Core Group reviews situation in Kashmir

From Greater Kashmir
March 18, 2011
Srinagar  Lt Gen Hasnain, GOC 15 Corps and the Security Advisor to the state Government, chaired the Core Group meeting at Badamibagh cantonment here on Thursday. The meeting was attended by DGP Kuldeep Khoda, senior officers of Army, Police, CRPF, BSF, intelligence agencies and civil administration.
“The meeting deliberated on the initiatives being taken on the security front. The meeting also discussed numerous security issues and took a review of the prevailing external and internal environment,” a Defence spokesman said.

BSF to meet CISF in semis

From The Telegraph

A STAFF REPORTER

A moment from the match between Haryana (in white) and CRPF at Vetapara hockey stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. Picture by UB Photos POLICE HOCKEY Guwahati, March 17: Border Security Force (BSF), Guwahati today edged past Uttar Pradesh Police by a solitary goal to set up a semi-final clash with Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the 59th All India Police Hockey Championship under way at the Maulana M. Tayebulla Hockey Stadium here. In a keen contest, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) overcame a stiff challenge from Jammu and Kashmir Police for a 1-0 win in the last quarter-final of the tournament today. In the other semi-final, Punjab Police will clash with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). While Punjab Police blanked out hosts Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 2-0, CRPF edged past Haryana Police 2-1 in the quarter-finals today. The semi-finals will be played tomorrow and the final as well as the third place playoff on Saturday. BSF are the only team in the tournament so far not to concede a single goal all through.

From BD Press:Dhaka, Delhi move to swap enclaves

From The Daily Star

Rezaul Karim

March 17, 2011

Bangladesh may soon gain over 10,000 acres of land from India, as Dhaka and New Delhi prepare to exchange 162 enclaves.

A resolution of the decades-old enclave issue is now a strong possibility with the two countries making serious efforts to that end, said diplomatic sources.

Official record shows India has 111 enclaves or nearly 17,158 acres of land in Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Nilphamari districts of Bangladesh.

7 def. men punished for sexual harassment

From Face n Facts
March 17, 2011
New Delhi: India's armed forces have punished seven of their officers, who were found guilty of sexually harassing women colleagues in eight cases reported since 2008, parliament was told Monday.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that of the seven officers punished after being found guilty during inquiries, three each were from the army and the air force and one from the navy.

"There will be zero tolerance for any case of sexual harassment or exploitation," he said.

Antony said while there were four cases from the army and one from the air force in 2008, there were one from the navy and two from the air force in 2009.

BSF, BGB to make border peaceful

From Face n Facts
March 17, 2011
New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) today decided to take several Confidence Building Measures (CBM) to make the border between the two nations peaceful and crime free.

The BSF has also decided to use non-lethal weapons to reduce the fatalities at the border. It was decided on the concluding day of the 33rd Border Co-ordination Conference between the two forces here.

BSF DG Raman Srivastava led the 23-member Indian delegation while Director General (DG) of BGB Maj Gen Rafiqul Islam led the 20-member Bangladesh team.

Education programme for army people :Time we had such pgm for BSF

From Face n Facts
March 17, 2011
Mumbai: The Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) has signed a MoU with the Defence services according to which it will train and educate the armymen working on the borders through distance learning programme.

The MoU was signed between Dr R Krishnakumar, Vice Chancellor of YCMOU and Lt. General V K Chaturvedi, Director General of Manpower Planning and Personnel Services, Shrinivas Belsare.

Time to merge troops under home ministry??

From DNA

Published: Friday, Mar 18, 2011, 3:13 IST 
By Nitin Pai | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

A few days ago I walked into a rally in the narrow, crowded lanes of Hyderabad’s old city.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was celebrating its 53rd anniversary with a procession that took it through communally sensitive areas.

In addition to the khaki-clad local policemen, I also saw a detail of armed security personnel. Sporting camouflage-patterned combat fatigues and a no-nonsense demeanour, they walked in single files on either side of the congested lane.

Bangladesh guards to get lessons from BSF

From The Times Of India
Mar 19, 2011
AMRITSAR: A 20-member team of Bangladesh Border Guards (BBG) officials arrived in Attari for a "capsule course" on beating the retreat ceremony after both the nations agreed on performing customary drill during the lowering of flags at dusk.

The drill will be performed on the lines of Attari (India) -- Wagah (Pakistan) drill at Petrapole (India) -- Benapole (Bangladesh) Integrated Check Post on India-Bangladesh border. The decision was made during a high-level meeting between BSF Director General (DG) Raman

IMPORTANT: The new rate NOT APPLICABLE for GPF in BSF etc

Ministry approves 9.5% interest on PF deposits

PTI        March 17, 2011  

From Business Today

The Finance Ministry on Thursday approved higher interest rate of 9.5 per cent to over 4.7 crore depositors with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for 2010-11.

