muhammad Amir (40), was killed in Khuramabad area of Landhi Town on December 2, reported The News.
In another incident, a worker of Awami National Party (ANP), identified as Din Muhammad Wazir, was killed and three others were injured in Janjal Goth near Super Highway in Gadap Town on December 2, reports The News.
At least 11 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh on December 3 reports Daily Times. Four suspected cadres of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan were killed and another was injured by unidentified assailants near Sarina Shopping Centre within the precincts of Shahrah-e-Noor jahan Police Station.
At least five alleged Lyari gangsters, identified as Noor Mohammad Baloch, Khalid Baloch and Wajid Baloch, associated with Uzair Baloch group, and Saddam and Mushtaq Baloch, associated with Baba Ladla group, were killed during two encounters with law enforcers in Rangi Wara, Singu Lane and Ali Hotel areas of Lyari Town in Karachi on December 4, reported Daily Times.
Separately, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militant, identified as Fazl-ur-Rehman, was shot dead while his two companions managed to escape during an encounter with the Police near Musharraf Mor in Mauripur area of Keamari Town on December 4, reported Daily Times. Two Policemen, Ejaz and Aqeel were injured, and one Kalashnikov, two pistols were also recovered from Rehman’s possession.
At least five militants and a Security Force (SF) were killed in an armed clash during a search operation launched for the recovery of 13 kidnapped employees of Uch Power Plant in Pat Feeder area of Naseerabad District on December 5, reported Dawn. One SF was injured in the clash.
A Police informer, identified as Abdul Rasool (40), was shot dead in Ahsanabad within the remits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gadap Town of Karachi on December 5, reports Daily Times. According to Police, Baksh, accompanied three Policemen to a drug den, where culprits opened fire. Following the incident, extra contingent of Police conducted a raid and recovered a pistol, 500 bullets of Kalashnikov, and one and a half kilogrammes heroin, said DSP Sohrab Goth Khalid Khan.
In another incident, a man, identified as Abdul Rehman (25), was shot dead and another wounded near mini bus stop within the jurisdiction of Manghopir Police Station, reports Daily Times.
Separately, an unidentified man was shot dead near Kanzul Imaan Masjid within the precincts of Jamshed Quarter Police Station in Jamshed Town on December 5, reported Daily Times.
Elsewhere, two unidentified torture marked dead bodies were found near Niazi Chowk within the remits of Kalri Police Station in Lyari Town on December 5, reports Daily Times. As per details, the victims were kidnapped, tortured them and then shot dead before being dumped.
In addition, another dead body of a man was found from the bushes of Supper Highway within the vicinity of Gadap City Police Station on December 5, reported Daily Times. According to initial medical examination, the body seems to be four to five days old.
At least three Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jama’at (ASWJ) cadres, identified as two brothers Talib Ahmed and Kashif Ahmed, and third identified as Shahid, were killed and one injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at an eatery near Maskan Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh on December 6. ASWJ claimed that all three killed were its workers and supporters, reports The News.
Separately, a worker of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), identified as Aslam Ansari, was shot dead in an alleged target killing near his residence in Landhi Town on December 6, reports Daily Times. The initial investigation also suggested that he was a former cadre of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) and later joined MQM.
The provincial head of Ahl-e-Sunnat-Wal-Jama’at (ASWJ), identified as Maulana Shamsur Rehman Muawiya, was shot dead in an incident of target killing on Ravi Road in Lahore District on December 6. The ASWJ leader had been returning home after leading Friday prayers at the Muhammadi Mosque. “As he [Muawiya] reached the Ring Road interchange, the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at his Toyota Corolla,” said his brother.
Separately, a dead body of an eight-year-old boy abducted four days ago was found lying in a sugarcane field in Bahawalpur District on December 7. The victim had been kidnapped on December 2, 2013 on his way from school. The Police said the boy’s father, Ghulam Soomro, who worked in Saudi Arabia, had returned home on the night of December 5, 2013 after being informed about the kidnapping. Soomro said his family had received a call from an unidentified man who had demanded that he be given PKR 5 million as ransom. Later on December 6 they were informed that the boy’s body had been recovered from a field. He said the kidnappers had burnt the body and it was in a bad condition. He said the autopsy report revealed that the boy had been strangled to death. The kidnappers had then poured acid on the face for it to be difficult to identify the boy. They said the family had recognized the boy from his school uniform.
A Shia man, identified as Syed Iftikhar Abbas Rizvi (42), was shot dead near Babulilm Imambargah in Five Star Chowrangi within the remits of Hyderi Police Station in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi on December 8, reported Daily Times.
Separately, an activist of the Awami National Party (ANP), identified as Haji Ali Irshad Khan (45), was shot dead in Orangi Town on December 8, reports The News.
In another incident, a man of the Kutchi Rabita Committee (KRC), identified as Zubair Kutchhi (32), was sitting outside his residence near Jhatpat Market in Lyari Town on December 8, reported The News.
Elsewhere, two dead bodies, one identified as that of Ashfaq Ahmed (35) and another unidentified, were found from separate areas of Gulistan Colony and Rangi Wara, within the precincts of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town on December 8, reports Daily Times. According to Station House Officer (SHO) Sajjad Mangi, both the victims were associated with gangster Baba Ladla.
At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi on December 9, reports Daily Times. Three persons among a child were killed and three others were injured in a firing incident at the Jahanabad area of Pak Colony. Police officials said members of a gangster Ghaffar Zikri gang, in collaboration with members of the Baba Ladla gang arrived at the Jahanabad area of Pak Colony – the area under dominance of the outlawed Peoples Aman Committee chief Uzair Jan Baloch, and escaped after throwing cracker and resorted to indiscriminate firing in the area. It was an attempt to recapture the area according to the Police. “They (gangsters) first shouted slogans against Uzair Baloch and in favour of Pappu and Zikri, and later hurled a cracker and resorted to indiscriminate firing,” confirmed Station House Officer (SHO) Bilal Raza.
An Ahl-e-Sunnat-Wal Jama’at (ASWJ) prayer leader of the Shah Faisal Masjid, identified as Qari Mohammad Usman (40), was shot dead near Disco Bakery in Gulshan-e-Iqbal within the precincts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Police Station in Gulshan Town in Karachi on December 11, reported Daily Times. Police said that the incident seemed to be a part of ongoing sectarian killings however, further investigation was underway. ASWJ claimed the affiliation of the victim with their organisation.
Separately, a man, identified as Zeeshan Ali (28), was shot dead in Data Nagar within the vicinity of Orangi Town Police Station in Orangi Town on December 11, reports Daily Times.
In another incident, an unidentified dead body of a young man was found from Lyari Post Office within the jurisdiction of Kalakot Police Station in Lyari Town on December 11, reported Daily Times. Police said the victim was kidnapped and later his body was thrown after brutal torture.
A Rangers official, identified as Punnu Khan, was killed and five others wounded in a bomb blast in Timber Market of Landhi Town in Karachi on December 12, reported Daily Times.
Separately, a Crime Investigation Department (CID) man, identified as Iqbal alias Bala (35), was killed while he was on his way near Qalandari Chowk, within the jurisdiction of Pirabad Police Station in Orangi Town on December 12, reports Daily Times.
In another incident, another man, identified as Amir (26), was also shot dead within the limits of Iqbal Market Police Station in Orangi Town on December 12, reported Daily Times.
Elsewhere, an unidentified bullet-riddled dead body of a man was found from Rangiwara area within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town on December 12, reports Daily Times. According to the initial investigations, the victim had been kidnapped before being killed.
A Shia leader associated with Tehreek Nifaz-e-Fiqa-e-Jafria (TNFJ) Nasir Abbas was shot dead near FC College in Lahore on December 15, reports Daily Times. He was the Vice President of Tahafuz-e-Azadari Council Punjab Chapter.
A Muttahida Qaumi Movement activist, identified as Mohammad Junaid (35), was killed on Chakiwara Road, near Mohammadi Hotel in Lyari Town of Karachi on December 16, reports The News.
Separately, a former MQM activist, identified as Azmatullah Niazi (32), was shot dead in the Musafirkhana area of Eidgah in Lyari Town on December 16, reported The News.
Elsewhere, an unidentified man was found dead in Hashmi Mohallah area of Iqbal Market in Orangi Town on December 16, reports The News.
Another unidentified dead body of man was found at Afghan Basti in Gadap Town on December 16, reported The News.
In another incident, a girl, identified as Humaira (3), was injured in an explosion in Mohammadi Colony, within the precincts of Docks Police Station in Liaquatabad Town on December 16, reports Daily Times. Police said that the assailants aimed to target a godown of a fishery trader over unpaid extortion money however, the grenade hit an empty house, causing injury to the girl.
Miscellaneous
At least three security officials were killed and two injured in a terrorist attack on a security check post in Mohmand Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on November 30, reports Daily Times. According to sources, unidentified armed attackers opened fire on the check post in Baizai area of Mohmand Agency near Afghan border. The attackers might have come from other side of the border, sources said.
Unidentified people opened fire on a polio vaccination team in Peshawar city, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on November 30, killing a Policeman and injuring another, reports Daily Times. Police officials said the attack took place in Bahadur Kallay area of Peshawar. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has repeatedly targeted health workers who are vaccinating against polio, accusing them of being spies.
Police rescued two abductees, identified as Ishaq and Anees, and arrested two abductors along with a huge cache of arms during a raid in Tari Banda area of Hangu District on December 1, reports Daily Times. They were abducted from Karak District some 40 days ago.
Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid said on December 1 that the protest against NATO supplies by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its allies will create problems for Pakistan on international level, reports The Express Tribune. “It is everyone’s right to protest, but blocking the supply line through street power would earn a bad name for the nation,” Rashid said. Lashing out at Imran Khan and his party, the Federal Minister said if protests against Nato supplies was a good move, why the PTI Government and leadership in KP did not participate in the protest. He said protests on the roads would turn the workers of PTI towards violence.
