Mumbai: Faiz Usmani, the brother of Ahmedabad blast suspect Afzal Usmani, died after being questioned by the Mumbai Crime Branch late Saturday night. The provisional post mortem report says that he died of a heart attack. A CID probe has been ordered into the death, after Usmani's family members alleged he died of police torture.
"I want justice. Strict action should be taken and the guilty should be punished," said Faiz' wife, Zubeida Usmani.
Angry family members crowded outside Sion Hospital, protesting the death of Faiz. It is reported that he fell ill during the questioning and was admitted to the hospital. He allegedly died of brain haemorrhage later in the night.
Faiz Usmani's son said, "We found out that he was vomiting, so the police admitted him to the hospital and left. They didn't tell us anything about what happened."
Faiz' family say that he was healthy when he left the house and are questioning the way the police treated him.
"I don't know what kind of questioning the police conducted that my husband fell so ill. When he left the house he was completely healthy and had no health problems," said Zubeida.
While Usmani's family claims he was in perfect health when the police picked him up for questioning, initial medical reports show he was suffering from hypertension and high blood pressure. The Mumbai police insists he was not tortured.
Nisar Tamboli, Mumbai Police Spokesperson, said, "There was no case of torture. Let me make it clear - Faiz was not detained by us. He came to the police station on his own, started feeling giddy and suffocated, reported it to the policemen around who took him to the hospital."
A state CID probe has been ordered into the death. Faiz was questioned as part of a citywide combing operation by Mumbai police after Wednesday's serial blasts.
Sources in the investigating team indicate that their probe will not be affected by Faiz Usmani's death. But, as a plethora of investigative agencies come under severe pressure to come up with answers in the Mumbai serial blasts case, this death has only complicated matters by throwing up more questions.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Mumbai: CID probe ordered in Faiz Usmani's death
Climate change a major challenge to India''s agriculture, says PM
New Delhi, July 16 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Saturday said that climate change has emerged as a major challenge to India''s agriculture.
Addressing the 83rd foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here, Dr. Singh said: "The immediate problems that our farmers face relate to intra-seasonal variability of rainfall, extreme events and unseasonal rains. These aberrations cause heavy losses to our crops every year. There is therefore an urgent necessity for us to speed up our efforts to evolve climate-resilient crop varieties, cropping patterns and management practices."
He further said he is happy that the ICAR is implementing a major scheme, the National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture and has set up the state-of-the-art National Institute on Abiotic Stress Management.
"The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, which is one of the eight Missions under our National Action Plan on Climate Change also seeks to devise appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies for ensuring food security, enhancing livelihood opportunities and contributing to economic stability at the national level," a PIB release quoted Dr. Singh, as saying.
Emphasizing that our government, in the last seven years has taken several new initiatives in the agricultural sector, Dr. Singh said: " Many of these initiatives have shown encouraging results. But we need to build upon this achievement in the Twelfth Five-Year Plan."
"The Twelfth Plan must ensure further progress in areas of achievement and also remove the deficiencies in areas where our achievements have fallen short of expectations or objective potential of our economy," he added.
Urging scientists, technologists, and extension experts to share their experiences and personal assessments of these new initiatives, Dr. Singh said: " I urged them to share their experiences with the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture so that the Twelfth Five-Year Plan can tackle the many new challenges that have emerged in the last few years." (ANI)
PM calls for second green revolution to achieve self-sufficiency in food
New Delhi, July 16 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Saturday emphasised that the country needs a second green revolution to further accelerate agricultural growth and achieve self-sufficiency in food.
Addressing the 83rd foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here, Dr. Singh said: "We clearly need a second green revolution that is more broad-based, more inclusive and more sustainable; we need to produce more without depleting our natural resources any further, and we look towards our agricultural scientists for ushering this green revolution."
"We all look back proudly to our green revolution, which helped us overcome food shortages and banish the specter of starvation, or living from ship to mouth. But, today we find that the regions of the country which witnessed the green revolution are suffering from problems of environmental degradation," a PIB release quoted Dr. Singh, as saying.
"In many other regions of the country, particularly in eastern India, yields continue to be much lower than what is attainable. More generally, it should concern us that productivity in Indian agriculture has plateaued over the years," he added.
Emphasising that India currently spends about 0.6 per cent of its agricultural GDP on agricultural research and development, Dr. Singh said: "This needs to be enhanced at least 2 to 3 times by 2020, since a substantial portion of our agricultural growth would come through the application of new technologies and new knowledge to production processes."
"But spending more on research is not enough unless this improves the quality of human resources in all areas of agriculture," he added.
The Prime Minister further said the total demand for foodgrains of the country is projected to touch 281 MT by 2020-21.
"The inclusive strategies of development that we are pursuing should further increase the incomes of the poorer sections of our society. This will further increase demand for foodgrains but also fruits, vegetables and animal products. The total demand for foodgrains is projected to touch 280 million tonnes by the year 2020-21," he said
"Meeting this demand will necessitate a growth rate of nearly 2 per cent per annum in foodgrain production," he added. (ANI)
Friday, July 15, 2011
7 UG IN MANIPUR JOIN HANDS TO ENERGISE LIBERATION MOVEMENT
In a move to energise the liberation movement for Manipur, United Front of the armed organisations operating in Manipur, seven militant organisations have joined hands under one roof. In a move to give a boost to the liberation movement in Manipur, seven prominent underground organisations have decided to join hands 'to regain the lost sovereignty of Manipur. A joint email statement of these underground groups said, leaders of KCP, KYKL, UNLF, RPF, PREPAK, PREPAK (PRO) and UPPK had a very high level conclave where it had formed a 'co-ordinating committee' of the seven organizations and elected RPF president Irengbam Chaoren as the committees convenor.According to the statement, India has been ceaselessly exerting its maximum effort in imposing its grip in the region and hence the need to fight together against the former has become a matter of necessity. It said the co-ordination committee will work out modalities for the seven underground organisations of Manipur to work together. The statement further said that the coming together of these militant groups was the result of the general public pressure who have been asking the outfits to fight under the same roof. Finally, the statement said that unity is courage. Unity is strength and appealed to the people for supporting the liberation movement. The signatories of the joint statement include N.Oken, general secretary of KYKL, Irengbam Chaoren (president of RPF), L. Paliba (chairman of PREPAK-PRO), Lanngamba Luwang (chairman of UPPK), N Nongdrenkhomba (chairman of PREPAK), Kh Pambei (Acting chairman of UNLF), Ksh Laba Meitei (president of KCP). The statement covers four slogan-“Unity is Strength”, “Unity is courage”, “Let the Freedom Movement Comes to Light” and “People of the Land stand victorious”
COMBATING HIV IN MANIPUR
With the objective of amplifying the voices of people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur, a round table conference organized by the World Vision along with victims of HIV/AIDS was held on Wednesday at Imphal. The HIV/AIDS victims charged the government of of neglecting the welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur. Manipur, which has the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in India has more than 40,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. They face the constant problems of frequent stock out of ART, non-availability of proper testing and treatment facilities, lack of support for women and children affected with HIV/AIDS, lack of means to tackle co-infection of Hepatitis C with HIV/AIDS and so on. With the objective of highlighting the apathy from the government, a round table conference organized by the World Vision along with PLHIV of Manipur was held on Wednesday in which grievances of the PLHIVs in Manipur were highlighted. One of the urgent issue that was highlighted was the lack of interest shown by the Central and Manipur government shown towards children and women living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur. At the conference, the long pending of the HIV and AIDS Bill was also criticized while urging for its immediate passing in the Indian Parliament. At the conference held to amplify the voices of PLHIV, various problems faced by PLHIV were highlighted. While highlighting the immense hardships faced by PLHIV in Manipur, the conference called for appropriate steps from the government on the frequent stock out of ART medicine in various ART administering centre in Manipur while urging for the immediate removal of 2nd Line ART treatment eligibility procedure from Control of State AIDS Clinical Expert Panel. It may be mentioned that Manipur is experiencing a rapid rise in PLHIVs from poorer section of society dying from Hepatitis C which is mainly due to the absence of testing facilities and non providence of cheaper treatment facilities. Another major concerned is the administration of lethal drugs like Stavudine and Tenofovir by the state run ART centres in Manipur despite the WHO banning the concerned drugs a long time back.
