Fake Encounters haunt the Army

Army forcing us to withdraw case against Gen Bikram Singh: NGO
Harinder Baweja, Hindustan Times
Srinagar, October 05, 2012
The army has been accused of putting pressure on the civil society in Kashmir to withdraw a PIL against its chief, General Bikram Singh.
YES Kashmir, an NGO, had approached the Jammu and Kashmir high court in October last year to raise the issue of an encounter that occurred in Janglat Mandi, Anantnag, in March 2001.
In the clash, Singh — then a brigadier posted in the Valley — suffered gunshot wounds while two army officials lost their lives.
According to the police, an alleged militant dressed as a beggar had approached Singh and opened fire. In the battle that ensued, the militant was killed.
The PIL, however, questions the police theory. A family had come forward in October 2011, claiming that it was their son Abdullah Bhat, an innocent bystander, who had been killed.
The timing of the PIL was questioned in military circles, with many seeing it as an attempt to narrow down Singh’s chances of becoming the army chief.
Soon after Singh took over as the chief of army staff, NGO head Khurshid Ahmed Mir approached the court once again and — in a sworn affidavit — claimed that the force was pressurising him.
Mir has now alleged in the affidavit that “officers of Sector–1 RR are pressurising me to help them withdraw the case by influencing relatives and the counsel for the petitioners… Since the case has turned out to be a high-profile one, I feel insecure in the hands of the army. They are repeatedly putting pressure on me, and can harm me and my family.”
The police had then closed the case, saying the beggar was actually Mateen Chacha — a Pakistan-trained Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist.
They are now refusing to produce a photograph of the ‘beggar’ or identify his grave, demands that the family has made through the PIL.
The board of officers inquiring into the funding of the controversial intelligence unit, constituted by former army chief Gen VK Singh, is now probing possible links between the ‘snoop unit’ and the NGO.
The inquiry notwithstanding, the petition can be embarrassing for the chief as well as the government, particularly if the court orders an investigation into the ‘fake encounter.’ The army declined to comment on the grounds that the inquiry was still on.
>Army forcing us to withdraw case against Gen Bikram Singh: NGO Comment: Fake Encounters and Gallantry Awards was a sure sign of Career Success for many Senior Officers. This short cut was fine tuned by AHQ from 1995 to 2007. When busted the reactions are for a cover up by all means... The AHQ CoI is waste of time. The Army is not designed for IS duties or Anti Insurgency ops. The designed role is only COMBAT- defensive and offensive.

Good Governance: MP's and Gandhi Jayanthi

The worst thing about indian Judiciary and politicians is that corrupt MP's are never ever convicted and their cases never end. Shame on Indian Parliamentarians who try to sabotage honest uprising against their corrupt deeds.
The criminalization of politics continues to be a very big concern, with an increase in the number of MPs with criminal records from 128 to 150. Even the number of MPs with serious criminal cases has gone up. The biggest reason for this seems to be the undemocratic and autocratic selection and nomination of candidates by political parties. In order to ensure the winnability of candidates, parties ignored honesty to give preference to muscle power and money power. As media reports seem to indicate, the misuse of monetary incentives to buy votes has increased sharply since last elections and continues to be a source of threat to real democracy. While voter awareness on this issue is very high, the problem is that those who win after spending huge amounts are unlikely to focus on good governance. They are more likely to focus on recovering the funds they spent and on giving favours to those who supported their campaigns.
For more details: Indian MP's with Criminal Offences - A list

Governance at the Centre and wide spread corruption

Swamy targets Sonia, says she’s fostering corruption
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 00:24 Shireen Farhat | Dhanbad
Addressing a Press conference on Tuesday, Swamy said: “She can’t escape from taking responsibility of ill governance at the Centre and wide spread corruption.”
Commenting over Team Anna that questioned credibility and integrity of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Swami said that the Prime Minister alone is not responsible for this. “Don’t forget Sonia Gandhi. She is one who is fostering corruption. I have credible evidences of corruption by Sonia Gandhi which I will make available to all the people fighting against corruption including Team Anna.”
Swami also pilloried Sonia Gandhi for conspiring against the Prime Minister by letting him to become sole target of anti-corruption crusade. “Gandhi seems to be in hurry for anointment of her son Rahul Gandhi as PM by replacing Singh. She wants it to be done under the tenure of President Pratibha Patil, who is Congress’ rubber stamp,” he alleged.
The Janata Party president, who had once blocked the way of Sonia Gandhi’s path to Prime Ministership, is adamant to block Rahul in the same way if such a situation arises.
“When Rahul was born his mother Sonia Gandhi was holding Italian citizenship. She took Indian citizenship in 1983…hence according to the Italian Law, Rahul is born to an Italain Mother and he is not considered to be an Indian citizen. He can’t become the Prime Minister of India,” Swamy said.
As the election for new President of India is scheduled to be held soon, Swamy urged political parties not to support one like Patil. He said that former President APJ Kalam would be the fittest candidate for the country. “Presidential election is very important. We need to elect honest person like Kalam,” he added.
Swamy did not forget to target his enemy number one — Home Minister P Chidambaram. “Chidambaram is liable to be imprisoned for his role in 2G Spectrum Scam.
Holding an ambivalent view towards news report that some of known Naxal sympathisers have joined the Team Anna wagon Swamy accepted that the charges are true. “I will speak over this issue at the right moment.
Swamy targets Sonia, says she’s fostering corruption
Corruption India Updates

A new twist in the Rs 4,000 crore scam as Madhu Koda's key man, the missing link in the scam, revealed for the first time ever ED claims he is missing but TIMES NOW tracks down Madhu Koda's key man in Indonesia, living the life of a tycoon All three investigating agencies swings into action after TIMES NOW investigation rush their teams to Indonesia to track down Koda's key man A massive political fight breaks out after TIMES NOW's investigative report, Opposition questions CBI inaction, Govt distances itself. Times Now tracks down Anil Bastawade, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda's key aide in the Rs 4000 crore mining scam, in a remote town in Indonesia. Though the CBI said it was unable to track him, Bastawade aide Ashish Tuli says he has been doing business with top Indian firms.

Ravi Rishi's youngest brother now accuses him of fraud

Warning not to deal with Ravi Rishi co withdrawn mysteriously- (after payment of bribes)
Reasons for increasing poverty and declining quality of life in India
In 40 major scams since 1948, India suffers more than 25 trillion US dollars: Where has it all gone?

