For the first time since November 2008, from when the Maoists began “ruling” Lalgarh, this hamlet witnessed a public rally where the Trinamul supremo, Ms Mamata Banerjee, echoing the home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, urged the Maoists to “shun violence first and sit for talks”.
In Delhi, the Congress declared its “moral support” for the rally.
The rally, which was publicised as an “apolitical” event, gave the minister, keeping an eye on the Assembly elections, a chance to present a rosy future for Junglemahal.
“All the violence and misunderstandings need to be ended. There should not be any more killing. Be it a policeman, a social worker, a mediaperson, a TMC supporter, a CPM man or even a Maoist — all are human beings and deserve to live,” Ms Banerjee told thousands of people. The Maoists had declared support for the the rally, and the PCPA had canvassed support for it.
“Just tell me, what do you want? Where do you want to meet? But you have to stop the killings first,” she told the Maoists.
Mentioning the talks between the Centre and the Maoists that was negotiated by Swami Agnivesh, Ms Banerjee said, “The killing of Azad was not right. We pray for his soul. But the peace process that was initiated by Agniveshji must start again. If needed we will go to Dantewada and Chhattisgarh also.”
She was referring to the encounter killing of Azad alias Cherukuri Raj Kumar in Adilabad in Andhra Pradesh in July.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
'I spotted Samantha in a TV commercial'
Samantha became an instant success in Tollywood after Gautham Vasudev Menon introduced her in Ye Maya Chesave, a remake of Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaayaa. But much before Ye Maya…, the chirpy girl was lured to the tinsel world by none other than cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Ravi Varman when he offered her the lead role in his debut directorial Moscowin Kaveri.
“I spotted her as one among four girls in a commercial and felt that she had the potential to make it big. She has a charming face and was exactly the kind of girl I was looking for. I have been proved right today. She has the right combination of homely and glam look. She will be the next Revathy of Kollywood,” assures Ravi.
The film, he says, is about the romances of today’s youngsters, which is neither steady nor strong. “Love has become a matter of convenience. It is based on situations and needs. I kept the title as a metaphor – Moskva is a river in Russia and Kaveri is the river in south India. The hero and the heroine share a strange relationship and with different attitudes. Love is like water and no one can measure its depth. It has a strong message for the society.” The movie features Rahul Ravindhran and Harshavardhan and has music by Thaman. “In fact, it was I who introduced Thaman to the Tamil industry. I knew him as a drummer when I did clash work for Shankar’s Boys (where he played one of the boys). He was very promising and when I got the opportunity to wield the megaphone, I immediately chose him as the music composer. Now, he has given five soulful tunes to Vairamuttthu sir’s lyrics,” he says.
He says donning the director’s cap is a lot of responsibility. “As a cinematographer, when I did films like Anniyan, Dasavatharam and Vettayadu Vilayadu, my focus was only on my work. But after I became a director, I realised it’s the toughest task and if you succeed, then the credit goes to the entire team. On the other hand, you are responsible for the project’s failures.” Moscowin Kaveri, which has taken a long time for its release, will hit cinema halls by next Friday.
“I spotted her as one among four girls in a commercial and felt that she had the potential to make it big. She has a charming face and was exactly the kind of girl I was looking for. I have been proved right today. She has the right combination of homely and glam look. She will be the next Revathy of Kollywood,” assures Ravi.
The film, he says, is about the romances of today’s youngsters, which is neither steady nor strong. “Love has become a matter of convenience. It is based on situations and needs. I kept the title as a metaphor – Moskva is a river in Russia and Kaveri is the river in south India. The hero and the heroine share a strange relationship and with different attitudes. Love is like water and no one can measure its depth. It has a strong message for the society.” The movie features Rahul Ravindhran and Harshavardhan and has music by Thaman. “In fact, it was I who introduced Thaman to the Tamil industry. I knew him as a drummer when I did clash work for Shankar’s Boys (where he played one of the boys). He was very promising and when I got the opportunity to wield the megaphone, I immediately chose him as the music composer. Now, he has given five soulful tunes to Vairamuttthu sir’s lyrics,” he says.
He says donning the director’s cap is a lot of responsibility. “As a cinematographer, when I did films like Anniyan, Dasavatharam and Vettayadu Vilayadu, my focus was only on my work. But after I became a director, I realised it’s the toughest task and if you succeed, then the credit goes to the entire team. On the other hand, you are responsible for the project’s failures.” Moscowin Kaveri, which has taken a long time for its release, will hit cinema halls by next Friday.
UN, US designate HuJI as terrorist organisation
The UN and the US have designated Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami (HuJI) as a terrorist organisation and imposed sanctions on the group and its commander Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri.
The US department of treasury on Friday put the label "A Specially Designated Global Terrorist" on HuJI, a terrorist organisation most active in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh since the early 1990s.
Under US law, assets held by HuJI and Kashmiri in the US would be frozen and American people or companies would be prohibited from engaging in transactions with the group or with Kashmiri.
The UN also took a similar action against HuJI and Kashmiri.
"Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri is at the core of HuJI's efforts to plan and carry out attacks against US forces and our allies. He is responsible for creating a cadre of militants to act on behalf of HuJI and Al Qaeda," Stuart Levey, the treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
"In acting together, the US and the UN are today taking another important step in combating the threat that Al Qaeda and its affiliated organisations pose to innocent people around the world," said Levey.
The US department of treasury on Friday put the label "A Specially Designated Global Terrorist" on HuJI, a terrorist organisation most active in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh since the early 1990s.
Under US law, assets held by HuJI and Kashmiri in the US would be frozen and American people or companies would be prohibited from engaging in transactions with the group or with Kashmiri.
The UN also took a similar action against HuJI and Kashmiri.
"Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri is at the core of HuJI's efforts to plan and carry out attacks against US forces and our allies. He is responsible for creating a cadre of militants to act on behalf of HuJI and Al Qaeda," Stuart Levey, the treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
"In acting together, the US and the UN are today taking another important step in combating the threat that Al Qaeda and its affiliated organisations pose to innocent people around the world," said Levey.
CPI-M supports 'maximum autonomy' for Kashmir
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Saturday said the Central government had failed to solve the Kashmir issue and supported "maximum autonomy" for the troubled state as its problems "can't be resolved through conventional means".
In his inaugural speech at the CPI-M's four-day central committee meeting in this Andhra Pradesh city, party general secretary, Mr Prakash Karat, made a specific reference to Kashmir and said the Central government has failed to solve the issue and tide over the alienation of Kashmiri youth.
"A solution can be found only if there is recognition that the problem of Kashmir cannot be resolved through conventional means. The people of Kashmir have to be assured that their identity and special status is expressed through a new political framework in which maximum autonomy is the bedrock," Mr Karat said.
Referring to unending protests and violence in the Kashmir Valley for the past nearly two months, the CPI-M general secretary said: "Distressingly, scores of young men and women have died due to police firing and actions."
He stated that the civilian killings — nearly 50 in three weeks — "have brought out the intensity of alienation among the young people against the Indian state in the valley. There has to be a stop to this endless cycle of confrontations and killings.
The central government, he said, has to immediately initiate the process of dialogue with all sections in the valley.
In his inaugural speech at the CPI-M's four-day central committee meeting in this Andhra Pradesh city, party general secretary, Mr Prakash Karat, made a specific reference to Kashmir and said the Central government has failed to solve the issue and tide over the alienation of Kashmiri youth.
