(Combined effort of PATHFINDER GROUP Task Force)
Terrorist Activities in Pakistan
Suicide Bombings
13 persons, including a Policeman, were killed and more that 20 others were injured in an incident of suicide attack in Swabi town on March 30, reports Daily Times. According to security sources, the suicide bomber, riding a motorbike, blew himself up near a Police check post on Ambar Interchange on Islamabad-Peshawar motorway, which was close to a camp set up by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Faz1 (JUI-F) for a public meeting. However, it was not clear if the bomber specifically targeted the supporters of JUI-F chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, or if they just happened to be there when the checkpoint came under the attack.
A suicide bomber struck a con-Fazlur Rehman, near the District Coordination Officer (DCO) office on Nowshera Road in Charsadda District 31, killing 12 persons and injuring 42 others, reports Daily Times. “At least 12 persons were martyred, including four police officials, and 42 others were injured in the suicide bombing,” a senior administration official, Ajmal Khan, said. It was the second attack against Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his supporters for the consecutive second days. “The bomb exploded just when Maulana’s vehicle passed that area. He was on his way to attend a public meeting. He is safe and sound,” Abdul Jalil Jan, a JUI-F leader, said.
At least 41 persons were killed and more than 100 injured when two suicide bombers blew them-selves up outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ahmed Sultan, popularly known as Sakhi Sarwar, in Dera Ghazi Khan District of Punjab on April 3, reports Daily Times. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings. “Our men carried out these attacks and we will carry out more in retaliation for Government operations against our people in the northwest,” TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said.
Meanwhile, two accomplices of suicide bombers were arrested. The detainees included a suspected suicide bomber identified as Fida Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
A teenage suicide bomber killed an anti-Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) lashkar (militia) leader, Muhammad Akbar (55), and seven other persons near a bus terminal in the Jandol town of Lower Dir District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on April 4, reports Daily Times. Sources said that the suicide bomber blew him-self up at a car showroom near the bus terminal. “We have found the head of the bomber. He appears to be a teenager, a 15 to 16-year-old boy,” said Dir District Police Chief Saleem Marwat.
A suicide attack at the house of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Investigations, Wazir Nasir Khan in Quetta, on April 7 killed two per-sons, including the bomber and a Police Constable. Sources said that the attacker entered the Residential colony of Police officers early in the morning in an explosive laden car which he rammed into the house of DIG Investigations. As a result, one Police constable, who was standing at the gate, died and nine others including DIG Khan and several children were injured.
Bomb Blasts
Suspected militants targeted the offices of two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Tehrik and Mehak with a car bomb, injuring three people, including a Security Guard, on Al-Gilani Street in Quetta on April 19. According to Police reports it was a remote-controlled bomb that targeted the offices of two NGOs, which operate with local and foreign help to promote education and creating health awareness in Balochistan.
At least 18 people were killed and 41 sustained injuries in a powerful blast that ripped through a gambling den building near Ghaas Mandi area of Lyari locality in Karachi, the Provincial Capital of Sindh on April 21, reports The News.
Abductions
A professor, identified as Abdul Hameed Mengal, of Engineering University in Khuzdar District was abducted by unidentified assailants on April 20.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) militants abducted a pro-government tribal elder Malak Sher Khan alias Sheray on Apr 22 from his house in Gakizai area of Lakkaro tehsil in Mohammad Agency. Later, his body was found in the area. The TTP Mohmand chapter spokesman Sajjad Mohmand told reporters that they had killed him for having close links with political authorities.
Targetted Killings
An Awami National Party (ANP) activist, identified as GuI Zameen, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Karachi on March 27, reported Daily Times.
An activist of Dawat-e-lslami, identified as Asghar Ali Attari, was gunned down in Mawach Goth with-in the limits of Mauripur Police Station in Karachi on March 28, reported Daily Times.
Two persons, including an activist of the Awami National Party (ANP) and the younger brother of Sunni Tehreek (ST) activist were killed in Karachi on April 3, reports Daily Times. Police found body of ANP local leader Nasarullah Niazi in a gunny bag from Bihar Colony, Lyari, within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station. The body of Naveed Anjum, the younger brother of a local leader of ST was found from a garbage drum near Ship Owner College in the limits of Sharah Noor Jahan Police Station.
Two workers of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), formerly known as Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan were shot dead near Liaquatabad underpass in Karachi on April 4, reports Daily Times.
Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Vice-Chairman (VC) Akhtar Hussain and three others, including a passerby woman, were gunned down while at least three others were injured in an incident of target killing within the limits of Ferozabad Police Station in Karachi on April 11, reports Daily Times. The incident occurred at Tariq Road traffic signal when MQM-H (Afaq group) VC and other party’s workers were returning from the Central Jail after visiting Afaq Ahmed. According to Police at least four assailants, riding on motorcycles, opened indiscriminate fire on a Suzuki Cults and a motorcycle of MOM-H members.