The 6th Sikh Battalion leaves permanent footprints in Congo

Only conclusive proof to validate UN Report will be the Paternity and DNA tests. Why the Court of Inquiry has skirted this positive proof to identify the fathers?
Indian Army probes reports of its UN peacekeepers fathering kids in Congo
VARINDER BHATIA : Chandigarh, Tue Jun 07 2011, 02:36 hrs An entire battalion of the Indian Army is in the dock after allegations in Congo that Indian peacekeepers fathered around a dozen children while posted there on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in 2008.
Based on the allegations, the Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry against the 6th Sikh Battalion, which comprises 12 officers and 39 jawans. A UN probe into the matter had been inconclusive.
The CoI is being conducted at Meerut, where the 9th Infantry Division is based. The 6th Sikh Battalion is part of the 37th Infantry Brigade, which comes under the 9th Infantry Division. The CoI is being presided over by Brig. M M Masur, Cdr, 9 Artillery Brigade, and includes Col. Sunil, Deputy Commander, 32 Infantry Brigade and Col. P V Ramakrishnan, Commanding Officer, 299 Fd Regt. as members.
The allegations surfaced after DNA tests commissioned by the UN in Durla, Congo, showed that the children were born with “distinctive Indian features”. The UN wrote to Army Headquarters, requesting further investigation. The latest reminder for action was sent in August 2010.
Following the UN letters, Army Headquarters wrote to Western Command in January this year asking it to inquire into the matter. The CoI was ordered on May 24.
An Army official at HQ confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered. “There are some allegations and we are investigating into the issue,” the official said. “We have received a report from UN. Their inquiry into the allegations was inconclusive, that is why we are investigating the matter here.”
The 6th Sikh Battalion was posted in Congo in 2008. After allegations that soldiers had sexually exploited local women, the Battalion was sent back to India and stationed at Chandimandir. In 2009, the alleged victims of the exploitation started giving birth, and the UN ordered an inquiry.
Earlier, in March 2008, allegations surfaced that three Indian officers posted at the UN Mission in Congo had sexually exploited a local woman while holidaying in South Africa. Before that, in 2007, there were allegations that Indian blue berets had exchanged food and information for gold with Rwandan rebels in Congo’s North Kivu. There were separate allegations that Indian soldiers had paid minor Congolese girls in North Kivu for sex. In most of these cases, the Army has given a clean chit to its personnel.
Indian Army probes reports of its UN peacekeepers fathering kids in Congo

I will quit public life if graft charges proved: PM

Rejecting Team Anna's allegations of corruption against him, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared he will quit public life if the charges on coal block allotments are proved. "It is unfortunate that irresponsible allegations relating to irregularities in allocation of coal blocks are being made without confirming facts. "I will give up my public life if allegations are proved against me. My long public career as Finance Minister, as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and now as Prime Minister has been an open book," Dr Singh told reporters on his way back from Myanmar.
"If there is any iota of truth, I will give up my public life. At the same time, the public should make up its mind whether this kind of politics will rule the roost in India," Dr Singh said.
This is Prime Minister's first reaction to Team Anna members Prashant and Shanti Bhushan's allegations last week accusing him of corruption for the first time when they referred to a draft CAG report on allocation blocks when he held charge of Coal ministry. He also termed as "unfortunate and irresponsible" the corruption allegations levelled against him and 14 of his ministerial colleagues by Team Anna.
I will quit public life if graft charges proved: PM
Rejecting Team Anna's allegations of corruption against him, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared he will quit public life if the charges on coal block allotments are proved. "It is unfortunate that irresponsible allegations relating to irregularities in allocation of coal blocks are being made without confirming facts. "I will give up my public life if allegations are proved against me. My long public career as Finance Minister, as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and now as Prime Minister has been an open book," Dr Singh told reporters on his way back from Myanmar.
"If there is any iota of truth, I will give up my public life. At the same time, the public should make up its mind whether this kind of politics will rule the roost in India," Dr Singh said.
This is Prime Minister's first reaction to Team Anna members Prashant and Shanti Bhushan's allegations last week accusing him of corruption for the first time when they referred to a draft CAG report on allocation blocks when he held charge of Coal ministry. He also termed as "unfortunate and irresponsible" the corruption allegations levelled against him and 14 of his ministerial colleagues by Team Anna.
I will quit public life if graft charges proved: PM

Comment
Every citizen in the Nation knows that Manmohan is the cleanest PM we had since Independence. What amazes citizens is how under his watch scumbags rule the roost. Public money is swindled by one an all- politicians and bureaucrats. The Redeeming Factor is that there is a small percentage of Politicians and Bureaucrats who are Patriots and hence the country is just managing to survive in the world polity as a democracy. Just watch how State Governments and its machinery loot the treasury.

