Home
LATEST on SATP
Search
SEARCH ON SATP
SEARCH TERRORISM UPDATE
KEYWORD
Keyword is required.
START DATE
END DATE
KEYWORD
Keyword is required.
START DATE
END DATE
South Asia
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Afghanistan
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheet
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Capital Region
Kabul
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
East Afghanistan
Kapisa
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kunar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Laghman
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nangarhar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nuristan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Panjsher
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Parwan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
North Afghanistan
Badakhshan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Baghlan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Balkh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Faryab
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jowzjan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kunduz
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Samangan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sar-e-Pul
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Takhar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
South Afghanistan
Daykundi
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kandahar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uruzgan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Zabul
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southwest Afghanistan
Helmand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nimroz
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southeast Afghanistan
Bamyan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Ghazni
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Khost
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Logar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Paktika
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Paktiya
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Wardak
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
West Afghanistan
Badghis
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Farah
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Ghor
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Herat
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bangladesh
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Islamist Terrorism
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Left-wing Extremism
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bhutan
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Central
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Eastern
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southern
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Western
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
India
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jammu & Kashmir
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maoist Insurgency
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Andhra Pradesh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bihar
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chhattisgarh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Goa
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Gujarat
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Haryana
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jharkhand
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Karnataka
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kerala
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Madhya Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maharashtra
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Odisha
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Rajasthan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tamil Nadu
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Telangana
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttar Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttarakhand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
West Bengal
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Insurgency North East
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Arunachal Pradesh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Assam
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Manipur
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Meghalaya
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mizoram
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nagaland
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tripura
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Punjab
Assessments
Backgrounder
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
ISLAMIST/OTHER CONFLICTS
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Andhra Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bihar
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chandigarh (UT)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chhattisgarh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Delhi
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Goa
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Gujarat
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Haryana
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Himachal Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jharkhand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Karnataka
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Kerala
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Madhya Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maharashtra
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Odisha
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Pondicherry
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Rajasthan
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sikkim
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tamil Nadu
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Telangana
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttar Pradesh
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttarakhand
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
West Bengal
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maldives
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Proviencs
Dhekunu (South)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mathi Dhekunu (Upper South)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mathi Uthuru (Upper North)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Medhu (Central)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Medhu Dhekunu (South Central)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Medhu Uthuru (North Central)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uthuru (North)
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nepal
Assessments
Bibliography
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Provinces
Province No. 1
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 2
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 3
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 4
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 5
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 6
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Province No. 7
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Pakistan
Assessments
Backgrounder
Bibliography
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Balochistan
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
FATA
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Islamabad Capital Territory
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Pakistan Occupied kashmir
Azad Kashmir
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Gilgit-Baltistan
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Punjab
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sindh
Assessments
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sri Lanka
Assessments
Bibliography
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Provinces
Central Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Eastern Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
North Central Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
North Western Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Northern Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Sabaragamua Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Southern Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uva Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Western Province
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Arunachal Pradesh
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Assam
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Jammu & Kashmir
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Manipur
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Meghalaya
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Mizoram
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Nagaland
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Punjab
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Tripura
Assessments
Backgrounder
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maoist Insurgency
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Documents
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Andhra Pradesh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Bihar
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Chhattisgarh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Goa
Timelines
Gujarat
Timelines
Haryana
Timelines
Jharkhand
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Karnataka
Timelines
Kerala
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Madhya Pradesh
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Maharashtra
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Odisha
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Rajasthan
Timelines
Tamil Nadu
Timelines
Telangana
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
Uttar Pradesh
Timelines
Uttarakhand
Timelines
West Bengal
Assessments
Conflict Maps
Data Sheets
Terrorist Groups
Timelines
ASSESSMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BACKGROUNDER
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
CONFLICT MAPS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
DATA SHEETS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
DOCUMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
TERRORIST GROUPS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
TIMELINES
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BOOKS
The Knights of Falsehood
The Global Threat of Terror
Book Store
TERRORISM UPDATE
VIDEOS
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
WAR WITHIN BORDERS
SECOND SIGHT
ICM IN MEDIA
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
RISK ALERT
ISLAMIST EXTREMISM & TERRORISM IN SOUTH ASIA
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
South Asia
Statement:2003
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 1 
Addressing a meeting in Ramachandrapuram village in Warangal district on January 1, 2003, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called upon the people to launch a united fight against Naxalites. Reiterating that there was no place for violence in a democratic set-up, he said that power c
Read more...
Addressing a meeting in Ramachandrapuram village in Warangal district on January 1, 2003, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called upon the people to launch a united fight against Naxalites. Reiterating that there was no place for violence in a democratic set-up, he said that power could not be attained through the gun. He charged the Naxals of hampering developmental activities in the State, even as he reiterated his appeal to them to join the mainstream. He said, "By resorting to violence Naxals are trying to stall developmental activities but we are firm on going ahead with our resolve to serve the downtrodden". Stating that the State would progress only when Naxalite menace, communal fights and factionalism were eliminated, the Chief Minister assured his all-out support to the people.
Read less...
January - 1 
Addressing the annual press conference in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh police chief P Ramulu said left-wing extremists—Naxalites—of the People’s War Group (PWG) are shifting base to coastal Andhra and other parts of the State because they suffered a major setback in their traditional stronghold, the Te
Read more...
Addressing the annual press conference in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh police chief P Ramulu said left-wing extremists—Naxalites—of the People’s War Group (PWG) are shifting base to coastal Andhra and other parts of the State because they suffered a major setback in their traditional stronghold, the Telangana region, in 2002. He said a comparative analysis of the pattern of PWG violence over the past two years would prove they have been loosing grip over the Telangana region. An increasing number of their cadres were killed in encounters and in internecine clashes, and several of their leaders were arrested or had surrendered in the region. As a result, the PWG had started shifting base to coastal Andhra and other places in 2022. In addition, there has been a surge of Naxal activity on the Orissa border, too, he said. The strategy of the police to encourage surrenders is also believed to have played a major role in demoralising PWG leaders. In 2002, as many as 544 PWG Naxalites, including three district committee secretaries, surrendered to the police. PWG violence in the State has decreased by 32.12 per cent during 2002 over the previous year. As against 940 offences, including 191 committed during 2001, 638 offences––including 106 murders––were committed in 2002. Naxalites killed 15 police personnel and 16 political leaders in 2002 while the number was 39 and 23 respectively, in 2001. 81 Naxalites of the PWG were killed in encounters while 1,128 were arrested in 2002.
Read less...
January - 1 
Cabinet Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) chief Rauff Hakim said, on January 1, 2003, it was for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe to decide whether he would be present at the peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a representative of the Muslim community. His
Read more...
Cabinet Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) chief Rauff Hakim said, on January 1, 2003, it was for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe to decide whether he would be present at the peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a representative of the Muslim community. His remarks were made in the light of the Alliance of Muslim Parliamentarians writing a letter to Wickremasinghe that Hakim has lost the confidence of Muslims and of his own party, and should, hence, be not permitted to represent the Muslims. Another serving Minister M. H. Mohamed and Minister and SLMC dissidents’ leader A. L. M. Athaullah, too, reportedly signed the letter. Hakim has been attending the peace talks as a member of the government delegation. The government has not clearly stated that he was representing the Muslim community, though.
Read less...
January - 1 
Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said, on January 1, 2003, a major issue in resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) in high security zones (HSZ) was the absence of proper records on original inhabitants. While the Government Agent’s office in Jaffna says there were 14,000 houses in the Palal
Read more...
Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said, on January 1, 2003, a major issue in resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) in high security zones (HSZ) was the absence of proper records on original inhabitants. While the Government Agent’s office in Jaffna says there were 14,000 houses in the Palaly HSZ, the Army maintains that there were less than 10,000, even as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) contends there were 29,000. On the number of IDPs, the government’s figure is 36,000 the LTTE puts it at 145,000. "This will be a bigger issue and shows how loosely integrated the plan of resettling of people in HSZs is. We are getting a chance to talk about the issue" at the forthcoming peace talks in Thailand, Fernando said. He added that before resettling the IDPs in HSZs, de-mining, identification of original inhabitants and the provision of infrastructure facilities should be completed.
Read less...
January - 2 
Speaking to media persons in Hazaribagh on January 2, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani identified Nepal as the "breeding ground for Naxalism" and said the Union government would soon launch a combat programme to contain left-wing extremists—Naxalites. He said it is unfortunate that the corridor that
Read more...
Speaking to media persons in Hazaribagh on January 2, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani identified Nepal as the "breeding ground for Naxalism" and said the Union government would soon launch a combat programme to contain left-wing extremists—Naxalites. He said it is unfortunate that the corridor that connects Nepal with Bihar and Jharkhand is facilitating the entry of Maoist insurgents into India.
Read less...
January - 2 
Speaking to media persons while returning from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani said Nepal’s Maoist insurgents have lately been attempting to step up Naxal violence in some Indian States close to Nepal. He said, "Following political instability in Nepal lately, Maoists of that
Read more...
Speaking to media persons while returning from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani said Nepal’s Maoist insurgents have lately been attempting to step up Naxal violence in some Indian States close to Nepal. He said, "Following political instability in Nepal lately, Maoists of that country have started trying to infiltrate into India to increase Naxal violence in Bihar, Jharkhand and other States close to that country". The Maoists are propagating to create a belt from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh, he added. He said a Coordination Committee headed by the Union Home Secretary was working with Naxal-affected States––Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Andhra Pradesh––to curb the menace. Denying that Naxal violence was on the rise, Advani said an end could be put to the menace through rapid development and spread of education along with security measures.
Read less...
January - 2 
Jaffna Senior Superintendent of Police S. Premaratne said rubber bullets were fired as the situation went out of control and added, "… a departmental inquiry is being held into the allegation that some police personnel had fired at peaceful civilian protestors without any reason". The decision on wh
Read more...
Jaffna Senior Superintendent of Police S. Premaratne said rubber bullets were fired as the situation went out of control and added, "… a departmental inquiry is being held into the allegation that some police personnel had fired at peaceful civilian protestors without any reason". The decision on whether an identification parade should be held to identify the allegedly errant policemen is pending with the Point Pedro Magistrate.
Read less...
January - 3 
Condemning the attempts of Naxalites to disrupt the Janmabhoomi (self-help) programme, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused them of hindering the progress of the State. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Naidu said stalling of a gram sabha (village meeting) would only undermine the deve
Read more...
Condemning the attempts of Naxalites to disrupt the Janmabhoomi (self-help) programme, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused them of hindering the progress of the State. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Naidu said stalling of a gram sabha (village meeting) would only undermine the development process, but no one seemed to understand this. He said, "Our man was killed and in some cases disturbances were created. You are stopping administration from reaching the village to solve the problem. Is it reasonable to do so?" On the first day of Janmbhoomi, Naxalites abducted government officials, stalled the proceedings of gram sabhas at some places and killed a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) mandal president.
Read less...
January - 3 
On January 3, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani confirmed the impending meeting between Union government representatives and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isack-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leadership on January 9, while addressing a meeting in Delhi. Quoting Advani, media reports added that a four-m
Read more...
On January 3, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani confirmed the impending meeting between Union government representatives and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isack-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leadership on January 9, while addressing a meeting in Delhi. Quoting Advani, media reports added that a four-member Naga delegation is expected to arrive in India a day earlier, i.e. on January 8. Reportedly, they would also meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Advani.
Read less...
January - 3 
Nearly two months after assuming office, the government led by Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chandra has, for the first time, sent a formal letter to the Maoist insurgents to hold peace talks. Speaking to media persons in Biratnagar on January 3, Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Narayan S
Read more...
Nearly two months after assuming office, the government led by Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chandra has, for the first time, sent a formal letter to the Maoist insurgents to hold peace talks. Speaking to media persons in Biratnagar on January 3, Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Narayan Singh Pun, said, " A human right activist is trying to broker talks. A formal letter has been sent to the Maoists on the government’s behalf". The government had earlier dismissed the Maoist’s offer of talks expressed through newspaper statements and instead had asked them to offer direct talks.
Read less...
January - 3 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to the participation of Cabinet Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) chief Rauff Hakeem as the representative of the Muslim community at the peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the state-run Daily News said on January 4. H
Read more...
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed to the participation of Cabinet Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) chief Rauff Hakeem as the representative of the Muslim community at the peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the state-run Daily News said on January 4. Hakeem has hitherto been one of the government delegates at the peace talks. The fourth round of peace talks is due to begin on January 6, in Thailand. Hakeem will lead a four-member Muslim delegation including South Eastern University Vice Chancellor Prof. M. L. M. Cadeer, Peradeniya University senior lecturer Dr. H. S. Hazbulla and M. I. M. Mohideen. The delegation will discuss issues such as resettlement of displaced Muslim families in the North and East and problems of Eastern Muslims. Other reports said SLMC dissidents led by Athaullah have been demanding that their representative be also included in the Muslim delegation at the peace talks.
Read less...
January - 3 
The Premier said the LTTE has not imported VSAT equipment. Norway received the equipment and handed it over to the LTTE, which was later moved to Killinochchi under armed guard. A thorough check found there was no VSAT equipment in the consignment, the Premier said. He added that the LTTE was alread
Read more...
The Premier said the LTTE has not imported VSAT equipment. Norway received the equipment and handed it over to the LTTE, which was later moved to Killinochchi under armed guard. A thorough check found there was no VSAT equipment in the consignment, the Premier said. He added that the LTTE was already running a clandestine radio––Voice of Tigers. But, the LLTE asking for government permission to import equipment and to operate a radio station, the LTTE Premier said, "… indicated a welcome change in [its] attitude. It signaled the LTTE's acceptance and willingness to come within the ambit of Sri Lankan law and regulation." Declaring that the ongoing peace process had found international support, which he said was a positive direction, he said, "Making available community radio broadcasting facilities, under regulation by the government was seen as one of encouraging forward movement in this positive direction." He asked the President to place entire episode "in the context of the positive developments towards a permanent peace in Sri Lanka."
Read less...
January - 4 
According to a media report, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said. in Kolkata, on January 4 the proscribed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) had set up 51 hideouts in Bangladesh for armed training. However, he gave no further details.
Read more...
According to a media report, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said. in Kolkata, on January 4 the proscribed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) had set up 51 hideouts in Bangladesh for armed training. However, he gave no further details.
Read less...
January - 4 
Speaking to media persons in Chandil on January 4, Chief Minister Babulal Marandi said the government has decided to double the strength of police forces in all the districts of the State to counter left-wing extremists—Naxalites. In addition, the government has decided to raise three battalions, in
Read more...
Speaking to media persons in Chandil on January 4, Chief Minister Babulal Marandi said the government has decided to double the strength of police forces in all the districts of the State to counter left-wing extremists—Naxalites. In addition, the government has decided to raise three battalions, including one all- women battalion, to combat the challenge. Marandi added that the government would soon launch an intensive operation to smoke out the Naxalites.
Read less...
January - 4 
Norwegian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oystein Boe was quoted by the state-run Daily News on January 4 as saying that Norway had merely responded to a government request to help the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) import communication equipment for setting up FM transmission to give a further
Read more...
Norwegian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oystein Boe was quoted by the state-run Daily News on January 4 as saying that Norway had merely responded to a government request to help the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) import communication equipment for setting up FM transmission to give a further fillip to the peace process. Norway refuted the allegation made by President Chandrika Kumaratunga that it was illegally helping the LTTE to import radio equipment, in violation of Sri Lankan laws, under the guise of brokering peace. Kumaratunga has, on December 30, written to the Norwegian Prime Minister in this regard. Norway said it would soon send a reply. Besides, the President had also reportedly raised questions over Norway's objectivity in facilitating the peace process. On the other hand, Norway reaffirmed its commitment to help reach a final peace settlement "We are going to continue to be available for the parties in Sri Lanka," Boe said.
Read less...
January - 5 
According to a media report, the Assam government will not give any safe passage offer to leaders and cadres of the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) during the upcoming festive season of Magh Bihu. Offering safe passage to meet parents and relatives during the season had almost beco
Read more...
According to a media report, the Assam government will not give any safe passage offer to leaders and cadres of the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) during the upcoming festive season of Magh Bihu. Offering safe passage to meet parents and relatives during the season had almost become a common practice in Assam during recent years. Official sources were quoted as saying that the Union Home Ministry has reportedly instructed the State government not to announce any kind of safe passage for ULFA terrorists. The instructions have clearly enunciated that, if the ULFA leadership expresses its willingness to meet their parents and relatives during Bihu, they must announce it publicly. This directive has come in the wake of the proposed visit of the top leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and other political leaders, on January 9.
Read less...
January - 5 
Inaugurating the Confederation of Indian Industries’ (CII) partnership summit 2003 in Hyderabad, on January 5, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said the Punjab experience in successfully rooting out terrorism would be repeated to curb terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, "People ask me if it is
Read more...
Inaugurating the Confederation of Indian Industries’ (CII) partnership summit 2003 in Hyderabad, on January 5, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said the Punjab experience in successfully rooting out terrorism would be repeated to curb terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, "People ask me if it is possible for Jammu and Kashmir to return to normalcy. We shall see that terrorism will end in Kashmir." Advani recalled expressing similar sentiments during the 1980s when terrorism was at its peak in Punjab and doubts were expressed if normalcy would ever return to the State.
Read less...
January - 5 
Orissa government has decided to raise a second India Reserve Battalion to counter the growing activities of left-wing extremists—Naxalites—in the State. In an interview, State police chief NC Padhi said the Union government has already sanctioned Rs 13 crore for the purpose. He said the battalions
Read more...
Orissa government has decided to raise a second India Reserve Battalion to counter the growing activities of left-wing extremists—Naxalites—in the State. In an interview, State police chief NC Padhi said the Union government has already sanctioned Rs 13 crore for the purpose. He said the battalions would be ready within a year from the date the State government granted approval.
Read less...
January - 5 
Expressing optimism, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the process of negotiation was the only path to peace and the government should keep its faith in the peace talks despite pitfalls and thorny issues. In an address to the nation reviewing the year 2002, he said, "Whatever situation may ar
Read more...
Expressing optimism, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the process of negotiation was the only path to peace and the government should keep its faith in the peace talks despite pitfalls and thorny issues. In an address to the nation reviewing the year 2002, he said, "Whatever situation may arise, we must not leave the negotiating table. It is time now to embark on the road to a permanent peace."
Read less...
January - 6 
General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General H.S. Batra of the 2 Mountain Division said, on January 6, in Dinjan, Dibrugarh security forces (SFs) recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition in the district during September and October 2002. He informed the media that arms seized included eight Uni
Read more...
