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South Asia
Statement:2008
Read more...
Date
Incidents
January - 1 
The report said that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had alerted the Uttar Pradesh government of a possible terrorist attack on the CRPF camp, especially during a recruitment exercise. The State government had received this communication on November 28, 2007, five days after the serial bomb blasts in t
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The report said that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had alerted the Uttar Pradesh government of a possible terrorist attack on the CRPF camp, especially during a recruitment exercise. The State government had received this communication on November 28, 2007, five days after the serial bomb blasts in the Varanasi, Faizabad and Lucknow civil courts. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mayawati said that the CRPF was responsible for the internal security of the Group Centre. She further said that the alert by the IB had been conveyed to the CRPF centre by the District Magistrate and the police chief of Rampur.
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January - 1 
The Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is under pressure due to a sharp decline in recruiting cadres and acute shortage of arms and ammunition, reports Colombo Page. He stated that, "Faced with a severe shortage of ammunition and dwindling num
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The Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is under pressure due to a sharp decline in recruiting cadres and acute shortage of arms and ammunition, reports Colombo Page. He stated that, "Faced with a severe shortage of ammunition and dwindling numbers due to growing losses and sharp drop in recruitment, the LTTE is struggling to hold their positions." According to him, the bulk of LTTE cadres were deployed across the Jaffna Frontline, where skirmishes take place almost every day. "On the Vavuniya front basically the fighting is taking place in the jungle, while Mannar is an open territory. There are paddy fields and open terrain and obviously the forces have adopted different tactics to suit the terrain. In the Jaffna sector, it is entirely a different strategy," he told The Island.
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January - 2 
Reddy further said that Srinu along with Shyam, member of the Mahabubnagar District Committee, and Shekhar, a squad member, had extorted money from five persons. The other two Maoists had already surrendered before the Mahabubnagar police on January 2. Srinu was also allegedly involved in the killin
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Reddy further said that Srinu along with Shyam, member of the Mahabubnagar District Committee, and Shekhar, a squad member, had extorted money from five persons. The other two Maoists had already surrendered before the Mahabubnagar police on January 2. Srinu was also allegedly involved in the killing of Amangal Mandal Prarishad president Panthu Naik in Mahabubnagar district recently. He was also accused of killing a Congress party leader, Muddula Rao, at Thimmayapally village on June 28, 2005 and a ration shop dealer S. Narasimha at Ajilapur village five months later.
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January - 2 
Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP co-chairman and husband of the slain leader, rejected the president’s decision to invite Scotland Yard and demanded a UN probe similar to the investigation into the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
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Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP co-chairman and husband of the slain leader, rejected the president’s decision to invite Scotland Yard and demanded a UN probe similar to the investigation into the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
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January - 2 
President Pervez Musharraf said on January 2 that investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto would be carried out with the help of the Scotland Yard, according to Dawn. In his address to the nation, he said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown had accepted Pakistan’
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President Pervez Musharraf said on January 2 that investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto would be carried out with the help of the Scotland Yard, according to Dawn. In his address to the nation, he said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown had accepted Pakistan’s request to send Scotland Yard investigators. The president claimed that confusion relating to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, whom he repeatedly called Shaheed (martyr) in his 30-minute speech, would have to be removed and that all kinds of photo-clips and witnesses would be examined with the help of British police to arrive at a conclusion. He said Pakistan’s law-enforcement agencies would now have all possible forensic and technical support of Scotland Yard. "I am sure now all doubts will disappear about the killing of late PPP [Pakistan People’s Party] leader who was a great supporter of democracy and an ardent critic of terrorism and extremism," Musharraf said. President Musharraf directly accused Baitullah Mehsud and Maulana Fazlullah of killing Benazir Bhutto. "I have no doubt that Baitullah Mehsud of South Waziristan and Fazlullah of Swat, who were previously involved in the killing of many innocent people including those in Sargodha, Kohat and Rawalpindi, have got Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto killed," he claimed. The president also announced that he had directed the caretaker prime minister to prepare a "compensation package" for the poor people who had suffered financial losses during three days of violence.
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January - 2 
The Election Commission of Pakistan on January 2 delayed the general elections slated for January 8 until February 18, according to The News. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Justice (retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq, made the announcement at a press conference in Islamabad and appealed to all political
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The Election Commission of Pakistan on January 2 delayed the general elections slated for January 8 until February 18, according to The News. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Justice (retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq, made the announcement at a press conference in Islamabad and appealed to all political parties to accept this decision in the national interest and actively participate in the electoral process. The CEC claimed that keeping in view the ground realities and the task of making preparations again following large-scale rioting, it was impossible for the commission to hold the polls on January 8. He said the elections had been postponed due to the violence and rioting, and also because the month of Muharram was commencing.
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January - 2 
The Sri Lanka government on January 2 decided to withdraw from the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page. At the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake proposed to annul the CFA, signed in February 22, 2002, between then U
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The Sri Lanka government on January 2 decided to withdraw from the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reports Colombo Page. At the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake proposed to annul the CFA, signed in February 22, 2002, between then United National Front government and the LTTE, government spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. "All the Cabinet Ministers agreed for that and the Premier was tasked to inform the matter to the Norwegian facilitators soon," he said. The motion has been moved since there was no point in continuing with the CFA as the LTTE has committed a large number of cease-fire violations, the Minister added, according to Daily News. "The Government decided to officially withdraw from the Ceasefire Agreement since it is futile to continue with the Ceasefire with no indication that LTTE is willing to enter the peace path," the Minister said, adding further, "The Ceasefire has been violated by the LTTE more than 10,000 times. The Cabinet decision will be put into practice by using the terms and conditions of the Ceasefire Agreement itself."
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January - 3 
According to Chhattisgarh Police records, police fatalities in the Maoist-related violence increased in 2007 compared to the previous year. Girdhari Nayak, the Inspector General of Police (Maoist Operations), told IANS, "Chhattisgarh recorded 436 deaths in Maoist-related violence in 2007, as against
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According to Chhattisgarh Police records, police fatalities in the Maoist-related violence increased in 2007 compared to the previous year. Girdhari Nayak, the Inspector General of Police (Maoist Operations), told IANS, "Chhattisgarh recorded 436 deaths in Maoist-related violence in 2007, as against 458 casualties reported in 2006. But the deaths of policemen and special police officers (SPOs) shot up to 200 last year, while that number was 74 in 2006." He, however, said the State has witnessed a substantial drop in civilian casualties in 2007 with 165 deaths, as against 306 deaths in 2006 and 126 the previous year. According to official data, 67 Maoists were killed in the State in 2007, while the figure was 73 in 2006 and 27 in 2005. Nayak said that the police have recovered large caches of arms and ammunition from the Maoists in 2007, including 96 weapons, 175 landmines, 208 detonators, 49 gelatine sticks, five wireless sets, five magazines and seven claymore mines.
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January - 3 
The Chhattisgarh government has sought nine more battalions of central para-military forces (CPMFs) immediately to deal with the increasing Maoist activity in the State. According to The Hindu, Chief Secretary Shivraj Singh and the Director General of Police, Vishwa Ranjan, made this demand during a
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The Chhattisgarh government has sought nine more battalions of central para-military forces (CPMFs) immediately to deal with the increasing Maoist activity in the State. According to The Hindu, Chief Secretary Shivraj Singh and the Director General of Police, Vishwa Ranjan, made this demand during a meeting with the Union Cabinet Secretary, K.M. Chandrasekhar, in New Delhi on January 3. Talking to The Hindu, Vishwa Ranjan said the State would require 15 battalions of CPMFs to check Maoist violence and an equal number to ensure the safe return of the displaced people to their villages. At present, the State had 12 battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and one Mizo battalion.
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January - 3 
According to The Post, hundreds of Pakistani families have poured across the border into Afghanistan in recent days as clashes between different clans continued on the 13th day in the Kurram Agency of the FATA. Six people are reported to have died and 11 inured in the fresh clashes. Afghan officials
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According to The Post, hundreds of Pakistani families have poured across the border into Afghanistan in recent days as clashes between different clans continued on the 13th day in the Kurram Agency of the FATA. Six people are reported to have died and 11 inured in the fresh clashes. Afghan officials said about 900 families (most of them Sunnis) have fled across the border in the past two weeks to the Khost and Paktia provinces. While the Khost Governor Arsallah Jamal stated that about 400 to 500 Pakistani families had fled to the province, Abdul Rahman Mangal, the deputy governor in neighbouring Paktia province, said about 480 families had come to the border districts there, including about 20 to 30 Afghan families who were living in Pakistan.
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January - 3 
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of the slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and recently appointed chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, is on the hit-list of radicals, according to the Website of the British newspaper The Sun. The Website quoted Taliban cleric Maulana Mohavya Irshad as saying,
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Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of the slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and recently appointed chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, is on the hit-list of radicals, according to the Website of the British newspaper The Sun. The Website quoted Taliban cleric Maulana Mohavya Irshad as saying, "Bilawal is a target now." Speaking at the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad, the 24-year-old cleric said: "I don’t know much about Bilawal. I only know he is a liberal person which is a deviation from Islam. True Muslims will not allow him to go against Islam… These true Muslims will be horrified to see an image of Bilawal dressed as the devil while standing besides a pretty girl at a decadent party at Oxford University."
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January - 3 
President Pervez Musharraf on January 3 denied accusations that the military or intelligence services were involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, The Post reported. Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Musharraf said he had invited British investigators to assi
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President Pervez Musharraf on January 3 denied accusations that the military or intelligence services were involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, The Post reported. Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Musharraf said he had invited British investigators to assist in the probe into her death to dispel any suspicions about official involvement in her assassination. "We don't mind going to any extent, as nobody is involved from the government or agency side," he said. He also denied there had been a security lapse and implied that Benazir, who was greeting supporters through the sunroof of her armoured vehicle at the time of the attack, was partly responsible. "Who is to be blamed for her coming out her vehicle?" he asked. Acknowledging the reports that the crime scene had been quickly hosed down, possibly destroying evidence, he said: "I am sure that they did not do it with an intention of hiding some secrets or that the intelligence agencies instructed them to hide secrets," Musharraf told reporters. He insisted there had been no security lapse when she was killed at the campaign rally in Rawalpindi. The president said Benazir had gone ahead with the rally while ignoring the threats. He said she was provided with adequate security, including a bulletproof rostrum and a police chief of her choice for the area. Two aides next to her in the car survived, he said, adding that she died only when she decided to ride above the sunroof of
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January - 3 
On January 3, former minister and leader of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) Rajendra Mahato said that rights of Madheshis must be ensured first, before his party participates in the polls to elect the Constituent Assembly (CA), reports Nepal News. Talking to reporters in Birgunj, Mahato accused that in
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On January 3, former minister and leader of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) Rajendra Mahato said that rights of Madheshis must be ensured first, before his party participates in the polls to elect the Constituent Assembly (CA), reports Nepal News. Talking to reporters in Birgunj, Mahato accused that interests of the Madheshis have not been protected in the current election system and said there should be 50 percent Madheshi representation in the CA. He also demanded that 10,000 each Madheshis be recruited immediately in civil service, police and army.
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January - 3 
The government officially conveyed to Norway its decision to pull out of the CFA, adds The Hindu. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama handed a letter to Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem, saying that the government was withdrawing from the agreement.
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The government officially conveyed to Norway its decision to pull out of the CFA, adds The Hindu. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama handed a letter to Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem, saying that the government was withdrawing from the agreement.
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January - 3 
The government’s decision to abrogate the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) was based on a policy decision and the doors are yet wide open for a peaceful and negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict, said Cabinet spokesperson and Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa on Januar
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The government’s decision to abrogate the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) was based on a policy decision and the doors are yet wide open for a peaceful and negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict, said Cabinet spokesperson and Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa on January 3, Daily News reported. He said that the CFA will be abrogated based on a Cabinet memorandum submitted by the Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake at the Cabinet meeting on January 2. "The LTTE had consistently and blatantly flouted and violated the said CFA by well over 10,000 occasions, and rendered it absolutely ineffective and futile for further adherence or any practical purpose," the Minister said, adding, "Nonetheless, this measure taken by the Government does not in any way rule out a negotiated and peaceful solution to the ethnic crisis. We will seriously and anxiously pursue a peaceful end to the issue in terms of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) proposals which are due in February. If the conditions are right, we can resume talks with anyone. However, due to the CFA now being defunct, we are abrogating it." He also said that the Cabinet had not yet decided to ban the LTTE.
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January - 3 
The LTTE has indicated that only a demonstration of its military might would change the present international climate in its favour, reports IANS. V Balakumaran, a senior member of the LTTE, said in an interview to National Television of Tamileelam (NTT) last week: “The international community has b
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The LTTE has indicated that only a demonstration of its military might would change the present international climate in its favour, reports IANS. V Balakumaran, a senior member of the LTTE, said in an interview to National Television of Tamileelam (NTT) last week: “The international community has been vacillating in taking decisive actions on Sri Lanka because they are unable to relate their own interests to the chaotically unfolding political and military situation in Sri Lanka. Only the demonstration of military strength by the Tigers can bring clarity to the situation for the international community to correctly relate their interests, and aggressively engage.” He added, “We expect 2008 will be the year where we can overcome the diplomatic hurdles that confront us.”
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January - 4 
Delhi Police stated that killing of Khuplam Hangsing, chief of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), was carried out at a flat in West Delhi on November 12 at the behest of a United National Liberation Front (UNLF) cadre, W. Luwangamba. A monetary dispute led to the murder of Hangsing, police said. Lat
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Delhi Police stated that killing of Khuplam Hangsing, chief of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), was carried out at a flat in West Delhi on November 12 at the behest of a United National Liberation Front (UNLF) cadre, W. Luwangamba. A monetary dispute led to the murder of Hangsing, police said. Later, the ‘senior publicity officer’ of the UNLF, Ksh. Yoiheiba, denied the outfit’s role in the killing.
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January - 4 
Lt. Gen. M.S. Dadwal is reported to have informed the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh that in the ongoing counter-insurgency Samtal II operation, troops have so far secured the area till S Bongjoi, and the area till New Samtal would be cleared soon. He also mentioned that 13 UNLF cadres wer
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Lt. Gen. M.S. Dadwal is reported to have informed the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh that in the ongoing counter-insurgency Samtal II operation, troops have so far secured the area till S Bongjoi, and the area till New Samtal would be cleared soon. He also mentioned that 13 UNLF cadres were killed and 184 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and destroyed.
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January - 4 
The government is fully capable of presenting a set of political proposals that satisfy and receive the consent of all and it will present this set of political proposals shortly, said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on January 4, according to Daily News. The government is not focusing on banni
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The government is fully capable of presenting a set of political proposals that satisfy and receive the consent of all and it will present this set of political proposals shortly, said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on January 4, according to Daily News. The government is not focusing on banning the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at the moment and the doors are always open for talks, he added.
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January - 4 
The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal said there won’t be any improvement in relationship between his party and the Maoists until the latter hands over their cadres indulging in terror activities to the proper authorities. He criticised
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The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal said there won’t be any improvement in relationship between his party and the Maoists until the latter hands over their cadres indulging in terror activities to the proper authorities. He criticised the Maoists for “letting loose” their Young Communist League (YCL) cadres, calling it an obstruction in “leftist unity”. “Prachanda should hand over those of his party activists who are involved in taking the law into their hands by engaging in atrocities,” Nepal said.
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January - 5 
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Nepal’s democracy will be at stake if constituent assembly (CA) polls fail. Speaking to a delegation of the Civil Servants Association at his Baluwatar residence on January 5, Koirala said that CA polls must be the top priority of all, urging the ci
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Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Nepal’s democracy will be at stake if constituent assembly (CA) polls fail. Speaking to a delegation of the Civil Servants Association at his Baluwatar residence on January 5, Koirala said that CA polls must be the top priority of all, urging the civil servants to do their bit for conducting the polls in a free and fair manner.
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January - 8 
According to Times of India, the CPI-Maoist unit in Jharkhand recently gave compensation to families of their cadres who died during the anti-Maoist operations by the police. The families of some of the cadres killed in the Latehar and Chatra areas were the first beneficiaries of the scheme. Jharkha
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According to Times of India, the CPI-Maoist unit in Jharkhand recently gave compensation to families of their cadres who died during the anti-Maoist operations by the police. The families of some of the cadres killed in the Latehar and Chatra areas were the first beneficiaries of the scheme. Jharkhand Police spokesperson, R K Mallik, confirmed the introduction of compensation by Maoists. "We have received information from different sources about the Maoists giving compensation to families of their cadres who lost their lives during anti-Naxal operation by police," said Mallik. He said the Maoists were trying to implement the scheme in all the Maoist-infested districts of Jharkhand. In some cases, the Maoists have also taken over the responsibility of school-going children of their dead cadres, the police said.
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January - 9 
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has alleged that Assam's neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, are encouraging insurgency and jihadi activities in the State, where a "third force" with suspected Naxalite links is working behind the growing Adivasi uprising in the State, reports PTI. "Ass
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Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has alleged that Assam's neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, are encouraging insurgency and jihadi activities in the State, where a "third force" with suspected Naxalite links is working behind the growing Adivasi uprising in the State, reports PTI. "Assam is surrounded by different countries and they are encouraging all sorts of activities. Even jihadis are there. I don't say the countries are directly involved. But elements are there and they are not dealing with these elements firmly, Gogoi said." He added that, "They (countries) are not flushing out these elements. Even the Centre has not received as much response as was expected from the neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, I can say." On the "third force" he said that, "I do suspect the Naxalites from Jharkhand even though I don't have concrete proof."
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January - 9 
The Hyderabad city police have claimed that the Harkat-ul-Jehadi-e-Islami (HuJI) was responsible for the twin explosions in the city on August 25, 2007, that killed 43 persons, reports The Hindu. A top police officer said on January 9 that “Narco-analysis tests conducted on Rafi alias Sheik Abdul Ka
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The Hyderabad city police have claimed that the Harkat-ul-Jehadi-e-Islami (HuJI) was responsible for the twin explosions in the city on August 25, 2007, that killed 43 persons, reports The Hindu. A top police officer said on January 9 that “Narco-analysis tests conducted on Rafi alias Sheik Abdul Kaleem of Hyderabad gave us names of the key persons involved. Now, we are in the process of gathering evidence against them.” In his narco-analysis test, Rafi, a lab technician, said he came to know about the persons behind the blasts while chatting with Khaja, an alleged HuJI activist, through the Internet. As per Khaja’s instructions, he went to the house of one, Imran, here to collect a parcel containing bombs. Later, the parcel was handed over to another person, Gidda Zahid of Salimnagar Colony. “The name of Khaja, along with Shahid alias Bilal, had cropped up in Mecca Masjid blast case as well. We have a fair picture with Rafi’s statement but we cannot completely depend on the narco-analysis test,” the officer explained. Efforts are on to identify the persons whose names Rafi had revealed. The police had already identified the persons behind Mecca Masjid blast as Zabi and Majnu who planted the bombs. Both have been arrested. Another Bangladeshi national, who assisted them in triggering the explosion, is, however, yet to be identified.
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January - 10 
Mahendra Karma, leader of the Opposition in State Assembly and a Congress legislator of Dantewada, led a rally of about 5,000 Salwa Judum (anti-Maoist movement) members at Bijapur district headquarter on January 10, reports IANS. Karma said that the Salwa Judum movement, launched in June 2005 by tr
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Mahendra Karma, leader of the Opposition in State Assembly and a Congress legislator of Dantewada, led a rally of about 5,000 Salwa Judum (anti-Maoist movement) members at Bijapur district headquarter on January 10, reports IANS. Karma said that the Salwa Judum movement, launched in June 2005 by tribals of Bastar region, had demolished the Maoists' terror network and their intelligence gathering set-up as well.
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January - 10 
On January 10, the Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab, N. P. S. Aulakh, said that Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is behind the regrouping of Babbar Khalsa militant group in Punjab, reports Punjab Newsline. Addressing a press conference in Chan
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On January 10, the Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab, N. P. S. Aulakh, said that Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is behind the regrouping of Babbar Khalsa militant group in Punjab, reports Punjab Newsline. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, he claimed the that Babbar Khalsa engineered the Ludhiana bomb blast in October 2007 and had planned the elimination of the Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh, Baba Bhaniarewala and certain other heads of religious sects operating in Punjab. The DGP further said that Babbar Khalsa operatives arrested by Ludhiana police have revealed that they got arms training in Pakistan. He said that the police has identified a new terrorist group in the name of the International Liberation Revolutionary Force (ILRF) working in the Malwa region and arrested all the six persons behind the formation of this outfit along with one AK 47 rifle and other weapons.
