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June 2002
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Dhirubhai Ambani ‘stable and critical’
The condition of Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Industries chairman, battling for his life since June 24, still continues to be critical, according to his son Anil. ‘The condition of my father remains the same... stable and critical and there has been no adverse development over last 24 hours’, Anil told waiting media persons outside the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai. The business mogul continues to be on life support system and there is nothing specific to speak about, Anil added.
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Advani appointed Dy PM, Vajpayee initiates Cabinet revamp
New Delhi,Saturday, June 29, 2002: Home Minister L.K. Advani was tonight designated Deputy Prime Minister as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated the process of revamp of his Cabinet and the BJP in which External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister are expected to swap positions and Rural Development Minsiter M Venkaiah Naidu tipped to head the party. Two young ministers Arun Jaitely (Law) and Ananth Kumar (Urban Development) are being drafted for party work and will be part of the new team to be headed by Naidu. One portfolio for Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee appears to be still an unresolved issue with Banerjee insisting on Railways, held by her earlier, and a demand that is posing problems for Vajpayee. 75-year old Advani, the seventh Deputy Prime Minsiter, will continue to look after Home Affairs, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said tonight. After two rounds of consultations the Prime Minister had with his senior colleagues, the picture that emerged was that Jaswant Singh is likely to become the next Finance Minister and incumbant Yashwant Sinha is expected to take his place in External Affairs in the expansion and reshuffle of the Cabinet slated to take place on Monday. In the simultaneous shake up in the party, BJP President Jana Krishnamurthy, who had been resisting a change, today agreed to join the government. He is expected to take Naidu's place in the Cabinet. 21:48 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Jana Krishnamurthy denies reports on resignation
Chennai,Saturday, June 29, 2002: Shedding his earlier reluctance, BJP leader Jana Krishnamurthy today said he was willing to join the cabinet. Denying reports that he has resigned as president, he told reporters that "there is no need for it (resignation). If I am included in the cabinet, the post (of president) will automatically go," he said. He said he will be joining the cabinet if he was invited by the Prime Minister. Denying a report that he had submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister or a senior party vice-president, Jana Krishnamurthy said: "There is no need for me to submit my resignation. The news is without any basis." "If my name is included in the cabinet list during the reshuffle, automatically I will cease to be party president," he said, adding the question of his having submitted the resignation, therefore, did not arise. 18:40 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Pak troops resort to firing on BOPs in Jammu-Kathua sector
Jammu,Saturday, June 29, 2002: Pakistani troops resorted to firing and low intensity shelling on 52 Border Out Posts (BOPs) and civilian areas in Samba, R S Pura, Hiranagar and Akhnoor sub-sectors along the International Border in Jammu-Kathua sector last night, official sources said here today. Pakistani troops resorted to low intensity shelling in Rangpur camp and Nanga villages, while the firing took place in several BOPs dotted in Jammu-Kathua sector along the IB, the sources said. However, there was no loss of life or damage to property during the incidents, they added. Indian troops also retaliated to the Pak shelling and firing and the exchange of firing continued till 0300 hours, they said. 13:27 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Indian hackers blocked Pak Govt web site
Islamabad,Saturday, June 29, 2002: Pakistani officials have claimed that Indian hackers blocked a government information web site by launching a DoS attack. The website www.pak.gov.pk hosted by the Information Ministry has been blocked for the past three days by Indian hackers through the elementary Denial of Service (DoS) attack, the 'Dawn' daily quoted the officials as saying. Director in the Information Secretary's office, Rasheed, however, said "the web site is inaccessible because the server of the ISP is down. The ISP is trying to change the server." The report said the blocking of the site which provides basic information about Pakistan and links various government websites was the latest in a series of attacks in the current cyber warfare between hackers of the two countries. IT experts in the ministry claimed the web site was choked by DoS attack, launched through the Yaha Worm virus by the Indians, according to the report. The Internet Service Provider which maintains the web site was rated as poor by an independent organisation, the daily said adding "the report about poor service of the ISP was received by the Science and Technology Ministry on Friday". Officials in Pakistan's Ministry of Science and Technology said the Information Ministry lacked in technical expertise to protect the web site from professional hackers. DoS attacks involve flooding target computers with false requests for information, overloading the machines' capacity to respond leading to denial of service to legitimate users, the report said. 13:35 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Second Labour Commission report submitted to PM
New Delhi,Saturday, June 29, 2002: The much-awaited report of the Second National Labour Commission, set up to go into several critical and controversial areas of reforms, was today submitted to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Ravindra Verma, heading the Commission, later told reporters that he gave the report to Vajpayee and now it was for the Government to implement its recommendations. He, however, declined to disclose the contents of the report. To a question whether the report would be made public after it was tabled in Parliament, Verma said that it was for the Government to decide how to implement the recommendations and whether it would be tabled in Parliament. The Commission was set up in October 1999 with a two-year term but was given four extensions to complete its task. The 10-member Commission was asked to suggest rationalisation of existing labour laws in the organised sector and take into account opening up of the Indian economy, international competitiveness and the needs and demands of the future labour markets. The panel, having representation of both the industry and the labour, was also asked to suggest an umbrella legislation for welfare of workers in the unorganised sector. For a close scrutiny of various labour issues in the wake of globalisation, the Commission constituted six study groups to examine the existing labour laws, effects of globalisation, social security, unorganised labour, skill upgradation and status of women and child labour. 13:27 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Sonia seeks PM's intervention in stopping Modi's 'rath yatra'
Congress President Sonia Gandhi sought Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's intervention in dissuading the Gujarat Chief Minister from undertaking the reported "Gaurav Rath Yatra" saying it would further damage the already sensitive communal situation in the state. "The need today is for steps aimed at assuaging feelings of all communities and strengthening forces of tolerance, brotherhood and amity," Gandhi said in a letter to Vajpayee. The Leader of Opposition expressed alarm over reports that a "Gaurav Rath Yatra" is being planned in Gujarat on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and that Chief Minister Narendra Modi himself intended to tour all the districts. She said the recent communal violence in the state had caused immense damage to the social fabric of the country and it was the state government's responsibility to restore harmony, create a sense of security among victims and provide them with necessary relief and rehabilitation in a non-partisan manner. Pointing out that the National Human Rights Commission,the National Minorities Commission and other agencies have held certain organisations specially responsible for the violence in Gujarat, she said "I believe that these very organisations will receive undue encouragement from this yatra and the sense of insecurity among minorities will increase." She recalled that Vajpayee had expressed his resolve to maintain peace and harmony on numerous occasions and expressed the hope that he will take the "constructive step" of dissuading Modi from undertaking the yatra.
