National News

Three Indians taken hostage by pirates off Kenyan coast

: New Delhi, Jan 16: With the Stolt Valor hostage drama involving Indians still fresh, another ship with three Indians on board has been hijacked by pirates off the coast of Kenya and the Navy said it will take “all action” to secure their release. The Kenyan fishing vessel M V Alpha Manyara has an Indian captain and an engineer besides another Indian crew on board and was hijacked on January 9, according to relatives of the sailors taken hostage.

“I am not aware if there were any Kenyans on board but according to the reports, which I have seen, the boat had an Indian captain, an engineer and one more person and there may be some other fishermen,” the navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta told reporters here.

Giving details, he said the incident took place “well outside the Gulf... It is fishing boat, which has been operating as a Kenyan fishing boat for many months.” He said Indian ships deployed in the Gulf of Aden did not go for patrolling near the Kenyan coast. “There is no patrolling that goes so far south and Kenya has always been well out of the Arabian gulf region,” Mehta said during his visit to the annual NCC Republic Day Camp.

George, brother of one of the hostage Palaswamy Sarvanan, who hails from Tamil Nadu, said the pirates were holding three Indians hostage after setting free eight Kenyan sailors. “We were informed about the incident a day after the vessel was hijacked. After that, we have not heard from the company or the government. The company has declined to pay any ransom,” he claimed.

Stolt Valor, owned by a Japanese company and carrying 18 Indian sailors, was released on November 16 by the Somalian pirates after a huge ransom was paid by the owners.“We will take whatever action is required to see that they get released,” the navy chief told reporters here.
A brother-in-law of Sarvanan said in Visakhapatnam that the last call they got from the sailor was on December 18. Benoji, a family friend of Sebasitan Antony, one of the captives from Kerala’s Kottayam district, said Antony’s family came to know about the hijacking two days back from a Keralite working in a shipping firm. The third hostage is Thresia Fernando who hails from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu.

Though Antony’s relations contacted company authorities, they were reluctant to provide the exact details, Benoji said.

According to Sebastian’s relatives, the pirates have demanded a huge sum as ransom for the Indians’ release.

Sebastian’s brother, Bobby, said that he had sought urgent intervention of the Indian Government for release of the three captives. He had faxed the request to the offices of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A K Antony, he said in Thiruvananthapuram.
Sebastian has been working as a plant engineer with Alfa Group in Kenya, which owns the vessel, for the last nine years, according to Benoji.His wife Tessy and two daughters are now home at Changanassery in Kerala. (PTI)


CBI defends Abu Salem’s extradition instead of deportation

: New Delhi, Jan 16: The CBI today told a court here that it had no option but to agree to Portugal’s insistence for extradition of underworld don Abu Salem instead of his deportation, which put restrictions on the number of cases in which he could be tried and the quantum of sentence.

“The Centre had tried to get Abu Salem Ansari, who was found carrying fake travel documents there, deported but the Portuguese authorities declined making it clear that he could only and only be extradited,” A K Vali, appearing for the CBI Director, submitted before Additional Sessions Judge Pinky. Taking note of the Delhi Police arguments that the CBI’s action to extradite Salem forced them to approach the court for dropping the MCOCA charges against him, the court on July five had issued notice to the CBI director to clarify the stand of the probe agency.

“Salem, who was holding a Pakistani passport, could have been deported to any country (either to Pakistan or the nation from where he illegally entered Portugal) after his arrest. The intention was to ensure that he should not escape our law,” said Vali, justifying the Centre’s move. The then NDA government had given an executive assurance to Portugal that after Salem’s extradition he would be tried only in nine cases and will not be awarded imprisonment exceeding 25 years.

In Portugal there is no death penalty and hence, it ensures that the persons detained there should not be deported to a country having provisions to award the extreme penalty, the CBI counsel said. The CBI, which coordinates with the Interpol here, was intimated about the detention of Salem and Monica Bedi in 2005 and it immediately swung into action and attempted to get them deported, he said.

Countering the CBI’s argument, former Additional Solicitor General Vikas Singh said that the reply of the probe agency was vague and it did not deal with the circumstances under which Salem was extradited. “Had we been able to avoid such a small mistake, we (Delhi Police) could not be in situation seeking dropping of MCOCA charges against the gangster,” Singh submitted. The issues of deportation and extradition are dealt with diplomatically and an agency like CBI, which handles interpol related matter, does not take all the decisions, CBI’s counsel countered. The court, which heard the arguments, fixed the matter for further proceedings on February 5. Salem is facing MCOCA charges in connection with an extortion call made to city-based businessman Ashok Gupta in 2002 demanding Rs five crore as protection money.

He was extradited from Portugal in 2005 in three cases of CBI probing the Mumbai blasts, passport cases of Lucknow and Hyderabad, three extortion cases and a conspiracy to murder case in Delhi and Pradip Jain and Ajit Dewani murder cases in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, another court issued a production warrant against gangster Salem for February 24 in the case for making threat calls to Rajat Nagrath, owner of Allied Communication of East of Kailash here, demanding Rs one crore in 2002. Three other accused C P Rai, Sadiq Ali and Istiyaq Ahmed were however present before the court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja, who asked the Mumbai jail authorities to produce the gangster on the next date of hearing. (PTI)

SC-appointed panels for action against vandalism

: New Delhi, Jan 16: The committees appointed by the Supreme Court to examine the modalities for making effective the law to prevent vandalism and damage to public property during strikes and political rallies have suggested stringent action against the organisers of such events.

The two committees headed by a former apex court judge K T Thomas and another by senior advocate Fali S Nariman submitted their detailed reports before a Bench headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat. Two proposals — one for strengthening the provisions of Pervention of Damage to Public Properties Act, 1984 and the other making the leaders accountable for acts of vandalism during agitation — are the focal points of the reports of the two committees, a senior advocate associated with the committee said.

The committees were formed in the wake of destruction of public property during the agitation by the Gujjars demanding Scheduled Tribes status in 2007. While the Justice Thomas Committee has suggested measures on the strict compliance of the Act, the Nariman Committee has dealt with the issue of media coverage on bandhs and strikes with specific reference to the TV coverage focusing on the agitators indulging in vandalism.

Nariman Committee has suggested that leaders of the agitation should be made absolutely liable for the destruction of properties by their supporters and there should be self-regulation on the part of the media on covering to such events. Taking on record the two reports, the Bench, also comprising A K Ganguly, said “very important suggestions have been given by the two committees which need to be seriously deliberated upon as public property in large scale is damaged in agitations and strikes.” It asked all the state governments and Union Territories to respond or give suggestions to the reports by February and posted the matter for further hearing on March 17. Justice Thomas Committee included Solicitor General G E Vahanvati, former CBI director R K Raghavan, senior advocate K Parasaran and officers of the Ministries of Home Affairs and Law and Justice, not below the rank of additional secretaries.

