By IANS,

Jammu : A Jammu and Kashmir minister Monday demanded a CBI probe into the deaths of Kashmiri students studying in various states of the country.

Roads and Buildings Minister Abdul Majid Wani made the demand while referring to youth Khalid Mantoo, from Doda district of Jammu region, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Punjab's Hoshiarpur where he was pursuing an engineering course.

"Like many incidents before, today again we lost a bright and promising young man from our state," he said, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in all such cases wherein students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in various other parts of the country were found dead.

This is really a matter of serious concern which needs to be investigated by the CBI, he said.

Expressing grave concern over the number of deaths of students from the state studying in various parts of the country, Wani contended that a probe would ascertain the truth behind these sudden deaths and also expose any foul play behind these deaths.

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,

Guwahati: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met chief ministers of all te North Eastern States at his official residence in New Delhi to review the infrastructure and development projects in the region on Monday. The meeting was organized by the Planning Commission which is the nodal agency initiating and monitoring developmental work in North East region.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the Government viewed infrastructure development in the North East as a key element in the strategy for developing the region and increasing connectivity with the rest of the country.

Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia made a detailed presentation on Infrastructure Development in the region and noted that continuous focus on the region has led to satisfactory results during the 11th Plan period. The State Domestic Product growth in the region has been above the national average for the first time ever in the 11th Plan underscoring success of the initiatives and constant monitoring by the Planning Commission. The GSDP of North East region grew nearly 10% during the 11th Plan period from 2007-2012 compared to 8% for the country as a whole. This growth was supported by good agriculture sector performance including horticulture, floriculture, fisheries, rubber and oil palm production.

Ahluwalia pointed out that during the same period total Central Assistance including NCA, ACA, SCA and SPA had more than doubled to the region from Rs. 34764 crore during the 10th Plan to Rs. 73374 crore during the 11th Plan period. “Plan Expenditure has grown significantly in all NE states as share of GSDP,” he added.

The Prime Minister, in his concluding remarks, noted that “very considerable progress is being made in each of the sectors reviewed today”. He directed the Planning Commission to constitute a Monitoring Committee with representatives from the North East States to improve coordination among Central Ministries.

Central Ministries have focused on development of infrastructure including Railways, Roads, Airports, Telecom and Power.

The following are the highlights of the review in individual infrastructure sectors:
Railways

The Twelfth Plan initiated a major expansion in railway development in the region. There are 20 Railway projects under way of which 10 are National Projects. Highlights are:-

Additional financial resources of Rs. 314 crore were made available in the current year to allow completion of Rangiya-Rangpura (Tezpur), Rangpura- North Lakhimpur and North Lakhimpur- Murkongselek.

• Lumding-Silchar gauge conversion for main and branch lines. Additional resources of Rs. 100 crore were provided in current year. Expected completion -- March 2015 for main line and June 2016 for branch lines.

• Bogibeel Rail cum road bridge across Brahmaputra to be completed by December 2016.
• New broadgauge line Dudhnoi -Mendipathar to be completed by March 2014 will be the first rail connectivity to Meghalaya.

• New broad gauge line Harmuti-Naharlagun to be completed by March 2014 will be the first rail connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh.

• The following seven national projects will be completed in the Twelfth Plan: Rangiya-Murkongselek (Assam), Lumding -Silchar including branch lines (Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura), Tetelia -Byrnihat (Meghalaya), Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal (Manipur), Bogibeel bridge (Assam), Kumarghat -Agartala (Tripura), Agartala -Subroom (Tripura).
Road Development

• The East West Corridor of the National Highways in the North East is 500 km. 81 % is complete and likely completion date is December 2014. Govt of Assam has to resolve some land availability issues.

• The Special Accelerated Road Development Project involves development of 4099 km of roads in phase A. Of this, 2505 km have been sanctioned and 1215 km are complete. Various steps taken to improve implementation were reviewed. Targeted completion dates for various stretches are between June 2015 to March 2017.

• The Trans Arunachal Highway programme involves a length of 2319 km of which 58 percent is sanctioned. Completion date for various stretches is between June 2016 and March 2018. Additional six projects implementation units set up to speed up work. Actions needed to speed up implementation, including action by State governments in several areas, was reviewed.

Power

• The North East currently has 4080 MW of generation capacity and another 6810 MW are under development. Untapped hydro potential is 55,561 MW and development of this potential would generate surplus power meeting the energy needs of the Nation and also generating resources for the region.

• There is need for expeditious environmental and forest clearances and also land acquisition. Ministry of Environment has recently issued fresh guidelines which will help. The Cabinet Committee on Investment cleared the Dibang project recently.

