Modi summoned for riot case by Supreme Court appointed SIT
Ahmedabad, Mar 11 : Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi faced a major embarassment when
he was summoned for the first time for questioning in the 2002 riots after a Supreme Court-
appointed Special Investigation Team asked him to appear before it on March 21.
Eight years after the post-Godhra riots, Modi suffered the ignominy of being the first-ever chief
minister of any state to be called for questioning in connection with a criminal complaint after he and
his administration were accused of aiding and abetting riots in one area here.
The summons were issued in connection with the complaint by Zakia Jaffery, widow of former
Congress MP Ehsan Jaffery who was killed along with 69 others in the 2002 Gulburg society riots.
"We have asked the Chief Minister (Modi) to appear before us on March 21," SIT chief R K
Raghavan told PTI today. The SIT is probing afresh some riot cases.
"He has been asked to come for questioning in connection with the complaint of Zakia Jaffery," he
added. Over 1,000 people were killed during the riots across the state.
Raghavan dismissed as hypothetical a question whether Modi is legally bound to appear before the
SIT.
Zakia in her 100-page complaint alleged conspiracy by Modi and 62 others, including his Cabinet
colleagues, senior police officials and senior bureaucrats.
Gordhan Zadaphia, Ashok Bhatt, P C Pande, who were the home minister, health minister and the
city police commissioner at the time of the riots were also named in the complaint. There was no
immediate reaction from Modi or the state government.
Zakia welcomes SIT move to summon Modi, govt keeps mum
Ahmedabad, Mar 11 : Zakia, wife of slain ex-MP Ehsan Jaffery, today welcomed the special
investigation team's (SIT) move to summon Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for questioning
with regard to 2002 riots, while the state government remained tight-lipped on the issue.
Government spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas said he had nothing to say on the issue. "We had high
hopes from the SIT and now I am happy that summons have been issued to Modi," Zakia, on
whose complaint the SIT had summoned Modi, said.
"I have not slept properly ever since the incident. Now he (Modi) will also have sleepless nights,"
she added.
I do not know what will happen afterwards, but I welcome the move that summons have been
issued to Modi, she said.
Zakia's son Tanveer said, "this is a ray of hope for us. We welcome the move of the SIT, though it
has come four years after my mother (Zakia) filed a petition in the Supreme Court."
BJP divided on women's bill, Advani calls MPs for tea
New Delhi, March 11 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday denied reports that it was
divided over the women's quota bill but the rift was evident with a section of MPs led by Yogi
Adityanath saying that quotas for women were "needless" and would be opposed in the Lok Sabha.
As the signs of disquiet grew, veteran leader and chairperson of the BJP parliamentary party L.K.
Advani called for a meeting of the party's Lok Sabha MPs at his residence over tea Thursday
evening.
Adityanath, who represents Gorakhpur in the lower house, openly rebelled against the bill that
seeks to reserve a third of all seats in the country's legislatures for women.
"It is needless. We are against any reservation. Everybody should come to (parliament) on his/her
ability," he said, adding that the BJP leadership had fallen into a trap of the Congress-led
government.
"There are other more important issues to be discussed. People are suffering from price rise, there
is Maoist insurgency, there is terrorism, and our country is facing grave internal and external
security threats. The government wants to deflect attention of the public and MPs from these
issues," Adityanath told IANS outside parliament.
"There is no demand for it from anywhere. Nobody is demanding it. All this is being done to waste
time of the house so that more important issues are not discussed," he said.
Women's bill may not come up in LS immediately
New Delhi, Mar 11 : The women's reservation bill appears to have been put on the backburner for
the time being after dissent stared in the face of BJP with some MPs threatening to defy the whip
and the Yadav trio stepping up their campaign against the measure.
On a day the BJP, whose support is crucial for passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, was grappling
with the problem of unhappiness among its MPs, a Congress MP also openly expressed views
similar to those being voiced by the opponents of the measure.
Trouble continued over the measure resulting in disruption of the Lok Sabha for the fourth
consecutive day.
In a bid to break the standoff in the House, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Pranab
Mukherjee met with leaders of various parties including Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and
Sharad Yadav, the prominent opponents, and those of allies like Trinamool Congress chief Mamata
Banerjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and DMK leader T R Baalu.
"Some sort of assurance was sought on the progress of the Constitution Amendment Bill (Women's
Bill). Before bringing it to the Lok Sabha, government will complete the process of consultations
with all concerned," Mukherjee said in a statement in the Lok Sabha after the meeting.
Supporters, opponents use adjournments to talk on Women's Bill
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Unable to make their point over Women's Reservation Bill during the
business hours, proponents and opponents of the legislation today used the adjournment periods in
Lok Sabha to convince each other about their views.
As the Lok Sabha was adjourned at 11.40 AM for 20 minutes following uproar by members of
SP, RJD and JD-U, who are opposed to the bill, hectic activities were witnessed in the House.
Members from various parties were seen approaching those of others to convince them about their
points of view on the bill that has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha and is to be introduced
in the Lok Sabha.
Clusters of members, cutting across party lines, were seen holding consultations. RJD Chief Lalu
Prasad and Samajwadi Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav walked up to UPA Chairperson
Sonia Gandhi, apparently to persuade her not to press the bill.
Gandhi was joined by Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee and they together tried to convince
the opponents to give up their resistance.
Islamic clerics oppose women's reservation
Lucknow, March 11 : Not only certain political parties, but even some influential Islamic scholars
and clerics are strongly opposed to the women's reservation bill.
Their opposition seems to stem from the fact that such a provision will not only entitle but also
encourage more and more Muslim women to take a plunge into politics, where it would not be
possible for them to strictly adhere to the tenets of the Shariat.
Maulana Saeed-ur Rehman, principal of the Lucknow-based internationally renowned Nadwat-ul-
Ulema seminary, told IANS: "It was un-Islamic for any Muslim woman to contest an election in a
secular nation."
"Muslim women could contest elections in theocratic Islamic states because they would have to
necessarily remain in 'purdah' while there was no such restriction in secular societies."
The principal of the institution that remains a host to students from leading Islamic nations across the
globe, contended Islam did not permit participation of women in people's parliament simply
because that would mean close interaction with men. "They could, however, join the proceedings of
a parliament where there was ample provision for 'purdah' and proper segregation of women," he
said.