The EPFO had been paying 8.5 per cent interest on PF deposits since 2005-06. In September last year, it had recommended an increase in interest rate to 9.5 per cent for 2010-11 after discovering Rs 1,731 crore surplus in their books of accounts.

"The finance ministry has ratified 9.5 per cent rate of return on PF deposits for 2010-11. We have received a notification in this regard," Central Provident Fund Commissioner Samirendra Chatterjee told PTI.
http://businesstoday.intoday.in/bt/story/ministry-approves-9.5percent-interest-on-pf-deposits/1/14013.html


However it is important to note that this new rate is NOT APPLICABLE for GPF in BSF etc. For GPF the rate continues to be 8%. It may be increased subsequently through a separate notification by the ministry.

Details of BSNL's Rakshak Plan for Central Paramilitary Groups

	Rakshak Plan for Central Paramilitary Groups like CRPF, ITBP, BSF, BRO etc.
	A new special 2G postpaid plan for Central Paramilitary Groups like CRPF, ITBP, BSF, BRO etc. with the name “Rakshak” has been introduced with the following terms and conditions:- Sl.No. Particulars Charges 1 Activation Charges for both numbers Free 2 Security Deposit for Local & STD Facilities Nil 3 Total Fixed Monthly Charges for both numbers in Rs. 299 4 Freebies per month for each number As per plan 99 a) Local calls (On-net) 75 Min b) STD Call (On-net) 75 Min c) Local/National SMS 100 SMS 5 Local/STD Calls between these two numbers shall be free to the extent of 30 Min/day (limit combined for both the numbers). Beyond this the call rates applicable between these two numbers (Rs./Min) 0.20 6 Local/STD call to Any Network (Rs./Min) 0.49 7 O/G Call (Local/ STD) while National roaming (Rs./Min) 0.49 8 I/C call for main number while roaming in BSNL Network Free 9 Local/National SMS Charges (Rs/SMS) 0.49 10 Local/National SMS Charges while National roaming (Rs/SMS) 0.49 11 All other charges not covered above Plan-99 Under this plan, two SIMs [Main SIM & Home SIM] will be issued/activated from the same CSC of the circle and bill payments can be made in the home circle. FMC of Rs.299 is the total fixed monthly charges for two postpaid connections. All tariffs applicable for main number, except incoming call while roaming, will be the same for home number. The above plan may be allowed for activation through BSNL CSCs only. http://bsnl.co.in/service/rakshak_plan.htm

Ministry of Finance's recent clarification regarding reimbursement of LTC-80 fare

http://www.finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/notification/tour_ltc/Guideline_airtravel_04mar2011.pdf

"It is clarified that reimbursement of air fare lower than the LTC-80 air fare of Air India will also be admissible for journeys performed by Air India under LTC.........."

Full OM dated March 4, 2011 available at following link:

http://www.finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_expenditure/notification/tour_ltc/Guideline_airtravel_04mar2011.pdf

Three BSF jawans killed in Kokrajhar militant attack

From The Times of India
March 17, 2011
KOKRAJHAR: At least three BSF jawans were killed and seven others seriously wounded in an ambush by suspected Bodo militants at Ultapani forest near the Indo-Bhutan border in Kokrajhar district on Monday evening.

Two injured BSF personnel were immediately admitted to the RNB Civil Hospital in Kokrajhar. Five others injured were taken to Lower Assam Hospital at Bongaigaon.

The incident occurred when the BSF party was patrolling the area, about 34 km from National Highway 31/C, in three vehicles. Suspected militants belonging to the anti-talk faction of NDFB attacked the BSF patrolling party from inside the forest using automatic rifles.

The BSF team was returning to their camp located at Ultapani from Bismuri area near the Indo-Bhutan border. A company of BSF has been stationed at Ultapani since last year following the killing of innocent people, particularly Hindi-speaking people, by the anti-talk NDFB militants. One Bihari was shot dead in Ultapani by anti-talk NDFB militants last year.

Army troops and additional police team led by Kokrajhar SP P K Dutta have rushed to the spot to launch a manhunt. Sources said the exact number of casualties will be known once the police team returns to Kokrajhar. 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Three-BSF-jawans-killed-in-Kokrajhar-militant-attack/articleshow/7704972.cms

PIB Release:Udyanotsav to be Specially Open for Farmers, Differently Abled Persons and Defence and Para Military Personnel

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Presidents Secretariat

16-March-2011

The Udyanotsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan – the public viewing of the Mughal Gardens which is opened on February 16, 2011 closes today (March 16, 2011) for the general public. More than 5.2 lakh persons have visited the Udyanotsav till March 15th,

On March 17th, Udyanotsav shall be open exclusively for farmers. On March 18th, it shall be open exclusively for differently abled persons including visually challenged persons and on March 19th, it shall be open exclusively for Defence and Para-Military personnel.

