Page 1466 - Politics
Guj cops urge citizens to remain alert & not to spread rumours
Even as a high alert has been sounded in Gujarat amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the state police have asked people to refrain from spreading rumors and propaganda material, which may disturb peace and compromise the country's security. In view of the present situation, police in Ahmedabad and Surat cities have issued advisories for the people and urged them to remain alert. Ahmedabad police said although a high alert has been sounded in the state, people need not panic and they should continue doing their routine work. The advisory urged citizens "not to become a victim of any deliberate propaganda from across the border or from vested interests to divide the people in the name of community or religion". It added that people should take extra care while using social media. In a word of caution, police said "circulation of any divisive content on social media or in any other format is a punishable offence". The advisory urged people not to circulate any .
Kejriwal speaking Pakistan's language: Delhi BJP
The Delhi BJP hit out at Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, accusing him of speaking the language of Pakistan over the prevailing tension between India and the neighbouring country. The sharp attack on Kejriwal came after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being busy with strengthening the saffron party's booth-level organisation at a time when the country was worried about an air force pilot being in the custody of Pakistan. "Kejriwal is speaking the language of Pakistan. He will be given a befitting reply by people for degrading the sacrifice of soldiers," Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said. Speaking in the Assembly, Kejriwal had said, "I received many phone calls. People are saying the prime minister should think about the release of the air force pilot, instead of strengthening his booths." He also slammed the saffron party, saying, "The BJP is counting corpses, shame on such a party," referring to ..
Cong accuses PM, BJP of doing 'crass politicking' on airstrike
The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of doing "crass politicking" on the pre-emptive strikes on JeM terror camp in Pakistan and said he should have worked on strengthening the nation at such a time, instead of focusing on electoral booths for his party. Prime Minister Modi has "misplaced priorities" and he is "desperate only for re-election", the principal opposition party alleged, attacking Modi on a day he addressed BJP workers as part of his party's 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' programme ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the statements made by leaders of the BJP including party chief Amit Shah are playing into the hands of Pakistani propaganda and asked the NDA-BJP government to rein in their "motor mouths". He referred to the statements made by Shah in Gazipur where he sought votes to re-elect Modi in the immediate aftermath of the Indian Air Force strike on terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan and that of former .
Sidhu welcomes announcement to release IAF pilot, bats for dialogue
Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday welcomed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement regarding the release of captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Varthaman Abhinandan and argued strongly for a dialogue between both the countries to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Hamas calls for Israel to be held accountable after UN Gaza probe
Hamas called for Israel to be held accountable on Thursday after a UN probe said its soldiers may have committed crimes against humanity in their response to Gaza unrest. "The report indicates beyond any doubt that the Israeli occupation has committed clear war crimes against the Palestinians who came out to protest peacefully to demand the right of return and lift the siege," Bassem Naim, a senior official for the Islamist movement that rules the Gaza Strip, told AFP. He called on "the international community to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for the war crimes that it continues to commit against the Palestinians." Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, based in the occupied West Bank, also welcomed the probe's findings. Rights groups including Amnesty International also called for further action to hold Israel accountable after the report. Israeli rights group B'Tselem renewed a call for soldiers to refuse to comply with the army's open-fire rules along the Gaza border. Israel
Amarinder visits border villages, welcomes release of Wing Commander Abhinandan
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh visited some border villages in the state in the wake of prevailing tension as he welcomed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement that captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be released terming it a "goodwill gesture", according to an official statement. Amarinder was interacting with BSF personnel at the Khalra observation post during his visit to instill confidence among the residents in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan. "The Pulwama attack by the Pakistan-backed terror forces was an act of cowardice, necessitating retaliation by India," he said. He, however, expressed hope that normalcy would return at the border soon. On Imran Khan announcing release of the captured Wing Commander, Amarinder said the "goodwill gesture" would help ease the prevailing tensions, the release quoted him as saying. Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced in Parliament on Thursday that Varthaman would be ...
