CRPF Chief Vikram Srivastava transferred

From Siasat.com
Saturday, 2 October 2010

New Delhi, October 02: In a sudden move, the government on Saturday shunted out CRPF chief Vikram Srivastava and brought in K Vijay Kumar, who had shot to fame when he led the operations to eliminate forest brigand Veerappan, as his replacement.

Srivastava, who was made the CRPF Director General in February this year, has been made the chief of Bureau of Police Research and Development in Delhi.

He had come under attack after the Dantewada massacre in which 75 CRPF men lost their lives in a Maoist attack on April 6 in Chhattisgarh.

58-year-old Vijay Kumar, a Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer, had achieved fame when he headed the Special Task Force (STF) for a long time and strategised operations that culminated in the elimination of the dreaded sandalwood smuggler Veerapan in October 2004.

Vijay Kumar headed the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad from 2008. Earlier, he had also had a stint in BSF as an Inspector General in Kashmir for two years.

Winner of President's Police Medal for gallantry, the 1975 batch officer will head a force of nearly three lakh personnel.

In deciding on Vijay Kumar's appointment, the government may have superceded two senior IPS officers Vijay Raman (1975 batch) and NK Tripathi (1974 batch). Both of them are from the Madhya Pradesh cadre and are presently posted as Special Directors General in the CRPF.

Srivastava is a 1973 batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre and takes over as BPRD chief from Prasun Mukherjee, who retired on September 30.

--Agencies

http://www.siasat.com/english/news/crpf-chief-vikram-srivastava-shunted-out

Maoist kangaroo courts executed 21 people this year: Chidambaram

From The Times Of India

2 Oct, 2010 0332hrs IST TNN

NEW DELHI: Home minister P Chidambaram on Friday said the Maoists were continuing their violent activities and had set up many kangaroo courts which brutally executed 21 persons this year after holding them guilty.

Chidambaram said the CPI (Maoist) holds courts called `Jan Adalats', tries the `accused', sentences many of them to death and executes them in full public view in order to strike terror among villagers.

Expressing concern at the development, Chidambaram said 48 `Jan Adalats' were held this year till August 31 -- up from 38 last year. "The number of persons executed has risen to 21 from 11 last year," he added.

The home minister said the Maoists continued their violent activities across Left-wing extremist-affected states and their main targets were policemen and alleged `police informers'.

He also said the Centre would finalise interlocutors for holding talks with all shades of opinion in Jammu and Kashmir "very early" but refused to give any deadline.

On reports of terror threat to the Commonwealth Games, Chidambaram said there was no security threat to the mega event. The government had earlier reiterated that there was stringent security for the entire fortnight.

Reacting to a report that terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba was planning to target the Games, Chidambaram said there was no basis to believe it as the report was based on an old input which was recycled. "There is no basis that Brigade 313 or (Pakistan-based wanted terrorist) Ilyas Kashmiri are targeting the Commonwealth Games... Kindly turn your attention towards the Games... enjoy the Games," he said.

The minister said security for Commonwealth Games was reviewed from time to time and around 5,000 personnel of central paramilitary forces were deployed for the Games which included BSF, CRPF and CISF.

http://m.timesofindia.com/PDATOI/articleshow/6667292.cms

No terror threat to Games: Chidambaram

From IBN Live

Oct 2, 2010
New Delhi: The government on Friday dismissed as "baseless" reports of terror threat to theCommonwealth Games, saying people should go for enjoying the sporting extravaganza without any fear.
Reacting to a report that terror outfit 'Brigade 313' was to target the Games, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said there was no basis to believe it as the report was based on an old input which was recycled.
"There is no basis that Brigade 313 or (Pak-based wanted terrorist) Ilyas Kashmiri are targeting theCommonwealth Games. Kindly turn your attention towards the Games...enjoy the Games," he said.
The Home Minister said security for the Commonwealth Games was reviewed from time to time and around 5,000 personnel of central paramilitary forces have been deployed for the Games, which include the BSF, CRPF and CISF.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-terror-threat-to-games-chidambaram/132152-3.html?from=network18

