4 hurt in India chopper crash

NEW DELHI: A Chetak helicopter belonging to Indian Navy Wednesday crashed into a river near Anakapally town, about 50 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, injuring the pilot and three others onboard.

According to initial reports, the pilot and three trainee pilots were injured, DIG Visakhapatnam range Swomya Mishra said.

The mishap occurred when the chopper touched a high tension wire while flying low near Sarada river bridge, the DIG said. All the injured have been admitted to a local government hospital, he said.

Taliban claim attacks on Kabul peace jirga

KABUL: The Taliban Wednesday claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on a landmark gathering in the Afghan capital, where hundreds of delegates are meeting to discuss peace talks.

“We have four suicide attackers placed on the top of a tall building near the jirga tent. They are threatening the jirga tent,” Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, told foreign news agency by telephone. “They are using rockets, they have small arms and have strapped explosives to their bodies,” he said.

Earlier, Taliban suicide commandos attacked a huge gathering of Afghan leaders and notables as President Hamid Karzai launched an ambitious peace plan he hopes will persuade the insurgents to lay down their arms.

Officials said three rockets fell short of a vast tent where the traditional jirga, or gathering, was being held. Afghan police clashed with three gunmen who breached a massive security cordon by disguising themselves with the all-enveloping burqa worn by many women in Afghanistan. Two gunmen had been killed and one arrested.

President Zardari Ready to Extradite key Powers: PM Gilani

Pakistan: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that President Zardari had offered him the authority to appoint services chiefs and abolishing the assemblies. Gilani said he did not intend to exercise powers under 58-2(b). PM maintained that the military offensive in South Waziristan would end soon.
Addressing the Jirga in IDPs camp in Dera Ismail Khan, Prime Minister said Mehsud tribes’ sacrifices were well known but Uzbek, Arab, Afghan and Chechen militants had penetrated in tribal areas. “These militants are defaming Pakistan and Tribesmen.” He expressed grief over the fact that Mehsud tribesmen had to leave their homes in this modern era. Gilani urged Mehsud tribe to throw out black sheep working on foreign agenda from their area.
Earlier, addressing a press conference in Ratta Kolachi camp, the Prime Minister said that the displaced persons of South Waziristan would soon be returned back to their homes and IDPs were sacrificing everything for the better future of Pakistan. He said that losses incurred by the Operation Rah-e-Nijat would be compensated soon.

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President Zardari Ready to Extradite key Powers: PM Gilani was first posted on November 17, 2009 at 10:00 pm.

Salman Taseer Says Conditions Normal For Bye-Polls

LAHORE: Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer has said the government was taking all possible measures to ensure security adding that conditions were conducive for holding bye-elections in the province.

Talking to Jamat Islami leader Hafiz Salman Butt, Punjab governor said election of representatives is the fundamental right of the people and no democratic government could curtail that right.

Earlier, US diplomat Brian D’ Hunt also called on the governor. He assured full US cooperation for completion of the educational projects in Punjab.

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Salman Taseer Says Conditions Normal For Bye-Polls was first posted on October 3, 2009 at 5:54 pm.

Peace Jirga in S Waziristan

WANA: A peace Jirga of Waziri tribesmen being held at Wana in South Waziristan to discuss peace in the region with political authorities.

According to the sources, security forces have completed preparations to launch operation in Mehsud areas of South Waziristan region and the operation would begin as the government gives nod.

The target of the operation will be the militants and not Mehsud tribesmen, security sources said.

Talks are underway with influential militant leader Maulvi Nazir and other commanders to ensure their neutrality.

A large number of local population fleeing from Shakai, Razmak and other areas ahead of the impending operation.

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Peace Jirga in S Waziristan was first posted on October 3, 2009 at 5:59 pm.