Media Point » Military http://www.mediapoint.pk A facilitator group for government and private organizations who need intellectual and media support. Sun, 19 May 2013 09:10:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Shiv Sana Chief Bal Thackeray http://www.mediapoint.pk/extremist-shiv-sana-chief-bal-thackeray/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/extremist-shiv-sana-chief-bal-thackeray/#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:44:06 +0000 editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=3092 Print this Report


   By Zaheerul Hassan

Chief of extremist Hindu Shiva Sena and founder of Hindu Bomber Brigade, Bal Thackeray died on Saturday in Mumbai after prolonged illness. The 86-year-old Thackeray, who founded the Shiv Sena in 1966 to fight for the rights of Maharashtrians, was suffering from lungs and pancreatic ailments and had been put on life-support system for the last few days. As per reports outside of Thackeray residence ‘Matoshree’, the doctor said that Balasaheb breathed his last at 3.30 pm on November 17, 2012. According to sources, the funeral procession of the Shiv Sena founder would begin at 10 am on November 18, 2012 and Thackeray is likely to be cremated at 4 pm at Shivaji Park crematorium.

Bal Thackeray was notorious for his anti Muslim sentiments and held a notion, “India is only for Hindus”. His party has already been divided into groups those are being now head by his two sons.  His demise would likely to be the great setback to BJP and RSS in the coming Indian elections. BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar termed Thackeray’s demise as the loss of a very great fighting leader. “We have lost a very great fighting leader and a great person…he was the tallest leader of our alliance in Maharashtra,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police said that over 20,000 police personnel had been deployed across the Maharashtra capital to avoid any law-and-order problem. Maharashtra has been put on high alert for the next 24 hours. Bal Thackeray has always promoted extremism and organized Hindu Bomber Brigade.  His terrorist Hindu brigade used to target the reckoned and well established people of Indian minorities. In this regard his brigade in the riots has killed many   Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.  He also backed extremists Hindus in the issue of Babri Mosque and killing of Sikhs in Golden Temple too.

Thackeray started his politics with anti-South Indian agitation to protect the jobs of locals Hindus and asked the government to through non Hindu out of the country.  Thackeray later embraced Hindutva and tied up with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Before entering politics, Thackeray was a political cartoonist with English language daily The Free Press Journal in Mumbai, which he quit in 1960 to launch a cartoon weekly Marmik. His cartoons were also published in the Sunday edition of The Times of India.

Thackeray launched Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna in 1989 where he would target his political opponents and the immigrants to Maharashtra in the most vitriolic language. Shiv Sena joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won the 1995 Maharashtra State Assembly elections and came to power. For more than four decades, Thackeray ran the Sena with an iron fist. He was a bit like the Godfather of a political party, revered by his supporters and feared by his critics.

For the Shiv Sena, the 1992-93 riots confirmed Thackeray was behind that lawlessness. The Shiv Sena became a partner in power in Maharashtra for the first time in 1995.

The parties like BJP, RSS and Shiv Sena under the leadership extremists’ Hindu leadership like Ball Thackeray always motivated and backed extremists Hindu against Christians, Sikhs and Muslims. It is notable here that since couple of years Indian government with the help of Hindu terrorists is making deliberate attempts to further deplete the minorities Karnataka, Kashmir, Gujarat Ameristar, Manipur and Orissa states. Persecution of Christians in Karnataka increased particularly after the August 2008 anti-Christian mayhem in eastern Orissa state, where Maoists killed a Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader but Hindu extremists wrongly blamed it on local Christians.

Compass Direct News (CDN) mentioned in their report of October 13, 2010 that police in a south Indian state known is for turning to minority Christians. In recent years local police have arrested two suspected Hindu nationalists for beating four pastors and striking the wife of one of them in the stomach, killing her unborn child. These suspects were indirectly supporting by the local authorities and police. According to the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), the attack took place at a Christian gathering in a private Christian school when they were to celebrate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct. 2 in Chintamani, (Karnataka state’s Kolar district).

Bal Thackeray has always opposed Indo-Pak Cricket series and number of times threatened Pakistani actress and singers visiting India but welcome Asma Jehangir .

Anyhow death of Shiva Sena would be loss to his love ones and followers but overall his personality as politicians appear as strict extremist Hindus.  Ruling Indian elite now should step for protection of human rights and   banning of RSS and Shive Sena .