Seven more people, including four Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers and one Awami National Party (ANP) activist, were killed in separate incidents of tar-get killings that continued to plague Karachi on April 14, reports Daily Times.
Six persons, including two activists each of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP), were killed ongoing wave of target killings in Karachi, on April 14, reports Daily Times.
Targeted killings claimed eight more lives, including that of activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP), Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) and a police officer, in different parts of Karachi on April 16.
Miscellaneous
The Security Forces (SFs) arrested an Afghanistan militant in a raid on a house in Mamoo Banda area of Hangu District on March 26 and recovered dozens of local and foreign cellular phone SIMs from his possession, reports Dawn. The arrested Afghan militant was identified as Zarak son of Khayal Mohammad, a resident of Khost province of Afghanistan. Sources said that six other suspects were also under detention in Zargari area for their alleged involvement in attacks on Police vans in parts of Hangu. Their names were being kept secret by Army, sources added.
Four persons, including a woman, were killed and several others sustained injuries when unidentified militants fired a rocket at a vehicle in Shahidano village near Kurram Agency on March 27, reports Daily Times.
Ten Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (UP) militants, including five top ranking ‘commanders’, were killed during an encounter Security Forces in Tor Chapar village of Darra Adamkhel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on April 3, reports Dawn. The slain ‘commanders’ were identified as Qari lkramullah, ‘second in command’ of TTP Amir for Darra Adamkhel and Khyber Agency Sarfraz Ayubi, Qari Mubeen, Qari Javed and Abdul Mannan.
Dushmankhel tribe chief, Sardar Amanuddin Mehsud was killed in Wana the head quarter of South Waziristan Agency on April 4, reports Daily Times. According to sources, unidentified militants had abducted him two months ago and his body was found near the Shewkai Narai area of Wana. However, no one has claimed responsibility for the murder so far but the multiple injuries on Sardar Amanuddin Mehsud body depicts that he was tortured to death.
Three commanders of Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) were killed in fighting with Zakhakhel lashkar (tribal mili-tia) in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency on April 5, reports Dawn. Sources said that the lashkar killed Khan Zakhakhel, the suspected head of the LI execution squad, along with his family after torching his house on the second day of fighting. The sources claimed that Khan Zakhakhel carried out executions on the orders of Mangal Bagh. Two other LI commanders, Mulla Zahuruddin and Policai (real name not known) were also killed along with Khan. Another two LI commanders reportedly surren-dered to the Zakhakhel lashkar in Bar Qambar Khel and Brug areas, after the latter took control of Ziarhai heights. The sources also added that Ansarul Islam militants re-established control over Sandapal after Zakhakhel tribes-men, previously loyal to LI, had abandoned the area. The LI had ousted Ansar from Sandapal three years ago after a fierce gun battle. Meanwhile, the political administra-tion in Landi Kotal has held consul-tations with Zakhakhel elders and assured them of the Government support against LI.
Three militants and a Policeman were killed and another official sustained injuries in a clash at Jamrud Road of Peshawar on April 11, reports Dawn. Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Liaquat Ali said that a police party led by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sajid lqbal Khan was on a routine patrol when militants ambushed their vehicle near Hayatabad Industrial Estate at about 2am. At least 20 militants with sophisticated weapons opened indiscriminate fire on the Police van from the rooftop of a building in Khushal Market. An unnamed Police source claimed that the militants belonged to Khyber Agency and one of them was from Lashkar-i-Islam (LI). The other two slain militants belonged to Qambarkhel and Kokikhel tribes, however, he did not disclose their names.
Police neutralised a bomb planted outside the residence of Jamaat-i-Islami provincial General Secretary Shabbir Ahmed Khan in Afghan Colony under Faqirabad Police Station of Peshawar. An official of Bomb Disposal Unit said that the explosive, weighing six kilo-grams, was packed in plastic, adding that it was a remote con-trolled bomb.
Special Investigation Unit (SIU) claimed to have arrested a target killer, Tahir alias Rizvi, from Orangi Town in Karachi along with a TT pistol from his possession on April 20. The officer informed that Tahir was involved in three murders commit-ted in the Manghopir area.
Five soldiers were killed and nine others wounded as fierce clashes erupted between Security Forces and militants in Maskini area of Lower Dir District on April 21, reported Dawn. It was reported that 500 militants from across Afghan border attacked a security check post at Kharkai area killing one SF. After overrunning the Kharkai post, the militants went for a check post in Bosta area, killing four security force personnel.
Militants beheaded a sympathiser, Niaz Badshah, of Adezai Qaumi Lashkar, which had been fighting against the TTP since 2008, and threw his body on the main Matani-Adezai Road in Peshawar on April 21.
