ID :
39937
Sat, 01/10/2009 - 20:00
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/39937
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India should not consider surgical strikes on Pak: Musharraf
Islamabad, Jan 10 (PTI) India should not consider
surgical strikes against Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai
attacks, former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday,
insisting that Islamabad is prepared to respond to any
eventuality with "full force."
"We have maintained a force level which is adequate for
deterrence. And we have the resolve to use the force if there
is any danger," he told reporters here when asked about the
possibility of India carrying out surgical strikes.
The country would respond to any eventuality with full
force, he said ahead of his departure for the US to deliver
guest lectures.
"In my opinion, surgical strikes cannot be carried out in
Pakistan," he said.
Musharraf said threatening statements would only create
tension and people should not make such statements for
"political expediency".
Replying to a question, he said the Mumbai attacks had
led to war hysteria in both India and Pakistan.
The former military ruler, who resigned last year to
avoid impeachment by the PPP-led ruling coalition, refused to
comment on the government's handling of the situation in the
wake of the Mumbai attacks.
"Let them handle it. We expect the best," he said.
Musharraf also rubbished the "do more" rhetoric of the US
and said there was no secret understanding by his regime with
America for cross-border drone attacks and military operations
in Pakistan's tribal areas.
"There was a clear policy that only the Pakistan Army
will operate (in the tribal areas) and no other army will
operate there," he said.
"I reject the call for 'do more'. We have sacrificed more
than any other country (in the war on terror). We lost 1,500
soldiers and the same number of civilians. We arrested 600 to
700 al-Qaeda suspects, including 20 to 25 senior leaders," he
added.
"The call for us to 'do more' amounts to demoralising us.
This is absolutely unacceptable. They should encourage us."
Stating that the root causes of terrorism need to be
addressed, Musharraf added that the time had come to resolve
the Kashmir and Palestine issues.
"Political disputes like Palestine and Kashmir have to be
resolved. Israel has adopted a regressive policy to deal with
the issue by attacking Palestinians in Gaza. They are
deteriorating the situation.
"The attacks will promote terrorism. I condemn the
attacks in strong terms. If you attack, the situation will
become complicated. The whole world must realise this," he
said. PTI RHL
SAK
NNNN
UK-INDIAN
Indian-origin parents in UK appeal for missing son
London, Jan 10 (PTI) An Indian-origin family made an
emotional appeal for the safe return of their 15-year-old son,
who went missing since Tuesday en-route to his school.
The parents of Jonathan Marques, a Reading-based family
of Goa origin, wept through out the press conference and asked
anyone who has seen him, to get in touch.
The family, which moved to the UK three years ago, in
their plea said "Jonthan, if you are there, just give us a
call and tell us you are safe. Please come home. We love
you and we miss you. Please come home."
His father, Menino Marques, said "Anybody who knows
anything about Jonthan, please phone the police."
Arcanja Afonso Marques, his mother, sobbed inconsolably
throughout the press conference, reports from Reading near
London said.
He was last seen leaving home at 8.30am on Tuesday
morning in his Blessed Hugh Faringdon school uniform but he
did not arrive at the school.
When he did not come home in the afternoon, his parents
became worried and checked with friends before calling the
police.
Chief Superintendent Richard Bennett said: "Jonthan is a
very quiet boy and keeps himself to himself. Most of his
friends are at the school and we are talking to them."
Bennett also said Jonthan was very keen to return to his
home town Goa in India and that had caused a few problems at
home.
"Jonthan hasn't been particularly happy at school and he
would like to go back to Goa in India where his family have
come from three years ago and that has caused a few tensions
at home," he said.
"He doesn't have his passport with him or any money or
his phone and we've got no reason to believe he has left the
area. There is nothing to suggest that there is any foul play
involved. The most likely explanation is that he has decided
to run away or he's been staying somewhere.
"His family are very distressed. If there have been some
disagreements in the past that is something we can work
through. The important thing is we are reassured that he is
safe."