Intelligence authorities arrested a “most wanted” terrorist, identified as Abbas Afridi, during a raid at Jinnah Terminal on December 2, reported The News. According to sources, the intelligence authorities arrested Afridi from Karachi Airport when he arrived here through a domestic flight. He was travelling under a fictitious name, sources added. The sources further said that Afridi is said to be a head of a group of terrorists in Katti Pahari area of Orangi Town and the adjoining areas
A Frontier Corps official, identified as Dilawar Khan, was killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a security camp in Speen Wam tehsil (revenue unit) of North Waziristan Agency (NWA) in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on December 2.
Separately, a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in Dirdoni, Ghulam tehsil of NWA on December 2. However, no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Chief Mullah Fazlullah along with 15 aides arrived in North Waziristan Agency, reported The News. Sources said there were reports that newly appointed TTP chief has reached in North Waziristan Agency from Afghanistan along with his 15 aides. They further said Mullah Fazlullah will preside over the meeting of Taliban Shura (council) in few days.
Iranian border guards fired four mortar shells in Killi Saki Shah and Lab Dasht areas of Mashkail town in Washuk District on December 4. However, no casualties were reported. People took to the streets in Mashkail to protest against the Iranian aggression. Local administration confirmed the incident. “The mortar shells exploded in open areas. Four huge explosions shook the whole town. People woke up after the blast and came out from their houses in panic,” said Kabir Reki, a resident of Mashkail.
Separately, militants abducted 13 workers of Uch Power Plant from Mangoli area of Naseerabad District on December 4, reported Dawn. An official, who requested anonymity, said the workers were travelling in their company vehicles from Sukkur District in Sindh to Naseerabad when they were intercepted by the militants. “The militants managed to abduct the workers without any resistance”, he said adding that “We are clueless about the whereabouts of workers.”
In another incident, two unopposed elected councillors of the National Party (NP), identified as Zafarullah and Abdul Rauf, were abducted by a group of armed militants from a grocery shop in Dasht Kudan Bazaar in Kech District on December 4.
Unidentified militants on December 3 abducted a doctor, identified as Dr. Amjad Taqweem, at gun point from Hayatabad Phase VII in Peshawar and took him to an unidentified location, reported Daily Times. The abduction led doctors and medical staff at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) to boycott their outdoor patient department (OPD) duties on December 4. Dr Taqweem has a clinic in Karachi Market and is politically affiliated with Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI).
Separately, Dr. Mujahid Bangash and Dr. Kamran Khan were kidnapped by unidentified men two months ago. Dr. Khan was released on November 29, 2013. According to a doctor who did not wish to be named, Dr. Khan had come from England and had been working at Northwest General Hospital when he was kidnapped for ransom in October. He claimed the government had failed to help and the family had contacted a political agent to pay RPK11 million for his release.
A Police constable, identified as Constable Mumtaz Alam, was shot dead after unidentified militants attacked the Mamash Khel Police check post in Bannu District on December 5. Bannu Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanaullah Khan said unidentified militants attacked the check post with grenades and assault rifles at around 1:00 in the night.
Chief polio paramedic, identified as Olas Khan, was abducted by unidentified armed militants when he was at home, which also operated as a clinic within the limits of Badaber Police Station in Peshawar on December 6. The he was the in-charge of polio vaccination teams in Masho Khel and Sheikhan areas of Peshawar and was posted at a basic health unit in Sheikhan village.
At least one person was killed and four others injured in a firing incident in Liaquat Bazaar area of Quetta on December 11, reports Dawn. Police said the incident forced shopkeepers to shut down their shutters, resulting in Liaquat Bazaar, Sattar Road and other commercial parts of Quetta to be closed. The protesters pelted stones at vehicles and set fire to a motorcycle in the city. The situation prompted the Balochistan Government to deploy Frontier Corps and a large contingent of Police and Balochistan Constabulary to avert any major untoward incident.
Two bullet-riddled dead bodies of Afghan nationals identified as that of Abdul Majeed (31) and Mohammed Azeem (29), were found near Gusabad area in Satellite Town of Quetta on December 12. Police officer Imran Shabir said, “They were brothers and Afghan nationals”. Shabir said it was premature to speculate on the motive behind the twin murder, as the investigation had just launched.
Four people, including children, were wounded when a house owned by a cadre of Uzair Baloch’s People’s Aman Committee (PAC) was reportedly set on fire during armed clashes between two rival groups in Lyari Town of Karachi on December 15, reports Daily Times. The house belonged to Shahidul Rehman Baloch alias Shahid MCB and was attacked with RPGs and hand grenades. According to details, gangster, Baba Ladla, and PAC, clashes continued, in order to gain control of Lyari areas, including Kalri, Ahmed Shah Bukhari road, Eido Lane, Phool Patti Lane, Rangiwara, Panjguri and other adjoining areas.
Meanwhile, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Police claimed to have arrested a key Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ‘commander’, identified as Abu Hamza, and recovered two hand grenades, handguns and bullets from his possession during a raid in West Wharf area December 14, reports Dawn. Chaudhry Muhammad Arif, an officer of CID’s investigation unit said the suspect had also worked for al Qaeda’s Takfiri group before joining the TTP. The CID Police have taken a physical remand of the suspect from an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) till December 21, 2013.
A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader from Bajaur Agency, identified as Gul Karim Khan, escaped a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack along roadside in Tangi area of Salarzai tehsil (revenue unit) in Bajaur Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on December 15, reports Daily Times.
A militant belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, identified as Dwanollah alias Misbahullah, was killed and an alleged ‘commander’, identified as Ameer Hamza, was arrested during an encounter with law enforcers foiling an attack on a polio team in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town in Karachi on December 17. A team of around 80 polio workers was busy administering vaccines in Ahsanabad locality when two militants opened fire on them. However, no team member was hurt. “Hamza was the TTP commander for Jangal Goth in Sohrab Goth,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imran Shaukat.
Meanwhile, law enforcers claimed to have arrested around 15 suspects including militants belonging to TTP and target killers during separate targeted raids and operations across the city on December 17, reports Daily Times. Steel Town Police claimed to have arrested at least five alleged members of the banned organisation during two separate raids. In the first raid, one suspected TTP militant, identified as Islam Wali, was arrested in a wounded condition after an exchange of fire with the Police in Gulshan-e-Hadeed area. In another raid, in Wali Town area of Steel Town, Police detained four more suspected TTP militants, identified as Naqeeb Zada, Zakirullah, Hameedullah and Imran Shaikh.
Similarly, Police arrested at least five alleged gangsters after an exchange of fire during a raid in Lyari Town. Their identities have not been disclosed, while the suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning. Weapons were also recovered from their possession
Militants torched a tanker carrying fuel for United States (US) and NATO troops in Wadh tehsil (revenue unit) of Khuzdar District on December 17, reports Dawn. Muhammad Riaz, a levies official said that the militants sped away on their motorcycle after the attack whereas the driver of the tanker managed to escape unhurt. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agency’s personnel rescued two abducted persons and arrested one kidnapper, identified as Rehmatullah, from Dhadar area of Kachhi District on December 17, reported The News.
The motorway Police or on December 18 foiled a terror bid in Punjab by recovering a huge amount of sophisticated weapons and arresting two accused, identified as Ameen-ur-Rehman and Asim, near Burhan in Attock District, reports The News. The motorway police intercepted a suspicious car which was on its way from Peshawar to Punjab.
According to the motorway Police, they recovered weapons included 4 submachine guns along with their 8 magazines and 1620 rounds, 12 light machine guns with 24 magazines and 18 pistols of 30 bore along with 49,500 bullets. Nine Repeaters along with 16 magazines, 1 Mark I rifle and 3,000 bullets of 9 MM were also recovered from the car, the police said.
Two drivers of NATO containers were injured when armed militants torched two tankers carrying fuel for United States (US) and NATO troops in Haji Shehar area of Bolan District on December 8, reported Dawn. Muhammad Ayub, a levies official said four militants on two motorcycles opened fire at tankers in Bolan District. “The tankers caught fire after indiscriminate firing by the militants,” he said. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident came a day after the Chief Minister Balochistan Doctor Malik Baloch announced program that his Government was committed to provide security to NATO and United States (US) supplies passing through the province.
Pakistan
TTP to target government installations and public places in Districts of KP and FATA, warns a threat letter
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is likely to target Government installations and public places in Nowshera District and Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to avenge the killing of its chief Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in November 21, 2013 U.S drone attack in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency (NWA), reports Dawn, quoting sources on November 27 (today). Quoting a written letter titled ‘Threat Alert 1123’, official sources said that a little known Tariq Geedar group in collaboration with Tauheed-ul-Jihad would try to carry out terrorist acts against unidentified targets in Nowshera and Bara tehsil (revenue unit) of Khyber Agency to avenge the killing of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
The secret letter circulated to offices of different Government Departments in Nowshera suggested elaborate security arrangements. The letter said that intelligence agencies got information that five suicide bombers were sent by TTP from NWA to Nala Mandikas area of Khyber Agency. The document said that an explosive-laden white colour corolla motor car had been dispatched for the said terrorist activity.
Culprits arrested during Karachi operation must be tried
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while presiding over a five-member bench of the SC for the hearing of implementation of Supreme Court’s decision in Karachi violence case, at Karachi registry of the Court on November 27 said that the Supreme Court (SC) would be satisfied with the performance of authorities concerned only when the culprits arrested during a security operation in Karachi are put on trial, reports Daily Times. “Of the numerous people that you’ve arrested, how many have been provided evidence against and how many of them will be able to stand trial,” CJ Chaudhry questioned the Advocate General (AG) Khalid Javed Khan. The Chief Justice emphasised that challans need to be submitted against suspects. “This whole exercise [targeted operation] will be futile if the accused don’t stand trial.” The AG gave a vague response on arrangements that need to be made before trials, but CJ Chaudhry pointed out that trials can be started immediately for suspects who are already in jails.