MANIPUR AGRI MINISTER CLARIFIES ON FERTILIZER SCARCITY
In the wake of recent allegations of the Manipur government of inducing shortage and price rise of fertilizers by farmers, the Agriculture Minister has clarified its stand. The minister attributed this scarcity to the unavailability of Manipur’s quota of fertilizer due to failure of the Namrup fertilizer plant. Due to the non-availability of subsidized fertilizers and sky high prices of fertilizers in the market, farmers in Manipur are going through immense difficulties in sowing paddy despite favorable rainfall and timing. It has been alleged that the current difficulties by farmers are a creation of the Manipur government along with their dealers who are selling off subsidized fertilizers to unauthorized agents who are selling fertilizers at very high price to the farmers. On Wednesday, the Agriculture Minister of Manipur has clarified that the prevailing fertilizer crisis was not created by the state government or its dealers but it is an outcome of the breakdown of Namrup fertilizer plant in Assam where Manipur government gets the major chunk of its allotted fertilizer. Speaking to NeTV, Agriculture Minister, Ph Parijat also informed that the government has already taken steps to check the prevailing price rise within the next 4 days while assuring that dealer and agents will be dealt according to law if found selling fertilizer at high price. According to the agriculture Minister, every necessary step are being taken by the state government to check the scarcity of fertilizers and its price while assuring fertilizers will be made available to farmers at the earliest. Ph Parijat further informed that the Union Government has sent extra fertilizers in the wake of shortage of fertilizer which will be reaching Manipur within the next 2 days.At the moment, farmers in Manipur are buying a bag of urea at a rate of Rs 1400 onwards which is normally sold within Rs 520 per bag. The distribution of subsidized fertilizers to the farmers has long been stopped for which the dealers have claimed supply shortage while the market is flooded with fertilizer, however, at a very high price.
TURA CIVIL POLLS POSTPONED
After days of uncertainty and fear of a major law and order breakdown in the three districts of Garo Hills following opposition to the proposed civic polls, the Meghalaya Government has halted the entire election process calling for a “reschedule” of the polls while a visibly elated Joint Action Committee of Garo NGOs has withdrawn their weeklong stir that was suppose to begin from Friday morning onwards.
Under pressure from student and social organizations who had announced a week-long shutdown, Meghalaya government today deferred the municipal elections, slated for next month. This is the third time in a year that the government has been forced to defer the municipal elections which were to be the first civic polls since Meghalaya attained statehood. The protesting organizations contend that the election to municipalities will lead to erosion of powers of the traditional bodies like the tribal village chiefs. Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday held a series of meetings at Tura with elected representatives, political parties, the protesting organizations before reviewing the law and order scenario in the three districts of Garo hills with senior officials of the administration. After the meetings, the government decided to defer the election apprehending law and order problems due to the protests. The Urban Minister was accompanied by her colleague, Home Minister H D R Lyngdoh, and C&RD Minister Saleng A Sangma. Prior to the decision to halt the scheduled elections, the ministerial delegation held a series of meetings with the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from the three districts of Garo Hills to ascertain the ground situation. It was only after the delegation was briefed on the impending problems in the run up to the polls that the government felt it necessary to ‘reschedule’ the elections to the four municipalities. The organisations included the Garo Students Union, All India Garo Union, Federation of Khasi and Jaintia, Garo People and other like-minded NGOs. The Joint Action Committee, a conglomerate of social and student organizations, had called for a seven-day shutdown in the three districts of Garo hills from July 15. The government had earlier notified the polls to the Baghmara Municipal Board and Williamnagar Municipal Board in Garo hills for August 6 and 15 respectively. The Gauhati High Court had directed the state government to hold the municipal elections in the state before September. The state government had earlier made two attempts to hold the first ever civic polls in the state in the four municipalities of Garo hills but had to abandon its plans after the election authorities were compelled to postpone the polls twice in two months since September last year in the wake of large scale violent protests. Ever since statehood in 1972, Meghalaya has never conducted civic polls and nominated administrator of the State Government governs the Municipality Boards.
Monday, July 11, 2011
FACEBOOK TO LURE YOUNGSTERS AHEAD OF MANIPUR POLLS
In an attempt to reach out to young voters in Manipur prior to the upcoming Manipur Assembly election scheduled in February next, the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur has opened a facebook account to entertain enquiries and complains from voters in Manipur. The opening of the facebook account was a part of the mass campaign of the election office to reach out to voters and educate them about the electoral process. As part of the mass campaign adopted by the Election department of Manipur to encourage more electorates’ participation, the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur has opened a facebook account. The facebook account under the user ID Ceo was opened by the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur at a simple function on Monday held at the CEO office in Imphal. Opening the facebook account at, the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, PC Lawmkunga informed that the facebook account will be used as an interactive forum with young voters and educate them of the electoral process by putting up easy to learn materials on enrolment in photo electoral rolls, electors photo identity card, use of EVMs. Monday’s facebook account opening is said to a part of an endeavor from the election department of Manipur called Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) which is aimed at inducing more voters’ participation and to educate voters about electoral process. Apart from social networking, the Election department will also be launching a call centre for addressing and redressing voter’s queries and grievances. On the otherhand, SVEEP which consist of a series of programs including, public rally, seminars and panel discussions will soon be implemented in various parts of Manipur in view of boosting voters’ cast in the upcoming February 2012 Assembly poll.