• The Lower Subansiri project is facing some implementation problems which need early resolution. Ministry of Power and Government of Assam have scheduled a meeting in February.

• Intra-state Transmission line network for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is being taken up under NLCPR (Central).

• For states other than Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Power grid has prepared a project for evacuation of power being funded by World Bank and GoI.

Airports

Air connectivity has increased considerably and average departures per week have more than doubled from 226 in 2001 to 497 in 2012. However more needs to be done and is being planned.

• New Airport being developed at Pakyong. Some land acquisition issues remain and State Government has to construct the approach road from Gangtok to Pakyong. Airport could be completed by December 2014.

• New Airport at Itanagar is planned by state government has to resolve land acquisition issues, approach road and electricity and water.

• New Airport at Cheihu: an alternative site has to be selected by the State Government.
• Several existing airports are being expanded/ modernized: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Shillong, Imphal, Agartala.

• Guwahati is being developed as a regional hub to improve connectivity.

• Intra regional network is weak. NEC is trying to develop through VGF support.

Inland Water Transport

National Waterway 2 on Brahmaputra (891 km) provides scope for eco-friendly and cheap transport of both commodities and people. It is planned to ensure 2 to 2.5 metre depth with navigation aids and ten floating terminals maintained by IWAI.

• 16 floating terminals for passengers, being set up by Ministry of Shipping are expected to be operational by end march 2014, four are already operational.

• IWAI is developing a Roll on Roll off facility at Dubri and Hatsingimari to reduce travel time of vehicles between Meghalaya and Dhubri in Assam which now have to go over Jogihopa Bridge adding 220 km.

• Vessel repair facility is being developed at Pandu (Guwahati). Assam govt to expedite land transfer.

Telecom

Teledensity in the north east has improved considerably but is still below the national average. The Twelfth Plan envisages a Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North East which includes:-

• Mobile coverage of all uncovered sub divisional district headquarters and uncovered villages. Work is being undertaken by the North East Space Application Centre in association with DoT supported by innovative technology.

• Mobile coverage to all uncovered portions along the National Highways.

• Covering all District Headquarters with optical fibre cable (OFC) connectivity or satellite media.

• Complete OFC connectivity from District to Block (Target date Dec 2014) and from Block to Panchayat/Village Council (Target date 2015).Covering remote border areas through microwave network and satellite media DONER will pay transponder lease charges and satellite bandwidth charges for the Twelfth Plan period.

• To improve connectivity alternate telecom routing through Akhaura (Bangladesh) to Agartala in Tripura is being explored.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, in his address, gave a detailed account of the ongoing Bogibeel bridge, East-West Corridor, power projects, the second bridge over the Brahmaputra, railway projects, among others. Gogoi said the Government would complete the land acquisition task soon for early completion of the East-West Corridor.

The Chief Minister called for expeditious environmental and forest clearance for completion of hydro projects within the stipulated timeframe.

Gogoi emphasized on the need for development and modernization of Brahmaputra Waterways (Inland Waterways 1) to improve connectivity and transportation of goods at a cheaper cost. Gogoi requested Government of India’s help for securing World Bank assistance.

The Chief Minister while thanking the Prime Minister for taking the initiative to speed up the development process in the North East region, said the land acquisition for the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge has been almost completed.

Gogoi also raised the impacts of floods and erosion and need for speedy clearance by Brahmaputra Board, Central Water Commission for comprehensive floods and erosion management.

The Chief Minister that the ongoing Lumding Silchar railway line, Rangia Morkongselek gauge conversion projects would be completed if funds are released to the Railways by the Ministry of Finance.

Gogoi also raised the issues of airport expansion with night landing facilities at LGBI Airport and expansion of landing strip at Mohanbari Airport.

By IANS,

New Delhi : Supreme Court Tuesday said that there cannot be any distinction whether a person on death row was convicted on charges of terror or otherwise in entertaining their petition challenging the rejection of their mercy petition on grounds of inordinate, unexplained and unreasonable delay by the president.

The apex court constitution bench headed by Chief Justice P. Sathasivam said that the president and the governor, while deciding mercy petitions were not exercising any prerogative but were discharging their constitutional obligation and even a death row convict has a de factor right.

Saying so, the court said that it did not agree with the decision of its another bench which declined to give relief to Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar on the grounds of inordinate delay in the execution of his mercy petition as he was convicted for committing terror.

In another landmark decision that will ensure that there was no repeat of Afzal Guru like execution, the court said that there has to be 14 days gap between the communication of rejection of mercy petition to the convict and his family members and actual execution of the death sentence.

The court said these 14 days are necessary for the convict to come to terms with the reality, to make peace with God, to execute his will and also have the opportunity to meet his family members for the last time.