"A solution can be found only if there is recognition that the problem of Kashmir cannot be resolved through conventional means. The people of Kashmir have to be assured that their identity and special status is expressed through a new political framework in which maximum autonomy is the bedrock," Mr Karat said.
Referring to unending protests and violence in the Kashmir Valley for the past nearly two months, the CPI-M general secretary said: "Distressingly, scores of young men and women have died due to police firing and actions."
He stated that the civilian killings — nearly 50 in three weeks — "have brought out the intensity of alienation among the young people against the Indian state in the valley. There has to be a stop to this endless cycle of confrontations and killings.
The central government, he said, has to immediately initiate the process of dialogue with all sections in the valley.
Rains hamper rescue operations in Leh, 25 army men among missing
Heavy rains and bad weather on Saturday morning forced authorities to suspend rescue and relief work in Jammu and Kashmir's Leh town where at least 115 people were killed and over 300 injured in massive flash floods triggered by a cloudburst.
So far, 115 dead bodies have been recovered and the injured are being treated in hospitals. Nearly 100 others, including 25 army soldiers, are missing in the unprecedented cloudburst that hit the town early on Friday.
"Heavy rains have forced us to suspend the rescue operations in Leh town.
"The moment weather improves, the rescue and relief operations would be restarted," said a senior official here.
The Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, who visited Leh on Friday, has sanctioned Rs 5 crore immediately for relief to victims. Mr Omar flew to Leh after the runway at the airport there was restored. The runway had been inundated due to the flood waters and mud slushes.
President, Ms Pratibha Patil, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the governor N.N. Vohra have expressed grief and sorrow at the loss of human lives and assured all possible help.
The police have set up tented accommodation for 2,000 victims in Choglamsar village and Leh town where free meals are being served to the people.
Over 6,000 army men and soldiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are involved in the massive relief and rescue operation and are assisting the local administration.
Army and Indian Air Force helicopters have also been pressed into service.
The Union health minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, is to visit Leh on Saturday along with a team of doctors and paramedics.
According to latest reports from Leh, Mr Azad's arrival had been delayed due to the bad weather.
The cloudburst, flash floods and mudslides that hit Leh town around midnight on Friday washed away concrete structures including government offices, paramilitary camps and residential homes.
Among the worst hit are the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), many local hotels and shops.
The headquarters of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNL), a government polytechnic, ITBP camp, CRPF camp, some government offices, main transmitter of All India Radio Leh and residential homes have been extensively damaged by the flash floods.
The general manager of BSNL said that according to preliminary estimates the corporation has suffered a loss of around Rs 12 crore because of damage to its equipment.
The damage to the BSNL headquarters led to communications being completely disrupted in Leh town.
Another service provider, Airtel whose network is still operating in Leh has issued SIM cards to the local administration for setting up helplines.
State tourism minister, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora, who belongs to Ladakh region, is camping in Leh to supervise relief and rescue operations.
Leh is 434 km away from Srinagar and 474 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, to which it is connected through an alternative highway.
The cloudbursts occurred at Choglamsar village, which is situated at the top of Leh town.
Hundreds of locals waded through four feet deep mud to rush to higher reaches as mudslides and flash floods inundated low lying areas in the town.
Situated at 3,524 m above sea level, Leh town is spread over 45,110 sq. km, and comprises the main town and 12 adjacent villages.
So far, 115 dead bodies have been recovered and the injured are being treated in hospitals. Nearly 100 others, including 25 army soldiers, are missing in the unprecedented cloudburst that hit the town early on Friday.
"Heavy rains have forced us to suspend the rescue operations in Leh town.
"The moment weather improves, the rescue and relief operations would be restarted," said a senior official here.
The Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, who visited Leh on Friday, has sanctioned Rs 5 crore immediately for relief to victims. Mr Omar flew to Leh after the runway at the airport there was restored. The runway had been inundated due to the flood waters and mud slushes.
President, Ms Pratibha Patil, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the governor N.N. Vohra have expressed grief and sorrow at the loss of human lives and assured all possible help.
The police have set up tented accommodation for 2,000 victims in Choglamsar village and Leh town where free meals are being served to the people.
Over 6,000 army men and soldiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are involved in the massive relief and rescue operation and are assisting the local administration.
Army and Indian Air Force helicopters have also been pressed into service.
The Union health minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, is to visit Leh on Saturday along with a team of doctors and paramedics.
According to latest reports from Leh, Mr Azad's arrival had been delayed due to the bad weather.
The cloudburst, flash floods and mudslides that hit Leh town around midnight on Friday washed away concrete structures including government offices, paramilitary camps and residential homes.
Among the worst hit are the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), many local hotels and shops.
The headquarters of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNL), a government polytechnic, ITBP camp, CRPF camp, some government offices, main transmitter of All India Radio Leh and residential homes have been extensively damaged by the flash floods.
The general manager of BSNL said that according to preliminary estimates the corporation has suffered a loss of around Rs 12 crore because of damage to its equipment.
The damage to the BSNL headquarters led to communications being completely disrupted in Leh town.
Another service provider, Airtel whose network is still operating in Leh has issued SIM cards to the local administration for setting up helplines.
State tourism minister, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora, who belongs to Ladakh region, is camping in Leh to supervise relief and rescue operations.
Leh is 434 km away from Srinagar and 474 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, to which it is connected through an alternative highway.
The cloudbursts occurred at Choglamsar village, which is situated at the top of Leh town.
Hundreds of locals waded through four feet deep mud to rush to higher reaches as mudslides and flash floods inundated low lying areas in the town.
Situated at 3,524 m above sea level, Leh town is spread over 45,110 sq. km, and comprises the main town and 12 adjacent villages.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Lagadapati says arrest me first for suicides
The Vijayawada MP, Mr Lagadapati Rajagopal, on Thursday announced that political parties and leaders are responsible for suicides of innocent people in Telangana, Rayalaseema and Andhra regions and asked the government to slap criminal cases against the leaders, including him, for provoking the youth.
Mr Rajagopal volunteered to get arrested first. He was speaking after submitting a report to the Srikrishna committee here at Jubilee Hall. “Only politicians will benefit from the division of the state. People will have no benefit and politicians should be framed with criminal cases for instigating the youth to suicides. They (police) can start with me,” he said.
He declared he would quit politics if the Central and state governments decide in favour of bifurcation. He said every political leader wanted to be Chief Minister; as there is only one post available, they are trying to divide the state.
Earlier, Mr Rajagopal surprised the Srikrishna committee by representing a team comprising 32 well-known people in different sectors. They included former IPS and IAS officers, economists, ex-servicemen, doctors, social activists, builders, rights activists, employees and engineers, who form the National Council for Peace and Integration that Mr Rajagopal heads.
The freedom fighter, Mr N. Madhava Rao, who hails from Telangana, defended the united Andhra stand. The former Union minister, Mr P. Sivasankar, who is from Telangana, joined Mr Rajagopal and submitted his opinion to the committee.
Mr Rajagopal volunteered to get arrested first. He was speaking after submitting a report to the Srikrishna committee here at Jubilee Hall. “Only politicians will benefit from the division of the state. People will have no benefit and politicians should be framed with criminal cases for instigating the youth to suicides. They (police) can start with me,” he said.
He declared he would quit politics if the Central and state governments decide in favour of bifurcation. He said every political leader wanted to be Chief Minister; as there is only one post available, they are trying to divide the state.