General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General H.S. Batra of the 2 Mountain Division said, on January 6, in Dinjan, Dibrugarh security forces (SFs) recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition in the district during September and October 2002. He informed the media that arms seized included eight Universal Machine Guns (UMGs), 42 AK-56 rifles and a large quantity of small arms and ammunition. Most of these weapons had been hidden underground in polypacks containing oil inside plastic tanks. He further informed that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is losing strength. He said, "There are specific indications that the ULFA is in a state of disarray and is suffering from low morale." He also named the top ranking ULFA leaders who were killed during encounters. They included "major" Tapan Baruah, "lt." Rakta Plaban Chetia, Ajay Rajkhowa and Biren Deori. Besides, several other terrorists, including Bonti Lahon, wife of self-styled major Prabal Neog, 'commanding officer'-28 ULFA battalion, had surrendered to the security forces. He also said, "There are ample indications of the increase of the ISI (Inter Services Intelligence, Pakistan's external intelligence agency) activities in Assam, particularly in the areas bordering Bangladesh". He appealed "to the youth of Assam to shun the path of violence and militancy and to join the mainstream".
Read less...
January - 6 
Speaking to media persons in Guntur, State police chief P Ramulu said police would adopt a tough approach towards Naxalites. He said, " Our patience has exhausted. We will now shoot to kill. The state of policemen can now be likened to that of a wounded tiger on the prowl.'' Stating that there was n
Read more...
Speaking to media persons in Guntur, State police chief P Ramulu said police would adopt a tough approach towards Naxalites. He said, " Our patience has exhausted. We will now shoot to kill. The state of policemen can now be likened to that of a wounded tiger on the prowl.'' Stating that there was no question of soft-peddling with the Naxalites, he said: "We don't offer tea, biscuits and first aid to those who would be picked up.''
Read less...
January - 6 
The United States on January 6 said Pakistan was continuing infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) and it was a matter of concern. State Department Policy Planning Staff Director Richard Haass, who is on a visit to New Delhi, stated this. According to him, "The activity [infiltration] is cont
Read more...
The United States on January 6 said Pakistan was continuing infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) and it was a matter of concern. State Department Policy Planning Staff Director Richard Haass, who is on a visit to New Delhi, stated this. According to him, "The activity [infiltration] is continuing and it is a matter of concern… We are doing everything to bring this about so that it comes to an end. I’m sure it will... I hope the Pakistan government will come to the conclusion itself."
Read less...
January - 7 
A senior Bhutanese Foreign Ministry official in the capital Thimphu also denied, on January 7, such an incident occurred anywhere inside the kingdom. Foreign Ministry Assistant Director Doma Tsering said, "I can confirm that troops of the Royal Bhutan Army are engaged in intensive patrolling on the
Read more...
A senior Bhutanese Foreign Ministry official in the capital Thimphu also denied, on January 7, such an incident occurred anywhere inside the kingdom. Foreign Ministry Assistant Director Doma Tsering said, "I can confirm that troops of the Royal Bhutan Army are engaged in intensive patrolling on the Bhutan-Assam border, in the vicinity of the Manas reserve, but we have no reports of any shootout between Indian rebels and our security forces."
Read less...
January - 7 
According to a media report, Dima Halim Daogah (DHD) 'commander-in-chief' Pranab Nunisa said, on January 7, the idea of autonomy has become irrelevant for the people of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar (NC) Hills districts since it has failed to serve their interests. Speaking to a Guwahati-based da
Read more...
According to a media report, Dima Halim Daogah (DHD) 'commander-in-chief' Pranab Nunisa said, on January 7, the idea of autonomy has become irrelevant for the people of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar (NC) Hills districts since it has failed to serve their interests. Speaking to a Guwahati-based daily, he said, though the outfit wants to hold peace talks with the Union government and Assam government under the provisions of the Indian Constitution, it would not climb down on its demand of carving out a "politically separate" State for Dimasas. He further said the Dimasas were longing for peace and it was the right time for the DHD to start a dialogue. He denied of any factionalism within the DHD and asserted that cadres were committed to fight for their 'cause'. He added that a joint monitoring group has been set up to chalk out the modalities for talks between the DHD and the government.
Read less...
January - 7 
Indian officials denied any such encounter occurred. A senior official of the Indian Army, while replying to queries by a local daily, said, "There is no question of the Indian Army entering Bhutan to raid NDFB or other Indian rebel bases inside that country." Senior Assam police officials also deni
Read more...
Indian officials denied any such encounter occurred. A senior official of the Indian Army, while replying to queries by a local daily, said, "There is no question of the Indian Army entering Bhutan to raid NDFB or other Indian rebel bases inside that country." Senior Assam police officials also denied any knowledge of the incident.
Read less...
January - 7 
A senior Bhutanese Foreign Ministry official in the capital Thimphu also denied, on January 7, such an incident occurred anywhere inside the kingdom. Foreign Ministry Assistant Director Doma Tsering said, "I can confirm that troops of the Royal Bhutan Army are engaged in intensive patrolling on the
Read more...
A senior Bhutanese Foreign Ministry official in the capital Thimphu also denied, on January 7, such an incident occurred anywhere inside the kingdom. Foreign Ministry Assistant Director Doma Tsering said, "I can confirm that troops of the Royal Bhutan Army are engaged in intensive patrolling on the Bhutan-Assam border, in the vicinity of the Manas reserve, but we have no reports of any shootout between Indian rebels and our security forces."
Read less...
January - 8 
In a statement issued in Bhubneshwar on January 8, the Andhra-Orissa Border Special Zone Committee of left-wing extremists—Naxalites— of the People’s War Group (PWG) said it was prepared for talks with the Orissa government, but had set preconditions. They demanded withdraw of police and Central Res
Read more...
In a statement issued in Bhubneshwar on January 8, the Andhra-Orissa Border Special Zone Committee of left-wing extremists—Naxalites— of the People’s War Group (PWG) said it was prepared for talks with the Orissa government, but had set preconditions. They demanded withdraw of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel from the southern districts and the immediate release of arrested PWG activists and innocent people. If these conditions were fulfilled, the PWG would name mediators who would represent it at talks, the statement said.
Read less...
January - 8 
Cabinet Minister and government chief negotiator at the peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) G L Peiris said on January 8, in Thailand, that the Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalisation (SDN) has not been disbanded, but agreed there were differences between the govern
Read more...
Cabinet Minister and government chief negotiator at the peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) G L Peiris said on January 8, in Thailand, that the Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalisation (SDN) has not been disbanded, but agreed there were differences between the government and the LTTE. Peiris said, "It is natural for differences to come up during such a process. If there weren't any such differences there would be no need for negotiations". LTTE's Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham said, meanwhile, on January 8 that their representatives would not attend a scheduled SDN meeting on January 14, and added, "There is no crisis, the talks (successive rounds of delegation-level peace talks) will go on".
Read less...
January - 8 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga, on January 8, asked the government to call upon the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to disband its suicide killers’ wing, the Black Tigers, reports said. President’s spokesman Harim Peiris said she asked for reciprocity from the LTTE because the Sri Lankan
Read more...
President Chandrika Kumaratunga, on January 8, asked the government to call upon the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to disband its suicide killers’ wing, the Black Tigers, reports said. President’s spokesman Harim Peiris said she asked for reciprocity from the LTTE because the Sri Lankan Army's Deep Penetration unit has been demobilised. He also declined to make known the opinion of the President on High Security Zones (HSZs). He said, "Firstly, the President's position was never made public… The Commanders discussed the matter with the President as the Commander In Chief but that was an essentially confidential discussion and we hope it remained confidential on the part of the Commanders as well".
Read less...
January - 9 
Although the State police did not interfere in the hostage crisis, they still remained clueless regarding the abduction. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister, F A Khonglam said the State government is in no position to pay ransom to rescue Bezbaruah. However, reports added that Bezbaruah’s relatives,
Read more...
Although the State police did not interfere in the hostage crisis, they still remained clueless regarding the abduction. Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister, F A Khonglam said the State government is in no position to pay ransom to rescue Bezbaruah. However, reports added that Bezbaruah’s relatives, though showing inability to pay the large sum, are in still touch with the outfit’s East Garo Hills area commander Sohan D. Shira. Bezbaruah was abducted on December 19, 2002.
Read less...
January - 9 
Speaking at a Janmabhoomi Gram Sabha (village level meeting under community development programme) in Banapur village, in Nizamabad district, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the Naxalites would join the mainstream if people in rural areas refused to provide help to them. He said the Naxalite
Read more...
Speaking at a Janmabhoomi Gram Sabha (village level meeting under community development programme) in Banapur village, in Nizamabad district, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the Naxalites would join the mainstream if people in rural areas refused to provide help to them. He said the Naxalites are not responding to the call of the government to surrender as they were getting help form people in some rural areas. Naidu added that villages could be developed if people turned away the Naxalites.
Read less...
January - 9 January - 10
Top National Socialist Council of Nagaland Isack-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders Th.Muivah and Isack Swu met with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpeyee at his official residence on January 9, in New Delhi. The outfit’s spokesman reportedly said, prior to the high profile meeting, that the outfit has not gi
Read more...
Top National Socialist Council of Nagaland Isack-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders Th.Muivah and Isack Swu met with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpeyee at his official residence on January 9, in New Delhi. The outfit’s spokesman reportedly said, prior to the high profile meeting, that the outfit has not given up its demand for self-determination and that its decision to hold unconditional talks was in an "accommodative spirit". He said it did not mean the NSCN-IM has agreed for talks within the framework of the Indian Constitution. However, Muivah Swu reiterated their sincerity in ‘solving the problem realistically’. After a 40 minute meeting the Prime Minister, Swu said the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and India and Nagas have ‘come closer to understanding’. He further added that the Prime Minister has been trying to solve the problem according to Naga history. Expressing optimism over the maturity level of the political leadership, Muivah said the Prime Minister was ‘quite understanding and added that the Union government knows and very well understands the reality of the Nagas. However, Swu, replying to a question said ‘there is no greater or smaller Nagaland’. The NSCN (I-M) leaders are scheduled to meet with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today, January 10.
Read less...
January - 9 
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham firmly declared on the last day, January 9, of the now concluded fourth round of peace talks with the government that the LTTE would not disarm till its goals were met. Stating that "disarming would be suicidal"
Read more...
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham firmly declared on the last day, January 9, of the now concluded fourth round of peace talks with the government that the LTTE would not disarm till its goals were met. Stating that "disarming would be suicidal", he added, "The strength of this (LTTE) army is the protection of our people, the bargaining power of our people and we will not disarm until the aspirations of our people are met." Seeking to dispel the notion that several thousand Sri Lankan troops were alive and in LTTE custody, he said, "… hundreds of soldiers died. When we tried to return the bodies… the Army… refused to accept them [to avoid] problems … as these soldiers were listed as missing". He estimated that some 25,000 government troops and 17,5000 LTTE cadres were killed in the nearly two decade-old ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Read less...
January - 9 
Speaking to the media, Foreign Secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury refuted India’s claim that nearly 20 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were residing in that country, reports said on January 9. He said, "There are no Bangladeshis residing illegally in India, nor had there been any in the past.
Read more...
Speaking to the media, Foreign Secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury refuted India’s claim that nearly 20 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were residing in that country, reports said on January 9. He said, "There are no Bangladeshis residing illegally in India, nor had there been any in the past."
Read less...
January - 10 
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on January 10, asserted that backward regions in the State facing Naxal problem would be developed with special plans. Speaking to media persons at Chiluvuru, Guntur district, Naidu termed Naxal activities in the State as anti-development. He said the Naxals were
Read more...
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on January 10, asserted that backward regions in the State facing Naxal problem would be developed with special plans. Speaking to media persons at Chiluvuru, Guntur district, Naidu termed Naxal activities in the State as anti-development. He said the Naxals were rejected by the people in Telangana, and hence they shifted their focus to new regions like Palnadu, in Coastal Andhra.
Read less...
January - 10 
Lleft-wing extremist—Naxalite—People’s War Group (PWG) supported Revolutionary Writers’ Association leader Vara Vara Rao, on January 10, offered to hold talks with the government and the PWG, if both groups called for a cease-fire. Addressing a press conference in Anantpur, Rao said the earlier tal
Read more...
Lleft-wing extremist—Naxalite—People’s War Group (PWG) supported Revolutionary Writers’ Association leader Vara Vara Rao, on January 10, offered to hold talks with the government and the PWG, if both groups called for a cease-fire. Addressing a press conference in Anantpur, Rao said the earlier talks in May-July 2002, in which he had played interlocutor for the PWG, had failed as the government was not sincere. The government sabotaged the dialogue by killing Naxalites even while the talks were on, he said. Rao also criticized police for eliminating Naxalites in the name of encounters.
Read less...
January - 10 
Defence Minister Tilak Marapone informed Parliament, on January 10, that the prevailing conditions were "not conducive" for repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary provisions) Act. Any decision in the regard would be made only after considering all future repercussions. Marapone was speakin
Read more...
Defence Minister Tilak Marapone informed Parliament, on January 10, that the prevailing conditions were "not conducive" for repealing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary provisions) Act. Any decision in the regard would be made only after considering all future repercussions. Marapone was speaking during a debate on a private member’s motion on repealing the PTA moved by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) representing Jaffna district and All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) leader A. Vinayagamoorthy. The MP said the PTA was draconian, failed to achieve its objectives, and was misused. Hence, it should be abolished, he argued.
Read less...
January - 10 
Opposition People’s Alliance MP Dilan Perera said his party supports repealing the PTA. The debate was concluded prematurely and the Speaker adjourned the House till January 28.
Read more...
Opposition People’s Alliance MP Dilan Perera said his party supports repealing the PTA. The debate was concluded prematurely and the Speaker adjourned the House till January 28.
Read less...
January - 11 
External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said, on the BBC, on January 11, "The visible result" after deploying troops along the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan was that, President Pervez Musharraf "himself said on more than one occasion that he was committed to (the) fight aga
Read more...
External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said, on the BBC, on January 11, "The visible result" after deploying troops along the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan was that, President Pervez Musharraf "himself said on more than one occasion that he was committed to (the) fight against terrorism..." Sinha also acknowledged that there has been a decline in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) because of the deployment of the Army on the borders. Sinha added, ‘All powerful nations or groupings in the world... have on many occasions, during the last year and a half, accepted publicly that cross-border terrorism and infiltration were continuing and Pakistan should stop these. However, Pakistan did not do so, Sinha said.
Read less...
January - 11 
On January 11, National Socialist Council of Nagaland––Issac-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders—Isack Swu and Th Muivah, reportedly said, in New Delhi, that there would be no more fighting between the Nagas and Indian security forces, any more. After an hour-long discussion with Defence Minister George Fernan
Read more...
On January 11, National Socialist Council of Nagaland––Issac-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders—Isack Swu and Th Muivah, reportedly said, in New Delhi, that there would be no more fighting between the Nagas and Indian security forces, any more. After an hour-long discussion with Defence Minister George Fernandes, Swu told the media outside the Defence Minister’s office that this is the understanding they have reached with the Union government, thus far. He also added that the people of Nagaland have been praying that the leaderships of India and the NSCN-IM successfully conclude their parleys. The current round of the ongoing peace talks between the Union government and the NSCN-IM is being held on Indian soil for the first time. The current round entered the third day on January 11.
Read less...
January - 11 
Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, speaking to media on January 11, said a new strategy to deal with criminals/terrorists has been formulated to consolidate the gains of Operation Clean Heart. He, however, gave no details of the strategy.
Read more...
Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, speaking to media on January 11, said a new strategy to deal with criminals/terrorists has been formulated to consolidate the gains of Operation Clean Heart. He, however, gave no details of the strategy.
Read less...
January - 12 
According to a media report, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi said the Union government should initiate steps to establish contacts for peace talks with proscribed terrorist outfits in the State. Speaking to a Guwahati-based newspaper, on January 12, the CM said the Naga model of peace proces
Read more...
According to a media report, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi said the Union government should initiate steps to establish contacts for peace talks with proscribed terrorist outfits in the State. Speaking to a Guwahati-based newspaper, on January 12, the CM said the Naga model of peace process could be followed in Assam, too, while initiating dialogue with the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and other terrorist groups. He said, "Now that the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah) leaders have come to New Delhi to push their peace process forward, the Government of India must start a serious initiative to get in touch and bring the rebel groups from Assam to the negotiating table on the lines of the Naga rebels." The CM also said the ULFA and NDFB have to be confronted inside Bhutan to curb terrorism in the State. He said, "Tackling the rebels operating out of our foreign neighbours is extremely important to put a halt to their violent hit-and-run offensives". He further informed, "The Special Services Bureau (SSB) will be deployed along the Bhutan border now, but along with that, the border roads must be improved or built, wherever they don’t exist, for an effective patrol of the stretch". Saying, "Violence can never lead to a solution", he added that the ULFA should shun this path and come forward for negotiations. He also said, "There is no point in announcing safe passage (for terrorist groups on the occasion of Bihu, a regional festival) unless there is some positive response from the rebels. It cannot be a one-way traffic".
Read less...
January - 12 
Japanese special envoy for peace building, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi said in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 12, his country would host the sixth round of government-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) peace talks, in March 2003. The announcement was following a
Read more...
Japanese special envoy for peace building, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi said in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 12, his country would host the sixth round of government-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) peace talks, in March 2003. The announcement was following a meeting with LTTE ideologue and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham, reports said. The two discussed the Japan’s aid plans for Sri Lanka, the outcome of the now concluded fourth round of peace talks and provision for Japanese aid for reconstruction projects in the former war zones in the north and east of Sri Lanka. Also, Akashi is due to visit the Wanni to participate in a meeting, on January 16, of the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs (SIHRN). He is also likely to meet with LTTE chief Prabhakaran sometime in February 2003.
Read less...
January - 13 
According to media reports, two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, earlier feared to have been killed in the four-day long clashes with Manipur People’s Liberation Front (MPLF) terrorists in Sajik Tampak, Manipur, returned to the base camp on January 13. Quoting BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG
Read more...
According to media reports, two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, earlier feared to have been killed in the four-day long clashes with Manipur People’s Liberation Front (MPLF) terrorists in Sajik Tampak, Manipur, returned to the base camp on January 13. Quoting BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Manipur and Nagaland range, P.K. Misra, reports added that both the personnel––Assistant commandant Laloo Bhai and constable L. Nandakishore––had gone missing since January 8, and it was suspected they were killed. But they have now reported to the Sugnu camp with their weapons intact. With their return, the death toll of BSF personnel in the encounter stands at two.
Read less...
January - 13 
Advani also reportedly told accompanying media persons onboard the special aircraft to Guwahati that the threat to the internal security of India from anti-national elements was ‘extremely grave’. He said, "We have reached a point where threats to internal security have become very grave. In fact, e
Read more...