By IANS,

Srinagar : A complete shutdown called by separatists affected life in Srinagar's city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining areas here Tuesday.

Shops and other business establishments remained closed in Lal Chowk, Maisuma, Gaw Kadal, Hari Singh High Street and Maharaja Bazar areas of Srinagar following a shutdown called by the separatists to protest the killings of 51 protestors in firing by security forces in Gaw Kadal this day in 1990.

Life was, however, normal in other areas of the city and all other towns of Kashmir Valley.

All senior separatist leaders, including the hardline Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Muhammad Nayeem Khan had called for Tuesday's shutdown in and around the Gaw Kadal area of the city.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain law and order in the city.

No untoward incident has occurred anywhere in the areas affected by the shutdown so far, police said here.

By IANS,

Lucknow : Security has been beefed up across Uttar Pradesh after Intelligence Bureau (IB) inputs warned that terrorists might slip in from the porous Indo-Nepal border and try to create trouble on the Republic Day.

Additional Director General (Law and Order) Mukul Goel has written to all district police chiefs asking them to step up vigil "in wake of the new tip-off" from the IB.

The tip-off to the state police is specifically about Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorists Tehsin Akhtar and Pakistan-based Waqar, who is learnt to be holed up in Nepal and is trying to slip into the state.

The National Investigative Agency (NIA) recently released sketches of 15 terror suspects who are feared to be in the state as sleeper modules "ready to act".

Police are making posters of these terror suspects and these would be pasted on railway stations, bus depots, malls and markets, an official of the home department told IANS. Five of these terrorists had escaped from the Azamgarh prison last year.

Special security advisory has been issued for Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra, Allahabad, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Faizabad, Varanasi, Aligarh, Bulandshahar, Bareilly, Moradabad, Mau, Bhadohi and Azamgarh districts.

Vigil has been stepped up in districts of Maharajganj, Siddharthanagar, Bahraich, Kheri, Pilibhit and Gonda.

By IANS,

New York : The Indian government's inability to protect women and children from rape and sexual violence undermines its commitment to uphold the rights of all Indians, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.

During 2013, the authorities also failed to enforce laws that protect vulnerable communities including Dalits, religious minorities and tribal groups, it said in its World Report 2014.

Government efforts to increase mass surveillance raised concerns over rights to privacy and free speech, it said.

In the 667-page world report, its 24th edition, Human Rights Watch reviewed human rights practices in more than 90 countries.

India has strong legislation to protect rights, Human Rights Watch said, but entrenched corruption and lack of accountability foster human rights violations.

The civil society groups, which play a crucial advocacy role in addressing these problems through protests and free expression, were increasingly at risk due to misused sedition laws and financial regulations.

In April, India rolled out a Central Monitoring System for all phone and Internet communications, which rights groups fear could lead to abuse in the absence of adequate oversight or safeguards for the right to privacy, the report said.

The courage and persistence of victims' families and human rights activists did result in court interventions and investigations in several cases of extrajudicial killings in which the security forces had falsely claimed that the deaths occurred during armed exchanges.

In the run-up to the 2014 parliamentary elections, there was an increase in communal clashes between Hindus and Muslims, Human Rights Watch said.

"There is risk of additional violence as political interest groups seek to exploit tensions between the two communities."

Maoist insurgents in central and eastern India continued to attack civilians and security forces while villagers were at risk of arbitrary arrests and torture by state forces.

Maoists continued to attack schools and government security forces occupied school buildings for operations in violation of court orders.

Internationally, India engaged in efforts to promote human rights in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Myanmar but did little to address the crises outside of South Asia, such as in Syria, the report said.

By TCN News,

Dammam: India Fraternity Forum, Kerala chapter conducted health awareness class and free medical camp in association with Salama Tek medical centre at Nesto hall in Dammam as part of ongoing ‘Healthy life happy life’ health awareness campaign.

Hundreds of people participated and made use of free check-ups like blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and pulse. Free consultation to a general practitioner was also available. The function was inaugurated by Mr. Moosakutty, Saudi zonal president, India Fraternity Forum.

Moosakutty is giving memento to Nass Vakkam

A statement by Forum said that it aims to spread the message that, do exercise and keep health among expatriates who are normally not taking care about their health. “Fraternity forum started this health awareness campaign as we realize that, the lack of exercise and wrong life habits causes many problems in expatriates and leading to have pressure, sugar, heart diseases and immature death even in youths,” Forum Dammam Chapter President Abdul Latheef Karunagappally said in his presidential address.

Distribution of health guide, corner talks, room visits, medical camps & awareness classes, demonstration of exercise and yoga are also going on, he added.