AHQ CSD Liquor Smuggling: MOD, Civil Staff and Politicians

Who else is the beneficiary of CSD Liquor?
By Maj Gen Chander Nandwani
Issue: IDR Net Edition | Date: 11 May, 2012
Way back in 1995, I was posted as Additional Director General of Supplies & Transport in Army Headquarters. Apart from my routine responsibilities, I was also given additional charge of managing Army Headquarters (AHQ) canteen, as its Chairman. It wasn’t much of a prized post, since a retired Colonel appointed as the Canteen Manager with around 50 to 60 civilian employees working under him, was essentially accountable, for the day-to-day functioning of the canteen.
Therefore, my area of focus would be to strictly monitor the indenting and sale of such items. For this purpose, computers would be installed in the canteen and sale of liquor strictly regulated through issue of new cards after due verification of the cardholders. Soon after taking over the additional responsibility, I decided to pay a visit to the AHQ canteen during the lunch hour break to get a ‘Feedback’ from the employees with regard to their working conditions as also motivate them to provide better service to the customers. After patiently listening to their woes and giving ‘on-the-spot’ decisions to improve their working conditions, I made a remark that while being posted at Delhi on three earlier occasions, I had never patronized AHQ canteen, as more often than not, all the attractive consumer items including popular brands of liquor were seldom accessible to the customers. Therefore, my area of focus would be to strictly monitor the indenting and sale of such items. For this purpose, computers would be installed in the canteen and sale of liquor strictly regulated through issue of new cards after due verification of the cardholders. Further, the existing liquor cards in use would be discontinued straightaway and destroyed.
The next day, all hell was let loose against me. Big posters were pasted at every nook and corner of Sena Bhawan and South Block, making serious allegations against me. Radhe Shyam (name changed), a labourer and the union leader of AHQ Canteen civilian employees, having three buses and two flats in Delhi, threatened that there would be ‘Mass Joint Self Immolation’ by all employees at Jantar Mantar on the Republic Day (due after 10 days or so), if Maj Gen Chander Nandwani was not immediately removed from the post of Chairman of the canteen. News items on similar lines were also published in the reputed national dailies. The allegations made against me included taking of a big bribe for purchase new computers, favouring purchase of specific liquor brands, coercing women employees for sexual favours and so on. I was particularly tickled by the allegation of sexual favours and cheekily informed my wife that surely my standing in this regard was now far better than what she had imagined during past several years of our married life!!!
I was immediately summoned by the Quarter Master General (QMG), under whom the canteen functioned, and was asked to brief him on this sudden turn of events when everything was going on so smoothly before I took over the charge of the AHQ canteen. I requested for a couple of days time to make discreet enquiries. Before I could say ’Jack Robinson’, there was a note from the MOD signed by a Director level officer asking the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to comment on the allegations made against me and take all possible measures, including removing me from the post of Chairman, to avoid any embarrassment to the Govt., should the threat of ‘Mass Self-Immolation’ materialize, just prior to the Republic Day. What a joke! The matter did not end there. This note from MOD was followed by another note through which, a memorandum signed by 13 MPs and addressed to the Defence Minister, was also forwarded to the COAS, urging him to remove me from the post. This raised the hackles of the then COAS, late General BC Joshi. He called the QMG to his office and asked him to take the matter very seriously and put up a draft reply to both the notes of the MOD, for his approval. In the meanwhile an interim reply was sent to the MOD that the matter was being investigated.
My preliminary investigations revealed that a perfect nexus existed between the canteen civilian staff union leader Radhe Shyam, a few officials of MOD and a large number of politicians, to whom liquor was being supplied from AHQ canteen, on a regular basis. Of course the demand increased manifold during the time of elections. What intrigued me the most was the ‘modus operandi’ of smuggling out of such large quantities of liquor, with the Military Police and several other security agencies working in the highly sensitive areas of Army Headquarters and MOD. The actuality came to light when a disgruntled ex civilian employee of the canteen spilled the beans to me on promise of strict anonymity. I was shaken out of my bones when the truth came to light and immediately ran to the office of QMG to give him the details. He dis-believed me and decided to get the facts verified through a field security agency of the army and learnt to his horror that what I had disclosed to him was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
The court of Inquiry proved these allegations to be false, baseless and malicious with the sole aim of having me removed from the post due to ulterior motives.
Well this is how the system worked. The union leader had in his custody hundreds of old liquor cards of servicemen and/or ex-servicemen who had either left the station or had died. He drew choicest brands of liquor from the canteen in the names of these personnel and had simultaneously perfected a distribution system through which the liquor was delivered right at the doorsteps of the selected MOD officials and several politicians apart from other influential clients in the ministry. Surprisingly, right next to the AHQ canteen was the parking lot of VIP staff cars and some of these staff car drivers had been bought over by Radhe Shyam by giving them free bottles of rum and other lucrative canteen items such as expensive watches etc. During the lunch break when security was lax, these drivers would reverse their cars next to the canteen bulk store, wherefrom crates of liquor were loaded into the dickey of these staff cars. Radhe Shyam instructed these drivers to deliver the liquor crates at various locations after dropping the VIPs at their respective residences. Wow what an ingenuous idea! The irony of the matter is that the staff cars with the flags & star plates of Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals (including the QMG), without the knowledge of the occupants, were being illegitimately used by unscrupulous individuals for their unholy deeds. Sadly these very senior officers had unknowingly become couriers of liquor for the politicians. No wonder there was such a sharp reaction from all quarters, when I had only hinted at introducing computers to check the sale of liquor from the AHQ canteen!
The Chief on being informed of the facts of the case directed the QMG to give me full protection and total support to cleanse the system. I obtained legal advice from a leading civilian lawyer. He advised me to request for an enquiry against myself since I had taken over the post barely 10 days earlier and had nothing to hide. Thereafter, on my specific request on file, a court of inquiry was ordered by the QMG to investigate into the allegations made by Radhe Shyam, which were supported by the MOD and the MPs. The court of Inquiry proved these allegations to be false, baseless and malicious with the sole aim of having me removed from the post due to ulterior motives. To avoid several heads from rolling, the MOD and the MPs were politely told by the then COAS verbally that the matter had been thoroughly investigated by a high-powered court of Inquiry, which had opined that there was no truth in the allegations made by the union leader. Hence the matter was not being pursued further to save all concerned from grave embarrassment.
On directions of the QMG, the services of the union leader were terminated under my signatures and the whole system revamped with the introduction of computers, thus bringing to an end the sordid drama of “The Canteen Liquor Connection of MOD!”
My only regret still remains that the allegation of my so-called sexual exploits with women employees was also quashed in the bargain, thus proving the obvious!!!
Who else is the beneficiary of CSD Liquor?
Comment: We need officers with courage and guts like Maj Gen Chander Nandwani to take on the growing corruption in CSD. Even officers in staff college use liquor for bartering with servants and for other services. The malaise is much more deep routed than in 1995...

Indian Black Money and Swiss Terror

Black money: Swiss Embassy contradicts CBI chief, calls his statement 'uncorroborated'
Press Trust of India, Updated: February 16, 2012 17:53 IST
New Delhi: Three days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that Indians are the largest depositors in Swiss banks, Switzerland today contradicted that stand, calling it "uncorroborated".
CBI Director Ambar Pratap Singh had, on Monday, said that Indians had stashed away an estimated 500 billion dollars in black money in foreign banks. The maximum outflow of illegal funds was to tax havens such as Mauritius, Switzerland, Lichtenstein and British Virgin Islands, he had said.
But the Swiss Embassy today, in an unusual step, issued a statement saying, "It wishes to make a clarification in view of unsubstantiated media reports that have been recently published about Switzerland and Swiss Banks."
But, the release, which did not mention the CBI chief's statement, said that Switzerland is not a tax haven.
"There have been several speculations about the amount of wealth held by Indians in Swiss Banks... Such estimates and statistics lack of evidence and are uncorroborated," the statement said.
While there have been various estimates of Indian black money stashed abroad, the statement by the CBI Director was significant in that, for the first time someone in authority in the country had come out with an estimate.
original NDTV News

Army chief race turns murky as allegations fly

Army chief in waiting - Lt Gen Bikram Singh



Army chief race turns murky as allegations fly
Josy Joseph, TNN Jan 11, 2012, 04.15AM IST
Lt Gen Bikram Singh is likely to become the Chief of Army Staff after Gen VK Singh retires because he is the senior-most officer in the Indian Army and the government rarely deviates from the seniority principle in deciding the Army chief.
NEW DELHI: Just when the controversy over the age of Army chief Gen V K Singh is beginning to die down, a set of allegations have cropped up against his likely successor Lt Gen Bikram Singh, making the issue of who should head the world's second largest standing army a murky affair.