Police claimed to have recovered huge cache of arms and ammunitions from two vehicles and arrested two drivers in the limits of Chamkani Police Station. The weapons recovered include 9,000 cartridges of 9mm and 40 repeaters, along with 11,000 cartridges, 20 repeaters and three pistols. The drivers of both the vehicles Sartaj Khan and Fahim were arrest-ed on the spot for transporting the arms and ammunitions to Punjab.
Pakistan
FazI escapes another life attempt
Within a short span of 24 hours on Thursday, March 31 the JUI Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman escaped yet another attempt on his life narrowly in Charsadda District where a suicide explosion left as many as 12 people dead and over 30 others seriously injured. Those killed included four security personnel and JUI workers. Earlier, the former Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly and Chief of his own faction of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-lslam (JUI) Maulana Fazlur Rehman, narrowly escaped attempt on his life when his motorcade was attacked near Swabi Motorway exchange on Wednesday (March 30) morning. The deadly suicide explosion resulted in killing of 10 people including a police officer seriously injuring dozen others. Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hoti has condemned suicide attack on convoy of JUI (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in strong words and termed it a cowardly and inhumane act.
Six terrorists arrested in Sri Lanka cricket team attack case in Punjab
Police on March 29 claimed it has arrested six more alleged terrorists belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), over the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan crick-et team in Lahore, reports Daily Times. Lahore Police reported that the arrested terrorists belonged to the TTP, adding that one of them, identified as Amanullah alias Asadullah, had masterminded the assault on the Sri Lankan cricketers in March 2009. The Police said “the terrorists wanted to kidnap the Lankan team and then make a demand to the Government for the release of their leaders arrested by Law Enforcement Agencies”. Suicide vests, rocket launchers, Kalashnikovs, hand grenades and other lethal weapons were recov-ered from their possession.
TTP militant arrested in Islamabad
Police on April 6 arrested a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant involved in several bomb blasts in Islamabad and Azad Kashmir, from outskirts of Islamabad, reports Dawn. Police sources said that Faisal Shabbir Abbasi belonged to the Hakimullah Mehsud’s faction of the TTP.
400 suicide bombers being trained in NW
Umar Fidayee (14), the teenage suicide bomber who was arrested as an accomplice to suicide attackers of the shrine of Sufi saint Ahmed Sultan, popularly known as Sakhi Sarwar, in Dera Ghazi Khan District of Punjab on April 3, con-fessed that up to 400 suicide bombers are being trained in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Daily Times reported on April 9. He made the remarks in an inter-view aired on April 8 from his hospital bedside, where he is being treated after detonating a hand grenade. “I was trained for two months and saw many boys being trained there,” he said, going on to appeal on Pakistanis to “please forgive me”. “God has given me a new life but I am sad that we killed innocent people, innocent children,” he added.
US committed to improving ties with Pakistan: US Ambassador
The United States is committed to improving its relationship with Pakistan, despite tensions over the shooting deaths of two Pakistanis by a CIA contractor, said US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on April 11, reports Daily Times. Speaking at a seminar titled “Pakistan-US: A Way Forward”, jointly organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the US embassy, Munter spoke of a “renewal” in Pakistan-US relations and noted America’s many humanitarian programmes in the country. “We are committed to working together in partnership with Pakistan in the short, medium, and long-term to achieve a strong and successful Pakistan. We want to see a strong and stable Pakistan, one in which democratic institutions are effective and transparent, one in which the extraordinary potential of Pakistanis can be unlocked for the benefit of all”.
Cleric along with student killed in Quetta
Religious leader Maulana Abdul Kabir Qadri Qambrani and a student of his seminary, Dur Khan, were killed and his son and another student were injured in an attack in the Sariab Road area of Quetta on April 14, reports Dawn. According to Police, the assailants who were on a motorbike opened fire on them near the Bibi Nani Shrine.
US drones killed 957 civilians in 2010, says HRCP annual report
A total of 957 civilians were killed in American drone attacks in the country 2010, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in its annual report on April 14, reports Times of India. Report said that terrorist attacks in Pakistan left 2,542 people dead and 5,062 others injured in 2010. “Target killings” in the country’s port city of Karachi saw the death of 237 political activists while in the southwestern province of Balochistan, at least 118 people were killed, the report said. At least 1,159 people, including 1,041 civilians, lost their lives in 67 suicide bomb attacks in the country. During 2010, at least 12,580 people were killed in different incidents, including 791 honour killings. A total of 581 people were kidnapped for ransom. The report, whose statistics were derived largely from media and other undisclosed sources, criticised the government for failing to protect the citizens, especially religious minorities.