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince calls Modi, Imran over escalating Indo-Pak tensions
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan Thursday telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan as part of his efforts to de-escalate Indo-Pak tensions and underline the importance of dialogue and communication in resolving differences. The Crown Prince, also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in a tweet said he talked to Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Khan. Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group. India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. Pakistan retaliated on Wednesday. Prime Minister Khan announced Thursday that Pakistan will free captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday as a peace gesture, hours after a strong message from India demanding his unconditional release, largely de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. "His ...
Thai lawmakers approve controversial cybersecurity act
Thailand's legislature passed a cybersecurity bill on Thursday that would allow authorities access to people's personal information without a court order. The Cybersecurity Act addresses computer hacking crimes, but activists fear it will allow the government sweeping access to people's personal information. The act allows state officials to seize, search, infiltrate, and make copies of computers, computer systems and information in computers without a court warrant if an appointed committee sees it as a high-level security threat, and relevant courts can later be informed of such actions. It would also allow state officials to request "real-time" access to information related to those causing cyber threats. The National Legislative Assembly, which passed the bill in its final reading by a vote of 133-0, was appointed by the junta that came to power after a 2014 coup. It becomes law after it is endorsed by the king and published in the Royal Gazette. Thailand will have a general ...
EU Brexit negotiator says UK 'decision more important than extra time'
The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Thursday repeated a call for a decision from London on its withdrawal deal, rather than seeking to delay the exit date. "Today, we need above all a decision, it's more important than extra time," Barnier told a news conference in Vienna, adding that the Brexit process stood at a "grave moment". European leaders have already warned that any postponement of the two-year Article 50 process would come with conditions. Britain is due to leave the European Union on 29 March but is currently on course to do so without a deal after British MPs overwhelmingly rejected the withdrawal agreement in January. "The duration of any extension would be linked to the question of what to do with the time," Barnier said. "If it's to sort out a technical question, it could be a few weeks to go up to the eve of the European elections." Barnier also raised the possibility of a longer extension in the case of "new British choices" but pointed out .
Pompeo: US worried over Chinese moves threatening navigation
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he will discuss U.S. concerns about Chinese actions that threaten freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea with Philippine officials during an overnight visit to Manila. Pompeo arrived late Thursday and immediately met with President Rodrigo Duterte at an air base. He was expected to brief Duterte about unsuccessful talks between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which he also attended. "We're worried that the Chinese are using their power in ways that will deny freedom of navigation in the region and that's important to every country in Asia, and Philippines included," Pompeo told reporters as he flew to Manila from Hanoi. When asked if the US was concerned about China's actions, Pompeo replied "absolutely," adding that Washington has a national security strategy to address the problem. The long-seething territorial disputes are a key irritant between Washington and Beijing, which has ...
Jammu-based activist seeks registration of case against Mehbooba
A Jammu-based activist said Monday that he has filed a complaint with the district magistrate, seeking registration of a case against former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti for her reported remarks on the national tricolour. In his complaint, activist Sukesh C Khajuria alleged that Mehbooba's statement, made at a press conference, was "seditious" and an "incitement to violence or public disorder". There was, however, no official confirmation from the district magistrate's office. At the press conference to defend Article 35A of the Constitution in Srinagar on February 25, Mehbooba warned that any tampering with Jammu and Kashmir's special status would "undermine and nullify" the state's accession to the Union, saying the consequences of such a decision would be something the country had not witnessed since 1947. "If there is an attack (on Article 35A), then I do not know which flag, other than the tricolour, would the people of Kashmir bear in hand. And if they do so, .
AAP condemns BJP, Modi for running political campaign
The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday condemned the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for running a political campaign at a time when the nation "must stand together with the forces".
Sushil Modi snubs oppn, says Modi does not need advice from
In an indirect snub to the Opposition's criticisms of alleged politicization of the tensions with Pakistan by the BJP, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Thursday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not need advice from those who have been in favor of going soft on terror. In an apparent rebuff to demands by parties like RJD, Congress and the CPI(ML) that the NDA cancel the rally scheduled here on March 03, the senior BJP leader said the public meeting would serve as an occasion for the people to demonstrate their support to the Prime Minister and the armed forces. The nations spirits are soaring in the wake of a befitting reply to Pakistan by the destruction of the nursery of terrorism which was a consequence of Prime Minister Narendra Modis strong leadership, our diplomatic acumen and the valour of the armed forces. In such a backdrop, the people of the country are eager to hear every word uttered by the Prime Minister, the Bihar Deputy CM ...