BSF finds mapping method

From The Telegraph - With satellite images, BDR promises to locate rebel camps

E.M. JOSE

ON GUARD Shillong, Oct. 1: India and Bangladesh have come a long way and this was evident at the recently concluded BSF-BDR meeting held in Dhaka. Unlike in the past, the BSF used the Global Positioning System (GPS) to pinpoint the whereabouts of the camps of Northeast insurgents in Bangladesh and handed over the details to the BDR during the meeting. In another departure from the past, the BDR assured the BSF delegation that they would try and locate these militant camps. “We have used the GPS method so that the BDR can help trace the camps more effectively,” the BSF IG, Assam-Meghalaya frontier, S.C. Saxena, told The Telegraph today. “In the past, we used to give the total number and locations of the camps of Northeast militants taking shelter in Bangladesh, enabling them to search within a km of a particular place where the camp is located,” he added. The new method of sharing GPS data with the BDR assumes significance in the context of the constant denial by the Bangladesh authorities in the past about the existence of the camps of Northeast militants in their country. They also denied allegations that Ulfa leaders were running hotels of international standard in that country and had rubbished as “nonsense” data furnished by the BSF on the bank accounts of Ulfa leaders there. Saxena, who was part of the director-general level meeting between the BSF and the BDR, said the BSF had handed over a list of the names and addresses of around 60 camps of Northeast insurgent groups taking shelter in Bangladesh with accurate specifications obtained from satellite. “The GPS method using satellite has the pin-pointed details about these camps and we have shared them with the BDR for their necessary action,” he said. The GPS can spot the camps more accurately by specifying the longitude and latitude. The IG said security forces use hand-held mobile phones which have GPS to gather satellite-based specific information about the whereabouts of militant camps. “We have cross-checked and verified the existence of Northeast militant camps in Bangladesh and we hope that security forces in Bangladesh will be able to act on the information,” Saxena said. He said unlike in the past, positive steps were being taken by the Bangladesh authorities as far as taking action against Indian insurgents in Bangladesh was concerned. Northeast militant groups like Ulfa, NDFB, NLFT, the All Tripura Tiger Force, NSCN(I-M), PLA, the Muslim United Liberation Front of Assam (Multa), KYKL, Prepak, UNLF and the HNLC have set up camps in the Bangladesh districts of Moulvi Bazar, Sherpur, Bandarban, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Mymensingh, Rangamati, Sunamganj, Kurigram Tangil, Chittagong, Comilla and Jamalpur. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101002/jsp/northeast/story_13006215.jsp

Hardcore rebel surrenders in Meghalaya

From SifyNews

2010-10-01 20:20:00

Shillong, Oct 1 (IANS) A hardcore rebel member of the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) in Meghalaya has surrendered, a Border Security Force (BSF) official said Friday. 'Corporal' Richarbor Lyngdoh, alias Juban, had undergone arms and explosive training for six months at HNLC's Khagrachari camp in Bangladesh. 'He surrendered due to financial hardship that the outfit is facing in Bangladesh,' BSF spokesman Ravi Gandhi said. Lyngdoh is accused of involvement in various criminal cases including extortion, kidnapping and other illegal activities. The HNLC, which runs hit-and-run operations from its hideout in Bangladesh, has been demanding a sovereign Khasi homeland in eastern Meghalaya. The outfit is closely linked to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) as well as to the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the National Liberation Front of Tripura. The BSF have handed over the rebel to police. http://sify.com/news/hardcore-rebel-surrenders-in-meghalaya-news-national-kkbuuddeagc.html