The Nariman Committee included Editors-in-Chief of Times of India, Indian Express and Pranoy Roy of NDTV, besides additional secretary level officers of the I&B Ministry and Home Affairs. Vahanvati and senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae in the matter, was also in the Committee. Delhi, UP, Haryana and Rajasthan were severely affected by the Gujjar agitation in which several lives were lost.

Noting that though the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (DPPA) was enacted in 1984, the apex court said hardly 24 cases have been registered in the country during its existence which indicated that it was not being enforced strictly by the government. (PTI)


BJP targets young voters with ‘Brand Advani’

: New Delhi, Jan 16: When he launched his own blog a week ago, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani was making a point few could miss - that even at 81 he was trying to be in tune with India’s young.

The BJP - faced with a large number of young voters as the country prepares to pick a new parliament - is pulling out all stops to popularise its prime ministerial candidate among those in the 18-35 age group. From the blog to a website to planned visits in colleges, the BJP is doing all it can to project ‘Brand Advani’.

“His campaign is not exclusively based on youth, but a major part is focused on the youth,” Sudheendra Kulkarni, who has put together Advani’s website (www.lkadvani.in) and is known to be a think tank for the BJP leader, told IANS. “Advaniji is also encouraging volunteerism among youth and recently coined a slogan, ‘ek kaam desh ke naam’ (one work for nation) for them,” Kulkarni added. The party is also trying to attract tech savvy youngsters through social networking sites such as Facebook, Orkut and also through www.youtube.com (more than 200 videos). It has printed millions of stickers that state, ‘Advani for PM’.

“Besides all this, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha will also go to colleges to meet students where he will talk to them in their own language,” Kulkarni said. There has been a tectonic shift in his campaign since the BJP started projecting Advani as its prime ministerial candidate last year. The campaigners are also advertising heavily on the internet to reach the e-generation. Advani himself had called the internet the third big invention of his time. Often seen as a rightwing hardliner in the past, Advani has been trying to adopt a moderate face similar to that of his colleague and former prime minister A.B. Vajpayee to become more acceptable, say party leaders. “No one can ignore youth. We are planning to organise youth conferences and we are also trying to reach out to youth through Advaniji’s website,” Amit Thakkar, president of the BJP’s Yuva Morcha, or youth wing, told IANS.

The BJP’s thrust on youth is also seen as an effort not to lose out to the youth brigade of the rival Congress party, which has leaders like Rahul Gandhi. Political analysts also feel the BJP cannot afford to ignore youth. “Appealing to youth is today’s requirement. Currently, nearly 40 percent of the population consists of people below 30 years of age and if you do not appeal to them, it would be difficult for anyone in politics. It is imperative for every political party to attract youth,” political analyst G.V.L. Narasimha Rao told IANS.(IANS)


None can match Hrithik shaking a leg: Isha Sharvani

: New Delhi, Jan 16: She is known as the diva of the dancing world; the other rules the beat. But prolific dancer Isha Sharvani thinks no one can match actor Hrithik Roshan when it comes to shaking a leg. Isha waltzed with the actor in Parle’s Hide and Seek biscuit ad and she once again teams up with the actor in the forthcoming film Luck By Chance.

“It was such an amazing experience to perform with Hrithik again. He’s such a great performer. I remember, for the ‘Hide and Seek’ ad, our practice session lasted for three days and one should see him practise. No one can match his steps. He is so full of energy and is so much fun to work with,” Isha told IANS over phone from Mumbai. Apart from Hrithik, Isha assures that “people will get to see a little bit of dancing” from her too in the film. Directed by debutante Zoya Akhtar, Luck By Chance is a menagerie of characters and activities about making it big in Bollywood. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the film is releasing Jan 30. Farhan plays the main lead and the cast also has Konkona Sen Sharma, Dimple Kapadia, Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and an ensemble of almost everyone in Bollywood in walk-on parts. Throwing light on her character in the film, the 23-year-old said: “This is a whole film about making it big in Bollywood and I am a part of that struggle. I play the daughter of a diva played by Dimple Kapadia.” Rumours are also rife that Luck By Chance is Bollywood’s next Om Shanti Om, considering its behind the scenes portrayal of the film industry.

But Isha slammed all such speculations and said: “The film is very different from Om Shanti Om. The plots of both the movies are very different. Om Shanti Om was much more of a musical. While ‘Luck By...’ has a different take on Bollywood. It’s much more real. “I think Zoya has really put together a fantastic script and characters in the movie. The film is unique in its approach.”

Isha considers her getting a role in Luck By Chance as a matter of “luck”. “My getting this film is totally a matter of luck. I had no idea that Zoya would sign me for the film. I feel so lucky that I got to work with her in her maiden venture,” she said. However, the actress also had some sore moments while shooting for the film. “When I was doing a ring sequence in the film, I was suspended from a hook in the air and the costume I was wearing had a lot of diamonds on it. As a result, I ended up being completely scratched because of the diamonds but I am glad the sequence came out really lovely,” she said. Isha forayed into Bollywood with Subhash Ghai’s dud Kisna in 2005 and has since been seen in lesser-known and back to back flops like Darwaza Bandh Rakho, Rocky: The Rebel and Good Boy, Bad Boy in 2006.

In 2008, she featured in Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum. She doesn’t have any other films in her kitty at present, but is concentrating on a new dance show for smal screen with her mother, renowned dancer and choreographer Daksha Seth. “It’s based on martial arts. We are thinking about a name right now for the show as we haven’t zeroed in on anything yet. However, the show will be aired from April 3 onwards,” she said. On being asked if she has any plans of stepping into her mother’s footsteps - that is, choreography - she said: “I am not interested in any activity other than dancing and acting. So, no choreography or anything else for me in the future too.”(IANS)

BJP warns against agreeing to trial of accused in Pakistan

: Pune, Jan 16: Claiming that a trial in Pakistan of the Mumbai terror attack accused will only be a “farce”, the BJP today warned the government against buckling under international pressure on the issue .

“The nation is shocked and astonished to hear from External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee that India is ready for the trial in Pakistan, knowing well that it will be a farce,” party spokesman Prakash Jawdekar told reporters here.

Mukherjee had in a TV interview said that India will have no objection if those behind terror acts here are put to “fair trial” in Pakistan itself but he today issued a “clarification” that “there is no question of dilution of our demand of extradition (of those responsible for terror acts in India).” Demanding that those accused in the Nov 26 attacks face trial in India, the BJP said any shift in this stand would amount to “betrayal of the victims and martyrs of the Mumbai terror attacks”.
Jawdekar alleged that the government had “buckled under international pressure to bail out Pakistan and lost the political will to fight terrorism”.