7TH ANNIVERSARY OF MANORAMA DEVI OBSERVED IN MANIPUR
With a view to highlight the horrors of the AFSPA, the 7th Death Anniversary of Thangjam Manorama Devi was held on Monday which also demanded the complete repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power act from Manipur and other parts of India. Thangjam Manorama Devi, who was raped and killed by a troop of 17th Assam Rifles on 11 July 2004, was remembered at her 7th Death Anniversary function organized by Thangjam Manorama Memorial Trust alongwith the Apunba Lup, held on Monday. At the function held at Bamongampu under Imphal West district of Manipur, the atrocities and crimes committed by the security forces under the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 were highlighted and condemned. While strongly condemning the GOI for imposing the draconian AFSPA in Manipur despite recommendation from the Jeevan Reddy Commission for the repeal of AFSPA, the Manorama Memorial Trusts has demanded the complete repeal of AFSPA from Manipur and elsewhere in India. As part of the function, a floral tribute was paid to Thangjam Manorama Devi by those who attended including Manorama’s family members. Speaking to NETV, Manorama’s mother said only the complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur will do justice for the brutal murder of her daughter. It may be mentioned that Thangjam Manorama Devi who was an alleged PLA cadre was picked up from her resident at Bamongampu under Imphal east district on the night of 10 July, 2004 by troop of 17 Assam Rifles, the next morning her death body which was badly mutilated was recovered. The incident caused a mass public outcry and intense agitations demanding justice for the raping and killing Manorama Devi by security personnel. Later, a judicial inquiry commission to the killing of Manorama headed by retd Supreme Court Judge, Jeevan Reddy recommended that AFSPA be removed from Manipur but no response came from both the GOI and Government of Manipur.
CM TARUN GOGOI TABLES RS. 1542.17 CR DEFICIT BUDGET
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the finance portfolio, today presented a populist Budget with several new schemes and tax proposals. As he announced earlier, the chief minister waived off a tax of Rs 14 on LPG cylinders to give the much needed respite to the common men. His Rs 1542.71 cr deficit Budget also proposed to hike taxes on tobacco and alcohol products. Keeping the Congress manifesto promises, Gogoi made several new announcements for welfare of the people. In keeping with his pre-election promises, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday presented a populist budget with no new tax proposals on essential items. Gogoi presented the Budget soon after the Question Hour on the first day of the 10-day Budget session. Presenting the Rs 1542.71 crore deficit budget for the next 8 months, Gogoi spoke about the improvement of the state’s financial position. He announced a slew of new schemes for the welfare of various communities. In his Budget, the chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced to set up Assam Employment Generation Corporation to facilitate self-employment of educated unemployed and a Skill Development Initiative Society to assist vocational training providers and new it is in all uncovered blocks. His budget also has a proposal to set up an Assam State Civil Supplies Corporation. Gogoi said that the government will replace APL/BPL cards by bio-metric ration cards. The govt also has a proposal for Reticulated LPG gas bank in all multistoried apartments in Guwahati. On the internal security, he said that 12 new police stations and 10 Out Posts will be opened in the next year besides opening a Counter-insurgency Jungle Warfare school, 15 Fire stations and one regional forensic laboratory. The Budget also proposes to install CCTVs in jails. It also proposes to formulate a State Litigation Policy. For the welfare of the Scheduled Caste people, an SC Devp Council will be set up while a separate directorate for OBC will also be created. The CM also announced a special package for the Barak Valley. Bringing good news for those seeking to open a career in teaching, the Budge announced to recruit 40,000 teachers on both regular and contractual basis. However, the govt said that no further provincialisation of schools would be done. It also made it clear that Plus 2 will be delinked from colleges from next academic year. There are also proposals for opening of 12 new Govt colleges, 21 new polytechnics and upgrading the Cotton College to a non-affiliated University. For the Sportspersons, there are good news. The scholarship for young players has been enhanced while a State Youth Development Council will be set up. The Govt also announced to give preference to NCC and Scout&Guide cadets in govt jobs. Under the 13th Planning Commission, Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for Majuli Sattra preservation. The CM announced to set up a State central library in Guwahati. The artist and literary pension have also been increased. Ion the health sector, the Budget proposed to create an Assam Arogya Nidhi with 6 cr Corpus fund for poor patients. Beside, it proposed Rs 22 cr for upgrading Kamrup Civil to super speciality hospital and opening of a special care home for HIV children and a new Medical College at Nagaon in PPP mode. The Budget also announced a new AYUSH directorate, an Assam Medical Development Corporation to streamline construction, maintenance, procurement and distribution activities and upgrading MMC hospital to Associate Hospital of Srimanta Sankardeva University, Gogoi, who hasd given women and child welfare top priority in his last term, continued to do so in the Budget too. He announced to open a Women Entrepreneur Development Council for empowering women, opening Women’s Club in each block, Women Development authority to monitor and guide women empowerment programmes, Child Development Council and state commission for children, and a new programme Sabala for empowering adolescent girls. He also announced to hike the salary of anganwadi workers. A Senior Citizens Council was also announced. To boost the agriculture sector, he announced a Farmers Council and an Agricultural Commission to advise govt on appropriate technology and other technical issues. He announced Land Reclamation Project to be launched at Dibrugarh, Sibsagar and Guwahati. As he announced two days ago, the CM also proposed a Water Commission to advise govt on management of water resources. He announced Bypasses in Silchar, Tinsukia, Chabua, Makum and N Lakhimpur and an alternate route to Silchar from Guwahati. Mentioning about the power crisis, he said that presently, the state has only 800 MW against a peak hour demand of 1100 MW. He hoped that with the commissioning of some new projects, the scenario will improve soon. Gogoi said that the state would get 208 MW from Lower Subansiri Hydel Project once it is commissioned. To meet the power shortage, he announced to start construction of Lowr Kopilii Hydel Project. In the industry sector, he announced to open Tea Park, Jute Park, Banan park, Textile Park, Food Processing farm, Pharmaceutical Hub, Agri Hub, Agri processing zone and chemical zone. To expedite the Gas Cracker Project, the govt also proposes to release Rs 20 crore to it. The chief minister also has proposals for science and technology sector too. He announced to open a Science and Technology University in the state and a Science City in Guwahati. On the transport sector, he announced that CNG taxis will start operation in Guwahati soon. He also announced to construct Assam Bhawans at Bangalore, Kolkata, Vellore and Chennai while renovate and expand the existing Assam Bhawans at Shillong, Delhi and Mumbai. Meanwhile, to counter the negative publicity by the private TV channels, the government proposed to launch a state-run Cable/Satelite TV channel and Community Radio besides opening a Mass Communication and Printing Institute. In order to face and emergency situation during natural disasters, an Earthquake Risk Mitigation Centre under NIDM will also be opened in the state. Under fire for its land policy, the government announced to set up a Rehabilitation authority for rehabilitation of erosion-hit families also setting up a Land bank for preservation of future use of govt land. The government made several tax proposals in the budget. The most important was the proposal to waive off Rs 14 cess on LPG cylinders. The step was taken to provide relief to the common people aftr the recent hike of LPG cylinder price by Rs 50. The Budget also announced to increase the rate of VAT on tobacco and tobacco products and alcohol products. The number of new proposals decreased compared to the previous budgets as a means to reduce the deficit amount.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Pakistan has to change its mindset on Kashmir
London, June 18 (ANI): When we in the Kashmir National Party said in 1990s that Pakistani policies were damaging the Kashmir dispute; we were called ''anti Pakistan'', ''anti Kashmiri movement'' and supporting India on Kashmir.
But when Nawaz Sharif, two times Prime Minister of Pakistan and currently tallest and most sincere leader of Pakistan in a seminar organized to mourn the death of Syed Saleem Shahzad on June 10 said the same thing, that Pakistani institutions have caused more damage to the Kashmir dispute than anyone else; he is considered as a statesman with a great vision.
