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ASSEMBLY POLL '98
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June 28 THE KARGIL CRISIS Talks only after Pak pulls out, India tells Lanpher The American deputy assistant secretary of state did not discuss with the Indian side any proposal to provide safe passage to the infiltrators. US may turn the economic screw on Pakistan A senior US official noted that "impoverished Pakistan cannot afford full-scale war and is counting on receiving a $100 million loan next month from the IMF. Washington could hold up those funds." Vajpayee calls all parties for second meeting The meeting will discuss the issues arising out of Kargil. The PM will also apprise the opposition of the government's efforts to convince the international community of India's stand. IAF expands operations, undertakes night sorties as well This is "to create stress and uncertainty among the enemy. We want to wear him down, sap his energy and sap his will," Group Captain D N Ganesh said. India will have to surrender Siachen: ISI ex-chief Lt Gen Hamid Gul also warned that if Indian troops crossed the Line of Control, the IMF and World Bank would stand to lose all that Pakistan owes them. June 27 THE KARGIL CRISIS Lanpher likely to suggest face-saving formula for Pakistan The US proposals could include safe passage for the Pakistani soldiers and mercenaries and resumption of the bilateral dialogue on Kashmir. No unilateral withdrawal from Kargil: Pak Army Chief Pervez Musharraf said the decision not to withdraw forces had been taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief. Tiger Hills remains army's main headache It is completely with the enemy, the colonel admits, but it has been effectively isolated from three directions. The only link the enemy has with this locality is through a ridgeline running from the west. IAF smashes new Pak supply camp An army spokesman said intelligence reports had revealed that the morale of the Pakistani troops is very low and incentives are being offered to motivate them. Vajpayee rules out third-party mediation Kashmir is not just a piece of land but represents a symbol of principles, the prime minister said. "Every inch of Kashmir is sacred to us." India braces for ISI's internal war The home ministry feels that Kargil and the forthcoming elections have resulted in many weak and soft targets in India. Easier route to Amarnath may be abandoned The government prefers the Baltal route as it allows pilgrims to return the same day. But in view of the heavy movement of army vehicles and tension near Zoji La, it may have to be closed. China, Pak to sign deal for fighter aircraft A source said the four agreements would enhance defence ties and co-operation in the economic field between the two time-tested friends. Pak 'perfecting lethal strategy' 'The Pakistani Army chief's calculus for acquiring total control of the reins of power is as follows: the threat of first use of nuclear weapons will seek to induce hesitation in the Indian political leadership to use its superior conventional military strength and its better manoeuvre tactics and restrict the conflict to Kashmir,' reports Asia Defence News International. India against Pak role in ASEAN meet The Indian ambassador to the Philippines said the ASEAN Regional Forum should adopt a G-8-like resolution against Pakistan. Pak PM was kept in the dark 'The operation was carried out in strict secrecy, which was not shared fully even with corps commanders initially. Sharief felt left out and upset,' says The News. Militants on the run in Jammu region Intense pressure by security forces has yielded encouraging results in terms of militants killed and recovery of arms and ammunition, said IGP Kuldeep Khuda. Chidambaram blasts BJP over Kargil The former finance minister expressed doubts about Fernandes's patriotism. General Zinni has 'productive' talks He is returning to Washington today and is expected to submit a report to Clinton. Cabinet panel discusses Kargil The PM cut short his visit to Bihar and arrived in New Delhi to chair the meeting. Restraint has won India universal support: Advani 'Who attacked first -- they or we? Now that is not the issue. How do we proceed -- that has to be considered,' the home minister said. Chandra Shekhar advocates restraint "Having gone nuclear it is incumbent upon the political leadership of both countries to use more restrained language and explore all methods to understand the desirability of respecting the sentiments of the people on both sides," the former prime minister said. Jawan among four killed in the Valley Militants fired upon a security force patrol at Rawalpora Shopian in Pulwama last evening. Security forces retaliated. Three jawans were injured in the exchange of fire, of whom one died later. THE REDIFF SPECIAL Law rather than War on Kashmir 'Pakistan and India must act immediately to calm the conflict along the Line of Control. The LoC has to stop being the place where Pakistan and India choose to show their lack of control,' says Zian Mian. THE KARGIL CRISIS: The entire coverage OTHER REPORTS Congress-Jaya talks flounder on seat sharing Manmohan Singh declined to say whether there was substantial progress in the talks. "I have nothing to report to you [the media]," he quipped. Bhajan Lal warns against tie-up with HVP The former chief minister said that though he was against supporting Bansi Lal's confidence motion, he complied because Sonia Gandhi desired it. Vajpayee evokes JP The prime minister deliberately avoided hitting out at the Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders.  