CIA won’t halt operations in Pakistan, says US official
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has no plans to suspend “operations” in Pakistan against terror suspects despite objections from leaders in Islamabad, a US official said on condition of anonymity on April 15, reports Daily Times. “Pakistan has criticised missile strikes by US drone aircraft in its tribal belt, but CIA Director Leon Panetta has told intelligence officials that he has a duty to prevent attacks on the United States,” official said.
Meanwhile, The News quoting an unnamed US official reported that the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) has established its own spy network in Pakistan. According to the US official, the CIA established its spy network in Pakistan’s tribal areas during the last two years.
FC to replace Army in Balochistan, says CoAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said on April 18 that troops deputed in Balochistan would return to their barracks soon and no operation would be carried out in the province without a permission of the Provincial Government, reports Daily Times. The CoAS claimed that not even a single Army unit was conducting any operation in Balochistan, adding that only two battalions were present in Sui area of the province. Balochistan chief minister was responsible for maintaining law and order in the province, remarked Kayani, adding that the troops would be pulled out and then responsibility would be taken over by the Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC). Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Gwadar Institute of Technology in Sui, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said that youths of Balochistan would be recruited in the Army according to percentage of their province’s share in the total population of the country. He announced that 5,000 Baloch youth would become part of the Army later this month (April).
Pakistan asks US to review drone attacks strategy
Pakistan and the United States on April 22 voiced confidence in taking their strategic partnership for-ward even as Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir urged a review of the drone attacks strategy in pursuit of militants who may be hiding on Pakistani side of the Afghanistan border, reports Daily Times. In a joint media appearance with the US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ambassador Marc Grossman, the top Pakistani career diplomat described talks in the steering group as ‘cordial, constructive and engaging,’ during which the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to an enduring partnership. “Pakistan values its relations with the United States- we had satisfying discussions. We have agreed to give a new momentum to relations in the coming weeks with the visit of Ambassador Grossman to Pakistan next week and possibly Secretary Hillary Clinton’s visit in May for the next round of strategic dialogue,” Bashir added. Grossman, for his part, reiterated Washington’s resolve to pursuing a long-term relationship with Pakistan. Bashir, responding to a question, said there were certain issues on which Pakistan’s position was very clear.
ISI not behind Mumbai attack, says Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik
Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik on April 22 categorically stated that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was not involved in the Mumbai terror attack and maintained that Islamabad had no issues with New Delhi helping Afghanistan in its development pro-vided there was no presence of the Indian Army on that side of the Durand Line, reports The Hindu. Rehman Malik made these remarks while interacting with an Indian media delegation that is visiting the country on the invitation of the Pakistan Government.
Regional
Bangladesh —Internal Dynamics
Four bombs recovered from Rajbari District Police recovered four bombs on railway track in Arpara area in Kalukha sub-district of Rajbari District on March 27, reports Daily Star. Police has launched a drive to arrest militants involved in the incident.
Arms and ammunition recovered from Kishoreganj District
Police recovered 1,870 bullets from a pond at Kadirejangal Pitua Purbapara village in Karimganj of Kishoreganj District on March 29, reports Daily Star.
Meanwhile, Police recovered a gun and live cartridges from a house at Mirzapur Road under Khulna Saddar Police Station on March 27.
Separately, Security Forces (SFs) arrested two Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh militants, identified as Shamin Mahfuz and Mohammad Ismail, from the Kalapara area in Thanchi sub-district of Bandarban District on March 29. A cache of explosives, a number of jihadi and militant books along with other things were recovered from the possession of the arrested militants.
Further, another JMB militant, identified as Mahmud Hassan of Pathartola village in Saddar sub-district, was arrested from the Pabna town. According to official sources, Mahmud Hassan’s uncle Mahedi is one of the top leaders of JMB.
Two cadres of PBCP-Sharbahara Faction arrested in Pabna District
Police arrested two cadres, Eusuf Ali and Ershad Ali of outlawed Purbo Bangla Communist Party-Sharbahara Faction from Nuruddinpur area of Sujanagar Sub-District of Pabna District on April 9, reports Daily Star. The arrestees hailed from Indrajitpur village in Sujanagar Sub-District.
BCP cadre arrested along with firearms and ammunitions
Police arrested a Biplobi Communist Party (BCP) cadre, Jalal Uddin Pramanik and recovered a Leichgeschutz (LG) weapon and two bullets from his possession in Mirpur Sub-District of Kushtia District on April 11, reports Daily Star.
Separately, a court in Kurigram sentenced top leader of Allar Dal, Matin Mehedi (former top Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh leader), and three of his associates, accused in the case for serial bomb attack in Jhenaidah District on August 17, 2005 to 20 years rigorous imprisonment.