Asking for an all-party meeting to be convened on the issue, Jawdekar claimed that it was ironical that just a few days back Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had made a statement to the effect that India would come around to accept Pakistan viewpoint on the trial of terror suspects. (PTI)

‘SP will support if Cong ready to field Sanjay Dutt’

: New Delhi, Jan 16: Seeking to turn the tables on the Sanjay Dutt issue, Amar Singh today said that if Congress was ready to field the actor on its symbol, the Samajwadi party would support him.He told reporters here that a section of Congress leaders have accused him of “poaching on Sanjay Dutt to tease that party”. “Let me make it clear that if Congress is ready to field Sanjay on their party’s symbol, SP would support him,” he said. Singh was reacting to a question on Congress’ claim that it would field some candidates in UP without consulting SP. SP and Congress are engaged in seat sharing talks for Lok Sabha polls in UP.

“Congress leaders will have to understand that once we have extended support to the secular alliance led by Soniaji, any division of secular votes will only benefit Bahujan Samaj Party...The candidates should be decided on the basis of their winnability,” Singh said to a poser on Congress’ request of a ‘friendly fight’ on some Lok Sabha seats. He said division of secular votes “would mean that the treatment meted out to Soniaji in Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi in Kanpur and Amar Singh in Gorakhpur yesterday will continue.” He said the SP and Congress were no more rivals. “We extended them support in the most crucial time when it was losing assembly elections.”(PTI)


NDTV’s nominations for ‘Indian of the Year’ award

New Delhi, Jan 16: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, actor Naseeruddin Shah, Olympic Gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair have been nominated in various categories for NDTV’s “Indian of the Year” award for 2008. The English news channel announced nominees in six categories for the award, which would be given away on January 21 in the presence of Home Minister P Chidambaram. Besides the Prime Minister, the other nominees in the politics category are BJP leader L K Advani, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit and MP Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. In Cinema category, the nominees apart from Shah are Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and lyricist Prasoon Joshi. In Sports section, Golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, Chess champion V Anand, Indian cricket team captain M S Dhoni, Badminton player Saina Nehwal and Olympic Bronze medal Vijender Singh. Industrialists Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani and bankers Deepak Parekh and K V Kamath have been nominated in the Business section. The Arts and Culture section is led by famed painter M F Hussain, artist Subodh Gupta, Kiran Setha and writer Arvind Adiga as nominees. In the Unsung Heroes category, the channel has nominated Jean Dreze, Magsaysay award winner couple Prakash and Mandakini Amte and G Madhavan Nair and his ISRO team. The jury for selecting winners includes Shashi Tharoor, Harsha Bhogle, Fali S Nariman, Anu Aga, Rahul Bajaj and William Dalrymple. (PTI)

Reducing inequity, inequality a challenge, says PM

New Delhi, Jan 16: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today described the challenge of reducing inequity and inequality as the most important issues before the country and said focus should be given on meeting core development needs. “To my mind, the most important issues before us are to meet the challenge of reducing inequity and inequality. We should focus on meeting core development needs essential for human growth,” he said. Singh was inaugurating the first conference of chairpersons of District Planning Committees here. He said areas that need attention include combating of disease, eliminating malnutrition, providing safe drinking water, good quality universal education, providing people with skills and job opportunities and preserving environment. Singh said programmes like Rural Water Supply should be planned and implemented at the district level and medium term development plans in urban areas should be continued. Describing local governments as “unsung heroes” of the nation’s march forward, he said though the progress on genuine empowerment of panchayats might have been “uneven”, remarkable success has been achieved in deepening democratic practice by holding regular elections to local governments. (PTI)

Fifteen murders in Delhi in first two weeks of 2009

New Delhi, Jan 16: On an average, one person was murdered daily in the national capital in the first fifteen days of this year. Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal on Friday said 10 cases have already been solved and the overall crime situation in the capital city is under control. “We have already solved 10 cases with 66 percent solving rate. Five cases are blind in nature. I can say that the over all crime situation in the capital is under control," Dadwal told reporters here. He said most murders committed in the city were due to sudden provocation based on trivial issues. An example was an unemployed man killing a 10-year-old boy in south Delhi to protect his identity after stealing a mobile phone and Rs.50 from the child. (IANS)

Mumbai Police file case against terror ‘witness’

Mumbai, Jan 16: Mumbai Police’s crime branch has registered an offence against Colaba Fishermen Colony resident Anita R. Uddaiya for attempting to mislead investigators in the November 26 terror attacks, a senior official said here on Friday. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rakesh Maria told reporters that Uddaiya had been changing her statements about her alleged disappearance for three days. He rubbished her claims that she had was taken to the US by investigators from that country last week. Maria said that Uddaiya has not been listed as a witness as claimed by her to the media in the past few days. “She has never been called to Arthur Road prison for the identification parade of Mohammed Ajmal Amir, alias Kasab, nor was she ever taken to the Sir J J Hospital to identify the bodies of the nine terrorists killed in the anti-terror operatons,” he said. The Cuffe Parade police station lodged a complaint against Uddaiya and her daughter Seema under section 182 of the Indian Penal Code for misleading investigators. The mother-daughter duo, if found guilty, could face imprisonment of six months plus a fine. Uddaiya (47) was reported missing by her family members last Sunday (Jan 11), sending the police in a tiizzy. Suddenly, as mysteriously as she had disappeared, she resurfaced Wednesday morning at her home and said she had gone to visit her brother in Satara district. However, Uddaiya on Thursday made the sensational claim that she had actually been taken to the US by investigators from that country. At her home in Mahatma Phule Nagar in the fishermen’s colony, she also “confessed” she had told a lie about going to Satara. (IANS)

North East News

No headway in probe

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday talked tough and warned terrorists against trying to destabilise the country, even as the investigators are still groping in the dark over Thursday's serial blasts in Assam.

Ruling out any compromise in the fight against terror, Dr Singh indicated he would take up with Bangladesh the possible involvement of militant outfit HuJI based in that country in Thursday's serial blasts in Assam.

"If other governments are involved we will take up the matter with them," the Prime Minister said without naming Bangladesh.

"Whosoever is responsible for these dastardly act... we will take effective measures," he told reporters at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital after visiting the injured here accompanied by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, rejecting the charge levelled by BJP that his government was soft on terror, the Prime Minister said "we are not going soft on terror. There can be no compromise with terror."

Asked about the identity of those involved in the blast, he said "we will look into the clues available and it will not be proper on my part to come to any conclusion."

"Proper investigations are on to find out the culprit," Dr Singh said.

But the investigation agencies of both Centre and State were yet to make much headway on Thursday's blasts in lower Assam except some general statement that the attacks might be a joint operation of HujI and ULFA.

