45. HM gets news

CHAPTER 45

HM gets news

The news appeared on TV. People were shocked. HM was also shocked. Defense secretary, IG, Police Commissioner were all sitting in HM’s office.

HM said, “What a terrible thing to happen. He is a foreign BBC journalist. We had been told to protect him since he was taking a documentary on terrorists.”

All were silent.

HM said seriously, “Silence is not an answer. Tell me what we can do now.”

Defense secretary said, “Their demands are too much. They talk from a cell. The signals came from occupied Kashmir.”

HM said, “So they have crossed the border already.”

“Yes sir.”

“What do they want?”

“Toshiba assistant commander Akram Bhat is in our jail. They want him released. Also South Indian commander Javed and Ibrahim who has been operating since 3 years from Bombay and also 20 top ranking terrorists are to be released.”

HM was shocked. “How can we release those most dreaded terrorists?”

“They also want us to release Rasal Gur who attacked the Assembly.”

“Impossible. If we release all those men, there will be blasts in 100 placed and we will lose many lives. Continue negotiations. Identify the signals. When the signals came near our border, we can attack with help of Pakistan since he is a foreign journalist.”

“Yes sir. If commando Ram was back, it would have been good.”

Raju said, “Sir, he is in the village and will return in one week. I have informed him.”

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Rahim was with journalist in a place between the hills. John’s hands and legs were tied.

Rahim said angrily, “Badmash. You have been writing since 10 years on terrorism attacking Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan. Now you have come to India to take a documentary on terrorism, is it? You have security of American soldiers while in Afghanistan and other places. So you recorded everything with your camera. But what happened when you landed in India? Here I have hijacked your security and kidnapped you so easily.”

John looked at him silently.

Rahim approached him. “What will you say? You will stop talking very soon. I have placed the release of 20 of our top Jihadis on your head. If they are released within 10 days, you will be released. Otherwise…”

Rahim pointed to the sky. John stared at him with fear.