Audience

The class regarding the importance of exercise in healthy life was taken by Mr. Mohamed Ali Master and his demonstration of simple exercises items which we can do even from rooms was very useful.

Fraternity Forum also honored social workers like Nass Vakkam, Mohamed Abdul Waheed, Shorab Ahmed in this function for their outstanding service in the field of community welfare and undying commitment to the society, the mementos were presented by Moosakutty, Ramdas (Nesto DGM) and Abdul Ali Kalathingal respectively. Assaf Nechikkadan (MD, SALAMATEK Medical centre) and Mohamed Ali Master were also honored by Fraternity Forum for their remarkable service and performance in this health campaign. The mementos were awarded by Muneer Puthige and Abdul Salam Master.

Several other persons were also felicitated.

By Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net,

New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party are sitting on dharna from Monday outside Rail Bahavan in the capital, virtually becoming the ‘Chief Protester’ as well. Although Delhi CM earlier said that his dharna will last 10 days, he later clarified that it is indefinite till his demands are not met by the Central Government.
As the entire cabinet is sitting with him, most of the works are being affected, but the ministers were seen going through and signing important files from the dharna site as well.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders are on dharna demanding suspension of three Delhi Police SHOs. Meanwhile Home Ministry has refused to budge so far, saying a magisterial enquiry has also ready been ordered.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal wih PWD Minister Manish Sisodia.

AAP supporters thronged in thousands, although four metro stations were shut and section 144 was in place.

Over 3000 police personnel have been deployed.


RAF to has been called to thwart any untoward incident.

AAP leader Prof Anand Kumar at the dharna site.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia

Delhi CM was seen going through important files at the dharna site.

An elderly AAP supporter with Arvind Kejriwal.

An elderly AAP member resting at the dharna site.

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,

Hyderabad: The tussle between senor administrative staffs of English and Foreign Languages University is turning uglier by da with the suspension of Deputy Registrar (Finance) T. S. Rasool Saheb on Tuesday morning on a ‘partial report of an inquiry committee’ for his code of conduct. His supporters, however, claim that Rasool Saheb was targeted for cooperating in a CAG investigation into allegations of misappropriation of funds by the University administration.

A standoff between Rasool Saheb and EFLU administration began on January 2 when University Registrar P. Madhavan on the order of Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunaina Singh locked the office of Mr. Rasool and confiscated all his files. The order stated ‘logistical reasons’ for confiscating Mr. Rasool’s office. In the meantime Mr. Rasool was allotted another room for his office work.

Former Deputy Registrar (Finance) didn’t keep quite on the administrative action but he immediately lodged a complaint with local police station and state minorities commission against EFLU administration for ‘harassment by illegal means’.

In his complaint, the copy of which is with TCN, Mr. Rasool Saheb claimed that he is being targeted by EFLU administration as he cooperated in the matter of financial issues which Central team of Controller and Auditor General has put under scanner for investigation. He added that he was only doing his duty as Deputy Registrar (Finance) of University.

State Minorities Commission even issued notice to Registrar on Mr. Rasool’s complaint, but has not got any response from the administration so far. The matter was then posted to 24 January.

A transaction audit team of CAG is currently scrutinizing annual audits of the University after receiving complaints of misappropriation of funds by higher officials in the University. Sources in the University administration informed TCN that CAG has got several documents which would nail discrepancies in financial matters.

It includes construction of solar power plant without calling tenders, certain irregularities in conversion of Central Provident Funds to General Provident Funds of retired employees, hiking of basic pay of senior administrative members and moreover personal expenditure of vice-chancellor including her HRA and Phone bills. Some of those files and information on ongoing investigation was also leaked to the press causing embarrassment for the administration.

A source in the Registrar department told TCN that University administration fumed over crucial financial audits getting into CAG and media net and immediately suspected Rasool Saheb for acting as whistle blower, charges he denies.

When TCN contacted Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunaina Singh she refused to comment citing ongoing CAG investigation as reason. University Registrar P. Madhavan also refused to respond on the suspension or on the charges levelled by Rasool Saheb.

Mr. Rasool Saheb had joined EFLU in 2009 as Deputy Finance Officer on direct central Government appointment after serving in State Council for Higher Education. However on 26 November 2013 his independent finance officer post was redesigned as Deputy Registrar (Finance) as soon as the CAG investigation began.

When TCN contacted Rasool Saheb, he refused talking saying he is feeling dejected and does not want to talk to the press.

After his office was confiscated on 2 January, his health reportedly deteriorated due to "humiliation" and hence he went on sick leave.

A confidante of Rasool, however, told TCN that he has been left broken by University’s action, adding, “He was not even called once to explain his position in inquiry committee. Now the suspension letter by university administration states that he has been suspended with immediate effect basing on the partial report of that inquiry committee.”