UAE premier meets Manmohan Singh
New Delhi, March 11 : India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Thursday held talks to scale up
their political and economic ties as the UAE's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al
Maktoum arrived here on a visit lasting a few hours and met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Al Maktoum, also vice-president of UAE and the ruler of Dubai, was received warmly at the
airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.
He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and held wide-ranging talks that focused on scaling up
bilateral economic ties to new heights.
The two sides discussed increased collaboration in banking, finance, trade and investments and
infrastructure sector.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, deputy ruler of
Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Department and
chairman of the Emirates Airlines and Mohammed Sultan al Owais, UAE Ambassador to India,
Emirates official news agency WAM said. Bilateral trade is growing and is expected to exceed $25
billion soon.
Why independent witnesses not examined in 26/11 case? : Judge
Mumbai, Mar 11 : A special court hearing the 26/11 terror attack case today asked the
prosecution to explain why police had not examined independent witnesses to prove that lone
surviving Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab had killed constable Tukaram Ombale during an
encounter with police at Girgaum Chowpatty.
The prosecution is relying on the testimony of three police officers who had captured Kasab alive
during an encounter at Chowpatty in the wee hours of November 27, 2008.
The trio -- Bhaskar Kadam, Sanjay Govilkar and Hemant Boudhankar -- have told the court that
Kasab had fired from an Ak-47 rifle at Ombale who died of fatal bullet injuries.
However, Judge M L Tahaliyani, sought to know why police had not examined any independent
witnesses to press the murder charges against Kasab.
Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam submitted that police could not find any independent
witnesses in the wee hours of November 27 when Kasab was captured. Hence policemen who
had caught him alive were asked to give testimony.
The judge raised this query on the third day of the final arguments submitted by prosecutor Nikam.
In another development, Kasab told the court that he was suffering from low blood pressure and
wanted to return to his cell. After observing his condition for some time, the judge asked to go
back to his cell.
Prosecutor Nikam argued that Kasab had killed Amarsinh Solanki, the navigator of fishing boat
"Kuber", and four crew members of the vessel. Kasab and nine others had come from Karachi by
Al-Husseini boat and mid-way at Porbander they hijacked "Kuber" by which they arrived Mumbai
coast.
Nikam said, Kasab had stated in his confession that he had killed Solanki with a sharp edged
weapon and left the body in "Kuber". Kasab had corroborated his version by telling this to a police
officer who questioned him after his arrest and also to a doctor who treated him for injuries.
The prosecutor said Kasab had also stated in his confession that they had done away with four
other crew members of Kuber boat. Kasab's words "Hum unhe bhi kha gaye" implied that they too
had been killed because their bodies were not found on the boat and might have been thrown in the
sea, Nikam said.
Pact on Gorshkov cost, other agreements during Putin visit
New Delhi, Mar 11 : To further consolidate their strategic partnership, India and Russia will be
inking several pacts ranging from defence to civil nuclear sectors worth over USD 10 billion
tomorrow during Russian Prime Minister Vladamir Putin's visit which will also see signing of the
much-delayed agreement for aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov's cost.
Besides bilateral, issues of regional and international importance such as Afghanistan and Pakistan
are also expected to be discussed prominently during the meeting between Putin and his Indian
counterpart Manmohan Singh.
Putin will be accompanied by a "high-powered" delegation comprising several ministers and senior
officials including Deputy Prime Ministers Sergei Ivanov and Sergei Sobyanin. A 15-member
business delegation from Russia will also be here during Putin's visit.
Coming three months after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Russia in December 2009,
Putin's India trip will further enhance the bilateral technological and energy cooperation, Ministry of
External Affairs spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.
On the pacts, the officials said "supplementary agreements pertaining to costing and technical details
of the aircraft carrier will be signed."
Putin, who will arrive here at midnight tonight, will call on President Pratibha Patil and meet UPA
Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during his brief visit of nearly 24 hours.
Krishna warns of terror threat to Indian missions abroad
New Delhi, March 11 : The government Thursday said that some terror groups had plans to target
Indian missions abroad and underlined that it has taken up a slew of measures to strengthen security
of the missions.
The government is aware of certain terror groups having plans to target Indian missions abroad,
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told parliament in a written reply to a question.
The government has taken up the matter with the related countries, sensitising them of the need for
taking effective security measures to counter such plans.
Krishna added that senior security experts from India have made an on-the-spot assessment of the
measures required to strengthen security of India's missions abroad. These measures have been
implemented by the government, he added.
Differing on so many issues, how TC, Cong co-exist, asks CPI-M
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Listing out issues on which Trinamool Congress has differed with the
Congress, the CPI(M) today asked how the two parties could continue to co-exist in the UPA
coalition and the government.
"We can't understand on which issue the Trinamool Congress agrees with the government. First,
we want to know how are they co-existing," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.
The TC differed with the Congress on the issues of handling of Maoist violence, price rise as well
as the Women's Reservation Bill, he said, adding, "they differ on so many crucial issues and yet
continue to remain members of the Union Cabinet as well as part of the UPA coalition".
On the women's bill, he said, "the fact that they (TC) boycotted (voting on it in Rajya Sabha),
shows that they are opposed to the bill".
Yechury and his party colleague Basudeb Acharia said the four Left parties would hold a mass rally
to Parliament tomorrow to protest the government's failure to check rising prices and raise the
issues of unemployment, land acquisition and attacks on their leaders and cadres by Maoists.
They said a call would be given from the rally to all secular opposition parties to join protests on
these issues.
Mukesh richest Indian in world;Mittal 5th wealthiest: Forbes
New York, Mar 11 : With a networth of USD 29 billion (over Rs 1,32,000 crore) industrialist
Mukesh Ambani remains the world's richest Indian and the number of billionaires from India and
their total wealth have more than doubled in the past one year, according to the US magazine
Forbes.
In the Forbes billionaires list, Mukesh not only retained the richest Indian title for the second
straight year but also climbed three places to the fourth position. Last year, he was ranked seventh.
Mukesh's younger sibling Anil Ambani's ranking slipped two spots to 36th. The networth of
Mukesh jumped by USD 9.5 billion in the last 12 months, while Anil saw his fortune climbing by
USD 3.6 billion to USD 13.7 billion but his ranking declined.