The entry and exit to the Gardens will be via Gate No. 35, which is located near North Avenue, at the extreme end of Church Road, about 300 meters West of Cathedral Church.

Entry for differently abled persons using wheelchairs will be through the Rashtrapati Bhavan Reception. Such persons can arrive at Rashtrapati Bhavan through Hukmi Mai Marg or Rajpath alongwith their escorts. Entry and Exit for visually challenged persons will be through the Gate No.12 of Rashtrapati Bhavan, near North Avenue

Visitors are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, cell phones, arms/ammunitions and eatables. Such articles, if any, will not be allowed to be carried into the Mughal Gardens and will have to be deposited at the entry point at the owner’s risk.

*******

SH/RK
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=71068

PIB Release:Release of Fishermen by India and Pakistan

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of External Affairs 

16-March-2011

In 2010, 454 Indian fishermen were released by Pakistan and 163 Pakistani fishermen were released by India. In 2011, India has released 20 Pakistani fishermen till date, while Pakistan has not released any Indian fishermen. Pakistan detained 100 Indian fishermen in 2010 and 56 Indian fishermen in 2011, while India has detained 85 Pakistani fishermen in 2010 and 32 in 2011. At present, there are 243 Indian fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails and 79 Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails.

Government of India has been consistently taking up the issue concerning all Indian prisoners, including fishermen, in Pakistani jails with the Government of Pakistan at all appropriate levels. Further, an India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners consisting of four retired judges from each side has been set up to recommend steps for humane treatment and expeditious release of prisoners of the respective countries in each other’s jails. The committee has so far had three meetings and has given several recommendations. Government of India has asked the Government of Pakistan to convene the next meeting of the Committee. Pakistan’s response is awaited.

High Commission of India, Islamabad, on a continuing basis, monitors the status of Indians prisoners in Pakistani jails and requests for consular access for these prisoners. Once consular access is granted by the Government of Pakistan, the verification papers are sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Ministry of External Affairs for nationality status verification of these prisoners. High Commission of India, on a continuing basis, takes up the matter with the Government of Pakistan for the release of all those Indian prisoners who have completed their sentences.

The matter was raised with Pakistan at the Foreign Secretary Level talks on February 25, 2010 in New Delhi and again on June 24, 2010 in Islamabad. The issue was also raised during Home Minister’s visit to Islamabad on June 25-26, 2010 and during Foreign Minister level talks in Islamabad on July 15, 2010. The issue of release of fishermen in each other’s custody will also be addressed during the forthcoming Home Secretary/Interior Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan to be held on 28-29 March, 2011 at New Delhi.

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SHRI S. M. KRISHNA gave this information in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

YSK/PM
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=71105

PIB Release:Naxal Violence

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Home Affairs 

16-March-2011          

During 2010 Left Wing Extremist (LWE) violence was reported from 96 districts in 11 States. Left Wing Extremism is primarily a law and order problem, but it has socio-economic dimensions too. The naxalites operate in the vacuum created by absence of administrative institutions, espouse local demands and take advantage of the disenchantment among the exploited population and offer an alternative system of governance which promises emancipation from the clutches of “exploiter class” through an “armed struggle.” Naxalites also terrorise local people and have no compunction in terrorizing / killing people, including tribals, who they feel do not subscribe to their views

The State-wise, year-wise incidents of naxal violence during 2008, 2009 and 2010, till date and deaths of civilians and security forces are as under :

State	2008			2009			2010			2011((Till March, 7)
	Incidents	Civilians killed	Security Forces killed	Incidents	Civilians killed	Security Forces killed	Incidents	Civilians killed	Security Forces killed	Incidents	Civilians killed	Security Forces killed
Andhra Pradesh	92	45	1	66	18	0	100	24	0	5	2	0
Bihar	164	52	21	232	47	25	307	72	25	\60	5	1
Chhattisgarh	620	157	85	529	163	127	625	171	172	85	19	4
Jharkhand	484	169	38	742	140	68	501	132	25	94	19	3
Maharashtra	68	17	5	154	41	52	94	35	10	11	0	0
Madhya Pradesh	7	0	0	1	0	0	7	0	1	-	0	0
Orissa	103	28	73	266	36	31	218	62	17	35	4	2
Uttar Pradesh	4	0	0	8	2	0	6	1	0	-	0	0
West Bengal	35	19	7	255	144	14	350	221	35	45	21	0
Others	14	3	1	5	0	0	4	0	0	-	0	0
Total	1591	490	231	2258	591	317	2212	718	285	335	70	10

             This was stated  by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Gurudas Kamat    in written reply to a question  in Rajya Sabha  today.

RS/KKA

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=71102