During the hearing, Karachi Police chief Shahid Hayat submitted a report in the court on the Karachi operation. The CJP remarked that no court could convict any accused without evidence. “What are the evidences against the detained accused persons?” the court asked, adding that performance of authorities would be ineffective without evidence. “No court can convict any accused without evidence.”
The AG told the court that Sindh Government was recruiting 200 investigation officers. The court was told that investigation officers and prosecutors are scared. Prosecutor Abdul Maroof has already been attacked, Khan said. His home was also attacked. All the public prosecutors from Karachi are scared, he added.
The Sindh Government, Rangers and Police said in their report that 9,000 persons involved in target killings, terrorism, extortion, kidnappings for ransom and other crimes have been arrested so far during the operation started on September 5, 2013. As many as 2,293 weapons, 115 hand grenades and 222 kilogrammes of explosive materials have been recovered from the accused, the report added.
PM Nawaz Sharif appoints Lieutenant General Raheel Sharif as COAS
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on November 27 appointed Lieutenant-General Raheel Sharif as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Lieutenant-General Rashad Mahmood as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), reports Daily Times. “On the advice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and in pursuance of Article 243/4(a) and 243/4(b) of the Constitution of Pakistan, President of Pakistan and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Mamnoon Hussain has been pleased to promote and appoint General Rashad Mahmood as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and General Raheel Sharif as Chief of Army Staff,” a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House said. Both the newly promoted four-star Generals will take charge on November 29, 2013, the day General Ashfaq Kayani retires.
Separately, President Mamnoon Hussain on November 27 approved the appointment of Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani as the country’s next chief justice, reported Daily Times. The President approved the appointment on the recommendation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will retire on December 11, 2013 following which the senior most judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Jillani, will take up the office on December 12, 2013. Currently, Justice Jillani also holds the office of Chief Election Commissioner.
Mullah Radio is back in tribal areas of Pakistan, says TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid
The new head of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Maulana Fazlullah alias Mullah Radio, has returned to the country’s tribal areas after several years based in Afghanistan, TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said on December 3, reports Daily Times. Fazlullah has been based mainly in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan since 2009, when a military operation ended his followers’ brutal two-year rule of Swat valley. TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said Fazlullah was now “commanding the Taliban movement at an unknown location in the tribal areas”.
Shahid’s comments came after some Pakistani TV channels reported that Fazlullah had reached North Waziristan Agency. “It is not true that Maulana Fazlullah is in Waziristan, he is in the tribal areas but at unknown location,” Shahid said. Fazlullah has a USD 500,000 Government bounty on his head.
Pentagon suspends ground shipments via Pakistan
The United States (US) military has halted ground shipments of cargo leaving Afghanistan via its key Pakistan supply route to ensure the safety of drivers following protests in Pakistan over American drone strikes, Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright said on December 3, reports Daily Times. “We are aware protests have affected one of the primary commercial transit routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Mark Wright said, adding, “We have voluntarily halted US shipments of retrograde cargo…to ensure the safety of the drivers contracted to move our equipment.”
The affected route, which runs from Torkham Gate at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to Karachi, has been crucial for the United States as it winds down its combat mission in landlocked Afghanistan and moves equipment out of the country. The route accounts for the vast majority of ground traffic of US military cargo through Pakistan and has been targeted by protesters in Pakistan angered by US drone strikes.
Meanwhile, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department Marie Harf said on December 4 said the US favours using Pakistani overland routes for retrograde movement of equipment out of Afghanistan and voiced the hope that the current situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with regard to Torkham route, would not have a long-term impact, reports Dawn. “We favour shipping cargo via Pakistan because of the cost. And hopefully I don’t anticipate that there will be any long-term impact to our retrograde movement because of the current situation,” she said.
Gilgit-Baltistan adopts Pakistan Protection Bill
Following Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Gilgit on December 6, the Gilgit-Baltistan Council adopted the Pakistan Protection Bill for speedy trial of the suspects involved in the June 23, 2013 gruesome murder of nine foreigners and one Pakistani at the Nanga Parbat base camp, among other criminal activities in Chilas. The bill was adopted on the direction of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who chaired the Council meeting that also passed the Council’s budget worth PKR 826.602 million besides 26 other bills on various subjects.
This was Prime Minister’s first visit to Gilgit since he assumed office in June, 2013. It is also for the first time that the Prime Minister, being the council’s chairman, chaired its session in the area. Nawaz said that Pakistan Protection Bill would ensure speedy trial of the culprits involved in serious offenses like terrorism and sectarian killings. He asked the Gilgit Baltistan Government to make special courts under the law, appoint special judges, and try the culprits in these courts.
According to the new law, judges hearing the case can wear masks to protect their identity. The law also provides for inter-provincial transfer of prisoners. Further, findings of the Joint Investigation Team would also be admissible before the court and the decisions of this court could only be appealed in the Supreme Court.
Pak-India nuclear war could kill 2 billion people: Study
A nuclear war between India and Pakistan would set off a global famine that could kill two billion people and effectively end human civilization, a study said on December 10, reports The News. Even if limited in scope, a conflict with nuclear weapons would wreak havoc in the atmosphere and devastate crop yields, with the effects multiplied as global food markets went into turmoil, the report said.
IDPs and Afghan nationals involved in crimes including kidnapping-for-ransom, alleges Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Syed Akhtar Ali Shah
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Afghan nationals were involved in most of the crimes of heinous nature, especially kidnapping-for-ransom, in Peshawar Division, officials said on December 11, reports Dawn. An official of Home and Tribal Affairs Department said that a meeting of the divisional taskforce expressed concern over the increasing incidents of kidnapping-for-ransom and decided to conduct crackdown on the possible dens of criminal gangs.
Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, discussed targeted killings, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, arrest of proclaimed offenders and action against the persons whose profiles were provided by the newly established Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). The official said that the meeting emphasised on carrying out intelligence-led targeted operations in all the four zones of Peshawar simultaneously. During the meeting, Home Department raised the issue of abduction of doctors and asked Police and Intelligence Agencies as to why the groups involved in the kidnappings from Hayatabad were not busted.
The officials said that most of the criminal groups belonged to Bara subdivision of Khyber Agency IN Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), which had been declared a conflict zone and political administration was striving to restore writ in the area. The meeting was informed that most of the tribes of Bara were residing as IDPs in various camps elsewhere and no action could be taken against them. The political administration of Khyber Agency assured the meeting that targeted operation would be carried against miscreants in the area.
Pakistan Rangers Sindh on December 13 arrested 14 accused, including Lyari gang war elements and criminals affiliated with political parties, in different raids and recovered weapons from their possession in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, reported The News. Ranger’s spokesman said targeted raids were conducted in Lyari Town, Shah Faisal Colony in Shah Faisal Town, Ranchore Line, New Karachi Town, Haji Mureed Goth, Gulshan-e-Ghazi, Pak Colony, Mujahid Colony and Gulberg area.
Members of political and religious parties involved in Karachi violence, alleges AIG Police Shahid Hayat Khan
In an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) the Karachi Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Police Shahid Hayat Khan on December 15 said that members of the political and religious parties have been involved in violent acts in different areas of the city, reported Daily Times. He said that the Police have prepared a list of those involved in violent incidents and action would be taken against them. He said a list of target killers and other terrorism suspects wanted by Police is being provided to the relevant agencies and it would subsequently be provided to the Government as well. The Karachi police chief added that the government will be requested to announce prize money to enable their arrest and speak to the political parties for their handover.
“We’re going to all areas and there is no political pressure on the Police in the ongoing operation,” he said. Khan did not name the suspects on the list of wanted persons. The Police Chief said Karachi is the centre of commercial and industrial activities and it is easier for the extortionists to raise money and thus they try to take control of the city through acts of violence and terrorism.
TTP dismisses the concept of peace talks and vows retaliation against planned military operation
Dismissing the concept of peace talks immediately after Pakistan Government’s announcement of using force as a last resort, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan on December 17 said they have information that plans are already under way for a military operation, adding that they were ready for battle, reports Dawn. “Like previous Governments this one is a puppet of the United States (US). It’s powerless and dollar-hungry,” said TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid. “They should happily launch a military operation against us. We have seen their military operations in the past and would like them to start this long-awaited operation,” he said defiantly.
However, the Government said the Taliban’s tough rhetoric did not mean negotiations had failed. “Their public posturing is different from what’s going on in the background,” said Tariq Azeem, a senior official in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s team. “They want to appear tough but back channels show that they are also interested in talks.” The Taliban could not be immediately reached for comment.
The Pakistan Government, earlier in the day, ruled out military action against the Taliban as its first preference and promised to persuade the militants to lay down their weapons through peace negotiations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCNS) where officials confirmed their commitment to talks rather than military action. “The committee reaffirmed (the) Government’s commitment to the strategy of negotiations with TTP and considers the use of other options only as a last resort,” the PM’s office said in a statement. “The committee deliberated upon the government’s strategy to engage various groups of Pakistani Taliban to address issues of extremism and militancy.” The meeting focused on three key issues, including formulation of national security strategy to safeguard national interests, strategy on internal security and relations with Afghanistan.
Islamabad wants peaceful relations with its neighbours
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on December 18 said that Pakistan desired peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, particularly India and Afghanistan, reports Daily Times. “Pakistan’s intentions towards its neighbours are positive and expects similar reciprocity from them,” he said. He welcomed the upcoming meeting of the Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India on December 24, 2013.
He further said that the country’s defense strategy was being devised keeping in view the contemporary professional requirements, as no battle could be won with outdated technology and discarded strategies. “The new technology and modern expertise have transformed our defense into a great force … We want that our defense forces should be ever ready for any contingency,” he said. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the country’s military leadership was fully cognizant of the changing environment and was following an agreed and well-integrated approach. “For this reason, we want to ensure that our forces are alert, active and fully equipped with necessary professional skills,” he added.
REGIONAL
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Eight persons killed and many others injured in BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance countrywide 48-hour blockade
At least eight people were killed and many others were injured in clashes on November 26, the first day of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 18-party opposition alliance’ countrywide 48-hour road, rail and waterway blockade to protest the announcement of the schedule for the 10th parliamentary election without installing a non-party Government, reports The Daily Star.