Most serious of the complaints against Lt Gen Bikram Singh is a decade-old, and concerns an encounter in Kashmir on March 1, 2001. Lt Gen Bikram Singh, then a brigadier heading counter-insurgency operations in the area, was injured and a colonel killed. A local NGO 'Youth Empowerment Services of Kashmir' has been petitioning various authorities in Delhi and in Kashmir countering Army's claim that the operation resulted in the killing of a foreign militant named Mateen Chacha.

The group has alleged that the deceased was actually a 70-year-old local named Abdullah Bhat, a resident of Machil, Kupwara, who was shown as a foreign militant. The NGO has not dropped its campaign despite the clean chit to Lt Gen Bikram Singh from the local police.

In what may appear to be part of a chain, an MP has also written to the prime minister questioning Lt Gen Bikram Singh's suitability to lead the Army on the ground that his daughter in-law is from Pakistan. The intelligence establishment, approached by the PMO, gave an all-clear to Lt General Bikram Singh but this has not spelt respite for him.

There are also anonymous complaints doing the rounds about Lt Gen Bikram Singh's posting in African on a UN peacekeeping mission, and failure to contain disciplinary breaches by some Indian Army soldiers. Some members of an Indian Army battalion are accused of fathering children, by illegal sexual contacts with local women, while they were posted in Africa.

There are three possible scenarios that heighten concerns within the government about the succession battle. One, if Gen V K Singh retires as per the government records, then Lt Gen Bikram Singh could be announced as the next chief by March 31. If Gen VK Singh were to continue until 2013, then Lt Gen KT Parnaik, who is heading the Northern Army Command, would be the senior-most officer in line.

In case Gen VK Singh resigns abruptly in the coming weeks, before the government announces Lt Gen Bikram Singh as the new chief, then there could a further twist to the succession battle. Given the complexities of the scenario, government sources said they were warily watching allegations being flung around.
Army chief race turns murky as allegations fly

Comment: The Indian Army Chief to succeed Gen VK Singh should be above board. The succession plan plotted by Bureaucrats should be examined, shelved and mischief makers brought to book.

Congo, Pakistan, and the Indian Army Chief imbroglio

Congo, Pakistan, and the Indian Army Chief imbroglio
Sandhya Jain
09 Jan 2012
The scandalous conduct of some Indian members of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, under the command of the then Major General Bikram Singh, may translate into major embarrassment for India at various international forums if the government abides by a covert ‘line of succession’ hinted by the Attorney General in his rather vacuous ‘opinion’ on the matter.
Islamabad (with helpful nudges from Beijing and other capitals reworking their ‘interests’ in the Asia-Pacific region) can be expected to exploit all propaganda about human rights violations in India – particularly in Jammu and Kashmir – to the hilt.
New Delhi should, in the circumstances, consider if the J&K Government’s decision to demand and continue to push for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State has been externally inspired by forces hoping to take advantage of Indian discomfort in the human rights arena.
Pertinent in connection with the ‘line of succession’ school of thought is the fact that the next in the line of succession, Lt Gen Bikram Singh, has a Pakistani daughter-in-law. While the lady may now be a naturalized Indian citizen (like Congress president Sonia Gandhi), the fact remains that Lt Gen Bikram Singh has had Pakistani relatives at critical phases of his service, and will continue to have Pakistani relatives at the peak of his career and beyond. This is not to cast any aspersions on the highly respected soldier, but it would be an understatement to say that the issue is causing grave concern in many quarters.
The Centre would in fact do well to review its whimsical policy on the matter of officers of the diplomatic and military services having foreign wives/spouses. In an era when the intelligence agencies of major nations are actively pursuing their strategic goals, the presence of foreign spouses entrenched in establishments where they have official duties is most undesirable.
As for Congo, it is a blot on the Indian Army’s glorious tradition of valour and gallantry in foreign lands, especially in UN Peacekeeping Missions. In 2007-08, the UN complained of the 6 Sikh Battalion fathering children with “distinctive Indian features,” which were reportedly confirmed by DNA tests conducted by UN in Durla, Congo. The allegations of misconduct cover 12 officers and 39 jawans, who reportedly paid minor girls in North Kivu for sex. The Congolese government further alleged that some Indian peacekeepers, instead of helping to protect civilians from violent militias, fraternized with rebel Tutsi general Laurent Nkunda.
The matter now rests with an army court of inquiry (CoI) in Meerut, which will share its findings with the UN as per rules. Army sources say a separate inquiry is going on against the unit’s commanding officer for failure to maintain discipline.
Chronicle of a Date of Birth: click here
Read More
UN: Tackle Wrongdoing by Peacekeepers

Tailpiece
How was Gold and Ivory Smuggled? Through diplomatic bags and cipher couriers? In connivance with unscrupulous MoD bureaucrats and Army Brass- earlier 2 chiefs are accountable? The enquiries will make a scapegoat of a few down the rung "Jawans". The real culprits who smuggled and made illegal money will go Scot free! The Commanding Officer and senior Commanders- The so called UN Peace Keepers must be brought to book. A committee comprising a Brigadier and two Colonels had been tasked to investigate 6th Sikh Battalion. UN has reported involvement of Indian contingents in sexual abuse not only in Congo but also in Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone. Other than that, Indian soldiers have been involved in smuggling of narcotics and weapons. What is the outcome of the enquiry?

Civil Society of India wages war on corruption

INDIAN YOGA GURU ANTI-CORRUPTION HUNGER STRIKE 02 Jan 2011
Only a month or so after prominent Indian activist Anna Hazare went on a hunger strike to protest against the lack of anti-corruption measures put in place by the ruling Congress Party, India's most famous yoga guru, Swami Ramdev (pictured here) is threatening to start a hunger strike on Saturday in Delhi for the same reasons.

While Swami Ramdev insists that his protest is apolitical, various BJP commentators say that it is Congress that will suffer if holders of black money are made public, offering a political explanation as to why many prominent Congress politicians have pleaded with Swami Ramdev not to carry out his plans.