Lok Sabha polls: SAD to contest on 10 seats, BJP on 3 in Punjab
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest on 10 seats and BJP on three out of total 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, it was announced on Thursday.The two parties announced the seat sharing arrangement.The decision was taken after SAD leaders including Sukhbir Singh Badal met BJP president Amit Shah today at his residence here.Later while talking to media here, Badal said, "We have also formed a coordination committee which will hold strategy sessions every week."The BJP had earlier announced an alliance with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.
Indian-origin MP demands resignation of Canadian prime minister over SNC-Lavalin bribery case
Newly elected Indian-origin lawmaker Jagmeet Singh on Thursday called for a "national public inquiry" into the alleged SNC-Lavalin bribery case and joined the Opposition in demanding the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The SNC Lavalin case is haunting the ruling Liberal party and the government. According to media reports, Trudeau's close aides had lobbied former Justice Minister and Auditor General Joy Wilson-Raybould to abandon plans prosecute the Quebec-based engineering company over accusations of fraud and bribery. Instead, they requested her to pursue a deferred prosecution agreement, which allowed the company to pay a fine. The prime minister has lost the moral authority to govern and must resign, said the 40-year-old New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, who on Wednesday won the by-election to the Canadian Parliament from British Columbia's the Burnaby South constituency seat. He joined the Opposition Conservative party leader Andrew Seers to seek the ...
HC rejects Sasikala-Dhinakaran plea for 'two leaves' poll symbol
The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed pleas of V.K. Sasikala and T.T.V Dhinakaran challenging the EC decision of awarding the 'two leaves' symbol and the AIADMK name to a faction led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E.K. Palaniswami.
Amarinder visits border areas; welcomes Imran's announcement on pilot's release
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday welcomed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement on the release of the captured IAF officer, terming it "a goodwill gesture that would help ease the prevailing tensions at the border".
Committee formed after Sisodia alleges officials denied airing of education video
Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Thursday decided to form a special committee over alleged improper answer by officials regarding a proposal of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. In his reply on a motion of thanks over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's budget for 2019-20, Sisodia said it was based on the dreams of soldiers of the country. Sisodia explained how he took personal interest in supervising a makeover of school education in Delhi in the past four years as the education minister. A four-minute video on the poor condition of schools when the AAP came to power and its transformation under Sisodia was shown during his speech. "I felt this video should be shown in cinema halls and television. But, officers of education department in writing denied it, questioning how could they believe the video showed government schools," he said. Gesturing at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members in the House, the AAP leader charged: "They have intentionally got such officers
Committee formed after Sisodia alleges officials denied airing of education video
Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Thursday decided to form a special committee over alleged improper answer by officials regarding a proposal of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. In his reply on a motion of thanks over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's budget for 2019-20, Sisodia said it was based on the dreams of soldiers of the country. Sisodia explained how he took personal interest in supervising a makeover of school education in Delhi in the past four years as the education minister. A four-minute video on the poor condition of schools when the AAP came to power and its transformation under Sisodia was shown during his speech. "I felt this video should be shown in cinema halls and television. But, officers of education department in writing denied it, questioning how could they believe the video showed government schools," he said. Gesturing at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members in the House, the AAP leader charged: "They have intentionally got such officers
Cong, JDS to discuss seat sharing for LS polls on March 4
The ruling alliance in Karnataka is likely to discuss seat sharing for the Lok Sabha polls at the coalition coordination committee meeting on March 4, Congress sources said Thursday. The coalition partners had held first round of talks on seat sharing on February 25, during which the Congress insisted that winnability would be the criteria, while JD(S) maintained its stand to contest for 12 seats. The coordination committee meeting is expected to discuss the seat sharing, following the initial round of discussions between both the parties recently, Congress sources said. Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao, deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara from Congress' side and public works minister H D Revanna, JD(S) state president Adagur H Vishwanath from the regional party's side had met and discussed seat sharing on February 25. The two parties did not reveal the outcome of the meeting. However, Rao had termed the meeting as fruitful and said discussions took place ...