Cocktail bomb making materials recovered from Rajshahi District
Daily Star reports that the Rajshahi Police recovered cocktail bomb and bomb making materials from Shaheed Selim Hall of Rajshahi University of Engineering Technology (RUET) on April 12. The bomb making materials included six empty cans, 100 gram white powder and small pieces of pebble.
PBCP-Red Flag `regional leader’ arrested in Pabna District
A ‘regional leader’ of Purba Banglar Communist Party Red Flag faction was arrested in Santhia sub-district of Pabna District on April 16, reports Daily Star. The arrestee Moha mad Islam Khan was from Lakhmipur village in the Santhia sub-district.
Directors General of National Security Intelligence on remand for August 21, 2004 grenade attack
A Dhaka Court on April 18 placed two former Directors General (DG) of National Security Intelligence (NSI) on remand for four days in connection with the August 21 grenade attack on an Awami League (AL) rally in 2004, reports Daily Star. Abdul Kahar Akand, the Investigation Officer (10) of the case filed under Explosives Act, in a forwarding report said the two accused were very close to for-mer State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar, now in detention on charges of links with the grenade attack. Besides, Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) ‘Chief’ Mufti Abdul Hannan on April 7, 2011 in his confessional statement said the two former DGs were behind the conspiracy to make the attack alongwith senior special superintendent of Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
India —Internal Dynamics
Grenades recovered at Manipur University Professor’s residence
Sangai Express reports on March 31 that hand grenades, left by suspected armed cadres of the Naga militant group, Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland/ National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN), was found at the residence of a Manipur University Professor, Oinam !mocha at Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai in Imphal West District on March 28. The bomb was defused later.
Extremist leader Swami Aseemanand to be charged in Ajmer Dargah blast case
The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on March 31 said that it would file a charge sheet in the Ajmer Dargah blast case (October 11, 2007)against the extremist leader Swami Aseemanand on April 8, according to The Hindu. Aseemanand, who had earlier made a confessional statement acknowledging the direct role he and his associates had played in the Malegaon, Samjhauta Express, Ajmer and Mecca Masjid blasts later filed an application in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ajmer, seeking to withdraw his application to turn a witness in the Ajmer Dargah blast case. Meanwhile, official sources informed that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would probe the Ajmer blast case.
Militants kill three CRPF personnel in Assam
Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers (KPLT) militants killed three Central Reserve Police Force personnel and injured four others in an ambush on April 2 near Rongshuli village in east Guwahati, reports Kanglaonline. Three slain personnel were identified as Havaldar Devendra Shah, Mithu Singh and a constable Dilip Kumar, adds Shillong Times.
5,000 detonators recovered in Jharkhand
Sify.com reports that three bags carrying 5,000 detonators were recovered by the Police from Jamtara District on April 4. According to the Police, three youths were spotted carrying the bags at Jamtara railway station, some 450 kilometres from Ranchi. Suspecting something amiss, the Police personnel approached the youths, but they fled, leaving their bags behind. The three had deboarded the Patliputra Express train. “It appears the explosives were meant to be supplied to Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist). Off late, Jamtara has emerged as a hub for the Maoists,” a Police Officer told IANS.
Reliance Telecom official killed in Jharkhand
Telegraph reports that Manoj Ojha, General Manager of Reliance Power was killed and seven other company officials were injured in an attack by the cadres of the Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), a break away faction of the Communist Party of India-Maoist, near Hesatu village in Chatra District, around 100 kilometres from Ranchi on April 6. The team from the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group Company had arrived at Sidppa village in Tandwa tehsil (administrative division) in the District to survey land for a project, the Police said.
Suspected GNLA militants kill five migrant coal mine workers in Meghalaya
The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants on April 5 killed five migrant coal miners and injured another at Goka coal dumping area South Garo Hills District, reports Shillong Times. Sources said that GNLA militants opened indiscriminate fire on the sleeping coal labourers killing five on the spot and injuring another.
Industries forced to buy peace with Maoists: Union Home Secretary Pillai
Times of India reports that many industries located in Communist Party of India-Maoist dominated areas are forced to buy peace with the Left Wing Extremists due to insecure environment. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry organised seminar on “Security Dimensions of Development Disparities” in New Delhi on April 9, Union Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai said the Maoists often serve extortion notices to many industries located in central and eastern India where the LWE have a strong presence. He said that due to insecure environment and thin presence of Security Forces the industries are forced to pay extortion money for their safety and smooth running of the business. “The Government and industry must work together to tack-le the challenge urgently as the information revolution has led to greater awareness and the masses are unwilling to wait,” he added.