Report Card of Ministry of Home Affairs for September, 2010

Ministry of Home Affairs 

Press Release 01-October, 2010

Report Card of Ministry of Home Affairs for September, 2010

The Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram presented the ReportCard of the Ministry of Home Affairs for September, 2010 here today.  Following is the text of his statement: “I present before you the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the month of September, 2010.             The highlight of the month was the decision to send an All Party Delegation (APD) to Jammu & Kashmir on September 21-22, 2010. The delegation comprised 34 members of various political parties. Upon its return, after consulting the members of the APD who were available in Delhi, I submitted a report to the Prime Minister. On September 25, 2010, the CCS considered the report and approved an 8-point plan. Of these 8 points, the Central Government has released Rs.100 crore to the Government of J&K. It has also authorized the payment of Rs.5 lakhs to the families of each of the deceased in the civil disturbances.             Following the CCS decisions, the schools and colleges in J&K were reopened on September 27, 2010. Besides, a meeting of the Unified Command was held on September 29, 2010 and decisions were taken to remove 16 bunkers/check-points and to release 53 persons, including students, arrested/detained in the wake of the civil disturbances.             The judgment in the Ram Janmabhoomi – Babri Masjid title suits was delivered on September 30, 2010. Three separate orders have been pronounced by the three Hon’ble Judges of the Special Bench of the High Court of Allahabad. Following the judgment and after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Prime Minister made a statement pointing out that ‘the correct conclusion, at this stage, is that the status quo will be maintained until the cases are taken up by the Supreme Court.’ The Prime Minister also appealed to the people of India to maintain peace and tranquility. Government is pleased and satisfied that the response of the people of India to the judgment has been, echoing the Prime Minister’s words, ‘respectful and dignified’.             In anticipation of the judgment, 52 coys of CPMFs were deployed to Uttar Pradesh, including 40 CRPF and 12 RAF coys.  CPMF coys were also deployed in other States. A separate pool of coys has been kept in reserve for any emergency. The IAF is on standby to rush CPMF/Army personnel to trouble spots, if required. The security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games were reviewed from time to time. 50 CPMFs coys have been deployed for the Games, including 7 BSF, 6 CRPF, 12 CISF, 11 IRB and 14 SAP coys.  Later today, Government will make a detailed statement as well as issue an Advisory on the security arrangements for the benefit of the ticketholders, invitees and the general public.             450 CPMF coys have been deployed for the Bihar assembly elections due in October-November, 2010. These include 70 CRPF, 90 BSF, 90 CISF, 30 ITBP, 40 RPF, 30 SSB and 100 IRB/SAP coys.             On September 11, 2010, President’s Rule was revoked in Jharkhand and Shri Arjun Munda was sworn in as Chief Minister. Internal Security             There was a shoot out near Jama Masjid, Delhi on September 19, 2010.  While investigations are underway, no arrest has been made so far. North East             The DG-level BSF-BDR meeting was held in Dhaka from September 22-27, 2010.             A delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) called on me onSeptember 14, 2010. Following the meeting, at my request, the economic blockade of Manipur by the UNC was lifted on September 18, 2010.              Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh were declared “disturbed areas” for a further period of 6 months with effect from October 1, 2010under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.             21 cases of families of victims in the bomb blasts that took place inDelhi on September 13, 2008 remained to be given financial assistance.  When this matter was brought to my notice earlier this month, I directed that all the 21 cases should be processed immediately.  Accordingly, all the cases have been processed. In 15 cases the financial assistance has been disbursed and in the remaining 6 cases sanction was accorded on September 29, 2010 and the money will be disbursed shortly. Left Wing Extremism             The CPI (Maoist) continued its violent activities across LWE-affected States. Policemen and alleged ‘police informers’ are its targets.  I also wish to highlight an aspect of CPI (Maoist) brutality that has not been sufficiently noticed by the media or the public.  The CPI (Maoist) holds courts called ‘Jan Adalats’, tries the ‘accused’, sentences many of them to death, and executes them in full public view in order to strike terror in the hearts of the villagers. The number of ‘Jan Adalats’ has risen to 48 in the current year up to August 31, 2010 (from 38 in the corresponding period last year).  The number of persons executed has risen to 21 from 11 last year.  Every one who swears by the rule of law must condemn these kangaroo courts and brutal executions. GJM             The fourth round of tripartite talks on the demands of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) was held on September 7, 2010 and the next round will be held on October 11, 2010.  The talks are proceeding satisfactorily and it is hoped that there will be an agreement on an interim authority at the end of the next round of talks. CPOs/CPMFs             Rs 527.08 crore (41.67% of budget provision) has been released to the States under the MPF Scheme for State police forces in FY 10-11. This includes Rs 43.95 crore that was released to the following States in September, 2010: Maharashtra Rs. 13.61 crore Manipur Rs 1.49 crore Orissa (OFB) Rs 5.97 crore Uttar Pradesh Rs 22.88 crore Total Rs 43.95 crore             The following procurements amounting to Rs 36.60 crore were approved under the MPF Scheme for CPMFs/CPOs: 65 Automatic Grenade Launchers and 1850 grenades : Rs 11.94 crore 612 shelters : Rs 11.95 crore 372 HF sets : Rs 12.71 crore Total : Rs 36.60 crore             Sanctions amounting to Rs 33.55 crore were issued for acquisition of land and equipment and for construction of buildings/barracks for CPMFs:- Land (CRPF, ITBP, SSB)                                    :           Rs 16.00 crore Buildings (CRPF)                                               :           Rs 7.35 crore Other infrastructure (CRPF)                                 :           Rs 7.80 crore Headquarters (BPR&D, New Delhi)                      :           Rs 1.08 crore Indoor firing range (NEPA, Shillong)                     :           Rs 1.32 crore Total                                                               :           Rs 33.55 crore In the month of September, 2010, 2,813 posts were sanctioned to the CISF for the following installations/establishments:             2 Reserve Battalions                              : 2,050 posts Bhakra Dam                                          :    459 posts             Jorhat airport                                         :      29 posts             Ahmedabad airport                                 :    275 posts             Total                                                    : 2,813 posts             Lump sum ex-gratia compensation amounting to Rs 2.75 crore was sanctioned to the next of kin of deceased CPMF personnel in 5 cases of ‘killed in action’ and 20 cases of ‘death while on duty’.             