Earlier, Mr Rajagopal surprised the Srikrishna committee by representing a team comprising 32 well-known people in different sectors. They included former IPS and IAS officers, economists, ex-servicemen, doctors, social activists, builders, rights activists, employees and engineers, who form the National Council for Peace and Integration that Mr Rajagopal heads.
The freedom fighter, Mr N. Madhava Rao, who hails from Telangana, defended the united Andhra stand. The former Union minister, Mr P. Sivasankar, who is from Telangana, joined Mr Rajagopal and submitted his opinion to the committee.
India to depose in Pak court
India is expected to convey to Pakistan to facilitate “video-conferencing” of the investigating officer and magistrate who recorded 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab’s statement in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case, to appear before the Pakistani anti-terror court.
India will not be sending the Mumbai additional chief metropolitan magistrate, Mr R.V. Sawant Waghule, to Pakistan while it would suggest “video conferencing” of Mr Waghule and the investigation officer, Mr Ramesh Mahale, subject to court directions.
The decision is expected to be conveyed by the external affairs ministry to Pakistan shortly, sources said. Pakistan had asked India to send Mr Waghule, who had recorded Kasab’s statement to appear before its anti-terror court. It also demanded that Mr Mahale be sent there for deposition in the trial against the 26/11 terror operatives in that country including the LeT operational commander, Mr Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.
Sources said that while Mr Waghule will not be sent to Pakistan, if the Bombay High Court permits, he can appear through video conferencing in a Pakistani court without being subjected to cross-examination.
A petition is being moved in the Bombay High Court to allow the magistrate to appear through video conferencing. Similarly, the government has decided to allow Mr Mahale to appear in Pakistani court through video conferencing.
If Pakistan agrees to the proposal of questioning of the IO through video conferencing, it will have to make arrangements for the same, sources said. Pakistan has reportedly asked India to respond before Saturday as to whether it would send the magistrate and the investigating officer.
While India has demanded action against those behind 26/11, Pakistan has maintained that the charges against the seven LeT activists are based on Kasab’s statement in Mumbai and so the magistrate and the IO involved in recording that statement should appear before the anti-terror court there.
India will not be sending the Mumbai additional chief metropolitan magistrate, Mr R.V. Sawant Waghule, to Pakistan while it would suggest “video conferencing” of Mr Waghule and the investigation officer, Mr Ramesh Mahale, subject to court directions.
The decision is expected to be conveyed by the external affairs ministry to Pakistan shortly, sources said. Pakistan had asked India to send Mr Waghule, who had recorded Kasab’s statement to appear before its anti-terror court. It also demanded that Mr Mahale be sent there for deposition in the trial against the 26/11 terror operatives in that country including the LeT operational commander, Mr Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.
Sources said that while Mr Waghule will not be sent to Pakistan, if the Bombay High Court permits, he can appear through video conferencing in a Pakistani court without being subjected to cross-examination.
A petition is being moved in the Bombay High Court to allow the magistrate to appear through video conferencing. Similarly, the government has decided to allow Mr Mahale to appear in Pakistani court through video conferencing.
If Pakistan agrees to the proposal of questioning of the IO through video conferencing, it will have to make arrangements for the same, sources said. Pakistan has reportedly asked India to respond before Saturday as to whether it would send the magistrate and the investigating officer.
While India has demanded action against those behind 26/11, Pakistan has maintained that the charges against the seven LeT activists are based on Kasab’s statement in Mumbai and so the magistrate and the IO involved in recording that statement should appear before the anti-terror court there.
Games panel starts to fry small fish
The turmoil within the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee continued on Thursday with one official resigning, three others being suspended and a multi-crore deal with an Australian firm terminated on a day of high drama.
These decisions were taken at an emergency executive board meeting here Thursday as the OC began its face-saving exercise in face of corruption charges with less than two months to go for the October 3 to 14 Games.
The OC chairman, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, however, once again chose to avoid the media. With so many skeletons tumbling out of the OC closet, demands for Mr Kalmadi’s removal are also growing. The matter also figured in Parliament on Thursday.
The first fallout of a three-member inquiry panel’s report was the suspension of three OC officials — T.S. Darbari (joint director-general), Sanjay Mohindroo (deputy director-general) and M. Jayachandran (joint director-general, finance and accounts) — for alleged misappropriation of funds during the Queen’s Baton Relay in London. The matter has now been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate along with the panel’s findings for further investigation.
“We have suspended these officials as they were responsible for the delivery and conduct of the Queen Baton’s relay in London. We are handing over the case to the Enforcement Directorate for further investigation,” the OC secretary-general, Mr Lalit Bhanot, told the media here Thursday. “Mohindroo is not on our rolls anymore, while Jayachandran will get an opportunity to explain himself on Friday,” he added.
The OC also terminated its contract with Australian firm Sports Management and Marketing (SMAM) with immediate effect after the approval of the executive board. “SMAM were given a target of garnering sponsorship in the region of $122 million by June 30, which they have failed to achieve. They were also specifically told that no commission was to be charged from sponsorship money coming from PSUs. We will be serving the firm a notice soon after taking legal advice from Bhasin & Company,” Mr Bhanot added.
The executive board was also forced to appoint the former Hockey India president, Mr Ashok Kumar Mattoo. as CWG treasurer once again after the All-India Tennis Association president, Mr Anil Khanna, resigned from the post. “With less than 60 days left for the Games, we thought of appointing Mattoo for the job as he understands the working of the OC," the OC secretary-general said.
The excessive expenditure on Games overlays have also come under the scanner. The OC asked the government to appoint capable personnel to verify the quality and quantity of overlay work. “We have written to the Central Vigilance Commission to look into it. CPWD has agreed to give some people to verify the products. Overlays need to match the stadiums — which are world-class,” Mr Bhanot said.
Mr Bhanot defended the OC chairman’s position, saying, “It is difficult to own responsibility. There are 1,500 people working in the OC and it is difficult to know what each and every department is doing. A system is in place and senior management is not directly controlling all the OC staff. But no individual official has any financial authority. All decisions are taken collectively by the executive board.”
These decisions were taken at an emergency executive board meeting here Thursday as the OC began its face-saving exercise in face of corruption charges with less than two months to go for the October 3 to 14 Games.
The OC chairman, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, however, once again chose to avoid the media. With so many skeletons tumbling out of the OC closet, demands for Mr Kalmadi’s removal are also growing. The matter also figured in Parliament on Thursday.
The first fallout of a three-member inquiry panel’s report was the suspension of three OC officials — T.S. Darbari (joint director-general), Sanjay Mohindroo (deputy director-general) and M. Jayachandran (joint director-general, finance and accounts) — for alleged misappropriation of funds during the Queen’s Baton Relay in London. The matter has now been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate along with the panel’s findings for further investigation.
“We have suspended these officials as they were responsible for the delivery and conduct of the Queen Baton’s relay in London. We are handing over the case to the Enforcement Directorate for further investigation,” the OC secretary-general, Mr Lalit Bhanot, told the media here Thursday. “Mohindroo is not on our rolls anymore, while Jayachandran will get an opportunity to explain himself on Friday,” he added.
The OC also terminated its contract with Australian firm Sports Management and Marketing (SMAM) with immediate effect after the approval of the executive board. “SMAM were given a target of garnering sponsorship in the region of $122 million by June 30, which they have failed to achieve. They were also specifically told that no commission was to be charged from sponsorship money coming from PSUs. We will be serving the firm a notice soon after taking legal advice from Bhasin & Company,” Mr Bhanot added.