The Reading police have searched his route to school and
interviewed pupils, who were told the news in a special
assembly. They have also examined CCTV footage from shops and
railway stations. PTI Corr
SAK
NNNN
MULFORD
Dossier is credible, but give Pak some time: Mulford
New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) The US has contended that the
dossier given by India to Pakistan on the Mumbai attacks was
"credible" but suggested that New Delhi should allow time to
Islamabad to act on it.
US Ambassador to India David C Mulford said the dossier
contains extensive inputs from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI).
"From what I have seen it is a very credible material.
The FBI is cooperating in Mumbai...It is information which
tells and gives a very accurate account of what has happened,"
he told Karan Thapar's programme 'Devil's Advocate'.
Commenting on the Indo-US cooperation in this area, he
said the dossier prepared by India extensively used material
provided by the FBI. "As far as I see, it (FBI material) was
used extensively because the material was same."
Underlining the credible aspect of the dossier, he said,
"As far as the FBI is concerned, they do not deal with
non-credible material. It is a truly professional organisation
supported by absolutely high-tech techniques."
On the Mumbai attacks, Mulford said "there were handlers
who were in touch with these people on the ground. It is a
serious problem. This act of terrorism came from Pakistan".
When referred to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's view
that "official agencies" of Pakistan could have been involved
in the terror strikes, the Ambassador said "I think one needs
to be very very careful about making those kinds of
allegations unless you have very concrete evidence to that
degree of specificity."
The US Ambassador said his country cannot get into "that
kind of specificity unless there is some justification for
it."
Mulford said that there are a lot of things that tell
that "this is a very serious situation. You don't need to know
that degree of specificity that you need to compel to pursue
the matter."
Emphasising that Pakistan has a "serious problem on its
hand", he said "you don't need some kind of a definitive state
to know that you have a definite problem on hand."
When referred to Pakistan's virtual rejection of the
credibility of evidence within 24 hours after getting it, he
said, "Well, I don't think you can cut some quick reaction on
the statement of one particular individual. I think it takes
some time. You have, after all, a situation where there is a
civilian government, a very strong military, a very strong
intelligence agency and a media and other players.
"And I think you have to take a view that it is going to
take little time to percolate to see what really is the
outcome."
He went on to add that "Somebody in denial (mode) doesn't
necessarily remain in denial and isn't always on specific
point in denial even if they are projecting a sense of
denial."
Mulford said "It is complex and you would be mistaken to
seize on a statement that is particularly irritating to you or
proves a point of some kind to you that are standing back
waiting and seeing the effort it is achieving."
Mulford said "It is complex and you would be mistaken to
seize on a statement that is particularly irritating to you or
proves a point of some kind to you that are standing back
waiting and seeing the effort it is achieving."
He said the US view was that the Pakistani government has
"responded cooperatively with us".
Insisting that Pakistan is "very concerned" about the
situation, the Ambassador said "they (Pakistan) have made some
efforts early on to offer a delegation to come to India to
cooperate and exchange information which is not being accepted
and they have recently agreed to hand over information and
cooperate with the government here.
"The question is what is the level of cooperation going
to be. How forthcoming is it? Is it enough to satisfy people
here of their credibility of the party to cooperate with."
He said one should not "get lost with some of the detail
... because I think we all understand there has to be a level
of cooperation to move from here."
Asked how long India should wait for Pakistan to respond,
he said "it is not a question of time, although time is
important, because to get into a situation where so much time
passes, it makes them look uncooperative.
"But you do have to sort of gauge what is happening, what
their own situation is and what sort of problems they are
facing. And don't forget, the US is in regular touch with them
because of its own losses."
The US Ambassador said "if you have to make progress, you
have to make some element of cooperation and that means
looking at ways to accomplish some minimal levels.
On Pakistan's offer of sending a high-level delegation,
he noted that it was made with no detail as to who would be on
the delegation and it was never filled out with additional
information. "So, I don't think India made a mistake to not
take that up because it wasn't going anywhere."
Asked how much time should be given by New Delhi to
Islamabad to evaluate evidence, Mulford said it was for the
Indian government to decide.
When asked what would happen if there is another terror
strike, he said "That will be a very serious matter."