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January - 10 
Army troops have been deployed in 22 districts of Punjab to protect people and vital installations during Muharram in view of the security alarm raised by the suicide bombing, Dawn reported. The Rangers will protect important installations like airports, railway stations, Pakistan Television and rad
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Army troops have been deployed in 22 districts of Punjab to protect people and vital installations during Muharram in view of the security alarm raised by the suicide bombing, Dawn reported. The Rangers will protect important installations like airports, railway stations, Pakistan Television and radio offices, Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Governor’s House and civil secretariat. The overall law and order would be the responsibility of police and troops would stand by at designated places and could be called in for assistance in case of an emergency at one-hour notice, said Home Secretary Khusrao Pervaiz Khan. All Muharram processions and meetings in Lahore would be heavily protected, to “deny space to terrorists”, he said.
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January - 10 
Bomb disposal officials at the site said the bomber triggered a device possibly carrying more than 15 kilograms of explosive material and steel-balls, which affected an approximate area of 50 meters in diameter. The bomb disposal experts added that the bomber had used a high potency, locally-made de
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Bomb disposal officials at the site said the bomber triggered a device possibly carrying more than 15 kilograms of explosive material and steel-balls, which affected an approximate area of 50 meters in diameter. The bomb disposal experts added that the bomber had used a high potency, locally-made device, in which ball bearings – a quarter of an inch in diameter – had been used as splinters. Police constable Jameel Ahmed said the attacker was a young man. “He parked his bike, walked to the police and blew himself up,” Ahmed said. The Punjab Inspector General of Police Ahmad Nasim told reporters that “The target was the police force.”
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January - 10 
President Mahinda Rajapakse has requested the All-Party Representative Committee (APRC) Chairman and Minister Tissa Vitharana to submit the final draft for a political solution to the ethnic conflict in the island nation by January 23, The Hindu reports. The APRC Chairman told The Hindu that the com
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President Mahinda Rajapakse has requested the All-Party Representative Committee (APRC) Chairman and Minister Tissa Vitharana to submit the final draft for a political solution to the ethnic conflict in the island nation by January 23, The Hindu reports. The APRC Chairman told The Hindu that the committee is agreed on most of the proposals in the draft he had submitted over a year ago. “The proposals so far agreed amount to an improvement on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Only two controversial issues remain to be sorted out. I intend to seek support of both the UNP and JVP to the proposals once they are finalised”. The APRC was constituted by Rajapakse in mid-2006 to advice him on a political package for power-sharing.
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January - 10 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on January 10 announced that it wants to continue the Cease-Fire Agreement (CFA) and the Norwegian peace role and is ready to respect the CFA hundred percent, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement, the political head of the LTTE, B. Nadesan, said that
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on January 10 announced that it wants to continue the Cease-Fire Agreement (CFA) and the Norwegian peace role and is ready to respect the CFA hundred percent, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement, the political head of the LTTE, B. Nadesan, said that the outfit is shocked and disappointed by the government’s decision to withdraw from the CFA. "The GoSL, without any justifications, has now unilaterally withdrawn from the CFA. The LTTE wishes to state that even at this juncture, it is ready to implement every clause of the CFA agreement and respect it 100%. We also request that Norway should continue with its facilitation role with the support of the international community,” Nadesan stated. The statement also urged the international community to lift the ban on the outfit imposed by several countries alleging that Sri Lanka government’s false propaganda led to the ban. The government officially notified Norway on January 3 of its decision to pull out of the agreement and the truce will formally cease on January 16 and the function of peace monitors in the country will end.
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January - 11 
Security forces claimed to have retrieved New Lajang, the last village in the Somtal region of Chandel district, which was under control of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), according to Telegraph. An official spokesman said the UNLF and other militant outfits deserted the area recently a
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Security forces claimed to have retrieved New Lajang, the last village in the Somtal region of Chandel district, which was under control of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), according to Telegraph. An official spokesman said the UNLF and other militant outfits deserted the area recently and that Somtal was now free of militants. He claimed that 13 UNLF cadres were killed and many more injured during the counter-insurgency operation that began on November 18. Twenty security personnel were injured while tracing and destroying improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
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January - 11 
AFP quoted the State Department official Tom Casey as saying, “I’m unaware of any proposal from any US official arguing for unilateral military action in Pakistan.”
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AFP quoted the State Department official Tom Casey as saying, “I’m unaware of any proposal from any US official arguing for unilateral military action in Pakistan.”
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January - 11 
The army has withdrawn soldiers from key check posts in North Waziristan and a tribal jirga (council) is negotiating a peace deal between pro-Taliban militants and the government, official sources and military spokesman said on January 11, reports Daily Times.
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The army has withdrawn soldiers from key check posts in North Waziristan and a tribal jirga (council) is negotiating a peace deal between pro-Taliban militants and the government, official sources and military spokesman said on January 11, reports Daily Times.
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January - 11 
The Pentagon is extremely concerned about al Qaeda operations in Pakistan, said US military chief Admiral Michael Mullen said on January 11, Daily Times reported. “We know it is having a significant impact, not just in Afghanistan, but certainly there are concerns about how much they have turned inw
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The Pentagon is extremely concerned about al Qaeda operations in Pakistan, said US military chief Admiral Michael Mullen said on January 11, Daily Times reported. “We know it is having a significant impact, not just in Afghanistan, but certainly there are concerns about how much they have turned inward inside Pakistan. I am extremely concerned about this,” he told a press conference. He, however, added that the US was mindful of Pakistan being a sovereign country, saying, “It is really up to President (Pervez) Musharraf and his advisers in the military to address that problem directly.”
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January - 11 
A cabinet meeting on January 11 decided to hold the Constituent Assembly elections on April 10 this year, Kantipuronline reports. Emerging from the cabinet meeting, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said, “The cabinet meeting made the decision in an amicable manner and the government will concent
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A cabinet meeting on January 11 decided to hold the Constituent Assembly elections on April 10 this year, Kantipuronline reports. Emerging from the cabinet meeting, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said, “The cabinet meeting made the decision in an amicable manner and the government will concentrate on the Constituent Assembly elections setting it as the major agenda.” Leaders of the three major political parties, Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist Chairman Prachanda and the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal has also reached an agreement not to make any remarks in public that would adversely affect the environment for the elections.
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January - 11 
The government on January 11 said that it was pressing ahead with efforts to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and dismissed talk of restoring a cease-fire, reports Daily News. An unnamed Presidential spokesperson said that the outfit had made no formal offer to revive a truce. “We
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The government on January 11 said that it was pressing ahead with efforts to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and dismissed talk of restoring a cease-fire, reports Daily News. An unnamed Presidential spokesperson said that the outfit had made no formal offer to revive a truce. “We have not been told either by the Tigers or the Norwegians. All we see are contradictory statements from them and we will not respond to claims in the media. We will maintain our military operations against the Tigers, and by February 4 we will unveil a plan to politically solve the ethnic conflict,” he told AFP. He reiterated assurances that the government was working hard on a political plan to grant greater autonomy to Tamils. “The work on this is almost complete,” he insisted.
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January - 11 
The Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said that the abrogation of the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) will not affect the foreign aid flow as the LTTE has been perpetrating terrorist activities even though the government tried its best to protect it. He informed that outfit has violated the CFA 3,
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The Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said that the abrogation of the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA) will not affect the foreign aid flow as the LTTE has been perpetrating terrorist activities even though the government tried its best to protect it. He informed that outfit has violated the CFA 3,743 times according to the reports of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.
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January - 12 
Tank police officials said that militants attacked a garrison, the police lines and a picket with rockets and heavy gunfire, Dawn reported. The building of a vocational college where troops had been stationed also came under attack. The security forces retaliated with gunfire and the clash went on f
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Tank police officials said that militants attacked a garrison, the police lines and a picket with rockets and heavy gunfire, Dawn reported. The building of a vocational college where troops had been stationed also came under attack. The security forces retaliated with gunfire and the clash went on for two hours. A policeman, identified as Latifullah, who suffered injuries died later.
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January - 13 
The former Nagaland Chief Minister and Nagaland People's Front (NPF) leader Neiphiu Rio asked the NSCN-IM and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) not to interfere with the next round of Legislative Assembly elections to be held under President's Rule in the State, according
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The former Nagaland Chief Minister and Nagaland People's Front (NPF) leader Neiphiu Rio asked the NSCN-IM and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) not to interfere with the next round of Legislative Assembly elections to be held under President's Rule in the State, according to Shillong Times. "I hope good sense will prevail on rebel groups and they should not interfere with elections. However, we can't fully rule out intervention in some pockets of the State out of individual interests," he said.
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January - 13 
A CPN-Maoist Central Committee meeting held on held on January 12, has decided to relieve deputy commander Barsha Man Pun a.k.a. Ananta from his position as the Young Communist League (YCL) ‘faction in-charge’ amidst reports of the increased high-handedness of the YCL cadres, reports Nepal News. Acc
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A CPN-Maoist Central Committee meeting held on held on January 12, has decided to relieve deputy commander Barsha Man Pun a.k.a. Ananta from his position as the Young Communist League (YCL) ‘faction in-charge’ amidst reports of the increased high-handedness of the YCL cadres, reports Nepal News. According to sources, the Central Committee meeting took the decision to this effect after some of its members criticised the recent activities of the YCL and held Ananta responsible for it. However, the YCL chairman, Ganesh Man Pun, claimed that it was merely a shift of responsibility within the party organisation.
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January - 13 
The Tokyo Co-Chairs of Sri Lanka (Norway, Japan, U.S. and the E.U.), which are backing the continuation of Norway’s role as the official peace facilitator, has reportedly asked the government to provide the Co-Chairs and Norway access to the LTTE in Kilinochchi.
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The Tokyo Co-Chairs of Sri Lanka (Norway, Japan, U.S. and the E.U.), which are backing the continuation of Norway’s role as the official peace facilitator, has reportedly asked the government to provide the Co-Chairs and Norway access to the LTTE in Kilinochchi.
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January - 14 
He said during a press conference in the provincial capital Quetta that terrorism and subversive activities increased in Balochistan by 19 per cent during 2007. About 186 people were killed and 445 injured in 540 incidents of terrorism and sabotage. He said that police had recovered 1,855 kilograms
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He said during a press conference in the provincial capital Quetta that terrorism and subversive activities increased in Balochistan by 19 per cent during 2007. About 186 people were killed and 445 injured in 540 incidents of terrorism and sabotage. He said that police had recovered 1,855 kilograms of drugs, over 1,000 weapons and 18 kilograms of explosives during the year.
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January - 14 
The Interior Ministry has warned security agencies that militants of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Taliban are plotting to attack eminent political and religious leaders and religious places in nine cities during Muharram, Daily Times reported. "Yes, we have received these threats," said acting Is
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The Interior Ministry has warned security agencies that militants of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Taliban are plotting to attack eminent political and religious leaders and religious places in nine cities during Muharram, Daily Times reported. "Yes, we have received these threats," said acting Islamabad police Inspector General Nadeem Baloch. Two intelligence reports received by the ministry said attacks were likely in Islamabad, Peshawar, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Jhang, Hyderabad, Karachi, Dera Ismail Khan and Quetta. A notification by the National Crisis Management Cell of the Interior Ministry said militants would try to attack Muharram processions, Imambargahs and Majalis. The intelligence reports stated that Senator Abid Hussain, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid ex-MNA from Jhang, Waqas Akram Sheikh, and Allama Sajid Naqvi are likely targets. Three jackets meant for suicide attacks have been delivered to LeJ cadres in Jhang, it added. According to the reports, 300 militants from tribal areas, including local and Afghan Taliban, have been assigned targets and sent to the settled areas.
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January - 14 
The Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema, meanwhile, confirmed that the bombing had been pre-planned and was not a suicide attack. He reportedly told PTV that no VVIP movement had been planned near the scene of the blast. The attack occurred when President Pervez Musharraf was visiting the
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The Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema, meanwhile, confirmed that the bombing had been pre-planned and was not a suicide attack. He reportedly told PTV that no VVIP movement had been planned near the scene of the blast. The attack occurred when President Pervez Musharraf was visiting the city and Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari had just returned to Karachi.
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January - 14 
The Sri Lanka government has urged the United Kingdom (UK) and France to ban the UK-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ‘charity’ front White Pigeon, allegedly supported by several southern Indian film stars, the Ministry of Defence Website reported. It also alleged that millions of dollar
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The Sri Lanka government has urged the United Kingdom (UK) and France to ban the UK-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ‘charity’ front White Pigeon, allegedly supported by several southern Indian film stars, the Ministry of Defence Website reported. It also alleged that millions of dollars are still being raised in the UK and mainland Europe by thinly-disguised front organisations for the LTTE. A spokesman for the Sri Lankan High Commission said on January 14 that White Pigeon held a show in London over the weekend. This was followed by two shows in Paris. All were billed as mega-star events and were advertised as fronted by South Indian stars. The Paris shows were expected to raise at least two million pounds. White Pigeon is the successor to the US and UK-banned Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), which has allegedly raised millions of dollars across Western capitals to funnel arms to the LTTE.
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January - 15 
Briefing the media at New Samtal, Brigadier Raymond Noronha, commander 26 sector of the IGAR (south), said that the whole area of the Samtal was cleared of the United National Liberation Front’s (UNLF) presence and they were pushed back into the jungles of Myanmar, reports Imphal Free Press.
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Briefing the media at New Samtal, Brigadier Raymond Noronha, commander 26 sector of the IGAR (south), said that the whole area of the Samtal was cleared of the United National Liberation Front’s (UNLF) presence and they were pushed back into the jungles of Myanmar, reports Imphal Free Press.
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January - 15 
The Interior Ministry said on January 15 that political leaders face a looming threat of terrorist attack and advised them to comply with its security instructions to avoid unnecessary exposure, according to Dawn. “We have issued security advisory to the politicians across the board,” Interior Minis
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The Interior Ministry said on January 15 that political leaders face a looming threat of terrorist attack and advised them to comply with its security instructions to avoid unnecessary exposure, according to Dawn. “We have issued security advisory to the politicians across the board,” Interior Ministry spokesman Brig (retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema said at his weekly press briefing in Islamabad. According to him, “After the assassination of Ms Bhutto it is of paramount importance that political leadership is sensitised about looming threat. They should adopt a security conscious approach.”
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January - 15 
The Sri Lankan military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara on January 15 told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the military wants to destroy the LTTE and conclude 25 years of war after the cease-fire ends on January 16, reports Daily News. He said the military was already putting pressure on the L
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The Sri Lankan military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara on January 15 told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the military wants to destroy the LTTE and conclude 25 years of war after the cease-fire ends on January 16, reports Daily News. He said the military was already putting pressure on the LTTE at various fronts in the North, and added, "If we continue like this we will be able to defeat the LTTE."
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January - 16 
Gerry Ackerman, chairman of the congressional subcommittee that held a hearing on Pakistan on January 16, has called for a "fundamental reappraisal of US assistance to Pakistan." He said, "The United States is at a crossroads with Pakistan. It is clear that despite the deaths of many, many Pakistani
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Gerry Ackerman, chairman of the congressional subcommittee that held a hearing on Pakistan on January 16, has called for a "fundamental reappraisal of US assistance to Pakistan." He said, "The United States is at a crossroads with Pakistan. It is clear that despite the deaths of many, many Pakistani soldiers and police, the fight against terrorism has not gone the way we would have hoped. It is equally clear that Pakistan is no closer to genuine democracy and arguably a good bit further away. It’s time to change course and build a new and different relationship with Pakistan," Daily Times reported.
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January - 16 
The Director General Military Operation (DGMO) Major General Ahmad Shuja Pasha said on January 16 that the army had achieved a primary target of the Rah-e-Haq Operation in Swat by clearing the valley of miscreants and establishing the writ of the government there, according to Daily Times. "The misc
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The Director General Military Operation (DGMO) Major General Ahmad Shuja Pasha said on January 16 that the army had achieved a primary target of the Rah-e-Haq Operation in Swat by clearing the valley of miscreants and establishing the writ of the government there, according to Daily Times. "The miscreants have been pushed to the Peochar area and to the snow-capped mountains, and peace has returned to the valley," Pasha briefed journalists in Rawalpindi. He said the Rah-e-Haq Operation started on November 13, 2007 and was jointly executed by the 23rd Division of 10 Corps and 17th Division of 11 Corps. "The army cleared the valley by December 24," he said. Pasha said 36 soldiers had died and 72 were injured in the operation, while nine civilians had died and another 45 injured. Gen. Pasha informed that 10 senior aides of the militant leader had been arrested and Maulana Fazlullah himself narrowly escaped arrest on quite a few occasions. He said a total of 617 suspects had been arrested but most of them were released after interrogation.
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January - 16 
According to Press Trust of India, the Sri Lanka government on January 16 said it has decided to eliminate LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran to bring peace, while maintaining that it was still open to negotiations with the rebels. "If Prabhakaran is ready to take the white flag, we will leave some window op
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According to Press Trust of India, the Sri Lanka government on January 16 said it has decided to eliminate LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran to bring peace, while maintaining that it was still open to negotiations with the rebels. "If Prabhakaran is ready to take the white flag, we will leave some window open to consider that offer. Otherwise we have decided to eliminate him to bring peace in Sri Lanka," said defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella.
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January - 16 
Britain’s leading Tamil organisation, the British Tamils Forum, has called for a boycott of Sri Lankan Airlines in a move to target the Sri Lankan economy as part of their campaign for a separate Tamil homeland, reports The Hindu. Tamils have been urged not to travel by Sri Lanka’s national carrier,
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Britain’s leading Tamil organisation, the British Tamils Forum, has called for a boycott of Sri Lankan Airlines in a move to target the Sri Lankan economy as part of their campaign for a separate Tamil homeland, reports The Hindu. Tamils have been urged not to travel by Sri Lanka’s national carrier, which earns an estimated £12 million every year from the British Tamils travelling to Sri Lanka. "Travelling with Sri Lankan airlines is tantamount to paying the government of Sri Lanka to buy the weaponry with which to kill our people in their homeland," said Ivan Pedropillai, head of the Forum, at a press conference. The Forum also urged British tourists not to take holidays in Sri Lanka, arguing that the earnings from tourism "adds to Sri Lankan Government’s war chest." Pedropillai, however, sought to distance his group from the LTTE, saying while it shared the groups "political goals," it believed in struggle through legal and peaceful means.
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January - 17 
President Pervez Musharraf said on January 17 that the nuclear assets have been dispersed and placed under multi-tiered security safeguard, dismissing reports about threats to country's nuclear programme, Associated Press of Pakistan reported. He said the National Command Authority was looking after
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President Pervez Musharraf said on January 17 that the nuclear assets have been dispersed and placed under multi-tiered security safeguard, dismissing reports about threats to country's nuclear programme, Associated Press of Pakistan reported. He said the National Command Authority was looking after the country's nuclear assets with a Strategic Planning Division fully capable of ensuring the safety of installations. Musharraf also said the country currently faced three major challenges; terrorism and extremism, transition to democracy and need to sustain socio-economic growth. He said a few "misguided and lunatics" were attempting to force their way of life on the majority, but vowed that such elements will not succeed. "There is no place for al Qaeda in Pakistan... we cannot allow al Qaeda to operate and commit acts of terrorism here or elsewhere… neither can we allow Taliban's here or any support to them. No militants can be allowed here," he observed.
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January - 17 
JTMM-J leader Jwala Singh has said that his party is ready to negotiate with the government under the supervision of the United Nations or any other reliable international agency, according to Nepal News. Issuing a press statement on January 17, he set a precondition that the government should give
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JTMM-J leader Jwala Singh has said that his party is ready to negotiate with the government under the supervision of the United Nations or any other reliable international agency, according to Nepal News. Issuing a press statement on January 17, he set a precondition that the government should give its commitment that major demands of his party would be addressed by the time formal talks begin.
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January - 17 
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said the present government had given the freedom to the country’s armed forces to fight the war against terrorism in order to wipe out terrorism from the country, according to Daily Mirror. "There was a time, where politicians ordered the armed forces on how
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Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said the present government had given the freedom to the country’s armed forces to fight the war against terrorism in order to wipe out terrorism from the country, according to Daily Mirror. "There was a time, where politicians ordered the armed forces on how to fight, but now it has completely changed, now the armed forces are freely carrying out their duties successfully without any intervention from politicians," Wickremanayake said. Addressing a passing-out-parade on January 17-evening at the Navy base at Boossa, the Prime Minister said the present government had provided everything the military wanted, but not advice on how to conduct the war. "Politicians were not experts in that field. Because of that, the armed forces had the opportunity to control the spread of terrorism in the country. Military decisions are taken by the heads of the armed forces and with that freedom we will be able to wipe out terrorism from the country soon," he opined.