The Writer can be approached to through zameer36@gmail.com

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/extremist-shiv-sana-chief-bal-thackeray/feed/ 1 Sino Pak Thunder http://www.mediapoint.pk/sino-pak-thunders/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/sino-pak-thunders/#comments Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:20:54 +0000 editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=3072 Print this Report


    By Waheed Hamid

 

The  focus on self reliance in Defence Production in Pakistan practically started in 1951 with the establishment of Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) at WAH. Over the years the base of defence production expanded  production units like Heavy Industries Taxila, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra and Directorate General of Munitions Production alongwith its R&D organizations. These establishments are not only feeding our Armed Forces but are also exporting their products to friendly countries. Development/Production of Al-Khalid Tank, Al-Zarrar Tank, Agosta Submarine, Mushshak/Super-Mushshak Aircraft, JF-17 Aircraft, different variants of APCs and F-22P Frigates at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, with the collaboration of Chinese, contribute towards self-reliance in the field of defence production.

Though  west has also been a source of acquiring defence  equipment  but China has always been the main partner in indigenous defence production.   China and Pakistan have been  cooperating and sharing information and technology in joint ventures with mutual understanding and confidence . China has based their important defence production Agency  in Islamabad  which serves as a conduit of military hardware transfers to Pakistan. Kamra Complex known as the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex      ( PAC ) which is located at a distance of some 75 km from Islamabad consists of Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Mirage Rebuild Factory (Pakistan had acquired a number of used Mirage aircraft from Australia) and the F-6 MIG 19 SF Rebuild Factory. “Expertise and practical experience here are acquired through close cooperation with the original aircraft manufacturers and other specialised agencies.”

The unipolar world and inception of non state actors has proved that air power is the most effective element of military might due to its inherent characteristics of high speed, long range, quick response, precision firepower and shock effect from the third dimension. These characteristics  air power operates at a technological level higher than the other elements of the armed forces. Air forces continually strive to achieve and maintain a technological edge over their perceived adversaries. This phenomenon is more pronounced – and significant – for an air force like PAF, which has to remain prepared for an out-numbered battle. The decision of producing an aircraft indigenously  mainly depends on three reasons: Firstly, fighter aircraft represent the top end of the scale in the leading edge of technology which offers challenges and rewards for local industry in terms of technology transfer. Secondly, the fighter holds the key to the success of air power which itself is pivotal in most if not all modern war scenarios. Thirdly, fighters are acquired in large numbers make indigenous production viable.

 

PAF decided to participate in the development and production of JF-17 aircraft with China on the principle of joint investment, risk and benefit sharing. It allowed Pakistan the flexibility to develop an aircraft  to meet our particular defence needs  within our limited budget. Such mass level replacement of an air force fleet takes place after every two to three decades. The JF-17 Program thus offered a unique window of opportunity for Pakistan to venture into production of JF-17 aircraft along with its time tested Chinese friends. It was heartening to know that the flow of technology was not only one way but the crux of PAF experience and expertise of years and years was also transferred to Chinese counterparts. The most modern glass cockpit was designed by the PAF experts and the comprehensive Man-Machine Interface (MMI) is mostly based on the inputs of PAF Pilots. The direct involvement of PAF experts with the manufacturers also paid dividends in form of incorporating all the features of a superior avionics system and enhance its efficacy in our environment.

 

The JF-17 Thunder has come up as  all weather, multi-role, light combat aircraft that has the potential to be the main stay & work horse of any Air Force.  The design of    JF-17 aircraft is based on modern concepts of aerodynamics.  The aircraft is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system that gives it the agility in all regimes of the operational flight envelope.  The JF-17 has a complete glass cockpit, excellent man-machine interface and modern self–protection suite, which enhance combat potential and survivability of the aircraft.  The JF-17 is equipped with fourth generation avionics systems, wide range of conventional & smart weapons, long range glide bombs, Beyond Visual Range & short range Air-to-Air missiles, Anti-Ship missile and Air-to-Surface missiles.  The aircraft requires remarkably short lengths of runway for take-off & landing, which offers flexibility of aircraft operations at short air strips. The vitalization of self-reliance brought in by the JF-17 project does not limit here. It has given PAF the expertise to undertake the developments of our own avionics systems .

The JF-17 Thunder project refreshed the sweet memories of Pak China friendship when its product  thundered into the skies of China in an exhibition few days back. It also marked  the other side of Pakistan which is quite different from what few in the west are made to perceives. Pakistan comprises of a high level of human intellect which has the ability to deliver. PAF has delivered and Pakistan moves on to higher pedestal of bright and self sustained future in defence production.

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/sino-pak-thunders/feed/ 1 PAF- JF-17 THUNDER ROARS IN THE SKIES OF ZHUHAI CHINA http://www.mediapoint.pk/paf-jf-17-thunder-roars-in-the-skies-of-zhuhai-china/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/paf-jf-17-thunder-roars-in-the-skies-of-zhuhai-china/#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:45:40 +0000 editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=3042 Print this Report

Through courtesy: Waheed Hamid

Islamabad: 13 November, 2012.  Zhuhai International Air Show in China was inaugurated with an impressive inauguration ceremony today. The Air Show is being participated / attended by professionals & representatives of Aviation Industry from China as well as professionals from all over the world. For participation in the Air Show, three ‘JF-17 Thunder’ aircraft of Pakistan Air Force were flown to Zhuhai on last Friday.