Queried whether that could lead to war, he said "I don't
know. But it will be a very serious matter." PTI SKU
SAK
NNNN
US-PAK
Increasing militancy in Pak a cause of worry: McConnell
Washington, Jan 10 (PTI) Maintaining that the Mumbai
attacks were carried out by terrorists trained in and departed
from Pakistan, the US has said the increasing militancy in the
nuclear-armed country is one of the main causes of worry for
it.
There are militants in Pakistan whose purpose is to
overthrow the government of that country, Director of US
National Intelligence, Michael McConnell, said.
"Osama bin Laden issued a fatwa in the fall of 2007 to
say that the mission was to destroy the government of
Pakistan," he said in an interview to the popular Charlie Rose
Show on PBS.
"Pakistan has nuclear weapons. Would you want militants
who are sworn to kill Americans in possession of nuclear
weapons? That's what I worry about," McConnell said.
Referring to the Mumbai terrorist attacks, he said the
horrendous terrorist act was carried by a group that was
"trained and departed" from Pakistan.
"And there's significant tension between those two
countries (India and Pakistan) now about how they're going to
resolve that. Military forces have been put on an increased
state of readiness," he said.
McConnell said his worries related to Pakistan was on top
because of the increasing militancy in a country, which is
nuclear weapon powered.
Also, he said his "biggest worry" is the fact that
Pakistan as a nation "is teetering on bankruptcy."
McConnell said: "It's when you have smart, adaptive,
dedicated, willing to die for a cause (of their) leadership
whose purpose is mass casualties in the United States. That's
the worry. And so now, how would they carry out that act?
"It quickly takes one to weapons of mass destruction. How
might they obtain them? So that is what we constantly try to
monitor and focus on and be aware of."
"Would it be biological? Might it be a chemical? Might it
be nuclear? Could it morph into something like cyber?" he
asked.
Stating that there are militants on the Afghan-Pak border
who are supported in Pakistan and cross into Afghanistan to
attack and kill US and coalition forces, he said: "That's a
very unstable situation." PTI LKJ
SAK
NNNN
TRUCKERS-2NDLD STRIKE
Indian govt ropes in AIMTC's rival to break truckers strike
New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) The Indian government saturday
enlisted the services of striking truckers' rival union to
break the logjam that has pushed prices of essentials higher,
even as more states invoked ESMA to arrest those disrupting
goods movement.
The government, which Friday said it will ply 15-20
lakh trucks and let private vehicles carry goods without
permit, called a meeting with representatives of All India
Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners' Associations (ACOGOA),
which claims command over 40 lakh trucks across the country.
"We have invited representatives of ACOGOA for a
meeting," Transport Ministry Joint Secretary S K Dash said,
without elaborating the agenda.
The ACOGOA is the rival union of All India Motor
Transport Congress, whose members have been on strike since
Sunday midnight demanding lower diesel prices, duty-free
import of tyres and exemption from service tax, among others.
The strike has sent prices of essential commodities
higher, while states initiated action against truckers. Madhya
Pradesh became the seventh state to invoke the Essential
Services Maintenance Act.
Emerging from the meeting, ACOGOA Vice-President
Chittranjan Dass said: "We are not participating in the
truckers strike."
Asked what was the meeting about, he said: "We discussed
our own issues... we requested the government to abolish the
import duty on radial tyres."
"They (govt) have assured us of a reduction in diesel
prices," he said, but did not divulge the specifics of the
expected price cuts.
ACOGOA President Channa Reddy, who also attended the
meeting said the association member have been transporting
goods wherever there are loads.
Reacting to the development, All India Motor Transport
Congress Vice-President Amolak Singh Bhatia said it was a move
by the government was indulging in a face saving exercise.
"The government wants to reduce diesel prices but wants
to give credit to ACOGOA instead of AIMTC," he said.
"The government may be trying to create an impression
that truckers' strike has been called off through an agreement
with ACOGOA," Bhatia apprehended.
Meanwhile, the AIMTC was searching for direction as the
union's top leadership had either been arrested or gone into
hiding. The West Bengal chapter of the union said it would
meet today to decide the further course of action.