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January - 18 
The Police are distributing free Direct-to-Home (DTH) systems and 21-inch colour television sets in the Maoist-affected remote areas of Warangal district, Deccan Chronicle reported. This is a first-of-its-kind project to wean villagers away from the Maoists. The DTH systems and TV sets are being dis
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The Police are distributing free Direct-to-Home (DTH) systems and 21-inch colour television sets in the Maoist-affected remote areas of Warangal district, Deccan Chronicle reported. This is a first-of-its-kind project to wean villagers away from the Maoists. The DTH systems and TV sets are being distributed in areas which do not have access to cable television. All the villages are predominantly tribal and cut off from the mainstream. The villages are located on the edges of Warangal district in the sub-divisions of Eturunagaram, Tadvai, Govindaraopet, Venkatapur, Kothaguda and Gudur. "We want the villagers to widen their horizons and not be susceptible to propaganda and the so-called ideologies (of Maoists)," said Soumya Mishra, the Warangal Superintendent of Police.
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January - 18 
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Michael V. Hayden said in an interview published on January 18 that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed by al Qaeda and allies of Baitullah Mehsud, according to Daily Times. He told Washington Post that this combination was also behind a new
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The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Michael V. Hayden said in an interview published on January 18 that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed by al Qaeda and allies of Baitullah Mehsud, according to Daily Times. He told Washington Post that this combination was also behind a new wave of violence threatening Pakistan’s stability. Hayden said Benazir Bhutto was assassinated by fighters allied with Baitullah Mehsud, with support from al Qaeda’s terrorist network. Hayden said, "This was done by that network around Baitullah Mehsud. We have no reason to question that." He described the assassination as "part of an organised campaign" that has included suicide bombings and other attacks on Pakistani leaders. He added, "What you see is, I think, a change in the character of what’s going on there. You’ve got this nexus now that probably was always there in latency but is now active: a nexus between al Qaeda and various extremist and separatist groups..."
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January - 21 
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has submitted a list of 1,626 Bangladeshi criminals hiding in India to the Border Security Force (BSF) during a three-day deputy director general level meeting in Bogra on January 21. Earlier at a BDR-BSF director-general level meeting, India had given Bangladesh a list of 10
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Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has submitted a list of 1,626 Bangladeshi criminals hiding in India to the Border Security Force (BSF) during a three-day deputy director general level meeting in Bogra on January 21. Earlier at a BDR-BSF director-general level meeting, India had given Bangladesh a list of 1000 Indian criminals hiding in that country. At a post-meeting joint press conference, both sides said they had reached consensus on all the issues on the agenda regarding border problems and interests of both nations during the meeting. The BDR Deputy Director General Brig Gen MA Bari led the 12-member Bangladesh team in the meeting while the 18-member Indian delegation was led by Inspector General of BSF North Bengal Frontier R. A. Tiwari.
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January - 21 
In a related development, a spokesman for militants in North Waziristan, Ahmadullah Ahmadi, asked the military authorities not to use bases in their area against militants in South Waziristan. “Taliban will withdraw from peace talks if security forces use our soil against us,” Ahmadi said. Militants
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In a related development, a spokesman for militants in North Waziristan, Ahmadullah Ahmadi, asked the military authorities not to use bases in their area against militants in South Waziristan. “Taliban will withdraw from peace talks if security forces use our soil against us,” Ahmadi said. Militants in North Waziristan had on January 21 extended a cease-fire till January 27.
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January - 21 
The 12 Pakistanis arrested had made recent trips to Pakistan, according to the report. The group received an order to carry out an attack in Barcelona from figures high up within al Qaeda hierarchy during a meeting at a training camp in Waziristan. Announcing the arrests on January 19, Spain’s Inter
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The 12 Pakistanis arrested had made recent trips to Pakistan, according to the report. The group received an order to carry out an attack in Barcelona from figures high up within al Qaeda hierarchy during a meeting at a training camp in Waziristan. Announcing the arrests on January 19, Spain’s Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba declared that an imminent attack by "highly organised radical Islamists" had been foiled. "Here we are looking at a well-organised group who were going beyond ideological radicalism to acquiring materials to make explosives and therefore eventually to carry out violent attacks," he said. "During our searches, we found various materials which could be explosives or be used to make explosives," he told a press conference in Madrid. Four timing devices as well as computer equipment were recovered.
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January - 21 
The group of alleged Islamist extremists arrested in Barcelona at the weekend were planning suicide attacks on Spanish soil allegedly under orders from al Qaeda in Pakistan, AFP quoted press reports as saying. Citing sources close to the investigation, the daily El Periodico de Catalunya said "the t
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The group of alleged Islamist extremists arrested in Barcelona at the weekend were planning suicide attacks on Spanish soil allegedly under orders from al Qaeda in Pakistan, AFP quoted press reports as saying. Citing sources close to the investigation, the daily El Periodico de Catalunya said "the terrorist action averted on Saturday ... was decided several months ago by the central al Qaeda network in Pakistan… Those who gave the order are to be found in Pakistan. They were preparing suicide attacks. Those that came here were ready to commit suicide."
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January - 21 
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has submitted a list of 1,626 Bangladeshi criminals hiding in India to the Border Security Force (BSF) during a three-day deputy director general level meeting in Bogra on January 21. Earlier at a BDR-BSF director-general level meeting, India had given Bangladesh a list of 10
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Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has submitted a list of 1,626 Bangladeshi criminals hiding in India to the Border Security Force (BSF) during a three-day deputy director general level meeting in Bogra on January 21. Earlier at a BDR-BSF director-general level meeting, India had given Bangladesh a list of 1000 Indian criminals hiding in that country. At a post-meeting joint press conference, both sides said they had reached consensus on all the issues on the agenda regarding border problems and interests of both nations during the meeting. The BDR Deputy Director General Brig Gen MA Bari led the 12-member Bangladesh team in the meeting while the 18-member Indian delegation was led by Inspector General of BSF North Bengal Frontier R. A. Tiwari.
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January - 22 
The Sri Lankan Navy has put in place an underwater defence system between Kachchatheevu and Neduntheevu (Delft Island) as part of efforts to curtail the movement of Sea Tigers [sea wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)], reports The Hindu. Talking to The Hindu on January 22, Commodore
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The Sri Lankan Navy has put in place an underwater defence system between Kachchatheevu and Neduntheevu (Delft Island) as part of efforts to curtail the movement of Sea Tigers [sea wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)], reports The Hindu. Talking to The Hindu on January 22, Commodore Phillip Van Haltren, Naval Officer In-Charge, Tamil Nadu, said he had received the communication from the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) on the installation of the seawater defence system. The message was passed on to Chief Secretary L. K Tripathy and other departments concerned. All Naval Detachments from Rameswaram to Nagapattinam on the east coast were reportedly alerted. “The message implied there will be serious consequences if fishing boats from Tamil Nadu or elsewhere come in contact with the explosives planted in the water. Hence, the seriousness of the warning message has been immediately sent to the authorities concerned. The fishermen will have to keep away from the danger zone,” Haltren said. Although he said he had no idea what the SLN had in mind, he believed the new strategy was not aimed at Tamil Nadu fishermen but at the LTTE. “An all-out war has begun between the Sri Lankan Government forces and the LTTE. Hence, our fishermen and fishing boats should not run into it [underwater explosives],” he said. “The Indian territory is calm. It would not have any effect in our area, as the area chosen for the underwater defence is well inside their territory,” he said in response to a question.
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January - 22 
The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has said that India is supporting the war against LTTE terrorism because they themselves feel threatened by the outfit. "India now realises that it could be the next target of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam),” he told IANS.
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The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has said that India is supporting the war against LTTE terrorism because they themselves feel threatened by the outfit. "India now realises that it could be the next target of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam),” he told IANS.
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January - 22 
President Pervez Musharraf on January 22 ruled out the possibility of Pakistan’s break-up and its nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of al Qaeda or Taliban, according to Daily Times. Speaking at the French Institute of International Relations in Paris, he said extremists were only three percent
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President Pervez Musharraf on January 22 ruled out the possibility of Pakistan’s break-up and its nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of al Qaeda or Taliban, according to Daily Times. Speaking at the French Institute of International Relations in Paris, he said extremists were only three percent of Pakistan’s population and the 500,000-strong army protected Pakistan and its nuclear arsenal. He said Pakistan Army was one of the most disciplined armies in the world and there was no question of any junior officer taking over or attempting a coup. “I can assure you that nothing will happen in Pakistan… Pakistan is not a banana republic,” he stated. A Shia-Sunni conflict existed but it could not harm Pakistan’s integrity, he opined. An Associated Press report quoted President Musharraf as saying that Pakistani troops were operating against terrorists and “not going around trying to locate Osama Bin Laden and Zawahri”. “It’s more important to battle the remnants of Afghanistan’s former Taliban militia,” he said. Also on January 22, President Musharraf met his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy who pledged support to Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, AFP reported.
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January - 22 
The President Mahinda Rajapakse on January 22 said that ethnic conflict should not be solved through military means, but the government will not seek a political solution as long as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) engages in terrorism, reports Reuters. "There has to be a political soluti
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The President Mahinda Rajapakse on January 22 said that ethnic conflict should not be solved through military means, but the government will not seek a political solution as long as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) engages in terrorism, reports Reuters. "There has to be a political solution," Rajapakse said, adding, "(But) this (solution) is not with terrorists. You can't allow them to go free." The President also disclosed that the killing of the Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament T. Maheswaran and indiscriminate attacks on civilians prompted the government to abrogate the Cease-fire Agreement (CFA), adds Daily News. "I warned them not to attack civilians. But they continued to attack civilians. There were so many incidents of this nature." The President said he was opposed to the CFA from the very beginning. In fact, when the CFA was presented to Parliament, he was the first to speak against it. But he waited patiently for more than two years to withdraw from the agreement, despite the LTTE's provocations. "They violated the CFA more than 7,000 times. They left peace talks on flimsy excuses. Some expected me to abrogate the CFA on the very first day of assuming power. But I did not, because of our commitment to peace. But the LTTE had no regard for it." He said the government was not contemplating banning the LTTE at the moment.
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January - 23 
As clashes intensified, militants’ spokesman Maulvi Umar told Dawn that the conflict could expand to other areas of Waziristan if the government did not halt the operation.
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As clashes intensified, militants’ spokesman Maulvi Umar told Dawn that the conflict could expand to other areas of Waziristan if the government did not halt the operation.
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January - 23 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets bombed a frequent visiting place of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in Kilinochchi, known as "X-ray Base" on January 23, reports Colombo Page. The SLAF jets in a low flying mission targeted the base located east of Iranamadu Tank in the Kalmadukulam
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets bombed a frequent visiting place of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in Kilinochchi, known as "X-ray Base" on January 23, reports Colombo Page. The SLAF jets in a low flying mission targeted the base located east of Iranamadu Tank in the Kalmadukulama area, the Defense Ministry said. The SLAF spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya said, "We believed he (Prabha) was in the base and no confirmation on his condition or whereabouts after the raid." Fighter pilots have confirmed that the target was accurately hit, however, the extent of damage is yet to be ascertained. The target was located in a thick jungle patch, north of LTTE’s "runaway" in Iranamadu. The area has been long demarcated as a "high security zone" and a ‘no go’ area for civilians, the sources added.
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January - 23 
The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has promised to hand over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran to India to face trial in the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case if he is captured, according to agencies. In the event of Prabhakar
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The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has promised to hand over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran to India to face trial in the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case if he is captured, according to agencies. In the event of Prabhakaran getting caught, he would be tried for offences in the island country and then handed over to India for trial over the killing of Rajiv Gandhi, he said during an interaction with foreign correspondents in Colombo on January 23.
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January - 24 
Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said 10 soldiers were killed in two days of fighting as the security forces (SFs) stormed militant positions in several towns, including Spinkai Raghzai in Srarogha near Jandola, Mohammad Nawaz Kot in Tiarza and Makeen. He said the SFs destroyed the maxim
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Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said 10 soldiers were killed in two days of fighting as the security forces (SFs) stormed militant positions in several towns, including Spinkai Raghzai in Srarogha near Jandola, Mohammad Nawaz Kot in Tiarza and Makeen. He said the SFs destroyed the maximum number of militant hideouts in these areas and cleared the towns from the miscreants. Abbas added that 40 militants were killed during the fighting while many others sustained injuries. He also said the troops arrested 30 militants who were trying to escape during the clashes. He said eight soldiers died in Spinkai Raghzai and two others in Mohammad Nawaz Kot. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed to have captured five soldiers and taken into custody five trucks loaded with heavy arms and ammunition, supposed to be delivered to the SFs fighting against the militants in South Waziristan. The troops backed by tanks and gunship helicopters moved from Jandola and Chagmalai towards Mandana on early January 24. Sources said that fighter aircraft targeted the suspected militants’ positions in Kotki village, 15 kilometers from Jandola town.
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January - 24 
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Shujaat Hussain’s brother Wajahat Hussain and son Shafay Hussain landed at the Islamabad Airport on PIA flight PK-786 on January 24, after British officials allegedly detained and deported them after they had landed at a London Airport from Spain, accor
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Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Shujaat Hussain’s brother Wajahat Hussain and son Shafay Hussain landed at the Islamabad Airport on PIA flight PK-786 on January 24, after British officials allegedly detained and deported them after they had landed at a London Airport from Spain, according to Daily Times. According to sources, the pair was given deported passenger status. The immigration officers offloaded them from the plane and detained them for questioning. Geo News television channel quoted sources as saying that the airport officials had doubts that the two detainees might have links with the 11 Pakistanis who were arrested in Barcelona a few days ago for their alleged links with terrorists. Wajahat and Shujaat’s son came to London to mobilise the Pakistani community ahead of President Pervez Musharraf’s address, according to sources. The British Foreign Office spokeswoman Natasha Khan confirmed the arrests, saying, "Six men were detained at the airport on 22 January and were released on 23 January. We sincerely regret any inconvenience, any distress caused. They are free to return to the UK and their visas have not been affected."
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January - 24 
The Interior Ministry has warned the provinces that 13 suicide bombers have entered Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and may carry out attacks in these cities, Daily Times reported. According to Geo News, the ministry revealed in a letter written to the prov
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The Interior Ministry has warned the provinces that 13 suicide bombers have entered Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and may carry out attacks in these cities, Daily Times reported. According to Geo News, the ministry revealed in a letter written to the provinces and security agencies that terrorists have formed a new group by the name of Al-Quds Army and that 13 of its newly trained suicide bombers have entered major cities for subversive activities. The ministry has also warned security agencies and the provinces that two extremists of Maulana Fazlullah’s Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) have entered Sindh and Balochistan.
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January - 24 
President Mahinda Rajapakse is to set up a Temporary Interim Advisory Council (TIAC) to resolve problems in the North, said the Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister and Sri Lanka Freedom Party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena on January 24, reports Daily News. The advisory co
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President Mahinda Rajapakse is to set up a Temporary Interim Advisory Council (TIAC) to resolve problems in the North, said the Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister and Sri Lanka Freedom Party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena on January 24, reports Daily News. The advisory council, which will have representatives from all ethnicities, will directly work with the Northern Province Governor who is to be appointed by the government. The TIAC which will be appointed by the President is totally different from the mechanisms envisaged in the Indo-Lanka Agreement. "The North is yet to be cleared of the LTTE. It is difficult to hold an election in the North at the moment. All national issues will be discussed by the TIAC representatives with the Governor. This will also strengthen the relation between the TIAC representatives and public," he added.
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January - 25 
However, ISPR Director General Major General Athar Abbas said around 25-30 militants and two security forces personnel were killed, adding that 10 personnel were injured. He denied militant’s claims of having killed seven soldiers and taken another 15 hostage. “At present, the aim is the recovery of
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However, ISPR Director General Major General Athar Abbas said around 25-30 militants and two security forces personnel were killed, adding that 10 personnel were injured. He denied militant’s claims of having killed seven soldiers and taken another 15 hostage. “At present, the aim is the recovery of trucks [of food and ammunition] and if the resistance grows, then the operation may continue till the army takes control of the area,” Abbas said. Reports said that the security forces had imposed a curfew in the region.
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January - 26 
Signalling that there will be no let up in military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 26 that the army was trying to liberate the outfit’s strongholds of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu in the north, according to PTI. ''We are tryin
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Signalling that there will be no let up in military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), President Mahinda Rajapakse said on January 26 that the army was trying to liberate the outfit’s strongholds of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu in the north, according to PTI. ''We are trying to relieve the people of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu of terror under LTTE leader V Prabhakaran,'' he said, adding, ''The government is making efforts to allow them to enjoy the freedoms and rights of human beings in a democratic state in the same manner the people of the Eastern Province were now enjoying.” He also said that steps have been taken to restore democratic rights of the people by the elected representatives in the Eastern Province.
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January - 27 
According to Indian Express, Bastar in Chhattisgarh is emerging as the new training ground for CPI-Maoist cadres from across the country. The People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is running four camps in the forests of the region where cadres from several states are being given “on the job” tra
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According to Indian Express, Bastar in Chhattisgarh is emerging as the new training ground for CPI-Maoist cadres from across the country. The People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is running four camps in the forests of the region where cadres from several states are being given “on the job” training in carrying out attacks and planting explosives. Intelligence reports and documents seized by the Chhattisgarh Police indicate that Bastar is the new epicentre for Maoist extremism and officials suspect that 1,500-2,000 cadres are present in these camps at any given time. Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Vishwaranjan stated that while three of the camps were located in the jungles of Bijapur and Dantewara districts, one camp is believed to be located in the Abujhmarh forests. “According to intelligence inputs received by us, apart from locally recruited cadres, Maoist extremists from other states, including Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, are also being given training,” he said. Apart from 8,000-10,000 armed PLGA and Jan militia in the region, there are also 25,000-35,000 Maoist sympathisers or Sangham members. According to the police chief, Bastar was ideal for such camps as the cadres could be given “on the job” training through real attacks on security forces, planting of explosives, blowing up of government buildings and infrastructure. Guerrilla warfare tactics are also reportedly being taught. Lack of an adequate security apparatus emboldens the extremists to often use trainee militia members in their offensives, the report stated. Bastar has five districts — Narayanpur, Kanker, Bastar, Bijapur and Dantewara — and each has been hit by Maoist violence. “For five districts with an area of over 45,000 sq km, we have just 13 battalions of Central forces, while we need at least 70,” Vishwaranjan said. Of the 13 para-military battalions, 10 are posted in the Bastar region while three are posted in the northern districts. Of the 20 police districts in Chhattisgarh, 16 have been officially acknowledged as being Maoist-affected.
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January - 28 
According to Indian Express, the Delhi Police has identified 16 police stations as prone to "Maoist infiltration". 12 of these stations reportedly fall in the north-west police district. The threat has forced the security apparatus to plan for an anti-Naxalite cell in the city, said Intelligence sou
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According to Indian Express, the Delhi Police has identified 16 police stations as prone to "Maoist infiltration". 12 of these stations reportedly fall in the north-west police district. The threat has forced the security apparatus to plan for an anti-Naxalite cell in the city, said Intelligence sources. Sources in Delhi Police said senior officers are in touch with their counterparts in the Maoist -affected States such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. "The arrangement is essentially for intelligence sharing to check the spread of ultra-Left extremism in Delhi," a police source said. About the proposed anti-Naxalite cell, sources said it has been planned on the lines of the anti-terror unit of Special Cell. Sources stated that "Unlike the Special Cell, which attempts to thwart terrorist activities in general, the focus of this cell would entirely be on containing Maoist extremism." Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal neither confirmed nor denied the proposal of forming an anti-Naxalite cell but said that the city police are looking into Naxalite menace with "seriousness".
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January - 28 
Officials in Peshawar confirmed the presence of the militant groups in Darra, adding that the groups had focused on "extending sway" to Peshawar. They said, "Today, both the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad have a strong presence within 20 kilometers of Peshawar." The unnamed officials said, "Th
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Officials in Peshawar confirmed the presence of the militant groups in Darra, adding that the groups had focused on "extending sway" to Peshawar. They said, "Today, both the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad have a strong presence within 20 kilometers of Peshawar." The unnamed officials said, "The fact of the matter is that some of the groups, such as Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, are very active around Peshawar and Kohat district, especially in areas close to the Kohat-Rawalpindi Highway." The officials also stated that the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was the "most active group" in Darra.
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January - 28 
The security forces on January 28 claimed purging Darra Adam Khel and the surrounding hills of the militants amid reports of heavy shelling and artillery fire that continued till afternoon. "The troops are in full control of the town and the adjoining mountains. Besides, the Friendship Tunnel is als
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The security forces on January 28 claimed purging Darra Adam Khel and the surrounding hills of the militants amid reports of heavy shelling and artillery fire that continued till afternoon. "The troops are in full control of the town and the adjoining mountains. Besides, the Friendship Tunnel is also under control and will take some time to be reopened for general traffic," military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told The News.