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Govt's policy is to ensure workers' welfare: Vajpayee
New Delhi,Saturday, June 29, 2002: Seeking to allay the impression that labour reforms would overlook workers' interests, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today asserted that his Government's policy was to ensure workers' welfare. "Unfortunately the general impression is that reforms mean overlooking workers' interests which is not a fact. The Government policy is to work for workers' welfare," Vajpayee said after receiving the report of the Second National Labour Commission from its Chairman Ravindra Verma here. He, however, said that in the changed scenario it had become necessary to study all aspects and then take suitable steps, an official release said. The Prime Minister said the Government would like to implement maximum number of recommendations made by the Commission as quickly as possible and complimented the panel for making recommendations for the unorganised sector, which he felt were all the more important. Referring to the organised sector, Vajpayee said all social partners have to play their role and expressed the hope that those who have dissented would be satisfied with the Government's action on the report. While presenting the report, Verma said concerns of all social partners were taken into consideration while reviewing the labour laws. He said the Commission among other things considered the impact of globalisation on employment. Observing that international competitiveness of the industry required a new mindset, Verma said the Commission has presented a holistic picture of the organised sector. 17:39 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Multi-faceted Tendulkar in yet another role
A multi-crore deal between Sachin Tendulkar and ESPN-Star Sports here today will soon see the maestro in a new role in front of the camera. Under the long-term contract signed between WorldTel, his marketing agents, and ESPN Star Sports, Tendulkar will join the channel on air in exclusive programming aimed at cricket buffs in the entire South Asian region and the Gulf. Though there was no official word on what the deal could be amounting to, sources said it was a whopping Rs 12 crore contract. The contract will allow Tendulkar to shuffle between his on-field commitments and his new avataar on TV. The coup is a shot in arm for the sports channel, threatened recently by the launch of another exclusive sports channel Ten Sports. Tendulkar said "ESPN-Star Sports are clearly India's leaders in sports broadcasting. They have completely altered the way the game is watched and followed in India. Along with their complete sports line-up of programming, I am looking forward to partnering the excellence in cricket broadcasting on ESPN-Star Sports". 15:46 IST
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Venkaiah Naidu to succeed Jana Krishnamurthy as BJP Chief
Union Rural Development Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu will take over as BJP President, succeeding Mr Jana Krishnamurthy who will be inducted into the Union Cabinet on Monday,top party sources said. Mr Naidu is meeting Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee tonight alongwith Law Minister Arun Jaitley who is tipped to become the party General Secretary and Spokesman. Another Union Minister, Mr Ananth Kumar, who holds the Urban Development portfolio, is also being drafted for party work, the sources said.
Saturday, June 29, 2002
National Executive of RSS begins
The two-day National Excutive of RSS began here this morning to deliberate on various issues of national importance in particular Jammu and Kashmir and Ayodhya. The meeting, to be chaired by RSS chief K S Sudarshan, will discuss threadbare findings of the Jitendra Vir Gupta committee on J&K. It is also expected to pass a resolution on J&K. The committee was set up in March 2001. VHP's recent demand for division of the state into four parts will also come up for discussion during the meeting, which has been divided into nine sessions. VHP Leaders from various regions will present their reports which will also be discussed. VHP leaders Ashok Singal, Preveen bhai Togadia, BJP leader Kushabhau Thakre are attending the meeting. The meeting is likely to take note of VHP's move to withdraw the letter of assurance it had given to the government on the issue of Ram Temple construction and mediation by Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati, sources said. The Indo-Pak relations in the backdrop of the latest developments will also be deliberated. The recent series of visits by the leaders from US and UK and "their indulgence" in Indo-Pak matters is also likely to come up at the conclave, they added. 09:57 IST
Saturday, June 29, 2002
Rains claim 26 lives in Gujarat
Torrential rains claimed 26 lives across since Thursday and 8,000 people were shifted from low-lying areas to safer places across Gujarat prompting the state government to activate the emergency response group for crisis management. Four persons, engaged in digging out sand from the banks of flooded Ambica river in Mahuva taluka of Surat district, were killed when their boat was swept away on June 26. Search was on to trace their bodies, police said Friday. Two persons were electrocuted in Songadh taluka while two others were swept away by flood waters in Vyara taluka. Eighteen deaths due to rain-related incidents were reported from Navsari, Valsad, Baroda, Amreli and Sabarkantha districts of the state, they added. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Narendra Modi here decided to activate Emergency Response Group for Crisis Management to meet with the situation arising out of heavy rains. Nearly 8,000 people were shifted from low-lying areas to safer places in Valsad district, where 250 houses were damaged, Junagadh, and Navsari and Billimora areas of South Gujarat region. All major trains from Ahmedabad and Vadodara to Mumbai have been cancelled till July 2 due to breaches between Palghar and Boisar stations of Western Railway. Road traffic between Mumbai and Vadodara was also affected due to floods and uprooting of trees on the highway. Many areas of central and south Gujarat had to go without electricity as power lines snapped, the sources said. 09:57 IST
Saturday, June 29, 2002
Stage set for major overhaul of Union Cabinet
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Friday set the stage for a "major" overhaul of the Union Cabinet on Monday hinting at the possibility of having a Deputy Prime Minister and moving some important and young ministers to the BJP whose President Jana Krishnamurthy is understod to have resigned. With the Prime Minister's statement in Lucknow that young ministers would be inducted into the party, there was speculation that way is paved for Rural Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu being appointed in place of Krishnamurthy. His successor may be named shortly ahead of the cabinet exercise on Monday. However, the names of Parliamentary Affairs Minster Pramod Mahajan, Information and Broadcasting Minsiter Sushma Swaraj and former UP Chief Minister Rajnath Singh are also being mentioned as contenders for the top party post. The names of other minsters, including Arun Jaitely and Anantha Kumar, are also being talked about for induction into the new party set up, which the leadership is planning as a revamp ahead of assembly elections in over 10 states in a period of 18 months and the Lok Sabha elections in 2004. It appears that Home Minster L K Advani may be elevated as Deputy Prime Minsiter, which Vajpayee hinted at when he said a proposal in this regard has come and was being considered in consultation with NDA partners. 09:57 IST