What had been confirmed by the state police that all the bombs of Guwahati and Barepeta Road were kept in cars.

Assam Police IGP (Law and order) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta told newsmen that the investigating team had tracked original owners of some of the vehicles, used in the blasts.

''It has been found out that in each of the cases either the vehicles were sold off long time back or stolen. But as a precautionary measure we have picked up some of the owners,'' he said adding that so far four persons had been arrested.

The arrival of SMS to a local television channel had further made the scenario complex as it was apparent that a highly sophisticated communication network was being resorted to by using the phone numbers of some genuine customers to divert the investigation. '' After we got the news of the SMS, we swung into action and caught the original owner of the number of Nazeer Ali. It seemed that his SIM was copied and used by someone else simultaneously, '' Mr Mahanta said.

'' This could be diversionary tactics or may be a genuine one. we are not leaving any stone unturned to come to a conclusion, '' said Mr Mahanta adding special investigation team for the bomb blast would be led by IGP Chanranathan.

The terrorists had used three separate Maruti cars, which were recently bought from the second hand car market.

Later addressing a high-level meeting attended by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his Cabinet colleagues and top army, police and civil officials, Dr Singh assured all help to the state government in tackling terror.

He reviewed the law and order situation at the meeting held at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi airport and said the Centre would support the state government in "this hour of crisis" and expressed his government's firm resolve to fight terror and ensure security to the people of Assam.

Dr Singh and Gandhi, accompanied by Union Minister of Heavy Industries Santosh Mohan Dev, who arrived here amidst a statewide bandh called by several organisations, left for Delhi after the visit.

Streets of Guwahati were deserted at the time of visit of the two leaders because of a statewide bandh called by the BJP and the VHP. The bandh was total all over the state.

The lawyers of the Guwahati submitted a memorandum to the two leaders demanding fulfillment of various demands including full-proof security to the court complex.

DEATH TOLL UP: Meanwhile, the death toll in Thursday's serial blasts on Saturday rose to 81 with four more persons succumbing to their injuries here. While three died at Gauhati Medical College Hospital, another died at Basistha Army Hospital, official sources said, adding that the condition of 20 other injured was critical. ( With inputs from our correspondent & agencies)

Bodo leaders condemn reports on ISF-IM

Kokrajhar: Bodo leaders on Saturday condemned the reports of existence of little-known outfit Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahideen (ISF-IM) here and its involvement in the serial blasts, saying it is a "political conspiracy" to malign the Bodo people.

"There is a deep rooted political conspiracy to malign the Bodo people and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area by substantiating claims of the Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahideen to be behind the blasts in Assam," BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary said.

Denying the presence of such an organisation in BTC area and its formation in 2000 to fight the BLT and NDFB, Mohilary, a former leader of the disbanded insurgent outfit BLT, said, "the political conspiracy is to disturb peace and incite communal hatred in the BTC areas."

Mohilary, whose Bodoland Peoples Progressive Forum is a partner of the ruling Congress in the state, demanded clarification from the government that such an Islamic organisation was created against the Bodos.

"If it was created then, why did the authorities and police officials keep silent for so long? This proves a security and political nexus with this outfit," he alleged while speaking to reporters here.

Discounting media reports quoting official sources about the existence of ISF-IM, he said BLT was created for a separate statehood movement and "there was no element of fighting or targeting of any community for their removal".

BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoyari said the security system in the State would be responsible in case of any panic or exodus due to "this kind of sensation."

The ISF-IM on Friday in a SMS to a local private TV channel claimed responsibility for the serial blasts that killed 77 people on Thursday in Assam.

The hitherto little known outfit had in the SMS also warned of more bomb blasts in the state other parts of the country. "We thank all our holy members and partners," said the SMS, received in the mobile phone of the channel's input desk from a Reliance mobile number 98646-93690.

The mobile phone was subsequently switched off and security forces traced it to Moirabari in Nagaon district registered in the name of one Nazir Ahmed.

Three persons, including Nazir Ahmed, have been arrested in this connection, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta told reporters here.

Deal situation with highest national priority: AGP

The AGP on Saturday asked the Centre to deal with the situation arising out of the serial blasts in Assam with "highest national priority".

"The situation of the Northeastern region would become worst than that of Kashmir if the central government fails to realise the urgent need of dealing with a highest priority," AGP general secretary and MP Sarbananda Sonowal said here.

Accusing Congress of being casual on the country's security in the wake of serial blasts which claimed more than 70 lives, Sonowal appealed to all political parties to raise their voice against the ruling party in Assam.

"The Congress party has attempted to communalise the security concern of the country. Number of instances are available whereby it could be concluded that the party has been adopting a casual approach in dealing such anti-Indian forces," he said, adding "the intensity of their activities are growing with an alarming rate day by day posing a great threat to the national security".

BJP condemns blast

Our reporter adds: BJP's Meghalaya Minority Morcha has condemned the recent serial blasts in Assam in which 82 innocent people were killed and hundreds injured.

In a release issued by president, State Minority Morcha of the BJP Sharif Ahmed, the BJP put the blame on the UPA Government for its failure to check cross-border terrorism which is responsible for the blasts. The BJP also demanded immediate resignation of Tarun Gogoi for his complete failure to fulfil his duties towards the public.

Pranab to attend Buddha Mahotsav

Itanagar: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will attend the eight Buddha Mahtosava to be held at Tawang from November nine.

Mukherjee will be the chief guest at the inaugural function of the three-day festival. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Minister of State at PMO Prithviraj Chavan will also attend the programme, an official release said here on Saturday.

Work is going on in full swing to restore the vital road link from Balipara in Assam to Tawang, which was breached at several points following recent flash flood at Rupa, before the commencement of the festival.

Pawanhans has recently introduced daily chopper service between Guwahati and Tawang, the picturesque land of Monpas housing the second largest Buddhist Monastery in the world after the one in Lhasa in Tibet.

An alternative 450 km route from Rawta in Assam via Balemu-Kalaktang-Rupa-Bomdila is being made operational for light vehicles by today, the release added. (PTI)

Bomb hoax

Agartala: Panic gripped the autorickshaw union office at Akhaura Road here after an anonymous caller rang up and said that bombs were kept in the unclaimed bag lying in the office, which later proved to be a hoax, police sources said on Saturday. The anonymous caller rang up the union office last night and said bombs were kept in an unclaimed bag lying in the office. The office bearers immediately rang up the police, who rushed to the spot along with the bomb squad personnel, sources said. The bomb squad personnel after checking the bag found no bombs inside it, sources said adding some substances looking like bombs were kept inside it. (PTI)

Tripura to have reserve for jumbos soon

From Our Correspondent

Agartala: Tripura Board for Wildlife, in its first meeting, approved a number of plans for overall development of wildlife wealth in the State.

