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Secrecy shrouds N Korean ship's status

P Rajendran in Kandla

Near complete secrecy surrounds the investigation into the Ku-wol San, the North Korean ship which was allegedly transporting equipment for a surface-to-surface missile to Pakistan.

The Kandla Port Public Relations Officer Sanjay Bhaty says he cannot speak about it since the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the customs. Inspector K K Desai of the Gandhinagar police could possibly put more light on the matter, some official said. But the policemen clammed up, also stating the matter lay with the customs.

Tight security has been clamped on Kandla Port and no one is allowed inside without proper documents or special permission, again from the customs.

Customs PRO Bhasin said such clearance lay outside his purview. ''Only the commissioner can decide on that.'' Asked for some detail about the investigation, Bhasin shook his head. ''Only the commissioner can talk,'' he said. But Customs Commissioner Prem Raj isn't talking either. Asked if the crew members of the ship had been arrested, he returned, ''the matter is under investigation''.

Though he is the only person authorized to speak on the matter, he chose to avoid an interview, stating he was exceedingly busy.

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'Are you an Indian, then just don't talk'

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