Saturday, June 29, 2002
India acuqires Green Pine Radars
Even while entering into a dialogue with United States on sharing missile shield technology, India has embarked upon acquiring some of its key components by purchasing futuristic Green Pine radars from Telaviv. The acqusition of the ground based radars confirmed by Defence Secretary Yogendera Narain Friday would give India the capability of an early warning system against possible ballistic missiles attack by Pakistan and could be a fore-runner for New Delhi arming itself with a missile shield within a short time. "After discussions for the past three to four years, we have acquired a green pine radar," Narain said, adding the state-of-art radars would be used for "Advanced Research" purposes. But the Defence Secretary, who was speaking on the sidelines of a function to felicitate an NCC expedition, said recent talks with a high level Israeli Defence Delegation had not touched upon acquisition of Ofek-5 spy satellites or Arrow anti-missile system as these Israeli projects were still in developmental stage. Nothwithstanding Narain being evasive, highly placed Defence sources said India was working fast towards fielding a missile shield and was evaluating both the American Nuclear Missile Air Defence (NMAD) shield project as well as the Israeli Arrow anti missile system, in which the US is also collobrating. 09:57 IST
Saturday, June 29, 2002
There is no question of war with Pak: PM
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Friday ruled out a war with Pakistan and voiced apprehensions that President Pervez Musharraf would not be able to fulfil his pledge to end infiltration of militants into Jammu and Kashmir. "There is no question of war," he said in reply to a question at a news conference at Rajbhawan here. Vajpayee said the tension along the border has eased but ruled out the withdrawal of troops from the borders at the moment. The situation at the borders is reviewed from time to time and decisions taken accordingly. Asked about apprehensions that neither the infiltration nor cross-border terrorism had stopped, Vajpayee said he shared such apprehensions. But, he said Pakistan was tied to its assurance to halt cross border terrorism and hoped international pressure would continue to be mounted on it to implement its promises. The Prime Minister also ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan until the latter stopped aiding and abetting cross border terrorism and infiltration. Vajpayee said India was always ready to talk to Pakistan on all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir but added that a conducive atmosphere was a must for holding of such a dialogue. The Prime Minister termed as "unfair to him" when a reporter posed a question whether the country always looked at the us while formulating its policies on the stand-off with Pakistan. 09:57 IST
Saturday, June 29, 2002
India and Finland to cooperate in power sector
India and Finland have agreed to step up cooperation in the power sector and have identified the utilisation of waste heat from thermal power plants for industrial application as an area of technical cooperation. The two countries reached a broad agreement following discussions Power and Heavy Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu, had with the Trade and Industry Minister of Finland in Helsinki yesterday, opening up new vistas of cooperation between the two countries. The two countries agreed to make energy as one of the focal areas of cooperation through the Joint Commission. Suresh Prabhu asked Finnish firms to send a delegation to India to explore possibilities of investment and also invited the Finnish paper industry to bid for the privatisation of public sector paper mills which have been identified for disinvestments. 10:04 IST
Saturday, June 29, 2002
Ganguly undaunted by England's superb start
India's captain Sourav Ganguly returns to his Happy Hunting Ground with a fresh resolve to do wonders again for his side when it takes on England in its first match of the Natwest triangular series at the historic Lord's ground today. "Whenever I have played here I have done well," said Ganguly on the eve of the one-dayer here. "It was so when I played my debut Test and then the MCC vs Rest of the World game in 1998." Ganguly smashed a brilliant hundred in his debut Test in front of packed galleries of Lord's in 1996. "The run up to the triangular series has been good. The seamers have bowled well and even Anil Kumble has been very impressive," he said. Medium pacers Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan picked up four wickets each in the first two practice games against Sussex and Kent and Kumble had a spell of 2 for 28 from his 10 overs in the game against Kent. Ganguly was also not daunted by England's facile win against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at Trent Bridge yesterday. "They played well and are obviously an improved side. It should be a good game tomorrow." England defeated Sri Lanka by 44 runs in the tournament opener at Trent Bridge with man-of-the-match Andrew Flintoff smashing the fastest 50 ever for an England batsman, a half century from just 28 balls and then took 3 for 48. "Flintoff has obviously been in good nick," Ganguly said. "But it depends on how you play on a particular day". 09:57 IST
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Bipasha
A commerce graduate, Bipasha Basu came into the limelight when she won the Ford Super Models contest at the age of 17. She was coaxed into participating by a friend. But after some time abroad, Bipasha returned home, as she couldn't stay away from her family. The international modeling scene did not hold her for long. Back home, she was inundated with offers from all over. Her 'Close Up Smile' got her many big campaigns, including Pantene, Benzer and Lakme. Saturated by modeling after some time, Bipasha decided to move on and set her sights on Bollywood. Graduating from Sonu Nigam's music videos 'Kismat' and 'Jaan', she signed director duo Abbas-Mastan's 'Ajnabee' as her launch pad. Would you call Raaz the turning point in your career? No, I won' t say that. The turning point in my career would be Ajnabee because before it happened I was in a different profession completely. Ajnabee gave me a new thing to do. I was really getting bored of monotony. Ajnabee didn't do very well, but I was accepted in the industry, whereas Raaz was a hit. It was on the supernatural and me being the protagonist, it consolidated my position to an extent. Raaz was a boon. It helped in breaking my image. Immediately after Ajnabee where I played a negative role, I needed something to balance it with. You become more confident with each success. Now people know that I can do different kinds of roles. I would have got the roles, but those would have been stereotyped. I broke that by doing two different kinds of films. Now I have a larger choice. Have you always eyed Hindi films? Acting happened by chance. J P Dutta and Jaya Bachchan were the first people to notice me. They wanted me to do Aakhri Mughal with Abhishek, but it didn't happen. Vijay Galani saw me in a Rohit Bal fashion show and offered me Ajnabee. I met the directors Abbas-Mustan and liked the script. I wanted to do something different. They liked whatever I did and now I'm here. You are being compared to Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi. How does that feel? If people say that, it is not a bad thing. I liked Parveen and