Another truckers' body, which is also participating in
the strike, All India Transport Welfare Association President
Ramesh Agarwal refused to recognise the existence of
ACOGOA and said the strike will continue.
"We will continue with the strike and we will not hold
any talks with the government till AIMTC President and other
arrested members are released," he said, adding they were not
aware how many of their members have been arrested so far.
"The government is in panic and it is entirely
responsible for the ongoing strike," he added.
The strike entered the sixth day today even as Uttar
Pradesh, Goa, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
and Andhra Pradesh invoked ESMA to let private vehicles ferry
goods without permits as also to enable impounding of
vehicles. PTI NAM
SAK
NNNN
DEORA
India considering cut in petrol, diesel, LPG prices: Deora
Mumbai, Jan 10 (PTI) Indian Petroleum Minister Murli
Deora Saturday said the government is considering a further up
to Rs 5 per litre reduction in petrol, Rs 3 a litre in diesel
and Rs 25 per LPG cylinder prices in the next few days.
"We have talked to Prime Minister, in coming days we are
trying to reduce the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG...give
us 10 -15 days," Deora told reporters here.
"According to me the advisable reduction would be Rs 5
per litre for petrol, Rs 3 per litre for diesel and Rs 25 on
LPG cylinder," he said when asked about the extent of
reduction in prices.
Oil companies have minimised the losses on petrol and
diesel, as crude oil prices have lowered to USD 40 per barrel
from its peak of USD 147 a barrel in July last year.
"From this quarter onwards, we expect the oil marketing
companies to start making profits. But, if the crude oil price
rises beyond 40 dollar per barrel, then it (profit) will not
happen," Deora added.
When asked about a reduction in kerosene prices, he said
it is already available at the cheapest rate in India of Rs
9 per litre.
On December 6, the Government had reduced prices of
petrol and diesel by Rs five and Rs two per litre,
respectively, as global crude prices hovered around four year
low. PTI JD
SAK
NNNN
PAK-MUSHARRAF
India should not consider surgical strikes on Pak: Musharraf
Islamabad, Jan 10 (PTI) India should not consider
surgical strikes against Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai
attacks, former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday,
insisting that Islamabad is prepared to respond to any
eventuality with "full force."
"We have maintained a force level which is adequate for
deterrence. And we have the resolve to use the force if there
is any danger," he told reporters here when asked about the
possibility of India carrying out surgical strikes.
The country would respond to any eventuality with full
force, he said ahead of his departure for the US to deliver
guest lectures.
"In my opinion, surgical strikes cannot be carried out in
Pakistan," he said.
Musharraf said threatening statements would only create
tension and people should not make such statements for
"political expediency".
Replying to a question, he said the Mumbai attacks had
led to war hysteria in both India and Pakistan.
The former military ruler, who resigned last year to
avoid impeachment by the PPP-led ruling coalition, refused to
comment on the government's handling of the situation in the
wake of the Mumbai attacks.
"Let them handle it. We expect the best," he said.
Musharraf also rubbished the "do more" rhetoric of the US
and said there was no secret understanding by his regime with
America for cross-border drone attacks and military operations
in Pakistan's tribal areas.
"There was a clear policy that only the Pakistan Army
will operate (in the tribal areas) and no other army will
operate there," he said.
"I reject the call for 'do more'. We have sacrificed more
than any other country (in the war on terror). We lost 1,500
soldiers and the same number of civilians. We arrested 600 to
700 al-Qaeda suspects, including 20 to 25 senior leaders," he
added.
"The call for us to 'do more' amounts to demoralising us.
This is absolutely unacceptable. They should encourage us."
Stating that the root causes of terrorism need to be
addressed, Musharraf added that the time had come to resolve
the Kashmir and Palestine issues.
"Political disputes like Palestine and Kashmir have to be
resolved. Israel has adopted a regressive policy to deal with
the issue by attacking Palestinians in Gaza. They are
deteriorating the situation.