The impressive JF-17 (Thunder) jointly co-developed (by PAF & CATIC), and co-produced by PAC (Pakistan Aeronautical Complex) and CATIC (China Aero-technology Import Export Corporation) put up static as well as impressive aerial display at the Air Show.  During aerobatics, the JF-17 displayed its high agility and manoeuvrability which was also visible in the form of ‘white condensed air streaks’ generated from wing roots of the aircraft. During Air Show, aviation professionals and military delegates from all over the world appreciated high performance of the aircraft.

At static display, military professionals displayed keen interest in JF-17s large inventory of weapons comprising general purpose & precision guided bombs, air-to-air Infra Red & Beyond Visual Range missiles, as well as air-to-surface & anti-ship missiles and Electronic Warfare pods. The JF-17 on static display was visited by Air Chiefs and delegates from many countries, who appreciated the man-machine interface and combat potential of the aircraft.

The JF-17 made its debut at Farnborough Air Show in 2010, when two
JF-17s flew all the way from Pakistan to Farnborough, UK. Four months later in Nov’10, three JF-17s flew over to China to participate in Zhuhai Air Show, where the aircraft made its first ever aerobatics display. In Jun’ 11, three JF-17s participated in aerobatics and static display in 100-years Celebrations of Turkish Air Force and subsequently, 03 JF-17s also participated in Dubai Air Show in Oct’ 11. At all Air Shows, the JF-17 attracted intense focus of visitors and international media.

The JF-17 Thunder is an all weather, multi-role, light combat aircraft that has the potential to be the main stay & work horse of any Air Force.  The design of     JF-17 aircraft is based on modern concepts of aerodynamics.  The aircraft is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system that gives it the agility in all regimes of the operational flight envelope.  The JF-17 has a complete glass cockpit, excellent man-machine interface and modern self–protection suite, which enhance combat potential and survivability of the aircraft.  The JF-17 is equipped with fourth generation avionics systems, wide range of conventional & smart weapons, long range glide bombs, Beyond Visual Range & short range Air-to-Air missiles, Anti-Ship missile and Air-to-Surface missiles.  The aircraft requires remarkably short lengths of runway for take-off & landing, which offers flexibility of aircraft operations at short air strips.  Shortly, the aircraft will also have Air-to-Air refuelling capability, which will further enhance its combat potential and employment options.  Pakistan Air Force has inducted JF-17 in its fleet which since Year-2009 are rolling out from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.

The JF-17 Programme has been a success story since its inception in 1998.   Developmental work on the aircraft commenced in the year-1999 and detailed design was finalized in September, 2001.  After flight testing, a Small Batch of 08 aircraft was produced in year-2007 and finally serial production of the aircraft started in Pakistan in the Year-2009.  So far PAF’s two Squadrons have been equipped with JF-17s, while the third is planned to be raised by beginning next year.

At present, JF-17 aircraft stands prominent in its own class of fighters.  In the present environment, when defence budgets are shrinking and Air Forces face difficulties in affording modern combat aircraft, JF-17 offers a highly cost effective solution with cutting edge capabilities.  In the shape of JF-17 aircraft, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and CATIC offer a cost-effective, highly potent, multi-role combat aircraft which is capable of meeting the challenges of present and future Air Power employment.

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/paf-jf-17-thunder-roars-in-the-skies-of-zhuhai-china/feed/ 0 The Indian Investigation profile http://www.mediapoint.pk/the-indian-investigation-profile/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/the-indian-investigation-profile/#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:57:11 +0000 Editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=2260 Print this Report

 By Hamid Waheed

Sayed Zabiuddin was arrested Thursday at the New Delhi airport after he was deported from Saudi Arabia, where he was raising funds for a new attack in India, police officials said. . With his capture, police may for the first time have someone in custody who has intimate knowledge about how the attack was organized.  Police suspect that it was Zabiuddin’s voice that was heard in a control room in Pakistan guiding the gunmen in 2008, according to voice intercepts the FBI gave New Delhi authorities to aid their investigation. Pakistan’s interior minister had strong reservations on Indian investigation system which he termed as un professional and non cooperative with Pakistan.

