Page 2395 - Politics
Amarinder flays Pakistan over terror attacks in Punjab, reminds India has large Army
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh Monday hit out at Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, blaming him for terror activities in the state and killings of Indian soldiers at the border. The chief minister made the remarks at an event where he laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor along with Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. He said, I want to say something to their (Pakistan) army chief. I have also been in the Army and General Bajwa he is very junior to me in service Does the Army teach (you) to kill our jawans at the border? You kill them with sniper. Have you ever been told that you killed people in Pathankot, Dinanagar, Singh said. Referring to the grenade attack on the Nirankari Bhavan in Amritsar in which three people were killed, he said: People were offering prayers in a village and grenades were hurled at them. Is it what is taught by the Army? It is cowardliness, said the 76-year-old Singh, himself an ex-Indian Army officer. He said ...
Din in Assembly over Oppn's demand for tabling report on Maratha quota
Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Maharashtra Assembly on Monday with the Opposition demanding that the government table the State Backward Class Commission's report on Maratha quota and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' (TISS) report on Dhangar reservation. The House had to be adjourned four times; first for 10 minutes, then till the end of Question Hour and later twice for 15 minutes each following the uproar. When the House reassembled after the end of Question Hour, Opposition members squatted on the floor of the House to protest against the passage of some supplementary demands amid the din. Earlier, when Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde called for the Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil asked why the government was running away from a debate in the House on the State Backward Class Commission's recommendations over the Maratha quota issue. "We want to discuss the quota issue. What do we discuss if we don't know what is mentioned in the report?" he ..
Maldives to continue engagement with India, happy to keep New Delhi's gift of helicopters
Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, on Monday said that Male will retain two Indian military helicopters, which were gifted to the Maldives in 2013.Earlier this year, former Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen decided to send back the helicopters to India after relations between the two South Asian neighbours nosedived over Yameen declaring an emergency in the island nation."Helicopters are so generously donated by India to the Maldivian government. They are being used for humanitarian purposes. Several ill people have been airlifted to Male hospital. We have seen this in the past several years that a total of 164 have been airlifted. It is also being used for sea and air rescue. We are grateful to India for providing these. We will continue to engage with India for all our needs and requirements," said Shahid, the new foreign minister of Maldives in an exclusive interview with ANI.India-Maldives relations were strained recently due to former ...
Need Kartarpur like initiatives to resolve Kashmir issue: Mehbooba
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Monday said instead of violence and bloodshed, the Kashmir problem can be resolved through "Kartarpur like initiatives". "Bold, honest and humanitarian initiatives are needed to resolve Jammu and Kashmir problem. It is worthwhile to witness that Kartarpur corridor was opened on a day when so many human lives were taken by terrorism in Mumbai in 2009 (2008)," the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief said. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which will facilitate easy passage to Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The decision to build the passage -- from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border -- was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistani side on November 28. Mehbooba ...
Centre's handling of J&K situation in experimental manner pushed state several years back: Omar
The NDA government's handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in an ad-hoc and experimental manner has pushed the state several years back, former chief minister Omar Abdullah claimed on Monday. After a hectic political week, Omar feels the BJP is yet to answer many questions, including "why it entered an alliance with the PDP and why it withdrew all of a sudden?" Another question which the people of the state will definitely be asking is why despite having 26 MLAs, the BJP decided to lend support to a two-member party (led by Sajad Lone), he said. With his National Conference already into election mode, Omar criticised the BJP over its handling of the political turmoil in Kashmir. "Keeping in mind the 2019 elections, the BJP keeps changing its goalposts, confusing people. They have pushed the state several years back," he claimed. Commenting on the alliance of 'conflicting and contrasting' ideologies, Omar told PTI, "When the BJP and the PDP united, it was stated that the north
Lal Thanhawla confident of keeping BJP at bay in Mizoram (IANS interview)
Asserting there is no anti incumbency, Lal Thanhawla, the longest-serving Chief Minister of Mizoram, is banking on good governance and development to retain the Congress last bastion in the north east.
Congress, MNF in multi-faceted battle in Mizoram
Mizoram will see a multi-cornered contest in the November 28 Assembly polls with the normally two main contenders - the ruling Congress and main opposition MNF - now seeing a third actor in the BJP and three regional parties ZPM, NPP and PRISM.