Among the top 10 billionaires, Mukesh has the company of fellow Indian and steel baron Lakshmi
Mittal, who with a networth of USD 28.7 billion is ranked fifth.
IT czar Azim Premji with a networth of USD 17 billion jumped to 28th spot from 83rd position last
year. He added USD 11.3 billion to his fortune. Anil is the fourth richest Indian behind Mukesh,
Mittal and Premji.
Salman Khan fails to identify Shakeel's henchman in court
Mumbai, Mar 11 : Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who appeared as prosecution witness in the
case against ganster Chhota Shakeel's henchman Anjum Fazlani, failed to identify the accused.
Salman told the special MCOCA Judge M P Kukday he might have met Fazlani only once or
twice several years ago and thus does not remember him.
According to the prosecution, Fazlani had threatened Salman to reduce his fee for producer Nazim
Rizvi's movie 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' (2001) or face dire consequences.
The actor, clad in a black shirt and cream trousers, told the court he was approached by Rizvi and
assistant producer Abdul Rahim Allahbaksh with an offer to play the lead role in the movie.
"I agreed to the offer but on the condition that the movie should be directed by a well-established
director. Rahim wanted to direct the movie himself, but then agreed and the movie was directed by
Abbas-Mastan," Salman told the court.
NCP attacks Yadav trio on Women's Reservation Bill
New Delhi, Mar 11 : NCP today attacked the Yadav trio for opposing the Women's Reservation
Bill contending that those swearing by the ideals of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia were not
following the same.
Lohia was a great votary of women's reservation and one should ask Lalu Prasad, Mulayam Singh
Yadav that if they are followers of Lohia why are they opposing the Women's Reservation Bill,
NCP General Secretary D P Tripathi told reporters here.
He also justified the summoning of marshals in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday to evict suspended
members -- four from SP, one each from RJD and LJP, one unattached -- who were disrupting
proceedings of the House.
Tripathi, who is also NCP spokesman, said the protesting members had violated the decorum of
Parliament. "Democracy is never strengthened by indecency," he said.
Asked about Congress' criticism of NCP chief Sharad Pawar on the issue of price rise, he said it
was wrong to contend that Pawar, the Union Minister for Agriculture, Food and Civil Supplies,
was alone responsible for the increase in prices of essential commodities.
Gave money to suspected IM terrorists unknowingly: ex-MLA
New Delhi, Mar 11 : A former Azamgarh MLA today said two suspected Indian Mujahideen
terrorists allegedly involved in Delhi serial blasts had met him at his residence and sought monetary
help soon after they escaped from Batla House following an encounter.
Abdus Salam of Congress claimed Junaid alias Haris, whom he knew, came to his flat in Saba
Apartments in Noida Sector 44 at around 4:30 pm on September 19, 2008 along with another
person but he was not aware that they were involved in the blasts or the gun battle at Batla House
in south Delhi.
Salam gave around Rs 1,500 to Junaid and another person whom the former MLA did not meet
earlier. Salam said he remembers that Junaid told him that his name was Pappu.
Suspected IM terrorist Shahzad, police sources had earlier said, told his interrogators after his
arrest on February one that he and Junaid had gone to the house of a former MLA from whom
they got some money for travelling. Police had not named the politician.
Sources had said Shahzad had taken the names of three politicians, including one from Mumbai,
who gave them money.
BSF, BDR agree to increase cooperation
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh today agreed to increase
mutual cooperation in restricting the cross-border movement of "criminals" while ensuring that
innocent people are not killed on the frontier.
Bangladesh also promised action against the Indian insurgents who may be operating from its soil, a
list of whom was handed over to it by India, BSF Director General Raman Srivastava said.
The BDR is trying to ascertain the presence of these insurgents on their side of the border, he said
after signing a joint record of discussions with Bangladesh Rifles DG Major General Mainul Islam,
who is on a four-day visit here.
Islam, who is leading a 19-member delegation, assured that the territory of Bangladesh will not be
used for terrorist activities against any country.
Srivastava also said while "criminals" who violate curfew imposed at night on the border need to be
restricted, "we have agreed to ensure that no innocent civilian is shot by the troops. We have no
reason for fire at innocent civilians."
The chiefs also agreed to ensure that the spirit of the India-Bangladesh joint statement issued during
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in January this year percolates down to ground
level forces on the border.
Pakistan's snub to moderate separatists in Kashmir
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Apparently trying to dabble in internal rivalry in the Hurriyat, Pakistan has
invited hardline leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani as the 'Chairman' of the amalgam along with six other
Kashmiri separatist leaders for a meeting in Islamabad later this month.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has sent an invitation to seven Kashmiri
separatist leaders including Geelani,a hardline leader; Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, a moderate; President
Kashmir Bar Council Mian Abdul Qayyum, Shabir Shah, JKLF Chief Yaseen Malik, firebrand
woman separatist leader Aasiya Andrabi and Shia leader Aga Syed Hassan, according to Hurriyat
sources today.
Surprisingly, Geelani has been referred to as 'Chairman' of Hurriyat Conference--a major point of
difference between the Mirwaiz and Geelani factions, in a virtual snub by Pakistan to moderate
separatists who consider the Mirwaiz as the Chairman of the secessionist outfit.
Ironically, Pakistan chose to invite Shah and Andrabi despite the former being in jail for his alleged
involvement of anti-national activities and the latter eluding the police in connection with her alleged
role in spreading enmity. Prominent leaders like Abdul Gani Bhat and Bilal Lone have not been
invited.
India will feel slowdown pain for half a decade, says Yechury
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Observing that it will take another half a decade for the country to fully
recover from effects of economic slowdown, senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury today said
increased spending on infrastructure sector could help accelerate the pace of growth.
"We would feel the pain for the next half a decade," he said an interactive session here when asked
how long will it take the country to recover and attain a growth rate it saw prior to 2005-06.
Yechury, however, felt India was not as badly hit as other Western countries because it was
relatively more insulated than other economies of the world.
"To that extent, I think we could prevent the devastation from taking place in the manner in which it
happened in the West and other countries," he said at the Mindmine Summit, attended by captains
of Indian industry.