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January - 28 
The security forces successfully retaliated with heavy artillery and multi barrel rocket launchers an LTTE artillery fire towards the Palali area in the Jaffna district at around 9.30am on January 28, reports Daily News. "A passing out parade was to be held at the Palali camp before the LTTE launche
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The security forces successfully retaliated with heavy artillery and multi barrel rocket launchers an LTTE artillery fire towards the Palali area in the Jaffna district at around 9.30am on January 28, reports Daily News. "A passing out parade was to be held at the Palali camp before the LTTE launched the artillery attack. Around 15 Tiger artillery shells had fallen in the Palali area but there was no damage to life or property… The passing out parade was held at the Palali base as scheduled," said Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara. He said following the artillery attack the Air Force carried out an air strike targeting an LTTE artillery position in the Kalmunai point at around 11.45am. "LTTE cadres were launching the artillery attack directed towards the Palali from this position. The Tiger artillery position was completely destroyed by the Air Force fighters", he informed.
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January - 28 
The security forces successfully retaliated with heavy artillery and multi barrel rocket launchers an LTTE artillery fire towards the Palali area of Jaffna district at around 9.30am on January 28, reports Daily News. "A passing out parade was to be held at the Palali camp before the LTTE launched th
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The security forces successfully retaliated with heavy artillery and multi barrel rocket launchers an LTTE artillery fire towards the Palali area of Jaffna district at around 9.30am on January 28, reports Daily News. "A passing out parade was to be held at the Palali camp before the LTTE launched the artillery attack. Around 15 Tiger artillery shells had fallen in the Palali area but there was no damage to life or property… The passing out parade was held at the Palali base as scheduled," said Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara. He said following the artillery attack the Air Force carried out an air strike targeting an LTTE artillery position in the Kalmunai point at around 11.45am. "LTTE cadres were launching the artillery attack directed towards the Palali from this position. The Tiger artillery position was completely destroyed by the Air Force fighters", he stated.
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January - 29 
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said he is ready to meet all the just demands made by disgruntled Madhesi groups if they show a readiness to take part in the forthcoming Constituent Assembly election, Nepal News reports. Addressing a function on January 29 in Kathmandu, Koirala said, "I wan
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Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said he is ready to meet all the just demands made by disgruntled Madhesi groups if they show a readiness to take part in the forthcoming Constituent Assembly election, Nepal News reports. Addressing a function on January 29 in Kathmandu, Koirala said, "I want to tell the Madhesi friends that they just need to become ready to participate in the elections, then it will be for me to meet all the just demands they are raising." Stressing that only dialogue can resolve the Terai problem, the Prime Minister also urged the Terai groups to come to the negotiating table.
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January - 29 
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its breakaway faction led by ‘Colonel’ Karuna of recruiting children from North and the East in a report looking at Children in War, The Hindu reported. In a new report issued on January 29,
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The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and its breakaway faction led by ‘Colonel’ Karuna of recruiting children from North and the East in a report looking at Children in War, The Hindu reported. In a new report issued on January 29, Ban Ki-moon said child recruitment and use of children in armed conflict is taking place in more than a dozen countries around the world. According to the report, "The practice continues in Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, the Central African Republic (CAR), Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Uganda", the UN Secretary-General's latest report on children and armed conflict, covering the period from October 2006 to August 2007, the LTTE had recruited or re-recruited 339 children. It says that 41% of them were from Batticaloa. "Among the 6,221 children registered on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) database as having been recruited since 2001, 1,469 cases remain outstanding, including 335 children under 18 as at August 2007," the report says. The UNICEF has also received confirmed reports that 246 children had been recruited or re-recruited by Karuna group during the reporting period. "There have been reports that the Karuna faction have abducted and recruited children from IDP camps in Sri Lanka, while in the DRC, children have been recruited from camps in North Kivu Province by forces loyal to rebel leader Laurent Nkunda".
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January - 30 
For the first time since its inception in 2004, the organising committee Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in Kerala issued a statement confirming the outfit’s presence in the state, reports New Indian Express. The statement issued in the name of the state organising secretary Mohan says
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For the first time since its inception in 2004, the organising committee Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in Kerala issued a statement confirming the outfit’s presence in the state, reports New Indian Express. The statement issued in the name of the state organising secretary Mohan says that political activists of the Communist party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) are co-operating with Maoists in Kerala and are covertly working for the organisation. The outfit, as per the statement has full-fledged district committees in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Palakkad.
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January - 30 
The United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) of Karbi Anglong has boycotted a meeting convened by the Government in New Delhi on January 30, Telegraph reports. The outfit’s publicity secretary, Tong Eh Nongloda, said in a press release that the decision not to meet representatives of the Governm
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The United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) of Karbi Anglong has boycotted a meeting convened by the Government in New Delhi on January 30, Telegraph reports. The outfit’s publicity secretary, Tong Eh Nongloda, said in a press release that the decision not to meet representatives of the Government for a "mere" extension of the ceasefire was taken under "tremendous" pressure from members frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations and alleged harassment by the security forces. The decision not to agree to another extension of the ceasefire was taken by the outfit’s Central Militia Commission. Nongloda also added that, "We have resolved to stay firm on not extending the truce until completion of consultation with all officers and cadres.
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January - 30 
A report of the National Human Rights Commission regional office in Biratnagar has revealed that the Maoists are yet to return the seized land and property belonging to 38 families of Rajbiraj in the Saptari district. Maoist district secretary Suryanath Yadav alias Subash said that they were ready t
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A report of the National Human Rights Commission regional office in Biratnagar has revealed that the Maoists are yet to return the seized land and property belonging to 38 families of Rajbiraj in the Saptari district. Maoist district secretary Suryanath Yadav alias Subash said that they were ready to return the seized land and property as per the direction of the party. "We have returned most of the land and property we had seized," he claimed. Seized land and property will be distributed to the poor, needy, landless and squatters, he added.
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January - 30 
Brigadier Nanayakkara urged the public to be vigilant since the LTTE had planned to carry out attacks by disguising their men as ice cream vendors. "We have reliable information that the LTTE cadres are planning to carry out an attack posing off as ice cream vendors and we are asking the public to b
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Brigadier Nanayakkara urged the public to be vigilant since the LTTE had planned to carry out attacks by disguising their men as ice cream vendors. "We have reliable information that the LTTE cadres are planning to carry out an attack posing off as ice cream vendors and we are asking the public to be extra vigilant," he said.
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January - 30 
The Army on January 30 said that the LTTE transmissions, closely monitored and transcribed by members of the security forces, now consolidating in and around Mannar areas, affirmed that many conscripted minors, school children and teachers were being sent to the LTTE defence line to the north of Mad
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The Army on January 30 said that the LTTE transmissions, closely monitored and transcribed by members of the security forces, now consolidating in and around Mannar areas, affirmed that many conscripted minors, school children and teachers were being sent to the LTTE defence line to the north of Madhu with sinister motives and plans, reports Daily News.
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January - 30 
The government spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella strongly denied any military involvement in the January 28 bomb blast and reiterated that Sri Lanka Army being a professional military would not operate in a no-war-zone proclaimed by the government. The Minister pointed out that the militar
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The government spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella strongly denied any military involvement in the January 28 bomb blast and reiterated that Sri Lanka Army being a professional military would not operate in a no-war-zone proclaimed by the government. The Minister pointed out that the military has so far refrained form wresting control over the territory despite it being a relatively easy task, due to its respect for the existence of the no-war-zone.
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January - 30 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have urged the United Nations (UN) to recognise 'Tamil sovereignty' to end the 25-year-old ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, accusing the Sri Lankan government of committing excesses against the minority community in the country, according to Rediff. "We urge
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have urged the United Nations (UN) to recognise 'Tamil sovereignty' to end the 25-year-old ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, accusing the Sri Lankan government of committing excesses against the minority community in the country, according to Rediff. "We urge you to consider recognising Tamil sovereignty as a constructive approach to end the five decades long, large-scale, and serious rights violations against the Tamil people," the LTTE political head B. Nadesan said in a letter to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on January 30. "It should also be obvious to the international community that there is only one path open to regain the rights of the Tamil people and that is for the international community to recognize the sovereignty of the Tamil nation," Nadesan said. Nadesan alleged in the letter that the Sri Lankan army was involved in the attack on January 28 at Madhu in the Mannar district that led to the death of 18 civilians, including 12 school children. He also accused the Sri Lankan military of being responsible for aerial bombing of a village in Mullaitivu in which seven children were killed on January 4. "Since the present President of Sri Lanka (Mahinda Rajapakse) assumed office in November 2005, as many as 2,056 Tamil civilians including 132 Tamil children have been massacred by the Sri Lankan State Forces," he claimed.
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January - 31 
Senior al Qaeda commander Abu Laith Al-Libi has been killed in Pakistan, CNN quoted "a knowledgeable Western official and an unnamed military official" as saying, according to Daily Times. The 41-year-old Libyan was active in operational planning and training, and according to the US official, "not
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Senior al Qaeda commander Abu Laith Al-Libi has been killed in Pakistan, CNN quoted "a knowledgeable Western official and an unnamed military official" as saying, according to Daily Times. The 41-year-old Libyan was active in operational planning and training, and according to the US official, "not far below the importance of the top two al Qaeda leaders" – Osama bin Laden and Ayman Al-Zawahiri. He was placed on the US military’s most wanted list in 2006, behind Laden, Zawahiri and Taliban leader Mullah Omar. AP news agency said a Website used by militant groups carried a statement in the name of Al-Fajr, al Qaeda’s media wing, saying "he was martyred with a group of his brothers in the land of Muslim Pakistan." The statement was referring to a missile strike at Khushali Torikhel in North Waziristan on January 28. 10 militants, two women and three minors had died in the missile strike. However, a US military official with the Combined Joint Task Force-82, the anti-terror unit responsible for searching Libi in Afghanistan, told CNN he had no information on Al-Libi’s death, but added that CJTF-82 did not collect information from outside of Afghanistan and would be informed of targeted operations only "if the Pakistani military share that with us". AP said Pakistan’s Interior Ministry officials did not confirm Al-Libi’s death and were "still trying to gather details on the missile strike." Pakistani Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier Javed Cheema told AFP that "We have no information of his killing."
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February - 1 
Quoting the interrogation reports of Hyderabad resident Raziuddin Nasir, The Hindu reports that the Islamist fundamentalists planned serial blasts on the Goa beaches. Nasir, who is being interrogated by intelligence agencies and the police departments of more than 12 States in Karnataka, has disclos
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Quoting the interrogation reports of Hyderabad resident Raziuddin Nasir, The Hindu reports that the Islamist fundamentalists planned serial blasts on the Goa beaches. Nasir, who is being interrogated by intelligence agencies and the police departments of more than 12 States in Karnataka, has disclosed that the purpose of his visit to Goa immediately after the twin blasts in Hyderabad on August 25, was to identify beaches for organising serial blasts. The arrival in droves of foreign tourists, especially Israelis, seemed to have put the beaches on the target list of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi-al-Islami (HuJI) operatives. To that effect motorcycles had been stolen by Nasir and his accomplice Asaduddin Abubakar of Karnataka and these were meant to be used as bombs on a few select beaches. The Davangere police seized 11 stolen motorcycles on the basis of the statements of Nasir and Abubakar.
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February - 2 
The Sri Lanka Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda claimed that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was not capable of leading his organization due to immense pressure from the armed forces, according to Colombo Page. With reference to intelligence reports the Co
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The Sri Lanka Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda claimed that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was not capable of leading his organization due to immense pressure from the armed forces, according to Colombo Page. With reference to intelligence reports the Commander said that Prabhakaran is either injured or indisposed, adding, “The victory is coming soon but I don’t want to indicate an exact time frame.”
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February - 3 
The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has renewed its alliance with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), to cope with a spate of desertions from its ranks in recent times, reports Telegraph. An unnamed senior police official said on February 3, that the HN
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The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has renewed its alliance with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), to cope with a spate of desertions from its ranks in recent times, reports Telegraph. An unnamed senior police official said on February 3, that the HNLC leadership had sought the help of NSCN-IM to keep its cadres together. According to reports, scores of HNLC cadres have already fled their camps in Bangladesh to surrender, encouraging the police to go all out in luring more militants. Intelligence reports also mention that the HNLC has started recruiting uneducated youths from Mawkyrwat in West Khasi Hills district to make up for the recent desertions.
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February - 4 
Beebarg Baloch, a spokesman for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed that the BLA had attacked security forces (SFs) in Kahan and Siha Giri area of Kohlu district and that SFs had suffered heavy losses. He claimed that BLA was also involved in attacking a police vehicle in Quetta and blowing up
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Beebarg Baloch, a spokesman for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed that the BLA had attacked security forces (SFs) in Kahan and Siha Giri area of Kohlu district and that SFs had suffered heavy losses. He claimed that BLA was also involved in attacking a police vehicle in Quetta and blowing up power pylons in Dera Allahyar and Hub. However, official sources denied that SFs had come under any attack.
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February - 4 
The Sri Lankan authorities claimed that two London-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were arrested in Canada on suspicion of stealing "thousands" of credit cards of British customers, reports The Hindu. "Toronto Police said two Londoners, Kirubakaran Selvanayagam Pillai (38) an
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The Sri Lankan authorities claimed that two London-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were arrested in Canada on suspicion of stealing "thousands" of credit cards of British customers, reports The Hindu. "Toronto Police said two Londoners, Kirubakaran Selvanayagam Pillai (38) and Sethukavalar Saravanabhavan (35), connected with Tamil Tigers and arrested there may have stolen information of thousands of credit cards of U.K. customers," said Walter Jayawardhana, the Sri Lankan High Commission spokesman in London on February 4.
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February - 4 
The death toll in the blast that occurred when a suicide bomber crashed his bike into an armed forces bus carrying students and officials of Army Medical College, near the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi at around 7.25am (PST) on February 4, sources said, according to Daily Times. An eyewit
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The death toll in the blast that occurred when a suicide bomber crashed his bike into an armed forces bus carrying students and officials of Army Medical College, near the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi at around 7.25am (PST) on February 4, sources said, according to Daily Times. An eyewitness said the suicide bomber hit the 30-seater bus in front of National Logistic Cell offices close to the GHQ, blowing away the roof, windows and doors of the bus. Several other vehicles were also damaged. A van carrying schoolchildren was also partially damaged, but the children remained unhurt. R.A. Bazaar police Station House Officer Raja Basharat Abbasi told Daily Times that it was a suicide attack. According to him, it was yet to be established if the suicide bomber had been riding a bike. The dead included four members of the security forces, according to a military statement, reported AP. A female major was among the injured, the military official said. Meanwhile, Caretaker Federal Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz told reporters in Islamabad that Baitullah Mehsud may be involved in the suicide attack as only he had the ability to carry out such attack. The interior minister said that security agencies of the country were being targeted as police and army were taking effective action against the militants.
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February - 4 
On February 4, the Election Commission (EC) at a meeting with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed asked the interim government to create an environment conducive to holding elections to city corporations and some municipalities in April, either by relaxing or by lifting the state of emergency in respecti
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On February 4, the Election Commission (EC) at a meeting with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed asked the interim government to create an environment conducive to holding elections to city corporations and some municipalities in April, either by relaxing or by lifting the state of emergency in respective areas, reports Daily Star. The EC suggested that the emergency regime gradually allows 'indoor politics' to facilitate electoral reforms including registration of political parties with the commission. The process is supposed to be completed in June according to the announced electoral roadmap. Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain said, "Now it depends on the government whether it will lift or relax the state of emergency to create the environment required for holding the polls."
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February - 4 
The pro-LTTE Tamil groups in Britain launched a campaign to highlight the "sufferings" of Tamils in Sri Lanka, with a protest outside Downing Street. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans demanding "justice" for Tamils in Sri Lanka. "Let us all unite together to save our relations, to ask fo
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The pro-LTTE Tamil groups in Britain launched a campaign to highlight the "sufferings" of Tamils in Sri Lanka, with a protest outside Downing Street. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans demanding "justice" for Tamils in Sri Lanka. "Let us all unite together to save our relations, to ask for our rights," a leaflet distributed at the rally said. The protest, organised by the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO), whose spokesman Suren Surendiran, said, "The aim is to educate the second generation Tamils who live in the U.K. and the general public about the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka. We also intend having this exhibition in other major cities here in the U.K. and in Canada, Australia, United States of America and South Africa during the year." Meanwhile, condemning the protest Walter Jayawardhana described it as "LTTE propaganda". He expressed concern that although the LTTE was banned under Britain’s terror laws its "front organisations" were operating freely.
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February - 5 
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union has claimed that 39 students were abducted by the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) from six villages in Tirap district last month. The apex students’ organisation of Arunachal Pradesh served an ultimatum to the governme
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The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union has claimed that 39 students were abducted by the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) from six villages in Tirap district last month. The apex students’ organisation of Arunachal Pradesh served an ultimatum to the government on February 5 saying that it would launch a state-wide agitation if the children were not released within 10 days. Some of those kidnapped are below seven years of age. Sources said that armed NSCN-K militants kidnapped 22 children at gunpoint from their houses at Wakka and Chingkhow villages under Ponchu police station on January 9. Exactly a fortnight later, militants descended on Khasa, Jagan, Konnu and Konsa villages under Longding police station and kidnapped 17 children. All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union president Kanu Bagang told that, "We have also submitted a memorandum to Governor J.J. Singh and Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu, seeking their intervention in the matter to ensure the safe return of the 39 students." He also urged the state government to deploy paramilitary forces to combat insurgency in the trouble-torn districts.
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February - 5 
600 suicide bombers are present in Karachi and they are planning a major attack, revealed two militants Qasim Toori and Danish alias Talha during interrogations by law-enforcement agencies, according to Daily Times. Most of the suicide bombers are also former students of Islamabad’s Lal Masjid. The
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600 suicide bombers are present in Karachi and they are planning a major attack, revealed two militants Qasim Toori and Danish alias Talha during interrogations by law-enforcement agencies, according to Daily Times. Most of the suicide bombers are also former students of Islamabad’s Lal Masjid. The militants confessed, "Around 600 Jundullah militants are present in Karachi. They are mentally prepared and trained to commit suicide attacks." They also confessed that they had robbed foreign banks and dispatched the money to their headquarters in Wana in South Waziristan, from where their needs for weapons, explosives and other necessities were being met. The two militants, who were captured along with women and children during a raid in Sector-17A, Shah Latif, on January 29, were handed over to the Anti-Violent Crime Unit. A third militant, who was killed during the raid, was identified as Gohar Muhammad alias Abrar Keamari Wallah, according to Special Investigations Unit DSP Wasif Qureshi.
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February - 5 
Political turmoil in Pakistan has not seriously threatened the military’s control of its nuclear weapons "but vulnerabilities exist," United States (US) intelligence said in a report on February 5, according to Daily Times. "We judge [that] the ongoing political uncertainty in Pakistan has not serio
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Political turmoil in Pakistan has not seriously threatened the military’s control of its nuclear weapons "but vulnerabilities exist," United States (US) intelligence said in a report on February 5, according to Daily Times. "We judge [that] the ongoing political uncertainty in Pakistan has not seriously threatened the military’s control of the nuclear arsenal, but vulnerabilities exist," said the annual threat assessment, which was delivered to Congress by US intelligence Chief Mike McConnell. The report said, "We judge that the [Pakistan] army’s management of nuclear policy issues — to include physical security — has not been degraded by Pakistan’s political crisis." The report also warned of threats of terrorist attacks against the US, as al Qaeda improves its ability to identify, train and position operatives for such operations. It said an influx of new western recruits to al Qaeda’s safe havens in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) had been detected since 2006. "Al Qaeda is improving the last key aspect of its ability to attack the US — the identification, training, and positioning of operatives for an attack in the homeland," the report said. McConnell, meanwhile, said Pakistan’s Tribal Areas were providing al Qaeda "many of the advantages it once derived from its base across the border in Afghanistan, albeit on a smaller and less secure scale".
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February - 5 
The United States intelligence believes that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and other Kashmir-based insurgent groups will continue to plan and execute "attacks" in India, reports Indian Express. Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnel has said that, "The intelligence community asses
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The United States intelligence believes that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and other Kashmir-based insurgent groups will continue to plan and execute "attacks" in India, reports Indian Express. Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnel has said that, "The intelligence community assesses that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other Kashmir-focussed groups will continue attack planning and execution in India. Shia and Hindu religious observances are possible targets, as are transportation networks and government buildings." McConnel, while speaking to the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence, also said that, "We judge Kashmir-focussed groups will continue to support the attacks in Afghanistan, and operatives trained by the groups will continue to feature in al-Qaida translational attack planning.