The meeting that was presided over Chief Minister Manik Sarkar here on Friday gave its nod to the plan for setting up of an elephant reserve at Atharamura hills in West Tripura district.

The District Magistrate has been asked to form a three-member team to study various aspects including rehabilitation of 800 indigenous families likely to be evacuated if the plan is implemented.

According to preliminary survey, around 800 families will be uprooted if the project is implemented.

The committee that would be led by District Magistrate, will have to submit its report within the next three months. "Final decision will be taken after studying the report of the three-member panel" an official of the Forest Department said.

Latest census indicates an increase in the number of elephants in the State. As on today, the number of elephants stands at 59.

Besides this, decisions for setting up conservation centre for mammals at Hatipara and critical wildlife habitats were also taken up in the meeting. Chief Wildlife Warden AK Gupta, who was present in the meeting, informed that the number of elephants has increased in the State. He also informed that work was underway to make Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary as a national park for clouded leopard.

Later, Chief Minister also unveiled a newsletter on State's wildlife.

Speaking at the meeting, he exhorted to make a film on State's wildlife life wealth.

Ultras abduct firm employee

Agartala: An employee of a private construction firm engaged in border construction work has been kidnapped by the insurgents of Borok National Council of Tripura from remote Durjoyroajapara tribal hamlet in Dhalai district, police said on Saturday. A group of ultras raided the tribal hamlet on Friday and kidnapped Manik Saha (28) at gunpoint when he was supervising border construction there. Saha was employed in a private construction firm, police said adding the ultras kidnapped him for ransom. (PTI)

Aizawl hotspot for Myanmar bike lifters

Aizawl: Aizawl that borders Myanmar has become a hotspot for its bike lifters as made-in-India bikes such as Bajaj Pulsar are in great demand in the neighbouring country. Aizawl police, who have recovered stolen Pulsar and Yamaha R15, which were being carried to Myanmar recently, said this was only a tip of the iceberg.

As complains of missing bikes keep pouring in the Aizawl police stations, a good number of bikes with Mizoram registration numbers were reportedly seen in Myanmar towns bordering Mizoram, police added. Three Myanmarese were, meanwhile, arrested along with an Indian driver who transported the stolen bikes recently.

Police intercepted the thieves near Seling town, about 40 kms from here when they were evidently heading for Myanmar. This was not for the first time that police have intercepted the stolen bikes being carried to Myanmar. (UNI)

Over 6 lakh youth jobless in Manipur

Imphal: More than 6.33 lakh unemployed educated youths have registered with employment exchanges in Manipur, official sources said on Saturday. Sources said altogether 6,33,451 educated youths including 1,73.645 females have registered at different employment exchanges in nine districts of Manipur till Semptember 2008. Sources said the total population of Manipur is about 23 lakh people.(PTI)

Manipur celebrates harvest festival

Imphal: The Kut festival, a post harvest festival of the Kuki Chin Mizo groups of Manipur was celebrated on Saturday with pomp and splendour.

Hundreds of people thronged the Manipur Rifles ground here to participate in the main function where cultural programmes of various Kuki Chin Mizo tribes were organised.

The day has been declared as a holiday by the State Government to celebrate the post harvesting festival.

Dignitaries like Governor Gurbhachan Jagat, Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, Cabinet ministers, MLAs and senior civil and police Officers participated in the progarmme to enjoy the colourful festival.

Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said the festival symbolizes gratitude, compassion and gaiety.

It also provides a platform to people cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion to make a sincere introspection of their own thoughts and values.

''Let the Kut 2008, spread the message of peace,harmony,brotherhood compassion and forgiveness and usher in peaceful co-existence in Manipur'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said, spirit of Kut is all about sharing and understanding harmonious co-existence co-operation and merriment.

'' The best way to celebrate festivals like Kut is to strive for building a harmonious society and work for strengthening the bond of amity'' he added. (UNI)

2 armed activists killed in encounter

Imphal: Two armed activists were killed in an encounter between Assam rifles personnels at Behing village in Manipur's Churachandpur district and bordering with Myanmar on Thursday last, according to delayed sources said here on Saturday.

Sources said that some armed activists attacked at the 9th Assam Rifles post at Behing village.Assam rifles jawans retaliated and exchange of fire continued for two hours. During the surch operation the next day two bullet riddled bodies were recovered by Assam rifles jawans from nearby hill and jungle areas.

The identity of the two deceased are yet to be known, sources added. (PTI)

India News

Courts cannot invoke contempt powers arbitrarily: SC New Delhi, Oct 27: The Supreme Court has ruled that a court cannot exercise the power of contempt in an arbitrary manner as such proceedings should be initiated to ensure its order is complied with and “not to necessarily proceed against persons as if they are petty criminals.” “A person cannot be sentenced on mere probability. Wilful disobedience and contumacious conduct is the basis on which a contemnor can be punished,” the apex court observed while dropping the contempt proceedings initiated by the Calcutta High Court against two members of a TV production company. While contempt of court is a matter which had to be dealt with all seriousness, the burden of proof should be upon the person who made such an allegation, it said. “The purpose and object of initiation of a proceeding under the provisions of the Act (contempt) is only to see that the order of the court is complied with and not to necessarily proceed against persons as if they are petty criminals,” a bench of Justices S B Sinha and Cyriac Joseph observed. In this case the Calcutta High Court initiated contempt proceedings against director and another employee of the production house Three Cheer Entertainment Pvt LTD on the basis of a complaint by the Calcutta Electricity Company Ltd (CECL). The CECL had earlier filed a Rs 20 crore defamation suit against the production house for its programme Khoj Khabar aired on ETV (Bangla) in which allegations of corruption in the government owned company were made. The High Court had passed an injunction against further telecast and directed the production house to hand over the CDs relating to the programme to two receivers appointed by the court. But the CDs were purportedly handed over to some strangers whom the production house presumed to be the receivers. The CECL subsequently filed a contempt petition against the director and another employee Sanat Roy alleging that the CDs were not handed over to the receivers upon which the High Court initiated contempt proceedings and later convicted them. However, it did not impose any sentence and fixed another day for hearing, but imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 ‘for the time being.’ Aggrieved by the order, the production house filed a SLP in the apex court contending that it did not commit any contempt and also stated that it did not receive any notice from the High Court asking them to hand over the CDs to the receivers. Upholding the contemnors’ plea, the apex court said there was no record to prove whether the notice issued by the High Court for handing over the CDs was communicated to the production house. “In our opinion, the facts and materials placed before us do not establish that there was any wilful disobedience or contumacious conduct on the part of the appellant,” the bench observed. The apex court also termed as “piecemeal” the sentence imposed by the High Court. (PTI)