By IANS,

New Delhi: At least 30 people, including 19 policemen, were injured Tuesday when Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters clashed with the police during a sit-in here. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday evening called off his street protest followed an appeal by Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung.

Over 100 AAP protesters Tuesday forcefully entered Rafi Marg that leads to the protest site after pushing through barricades, resulting in a clash with the police.

Earlier, Kejriwal said he was determined to continue the protest near the Rail Bhavan, where he and his cabinet members were stopped Monday while on their way to the union home ministry to demand that the Delhi Police be brought under their control and action taken against five police officers.

Police tried to stop the advancing AAP volunteers who did not pay heed, resulting in a scuffle.

"At least 11 people were injured in the clash and were taken to hospital while 18 policemen were hurt," a police officer told IANS.

"One of our policeman suffered a broken nose," said the officer.

Meanwhile, an AAP leader said three people, including a woman, have been admitted to a hospital while six others who received minor injuries were discharged.

The AAP supporters had earlier pelted stones at police officials and injuring constable Dinesh Gupta, posted at the Mukherjee Nagar police station, who was hurt near his eye and was rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where his condition was stable.

"They (AAP) are pelting stones intermittently. We will take legal action as required," Joint Commissioner of Police Mukesh Kumar Meena told IANS.

A journalist, Nagendra Nath Mishra, who tried to enter the protest site was allegedly beaten up by police.

By IANS,

New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday discharged his duties as Delhi chief minister by meeting bureaucrats and passing on instructions at the site of a sit-in by his Aam Aadmi Party.

Government officials said that apart from Kejriwal, other ministers also attended to their work at the protest site and sat in their cars to look at files.

"The chief minster disposed of as much as work as he could," an official told IANS.

Kejriwal, who has been defying prohibitory orders and camping near Rail Bhavan, close to parliament since Monday, spent the night under the stars and in blistering cold.

The government is demanding action against some police officers for alleged indifference to complaints made by ministers Somnath Bharti and Rakhi Birla. It also wants control over the Delhi Police.

An official said he brought about 30 files to the protest venue for perusal by Law Minister Bharti.

Officials said they had to get signatures on files and take instructions so that government work continues.

"We can work under the open sky also," an official said.

Kejriwal Monday said work will not suffer because of the protest.

The officials said Kejriwal had attended to work on Monday too, but a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday noon was cancelled.

By IANS,

Lucknow: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday announced it would fight tooth and nail the politics of discrimination on the grounds of religion that it alleged had been unleashed by the Samajwadi Party (SP) government in Uttar Pradesh.

Interacting with party workers, office-bearers and supporters at Bijnor, 454 km from the state capital Lucknow, BJP general secretary in-charge of the state, Amit Shah said being a responsible nationalist party, it cannot be a mute spectator to the misdeeds of a state government bent on dividing the society on communal, religious and casteist lines.

He instructed the state unit of the party to hold intellectual conventions across Uttar Pradesh between February 15 and March 15 and inform the people of the divisive designs of the opponents and exhort them to connect with the "Vote for India" and "My Idea of India" campaigns of Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

Coining a slogan - "Booth jeeta, chunav jeeta (if you conquer the booths, you win the elections), Shah said involvement of cadres in expansion of the voter base of the party was crucial and hence they should be involved in the political process. He also asked party workers to work 24x7 to ensure the state sends maximum Lok Sabha members.

UP has 80 Lok Sabha seats of which BJP holds 10. In 1998, the saffron party sent a maximum of 57 Lok Sabha members from the state and it now hopes to see a good comeback by pitching in for Modi as PM.

By IANS,

Lucknow: Hundreds of Congress workers, office-bearers and party supporters Tuesday led a massive protest rally in Meerut against the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh.

The party accused the SP government, led by Akhilesh Yadav, of not implementing the food security law in the state, break down of law and order, failure in containing communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and not attending to the basic problems faced by the cane growers.

Leading the protest, Congress general secretary in-charge of UP, Madhusudan Mistry, called the Akhilesh government "nikamma" (good for nothing) and said the law and order machinery in the state had collapsed.

"The common man is living in constant fear and the men in power themselves are breaking laws and twisting rules," he added. Mistry also accused the SP government of stonewalling implementation of the Food Security Bill in the state.

Referring to the pending dues and arrears on cane growers, Mistry said the state government had completely become immune to the problems of the people in the state.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nirmal Khatri referred to the communal clashes in the state, particularly in Muzaffarnagar and said that the SP government had completely failed to protect the people. He also alleged that even the rehabilitation of the riot survivors was not in place.