Bihar: Policemen call off stir Haryana: Bansi Lal to meet Sonia June 26 THE KARGIL CRISIS India to turn on the heat diplomatically Foreign Secretary K Raghunath is visiting London and Paris next week. A spokesman said he would hold "normal diplomatic consultations" in the two capitals. Kashmir is the key to peace, says Sharief The Pakistani PM told US envoy General Anthony Zinni that Kargil was only a symptom and such situations would continue to erupt unless a peaceful solution is found to the underlying Kashmir problem. Special RS session on Kargil likely But Prime Minister Vajpayee said a final decision is yet to be taken. PM warns against ISI mischief Vajpayee said Pakistan stood exposed everywhere and is now trying to create problems within India. IAF uses new delivery technique to hit targets Meanwhile, the Indian losses have risen to 168 killed, 337 wounded and nine missing. Stop aid to Pakistan: US congressman Gary Ackerman is mustering support for the move in the House of Representatives. Setback for Pak as US clarifies G-8 stand "We want to see the withdrawal of forces supported by Pakistan from the Indian side of the LoC. So that's something we think General Zinni can work on," State Department spokesman James Rubin said. Sharief calls on Chinese envoy The dinner meeting assumes significance in view of the US's "anti-Pakistan stand" and the Pak PM's visit to Beijing from Monday. General's stand rattles Pakistan Several officials have expressed displeasure with Marine General Anthony Zinni's message, according to The Nation. They felt that the US position is "tantamount to encouraging India to carry on with its adventuristic policy". Pak army trying to revive the ghost of Khalistan The Jamaat-i-Islami, which has close links with the army, assured a recent gathering of separatist Sikhs in a Lahore hotel: "Do not consider yourselves alone in the fight for freedom, all the Muslims of the world are with you." A reel story of Kashmiri Pandits Ashok Pandit's documentary is a realistic portrayal of the kind of torture the Pandits went through at the hands of Pakistani terrorists. It shows the horrors of genocide that took place and exposes the "ethnic cleansing" that was unleashed in the Valley. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS The Battle of Tololing Ridge 'Whether in or out of the ridge, Tololing had to be plastered. That is one reason why 13 J&K Rifles suffered heavy casualties taking the ridge. The Tololing battle has shown the experience, wisdom and valour of Indian soldiers,' says Major General (retd) Ashok K Mehta Pilgrimage to Beijing 'China too is worried about Islamic fundamentalism... As long as the mujahideen are a factor, China will maintain a studied neutrality,' says T V R Shenoy. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'In 54 out of 200 villages, the people have started moving back' "We have special police pickets in all villages on the Indo-Pak border. Additional forces have been sent there to ensure better policing," says Inspector General J P Birdi. THE REDIFF DIARY Serene Srinagar 'For 10 years they tried to take this state. In the bargain, it was the Kashmiri who suffered the most, caught between the militants and the security forces. And having failed to take Srinagar, Pakistan is now trying to take border posts.' THE KARGIL CRISIS: The entire coverage OTHER REPORTS Bansi Lal wins vote of confidence The Congress played a key role in bailing out the minority HVP government. ULFA is tipping ISI about army movements Army has intercepted regular phone calls from the ULFA top brass to ISI agents in Pakistan, establishing a long-suspected nexus between the two. DMK wants TMC to join BJP-led front The Tamil Nadu CM accused Jayalalitha of trying to delay the proceedings in the Tansi case. Sack Advani, Joshi and Uma, says Jaya The AIADMK chief said they ought not to continue as ministers, now that charge-sheets are being filed against them in the Babri Masjid demolition case. Electronic Voting Machines in 46 constituencies Encouraged by their successful use in the recent elections in Goa, the Election Commission has decided to use them in select constituencies across the country. June 25 THE KARGIL CRISIS State Department official to visit Delhi The external affairs ministry said Assistant Secretary of State Gibson Lanpher will only brief the government about his talks in Islamabad and his visit will not internationalise the Kashmir dispute. Government reluctant to order troops across The government will consider the