The Left's role in opposing three crucial bills when they were supporting the previous UPA
government also saved the country from the economic meltdown, he claimed.
"We did not allow three very crucial bills that would have integrated us completely with the global
financial market. That is full convertibility, banking reform and FDI in insurance sector," he said.
Smita Thackeray hails Sonia, waits for signal to join Congress
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Smita Thackeray, estranged daughter-in-law of Shiv Sena supremo Bal
Thackeray, today again expressed her desire to join Congress and hailed Sonia Gandhi as a great
leader.
"I am an admirer of Sonia Gandhi and she is a great leader and I respect her a lot. If I get a call, I
would definitely join the Congress," Thackeray told reporters outside Parliament.
Ruling out any political motive behind her Delhi visit, she said, "I had come to Delhi to see
Parliament. There is no political mission behind the visit."
Describing the women's Bill as a historic one, she thanked Gandhi for making it possible. "The Bill
is a step forward for women's empowerment," she said.
To a question on why she is leaving Shiv Sena, she said "I was never in Shiv Sena. Till now I have
not joined any political party. I am involved with social organisations."
Food inflation slides to 17.81 pc, fuel prices rise
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Food inflation eased a bit to 17.81 per cent during the last week of February,
but may not soothe overall inflation as petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply following the hike
in duty rates.
While food prices are expected to moderate further in the weeks ahead, the overall inflation may hit
double digits by fiscal end as manufactured and fuel prices are going to get costlier, say experts.
Food inflation declined by 0.06 percentage points during the week ended February 27 from 17.87
per cent in the previous week.
Though a range of essential items still continue to be expensive, the rate of price rise has fallen in the
past few weeks.
On year-on-year pulses were dearer by 33.38 per cent, slightly lower than over 35 per cent in the
previous week, while potatoes turned costlier by 22.46 per cent. Onion rose by just 2.98 per cent.
Kalam for more schools for special children
Mumbai, Mar 11 : Former president A P J Abdul Kalam has advocated for setting up of more
schools across the country for mentally challenged children to give a fillip to their confidence and
abilities.
"We need more such organisations or schools for special children in our country. These schools
increase their confidence, capability and enhances their skills," Kalam said at a function organised
by SPJ Sadhana School for mentally challenged children and young adults yesterday.
The former president, who was on a one-day visit to the city to attend two functions, also said
there is a need to train teachers to handle these "special students".
"For these (mentally challenged) students there is a need for proper trained teachers," he said.
Kalam also suggested that mentally challenged children must be enrolled in special schools rather
than delaying their admission.
Mumbai terror suspect Rana denied bail
Chicago, March 11 : Saying that "very serious crimes" with which Pakistan born terror suspect
Tahawwur Hussain Rana is charged give him a motive to flee, a US court has again turned down
his bail plea.
"Defendant Rana's motion to revoke Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan's detention order is denied,"
Judge Harry Leinenweber of US District Court, Northern District of Illinois ruled Wednesday.
Rana, a Canadian citizen living in Chicago, has been accused of helping Pakistan-based terror outfit
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in plotting terror attacks in India including the Nov 26, 2008 Mumbai
terror attacks.
He has made several pleas to be released on bond since his arrest last October contending that he
was "duped" by co-accused American-Pakistani LeT operative David Coleman Headley.
Headley, 49, and Rana, 48, were arrested by FBI in October last year on charges of aiding and
supporting a terror organisation for attacks against India and a Danish newspaper.
"The evidence in the form of recorded conversations, while not conclusive, appears to corroborate
the government's contention that he was a knowing ally of Headley and had been acquainted in
advance of the Mumbai attacks," the US court said.
Mamata Banerjee rules out railways' privatisation
New Delhi, March 11 : Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday once again ruled out any
move to privatise the country's railroad network but said the corporate sector will be roped in the
best possible manner to bridge the funds deficit.
Speaking on the debate on the railway budget for the upcoming fiscal in the Rajya Sabha, Banerjee
said her medium-term focus for the ministry was well spelt out in the Vision 2020 document
unveiled in December, which also speaks of private sector involvement.
"Let me assure the house there will be no privatisation of Indian Railways. I am proud of my
department and I am proud of the 1,400,000 employees of railways. They also need some praise,"
the minister said.
"But where will all the money come from? It won't fall from the skies. I am not going to sell railway
land. But there will be commercial utilisation of railway land through the public-private partnership
mode," she added.
Indian Railways runs the world's second largest network under a single management with a
network of 64,015 route-km to ferry 18 million passengers and some 850 million tonnes of cargo
on 17,000 trains daily from 6,906 stations.
Major hunt for Maoists in Jharkhand, West Bengal
Ranchi/Kolkata, March 11 : Backed by air cover, security forces Thursday pursued Maoists in
eight districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand in a major crackdown, seizing a huge quantity of arms
and destroying concealed rebel camps in thick forests.
Director General of Police Neyaz Ahmad told IANS: "Yes, operations have been launched in many
places in Jharkhand. West Bengal has also joined the inter-state operation against Maoists."
Officials said the drive against the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was
on in West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Seraikela districts in Jharkhand
as well as Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura districts in nearby West Bengal.
An unspecified number of police and paramilitary personnel were involved in the coordinated
operation that one Jharkhand police officer said began three days ago.
"Initially, the operation was kept a secret," the officer told IANS on the condition of anonymity.
"The paramilitary forces and state police are sanitising the jungle areas. Some landmines have been
recovered and four Maoist camps destroyed.
"The operation has air surveillance. Security forces have made a makeshift helipad in Saranda
jungle area (in Jharkhand)," the officer added.
FTV banned for nine days for showing topless women
New Delhi, March 11 : The central government Thursday banned Fashion TV for nine days for
showing topless women, which offended "good taste and decency".
The information and broadcasting ministry said it was prohibiting transmission of the FTV Channel
from 7 p.m. on March 12 to the same time March 21 "through cable television networks and any
other platforms throughout the country".
According to a statement, a programme on FTV channel telecast Sep 4, 2009, showed "women
with nude upper body which was offending against good taste and decency."