Advani also reportedly told accompanying media persons onboard the special aircraft to Guwahati that the threat to the internal security of India from anti-national elements was ‘extremely grave’. He said, "We have reached a point where threats to internal security have become very grave. In fact, extremely grave." He also said cross border terrorism had made the internal security situation war-like. He said, "the threats which we face from both our neighbouring countries (Pakistan and Bangladesh) is a matter of concern. All these things add up to what I described as very grave threats to the internal security."
Read less...
January - 13 
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi, on January 13, said the State would oppose its dismemberment, should the Union government decide to concede the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah's (NSCN-IM) demand of Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). While welcoming the visit of NSCN-IM leaders––Is
Read more...
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi, on January 13, said the State would oppose its dismemberment, should the Union government decide to concede the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah's (NSCN-IM) demand of Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). While welcoming the visit of NSCN-IM leaders––Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for peace talks in New Delhi––the CM, in a memorandum submitted to Deputy Premier L.K. Advani, said, in Guwahati, the peace process must ensure Assam 's territorial integrity. The NSCN-IM's demand includes Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts of Assam within Nagalim, besides parts of Golaghat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Jorhat districts.
Read less...
January - 13 
Bihar, on January 12, shifted Brahmeshwar Singh, arrested chief of the Ranvir Sena, a private army of landlords, from Beur jail to the high-security Bhagalpur jail. Speaking to media persons in Patna, on January 13, Inspector-General (Prisons) Ravi Kant said, "We have shifted Brahmeshwar Singh alias
Read more...
Bihar, on January 12, shifted Brahmeshwar Singh, arrested chief of the Ranvir Sena, a private army of landlords, from Beur jail to the high-security Bhagalpur jail. Speaking to media persons in Patna, on January 13, Inspector-General (Prisons) Ravi Kant said, "We have shifted Brahmeshwar Singh alias Mukhiya to Bhagalpur jail from Patna for security reasons." A number of leaders and activists of left-wing extremist-Naxalite-groups––Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI-ML (Liberation)], Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) and People’s War Group (PWG), with whom the Ranvir Sena is at loggerheads, are lodged in Beur jail heightening the threat perception to Singh.
Read less...
January - 13 
Deputy Premier L.K. Advani, on January 13, said the Union government was ready with a blueprint to resolve the Naga issue. He, however, gave no details. While talking to the media in Guwahati, he further said the visit of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN -IM) leaders, Thuingaleng M
Read more...
Deputy Premier L.K. Advani, on January 13, said the Union government was ready with a blueprint to resolve the Naga issue. He, however, gave no details. While talking to the media in Guwahati, he further said the visit of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN -IM) leaders, Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu, to New Delhi and the subsequent talks was an important development in this direction. He said, "The Naga peace process has shifted its focus from foreign soil to India. This itself is a very positive sign".
Read less...
January - 13 
While Advani expressed satisfaction over the progress of the peace talks, he remained silent on the NSCN-IM's demand of the integration of all Naga inhabited areas into Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). Besides areas in the existing Nagaland State, the NSCN-IM demands that Nagalim should include Karbi Ang
Read more...
While Advani expressed satisfaction over the progress of the peace talks, he remained silent on the NSCN-IM's demand of the integration of all Naga inhabited areas into Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). Besides areas in the existing Nagaland State, the NSCN-IM demands that Nagalim should include Karbi Anglong and Assam’s North Cachar Hills districts and parts of Golaghat, Sibasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Jorhat districts in Assam. The notion of Nagalim also includes Dibang Valley, Lohit, Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh and sizable portions of four of the seven districts of Manipur – Tamenlong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel. Advani also said an attempt was on to involve all Naga terrorist groups, including the Khaplang faction of the NSCN (NSCN-K) in the peace process. He denied that the NSCN-K was being ignored in the peace process. The Union government's decision on not extending the ban on this faction was an indication of this fact, he added. The Deputy Premier expressed optimism that the peace process with the Bodo Liberation Tigers would succeed, and difficulties in creating the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) would shortly be overcome. Nonetheless, he said nothing on the initiation of a peace process with the Assam-based United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). He said, " I do not want to say anything."
Read less...
January - 14 
Other reports said both the Naga leaders met with Finance Minister Jaswant Singh in New Delhi, on January 14. After the courtesy meeting, Singh reportedly told the media that the meeting had been cordial and that he was honoured to be a part of the peace process. He also added that, since there is n
Read more...
Other reports said both the Naga leaders met with Finance Minister Jaswant Singh in New Delhi, on January 14. After the courtesy meeting, Singh reportedly told the media that the meeting had been cordial and that he was honoured to be a part of the peace process. He also added that, since there is no alternative to peace, the Union government––NSCN-IM parleys would certainly pave the way for the resolution of the Naga conflict. Reports further added that the two Naga leaders might come to India again in March, after conclusion of the Legislative Assembly elections in Nagaland, due on February 26.
Read less...
January - 15 
Responding to the PWG’s offer of conditional talks with the State government, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said his government was not averse to talks, but the Naxal group should first stop violence. Speaking to media persons in Behrampur, Patnaik said, ‘‘I am prepared to talk with anyone for the m
Read more...
Responding to the PWG’s offer of conditional talks with the State government, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said his government was not averse to talks, but the Naxal group should first stop violence. Speaking to media persons in Behrampur, Patnaik said, ‘‘I am prepared to talk with anyone for the maintenance of law and order and development of the State. But first they should agree to maintain peace.’’ He also refused to withdraw the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from the southern district—one of the preconditions for talks put forth by the PWG.
Read less...
January - 15 
Speaking to media personnel after addressing the Army Day parade in New Delhi, on January 15, Army chief General N C Vij said there has been no decrease in infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He said the Army has increased surveillance alon
Read more...
Speaking to media personnel after addressing the Army Day parade in New Delhi, on January 15, Army chief General N C Vij said there has been no decrease in infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He said the Army has increased surveillance along the LoC to foil Pakistan's attempts to push terrorists into J&K. There would be no reduction in the number of troops in the Kashmir Valley, he said, and added, "We need to consolidate our presence [in the Valley]".
Read less...
January - 15 
The State Cabinet, on January 15, cleared a package of rewards to people who will inform police about the activities of left-wing extremists—Naxalites. Speaking to media persons in Ranchi, a senior government official, Aditya Swarup, said, "The money will be given to people who will inform the pol
Read more...
The State Cabinet, on January 15, cleared a package of rewards to people who will inform police about the activities of left-wing extremists—Naxalites. Speaking to media persons in Ranchi, a senior government official, Aditya Swarup, said, "The money will be given to people who will inform the police about the activities of extremist. The amount will be decided based on the report of the state intelligence department and the police." While a Superintendent of Police (SP) can give away Rs.20, 000 in reward for information on Naxalites, a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) can give Rs.30, 000, an Inspector General (IG) Rs.40, 000, the Director General of Police Rs.50,000, the Home Secretary Rs.50,000-100,000 and the Home Minister Rs.100,000-500,000. Commenting of the latest move to counter Naxalite, Inspector General of Police R.C. Kaithal said, "We hope the reward policy will work in rural areas, where extremists take the help of local people to expand their base." He said the scheme would be advertised to get villagers to shed their fear and help police.
Read less...
January - 15 
Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury clarified, on January 15, in Dhaka, Operation Clean Heart targeting criminals/terrorists was yet not complete, though reports had earlier maintained otherwise. The Army has, however, been withdrawn from the operation from January 11. He said the Armed Forces mig
Read more...
Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury clarified, on January 15, in Dhaka, Operation Clean Heart targeting criminals/terrorists was yet not complete, though reports had earlier maintained otherwise. The Army has, however, been withdrawn from the operation from January 11. He said the Armed Forces might be asked to assist if law and order deteriorated during the upcoming Union Parishad elections.
Read less...
January - 15 
Influential Buddhist monk and OPM chief convenor Elle Gunawansa said their chief objective was to campaign for the de-merger of the Northeastern Province.
Read more...
Influential Buddhist monk and OPM chief convenor Elle Gunawansa said their chief objective was to campaign for the de-merger of the Northeastern Province.
Read less...
January - 16 
Visiting National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders Isak Swu and Th Muivah had met with leaders of Opposition parties in Parliament on January 16, at the residence of former Prime Minister VP Singh in New Delhi. According to media reports, the meeting was not attended by th
Read more...
Visiting National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders Isak Swu and Th Muivah had met with leaders of Opposition parties in Parliament on January 16, at the residence of former Prime Minister VP Singh in New Delhi. According to media reports, the meeting was not attended by the Congress-I. Quoting VP Singh, reports said, when Congress president and Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi was invited for the meeting, she reportedy said the timing was not appropriate to attend the meeting. Other prominent leaders who attended the meeting included former Premier I K Gujural, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury, Lok Janshakti leader Ram Vilas Paswan and Communist Party of India (CPI) leader A B Bardhan, as well as Consumer Affairs Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav .
Read less...
January - 16 
Cabinet Spokesman and government chief negotiator G. L. Peiris said, on January 16, the government will not compromise on the vital interests of the Sri Lanka at the peace negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He said the government and the LTTE have demonstrated a high leve
Read more...
Cabinet Spokesman and government chief negotiator G. L. Peiris said, on January 16, the government will not compromise on the vital interests of the Sri Lanka at the peace negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He said the government and the LTTE have demonstrated a high level of commitment to surmount difficult situations. "At the last [fourth] session of peace talks we demonstrated that the Government will not hesitate to assert itself and take a strong stand when required", Peiris said. As evidence, he said there were differences of opinion on resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) in High Security Zones (HSZs) and "at the end of the talks both parties agreed to complete resettlement outside the HSZ in the first phase and then go into the HSZs later." He also added that resettlement in HSZs will commence based on the report of General Satish Nambiar of India who gas been asked to prepare a technical report on the situation in the HSZs. He also said the fifth round of peace talks would be held in Thailand between February 7 and 10. The core political, economic and humanitarian issues will be taken up at these talks. He disclosed that Amnesty International former chief Ian Martin would attend the talks and help in drawing up a comprehensive programme to safeguard human rights, for the final solution as well as during the negotiations period as well.
Read less...
January - 17 
LTTE political-wing head Tamilselvan held wide-ranging discussions with the World Bank’s representatives on the utilisation of the funds, VoT said. Nishimizu said, "We were asked by the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka to be the custodian of the funds given by donors. Our aim is to serve all Sri
Read more...
LTTE political-wing head Tamilselvan held wide-ranging discussions with the World Bank’s representatives on the utilisation of the funds, VoT said. Nishimizu said, "We were asked by the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka to be the custodian of the funds given by donors. Our aim is to serve all Sri Lankan people and solve their poverty. I wanted to see for myself the condition of the people."
Read less...
January - 17 
The state-run Daily News said, on January 18, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to replace its representative in the Batticaloa Peace Committee, Sinnaiah, immediately. SLMM deputy chief Hakrup Haukland was quoted in the Daily News as saying
Read more...
The state-run Daily News said, on January 18, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to replace its representative in the Batticaloa Peace Committee, Sinnaiah, immediately. SLMM deputy chief Hakrup Haukland was quoted in the Daily News as saying, "We are not satisfied with his behaviour. We are very displeased over the manner [in which] he handled the issue of the LTTE member who took cyanide," he said. Reports quoting unnamed police officials in Batticaloa said an LTTE cadre had taken cyanide and was admitted to a hospital through the SLMM. Following his recovery, Sinnaiah mediated to hand over the cadre back to LTTE. Reports, however, made no mention of the date on which the cadre was admitted to a hospital or handed over to the LTTE.
Read less...
January - 19 
Addressing a press conference in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said left-wing extremists—Naxalites—have been making efforts to create a belt from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh. The Union and State governments, however, are committed to prevent it, he added. Advani said the
Read more...
Addressing a press conference in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said left-wing extremists—Naxalites—have been making efforts to create a belt from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh. The Union and State governments, however, are committed to prevent it, he added. Advani said the Union government had formed a coordination committee with all Naxalite-affected States—Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand—four years ago to tackle the problem. The problem also external dimension, too, with the Maoists becoming active in Nepal, he said.
Read less...
January - 19 
Speaking to the media in Patna, on January 19, the External Affairs Minister Yashawant Sinha accused Pakistan of maintaining double standard on terrorism. He said, "It is extremely disconcerting and disturbing … that Pakistan is continuing to promote cross-border terrorism... No talks for resolving
Read more...
Speaking to the media in Patna, on January 19, the External Affairs Minister Yashawant Sinha accused Pakistan of maintaining double standard on terrorism. He said, "It is extremely disconcerting and disturbing … that Pakistan is continuing to promote cross-border terrorism... No talks for resolving outstanding issues can be held in this atmosphere of mistrust and animosity.'' He also said, Pakistan, as a member of the international coalition against terrorism, has promised to end terrorism; but its promise to the cause needs universal confirmation.
Read less...
January - 19 
Another report said, speaking in Mirpur on January 19, Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury clarified Operation Clean Heart, the anti-crime drive, is continuing, but is now concentrated at certain levels. Earlier media reports indicated that the operation was concluded on January 11.
Read more...
Another report said, speaking in Mirpur on January 19, Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury clarified Operation Clean Heart, the anti-crime drive, is continuing, but is now concentrated at certain levels. Earlier media reports indicated that the operation was concluded on January 11.
Read less...
January - 20 
Before leaving for Qatar, on January 20, Advani said India was keen on signing extradition treaties with as many countries as possible, in view of the threats posed by terrorism to peace and stability across the globe.
Read more...
Before leaving for Qatar, on January 20, Advani said India was keen on signing extradition treaties with as many countries as possible, in view of the threats posed by terrorism to peace and stability across the globe.
Read less...
January - 20 
Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering, on January 20, assured the Assam government that his country would never allow "anti-Assamese and anti-Indian" forces to use its soil for disruptive activities. While speaking at a function in Rabindra Bhavan, in Guwahati, he said, "Bhutan has several stri
Read more...
Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering, on January 20, assured the Assam government that his country would never allow "anti-Assamese and anti-Indian" forces to use its soil for disruptive activities. While speaking at a function in Rabindra Bhavan, in Guwahati, he said, "Bhutan has several striking similarities with Assam. But the international border has set us apart. Both of us can sit together and sort out our problems. We want peace and prosperity."
Read less...
January - 20 
Maulana Mohammed Sirajul Hassen, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind National president, said the Islamic concept of Jihad is being misinterpreted in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and abroad by elements that did not want a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. He was speaking in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, on January 20,
Read more...
Maulana Mohammed Sirajul Hassen, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind National president, said the Islamic concept of Jihad is being misinterpreted in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and abroad by elements that did not want a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. He was speaking in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, on January 20,
Read less...
January - 20 
Speaking to media persons in Karimnagar, on January 20, State Home Minister T Devender Goud said the State government was always ready for talks with the left-wing extremist—Naxalite—People’s War Group (PWG). He called upon Naxalites to shun violence and join the democratic set-up. He said democracy
Read more...
Speaking to media persons in Karimnagar, on January 20, State Home Minister T Devender Goud said the State government was always ready for talks with the left-wing extremist—Naxalite—People’s War Group (PWG). He called upon Naxalites to shun violence and join the democratic set-up. He said democracy was the only way to solve people’s problems and requested the PWG to join the mainstream of the society. The Minister reiterated that the PWG could not achieve power through the bullet and added revolutionary theory had no relevance in present day society.
Read less...
January - 20 
Speaking to the media in Port Blair, on January 20, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said, "Pakistan has become a center for terrorist activities. Although it is a member of [the] international coalition… against terrorism, it is in Pakistan where terrorists are gathering". He also expressed conc
Read more...
Speaking to the media in Port Blair, on January 20, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said, "Pakistan has become a center for terrorist activities. Although it is a member of [the] international coalition… against terrorism, it is in Pakistan where terrorists are gathering". He also expressed concern that no action was being taken against that country by the international community. Vajpayee said "They [Pakistan] have contacts with terrorists in other parts of the globe and yet there is no action taken against them. We would request our friends in the international arena to put a stop to … increasing terrorism through Pakistan."
Read less...
January - 20 
US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill, on January 18, said there is no such term as a freedom fighter, at least not to describe those who terrorise and kill indiscriminately as they are doing in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Addressing a gathering of Indians at San Jose in the US, he said, "The US will
Read more...
US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill, on January 18, said there is no such term as a freedom fighter, at least not to describe those who terrorise and kill indiscriminately as they are doing in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Addressing a gathering of Indians at San Jose in the US, he said, "The US will continue to urge President Musharraf (of Pakistan) to do everything in his power to end permanently terrorist infiltration into J & K." The Line of Control between India and Pakistan "cannot be changed by violence, " he added.
Read less...
January - 20 
Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering, on January 20, assured the Assam government that his country would never allow "anti-Assamese and anti-Indian" forces to use its soil for disruptive activities. While speaking at a function in Rabindra Bhavan, in Guwahati, he said, "Bhutan has several stri
Read more...
Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering, on January 20, assured the Assam government that his country would never allow "anti-Assamese and anti-Indian" forces to use its soil for disruptive activities. While speaking at a function in Rabindra Bhavan, in Guwahati, he said, "Bhutan has several striking similarities with Assam. But the international border has set us apart. Both of us can sit together and sort out our problems. We want peace and prosperity."
Read less...
January - 20 
Several Opposition Members of Parliament accompanied Rajapakse to Jaffna. Stating that a just and fair political solution that satisfies the aspirations of all ethnic communities in the country should be found, Rajapakse said, "… wholehearted support will be given to present peace talks". He further
Read more...
Several Opposition Members of Parliament accompanied Rajapakse to Jaffna. Stating that a just and fair political solution that satisfies the aspirations of all ethnic communities in the country should be found, Rajapakse said, "… wholehearted support will be given to present peace talks". He further said his party pointing lacunae in the peace talks should not be construed as opposing the talks as such.
Read less...
January - 20 
Speaking at the same venue, Hindu Religious Affairs Minister T. Maheswaran said he would organise a meeting between the LTTE and President Chandrika Kumaratunga, if the later desired, provided she would recognizes the LTTE as the sole representative of Tamils.
Read more...
Speaking at the same venue, Hindu Religious Affairs Minister T. Maheswaran said he would organise a meeting between the LTTE and President Chandrika Kumaratunga, if the later desired, provided she would recognizes the LTTE as the sole representative of Tamils.
Read less...
January - 21 
A media report indicated that Bhutan has launched a crackdown on its nationals suspected to be aiding Northeast-based terrorist outfits. Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering said, on January 21, his country wants terrorists of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democra
Read more...
A media report indicated that Bhutan has launched a crackdown on its nationals suspected to be aiding Northeast-based terrorist outfits. Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering said, on January 21, his country wants terrorists of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) to withdraw peacefully from the kingdom. However, it has also taken steps to restrain their activities. He said, "We want the insurgents from Assam to pull out of our country as soon as possible and we are putting pressure on them by choking the supply routes." He also informed at least five Bhutanese were arrested in the Southern district of Samdrup Jhongkhar alone on the charges of aiding ULFA terrorists. He was talking to a Guwahati-based daily during a three-day visit to Assam.