The executive board was also forced to appoint the former Hockey India president, Mr Ashok Kumar Mattoo. as CWG treasurer once again after the All-India Tennis Association president, Mr Anil Khanna, resigned from the post. “With less than 60 days left for the Games, we thought of appointing Mattoo for the job as he understands the working of the OC," the OC secretary-general said.
The excessive expenditure on Games overlays have also come under the scanner. The OC asked the government to appoint capable personnel to verify the quality and quantity of overlay work. “We have written to the Central Vigilance Commission to look into it. CPWD has agreed to give some people to verify the products. Overlays need to match the stadiums — which are world-class,” Mr Bhanot said.
Mr Bhanot defended the OC chairman’s position, saying, “It is difficult to own responsibility. There are 1,500 people working in the OC and it is difficult to know what each and every department is doing. A system is in place and senior management is not directly controlling all the OC staff. But no individual official has any financial authority. All decisions are taken collectively by the executive board.”
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Shah Rukh Khan, Bhansali patch up
All is finally well between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shah Rukh Khan. After the much talked about war between SRK and Bhansali when their films On Shanti Om and Saawariya clashed at the box office, they shared cold vibes. Both of them tried to put the other down and the once-close director and actor were no longer friends. Although SRK won the war with Om Shanti Om proving to be a huge hit while Saawariya turned out to be a box office dud, they have moved on since. Now Bhansali’s promos of Guzaarish will be released in the theatres along with We Are Family.
Our sources said, “It all started with SRK and Bhansali breaking the ice when they came face to face at a suburban studio. Bhansali was shooting for Guzaarish while SRK was at the studio for an ad film. After that Farah Khan met up with Bhansali and they had a long chat. Farah even sent biryani to Bhansali as it is one of his favourite foods. Now SRK’s closest friend Karan Johar will include the promos of Bhansali’s Hrithik-Aishwarya Rai starrer in We Are Family which releases on September 3. It means that finally relations are back to being cordial between the Khan camp and Bhansali.”
Let’s hope that all remains well and Bhansali and SRK come together for another magnum opus like Devdas.
Our sources said, “It all started with SRK and Bhansali breaking the ice when they came face to face at a suburban studio. Bhansali was shooting for Guzaarish while SRK was at the studio for an ad film. After that Farah Khan met up with Bhansali and they had a long chat. Farah even sent biryani to Bhansali as it is one of his favourite foods. Now SRK’s closest friend Karan Johar will include the promos of Bhansali’s Hrithik-Aishwarya Rai starrer in We Are Family which releases on September 3. It means that finally relations are back to being cordial between the Khan camp and Bhansali.”
Let’s hope that all remains well and Bhansali and SRK come together for another magnum opus like Devdas.
Centre prepares Bill to protect whistleblowers
The government is ready with a draft Bill, which aims to protect whistleblowers who raise the alarm over corruption in Central government ministries and offices, and agencies or institutions under them. The draft legislation, which is called ‘The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill 2010’, is high on the agenda of the Union Cabinet at its meeting here on Thursday.
Sources said the Cabinet, which will meet on Thursday, is likely to consider the proposal of the department of public grievances to enact a law to protect whistleblowers. A source said: “The draft law — The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill 2010 — is high on the agenda of the Cabinet meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.”
The agenda note says provision will be made in the Bill to make the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) the designated authority to which complaints against any Central government employee or Central government-backed institution can be made by whistleblowers, and adequate protection will be provided.
The Bill, if cleared by the Cabinet and thereafter passed by Parliament, will go a long way in helping those who who make public interest disclosures, sources said.
Sources said the Cabinet, which will meet on Thursday, is likely to consider the proposal of the department of public grievances to enact a law to protect whistleblowers. A source said: “The draft law — The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill 2010 — is high on the agenda of the Cabinet meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.”
The agenda note says provision will be made in the Bill to make the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) the designated authority to which complaints against any Central government employee or Central government-backed institution can be made by whistleblowers, and adequate protection will be provided.
The Bill, if cleared by the Cabinet and thereafter passed by Parliament, will go a long way in helping those who who make public interest disclosures, sources said.
Pranab asks states to help check price rise
The finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, on Wednesday called on state governments to take a coordinated action with the Centre to control rising prices, saying it was a joint responsibility of the nation’s political leadership.
“Coordinated action by the Centre and states is needed, else it would be difficult to deal with the problem of price rise,” Mr Mukherjee said while replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on inflationary pressures in the economy and its impact on the common man.
Holding states equally responsible for rising prices, the minister noted that they had powers under the Essential Commodities Act and the Essential Services Maintenance Act to deal with hoarding. “But I will not pass on the buck to them alone.”
The finance minister also urged the House and the states to cooperate in introducing the Goods and Services Tax by April 1, 2011 to help check inflation. “Time is running out. We must bring in the constitutional amendment Bill in this session to pave the way for GST,” Mr Mukherjee said. He said the recent hikes in petrol, diesel and kerosene prices were necessary, and added the petroleum sector was an important source of revenue for states, accounting for 34 per cent of their earnings. He noted the NDA government had raised kerosene prices from Rs 2 to Rs 9 per litre, while the UPA had hiked it from Rs 9 to Rs 12 per litre: this, he said, showed the difference in “sensitivity” of the two towards the common man. “I am a village boy, studied under a lamp post and walked 10 km to school. Don’t ridicule my sensitivity,” the minister said, in a dig at the Opposition.
“Mere rhetoric can’t locate petroleum sources. The priority is also to ensure the availability of petroleum products,” he said, observing that oil marketing PSUs were given a subsidy of Rs 1.03 lakh crore in 2008-09 to ensure that petroleum products were available at affordable prices.
“Coordinated action by the Centre and states is needed, else it would be difficult to deal with the problem of price rise,” Mr Mukherjee said while replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on inflationary pressures in the economy and its impact on the common man.
Holding states equally responsible for rising prices, the minister noted that they had powers under the Essential Commodities Act and the Essential Services Maintenance Act to deal with hoarding. “But I will not pass on the buck to them alone.”
The finance minister also urged the House and the states to cooperate in introducing the Goods and Services Tax by April 1, 2011 to help check inflation. “Time is running out. We must bring in the constitutional amendment Bill in this session to pave the way for GST,” Mr Mukherjee said. He said the recent hikes in petrol, diesel and kerosene prices were necessary, and added the petroleum sector was an important source of revenue for states, accounting for 34 per cent of their earnings. He noted the NDA government had raised kerosene prices from Rs 2 to Rs 9 per litre, while the UPA had hiked it from Rs 9 to Rs 12 per litre: this, he said, showed the difference in “sensitivity” of the two towards the common man. “I am a village boy, studied under a lamp post and walked 10 km to school. Don’t ridicule my sensitivity,” the minister said, in a dig at the Opposition.
“Mere rhetoric can’t locate petroleum sources. The priority is also to ensure the availability of petroleum products,” he said, observing that oil marketing PSUs were given a subsidy of Rs 1.03 lakh crore in 2008-09 to ensure that petroleum products were available at affordable prices.
Congress sends stern warning to Jagan camp; Surekha faces music
In a loud and clear message to the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Congress high command on Wednesday decided to initiate disciplinary action against his diehard loyalist and MLA, Ms Konda Surekha, for her outburst against the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah.
The AICC has asked the PCC disciplinary committee chairman, Mr Kantei Suryanarayana Raju, to issue a show-cause notice to Ms Surekha, MLA from Parakala and former minister, asking why action should not be taken against her for her critical remarks on the party and its leaders.