Terrorism should be subject of study in schools: Kiran Bedi New Delhi, Oct 27: Terrorism should be taught as a subject in schools so that Indian youth become more aware of the scourge, says Kiran Bedi, celebrated former police officer Kiran Bedi. As the country continues to debate the larger ramifications of terror attacks in many cities, Bedi, the first woman officer in the Indian Police Service and a Magsaysay Award winner for her jail reforms, told IANS in an interview: “Terrorism should be introduced in schools as a subject; it is very important that our youth be aware of it. NSS, NCC and Scout & Guide should dedicate special sessions on terrorism awareness.” NSS is the National Service Scheme and NCC the National Cadet Corps, both co-curricular activities in high schools and colleges around India. Bedi was worried that people tended to forget about terror attacks soon after they occurred. Apart from introducing the subject in schools, “society should come forward and start participating through team policing”, she said. “Only state police, without civilian support, cannot easily stop or prevent acts of terror and for this we need to make our society aware.” In the political spectrum, there is bipartisan support for the idea. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesman Prakash Javadekar said that primarily it was the duty of police to protect the lives of citizens, but added that public help in combating terrorism was equally necessary. “The people on street, like small shopowners, vendors and parking attendants should be trained and sensitised against such incidents. Such people can also contribute to providing information to the intelligence,” Javadekar told IANS. His party’s youth wing “may start a campaign to spread awareness and alertness among the people through a scientific and logical approach”, he added. Congress party leader Salman Khurshid said fortifying communication between people and agencies was very important. “Network of information between people and police is very important in combating terrorism and for this we need to remove people’s cynicism towards police. Everywhere some people are good and some people are bad; the same goes for police,” Khurshid said. Both the political leaders felt NGOs should come forward and create awareness in different communities about the evils of terrorism. Academics also favoured the idea of NGOs and social organisations creating awareness and alertness against terrorism. “People are still not alert against terrorism and for this reason social organisations and NGOs should start massive awareness campaigns,” Alok Puranik, writer and lecturer in Delhi University, said. Social activist Harsh Dobhal said targeting any particular community after a terror attack only makes matters worse. Government agencies should work in an unbiased manner to ensure equality is maintained among the people of all religions, castes and creeds, he added. “Government agencies should act in a responsible manner. Innocent people or a particular community should not be falsely implicated. ” (IANS)

NCP pays police for damaging VHP office Nashik, Oct 27: The Nationalist Congress Party Monday paid out Rs.20,000 to the police as a cost for damages caused by its activists to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad office here last week, a VHP official said. The compensation has been paid out under the serction 7 of the Criminal Amendment Act, for which an ordinance was issued recently, the official said. “The demand draft (DD) for the amount due to us as compensation under the newly promulgated ordinance, pertaining to the Criminal Amendment Act, Sec 7, has been deposited with Nashik Police Commissioner Himanshu Roy. We have submitted an application to him for the same and hope to get the money within this week,” VHP Nashik district secretary Shyam Gharote told IANS in the evening. The amount of the damages was mentioned in the police first information report (FIR) lodged shortly after the attack on the VHP office by nearly two dozen activists of the NCP youth wing. The NCP unit here gave the DD to the police commissioner, he said. “With this, the provisions of the newly amended act will be enforced for the first time in Maharashtra. We hope this may serve as a deterrent for all similar violent protest actions in the future,” Gharote observed. Among the five NCP youth activists nabbed and remanded in police custody is former state leader Ranjan Thakre. Maharashtra NCP president Arun Gujarathi said the law is “supreme and equal for all” and expressed his party’s intention to adhere to it. “However, we are examining the detailed provisions of the ordinance. Who will pay the costs - party or individual activists? Whether it will be paid before or after the alleged crime is proved in a court of law? Until we are clear about these and related issues, I cannot comment on the matter,” Gujarathi told IANS. Gujarathi added that despite the fact the matter pertains to the home department, headed by NCP’s RR Patil who is also deputy chief minister, “the party shall not interfere in any manner with the police action or try to shield the accused activists”. VHP Western region secretary Venkatesh Abdev had said the costing given by the party pertains only to the damage to furniture and fittings in the office. The cost of medical treatment to the injured VHP activists was borne by police, he said. “We feel that even the medical costs of the injured victims must be taken into account when recovering the compensation,” he said. (IANS)