False Indian propaganda and atrocities against its own people and neighbours is not new . Some conscience Indian writers like Arunduta Roy,  officials like former Maharashtra IG police SM Mushrif  along with human rights organisations keep raising their voices whenever they can under coercive environment of Hindu extremist elements. Today Sikhs, Christian, Muslims and Dalits (the untouchable humans) are victim of state policies and inequality in India. Historically, the exclusion of 65 million Dalits from the Indian society has been on religious and cultural grounds. Still due to pre-assigned duties of the caste into which they are born, many Dalits are destined to do sanitation jobs, transport human excreta manually, clear animal carcasses and human remains. Frequently, subjected to humiliation, often the victims of rape and enforced prostitution, controlled in parts of the country by caste militias, the Dalits are virtually slaves and hardly in a position to choose a profession of their own choice. In this case, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) September 2009 decision to declare discrimination based on the caste system a “human-rights abuse” has stirred up harsh opposition from India. However, the UN’s decision came about despite strong disagreement from the Indian government and its aggressive lobbying to get the council to delete the word “caste” from its draft.

Each passing day discovers new realities about shining India when the truth glitters from the false cover stories . On 18 Feb 2007  at least 68 people mostly Pakistani were killed in a series of explosions and a fire on Pakistan-bound train in the northern Indian state of Haryana, near Panipat, about 80km (50 miles) north of Delhi. Initial investigation blamed  LeT and JeM , even a Pakistani national Azmat Ali was arrested. Later it was found by the investigating  Police that the  right-wing Hindu activists and an Indian army officer Colonel Prohit had a significant role. The confessions of Swami Aseemanand further confirms hindutva redical’s role in terrorism.

In Mecca Masjid Blast on May 18, 2007 ,14 people died and as a natural reaction initially around 80 Muslims were detained for questioning and 25 were arrested. The investigation followed the script till the CBI found evidence that mobile phone-detonated explosives packed in metal tubes were similar to the Ajmer blasts. The bombs are believed to have contained a deadly mix of RDX and TNT, in proportions often used by the Indian army. CBI director Ashwani Kumar told the media that an activist named Sunil Joshi “played a key role in orchestrating the Ajmer blast and a set of mobile SIM cards that had been used in activation of the bomb-triggers in the Mecca Masjid blast was used again in the Ajmer blast”.  National Investigating Agency (NIA) filed a case in a court accusing 11 Hindus and members of the ultra-right-wing Sanathan Sanstha, of masterminding and executing the October 2009 Margao blast. Initial suspicion and interrogation of suspected Muslim men, some believed to be members of “sleeper cells of jehadi groups” turned out to be an allegation.

In Ajmer Sharif  Blast on October 11, 2007 ,3 people died. In 2010, Rajasthan ATS arrests Devendra Gupta, Chandrashekhar and Vishnu Prasad. Initial arrests of Abdul Hafiz Shamim, Khushibur Rahman, Imran Ali linked  to  HuJI, LeT could not be proved.  Again in Malegaon 2ndBlasts in September  2008 in which 7 died   Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Srikant Purohit and Swami Amritanand Dev were found involved. Malegaon 2008  forced the review of  the role of Hindutva groups. The ATS investigation led to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, whose motorcycle was used to explode the bomb, and then to 13 others, including Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, the first-ever serving officer to be charged. During interrogation, he had disclosed to ATS investigators that he had provided the RDX in the Mecca Masjid blasts  but the ATS was reportedly asked not to make it public as the Hyderabad police had detained HuJI suspects.

This shows a glimpse of investigation handling in India however, the larger story can be summarized in what a human right activist and Mumbai advocate Mihir said,”  It is believed that CBI is seeking directions from the  home ministry to see the Ajmer, Mecca Masjid, Malegaon and other blasts in conjunction after there has been no conclusive evidence of the involvement of Islamic groups”. The fault lines are not only visible within civil LEA but the nuclear security and military issues like abduction and later murder of an important Nuclear scientist Loknath Mahalingam in Jun 2009, sixty one trucks carrying  300 tons of explosives going missing in August 2010 and involvement of top Indian officers and politicians in Kargil soldiers housing society scam are few of the burning topics .In the regional context army under General Kiyani sacrifices its own ration to help flood affected countrymen but General VK Singh says the housing scam will not affect the troops morale.  HR violations in Kashmir and refusal of Indian army to implement 25% reduction of forces in Kashmir  announced by their own government reflects the oncoming challenges for Indian secularism , security and its investigation systems. Most recently a court of inquiry has been ordered against an Indian officer — Major General V K Sharma, from Army Supply Corps (MG ASC) of the Northern Command in Siachen. Sources said the Northern Command received several complaints against the officer, mostly from contractors who accused him of demanding favours in return for awarding contracts. However, the duplicity in Indian investigative procedures may not find it easy to punish the culprit who is found cheating  soldiers performing duties under extreme weather conditions of Siachen.