In Satkhira District, Mahmudul Hasan (30), general secretary of Diara union of Jubo League, the youth wing of Awami League (AL) and Rabiul Islam (35) general secretary of Swechhasebok League, the volunteer wing of AL were killed. Mahmudul Hasan was attacked by BNP- Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) men with sticks and iron rods while he was passing through Kolaroa-Khordo road. Rabiul Islam was hacked to death by JeI and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) cadres at Diara Bazar.
In Comilla District, a rickshaw-puller Babul Mia (45) was killed and 26 others were injured in a clash in Laksham sub-District. The clash erupted when nearly 100 activists of BNP, JeI and ICS were trying to block Comilla-Noakhali road and Police resisted them. Babul was killed when one of the bullets fired by the party men hit him.
Six persons killed and many injured
At least six people were killed and many others injured in blockade violence across the country on November 27, on the second day of the opposition-combine called 60-hour blockade, reports The Daily Star.
Four persons killed and many others injured on first day of BNP-led 18-party three-day blockade across the country
In Dhaka city’s Malibagh, pro-blockade activists hurled a petrol bomb at a bus. Losing control, the bus crushed Habibur Rahman (35) to death and injured a rickshaw-puller. Two other passengers also suffered burn injuries in the bomb attack.
In Chittagong District, Nimai Nath (45) was killed as a pickup, chased by blockaders, ran him over on Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway in Satkania sub-District.
In Jhenidah District, Israfil Hossain (25), a cadre of Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) was killed during a clash with Police in Kotchandpur bus stand area. Five others were also injured in the incident.
In Pabna District, Mahbubul Islam (26), an activist of Jubo Dal, a pro-BNP student body was killed and five others were injured when hit by a truck in Ishwardi sub-District.
Meanwhile, a journalist received severe head injuries on November 30 when cadres of JeI-ICS kidnapped and beat him up severely in Satkhira District, reports The Daily Star. The victim Yarob Hossain (40) is a local correspondent of Bangla daily Manabzamin, and also the joint secretary of Satkhira Press Club.
Four persons killed and many others injured in BNP-led 18-party- blockade of roads, rail and waterways across the country
Two persons were killed and many others injured on December 5, the last day of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 18-party- blockade of roads, rail and waterways, that led to clashes, arson, vandalism and blasting of crude bombs across the country, reports The Daily Star.
In Dhaka city, bus helper Hasan (17) died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital after suffering burn injuries from an arson attack on a bus. Blockade supporters set the bus alight at Janapath intersection. At the time, its helper Hasan was sleeping inside the vehicle. He sustained 90 percent body burns.
In Chittagong District, rickshaw puller Mafizur Rahman (50) succumbed to bullet wounds at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, two days after he was injured in a clash in Feni District. Mafizur received bullet injuries when Police clashed with cadres of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Feni town of Feni District on December 2.
In Tangail District, at least 30 people, including a Policeman and a journalist, were injured in a clash between the BNP men and law enforcers. The clash ensued when the cops barred the opposition activists from blocking the Dhaka-Tangail highway.
In Kurigram District, around 20 people, including a Policeman, were injured as the opposition men clashed with cops in Chilmari sub-District. Vandals torched a motorcycle and damaged an ambulance and two bicycles during the clash.
In Bogra District, opposition activists hurled two crude bombs in front of the Bogra municipality in the town leaving three of its employees injured.
Meanwhile, an activist of Awami League (AL) was killed allegedly by ICS cadres in Satkhira Sadar sub-District of Satkhira District on December 5, reports The Daily Star. The victim Sirajul Islam (53) was shot by ICS gunmen at his house in Kachupukur village. He died on the spot, said Police. They also injured Kawsar Ali (58), sister-in-law of Sirajul, and Kawsar’s son Shimul Hossain (20), at that time.
BNP leader killed in Kushtia
Unidentified criminals killed a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Kumarkhali sub-District of Kushtia District on December 8, reports The Daily Star. The deceased, Munshi Rashidur Rahman, was joint secretary of the sub-District unit BNP. According to Police, Rashidur had been facing death threat from outlawed party cadres and used to stay in Dhaka city for the last four years. The area is infested with the factions of Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP)–Janajuddha and Gono Mukti Fouz (GMF).
Three people killed in different parts of country
A man, who testified against Delwar Hossain Sayeedi in war crimes trial, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on December 10 (today), two days after he was hacked by miscreants in Pirojpur, reports The Daily Star. Mostafa Hawlader (55), succumbed to his injuries at the ICU of DMCH around 2:00am, hospital and family sources said. Hawlader’s wife Hasina holds the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) responsible for the “planned” attack as her husband testified against JeI, Nayeb-e-Ameer Sayedee before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on January 1, 2012.
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy was killed by stray bullets and 10 others were injured on December 9, as JeI- Islami Chhatra Shibir men fought with law enforcers in Sirajganj during JeI’s nationwide hartal that coincided with the opposition’s blockade across the country, reports The Daily Star. Along with the activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 18-party alliance, JeI men resorted to vandalism and arson in different parts of the country, leaving more than 67 people injured.
Separately, an ICS leader, ‘organising secretary’ Mohammad Rasel (23), was killed and two were injured in an explosion while making bombs at a remote hill in Yakub nagar village in Sitakunda upazila on December 9, reports The Daily Star.
One killed and several injured as JeI-ICS cadres continued to unleash terror across the country during its hartal
One person was killed and many others were injured as Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) cadres continued to unleash terror across the country during its daylong hartal (general strike) on December 11, protesting the move to execute convicted war criminal JeI leader Abdul Quader Mollah, reports The Daily Star. In Satkhira District, Abdul Hamid (48), an Awami League (AL) activist died of his injuries seven hours after he was abducted and beaten up allegedly by JeI-ICS cadres in Madhabkathi area. In Sylhet District, 40 people, including two Policemen, were injured as JeI-ICS cadres clashed with Police on Sylhet-Sunamganj road. Over 300 JeI-ICS cadres blocked the road and vandalized some rickshaws and battery-run three-wheelers. As Police tried to disperse them, the blockaders hurled brick chunks at law enforcers and exploded several crude bombs triggering a running battle. In Bagerhat District, 15 people, including five Policemen, sustained injuries in a clash between JeI-ICS cadres and law enforcers. In Khulna District, a clash between ICS cadres and Police at Sonadanga in Khulna city left at least 15 injured. The clash sparked when Police resisted the cadres who had blocked a road with logs. In Cox’s Bazar District, five Policemen were injured as JeI-ICS cadres clashed with the law enforcers at Bazarghata. In Rajshahi District, JeI-ICS cadres severed the tendons of the right leg of an activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of AL at Bagha sub-District. Armed with machetes, about 10 JeI-ICS cadres ambushed Mizanur Rahman, a second-year student of Shah Doula Degree College, when he was going to his village home in Chhatari. In Chapainawabganj District, JeI-ICS cadres attacked an activist of Gonojagoron Mancha at Methorpara intersection injuring him badly. The victim Munshi Nazrul Islam Sujon (30) was the former organising secretary of BCL of Chapainawabganj District unit.
Meanwhile, United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry on December 11 said the execution of JeI leader Abdul Quader Mollah might lead to events, which could derail the next parliamentary election in Bangladesh, reports The Daily Star. Talking to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the phone, he expressed concern over the violence during recent hartals and blockades. The US Secretary of State wanted to know about the trial process of the war criminals. The PM told Kerry that some trials have been completed following due legal procedures and the Government would follow the same in implementing the verdicts of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), including the one against Quader Mollah. The US official welcomed the Government’s position.
Opposition vows to derail BD polls
Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia on Tuesday, Dec 24 called on citizens to stage a mass march to the capital Dhaka in an escalation of protests aimed at derailing controversial January elections.
Zia’s call stokes tensions in the impoverished country, with over 100 people already killed in clashes since late October when the opposition launched the protests to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and make way for the polls to be held under a neutral caretaker government.
India – Internal Dynamics
Maoists kill 4 CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh
Four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers have been killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast by suspected Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur District in the morning of November 27 (today), reports The Times of India. The CRPF men were killed while going for a civic action programme for the villagers. According to reports, the CRPF personnel are still engaged in an encounter with the Maoists near a forest in Bijapur.
Three UALA militants shot dead in an encounter in Meghalaya
The Shillong Times reports that three militants of the Singbirth Marak alias Norrok X Momin-led United A’chik Liberation Army (UALA) outfit were shot dead and another was captured alive after Williamnagar Police attacked their camp at Chiokgre village in East Garo Hills District in the morning of November 28. The UALA militant ‘chief’ Norrok was also present in the camp which housed fifteen cadres but managed to escape with the rest of the group during the encounter. One of the militant leaders who masterminded the recent attack on a Rabha village in Goalapara (Assam) during Diwali celebrations leading to the death of seven villagers this year, has also been killed in the encounter. Among the three militants who were killed in the encounter only one has been identified through his UALA identity card as ‘Sergent major’, Rikkam R Marak. East Garo Hills Police chief, J F K Marak said that Rikkam was part of the UALA group which attacked Rabha village. Police seized from the camp, one pistol of 7.65 calibre with five rounds, a high explosive (HE-36) hand grenade, two Chinese grenades, two lap top computers, diaries, as many as ten empty casings of AK ammunition and Achik national volunteer Council documents which the UALA was believed to be scrutinizing for a purpose.
Meanwhile, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, on November 27, arrested an over-ground worker of Garo National Liberation Army, identified as Toren Sangma from his residence at Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills District. The GNLA worker confessed that he was working for the banned outfit and collected INR 220,000 from Tikrikilla market for the outfit.
CPI Maoist threatens policemen and villagers in Bihar
Communist Party of India-Maoist has issued death sermons against four villagers through posters and pamphlets pasted at Bamdah village in Jamui District and at some public places on the Jamui-Chakai road, reports The Telegraph. Police have claimed it to be a reflection of frustrations of the rebels after facing huge defeat and loss of their top leaders at the hands of security forces.