Nawaz Sharif further said, "There is no sacred cow in the country and none should try to become a sacred cow as (we) won''t allow such an attempt".
When he said that, no one accused him of being anti Pakistan or supporting India on Kashmir. While we were discussing on the topic of Nawaz Sharif''s statement and his criticism of army and the ISI, one friend said: He is a son of Punjab, how could anyone call him a ''traitor''? Only people of Sind, Balochistan, Frontier, Bengal and Kashmir could be honoured with the ''title'' of being a ''Traitor''.
When we said militancy was started and managed by Pakistan (although it was people of Jammu and Kashmir who suffered on both sides of the divide with varying degrees), some Pakistanis and their Kashmiri agents yelled that it was ''indigenous movement''. They used extremely vulgar words against us and accused us for being anti movement and pro India.
Over the years many top Pakistani officials and famous journalists have acknowledged that the militancy was initiated and managed by Pakistani secret agencies. Most recent in this series of admissions was made by a retired Pakistani General and a former Home Minister during Benazir Bhutto government Mohindin Haider.
In a live ARY TV show ''Do Tok'' on June 12, 2011, General Moindin Haider acknowledged that it was a policy of Pakistan to send in militants in Kashmir to bring India to the negotiation table.
He said just like they created Mukti Bahini in East Pakistan, we started militancy in Kashmir as it was cheap way to engage 700,000 army of India instead of having an open war.
No one will call him a ''traitor'' or criticise him because he is a Pakistani and a former General - a class of people above the law in Pakistan. All the foot soldiers of the Pakistani establishment are also tight lipped on this; and some shamelessly still claim that the Kashmiri struggle is indigenous. I have said this before and I will say it again:
The people who suffer are indigenous, the property that is destroyed is indigenous, people who are uprooted are indigenous, business that is lost is indigenous, hatred and extremism that has been promoted affects indigenous people; but training to kill and destroy is Pakistani, bombs are Pakistani, guns are Pakistani and money spent for this mission to engage the Indian army is also Pakistani.
We said to members of the Pakistani establishment that, for God''s sake, don''t bring jihadi warriors from other countries as that will change fundamental character of the Kashmiri struggle. We further said these jihadi warriors are alien to our struggle and our culture, and are creating problems for us and tomorrow they will create problems for Pakistan as well. We were called anti Islam, anti jihad, anti movement and pro India.
Now nearly all sensible people, commentators, writers and scholars in Pakistan are demanding that these jihadi warriors created by Pakistani agencies to advance their strategic interests must be crushed, as they have become a serious threat to Pakistani interests and state of Pakistan.
Pakistani establishment have made big blunders and have seriously damaged the Kashmir cause, and anyone who criticise them is accused of being anti Pakistan; even a leader like Benazir Bhutto was considered as a ''security risk''.
All military preparations, all weapons purchased and bulk of the budget is spent on defence, which we cannot afford. For defence we deprived our children of food, medicine and good education; but what is the outcome? Failure in 1965 war, which we started to liberate Kashmir. Instead of invasion of Kashmir we had to struggle to save cities like Lahore and Sialkot.''
In 1965 war Pakistani advance was so rapid that they crossed River Tavi and could have captured a large area of Jammu and Kashmir before India could have managed a counter attack. But all of sudden General Akhtar Hussain Malik, who was in charge of this attack, was replaced with General Yayah Khan; and with that Pakistani advance also stopped.
The Indian counter offensive came five days after this. To date no one knows why
This change was made. One view is that thinkers in the army establishment might have said - ''Fools if we take over Kashmir then what will you do'' - Meaning if the Kashmir dispute is resolved then there will be no justification For the large army and a big budget, and all other benefits attached with all this.
Pakistani establishment must acknowledge that Kashmir does not belong to India or Pakistan. It is not a religious issue. It is not a territorial dispute. Kashmir dispute concerns people of Jammu and Kashmir''s unconditional right of self-determination. Pakistan must not promote the Kashmir dispute as a Muslim issue or a religious dispute, as it will give
rise to extremism and divide people of Jammu and Kashmir on religious lines.
Pakistan is in deep crises and situation is getting worse with time. Pakistan cannot get out of these crises by diverting attention to other issues. They have to look at the root cause of their problems and try to address those problems by rooting out corruption, nepotism, regionalism, extremism and by exterminating ''jihadi forces'' who have given bad name to our religion and have also landed Pakistan in this quandary.
As for Kashmir, it is best you leave us alone, at least, until you have resolved issues, which have endangered stability and future of Pakistan. We Kashmiris do not want to be part of India or Pakistan; and attempts to capture Kashmir must be stopped as it will endanger peace and stability of the entire region (ANI)
Writer is Head Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Explosive found inside Guwahati-Kolkata Kanchanjengha Express
Guwahati, June 17 (ANI): Railway Police in Assam averted a major disaster this morning when its personnel recovered a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine checkup from the Guwahati-Kolkata Kanchanjengha Express.
According to reports, the explosive device was recovered from an air bag from seat number 22 of S5 coach at around 5.30 a.m.
The bomb squad was called in immediately and they defused the explosive device.
According to the police, it could have been a major blast, as the total amount of explosive device is 8 kg.
All the passengers inside the train are safe with no injury being reported. (ANI)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Mizo man jailed for MMSing ex-girlfriend’s nude photos
Mizoram police arrested one Lalbiakzuala in state capital Aizawl on last Friday for MMS-ing his former girlfriend’s nude photos. The man is a resident of Venghlui locality. Lalbiakzuala is learnt to have taken the pictures of his ex-girlfriend at Reiek, a tourist spot 12 km from Aizawl, with his mobile phone camera in 2008. The relationship between the two soured a few months ago.
Earlier this month, the girl came to know that Lakbiakzuala was spreading her nude pictures and lodged an FIR. "We took a few days to zero in on her ex-boyfriend," said a police officer from Aizawl.
A survey by the Mizoram police in 2010 had revealed there were some 70 locally made sex videos circulating in and outside the state. More than 60% people involved in the videos confessed they indulged in sex on camera voluntarily.
The Synod Social Front, an organ of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church has been combating “social sins” – pre-marital and experimental sex, specifically – that they blamed on excessive and unethical use of cell phones.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
MEGHALAYA GOVT SEEKS MORE FORCES IN GARO HILLS
Concerned over the growing activities of militant groups in the state, Meghalaya government has asked for five additional battalions of paramilitary forces to neutralize the outfits. Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul sangma expressed over the groups from across the borders operating in Meghalaya. The resent militant ambush at the police patrol at east Garo hills where three cops were killed has made the Government of Meghalaya rethink on the security aspect of the state. Meghalaya Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said the state has asked for five ITBP battalions and the request has been made to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said combing operations were continuing in the Garo hills where the activities of militant groups were in spate. Asserting that there is a need to take serious and bold steps to curb the growing activities of the militants, the Home Minister claimed that the situation was still in its control. Backing his force, the Home Minister said it is difficult for the forces to operate given the topography in the remote areas of Garo hills.The Home Minister will be visiting all the three districts of Garo hills to access the law and order situation and boost the morale of the police personnel serving there. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma also assured that steps were being taken to ensure that the elements are neutralized. Admitting that there was a deficiency of manpower in the state, he hoped that the Centre would sanction the additional forces soon. The Chief Minister also asserted that there was a need to address the root cause of the militancy problem so that no more new outfits are born. The Chief Minister added that the issues of backwardness, unemployment etc in the rural areas need to be addressed to resolve the issue. Three police men were killed and two others injured, one of them critically when Garo National Liberation Army militants ambushed a security team, fired at them before taking away their weapons last Saturday in East Garo Hills. Later on ULFA’s hand was also revealed in GNLA ambush in Garo Hills. This has created suspicion on the activity of ULFA on Garo soil. The GNLA is the most active militant group in Meghalaya at present and has been blamed for rampant extortion in the Garo hills belt. The outfit, claiming to be fighting for an independent Garoland, had also carried out a number of kidnappings over the last few months and slapped extortion demands on traders and government officials, besides killing policemen and labourers.