On September 24, 2010, an amount of Rs 7 crore was released to all CPMFs as a special welfare grant.             On September 22, 2010, allocation to the central pool of MBBS and BDS seats for the wards of CPMF personnel was issued. 9 candidates gained admission to medical/dental colleges. Border Management             India-Bangladesh Border: 6 kms of fencing and 10 kms of road works were completed in September, 2010 under phase II of the project. 10 kms of fencing was replaced in September, 2010 under phase III of the project. Poles for floodlighting were erected on a length of 40 kms during the month of September, 2010.             India-China Border: 21.15 kms of formation works and 1.91 kms of surfacing works were completed in September, 2010.             Coastal Security: 14 boats were delivered in September, 2010 – 12 boats from Goa Shipyards Limited and 2 boats from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited. Against a delivery target of 168 boats up to September, 2010, 158 boats have been delivered.             Border Area Development Programme (BADP): In the current financial year, the total amount released at the end of September, 2010 to 17 States under BADP stands atRs.440.38 crore (69.35% of the total allocation ofRs.635 crore).  Immigration:             In September, 2010, software was operationalised at 5 ICPs in Tripura at Dhalaighat, Kailashahar, Khowai, Ragna and Sabroom, taking the total of computerized ICPs to 75 out of a total of 77. In September, 2010, the Kailashahar (Tripura), Khowai (Tripura), Alang (Gujarat), Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu), Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu), Raniganj (West Bengal) and Mahadipur (West Bengal) ICPs were networked with the Central Foreigners’ Bureau (CFB), taking the total of CFB-networked ICPs to 63 out of a total of 77. NIA             21 more Special Courts for NIA were constituted in 21 States / UTs on September 1, 2010, taking the total to 25 Special Courts.             On September 1, 2010, 7 accused KYKL cadres were charge-sheeted by the NIA.             On September 14, 2010, NIA was asked to investigate the charge of terror financing of the UNLF. IPS Cadre             On September 1, 2010, the cadre review of the Kerala cadre was notified. The revised strength will be 163 as against the existing strength of 142. The total authorized IPS cadre strength now stands at 4,720 as against 3,889 as on January 1, 2009.             IPS officers of the 1978 batch were empanelled to hold ADG and equivalent posts at the Centre. UTs             The C4i (Command, Control, Coordination and Communication Centre) at Delhi Police HQs was operationalised in September, 2010. .           Notification conferring the powers of ‘Executive magistrate’ u/s 144 CrPC on Assistant Commissioners of Police was issued on September 9, 2010.             Prior approval of the Central Government was accorded to the: a)       Puducherry State University Bill, 2009 on September 16, 2010 b)       Court Fees (Delhi Amendment) Bill, 2010 on September 21, 2010.             Notification for the enhancement of delegated financial powers to the LG/Administrator of Puducherry fromRs.25 crore toRs.50 crore was issued onSeptember 29, 2010.             Under the 29-location CCTV Surveillance System of the Delhi Police, CCTV cameras were installed at 8 locations. Disaster Relief             The Centre’s share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting toRs.448.84 crore was released in advance in September, 2010 to the following States:             Bihar                                         :Rs.125.44 crore             Himachal Pradesh                      :Rs.  58.84 crore             Jharkhand                                 :Rs.  97.30 crore             Uttarakhand                               :Rs.  52.95 crore             West Bengal                             :Rs.114.31 crore             Total                                        :Rs.448.84 crore             In addition, the Prime Minister announced advance adhoc assistance of Rs.500 crore to Uttarakhand and this amount was also released onSeptember 24, 2010.             The NDMA released the following guidelines for States / UTs: a)       Management of Tsunamis on September 3, 2010, b)       Management of Drought on September 24, 2010, and c)       Management of Urban Flooding on September 27, 2010.             On account of the floods caused by the South-West monsoon, NDRF teams comprising 1,334 personnel and 291 boats were deployed for emergency response and rescue in the flood-affected States of Andhra Pradesh (76; 12 boats), Assam (151; 17 boats), Bihar (415; 104 boats), Delhi (24; 9 boats), Haryana (92; 21 boats), Kerala (34; 7 boats), Tripura (30; 1 boat), Uttarakhand (205; 45 boats) and Uttar Pradesh (307; 75 boats). Census 2011             It was decided that ‘Caste’ will be canvassed without affecting the integrity of the head count of Census 2011.  Accordingly, it was decided that Caste will be canvassed through a separate house-to-house survey between June and September, 2011. Other issues             The President of India accorded assent to the Assam Advocates’ Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2010 on September 8, 2010.             Advisories were issued to States / UTs on the following matters: a)       Preventing and combating human trafficking during the Commonwealth Games, on September 10, 2010. b)       Framing of the “Victim Compensation Scheme”, on September 7, 2010.             An All India Conference of Correctional Administrators was held inDelhi during September 8-9, 2010.             15,500 pension records of freedom fighters were computerized in September, 2010. The database now has 2,40,000 records. The data base of living freedom fighters’ now has 45,900 records, of which 2,127 were added in September, 2010.              52,150 records of claims and compensation paid to displaced persons were computerized in September, 2010. The database now has 123,150 records”. ***** OK/KKA (Release ID :66122)