Avinash, a spokesperson of CPI-Maoist, recently appealed to Armed Force personnel deployed in this region to return their service weapons and go back to their native places. He said the government, on the pattern of the Green Hunt operations, has been utilising the armed forces to curb the voices of poor people in rural areas. He alleged that poor rural people have been subjected to torture and humiliation at the hands of Armed Forces. Avinash, said the CPI-Maoist had in September 2013 appealed to armed force personnel to return their service weapons, which they generally used against poor and innocent people. “Nobody has listened to our appeals and that is why the CPI-Maoist again asks the security personnel to return their weapons and go back to their native places within December 30, 2013,” he said. The posters announced death sentences for Bikash Sha, Amit, Sudhir Modi, Munna Keshri and Lalo Sha, all residents of Bamdah under the jurisdiction of Chandra mandi police station in Jamui, for their alleged role in protesting the district administration’s bid to remove a police camp of Bihar Military Police (BMP). The camp was set up at Bamdah in 2006 after rebels killed four traders and a village chowkidar accusing them of being police informers.
Two policemen killed by CPI-Maoist
Communist party of India-Maoist cadres opened fire and killed two Policemen at Sunabeda sanctuary area in Nuapada District on November 29, reports Hindustan Times. The Sunabeda sanctuary is located close to the Chhattisgarh border. Maoists have allegedly created a base inside the deep forest for the past several years.
The rebels fled after the policemen returned fire.
Four persons including three NSCN-K militants and a civilian killed in Nagaland
Nagaland Post reports that three Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang cadres were killed while one was injured in a factional related clash, reportedly by NSCN-Khole-Kitovi (NSCN-KK) cadres at Sikiu ‘A’ under Shamator sub-division, Tuensang District on December 2. According to Shamator Police, the deceased were identified as Nagato, Sepongchem Sangtam and Aloto Sumi. The injured cadre was identified as Limtiba Sangtam.
Meanwhile, a non-local sand dealer, identified as Kishore, who was abducted on November 28 was murdered and the body recovered by Diphupar Police on November 29 around Gotovi village area in Dimapur District. Dimapur Police also disclosed that the breakthrough came after Chekiye village youths handed over three Naga national Council-Non Accordist (NNC-NA) accused along with another civilian Kihoto (28) for abducting two scrap dealers identified as Muhammad Meraf Ali and Kamal Hussain and manhandling one Henizhe Awomi at Chekiye village, along National Highway 29. After investigation, Police took into custody the three NNC-NA members, identified as ‘major’ Lhojeto (40) Shikaito (32) and Chingkiu (43), who confessed to the murder of Kishore. After interrogating the three, Police rushed to the residence of Lhojeto at Thilixu and rescued the two scrap dealers. Police believe more people were involved in the crime while Kihoto (the vehicle owner) has denied any involvement.
New HMAR militant group formed following a split in HPC-D
The Sentinel reports on December 2 that a new Hmar outfit has surfaced as Hmar People’s Convention (HPC–P) which is a breakaway faction of the HPC–D. At the initial stage, Lalminthang Sonate as ‘president’ has taken over the command of the outfit. J C Hmar is the ‘secretary’. An underground source said that a full body to head the organization will soon be constituted to give a new direction and dimension to the demand of the Hmars for a homeland of their own.
The information available says that 115 cadres taken from the region of Hmar dominated areas of east Cachar and the bordering areas of Mizoram and Manipur form the strength of the outfit. All these cadres are undergoing training in arms and ammunitions and guerilla tactics under the supervision of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah in some undisclosed location. HPC–P, the source adds to say, has taken shape against the policy of its parent body to continue dialogue without any tangible solution to their demand. While HPC–D has been insisting on Autonomous Council for the Hmar inhabited areas, HPC–P is demanding Hmarland.
Eight policemen killed in Maoist attack in Bihar
At least eight Policemen on patrolling duty were killed in a Maoist attack near Nabinagar in Aurangabad District on December 3, reports NDTV. The Policemen were traveling in a jeep that was blown up by a landmine on its way from Nabinagar to Tandwa, Police officials said. A Police inspector, five troopers of the Special Auxiliary Force, the driver and a trooper of the Bihar Military Police were killed in the attack
Arms and ammunition seized in Mizoram
The Shillong Times reports that Security Forces, in the night of December 2, seized a large cache of arms and ammunition, including foreign-made arms, from a truck in Serchhip District, Police said. The seized arms and ammunition included ten modified assault rifles along with 20 loaded magazines, four Chinese rifles along with eight loaded magazines, one light machine gun (LMG), 39 live grenades, one foreign-made pistol, one telescope used for rifles, a pistol silencer and 535 rounds of live cartridges. Police have arrested Thangdeihtung, driver of the truck, and Liankhanmang.
Two SSB troopers abducted in Assam
Two troopers of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB-Civil Wing), Nakul Kumar Medhi and Anil Chandra Yadav, are suspected to have been abducted by the Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland from Chirang District, close to the Indo-Bhutan border on December 6, reports The Telegraph. The troopers had set off for Kahitama village in the border area of the District to collect intelligence on NDFB-IK
Militants snatch rifles from police camp in Assam
A group of unidentified armed militants snatched as many as six nos. of 303 rifles from the Home Guards deputed at Moujabari under Kokrajhar Police Station on December 9, reports The Sentinel. Sources from the Home Guards deputed at Moujabari told the visiting reporters that about six armed miscreants came to their camp at around 2 am and took away their service rifles showing AK–47 rifles. The Officer-In-Charge (OC) of Kokrajhar Police Station, however, ruled out the possibility of hands of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB-IKS) faction led by IK Songbijit.
Meanwhile, the recent statement of the NDFB-IKS is a matter of concern as it appeared that they are likely to interfere in the forthcoming 2014 parliamentary elections, reports The Sentinel on December 9. ‘Spokesman’ of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferengga, in a press statement sent recently said the outfit was born for the protection of the Bodos and other indigenous tribal communities of the State with their objective to free the Bodos and tribal from the bondage of the foreigners. He clearly said that they didn’t want to interfere in the regional politics of Western South East Asia (WESEA) but today they are compelled to say something and take step about the worst politics of their region for the greater interest of indigenous tribal community. He called upon all the Bodo leaders those who are associated with the political parties like Congress (I) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) from grassroots to top level to think twice and take second option for the greater interests of the Bodos and other indigenous tribal people.
Policeman injured in landmine blast
One policeman was injured on December 11 when Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres exploded a landmine near Debar More on NH-75 in Latehar District, reports the Times of India. The incident happened in the afternoon when an escort party was returning to Palamu from Ranchi with former Director General of Police (DGP) V D Ram, who is now a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, responsible for the party affairs in Palamu. The blast comes two days after at least 11 policemen, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Anup Badaik, had escaped an attack on the same highway.
Two persons killed in Assam
Unidentified militants shot dead one, Motleb Ali (35), and injured three others at Molandubi village under Kajigaon Police Station in Kokrajhar District on December 15, reports The Assam Tribune. The injured were identified as Iman Ali alias Jugani (37) and Nasher Ali (26) adds The Telegraph. Police sources said the I K Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland could be involved in the incident as the area is a stronghold of the outfit. “We suspect the NDFB-IKS,” said a Senior Police officer in Kokrajhar.
Woman village head killed
Peoples Liberation Front of India (PLFI) cadres killed a woman Panchayat (local-self government institution) head, identified as Sathia Devi, in Peebo area in Raidih Block of Gumla District, on December 14, reports daily.bhaskar.com. She was first brutally thrashed with sticks, then her body was cut into pieces using sharp knives and in the end she was shot dead. The vicious attackers even disfigured her face using sharp weapons.
Four injured in Maoist triggered blast
Four District Police personnel, including Police outpost in-charge of Halwada in Etapalli tehsil (revenue unit), were injured in a blast triggered by the Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres, reports The Times of India. The four did not receive shrapnel injuries and escaped with burns. The explosion is learnt to have taken place while the personnel from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) were trying to diffuse the landmine. The BDDS from Aheri was summoned to Halewada after local police from the outpost were informed about two mines at a distance of around 200 meters from each other. One of the mines was planted within 200 metres of the outpost. It was learnt that another mine was planed outside the village at a spot which police often use as their strategic location. A senior officer stated that BDDS had removed the mine planted outside the village. The incident took place when BDDS tried to defuse the mine planted within the village
Schoolgirl killed and 17 persons injured in bomb explosion
The Telegraph reports that a schoolgirl was killed and 17 others injured in a bomb explosion near Amolapatty railway crossing along National Highway 37 in Dibrugarh town on December 17. The victim has been identified as Purnima Rajak (14) a Class X student. The injured have been identified as Bhairon Shah, Dalim Shah, Paramananda Yadav, Kishor Roy, Babu Das, Shahnawaz Hussain, Ankit Jalan, Sariful Hussain, Abdul Karim, Khursid Ali, Kamal Gupta, Bikki Rabidas, Hira Ballav Deka, Rashmi Roy, Altaf Hussain and Tutu Ahmed. One of the injured persons is yet to be identified.
Police said investigations were on to find out the nature of the blast and have not ruled out the hand of militant outfits like United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) or Communist Party of India-Maoist.
Monthly Fatalities
The following deaths related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period Nov 26 to Dec 25, 2013:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Assam | 08 | 02 | 08 | 18 |
| Manipur | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| Meghalaya | 06 | 00 | 03 | 09 |
| Nagaland | 02 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
| Left wing | 08 | 18 | 03 | 29 |
| Total | 24 | 21 | 19 | 64 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Transport worker injured in petrol bomb attack dies
A transport worker injured in a petrol bomb attack allegedly by 33-party alliance that were boycotting the Constituent Assembly (CA) election, died on November 27, reports The Himalayan Times. He was undergoing treatment at Kathmandu. Rakesh Yadav was injured when a petrol bomb was hurled at the bus bound for Kathmandu on November 14 during the bandh (shut down) enforced by 33-party alliance to boycott the CA poll.