Zeenat as actresses and they definitely brought the right kind of glamour into the industry at that time. They were very stylish women and being compared to them is a compliment. Today I feel every actress is glamorous. Everyone works really hard to look good. At that point of time Zeenat stood out because she was completely different. Maybe people find me different, I don't know, but I take this comparison as a compliment. Tell us about your forthcoming films. My next film would be Yashraj Films' Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi. Then I have Chor Machaye Shor, a situational comedy, with David Dhawan and Nehle Pe Dehla with Ajay Chandhok which is a violent, mad, comedy, it is crazy.! These films are almost ready. Then there would be Encounter with Dino and Jaane Kya Hoga with Aftab, both thrillers. You cannot expect every role to be the best. I'm very excited about my role in Encounter, it is fabulous. I play a hard-hitting cop, a stern woman who is like a man and who has had a bad childhood. She falls in love with a criminal. It is a very violent and passionate love story. All the characters in Ankush Glen's Jaane Kya Hoga are very complicated and it is an interesting role. In Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi I have a very pleasant role. It is a special appearance, but a very special role. It is a great character. I play a girl who knows it all and who has her head on her shoulders. Everyone else around her is confused. She is this really bubbly character. Does competition bother you? I think there is enough work for everybody. I'm not in this industry to compete with anyone. I think I have made a niche for myself. Similarly, others have also done that. I don't see any problem. I know that there is a certain age when you can play certain kind of roles. After that, you move on and eventually you are out of the industry. I've decided that I will quit after 10 years. Competition starts when very new girls come in, when you are very young and enter the industry. And then when you're getting older, maybe insecurity creeps in. That is the only time when it could happen. I don't know if it does because I have to reach that stage and only then I'd experience it.
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Cabinet reshuffle around July one: PM
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said the cabinet reshuffle would take place around July one. "It will be around July one", Vajpayee told reporters when asked about the possibility of cabinet reshuffle on July one. To a question whether BJP President Jana Krishnamurthy would be inducted into the Cabinet, Vajpayee in a lighter vein said, "he is the President. He can remove me from Prime Ministership." Home Minister L K Advani, whose "A Prisoner's Scrap-Book" was released by the Prime Minister at a function here, said "discussions are on" with regard to the Cabinet expansion. "Let us see", Advani said when asked whether some ministers would be shifted to the organisation and vice-versa. Meanwhile, a meeting at Prime Minister's residence in which top party leaders were to discuss the reshuffle tonight was postponed. On Tuesday Vajpayee had held consultations with senior BJP ministers and the NDA Convener George Fernandes. 22:18 IST
Thursday, June 27, 2002
PM offers relief assistance to quake-hit Iran
Expressing his grief and sympathy for the victims of the recent devastating earthquake in Iran, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said India stood ready to offer whatever relief assistance was required by Teheran in handling this crisis. In a condolence message to Iranian President Khatami, Vajpayee said he was deeply distressed to learn of the earthquake. ''The loss of life and property caused by this natural disaster is a matter of profound grief,'' he said. The Prime Minister said ''our sympathies are with the families of the victims and with the Iranian nation in this hour of tragedy.'' He assured the Iranian leader that ''India stands ready to offer whatever relief assistance is required in handling the crisis'' 19:44 IST
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Omar hints at quitting Union Ministry
Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah today hinted that he might quit the Union Council of Ministers to devote full attention to the National Conference of which he has been recently elected president. "I told Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during my meeting with him on Monday that now that I have responsibilities of my party......." Omar, who assumed charge of NC president today, told party workers at the party headquarters here. He said his priorities would be to increase the rapport with the masses and interaction with them because "it is people who are the source of power and people are the masters of their destiny" which is the basic principle of NC. "My first job will be to reactivate the party and make NC more strong for which I will prefer to devote full time and energy. My close relations with party activists will further strengthen the National Conference," Omar said. The times ahead would be crucial for which "we have to close our ranks, God willing, success will be ours as the party has the support and affection of the people," he told the party workers who thronged the party headquarters from the nook and corner of the valley. "I consider myself as a servant of the people and will serve them with dedication and devotion and shall not give a chance for any complaint whatsoever," Omar added. 19:44 IST
Thursday, June 27, 2002
AI to acquire eight more planes to launch more flights to US
Hopeful of getting day or evening landing slots at Heathrow airport, Air India (AI) is going to acquire two Boeing 747-400s and six A-310s on dry lease soon to connect American cities via London by December one. With the dry-leasing of these eight aircraft, for which the process has already begun, the international flagship would also connect the Indian cities of Cochin, Chennai and Bangalore with US cities like New York and Chicago besides Paris, Civil Aviation Minister Shahnawaz Hussain told. With these aircraft, the carrier's fleet strength would rise to 36. The airline would also come up with a "new image" in December when these new flights are scheduled for launch, the Minister said, adding that while the interiors of aircraft were being refurbished, new varieties of food would be included in the menu. AI has already obtained a pair of landing slots at Heathrow to start an additional London terminator flight from Delhi from winter schedule starting December. The Indian carrier has also got six pairs of slots per week at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, besides JFK and Newark airports in New York for its three additional flights over Paris. 16:04 IST
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Ganguly, Sehwag go for big hits as Indians post 315 for 7
The Indians brushed aside the 21-run upset suffered against Kent to post a massive 315 for seven in 50 overs against Leicester in the third and final practice match here today. Virender Sehwag doused a bit of his coach's ire with a quickfire 98 and skipper Sourav Ganguly again shone with the bat slamming a 43-ball 68 in what was India's final lead-up game before their tri-series encounter against England on Saturday. Sehwag, criticised by coach John Wright for throwing his wicket all too often in the 30s and 40s, put his head down to make 98 from 87 balls with nine fours and three sixes and laid the basis for a strong Indian total. But the Indians squandered the opportunity to post a a total in the excess of 400 runs as the middle order once again flopped. Still it was an impressive total given star batsmen Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar were rested in the game. The more belligerent Sehwag was overshadowed by Ganguly today as he watched in awe his skipper blast 12 fours and two sixes, or 60 runs in boundary hits en route to his 68. The duo put on 132 runs for the first wicket in just 13 overs. India's 100 was up in the 10th over, 150 in the 16th but then wickets started to fall and run-making was reduced to a trickle. 22:18 IST