Read less...
January - 21 
According to media reports, the 13th Assam Rifles (AR) has accused National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) cadres of violating cease-fire ground rules. Quoting 13th AR Commandant Colonel H V Sharma, reports on January 21 added that cadres of the outfit were not maintaining the N
Read more...
According to media reports, the 13th Assam Rifles (AR) has accused National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) cadres of violating cease-fire ground rules. Quoting 13th AR Commandant Colonel H V Sharma, reports on January 21 added that cadres of the outfit were not maintaining the Naga leadership’s commitment not to fight the security forces. While expressing dissatisfaction over the situation, he reportedly referred to the unprovoked firing by NSCN-IM cadres on an AR patrol in Lokho village, Mon district, on January 17. Meanwhile, residents of Lokho village condemned the incident in which an AR personnel was injured.
Read less...
January - 21 
Quoting unnamed Indian officials media reports said Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, presently on an official visit to Qatar, had a meeting with Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir Al Thani, in Doha, on January 21. At the meeting, both the leaders agreed that pending issues like extra
Read more...
Quoting unnamed Indian officials media reports said Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, presently on an official visit to Qatar, had a meeting with Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir Al Thani, in Doha, on January 21. At the meeting, both the leaders agreed that pending issues like extradition treaty, mutual legal assistance treaty and joint working group on counter-terrorism would be addressed soon and officials of the two countries would hold discussions if necessary. The two sides also discussed the global threat of terrorism and the need for international cooperation. Advani briefed the Qatari Minister regarding Pakistan's continuing support to cross-border terrorism in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), reports added.
Read less...
January - 21 
The successful conduct of State Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has led to the resurgence of "hope and expectations" among the people, making it easier for the Army to check infiltration, Chief of Army Staff Gen. N C Vij said in New Delhi, on January 21. "Things are looking
Read more...
The successful conduct of State Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has led to the resurgence of "hope and expectations" among the people, making it easier for the Army to check infiltration, Chief of Army Staff Gen. N C Vij said in New Delhi, on January 21. "Things are looking up in Kashmir. After the successful Assembly elections, there is rise in hope and expectations among the people, who are now supporting us in our efforts at checking infiltration," said Gen. Vij. While indicating that Pakistan still continues to send in foreign mercenaries, he added, "… but now we are better prepared to thwart all designs of the neighbour aimed at increasing infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir."
Read less...
January - 21 
A media report indicated that Bhutan has launched a crackdown on its nationals suspected to be aiding Northeast-based terrorist outfits. Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering said, on January 21, his country wants terrorists of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democra
Read more...
A media report indicated that Bhutan has launched a crackdown on its nationals suspected to be aiding Northeast-based terrorist outfits. Bhutan’s Ambassador in India Dago Tshering said, on January 21, his country wants terrorists of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) to withdraw peacefully from the kingdom. However, it has also taken steps to restrain their activities. He said, "We want the insurgents from Assam to pull out of our country as soon as possible and we are putting pressure on them by choking the supply routes." He also informed at least five Bhutanese were arrested in the Southern district of Samdrup Jhongkhar alone on the charges of aiding ULFA terrorists. He was talking to a Guwahati-based daily during a three-day visit to Assam.
Read less...
January - 21 
Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse reportedly said on January 20 that he would not oppose the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the state-run Daily News said on January 21. He was speaking in Jaffna after inaugurating a religious scho
Read more...
Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse reportedly said on January 20 that he would not oppose the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the state-run Daily News said on January 21. He was speaking in Jaffna after inaugurating a religious school.
Read less...
January - 21 
Media reports said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, on January 21, briefed President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the progress made at the fourth round of peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), held in Thailand, earlier in the month. Minister Milinda Morogoda accompanied the P
Read more...
Media reports said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, on January 21, briefed President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the progress made at the fourth round of peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), held in Thailand, earlier in the month. Minister Milinda Morogoda accompanied the Prime report added. People’s Alliance Member of Parliament and former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, too, was present at the meeting.
Read less...
January - 21 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) reportedly turned away five youth, aged under 16 years, on January 21, when they approached the LTTE to join its ranks. All of them were handed over in Batticaloa to their parents in the presence of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), reports said. L
Read more...
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) reportedly turned away five youth, aged under 16 years, on January 21, when they approached the LTTE to join its ranks. All of them were handed over in Batticaloa to their parents in the presence of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), reports said. LTTE’s Maamangam political-wing head Jothipalan said, "We are strictly adhering to the principle of not admitting anyone below 18 years into our movement". Contrary to what is widely accepted and known he claimed, "We have never recruited under-age children and we will not do so in the future. He added that the LTTE was strictly adhering to international law and would not let children under 18 years of age to participate in armed conflicts.
Read less...
January - 22 
According to media reports, Nalgonda police have come up with a new programme called Snehabandham to bring youth back into the mainstream and wean them away from the influence of left-wing extremists—Naxalites. The district police chief launched Snehabandham at Narayansamstanpur village, on January
Read more...
According to media reports, Nalgonda police have come up with a new programme called Snehabandham to bring youth back into the mainstream and wean them away from the influence of left-wing extremists—Naxalites. The district police chief launched Snehabandham at Narayansamstanpur village, on January 22. Speaking on the occasion, the district police chief said youth should play a key role in the development of the country as well as of the society. He urged them to come out of frustration and try to mingle with the society. He also appealed to them to not involve in Naxal activities, which would spoil their future. The State Government is implementing many welfare schemes for the youth, he said, and asked them to avail of the schemes to stand be self-reliant.
Read less...
January - 22 
According to media reports, the Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M), on January 22, alleged the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) is a 'political front' of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) with whom the Indian National Congress has tied up for the February 26-State
Read more...
According to media reports, the Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M), on January 22, alleged the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) is a 'political front' of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) with whom the Indian National Congress has tied up for the February 26-State Assembly elections. CPI-M Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury made the allegation while speaking to media persons in New Delhi.
Read less...
January - 22 
Addressing the three-day International Parliamentary Conference in New Delhi, on January 22, President A P J Abdul Kalam said poverty, illiteracy and unemployment were driving the forces of anger, frustration and violence. "These forces link themselves to historical enmity, tyranny, and injustice, e
Read more...
Addressing the three-day International Parliamentary Conference in New Delhi, on January 22, President A P J Abdul Kalam said poverty, illiteracy and unemployment were driving the forces of anger, frustration and violence. "These forces link themselves to historical enmity, tyranny, and injustice, ethnic issues and religious fundamentalism, and transform themselves into outbursts of terrorism worldwide''.
Read less...
January - 22 
Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi called for effective legislation to combat terrorism, and to safeguard democracy from those trying to destroy its foundations.
Read more...
Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi called for effective legislation to combat terrorism, and to safeguard democracy from those trying to destroy its foundations.
Read less...
January - 22 
On January 22, in Doha, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said Pakistan has re-opened terrorist training camps it had closed earlier under international pressure, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the USA. He said Pakistan continues to give asylum to terrorists. "So long as Pakistan provides suppo
Read more...
On January 22, in Doha, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said Pakistan has re-opened terrorist training camps it had closed earlier under international pressure, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the USA. He said Pakistan continues to give asylum to terrorists. "So long as Pakistan provides support and sponsors terrorist organizations, there is no point in talking to Pakistan," he added. Reports said Advani’s visit could result in a joint agreement with Qatar on setting up a cooperative structure against terrorism.
Read less...
January - 22 
Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K.C. Pant said Pakistan played a major role in providing support and sustenance to terrorist groups, both in India and the world-over. Participants at the conference expressed concern over terrorism, terming it "a crime against humanity" and suggested enactment
Read more...
Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K.C. Pant said Pakistan played a major role in providing support and sustenance to terrorist groups, both in India and the world-over. Participants at the conference expressed concern over terrorism, terming it "a crime against humanity" and suggested enactment of stringent laws to deal with it.
Read less...
January - 22 
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the need to strengthen mutual cooperation among the countries of the world in the fight against terrorism, which has "`become a big threat to peace, democracy and civilised world order''.
Read more...
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the need to strengthen mutual cooperation among the countries of the world in the fight against terrorism, which has "`become a big threat to peace, democracy and civilised world order''.
Read less...
January - 22 
The Army, on January 22, refuted a claim made by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) that 15 Army personnel had been killed in the January 21-attack at Daisajan tea estate under Doomdooma police station limits, in Assam’s Tinsukia district. An unidentified caller claiming to be ULFA 'commande
Read more...
The Army, on January 22, refuted a claim made by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) that 15 Army personnel had been killed in the January 21-attack at Daisajan tea estate under Doomdooma police station limits, in Assam’s Tinsukia district. An unidentified caller claiming to be ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah to the local media that his cadres carried out the attack and at least 15 security force (SF) personnel were killed and many more injured. Speaking in Dinjan, Dibrugarh district, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Mountain Division Maj. Gen. H.S. Batra said, "It is a cowardly act of a group of militants who are frustrated and want to prove their existence." He further said, "But we have tackled these situations well in the past and our forces are capable of thwarting any evil design of the Ulfa."
Read less...
January - 23 
Left-wing extremists––Naxalites––of the People's War Group (PWG) blasted a police picket in Bara village, Bhagwanganj police station-limits, Patna district and killed a personnel, on January 23-night. All 15 policemen at picket surrendered and the Naxals decamped with 16 rifles and a carbine. Repor
Read more...
Left-wing extremists––Naxalites––of the People's War Group (PWG) blasted a police picket in Bara village, Bhagwanganj police station-limits, Patna district and killed a personnel, on January 23-night. All 15 policemen at picket surrendered and the Naxals decamped with 16 rifles and a carbine. Reportedly, the Naxals severely beat up the policemen and had also videographed the entire operation, besides pasting several posters on the picket's walls. Five injured police personnel have been admitted to the Patna Medical College Hospital. Reports said the PWG cadres were equipped with petrol bombs, hand grenades and sophisticated weapons. Talking to the media, Inspector General of Police A C Verma said, "Policemen continued to fight till their ammunitions were exhausted." State police chief R R Prasad added the Naxals took advantage of dense fog. He said, "The policemen in the picket offered resistance and fired… but nothing was visible."
Read less...
January - 23 
US Ambassador in India Robert Blackwill said, in Washington, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has been engaged in this task since the time Abu Salem was arrested. Blackwill said, "One of the FBI's preoccupations is Abu Salem's extradition from Portugal to India to face justice." However, t
Read more...
US Ambassador in India Robert Blackwill said, in Washington, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has been engaged in this task since the time Abu Salem was arrested. Blackwill said, "One of the FBI's preoccupations is Abu Salem's extradition from Portugal to India to face justice." However, this might take some time. He said, "What we are seeking to do is purely a subsidiary role -- to assist the Government of India in persuading the government of Portugal to send him back to India."
Read less...
January - 23 
US Ambassador in Pakistan Nancy Powell, on January 23, said Pakistan must that ensure its pledges are implemented to prevent the infiltration of terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC) and end the "use of Pakistan as a platform for terrorism". She also proposed a cease-fire along the LoC as a wa
Read more...
US Ambassador in Pakistan Nancy Powell, on January 23, said Pakistan must that ensure its pledges are implemented to prevent the infiltration of terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC) and end the "use of Pakistan as a platform for terrorism". She also proposed a cease-fire along the LoC as a way to encourage peace in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. "We continue to look for ways to encourage peace in Kashmir. One important step can be a cease-fire along the Line of Control," she said, while speaking at a luncheon meeting of American Business Council (ABC), in Karachi. She said that, during the last visit of Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca to Pakistan, it was reaffirmed the US would continue to honour commitments made by President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell to promote a dialogue between India and Pakistan. She also said that, in the wake of 9/11, the US has initiated a $73 million programme to assist Pakistan in reducing illegal weapons-smuggling, combat narcotics flow, as also prevent the movement of terrorists who killed people all nationalities, including Pakistanis.
Read less...
January - 23 
The fifth round of peace talks between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the government would be held in Europe on February 7 and 8, 2003, peace process facilitator Norway said on January 23. The duration of the talks has been shortened to enable the LTTE to complete internal consultat
Read more...
The fifth round of peace talks between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the government would be held in Europe on February 7 and 8, 2003, peace process facilitator Norway said on January 23. The duration of the talks has been shortened to enable the LTTE to complete internal consultations before the next stage of the peace process, Norway added. Floods and the risk of contracting communicable disease prevented LTTE Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham from travelling to the Wanni, it added. However, independent reports earlier said the curtailment in the duration of the talks and the change of venue were a result of Balasingham’s renal condition.
Read less...
January - 24 
Speaking in the context of the Naga peace process, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi said, in Itanagar, on January 24, no part of the State could be brought under Nagalim (Greater Nagaland) that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) demands. He clarified the are
Read more...
Speaking in the context of the Naga peace process, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi said, in Itanagar, on January 24, no part of the State could be brought under Nagalim (Greater Nagaland) that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) demands. He clarified the area was never part of Nagaland. He also said the State Assembly had passed a resolution in this regard in September 2002. The Chief Minister, however, welcomed the peace process between the Union government and the NSCN-IM.
Read less...
January - 24 
The GOC said he was optimistic that the ULFA and NDFB would come forward for talks after the successful conclusion of the ongoing Naga peace process. He also said the Army has devised a ‘resource curtail device’ to force the ULFA and NDFB cadres to come over ground by disrupting the supply of food,
Read more...
The GOC said he was optimistic that the ULFA and NDFB would come forward for talks after the successful conclusion of the ongoing Naga peace process. He also said the Army has devised a ‘resource curtail device’ to force the ULFA and NDFB cadres to come over ground by disrupting the supply of food, medicines and other essential items to terrorist camps. During the last six months, the Army apprehended 60 food suppliers from different parts of Assam, he informed. He also welcomed the government's initiative to deploy personnel of the Special Services Bureau (SSB) along the Assam-Bhutan border.
Read less...
January - 25 
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) in a statement entitled ‘journey for peace’ said, on January 25 that it was ready to talk on the ‘Naga territory’ issue with the States of Assam and Manipur. The NSCN-IM reportedly said that it "fully recognizes the legitimate rights
Read more...
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) in a statement entitled ‘journey for peace’ said, on January 25 that it was ready to talk on the ‘Naga territory’ issue with the States of Assam and Manipur. The NSCN-IM reportedly said that it "fully recognizes the legitimate rights and aspirations" of all the neighbouring people. The outfit also said, "Let us end tensions that have sometimes existed between us and live as good neighbours, who respect each other’s rights and aspirations."
Read less...
January - 25 
The NSCN has denied that it issued any such warning to the non-NPF candidates. The NSCN-IM-deputy kilonser V. Horam said, "Probably the people have decided to install a government supportive to the ongoing peace process. Everyone knows that the present state government has not been supporting the pe
Read more...
The NSCN has denied that it issued any such warning to the non-NPF candidates. The NSCN-IM-deputy kilonser V. Horam said, "Probably the people have decided to install a government supportive to the ongoing peace process. Everyone knows that the present state government has not been supporting the peace process. When people have decided, then why should we bother threatening the people and candidates. This is baseless. We have decided to stay away from the polls this time."
Read less...
January - 26 
Assam Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha said infiltration into the State from across the Bangladesh border and activities of the Pakistan's external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), are grave threats to the security of the country. Speaking on the occasion of Republic
Read more...
Assam Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha said infiltration into the State from across the Bangladesh border and activities of the Pakistan's external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), are grave threats to the security of the country. Speaking on the occasion of Republic Day, on January 26, at Judges’ Field in Guwahati, he termed as unfortunate United Liberation Front of Asom's (ULFA's) insistence on 'irrelevant preconditions' for peace negotiations. He appreciated the public for distancing themselves from terrorists. He further said the terrorists are in disarray, and they indulge in violence in frustration. He hoped for a successful outcome of the Bodo peace talks through the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Solution to terrorism lies in development, he added.
Read less...
January - 26 
The Union government has decided to re-deploy the Border Security Force (BSF) at the borders and avail the services of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for internal security duties in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), BSF Inspector General G S Gill said in Srinagar, on January 26. "Government of India has
Read more...
The Union government has decided to re-deploy the Border Security Force (BSF) at the borders and avail the services of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for internal security duties in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), BSF Inspector General G S Gill said in Srinagar, on January 26. "Government of India has taken a policy decision whereby CRPF has been selected as the main force to fight insurgency and BSF to guard the borders to further strengthen the frontiers of the country", said Gill. He also said the process would be set in motion this year although it had not yet been decided in which sector the BSF will be re-inducted first. Meanwhile, a media report quoting official sources said initially eight battalions of the CRPF would take over counter-insurgency duties from the BSF in J&K.
Read less...
January - 26 
Interior Minister John Amaratunga said on January 26, while addressing a seminar in Trincomalee, it is difficult to resolve within a year all the differences that had arisen during the 20 year-old ethnic conflict. The seminar was organised to mobilise support for the ongoing peace talks between the
Read more...
Interior Minister John Amaratunga said on January 26, while addressing a seminar in Trincomalee, it is difficult to resolve within a year all the differences that had arisen during the 20 year-old ethnic conflict. The seminar was organised to mobilise support for the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He said neither the government nor the LTTE would abandon the peace process. "We and LTTE leader Prabhakaran are firm in our stand to achieve a political solution through negotiation," he said. He dismissed as "canard" People’s Alliance General Secretary D. M. Jayaretna’s remarks that the government would be dismissed in May this year (2003). "This is a canard by the main opposition to sabotage the Aid conference" [due in Japan in June]," Amaratunge said.
Read less...
January - 26 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said, on January 26, it was appropriate to demand the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to decommission its arms, before finding a lasting political solution to the protracted ethnic conflict in the country. He was addressing the annual convention of the pro
Read more...
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said, on January 26, it was appropriate to demand the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to decommission its arms, before finding a lasting political solution to the protracted ethnic conflict in the country. He was addressing the annual convention of the pro-government Sri Lanka Estate Workers Union, at the United National Party headquarters, in Colombo. He also said any solution agreed to with the LTTE would be implemented after obtaining people’s approval. He added, "Expert advice from Britain and Indian defence officials will be sought" while resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the High Security Zones.
Read less...
January - 27 
According to media reports, US Ambassador in India Robert Blackwill said his country and India face the threat of possible attacks by terrorists or "rogue states" armed with weapons of mass destruction. He said this, at a conference on Asian security in New Delhi, on January 27. "Other nations may
Read more...