The now-famous Indian anti-corruption activist and former police officer Kiran Bedi was quoted as saying that "You will never have this kind of mass movement for the wrong reasons".
For the original article from International Business Times, please click here.
Please note that the photo of Swami Ramdev comes from Breaking news online, here.
Courtesy: Civil Society Against Corruption

War against corruption
A recent series of big-ticket corruption scandals in India ranging from the Delhi Commonwealth Games to the 2G telecom scam have plagued and electrified the nation, triggering massive public outrage. Earlier this month 71-year old social activist Anna Hazare held a four-day fast to pressure the Indian government to form a committee of politicians and social activists to finally come up with an effective anti-corruption bill.
For the link to the article, which includes the 25-minute Video with Ms Bedi and Prof Bhagwati, please click here.
Related Reading: The Swindlers List
Tehelka reveals name of 15 Indians with black money in Swiss banks- Indian Black Money

Clueless: Government Commissions Study to unearth Black Money

PIB 29-May, 2011 11:24 IST
Government Commissions Fresh Study Through Top National Level Institutions for Estimation of Unaccounted Income/Wealth both Inside and Outside the Country.
Ministry of Finance, Government of India has commissioned an in-depth and fresh study, engaging three top national level institutions for estimation of unaccounted income and wealth held within and outside India. This study will bring out the nature of activities that encourage money laundering and its ramifications on national security. The study has already commenced in March, 2011 and is expected to be completed within a period of 18 months. The study is being undertaken by the following national institutes:

National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP);

National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM) ; and

National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
The terms of reference of the study are as follows:

To assess/survey unaccounted income and wealth both inside and outside the country.

To profile the nature of activities engendering money laundering both inside and outside the country with its ramifications on national security.

To identify important sectors of economy in which unaccounted money is generated and examine causes and conditions that result in generation of unaccounted money.

To examine the methods employed in generation of unaccounted money and conversion of the same into accounted money.

To suggest ways and means for detection and prevention of unaccounted money and bringing the same into the mainstream of economy.

To suggest methods to be employed for bringing to tax unaccounted money kept outside India. (vii) To estimate the quantum of non-payment of tax due to evasion by registered corporate bodies.
The issue of black money has attracted a lot of public and media attention in the recent past. So far there are no reliable estimates of black money generated and held within and outside the country. The different estimates on quantum of black money range between USD 500 billion to USD 1,400 billion. A recent study by Global Financial Integrity has estimated the illicit money outflow to be USD 462 billion. These estimates are based on various unverifiable assumptions and approximations. Government has been seized of the matter and has, therefore, commissioned these institutions to get an estimation and sense of the quantum of illicit fund generated and held within and outside the country. ******* DSM/SS (Release ID :72383)
Government Commissions Fresh Study to quantify Black Money
Related Reading
New Directorate of Income Tax Criminal Investigation Created; to be Headed by an Officer of the Rank of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax; to Look into Criminal Matters Having any Financial Impliaction Punishable as an Offence Under any Direct Tax Law
Baba Ramdev: 'No question of calling off fast' NDTV Correspondent, Updated: May 31, 2011 12:05 IST
UPAII Visualises the next elected PM to be tainted or a scamster?
Govt opposes inclusion of PM in Lokpal Bill: click here

Indian Swiss Accounts will be disclosed

WikiLeaks will out Indian Swiss accounts: Assange
Press Trust of India, Updated: April 26, 2011 16:49 IST

New Delhi: In comments that could fuel a fresh controversy over the black money issue, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange today said there are Indian names in the Swiss bank data list that are going to be made public.

"Yes, there are Indian names in the data that we have already published or are going to publish. I can't remember specifically whether there are Indian names in the coming publication. But I have read Indian names," Assange told a private TV channel.

Indicating that there are bigwigs among the Indians having their accounts in Swiss banks, he said, "Similarly, in these private Swiss banking concerns, where you need at least a million dollar, which is a significant amount of money...not an average Indian..."

Asked whether the names will come at any point, he said on "that, you should absolutely not lose hope". He, however, declined to reveal anything more on the issue at this stage.

Noting that he has come to know through a report that there are more Indian deposits in the Swiss banks than any other nationality, Assange said, "there is no reason why India should not be aggressive."

Praising the German government for its aggressive approach to unearth black money stashed offshore, he said that India "should be more aggressive because India seems like it is losing per capita much more tax than Germany."

Assange alleged that Indian government's response to the WikiLeaks cables was "one of the worst in the world" and a "clear attempt to mislead the nation on what the cables were". He said that the response by the Indian government left a lot to be desired.

Assange also dismissed contention of the Indian government that accords on double taxation were coming in the way of tracking the trail of black money. "Double taxation does not have anything to do with asset hiding. It doesn't simply cover asset hiding," he said.

Assange said that the issue of stashing black money in foreign banks was much worse than just local corruption as when money is pushed offshore, "...then every time they are selling rupees and the result is that the currency of the nation is debased...everything for all Indians become more expensive as a result of that transfer."

Assange had earlier claimed that he was handed over documents of bank accounts by a former banker Rudolf Elmer and the whistleblower also claimed that the names in the documents came from "US, Britain, Germany, Austria and Asia - from all over," and include "business people, politicians, people who have made their living in the arts and multinational conglomerates - from both sides of the Atlantic".
Read more at: Swiss Terror: Swiss Secret Accounts- NDTV

Ex Servicemen boost Anti- Corruption Rally

The Anti- Corruption Rally on 01 May 2011, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
The planned Anti-corruption Rally, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on 01 May 11, went off very well. From small children to very senior citizen– people from all age groups were there.
The march from Jantar Mantar began at 6.00 PM and the last batch reached India Gate around 7.30 PM. Each and everyone taking part in the march was fully motivated, full of josh and highly disciplined. My rough guess is that length of the column on road was 2 km plus. After most of the persons marching reached India Gate, some of the participants took part in ‘Nukkad Dramas’. The rally ended with candle lighting at India Gate. There were large number of organisations seen distributing drinking water among the persons attending the rally. Very large number of media satellite stations, camera men and reporters were deployed at Jantar Mantar, India Gate and all along the route. Surprisingly actual coverage in print media and TV was negligible. Obviously– the media has succumbed to Government pressure.
I had taken some photographs of the rally, some of which are reproduced below.
Due to very little space in between the marching batches and hardly any raised point available in the area or along the route – the desired effect cannot be achieved by these photographs. Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj

Radia drops Pawar- 2G Spectrum Bomb

Radia links Pawar to DB Realty, minister rubbishes reports
14 Apr 2011, 1507 hrs IST, AGENCIES
A fresh controversy brewed today (April 14) after corporate lobbyist Niira Radia reportedly linked Union minister Sharad Pawar to 2G scam-tainted DB Realty firm but the senior leader trashed her claim. Pawar was reacting to media reports which had quoted Radia as telling the CBI that he may be controlling DB Realty and may have pursued the issue of spectrum and license for Swan Telecom with former Telecom Minister A Raja.