"The visuals were found to be obscene, denigrating women and were not suitable for children and
unrestricted public exhibition," the statement said. The ministry said that the channel had violated the
Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
Ahmedabad, Mar 11 : Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi faced a major embarassment when
he was summoned for the first time for questioning in the 2002 riots after a Supreme Court-
appointed Special Investigation Team asked him to appear before it on March 21.
Eight years after the post-Godhra riots, Modi suffered the ignominy of being the first-ever chief
minister of any state to be called for questioning in connection with a criminal complaint after he and
his administration were accused of aiding and abetting riots in one area here.
The summons were issued in connection with the complaint by Zakia Jaffery, widow of former
Congress MP Ehsan Jaffery who was killed along with 69 others in the 2002 Gulburg society riots.
"We have asked the Chief Minister (Modi) to appear before us on March 21," SIT chief R K
Raghavan told PTI today. The SIT is probing afresh some riot cases.
"He has been asked to come for questioning in connection with the complaint of Zakia Jaffery," he
added. Over 1,000 people were killed during the riots across the state.
Raghavan dismissed as hypothetical a question whether Modi is legally bound to appear before the
SIT.
Zakia in her 100-page complaint alleged conspiracy by Modi and 62 others, including his Cabinet
colleagues, senior police officials and senior bureaucrats.
Gordhan Zadaphia, Ashok Bhatt, P C Pande, who were the home minister, health minister and the
city police commissioner at the time of the riots were also named in the complaint. There was no
immediate reaction from Modi or the state government.
Zakia welcomes SIT move to summon Modi, govt keeps mum
Ahmedabad, Mar 11 : Zakia, wife of slain ex-MP Ehsan Jaffery, today welcomed the special
investigation team's (SIT) move to summon Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for questioning
with regard to 2002 riots, while the state government remained tight-lipped on the issue.
Government spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas said he had nothing to say on the issue. "We had high
hopes from the SIT and now I am happy that summons have been issued to Modi," Zakia, on
whose complaint the SIT had summoned Modi, said.
"I have not slept properly ever since the incident. Now he (Modi) will also have sleepless nights,"
she added.
I do not know what will happen afterwards, but I welcome the move that summons have been
issued to Modi, she said.
Zakia's son Tanveer said, "this is a ray of hope for us. We welcome the move of the SIT, though it
has come four years after my mother (Zakia) filed a petition in the Supreme Court."
BJP divided on women's bill, Advani calls MPs for tea
New Delhi, March 11 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday denied reports that it was
divided over the women's quota bill but the rift was evident with a section of MPs led by Yogi
Adityanath saying that quotas for women were "needless" and would be opposed in the Lok Sabha.
As the signs of disquiet grew, veteran leader and chairperson of the BJP parliamentary party L.K.
Advani called for a meeting of the party's Lok Sabha MPs at his residence over tea Thursday
evening.
Adityanath, who represents Gorakhpur in the lower house, openly rebelled against the bill that
seeks to reserve a third of all seats in the country's legislatures for women.
"It is needless. We are against any reservation. Everybody should come to (parliament) on his/her
ability," he said, adding that the BJP leadership had fallen into a trap of the Congress-led
government.
"There are other more important issues to be discussed. People are suffering from price rise, there
is Maoist insurgency, there is terrorism, and our country is facing grave internal and external
security threats. The government wants to deflect attention of the public and MPs from these
issues," Adityanath told IANS outside parliament.
"There is no demand for it from anywhere. Nobody is demanding it. All this is being done to waste
time of the house so that more important issues are not discussed," he said.
Women's bill may not come up in LS immediately
New Delhi, Mar 11 : The women's reservation bill appears to have been put on the backburner for
the time being after dissent stared in the face of BJP with some MPs threatening to defy the whip
and the Yadav trio stepping up their campaign against the measure.
On a day the BJP, whose support is crucial for passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, was grappling
with the problem of unhappiness among its MPs, a Congress MP also openly expressed views
similar to those being voiced by the opponents of the measure.
Trouble continued over the measure resulting in disruption of the Lok Sabha for the fourth
consecutive day.
In a bid to break the standoff in the House, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Pranab
Mukherjee met with leaders of various parties including Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and
Sharad Yadav, the prominent opponents, and those of allies like Trinamool Congress chief Mamata
Banerjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and DMK leader T R Baalu.
"Some sort of assurance was sought on the progress of the Constitution Amendment Bill (Women's
Bill). Before bringing it to the Lok Sabha, government will complete the process of consultations
with all concerned," Mukherjee said in a statement in the Lok Sabha after the meeting.
Supporters, opponents use adjournments to talk on Women's Bill
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Unable to make their point over Women's Reservation Bill during the
business hours, proponents and opponents of the legislation today used the adjournment periods in
Lok Sabha to convince each other about their views.
As the Lok Sabha was adjourned at 11.40 AM for 20 minutes following uproar by members of
SP, RJD and JD-U, who are opposed to the bill, hectic activities were witnessed in the House.
Members from various parties were seen approaching those of others to convince them about their
points of view on the bill that has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha and is to be introduced
in the Lok Sabha.
Clusters of members, cutting across party lines, were seen holding consultations. RJD Chief Lalu
Prasad and Samajwadi Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav walked up to UPA Chairperson
Sonia Gandhi, apparently to persuade her not to press the bill.
Gandhi was joined by Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee and they together tried to convince
the opponents to give up their resistance.
Islamic clerics oppose women's reservation
Lucknow, March 11 : Not only certain political parties, but even some influential Islamic scholars
and clerics are strongly opposed to the women's reservation bill.
Their opposition seems to stem from the fact that such a provision will not only entitle but also
encourage more and more Muslim women to take a plunge into politics, where it would not be
possible for them to strictly adhere to the tenets of the Shariat.
Maulana Saeed-ur Rehman, principal of the Lucknow-based internationally renowned Nadwat-ul-
Ulema seminary, told IANS: "It was un-Islamic for any Muslim woman to contest an election in a
secular nation."
"Muslim women could contest elections in theocratic Islamic states because they would have to
necessarily remain in 'purdah' while there was no such restriction in secular societies."
The principal of the institution that remains a host to students from leading Islamic nations across the
globe, contended Islam did not permit participation of women in people's parliament simply
because that would mean close interaction with men. "They could, however, join the proceedings of
a parliament where there was ample provision for 'purdah' and proper segregation of women," he
said.