Congressmen later tried to proceed towards the divisional commissioner's office in Meerut but were forcibly stopped by police which later put them under preventive arrest.

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance-II government at the centre depends on the 21 SP MPs for maintaining majority in the Lok Sabha but the two parties have had some serious and acrimonious exchanges of words off late, clearly signalling the parting of ways before the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

By IANS,

New Delhi: The street protest by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his colleagues may have ended, but it has left many people in the national capital divided on whether it was the right way to get things done.

Prem Chand, 26, a driver, who voted for the AAP, defended the activist-turned-politician's move to sit on a 'dharna'.

[TCN photo]

"He took this extreme step in such biting cold because the central government and police refused to listen to him. He had a valid reason to protest and the protest has had effect," Chand told IANS.

"People should entrust their faith in him, and let him function the way he wishes," he added.

The chief minister and his cabinet members ended their sit-in in the heart of Delhi after the Lt Governor agreed partially to his demands Tuesday evening.

Dipankar Das, 30, a web designer, said if the protest had continued he would have taken a day's leave to join it.

"This is the right way to shake up the system.. The police is highly corrupt," he told IANS.

Krishna Menon, a communications manager from Kerala, said he supported the AAP's protest movement.

"Nothing has changed for over 65 years, maybe this is the right way to bring a change," Menon told IANS.

Deepa Rana, who works for a media house, said she approved of Kejriwal's method of protest. "This is the only way to talk about Delhi Police reforms," Rana told IANS.

However, there were some who did not approve of the protest sit-in.

"We voted for the 'jhaadu' (broom) to solve our problems. But it looks like they are involved in their own politics and had forgotten about us," said 22-year-old Pinky Rani, who works as a domestic help in Dwarka.

Sita Ram, 32, who works with a media house and is a BJP supporter, said Kejriwal's protest and demand for suspension of some police officials is "totally wrong".

"This is utter nonsense. He was sitting in such a sensitive area and creating a nuisance," said Ram.

"He should first try to solve the issues that are haunting his party internally, and then look at external issues," Ram told IANS.

Anita Devi, a washerwoman, said that coming out on the streets was "no way to get one's demands fulfilled".

"Yes, I agree that Delhi Police is extremely corrupt. But this is no way to get your demands fulfilled. Kejriwal should act like a proper administrator, and behave like Delhi's chief minister," she said.

But 23-year-old Deepak was appreciative of Kejriwal's move.

"Despite being a chief minister he slept on the footpath last night because he wanted to get some police officials suspended," said Deepak, a 23-year-old cook.

Though he did not approve of the inconvenience caused to the people, Deepak said the AAP was doing what no other party could do and termed it a "welcome change".

By IANS,

Lucknow: Back in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow after cutting short a 13-day five-nation "study tour", leader of the 19-member contingent Mohd. Azam Khan Tuesday lashed out at the media for the negative coverage it gave to their trip.

Addressing reporters, the urban development minister alleged a media house had launched a witch hunt against them after the state government refused to cede to their unfair demands.

He said that it was because of this that the study tour of legislators and ministers was linked to Muzaffarnagar.

Khan said India was a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations and such tours were part of the exchange programmes to study the work culture of other countries.

He also cited previous study tours by legislators in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004 and called the charges against the present delegation of going for fun and shopping as false and said that media houses were indulging in use of cheap phrases and words without any basis.

He also accused the media of hounding him on the foreign trip and informed how on one occasion, during a scuffle with mediapersons, he was hurt and even bled from the nose.

The minister also accused political parties of not being tolerant to the rise and success of a "Muslim minister" and said that entire controversy surrounding their trip was unwarranted and unfortunate.

The opposition and the media had tore into the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) for the foreign tour saying it was unethical to go abroad when people were dying of cold in relief camps in riot-hit Muzaffarnagar.

More than 63 people were killed in the September 2013 clashes in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli and several thousand rendered homeless. Azam Khan is the minister in-charge of Muzaffarnagar but did not visit the city once and instead chose to go on a foreign trip.

By IANS,

Srinagar: Two guerrillas were killed in two separate operations by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said here Tuesday.

"Based on specific intelligence, joint operations were launched in Qazigund and Tral areas of south Kashmir by army and police, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, one foreign terrorist of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and one local terrorist of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit," the spokesman said.

He said two AK-47 rifles, a pistol and ammunition were recovered in the operations late Monday night.

The first joint operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles troops deployed at Qazigund and the state police at 3 a.m. Monday, said the spokesman.

"A terrorist was hiding in a house at Shimpura village of Qazigund, taking the family members of the house owner as hostage. Keeping in mind the danger to the life of hostages, the area was cordoned till such time the safe passage could be ensured for the hostages.