MYANMAR NATIONALS HAPPY OVER SHIJA HOSPITALS INITIATIVE
In a positive response to the recent announcement of Shija hospital’s Smile Train leg Mission Myanmar, Myanmarese nationals visited the Shija Hospital authority in Moreh at a screening camp for cleft palate surgery. Mission Myanmar, the Smile Train Cleft Surgery campaign for Myanmar which will commence from June 12 got a boost on Wednesday when several Myanmarese showed up for screening at the screening camp established by the Shija Hospital and Research Institute at Manipur’s border town of Moreh. Speaking at the one-day long screening session for free cleft palate surgery, the Managing Director of Shija Hospital Dr Ksh Palin while expressing satisfaction over the response stated that Mission Myanmar will be a new ground breaking project which will enhance ties with Myanmar and also help in promoting Manipur’s potential for medical tourism. Earlier, at a screening camp for cleft surgery at the organized by the SHRI in association with the 31st Assam Rifles, many persons with cleft lip visited the camp for screening from which 4 persons were selected for free cleft surgery to be conducted at the Shija hospital in Imphal. According to Shija official, 1972 people have been given free palate surgery by the S.H.R.I under the highly successful Smile Train project and around 1000 persons with cleft lip are expected to benefit the surgery.
Mumbai scribe shot dead by 4 unidentified men
Mumbai: A journalist working with Mid Day was shot dead on Saturday by four unidentified men. J Dey covered the underworld for Mid Day and was admitted to Mumbai's Hiranandani hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.
The Senior journalist and Investigations Editor was shot at on Saturday afternoon outside Spectra Building near DMart at Powai. He sustained five bullet wounds. Police say there are eight entry-exit wounds on his body.
He was rushed to Powai's Hiranandani Hospital where he was declared dead on admission.
Preliminary information from the police reveals that four unidentified men riding two motorcycles shot at him.
Joint Commissioner (Crime) Himanshu Roy said he would be able to issue a statement to the media once he reached the scene of crime.
Dey was covering underworld and crime for a long time and he was a special investigations editor.
Dey also wrote a book called 'Zero Dial' on the underworld. Dey covered the underworld in the turbulent 80s and 90s.
Mumbai's Commissioner of Police Arup Patnaik said, "I was noot aware of what he was working on at this time. he was a very good crime reporter. He was a very good resource person."
He also wrote countless articles on organised crime. Sources say Dey got no specific threat to life in the last few days.
Joint Police Commissioner (Law & Order) Rajnish Seth said Dey was shot dead in Hiranandani area of Powai. According to police, four persons riding on two bikes fired at Dey on Saturday afternoon.
Mumbai PWD minister Chaggan Bhujbal Maharashtra said, "I knew him for long and was a friend for 15 years. He wrote for many newspapers. I don't know why he was shot dead. Maybe some reporting of his had hurt some mafia. We have a lost an important reporter in the State."
Dey stayed in Ghatkopar and is survived by wife Shobha.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said, "I condemn the attack and no civilised society will accept intolerance of freedom of press. Hope police apprehends the guilty soon."
Gogoi may take back land given to Ramdev
The Congress chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, has said he might take back the land given to yoga guru Baba Ramdev for his ayurvedic brand Patanjali. Ramdev had once approached him for land, he said. “I remember allotting him a plot, but I am not sure if he got it or not. If the land is not being used for the purpose it was given, it will be taken back,” Gogoi said, addressing the media on Friday.He, however, said the action was part of a policy meant to regularise land utilisation and would apply to all allotments made to firms, trusts, individuals and NGOs. Gogoi also came down heavily on Ramdev and social activist Anna Hazare for “playing politics”.
“They are not the only ones concerned about corruption,” he said, pointing out that Assam was the first state to implement the Right to Information Act.
He was also critical about Ramdev’s jibe at the Congress on the issue of black money in the run-up to the assembly elections earlier this year.
“If somebody does yoga, it is fine. But he should not get into politics,” Gogoi said.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
No intention to quit Lokpal panel, says Hazare team
New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) A day after boycotting the meeting of Lokpal bill drafting committee, Anna Hazare-led team today made it clear that they had no intention to quit the joint panel and hit out at HRD Minister Kapil Sibal for attacking them.
Activist Arvind Kejriwal said civil society members will attend the next meeting and contended that if they leave the ten-member committee, it will have "no credibility" as it will only remain a government panel with five ministers.
"Kapil Sibal has said that whether we come or not, they will go ahead (with the drafting of the Lokpal Bill). Why did that question arise? We had written to (Finance Minister) Pranab Mukherjee that we will not be attending today's (June 6) meeting.
"We also said that Anna Hazare will not be available on June 10 and so that the meeting on that be postponed.
No difference with Anna Hazare: Yoga guru Ramdev
Haridwar, Jun 7 (PTI) Yoga guru Baba Ramdev today dismissed suggestions of a rift with the Anna Hazare-led team and said he has asked his supporters to join the day-long fast by the social activist and his aides in New Delhi tomorrow.
"We are with them (Anna Hazare-led group). There is no difference between Anna and me," Ramdev told reporters here.
He was responding to suggestions that there was a rift between him and the Anna Hazare-led team.
"Thousands of our activists will go to Delhi to participate in the Anna movement (scheduled for tomorrow). We do not have any hope with this government. It (government) has stifled the Lokpal Bill movement," he said.
Hazare and other civil society members of the Lok Pal drafting committee will sit on a day-long fast to protest the crackdown on Ramdev's fast against corruption at Ramlila Maidan on Saturday night.
Permission denied for Anna Hazare fast at Jantar Mantar
New Delhi, June 7 (ANI): Delhi police today denied permission to Anna Hazare to hold his one-day fast at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to protest against the government action on yoga guru Baba Ramdev.
Hazare had earlier said that he would defy prohibitory orders if police deny permission for the protest, saying it was the right of public to raise voice against injustice.
Shanti Bhushan, co-chair of joint drafting committee on Lokpal had said they would sit on fast from 10 am to 7 pm on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar to protest the police action.
"The incident in Ramlila Maidan on Saturday was a blot on democracy. We will protest it. It is the right of public to protest and will sit there even if we do not have police permission," he said.