army's request to cross the LoC only if all diplomatic efforts fail, an external affairs ministry official told rediff.com Pakistani Army takes over Skardu, Gilgit "As per our information, the reason for taking over these key towns is because the Pakistani Army was finding it difficult to get support from the people there," an Indian Army spokesman said. US team holds talks with Pak officials Quoting unnamed Western officials, CNN reported that Marine General Anthony Zinni would reiterate US President Bill Clinton's stand that Pakistani forces must be moved out of Indian territory. Government failed to prevent intrusions: Arjun But the CWC member said this is not the time to talk about the failures. Kashmir is the 'real issue' The Pakistani president reiterated that there could be no end to problems like Kargil until the Kashmir issue is resolved. Sepoy Mastan Wali buried with full honours The twenty-six-year-old was killed while displaying exemplary bravery in the Drass sub-sector on Monday. He is survived by his aged parents and three brothers. India maps sans Kashmir pop up in Kozhikode Tension prevailed in the Meenchanda area for some time and police intervened to disperse a crowd that gathered and shouted anti-Pakistan slogans. Cricketers, cine stars to play benefit match for Kargil's heroes "We are aiming to raise Rs 50 million from these matches," the organisers said. A Madras-based steel company is the main sponsor of the event. Film industry to raise money for soldiers The entire collection of 3pm shows in all cinema houses across the country on July 25 will be contributed towards the injured soldiers. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'There is no question of leaving the hills unmanned now, whatever be the cost' "Pakistan's game plan is clear and simple. They want to occupy key hills from where they can attack our line of communication and disrupt our supply line to Ladakh and Siachen," says Brigadier (retd) Mohinder Singh. THE REDIFF DIARY On the mystical heights of Leh Ladakhi Muslims have categorically stated that they have no love for Pakistan and proof of the pudding is in the fact that in all these years of Pakistani-backed militancy, Ladakh was an oasis of calm. THE KARGIL CRISIS: The entire coverage OTHER REPORTS Delhi-Lahore bus overtakes Samjhota Express People prefer the air-conditioned comforts of the bus to the train journey that can be very, very uncomfortable on a hot day. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Resemblance of things past 'No matter how tough the intruders are, they can't really hold out against the might of the Indian Army forever... In that case, Vajpayee goes into the election as the first Indian PM to win a war since Indira Gandhi,' says Vir Sanghvi. Three Men, A Woman, And A War A doctor couple, a lawyer and a retired IAS officer 'have no illusions about Pakistan's intransigence and provocation, but find India's own intransigence just as dismaying', says Dilip D'Souza. Maharashtra: Sena, BJP to discuss simultaneous polls Tamil Nadu: AIADMK, CPI-M strike alliance THE WEATHER Rain forecast for most parts of the country Heavy rain is likely to fall at isolated places in West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, east Uttar Pradesh, Konkan, Goa and central Maharashtra in the next 48 hours. June 24 THE KARGIL CRISIS Army brass seek permission to cross LoC Officials said the Cabinet Committee on Security has discussed the army's request, but the Vajpayee government has shown no inclination to grant it. Army will not hesitate, says Gen Malik "If in the supreme national interest it becomes necessary to cross the Line of Control, then the matter will be taken up with the Cabinet," the army chief said. India 'must be ready for war' Describing the Kargil situation as an "open aggression that is easily comparable to an undeclared war", Advani termed Pakistan a "rogue state". Pak fears attacks by 'hostile' India Islamabad has moved anti-aircraft guns into all its airports and important federal installations. More US support for India Congressional panel chief Benjamin A Gilman has urged fellow lawmakers to support Washington's efforts aimed at compelling Pakistan to immediately withdraw its troops from Kargil. Mass exodus from border villages in Punjab Villagers report sighting enemy planes flying low on the border. The BSF says these were routine flights. THE KARGIL CRISIS: The entire coverage OTHER REPORTS BJP won't stake claim to form government in Haryana Party chief Kushabhau Thakre refused to speculate whether his party would support Chautala if he bid to form the government. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Reveal Bofors 'We as a nation must not forget Bofors, we must not forgive those who compromised our national security, cheated the exchequer, risked the lives of our brave young jawans so that they could make money,' says Pritish Nandy. Personality over performance 'All this can be explained as the personal proclivity of an ex-St Stephenian with a thing for Marx and Jayaprakash Narayan or alternatively, as someone who, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, because he has corn keeps treading on other people's toes,' says Anil Nair on Arun Bhatia's individualism. THE REDIFF DIARY A bachelor's view 'I mean, why is it that most women -- especially the married variety -- take an instant suspicion of me and my brothers? Bloody unfair, their association of any and every nose-wrinkly thing with us poor chaps.' June 23 THE KARGIL CRISIS India intensifies diplomatic barrage against Pakistan The external affairs ministry is embarking on a mission to ensure that Kargil does not end up for discussion at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Withdraw infiltrators, Britain warns Pakistan High Commissioner Rob Young said the G-8 is clear where the responsibility for the crisis lies, and warned that Pakistan would continue to get tough messages. IAF achieves striking success in Batalik The air force released pictures of successful raids in the Mantho Dhola region, where it waited for more infiltrators to pitch camp before moving in for the kill. Intruders' administrative camp destroyed A fierce gun battle continues to regain control over strategic Point 5060 and Point 5100 heights. Indian Army pounds Pakistani positions Unprovoked heavy arms and mortar firing in Pallanwala and Chhamb areas from across the border has forced a large number of villagers to flee. 5 soldiers hurt in two blasts Terrorists made another attempt to disrupt traffic on the Srinagar-Kargil highway today. Toll in Jalpaiguri blast rises to 10 Two of the dead were Indian Army soldiers bound for Kargil. Sixteen other soldiers were injured. Police suspect the ISI. Army denies Gen Malik briefing BJP "Such malicious and derogatory references to the chief of army staff promote neither the crucial national effort nor the cause of truth," a statement said. 'Safe' Kashmir cries for tourists "We urge the tourists to tell their people that Kashmir is normal and that Kargil is 200 kilometres away from Srinagar," said Director-General of Tourism Mohammad Ashraf. Kargil refugees flay government "It is better to die in my home rather than be a refugee," said a student. Hot debate on Qatari TV Dr Zafarul Islam Khan, who heads the Delhi-based Institute of Islamic and Arab Studies, shot holes in the Pakistani propagandist's argument that Kashmir is an 'Islamic issue' and the infiltrators are 'freedom fighters'. Fernandes visits Kutch border Meanwhile, as part of the rehearsal for civil defence preparedness, air-raid sirens will be sounded and a total blackout drill will be conducted in and around Jamnagar for 30 minutes on June 25. Benazir urges religious leaders to end conflict The former Pakistani PM said religion's powerful influence in the subcontinent should be used to secure a cease-fire and a negotiated settlement. THE REDIFF DIARY 'It is an obscenity I wouldn't want to watch, let alone cover' 'If India steps onto a playing field with Pakistan before this war is sorted out, that will be the ultimate mockery of the blood being spilt every day in Kargil.' Prem Panicker on why India must boycott the Sahara Cup. THE KARGIL CRISIS: The entire coverage OTHER REPORTS CBI files chargesheet in Staines case Of the 18 people figuring in the chargesheet, nine have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody but the rest, including prime accused Dara Singh, are absconding. BJP pulls out of Haryana government Following this, Governor Mahabir Prasad asked Chief Minister Bansi Lal to prove his majority in the assembly by June 25. Congress to thwart bid to topple Bansi But the party has not committed itself to extending support to his HVP government. PM's one-day visit to Haryana cancelled Vajpayee was to inaugurate an Indian Oil Corporation refinery at Panipat on Thursday. Gill confident of holding elections in 'good time' The chief election commissioner said he and his colleagues in the EC are meeting Home Secretary Kamal Pande on June 24 to discuss the availability of paramilitary forces. Priest's book says Mary wasn't Virgin T Samuel Nettiyadan is at the receiving end from several quarters for questioning the fundamental Christian faith that Jesus Christ was born to Virgin Mary impregnated by the Holy Spirit. One more ISI agent nabbed in Pune Mohammed Desai's interrogation revealed that he had been cultivating people from various defence establishments in Pune. Indian goods still sell like hot cakes in Pak Buyers say there is no system of quality control for Pakistani goods, nor is there any control on their prices. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Captain, my captain 'The tragedy about the Indian XI is that even if Azhar is removed, there is no one who has shown the ability to convert the 11 talented men into one team,' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy. Will the green of Bangla turn the green of Islam? 'There is latent anti-Indianism in Bangladesh, spawned and fuelled by the Jamaat, and no government in Dhaka can afford to trifle with Islamist sentiments,' says Kanchan Gupta. THE WEATHER Wet weather continues in Sikkim Heavy rains are also likely at isolated places in Konkan, Goa and coastal Karnataka. | ||
