Bangladesh manhunt for mutineers

Bangladesh border guards report to barracks following the mutiny in Dhaka

Border guards were told to report to their posts or face disciplinary action

 

The Bangladesh army has launched a manhunt for border guards who mutinied at their headquarters in Dhaka last week, killing about 140 army officers.

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the revolt was planned in advance, and that an investigation is now underway.

 

She said she had asked the US FBI and the UK's Scotland Yard for assistance in the investigation into the mutiny.

 

Bangladesh police say they are charging more than 1,000 border guardsmen in connection with the mutiny.

 

The charges include conspiracy to kill officers and civilians, using weapons and explosives, creating panic, looting and trying to hide bodies.

 

The remains of more than 70 officers have still not yet been found, days after the violence in Dhaka.

 

The mutiny by the Bangladesh Rifles apparently began as a row over pay.

 

Little mercy

 

The BBC's Mark Dummett, in Dhaka, says the fugitive border guards can expect little mercy from the army, which has now been ordered to fan out across Bangladesh to apprehend them.

 

Speaking in parliament on Sunday night, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that nearly 700 soldiers of the Bangladesh rifles were already in detention.

 

Those in custody are men who laid down their guns after the prime minister promised to send tanks in to crush their revolt. The others were somehow able to escape.

 

Sheikh Hasina said she had contacted US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher and would also approach Britain's Scotland Yard for help in investigating the mutiny.

 

"I have had discussions with Richard Boucher. I told him I want FBI assistance in the probe," she said.

 

"I'd also like Scotland Yard to help us, and I have already sought UN support."

 

The bodies of 70 officers have been discovered so far, many of them mutilated after being shot.

 

Some 70 more corpses remain missing - correspondents say they have either been burnt or dumped in fast-flowing sewers. Some of the officers' wives were also killed.

 

Police have named six of the men they accuse of carrying out the mutiny. The six were involved in negotiating the mutineers' surrender.

 

The mutiny ended when the government threatened to quell it by force.

 

The Bangladeshi government had offered the mutineers an amnesty but once the scale of the massacre became apparent, it said those responsible would be punished.

 

The army has said that those found guilty of murder will be executed.

 

'Rebel Hunt'

 

The police say they still do not have the names of more than 1,000 others who they believe were also involved.

         

Soldiers remove a body from a grave at the headquarters of the border guards

 

Sheikh Hasina told parliament she had initiated a search operation codenamed Operation Rebel Hunt, the AFP news agency reported.

 

After searches of the vast compound, bodies were found either buried in shallow mass graves or dumped into the fast-flowing sewers below ground.

 

Some charred human bones have been found in the remains of a fire.

 

The army has postponed the funerals of those who died until all the bodies have been found.

 

Meanwhile, hundreds of guards began returning to their posts on Sunday after the mutiny ended on Thursday.

 

They had been given a 24-hour ultimatum to do so or face disciplinary action.

 

 

India-born cricketer makes the cut to UAE team

Among the millions of Indian fans who couldn't sleep the night India lost the 2003 World Cup final to Australia in Johannesburg was a local club cricketer, Ravi Varma. Six years on, Ravi will be playing at the same ground, and ironically still, living the dream of playing in a World Cup - the 27-year old, now based in Abu Dhabi has made it to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) team that will play in the World Cup Qualifiers starting next month in South Africa.

Speaking to Newsline from Sharjah, a jubilant Ravi said, "When I landed in the UAE, cricket was on my mind. Getting cornered in India had already broken my confidence, so I was conscious of the fact that the UAE was the only option left for me."

He added: "Consistent performance in the domestic cricket circuit here helped me create a space for myself. After getting into the probable's list for the WC qualifiers, I was hopeful of making the final cut. I am thankful to all who have been praying for me."

Apart from Ravi, two more Indians have made it to the UAE team - Sameer Nayak and Nithin Gopal. The UAE will take on Bermuda in the first match on April 1.

"The UAE will go on a brief tour to Sri Lanka in early March and then return home to play against the English county teams like Essex, Middlesex, Lancashire, Surrey, Sussex and Yorkshire. I am eager to show my skills against these teams before leaving for South Africa," said Ravi.

Back home in Dadumajra, the news has kept the Varma household buzzing with congratulatory messages from guests and relatives. An emotional Kishori Lal, father of Ravi and a cycle repair shopowner, said: "Ravi wanted to make it to the top level in cricket. When no one acknowledged his potential here, he had to move to the UAE. Now that he has made it to UAE national squad, we are all so proud of him."