Ms Konda Surekha, who resigned last year addressed a media conference on Tuesday at which she described the functioning of the state government as awful.
“We will give her a week to reply and we will decide the next course of action after going through her reply,’’ said Mr Raju.
Earlier, the AICC had suspended the former MLA, Mr Ambati Rambabu, from the party and had removed Mr Gattu Ramachandra Rao from the post of general secretary of the AP Congress Kisan Cell.
Meanwhile, Jagan said in Kakinada on the concluding day of his Odarpu tour that he was pained at the action being taken on loyalists of his father YSR for no fault of theirs. He added that he was “fast losing patience”.
The AICC has asked the PCC disciplinary committee chairman, Mr Kantei Suryanarayana Raju, to issue a show-cause notice to Ms Surekha, MLA from Parakala and former minister, asking why action should not be taken against her for her critical remarks on the party and its leaders.
Ms Konda Surekha, who resigned last year addressed a media conference on Tuesday at which she described the functioning of the state government as awful.
“We will give her a week to reply and we will decide the next course of action after going through her reply,’’ said Mr Raju.
Earlier, the AICC had suspended the former MLA, Mr Ambati Rambabu, from the party and had removed Mr Gattu Ramachandra Rao from the post of general secretary of the AP Congress Kisan Cell.
Meanwhile, Jagan said in Kakinada on the concluding day of his Odarpu tour that he was pained at the action being taken on loyalists of his father YSR for no fault of theirs. He added that he was “fast losing patience”.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
LS lauds Sachin for becoming most-capped Test player
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday congratulated ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for becoming the most capped Test player in the history of the sport.
“I am sure all of you will join me in conveying our heartiest felicitations to Sachin Tendulkar on becoming the most-capped Test player in the history of cricket,” speaker Meira Kumar said as soon as the house met for the day.
She noted that Tendulkar achieved the commendable feat of playing in his 169th Test match on the first day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo on Tuesday.
“This unique achievement is a source of inspiration for budding cricketers of this country,” Ms Kumar said, conveying best wishes to Tendulkar for his future endeavours.
“I am sure all of you will join me in conveying our heartiest felicitations to Sachin Tendulkar on becoming the most-capped Test player in the history of cricket,” speaker Meira Kumar said as soon as the house met for the day.
She noted that Tendulkar achieved the commendable feat of playing in his 169th Test match on the first day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo on Tuesday.
“This unique achievement is a source of inspiration for budding cricketers of this country,” Ms Kumar said, conveying best wishes to Tendulkar for his future endeavours.
Daddy don’t smoke
Fathers who can’t seem to quit smoking will have to choose between their daily nicotine fix and the pleasure of kissing and cuddling their children. Recent studies have found a link between passive smoking and the deadly meningococcal disease — commonly called ‘brain fever’.
Australian researchers have proved that children exposed to passive smoke and smokers are four times more likely to contract meningococcal disease, a disaster in a country where the incidence of the disease is higher than two cases per 1,00,000 population.
The bacterium responsible, Neisseria meningiditis, lurks in the throats of most smokers, the studies say, and is transmitted into the respiratory tract of children, when they are carried or kissed by cigarette-happy elders.
“Meningitis is infection of the lining between the brain and the skull, and the fluid that surrounds it. While the disease can be treated if identified early, a delay in dosing the child with antibiotics will lead to complications like sepsis of the blood and convulsions, and often, death,” says Dr Meer Mustafa Hussain, senior pediatrician and former vice chancellor of the Dr MGR Medical University.
While most city doctors are unaware of the newly revealed link between passive smoking and ‘brain fever’, they admit that cigarette smoke drastically lowers immunity in children.
The paper, published in international medical journals, says tobacco smoke cripples the filtering mechanism in the throat and nasal passages. While adults with stronger immune systems manage to carry around the infection without being infected, babies below the age of two are most vulnerable.
Meningitis is diagnosed by testing fluid drawn from the child’s spine, but typical symptoms are sudden fever, headache, drowsiness, sore joints, nausea and vomiting, and a rash of red spots, says Dr Hussain. A dislike of bright lights and loud noises is also seen.
Dr J.K. Reddy, consultant paediatrician at Apollo Children’s Hospital, says, “We know for a fact that passive smoking weakens the respiratory system in children. They become prone to diseases like asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and even pneumonia.”
Even as the public health systems in the UK and Australia, where meningitis kills one in every six infected children, have begun campaigns against passive smoking to prevent meningitis, kicking the habit is the only way, say experts.
“By not smoking in the presence of children, you may be saving them from all the other effects of passive smoke. However, the smoker still harbours the virulent bug, and can pass it on to children through hugs and kisses,” warns Prof. Robert Booye of the National Center for Immunization and Research in Sydney in his paper.
Australian researchers have proved that children exposed to passive smoke and smokers are four times more likely to contract meningococcal disease, a disaster in a country where the incidence of the disease is higher than two cases per 1,00,000 population.
The bacterium responsible, Neisseria meningiditis, lurks in the throats of most smokers, the studies say, and is transmitted into the respiratory tract of children, when they are carried or kissed by cigarette-happy elders.
“Meningitis is infection of the lining between the brain and the skull, and the fluid that surrounds it. While the disease can be treated if identified early, a delay in dosing the child with antibiotics will lead to complications like sepsis of the blood and convulsions, and often, death,” says Dr Meer Mustafa Hussain, senior pediatrician and former vice chancellor of the Dr MGR Medical University.
While most city doctors are unaware of the newly revealed link between passive smoking and ‘brain fever’, they admit that cigarette smoke drastically lowers immunity in children.
The paper, published in international medical journals, says tobacco smoke cripples the filtering mechanism in the throat and nasal passages. While adults with stronger immune systems manage to carry around the infection without being infected, babies below the age of two are most vulnerable.
Meningitis is diagnosed by testing fluid drawn from the child’s spine, but typical symptoms are sudden fever, headache, drowsiness, sore joints, nausea and vomiting, and a rash of red spots, says Dr Hussain. A dislike of bright lights and loud noises is also seen.
Dr J.K. Reddy, consultant paediatrician at Apollo Children’s Hospital, says, “We know for a fact that passive smoking weakens the respiratory system in children. They become prone to diseases like asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and even pneumonia.”
Even as the public health systems in the UK and Australia, where meningitis kills one in every six infected children, have begun campaigns against passive smoking to prevent meningitis, kicking the habit is the only way, say experts.
“By not smoking in the presence of children, you may be saving them from all the other effects of passive smoke. However, the smoker still harbours the virulent bug, and can pass it on to children through hugs and kisses,” warns Prof. Robert Booye of the National Center for Immunization and Research in Sydney in his paper.
Chiranjeevi ready to back Congress in case of crisis
The Praja Rajyam president, Mr Chiranjeevi, on Tuesday, gave several hints that the party would stand by the Congress government in case of any unforeseen crisis. When asked if the Praja Rajyam would join the Congress government, Mr Chiranjeevi said that if such a situation arises, the issue would be discussed within the party and an appropriate decision would be taken in the best interests of people.
“We will see that the people are not put to hardship for any reason. If a need arises, we will discuss the issue in the party and take a decision,’’ said Mr Chiranjeevi, who is holding district-wise meetings on his proposed tour of the north coastal and Rayalaseema districts. He also said that the party would stand by the report of the Sri Krishna Committee.
“Whatever the nature of the report we will stand by it,” asserted Mr Chiranjeevi.