"The attacks will promote terrorism. I condemn the
attacks in strong terms. If you attack, the situation will
become complicated. The whole world must realise this," he
said. PTI RHL
surgical strikes against Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai
attacks, former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday,
insisting that Islamabad is prepared to respond to any
eventuality with "full force."
"We have maintained a force level which is adequate for
deterrence. And we have the resolve to use the force if there
is any danger," he told reporters here when asked about the
possibility of India carrying out surgical strikes.
The country would respond to any eventuality with full
force, he said ahead of his departure for the US to deliver
guest lectures.
"In my opinion, surgical strikes cannot be carried out in
Pakistan," he said.
Musharraf said threatening statements would only create
tension and people should not make such statements for
"political expediency".
Replying to a question, he said the Mumbai attacks had
led to war hysteria in both India and Pakistan.
The former military ruler, who resigned last year to
avoid impeachment by the PPP-led ruling coalition, refused to
comment on the government's handling of the situation in the
wake of the Mumbai attacks.
"Let them handle it. We expect the best," he said.
Musharraf also rubbished the "do more" rhetoric of the US
and said there was no secret understanding by his regime with
America for cross-border drone attacks and military operations
in Pakistan's tribal areas.
"There was a clear policy that only the Pakistan Army
will operate (in the tribal areas) and no other army will
operate there," he said.
"I reject the call for 'do more'. We have sacrificed more
than any other country (in the war on terror). We lost 1,500
soldiers and the same number of civilians. We arrested 600 to
700 al-Qaeda suspects, including 20 to 25 senior leaders," he
added.
"The call for us to 'do more' amounts to demoralising us.
This is absolutely unacceptable. They should encourage us."
Stating that the root causes of terrorism need to be
addressed, Musharraf added that the time had come to resolve
the Kashmir and Palestine issues.
"Political disputes like Palestine and Kashmir have to be
resolved. Israel has adopted a regressive policy to deal with
the issue by attacking Palestinians in Gaza. They are
deteriorating the situation.
"The attacks will promote terrorism. I condemn the
attacks in strong terms. If you attack, the situation will
become complicated. The whole world must realise this," he
said. PTI RHL
SAK
NNNN
UK-INDIAN
Indian-origin parents in UK appeal for missing son
London, Jan 10 (PTI) An Indian-origin family made an
emotional appeal for the safe return of their 15-year-old son,
who went missing since Tuesday en-route to his school.
The parents of Jonathan Marques, a Reading-based family
of Goa origin, wept through out the press conference and asked
anyone who has seen him, to get in touch.
The family, which moved to the UK three years ago, in
their plea said "Jonthan, if you are there, just give us a
call and tell us you are safe. Please come home. We love
you and we miss you. Please come home."
His father, Menino Marques, said "Anybody who knows
anything about Jonthan, please phone the police."
Arcanja Afonso Marques, his mother, sobbed inconsolably
throughout the press conference, reports from Reading near
London said.
He was last seen leaving home at 8.30am on Tuesday
morning in his Blessed Hugh Faringdon school uniform but he
did not arrive at the school.
When he did not come home in the afternoon, his parents
became worried and checked with friends before calling the
police.
Chief Superintendent Richard Bennett said: "Jonthan is a
very quiet boy and keeps himself to himself. Most of his
friends are at the school and we are talking to them."
Bennett also said Jonthan was very keen to return to his
home town Goa in India and that had caused a few problems at
home.
"Jonthan hasn't been particularly happy at school and he
would like to go back to Goa in India where his family have
come from three years ago and that has caused a few tensions
at home," he said.
"He doesn't have his passport with him or any money or
his phone and we've got no reason to believe he has left the
area. There is nothing to suggest that there is any foul play
involved. The most likely explanation is that he has decided
to run away or he's been staying somewhere.
"His family are very distressed. If there have been some
disagreements in the past that is something we can work
through. The important thing is we are reassured that he is
safe."