Her statement was part of the CBI charge sheet but she herself made it clear that it was the perception in Mumbai that she was talking about and she had no documentary proof to back it. Pawar said, "This is absolutely a lie and foolish statement. I have no financial interest in this company. DB Realty and that telecom company I have no relations at all. I have no financial, not one 'naya paisa' interest in that company".

He said he knew DB Realty's Vinod Goenka's father for the last 35 years and he had set up a milk processing unit in Baramati about 20 years back. "We, all farmers, are helping him in getting good quality milk. We have a relationship. There are no two opinions about that but we have no involvement or association with the telecom company," he said.

Pointing out that Radia had herself stated that she had no proof to back the charge, Pawar said he had no talk with the corporate lobbyist or anyone else with regard to grant of licence for spectrum use. "I am looking after agriculture of the country, not telecom," he said.
Radia links Pawar to DB Realty, minister rubbishes reports
Comment: Pawar has fingers dipped in POWER- agriculture his hobby but his focus is on ICC- where his heart is!

Veterans yearning for Justice must first fight Corruption

Join Anna Hazare's Movement Today- Be part of History
Dear Colleagues,
Everyone can see a Tsunami of public support building up. The government will surely relent and cave in, but only after a lot of feet dragging. The IESM support is gathering pace too. On April 7, (till 6:00 pm) 235 ESM had visited the protest site. This is higher than the previous two days. We need to keep the flow going.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Dear Veterans
07 April, 2011 is the third day of fast of Veteran Anna Hazare. He is in good health and is steadfast in his resolve to continue till Govt agrees to the demands for an effective LokPal bill. Three social activist who were supporting veteran Anna Hazare and were also observing fast felt uncomfortable and their health deteriorated in Delhi heat. These social activist had to be hospitalised. The mood at the venue is upbeat and veteran Anna sahib is fighting fit for the long battle with the Government. It is understood that Government mediators are in contact with the team and are trying to find a solution. Hopefully a workable solution would be found soon. Veteran Anna Hazare has already refused to head the committee to be set up for drafting the bill. He has proved that he is a social activist in true sense and is not after any post or office. More than two hundred veterans have visited the IESM tent every day and signed their support for the cause.
IESM WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TO THE ANTI CORRUPTION CRUSADE OF VETERAN ANNA HAZARE Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
DO NO LOOK FOR EXCUSES TO BE ABSENT FROM JANTAR MANTAR. BE A PROUD SOLDIER AND BE AT IESM TENT TO SUPPORT ANNA HAZARE. DO SO WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj

DEFENCE VETERANS STRONGLY SUPPORT INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION AND ANNA HAZARE
Dear Veterans,
1. We have given our Blood to protect the Integrity and sovereignty of the Nation.
2. I don’t know if the country knows that 2 – 3 mortal remains of the martyr soldiers arrive at various Air Fields of the country everyday and 5000 soldiers are maimed and invalided out every year due to the serious injuries and other severe medical sufferings caused due to extreme and severe service conditions and operations.
3. The wealth of the Nation is being plundered away through the extreme terminal cancer of corruption in our country.
4. We therefore, decided to support and join India Against Corruption Campaign and the Veteran Anna Hazare’s Fast Unto Death.
5. All veterans are requested to visit Jantar Mantar wearing Regimental caps any time of the day and mark your presence by signing in a Register placed at Indian Ex – Servicemen Movement (IESM) enclosure just west of Annas Manch. No one should stay back. Come one Come all and support Anti Corruption Campaign.
JAN LOKPAL BILL must be passed by the parliament at the earliest to set the ball rolling to end corruption in our country. Don’t miss the date. “All those who wish to take part in one days relay fast to please give the name and the date to the staff at IESM enclosure at Jantar Mantar or through email/ SMS/ Phone to Gen Secy Gp Capt V K Gandhi (Email: vk_gandhi@yahoo.com, Tele no 01204313951; Mobile 09810541222) “Ham Ne to Wadie Gurbat Me Kadam Rakha Tha, To door Tak Madrie Vatan Ayee Thi Samjhane Ko” (S. Bhagat Singh)
6. “JAN LOKPAL BILL LAANAA HAI, BHARASHTACHAR MITAANA HAI” With Regards, Jai Hind Yours Sincerely, Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM Vice Chairman, IESM Mob : 9312404269,0124 – 4110570 Email : satbirsmgmail.com, satbirsmyahoo.com

Dear Chander,
A small write up is attached. May I request this on the RMS and all other affiliated groups. Chhikara Brig RS Chhikara, Secy Gen, Netaji Subhash Foundation Trust and a devoted member of IESM IS IT OUR DEMOCRACY THAT IS TO BLAME FOR THE SORRY STATE OF INDIA?
I have been witnessing the revolution at Jantar Mantar since yesterday and have listened to responses on TV debates. The Executive and the legislature are worried about losing what they consider their rights and their exclusive space. One basic premise of their responses runs as follows:
We are a democracy with a constitution and nothing can be done or even attempted out side the constitutional frame work. Legislative, Judiciary and Executive alone can make laws, change the constitution, adjudicate constitutional disputes until it is amended and execute laws through procedures and rules laid down by the executive. Civil Society and the citizen at large have no locus standi in decision making once they have sent their pseudo representatives to the legislature.
The following beg serious consideration.

Whose constitution is it? Is it of WE THE PEOPLE or is it of we the legislature?

Who is the sovereign? The Citizen or the MP/ MLA or the PM/ Cabinet?

Does the legislature indeed represent the majority as should be the case in a democracy? Most Win with 15 to 20% of total votes cast.

Do the voting citizen have any say in selecting candidates? Does he have a real choice of selecting? Parties allot tickets through an opaque mechanism.

Is the elected legislator free to work in the best interest of those who he pretends to represent? Or is he subservient to Party whip or his own political interest?