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Over 3,000 Al Qaeda men have crossed over to Pak: Advani
Over 3,000 Al Qaeda men have crossed over to Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan, Home Minister L K Advani today said and charged the Pakistan High Commission here with being among the channels used to fund terrorists in India. "Government has information that over 3,000 Al Qaeda men have crossed over to Pakistan from their earlier bases," he told a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his ministry. Replying to clarifications sought by members on the ground reality on the border with Pakistan, Advani said "there has been some decrease in infiltration but it has not totally stopped." Observing that Pakistan was spending several crores of rupees annually to fund terrorist and secessionist activities in India, he said the channel of funding "is through trans- border smugglers, infiltrating mercenaries, through the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, through Hawala operators and also charitable organisations". Stressing that the funding channels used by Islamabad needed to be blocked, the Home Minister said that Pakistan is funding these terrorist organisations by remunerating the cadres, maintaining infrastructure, supplying weaponry and logistics and providing maintenance to families of killed terrorists. Islamabad, Advani said, also provides finance to overground workers and sympathisers to create safe havens for terrorists and funds expatriate Kashmiri organisations to articulate its view point in international fora. 22:18 IST
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
IAF plane crashes
A fighter plane of the Indian Air Force Halwara station crashed near Talwandi Malhian village in this district today, police sources said. The pilot identified as Flight Lt. Bharat Kumar escaped with minor injuries in the crash which occurred at 7.30 am, they said. Senior civil and police officers from this district have rushed to the spot. The injured pilot has been taken to Halwara, the sources added. The figher aircarft was reported to be a MiG-23 and there were no reports about any casualties on the ground. A string of aircrashes has dogged the Indian Air Force (IAF) and they have mostly involved the MiG-21 fighters. 12:25 IST
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
CBI raid at Tehelka's office just before testimony of Tejpal
The CBI today conducted raids at the Tehelka's office shortly before the Editor-in-chief of the news portal Tarun Tejpal was to appear before Venkataswami Commission along with Samata Party leader Jaya Jaitly. Tejpal told that the raid was by CBI but expressed ignorance as to why it was being done. "I don't know why they are raiding my office but one should appreciate the timing because I was to appear before Venkataswami Commission along with Jaya Jaitly," he said. CBI is investigating two cases in which Tehelka reporters are allegedly connected. The first case is about procuring classified documents from Ministry of Home Affairs and the second one relates to poaching in the jungles of Saharanpur hills. However, there was no immediate confirmation from CBI on the raids. 12:25 IST
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Pak shelling in Jammu, Rajouri, Siachen, Kargil sectors
Exchange of low intensity firing and mortar shelling between Indian and Pakistani troops continued in some areas of Jammu, Rajouri, Kargil and Siachen sectors since last night, while shelling and firing have considerably reduced in most of the border areas, official sources said today. Pakistani troops resorted to mortar shelling in Sangral and Manjakote, Dhantani post and Rajdhani besides central Siachen, Thang, Chorbat La and Drass areas of Jammu, Rajouri, Siachen and Kargil sectors since last night, the sources said adding shelling continued intermittently till early this morning in Sangral area of R S Pura, but stopped in other areas. Indian troops guarding the LoC and IB in these areas retaliated and the fire exchange continued in some of these areas till this morning, the sources said and added there was no casualty or damage on the Indian side. Cross border firing and shelling has considerably reduced in most of the areas in Kathua, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Siachen and Kargil sectors during the last few days, he added. 13:32 IST
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Govt allows 26 per cent FDI in print media despite opposition
New Delhi,Wednesday, June 26, 2002: Brushing aside opposition from political parties and media groups, Government Tuesday decided to allow 26 per cent Foreign Direct Investment in news and current affairs print media and 74 per cent foreign investment in technical and medical publications and devised "safeguards" to ensure that editorial and management control remained in Indian hands. The controversial decision, which reverses the 1955 Cabinet resolution against foreign pariticipation in news media, was taken by the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee after years of debate and in the face of outright rejection of the proposal by a Parliamentary Standing Committee recently. However, no changes were made in regard to news agencies, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the cabinet meeting. She said the government has "attempted to address" the concerns expressed over FDI in news and current affairs media and mandated management as well as editorial control to remain with Indians. At least three-fourth of the board of directors of any print media company with FDI should be Indians while all key editorial posts must lie with resident Indians, the Minister said adding any change in shareholding pattern of such companies must get prior approval from her ministry. However, the government has come under severe attack from the Congress and the Left parties, which opposed the move. The Congress said it will take an "appropriate" position when the matter comes up in Parliament for discussion. 10:04 IST
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Ambani continues to be unconscious
Mumbai,Wednesday, June 26, 2002: Dhirubhai Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd, today continued to remain unconscious and on life support system. There is no change in the health condition of Ambani and the doctors are monitoring him closely, Breach Candy hospital sources said here this morning. The Reliance patriarch was admitted to the hospital on June 24 after he suffered a cerebral stroke. He was taken for CT scan and other tests last evening. Hospital CEO Vijay Krishna had yesterday stated that the next 48 hours was a critical period and the clear picture would emerge only tomorrow. Among the first visitors this morning included Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej. 10:47 IST
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Advani may become Deputy Prime Minister