The Reading police have searched his route to school and
interviewed pupils, who were told the news in a special
assembly. They have also examined CCTV footage from shops and
railway stations. PTI Corr
SAK
NNNN
MULFORD
Dossier is credible, but give Pak some time: Mulford
New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) The US has contended that the
dossier given by India to Pakistan on the Mumbai attacks was
"credible" but suggested that New Delhi should allow time to
Islamabad to act on it.
US Ambassador to India David C Mulford said the dossier
contains extensive inputs from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI).
"From what I have seen it is a very credible material.
The FBI is cooperating in Mumbai...It is information which
tells and gives a very accurate account of what has happened,"
he told Karan Thapar's programme 'Devil's Advocate'.
Commenting on the Indo-US cooperation in this area, he
said the dossier prepared by India extensively used material
provided by the FBI. "As far as I see, it (FBI material) was
used extensively because the material was same."
Underlining the credible aspect of the dossier, he said,
"As far as the FBI is concerned, they do not deal with
non-credible material. It is a truly professional organisation
supported by absolutely high-tech techniques."
On the Mumbai attacks, Mulford said "there were handlers
who were in touch with these people on the ground. It is a
serious problem. This act of terrorism came from Pakistan".
When referred to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's view
that "official agencies" of Pakistan could have been involved
in the terror strikes, the Ambassador said "I think one needs
to be very very careful about making those kinds of
allegations unless you have very concrete evidence to that
degree of specificity."
The US Ambassador said his country cannot get into "that
kind of specificity unless there is some justification for
it."
Mulford said that there are a lot of things that tell
that "this is a very serious situation. You don't need to know
that degree of specificity that you need to compel to pursue
the matter."
Emphasising that Pakistan has a "serious problem on its
hand", he said "you don't need some kind of a definitive state
to know that you have a definite problem on hand."
When referred to Pakistan's virtual rejection of the
credibility of evidence within 24 hours after getting it, he
said, "Well, I don't think you can cut some quick reaction on
the statement of one particular individual. I think it takes
some time. You have, after all, a situation where there is a
civilian government, a very strong military, a very strong
intelligence agency and a media and other players.
"And I think you have to take a view that it is going to
take little time to percolate to see what really is the
outcome."
He went on to add that "Somebody in denial (mode) doesn't
necessarily remain in denial and isn't always on specific
point in denial even if they are projecting a sense of
denial."
Mulford said "It is complex and you would be mistaken to
seize on a statement that is particularly irritating to you or
proves a point of some kind to you that are standing back
waiting and seeing the effort it is achieving."
Mulford said "It is complex and you would be mistaken to
seize on a statement that is particularly irritating to you or
proves a point of some kind to you that are standing back
waiting and seeing the effort it is achieving."
He said the US view was that the Pakistani government has
"responded cooperatively with us".
Insisting that Pakistan is "very concerned" about the
situation, the Ambassador said "they (Pakistan) have made some
efforts early on to offer a delegation to come to India to
cooperate and exchange information which is not being accepted
and they have recently agreed to hand over information and
cooperate with the government here.
"The question is what is the level of cooperation going
to be. How forthcoming is it? Is it enough to satisfy people
here of their credibility of the party to cooperate with."
He said one should not "get lost with some of the detail
... because I think we all understand there has to be a level
of cooperation to move from here."
Asked how long India should wait for Pakistan to respond,
he said "it is not a question of time, although time is
important, because to get into a situation where so much time
passes, it makes them look uncooperative.
"But you do have to sort of gauge what is happening, what
their own situation is and what sort of problems they are
facing. And don't forget, the US is in regular touch with them
because of its own losses."
The US Ambassador said "if you have to make progress, you
have to make some element of cooperation and that means
looking at ways to accomplish some minimal levels.
On Pakistan's offer of sending a high-level delegation,
he noted that it was made with no detail as to who would be on
the delegation and it was never filled out with additional
information. "So, I don't think India made a mistake to not
take that up because it wasn't going anywhere."
Asked how much time should be given by New Delhi to
Islamabad to evaluate evidence, Mulford said it was for the
Indian government to decide.
When asked what would happen if there is another terror
strike, he said "That will be a very serious matter."