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June 22 THE KARGIL CRISIS Opposition battles for slice of Kargil glory The Congress and other parties have approached the President with the demand that they be consulted on every crucial decision on the conflict. Army close to recapturing Tiger Hill After dislodging the Pakistanis from the Drass sub-sector, Indian troops have launched an assault on the intruders occupying the strategic Tiger Hill. Army warns Pakistan against new adventures After taking Point 5140, Indian forces attacked the north-western spur of Point 5203 in Batalik sector on Sunday night and evicted the enemy from there too. Drass sub-sector back in Indian control Army spokesman says there are about 700 Pakistani soldiers belonging to four battalions of the Northern Light Infantry still in Indian territory. J&K government plans new road to Leh The road will bypass all the areas on the 200km Srinagar-Kargil highway that are within the range of Pakistani artillery guns. Pakistan caught in a cleft stick Terrorists have warned Prime Minister Sharief that they will destroy his government if he asks them to withdraw from Kargil under foreign pressure. India firm on 'no first use' of nukes India would like to continue its dialogue with Pakistan after the Kargil conflict is over, Vajpayee's principal secretary Brajesh Mishra said. Germany has proof of Pak involvement A senior German foreign affairs official said Berlin and the European Union are aware that the Pakistani intrusion is the main cause of the crisis. IAF looking for force multipliers Some of these high-precision equipment could prove extremely useful in situations like the current conflict in Kargil where visibility is a problem and a superior machine can make all the difference. Pak stands exposed before the world: Advani The home minister said Pakistan misjudged the might of the Indian Army and it's just a matter of time before the intruders are pushed back. Solve Kashmir to end Kargil, says Sharief Warning that "the situation might worsen if this is not done", the Pakistani PM accused New Delhi of being unwilling to either solve the dispute bilaterally or accept mediation. Pak media calls Kargil a 'diplomatic fiasco' "If the Kargil initiative had been part of some larger strategic design, it could have been appreciated," The Frontier Post said. Daler may sing for jawans on the front "I am ready to go to Kargil. I have a busy schedule, but I will find time to serve my nation," said the Punjabi pop singer. Tamil stars to raise funds for Kargil heroes A cricket match will also be held in Madras, in which leading stars and cricketers will participate. THE REDIFF SPECIALS Like a hundred suns exploding 'An artillery gun goes off, and we nearly jump out of our skin, something that continues to happen. The noise is so loud, so piercing that I doubt if anyone can ever get used to it,' says Amberish K Diwanji. 'Victory will not come easy' "They are not going to leave unless we physically throw them out. They have come and held the peaks under adverse weather conditions and under our sustained firing," a senior army officer told rediff.com in Batalik. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Putting the past behind 'The security dialogue would appear to be a breakthrough... It is quite likely that this dialogue may get upgraded to a strategic dialogue,' says Major General (retired) Ashok K Mehta. Trivialising Kargil, my way 'You can't explain why a piece of frozen land is more significant than the life of an individual -- whether a soldier or a Tata/Birla,' says Varsha Bhosle. THE REDIFF DIARY Border blues "All these years, we were ignored by our country and our people. At least now it is nice to know that we have the people's support," said an artillery jawan from Himachal Pradesh. THE KARGIL CRISIS: The entire coverage OTHER REPORTS Centre clears first multi-role transport aircraft Among the plane's features will be all-weather day-and-night flying capability and operability from semi-prepared runways. It can be used for ambulance service, disaster relief, and security operations such as coastal surveillance. Ocean survey espionage case runs into a wall With the Union Government showing no willingness to extradite two French nationals -- the main accused -- the case is as good as shut. 'Mela Khir Bhawani' brings Pandits back Muslims in the Valley have welcomed the devotees with open arms and given them all help. Pakistani editor fights back Banned from writing under her name in the newspaper she edits, Dr Maleeha Lodhi is determined to stay on and fight the 'authoritarian rule' of Prime Minister Sharief. Orissa: 45 per cent voting in Laxmipur Tamil Nadu: Panel submits report on making Tamil the sole medium of instruction THE WEATHER Monsoon hits Saurashtra, Kutch... hard! It was also active in sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Archives |
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