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February - 6 
The Communist Party of India–Maoist (CPI-Maoist) ‘Protection platoon commander’ of North Telangana special zone committee (NTSZC) Ambir Kistaiah alias Krishna (32) and his wife and NTSZC special guerrilla squad ‘deputy commander’ Alam Laxmi alias Sumalatha (25) surrendered before Superintendent of P
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The Communist Party of India–Maoist (CPI-Maoist) ‘Protection platoon commander’ of North Telangana special zone committee (NTSZC) Ambir Kistaiah alias Krishna (32) and his wife and NTSZC special guerrilla squad ‘deputy commander’ Alam Laxmi alias Sumalatha (25) surrendered before Superintendent of Police Y. Gangadhar in the presence of OSD Harikrishna in Karimnagar on February 6, reports The Hindu. Kistaiah was involved in the Asarelli police station attack in Maharashtra in 2000 and where he took away 20 SLRs, four .303 rifles, one revolver. He revealed that the Maoists are planning to comeback with a vengeance in its erstwhile stronghold of Dandakaranya in the north Telangana region by committing major offences to make their presence felt. The protection platoon of NTSZC is moving in groups of 25 to 30 members to commit a major offence and regain their lost ground. Later, the platoon committee members would split into smaller groups and move separately to commit offences on individual targets. He also said that the NTSZC meeting was held in November 2007 and it discussed about the economic support and strengthening of the dalams (saquad). He said that there were about 50 Maoists in entire NTSZC including 28 in KKW (Karimnagar, Khammam and Warangal districts).
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February - 6 
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar on February 6 declared a unilateral cease-fire from South Waziristan to Swat, saying no security forces would be targeted. "We will not attack any security person, be it in Waziristan or in Swat (district)," he told Daily Times from an undisclosed location. Maulvi Umar
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Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar on February 6 declared a unilateral cease-fire from South Waziristan to Swat, saying no security forces would be targeted. "We will not attack any security person, be it in Waziristan or in Swat (district)," he told Daily Times from an undisclosed location. Maulvi Umar denied the cease-fire was the result of "secret negotiations", claiming the Taliban were responding to a reduction in the military’s attacks on them. "We will not attack the security forces till [our] next announcement," he said, adding, "We see a marked decrease in intensity of attacks on us." Tribal sources said a Taliban shura (council) had decided on the cease-fire after the government had "agreed to meet certain points." However, the military said that operations against militants would continue. "This (Taliban ceasefire) is [a] one-sided (announcement). We received no formal communiqué," military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.
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February - 6 
Police have raided the central office of the Young Communist League (YCL) at Balaju in Kathmandu on February 6-evening, Nepal News reports. Police have not yet clarified the reasons for raiding the YCL office; however, reports say that the police are searching for concealed weapons inside the YCL of
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Police have raided the central office of the Young Communist League (YCL) at Balaju in Kathmandu on February 6-evening, Nepal News reports. Police have not yet clarified the reasons for raiding the YCL office; however, reports say that the police are searching for concealed weapons inside the YCL office. Meanwhile, Maoist chairman Prachanda has warned that his party would opt out of the government if the election to Constituent Assembly is not held on the stipulated time as a result of such incidents. "It will be meaningless to continue to be a part of a government that can’t hold the election," Prachanda said.
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February - 7 
Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said on February 7 that an alert has been sounded in Goa and police have intensified checking to track possible terror plots in the state, reports Indian Express. The move follows the arrest of a suspected militant Riazuddin Nasir in January in Karnataka who had alleged
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Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said on February 7 that an alert has been sounded in Goa and police have intensified checking to track possible terror plots in the state, reports Indian Express. The move follows the arrest of a suspected militant Riazuddin Nasir in January in Karnataka who had allegedly confessed about his plans to carry out strikes in Karnataka and Goa. The militant had reportedly said that he could not translate his terror plans into action as he failed to receive a consignment of 50 kilograms of RDX explosive from Pakistan.
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February - 7 
Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda told Excelsior that there has been no let up in infiltration of militants into the State from Pakistan. The number of militants, who managed to infiltrate into the Indian side during 2007, stood between 550-600 almost equal to the number in 2006. This year to
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Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda told Excelsior that there has been no let up in infiltration of militants into the State from Pakistan. The number of militants, who managed to infiltrate into the Indian side during 2007, stood between 550-600 almost equal to the number in 2006. This year too has begun with a series of intrusion bids including two attempts in Sunderbani and one in Mendhar sector in which seven infiltrators were killed while an equal number of them might have succeeded in infiltration. "Terrorist bases and infrastructure in Pakistan was intact and effective, which they have demonstrated by killing Benazir Bhutto and other subversive activities in Pakistan. Incidents in Pakistan clearly indicated that militants were present there and indulging in violence", Khoda pointed out. "Syed Salahuddin, Mushtaq Latram and other Kashmiri militants continue to train militants in training camps in PoK and Pakistan with all their support base intact", the State police chief said, adding they were not expecting any let up in infiltration this year. "Rather 2008 being the election year, we are anticipating infiltration and violence to go up", he said but added that police and security forces were fully geared to meet with the situation.
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February - 7 
An investigation team on February 7 arrested two more suspects, Hasnain and Rifaqat, from Rawalpindi for their alleged involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister and Pakistan People’s Party chairwoman Benazir Bhutto, Daily Times reported. City Police Officer Saud Aziz said the police
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An investigation team on February 7 arrested two more suspects, Hasnain and Rifaqat, from Rawalpindi for their alleged involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister and Pakistan People’s Party chairwoman Benazir Bhutto, Daily Times reported. City Police Officer Saud Aziz said the police were interrogating the suspects. "These are important arrests. Investigations are under way," Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema told Reuters. An unnamed senior security official told AFP that the two men arrested had ties with Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud. "It is a major breakthrough. These two men were involved in the assassination and they are from a militant group which is relatively new," the official said, adding, "Their tentacles are from the tribal region and Baitullah Mehsud."
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February - 8 
There is no intrusion of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) into the State, said the Director General of Police P. Rajendran in Madurai on February 8. "Everything is under our control. The ‘Q’ Branch and the Coastal Security Group are very active and there has been no intrusion," he told report
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There is no intrusion of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) into the State, said the Director General of Police P. Rajendran in Madurai on February 8. "Everything is under our control. The ‘Q’ Branch and the Coastal Security Group are very active and there has been no intrusion," he told reporters.
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February - 8 
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) disagreed with Scotland Yard’s findings about Benazir Bhutto’s murder, claiming she was killed by an assassin’s bullet. "The party is still looking at the Scotland Yard report — however, it is difficult to agree with its findings," PPP Information Secretary Sherry R
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The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) disagreed with Scotland Yard’s findings about Benazir Bhutto’s murder, claiming she was killed by an assassin’s bullet. "The party is still looking at the Scotland Yard report — however, it is difficult to agree with its findings," PPP Information Secretary Sherry Rehman said. "We do believe that she was killed by an assassin’s bullet," she added. "This report gives us all the more reason to ask for an international probe at the UN level that looks into the hand that pulled the trigger, looks into the sponsorship and financiers behind it," she said.
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February - 10 
Assam Police foiled a plan of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to hijack a plane from Guwahati airport to Pakistan and arrested three persons on February 10 for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy, UNI reports. ULFA’s 709th battalion’s Manoj Tamuly alias Randip Baruah alias Kamal D
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Assam Police foiled a plan of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to hijack a plane from Guwahati airport to Pakistan and arrested three persons on February 10 for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy, UNI reports. ULFA’s 709th battalion’s Manoj Tamuly alias Randip Baruah alias Kamal Das alias Haloi alias Pathak and his fiancee Dharitri Sarma, also an ULFA militant, were arrested from Panjabari Bagorbori area of Guwahati. During interrogation, Manoj confessed that the ULFA had planned to hijack a plane from Borjhar and to take it to Pakistan. “I have had my training on plane hijack in Bagsa district under R. K. Ahmed, an Afghanistani,” Manoj said, adding that, “We have also been assigned to assassinate three non-political leaders of the State who are vocal against the ULFA’s theory of independent Asom.” Based on his confession, a prominent advocate Nekibur Zaman was also arrested. The house of a human rights activist, Lachit Bardoloi, was raided while a television journalist Pradeep Gogoi was arrested from Tinsukia.
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February - 10 
In the early hours of February 10, six Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants suspected to be involved in the terrorist attacks on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre in Rampur (January 1, 2008) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore (December 28, 2005), were arrested from
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In the early hours of February 10, six Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants suspected to be involved in the terrorist attacks on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre in Rampur (January 1, 2008) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore (December 28, 2005), were arrested from Rampur and capital Lucknow by the Special Task Force (STF) personnel of the Uttar Pradesh Police, reports The Hindu. While eight persons, including seven CRPF personnel, were killed in the Rampur attack, a lone scientist was killed and few others injured in the Bangalore attack. Fahim Ahmed Ansari alias Abu Zaraar alias Saquib, Mohammad Sharif alias Mohammad Anwar and Jang Bahadur alias Baba were arrested in Rampur around 12.15a.m. (IST) and Mohammad Sabahuddin alias Abu Qasim alias Sameer Singh, Amar Singh alias Abu Zaar and Abu Osama alias Aavesh, were detained at the Charbagh Railway Station tempo stand in Lucknow around 6.30a.m. The Uttar Pradesh Director-General of Police Vikram Singh said Pakistan nationals Abu Zaar and Abu Osama, who played a major role in the Rampur and Bangalore attacks, had planned terrorist attacks at Churchgate in Mumbai, the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Army convoys in Rampur and Bareilly. He further said that the Bangalore and Mumbai police were informed about the arrests and a joint interrogation would be held soon. Initial interrogation revealed that before the Rampur attack, the terrorists were given training in intelligence gathering and handling explosives for about a month by Pakistan’s external intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
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February - 10 
STF official said that Mohammad Sabahuddin, one of the six Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists arrested on February 9, revealed that the plan to attack the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bangalore was abandoned due to tight security. Sabahuddin had reportedly conducted a recce of the ISRO
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STF official said that Mohammad Sabahuddin, one of the six Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists arrested on February 9, revealed that the plan to attack the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bangalore was abandoned due to tight security. Sabahuddin had reportedly conducted a recce of the ISRO around the same time when the Indian Institute of Science was attacked.
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February - 10 
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) rejected a call given by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang (NSCN-K) for broad based unity among Nagas and a halt to the fratricidal strife, according to Assam Tribune. In a joint statement, the NSCN-K leadership,
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The National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) rejected a call given by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang (NSCN-K) for broad based unity among Nagas and a halt to the fratricidal strife, according to Assam Tribune. In a joint statement, the NSCN-K leadership, Chairman S. S. Khaplang, General Secretary N. Kitovi Zimomi and armed wing chief Kholi Konyak, said the task of unification was a step towards stopping bloodshed and install a sense of hope. It also added that unification should not be jeopardised by ulterior motives and called upon Nagas to uphold the sacred cause, it said. However, the NSCN-IM rejected the unification process initiated by its defectors led by Azheto Chophy, charging them with extortion and kidnapping for ransom in Dimapur town in the name of Naga unification.
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February - 10 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran had no option but to give up arms and join the political mainstream as the Sri Lankan forces were marching ahead remarkably against the outfit, Army Chief Sarath Fonseka said. "LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran should realise that he
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran had no option but to give up arms and join the political mainstream as the Sri Lankan forces were marching ahead remarkably against the outfit, Army Chief Sarath Fonseka said. "LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran should realise that he cannot go ahead with his military campaign. They have no option other than to give up their struggle and enter the political mainstream," he told the state-run Sunday Observer published on February 10. Fonseka said that the LTTE was now confined only to two districts in the North and the outfit was running out of men and material to stand before the advancing Army.
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February - 11 
Leaders of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s Tea Cell and the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha called on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on February 11 to apprise him of their apprehensions about Maoist infiltrating the tea estates and instigating the Adivasi community. The delegation said the State’s secu
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Leaders of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s Tea Cell and the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha called on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on February 11 to apprise him of their apprehensions about Maoist infiltrating the tea estates and instigating the Adivasi community. The delegation said the State’s security would be threatened if the trend was not immediately checked. The chairman of the Tea Cell, Bhagirat Karan, said his organisation had received information about Maoists sneaking into the tea estates. The police also suspect a link between Maoists and the All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) in Assam.
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February - 11 
The toll of militants in the Kashmir Valley has decreased and presently it is less than thousand which is the lowest since inception of militancy, according to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). "According to our intelligence inputs, present number of militants in the Valley is 450," M. S. Gup
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The toll of militants in the Kashmir Valley has decreased and presently it is less than thousand which is the lowest since inception of militancy, according to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). "According to our intelligence inputs, present number of militants in the Valley is 450," M. S. Gupta, the Inspector General (Operations) of CRPF said. Gupta said the inclusion of local youth in militancy has also decreased up to minimum. "This year the local recruitment in militancy was very minimal, 30 – 40 in entire Valley", he stated.
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February - 12 
Arrested ULFA militant Manoj Tamuly confessed before the police that the outfit had hatched the conspiracy to hijack a plane during a meeting at a restaurant in the Karol Bagh area of national capital New Delhi sometime in December 2007 with an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent. He also disclo
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Arrested ULFA militant Manoj Tamuly confessed before the police that the outfit had hatched the conspiracy to hijack a plane during a meeting at a restaurant in the Karol Bagh area of national capital New Delhi sometime in December 2007 with an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent. He also disclosed that "ULFA rebels Akash Thapa, Vikram, Bhagin and Bhaskar Rajbongshi were also present at the meeting."
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February - 12 
The deployment of army troops for maintaining peace in different parts of the country during the elections began on February 12 and the government declared over 19,000 polling stations ‘sensitive’ and imposed a complete ban on carrying and display of weapons in the vicinity of the stations. "Army ha
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The deployment of army troops for maintaining peace in different parts of the country during the elections began on February 12 and the government declared over 19,000 polling stations ‘sensitive’ and imposed a complete ban on carrying and display of weapons in the vicinity of the stations. "Army has started mobilising and moving to the areas and the deployment will be completed by February 15," Interior Ministry spokesman Brig (retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema said at his weekly press briefing in Islamabad. According to a categorisation, 64,175 polling stations are being set up, of which 19,380 have been declared ‘sensitive’. The number of ‘most sensitive polling stations’ stands at 8,928 -- 3,787 in Punjab, 1,575 in Sindh, 1,094 in the NWFP, 1,350 in Balochistan and 1,122 in FATA. The spokesman said that some areas in the NWFP, Balochistan, FATA and Sindh had been declared ‘high-risk’. They are Swat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Malakand Agency, Hangu and Tankand Bannu in the NWFP; South Waziristan Agency, North Waziristan Agency, Mohmand Agency, Bajaur Agency, FR Kohat, Darra Adam Khel and Bannu in FATA; parts of the riverine belt known as Kacha Area in Sindh; and Kohlu, Dera Bugti and Killa Abdullah in Balochistan.
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February - 12 
The Pakistan Army said on February 12 that it had no plans to withdraw its officers working in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), contrary to the policy it had adopted for other civilian departments, according to The News. "Who will work there if we call them (our people) back from the ISI," sai
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The Pakistan Army said on February 12 that it had no plans to withdraw its officers working in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), contrary to the policy it had adopted for other civilian departments, according to The News. "Who will work there if we call them (our people) back from the ISI," said ISPR Director-General Major General Athar Abbas. Although, the prime minister of Pakistan heads the ISI, the ISPR chief maintained that the Army’s presence in the agency was required to keep it working.
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February - 12 
The Taliban on February 12 claimed responsibility for the abduction of Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan, Tariq Azizuddin, and said they would release him in return for the arrested Taliban commander Mullah Mansoor Dadullah, Daily Times quoted Geo Television as saying. Azizuddin had gone missing o
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The Taliban on February 12 claimed responsibility for the abduction of Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan, Tariq Azizuddin, and said they would release him in return for the arrested Taliban commander Mullah Mansoor Dadullah, Daily Times quoted Geo Television as saying. Azizuddin had gone missing on his way from Peshawar to the Torkham border crossing on February 11 when he lost contact with authorities in the Khyber Agency. Dadullah was arrested in Quetta on the same day. Geo Television quoted the bureau chief of an Arab television channel as saying that the local Taliban had asked tribal elders to convey their message to the Pakistani government. "We have heard this news on TV channels… However, we have not received any formal information to this effect," Interior Ministry spokesman Brig (r) Javed Iqbal Cheema told reporters. Cheema also said the government did not know who had abducted Azizuddin or what had happened to him. Asked if the government would trade Dadullah for Azizuddin, Cheema replied, "I cannot say anything."
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February - 12 
The LTTE are reportedly among six blatant violators of human rights singled out by the United Nations (UN) for recruiting underage children in armed conflict and using rape and other forms of sexual violence against them, according to Daily News. The UN Security Council on February 12 criticised the
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The LTTE are reportedly among six blatant violators of human rights singled out by the United Nations (UN) for recruiting underage children in armed conflict and using rape and other forms of sexual violence against them, according to Daily News. The UN Security Council on February 12 criticised the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and deplored the systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence against them.
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February - 13 
Zee News reports that the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) militants, arrested in connection with the bomb blast at a cinema hall in Ludhiana in Punjab on October 14, 2007, have told the investigators that they had approached the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) for supply of arms and
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Zee News reports that the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) militants, arrested in connection with the bomb blast at a cinema hall in Ludhiana in Punjab on October 14, 2007, have told the investigators that they had approached the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) for supply of arms and ammunition. During their interrogation, the militants also told that few Sikh youths had been tasked to kill political leaders including Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, his son Sukhbir, President of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front M. S. Bitta and former State Director General of Police K P. S. Gill. These youths were being trained by Pakistan's external intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in the handling of arms and ammunition including fabricating of improvised explosive devices.
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February - 13 
A five-man group was involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, but their link with militant commander Baitullah Mehsud has not been established, Chaudhry Abdul Majid, the Additional Inspector General of CID who is heading the government’s investigation into the assassina
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A five-man group was involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, but their link with militant commander Baitullah Mehsud has not been established, Chaudhry Abdul Majid, the Additional Inspector General of CID who is heading the government’s investigation into the assassination, told a press conference on February 13, according to Dawn. He said of the five, two had been arrested, the man who fired shots later blew himself up and the fourth, another suicide bomber who was at the other end of Liaquat Bagh, escaped. The “handler” is yet be traced. “The planning of the Dec 27 assassination of Ms Bhutto was made by the group in Nov 2007,” he said, adding: “Their link with militant commander Baitullah Mehsud has not been established so far.”
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February - 13 
Addressing a media briefing on February 13 in Colombo the military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said in the period between January 30 and February 12, 475 LTTE militants were killed and many more injured during the fighting between the security forces (SFs) and the militants in the North, a
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Addressing a media briefing on February 13 in Colombo the military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said in the period between January 30 and February 12, 475 LTTE militants were killed and many more injured during the fighting between the security forces (SFs) and the militants in the North, according to Colombo Page. He put SFs losses at 39 killed and 178 injured. 46 civilians were also killed during the two-week period while 179 civilians sustained injuries.
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February - 13 
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was deeply concerned about the growing number of civilian casualties, including children, as the security situation across Sri Lanka deteriorates due to indiscriminate Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacks on civilian targets, Col
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was deeply concerned about the growing number of civilian casualties, including children, as the security situation across Sri Lanka deteriorates due to indiscriminate Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacks on civilian targets, Colombo Page reports. Issuing a statement on February 13, the ICRC said that in the first six weeks of 2008, more than 180 civilians were reported killed and almost 270 injured in a series of attacks on civilian buses, railway stations and individuals in Colombo, Dambula, Kebhitigollewa, Madhu, Okkampitiya and Welli Oya. Toon Vandenhove, Head of the ICRC in Colombo, said the number of civilians affected by the violence throughout the country, either by being directly targeted or as bystanders, has reached appalling levels. "Sadly, many of the victims have been children on their way to or from school," he added.
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February - 14 
The Sri Lankan Navy chief Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda on February 14 sought international cooperation to deal with the threat posed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and claimed that patrolling would have to be increased if India’s Sethusamundram shipping channel project is implem
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The Sri Lankan Navy chief Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda on February 14 sought international cooperation to deal with the threat posed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and claimed that patrolling would have to be increased if India’s Sethusamundram shipping channel project is implemented, according to New Indian Express. Wasantha Karannagoda, who is in New Delhi to take part in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, stated that the LTTE has been a threat for Sri Lanka but if its activities were not checked the group will pose problems for other countries. He stated that the Indian government would have factored the security aspect while conceiving the shipping lane and added that Sri Lanka will increase patrol on its side of the channel.