Lt. Col Purohit: Acts of Terror And Finding Escape Route

By Ram Puniyani

22 July, 2012
Countercurrents.org

In the wake of the various acts of terror and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur’s motor cycle being traced, it became clear that the investigating agencies are acting on the wrong thesis that ‘all terrorists are Muslims’. A Pandora’s box opened and the link of ex-ABVP activist, Pragya Thakur, Swami Dayanand Pandey, retired Major Upadhayay, Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and Swami Aseemanand came to surface, Role of two organizations inspired by the ideology of ‘Hindu nation’, Abhinav Bharat and Santana Sanstha also came to light. The investigations led by Hemant Karkare, by the Rajasthan ATS and National Investigation Agency (NIA) made it clear that there is a deeper nexus of elements like Purohit &Co., those who have been part of terror groups or have been supporting them in various ways. The confessions of Swami Aseemanand, named many more activists belonging to RSS combine, who are currently cooling their heels in jails and are facing investigations for acts of terror.

Lt. Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit came to be identified as one of the major player in the whole episode. He is the core person of extremist Hindutva group Abhinav Bharat. He was arrested on 5th November 2008 by Maharashtra ATS for his role in Malegaon blast. It was the investigation of Malegaon blast, particularly under the leadership of Hemant Karkare, which unearthed the whole terror network, which later on came to be termed as Saffron terror by P.Chidmabaram, the Union Home minister. For Purohit and other army officers, the army instituted a court of inquiry.

During the inquiry what Col Purohit said is very revealing. Purohit claimed that he was part of the network as an infiltrator and was keeping his superiors in the loop, keeping them informed. He claims that he infiltrated the terror network to keep a tab on the same. But his statement leaves a lot of questions unanswered. The major question is if he was doing all this for army, why did army hand him over to Anti Terrorism Squad?

The whole investigation seems to be mired in mystery and lots of facts need a further probe. Tehelka had also published investigative reports naming several ex-military men from the Bhosala Military School and their involvement in the Malegaon and other blasts, which was later confirmed by the ATS. The involvement of other army officers needs to be brought to surface as the whole matter seems to be much serious than just a case of few officers keeping a tab of these terrorist groups.

The blasts taking place in front of mosques and similar places where Muslims congregate for prayers, at the time when they are leaving the congregation was a clear indication of involvement of ‘other’ groups than the usual suspects, in which many a Muslim youth had been arrested and later released due to lack of any evidence whatsoever.

In the light of many a military officers role in these acts, it did not therefore, come as a surprise that Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief used the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Bhosala Military school (BMS) say that “military schools run under the aegis of Hindutva institutions are the need of the hour,”.

Looking at the key role played by Bhosala Military School, which is run by a group of people whose sympathies with the RSS is no secret, one fails to understand why the chief bosses of the school were not investigated for their role in the acts of terror? Very few people even know that BMS is one of those rare schools who impart training on service pattern to the students along with regular courses which is aimed at encouraging and preparing them for entry into National Defense Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA) etc and other defense services.

Bhosala Military School has a long history. It was set up by Dr. B.S. Munje, the mentor of RSS Sarsanghclak, Dr. K.B. Hedgewar. Dr. Munje was inspired by Benito Mussolini’s fascist methods and believed that one who controls army rules the country. His statue in the Nagpur, where RSS was founded, has this phrase written on the plaque. With this perspective in mind this school was set up to act as a feeder for Indian army. The school was set up with the assistance of British and it supplied officers to the British army. Its training is meant to supply officers for Indian army. Now it emerges from different confessions and statements that the groups involved in terror had deeper connection with this school. What ideology it teaches and what it aims is very clear from some of the statements of the accused.

The phenomenon of Hindutva terror allegedly revolves around the likes of Lt. Col Purohit and Swami Aseemanand of RSS to name the two central characters. After Swami Aseemanand’s confession the total picture and their agenda becomes clear. Aseemanand had said that ‘bomb is the answer to bomb’. He also wanted to pave the way for the goal of Hindu nation through such terror outfits and their goal was larger than just a blast here and a blast there, they aimed at Hindu nation. Purohit in his statements during interrogation has said that their effort was to fight the Indian Constitution for (Hindu) Nation, “We will fight the Constitution to fight for our nation.” The RSS propaganda that Hindu religion is in danger and it needs to be defended was also stated by Purohit. He also says “many things are wrong in the country and need to be rectified. Hindu religion is in danger. It is our duty to defend Hinduism.” And finally “We have to establish this country in accordance with the Vedic procedures; we want the Sanatan Dharma, the Vedic Dharma.”

The Purohit affair is getting murkier and murkier. The agenda of Hindu nation, the role of Bhosala military school and other army officers in the whole chain of command cannot be accepted at the face value. It needs a deeper probe and investigation of the whole terror network and the role of army officers, as it is clear that Col Purohit’s statement that he was keeping other army officers in the loop for an operation which was not the part of the army intelligence work, is a matter of worry. The role played by Bhosla Military School also needs to be probed. The ideology which such people are harboring to fight Indian Constitution to build Hindu nation is a clear danger to our Constitution, the democratic values and the plural character of the country. How does one save the values of India’s Constitution, the values of India’s freedom movement?