PM Modi's fresh salvo against Rahul, takes dig at his 'leisure trips'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a veiled potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his often taken holidays, said on Monday that while he gave an account of every decision and trip undertaken by him, there were leaders who went "missing" for a week.Addressing a campaign rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Bhilwara city, the Prime Minister said: "Did you ever hear that I took a holiday? Did you ever hear I went somewhere for leisure or was missing for a week? I give an account of each and every decision I take and the work that I do."Referring to the latest controversy stirred up by Congress commenting on his parents, Prime Minister Modi castigated the leaders of the party for promoting casteism. He said, "When a Prime Minister goes to foreign countries, he only represents the people of India, that is the only caste which others see."The Prime Minister also remembered the tragic terror attacks that shook Mumbai on the same day 10 years ago and vowed to bring justice to the victims. ...
Cong in power during 26/11, but questions BJP govt's surgical strikes: PM
The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government's surgical strikes in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism. The prime minister was addressing an election rally here on the tenth anniversary of the 26/11 terror strike when 10 Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai, killing 166 people over 60 hours. In a broadside against former Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, he said New Delhi was at the time being governed by "madam" through remote control. "I remember the slightest criticism over the attacks used to rile the then ruling party," Modi told the gathering in this textile city ahead of elections in the state on December 7. The Congress, he added, taught the lesson of patriotism. But when the Army carried out a surgical strike by crossing over the border, the party questioned it and asked for video proof. The soldiers have .
Maha Council: Logjam continues over drought, Maratha quota
Proceedings in the Maharashtra Legislative Council continued to be disrupted Monday by the Opposition over demands for drought relief measures in the state and reservations for the Maratha community. Council chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar directed the government to call a meet of leaders from all parties Tuesday morning to come up with a mutually acceptable solution to clear the logjam. Responding to the Opposition, Leader of the House Chandrakant Patil said the government had almost finished taking action on eight drought relief measures and pending ones would also be completed immediately. He said the government had already sent a proposal to the Centre seeking assistance, adding that relief measures were being taken notwithstanding the Union government's response. Speaking on the quota issue, Patil, the state's Revenue minister, said the government had requested Maratha protesters to not go ahead with their protest Monday, keeping in mind the importance of the 26/11 ...
Swaraj meets Maldivian foreign minister
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday met her Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid to "deepen" bilateral cooperation and ensure peace and security in the region. This is Shahid's first visit after assuming charge as foreign minister of Maldives and assumes significance as the ties between both the countries had severely strained under the previous government in the island nation. "Working together to fulfil the developmental priorities of Maldives. EAM @SushmaSwaraj and FM of Maldives @abdulla_shahid had a warm and productive meeting on deepening bilateral cooperation and to ensure peace and security in the region," MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted. Earlier, Swaraj had "warmly" received Shahid and also congratulated him on his appointment as foreign minister. "Harmonious synergy of India's 'Neighbourhood First' & Maldives 'India First' policy. EAM @SushmaSwaraj warmly receivd (received) Foreign Minister of Maldives @adbulla_shahid on his 1st foreign visit to India. ..
Amarinder's name on Kartarpur foundation stone black-taped by his minister
Objecting to names of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) members being included on the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor, Punjab Minister Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa on Monday black-taped names of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder and his state cabinet colleagues on the plaque.Randhawa also struck-out his name using black tape. "I did this as a mark of protest against Parkash and Sukhbir Badal's names on the stone. Why is their name here? They are not part of the executive, it is not a Bharatiya Janata Party-Akali event," he told ANI.Hitting out at Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal for accepting Pakistan's invitation to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor in the neighbouring country, Singh said: "Harsimrat Kaur Badal had called Navjot Sidhu a 'qaum ka gaddar' (one who betrayed the community), now she herself is going to Pakistan, with what face will she go? Akali Dal had not taken up Kartarpur Corridor issue even once when they were in power."Vice President M Venkaiah ..
Parliamentary disruptions unfortunate: Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday expressed concern over disruptions in Parliament, describing them as unfortunate.