Arrest warrant issued against Ashok Todi, two others Kolkata, Oct 27: A city court today issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Ashok Todi, the father-in-law of Rizwanur Rehman, who was found dead last year a month after his marriage to the industrialist’s daughter and three of his relatives. Seventh metropolitan magistrate Bhivas Chatterjee of the Metropolitan court here issued the warrants saying their non-appearence despite summons was nothing but an attempt to drag on the proceedings. The warrants were issued against Ashok Todi, his brother Pradip Todi and brother-in-law Anil Saraogi who did not appear before the court today despite summons being issued against them. The court sent another accused Moinuddin alias Pappu to judicial custody. The court, however, extended the interim bail of IPS officer Ajay Kumar and two other officers of Kolkata Police, accused of threatening Rizwanur at the police headquarters after his marriage with Priyanka, Todi's daughter, while directing them to appear before it on November three. The judge rejected the bail prayer of Pappu, who surrendered before the court earlier in the day, and sent him to judicial custody till November ten. The CBI in its chargesheet had alleged that Pappu had taken Rs 11 lakhs from the Todis to ensure that Priyanka, went back to her parents from the house of Rizwanur who was from a modest background. All the seven accused were charged with abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation and conspiracy. The CBI is investigating the case as per a direction of the Calcutta High Court on a plea by Rizwanur’s mother Kishwar Jahan who had claimed that she did not have faith in the local police. In another development, an application by Kishwar Jahan for cancellation of bail to the three police officers was taken up by a vacation bench comprising Justice Amit Talukdar and Justice P S Dutta. The bench directed the officers and the petitioner to file affidavits stating their respective positions and said that the matter would be taken up for hearing on November five. Rizwanur’s body was found beside railway tracks, several kilometres from his home on September 21 last year, a month after his marriage to Priyanka. It was alleged that the computer graphics teacher had been summoned to the Kolkata Police headquarters thrice and had been pressurised to send his wife back to her parents. The CBI has chargesheeted IPS officer Ajay Kumar who was the then deputy commissioner of Kolkata Police (detective department), officers of the detective department Sukanti Chakraborty and Krishnendu Das, Ashok Todi, Pradip Todi, Anil Saraogi and Pappu on the charge of abatement to suicide, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy. (PTI) Army on alert to scuttle infiltration attempts Srinagar, Oct 27: Army troops are on high alert to scuttle any attempt by militants to sneak across the border to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir which goes to the polls next month, a senior army officer said today. Since the election schedule has been announced in Jammu and Kashmir, militants will try to sneak this side to create trouble during the polls, general officer commanding 15th corps Lt Gen Mukesh Sabarwal told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony to mark the 61st year of Indian Army’s arrival here. On the role of the Army in the ensuing Assembly elections, he said, “our main task is to guard the borders besides provide security to common people at our place of posting.” “We will provide secure atmosphere to people and it is for them to take part in the elections to elect representatives of their choice,” he said. The polling in the first phase of the seven phased elections to the 87-member state assembly begins on November 17. Sabarwal said the number of infiltration attempts from across the border has come down as compared to previous years. Attempts are still being made to send more militants across the border before the infiltration routes close due to snowfall, he said. “Though the number of infiltrations has come down this year, but we have not lowered guard,” he said. Intensification of night and foot patrolling, fencing and installing latest equipment has helped to curb the infiltration menace to quite an extent, he added. Meanwhile, 61st commemoration of arrival of Indian Army in Kashmir was celebrated with traditional reverence at Baramulla, 55 kms from here today. It was on this day in 1947 that Indian army landed here to repulse Pakistan-backed tribal raiders in Kashmir valley. The raiders from across the border invaded Kashmir on October 22, 1947 and reached Uri by mid-day next day. Brig Rajinder Singh, the then Chief of Staff J and K State Forces ordered the bridge at Uri to be demolished to delay their advance. Inspite of this the raiders reached Baramulla prompting the then Maharaja Hari Singh to announce the State's accession to the Union of India on October 26, 1947 by signing the Instrument of Accession. The Indian Army thus moved into Kashmir for its defence. On this day in 1947, A sikh regiment under Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai was flown into the Kashmir Valley. The arrival of the Indian Army saved the Valley from falling into the hands of the tribesmen. To commemorate the arrival of the Indian Army, led by the valiant Infantry, October 27 is also celebrated as Infantry Day every year. The Sikh war memorial is built in commemoration of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives against the marauding raiders. The state governor N N Vohra laid wreath at the Sikh war Memorial, near the Degree College, Baramulla. The Governor also appreciated the efforts of the army in controlling the recent upsurge in the valley. (PTI) Govt asked to file affidavit in German girl’s rape case Panaji, Oct 27: The Goa Bench of Bombay High Court today asked the State government to file an additional affidavit on November 4, in connection with the alleged rape of a minor German girl. The bench comprising of Justice A P Lavande today heard the case which was taken up for hearing after the High Court had admitted the petition suo motto. The State government was asked to file a reply on the investigations into the case. Advocate General Subhodh Kantak represented the State while German mother’s counsel Aires Rodrigues was also present for the hearing held this morning. “The bench has asked the State to file copies of all investigations in a sealed envelope by today evening,” Rodrigues told reporters. He said that the Judicial Magistrate first class (JMFC) will record the statement of the victim girl on November 1. The German mother had alleged that Goa Education Minister Atansio Monserratte’s son Rohit and Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren had raped her 14-year-old minor daughter. (PTI) Five accused of Delhi blasts handed over to Gujarat Police New Delhi, Oct 27: Gujarat police today secured the custody of five Delhi serial blasts accused from a court here, claiming “clinching” evidence against them in the synchronised terror attacks in Ahmedabad. Seeking transit remand of suspects Mohammed Saif, Zeeshan Ahmad, Mohammed Shakeel, Zia-ur-Rehman and Saquib Nissar, the police claimed that they allegedly disclosed their involvement during interrogation by the Delhi police here. Their names have also emerged following interrogation of 27 other accused, who have been arrested in July 26 serial blasts in Ahmedabad, they submitted. Metropolitan Magistrate Vinay Singhal, allowing their plea, granted transit remand of the accused with a direction that they would be produced before a competent court on October 30. “The court is of the opinion that the contention that their remand was being granted on stereotyped manner cannot be the ground for declining the request for transit remand as sought by the Gujarat police in connection with an entirely different case,” the court said, adding that every case was to be looked as an individual case. Gujarat police, armed with NBW issued against them, alleged that five suspects were amongst those who had planted the bombs in the Ahmedabad city, which claimed 56 lives and left scores injured. They arrested the accused in connection with a blast case registered with Maninagar police station in Ahmedabad. The five suspects were produced before the court on the completion of their 12 day-long custodial interrogation in the blast case registered with Connaught Place police station here. They were remanded to judicial custody in the three cases lodged at Karol Bagh, Greater Kailash part I and Connaught Place police stations here. (PTI) I wanted an emotional component to Bond’s character: Director New Delhi, Oct 27: James Bond, the fictional spy would now be seen in an avatar that is more emotional and humane in Quantum of Solace the latest movie on the secret agent scheduled for release early next month. Director Marc Froster says he wanted to experiment with the character of the elusive secret agent and bring out a new Bond different from the on-screen image established by his predecessors. “Change is always for good and it seemed interesting to experiment. I wanted to bring more of an emotional component to the Bond movie,” Froster told PTI through email. Froster, who is known for making sensitive and character-driven films like Oscar winning Monster’s Ball and Finding Neverland, admits that directing Quantum of Solace was one of the biggest challenges of his career. “The biggest challenge ever for me was to keep the legacy going as there were lots of expectations,” he says. The latest James Bond adventure, which is releasing in India on November 7, is one of the longest running series in the film history with 22 films. Among other changes that he has introduced in the movie Froster has done away with trademark catch-phrases like ‘My name is Bond, James Bond’ and the famous one-liners about having his martinis ‘shaken, not stirred’ in the film which is a sequel to Casino Royale' Phrases like “The name is Bond, James Bond,” and “shaken, not stirred” are immortal, but then why not try something real new with the grandest ever Bond