Delhi Police had issued prohibitory orders for a week in a bid to pre-empt any protest by Ramdev supporters. (ANI)
Team Anna to hold protest at Rajghat tomorrow
New Delhi, June 7 (ANI): Hours after the Delhi Police denied permission to Gandhian Anna Hazare to hold his one-day fast at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, the civil society activists appeared to be firm on their demand, saying they will now hold the fast at Rajghat to protest against the government action on yoga guru Baba Ramdev.
Asserting that they will go ahead with a "very peaceful" protest, RTI crusader Arvind Kejriwal, a key figure in Hazare''s campaign against corruption, said: "No one can stop Anna Hazare from protesting tomorrow. We will hold fast at Rajghat tomorrow."
"Anna has never provoked anyone. He never had a violent history. Now he says, he wants to assemble peacefully, what is the need of Section 144. If police tries to stop us we will not resist, but just offer ourselves for being arrested," he added.
Alleging that government has arbitrarily imposed Section 144, Kejriwal further said there have been Supreme Court orders stating that the section should not be misused.
Former Supreme Court Judge N. Santosh Hegde commenting on the matter said: "This government is misusing police power and suppressing people''s rights. The actions of the government against Baba Ramdev show they are scared of him."
Meanwhile, Baba Ramdev also extended his full support to Hazare, saying all his supporters will join the Gandhian in his fast scheduled tomorrow.
"The denial of permission shows the government''s intent. My supporters will be part of Anna''s fast scheduled tomorrow," said Ramdev.
According to reports, Delhi Police Commissioner B. K Gupta is meeting Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram over the issue and a decision may be taken of allowing the fast to take place at a different place and not at Jantar Mantar.
Hazare had earlier said that he would defy prohibitory orders if police deny permission for the protest, saying it was the right of public to raise voice against injustice.
Delhi Police had issued prohibitory orders for a week in a bid to pre-empt any protest by Ramdev supporters. (ANI)
Monday, June 6, 2011
Ramdev resumes fast against corruption in Haridwar
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Baba Ramdev begins fast against corruption
New Delhi, June 4 (ANI): Yoga guru Baba Ramdev launched his indefinite fast against corruption and black money on Saturday morning after the government failed to persuade him to call off his protest.
The yoga guru began the protest along with thousands of his followers at the Ramlila maidan here as he was joined by Swami Sadhavi Ritambhara and other religious leaders from the Sikh, Jain and Muslim communities.
Before launching the fast, Ramdev held a yoga and ''bhajan'' session during which he told the gathering that the protest was intended to save the country from corruption and ensure that the poor get a good life.
A large number of security personnel, including women from Rapid Action Force, were deployed at the protest site to ensure no untoward incident takes place. A manual frisking is also being carried out at the entrance.
Yesterday, four hours of negotiation at a five-star hotel in Delhi did not give the government the out it was desperately seeking.
Baba Ramdev, who met with Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal at the Claridges Hotel, demanded that those involved in corruption cases should be tried in fast-track courts and should get death sentence if found guilty.
Ramdev said: "Our courts have a backlog of 3.5 crore cases and corruption and black money cases are being heard by the same courts. We should have separate courts to deal with corruption cases and exemplary punishment should be meted to the culprits. They should be given death sentence. They should be hanged to death."
Terming people accused of corruption as traitors, Ramdev said that India could once again become a superpower if the Government tackles the problem on war footing.
"If the entire black money is brought back to the country, then poverty will be abolished. Indian currency will be stronger than the dollar and pound. India was once the leader in every sphere of the world," he added.
Expressing his heartfelt thanks to his supporters, who have come to participate in his satyagraha, Ramdev said: "The crusade against corruption has reached a decisive stage and the government cannot just sit idle on these matters." (ANI)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Talks with Gorkhaland leaders on June 6: Mamata
Kolkata, May 31 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said a meeting of political leaders concerned with Darjeeling Hills would be held on June 6 to resolve the demand for creation of separate hill state.
"A meeting will be held on June 6 between the government officials and concerned political leaders. Once that meeting is held, we will decide when the political process could be started," said Mamata Banerjee.
Meanwhile, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) President Bimal Gurung said that the decision taken in favour of Gorkha people augurs well for the Darjeeling Hills.
"This is a good news for all of us. The hard work, which we have done, has been recognised finally. We have shared our feelings with madam (Mamata Banerjee). So the decision will be taken only after this official meeting, which is going to take place on June 6," said Gurung.
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"I hope everything will go well in near future. We will wait for the decision," he added.
The Gorkha population in West Bengal is estimated to be around a million. Reportedly, the demand for Gorkhaland had been made prior to the India''s independence in 1947.
A renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland region, which would include Darjeeling and some contiguous areas of Jalpaiguri District, has created fresh turmoil over the past few months.
At the fifth round of tripartite talks in New Delhi, the GJM had agreed to the constitution of an interim council by 2011 prior to the creation of a separate state.
The Gorkha population in West Bengal is estimated to be around a million. (ANI)
No recognition to pvt schools where govt schools exist
Jammu, May 31 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir government will not give recognition to any private educational institution in areas where government schools are already functioning.
"The state government will strictly adhere to the policy of not recognising any private educational institution in areas where government schools are already functioning in the state," Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said here today.
He was addressing a meeting of education department officers to discuss the targets set for the current financial year.
Sayeed said the literacy rate in the Jammu region has increased from 55.5 per cent in 2001 to 68.74 in 2011 with female literacy registering 15 per cent increase - from 43 per cent to 58.1 per cent.
Similarly, the male literacy rate has increased from 66.6 per cent to 78
362 cadets pass out of National Defence Academy in Pune
Khadakvasala (Pune, Maharashtra), May 31 (ANI): The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 120th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) took place at Khadakvasla, on the outskirts of Pune, on Tuesday.
Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff, took the salute and reviewed the parade that was watched the parents and guardians of the cadets as well as top brass of the defence units based in and around Pune and other civil dignitaries.
A total of 362 cadets, including 21 from friendly foreign countries, passed out in the 120th course.
A breathtaking fly past by the Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 aircraft of Indian Air Force lent added thrill and zest to the POP. Helicopters of the Saras aerobatic squadron of the Indian Air Force were also on show.
The NDA trains teenaged youngsters who have passed the Higher Secondary examination, who in fact are chosen after a strenuous test of both the brawn and brain.
These cadets undergo three-years training at NDA and during the final phase, they opt for the particular wing of the defence services - Army, Navy or Air Force for further training at the respective academies where they are attested as commissioned officers.
Nikhil Prabhune, a topper of 120th course was awarded the President''s gold medal and in an informal chat with the mediapersons, he related candidly about his aspirations to become an aviator in the Indian Navy.
He was all praise for the syllabus prescribed for the ab-initio trainee cadets that moulds them from raw civilian youngsters into tough individuals in body and spirit, a must for every combatant personnel of the defence forces.
"We are also trained to be officers in the Indian Navy. Extensive training in sports, co-curricular activities, adventure sports activities and public speaking is also imparted to us at the academy," said Cadet Nikhil Jayant Prabhune, winner of the President''s gold medal.
He also credited all this to his earlier alma mater, the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), a public school in Dehradun in India''s northern state of Uttarakhand, reckoned to be the perfect grooming institution for the NDA aspirants.
