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Ammunition meant for Army found unclaimed

     Guwahati: The army has come under fire after some ammunition, which was for the defence personnel, was found unclaimed in a Rajdhani train. It is being said that this could lead to the exposure of a gun- running racket in the Northeast. As many as five suitcases packed with live ammunition were found unclaimed inside the Rajdhani Express, which belonged to the armed forces. The seized consignment consists of over 3,000 rounds for self- loading rifles, over 1,600 rounds for .303s and 60 for light machine guns, all manufactured at the Kirki Ordnance Factory in Pune. According to the superintendent, Government Railway Police, Jiban Chandra, "These are issued to various defence organizations like CRPF, Army, BSF and police. So these ammunitions are coming from the stores of some defence organizations". He said that the ammunitions were found in the original, sealed packets sent from the ordnance. An inquiry will now be conducted to know how this ammunition was stolen.

Nepal says it is self-sufficient in military requirements (Go To Top)

     Kathmandu: Nepal's army authorities have said that the country's army is elf-sufficient despite the ban on military aid by big powers. India and Britain stopped giving military aid to the Himalayan kingdom after the royal coup but Washington, though under pressure to follow suit, fears the move could undermine Kathmandu's fight against insurgents. The United States plans to extend 2 million dollars in security assistance to Nepal this year. "All the rank and file of the Royal Nepal Army dedicate themselves for the safeguard of the country, crown and democracy even at the stake of their lives. Each division has been carrying out the operation independently in their regions. We were self sufficient in small arms and ammunitions since quite long. Therefore, it is not a big deal, and that's why there won't be any problem so far as small arms and ammunitions are concerned", said Brigadier Dipak Gurung, spoksperson of Nepalese army. "America says they are in constant watch, UK has already stopped the military aid and India says it is in the process of constant reviewing. That's why it is necessary to have a clear picture," said Gurung. Nepal's King Gyanendra drew international criticism when he sacked the civilian government on Feb. 1, and imposed a state of emergency and suspended civil rights.

     The king said the steps were required to crush a nine-year-old Maoist rebellion. Protests against the king have been banned and police and army have arrested hundreds of political activist who have tried to organise demonstrations calling for the restoration of democracy. Gurung said the army was not involved in internal policing and instead concentrating in curbing Maoist violence. "Army had to stay standby (before emergency) because of the various rallies staged by students and different parties often causing damages and ransacking etc. Now, since the Home Ministry and police force are controlling the situation (after the emergency), we are concentrating on the Maoist issue only," he said. More than 11,000 people have been killed in the Maoist revolt in Nepal since 1996 and the rebels -- fighting to establish a single-party communist republic -- control or dominate around 70 percent of the countryside of the rugged nation.

India 55/0 at stumps (Go To Top)

     Bangalore: Younis Khan slammed a double century as Pakistan amassed 570 runs on the second day of the third Test against India in Bangalore today. In reply, India were 55 for no loss with Virender Sehwag on 39 and Gautam Gambhir on 13. Khan, who made a mammoth 267 before being dismissed by Harbhajan Singh, became the sixth Pakistani player to score a double century against India. Lakshmipathy Balaji struck on the first ball of the day by trapping Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq leg before wicket. The captain was dismissed without adding to his overnight score of 184. Inzy's dismissal brought together the dreaded Kolkata Test duo -- Younis and Yousuf, with the latter looking as good as ever. Sourav Ganguly then brought himself in to stem the tide, but even he had no answer. But Bhajji struck just before lunch, when he had Youhana caught behind for 37.

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