Ram Puniyani was a professor in biomedical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and took voluntary retirement in December 2004 to work full time for communal harmony in India. He is involved with human rights activities from last two decades.He is associated with various secular and democratic initiatives like All India Secular Forum, Center for Study of Society and Secularism and ANHAD.

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/the-indian-investigation-profile/feed/ 2 Media exposes Indian Blunders – Pakistani traders labeled as terrorists (09 May 2012)) http://www.mediapoint.pk/media-exposes-indian-blunders-pakistani-traders-labeled-as-terrorists-09-may-2012/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/media-exposes-indian-blunders-pakistani-traders-labeled-as-terrorists-09-may-2012/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 08:14:10 +0000 Editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=1804 Print this Report

 Washington Post reported that India’s intelligence agency sparked outrage in Pakistan and its media made a  self-deprecatory jokes at home this week after it listed ordinary Pakistani shopkeepers as terrorists on a mission to attack some of India’s landmark institutions. The high lights of the issue are as under:

The issue was first reported on India Today in its 9th May edition:

 

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/let-terrorists-enter-mumbai-high-alert-police/1/188018.html

Same was televised on Indian media channels:

Washington Post:

Indian intelligence blunder sparks anger in Pakistan, jokes at home

By Rama Lakshmi, Published: May 11

NEW DELHI — India’s intelligence agency sparked outrage in Pakistan and self-deprecatory jokes at home this week after it listed ordinary Pakistani shopkeepers as terrorists on a mission to attack some of India’s landmark institutions.

The Research and Analysis Wing, India’s premier intelligence agency, issued an advisory to state governments in which it said that five trained militants from Pakistan’s banned Lashkar-i-Taiba group had sneaked into India with fake identities to attack a nuclear facility, oil refinery, seaport and defense academy.

Now watch media reports by Pakistani media negating Indian stance and providing a proof that the accused are in Lahore, Pakistan

On Wednesday, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton left New Delhi after delivering some tough comments on Pakistan, Mumbai police released the photographs of the five men.

Within hours, a Pakistani television channel reported that two of the three men on the list were shopkeepers and one was a guard, all living in Lahore, and that none of them had ever left Pakistan.

“India bungles while Pakistan laughs,” the Mail Today newspaper said of the embarrassing blunder. Twitter buzzed with jokes about the Research and Analysis Wing, with some tweeters offering their own lists to the agency.

The incident prompted anger and derision in Pakistan. Muhammad Fayyaz Butt, the head of a traders association for an electronics market where two of the men own shops, condemned India’s “irresponsible and biased attitude.”

On Thursday, the two shopkeepers went to the Lahore High Court, seeking protection from possible action against them by India.

Indian Law Minister Salman Khurshid offered an explanation to reporters in New Delhi on Friday. “We can’t be too careful,” he said. “We have had some bad experiences in the past. And therefore to err on the right side is something we can’t complain about.”

It was not the first time India has made such a faux pas. A year ago, the government released a most-wanted list of 50 Indian fugitives who it claimed were hiding in Pakistan. Two men on the list turned out to be in India, one of them a prisoner in a Mumbai jail.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indian-intelligence-blunder-sparks-anger-in-pakistan-jokes-at-home/2012/05/11/gIQARIQ3HU_print.html

Indian Express

Terror alert in India: 2 more identified as Pak traders

Sat May 12 2012, 16:25 hrs

Two Pakistani men named among five terror suspects by intelligence agency RAW and whose photos were carried by the media in India have been identified as traders linked to a bustling electronics market in this eastern Pakistani city.

Amjad Ali Khan is an employee at a cell phone shop at the electronics market at Hafeez Centre while Nadeem Malik runs a business dealing in used cellular phones, media reports said.

Earlier, the three other men named as terror suspects — Mehtab Ahmed Butt, Atif Butt and Babar Shabbir — too were identified as traders and a security guard at Hafeez Centre.

It is yet to be established how their photos were issued by Indian security agencies to the media.

Khan and Malik have been associated with businesses at Hafeez Centre for more than four years, Muhammad Fiaz Butt, the head of the local traders’ association, told the media.

Khan claimed he and Malik had received several calls from an Indian phone number and that the caller had asked them both about their links with terrorist organisations.

Mumbai Police had described the five men as operatives of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba that carried out the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has already rejected as “unfounded” the Mumbai Police alert that linked the men from Lahore to the LeT.