YCL cadre injured in Rukum District clash succumb to injuries in Kathmandu
Netra Oli, a cadre of the Young Communist League (YCL), the youth wing of Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist who was injured in a November 17 clash with cadres of Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) died during the course of treatment on November 27, reports The Himalayan Times. The critically injured Oli was immediately airlifted to the Maharajgunj-based Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu after the incident.
We will form next government, says NC
The Nepali Congress (NC) party on December 4 said it plans to lead a broad-based coalition after winning the most votes in last month’s election, with agreement on a new constitution its top priority, reports Times of India. The NC, one of the country’s oldest parties, won 196 of the 575 seats up for grabs in the November 19 polls, according to the final results. The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxists Leninist (CPN-UML) party secured 175 seats in the Constituent Assembly (CA). The Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M), which swept Nepal’s first post-civil war elections in 2008, were humiliated with a tally of 80 seats. Nepali Congress general secretary Prakash Man Singh said “Our first priority is to form a consensus (cross-party) Government. A consensus Government will make it easier for us to promulgate the constitution, which is our primary task.”
Meanwhile, Senior CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal on December 4 said that NC, the largest party in the CA, should come up with a proposal to share power, reports The Himalayan Times. He further said, “If the NC wants to see Dr Ram Baran Yadav as President, we have no problem but he should come through a constitutional process.” Stating that women should rather compete for an equal status and not seek reservation in every field, Nepal said, “We should empower women in such a way within a few years that they are encouraged to compete with men in every sector.” He stated that he wants to see 50 per cent women’s participation in the local bodies in coming days.
Separately, UCPN-M making an “Executive Summary” of its report on election rigging public at its headquarters in Kathmandu on December 4 concluded that there was “procedural, structural and policy-level” cheating in the November 19 election, reports Nepal News. The party also hinted that there was involvement of State as well as the Election Commission (EC) in the rigging. The party also expressed serious reservation on the issue of transport of ballot boxes from the polling centers after the conclusion of the voting. Speaking on the occasion, UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that his party would not participate in the CA until a high-level probe committee is formed to investigate massive election rigging and other fraudulent activities during the CA election.
Hazaribagh MLA escapes ‘Red’ attack
Congress MLA from Hazaribagh, Saurav Narayan Singh, on December 12 escaped an attack by suspected Left Wing Extremists in the forests near Kanauda Ghati on the Katkamsandi-Hazaribagh Road in the Hazaribagh District late on December 11 evening, reports The Times of India. Police on December 12 said the legislator’s security guards, while returning from Pathalgad on the border of Hazaribagh-Chatra Districts, spotted large number of armed insurgents. After getting information from them Police reached the spot and chased the insurgents who on seeing the Police ran away and took shelter in the forest. The Police said that in the process of fleeing from the spot the insurgents left behind some explosive materials and magazines containing live cartridges. The Police said that they are trying to identify the insurgents whether they belonged to the Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC) or the Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC). Both are trying to dominate their influence in the region.
UCPN-M PR candidate arrested for Kashi Tiwari murder in Chitwan District
Police on December 16 arrested Siyaram Kushwaha alias Firoj, the main accused in the murder of Kashi Tiwari in Chitwan District, reports The Himalayan Times. The founding chairman of Hindu Youth Association Tiwari was shot dead on June 26, 2010, in Birgunj District. Firoj is a Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist candidate under Proportional Representation (PR) category for the Constituent Assembly (CA). Police investigation so far has concluded that the murder was planned to settle an old score as Tiwari had defied an indefinite strike called by the Maoist party about three years ago.
Nepal’s Maoists agree to join newly elected assembly
The party of Nepal’s former communist rebels agreed on Tuesday, Dec 24 to join the Constituent Assembly elected last month, easing a stalemate that has delayed formation of the body responsible for the Himalayan nation’s constitution.
The major political parties have agreed to form a parliamentary committee to investigate the Maoists’ allegations of election irregularities, party spokesman Agni Sapkota said.
The United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) came third in the Nov 19 election and immediately threatened to not join the assembly unless a high-level independent investigation into the polls was ordered.
But after several negotiations, the Maoists agreed to a parliamentary investigation after the assembly is formed and to send their members to the assembly. The parties also agreed to ask the Election Commission to extend the deadline for naming candidates to 335 assembly seats being apportioned by how many votes each party won in the election.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Presidential Commission investigating Cases of Missing Persons receives over 5,000 complaints from the North and East
The Presidential Commission Investigating Cases of Missing Persons to inquire into persons who had gone missing during the period of the war has received over 5,000 complaints from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo page on November 28 (today). The three-member commission appointed by the President is headed by Attorney Maxwell Paranagama. The other two members of the Commission are Director General of Census and Statistics Priyanthi Suranjana Vidyaratne and former Deputy Legal Draftsman and former member of the Monetary Board of Sri Lanka Manohari Ramanathan. Both Paranagama and Ms. Ramanathan were members of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
Meanwhile, the Government announced on November 28 (today) that it will conduct a nation-wide survey from November 30 to compile a death toll and assess property damage during the country’s nearly three-decades-long civil war, reports Times of India. The census would be conducted by the state’s statistics office “to assess the human and property damages occurred during nearly three-decades-long conflict,” an official statement said. The census would seek detailed information on deaths, missing persons, injured or disabled persons and damages to property. It will cover the period between 1983 and May, 2009, and would include over 14,000 villages in the country.
Department of Census and Statistics starts nationwide exercise to assess the loss of human lives and damage to property in the final stages of civil war
The Department of Census and Statistics started a nationwide exercise on November 28 to assess the loss of human lives and damage to property in the final stages of its civil war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels, which ended in May 2009, reports The Hindu. The census would cover the period from 1982 to 2009 would involve 16,000 officials. Though U.N. estimates point to 40,000 civilian deaths in the final phase of the war, the Government has denied the figure and termed the campaign a “humanitarian operation,” which could not have caused so many deaths.
Meanwhile, ‘The Last Phase’, a documentary film depicting the life story of a former female LTTE cadre during the final stages of the humanitarian operation in Sri Lanka was screened on November 28 at the European Union (EU) Parliament in Brussels for the first time, reports Daily Mirror. The event was hosted by the Chair of the Friends of Sri Lanka Group in the EU Parliament Geoffrey Van Orden, Member of the European Parliament representing the Conservatives of UK. The documentary revolves around the life of a former LTTE female cadre who grew up at ‘Sencholai’, the LTTE run orphanage for Tamil children. ‘Jayawadanee’ was brought up in an environment that was deliberately planned to portray the other side as the necessary evil. The story of Jayawadhanee and the immense courage she has demonstrated to reconcile with what went on in her life and the determination to move forward.
India and Sri Lanka agree to cooperate to enhance maritime security
India and Sri Lanka, recognizing the complex task of battling piracy in the Indian Ocean, on November 29 agreed to join forces to enhance maritime security cooperation in the strategic region, reports Colombo Page. India’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral D.K. Joshi discussed, among the other topics, the problem of combating piracy in the Indian Ocean with President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he called on the President at the President’s Office in Colombo. At the outset of the discussion, Admiral Joshi informed the President that the Indian Navy will be offering training to Sri Lankan Navy officers to follow the four-year Bachelor of Technology course that is currently offered to Indian Navy officials.
Meanwhile, the Government of Norway on November 29 expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government to restore normalcy in the North, reports Colombo Page. The Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka Ms. Grete Lochen said her Government was pleased with the decision by the Sri Lankan Government to hold Provincial Council elections in the region. The Norwegian Ambassador made this comment when she paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo.
Separately, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on November 29 said that the Government has not yet presented a political solution to the national problem as recommended by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), reports Colombo Page. R. Sampanthan said that although the LLRC had recommended that the Government present a political solution to the national question, such a solution was not presented by the Government despite holding several rounds of talks with the TNA. According to the TNA Leader, the Government following pressure from some of its allies has set up a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) claiming to find a political solution to the national problem, with the real intention of delaying the process of finding a permanent solution.
UK will pursue international inquiry if Sri Lanka fails to set up own into alleged war crimes, says UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, William Hague in response to a question raised in the United Kingdom (UK)’s House of Commons on December 3 said the UK will pursue an international inquiry into the alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan troops during the final stages if war if Sri Lanka fails to set up its own inquiry, reports Colombo Page. Hague said “We will pursue this at the Human Rights Council in March. If the Sri Lankan Government have not set up an inquiry of their own by then-so far, they have refused to do so-we would favor an international inquiry that is independent, credible and thorough.”
Meanwhile, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan on December 4 said in Parliament that it is the Government and not the party that has connections with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, reports Colombo Page. He told that Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP, who was LTTE’s arm procurer and the international wing leader, is now with the Government and does not have any connection with the TNA. According to the Tamil MP, people in the North are faced with problems due to the presence of military personnel in civilian areas.
Separately, Chief Minister of Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran on December 3 informed United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for Internally Displaced Persons Dr. Chaloka Beyani that military is acquiring civilian lands in the North, reports Colombo Page. The Chief Minister also gave details of land and the acreage acquired by the military in the Kilinochchi District as well. Wigneswaran also told the UN envoy that the livelihood of residents in the North has been seriously affected since the military has taken over all avenues of employment available to the people and the people have to take loans for their day to day living.
In the meantime, Provincial Minister of Road Development, Housing and Construction, Rural Electrification and Water Supply, M.S. Uthumalebbe said that the Eastern Provincial Council will set up a separate authority to address housing and livelihood issues in the area, reports Colombo Page on December 5. The Council decided to create a Housing Development Authority to implement the housing development programme for the province. He said that the setting up of such an authority will help the successful implementation of the province’s housing development programme with funds raised locally and internationally.
France accuses SL security forces of massacre
France’s Action Against Hunger (ACF) on Tuesday, Dec 3 accused Sri Lankan security forces of killing 17 aid workers in cold blood and then organising a cover-up of what it described as a “heinous” war crime.