Referring to the T-bypolls, he said that the Congress and Telugu Desam (TD) lost deposits due to the strong Telangana sentiment. “The parties should not have contested the polls. This is precisely the reason why the Praja Rajyam kept out, said Mr Chiranjeevi.
He also expressed his disappointment over the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh’s talks with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra on the Babli issue. “ We expected a positive outcome from the talks but the PM has poured cold water on our hopes,’’ he said.
“We will see that the people are not put to hardship for any reason. If a need arises, we will discuss the issue in the party and take a decision,’’ said Mr Chiranjeevi, who is holding district-wise meetings on his proposed tour of the north coastal and Rayalaseema districts. He also said that the party would stand by the report of the Sri Krishna Committee.
“Whatever the nature of the report we will stand by it,” asserted Mr Chiranjeevi.
Referring to the T-bypolls, he said that the Congress and Telugu Desam (TD) lost deposits due to the strong Telangana sentiment. “The parties should not have contested the polls. This is precisely the reason why the Praja Rajyam kept out, said Mr Chiranjeevi.
He also expressed his disappointment over the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh’s talks with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra on the Babli issue. “ We expected a positive outcome from the talks but the PM has poured cold water on our hopes,’’ he said.
Shoot at sight in Kashmir
Four more protesters were killed and over a dozen others injured in firing by the security forces across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, while a youth injured earlier in shooting at Krew township died in a Srinagar hospital. The death toll has risen now to 27 in the past five days.
While irate mobs continued with their acts of arson, targeting mainly government and police installations, police jeeps criss-crossed Srinagar on Tuesday afternoon making announcements that the security forces were ordered to shoot-at-sight.
Following the Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah’s request to the Centre for help on Monday, paramilitary reinforcements started arriving here from various parts of Jammu region and from outside the state. The Army has, meanwhile, secured a 100-km stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar highway from Banihal to Srinagar, and the Srinagar-Baltal portion of the road to eastern Ladakh.
While irate mobs continued with their acts of arson, targeting mainly government and police installations, police jeeps criss-crossed Srinagar on Tuesday afternoon making announcements that the security forces were ordered to shoot-at-sight.
Following the Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah’s request to the Centre for help on Monday, paramilitary reinforcements started arriving here from various parts of Jammu region and from outside the state. The Army has, meanwhile, secured a 100-km stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar highway from Banihal to Srinagar, and the Srinagar-Baltal portion of the road to eastern Ladakh.
Yuvraj’s finger goes up after waterboy remark
Spectators at the members stand passing comments on Yuvraj Singh led to an ugly altercation during the first day of the third and final Test between India and Sri Lanka at the P. Sara Oval here on Tuesday.
According to reports, Yuvraj showed a bunch of revellers the middle finger, infuriating them, after being heckled and called a ‘water boy’ as he carried drinks to his teammates on the field. The apparently intoxicated spectators also termed him ‘unfit.’ Yuvraj did not figure in the playing 11 and was named the 12th man.
The situation was brought under control after police intervened. “It is the members’ stand of the Tamil Union Club. I can’t say whether they targeted Yuvraj because I was not present. Yuvraj is much loved in Sri Lanka,” said Tony Perera, CEO of the club.
Indian team manger Ranjib Biswal noted that an official complaint has been lodged. “The crowd was trying to misbehave with the player. He did not provoke the crowd, I was sitting next to him when it happened. It’s only a basic human tendency to react after repeated provocations. The police took a few spectators out,” confirmed Biswal.
The Club in their own capacity are making a few changes to ensure a trouble free match. “We will take preventive measures tomorrow. The Taverners section was built to add lustre to the club and not for fans to intoxicate themselves and behave in a way that is detrimental to the game. It’s a part of the place. A few people do not represent the entire club. I am still looking into the details of the trouble makers. Necessary action will be taken shortly,” added Perera.
Later in the evening, police arrested the three spectators who had created trouble and remanded them to custody.
According to reports, Yuvraj showed a bunch of revellers the middle finger, infuriating them, after being heckled and called a ‘water boy’ as he carried drinks to his teammates on the field. The apparently intoxicated spectators also termed him ‘unfit.’ Yuvraj did not figure in the playing 11 and was named the 12th man.
The situation was brought under control after police intervened. “It is the members’ stand of the Tamil Union Club. I can’t say whether they targeted Yuvraj because I was not present. Yuvraj is much loved in Sri Lanka,” said Tony Perera, CEO of the club.
Indian team manger Ranjib Biswal noted that an official complaint has been lodged. “The crowd was trying to misbehave with the player. He did not provoke the crowd, I was sitting next to him when it happened. It’s only a basic human tendency to react after repeated provocations. The police took a few spectators out,” confirmed Biswal.
The Club in their own capacity are making a few changes to ensure a trouble free match. “We will take preventive measures tomorrow. The Taverners section was built to add lustre to the club and not for fans to intoxicate themselves and behave in a way that is detrimental to the game. It’s a part of the place. A few people do not represent the entire club. I am still looking into the details of the trouble makers. Necessary action will be taken shortly,” added Perera.
Later in the evening, police arrested the three spectators who had created trouble and remanded them to custody.
Payment email shown by Kalmadi ‘doctored’
The email that Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, cited to justify payment of a large sum of money to a London-based company is not authentic.
This is what the ministry of external affairs is understood to have conveyed to Mr Kalmadi when he called on the external affairs minister, Mr S.M. Krishna, here Tuesday.
The MEA confronted Mr Kalmadi with the original email sent by the Indian high commission in London, which was different from the email cited by him. Mr Kalmadi was told that the Indian high commission in London had not recommended the company, AM Films, for providing services during the Queen’s Baton Relay held in London on October 29 last year.
Mr Kalmadi had shown an email sent by a junior official of the Indian high commission in London to justify payment to AM Films.
The original email sent along with an explanatory note to the MEA implies that the email might have been manipulated.
The CWG Organising Committee had paid AM Films over Rs 3 crore (or about £4.5 lakh) for services rendered during the Queen’s Baton Relay inauguration without tendering procedure.
Meanwhile, the Congress gave the Union urban development minister, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, the Union sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, and Ms Sheila Dikshit a clean chit in connection with the alleged irregularities.
However, it distanced itself from Mr Kalmadi saying, “Suresh Kalmadi is on the OC not as a Congress representative but as the chairman of the Indian Olympic Association.”
He will reply to the corruption allegations levelled against the Organising Committee, it said.
This is what the ministry of external affairs is understood to have conveyed to Mr Kalmadi when he called on the external affairs minister, Mr S.M. Krishna, here Tuesday.
The MEA confronted Mr Kalmadi with the original email sent by the Indian high commission in London, which was different from the email cited by him. Mr Kalmadi was told that the Indian high commission in London had not recommended the company, AM Films, for providing services during the Queen’s Baton Relay held in London on October 29 last year.
Mr Kalmadi had shown an email sent by a junior official of the Indian high commission in London to justify payment to AM Films.
The original email sent along with an explanatory note to the MEA implies that the email might have been manipulated.
The CWG Organising Committee had paid AM Films over Rs 3 crore (or about £4.5 lakh) for services rendered during the Queen’s Baton Relay inauguration without tendering procedure.
Meanwhile, the Congress gave the Union urban development minister, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, the Union sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, and Ms Sheila Dikshit a clean chit in connection with the alleged irregularities.
However, it distanced itself from Mr Kalmadi saying, “Suresh Kalmadi is on the OC not as a Congress representative but as the chairman of the Indian Olympic Association.”