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February - 14 
The Hindu reports that a Unified Command Structure comprising officials of the Centre and the State governments would be in charge of tacking the problem of left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh. An announcement to this effect was made by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil who visited the State on Febr
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The Hindu reports that a Unified Command Structure comprising officials of the Centre and the State governments would be in charge of tacking the problem of left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh. An announcement to this effect was made by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil who visited the State on February 14. The Chief Minister will head the Unified Command Structure which would co-ordinate the activities of the State and Central forces.
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February - 15 
Citing the LTTE suicide attack at the Colombo railway station on February 3, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has warned that terrorist movements may adopt such tactics and reminded security officials of the increased use of women suicide bombers disguised as pregnant women. "DHS and the
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Citing the LTTE suicide attack at the Colombo railway station on February 3, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has warned that terrorist movements may adopt such tactics and reminded security officials of the increased use of women suicide bombers disguised as pregnant women. "DHS and the FBI assess that female suicide bombers may have an advantage over their male counterparts in accessing targets. The means to conduct a suicide attack vary widely, but a key element in maximising the lethality of a suicide bombing is the bomber’s ability to get close to the target," said the report.
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February - 16 
Intelligence agencies have indicated that a large number of grenades could be kept hidden in places across the country. Daily Star reports that in the last five years, the law enforcers seized grenades in almost every district of the country and most of those were found abandoned. On February 16, Ha
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Intelligence agencies have indicated that a large number of grenades could be kept hidden in places across the country. Daily Star reports that in the last five years, the law enforcers seized grenades in almost every district of the country and most of those were found abandoned. On February 16, Hassan Mahmood Khandaker, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), when asked whether grenades are in the hands of militants, said, "Our suspicion points to everywhere". Security force personnel have seized at least 130 hand grenades, mostly of Arges brand, and the rest 36-MHE brand grenades, from different parts of the country, the report said. The bulk of the seized grenades were in possession of the Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-BD), which had 'carried out' the major grenade attacks in the country.
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February - 16 
Reacting to the frequent claims by the Sri Lankan government that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran has been injured in a military raid, the outfit’s political head B. Nadesan told the Tamil daily Thinakkural in an interview on February 16, "A false propaganda
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Reacting to the frequent claims by the Sri Lankan government that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran has been injured in a military raid, the outfit’s political head B. Nadesan told the Tamil daily Thinakkural in an interview on February 16, "A false propaganda saying our leader Prabhakaran is injured is being carried. Nobody can approach our leader. People of Sri Lanka will realise the futility of such a claim in times to come.” He accused the government of trying to sideline the Norwegian mediators besides contradicting the United Nations. "The government is not in favour of peace process," he claimed.
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February - 17 
A Central team, including Special Secretary in the Union Home Ministry, M K Kumawat, also chief of the task force against Maoists, visited Nayagarh town to assess the situation there. "All possible assistance will be provided for tackling the Maoist problem," Kumawat told reporters at Nayagarh after
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A Central team, including Special Secretary in the Union Home Ministry, M K Kumawat, also chief of the task force against Maoists, visited Nayagarh town to assess the situation there. "All possible assistance will be provided for tackling the Maoist problem," Kumawat told reporters at Nayagarh after inspecting the looted armouries.
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February - 17 
A senior investigator said on February 17 that the suspects arrested in Benazir Bhutto’s assassination were part of a team instructed to kill her and Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud was mastermind of the plot, Dawn reported. CID Assistant Inspector General of Police Chaudhry Abdul Majeed said at
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A senior investigator said on February 17 that the suspects arrested in Benazir Bhutto’s assassination were part of a team instructed to kill her and Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud was mastermind of the plot, Dawn reported. CID Assistant Inspector General of Police Chaudhry Abdul Majeed said at a press conference in Rawalpindi that Baitullah Mehsud had financed the assassins and given them instructions to assassinate Benazir Bhutto. Majeed said that five important suspects had been arrested by Pakistani Joint Investigation team in connection with the assassination as two of them, Aitizaz Shah and Sher Zaman, had made important disclosures about her assassination. Majeed also said that the team instructed to kill Benazir Bhutto had been motivated after she announced to come to Pakistan and pledged to take action against Taliban terrorists, in case she came into power.
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February - 17 
Election Commission (EC) on February 17 announced that it had postponed the February 18 polls in NA-37 Parachinar. EC Secretary Kanwar Dilshad told Geo Television that the general elections had been delayed after the provincial government requested the centre to do so in view of the volatile securit
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Election Commission (EC) on February 17 announced that it had postponed the February 18 polls in NA-37 Parachinar. EC Secretary Kanwar Dilshad told Geo Television that the general elections had been delayed after the provincial government requested the centre to do so in view of the volatile security situation that had gripped the area after the suicide blast.
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February - 17 
United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has called for a 12-hour Assam bandh (general strike) on February 19 to protest against the arrest of the People’s Consultative Group member Lachit Bordoloi. In an e-mail sent to the media in Guwahati, ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa said the bandh has been cal
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United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has called for a 12-hour Assam bandh (general strike) on February 19 to protest against the arrest of the People’s Consultative Group member Lachit Bordoloi. In an e-mail sent to the media in Guwahati, ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa said the bandh has been called to protest against the arrest of Bordoloi and several other human rights activists. The outfit said the strike call has also been given to protest against the “fake encounters by the security forces in which several innocent civilians have been killed.”
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February - 18 
According to Times of India, security force personnel with the help of Indian Air Forces choppers searched the hills and dense forests of the Nayagarh and Ganjam districts and recovered a truckload of arms and ammunition lying abandoned in the Gosama hills of Ganjam district on February 18. The aban
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According to Times of India, security force personnel with the help of Indian Air Forces choppers searched the hills and dense forests of the Nayagarh and Ganjam districts and recovered a truckload of arms and ammunition lying abandoned in the Gosama hills of Ganjam district on February 18. The abandoned objects included around 400 rifles and more than 60,000 cartridges. However, most of the sophisticated AK-47 assault rifles looted during the Nayagarh attack on February 15-night was not part of the recovered items. The recovery is nearly 40 percent of the weaponry that the Maoists looted in the attack, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik informed the State legislative assembly. "There are three IAF helicopters helping us intercept the ultras on the run. We are pursuing them inside the jungle, along the hills and in the villages in 10 to 12 different operation zones from Kalingaghati to Bhanjanagar and Gallery to Chakapada "said an unnamed police officer."
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February - 18 
19 people were killed and 157 others were injured in countrywide election-related violence on February 18, caretaker Interior Minister Lt-Gen (retd) Hamid Nawaz told Dawn. However, according to independent reports, the number of casualties may be higher. The minister said that nine died in Punjab, s
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19 people were killed and 157 others were injured in countrywide election-related violence on February 18, caretaker Interior Minister Lt-Gen (retd) Hamid Nawaz told Dawn. However, according to independent reports, the number of casualties may be higher. The minister said that nine died in Punjab, seven in Sindh and three in NWFP. He did not give any casualty figures for Balochistan, where four people were reported to have been killed. According to independent reports, the overall death toll in the country was 26. "Despite 19 deaths, the government considers the election quite peaceful with no incident of terrorism in any part of the country… We are happy that neither any incident of terrorism nor any obstacle in the election process was reported in the country," the caretaker minister said. Private TV channels reported that clashes between supporters of different political parties occurred in Khairpur, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Kamoki, Mirpur, Jacobabad, Muzzafargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Charsadda, Sukkur, Gujar Khan, Shikarpur, Hangu, Gakharmandi, Sialkot, Samandri, Sanghar and Peshawar. Polling is reported to have begun at a slow pace as voters appeared to be wary of violence. However, as the day progressed, the voter turnout improved and according to unconfirmed reports, it is estimated to be 35 percent. Ambassadors of UK, US, Japan, China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Asian Association of Regional Corporation (SAARC) and European Union Countries visited different polling stations in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and expressed their satisfaction over polling process, security arrangements and performance of elections staff. The government has deployed 81,000 troops and nearly 400,000 police personnel to provide security to the more than 64,000 polling stations, a third of which had been declared sensitive. The Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Qazi Muhammad Farooq said on February 18-night that the Election Commission had fulfilled its responsibility to hold free, fair and transparent elections, Associated Press of Pakistan reported. "We have not received any complaints so far, but if we receive any, action would be taken," he said.
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February - 18 
President Pervez Musharraf on February 18 promised to work with whatever new government emerges from the parliamentary elections. According to AP, he told PTV after casting his vote that, "I will say from my side, whichever political party will win, whoever will become prime minister and chief minis
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President Pervez Musharraf on February 18 promised to work with whatever new government emerges from the parliamentary elections. According to AP, he told PTV after casting his vote that, "I will say from my side, whichever political party will win, whoever will become prime minister and chief ministers, congratulation to them on my behalf. And I will give them full cooperation as president." "We must come out of this confrontationalist approach and get into a conciliatory mode. I myself will remain committed to politics of reconciliation with everyone," Reuters quoted Musharraf as saying at a polling station in Rawalpindi for the PP-9 and NA-54 constituencies.
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February - 18 
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly followed closely by the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in the elections held on February 18, according to The Hindu. The PPP led with 87 seats out of 272, followed by 66 for the PML-N, and
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The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly followed closely by the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in the elections held on February 18, according to The Hindu. The PPP led with 87 seats out of 272, followed by 66 for the PML-N, and 38 for the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). Among the smaller parties, (ANP) the Muttahida Qaumi Movement won 19 seats and the Pakhtun nationalist Awami National Party got 10 seats. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, a religious coalition which won 59 seats in 2002, was able to win only three this time. Other political parties - the PPP-Sherpao, the Balochistan National Party, the National People’s Party and the PML-F - got one, one, two, and four seats, respectively, according to Daily Times. Independent candidates won 27 seats. In the Punjab province, the PML-N won 101 seats out of 280, while the PPP and independent candidates got 78 and 35 seats, respectively. The PML-Q got 66 seats. In Sindh, the PPP won 65 seats out of 125, while the MQM and the PML-Q got 38 and nine seats, respectively. The PML-N failed to win a single seat while one independent candidate was successful. In Balochistan, the PML-Q won 17 seats out of 44, while the PPP won seven seats. Independent candidates won ten seats. In the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the ANP won 31 seats out of 85, while the PML-Q and the PML-N have won six and five seats, respectively. The PPP won 17 seats in the NWFP. In the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), six constituencies out of a total of 12 have been officially announced. Elections in two of the constituencies were postponed. As all the candidates in the region contested the elections as independent candidates, no political parties won any inroads in the region. At a press conference following a central executive committee meeting of the PPP, co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari staked the party’s claim to form the government at the Centre with the help of allies. The party is reportedly in a position to form the Sindh provincial government by itself. "We intend to make government in all four provinces and at the Centre, so we will act as the government-in-waiting with our allies… Our endeavour and our policy is to form a national consensus government that will take along all political forces," Zardari said.
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February - 19 
Naveen Patnaik on February 19 announced a series of measures that his government had decided to take up to counter extremism, according to Kalinga Times. Patnaik announced in the State Legislative Assembly that all police stations and armouries will be fortified and vacancies filled up expeditiously
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Naveen Patnaik on February 19 announced a series of measures that his government had decided to take up to counter extremism, according to Kalinga Times. Patnaik announced in the State Legislative Assembly that all police stations and armouries will be fortified and vacancies filled up expeditiously at the earliest. About 1300 posts of Constables and Sepoys and 300 other ranks will be created for the OSAP (Special Security) Battalions for guarding of the newly fortified police stations. The strength of the Special Operation Group will be increased by sanctioning 1000 additional posts. Five India Reserve Battalions (IRBs) will be created after obtaining sanction from the Government of India. The Special Intelligence Wing for Naxalite (left-wing extremism) activities will be strengthened by suitably augmenting it. One post of Superintendent of Police (Technical) will be created for this Wing. The Director General of Police will be authorised to give appointment to the next of kin of the deceased police personnel in the anti-Naxalite operations and attacks commensurate with their qualifications and eligibility. And, more districts will be covered under the scheme of Security Related Expenditure with the approval of the Central government.
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February - 19 
Zardari and Nawaz Sharif on February 19 separately called for President Pervez Musharraf to quit after his allies were defeated in the general elections, according to Daily Times. "Musharraf had said he would quit when the people tell him to. The people have now given their verdict," Nawaz told a pr
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Zardari and Nawaz Sharif on February 19 separately called for President Pervez Musharraf to quit after his allies were defeated in the general elections, according to Daily Times. "Musharraf had said he would quit when the people tell him to. The people have now given their verdict," Nawaz told a press conference in Lahore. "We will now take this demand (of the president’s resignation) with us to the parliament and see which political forces support us," Zardari told BBC. Earlier, talking to reporters at a press conference at Zardari House in Islamabad, he said he would form a coalition government, but ruled out an alliance with the PML-Q.
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February - 19 
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that some 100 civilians had already crossed over to cleared areas (area under government control) in Mannar and Vavuniya. He said civilians could cross over to cleared areas using the Omanthai entry/exit point as well as by the sea route in Mannar.
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Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that some 100 civilians had already crossed over to cleared areas (area under government control) in Mannar and Vavuniya. He said civilians could cross over to cleared areas using the Omanthai entry/exit point as well as by the sea route in Mannar.
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February - 19 
Sri Lanka has said that a proposal for providing safe haven for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has been there "for some time", but felt he would be apprehended by India the moment he leaves the island country. "Yes, that is his problem. If he (Prabhakaran)
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Sri Lanka has said that a proposal for providing safe haven for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has been there "for some time", but felt he would be apprehended by India the moment he leaves the island country. "Yes, that is his problem. If he (Prabhakaran) leaves Kilinochchi, then India will get him for sure," Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona told Asian Tribune. He also said that it will be difficult for Prabhakaran to get past India, adding, "It will be difficult. You know that an Indian court wants him. India is a very legalistic country. You know that they regularly send us notes for Prabhakaran’s extradition. And keep on reminding us to extradite Prabhakaran, as he is a proclaimed offender in the Rajiv Gandhi murder case." When asked whether peace broker Norway was making arrangements to provide safe haven to Prabhakaran, Kohona said: "That is a good idea, no?" It is a solution that has been proposed for some time, the ‘Idi Amin Solution’," he revealed, without elaborating. Amin, who seized power in Uganda in January 1971 in a military coup, fled to Libya in 1979 after the Uganda-Tanzania war. He relocated himself in 1981 to Saudi Arabia, where he died in 2003. The Sri Lankan government said that it would open a 'gateway' for trapped civilians in the Wanni area to crossover to the government controlled areas, according to Colombo Page. "We would open an escape rout for civilians in the Wanni area and would give necessary accommodation," said government defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. "We will drop leaflets to educate the public on our strategy which includes escape routes for them like we did when liberating Sampur," the Minister added.
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February - 20 
According to Telegraph, the Adino faction of the Naga National Council (NNC) has asked the people to boycott the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held on March 5. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) also warned of stringent action against its cadres in case of
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According to Telegraph, the Adino faction of the Naga National Council (NNC) has asked the people to boycott the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held on March 5. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) also warned of stringent action against its cadres in case of their failure to boycott the polls. Further, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), which had earlier asked to support candidates helping them in their pursuit for a solution to the protracted Naga political problem, said on February 20 that it would not get involved in the election process.
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February - 20 
The United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) on February 20 set two conditions for renewing the cease-fire that lapsed on January 31, 2008, reports Telegraph. In a letter to the Joint Secretary (Northeast) in the Union Home Ministry, the UPDS ‘foreign secretary’ Klirdap Kathar said that they wou
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The United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) on February 20 set two conditions for renewing the cease-fire that lapsed on January 31, 2008, reports Telegraph. In a letter to the Joint Secretary (Northeast) in the Union Home Ministry, the UPDS ‘foreign secretary’ Klirdap Kathar said that they would sign a fresh cease-fire agreement only if the Union Government agreed to hold a round of talks every three months until a solution was reached. The second condition put by the outfit is that its demand for self-rule be included in the terms of reference of the proposed State Reorganisation Commission. The letter said that, "The UPDS is ready to sign a formal cease-fire extension agreement for another six months provided the above preconditions are fulfilled and ensured."
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February - 20 
Army Chief General Moeen U. Ahmed said on February 20 that Bangladesh should have its own brand of democracy as the Westminster model is not truly followed by any political party in power, reports Daily Star. Speaking at the launch of his book Nirbachita Sankolon (Selected Compilation) at the Kurmit
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Army Chief General Moeen U. Ahmed said on February 20 that Bangladesh should have its own brand of democracy as the Westminster model is not truly followed by any political party in power, reports Daily Star. Speaking at the launch of his book Nirbachita Sankolon (Selected Compilation) at the Kurmitola Golf Club, General Moeen said "In our democracy, prime minister completely becomes one-man show. What we actually follow here is not the Westminster form... We should have such model of democracy as will suit us and that's why I stated about our own brand of democracy."
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February - 20 
The para-military Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said on February 20 that around 700 to 800 militants are still active in the Kashmir valley. CRPF Inspector General S.K Jain told reporters that "According to our information based on intelligence inputs, around 700 to 800 militants are active in
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The para-military Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said on February 20 that around 700 to 800 militants are still active in the Kashmir valley. CRPF Inspector General S.K Jain told reporters that "According to our information based on intelligence inputs, around 700 to 800 militants are active in the valley." He also said that the violence level has drastically declined in the valley.
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February - 21 
While replying to an adjournment motion on the law and order situation moved by the Opposition in the wake of the Maoist attack and arms loot in Nayagarh on February 15-night, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on February 21 claimed that the Maoist violence in Orissa was much less when compared to the n
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While replying to an adjournment motion on the law and order situation moved by the Opposition in the wake of the Maoist attack and arms loot in Nayagarh on February 15-night, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on February 21 claimed that the Maoist violence in Orissa was much less when compared to the neighbouring States, reports Kalinga Times. "The naxal violence profile in the State remains much less compared to the neighbouring naxal affected States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar," Patnaik said in the State Legislative Assembly. "Whenever we discuss Nayagarh, are naturally reminded of horrifying incidents of neighbouring States such as the Dantewada incident of July 2007 in Chhattisgarh in which 23 persons were killed, the Ranibodli incident of Chhattisgarh on March 15, 2007 where 54 police personnel were killed, the incident of Chilkhari in Jharkhand on October 27, 2007 where the son of Babulal Marandi, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand was killed," Patnaik said in his statement. "While 52 incidents involving 15 deaths (13 civilians and two security personnel) took place in our State during the year 2007, 538 incidents involving 350 deaths (180 security personnel and 170 civilians) took place in Chhattisgarh, 421 incidents involving 150 deaths (11 security personnel and 139 civilians) took place in Jharkhand," Patnaik added.
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February - 21 
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) agreed on February 21 to form coalition governments, including with the Awami National Party (ANP), Daily Times reported. "We have agreed on a common agenda. We will work together to form the government in the centre and
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The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) agreed on February 21 to form coalition governments, including with the Awami National Party (ANP), Daily Times reported. "We have agreed on a common agenda. We will work together to form the government in the centre and in the provinces… We will ensure that you complete a full five years’ term," Nawaz Sharif told a press conference in Islamabad after talks with PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. Zardari said there were "a lot of grounds to cover" between the two parties, but added: "Inshallah (God willing) we will be meeting off and on. In principle, we have agreed to stay together." Also on February 21, the PPP and the ANP agreed to work together for the supremacy of parliament, judicial reforms, provincial autonomy and war on terror, Zardari and ANP President Asfandyar Wali told reporters after their meeting.
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February - 21 
Daily Star reports that the Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) leader Mufti Moinuddin alias Abu Zandal, now on a seven-day remand, during his interrogation has admitted his role in carrying out the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League (AL) rally with an intention of killing t
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Daily Star reports that the Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) leader Mufti Moinuddin alias Abu Zandal, now on a seven-day remand, during his interrogation has admitted his role in carrying out the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League (AL) rally with an intention of killing the AL chief and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Zandal, a close aide of the detained HuJI-B ‘operations commander’ Mufti Abdul Hannan, is currently being interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Dhaka. The CID reportedly proposes to bring two more HuJI-B cadres, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad Bulbul and Tamim, who were arrested earlier in connection with the August 21 attack, face to face with Zandal to verify information so far gained from him.