Seven persons including six Policemen killed in ambush in Manipur
Assam Tribune reports that seven persons including six Policemen were killed and six injured in an ambush by Suspected National Socialist Council of Nagaland – lsak-Muivah militants in Manipur on April 15. A group of militants hiding on a hilltop ambushed a convoy belonging to Wungnaoshang Keishing, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Phungyar Constituency, near village Riha in Ukhrul District.
Naga militants boost Bihar arms industry, reveals militant arrested in Assam
Nagaland Post reports that the arrest of a youth from Diphu rail-way station in Assam’s Karbi Anglong long with arms and INR 80,400 in cash on April 19 revealed that a section of militants and their linkmen in Nagaland, including two National Socialist Council of Nagaland — Khaplang (NSCN-K) cadres were selling second-hand sophisticated arms to the mafia in Bihar. Dashan Poddar confessed that he was transporting the arms, one AK-56 rifle and two magazines from Dimapur to Munger in Bihar to hand them over to Ramakant Singh, who is the kingpin of a local mafia group there.
Woman and a Police officer killed by Maoists in Bihar
Times of India reports that one woman and a Police officer were killed by the Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres who were opposing the Panchayat (village level local self-Government institution) elections in Ramsinghdih Panchayat under Laxmipur block (administrative division) in Jamui District on April 20. Three Maoists, who had queued up before a booth at Ramsinghdih Panchayat, opened fire killing Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajendra Jha on the incident site, the Police said. The Maoists later demanded a matchbox from a woman to set ablaze a tractor near the booth. As the woman refused, they fired at her, killing her and injuring two other villagers.
| Monthly Fatalities The following deaths related to ongoing insurgencies/acts of terrorism occurred during the period March 26, 2011 to April 25, 2011: | ||||
| Civilians | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Assam | 10 | 05 | 12 | 27 |
| Manipur | 04 | 06 | 01 | 11 |
| Meghalaya | 06 | 00 | 00 | 06 |
| Left-wing | 20 | 04 | 06 | 30 |
| Total | 40 | 15 | 19 | 74 |
Nepal —Internal Dynamics
One person killed and over two dozen injured in IED blast inside a bus
Over two dozen persons were injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off inside a passenger bus at Butwal in Rupandehi District in the evening of March 27, reports Nepal News. One of the injured person succumbed to injuries the next day. The IED planted inside the bus, carrying around 40 passengers, went off soon after it arrived at Milanchowk, the main market center, from bordering city of Bhairahawa, according to Police. Nobody has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. On March 26, seven perspns were injured at Nepalgunj in Banke District, in a similar blast, while another blast left six passengers injured in Rautahat on March 25, adds Kantipuronline.
US will assist peace processes’, says US official
The US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert Blake said on April 6 that the US is ready to assist Nepal for the timely accomplishment of the processes of peace and statute drafting, according to Kantipuronline. “When Nepal’s political leadership demonstrates its readiness to move forward on the final elements of the peace process, we stand ready to provide limited sup-port for some aspects of rehabilitation such as vocational training or to help ease the transition of these young Nepalese back into civilian life,” Blake said in a testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, adds Nepal News.
Five ‘would-be bombers’ arrested in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
Police on April 6 arrested five senior cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal (Rebel) Maoist, an underground armed group, from Baluwatar in the National Capital Kathmandu and Jagati in Bhaktapur District, reports Kantipuronline. Police said the arrestees were holding a meeting and making plans to bomb several places in the Kathmandu Valley when they raided the hideouts and arrested them. Along with three pistols, some explosives and paraphernalia containing plans to carry out the bombings. The arrestees were preparing to collect around 50 weapons, enroll around 1,000 cadres in the outfit (giving priority to the Madheshi community) and plant bombs in 15 different places of the Valley by the end of April. Police also said they were planning to import two AK-47 rifles within two months.
Unidentified assailants injure newly appointed Minister
Newly appointed Minister for Energy of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) Gokarna Bista was attacked by unidentified assailants at Samakhushi Town Planning area of Kathmandu in the evening of April 11, reports Kantipuronline. Bista received injuries in the attack.
Pakistani Embassy employee shot at and injured in Kathmandu
An employee of Pakistani Embassy, identified as Mehboob Asim, was injured as unidentified assailants opened fire at him in the Basundara area of National Capital Kathmandu in the morning of April 14, reports Kantipuronline.
Meanwhile, Police made public three persons arrested on charge of exploding a bomb in a passenger bus in Butwal in Rupandehi District on March 27, Nepal News reported. One of them is an Indian national.
36 VDC secretaries resign citing threat from insurgents in Bhojpur District
Citing threats from Bikas Kirati of Shree Jung Force of the Kirat Janabadi Workers, 36 Village Development Committee (VDC) secretaries of Bhojpur District resigned en masse on April 19, reports Himalayan Times. The secretaries lamented they were compelled to resort to such a move due to threats from Bikas Kirati. Earlier, they had given time till April 18 to the local civil society, political parties and rights activists to help create conducive environment, but as nothing was done in this regard, they were forced to resign, they said.