Cadets Shashank Singh and Kishore Kunal were presented the silver and bronze medals respectively.
Among the 21 cadets from foreign countries, one was from Bhutan, three were from Kazakhstan, four each were from Afghanistan and Maldives and nine were from Tajikistan.
The NDA has a proud record of a large number of officers and also has the distinction of training gentlemen cadets from many friendly foreign countries.
After West Point in the USA, the NDA is the second largest military training complex in the world. (ANI)
Congress distances itself from Maran over telecom scam
New Delhi, May 31 (ANI): Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari on Tuesday sought to distance the party from Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran''s alleged involvement in the multi-billion dollar 2G spectrum scam.
Refusing to respond to the tehelka magazine''s charge that in 2006, Maran had distributed 2G spectrum licenses to operators in a selective manner as telecom minister, Tiwari said that it was Maran''s responsibility to provide an explanation.
"If there are certain questions which have been asked of the textiles minister, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, obviously he would be in the best position to explain them. However, I think it would be appropriate to point out, that there is a joint parliamentary committee, which has been constituted specifically to go into issues connected to the telecom sector from 1998 to 2009," said Tiwari.
Maran has filed a suit against Tehelka in which he says that the magazine''s report is fictitious and ablatant lie that can only be settled in court.
Tehelka has said that it is yet to receive Maran''s legal notice, and charged the minister with launching a vindictive campaign against the magazine.
The telecom corruption scandal, which may have cost the Indian exchequer around 39.57 billion dollars in potential revenue, is the biggest of the several graft cases to emerge in the second term of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
According to probe officials, millions of dollars were paid in bribes to ensure favors for certain firms in 2007/08, when India issued 122 new licenses to offer mobile phone services in the world''s fastest growing telecoms market.
Meanwhile, Tiwari also asserted that the Congress did not wish to speculate on the anti-corruption agitation call given by India''s Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev.
"The Congress has nothing to say on Baba Ramdev," said Tiwari.
Ramdev would go on a fast against corruption from June 04 in New Delhi despite the Centre''s efforts to pacify him over his demand for action on black money.
Demanding the declaration of black money as national treasure, Ramdev has insisted on confirmation of United Nations Convention Against Corruption treaty in the Parliament, which would pave the way to bring back the Rs 400 crore or 4 billion of black money to India.
Ramdev claims that more than 10 million supporters will participate in the movement across the country. (ANI)
HAJO BRIDGE DILAPIDATED
A wooden bridge in dilapidated condition finally proved to be sole reason for the death of nearly 30 people. A bus carrying a marriage party fell off the bridge near Hajo in Kamrup district of Assam, leading to the tragedy. The death of the groom has left the bride dumb founded with her dream of a conjugal life in a shambles. A dilapidated wooden bridge linking Hajo with Nalbari has sounded the death knell for marriage party that was traveling in a ill-fated bus to the bride’s residence on Monday night. The tragedy has confirmed the worst fears of the local people who have for long been demanding replacement of the old wooden bridge with a RCC one. The thirty odd passengers who died in the accident also includes the groom. The locals have raised a finger at the PWD for turning a blind eye on the dilapidated wooden bridge along the busy Hajo-Nalbari road. For long years the people have been demanding that an RCC bridge be constructed and also the Hajo Nalbari road be widened. However, the highups in the PWD continued to turn a deaf ear to all the prayers made by the locals, who allege that the road has become a gold mine for a section of PWD officials and contractors. The writing was loud and clear on the wall for long that a tragedy of this nature might occur. Unfortunately, the PWD did not bother.Here are rows of dead bodies of innocent people who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. Will the PWD own the responsibility for their death? Can the PWD bring back to life the groom who dreamt of a colourful married life? Will the government make any one answerable for the tragic event?
PM appeals to Ramdev to call off his fast
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed to yoga guru Baba Ramdev to call off his proposed indefinite fast against corruption, which will start on Saturday.
"We hope Baba Ramdev will not take recourse to agitation. We will make another effort to persuade him not to undertake it," Singh said.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has also been trying to convince Ramdev to abandon the fast, briefing him on steps being taken to recover black money stashed abroad.
The yoga guru, meanwhile, has said that he wants the Prime Minister and higher judiciary to be kept out of the Lokpal purview, taking a line contradictory to Anna Hazare's group
"All people holding constitutional posts should come under the Lokpal. The inclusion of the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India is a tricky question. If questions are raised on the integrity of a person sitting at the head of a democracy, then how will democracy survive. And if you doubt the head of the judicial system, then how can you assume that the Lokayukta will be more honest," Ramdev said.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tirupati: Gold plating of richest temple shelved
Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits South Pacific
Paris: Geological monitoring services say a magnitude 7.1 earthquake had hit in the South Pacific off the French territory of New Caledonia on Tuesday.
No injuries or damage were immediately reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says there was no threat of a widespread tsunami based on historical earthquake and tsunami data.
The US Geological Service and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said the quake hit at 14:25 IST on Tuesday, some 26.5 km beneath the ocean.
The epicentre was about 149 km off Ile Tadine in New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands chain, and more than 1,600 km from Brisbane, Australia.
Cop arrested for raping airline employee
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama’s killing a victorious milestone against terrorism: Krishna
Al Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden killed, Obama says justice done
IAF detects 'chopper-like object' in Bhutan
Largest-ever 3D map of distant universe created
Washington: Planetary scientists claim to have created the largest-ever three-dimensional map of the distant universe, using the light of the brightest objects in the cosmos.
Since this distant light took eons to reach Earth, the map is essentially a window back in time, providing an unprecedented view of what the universe looked like 11 billion years ago, say the scientists.
In fact, they made the map using light from 14,000 quasars -- supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies billions of light years away -- with the third Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-III). The map is the first major result from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS), SDSS-III's largest
survey, whose principal investigator is David Schlegel of the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.
The huge new map was presented at the April meeting of the American Physical Society in Anaheim, CA, by An e Slosar of Brookhaven National Laboratory. "Quasars are the brightest objects in the universe, which we use as convenient backlights to illuminate the intervening hydrogen gas that fills the universe between us and them," Slosar said.
"We can see their shadows, and the details in their shadows" -- specifically, the absorption features in their spectra known as the Lyman-alpha forest -- "allowing us to see how the gas is clumped along our line of sight.