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February - 22 
Malakand Region Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Akhtar Ali Shah said on that all police stations and check posts in the militancy-hit Swat district had been restored. Restoration of police stations and check posts comes weeks after a military operation started against militants loyal t
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Malakand Region Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Akhtar Ali Shah said on that all police stations and check posts in the militancy-hit Swat district had been restored. Restoration of police stations and check posts comes weeks after a military operation started against militants loyal to pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah who made an unsuccessful attempt last year to take over the district and establish ‘Islamic administration.’ Shah said that police personnel had also been deployed at the restored police stations and that they had resumed their professional duties.
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February - 22 
President Mahinda Rajapakse asserted on February 22 that following the local government elections due to be held shortly in the East, his government will also take steps to establish democracy and rights to all communities in the land, inclusive of those in the North, according to Daily News. He str
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President Mahinda Rajapakse asserted on February 22 that following the local government elections due to be held shortly in the East, his government will also take steps to establish democracy and rights to all communities in the land, inclusive of those in the North, according to Daily News. He stressed the importance of providing a political solution, political freedom and then paving a way for development for the people in the North and the East, after its liberation from the LTTE, for a government which is fully committed to fulfil the aspirations of all communities.
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February - 22 
Virtually suggesting a difficult war ahead for Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake said in an interview to a television programme that the outfit’s chief Velupillai Prabhakaran has proved himself to be "adept and resilient" and that
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Virtually suggesting a difficult war ahead for Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake said in an interview to a television programme that the outfit’s chief Velupillai Prabhakaran has proved himself to be "adept and resilient" and that he was not sure whether Prabhakaran could be captured alive, reports New Indian Express. "Prabhakaran has survived now since the late seventies. He has shown himself to be very adept and very resilient, and I think continues to be so," he pointed out and added, "We certainly do not have any great affection for Prabhakaran. But we think that the ultimate answer lies in a political solution (to the Tamil problem) and that is why we are encouraging the (Sri Lankan) government to pursue that path." On being asked about Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse’s comments that he wants his military forces to actually capture Prabhakaran alive so that he could be extradited to India to stand trial, Blake said: "The LTTE leader is supposed to be responsible for former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. He (Prabhakaran) is widely believed to have been responsible for the assassination of Rajeev Gandhi, so certainly I think that would be fine. I am sure that he would get a fair trial in India. We would have no concerns about that. The question is: are you going to be able to capture him alive or not? And I am not sure if that is possible or not." On being asked whether the US supports a "sharp, strategic" war against the LTTE, Blake said, "I don't think that such an outcome is possible. I don't know what that means exactly. We don't believe that a military solution really is possible".
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February - 24 
On February 24, addressing the ‘29th raising day’ of the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), political wing of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), its ‘president’ Irengbam Chaoren reiterated that the outfit would not sit for peace talks, according to Telegraph. He said: “The more than 30-year-long b
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On February 24, addressing the ‘29th raising day’ of the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), political wing of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), its ‘president’ Irengbam Chaoren reiterated that the outfit would not sit for peace talks, according to Telegraph. He said: “The more than 30-year-long battle aims to win back the lost freedom of the Manipuris. India’s army is killing the Manipuris. No Indian leader takes the issue of Manipur’s freedom seriously. Under these circumstances, how can we enter into peace talks?”
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February - 24 
Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reiterated that the Government is ready for a dialogue with the Communist Party of India – Maoist (CPI-Maoist) provided they give up arms and shun the path of violence, reports Kalinga Times. After a high level meeting to review the progress in the anti-Maois
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Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reiterated that the Government is ready for a dialogue with the Communist Party of India – Maoist (CPI-Maoist) provided they give up arms and shun the path of violence, reports Kalinga Times. After a high level meeting to review the progress in the anti-Maoist operations in the State, Patnaik informed that the police had been able to recover 80 percent of arms and 70 per cent of ammunition that the Maoists had looted from two armouries in the Nayagarh district on February 15, adding that some of the seized weapons were the ones the Maoists were using before they looted the armouries in Nayagarh.
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February - 24 
The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said on February 24 that they were ready for peace talks with the new Government, but only if it rejected President Pervez Musharraf’s “war on terror” in the country’s tribal belt, according to Daily Times. A TTP spokesman quoted Baitullah Mehsud as calling for ne
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The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said on February 24 that they were ready for peace talks with the new Government, but only if it rejected President Pervez Musharraf’s “war on terror” in the country’s tribal belt, according to Daily Times. A TTP spokesman quoted Baitullah Mehsud as calling for negotiations with parties that beat the president’s allies in elections. “The Taliban movement welcomes the victory of anti-Musharraf political parties... and announces its willingness to enter into negotiations with them for bringing peace,” Taliban spokesman Maulana Omar said, quoting a statement by Mehsud. “Whoever makes the government, we want to make it clear to them we don’t want fighting. We want peace, but if they impose war on us, we will not spare them,” Omar told journalists in Peshawar by telephone. He urged the new administration to “avoid repeating the mistakes of the Musharraf government.”
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February - 24 
The Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona in an interview with the Asian Tribune Website said that there is no group left that could be described as Karuna Group because they have splintered into many factions over the last year. Meanwhile, expressing confidence that the UN Security Council w
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The Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona in an interview with the Asian Tribune Website said that there is no group left that could be described as Karuna Group because they have splintered into many factions over the last year. Meanwhile, expressing confidence that the UN Security Council will take tangible measures against the LTTE, he said, "We are confident that the Security Council will adopt a practical way to impose sanctions on the LTTE, including restrictions on fund-raising and money transfers." He admitted that it is not easy to impose sanctions on such a shadowy group as the LTTE and its leadership, pointing out that despite the sanctions imposed by US, Canada and the European Union the LTTE is operating in these countries with impunity.
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February - 24 
Two Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) cadres were killed as a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide cadre blew himself opposite the Kali Kovil (Temple) in the Kalawanchikudi area of Batticaloa district on February 24-morning. The suicide cadre had reportedly jumped onto the motorcycl
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Two Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) cadres were killed as a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide cadre blew himself opposite the Kali Kovil (Temple) in the Kalawanchikudi area of Batticaloa district on February 24-morning. The suicide cadre had reportedly jumped onto the motorcycle on which the two persons were travelling near Satyavilan road, some 17- kilometres from Batticaloa town. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakone told Daily News that police confirmed the suicide blast. “A woman passing by was also admitted to the hospital after sustaining injuries in the incident,” said military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara. The TMVP spokesperson Asad Mawulana said the victims were canvassing for the party when they were attacked. The TMVP had organised a public meeting at Kalavanchchikudy, which a few TMVP candidates were due to attend. Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of the Election Monitoring Unit in Batticaloa, where local body elections are scheduled to be held on March 10, I.P Sanath Ranjith, said that no complaint was received to the effect that the suicide blast has any connection with the forthcoming polls. “The situation remains calm in Batticaloa, despite this incident,” he said.
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February - 25 
Telegraph reports that BW militants have been buying sophisticated weapons from the Chiang Mai arms bazaar of Thailand bordering Myanmar. The Deputy Inspector General of Police for south Assam, Y.S. Gautam, said on February 25 that the arms were generally routed to India’s Northeast via Myanmar and
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Telegraph reports that BW militants have been buying sophisticated weapons from the Chiang Mai arms bazaar of Thailand bordering Myanmar. The Deputy Inspector General of Police for south Assam, Y.S. Gautam, said on February 25 that the arms were generally routed to India’s Northeast via Myanmar and Bangladesh. Gautam said the police have ascertained that the rocket launchers with which the outfit is targeting security forces were Chinese made and sources from Chiang Mai. He informed that the outfit’s chief Jewel Gorlosa visited Thailand via Nepal in 2007 for a reconnaissance trip and bought the weapons with help from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) militants.
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February - 25 
The Deoband-based Darul Uloom Madrassa (seminary) on February 25 denounced all acts of terrorism as un-Islamic, reports Telegraph. "We don’t have any link or association with terrorism, terrorists, whatsoever. We reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Maulana Marghoob-ur Rahman, the
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The Deoband-based Darul Uloom Madrassa (seminary) on February 25 denounced all acts of terrorism as un-Islamic, reports Telegraph. "We don’t have any link or association with terrorism, terrorists, whatsoever. We reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Maulana Marghoob-ur Rahman, the chief rector of Darul Uloom, said at a conclave in Deoband. "Terrorism completely negates the teachings of Islam, which is the faith of love and peace", he added.
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February - 25 
Talks between the government and leaders of the UDMF have ended inconclusively. Minister for Local Development, Dev Gurung, has said that the talks have largely failed because the latter have been raising 'impossible demands'. He also accused the Madheshi leaders of attempting to scuttle the crucial
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Talks between the government and leaders of the UDMF have ended inconclusively. Minister for Local Development, Dev Gurung, has said that the talks have largely failed because the latter have been raising 'impossible demands'. He also accused the Madheshi leaders of attempting to scuttle the crucial election for Constituent Assembly (CA) scheduled to be held on April 10 by raising such demands. According to Nepal News, though Gurung didn’t clarify as to what he meant by the 'impossible demands', he may have been referring to the demands put forth by the Madhesi leaders to postpone the CA election and the immediate incorporation of Madhesi youth into the Nepal Army, two demands that is said to have barred the government from striking a deal with UDMF on February 25-morning.
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February - 25 
The Government and the protesting United Democratic Madheshi Front (UDMF) arrived at an agreement on February 25 (today) morning ending the 12-day long strike, Kantipuronline reports. The two sides reached a consensus on the key UDMF demand - One Madhesh One Pradesh - which they said would be decide
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The Government and the protesting United Democratic Madheshi Front (UDMF) arrived at an agreement on February 25 (today) morning ending the 12-day long strike, Kantipuronline reports. The two sides reached a consensus on the key UDMF demand - One Madhesh One Pradesh - which they said would be decided through the Constituent Assembly. They have also agreed to form an autonomous Madhesh state and other autonomous states. "We have agreed on autonomous Madhesh state. But we are still discussing proper words to reflect the desire of Madheshi people regarding the autonomous Madhesh state," said Madheshi leader Hridayesh Tripathi. The government and UDMF have also agreed to recognise all those killed in the course of the Madhesh movement as martyrs and provide their families with proper compensation. They have agreed to amend the Election Commission Act, which provisions that any political party which secures at least 20 percent result or more under the First-Past-the-Post system must prepare an inclusive list of candidates for the proportional electoral system. "We have agreed to increase the provision from 20 to 30 percent," said Tripathi. However, Jayaprakash Gupta, coordinator of the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) said that, "It is a big setback to Terai movement because the agreement is not constitutionally binding." He said the Government didn't agree to incorporate the issue in the constitution. "The Constituent Assembly will not have legal powers to recognise\se the Terai as autonomous Madhesh state," he said.
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February - 26 
On February 26, Ksh Yoiheiba, ‘publicity secretary’ of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), claimed that cadres of its armed wing, the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), ‘reoccupied’ New Samtal, Layang and its surrounding areas, which were occupied by the security forces during the counter-insurge
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On February 26, Ksh Yoiheiba, ‘publicity secretary’ of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), claimed that cadres of its armed wing, the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), ‘reoccupied’ New Samtal, Layang and its surrounding areas, which were occupied by the security forces during the counter-insurgency Operation Samtal-II launched in November 2007, according to Imphal Free Press. He also claimed that six militants who were killed by the Assam Rifles personnel at Thangbung Minou village in the Chandel district on February 24, were not UNLF cadres. Meanwhile, Telegraph reported that the slain militants maybe from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
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February - 26 
The Interior Ministry said on February 26 that security forces had arrested more than 440 militants, including 60 would-be suicide bombers, in the last three months, Daily Times reported. Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier (r) Javed Cheema told reporters, "Security agencies have arrested 442 terr
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The Interior Ministry said on February 26 that security forces had arrested more than 440 militants, including 60 would-be suicide bombers, in the last three months, Daily Times reported. Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier (r) Javed Cheema told reporters, "Security agencies have arrested 442 terrorists and militants during the past three months. From 60 of these terrorists, suicide jackets and other material was confiscated, which shows the law enforcement agencies are in protective mode and stopped them from launching suicide attacks." Cheema said that 17 suspects had been arrested in Punjab, 26 in Sindh, 13 in the NWFP and 122 in Balochistan, Dawn reported. Similarly, 124 alleged militants were arrested in Swat while 140 surrendered to security forces. He said that 45kgs of explosive, eight detonators with leads, five remote controls with chargers and 10 hand-grenades had been seized in Punjab. 43 kilograms of explosives, 44 detonators, two rocket-launchers and 53 hand-grenades were seized in Sindh. In the NWFP, 50,096 kgs of explosives, 26 hand-grenades, 10 explosive jackets, 16 dynamites, 14 detonators, four rocket-launchers, 11 missiles, 32 mortar shells and 24 safety fuses were recovered. The spokesman said that from February 1 to date, 770kgs of explosive had been seized and two explosives-laden vehicles impounded in Swat. He added that 18 explosive devices, 96 detonators, 75kgs of explosive, 112 hand-grenades, 246 mortar shells, 56 mines, 19 rocket launchers and four AA guns had also been seized from the militants.
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February - 26 
The military said on February 26 that the killing of the army’s surgeon general and seven other persons in a suicide bombing a day earlier was likely in retaliation to operations against militants near the Afghan border, according to Daily Times. "I think apparently it is in response and reaction to
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The military said on February 26 that the killing of the army’s surgeon general and seven other persons in a suicide bombing a day earlier was likely in retaliation to operations against militants near the Afghan border, according to Daily Times. "I think apparently it is in response and reaction to the Pakistan Army’s operations against militants in South Waziristan and other places in FATA," military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told AFP. Exact details would be known once the probe into the incident was over, he added. A number of people suspected to have links with the suicide attack have been arrested, according to interior ministry spokesman Brig Javed Iqbal Cheema, Dawn reported. "Investigators have found important leads to the Rawalpindi blast and the arrested men are being interrogated. But at this stage we cannot make them public," he said in Islamabad on February 26.
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February - 26 February - 27
Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan said on February 27 that a tribal militant commander and mastermind of two suicide attacks on the former interior minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and killer of a serving Intelligence Bureau (IB) official was killed in an encounter with security forces on February
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Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan said on February 27 that a tribal militant commander and mastermind of two suicide attacks on the former interior minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and killer of a serving Intelligence Bureau (IB) official was killed in an encounter with security forces on February 26, according to Daily Times. "Abdul Siar, head of Siar group in the Tribal Areas, was killed on Tuesday in an encounter between security agencies and his men between Charsada and Mohmand Agency," Hamid told reporters after attending a National Public Safety Commission meeting. Nawaz said almost 116 innocent people had died in various terrorist attacks by Siar and his men in various parts of the country. He said security forces had also arrested two of Siar’s men during the encounter.
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February - 26 
44 detainees having confessed that they were either connected to LTTE or have directly or indirectly aided and abetted the outfit’s cause in the Jaffna peninsula consented to receive rehabilitation after they reached security forces headquarters in Jaffna prisons on February 26. They have sought reh
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44 detainees having confessed that they were either connected to LTTE or have directly or indirectly aided and abetted the outfit’s cause in the Jaffna peninsula consented to receive rehabilitation after they reached security forces headquarters in Jaffna prisons on February 26. They have sought rehabilitation in writing, according to the military sources. During January 2007-February 2008, a total of 317 men and women - 291 males and 26 females - some of who claimed themselves to be LTTE cadres have turned up at the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in Jaffna and wanted to seek protection saying that they were very much harassed, disgusted with the LTTE or exposed to LTTE conscription attempts.
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February - 26 
The United Nations and Non Governmental Organisations working in the conflict-ridden north and east are warning of a mounting humanitarian toll in 2008 due to the escalation in hostilities. Agencies should be prepared to assist "up to 500,000 conflict-affected individuals comprising IDPs, returnees
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The United Nations and Non Governmental Organisations working in the conflict-ridden north and east are warning of a mounting humanitarian toll in 2008 due to the escalation in hostilities. Agencies should be prepared to assist "up to 500,000 conflict-affected individuals comprising IDPs, returnees and economically affected persons", according to the Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) 2008, prepared by the Inter Agency Standing Committee country team for Sri Lanka and released on 22 February. "The CHAP is based on the assumption that as the government acts on its stated intention to disarm the LTTE, the conflict in Sri Lanka will continue and intensify," the report stated. "Even if it were to slow down or end during the year, there would remain very significant humanitarian needs to be met in the areas of conflict." The report warned that displacement levels could be similar to 2007 when 308,000 persons were forced from their homes. More than 140,000 have now been resettled in eastern Sri Lanka, but as of mid-February, 225,000 people remained displaced in eight north and eastern districts.
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February - 27 
According to Sahara Samay, police claimed that the structure and fund-raising process of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was revealed during the interrogation of its West Bengal ‘secretary’ Somen on February 27. Somen alias Himadri Sen Roy, who was arrested on February 24, revealed
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According to Sahara Samay, police claimed that the structure and fund-raising process of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was revealed during the interrogation of its West Bengal ‘secretary’ Somen on February 27. Somen alias Himadri Sen Roy, who was arrested on February 24, revealed during interrogation that INR Six millions was budgeted annually by the party for salary and daily expenditure, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) (Special Operation Group), Rajiv Kumar said, and added, arms were mainly bought and supplied by its Central Military Commission. During interrogation the Maoist leader also responsible for operations in West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand confessed that he used to get a salary of INR 3000 and the other arrested along with him, Deba, got INR 1500.
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February - 27 
India said it is taking new measures to check the activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the southern part of the country, reports United Press International. "The government has taken various new steps to check the activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in southern
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India said it is taking new measures to check the activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the southern part of the country, reports United Press International. "The government has taken various new steps to check the activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in southern part of the country. The government has declared LTTE as a terrorist organization under the provisions of the unlawful activities (prevention) act," Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal told Parliament on February 27. He said a three-tier system of coastal patrolling and protection by the Indian navy, coast guard and Coastal Security Group of Tamil Nadu was operating to check possible intrusion of militants and smuggling of contraband by the LTTE. "The federal government has approved a coastal security scheme for coastal areas, including southern parts of the country, to strengthen the infrastructure for patrolling and surveillance of close coastal waters," Jaiswal informed and added, continued vigil was being maintained within the mainland to check possible activities of the LTTE and cases were being registered against the group.
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February - 27 
Meanwhile, police sources claimed that some Maoist hideouts exist in and around Barasat. "We are keeping a close watch and have requested people to inform us if they spot anyone moving suspiciously in the area," an unnamed police officer said.
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Meanwhile, police sources claimed that some Maoist hideouts exist in and around Barasat. "We are keeping a close watch and have requested people to inform us if they spot anyone moving suspiciously in the area," an unnamed police officer said.
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February - 27 
Union Government said on February 27 that terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir had registered a decline during the last two years. Minister of State for Home Shriprakash Jaiswal stated in the parliament that in 2006, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 1667 terrorism-related incidents, which came down t
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Union Government said on February 27 that terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir had registered a decline during the last two years. Minister of State for Home Shriprakash Jaiswal stated in the parliament that in 2006, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 1667 terrorism-related incidents, which came down to 1092 in 2007.
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February - 27 
Daily Star has reported that the dormitories of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute in the national capital’s Tejgaon area have turned into a safe haven for fugitive criminals and militants. Criminals and militants are taking refuge within the three hostels of the Institute. Unidentified students and law en
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Daily Star has reported that the dormitories of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute in the national capital’s Tejgaon area have turned into a safe haven for fugitive criminals and militants. Criminals and militants are taking refuge within the three hostels of the Institute. Unidentified students and law enforcement agencies have confirmed that the criminals are being provided shelter by the Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami. Several teachers with Jamaat background and with alleged links with the Harkat-ul Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) are also involved in the incident. Prof Shamshul Alam, principal of the Institute, admitted that some teachers of the institute are assisting the militants to hide in the dormitories, but said that the authorities are unable to take actions against those teachers since the issue is "out of their jurisdiction to deal with".
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February - 27 
Home Secretary Abdul Karim said that the Islamist militant groups in the country are home grown as they finance themselves domestically and are patronised by particular political parties. Speaking at the opening session of a day-long conference on militancy in Dhaka, Karim said, "Weapons or types of
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Home Secretary Abdul Karim said that the Islamist militant groups in the country are home grown as they finance themselves domestically and are patronised by particular political parties. Speaking at the opening session of a day-long conference on militancy in Dhaka, Karim said, "Weapons or types of explosives that they have used may have foreign origins or [come from] neighbouring countries, but their financing is arranged internally - not from external sources." He also said that the caretaker government is focusing on dismantling the network of small 'extremist' groups such as Allah'r Dal, Hizb-ut-Tahrir and Hizb-ut-Tawhid.