He will reply to the corruption allegations levelled against the Organising Committee, it said.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Centre to IOA: Asiad? Just no way!
Amid allegations of rampant corruption on the part of the Organising Committee for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, the government is understood to have turned down the Indian Olympic Association’s attempt to bid for the 2019 Asian Games.
Reports claimed that the IOA had quietly offered to host the quadrennial event, informing the sports ministry only after the expiry of the June 30 deadline to seek mandatory government approval.
But the Union sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, denied any knowledge of the Asiad bid or his ministry being approached by the IOA on the matter. “I don’t know about any bid yet. The ministry can only have a view if things are done via a proper system. If you want to bid for anything, you have to prepare lots of documents and you have to have your own council meeting, financial and planning documents, and have to submit those to us.”
However, sources said there would be a formal meeting of the IOA with the Cabinet this week to reconsider the government’s stand on the bid.
Reports claimed that the IOA had quietly offered to host the quadrennial event, informing the sports ministry only after the expiry of the June 30 deadline to seek mandatory government approval.
But the Union sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, denied any knowledge of the Asiad bid or his ministry being approached by the IOA on the matter. “I don’t know about any bid yet. The ministry can only have a view if things are done via a proper system. If you want to bid for anything, you have to prepare lots of documents and you have to have your own council meeting, financial and planning documents, and have to submit those to us.”
However, sources said there would be a formal meeting of the IOA with the Cabinet this week to reconsider the government’s stand on the bid.
7 more slain in Valley, Omar for political fix
Talking tough, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, on Monday made it clear that restraint cannot be one-sided. Mr Abdullah, who briefed the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on the situation in the Valley, said the cycle of violence must stop, only then could one reopen channels.
He said the Valley needed a “political package more than an economic one”. The Centre has decided to rally behind Mr Abdullah and provide adequate assistance, sources said.
Meanwhile, as violence continued to rage in the Valley, the Centre rushed an additional 2,000 paramilitary personnel from New Delhi and Jammu. Nine CRPF companies are being despatched from Delhi while 10 companies are being pulled out of Jammu to be sent to the
Valley.
The Valley itself experienced another day of mayhem with at least seven protesters gunned down by police and paramilitary personnel struggling to contain protests and mob violence which have spread to new areas. About 20 people sustained bullet wounds and many more were injured in daylong street clashes with the security forces, reports from various parts of the Valley said.
He said the Valley needed a “political package more than an economic one”. The Centre has decided to rally behind Mr Abdullah and provide adequate assistance, sources said.
Meanwhile, as violence continued to rage in the Valley, the Centre rushed an additional 2,000 paramilitary personnel from New Delhi and Jammu. Nine CRPF companies are being despatched from Delhi while 10 companies are being pulled out of Jammu to be sent to the
Valley.
The Valley itself experienced another day of mayhem with at least seven protesters gunned down by police and paramilitary personnel struggling to contain protests and mob violence which have spread to new areas. About 20 people sustained bullet wounds and many more were injured in daylong street clashes with the security forces, reports from various parts of the Valley said.
Kayani wants India out of Afghanistan
Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, whose forces sponsor a large-scale rebel war through Afghan proxies to keep New Delhi out of Afghanistan, wants Indian consulates in the war-torn country to be closed, says a Canadian diplomat and former deputy head of the UN mission in Kabul.
Chris Alexander, who was Canada’s ambassador in Kabul from 2003 to 2005 and later deputy of the UN mission until 2009, said Gen. Kayani is calling the shots on Afghanistan and prepared to support suicide attacks in Afghanistan’s cities.
The Pakistani general has even told President Hamid Karzai that he can broker a peace deal with the Taliban, only if Indian consulates in Afghanistan are closed.
Writing in the Globe and Mail under the title “The huge scale of Pakistan’s complicity”, Mr Alexander said: “The Pakistan Army under Gen. Kayani is sponsoring a large-scale, covert rebel war through Afghan proxies, whose strongholds in Balochistan and Waziristan are flourishing. Their mission in Afghanistan is to keep Pashtun nationalism down, India out and Mr Karzai weak.”
“The principal drivers of violence are no longer, if they ever were, inside Afghanistan... ISI is the main driver of the conflict... Gen. Kayani and others will deny complicity. But as the WikiLeaks material demonstrates, their heavy-handed involvement is now obvious at all levels,” the Canadian diplomat said.
Because of this policy, he said “reconciliation has failed to get off the ground: the Pakistan-based Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — the official name for the Taliban and its allies — clearly prefer to fight”. Without Pakistani military support, “the Islamic Emirate’s combat units would collapse like a house of cards. Peace and reconciliation would prosper”, he said.
Giving many examples of how Gen. Kayani controls the principal drivers of the Afghan violence, the Canadian diplomat said: “First, in February, Pakistan’s security forces began arresting a dozen or so Taliban leaders, whose presence on their soil they had always noisily denied, presumably because these insurgent commanders had shown genuine, independent interest in reconciliation.”
“Second, the Chief of Pakistan’s Army Staff, General Ashfaq Kayani, in 2010 once again successfully resisted the United States pressure to launch military operations in Balochistan and North Waziristan, where the Islamic Emirate is based”.
“Third, Gen. Kayani told Mr Karzai this spring that the condition for peace in Afghanistan would be the closing of several Indian consulates, while offering to broker deals with Islamic Emirate leaders, whom he considers a ‘strategic asset’”.
“Fourth, Gen. Kayani blithely told Washington audience that he remained wedded to ‘strategic depth’ — that is, to making Afghanistan the kind of proprietary hinterland for Pakistan, free of Indian or other outside influence, which it was from 1992 to 2001.”
He said the Pakistan Army’s interference in Afghanistan violates the UN Charter and poses a threat to world peace. “It deserves serious discussion in multilateral forums, including the UN.”
Chris Alexander, who was Canada’s ambassador in Kabul from 2003 to 2005 and later deputy of the UN mission until 2009, said Gen. Kayani is calling the shots on Afghanistan and prepared to support suicide attacks in Afghanistan’s cities.
The Pakistani general has even told President Hamid Karzai that he can broker a peace deal with the Taliban, only if Indian consulates in Afghanistan are closed.
Writing in the Globe and Mail under the title “The huge scale of Pakistan’s complicity”, Mr Alexander said: “The Pakistan Army under Gen. Kayani is sponsoring a large-scale, covert rebel war through Afghan proxies, whose strongholds in Balochistan and Waziristan are flourishing. Their mission in Afghanistan is to keep Pashtun nationalism down, India out and Mr Karzai weak.”
“The principal drivers of violence are no longer, if they ever were, inside Afghanistan... ISI is the main driver of the conflict... Gen. Kayani and others will deny complicity. But as the WikiLeaks material demonstrates, their heavy-handed involvement is now obvious at all levels,” the Canadian diplomat said.
Because of this policy, he said “reconciliation has failed to get off the ground: the Pakistan-based Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — the official name for the Taliban and its allies — clearly prefer to fight”. Without Pakistani military support, “the Islamic Emirate’s combat units would collapse like a house of cards. Peace and reconciliation would prosper”, he said.
Giving many examples of how Gen. Kayani controls the principal drivers of the Afghan violence, the Canadian diplomat said: “First, in February, Pakistan’s security forces began arresting a dozen or so Taliban leaders, whose presence on their soil they had always noisily denied, presumably because these insurgent commanders had shown genuine, independent interest in reconciliation.”