film?” Froster quips. He, however, clarifies that removing these catch-phrases was not a deliberate decision. “There was a ‘Bond, James Bond’ in the script. There are several places where we shot it, but it never worked out as we hoped. I just felt that we should cut it out and Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson (the film’s producers) agreed. But trust me, we were not being stubborn on this,” Froster says. When asked whether there was any apprehension while removing these immortal lines from the film and Froster admits that the producers were initially reluctant. “At first discussion with the producers and all of them were like should we or shouldn’t we? But everyone knew what we were going ahead with. It was Bond of the new era that we were looking ahead,” Froster says adding there wasn’t much fuss about it in the end. The new changes that have been introduced are in keeping with the new look of the whole film. “The producers wanted to have the franchise go in a different direction. Last time, they took a risk with Daniel Craig in the film. That was a success, so this time they felt they could take it to another step and see how it goes with another filmmaker,” he adds. But what Froster was not sure was whether he would be able to do justice to one of the most legendary characters in the history of cinema. “I was a director with no experience of action, whose successes have almost exclusively been character-driven dramas. Actually, even the thought of directing an action movie was much more intimidating to me,” he says. Talking about film’s impending India release, Froster says, “India is a niche market for Hollywood films now. People appreciate our hardwork and that really boosts our morale.” The director says that the decision to release the film in phases was to get in tune with feedback. “I am sure people would love to watch it as soon as possible isn’t it? and it was just the appropriate date that we thought of film releasing there,” he says when asked about the decision to release the film in India before it releases in US. “The journey has just been great. My first Bond film, higher expectations, working with Daniel. Everything has just been grand, in fact grandest. I hope I am able to live up to audiences’ expectations,” he says. Quantum of Solace is a sequel to 2006’s Casino Royale where betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, and determined to uncover the truth behind this betrayal, James Bond is ready to fight a personal battle. A case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a woman seeking her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond to Dominic Green (Mathieu Amalric), a ruthless businessman and a major force within the mysterious organisation. On a mission that leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, Bond discovers that Greene is conspiring to take total control of one of the world’s most important natural resources. In a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, Bond allies with old friends in a battle to uncover the truth. (PTI) Centre to introduce 82,000 scholarships per annum New Delhi, Oct 27: The Centre will introduce 82,000 scholarships per annum under a new scheme for students from weaker sections for graduate, postgraduate and professional courses. “The scholarships will be awarded to those who have scored a minimum of 80 per cent in 12th and belong to the non-creamy layer,” said sources in the Ministry of Human Resource Development. “Candidates taking admission in graduation, post graduation studies in colleges and universities and professional courses such as medical and engineering will benefit from it,” sources added. The scholarships titled as ‘Central sector scheme of scholarship for college and university students’ will be equally divided among boys and girls. The scholarship will be Rs 1000 per month at graduation level and university courses and Rs 2000 per month at the postgraduate level. (PTI) Sadhvi’s passion for motorcycles led to her arrest Bhind, Oct 27: Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur’s passion for motorcycles in her college days proved costly for her, as the vehicle used in the Malegaon blasts, registered in her name, led to her arrest, official sources claimed today. The arrest of the sadhvi, a resident of Lahar town in Bhind district, in the Malegaon blast case shocked people in the area who knew her as “the girl with boyish looks”. Her classmates recalled her as a straight-forward person who always stood for national and hindutva issues. An active member of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad since her college days, Pragya was known for her oratorical skills and raising issues related to Hindutva, apart from her passion for motorcycles, sources said. As an ABVP leader, she was popular for her speeches and went on to become a known figure in the party circles even outside Bhind district. After gaining popularity in the state as a prominent ABVP activist, she left the student wing to become a sanyasin and started delivering religious discourses. (PTI) ‘Fight terror, communal strife by building bridges’ Mumbai, Oct 27: Actor-activist Rahul Bose says there is an urgent need to make secularism “active” by reaching out to different communities in small, everyday gestures like offering a lift to someone from another community or encouraging children to share lunch. “It is the expression in small ways — like offering a lift on way to office to a person from another community, which makes a difference.” “We can, for example, encourage our children to share their lunch with everybody. When there are festivals we can reach out to celebrate them with the other communities - the Muslims reaching out to celebrate Diwali and the Hindus to celebrate Eid. It is the simplest way of building bridges,” Rahul told IANS in an interview. The actor also feels that it is important not to generalise about any community. “Whether it is the attacks on Christians in Orissa, or terror acts in different parts of the country, it would do well to remember that while a terrorist might be a Hindu, not all Hindus are terrorists. While a terrorist may be a Muslim, not all Muslims are terrorists. But a feeling is growing that all Muslims could be terrorists.” “That idea is extremely seductive. Throughout history it has been found that if you can blame your woes on one homogeneous group of people, it makes life simpler and governance easier.” Is he in favour of banning organisations like the Bajrang Dal? “I would be for banning any group, including the Bajrang Dal, if it is amply proved that it is behind terrorist activity. In my limited knowledge, organizations are banned because they are terrorist or anti-national, but after that has been conclusively established. We have to wait for that.” However, Rahul pointed out, the larger question could not be ignored. “Is seeking proof of an organisation being terrorist more zealous if it is non-Hindu and less zealous if it is Hindu? The answer today is a clear yes. The non-Hindu organisations are under greater scrutiny today. This is a failure of every single political party.” Rahul is totally opposed to a toughening of the existing laws, being demanded by some groups. “I am dead against it. If you can prove to me that a diligent execution of all legislation we have so far has been done, then it is fine. But we have not done it.” Asked is the communal virus was creeping into Bollywood, he said: "I have never experienced it. If you took a cynical view, you would say everyone is obsessed with making money or becoming famous. If you didn't, then you will argue that they are truly fascinated with the medium, whether it is a village guy wanting to become a hero or the producer wanting to win an Oscar. It is the medium which dominates all other prejudices.” Rahul received the Eminent Citizens Journalist Award by CNN-IBN for two stories he did - an interview with Johnny Joseph after the floods in Mumbai and the second for getting on the local train the morning after the bomb blasts in 2007 to discover for himself the so-called “spirit of Mumbai”. “I asked people why they were travelling on the train. They told me they did not want to, but had to get to work. If they did not, they would lose their jobs. Their children had travelled an hour earlier to go to school.” Rahul said he found that the so-called “spirit of Mumbai” was created by people “looking for comfortable clichés”. The explanation, he said, “was far simpler and more direct”. Other than social work and acting, Rahul, who won accolades for his performance in films like Mr. & Mrs Iyer, Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Jhankaar Beats and Chameli, plays rugby too. He is supporting several social causes. (IANS) Cows, goats and pedigree dogs — welcome to a prison farm Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 27: Cows, goats, pedigree dogs and vegetable farming. Well, you could call it a sort of a farm, except it isn’t — it’s the Thiruvananthapuram Central Prison. Situated in the heart of the city, it has come to light that the quarters of many jail officials of the Thiruvananthapuram Central Prison house cows, goats and pedigree dogs. These officials also maintain vegetable gardens which include tapioca plants. According to media reports, every day many prisoners arrive at the quarters of the prison officials and carry out cleaning and other chores. Breeding of dogs such as Alsatians and Dobermans brings in good money for those who run temporary kennels, the reports added. The Thiruvanathapuram Central Prison is housed in an area of around 270 acres and has more than 1,000 prisoners. The prison operations are managed by 125 wardens, 64 head wardens and two chief wardens, who belong to the Kerala Jail Subordinate Officers Association. There are 55 staff quarters for these officials and another 15 for jail officials holding the rank of assistant jailor and upwards. The inspector general of police and director general of police (prisons) stay outside the campus. The state government had in 1997 and 1999 banned the rearing of animals in staff quarters. (IANS)