UAE premier meets Manmohan Singh
New Delhi, March 11 : India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Thursday held talks to scale up
their political and economic ties as the UAE's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al
Maktoum arrived here on a visit lasting a few hours and met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Al Maktoum, also vice-president of UAE and the ruler of Dubai, was received warmly at the
airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.
He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and held wide-ranging talks that focused on scaling up
bilateral economic ties to new heights.
The two sides discussed increased collaboration in banking, finance, trade and investments and
infrastructure sector.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, deputy ruler of
Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Department and
chairman of the Emirates Airlines and Mohammed Sultan al Owais, UAE Ambassador to India,
Emirates official news agency WAM said. Bilateral trade is growing and is expected to exceed $25
billion soon.
Why independent witnesses not examined in 26/11 case? : Judge
Mumbai, Mar 11 : A special court hearing the 26/11 terror attack case today asked the
prosecution to explain why police had not examined independent witnesses to prove that lone
surviving Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab had killed constable Tukaram Ombale during an
encounter with police at Girgaum Chowpatty.
The prosecution is relying on the testimony of three police officers who had captured Kasab alive
during an encounter at Chowpatty in the wee hours of November 27, 2008.
The trio -- Bhaskar Kadam, Sanjay Govilkar and Hemant Boudhankar -- have told the court that
Kasab had fired from an Ak-47 rifle at Ombale who died of fatal bullet injuries.
However, Judge M L Tahaliyani, sought to know why police had not examined any independent
witnesses to press the murder charges against Kasab.
Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam submitted that police could not find any independent
witnesses in the wee hours of November 27 when Kasab was captured. Hence policemen who
had caught him alive were asked to give testimony.
The judge raised this query on the third day of the final arguments submitted by prosecutor Nikam.
In another development, Kasab told the court that he was suffering from low blood pressure and
wanted to return to his cell. After observing his condition for some time, the judge asked to go
back to his cell.
Prosecutor Nikam argued that Kasab had killed Amarsinh Solanki, the navigator of fishing boat
"Kuber", and four crew members of the vessel. Kasab and nine others had come from Karachi by
Al-Husseini boat and mid-way at Porbander they hijacked "Kuber" by which they arrived Mumbai
coast.
Nikam said, Kasab had stated in his confession that he had killed Solanki with a sharp edged
weapon and left the body in "Kuber". Kasab had corroborated his version by telling this to a police
officer who questioned him after his arrest and also to a doctor who treated him for injuries.
The prosecutor said Kasab had also stated in his confession that they had done away with four
other crew members of Kuber boat. Kasab's words "Hum unhe bhi kha gaye" implied that they too
had been killed because their bodies were not found on the boat and might have been thrown in the
sea, Nikam said.
Pact on Gorshkov cost, other agreements during Putin visit
New Delhi, Mar 11 : To further consolidate their strategic partnership, India and Russia will be
inking several pacts ranging from defence to civil nuclear sectors worth over USD 10 billion
tomorrow during Russian Prime Minister Vladamir Putin's visit which will also see signing of the
much-delayed agreement for aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov's cost.
Besides bilateral, issues of regional and international importance such as Afghanistan and Pakistan
are also expected to be discussed prominently during the meeting between Putin and his Indian
counterpart Manmohan Singh.
Putin will be accompanied by a "high-powered" delegation comprising several ministers and senior
officials including Deputy Prime Ministers Sergei Ivanov and Sergei Sobyanin. A 15-member
business delegation from Russia will also be here during Putin's visit.
Coming three months after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Russia in December 2009,
Putin's India trip will further enhance the bilateral technological and energy cooperation, Ministry of
External Affairs spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.
On the pacts, the officials said "supplementary agreements pertaining to costing and technical details
of the aircraft carrier will be signed."
Putin, who will arrive here at midnight tonight, will call on President Pratibha Patil and meet UPA
Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during his brief visit of nearly 24 hours.
Krishna warns of terror threat to Indian missions abroad
New Delhi, March 11 : The government Thursday said that some terror groups had plans to target
Indian missions abroad and underlined that it has taken up a slew of measures to strengthen security
of the missions.
The government is aware of certain terror groups having plans to target Indian missions abroad,
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told parliament in a written reply to a question.
The government has taken up the matter with the related countries, sensitising them of the need for
taking effective security measures to counter such plans.
Krishna added that senior security experts from India have made an on-the-spot assessment of the
measures required to strengthen security of India's missions abroad. These measures have been
implemented by the government, he added.
Differing on so many issues, how TC, Cong co-exist, asks CPI-M
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Listing out issues on which Trinamool Congress has differed with the
Congress, the CPI(M) today asked how the two parties could continue to co-exist in the UPA
coalition and the government.
"We can't understand on which issue the Trinamool Congress agrees with the government. First,
we want to know how are they co-existing," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.
The TC differed with the Congress on the issues of handling of Maoist violence, price rise as well
as the Women's Reservation Bill, he said, adding, "they differ on so many crucial issues and yet
continue to remain members of the Union Cabinet as well as part of the UPA coalition".
On the women's bill, he said, "the fact that they (TC) boycotted (voting on it in Rajya Sabha),
shows that they are opposed to the bill".
Yechury and his party colleague Basudeb Acharia said the four Left parties would hold a mass rally
to Parliament tomorrow to protest the government's failure to check rising prices and raise the
issues of unemployment, land acquisition and attacks on their leaders and cadres by Maoists.
They said a call would be given from the rally to all secular opposition parties to join protests on
these issues.
Mukesh richest Indian in world;Mittal 5th wealthiest: Forbes
New York, Mar 11 : With a networth of USD 29 billion (over Rs 1,32,000 crore) industrialist
Mukesh Ambani remains the world's richest Indian and the number of billionaires from India and
their total wealth have more than doubled in the past one year, according to the US magazine
Forbes.
In the Forbes billionaires list, Mukesh not only retained the richest Indian title for the second
straight year but also climbed three places to the fourth position. Last year, he was ranked seventh.
Mukesh's younger sibling Anil Ambani's ranking slipped two spots to 36th. The networth of
Mukesh jumped by USD 9.5 billion in the last 12 months, while Anil saw his fortune climbing by
USD 3.6 billion to USD 13.7 billion but his ranking declined.