"Thereafter, the terrorist was challenged and given a chance to surrender. However, the terrorist turned down the call and tried to escape, firing at the security forces. This led to a heavy exchange of fire and killing of the terrorist. Due to internal security problem in the area and constricted space, the recovery of the body and weapons was delayed till late night.

He said the body of the slain terrorist, identified as Hizbul Mujahideen's Javid Ahmed Salafi, a resident of Bulbul Naugam village of Anantnag district, as well as an AK-47 rifle, a pistol and ammunition were recovered.

"The second operation was launched at 7.p.m. Jan 20 on receipt of specific intelligence about presence of militant at Dadsara village in Tral of Pulwama district by the Rashtriya Rifles troops and the state police," said the spokesman.

He said the troops moving towards the house, where the terrorist was hiding, came under heavy, indiscriminate fire, and retaliated "instantly, effectively and with due care to the civil population".

"The operation was called off in the morning (of Tuesday). The body of the slain terrorist was recovered along with an AK 47. He was identified as Raza Muzaffar, a foreign terrorist from Muzaffarabad (in Pakistan-administered Kashmir), belonging to the JeM," the spokesman said, adding the operations were "surgically conducted without any collateral damage or casualty to own forces".

Srinagar-headquartered Chinar Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh commended the participating troops and officers of army and the police for these operations, giving an opportunity to the local terrorist to surrender and ensuring that there was no collateral damage.

"Operational success in counter terrorist operations is measured by the ethicality, honesty and zero collateral damage and I commend the joint efforts of security forces to live up to the dictum," he said.

By TCN News,

New Delhi: An eight member delegation of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (USA & Canada) comprising of medical doctors, social workers, academics and others visited the Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh on December 31st, 2013. The purpose of the visit was to inquire about the conditions of people who have fled their homes since the riots of September 2013 and to assess what help can be provided by the organization as per its mandate.

The delegation visited Muzaffarnagar city and the surrounding area and interacted with the refugees, social workers, and community leaders. A total of three refugee camps were visited by the delegation where we spoke to scores of men, women and children.

Findings
1. The delegation found that there are still thousands of Muslims living as refugees in camps and other locations despite the passage of four months since the riots first erupted. Data provided by the local workers show that at least 30,000 people were still living as refugees in camps as of Dec.31, 2013. This is in addition to thousands more who have found shelter with their relatives or are presently living in rented facilities.
2. Dismantling of camps by state officials has forced the refugees to be continuously on the move.
3. The conditions of the existing camps have been found wanting. The refugees have been forced to live in tarpaulin tents in freezing temperatures. This has resulted in the deaths of infants and the rapid spread of disease.
4. The camps have no adequate sanitation, safe drinking water, schools, and other necessary facilities.
5. The official compensation offered by the government is inadequate and not commensurate with the losses suffered by the victims. The process of getting it is also tedious. It comes with several caveats like not returning or claiming ownership of their homes.
6. There is a sense of fear among the refugees. This was evident even in areas where there were no riots but where a general sense of insecurity prevails due to the intimidation and threats from a section of the Jat community.
7. A number of refugees told us that in several villages they have been told by Jats that they cannot grow a beard, give Azan, or regularly attend the prayers in the Masjid.
8. There is palpable fear among the refugees and none of them said that they would return to their villages. The response of the administration has been found lacking. The simple act of registering a FIR is so difficult that many of the victims have given up pursuing it. This has emboldened the accused who continue to roam free and intimidate.
9. The refugees want to be settled in other places where they can be secure and safe. They expressed their strong desire to live together and not be dispersed.
10. The education of most of the children in the camps and elsewhere has been suspended. Very rarely are there any organized and regular educational activities held.
11. The health of pregnant women is a major concern with no health care available.
12. The mental health of the victims, especially women and children, is also a concern on which very little attention has been paid. The interviews with refugees revealed their emotional and psychological scars.
13. We found that many NGOs had done a great job in providing immediate short-term relief to the refugees. However, it was also found that there was very little coordination between them.

Our Demands to the state government

1) Stop the dismantling and forcible closure of camps until the refugees have been resettled or restored to their original homes (if they themselves deem it to be safe to return).
2) If restoration is not possible then the state administration should resettle at alternate locations. Instead of dispersing those residents of a village should be resettled together.
3) Decommunalize the state’s administrative and security apparatus.
4) Ease the process of registering FIRs.
5) Seriously investigate and prosecute the accused.
6) Take stern action against those still indulging in any form of intimidation, coercion, hate speech, or violence.
7) Initiate confidence building measures so that refugees regain back their sense of security.
8) Abolish the conditions placed for claiming the Rs.5 lakh compensation amount.
9) Make the compensation commensurate with the losses suffered by the victims.