Three of the men sought protection from authorities after reports about them appeared in the Indian media.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/terror-alert-in-india-2-more-identified-as-pak-traders/948567/

 

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/media-exposes-indian-blunders-pakistani-traders-labeled-as-terrorists-09-may-2012/feed/ 0 Unclassified Statement Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community 31 Jan 2012 http://www.mediapoint.pk/unclassified-statement-worldwide-threat-assessment-of-the-us-intelligence-community-31-jan-2012/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/unclassified-statement-worldwide-threat-assessment-of-the-us-intelligence-community-31-jan-2012/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:45:37 +0000 editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=849 Print this Report

 

Statement of James R. Clapper (Director of National Intelligence) for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on 31st January 2012.

 The main content of the statement is to develop the new strategy and built the understanding between the security departments of USA, he also discuss the current and future threats to their country. He gave the statement to cater the following issues, it also gets our attention because of the different issues related with Pakistan are also highlighted in this statement:

Highlights of the statement:

Terrorism  : 

The next two to three years will be a critical transition phase for the terrorist threat facing the United States, particularly from al-Qa‟ida and like-minded groups, which we often refer to as the 
“global jihadist movement.”  During this transition, we expect leadership of the movement to become more decentralized, with “core” al-Qa‟ida—the Pakistan-based group formerly led by Usama bin 
Ladin—diminishing in operational importance;….

·         The CBRN Threat (Chemical Biological Radiological & Nuclear)

·         Core Al Qaida In Decline

·         Leadership of Global Jihad

·         AQIM

·          Al-Shabab

·         TTP :

            Other militant and terrorist networks will continue to threaten US interests outside their primary operating areas.  However, we judge that most lack either the capability or intent to plan, train for, and execute sophisticated attacks in the United States.  Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan (TTP), for example, is likely to remain heavily engaged against the Pakistani military and Coalition forces in Afghanistan, while providing some support to the Afghan insurgency.  

·         The Threat from Homegrown Violent Extremism

·         Threat From Iran

Proliferation

·         WMD Threats form Iran and North Korea

·         Terrorist Group active to get WMDs

Cyber Threat

·         Evolving and Strategic Concerns

·         Major Trends

·         Outlook

Counterintelligence

·         Cyber Enabled Espionages

·         Insider Threat

·         Espionage by China, Russia & Iran

  Global Challenges

·         South Asia:  ….Enduring stability also depends heavily but not exclusively 

on neighboring states, especially Pakistan. ….
Pakistan
We judge al-Qa‟ida operatives are balancing support for attacks in Pakistan with guidance to refocus the global jihad externally, against US targets.  Al-Qa‟ida also will increasingly rely on ideological and operational alliances with Pakistani militant factions to accomplish its goals within 
Pakistan and to conduct transnational attacks.  Pakistani military leaders have had limited success 11 against al-Qa‟ida operatives, other foreign fighters, and Pakistani militants who pose a threat to Islamabad.  
Meanwhile, the country‟s economic recovery is at risk.  In an effort to keep its coalition in power to the end of the five-year parliamentary term, the government has been unwilling to persuade its disparate coalition members to accept much needed but unpopular policy and tax reforms.  Sustained remittances from overseas Pakistanis (on the order of $10-12 billion a year) have kept reserves high, as have borrowed resources from the IMF.  However, the economy last fiscal year expanded at a slower rate of about 2 percent, partly because of flood damages; both foreign direct investment and domestic investment are declining; and Pakistan‟s investment-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio declined for the third year in a row to 13.4 percent at the beginning of the fiscal year in July 
2011.
India
Relations with Pakistan
 
After a four-year pause, India and Pakistan revived expert-level discussions on conventional and nuclear confidence-building measures (CBM), when they met in Islamabad December 26-27, 2011. Following the meetings, a joint statement noted that both sides reviewed the implementation and strengthening of existing CBMs in the framework of the Lahore MoU, and agreed to explore possibilities for additional, mutually acceptable CBMs. India-Pakistan relations also improved in 
2011 after both sides in February agreed to resume the bilateral dialogue, suspended since the November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai.  
 
 The two countries‟ home secretaries in March charted a work program to improve cooperation, 
including commitments to establish a hotline, streamline visa procedures, and meet on a biannual 
basis.  Both sides also began to negotiate procedures to review each other‟s investigations into 
the Mumbai attack.  The two countries are making progress in these areas.
 Prime Minister Singh and Prime Minister Gilani had cordial meetings during the April international cricket championships and the November South Asia Association for Regional 
Cooperation (SAARC) meeting.
 Progress expanding trade ties has also helped improve relations, and Islamabad in November publicly committed to a proposal for granting most favored nation trade status to India.
 Less progress has been made in discussions over the difficult border issues of Siachen Glacier and Sir Creek, and we judge New Delhi will maintain a go-slow approach in these negotiations.
·         East Asia

·         Middle East and North Africa

·         Africa

·         Russia and Eurasia

·         Europe

·         Latin America and the Carrabin

Significant State and Non state Intelligence Threats

·         Transnational Organized Crimes

·         Space

Economics

·         None Economic Shocks and Unresolved Financial Strains

·         Energy

·         Water Security

·         Health Threats and Natural Disasters

Conclusion

The issues that we consider here confront responsible citizens and their governments everywhere.  The Intelligence Community is fully committed to arming our decision makers—policymakers, war fighters, and law enforcement officers—with the best intelligence and analytic insight we can provide.  This is necessary to enable them to take the actions and make the decisions that will protect American lives and American interests, here and around the world.  