What recourse does the voting community have to correct an errant legislator who manages to get elected on promises he is neither sincere about nor capable of working for?

Does he have the right to recall?

Does our democracy enable citizens to get laws they wish passed? Is referendum not their right especially when his interests are obviously at variance from those of the elected legislators?

Are we not stake holders in our own governance in a democracy ‘of the people for the people and by the people’? People as in the public and as in the Civil Society.

Our legislature has a vested interest in Corruption and power of patronage. Are they our patrons or are they our servants? The question reverts to who is sovereign he or we?
Anna’s agitation as it is being termed is only the starting point for getting answers to these very basic questions in the public mind. It can not stop here because the root causes of the maladies of mis- governance and corruption lie, not in the lok Pal Bill not being in position. It lies with our Electoral System, with our Party System indeed with our democracy. The politician has to find his rightful place as a servant of society who must work for the common good of the majority and for the maximum good of the nation. His own survival (Not his best political interest) must be co terminus with the best interest of the people of India. To that end this movement must aim at rectification of our democratic system. The constitution is sacrosanct only so far as it serves the interest of the people who have adopted it for themselves. A stage of despair and frustration has reached the stage where People don’t give a damn for being called a Democracy. They would rather exchange it with good governance with or without the falce glory of being called the largest democracy in the world.
Long Live Veteran Anna Hazare
Long Live Veteran Solidarity with Anna.
Veterans need to support the Second War of Independence from Corrupt Rule.
Comment: If one answers all the above questions sincerely then one deduces that our Democracy is a Fake and a Farce. Even Banana Republics fair better!

Anna's crusade is citizens chance to crush corruption

Politicians do not want a Lokpal Bill because that will stop the 'loot'. Join Anna's Movement Today
New Delhi: Stepping up his anti-corruption campaign, Anna Hazare tonight brushed aside Sonia Gandhi's appeal to him to withdraw his hunger strike as Government initiated talks on formation of a joint committee to draft an effective Lokpal Bill but there was no consensus on two crucial aspects.
Government today agreed to the formation of a committee with equal representation for civil society members and government representatives. But it is said to be having reservations over how to formally notify constituting it and give its chairmanship to a private individual, which could be setting a precedent.
"I thank Sonia Gandhi for her statement (appealing to him to end the fast). Soniaji, tell the government to get the Lokpal bill enacted at the earliest," Hazare said in a terse reaction to Gandhi's appeal.
His address to the gathering at Jantar Mantar was received with wide approbation by his followers as his campaign received further momentum across the country.
Under pressure from a surging anti-corruption campaign, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with his Cabinet colleague Kapil Sibal late in the night and discussed ways to find a means to resolve the situation.
In his address to the supporters in the evening, Hazare said politicians do not want a Lokpal Bill because that will stop the 'loot'.
Hazare steps up campaign, brushes aside Sonia's appeal

Anna Hazare Crusade against Corruption Catapults the Youth into Action

Dear Colleagues,
Happily and expectedly, Anna Hazare’s campaign has gathered great nationwide momentum. His present aim, in the overall fight against corruption, is to have the Lokpal bill drafted through public participation. The support shown by the ESM has been encouraging. Admittedly, more could be done. Please visit Jantar Mantar any time of the day to show solidarity with the cause. The IESM enclosure is just West of Anna’s manch. Please visit it to mark your presence and support.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

ESM AT NAVI MUMBAI SUPPORT - ANNA HAZARE
As planned, a DHARNA was organised on 5th April from 8 AM to 8 PM at BELAPUR railway station in support of Shri ANNA HAZARE in fight against corruption, at the initiative of ESM at Navi Mumbai.Over 5000 handbills were distributed, in English & Marathi containing details of inaction by the Govt and merits of proposed Jan LOKPAL & LOKAYAUKT bills at Center & State level respectively.Four registers were kept for people to sign in support of Shri Anna Hazare,around 2500 people from all walks of society affixed their signature. Over a dozen Journalists from print and electronic media were present to cover the event.Same was covered in number of local (Sama,A Plus,24 hrs News,Drishti,) and national (TV9) TV channels.Write up appeared in Time of India,Mumbai,06 April,Navi Mumbai edition. Public response was overwhelming, it exceeded our expectations.(we ran short of handbills) ESM are happy to know that IESM has pitched tent at Jantar Mantar in support of Shri Anna Hazare. Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd)
Related Reading
Pawar quits GoM on corruption, Hazare continues fast, writes to PM
Join Anna Hazare's Fast To Bring the Jan Lokpal Bill- click here

Citizens Voice
Better future for you children- Jan Lokpal Bill. We have been a corrupt society since independence. And the level of corruption has been increasing exponentially over the years. By nature a corrupt society is also an incompetent society, as it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the meritorious to survive, let alone rise. One only needs to keep the eyes and ears open to see Peter Principle in operation in every sphere of activity and at every level. It is not the individual but the system. Everybody can see it and feel it, but is powerless to do anything about it except grin and bear it. With the advantage of English knowledge, India ought to have achieved a lot lot more in terms of garnering world investment and economic power. We are still investigating the Bofors case. 200 crore black money is under investigation and is likely to remain so (action being taken!) for quite a while 200+ crore is generated every day and taken out of circulation. In the 60+ years I doubt if there has been a single conviction for corruption. we debate in the parliament whether a case of corruption should be investigated or not. We are a country of law breakers being law makers and law enforcers. A man can with impunity go on inciting violence in Maharashtra while another in the East gets charged with sedition and imprisoned for having carried a letter. We have a law for everything but we are busy enacting more, on an average 1 every day. One can go on and on. As the saying goes, the situation is like being up shit creek without a paddle. This morning, when Anna Hazare started, there was a crowd. By evening there were thousands. Support for the cause is just not local but across the country and the world. We now have at least a paddle to do something about it and if we don't use it, we don't deserve anything better.
Regards and best wishes,
MJS Nandhu