"The amazing thing is that this allows us to see the universe so very far away, where measuring positions of individual galaxies in large numbers is impractical," he said.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
ARUNACHAL CM REMAINS TRACELESS
The ISRO has released the pictures taken by its two satellites from over the Tawnag region of Arunachal Pradesh. we are showing you the exclusive visuals of these photographs. We have seen that because of thick cloud, nothing much was visible. Clouds are clearly visible in these images. The ISRO spokesman told NETV that they have not been able to gather much from these pictures.Both the ISRO and the Indian Air Force are analyzing pictures taken over the Tawang-Itanagar helicopter router as the chopper carrying Arunachal chief minister Dorjee Khandu is still traceless more than 24 hours after it went missing. The ISRO used its satellites to map the area while two Sukhoi planes from Bareilly air base in UP made sorties over the heliciopter route and took pictures of the entire area. A Mi17 chopper of the Indian Air Force which went looking for the missing helicopter made two sorties before bad weather forced it to return today. The helicopter from Tawang searched the Bhutan areas besides the Tawang-Itanagar route. Four Cheetah helicopters and two MI 17 choppers ate on stand-by at Tezpur and Guwahati, but could not take off because of the weather. 30 columns of the Indian Army comprising 2,400 personnel from Tawang and Tenga were searching on the ground for the missing helicopter on the Indo-Bhutan border. Six ITBP teams with 25 personnel each also joined the ground search operations. Meanwhile, the state-owned Pawan Hans has defended itself by saying that the helicopter was four-months old and in perfect condition technically. In a statement, Pawan Hans said VIPs had used the chopper previously without experiencing any problem. The defence of the chopper came as Chief Minister Khandu's adviser Kiren Rijiju said there was need to take a strong view on the maintenance capabilities of Pawan Hans. Though some Arunachal Pradesh Government officials have said the chopper has made an emergency landing in Bhutan, the Bhutanese Government has said that no such emergency landing has been made. External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has reportedly spoken to his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering and requested him to provide assistance in the search and rescue effort. The Indian Space Research Organisation deployed two satellites to search for the missing chopper. The search operation is being conducted under the supervision of the commander of the Army 4 Corps. Bhutanese forces are moving to the east of their country to meet up with their Indian counterparts and join in the search operation. Over one thousand villagers living along the Arunachal Pradesh-Bhutan border fanned out early on Sunday morning to search for the missing helicopter. The missing Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter that took off from Tawang at 9.50 a.m. on Saturday lost communication with the ground after it flew past the Sela Pass along the Chinese border about 20 to 25 minutes later. The helicopter was scheduled to land in Itanagar at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday. The state government has also set up a crisis management cell with Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yeshi Tsering, Civil Aviation Commissioner Hage Khoda, Home Secretary A K Srivastav, Inspector General of Police S.B.K. Singh, Deputy Inspector General Police Robin Hibu, Deputy Inspector General of Police Anil Shukla, City Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain and Superintendent of Police Apang Tamut as its members. Apart from Khandu, the people on board included crew members Captain J S Babbar and Captain KS Malick, Khandu"s security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang legislator Tsewang Dhondup. The missing helicopter, AS350 B-3, is a single-engine chopper. In case of an engine failure, there are very slim chances of the helicopter making a safe landing.
Two Sukhoi jets, 30 other aircraft searching for missing Arunachal CM
ISRO deploys satellites to search for missing Arunachal Pradesh CM
Bangalore/Itanagar, May 1 (ANI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has deployed two satellites to search for the missing chopper of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu.
ISRO sources said that they would be in a position to give some details late on Sunday afternoon after reviewing the satellite pictures after noon. The two ISRO satellites will be deployed between 10.30 a.m. and noon.
Meanwhile, the search operation is being conducted under the supervision of the commander of the Army 4 Corp. About 30 army columns, besides paramilitaries are conducting the search operations on the Indian side. They are being backed by the Indian Air Force, which has already conducted two sorties in the area where the missing chopper is said to have gone down.
Bhutanese forces are moving to the east of the country to meet up with their Indian counterparts and join in the search operation.
Over one thousand villagers living along the Arunachal Pradesh-Bhutan border fanned out early on Sunday morning in search of a missing helicopter carrying Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four other people.
Simultaneously, two Central Government ministers – V. Narayanswamy and Mukul Wasnik have been asked by the UPA Government to reach Itanagar to monitor the situation. When reports last came in, the two ministers had reached Guwahati, but were unable to proceed to Itanagar because of inclement weather.
Two MI-17 helicopters have also been deployed for the search operations. Only one of the two has been able to reach Itanagar.
The Indian Army and paramilitary troops have also been called in to help in the search and possible rescue effort. The Indian Government has made a request to neighbouring Bhutan to deploy Bhutanese troops in the search operation on its side of the Indo-Bhutan border.
Teams of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have resumed search operations this morning to locate the missing Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter that took off from Tawang at 9.50 a.m. on Saturday.
The copter lost communication with the ground after it flew past the Sela Pass along the Chinese border about 20 to 25 minutes later. The helicopter was scheduled to land in Itanagar at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday.
Khandu''''s spokesperson Jambey Tsering said: "The second day search operation has begun. The chief minister is still untraceable. Weather conditions have been deteriorating at various locations, but the search operation began early in the morning itself."
The state government has also set up a crisis management cell with Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yeshi Tsering, Civil Aviation Commissioner Hage Khoda, Home Secretary A K Srivastav, Inspector General of Police S.B.K. Singh, Deputy Inspector General Police (West) Robin Hibu, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Anil Shukla, City Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain and Superintendent of Police Apang Tamut as its members.
The committee will be monitoring the situation under the overall guidance and supervision of Chief Secretary Tabam Bam.
On Saturday, several media reports quoted Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (retired) J J Singh and Chief Secretary Bam as saying that the helicopter had landed safely somewhere in eastern Bhutan adjoining Tawang district and that the same helicopter was flying back to Guwahati with the chief minister on board.
Bhutan, however, later denied that any Indian helicopter had landed in its territory, but said a search operation was launched following request from New Delhi.
Apart from Khandu, the people on board included crew members Captain J S Babbar and Captain KS Malick, Khandu''''s security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang legislator Tsewang Dhondup.
The missing helicopter, AS350 B-3, is a single-engine chopper. In case of an engine failure, there are very slim chances of the helicopter making a safe landing. (ANI)
Bad weather hampers search for Arunachal CM
Dorjee Khandu's spokesperson Jambey Tsering said, "The second day search operation has begun. The Arunachal Pradesh CM is still untraceable. Weather conditions have been deteriorating at various locations, but the search operation began early in the morning itself." Two MI-17s and two Sukhoi 30s scanning the area. Their data will be analysed for further clues. Since the area is close to Bhutan, teams from Bhutan's army are also searching at the seven border districts. Khandu's chopper has been untraceable since Saturday morning. The last contact with the Pawan Hans helicopter was made 20 minutes after its take off at 9:56 am on Saturday. The contact was abruptly cut off and since then there has been no trace. The chopper was carrying the Chief Minister, a police officer, a woman official and two captains. On Saturday, there was confusion over whether Khandu's chopper has been found or not. Chief Minister's office said that Khandu's helicopter had to make an emergency landing due to technical snag near Tawang but inside Bhutanese territory and the CM was safe. However, later the Bhutan government said that they have no information of any chopper landing in Bhutan. Khandu had taken off from Tawang at 9:56 am and was to land at Itanagar at 11:30 am by the chartered Pawan Hans helicopter. 56-year-old Khandu, who had served in the intelligence wing of the Indian Army, was sworn on April 9, 2007 as the fifth chief minister of the state, replacing Gegong Apang. On April 19, a Pawan Hans helicopter crashed in the mountains of Tawang, bordering Tibet, killing all 17 people on board. The helicopter crashed not far away from the helipad and the DGCA had found that proper fire-fighting facilities could have saved lives. In the other incident, an army helicopter crashed near Gangtok killing four occupants on board.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Baba's death: Bangalore airport security tightened