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister A B Vajpayee may soon have a formal No 2. As the much-talked about reshuffle of the Union Cabinet draws nearer, Vajpayee is learnt to be considering a re-designation for home minister L K Advani, as the deputy Prime Minister, thus formalising what has so far been a de facto arrangement. Even as deputy PM, Mr Advani will retain his charge of the home ministry. It's said that the formal appointment of Mr Advani as the deputy PM may come soon possibly by the end of the month. NDA allies have already been sounded out and are said to be willing to go along with the proposal. The Constitution doesn't provide for the post of a deputy PM, although various prime ministers, starting with Jawaharlal Nehru, have formally designated a senior colleague as their deputy. Mr Advani's re-designation, if it goes through, will be more in the nature of a power statement, aimed at ending any ambivalence about the government and Sangh Parivar's succession order. Besides, it is expected to clarify matters in the light of lingering speculation about a strained relationship between the top two. For Mr Advani, a re-designation may not lead to a change in his current job profile, but would lend him an additional layer of authority. The fact that the NDA allies appear to be acquiescing to the proposal also suggests that Mr Advani's hardliner image may not come in his way if the BJP were to assign him with a more powerful role in the future. Within the BJP, of course, Mr Advani will have a new stature and the gravitational pull that will come with it. To bring about the re-designation, Mr Vajpayee has merely to issue an administrative order as no separate swearing-in would be required. The re-designation, say party sources, is part of an image makeover package planned by Mr Vajpayee for his team. Mr Advani's elevation would also enable the Prime Minister to promote other BJP ministers without confusing the chain of command. If the PM sticks to his plan, Mr Advani will be joining a club comprising Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, Jagjivan Ram, Charan Singh and Devi Lal. Different PMs made these appointments when they had to deal with powerful colleagues and when they struggled to establish their own authority. So far, these extra-constitutional appointments have been statements of compromise. Mr Advani's promotion is also expected to quell doubts in the Parivar about the ideological fidelity of the BJP on core issues. There has been disquiet in the Parivar on some government policies, with some of the members feeling that the BJP has been "too accommodative for too long" while dealing with the pressures of coalition politics. While the scope for course correction will remain limited, Mr Advani's presence as the No 2 will be a reassuring factor for these members. (From The Economic Times)
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
PM offers more powers to Jammu & Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee seems to have offered devolution of more powers to Kashmir in response to the demand for autonomy raised by Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah. Emerging from an hour-long meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, Omar Abdullah, who is also the newly appointed president of the National Conference, said, "The Prime Minister assured us that he was willing to hold discussions on devolution of more powers to the state and I will take this assurance back to my party and chalk out future course of action.’’ Farooq Abdullah only said, ‘‘I had come to introduce the Prime Minister to our new president of the party.’’ He denied that the PM had offered him any berth in the central ministry, which he is likely to reshuffle soon. However, Omar Abdullah said he had expressed to the PM his inability to do justice to his two positions. Asked pointedly if he had offered to resign from his post as Union minister, Omar clarified, ‘‘I told the Prime Minister that I will not be able to do justice to both the jobs and I could neither be of any major help to him (Vajpayee) nor to Jaswant Singhji.’’ He refused to elaborate, saying, ‘‘Please do not put words into my mouth.’’ Asked about minister of state for home I D Swami’s statement that the Centre would not restore the pre-1953 status to the state, Omar said, ‘‘When you begin a discussion, you put your stakes high. Later on, whatever comes out of the discussion and is mutually acceptable would be implemented.’’ ‘‘We have a team of representatives ready and we are only waiting for the Centre to announce its team which will hold discussions with us,’’ Omar added. Asked whether the autonomy issue has been used by the National Conference as a plank to derail talks between the Centre and separatist leadership, including Hurriyat Conference, Omar said, ‘‘I have already offered my home as the venue for holding such talks. How much more support does one need? We are in favour of more and more separatist leaders joining the electoral polls,’’ he said.
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
What about promises, Powell asks Musharraf
US secretary of state Colin Powell called Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf at the weekend over comments in which the latter appeared to waver in his promised commitment to end cross-border incursions into Kashmir, the State Department said Monday. Spokesman Richard Boucher said Powell had spoken to Musharraf on Sunday following the publication of an interview with the president in Newsweek and the Washington Post in which he said he had not committed to a permanent end to such incidents. Musharraf, Boucher said, reiterated pledges on the subject made earlier this month in Islamabad to deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage as well as in telephone conversations with Powell and US president George W Bush. "Deputy secretary Armitage was given assurances by Musharraf on June 6 that ending of infiltration across the Line of Control would be permanent," Boucher told reporters. "These assurances were also given to the secretary of state, to the president of the United States in their conversations, as well as repeatedly to our representatives, our charge (d'affaires) and ambassador in Islamabad," he said. In fact, despite Musharraf's comments to Newsweek and the Post, Boucher said Washington had seen "positive results" from the president's pledge with a drastic reduction in militant raids from Pakistan into Kashmir. "We've seen positive results from that commitment, and we've also seen significant positive steps by India since then," he said. "It's a commitment that's been made very clear and president Musharraf has made very clear to us that he stands by it." "We've seen him carry it out and he's reiterated it to us so we have no reason to disbelieve him," Boucher said. However, he did say that Washington wanted to see further steps from Musharraf to cool tensions with India over Kashmir. Boucher said the interview was one of several reasons that Powell had called Musharraf but declined to say how prominently it had figured in the conversation. "I'd describe it as a chance to compare notes on the present situation and, obviously, this interview and the reaction it was causing in various quarters was one of the topics that they discussed," he said. Reaction to the interview in India, where distrust of Pakistan and Musharraf runs high, was particularly strong. Newsweek and the Post, which ran interviews with both Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, quoted the Pakistani leader as saying he had made no lasting commitment on cross-border militant incursions or in shutting down training camps for Kashmiri militants.