“Second, the Chief of Pakistan’s Army Staff, General Ashfaq Kayani, in 2010 once again successfully resisted the United States pressure to launch military operations in Balochistan and North Waziristan, where the Islamic Emirate is based”.
“Third, Gen. Kayani told Mr Karzai this spring that the condition for peace in Afghanistan would be the closing of several Indian consulates, while offering to broker deals with Islamic Emirate leaders, whom he considers a ‘strategic asset’”.
“Fourth, Gen. Kayani blithely told Washington audience that he remained wedded to ‘strategic depth’ — that is, to making Afghanistan the kind of proprietary hinterland for Pakistan, free of Indian or other outside influence, which it was from 1992 to 2001.”
He said the Pakistan Army’s interference in Afghanistan violates the UN Charter and poses a threat to world peace. “It deserves serious discussion in multilateral forums, including the UN.”
Monday, August 2, 2010
Mahesh Babu to play Aamir Khan
The Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots will finally have a Telugu version. But strangely, the reclusive Mahesh Babu has been signed on to reprise the role essayed to such perfection by Aamir Khan. Strangely, because Aamir went all out to promote the film, including hanging out at university campuses to talk about the movie and its philosophy. One can’t quite see Mahesh Babu who went into hibernation doing all that.
Gemini Film Circuit has bagged the remake rights of this movie for Telugu and Tamil. While actor Vijay has been signed on for the Tamil version, the movie will be directed by Shankar, who is currently busy with Endhiran starring Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Harris Jayaraj is rumoured to be the music director for both versions of the film.
Kiran, who heads the Gemini Film Circuit had been holding talks with the producer of 3 Idiots, Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the past six months. There was speculation that Pawan Kalyan would play the lead, but the actor has reportedly rejected the proposal considering his age and ‘image’.
The production house is also not revealing the price at which they have bought the remake rights. Sources however claim that Rs 15 crore was paid for the rights in both the languages. “It is confidential and we can’t reveal the price we paid. Mahesh Babu will play the lead and we are yet to finalise the actors for other two characters in the film,” said Kiran, the producer. The film is expected to hit the screens by summer next year.
However, industry sources say they doubts the film will click considering that it was widely watched in Hindi and Mahesh Babu is certainly no Aamir Khan!
Gemini Film Circuit has bagged the remake rights of this movie for Telugu and Tamil. While actor Vijay has been signed on for the Tamil version, the movie will be directed by Shankar, who is currently busy with Endhiran starring Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Harris Jayaraj is rumoured to be the music director for both versions of the film.
Kiran, who heads the Gemini Film Circuit had been holding talks with the producer of 3 Idiots, Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the past six months. There was speculation that Pawan Kalyan would play the lead, but the actor has reportedly rejected the proposal considering his age and ‘image’.
The production house is also not revealing the price at which they have bought the remake rights. Sources however claim that Rs 15 crore was paid for the rights in both the languages. “It is confidential and we can’t reveal the price we paid. Mahesh Babu will play the lead and we are yet to finalise the actors for other two characters in the film,” said Kiran, the producer. The film is expected to hit the screens by summer next year.
However, industry sources say they doubts the film will click considering that it was widely watched in Hindi and Mahesh Babu is certainly no Aamir Khan!
Leopard mauls girl on way to Tirumala
For the second time in a week, a leopard attacked a devotee on the footpath to Tirumala from Alipiri on Sunday. A nine-member pilgrim party was on its way to Tirumala by foot at night when at around 1.45 am they saw a full-grown leopard following them on a parallel track.
Before the panic-stricken pilgrims could react, the animal pounced on eight-year-old Kalyani and began dragging her away. Thankfully, the shouts from the pilgrims forced the leopard to drop its prey and flee. The girl suffered injuries to her right hand and shoulder and a deep gash on the back.
The profusely-bleeding girl was rushed to the SVRR Government Hospital in Tirupati for treatment and doctors have declared her to be out of danger. The girl’s father Narasimham, is a daily wager from Guntakal.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, executive officer, Mr I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, and the chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Mr P. Mallikarjuna Rao, called on the injured girl and consoled her parents at the hospital in the early hours.
Following the incident, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Wildlife Division (Tirupati) jointly took a decision to close the Alipiri footpath to devotees from 4 pm to 6 am with effect from August 2 for the next one week. A few days back a three-year-old girl was attacked by a leopard in roughly the same area.
Before the panic-stricken pilgrims could react, the animal pounced on eight-year-old Kalyani and began dragging her away. Thankfully, the shouts from the pilgrims forced the leopard to drop its prey and flee. The girl suffered injuries to her right hand and shoulder and a deep gash on the back.
The profusely-bleeding girl was rushed to the SVRR Government Hospital in Tirupati for treatment and doctors have declared her to be out of danger. The girl’s father Narasimham, is a daily wager from Guntakal.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, executive officer, Mr I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, and the chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Mr P. Mallikarjuna Rao, called on the injured girl and consoled her parents at the hospital in the early hours.
Following the incident, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Wildlife Division (Tirupati) jointly took a decision to close the Alipiri footpath to devotees from 4 pm to 6 am with effect from August 2 for the next one week. A few days back a three-year-old girl was attacked by a leopard in roughly the same area.
62 days for CWG: New stadium roof collapses
In a major shock to the Commonwealth Games organising committee, a portion of the roof covering the weightlifting auditorium, part of the newly-remodelled Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex, came crashing down on Sunday even as top Games officials were briefing the media about its inauguration.
Hours after the auditorium’s inauguration, red-faced CWG officials were forced to hand it back to the Central Public Works Department for repairs. Strangely, though, the Union sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, who was present at the inaugural function, insisted that the leaking of the roof and its collapse was “normal” and there was “nothing to worry about”. “It happened due to the continuous rains,” he said.
Delhi government and CWG officials said the roof of the weightlifting auditorium started leaking after Saturday’s showers, which had led to water accumulating inside it.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the main venue for the Games, and the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies. The roof, on which Rs 90 crore was spent, will now take a week more to be repaired, Games officials confirmed.
Hours after the auditorium’s inauguration, red-faced CWG officials were forced to hand it back to the Central Public Works Department for repairs. Strangely, though, the Union sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, who was present at the inaugural function, insisted that the leaking of the roof and its collapse was “normal” and there was “nothing to worry about”. “It happened due to the continuous rains,” he said.
Delhi government and CWG officials said the roof of the weightlifting auditorium started leaking after Saturday’s showers, which had led to water accumulating inside it.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the main venue for the Games, and the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies. The roof, on which Rs 90 crore was spent, will now take a week more to be repaired, Games officials confirmed.
Pranab's breakfast diplomacy, Opposition agrees to debate
Signalling an end to the deadlock in Parliament, leaders of all opposition parties met the finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, on Monday morning and agreed to hold a debate and allow both houses to function peacefully.
The all-party breakfast meeting agreed to the debate on the issue and to allow Parliament to function peacefully from Monday.
"The discussion over the price rise issue will take place Tuesday," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Mr Sitaram Yechury, told reporters.
Asked under which rule the debate would be held, Yechury said: "Under no rule. It is Mr Pranab Mukherjee's rule."
Troubleshooter Mr Mukherjee called the opposition leaders to draw up a formula for ending the stalemate over their demand for a discussion under a rule that entails voting.
The government had rejected the opposition demand, leading to an impasse that led to virtually no business being transacted through last week.
The breakfast meeting also decided to to draft a resolution to be adopted by parliament. The resolution will urge the government to take "effective steps" to contain prices, sources said.