Measures under consideration by AFMI
1. Construction of homes for the refugees in resettlement colonies.
2. Establishment of schools and support for other educational activities.
3. Establishment of clinics.
4. Research and documentation.

By TCN News,

New Delhi: The Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Jamia Millia Islamia is going to organize a workshop to present the Draft Final Report on “Discrimination and Challenges before Women from North East India: Case Studies from four metros-New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru’.

The workshop has been sponsored by the National Commission for Women, New Delhi.

Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika, Director of the Centre shall deliver the Introductory Remarks in the Workshop. Prof. S.M. Sajid, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia shall address the audience on this occasion.

Mr. K Kokho and Ms. Anamika Deb Roy of Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, JMI shall present the Background of the Project and Field Survey Results of the project in the Workshop respectively. Dr. M Amarjeet Singh from the centre will present the Findings and Recommendations.

The programme is scheduled to be held on January 23, 2014 at 11 AM in the Seminar Room of Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Jamia Millia Islamia.

By TCN News,

Hyderabad: Prominent religious scholars and leaders from all over India gathered in Hyderabad to on the 22nd annual programme rganized by Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT).

Addressing the 22nd Annual Jalse Rehmat-ul-lil-Aalameen organized by MBT at Moghalpura Grounds, Hyderabad on January 18th as part of Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Islamic thinkers and clerics said that the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) were meant for the entire world and everyone could benefit by practicing his noble and high ideals. The meeting was held under the supervision of MBT President Dr. Khayam Khan.

In his speech, Maulana Shaker Raza of Nasik, Maharashtra said that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has empowered the suppressed and victimized communities. He said that the social change that Islam has brought has made all human being equal. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had brought an end to the era of injustices and atrocities. He said the same ideals and teachings could bring about a change in the existing society.

Maulana Iqbal Ali Razvi said that the Muslims could not remain silent over the deteriorating condition of society and their surroundings. He asked them to spread the message of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in the entire world to bring the required change.

MBT Spokesperson Majeed Ullah Khan alias Farhat Khan said that several conspiracies were being hatched against Islam and the Muslim community should counter them effectively. He said that the Muslims across the world were being suppressed by communal forces. However, he said such forces could be defeated if Muslims follow and practice the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). He said that the wrong definition of Jihad was being used to defame the Muslims and distance other communities from Islam, which itself means peace. He said Muslims could counter such propaganda by practicing the real teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBHU) of love and brotherhood.

Allama Qari Saqawat Hussain Barkati (Orissa) was the chief Guest of the said meeting, while Qari Tabish Rehan (Azamgarh), Qari Aman Ullah Balyavi (West Bengal), Iqbal Ali Qadri (Mumbai), Jamsheed Johar (Jharkhand), Waris Warsi (Meerut), Dr. Sadeq Naqvi, Moulana Baqtiyar Alam, Gulam Ahamed Niyazi, Nawarul Rehman, Mir Wajahat Ali Azam, Md Haroon Ahamed, Meeran Sahiban Kundmiri, Altaf Naseeb Khan, Ajmal Uddin Farooqui, Mir Mohsin Ali, and Mustafa Mehmood were among the prominent speakers who addressed the meeting. Amjed Ullah Khan (GHMC Corporator 35th Azampura Division), who was the Secretary of the reception committee, welcomed the guest speakers, and thanked all those who helped him in conducting the said meeting.

By IANS,

New Delhi : India Tuesday evening summoned the acting high commissioner of Pakistan over the stoppage of cross-border trade and bus services by Pakistan in the wake of the arrest of a Pakistani truck driver for alleged drug trafficking.

Mansoor Ahmad was summoned Tuesday evening to the Ministry of External Affairs in connection with the recent stoppage of trans-LoC trade and bus services, said official sources.

Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin termed the stoppage "surprising."

He said while the foreign ministries of the two sides are working towards resolving the matter through diplomatic channels "it is indeed surprising that Pakistan chose to hold hostage trans-LoC trade and travel bringing immense humanitarian benefits to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, for the sake of persons indulging in drug trafficking".

Last week, authorities at Salamabad trade facilitation centre on the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Baramulla district had recovered over 100 kg of narcotics from a truck plying from Pakistan purportedly with a load of almonds.

Pakistan has claimed diplomatic immunity for the truck driver.

On Jan 18, when 27 trucks from India went across with goods to Pakistan, they were not allowed to return.

The Pakistan authorities also indicated that they would not allow the Srinagar-Muzzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote bus services to run till the impounded truck and arrested driver were released, said sources.