Queried whether that could lead to war, he said "I don't
know. But it will be a very serious matter." PTI SKU
SAK
NNNN
US-PAK
Increasing militancy in Pak a cause of worry: McConnell
Washington, Jan 10 (PTI) Maintaining that the Mumbai
attacks were carried out by terrorists trained in and departed
from Pakistan, the US has said the increasing militancy in the
nuclear-armed country is one of the main causes of worry for
it.
There are militants in Pakistan whose purpose is to
overthrow the government of that country, Director of US
National Intelligence, Michael McConnell, said.
"Osama bin Laden issued a fatwa in the fall of 2007 to
say that the mission was to destroy the government of
Pakistan," he said in an interview to the popular Charlie Rose
Show on PBS.
"Pakistan has nuclear weapons. Would you want militants
who are sworn to kill Americans in possession of nuclear
weapons? That's what I worry about," McConnell said.
Referring to the Mumbai terrorist attacks, he said the
horrendous terrorist act was carried by a group that was
"trained and departed" from Pakistan.
"And there's significant tension between those two
countries (India and Pakistan) now about how they're going to
resolve that. Military forces have been put on an increased
state of readiness," he said.
McConnell said his worries related to Pakistan was on top
because of the increasing militancy in a country, which is
nuclear weapon powered.
Also, he said his "biggest worry" is the fact that
Pakistan as a nation "is teetering on bankruptcy."
McConnell said: "It's when you have smart, adaptive,
dedicated, willing to die for a cause (of their) leadership
whose purpose is mass casualties in the United States. That's
the worry. And so now, how would they carry out that act?
"It quickly takes one to weapons of mass destruction. How
might they obtain them? So that is what we constantly try to
monitor and focus on and be aware of."
"Would it be biological? Might it be a chemical? Might it
be nuclear? Could it morph into something like cyber?" he
asked.
Stating that there are militants on the Afghan-Pak border
who are supported in Pakistan and cross into Afghanistan to
attack and kill US and coalition forces, he said: "That's a
very unstable situation." PTI LKJ
SAK
NNNN
TRUCKERS-2NDLD STRIKE
Indian govt ropes in AIMTC's rival to break truckers strike
New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) The Indian government saturday
enlisted the services of striking truckers' rival union to
break the logjam that has pushed prices of essentials higher,
even as more states invoked ESMA to arrest those disrupting
goods movement.
The government, which Friday said it will ply 15-20
lakh trucks and let private vehicles carry goods without
permit, called a meeting with representatives of All India
Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners' Associations (ACOGOA),
which claims command over 40 lakh trucks across the country.
"We have invited representatives of ACOGOA for a
meeting," Transport Ministry Joint Secretary S K Dash said,
without elaborating the agenda.
The ACOGOA is the rival union of All India Motor
Transport Congress, whose members have been on strike since
Sunday midnight demanding lower diesel prices, duty-free
import of tyres and exemption from service tax, among others.
The strike has sent prices of essential commodities
higher, while states initiated action against truckers. Madhya
Pradesh became the seventh state to invoke the Essential
Services Maintenance Act.
Emerging from the meeting, ACOGOA Vice-President
Chittranjan Dass said: "We are not participating in the
truckers strike."
Asked what was the meeting about, he said: "We discussed
our own issues... we requested the government to abolish the
import duty on radial tyres."
"They (govt) have assured us of a reduction in diesel
prices," he said, but did not divulge the specifics of the
expected price cuts.
ACOGOA President Channa Reddy, who also attended the
meeting said the association member have been transporting
goods wherever there are loads.
Reacting to the development, All India Motor Transport
Congress Vice-President Amolak Singh Bhatia said it was a move
by the government was indulging in a face saving exercise.
"The government wants to reduce diesel prices but wants
to give credit to ACOGOA instead of AIMTC," he said.
"The government may be trying to create an impression
that truckers' strike has been called off through an agreement
with ACOGOA," Bhatia apprehended.
Meanwhile, the AIMTC was searching for direction as the
union's top leadership had either been arrested or gone into
hiding. The West Bengal chapter of the union said it would
meet today to decide the further course of action.