According to media reports, US Ambassador in India Robert Blackwill said his country and India face the threat of possible attacks by terrorists or "rogue states" armed with weapons of mass destruction. He said this, at a conference on Asian security in New Delhi, on January 27. "Other nations may fade in the war against terrorism, but India and the United States will be there at the finish, when we win, "he added. He also said India and the US share common interests in spreading peace and democracy in Asia, fighting terrorism and proliferation of nuclear weapons because the two countries "are principal victims of international terrorism."
Read less...
January - 28 
In another development, on January 28, India urged Bangladesh to cooperate in halting illegal migration.
Read more...
In another development, on January 28, India urged Bangladesh to cooperate in halting illegal migration.
Read less...
January - 28 
Media reports on January 28 said the arrest of two activists of the outlawed Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), in Lucknow, on January 25, points that SIMI is turning active again in Uttar Pradesh. According to Senior Superintendent of Police, Lucknow, Anil Agarwal, investigations are bein
Read more...
Media reports on January 28 said the arrest of two activists of the outlawed Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), in Lucknow, on January 25, points that SIMI is turning active again in Uttar Pradesh. According to Senior Superintendent of Police, Lucknow, Anil Agarwal, investigations are being made into the possibility of SIMI’s nexus with the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s external intelligence agency. "The confessions made by the arrested youth have provided sufficient clues to establish that SIMI was out to expand its tentacles in Uttar Pradesh once again," he added.
Read less...
January - 28 
In another development, on January 28, India urged Bangladesh to cooperate in halting illegal migration.
Read more...
In another development, on January 28, India urged Bangladesh to cooperate in halting illegal migration.
Read less...
January - 28 
President Chandrika Kumaratunga asked the police and Army to stop the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from "abducting" and recruiting child soldiers. Media reports from Colombo quoted in the Indian press, on January 28, said the President wrote letters to Army chief Lionel Balagalle and the
Read more...
President Chandrika Kumaratunga asked the police and Army to stop the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from "abducting" and recruiting child soldiers. Media reports from Colombo quoted in the Indian press, on January 28, said the President wrote letters to Army chief Lionel Balagalle and the police chief asking them to "act immediately to prevent these unlawful acts and apprehend the culprits whoever they may be''. She said, in the year past, of the 502 truce violations committed by the LTTE, "313 are instances of children being abducted for recruitment''.
Read less...
January - 28 
Pro-Tamil sources said on January 28 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would reject any proposals that link resettling internally displaced persons and refugees in Jaffna––a "critical humanitarian issue"––to d its cadres and de-commissioning its weapons, chief negotiator Anton Balasin
Read more...
Pro-Tamil sources said on January 28 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) would reject any proposals that link resettling internally displaced persons and refugees in Jaffna––a "critical humanitarian issue"––to d its cadres and de-commissioning its weapons, chief negotiator Anton Balasingham said. He was speaking to Tamil Guardian following reports that a former Indian General, Satish Nambiar, has submitted an interim report on resettling people in High Security Zones. Balasingham said the LTTE "will fiercely oppose and reject any proposal that makes resettlement of refugees conditional upon de-commissioning of LTTE weapons". He clarified what de-escalation and normalisation meant to the LTTE and said these did not mean de-militarisation and de-mobilisation. Stating that the LTTE did not ask for demilitarisation or dismantling of camps or reduction of troops, he added. "What we are asking the Government of Sri Lanka is to allow our people to return to their homes. It is the unconditional right of our people. The denial by the state of the right of refugees and IDPs to return to their homes under conditions of peace constitutes a gross violation of human rights." He also reminded Nambiar that the LTTE fought against the Indian Army when it was asked to disarm its cadres. To recollect, as per the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) agreement, the LTTE had to lay down all arms, but refused, and launched a war against the IPKF. He asked Nambiar to approach the issue carefully and cautiously and take into consideration the sensibilities of the LTTE. Balasingham added, "The Tigers (LTTE) will not accept any recommendations from anybody that would be prejudicial to the strategic equilibrium enjoyed by LTTE forces."
Read less...
January - 29 
Meanwhile State forensic laboratory director Rukmini Krishnamurthy said ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in fertiliser, was used in all the blasts.
Read more...
Meanwhile State forensic laboratory director Rukmini Krishnamurthy said ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in fertiliser, was used in all the blasts.
Read less...
January - 29 
The Cabinet Secretariat said government reciprocated to '"overtures to resolve the Maoist problem through talks after both sides agreed to an immediate cease-fire."
Read more...
The Cabinet Secretariat said government reciprocated to '"overtures to resolve the Maoist problem through talks after both sides agreed to an immediate cease-fire."
Read less...
January - 29 
While former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said he was not aware if the talks were with the King or the Prime Minister, Communist Party of Nepal––Unified-Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) leader Madav Nepal expressed surprise.
Read more...
While former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said he was not aware if the talks were with the King or the Prime Minister, Communist Party of Nepal––Unified-Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) leader Madav Nepal expressed surprise.
Read less...
January - 29 
Addressing a seminar, Brien said, "Both the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka have faced the experience of fighting terrorism on their own soil. Our experience has also made in clear that violence cannot solve internal differences. It only leads to a further cycle of mistrust and further violence." He ad
Read more...
Addressing a seminar, Brien said, "Both the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka have faced the experience of fighting terrorism on their own soil. Our experience has also made in clear that violence cannot solve internal differences. It only leads to a further cycle of mistrust and further violence." He added, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the LTTE have political goals.
Read less...
January - 29 
The proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the United Kingdom would continue, visiting Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien said in Colombo, on January 29. UK would help Sri Lanka and the LTTE to successfully conclude the peace process, he also said.
Read more...
The proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the United Kingdom would continue, visiting Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien said in Colombo, on January 29. UK would help Sri Lanka and the LTTE to successfully conclude the peace process, he also said.
Read less...
January - 30 
The United States said on January 30 that it had designated the Pakistani sectarian group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The LeJ, alleged to have links with the Al Qaeda, has also been named as a suspect in the abduction-cum-murder in Pakistan of US journalist Daniel Pe
Read more...
The United States said on January 30 that it had designated the Pakistani sectarian group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The LeJ, alleged to have links with the Al Qaeda, has also been named as a suspect in the abduction-cum-murder in Pakistan of US journalist Daniel Pearl. The decision was announced in the Federal Register, a gazette of US government business and by the State Department. A Bulletin from the Office of Foreign Assets Control issued by the department confirmed putting LeJ, a Sunni group already proscribed in Pakistan, as an entity on the terrorist bodies' list. "Today I am taking another important step in our campaign to eliminate the scourge of terrorism… I am designating the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation under US law. The Government of Pakistan has already designated the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi a terrorist organisation, and we look forward to working with Pakistani authorities to shut this group down," said Secretary of State Colin Powell. Media reports said that the decision came a day after Powell held talks with the Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, who renewed Islamabad’s support for the US anti-terror campaign.
Read less...
January - 30 
Communist Party of Nepal––Unified-Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal reportedly said news of talks was a positive thing, and said he the announcement of truce in a surprising manner has raised concerns.
Read more...
Communist Party of Nepal––Unified-Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal reportedly said news of talks was a positive thing, and said he the announcement of truce in a surprising manner has raised concerns.
Read less...
January - 30 
Political leaders in Nepal welcomed the cease-fire declared by the government and the Maoist insurgents but expressed doubts on the sincerity of the insurgents to stick to their commitments, as they jettisoned the truce and peace talks earlier in 2002. "The offer for cease-fire could be a ploy of
Read more...
Political leaders in Nepal welcomed the cease-fire declared by the government and the Maoist insurgents but expressed doubts on the sincerity of the insurgents to stick to their commitments, as they jettisoned the truce and peace talks earlier in 2002. "The offer for cease-fire could be a ploy of the Maoists to consolidate their position," former Prime Minister (PM) Sher Bahadur Deuba said, in Chitwan, on January 30. Deuba was in power when the peace talks were held in 2002. Deuba also said, "The Maoists could have opted for peace talks after seeing that the government was consolidating its position through the import of modern weapons from Belgium and America." He also expressed doubts if the government (meaning the King) and the Maoists were aligning to undermine political parties.
Read less...
January - 30 
Rastriya Prajatantara Party former President Surya Bahadur Thapa said the proposed talks should lead to a positive outcome in favour of the nation, people and democracy.
Read more...
Rastriya Prajatantara Party former President Surya Bahadur Thapa said the proposed talks should lead to a positive outcome in favour of the nation, people and democracy.
Read less...
January - 30 
Reports said India, on January 30, reacting to the cease-fire announced between the Nepalese government and the Maoist insurgents, expressed the opinion that the proposed peace process should involve political parties and should be conducted in a violence-free environment. The Indian Embassy in Kath
Read more...
Reports said India, on January 30, reacting to the cease-fire announced between the Nepalese government and the Maoist insurgents, expressed the opinion that the proposed peace process should involve political parties and should be conducted in a violence-free environment. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said in a press release, "We continue to regard multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy as the two pillars for stability in Nepal. India remains committed to the strengthening of its long-standing and close friendship and good neighbourly relations with Nepal". The US, European Union and Germany, too, welcomed the announcement of cease-fire in Nepal, reports added.
Read less...
January - 30 
President Pervez Musharraf was quoted as saying in an interview with Panorama, an Italian magazine, that his intelligence services believe Osama bin Laden is dead, but they have no proof. "It's an assessment, not a proven proof," Musharraf was quoted as saying. "It's a guess of my intelligence servi
Read more...
President Pervez Musharraf was quoted as saying in an interview with Panorama, an Italian magazine, that his intelligence services believe Osama bin Laden is dead, but they have no proof. "It's an assessment, not a proven proof," Musharraf was quoted as saying. "It's a guess of my intelligence services. With all the bombing taken place (in Afghanistan), bin Laden could not be roaming around with 100 bodyguards for a long time. Furthermore he is tall and recognizable," he added. Musharraf while ruling out the possibility that bin Laden could be in Pakistan, said, "If he is alive, he is in Afghanistan."
Read less...
February - 2 
According to media reports, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to all the terrorist outfits operating in Manipur to come to the negotiating table to solve the differences, while addressing a State-level peace rally organized by Meira Paibis (torch bearing women) at Malom, near the sta
Read more...
According to media reports, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to all the terrorist outfits operating in Manipur to come to the negotiating table to solve the differences, while addressing a State-level peace rally organized by Meira Paibis (torch bearing women) at Malom, near the state capital, Imphal, on February 2. Quoting Ibobi Singh, reports added that there would be no development possible without peace in the State. He also reportedly expressed the feeling that a solution to terrorism was impossible unless the government and the terrorist groups came to the negotiating table.
Read less...
February - 2 
Media reports claimed that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has reportedly issued warning note to all terrorist outfit in operation in Nagaland as well as the State-based political parties. The statement reportedly issued by Tongmeth Wangno, the supervisor of ceasefire su
Read more...
Media reports claimed that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has reportedly issued warning note to all terrorist outfit in operation in Nagaland as well as the State-based political parties. The statement reportedly issued by Tongmeth Wangno, the supervisor of ceasefire supervisory board of NSCN-K, said that if any underground outfit found supporting, or helping any political party or candidate would face 'serious consequence' for the act and similar consequence for the political parties too, for their linkages with terrorist outfits.
Read less...
February - 2 
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), on February 2, called the differences over geographical boundaries in the Northeast an 'internal matter' and appealed for its resolution without the involvement of the Union government. The ULFA, in a statement in its mouthpiece Freedom, reportedly also as
Read more...
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), on February 2, called the differences over geographical boundaries in the Northeast an 'internal matter' and appealed for its resolution without the involvement of the Union government. The ULFA, in a statement in its mouthpiece Freedom, reportedly also asked the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) not to cherish hope of altering present boundaries with the help of the government. It said, " If anybody would like to change or rectify the all or any part of these existing territorial arrangement organized by both past British and present Indian occupations with the help of present occupation government of India there remain a little scope and hope". It also said, " Involvement of occupation India to solve our internal problem will only make those territorial problems more complex rather than any possible solution. We should consider that the problems belong to us and we must search proper way on our own to solve these problems. On the other hand, it will only be an exhibition of double standards to hire India to solve our own internal problems after having been declared India as a colonial occupation one". The statement added, "It would be the easiest and proper way to solve the enduring territorial problems within us in the peoples level, as we all know each other nation more accurately than alien Indian - It will be contradictory with respect to the objective reality to waste time for inter-regional territorial problems when we, the all have been engaging in a common battlefield." Meanwhile, the outfit has also owned up the responsibility for the blast at an underground oil pipeline in the Upper Mamoroni area of Tinsukia district, on January 21.
Read less...
February - 2 
Osama bin Laden is not in Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf said on February 2 in an interview to Russia's Interfax news agency on the eve of his visit to Moscow. "Pakistan is an active member of the (anti-terror) coalition and our border is being monitored in the most comprehensive manner…Theref
Read more...
Osama bin Laden is not in Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf said on February 2 in an interview to Russia's Interfax news agency on the eve of his visit to Moscow. "Pakistan is an active member of the (anti-terror) coalition and our border is being monitored in the most comprehensive manner…Therefore we can say that he is not in Pakistan," he said. He further added, "There is no possibility of any sensitive material from Pakistan falling into the hands of al-Qaeda or other terrorist elements."
Read less...
February - 8 
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu while addressing the conference said that the People's War Group (PWG) has emerged as the dominant extremist group in the country and its activity is discernable from Bihar to Karnataka. He also said that the PWG has struck an alliance with Maoist ins
Read more...
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu while addressing the conference said that the People's War Group (PWG) has emerged as the dominant extremist group in the country and its activity is discernable from Bihar to Karnataka. He also said that the PWG has struck an alliance with Maoist insurgents of Nepal. He further said that the Union government should ban the production of gelatin and instant detonators because Naxalites are using them with a greater effect. Naidu suggested that the Union government should establish a coordination centre to deal with cross-border terrorism sponsored by Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the external intelligence agency of Pakistan.
Read less...
February - 8 
On February 8, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, while observing that the security situation in the Northeast had "improved significantly," expressed confidence that negotiations with the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) would yield a "positive agreement" shortly. He said, "Negotiations are in progre
Read more...
On February 8, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, while observing that the security situation in the Northeast had "improved significantly," expressed confidence that negotiations with the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) would yield a "positive agreement" shortly. He said, "Negotiations are in progress with BLT. We are confident that our peace talks with BLT will soon yield a positive agreement. We hope that these peace talks would reach a decisive phase in the coming months." He was speaking at the Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal Security in New Delhi. Negotiations with the BLT on the creation of a proposed Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to resolve the vexed Bodo issue is reportedly in the final stages and an agreement is likely to be signed at a tripartite meeting between the BLT, the Assam government and the Union government on February 10 in this regard.
Read less...
February - 8 
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 8 suggested the creation of a unified command structure by the nine States affected by left-wing extremism. While expressing serious concern over the Naxal violence in the regions from Indian border with Nepal to Andhra Pradesh, he said, "I would like
Read more...
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 8 suggested the creation of a unified command structure by the nine States affected by left-wing extremism. While expressing serious concern over the Naxal violence in the regions from Indian border with Nepal to Andhra Pradesh, he said, "I would like to emphasise the need to remove all shortcomings in intelligence sharing and mounting well- coordinated anti-Naxalite operations by the concerned states. If necessary, this should be done under a unified command. " He was speaking at a Chief Ministers' conference on internal security in Delhi. He said that the menace has affected the most under-developed parts of the country, hampering the Union government’s and the concerned State governments' efforts to speed up development process. He said, "State governments should also accord higher priority to socio-economic development of the districts affected by Left-wing extremism." He added that scarcity of funds had not been a hurdle and that the problem lay in implementation. The States affected by Naxal violence include Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh among others.
Read less...
February - 8 
Kadhim Abdul Hameed al-Rawi, Iraq's Ambassador to Pakistan, on February 8 refuted US claims that its mission in Islamabad had links with the Al Qaeda network. "The embassy in Pakistan is respecting its commitments and we will never, never have... nor in the past had any connection with the terrorist
Read more...
Kadhim Abdul Hameed al-Rawi, Iraq's Ambassador to Pakistan, on February 8 refuted US claims that its mission in Islamabad had links with the Al Qaeda network. "The embassy in Pakistan is respecting its commitments and we will never, never have... nor in the past had any connection with the terrorists," said al-Rawi. Responding to accusations made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell before the United Nations Security Council, the Ambassador said USA had been attempting to link Iraq with the Al Qaeda and the Taliban since 9/11.
Read less...
February - 9 
According to a media report, the Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) has decided to suspend terrorist attacks on security forces (SFs) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for six days in view of the forthcoming Eid-uz-Zuha festival as a gesture of goodwill and peace, a spokesperson of the outfit was quoted as saying
Read more...
According to a media report, the Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) has decided to suspend terrorist attacks on security forces (SFs) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for six days in view of the forthcoming Eid-uz-Zuha festival as a gesture of goodwill and peace, a spokesperson of the outfit was quoted as saying in a statement. He said the decision was taken at the group’s ‘command council’s’ emergency meeting presided over by its Amir-e-Aala (chief), Sheikh Abdullah Mubarak. In view of Eid-uz-Zuha, the spokesperson said, the TuM decided to suspend "its precision attacks" on the SFs for six days from February 10 to 16. "The militants have been directed to suspend their attacks on army units, patrol parties or security personnel during the six days. The direction will also apply to Ikhwanis [counter-insurgents], Task Force and renegades", he said. He also said that the decision had been taken only as a temporary measure and should not be construed as a "cease-fire".
Read less...
February - 9 
Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneshwar on his arrival from New Delhi, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the State government has asked for special security cover for two more districts against the left-wing extremist—Naxalite—violence in addition to the four districts, which had been brou
Read more...
Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneshwar on his arrival from New Delhi, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the State government has asked for special security cover for two more districts against the left-wing extremist—Naxalite—violence in addition to the four districts, which had been brought under this cover. The two districts are Nabarangpur in the South and Mayurbhanj in the North. Patnaik said he had discussed the problem with Central leaders including the Deputy Prime Minister, LK Advani. Asked if he would prefer to have any dialogue with the Naxalites , Patnaik said ''I have an open mind for anything for peace and prosperity of the State.''
Read less...
February - 9 
Pakistan on February 9 dismissed as baseless propaganda the Indian charges that it has links with the Al Qaeda and other extremists. "We have neither any links with them (al-Qaeda) nor they have roots in Pakistan," Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. In a statement, he condemned the India
Read more...
Pakistan on February 9 dismissed as baseless propaganda the Indian charges that it has links with the Al Qaeda and other extremists. "We have neither any links with them (al-Qaeda) nor they have roots in Pakistan," Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. In a statement, he condemned the Indian leadership for continuing a propaganda against Pakistan which he said was aimed at diverting international attention from the "indigenous" Kashmiri struggle against New Delhi rule. On the same day, India's National Security Adviser Birjesh Mishra told a conference in Munich, Germany, that Pakistan was bringing extremist forces into the region's political equation.