In a report on the bleakest day in its history, the charity said it has proof that Sri Lankan army, navy and police personnel were implicated in the August 4, 2006 massacre in the city of Muttur, in the mainly Tamil north of the island.
Police deploy thousands of Tamil speaking officers to the North and East
Police have deployed thousands of Tamil speaking officers to the Northern and Eastern Provinces, reports Colombo Page on December 5. Police Media Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana told the media that 900 Tamil police officers and 1,500 Sinhala police officers fluent in the Tamil language have been deployed to police stations in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. He explained that the Tamil speaking citizens in the North and East areas could then get their statements recorded in Tamil. According to the spokesman, the Northern Province has 53 police stations with bilingual police officers while the East has this facility in areas dominated by a Tamil-speaking majority. He said the Police Department has taken measures to deploy more Tamil speaking police officers to the North and East in order to avoid miscommunications and delays due to the language barrier in carrying out services.
Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of Tamil Nadu, India has issued a notice seeking a discussion, under Rule 193 in the Lok Sabha, against the human rights violations and war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan defence forces against Tamils during the civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, reports Daily Mirror on December 6. DMK parliamentary party leader T.R. Baalu, who issued the notice to Speaker Meira Kumar’s office, told The Hindu that the party sought the passing of a resolution in Parliament for a credible and transparent international investigation into the crimes against humanity — Tamils in particular — committed by the Rajapaksa Government.
Mass grave found
An unmarked mass grave has been found in Sri Lanka’s former war zone, the first discovery of an unmarked gravesite since troops defeated Tamil rebels more than four years ago, police said on Sunday, Dec 22.
Construction workers in the coastal district of Mannar stumbled on at least 10 skeletal remains buried at a location where they were laying a new water pipe, said police spokesman Ajith Rohana. “A judicial medical officer has gone to the site. Further forensic examinations are underway to determine the age of the mass grave,” Rohana told AFP. “Additional staff are being inducted for the investigation.” There was no immediate indication who the victims were or how and when they had died.
However, it is the first time that evidence of a mass grave has emerged in the former war zone since troops declared victory over separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas in May 2009.
Both government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels have been accused of killing civilians during the 37-year separatist war. Sri Lanka has denied allegations that its troops killed up to 40,000 civilians in the final months of fighting.
INTERNATIONAL
US spied on 2010 global summit in Toronto
Canadian authorities allowed the National Security Agency to spy in the country during the G8 and G20 summits in Ontario in 2010, CBC News reported late on Wednesday, Nov 27 citing documents shared by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
The national broadcasters website said the documents show that the NSA used the US Embassy in Ottawa as a command post for a nearly weeklong spying operation while President Barack Obama and other foreign leaders were in Canada in June 2010. CBC reported that the documents don’t mention precise targets of the US spying operation but say that plans were “closely coordinated with the Canadian partner.
“The report on Wednesday did not publish the documents. A spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Jason MacDonald, late on Wednesday said, “We do not comment on operational matters related to national security.” A spokeswoman for Canada’s equivalent of the NSA, the Communications Security Establishment Canada, said they could not comment on the operations of Canada or its allies.
“Under the law, CSEC does not target Canadian’s anywhere or any person in Canada through its foreign intelligence activities,” the spokeswoman, Lauri Sullivan, said. “CSEC cannot ask our international partners to act in a way that circumvents Canadian laws.”
A Canadian civil liberties group, OpenMedia.ca, quickly objected. “Its … clear this spying was aimed at supporting US policy goals during a highly contentious summit,” executive director Steve Anderson said in a statement. “This is sure to cause huge damage to Canada’s relationships with our other G-20 partners.”
29 Iraqis killed
Attacks in Iraq killed 29 people on Thursday (Nov 28) as 11 car bombs struck nationwide, the latest in a surge of violence sparking fears Iraq is slipping back into all-out sectarian war.
The bloodshed, in which more than 6,000 people have been killed this year, is part of the worst prolonged stretch of unrest since 2008 and comes just months before a general election, forcing Baghdad to appeal for international help in battling militancy.
Muslim Brotherhood defies protest law
Police fired tear gas on Friday, Nov 29 at Islamists demonstrating in Egypt in defiance of a new law banning unauthorised protests that has led to a prominent bloggers arrest. Despite the law, the Muslim Brotherhood had vowed to go ahead with the protests it has organised after weekly prayers ever since Islamist president Mohammed Mursi was overthrown by the military on July 3.
On Thursday, the interior ministry warned against unauthorised protests. And police arrested prominent blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, in a stark declaration of intent reminiscent of the autocratic rule of long-time president Hosni Mubarak, ousted in a popular uprising nearly three years ago.
Police used tear gas against hundreds of Mursis supporters who protested in front of a presidential palace in Cairo, an AFP reporter said, adding that he also heard gunshots. Tear gas was also fired at dozens of Islamists in the capitals Mohandessin district and on a key road leading to the Giza pyramids. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones and burning tyres in Mohandessin, officials said, adding that similar protests were dispersed in the cities of Alexandria, Suez, Mahallah and Qena. At least 97 people were arrested during the clashes, while eight were wounded, officials said.
Friday’s protests came two days after a court in the city of Alexandria sentenced 14 women to 11 years in jail and seven girls to a juvenile centre for participating in a violent pro-Mursi demonstration in October. The harsh jail terms raised calls from rights groups for a presidential pardon.
Ali Awad, adviser to interim president Adly Mansour clarified Friday that “reports of a presidential pardon granted to these women are incorrect”. ”Any presidential pardon is possible only after a final verdict” is delivered, he said in an Arabic statement posted on the government’s official website.
Judicial sources say Abdel Fattah is accused of holding an unauthorised demonstration, inciting people to riot, cutting off roads, beating a police officer and stealing his walkie-talkie. Prosecutors had issued warrants on Wednesday for his arrest and that of fellow activist Ahmed Maher for taking part in an unauthorised demonstration the previous day. Abdel Fattah was detained under Mubarak, under the military junta that ousted him, and again under Mursi. On Friday, Maher, who has yet to be detained, tweeted: “Our dream was to live with dignity but the army, Mubarak’s corrupt regime and their allies… are fighting it with the arrests and crackdowns.”
UK burned embarrassing colonial documents
British officials burned and dumped at sea documents from colonies that were about to become independent in a systematic effort to hide their “dirty” secrets, newly released files showed on Friday, Dec 29.
Under “Operation Legacy”, officials in Kenya, Uganda, Malaysia, Tanzania, Jamaica and other former British colonial territories were briefed on how to dispose of documents that “might embarrass Her Majesty’s government”.
The newly declassified Foreign Office files reveal how the “splendid incinerator” at the Royal Navy base in Singapore was used to destroy lorry loads of files from the region.
Other officials wrote of documents being dumped “in deep and current-free water at the maximum practicable distance from shore”, according to the documents in the National Archives.
One dispatch from Kenya in 1961 mentions the formation of a committee dealing with “dirty aspects of protective security” which would “clean” Kenyan intelligence files, according to The Times newspaper.
The British government agreed earlier this year to pay £14 million (16 million euros, $23 million) in compensation to more than 5,200 elderly Kenyans who were tortured and abused during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising against colonial rule.
Army wary of intervening in Thailand
Thailand’s opposition protesters have appealed to the army to help topple the government, but chastened by the turmoil they unleashed with a 2006 coup the powerful generals are reluctant to seize power again, observers say. The kingdom has been convulsed with periodic unrest since the ouster of Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire tycoon whose political rise alarmed the nation’s elites who saw him as corrupt and a threat to the monarchy.
The army held power for a year after the 2006 takeover, but Thaksin’s allies soon secured one of a series of thumping election victories that have frustrated their opponents, who now call for democracy to be replaced with an unelected “people’s council”.
Anti-government protesters vowing to rid the country of Thaksin’s polarising influence have this week stormed the offices of his sister, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and other symbols of state power, in unrest which has claimed several lives.
As the clashes threatened to get out of hand, the military sent hundreds of unarmed soldiers to support the police and facilitated a meeting between Yingluck and protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Sunday, Dec 1. But apart from those measures the generals have so far avoided any public return to the political fray and army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said Tuesday, Dec 3 the military would “let this problem be solved by politics”.
A senior military source with knowledge of the Sunday meeting told AFP that the heads of the army, navy and airforce refused to throw their support behind the premier.
The current unrest is the worst political violence since 2010, when more than 90 people were killed during pro-Thaksin “Red Shirt” rallies that ended in a brutal army crackdown with soldiers firing live rounds as they stormed protest camps. Walker said the Red Shirts had proved they could again mass large numbers of supporters with their rally last weekend at a suburban sports stadium in Bangkok, which attracted tens of thousands of people.
Hizbullah to punish Israel for killing of top leader
Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned Friday, Dec 20 that his Lebanese Shiite movement will “punish” Israel for the killing of a top leader earlier this month.
“The killers will be punished sooner or later… Those who killed our brothers will not know safety anywhere in the world,” he said in a televised tribute to Hassan al-Lakiss, whose killing Hizbullah blamed on Israel despite its denials. “We and the Israelis have accounts that need settling. There are old and new debts between us,” said Nasrallah.
Lakiss’s “blood has not been spilt in vain… The punishment will come whenever we decide it,” Hizbullah’s secretary general added.
“The Israelis think that Hizbullah is busy (with Syria’s war) and with the situation in Lebanon… I tell them: You’re making a mistake,” he said. Nasrallah was referring to his movement’s involvement in the war in neighbouring Syria. Thousands of Hizbullah troops are fighting alongside President Bashar al-Assad’s troops, in a bid to crush a massive Sunni-led insurgency.