Sri Lanka — Internal Dynamics
Interpol issues warrant against a Sri Lankan Tamil national
The Interpol issued an arrest warrant against a Sri Lankan nation-al in the United Kingdom for his alleged involvement in human smuggling (Sri Lankan Tamils to Canada), trafficking, illegal immigration, and terrorism, Colombo Page reported on March 23. The accused, identified as Shanmugasundaram Kanthaskaran, is originally a Sri Lankan Tamil from Silavathurai region. According to a confidential Sri Lankan Government report, Kanthaskaran also known as “Peg Leg Shankar,” holds a British pass-port and operates from the U.K., Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Arms and ammunition covered in North
Sri Lanka Army reports that troops on their search and clear operations in Maligai, Monarawewa, Kokkutuduwai, Nawaladi, Iranamadu, Kalmadukulam, Olumadu and Alampil areas in the North recovered 18 Anti Personnel Mines (APMs), two 60-mm mortar bomb, 21 hand grenades, 1445 rounds of T-56 ammunition, one booby trap, one 122-mm artillery shell and one Improvised Explosive Device explosive on March 31.
Correct leadership led to LTTE’s elimination, says Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, on April 5, said that Sri Lanka under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership, direction and guidance succeeded in eliminating and defeating terrorism after nearly three decades of prolonged agony, reports Colombo Page. He made this observation while delivering the keynote address at the 9th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference, with the participation of SAARC Police Heads at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa also stressed the importance of proactive cooperation and sharing key information among the law enforcement authorities of SAARC member countries to counter terrorism.
Sri Lanka’s Human Rights record worrisome, says US
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert 0. Blake (Jr.) said on April 6 that Sri Lanka’s worrisome record on human rights, weakening democracy and the accountability during the final months of war had limited United States’ ability to fully engage with Sri Lanka, according to Colombo Page. In his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Blake, the former Ambassador to Sri Lanka said Sri Lanka must take concrete steps for a true and lasting national reconciliation.
Government rejects allegations of Triumphalism
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris called for his Government to be given “space” to deal with the legacy of three decades of ethnic conflict and rejected allegations of “Triumphalism” saying Colombo was engaged in rehabilitation and reconciliation, The Hindu reported on April 7. Denying criticism that the government had been too slow to deal with the humanitarian crisis, he said “significant” progress had been made in infrastructure development and in rehabilitating those affected by the conflict, including former cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
LTTE international net work still active, says Prime Minister D M Jayaratne
PTI reports that Sri Lankan Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, on April 10, said that the international network of the defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam militants was still active and was looking for opportunities to revive the outfit. He said certain elements who wanted to challenge the nation’s sovereign-ty and territorial integrity were also backing these efforts.
UN Expert Panel’s report is flawed and biased, says Government
The Sri Lankan Government rejected the report that was handed over to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on April 12 by the Panel of Experts appointed by him to inquire into Sri Lanka’s accountability issues during the final phase of the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam militants, Colombo Page reported on April 14. The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that it had received a copy of the report and that it was flawed and biased. The three-member Panel of Experts was appointed the by the UN Secretary-General on 2010 to inquire and advise him on the alleged violation of international laws during the final stages of the war.
LTTE militants killed innocent Tamils, alleges Tamil National Alliance
In an interview with Asian Tribune on April 20, former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament S. Kanagaratnam alleged that over 600 innocent Tamil civilians were shot and killed like stray dogs from October 1, 2008 to May 18, 2009 in the Vanni region by the LTTE militants. He further added that not a single innocent civilian was killed by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in the hostility campaign against the LTTE. Kanagaratnam said that United Nations and Western countries are not privy to any firsthand information about horrors, killings, destruction and human tragedies that occurred during the final days of the battle and rubbished the UN Experts Panel’s report. He said the UN document was based on third of fourth person’s reports and on biased material pre-pared by the rump LTTE campaigners and vested interest groups.
Government rejects UN panel report
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris, on April 21 said that the Government strongly objected to the publication of the report of the UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on accountability in Sri Lanka and to the taking of measures based on the recommendations made by the said panel since the panel was not appointed by the UN system. He made this observation at a press conference held to express the Government’s stance in respect of the present situation springing from the report by the Advisory Committee appointed by the UN Secretary General to advise him on accountability issues in Sri Lanka.