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/unclassified-statement-worldwide-threat-assessment-of-the-us-intelligence-community-31-jan-2012/feed/ 0 Has Indian Military backdoor access to cellular comm http://www.mediapoint.pk/has-indian-military-backdoor-access-to-cellular-comm/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/has-indian-military-backdoor-access-to-cellular-comm/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:35:43 +0000 editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=368 Print this Report

 

Have RIM, Nokia & Apple provided Indian Military with backdoor access to cellular comm?

By  | January 6, 2012, 10:56pm PST

Summary: In exchange for mobile presence in India, RIM, Nokia and Apple have allegedly provided backdoor access for the Indian intelligence to spy on communication.

On January 6th reports of Symantec (makers of Norton Anitvirus) being hacked surfaced. The group of hackers behind the attack behind the attack were from India. In a statement issued by a member from the Lords of Dharamraja group (badass name!), the guys said:

As of now we start sharing with all our brothers and followers information from the Indian Militaty (sic) Intelligence servers, so far we have discovered within the Indian Spy Programme (sic) source codes of a dozen software companies which have signed agreements with Indian TANCS programme (sic) and CBI

Ignoring the typing error, gaining access to Indian Military’s Intelligence servers is pretty damning for the agency. The hack got covered since the hackers claimed to have acces to Norton’s source code. Earlier today I came across scans of a set of documents that are internal communications between the Indian Military. The documents claim the existence of a system known as RINOA SUR. While I did not find what SUR stands for but RINOA is RIM, NOkia and Apple. And this is where things start to get very interesting, according to the set of documents, the RINOA SUR platform was used to spy on the USCC—the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Let’s take a moment for that to digest. Here’s an image from the documents underlining the relevant part:

The documents contain snippets of emails sent by members of the USCC. Apparently, RINOA SUR platform has been declared a success and the Indian Navy has shown interest in the same. The leaked military documents suggest, RINOA were arm twisted into providing backdoor access in exchange for operating in India:

While the Indian government recently gave the nation’s premiere spy agency—RAW—permission to access any citizen’s electronic communication, the Department of Telecommunications has reached out to the Interpol for help in decrypting communication via services like RIM’s BlackBerry. The set of leaked images:

Source:http://www.zdnet.com/blog/india/have-rim-nokia-apple-provided-indian-military-with-backdoor-access-to-cellular-comm/838

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]]> http://www.mediapoint.pk/has-indian-military-backdoor-access-to-cellular-comm/feed/ 1 Russia hands over nuclear attack sub to India http://www.mediapoint.pk/russia-hands-over-nuclear-attack-sub-to-india/ http://www.mediapoint.pk/russia-hands-over-nuclear-attack-sub-to-india/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:11:50 +0000 editor http://www.mediapoint.pk/?p=301 Print this Report

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Agencies Posted online: Mon Jan 23 2012, 14:23 hrs

Moscow : Russia's Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine was handed over to the Indian Navy at a ceremony in the far eastern port of Primorye, making India the sixth operator of such subs in the world.

With a displacement of 8,140/12,770 tonnes and maximum speed of 30 knots, the K-152 submarine is armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes and four 650mm torpedo tubes, RIA Novosti reported today.

The attack submarine was handed over at a ceremony attended by Indian ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra, United Shipbuilding Corporation head Roman Trotsenko, Eastern Military District commander Admiral Konstantin Sidenko and other officials.

The submarine has been re-christened INS Chakra and has been handed over to India on a lease of 10 years at a contract worth USD 900 million.

The acquisition of the submarine will make Indian Navy only the sixth country in the world after the US, Russia, China, the UK and France to operate nuclear underwater vessels.

India had operated a Russian Charlie Class nuclear submarine in late 80s on lease from Russia.

The Novosti report did not mention whether the Nerpa class submarine was carrying its normal complement of long range nuclear and conventional missiles.

Twenty sailors died on the Nerpa in 2008 after the vessel's fire-suppression systems were accidentally triggered during sea trials, releasing toxic gases and Russians ship builders carrying out extensive refitting of the vessel before handing over it to India.

Source: Indian Express.Com

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