Another truckers' body, which is also participating in
the strike, All India Transport Welfare Association President
Ramesh Agarwal refused to recognise the existence of
ACOGOA and said the strike will continue.
"We will continue with the strike and we will not hold
any talks with the government till AIMTC President and other
arrested members are released," he said, adding they were not
aware how many of their members have been arrested so far.
"The government is in panic and it is entirely
responsible for the ongoing strike," he added.
The strike entered the sixth day today even as Uttar
Pradesh, Goa, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
and Andhra Pradesh invoked ESMA to let private vehicles ferry
goods without permits as also to enable impounding of
vehicles. PTI NAM
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DEORA
India considering cut in petrol, diesel, LPG prices: Deora
Mumbai, Jan 10 (PTI) Indian Petroleum Minister Murli
Deora Saturday said the government is considering a further up
to Rs 5 per litre reduction in petrol, Rs 3 a litre in diesel
and Rs 25 per LPG cylinder prices in the next few days.
"We have talked to Prime Minister, in coming days we are
trying to reduce the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG...give
us 10 -15 days," Deora told reporters here.
"According to me the advisable reduction would be Rs 5
per litre for petrol, Rs 3 per litre for diesel and Rs 25 on
LPG cylinder," he said when asked about the extent of
reduction in prices.
Oil companies have minimised the losses on petrol and
diesel, as crude oil prices have lowered to USD 40 per barrel
from its peak of USD 147 a barrel in July last year.
"From this quarter onwards, we expect the oil marketing
companies to start making profits. But, if the crude oil price
rises beyond 40 dollar per barrel, then it (profit) will not
happen," Deora added.
When asked about a reduction in kerosene prices, he said
it is already available at the cheapest rate in India of Rs
9 per litre.
On December 6, the Government had reduced prices of
petrol and diesel by Rs five and Rs two per litre,
respectively, as global crude prices hovered around four year
low. PTI JD
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PAK-MUSHARRAF
India should not consider surgical strikes on Pak: Musharraf
Islamabad, Jan 10 (PTI) India should not consider
surgical strikes against Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai
attacks, former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday,
insisting that Islamabad is prepared to respond to any
eventuality with "full force."
"We have maintained a force level which is adequate for
deterrence. And we have the resolve to use the force if there
is any danger," he told reporters here when asked about the
possibility of India carrying out surgical strikes.
The country would respond to any eventuality with full
force, he said ahead of his departure for the US to deliver
guest lectures.
"In my opinion, surgical strikes cannot be carried out in
Pakistan," he said.
Musharraf said threatening statements would only create
tension and people should not make such statements for
"political expediency".
Replying to a question, he said the Mumbai attacks had
led to war hysteria in both India and Pakistan.
The former military ruler, who resigned last year to
avoid impeachment by the PPP-led ruling coalition, refused to
comment on the government's handling of the situation in the
wake of the Mumbai attacks.
"Let them handle it. We expect the best," he said.
Musharraf also rubbished the "do more" rhetoric of the US
and said there was no secret understanding by his regime with
America for cross-border drone attacks and military operations
in Pakistan's tribal areas.
"There was a clear policy that only the Pakistan Army
will operate (in the tribal areas) and no other army will
operate there," he said.
"I reject the call for 'do more'. We have sacrificed more
than any other country (in the war on terror). We lost 1,500
soldiers and the same number of civilians. We arrested 600 to
700 al-Qaeda suspects, including 20 to 25 senior leaders," he
added.
"The call for us to 'do more' amounts to demoralising us.
This is absolutely unacceptable. They should encourage us."
Stating that the root causes of terrorism need to be
addressed, Musharraf added that the time had come to resolve
the Kashmir and Palestine issues.
"Political disputes like Palestine and Kashmir have to be
resolved. Israel has adopted a regressive policy to deal with
the issue by attacking Palestinians in Gaza. They are
deteriorating the situation.
"The attacks will promote terrorism. I condemn the
attacks in strong terms. If you attack, the situation will
become complicated. The whole world must realise this," he
said. PTI RHL