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Majority of people believe they won't get AIDS: UN poll
A United Nations survey has showed that awareness about HIV and AIDS is high in most countries but warned that education about the disease is not leading most people to take precautions against it. In a striking finding, the poll found that the level of education among those surveyed appeared to have no effect in making people aware of their own susceptibility to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The survey by the UN population division in 39 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean said two-thirds of women and eight of 10 men surveyed said ''they were either at no risk at all or at small risk of getting AIDS''. The survey said people tend to distance themselves from the epidemic. ''Risk denial might also provide an explanation for the fact that, even in countries where most people know how AIDS is transmitted, such as the Dominican Republic, a vast majority of respondents expressed the view that they were not at risk,'' it said. It also found that knowledge about the disease was strikingly low in the poorest countries among the 39 surveyed, including Bangladesh, where 69 per cent of women did not know how to avoid AIDS. That percentage was 66 in Mozambique, 37 in Guatemala, 33 in Madagascar and 30 in Turkey. There was also a gap in knowledge about the epidemic between urban and rural areas. The survey said existing programmes have so far done little to inform couples living in rural areas in many African and Asian countries. The United Nations said there are more than 40 million people, or 0.65 per cent of the world's population, living with HIV. In the past two decades, the epidemic has killed another 22 million people. DPA
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Cong assails VHP's Haridwar decision
The Congress today assailed VHP's Haridwar decision to not abide by the court verdict on Ayodhya. A party spokesman said this "disturbing" development made it clear that the organisation had no faith in the judiciary and the Constitution of the country. The VHP's decision in our viewpoint is a disturbing development. This has once again proved that the organization has no faith in the Constitution and respect for the judiciary. - Anand Sharma, Congress spokesman Congress spokesman Anand Sharma said the organisation could not be trusted for its "commitments and words" as it had given in writing to the Shankaracharya of Kanchi only a few months ago that it would abide by the decision of the court on Ayodhya. "The BJP cannot co-habit with the VHP and Sangh Parivar on the one hand, as well as its allies in the NDA on the other", he said. The spokesman added that it was incumbent upon the constituents of the NDA to make their position clear about the "BJP's multi-linkages" with the VHP and other outfits of the Sangh Parivar. He also condemned VHP leaders' threat to minorities and demanded that the government must clarify its stand "whether it endorses or opposes" it. Asked if the party would favour a ban on the VHP, Sharma said on several occasions the party had asserted its position, seeking ban on its activities.
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
IA cuts fares by 15-20% on select sectors
IN an effort to get more passengers to travel by air during the lean season, Indian Airlines today dropped fares by between 15 per cent and 20 per cent on seven sectors from Mumbai including Bangalore, Goa, Mangalore and Jamnagar. The reduced fares will take effect from July 1 and will be valid till September 30. However, if a passenger has already commenced journey before September 30, he will be allowed to complete the journey at the concessional fares till October 15. No other concessions, including for children, would be given, sources said. The seven sectors on which IA has reduced fares include Mumbai-Goa and return (new concessional fare Rs 2,380), Mumbai-Mangalore and return (Rs 3,620), Mumbai-Rajkot and return (Rs 2,500), Mumbai-Vadodara (Rs 2,500), Mumbai-Nagpur and return (Rs 3,560) and Mumbai-Jamnagar and return (Rs 3,340). "The decision has been taken to motivate passengers to travel. The period between July-September is a lean period when almost all airlines report decline in loads. Some airlines offer freebies. We have decided to go for a straight reduction,'' IA sources told Business Line from Mumbai. This is not the first time that the domestic airlines have reduced fares on select sectors to attract more business. It may be recalled that some years ago, all the airlines had reduced fares on the Mumbai-Delhi and return sector in order to boost sale of air tickets.