It was while playing for the LIC Club in Chandigarh that the club secretary, Deepinder Chabbra, helped him secure a job in Abu Dhabi which provided space for his cricketing aspirations to blossom. Chabbra, elated at Ravi's selection, said: "No one can stop fighters from getting their due. And Ravi is a fighter."

For Ravi's wife, Manju, her husband's selection has been nothing short of a dream come true. "It was his sheer hard work and love for the game that earned him a place in the side. I hope he does well for the UAE," said Manju.

Sukhwinder Singh Tinkoo, who coached Ravi during his early years, said: "His hard work, discipline, determination and focus are examples for the other young players to follow. His poor financial background sometimes obstructed his progress as a cricketer but at the same time, his hunger for the game was always there."

Even after Ravi has made it to the UAE side, his heart still beats for India. "I am very happy but my greatest wish ever was to play for India," said the cricketer.

 

Indians finally to get practice after NZC compromise package

Wellington, March 01: New Zealand Cricket confirmed that six Indian players would turn out in the domestic championship as warm-up to the Test series, diffusing the tension between BCCI and Kiwi players` Association over the involvement of ICL-linked players in the tournament.

The six Indians -- VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Amit Mishra, Murali Vijay, Laxmipathi Balaji and Dhawal Kulkarni – would play in the next two rounds of the State Championship.

The Indian players have been included only in those state teams, that do not feature ICL players.

Dravid will play for the State Canterbury Wizards against the State Central Stags at Rangiora, from March 6-9.

Leg-spinner Mishra will turn out for the Stags in the same game. Laxman will appear for the State Otago Volts against the State Wellington Firebirds for whom Balaji will be turning out at Dunedin, on similar dates.

In the next round from March 13-16, Vijay and Kulkarni will play for the Stags and Firebirds respectively at Napier.

The Test series begins in Hamilton on March 18.

"No Indian players will appear for the State Auckland Aces or State Northern Knights. This avoids any potential issues over the involvement of ICL players in the games. The Aces and Knights sides already have an overseas player in their teams," the NZC statement said.

"Canterbury`s ICL-contracted players, Chris Harris and Shane Bond, were only contracted by Canterbury to play State Shield and T20 matches and therefore not considered for the State Championship," the statement added.

The inclusion of the Indians in the state teams was agreed upon by the NZC, the New Zealand Cricket Players` Association and the six Major Associations.

However, things could have taken an ugly turn after the Board of Control for Cricket in India withdrew Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik from an invitational Twenty20 match on Friday since it involved an Indian Cricket League player, Hamish Marshall, in the NZCPA side.

The BCCI move came as a surprise to the hosts and in a counter offensive, the NZCPA had said it would not allow players linked with the league to be dropped from the state teams to facilitate the Indians.

Given the scenario the BCCI would have had no choice but to withdraw the six players from the warm-up matches since it is against any contact with those linked with the ICL, a situation which could have\ proved costly for the visitors.

India coach Gary Kirsten thanked NZC for accommodating the players so they could get vital match practice.

"Because of the tight schedule and no warm up match it would have been difficult for those players straight off the plane – I think it sets a good example," said Kirsten.

NZC Chief Executive Justin Vaughan was happy that the NZCPA and Major Associations had been able to work out a solution.

"There have been a number of issues to work through, including the involvement of ICL players, NZC`s rules around overseas and qualifying players, player allocation, scheduling and travel arrangements," said Vaughan.

"This is an excellent solution that means we`re able to offer the incoming Indian players appropriate preparation in first-class conditions – and at the same time give our domestic sides an incredible opportunity to play alongside some of the great names in international Test cricket.

"For some of our young players especially, the chance to spend four days on the park and in the dressing room with players of the caliber of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid is priceless," he said.

Players association executive manager Heath Mills, who was vocal against the BCCI, was also satisfied that a compromise could be worked out.

"New Zealand Cricket and the Major Associations have done well to achieve that through the use of six players in the State Championship," he said.

"Each Major Association is allowed one overseas player under our contracting environment which is something we have always supported and encouraged so this outcome fits nicely with that," said Mills.

Sangakkara, Samaraweera opening day stars for Sri Lanka

Lahore, Mar 01: Kumar Sangakkara (104) and Thilan Samaraweera (133 unbeaten) cracked centuries to put Sri Lanka in a strong position after early lapses on the opening day of the second and final cricket Test against Pakistan here on Sunday.

The duo shared a 204-run stand for the fourth wicket to help their team end the day at 317 for four after sent in to bat.

Sangakkara departed at the fag end of the day when Yasir Arafat had him caught behind.

Samaraweera and Tilakratne Dilshan (3) were at the crease when stumps were drawn.