Read less...
February - 9 
The Foreign Ministers of Bhutan and Nepal expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved at the end of the two-day 12th Ministerial Joint Committee (MJC) meeting in Kathmandu on February 7, Kuensel reported on February 9. The MJC discussed the resumption of the work by the joint verificatio
Read more...
The Foreign Ministers of Bhutan and Nepal expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved at the end of the two-day 12th Ministerial Joint Committee (MJC) meeting in Kathmandu on February 7, Kuensel reported on February 9. The MJC discussed the resumption of the work by the joint verification team (JVT) to find an early and lasting solution to the problem of the people in the refugee camps in Nepal. The 12th MJC harmonised the positions of the two governments on the four agreed categories of the people in the camps. In a joint press release in Kathmandu both the ministers expressed their firm commitment to arrive at a "lasting solution" to the issue of refugees through bilateral process. It was also agreed that the JVT would resume its work in Bhutan from February 24 to undertake the work of categorization and that the next MJC meeting would be held in Bhutan from March 24. Views were also exchanged on several other areas of mutual interests.
Read less...
February - 9 
An official of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry on February 9 refuted Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's reported statement implying that territories of Nepal and Bangladesh were being used by the external intelligence agency of Pakistan, Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) to pursue its anti-Ind
Read more...
An official of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry on February 9 refuted Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's reported statement implying that territories of Nepal and Bangladesh were being used by the external intelligence agency of Pakistan, Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) to pursue its anti-India agenda. He further stated that it was the principal policy of Bangladesh not to allow its territories by anyone for subversive activities including India.
Read less...
February - 9 
Meanwhile, the president of Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP) Manjurul Ahsan Khan on February 9 in Kolkata debunked the Khaleda Zia government's contention that there was no ISI activity and the presence of Al-Qaeda in that country and said Dhaka should cooperate with New Delhi in containing cross-bo
Read more...
Meanwhile, the president of Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP) Manjurul Ahsan Khan on February 9 in Kolkata debunked the Khaleda Zia government's contention that there was no ISI activity and the presence of Al-Qaeda in that country and said Dhaka should cooperate with New Delhi in containing cross-border terrorism. The ISI and Al-Qaeda were active in Chittagong district, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Rajshahi where fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami, a partner in the Khaleda Zia government, has a support base, he added. He also alleged that the outfits were carrying out covert activities to destabilise the region and the government should be active in identifying their agents, cut off the sources of funding and channel of arms supply.
Read less...
February - 10 
APHC activist Anjum Zamruda Habib, who was arrested on February 6, reportedly confessed that Jilani had asked her to deliver a major portion of the money recovered from her to the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik. As reported earlier, Delhi Police had arrested Anjum along wit
Read more...
APHC activist Anjum Zamruda Habib, who was arrested on February 6, reportedly confessed that Jilani had asked her to deliver a major portion of the money recovered from her to the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik. As reported earlier, Delhi Police had arrested Anjum along with the APHC's Delhi spokesperson Shabir Ahmed Dar. An amount of Rupees 3.07 lakh besides some documents and propaganda material was recovered from her possession.
Read less...
February - 10 
At a tripartite meeting in New Delhi, the formation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in the Bodo dominated areas of Assam was approved on February 10. This was announced after a meeting of the representatives of the Union and State governments along with a Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) delegatio
Read more...
At a tripartite meeting in New Delhi, the formation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in the Bodo dominated areas of Assam was approved on February 10. This was announced after a meeting of the representatives of the Union and State governments along with a Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) delegation in Delhi. Among those present at the meeting were the Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani. The BLT delegation included its 'chairman' Hagrama Basumatary who signed the agreement on behalf of the outfit, 'vice chairman' Kamal Mushahary, 'secretary general' Derhasat Basumatary and 'publicity secretary' Mainao Daimary. The BLT had declared a unilateral ceasefire in July 1999 in response to the Union government’s appeal for talks. The BTC would comprise 40 elected representatives and six more are to be nominated by the Assam government. Of the elected representatives, 30 seats would be reserved for tribals, five for non-tribals and five more would remain open for contest. Meanwhile, the Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samiti (SJSS) a platform of approximately 18 non-Bodo organisations termed the BTC accord as a 'suicidal move' for the State as well as the country. Separately, speaking in New Delhi, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the BTC accord would ensure peace and development in the Bodo dominated areas in the State. He also informed that the Union government has decided to sanction Rs 100 crores for infrastructure development in the BTC area. He added that signing of the Accord has once again proved that solution for such issues lies in a 'political settlement'.
Read less...
February - 10 
Russia has accused Pakistan of continuing to harbour various extremist and terrorist outfits who are involved in terrorist activities in foreign countries, despite having joined the US-led global war against terrorism. While naming Pakistan, specially its North West Frontier Province region, where t
Read more...
Russia has accused Pakistan of continuing to harbour various extremist and terrorist outfits who are involved in terrorist activities in foreign countries, despite having joined the US-led global war against terrorism. While naming Pakistan, specially its North West Frontier Province region, where the "Taliban hold sway", Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said at the Munich security meet that, "it is not a secret that a number of Asian states are still harbouring the representative offices for the extremist organisations on their territories, operating unfettered and unimpeded under the guise of humanitarian relief, clerical and any other centres." Ivanov added, "For instance, the Pakistan-based Al-Rashid Trust Foundation, set up in 1996 for the purpose of rendering humanitarian relief to Afghan refugees in Pakistan, has subsequently spread its operations further afield covering the Republic of Chechnya and Kosovo." According to him, "There is a proven linkage" between the Madrassas, Pakistani Islamist schools belonging to religious parties Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat-ul-Ilema, Ulema-e-Islam, and Jamiat-ul-Ulemal-e-Pakistan, and different militants training centres and camps."
Read less...
February - 10 
The Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal, Zamir Akram has refuted Indian allegations that Pakistan was using Nepal's territory for anti-Indian activities, a report said on February 10. Earlier on February 8, the Indian Premier Vajpayee had said that Pakistan had done nothing to end terrorism against India,
Read more...
The Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal, Zamir Akram has refuted Indian allegations that Pakistan was using Nepal's territory for anti-Indian activities, a report said on February 10. Earlier on February 8, the Indian Premier Vajpayee had said that Pakistan had done nothing to end terrorism against India, accusing it of expanding its campaign to Nepal and Bangladesh. "Nothing could be further from the truth," Akram was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post. "We will not use friendly countries for such acts. We do not engage in such activities in the first place," Akram said. Meanwhile, the Nepalese Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya said, "We have no comments to make now."
Read less...
February - 10 
The Pakistani Foreign Office has denied a report published by the London-based Financial Times that country's external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is helping the Taliban regroup and termed the report as being absolutely wrong. The February 7 report quoting senior Afgha
Read more...
The Pakistani Foreign Office has denied a report published by the London-based Financial Times that country's external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is helping the Taliban regroup and termed the report as being absolutely wrong. The February 7 report quoting senior Afghan officials and diplomats in Kabul had said that "Members of Pakistani intelligence are helping remnants of the Taliban to regroup more than a year after they were ousted from power." Foreign Office spokesperson, Aziz Ahmad Khan, told the BBC "Pakistan’s impeccable record speaks volumes about its veracity with international fraternity and latest in this regard is clear… The allegation is absolutely baseless. Pakistan’s record in this regard is clear."
Read less...
February - 10 
United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) leaders on February 10 demanded the scrapping of the 1998 Peace Accord signed by the Janasanghati Samiti and the then Awami League government, delayed media reports said. The UPDF put forth this demand at a function at Khagrachhari, presided over by UPDF leader
Read more...
United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) leaders on February 10 demanded the scrapping of the 1998 Peace Accord signed by the Janasanghati Samiti and the then Awami League government, delayed media reports said. The UPDF put forth this demand at a function at Khagrachhari, presided over by UPDF leader, Anil Chakma to mark the anniversary of arms surrender by Janasanghati Samiti, then a tribal insurgent group. They also urged the government to discuss with them different issues including land management in the Chittagong Hill Tracts areas and women’s repression, among others.
Read less...
February - 11 
Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) leaders on February 11 promised to maintain peace and unity and endeavour towards rapid socio-economic development for both–– Bodos and non-Bodos in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). BTC's creation was announced the previous day, on February 10 in New Delhi followi
Read more...
Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) leaders on February 11 promised to maintain peace and unity and endeavour towards rapid socio-economic development for both–– Bodos and non-Bodos in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). BTC's creation was announced the previous day, on February 10 in New Delhi following a tripartite meeting of the representatives of the Union and Assam governments with a delegation of the BLT. The leaders pointed they would work in the light of experiences gained from the 1993-Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC) Accord that failed to meet their aspirations. While addressing a public rally in Kokrajhar district in Assam the BLT chairman Hagrama Basumatary said, "If the BTC Accord signed yesterday is executed in letter and spirit, the Bodos will not have to go for another accord in future to assert their rights and development. The BTC is capable of fulfiling the hopes and aspirations of the Bodos."
Read less...
February - 11 
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) president Rabi Ram Narzary expressed the opinion that the BTC would ensure overall development of the inhabitants. He also said that fears of the non-Bodos that their rights would be infringed upon in the BTC were totally uncalled f
Read more...
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) president Rabi Ram Narzary expressed the opinion that the BTC would ensure overall development of the inhabitants. He also said that fears of the non-Bodos that their rights would be infringed upon in the BTC were totally uncalled for.
Read less...
February - 11 
Separate reports indicated that several parts of lower Assam, including Bongaigaon and Barpeta districts witnessed a 'spontaneous' bandh (shut down) in protest against the creation of the BTC. While talking to a Guwahati-based daily, chief convenor of Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samiti (SJSS), a
Read more...
Separate reports indicated that several parts of lower Assam, including Bongaigaon and Barpeta districts witnessed a 'spontaneous' bandh (shut down) in protest against the creation of the BTC. While talking to a Guwahati-based daily, chief convenor of Sanmilita Janagosthiya Sangram Samiti (SJSS), a platform of approximately 18 non-Bodo groups, Phani Medhi said the SJSS would hold an emergency meeting in Guwahati, on February 12, today to decide the future course of 'agitation' to protest against the BTC deal. He further said that a formal decision to enforce a 100-hour Lower Assam bandh would also be taken at tomorrow’s meeting.
Read less...
February - 12 
A media report of February 12 has indicated that the Arunachal Pradesh government is apprehensive of the presence of Assam and Nagaland based terrorists in the Tirap and Changlang districts of the State. The State's Education Minister Takam Sanjoy reportedly said that following a cease-fire agreemen
Read more...
A media report of February 12 has indicated that the Arunachal Pradesh government is apprehensive of the presence of Assam and Nagaland based terrorists in the Tirap and Changlang districts of the State. The State's Education Minister Takam Sanjoy reportedly said that following a cease-fire agreement with the Union government, cadres of both the factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Khaplang (NSCN-K) have set up base-camps in these districts. He said, "We want a solution to the Naga problem and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is ready to extend full cooperation to the ongoing peace talks". However, the State is against altering of present boundaries of the States in the Northeast. He also said that Arunachal’s areas bordering Assam have also allegedly become 'sanctuaries' for the Assam-based United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The State government contends that it does not have adequate security forces (SFs) to tackle these terrorist outfits. The Minister alleged that the State's demand for additional SFs has not been met thus far by the Union government. Separately, welcoming the February 10-Bodo agreement on formation of the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), he added, "If this situation continues, the only island of peace in the North-Eastern region may be taken over by the terrorists and unwanted elements."
Read less...
February - 12 
A media report of February 12 indicated that the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) would oppose granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Rajbongshis, a tribal group in Assam, if it would entitle the latter to share 30 seats reserved for tribals in the proposed Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). While
Read more...
A media report of February 12 indicated that the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) would oppose granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Rajbongshis, a tribal group in Assam, if it would entitle the latter to share 30 seats reserved for tribals in the proposed Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). While talking to a Guwahati-based daily at Ranchaidham in Kokrajhar district on February 12, the BLT 'publicity secretary' Mainao Daimary reportedly said that the BTC was an outcome of a Bodo movement and the Union government should not deny its benefits to the Bodos by granting ST status to Rajbongshis. He reportedly said, "If the Rajbongshis managed to get ST status from the Centre, we have no objection, but they should make the exact picture of reservation for them clear." He also appealed to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) leaders to shun violence and join the mainstream saying, "The BTC has support of non-Bodo organization like the Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX), the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and others besides the Bodos." He also informed that the BTC constitution has sufficient clauses to safeguard the rights of non-Bodos living in the area. Regarding election of the 'chief' of the BTC, he said that a BLT executive meeting would take a decision on the issue.
Read less...
February - 12 
According to media reports, the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on February 12 ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan until it stops cross-border terrorism and shuts down terrorist training camps on its territory. He also urged the western countries to terminate financial and military support to Paki
Read more...
According to media reports, the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on February 12 ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan until it stops cross-border terrorism and shuts down terrorist training camps on its territory. He also urged the western countries to terminate financial and military support to Pakistan. The Deputy Premier said at Kulu in Himachal Pradesh that the Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf had changed his strategy due to international pressure following 9/11. However, he has not changed his conduct and continues to describe terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and rest of India as "freedom struggle", he added.
Read less...
February - 12 
BLT chairman Hagrama Basumatary said that the outfit will formally lay down arms and ammunition before the Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor Lt Gen (retd) S.K. Sinha at Kokrajhar only after a week of the formation of the BTC interim council.
Read more...
BLT chairman Hagrama Basumatary said that the outfit will formally lay down arms and ammunition before the Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor Lt Gen (retd) S.K. Sinha at Kokrajhar only after a week of the formation of the BTC interim council.
Read less...
February - 12 
Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi has directed the police to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) only on finding concrete evidence. Speaking to media persons in Ranchi, he conceded there had been instances when the POTA had been misused. He said, "I have also come to know about the mis
Read more...
Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi has directed the police to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) only on finding concrete evidence. Speaking to media persons in Ranchi, he conceded there had been instances when the POTA had been misused. He said, "I have also come to know about the misuse of POTA. Police should differentiate between (innocents and) real culprits before booking any person under POTA." Jharkhand has been using the POTA to crack down on left-wing extremists—Naxalites—active in the State. Recently, a fact-finding team comprising lawyers, scholars and social activists visited the State and submitted a report to police chief RR Prasad saying POTA was being grossly misused. According to the team's report, 3,200 people have been accused and 202 arrested in a total 644 cases filed under POTA in Jharkhand. In contrast, it pointed out that only 100 people had been arrested and 400 accused under POTA in Jammu and Kashmir.
Read less...
February - 12 
The United States while pointing out that Pakistan was supporting terrorist groups against India in Kashmir also expressed concern over Al Qaeda finding refuge in the hinterlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Pakistan continues to support groups that resist India's presence in Kashmir in an effort t
Read more...
The United States while pointing out that Pakistan was supporting terrorist groups against India in Kashmir also expressed concern over Al Qaeda finding refuge in the hinterlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Pakistan continues to support groups that resist India's presence in Kashmir in an effort to bring India to the negotiating table," Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director George Tenet said at a Congress briefing on "Evolving Dangers in a Complex World." Tenet said the American intelligence community is concerned that Al Qaeda "continues to find refuge in the hinterlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan." He also said, "India's recent military redeployment away from the border reduced the danger of an imminent war… The cycles of tension between India and Pakistan are growing shorter."
Read less...
February - 12 
Two senior members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee have said that Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has renewed its assistance to Taliban and Al Qaeda operatives to infiltrate into Afghanistan in a bid to destabilise the Hamid Karzai regime. Committee chairman Richard Lugar a
Read more...
Two senior members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee have said that Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has renewed its assistance to Taliban and Al Qaeda operatives to infiltrate into Afghanistan in a bid to destabilise the Hamid Karzai regime. Committee chairman Richard Lugar and ranking member Joseph Biden reportedly raised the issue during a hearing on February 12 and cited reports indicating renewed ISI assistance to Taliban and Al Qaeda. They, however, believed that the ISI was carrying on with this activity without the knowledge of President Pervez Musharraf. Lugar pointed out that elements within the ISI that backed the Taliban earlier were attempting to regain influence in Afghanistan by facilitating the infiltration of terrorists across the border. Biden indicated that the ISI was supporting the Pashtun groups opposing the Karzai government.
Read less...
February - 12 
Union Minister of State for Home I.D. Swami while speaking in Dimapur, Nagaland, on February 12 reportedly said that the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) should come forward for talks without any preconditions. Hailing the new Bodo Accord approving the creation of an autonomous Bodo
Read more...
Union Minister of State for Home I.D. Swami while speaking in Dimapur, Nagaland, on February 12 reportedly said that the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) should come forward for talks without any preconditions. Hailing the new Bodo Accord approving the creation of an autonomous Bodo Council signed on February 10 in New Delhi as a "success story" he said, "We are hopeful that the ULFA will come forward for negotiations without imposing any condition. We held unconditional talks with the Bodo rebels and achieved a major breakthrough." He further said, "The people are yearning for peace and I hope that the ULFA will honour the will of the people of Assam and work towards peace. We will not hesitate to talk with the ULFA. No doubt, it operates in a very important state but the outfit should come with an open mind." The ULFA has not responded to similar offers from the Union government in the past and has insisted on three preconditions for negotiations —talks should be held in the presence of United Nations (UN) observers, that it should be held in a "third" country and the issue of Assam's 'sovereignty' must be discussed during the talks. The Minister called "such terms" as "unacceptable", adding "We are holding unconditional talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM)."
Read less...
February - 12 
The United States said on February 12 that the recent attempt by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to smuggle weapons was highly destabilising and could cast doubts on their desire for peace. As reported earlier, in a serious violation of the cease-fire agreement, three LTTE cadres reporte
Read more...
The United States said on February 12 that the recent attempt by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to smuggle weapons was highly destabilising and could cast doubts on their desire for peace. As reported earlier, in a serious violation of the cease-fire agreement, three LTTE cadres reportedly blew themselves up in a boat carrying arms and ammunition off the island of Delft on February 8. "The apparent attempt to smuggle arms into Sri Lanka during the course of the peace process was highly destabilising and could call into question the Tigers' stated wish to pursue a negotiated settlement," the U.S. embassy said in a statement. "We urge the LTTE to commit itself fully to peace and desist from arms resupply efforts," it added.
Read less...
February - 13 
All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) president Rabiram Narzary said on February 13 that the February 10-Accord on autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) would empower the Bodo community in Assam. However, he added that the Bodo leadership would have to do justice to the non-Bodo community also. Wh
Read more...