International
Turkey urges Arab leaders to embrace change
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on March 30 a new era was sweeping the Middle East and it was up to its leaders to embrace change or risk being cast away. He dismissed allegations by many Arab autocrats that an unprecedented wave of uprisings that toppled leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and inspired masses across Libya, . Yemen, Bahrain and Syria was the work of “foreign elements”. Davutoglu said the Middle East was passing through a political and social upheaval like that which gripped Eastern Europe in the 1990s and toppled a series of communist dictators. “Those who try to prevent this process will face more difficulties like in Libya.”
Myanmar army junta makes way for civilian govt
Myanmar’s military junta made way for a new government on Wednesday, March 30 ushering in a new era of civilian rule dominated by the same authoritarian generals who have isolated the country for nearly two decades. The new parliament, packed with retired and serving soldiers, dissolved the powerful State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), a formality after a national election in November that was widely criticised as a sham.
The end of military rule is seen as a move to attract much-needed foreign investment to a country that just over 50 years ago was one of Southeast Asia’s most promising and wealthiest, the world’s biggest rice exporter and major energy producer.
Over 100 bodies found in Ivory Coast: UN
The U.N. said on April 8 more than 100 bodies have been found in Ivory Coast in the past 24 hours, some of them burnt alive. About 60 were killed in one incident and about 40 people in another that appears to have been carried out by Liberian mercenaries, says Rupert Colville, spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said all the incidents appear at least partly ethnically motivated.” He said there were still other reports of “smaller—scale killings in other places that have yet to be investigated.” Mr. Colville said some of the victims were burnt alive while others were thrown down a well.
Explosions hit 3 gas pipelines in Iran
Iran’s semiofficial Mehr News Agency said three explosions have hit gas pipelines near the country’s holy city of Qom, in the same area where simultaneous blasts took place February. The report says Friday’s (Apr 8) explosions cut the gas flow through those lines but power plants switched to oil for electricity production. An investigation is under way as to what caused the blasts. In February, officials said the blasts were not caused by technical failures but did not say if they were acts of sabotage. Iran’s oil and gas sector has been hit by an increasing number of attacks recently but authorities have provided no explanation for them.
Five dead as Yemen army, police clash
Four policemen and an officer in an army unit that has sided with anti-regime protesters were killed in an overnight clash at a checkpoint north of Yemen’s capital, a military official said on April 13. “Police attacked an army checkpoint in Amran province,” 170 kilometres (105 miles) from Sanaa, “killing one officer and wounding two soldiers,” the official told reporters.
In a separate incident in the main southern city of Aden, soldiers shot dead two anti-regime protesters and wounded four others.
Ben Ali faces 18 charges in Tunisia
Tunisian prosecutors want to try toppled president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali on 18 different charges, including murder and drug-trafficking, according to the country’s justice minister.
It is the first time that authorities have given a full tally of the charges that Ben Ali will face if he is extradited to the country that he ruled with an iron fist for 23 years. The government had previously confirmed that he was wanted for murder and incitement. Ben Ali has been accused of ordering a crack down on about a month of protests that led to his ouster during which around 200 people were killed.
Iran cell planned attacks in Kuwait, minister says
Kuwait’s foreign minister said on Thursday, Apr 21 an Iranian spy cell uncovered by the Gulf Arab state last year monitored the US military presence and possessed explosives to bombstrategic’ facilities. “We are talking about a cell whose task was not only to monitor and record the (US) military presence that is in their view hostile – the American forces presence on Kuwait lands – but it exceeded that,” Sheikh Mohammad al-Salem al-Sabah told Dubai-based Al Arabiya tele-vision. “They had explosives and the intention to explode vital Kuwaiti facilities. They had names of officers and they had extremely sensitive information. This indicates bad intentions to harm Kuwaiti security.” OPEC-member Kuwait hosts Camp Arifjan, a vast US logistics base in the desert south of the capital that serves as a staging post for US forces being deployed in neighbouring Iraq.
Syria’s Assad ends state of emergency
President Bashar al-Assad ended Syria’s state of emergency, in effect for nearly 50 years, on April 21 in a bid to defuse pro-democracy protests against his authoritarian rule that have gripped the country for over a month. His announcement, ratifying a law passed by the government earlier this week, preceded what activists described as ‘Great Friday’ protests in several Syrian cities when more people are expected to take to the streets after Friday prayers.
The lifting of emergency rule, in force since Assad’s Baath Party took power in 1963 and used to justify arbitrary arrests and detention and a ban on all opposition, is symbolic since other laws still give the pervasive security forces wide powers.
| 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 areas | Level 3 | *** |
| Tribal Areas, Close to Afghan border | Level 3 | *** |
| Index to Threat Level Perceptions | |
| Threat Level 1 No threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required. | * |
| Threat Level 2 No specific threat to foreigners, however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised, especially if traveling. | ** |
| Threat Level 3 Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation. | *** |
| Threat Level 4 Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law and order leading to possible anarchy. All foreigners 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 | ***** |