Al Qaeda more dangerous than ever warns US counterterrorism officials
More than two and a half years after United States (US) commandos shot dead al Qaeda figurehead Osama bin Laden, the global extremist network is more dangerous than ever, warned American experts and counterterrorism officials on December 12 during Jamestown Foundation’s annual conference on terrorism in Washington, reported Daily Times. Thanks notably to a flood of recruits flowing to join al Qaeda-linked forces fighting in Syria’s civil war, the group is back on its feet, and securing territory from which it could once more threaten Europe and the United States. Bin Laden’s former lieutenants in al Qaeda’s historic leadership have been killed by US Special Forces or in drone strikes, or else are isolated and on the run in the tribal badlands on the Afghan-Pakistan border.
But armed groups in Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Libya and West Africa have flocked to his banner and al Qaeda is rebuilding its influence and recruiting fighters across the region. “Their leadership has been hit very hard, but this brand is still growing. And it’s growing from an increased number of safe havens,” said retired US Marine Corps General James Mattis, adding, “Al Qaeda is resilient, they adapted. We have to think strategically before we act, not only act tactically.”
MI5 in the spotlight over British soldier’s killing
Britain’s MI5 domestic security agency was put under the microscope Friday, Dec 20 over what it knew about the two Islamic extremists who hacked a soldier to death in London. Michael Adebolajo, 29, and his accomplice Michael Adobowale, 22, were convicted on Thursday of the brutal slaying of soldier Lee Rigby outside his barracks in May. Adebolajo claimed MI5 repeatedly tried to recruit him as an informant after he was arrested in Kenya in 2010.
He was reportedly trying to reach al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militants in Somalia.
He rejected MI5’s approaches but British newspapers questioned Friday whether they should not have had him on a tight leash. The case has echoes of the July 7, 2005 London bombings, where MI5 had monitored two of the four suicide attackers but only saw them as a low-level risk.
Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will now investigate how much MI5 knew of the activities of Rigby’s killers and whether they failed to spot the scale of the threat, before reporting next year.
MI5 does not deny approaching Adebolajo, while the murderer’s family members have said they were approached too.
Following the verdicts, Friday’s newspapers said the Security Service clearly had questions to answer. In its editorial, the top-selling Sun tabloid accepted it was impossible to watch everybody, but “the failure to stop a man obviously itching to commit terrorist attacks seems utterly inexplicable”.
The left-liberal Guardian said the case “exposes difficult questions about police and MI5 effectiveness which need to be frankly faced”.
And the right-wing Daily Mail asked: “Isn’t it more than a little worrying that his lethal, psychotic zealotry was not identified?”MI5 suffered similar criticism following the 2005 attacks on London’s transport network, having classed ringleader Mohammad Sidique Khan as a peripheral figure and not pursued him.
Adebolajo was well-known for associating in public with Al-Muhajiroun, a banned radical Islamist group, and was jailed for assault at a rally. Reports even suggested that his attempt to reach Somalia may have been funded by Samantha Lewthwaite, the notorious “White Widow” of 2005 London bomber Germaine Lindsay. After Adebolajo’s deportation from Kenya in 2010, MI5 allegedly began contacting him, and his relatives.
But he was not put under Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures, which would have seen him electronically tagged, placed under curfew and restricted in his associations and use of the Internet. Adebolajo retained his passport and was not prosecuted for attempting to engage in terrorism or terror training abroad.
Terrorism expert Raffaello Pantucci from the Royal United Services Institute security think-tank said the men would not have set off “trip wires” that often expose deadly plots.
US aircrafts hit by gunfire in Sudan
Three US aircrafts came under fire from unidentified forces on Saturday, Dec 21 while trying to evacuate Americans from a spiralling conflict in South Sudan.
The US military said four of its members were wounded in the attacks. Nearly a week of fighting in South Sudan threatens to drag the world’s newest country into a Dinka-Nuer ethnic civil war just two years after it won independence from Sudan with strong support from successive US administrations. The US aircraft came under fire while approaching the evacuation site, the military’s Africa Command said in a statement. “The aircraft diverted to an airfield outside the country and aborted the mission,” it added.
The statement said all of the three Osprey CV-22 aircraft involved in the mission had been damaged. The United Nations mission in South Sudan said one of four UN helicopters sent to Youai, in Jonglei state, had come under small-arms fire on Friday. No crew or passengers were harmed.
Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting between Dinka loyalists of President Salva Kiir and Nuer supporters of former Vice-President Riek Machar, who was sacked in July and is accused by the government of trying to seize power.
Fighting has spread from the capital, Juba, to vital oilfields and the government said a senior army commander had defected to Machar in the oil-producing Unity State.
The German military said on Saturday it had evacuated 98 people, including Germans and other nationals, from South Sudan by air to neighbouring Uganda. The German ambassador to South Sudan was among them, the Foreign Ministry in Berlin said.
America urged to end spying
Senior Israeli officials on Sunday, Dec 22 demanded an end to US spying on Israel, following revelations that the National Security Agency intercepted emails from the offices of the country’s top former leaders. It was the first time that Israeli officials have expressed anger since details of US spying on Israel began to trickle out in documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
The scandal also spurred renewed calls for the release of Jonathan Pollard, a former American intelligence analyst who has been imprisoned in the US for nearly three decades for spying on behalf of Israel. Amir Dan, a spokesman for Olmert, played down the revelations. He said the email address targeted was one meant for queries from the public and was not used for sensitive communications.
Officials use special secure lines for certain types of communications, and for the most sensitive matters, issues are discussed only face to face in secure rooms. Even so, Israeli officials reacted with uncharacteristic anger toward the US, Israel’s closest and most important ally.
Lawmaker Nachman Shai, a member of the parliamentary foreign affairs and defence committee, which deals with intelligence matters, called for an urgent intelligence briefing on the reported spying. Shai called for a “full report about what we know, what we have done, and just to find out.” He added that he was “really surprised that my government, which is very easily responsive on any given issue, on this we keep silent, which is not the right policy and right behaviour.”
Espionage is a sensitive subject between Israel and the US because of the Pollard affair. Pollard, a former civilian intelligence analyst, was sentenced to life in prison in 1987 for passing classified material to Israel. Israeli leaders frequently call for his release and say his nearly three decades in prison are punishment enough, but stiff opposition from the American military and intelligence community has deterred a string of American presidents from releasing him.
Since Pollard’s conviction, Israel has promised not to spy on the US Ministers stressed on Sunday that Israel does not spy on the US president or defence secretary. “I think we should expect the same relations from the US,” Steinitz said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a more subdued reaction, saying that Israel continues to press for the convicted spy’s release.
Syrian ‘copters bomb Azaz
Government forces widened a bombing campaign in rebel-held areas of northern Syria on Monday, Dec 23 striking one of the main border towns near Turkey and killing 15 people, said activists. The attack on Azaz was the latest attack using powerful but inaccurate “barrel bombs” on the northern city of Aleppo and its surrounding towns and villages, said an activist who goes by the name of Abu al-Hassan Marea. He said residents in the town told him that 15 people were killed in the strike. Another activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, gave the same death toll.
The Azaz attack suggests the government is expanding its range of targets a week after it began an unusually heavy air offensive against Aleppo on Dec. 15., dropping barrel bombs on rebel-held areas from helicopters. Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, is divided into government-and-rebel-ruled areas. Barrel bombs are crude devices filled with explosives and fuel that are wildly inaccurate — often landing near schools and market places, causing massive damage on impact.
In the first four days of the current air campaign alone, the aid group Doctors Without borders said the bombs killed at least 189 people and wounded 879.The government has not commented on the use of the crude weapons, nor on the intensified strikes over Aleppo. But the timing suggests that Syrian President Bashar Assad could be trying to strengthen his position a month ahead of planned peace talks in Switzerland. Government forces have struck towns outside of Aleppo in the past few days, but Azaz appears the furthest place from the city targeted so far by the barrel bombs.
Barrel bombs also struck the Aleppo neighbourhoods of Qadi Askar and Marjeh on Monday, killing three people, said activist Marea and another activist who identifies as Abu Raed. Also Monday, Syrian activists raised the death toll to 65 from a barrel bombing around a marketplace in the rebel-held Masaken Hanano area of Aleppo. It was one of the deadliest attacks since the Syrian military began its assault.
The British-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said mostly civilians were killed when helicopters dumped the explosives-laden barrels around the Masaken Hanano market on Sunday, hitting a series of cars, the road and flattening a two-story building. Earlier, the Observatory said that 47 people were killed.
The Observatory, which gathers information from a network of activists on the ground, said the death toll was raised after it was able to identify more victims. Activist Hassoun Abu Faisal, of the Aleppo Media Centre, said Monday that 83 people were killed.
Such conflicting figures are common in the aftermath of large bombings. Abu Faisal said part of the confusion was that many of the killed were badly burnt, or their bodies were torn apart by the blast, leaving medics to piece together macabre puzzles to count casualties.
He said the intensity of the past weeks’ bombings also meant that ramshackle medical clinics were overwhelmed, and it was difficult to track where bodies — or body parts — were sent. Medical groups have warned over the past week that local clinics have been overwhelmed by injuries and deaths caused by the barrel bombs.
Five journalists killed in Iraq
Suicide bombers assaulted an Iraqi television station headquarters on Monday, Dec 23 killing five journalists, the latest in a series of attacks against the media, police officers said.
At least 17 more people were killed in other violence, including four officers who died when mortar rounds struck a military base. And the defence ministry announced that Iraqi forces destroyed two militant camps, with officials saying the civil war in neighbouring Syria was driving the violence.
The dead from the attack on Salaheddin television in Tikrit, north of Baghdad, were the chief news editor, a copy editor, a producer, a presenter and the archives manager, the police officers said, while five of the channel’s employees were wounded. Two of the bombers blew themselves up during the attack, and security forces killed the other two when they stormed the building.
Last week, militants attacked the Tikrit city council headquarters, killing a council member and two police. Iraq has come in for repeated criticism over the lack of media freedom and the number of unsolved killings of journalists. The country is experiencing the worst violence against journalists in years, with 12 killed in attacks since October 5. Other violence on Monday left at least 17 more people dead.
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 Sindh | Level 2 | ** |
| Gilgit and Northern | 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.