All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) president Rabiram Narzary said on February 13 that the February 10-Accord on autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) would empower the Bodo community in Assam. However, he added that the Bodo leadership would have to do justice to the non-Bodo community also. While speaking on the eve of the 35th ABSU annual conference in Kokrajhar, he said, "We had been struggling for rights, and against corruption of the rulers since a long time, but now we are the rulers. In this changed scenario, we need to work with utmost care so that we are not blamed by the public the way we had blamed the authorities when the power was not in our hands." He added, "We had to struggle for justice, and hence it is imperative on our part that everybody gets justice under our administration in the BTC."
Read less...
February - 13 
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in an official statement said on February 13 that the State government would invite the non-Bodo organisations for discussions over the BTC Accord. He further said that rights of the non-Bodos would be protected in the BTC.
Read more...
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in an official statement said on February 13 that the State government would invite the non-Bodo organisations for discussions over the BTC Accord. He further said that rights of the non-Bodos would be protected in the BTC.
Read less...
February - 13 
Congress party president Sonia Gandhi on February 13 accused the regional political parties in Meghalaya for failing to provide stability and allowing terrorism to grow in the State. Media reports from the Sate said that she also cautioned the people of Meghalaya of cross-border terrorism allegedly
Read more...
Congress party president Sonia Gandhi on February 13 accused the regional political parties in Meghalaya for failing to provide stability and allowing terrorism to grow in the State. Media reports from the Sate said that she also cautioned the people of Meghalaya of cross-border terrorism allegedly emanating from neighboring Bangladesh. While speaking at a public rally in Shillong ahead of the February 26-Assembly elections, she added that Meghalaya could be a target for the anti-India operatives as the State has a long international border.
Read less...
February - 13 
In a separate development, the BLT 'publicity secretary' Mainao Basumatary indicated that it would float a political party to enter the BTC.
Read more...
In a separate development, the BLT 'publicity secretary' Mainao Basumatary indicated that it would float a political party to enter the BTC.
Read less...
February - 13 
Meanwhile, according to a report of February 13, the Darrang district unit of the All Nepali Students’ Union (AANSU) has demanded a 10 per cent reservation for persons of Nepali community in the BTC area. This was demanded at its 34th biennial conference at Fuhurabari village in Rowta on an unspecif
Read more...
Meanwhile, according to a report of February 13, the Darrang district unit of the All Nepali Students’ Union (AANSU) has demanded a 10 per cent reservation for persons of Nepali community in the BTC area. This was demanded at its 34th biennial conference at Fuhurabari village in Rowta on an unspecified date.
Read less...
February - 13 
The Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are expected to discuss fiscal aspects of power sharing at the sixth round of peace talks scheduled to be held from March 18 to 21 in Hakone, Japan. Cabinet spokesperson G.L.Peiris said on February 13 that both sides have laid a solid fo
Read more...
The Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are expected to discuss fiscal aspects of power sharing at the sixth round of peace talks scheduled to be held from March 18 to 21 in Hakone, Japan. Cabinet spokesperson G.L.Peiris said on February 13 that both sides have laid a solid foundation for political issues concerning the proposed federal system and it was time to take up the economic aspects. "Extensive powers can be given to the periphery but those powers cannot be executed without resources," said Peiris. He said the LTTE is currently analyzing Swiss and German modalities of fiscal policy. LTTE representatives have already traveled to Berlin and Berne to examine how policies are being implemented there. Peiris also said that despite the short session of the last round of talks in Berlin both the parties were able to achieve a significant progress with regard to human rights. On the aspect of child soldiers, he added that the LTTE would be required to permit United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) monitors to enter their camps.
Read less...
February - 14 
Meanwhile, addressing approximately 50,000 members of the Development for Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWRCA) and Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) at Nirmal, Adilabad district, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the people to take cudgels against Naxalites and prevent them from entering vi
Read more...
Meanwhile, addressing approximately 50,000 members of the Development for Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWRCA) and Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) at Nirmal, Adilabad district, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the people to take cudgels against Naxalites and prevent them from entering villages. He called upon women in the rural areas, particularly those living in the affected villages, to muster courage and drive out the Naxals. He said, "Revolt against the Naxals and they will not dare to come to the village again.''
Read less...
February - 14 
National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) 'vice-president' Dhiren Boro reportedly said on February 14 that the new autonomous body within Assam, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) would not meet 'hopes and aspirations' of the Bodo community. According to him, the Union and State governments h
Read more...
National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) 'vice-president' Dhiren Boro reportedly said on February 14 that the new autonomous body within Assam, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) would not meet 'hopes and aspirations' of the Bodo community. According to him, the Union and State governments have not incorporated "the Bodos from all walks of life" while finalising the BTC Accord, signed on February 10 in New Delhi. While talking to a Guwahati-based daily, he also said that the NDFB would 'never' accept the BTC. He opined that the new administrative set-up is not different from its predecessor the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC), created in 1993. However, the NDFB would not interfere in the process of creation of the BTC, he added. Dhiren Boro was arrested in Sikkim on January 1.
Read less...
February - 14 
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, I D Swami reportedly said in Shillong on February 13 that peace initiative with a proscribed Meghalaya-based outfit, Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), was in progress. He also said that the Union government was always open to peaceful negotiations
Read more...
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, I D Swami reportedly said in Shillong on February 13 that peace initiative with a proscribed Meghalaya-based outfit, Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC), was in progress. He also said that the Union government was always open to peaceful negotiations with the terrorist outfits operating in the Northeast.
Read less...
February - 14 
The Maoist insurgents have resumed taking hostages and forcibly extracting donations from individuals and institutions, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on February 14. The Ministry has reportedly asked the Maoists to stop such activities that may have a negative impact on the forthcoming pe
Read more...
The Maoist insurgents have resumed taking hostages and forcibly extracting donations from individuals and institutions, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on February 14. The Ministry has reportedly asked the Maoists to stop such activities that may have a negative impact on the forthcoming peace talks. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry, in a simultaneous announcement ordered local administration and security force personnel to take action against all extortionists. Separately, a media report said that the Government has sent a draft code of conduct for approval of the Maoists that includes banning such extortions.
Read less...
February - 15 
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) reportedly alleged that its sympathisers were victims of 'secret killings' in Assam. The outfit said, on February 15, through its mouthpiece Freedom, "supremacy of majority and hatred against the minority" that "germinated from and within the Hindi belt of
Read more...
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) reportedly alleged that its sympathisers were victims of 'secret killings' in Assam. The outfit said, on February 15, through its mouthpiece Freedom, "supremacy of majority and hatred against the minority" that "germinated from and within the Hindi belt of Indian subcontinent" are the "two pillars of Indian democracy." According to the outfit, "these two elements are the pioneer[s] of all irritant fraternal problems within Assam as well as in other occupied areas of our region". The outfit also despised the Indian Constitution, as in its (ULFA's) "understanding there is no such specific clause inside the Indian constitution that might safeguard the aspiration of any nation in [a] real sense." The outfit further said, "We [should] have to seek for permanent solution of our national problems. Its only possible outside the parameter of present Indian constitution." The outfit gave a call "to work hard anyhow to keep our [their] fraternal bond intact cutting across our [their] territorial identity to resist all out Indian occupation." Warning, [otherwise] "it will be a silent call of us to ruin ourselves," the outfit added "In no times, the alien Indians will never be our best friend than our own brothers".
Read less...
February - 15 February - 16
The National socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) reportedly accused the rival NSCN-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) of moving about in police uniforms and intimidating voters in Nagaland ahead of the February 26-Legislative Assembly elections in the state. Quoting NSCN-K deputy information minister
Read more...
The National socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) reportedly accused the rival NSCN-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) of moving about in police uniforms and intimidating voters in Nagaland ahead of the February 26-Legislative Assembly elections in the state. Quoting NSCN-K deputy information minister K Mulatonu, media reports claimed NSCN-K cadres had killed an NSCN-IM terrorist and injured another in a clash in Zunheboto on February 15, while they were canvassing in the area. Also, Mulatonu reportedly asked the NSCN-IM to clarify if it was participating in the ‘Indian elections’.
Read less...
February - 16 
Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani said in New Delhi, on February 16, Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), is as lethal as the Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. He added that, by realising this danger, the world could avoid incidents like the September 11, 2001 atta
Read more...
Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani said in New Delhi, on February 16, Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), is as lethal as the Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. He added that, by realising this danger, the world could avoid incidents like the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. No country was safe from cross-border terrorism like the one being experienced by India, he opined and declared that the country as a whole should fight terrorism. The fight against terrorism was not the duty of security forces alone, he added.
Read less...
February - 16 
Meanwhile, reports said Prachanda, reacting to a Defence Ministry accusation of February 14, asked cadres on February 16 to desist from extorting funds from individuals and institutions. "We condemn and are exposing motivated propaganda and at the same time we are committed to the peace process in t
Read more...
Meanwhile, reports said Prachanda, reacting to a Defence Ministry accusation of February 14, asked cadres on February 16 to desist from extorting funds from individuals and institutions. "We condemn and are exposing motivated propaganda and at the same time we are committed to the peace process in the interest of the nation and people," Prachanda said.
Read less...
February - 16 
According to media reports of February 18, the newly formed Islamist extremist outfit, "Shahadat-e-Al-Hikma" has been banned. This is the first time that when an Islamist organisation has been banned by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition government. Indian mafia don and 1993-Mumbai
Read more...
According to media reports of February 18, the newly formed Islamist extremist outfit, "Shahadat-e-Al-Hikma" has been banned. This is the first time that when an Islamist organisation has been banned by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition government. Indian mafia don and 1993-Mumbai serial blasts accused Dawood Ibrahim reportedly funds the outfit. Disclosing the government’s decision to ban the outfit, Home Minister Altaf Hussain Chowdhury told Parliament on February 16 that this orgainsation has been considered a threat to peace and security. He also said the ban became effective from February 9, a day after the outfit was formally launched. Al Hikma convener Kausar Hossain Siddiqui had announced immediately after its formation that the outfit is financed by Dawood Ibrahim.
Read less...
February - 16 
Three persons––Faruk Hossain and Habibur Rahman (instructors at Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa Islamia Salafia madrassa) and Badal––arrested in connection with the Dinajpur district bomb blasts of February 13 have been sent on remand for 10 days. According to media sources, the instructors might have named t
Read more...
Three persons––Faruk Hossain and Habibur Rahman (instructors at Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa Islamia Salafia madrassa) and Badal––arrested in connection with the Dinajpur district bomb blasts of February 13 have been sent on remand for 10 days. According to media sources, the instructors might have named top functionaries of the ruling Bangladesh National Party-led alliance as their patrons. Hussain is reportedly the leader of the Jamaatul Mujahideen, an alleged Islamist outfit that had carried out the blasts. The outfit is believed to be having about 25 activists and several hideouts. Further, the other leaders include Kari Mohammad Obaidullah, Kaji Shahidullah and Anwar Sadat and have gone into hiding, reports claimed. Meanwhile, the district president of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Aftab Uddin Mollah, denied any link with the bomb explosion. Seven powerful blasts had in Gurgola, in the district, leaving five people injured.
Read less...
February - 16 
In a press release on February 16, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said there was the urgent need to have a modern and well-trained police force in the North and the East. The press release said "Using military forces to maintain law and order can be justified during times of war, but is hig
Read more...
In a press release on February 16, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said there was the urgent need to have a modern and well-trained police force in the North and the East. The press release said "Using military forces to maintain law and order can be justified during times of war, but is highly likely to lead to unnecessary violence and increased tensions during times of peace". The SLMM also said representatives of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the government agreed to allow women LTTE cadres to wear civilian belts while entering or staying in government-controlled areas. They cannot, however, wear military type belts. Non-compliance with these instructions will lead to denial of entry to LTTE cadres in government-controlled areas.
Read less...
February - 17 
A media report of February 17 indicated that National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) 'chief' D R Nabla alias Ranjan Daimary skeptically ‘welcomed’ the February 10-Delhi Accord approving the creation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), an autonomous administrative set up in Bodo dominated con
Read more...
A media report of February 17 indicated that National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) 'chief' D R Nabla alias Ranjan Daimary skeptically ‘welcomed’ the February 10-Delhi Accord approving the creation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), an autonomous administrative set up in Bodo dominated contiguous areas of Assam. The report quoted him as saying, "We welcome the BTC Accord. But when the Autonomous District Council like the ones in Karbi Anglong or Garo & Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, or even full Statehood in Nagaland or Manipur or Meghalaya or Assam is not fulfilling the hope and aspiration of the people, how can an amended Sixth Schedule and economic package of Rs 100 crore per year fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the Bodo people? " He reiterated that the NDFB would continue with the "struggle for the historical rights and the right to self-determination of the Bodo people." The outfit could talk with the Union government, according to the report, on the condition that 'their' "historical rights and right to self-determination" would be included in the agenda of the talks. Daimary, however, confirmed there had not been any ‘official contact’ with the outfit over peace talks.
Read less...
February - 17 
After assuming charge in New Delhi, on February 17, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Justice A S Anand said the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) did have provisions to safeguard against its misuse. He, however, added that these provisions were not enough. He also emphasized that no
Read more...
After assuming charge in New Delhi, on February 17, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Justice A S Anand said the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) did have provisions to safeguard against its misuse. He, however, added that these provisions were not enough. He also emphasized that no civilized country could allow "terrorism to flourish" but one has to differentiate between a criminal and a terrorist. While all terrorists are criminals, it does not necessarily mean that all criminals are terrorists."
Read less...
February - 17 
Speaking to media persons in Nellore on February 17, Guntur range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) P Chandrasekhar Reddy said 40 left-wing extremists—Naxalites—surrendered following the police initiative through poster campaign and programmes in Guntur district. In a three-pronged strategy,
Read more...
Speaking to media persons in Nellore on February 17, Guntur range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) P Chandrasekhar Reddy said 40 left-wing extremists—Naxalites—surrendered following the police initiative through poster campaign and programmes in Guntur district. In a three-pronged strategy, police conducted combing operations, poster campaign and identified the economic problems of the villagers to effectively counter the Naxalite menace, the DIG said. He said the Naxalites could become close to the villagers as they had distributed endowment (government) lands to the latter. In a bid to overcome the problem, police would identify such lands and distribute them to the deserving poor with the help of the revenue authorities, he said.
Read less...
February - 17 
Media reports from Nepal said all major political parties, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), boycotted the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand on February 17 to discuss the Maoist insurgency. Six political parties that had no representatives in the dissolv
Read more...
Media reports from Nepal said all major political parties, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), boycotted the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand on February 17 to discuss the Maoist insurgency. Six political parties that had no representatives in the dissolved Parliament attended the meeting, reports added. Chand criticised political parties for their ‘non-cooperative attitude in resolving the insurgency. "I have been urging them from the beginning to co-operate with the government for peace… I have personally requested them to attend the meeting and make a common strategy … to deal with the Maoist problem", Chand said. Information and Communications Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey said political parties that attended the meeting promised full co-operation for the restoration of peace. Media reports, however, claimed that the meeting had no significance, as parties represented in the dissolved Parliament did not attend the meeting and those that attended were smaller parties that had no influence.
Read less...
February - 18 
The woman activist of the secessionist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) conglomerate, who was arrested on February 6 by Delhi Police for receiving Rupees 300, 000 from the expelled Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner, had planned to funnel the money to various terrorist groups in Jammu and Kash
Read more...
The woman activist of the secessionist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) conglomerate, who was arrested on February 6 by Delhi Police for receiving Rupees 300, 000 from the expelled Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner, had planned to funnel the money to various terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Replying to a question on February 18, Union Minister of State for Home Harin Pathak told the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) that Anjum Zamrooda Habib, chief of Muslim Khawateen Markaz, a Hurriyat constituent, revealed during her interrogation that an office bearer of the Kashmir Awareness Bureau had also received money from the same source for funding terrorist activities in J&K and other parts of the country.
Read less...
February - 18 
Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami informed the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament), on February 18, that the Union government has put some Northeast-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) under scrutiny for their alleged linkages with terrorist outfits in the region. The Minis
Read more...
Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami informed the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament), on February 18, that the Union government has put some Northeast-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) under scrutiny for their alleged linkages with terrorist outfits in the region. The Minister also said none of these organisations was getting any financial assistance from the government. NGOs being closely monitored include Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS), North-East Coordination Committee on Human Rights (NECCHR), United Committee, Manipur (UCM), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and Naga Students Federation (NSF). These organisaions, however, never expressed support to the terrorist groups openly. Among these, while MASS is suspected to have linkages with the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the NPMHR and NSF reportedly sympathise with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM).
Read less...
February - 18 
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission Deputy Chief Hagrup Haukland said on February 18 that live firing exercises carried out by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attack craft in the sea off Mullaitivu was a clear violation of the cease-fire agreement. The exercises were reportedly carried out on Febru
Read more...
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission Deputy Chief Hagrup Haukland said on February 18 that live firing exercises carried out by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attack craft in the sea off Mullaitivu was a clear violation of the cease-fire agreement. The exercises were reportedly carried out on February 17 and were detected naval troops patrolling the area. Monitors on board the vessels, too, noticed the firing. Haukland added. "The monitors observed the live firing exercise at 11.10 am on Monday (February 17)."
Read less...
February - 19 
Former Home Secretary N N Vohra was on February 19 designated as the Union government’s interlocutor to hold discussions with all sections of people in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), including legislators and groups opposed to violence. Announcing Vohra’s appointment, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani to
Read more...
Former Home Secretary N N Vohra was on February 19 designated as the Union government’s interlocutor to hold discussions with all sections of people in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), including legislators and groups opposed to violence. Announcing Vohra’s appointment, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani told the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) that Vohra "will carry on these consultations." He added, "I have discussed this with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who has welcomed it". Vohra replaces Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K C Pant in initiating a dialogue with various sections in J&K. Advani told the House that the government had consistently perceived that dialogue was the answer in J&K and it would continue discussions with any group or section that eschewed the path of violence.
Read less...
February - 19 
Media reports said on February 19 that Civil Aviation Minister Shahanawaz Hussain, during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, reiterated India’s demand for the extradition of Abu Hamsa, who is wanted for organizing terrorist activities in India like the twin blasts in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on January 27
Read more...
Media reports said on February 19 that Civil Aviation Minister Shahanawaz Hussain, during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, reiterated India’s demand for the extradition of Abu Hamsa, who is wanted for organizing terrorist activities in India like the twin blasts in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on January 27, 2003. Also, Hamsa is reportedly linked to the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), and had along with Azam Ghori, the LeT terrorist killed earlier in Hydearbad, Andhra Pradesh, had founded the Indian Muslim Mohammedi Mujahideen. Besides, he is also reportedly the chief of the Muslim Defence Force (MDF), who cadres were arrested across Tamil Nadu in December 2002.
Read less...
February - 19 
Maoist insurgent leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Deena Nath Sharma, on February 19, requested human rights activists Padma Ratna Tuladhar and Daman Nath Dhungana to act as facilitators in the talks with the government, reports said. Tuladhar had in the year 2001 played a similar role. The Maois
Read more...