Among the top 10 billionaires, Mukesh has the company of fellow Indian and steel baron Lakshmi
Mittal, who with a networth of USD 28.7 billion is ranked fifth.
IT czar Azim Premji with a networth of USD 17 billion jumped to 28th spot from 83rd position last
year. He added USD 11.3 billion to his fortune. Anil is the fourth richest Indian behind Mukesh,
Mittal and Premji.
Salman Khan fails to identify Shakeel's henchman in court
Mumbai, Mar 11 : Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who appeared as prosecution witness in the
case against ganster Chhota Shakeel's henchman Anjum Fazlani, failed to identify the accused.
Salman told the special MCOCA Judge M P Kukday he might have met Fazlani only once or
twice several years ago and thus does not remember him.
According to the prosecution, Fazlani had threatened Salman to reduce his fee for producer Nazim
Rizvi's movie 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' (2001) or face dire consequences.
The actor, clad in a black shirt and cream trousers, told the court he was approached by Rizvi and
assistant producer Abdul Rahim Allahbaksh with an offer to play the lead role in the movie.
"I agreed to the offer but on the condition that the movie should be directed by a well-established
director. Rahim wanted to direct the movie himself, but then agreed and the movie was directed by
Abbas-Mastan," Salman told the court.
NCP attacks Yadav trio on Women's Reservation Bill
New Delhi, Mar 11 : NCP today attacked the Yadav trio for opposing the Women's Reservation
Bill contending that those swearing by the ideals of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia were not
following the same.
Lohia was a great votary of women's reservation and one should ask Lalu Prasad, Mulayam Singh
Yadav that if they are followers of Lohia why are they opposing the Women's Reservation Bill,
NCP General Secretary D P Tripathi told reporters here.
He also justified the summoning of marshals in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday to evict suspended
members -- four from SP, one each from RJD and LJP, one unattached -- who were disrupting
proceedings of the House.
Tripathi, who is also NCP spokesman, said the protesting members had violated the decorum of
Parliament. "Democracy is never strengthened by indecency," he said.
Asked about Congress' criticism of NCP chief Sharad Pawar on the issue of price rise, he said it
was wrong to contend that Pawar, the Union Minister for Agriculture, Food and Civil Supplies,
was alone responsible for the increase in prices of essential commodities.
Gave money to suspected IM terrorists unknowingly: ex-MLA
New Delhi, Mar 11 : A former Azamgarh MLA today said two suspected Indian Mujahideen
terrorists allegedly involved in Delhi serial blasts had met him at his residence and sought monetary
help soon after they escaped from Batla House following an encounter.
Abdus Salam of Congress claimed Junaid alias Haris, whom he knew, came to his flat in Saba
Apartments in Noida Sector 44 at around 4:30 pm on September 19, 2008 along with another
person but he was not aware that they were involved in the blasts or the gun battle at Batla House
in south Delhi.
Salam gave around Rs 1,500 to Junaid and another person whom the former MLA did not meet
earlier. Salam said he remembers that Junaid told him that his name was Pappu.
Suspected IM terrorist Shahzad, police sources had earlier said, told his interrogators after his
arrest on February one that he and Junaid had gone to the house of a former MLA from whom
they got some money for travelling. Police had not named the politician.
Sources had said Shahzad had taken the names of three politicians, including one from Mumbai,
who gave them money.
BSF, BDR agree to increase cooperation
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh today agreed to increase
mutual cooperation in restricting the cross-border movement of "criminals" while ensuring that
innocent people are not killed on the frontier.
Bangladesh also promised action against the Indian insurgents who may be operating from its soil, a
list of whom was handed over to it by India, BSF Director General Raman Srivastava said.
The BDR is trying to ascertain the presence of these insurgents on their side of the border, he said
after signing a joint record of discussions with Bangladesh Rifles DG Major General Mainul Islam,
who is on a four-day visit here.
Islam, who is leading a 19-member delegation, assured that the territory of Bangladesh will not be
used for terrorist activities against any country.
Srivastava also said while "criminals" who violate curfew imposed at night on the border need to be
restricted, "we have agreed to ensure that no innocent civilian is shot by the troops. We have no
reason for fire at innocent civilians."
The chiefs also agreed to ensure that the spirit of the India-Bangladesh joint statement issued during
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in January this year percolates down to ground
level forces on the border.
Pakistan's snub to moderate separatists in Kashmir
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Apparently trying to dabble in internal rivalry in the Hurriyat, Pakistan has
invited hardline leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani as the 'Chairman' of the amalgam along with six other
Kashmiri separatist leaders for a meeting in Islamabad later this month.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has sent an invitation to seven Kashmiri
separatist leaders including Geelani,a hardline leader; Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, a moderate; President
Kashmir Bar Council Mian Abdul Qayyum, Shabir Shah, JKLF Chief Yaseen Malik, firebrand
woman separatist leader Aasiya Andrabi and Shia leader Aga Syed Hassan, according to Hurriyat
sources today.
Surprisingly, Geelani has been referred to as 'Chairman' of Hurriyat Conference--a major point of
difference between the Mirwaiz and Geelani factions, in a virtual snub by Pakistan to moderate
separatists who consider the Mirwaiz as the Chairman of the secessionist outfit.
Ironically, Pakistan chose to invite Shah and Andrabi despite the former being in jail for his alleged
involvement of anti-national activities and the latter eluding the police in connection with her alleged
role in spreading enmity. Prominent leaders like Abdul Gani Bhat and Bilal Lone have not been
invited.
India will feel slowdown pain for half a decade, says Yechury
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Observing that it will take another half a decade for the country to fully
recover from effects of economic slowdown, senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury today said
increased spending on infrastructure sector could help accelerate the pace of growth.
"We would feel the pain for the next half a decade," he said an interactive session here when asked
how long will it take the country to recover and attain a growth rate it saw prior to 2005-06.
Yechury, however, felt India was not as badly hit as other Western countries because it was
relatively more insulated than other economies of the world.
"To that extent, I think we could prevent the devastation from taking place in the manner in which it
happened in the West and other countries," he said at the Mindmine Summit, attended by captains
of Indian industry.