My fast begins today, says Anna Hazare

Social activist Anna Hazare, the former IPS officer, Kiran Bedi, and Swami Agnivesh address a news conference in New Delhi on Monday, demanding an anti-corruption law on the lines of Lokpal Bill. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
My fast begins today, says Anna Hazare PTI/Amruta Byatnal
After Manmohan rejected demand by civil society to include them in joint panel to discuss the draft
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare will observe fast unto death from Tuesday until the government enacts a comprehensive law such as the Jan Lokpal Bill to tackle the menace.
“My fast unto death begins tomorrow. I was saddened when the Prime Minister rejected the demand by leading civil society members to include them and senior Ministers in the joint committee to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill [Citizen's Ombudsman Bill],” 72-year-old Mr. Hazare told a press conference here on Monday.
He said a Group of Ministers headed by Sharad Pawar was looking into the contents of the proposed anti-corruption bill and civil society members would be consulted later.
Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi and social reformist Swami Agnivesh were also present and pledged their support to Mr. Hazare.
Mr. Hazare lamented that the views of eminent persons such as Justice (retired) Santosh Hegde, advocate Prashant Bhushan and Swami Agnivesh were not considered important by the government and “a Minister like Sharad Pawar, who is known for possessing large amounts of land in Maharashtra, is heading a committee that will draft the bill.”
Swami Agnivesh said he attended the meeting in the morning of the sub-group on transparency of the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by Sonia Gandhi. A ‘Jan Lokpal' should be set up at the Centre and a ‘Jan Lokayukta' appointed in each State to handle corruption cases, probe them and ensure prosecution.
“If the NAC had also decided to look into our demands, Hazare would not have to sit on fast. At an earlier meeting of ours with the GoM, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily kept saying there was no precedent of having a joint committee to draft such a bill”, Swami Agnivesh said.
Ms. Bedi said just like the nation was united during the Cricket World Cup to boost India to victory, people, activists and the media had to create a non-stop movement till the Jan Lokpal Bill is adopted by Parliament.
The activists also claimed support of 1983 cricket world cup winning captain Kapil Dev and said he had written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to support their demand. — PTI
A resolve to end corruption Amruta Byatnal reports from Pune:
Gudi Padwa, the day celebrated as the beginning of the new year all over Maharashtra, was marked by a resolve to end corruption at Ralegan Siddhi, Mr. Hazare's hometown in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district.
In solidarity with the India against Corruption movement that is taking momentum across the country, 80 per cent of the residents erected a ‘gudi' with a black cloth, instead of the traditional red.
“The gudi outside every home symbolises a new beginning, and we want to start a life without corruption. Anna is undertaking a historic task tomorrow [Tuesday] by starting an indefinite fast. We want to show our support to the cause,” said Sanjay Pathade, a teacher.
A gram sabha was convened last week, where everyone was asked to erect the black gudi.
Those who did not have a black cloth did not erect a gudi at all, Mr. Pathade told The Hindu.
“There was no excitement over the festival, but the resolution is firm in people's minds. Anna has said he will not return without getting the Bill passed and we extend our whole-hearted support,” Mr. Pathade said.
My fast begins today, says Anna Hazare

Easier access to Swiss bank accounts?

NDTV Correspondent, Updated: February 16, 2011 00:21 IST
New Delhi: The Swiss government says it is willing to relax the rules required for administrative assistance to get information on bank accounts in Swiss banks. This will help countries like India to trace 'black' money stashed in Swiss bank accounts.
So far, Swiss banking secrecy norms have been extremely rigid when it comes to getting information on account holders. Swiss laws require countries to have so much information beforehand that it is hard to even track an account. This is likely to become easier.
Usually, the name of the account holder, the account number and the also name of the bank are required to track accounts. But the Swiss authorities say under the new proposals they will be able to accept other forms of identification as well.
These proposals have been put forward after the global transparency forum in Paris said, in a report, the Swiss requirements were too rigid and it was difficult to get information on account holders.
The Swiss Parliament, which has traditionally been opposed to lifting banking secrecy, has to first clear these proposals for them to come into effect.
Swiss authorities insist that even under the new rules there will be no room for fishing expeditions; for them to cooperate, a strong case against the account holder and, reliable information will have to be furnished.
Easier access to Swiss bank accounts?

Exodus from Gujarat and Punjab: Illegal immigration and human smuggling

Los Angeles Times, February 06, 2011|By Richard Marosi and Andrew Becker
Surge of immigrants from India baffles border officials in Texas
Thousands from India have entered Texas illegally from Mexico in the last year. Most are Sikhs who claim religious persecution at home.

Reporting from Harlingen, Texas — Thousands of immigrants from India have crossed into the United States illegally at the southern tip of Texas in the last year, part of a mysterious and rapidly growing human-smuggling pipeline that is backing up court dockets, filling detention centers and triggering investigations.

The immigrants, mostly young men from poor villages, say they are fleeing religious and political persecution. More than 1,600 Indians have been caught since the influx began here early last year, while an undetermined number, perhaps thousands, are believed to have sneaked through undetected, according to U.S. border authorities.

Hundreds have been released on their own recognizance or after posting bond. They catch buses or go to local Indian-run motels before flying north for the final leg of their months-long journeys.

"It was long … dangerous, very dangerous," said one young man wearing a turban outside the bus station in the Rio Grande Valley town of Harlingen.

The Indian migration in some ways mirrors the journeys of previous waves of immigrants from far-flung places, such as China and Brazil, who have illegally crossed the U.S. border here. But the suddenness and still-undetermined cause of the Indian migration baffles many border authorities and judges.

The trend has caught the attention of anti-terrorism officials because of the pipeline's efficiency in delivering to America's doorstep large numbers of people from a troubled region. Authorities interview the immigrants, most of whom arrive with no documents, to ensure that people from neighboring Pakistan or Middle Eastern countries are not slipping through.

There is no evidence that terrorists are using the smuggling pipeline, FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials said.

The influx shows signs of accelerating: About 650 Indians were arrested in southern Texas in the last three months of 2010 alone. Indians are now the largest group of immigrants other than Latin Americans being caught at the Southwest border.

The migration is the "most significant" human-smuggling trend being tracked by U.S. authorities, said Kumar Kibble, deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. In 2009, the Border Patrol arrested only 99 Indians along the entire Southwest border.

It's a dramatic increase," Kibble said. "We do want to monitor these pipelines and shut them down because it is a vulnerability. They could either knowingly or unknowingly smuggle people into the U.S. that pose a national security threat."

Most of the immigrants say they are from the Punjab or Gujarat states. They are largely Sikhs who say they face religious persecution, or members of the Bharatiya Janata Party who say they are targeted for beatings by members of the National Congress Party.
Surge of immigrants from India baffles border officials in Texas: click here to read more
Comment: The reasons are simple- Villagers are duped by scamsters who are generally Political criminals- India graduating to a Banana Republic which has hastened grinding poverty and farmers committing suicide- Truly the nation is on the path to FAKE democracy!