The Lankan stumper batted with patience, facing 210 balls and hitting eight boundaries in his 334 minute stay at the crease.

Samaraweera batted beautifully for his 133-run knock, adorned with 19 boundaries.

Pakistan pacer Umar Gul was the most successful bowler with his three wickets.

Gul dismissed both the openers Malinda Warnapura (8) and Tharanga Paranavitana (21) to give Pakistan a good start. Samaraweera, who hit a double hundred in the first Test, along with Sangakkara took the responsibility to steady the rocking boat and came out triumphant as their team was tottering at 97 for three at one stage.

It was Gul, who drew the first blood when he dismissed Warnapure as early as in the fifth over of the match when Misbah-ul-Haq took a brilliant catch in the slip region.

Gul dealt another blow to the visitors when he had Paranavitana caught at gully by former skipper Shoaib Malik, leaving visitors struggling 35 for two.

Lankan skipper Mahlea Jayawardene joined Sangakkara in the middle and ensured their innings do not suffer any more damage and the two added 61-runs for the third wicket.

Jayawardene scored 30 off 61 balls before becoming third victim of Gul, who had him caught behind just at the start of the second session.

Sangakkara was lucky to score his 17th century as he survived a caught behind appeal early in his innings and was later dropped by Faisal Iqbal off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

The first Test was a dull draw, played on a life-less pitch at national stadium in Karachi.

Sarwan double century frustrates England

Bridgetown, Mar 01: Ramnaresh Sarwan struck the second Test double century of his career to lead West Indies to 483 for five at lunch on the fourth day of the fourth Test against England in Barbados on Sunday.

Sarwan moved from 184 to 229 in the morning session, ably supported by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin who went in unbeaten on 56 at the interval.

They have added 149 runs to frustrate England`s hopes of levelling the series.

England made 600 for six declared in their first innings and have a lead of 117 runs but unless some surprises emerge on a track that has been placid until now, a draw looks the most likely outcome.

Johannesburg Test: South Africa make solid start in record bid

Johannesburg, Mar 01: Graeme Smith hit a sprightly half-century as South Africa, bidding to complete the highest successful run chase in Tests, reached 178 for two after the fourth day of the first Test against Australia on Sunday.

The hosts, who began their second innings half-an-hour after lunch, need 454 to win.

Smith and fellow opener Neil McKenzie ensured South Africa did not show any early vulnerability as they put on 76 for the first wicket in two hours.

McKenzie was caught behind off Mitchell Johnson for 35 half-an-hour after tea, but Smith batted on for another hour before falling for 69 as he lamely pulled Ben Hilfenhaus to mid-on.

Pakistan safe haven for all terrorist networks: Gates

Washington, March 02: All major terrorist networks have a safe haven in Pakistan to operate creating a big "problem" to the US war against terror, Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said.

"I think it's the safe haven on the Pakistani side of the border, not just for al Qaeda but for the Taliban for the Hakani network, for Gulbaddin Hekmatyar and other affiliated groups that are all working together -- they're separate groups, but they're all working together, and I think as long as they have a safe haven to operate there, it's going to be a problem for us," Gates told a news channel in an interview.

"Afghanistan, after all, 20 years ago I was on the other side of that border as deputy director of CIA fighting the Soviets, and we had the safe haven in Pakistan, and let me tell you, it made a big difference," he said in his interview yesterday.

Gates, who met with Pakistani Army chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani last week in Washington, said the Pakistan leadership now knows that what is going on in their tribal region is very dangerous for their country.

"I believe, based on my talks with the Pakistanis here in Washington this past week, that they clearly now understand that what's going on up there in that border area is as big a risk to the stability of Pakistan as it is a problem for us in Afghanistan," Gates said.

The defence secretary said Afghanistan is now unlikely to be a safe haven for the terrorists as long as the US and its allied forces are in the country.

"Well, as long as we're in Afghanistan and as long as the Afghan government has the support of dozens and dozens of countries who are providing military support, civilian support, in addition to us, we are providing a level of stability in Afghanistan that at least prevents it from being a safe haven from which plots against the United States and the Europeans and others can be put together so that border area, particularly on the Pakistani side, is the most worrisome," Gates said.

The Obama Administration is currently having a review of its Afghan policies, in which all stake holders including governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan, besides its allies in Europe are being consulted, he said, adding delegations of Pakistan and Afghanistan were in the US last week to participate in the discussion.

"We're talking to the Europeans, to our allies, we're bringing in an awful lot of people to get different points of view as we go through this review of what our strategy ought to be," Gates said.