The Left's role in opposing three crucial bills when they were supporting the previous UPA
government also saved the country from the economic meltdown, he claimed.
"We did not allow three very crucial bills that would have integrated us completely with the global
financial market. That is full convertibility, banking reform and FDI in insurance sector," he said.
Smita Thackeray hails Sonia, waits for signal to join Congress
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Smita Thackeray, estranged daughter-in-law of Shiv Sena supremo Bal
Thackeray, today again expressed her desire to join Congress and hailed Sonia Gandhi as a great
leader.
"I am an admirer of Sonia Gandhi and she is a great leader and I respect her a lot. If I get a call, I
would definitely join the Congress," Thackeray told reporters outside Parliament.
Ruling out any political motive behind her Delhi visit, she said, "I had come to Delhi to see
Parliament. There is no political mission behind the visit."
Describing the women's Bill as a historic one, she thanked Gandhi for making it possible. "The Bill
is a step forward for women's empowerment," she said.
To a question on why she is leaving Shiv Sena, she said "I was never in Shiv Sena. Till now I have
not joined any political party. I am involved with social organisations."
Food inflation slides to 17.81 pc, fuel prices rise
New Delhi, Mar 11 : Food inflation eased a bit to 17.81 per cent during the last week of February,
but may not soothe overall inflation as petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply following the hike
in duty rates.
While food prices are expected to moderate further in the weeks ahead, the overall inflation may hit
double digits by fiscal end as manufactured and fuel prices are going to get costlier, say experts.
Food inflation declined by 0.06 percentage points during the week ended February 27 from 17.87
per cent in the previous week.
Though a range of essential items still continue to be expensive, the rate of price rise has fallen in the
past few weeks.
On year-on-year pulses were dearer by 33.38 per cent, slightly lower than over 35 per cent in the
previous week, while potatoes turned costlier by 22.46 per cent. Onion rose by just 2.98 per cent.
Kalam for more schools for special children
Mumbai, Mar 11 : Former president A P J Abdul Kalam has advocated for setting up of more
schools across the country for mentally challenged children to give a fillip to their confidence and
abilities.
"We need more such organisations or schools for special children in our country. These schools
increase their confidence, capability and enhances their skills," Kalam said at a function organised
by SPJ Sadhana School for mentally challenged children and young adults yesterday.
The former president, who was on a one-day visit to the city to attend two functions, also said
there is a need to train teachers to handle these "special students".
"For these (mentally challenged) students there is a need for proper trained teachers," he said.
Kalam also suggested that mentally challenged children must be enrolled in special schools rather
than delaying their admission.
Mumbai terror suspect Rana denied bail
Chicago, March 11 : Saying that "very serious crimes" with which Pakistan born terror suspect
Tahawwur Hussain Rana is charged give him a motive to flee, a US court has again turned down
his bail plea.
"Defendant Rana's motion to revoke Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan's detention order is denied,"
Judge Harry Leinenweber of US District Court, Northern District of Illinois ruled Wednesday.
Rana, a Canadian citizen living in Chicago, has been accused of helping Pakistan-based terror outfit
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in plotting terror attacks in India including the Nov 26, 2008 Mumbai
terror attacks.
He has made several pleas to be released on bond since his arrest last October contending that he
was "duped" by co-accused American-Pakistani LeT operative David Coleman Headley.
Headley, 49, and Rana, 48, were arrested by FBI in October last year on charges of aiding and
supporting a terror organisation for attacks against India and a Danish newspaper.
"The evidence in the form of recorded conversations, while not conclusive, appears to corroborate
the government's contention that he was a knowing ally of Headley and had been acquainted in
advance of the Mumbai attacks," the US court said.
Mamata Banerjee rules out railways' privatisation
New Delhi, March 11 : Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday once again ruled out any
move to privatise the country's railroad network but said the corporate sector will be roped in the
best possible manner to bridge the funds deficit.
Speaking on the debate on the railway budget for the upcoming fiscal in the Rajya Sabha, Banerjee
said her medium-term focus for the ministry was well spelt out in the Vision 2020 document
unveiled in December, which also speaks of private sector involvement.
"Let me assure the house there will be no privatisation of Indian Railways. I am proud of my
department and I am proud of the 1,400,000 employees of railways. They also need some praise,"
the minister said.
"But where will all the money come from? It won't fall from the skies. I am not going to sell railway
land. But there will be commercial utilisation of railway land through the public-private partnership
mode," she added.
Indian Railways runs the world's second largest network under a single management with a
network of 64,015 route-km to ferry 18 million passengers and some 850 million tonnes of cargo
on 17,000 trains daily from 6,906 stations.
Major hunt for Maoists in Jharkhand, West Bengal
Ranchi/Kolkata, March 11 : Backed by air cover, security forces Thursday pursued Maoists in
eight districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand in a major crackdown, seizing a huge quantity of arms
and destroying concealed rebel camps in thick forests.
Director General of Police Neyaz Ahmad told IANS: "Yes, operations have been launched in many
places in Jharkhand. West Bengal has also joined the inter-state operation against Maoists."
Officials said the drive against the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was
on in West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Seraikela districts in Jharkhand
as well as Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura districts in nearby West Bengal.
An unspecified number of police and paramilitary personnel were involved in the coordinated
operation that one Jharkhand police officer said began three days ago.
"Initially, the operation was kept a secret," the officer told IANS on the condition of anonymity.
"The paramilitary forces and state police are sanitising the jungle areas. Some landmines have been
recovered and four Maoist camps destroyed.
"The operation has air surveillance. Security forces have made a makeshift helipad in Saranda
jungle area (in Jharkhand)," the officer added.
FTV banned for nine days for showing topless women
New Delhi, March 11 : The central government Thursday banned Fashion TV for nine days for
showing topless women, which offended "good taste and decency".
The information and broadcasting ministry said it was prohibiting transmission of the FTV Channel
from 7 p.m. on March 12 to the same time March 21 "through cable television networks and any
other platforms throughout the country".
According to a statement, a programme on FTV channel telecast Sep 4, 2009, showed "women
with nude upper body which was offending against good taste and decency."
"The visuals were found to be obscene, denigrating women and were not suitable for children and
unrestricted public exhibition," the statement said. The ministry said that the channel had violated the
Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