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February - 27 
Defence Ministry in a report published on February 27 said that the person arrested by police in the Pettah area of Colombo district was a number one LTTE militant allegedly involved in many civilian massacres carried out by the LTTE in the South, reports Daily News. The suspect, identified as Mutht
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Defence Ministry in a report published on February 27 said that the person arrested by police in the Pettah area of Colombo district was a number one LTTE militant allegedly involved in many civilian massacres carried out by the LTTE in the South, reports Daily News. The suspect, identified as Muththusami Ilankoowan alias Sami, was arrested on February 25 from a hotel on Kadireshan Road. The report said that Muttusami, a Sri Lankan born Tamil, has strong connections with LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and also with the LTTE international wing leaders such as Castro, Kumaran Padmanadan, David and Iyyanna. The suspect owns a shipping line which he uses to promote the LTTE’s cross border terrorist activities and had come to Sri Lanka in 2007 to promote terrorist activities in the South, the report added.
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February - 27 
The military said that since 2006, a total of 6,486 LTTE militants, 1196 military personnel and 982 civilians have been killed, estimating there are now only around 5,000 militants still alive, reports Reuters. "Certainly they reflect the forward march of the Forces," said government defence affairs
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The military said that since 2006, a total of 6,486 LTTE militants, 1196 military personnel and 982 civilians have been killed, estimating there are now only around 5,000 militants still alive, reports Reuters. "Certainly they reflect the forward march of the Forces," said government defence affairs spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
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February - 27 
The military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara on February 27 told reporters that intense military offensive against the LTTE has been continuing since February 14 and the outfit has suffered large casualties, reports IANS. The frequent air strikes and ground offensives against identified outfit
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The military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara on February 27 told reporters that intense military offensive against the LTTE has been continuing since February 14 and the outfit has suffered large casualties, reports IANS. The frequent air strikes and ground offensives against identified outfit’s positions in the districts of Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya have instilled fear in its leaders, forcing them to restrict their movements, the spokesman said. "They do not even attend funerals of their members who die in fighting," Nanayakkara added.
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February - 28 
The Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) said that it would remain neutral in the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held on March 3, 2008, reports Shillong Times. In a letter signed by ‘chairman’ Dilash Marak alias S. M. Marak, the outfit mentioned, "Rumours will always be there and
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The Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) said that it would remain neutral in the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held on March 3, 2008, reports Shillong Times. In a letter signed by ‘chairman’ Dilash Marak alias S. M. Marak, the outfit mentioned, "Rumours will always be there and the ANVC respect and recognise the people's 'Right' to choose their own representatives and shall remain neutral as far as the 2008 assembly elections are concerned."
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February - 28 
The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) has decided not to take part in the February 29 meeting between the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) and the Government due to the violation of the cease-fire ground rules by the government, according to Sentinel. In a press release issued on February 28,
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The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) has decided not to take part in the February 29 meeting between the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) and the Government due to the violation of the cease-fire ground rules by the government, according to Sentinel. In a press release issued on February 28, the outfit’s information and publicity secretary, S. Sanjarang, said the NDFB will not attend the meeting unless the Government clarifies what legal or departmental action it has taken against police personnel Jayanta Basumatary and Jayanta Das who killed unarmed NDFB cadres in the Dhubri and Karbi Anglong districts respectively. Sanjarang further said the Government has to clarify what action has been taken against the culprits who killed an NDFB cadre at Medaghat in March 2007. The outfit also demanded action against the Baksa district Superintendent of Police, P.K. Dutta, who, according to the outfit, has been working hand in glove with Hitesh Basumatary, the Bodoland Territorial Council executive member, to instigate fratricidal killings. The press release further said it will not take part in the JMG meet if the Government fails to ensure the release of NDFB vice president B. Sunthagra alias Dhiren Boro who has been languishing in Gangtok jail since last five years.
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February - 28 
Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta has said that the Centre is not ready to hold any talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on the issue of "sovereignty of Asom". Gupta also said that, "The ULFA has to give up violence before holding peace talks with the Centre, and there will be no
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Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta has said that the Centre is not ready to hold any talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on the issue of "sovereignty of Asom". Gupta also said that, "The ULFA has to give up violence before holding peace talks with the Centre, and there will be no mediators in the peace process. The Government is ready for only direct talks with the ULFA."
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February - 28 
At least 10 suspected militants were killed in a missile strike on a house in South Waziristan early on February 28, according to Daily Times. The dead were believed to be of Pakistani and foreign origins, residents and officials said. The attack occurred at approximately 2AM in Kaloosha village, 10
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At least 10 suspected militants were killed in a missile strike on a house in South Waziristan early on February 28, according to Daily Times. The dead were believed to be of Pakistani and foreign origins, residents and officials said. The attack occurred at approximately 2AM in Kaloosha village, 10 kilometres west of Wana, headquarters of South Waziristan. "Nine militants were killed instantly while a wounded Punjabi militant passed away hours later in a local hospital," the residents said. Security officials also put the toll at 10. However, local news agencies reported that 13 people were killed in the attack and several others injured. It is the second such attack in the area after militant commander Nek Muhammad was killed in a missile attack in June 2004. Resident Sharifullah said three missiles hit the house of Afghan national Sheroo, who hailed from the Zalikhel tribe, which is allegedly harbouring foreign and local militants. "There was no immediate information about the presence of any high-value target," an unnamed official told AFP. Armed militants cordoned off the incident site after the missile strike, the residents said, adding that four unidentified ‘guests’ had arrived late on February 27 at the destroyed house. Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told AFP that the deaths were caused by explosive material stored in the house, adding that 10 to 12 people were killed in the blast. "As per our information it was an explosion caused by explosive material in the house." However, a security source based in Peshawar said that the missile was fired by a US drone at about 2am. A spokesman for the United States-led coalition force based in Afghanistan said it had "no reports" that either it or the separate North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-headed force were involved in the strike. Sources said that the militants belonged to the Abu Hamza group whose leader was said to be a follower of local militant commander Maulana Nazir, according to Dawn. Nazir won government’s support after launching an armed campaign against Uzbek militants in the Ahmadzai Wazir area in April 2007. A spokesman for Nazir denied the killing of Arabs or Turkmens in the attack and said that some Afghans had died. "They were common Afghans and had been living in the area for a few years." He claimed that missiles had been fired from Afghanistan.
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February - 28 
Three minor partners of the Seven Party Alliance – the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Janamorcha Nepal and United Left Front - expressed disagreement with the deal reached between the Government and the United Madhesi Democratic Front on February 28, Himalayan Times reports. The parties sought a
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Three minor partners of the Seven Party Alliance – the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Janamorcha Nepal and United Left Front - expressed disagreement with the deal reached between the Government and the United Madhesi Democratic Front on February 28, Himalayan Times reports. The parties sought a clear-cut definition on the "Autonomous Madhes Pradesh." Amik Sherchan, president of the Janamorcha Nepal, said, "The agreement is not clear what exactly is autonomous Madhes Prades (province)." They also protested the agreement on group wise recruitment of Madheshis and other marginalised groups in the Nepal Army. "This will create more problems since the modality of recruitment has not been clearly mentioned," they said in a joint statement.
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February - 29 
Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on February 29 to consider the State government's proposal for long term deployment of two battalions of the para-military Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the State to deal with the left-wing extremism, reports K
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Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on February 29 to consider the State government's proposal for long term deployment of two battalions of the para-military Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the State to deal with the left-wing extremism, reports Kalinga Times. Patnaik, who met Patil in New Delhi, also sought the Central Government's assistance in raising an additional five India Reserve Battalions (IRB) in the State. The Home Minister has reportedly agreed to the demand of giving adequate CRPF force and five IR Battalions. Patnaik further asked Patil to provide services of experienced para-military personnel of different categories on deputation basis from Assam Rifles, Indo-Tibetan Border Protection Force, Border security Force (BSF) or CRPF for interim deployment and training of the newly recruited personnel. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to include six more districts namely, Deogarh, Kandhamal, Jajpur, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, and Nayagarh under the Security Related Expenditure Scheme and requested the Centre to increase the scale of allocation of funds to at least INR 20 crore per annum. Patil was also requested to increase allocation under the Police Modernisation Scheme for Orissa from INR 27 crore to INR 60 crore and sanction at least INR 10 crore for the Commissionerate of Police set up for the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The Home Minister agreed to provide necessary support for training of the Police personnel and increase the allocation of funds.
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February - 29 
The Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed the police to make fool proof security arrangements as three to five suicide bombers have entered the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, The Post reported. Sources in the interior ministry said that the ministry had cautioned the Punjab
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The Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed the police to make fool proof security arrangements as three to five suicide bombers have entered the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, The Post reported. Sources in the interior ministry said that the ministry had cautioned the Punjab government about the entrance of suicide bombers who may target the intelligence agencies' installations and political figures.
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March - 2 
According to Telegaraph, arrested human rights activist and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)-appointed mediator, Lachit Bordoloi, had been emailing statements on the outfit’s behalf to the media with ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa’s scanned signature on them, police said on March 2. Bordoloi was
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According to Telegaraph, arrested human rights activist and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)-appointed mediator, Lachit Bordoloi, had been emailing statements on the outfit’s behalf to the media with ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa’s scanned signature on them, police said on March 2. Bordoloi was arrested in February 2008 on charges of helping the ULFA under the cover of being a mediator for peace.
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March - 2 
According to Daily Times, there were no security arrangements for the assembly, arranged in a shady clearing surrounded by tall trees. The explosion occurred when most of the people had dispersed and noted elders of the five tribes were discussing forming committees to implement the jirga’s decision
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According to Daily Times, there were no security arrangements for the assembly, arranged in a shady clearing surrounded by tall trees. The explosion occurred when most of the people had dispersed and noted elders of the five tribes were discussing forming committees to implement the jirga’s decisions, witnesses said. They said the bomber was between 18 and 22 years old and had a thin beard. "The suicide bomber was an 18-year-old boy. His face is recognisable and initial investigations indicate he was a resident of Darra Adam Khel," senior local official Saleem Gandapur told AFP.
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March - 2 
The US could spend more than $400 million in the next several years to enhance the Frontier Corps (FC), including building a training base near Peshawar, a senior US administration official said, The News reported. The Pentagon has spent about $25 million so far to equip the FC with new body armour,
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The US could spend more than $400 million in the next several years to enhance the Frontier Corps (FC), including building a training base near Peshawar, a senior US administration official said, The News reported. The Pentagon has spent about $25 million so far to equip the FC with new body armour, vehicles, radios and surveillance equipment, and plans to spend $75 million more in the next year, US newspaper The New York Times reported on March 2. At the request of the Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the US Central Command two weeks ago sent a four-member intelligence team, led by a lieutenant colonel, to work closely with Pakistani intelligence officers in Islamabad, the newspaper reported.
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March - 2 
The US embassy in Islamabad on March 2 expressed grave concern over the statement of caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz claiming that US was behind lawlessness and terrorism in Pakistan, according to Daily Times. "The US Embassy describes as ‘untrue’ recent claims made by Pakistan’s Interior Mi
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The US embassy in Islamabad on March 2 expressed grave concern over the statement of caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz claiming that US was behind lawlessness and terrorism in Pakistan, according to Daily Times. "The US Embassy describes as ‘untrue’ recent claims made by Pakistan’s Interior Minister concerning the United States," said a statement from the US embassy. In his interview with an Arab television channel, Hamid Nawaz had said that the United States, India and Afghanistan were involved in creating lawlessness in Pakistan and that it was believed that US and Afghanistan were backing militant outfits involved in terrorism in Pakistan.
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March - 2 
Cadres of the Terai Mukti Tigers (TMT) abducted two police personnel of the Loharpattti area police office from Kataiya village in the Mahottari district. Superintendent of Police Purna Singh Khadka said that constables Santosh Kumar Singh and Suresh Kumar Raut Kurmi were abducted by the TMT cadres
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Cadres of the Terai Mukti Tigers (TMT) abducted two police personnel of the Loharpattti area police office from Kataiya village in the Mahottari district. Superintendent of Police Purna Singh Khadka said that constables Santosh Kumar Singh and Suresh Kumar Raut Kurmi were abducted by the TMT cadres when they went to Sitapur Bhangaha to settle a dispute over a drinking water tank there. Claiming responsibility, Akash, the Mahottari district in charge of TMT, said that the constables were abducted on charges of filing fake case against TMT cadres.
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March - 2 
Three armed outfits in the Terai region – the Samyukta Jantantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, Madhesi Mukti Tigers and Terai Cobra - have reportedly agreed to sit for talks with the government provided there is "enabling atmosphere for it." Issuing a joint statement on March 2, they said that, "We are not a
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Three armed outfits in the Terai region – the Samyukta Jantantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, Madhesi Mukti Tigers and Terai Cobra - have reportedly agreed to sit for talks with the government provided there is "enabling atmosphere for it." Issuing a joint statement on March 2, they said that, "We are not against talks, and if there is an enabling atmosphere for it then we are ready to come for talks."
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March - 2 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said in Ratnapura that until such time every inch of land is captured and the last terrorist is destroyed, his government will not cease its operations against the LTTE, reports Daily News.
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said in Ratnapura that until such time every inch of land is captured and the last terrorist is destroyed, his government will not cease its operations against the LTTE, reports Daily News.
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March - 2 
The Sri Lankan authorities have urged the British government to ban fund-raising activities of what they described as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) front organisations alleging that the money collected by these groups "ostensibly" for charitable purposes went into the "coffers" of the ou
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The Sri Lankan authorities have urged the British government to ban fund-raising activities of what they described as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) front organisations alleging that the money collected by these groups "ostensibly" for charitable purposes went into the "coffers" of the outfit, The Hindu reported .They said that although the LTTE was banned in Britain, a number of organisations claiming to be "charities" were working for it. "These funds directly go to the coffers of the insurgent group to wage war with the Sri Lankan government and spread violence among civilian populations," an unnamed spokesman of the Sri Lankan High Commission said. The call came after the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO) organised a cultural show to raise funds for an educational project in Visvamadu in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan officials called the project an extension of the LTTE. "We have complained to the British police that Visvamadu is in the Wanni territory where the power of the LTTE is wielded and these funds are meant for its campaign," the spokesman said. The TYO, however, denied any links with the LTTE and claimed that it is a "charity with the interests of Tamil youth at heart."
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March - 3 
According to Tribune, the Border Security Force (BSF) on March 3 today foiled an intrusion bid by killing a Pakistani intruder in the Akhnoor sector. A BSF spokesman said that an ambush party of the border outpost at Chak Phagwari observed an intruder trying to negotiate the border fence. On being c
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According to Tribune, the Border Security Force (BSF) on March 3 today foiled an intrusion bid by killing a Pakistani intruder in the Akhnoor sector. A BSF spokesman said that an ambush party of the border outpost at Chak Phagwari observed an intruder trying to negotiate the border fence. On being challenged, the intruder attempted to flee, the ambush party taking the intrusion as infiltration bid, fired at him, he died on the spot," the spokesman said. An identity card recovered from the possession disclosed his identity as Sayeed Shahani Raja of Chherawali village of Gujranwala district in Pakistan.
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March - 3 
The People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) asked to attack residences of ministers and legislators as these had allegedly become the "command centres" that allowed security forces to ‘kill persons in custody in violation of human rights’.
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The People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) asked to attack residences of ministers and legislators as these had allegedly become the "command centres" that allowed security forces to ‘kill persons in custody in violation of human rights’.
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March - 3 
According to The News, at least 10 people were killed and six others injured when dozens of armed men belonging to the Khyber Agency-based Lashkar-e-Islam (LeI) attacked Shiekhan village on the outskirts of Peshawar, capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) with rocket launchers and other
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According to The News, at least 10 people were killed and six others injured when dozens of armed men belonging to the Khyber Agency-based Lashkar-e-Islam (LeI) attacked Shiekhan village on the outskirts of Peshawar, capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) with rocket launchers and other sophisticated weapons before bulldozing a shrine and four houses on March 3. Some sources put the death toll at 16 and said 15 of the deceased were villagers. Police had to fire teargas shells to disperse hundreds of angry villagers who blocked the main Bara Road to register their protest against the LeI militants. "Dozens of armed men of Mangal Bagh-led militant organisation attacked Shiekhan village at around 11.30 am. The villagers, mostly unarmed and unprepared, resisted the assault that resulted into a fierce clash between the rival groups," said a police official. While the militants used rockets and mortar shells besides machineguns and AK-47 assault rifles, the villagers retaliated with rifles. The heavy fighting that continued for hours restricted hundreds of villagers in the nearby areas to their houses. Students in the local schools were also confined to their institutions. Before fleeing to their stronghold Bara in the Khyber Agency of FATA, the LeI militants bulldozed four houses and set ablaze a shrine after razing its building. The Mangal Bagh-led LeI group had reportedly warned the villagers against the stay of a saint, Pir Abdul Hakeem, in the Dani Baba Shrine. The saint is among six people, including a woman, who sustained injuries in the attack. The attack is the first by LeI in the settled part of Peshawar. Mangal Bagh, the head of the LeI, has been enforcing his own brand of Islam in his areas for about two years, according to Dawn. Locals told Daily Times that Shiekhan is home to supporters of Pir Saifur Rehman, who was expelled from Bara in 2007 under immense pressure from the LeI.
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March - 3 
Police sources have claimed that 31 extremists and listed terrorists have been arrested from the nine sub-districts of Khulna during combing operations from February 5 to February 27, reports Daily Star. Superintendent of Police Belalur Rahman said that 32 illegal firearms and 140 bullets were recov
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Police sources have claimed that 31 extremists and listed terrorists have been arrested from the nine sub-districts of Khulna during combing operations from February 5 to February 27, reports Daily Star. Superintendent of Police Belalur Rahman said that 32 illegal firearms and 140 bullets were recovered from the arrested persons.
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March - 4 
Security around Tihar Jail in the national capital New Delhi has been beefed up following intelligence inputs that militants were planning to carry out a suicide attack on the prison complex, The Hindi reported. This information was given in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) on March 4 by th
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Security around Tihar Jail in the national capital New Delhi has been beefed up following intelligence inputs that militants were planning to carry out a suicide attack on the prison complex, The Hindi reported. This information was given in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) on March 4 by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, V. Radhika Selvi, in response to a written question from Jayaprada of the Samajwadi Party. The Minister said an intelligence input regarding plans of jihadi terrorist attack on the Tihar Jail was received in September 2007 prompting the authorities to carry out effective changes in the security apparatus around the prison.
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March - 4 
Telegraph quoting police sources reports that the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) has set up an office-cum-transit camp in Guwahati for extortion and other illegal activities in violation of its cease-fire with the government. Police located the camp following the confession of two mili
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Telegraph quoting police sources reports that the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) has set up an office-cum-transit camp in Guwahati for extortion and other illegal activities in violation of its cease-fire with the government. Police located the camp following the confession of two militants, Bhim Boro and Aviram Basumatary alias Anjalu, who were arrested on March 3. An unnamed police official said the extortion campaign was being carried out under the supervision of the ‘3rd Battalion commander’, Bhupen Boro. He said, “A police team raided the office-cum-transit camp and seized CDs and several incriminating documents, including extortion notices.” He added that nobody was in the house during the raid, and no arms and ammunition were found either. The owner of the house, Harsha Sharma, told police that two youths who identified themselves as Robin Boro and Babul Boro became his tenants three months ago. The CDs contain video footage of NDFB ‘chairman’ Ransaigra Nabla Daimari alias Ranjan Daimari, addressing his cadres in a camp somewhere in Bangladesh on June 5, 2007. “The arrested militants confessed that there were two M-20 pistols in their office-cum-transit camp. It is a serious violation of the ceasefire ground rules, which stipulate that an NDFB member should stay in a designated camp and not move about with weapons,” the official said. Investigators believe there were at least six NDFB militants in the camp and that four of them managed to escape after Bhim and Aviram’s arrest. “Going by the information available to us now, the outfit is targeting professionals, businessmen and government officials,” the official said. The report added that some NDFB militants are working even for ULFA to make easy money.
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March - 4 
The Minister told the Lok Sabha that the government has received “credible intelligence inputs” about terrorist threats to places of religious worship in the country. “There are credible intelligence inputs on possible terrorist attacks on various religious places in the country” Jaiswal informed th
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The Minister told the Lok Sabha that the government has received “credible intelligence inputs” about terrorist threats to places of religious worship in the country. “There are credible intelligence inputs on possible terrorist attacks on various religious places in the country” Jaiswal informed the House in a written reply to a question posed by V. K. Malhotra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deputy leader in the house. “The complete details about such threats cannot be divulged in public interest”, Jaiswal added.
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ADVANCED SEARCH
Incident Year Wise
Incidents- 2024
Incidents- 2023
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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
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