Egypt creates new human rights watchdog - to protect itself
Egypt has created a new high-powered human rights watchdog agency, but its primary mission isn't to protect Egyptians from violations. Instead, the body is foremost aimed at protecting the government from allegations of rights abuses and defending it on the international stage. The new body reflects an attitude of the state under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi that sees criticism over human rights as intended to undermine the government and cause instability at a time when it is facing militant threats and trying to rebuild a battered economy. Officials have already started a campaign against "false rumours" and "fake news" and have in some cases detained those who speak out. At the same time, the government has sought to redefine or broaden human rights, declaring new "rights" to fight terrorism and protect the state. Critics see that as an attempt to legitimize and draw international attention away from alleged abuses by security forces. "Human rights cannot be divided, nor can ...
Koreas bid for UNESCO recognition of traditional wrestling
North and South Korea are making a first joint bid for an international recognition of Korean traditional wrestling. South Korean culture officials on Monday said a UNESCO committee is set to determine whether to add the Korean wrestling to its list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" this week. The Koreas had earlier pushed separate bids for the sport's UNESCO recognition, but the cooperation follows an easing of tension on the divided peninsula amid a flurry of exchanges this year. Local media reports said South Korea had first proposed the joint bid during a leaders' summit at the Korean border village in April. The Koreas were originally a single country before their separation in 1945. Split along the world's most heavily fortified border, the countries now have linguistic, cultural and other gaps. They use different English Romanization rules. The wrestling's English spelling is "ssirum" in North Korea and "ssireum" in South Korea. According to South Korea's Cultural ..
Oppn stalls Assembly over demand for tabling report on Maratha quota
The opposition Congress and NCP stalled proceedings of the Maharashtra Assembly on Monday, demanding immediate tabling of reports recommending quota for the Maratha and Dhangar (shepherd) communities in the state. Amid the din, the House was initially adjourned for 10 minutes and later for the rest of the Question Hour. The opposition members were on their feet, saying they will not allow the House to function till the demand was met. When Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde called for the Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil asked why the government was running away from a debate in the House on the State Backward Class Commission's recommendations over the Maratha quota issue. "We want to discuss the quota issue. What do we discuss if we don't know what is mentioned in the report?" he asked. The Maharashtra government had last week announced that the Maratha community will be granted quota under a new category called 'Socially and Educationally Backward Class' ...
Some UK ministers seeking EFTA Plan B if May's deal fails - The Sun
LONDON (Reuters) - Some senior British ministers and some Labour lawmakers are discussing the possibility of the United Kingdom joining the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) if Theresa May's Brexit deal is rejected by parliament, The Sun newspaper reported.
Due to govt efforts, encephalitis cases have declined in eastern UP: Yogi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Monday claimed that due to the efforts of the state government, encephalitis cases had drastically declined in eastern part of the state. "For the last 40 years, every year in August around 500-600 children were admitted to BRD medical college of Gorakhpur (for encephalitis treatment) but this year, only 86 children were admitted," the chief minister said. Addressing a gathering on the launch of measles rubella vaccination campaign, which will continue for five weeks, Adityanath said encephalitis claimed between 125-150 lives in August every year. However, only six deaths were reported at the BRD medical college in August this year, he said. "Due to the united efforts of all (government) departments, this year encephalitis cases have come down. If all departments work together, encephalitis can be eradicated completely," he added.
Rajnath pays tribute to 26/11 Mumbai terror victims
Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday paid tribute to victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, saying everyone feels the pain of the families who lost their loved ones. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the country's worst terror attack, the home minister also commended the courage and sacrifice of the security personnel in fighting the terrorists. "Today, as the nation observes the 10th anniversary of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the pain of the families who lost their loved ones in that dastardly attack. I salute the courage & sacrifice of our security forces & Police who fought bravely against terrorists," Singh tweeted. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.
Constitution is voice of marginalised, prudence of majority: CJI Gogoi
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Monday said that the Indian Constitution is the voice of the marginalised and prudence of majority.On the Constitution Day, Gogoi while addressing a gathering at Vigyan Bhawan said: "Our Constitution is the voice of marginalised and prudence of majority. Its wisdom continues to guide us in moments of crisis. It is in our best interest to heed advice under the Constitution. If we do not, our hubris will result in a sharp descent into chaos."Elaborating upon the history of the Constitution, Gogoi said: "When it (Constitution) was brought into force, it was criticised. Sir Ivor Jennings termed it as far too large and rigid. However, (passage of) time has weakened criticism. It is a matter of pride that our Constitution has lived with great vigour in the last seven decades."The CJI asserted that today is not a day to celebrate but a day to test the constitutional promises. "The Constitution is not a document frozen in time. Every generation ...