Maoist insurgent leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Deena Nath Sharma, on February 19, requested human rights activists Padma Ratna Tuladhar and Daman Nath Dhungana to act as facilitators in the talks with the government, reports said. Tuladhar had in the year 2001 played a similar role. The Maoist leaders also reportedly met with Nepal Workers and Peasants Party president Narayan Man Bijukcche and told him they were seriously committed to the success of the peace talks. Bijukcche reportedly asked the insurgent leaders to elaborate on their proposed amendments to the Constitution of Nepal.
Read less...
February - 20 
The Maoist insurgents, on February 20, apologised to parents of the two school students killed and another injured in a shooting incident, which they said was an accident, at Prabha Secondary School, Banglung, on February 18. Witnesses said the incident occurred while the insurgents were instructing
Read more...
The Maoist insurgents, on February 20, apologised to parents of the two school students killed and another injured in a shooting incident, which they said was an accident, at Prabha Secondary School, Banglung, on February 18. Witnesses said the incident occurred while the insurgents were instructing students in using guns.
Read less...
February - 21 
According to a media report, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani announced in New Delhi, on February 21, that the Union government’s new interlocutor in the dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), N N Vohra, would initiate the process of holding talks in March. The Deputy Premier further said the
Read more...
According to a media report, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani announced in New Delhi, on February 21, that the Union government’s new interlocutor in the dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), N N Vohra, would initiate the process of holding talks in March. The Deputy Premier further said the government had no objections to his talking to anyone. He also said Vohra could hold talks with anyone who "lays down the arms and shuns the path of violence." According to Advani, "There are the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions, besides the political parties with whom the talks should be held." However, "to begin with, the parleys should be held with the elected representatives. We don’t have any objection to whomever he wants to talk to," he added. Former Union Home Secretary N N Vohra was designated as the Union government’s interlocutor, on February 19, to hold discussions with all sections of people in J&K, including legislators and groups opposed to violence.
Read less...
February - 21 
According to media reports, the Election Commission (EC) of India, on February 21, asked the Nagaland government to deal firmly with proscribed terrorist outfits operating in the State. The EC reportedly took serious note of reports of the involvement of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland—Is
Read more...
According to media reports, the Election Commission (EC) of India, on February 21, asked the Nagaland government to deal firmly with proscribed terrorist outfits operating in the State. The EC reportedly took serious note of reports of the involvement of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland—Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the NSCN-Khaplang (NSCN-K) in the electoral process by intimidating the electorate ahead of the February 26-Legislative Assembly polls in the State. In a communication to Nagaland Chief Secretary R S Pandey the EC categorically said the ‘ambience generated by the cease-fire agreement in the State was being mis-utilised’ by NSCN-IM and NSCN-K cadres. Reports added that the EC has asked the State Government to treat its directive with "utmost seriousness", and "exemplary and deterrent action be taken in this regard.
Read less...
February - 21 
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, on February 21, he was satisfied with the progress made in the ongoing peace process with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He, however, said a final settlement to the protracted ethnic conflict was yet not in sight. Noting that discussions on cru
Read more...
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, on February 21, he was satisfied with the progress made in the ongoing peace process with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He, however, said a final settlement to the protracted ethnic conflict was yet not in sight. Noting that discussions on crucial issues like de-scaling high security zones, resettling displaced persons, power sharing and disarming the LTTE were yet to commence, he said, "We are facing the issues which require more discussions, and which will also face difficulties." He observed that the cease-fire and the peace process have fared "well" for one year and attributed this to the government and the LTTE focussing on what needed to be done at the initial stages of the peace process. The Premier was speaking to a news agency on the eve of the truce between the government and the LTTE completing one year on February 22, 2003.
Read less...
February - 22 
According to reports, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi, on February 22, said he has received positive indications from the proscribed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) expressing willingness to participate in peace talks. The CM also said that, besides the NDFB, the government would
Read more...
According to reports, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Tarun Gogoi, on February 22, said he has received positive indications from the proscribed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) expressing willingness to participate in peace talks. The CM also said that, besides the NDFB, the government would hold talks with another proscribed State-based outfit, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). He said cadres of these two outfits were dissatisfied and wished to join the mainstream.
Read less...
February - 22 
Nine persons were shot dead and seven more wounded in an attack by unidentified, armed men outside an Imambargah in Rafah- i-Aam Society, Karachi, on February 22. Police sources and witnesses said three men on a motorbike stopped in front of a tea shop adjacent to the Imambargah, opened fire using A
Read more...
Nine persons were shot dead and seven more wounded in an attack by unidentified, armed men outside an Imambargah in Rafah- i-Aam Society, Karachi, on February 22. Police sources and witnesses said three men on a motorbike stopped in front of a tea shop adjacent to the Imambargah, opened fire using AK-47 rifles, and fled from the incident-site. Senior Superintendent of Police Manzoor Mughal said it was an act of sectarian killing. Separately, Sindh Home Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed later said the killings were intended to destabilize the democratic government an added that connected with the incident were the same as those who had murdered Muttahida Qaumi Movement––Altaf (MQM-A) leader Khalid Bin Waleed.
Read less...
February - 22 
Addressing a public meeting on February 22, at Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani reiterated government's resolve to combat terrorism and divisive forces and also said that security forces have destroyed 171 ‘centers’ of the Pakistani external intelligence agency, the Int
Read more...
Addressing a public meeting on February 22, at Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani reiterated government's resolve to combat terrorism and divisive forces and also said that security forces have destroyed 171 ‘centers’ of the Pakistani external intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) at 151 places. He added, "India is capable of fighting cross-border terrorism and has taken several steps in this direction".
Read less...
February - 23 
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, on February 23 demanded restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives and formation of a constitutional government, said media reports. Sher Bahadur Deuba led government had been dissolved, on October 4, 2002 by King
Read more...
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, on February 23 demanded restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives and formation of a constitutional government, said media reports. Sher Bahadur Deuba led government had been dissolved, on October 4, 2002 by King Gyanendra. He was delivering his inaugural address to the third National Convention of the Nepal Trade Union Congress in Biratnagar. He also said that the existing problems could not be addressed through the formation of an all-party government. He said, "The Nepali Congress is in support of house restoration and the formation of a constitutional government."
Read less...
February - 24 
A media report of February 24 indicated that the proscribed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) would not stop its activities in Assam. NDFB chairman D R Nabla alias Ranjan Daimari, in an interview to a Guwahati-based daily, said the new Bodo Accord (signed on February 10)…could "never fu
Read more...
A media report of February 24 indicated that the proscribed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) would not stop its activities in Assam. NDFB chairman D R Nabla alias Ranjan Daimari, in an interview to a Guwahati-based daily, said the new Bodo Accord (signed on February 10)…could "never fulfill the hope and aspiration of the Boro people". He further said talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) were "not heading in [the] right direction and the Memorandum of Settlement signed by the BLT (Bodo Liberation Tigers) is just a capitulation". Stating that there was no reason to talk to the Union government, he added the apprehension that NDFB might indulge in violence to destabilize the BLT "is baseless". However, he vowed to continue "armed struggle" till the "goal" is achieved.
Read less...
February - 24 
The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led coalition government ordered the disbanding of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police and its assimilation into the regular police force. J&K Governor G.C. Saxena, while addressing a joint session of the State Legislature, said, on February
Read more...
The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led coalition government ordered the disbanding of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police and its assimilation into the regular police force. J&K Governor G.C. Saxena, while addressing a joint session of the State Legislature, said, on February 24, orders for disbanding the SOG had been issued.
Read less...
February - 24 
President Pervez Musharraf, while speaking at the opening session of the 13th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, on February 24, appealed to member states to address the "root causes" of terrorism. He further urged them to work for a "universally-accepted de
Read more...
President Pervez Musharraf, while speaking at the opening session of the 13th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, on February 24, appealed to member states to address the "root causes" of terrorism. He further urged them to work for a "universally-accepted definition of terrorism," and added no ‘cause’ could justify terrorism.
Read less...
February - 25 
Kashmir Committee, on February 25, removed Ashok Bhan as its convener for declaring that the Committee had ceased its activities following N.N. Vohra’s appointment as the Union government’s interlocutor on J&K. Committee chairperson Ram Jethmalani, meanwhile, welcomed Vohra’’s appointment and said
Read more...
Kashmir Committee, on February 25, removed Ashok Bhan as its convener for declaring that the Committee had ceased its activities following N.N. Vohra’s appointment as the Union government’s interlocutor on J&K. Committee chairperson Ram Jethmalani, meanwhile, welcomed Vohra’’s appointment and said the Committee "does not believe that its role is exhausted by this appointment.'' He also said, the Committee was unhappy with the convenor’s announcement, which has been disowned immediately." He added Bhan is no longer associated with the Committee and the Committee is of the unanimous view that, in the interest of the country, "it should vigorously pursue its objective of finding and facilitating a peaceful, honourable and lasting solution [to] the chronic problem of Kashmir." He said the Committee would continue to promote dialogue with all "relevant elements within and outside the country." Bhan, claiming to be speaking for the entire Committee, had reportedly said, on February 22, the Committee was suspending talks with separatist groups in the State and that this suspension could be treated as a prelude to its winding up.
Read less...
February - 25 
Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Legislative Assembly Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry said a meeting of Kashmir Committees constituted by Parliaments of various countries would be held in London or New York to resolve the Kashmir issue, The News, a Pakisatni daily said o
Read more...
Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Legislative Assembly Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry said a meeting of Kashmir Committees constituted by Parliaments of various countries would be held in London or New York to resolve the Kashmir issue, The News, a Pakisatni daily said on February 26. Chaudhry said such committees were present in the British, Norwegian and Scottish Parliaments, the Belgian Senate and in the European Union. Members of these committees could effectively discuss the Kashmir issue with US President George Bush and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he added. He also said there were plans to form such committees in Parliaments in Germany and France.
Read less...
February - 25 
According to media reports of February 25, the proscribed Kuki National Front (KNF) has issued a warning to other Kuki terrorist outfit operating in Manipur, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the Kuki National Army (KNA), not to intrude into its area of operation and thus avoid any mis
Read more...
According to media reports of February 25, the proscribed Kuki National Front (KNF) has issued a warning to other Kuki terrorist outfit operating in Manipur, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the Kuki National Army (KNA), not to intrude into its area of operation and thus avoid any misunderstanding.
Read less...
February - 25 
According to media reports, left-wing extremists—Naxalites—of the People’s War Group (PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) have called for the rallying together of "all anti-war forces of India". The call was made through a statement issued in Kolkata and bearing the signature of Shome and Ganapat
Read more...
According to media reports, left-wing extremists—Naxalites—of the People’s War Group (PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) have called for the rallying together of "all anti-war forces of India". The call was made through a statement issued in Kolkata and bearing the signature of Shome and Ganapathy, secretaries of the central committees of the MCC and PWG respectively. The call was issued in the context of the Unites States making plans to wage a war against Iraq to disarm it of weapons of mass destruction.
Read less...
February - 26 
A separate report said, speaking in the J&K Legislative Assembly the Chief Minister informed, on February 26, that a total of 3,744 persons were reported missing in the State during the past three years. He added that 1,553 persons were reported missing in 2000, 1,586 in 2001 and 605 in 2002.
Read more...
A separate report said, speaking in the J&K Legislative Assembly the Chief Minister informed, on February 26, that a total of 3,744 persons were reported missing in the State during the past three years. He added that 1,553 persons were reported missing in 2000, 1,586 in 2001 and 605 in 2002.
Read less...
February - 26 
While inaugurating the Budget session, Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha said, on February 26, the State government would not tolerate violence in any form and would firmly deal with it. He said the government, however, would adopt a holistic approach, including initiatives for political dialogu
Read more...
While inaugurating the Budget session, Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha said, on February 26, the State government would not tolerate violence in any form and would firmly deal with it. He said the government, however, would adopt a holistic approach, including initiatives for political dialogues with the terrorist outfits like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). He added that terrorism was impeding development.
Read less...
February - 26 
Minister and government coordinator Narayan Singh Pun said on February 26 that peace talks with Maoist insurgents would be held in the second week of March. The dates are yet not finalised. Declaration of cease-fire by the insurgents and the government was the first phase in the peace process he sai
Read more...
Minister and government coordinator Narayan Singh Pun said on February 26 that peace talks with Maoist insurgents would be held in the second week of March. The dates are yet not finalised. Declaration of cease-fire by the insurgents and the government was the first phase in the peace process he said. The second phase is the preparation for peace talks he elaborated. Pun added, "We are entering the third phase to discuss permanent peace." Other reports said insurgents chairman ‘comrade’ Prachanda talked over the telephone with Nepali Congress president and former Premier Girija Prasad Koirala, on February 25, and sought his cooperation in resolving the insurgency problem. Koirala reportedly asked Prachanda to clarify the insurgents’ position on Constituent Assembly, multiparty democracy and monarchy.
Read less...
February - 27 
J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed emphasised the need for "constant vigil" along the Line of Control (LoC) to check Pakistani infiltration. While inaugurating a daylong ‘civil-military liaison conference’ at Jammu Cantonment, on February 27, the Chief Minister also announced that the governme
Read more...
J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed emphasised the need for "constant vigil" along the Line of Control (LoC) to check Pakistani infiltration. While inaugurating a daylong ‘civil-military liaison conference’ at Jammu Cantonment, on February 27, the Chief Minister also announced that the government would initiate measures to expedite the disposal of legal cases involving Army personnel on a priority basis during their visit to their homes. Also speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. RK Nanavati, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Northern Command informed that the government had promptly released ex-gratia relief to security force personnel killed or injured in terrorist violence. While a total of INR 5.99 crore was released recently, the Army received 36.50 lakh this month (February).
Read less...
February - 27 
Media reports of February 27 said the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) announced in a statement that it would intensify its campaign against the use of narcotics and addictive substances in Manipur. The statement also claimed that the RPF has decided to ban the sale and consumption of a
Read more...
Media reports of February 27 said the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) announced in a statement that it would intensify its campaign against the use of narcotics and addictive substances in Manipur. The statement also claimed that the RPF has decided to ban the sale and consumption of addictive substances like tobacco from April 13, 2003. "Anybody who is found violating the ban will be punished without warning," the statement further added. The outfit also sought the cooperation of the public, and other terrorist groups, and criticised attempts to lift prohibition in the State.
Read less...
February - 27 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to expedite the release of a soldier and a policeman in its under custody, media reports said on February 27. SLMM deputy chief Hagrup Haukland said the LTTE was yet to respond, though it had said they woul
Read more...
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has asked the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to expedite the release of a soldier and a policeman in its under custody, media reports said on February 27. SLMM deputy chief Hagrup Haukland said the LTTE was yet to respond, though it had said they would be set free soon. He said, "According to our earlier experience the LTTE takes time when they say 'soon'. We are in contact with the LTTE in this regard." He also said the SLMM has no role in securing the release of seven LTTE cadres held by the Navy.
Read less...
February - 27 
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), on February 27, critcised the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for failing to keep its commitment on releasing forthwith a government soldier and a policeman in its custody. "We are disappointed and dissatisfied at the LTTE's intransigence despite its
Read more...
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), on February 27, critcised the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for failing to keep its commitment on releasing forthwith a government soldier and a policeman in its custody. "We are disappointed and dissatisfied at the LTTE's intransigence despite its promises…" SLMM deputy chief Hagruph Haukland told the state-run Daily News. The LTTE said their release had to wait till March 14 and 24, when they be produced before an LTTE "court" for their release. Haukland said delaying the release was "damaging the credibility of the SLMM" and added they " have sent the LTTE another strongly worded letter demanding the immediate release of the soldier".
Read less...
February - 28 
Maoist insurgents’ leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara said in an exclusive interview to a local newspaper in Nepal that the insurgents were losing confidence in the success of the peace process. Mahara said the killing of two Maoist activists in Bajhang district and the arrest of 14 more in Kanchanpur by
Read more...
Maoist insurgents’ leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara said in an exclusive interview to a local newspaper in Nepal that the insurgents were losing confidence in the success of the peace process. Mahara said the killing of two Maoist activists in Bajhang district and the arrest of 14 more in Kanchanpur by the security forces was creating doubts on the success of the peace process. "We are ready to sit for the peace talks the day the army returns to the barracks and the day the government begins to release prisoners of war," Mahara said. Constituting an all-party government and restoring Parliament would not resolve the issues raised by the Maoists. Political parties and the government should talk to the insurgents to find a new starting point and approach, Mahara said. He also reiterated that they had not entered into a secret understanding with the government. "We agreed for cease-fire after the government gave a nod to discuss our demands to call a round table conference, form an interim government to hold the elections for the Constituent Assembly," Mahara said.
Read less...
February - 28 
The Royal Nepalese Army reviewed peace and security situation in the country, a month after a cease-fire with the Maoist insurgents was declared. The army welcomed the cease-fire but asked troops to be prepared if there were violations. Reports added that the army now maintains four divisions, the t
Read more...
The Royal Nepalese Army reviewed peace and security situation in the country, a month after a cease-fire with the Maoist insurgents was declared. The army welcomed the cease-fire but asked troops to be prepared if there were violations. Reports added that the army now maintains four divisions, the two new divisions in Itahari in the east and Pokhara in the center and the two earlier divisions operating in the Valley and Nepalgunj, to meet the increased security threats.
Read less...
March - 1 
Speaking at a meeting of Ulema of different schools of thoughts at his residence on March 1, Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Maher urged the Ulema to play their active role in ending sectarianism and hatred in the country particularly in Sindh. He stressed the need to maintain peace an
Read more...
Speaking at a meeting of Ulema of different schools of thoughts at his residence on March 1, Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Maher urged the Ulema to play their active role in ending sectarianism and hatred in the country particularly in Sindh. He stressed the need to maintain peace and harmony during Muharram-ul-Haram. He said he had directed the provincial administration to take every possible step for controlling law and order situation throughout the province in Muharram.
Read less...
«
1
2
3
4
5
6
»
Page 1 of 6
ADVANCED SEARCH
Incident Year Wise
Incidents- 2024
Incidents- 2023
Incidents- 2022
Incidents- 2021
Incidents- 2020
Incidents- 2019
Incidents- 2018
Incidents- 2017
Incidents- 2016
Incidents- 2015
Incidents- 2014
Incidents- 2013
Incidents- 2012
Incidents- 2011
Incidents- 2010
Incidents- 2009
Incidents- 2008
Incidents- 2007
Incidents- 2006
Incidents- 2005
Incidents- 2004
Incidents- 2003
Incidents- 2002
Incidents- 2001
Incidents- 2000
Country :
--All--
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Zone :
--All--
State :
--All--
District :
--All--
Date From :
The Valid date is required
Date To:
The Valid date is required