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
India go down to Kent
Canterbury, England, June 25: Kent beat India by 21 runs in their one-day tour match. Kent J.Hockley c Dravid b Yohannan 1 R.Key st Dravid b Harbhajan Singh 76 A.Symonds run out 75 D.Fulton b Kumble 7 M.Walker c & b Harbhajan Singh 3 M.Ealham not out 74 G.Jones lbw b Kumble 20 J.Golding c Mongia b Khan 3 J.Tredwell lbw b Khan 1 A.Khan b Khan 7 M.Saggers b Khan 0 Extras (lb-10 w-4 nb-3) 17 Total (all out, 50 overs) 284 Fall of wickets: 1-10 2-138 3-165 4-167 5-183 6-225 7-234 8-237 9-284 Bowling: Yohannan 8-0-73-1 (nb-1 w-1), Khan 8-0-38-4 (w-1), Ganguly 4-0-41-0 (nb-2), Kumble 10-0-28-2, Tendulkar 2-0-12-0, Harbhajan Singh 10-0-56-2 (w-2), Sehwag 4-0-16-0, Yuvraj Singh 4-0-10-0 India S.Ganguly run out 64 V.Sehwag c Saggers b Golding 45 D.Mongia c Jones b Golding 37 S.Tendulkar b Golding 15 R.Dravid c Khan b Ealham 34 Y.Singh c Fulton b Golding 3 M.Kaif c Ealham b Saggers 19 H.Singh c Fulton b Ealham 17 Z.Khan st Jones b Ealham 5 A.Kumble c Hockley b Ealham 9 T.Yohannan not out 1 Extras (lb-3 w-11) 14 Total (all out, 48.5 overs) 263 Fall of wickets: 1-85 2-136 3-166 4-172 5-179 6-220 7-247 8-249 9-262 10-263 Bowling: Saggers 9-0-58-1 (w-1), Khan 7-0-40-0 (w-5), Ealham 9.5-1-45-4 (w-1), Golding 9-0-42-4, Tredwell 4-0-24-0, Symonds 10-0-51-0 (w-4) Result: Kent won by 21 runs. Reuters
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Time reporter `let off'
NEW DELHI JUNE 24. The India-based correspondent of Time magazine, Alex Perry, whose report on the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, sparked a controversy, was questioned today by immigration officers for the second time in the last four days. However, before letting him go from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) here after a ten-minute questioning, the officials told him that, as a "matter of courtesy'', he should inform the office as and when he leaves the country. Mr. Perry, who was questioned by K. S. Bains and P. K. Bhardwaj, Joint and Deputy Directors at the Immigration Department, appears to have been let off for the time being. His lawyer said Mr. Perry was told by the officials that he was not required by them for the "time being''. It seems Mr. Perry was summoned today to be questioned regarding his three passports. He reportedly told them that the passports were part of continuing travel documents and this could be verified from the British officials concerned. He also handed over a letter from the British High Commission certifying that he held a valid passport. Mr. Perry was appreciative of the "Indian democracy''. He told newsmen that "it is unlike other Asian countries where you write anything against the Government and you are kicked out.'' Asked whether he intended to leave the country, he said "no, not at all. I am highly impressed with the Indian democracy.'' Immigration officials had not imposed restrictions on his movement. He declined to answer the question whether the treatment meted out to him was "unfair''. "I will not like to comment on this but yet I am happy that the basic ethos of democracy flourish in this country''.
Monday, June 24, 2002
PM rejects autonomy for J & K
Even as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah pitched for autonomy for his state to help restore peace there, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected it. While Abdullah's demand was made at a special session of National Conference in Srinagar where he handed over the charge of the party to his son Omar, Vajpayee's rejection was contained in an interview to Newsweek magazine. Farooq Abdullah said the Centre would have to seriously consider granting autonomy as there would be no peace in the state "till you (Centre) give autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh." Asked whether autonomy was a long-term solution for Kashmir, the Prime Minister said "we are for the devolution of power."
Monday, June 24, 2002
Omar to take over NC leadership, security beefed up
Security has been beefed up around Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium where Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah is scheduled to take over as President of National Conference at a function. The area has been sanitised; sources said adding all vehicles going towards city centre Lal Chowk are being checked. Barricades have been erected on all routes leading to the venue. Omar will take over the Presidentship from his father, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, at an extra-ordinary convention of the party delegates. Many important decisions are likely to be taken at the session and the party is expected to announce its future course of action with regard to the assembly elections due in October this year.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Four hurt in Baroda riots
At least four persons were injured and three vehicles damaged in a clash between two groups of people in Baroda city. Police rushed to the trouble-torn spot and burst tear gas shells to disperse the stone pelting mob in a locality under the City police station area in Baroda, police said. Two scooters and one matador were also damaged in rioting, they said. However, the cause behind the clash between two communities was not yet ascertained, police added.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Box Office Collections: June24, 02
Awara Paagal Deewana - 1st day in Mumbai Minerva - (100%) New Excelsior - (100%) Geeta - (97.77%) Premiere - (100%) Aurora (2 sh.) - (100%) New Citylight (3 sh.) - (100%) Gaiety - (100%) Chandan - (100%) Fame Adlabs - (100%) Cine Magic - (100%) New Era - (95%) Cine Star - (100%) Ajanta - (94.22%) Cine Planet - (100%) Imax Adlabs - (100%) Kalpana - (100%) Shreyas - (89%) Ashish - (47.54%) Deepmandir - (88.54%) Badhaai Ho Badhaai - 1st week Mumbai - 32,24,396 (60%) Ahmedabad - 6,90,468 Bhuj - 63,360 Sholapur - 1,82,554 Hubli - 1,10,785 Delhi - 42,80,599 (38%) Kanpur - 4,14,658 (6 dy.) Lucknow - 3,00,480 (55%) Agra - 2,50,000 (33%) Allahabad - 99,896 (42%) Varanasi - 1,14,998 Nagpur - 4,03,466 (26%) Raipur - 91,465 (6 dy.) Bhopal - 89,706 (24%) Jaipur - 2,01,684 (22%) 23rd March 1931 Shaheed - 2nd week Mumbai - 9,93,854 (26%) Ahmedabad - 3,37,151 Sholapur - 71,980 Delhi - 16,71,425 Kanpur - 2,59,995 (6 dy.) Lucknow - 1,57,615 (25%) Agra - 90,000 Allahabad - 60,265 (19%) Bareilly - 32,410 (6 dy.) (12%) Nagpur - 72,922 (18%) Akola - 57,154 (24%) Raipur - 73,094 (6 dy.) Yavatmal - 70,446 Jaipur - 53,844 (9%) The Legend Of Bhagat Singh - 2nd week Mumbai - 36,05,838 (67%) Ahmedabad - 4,47,420 Adipur - 67,022 Sholapur - 89,690 Bijapur - 1,05,535 Delhi - 21,66,199 Kanpur - 2,12,787 (6 dy.) Lucknow - 2,13,157 (21%) Agra - 82,000 (20%) Allahabad - 62,465 (19%) Bareilly - 25,827 (6 dy.) (9%) Varanasi - 59,116 Nagpur - 1,03,171 (31%) Akola - 65,182 (22%) Raipur - 34,809 (6 dy.) Wardha - 36,568 Bhopal - 53,344 (13%) Jaipur - 1,17,000 (20%) Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai - 2nd week Mumbai - 28,34,766 (82%) Ahmedabad - 4,46,599 Sholapur - 1 (mat.) 33,606 Delhi - 30,94,684 Kanpur - 2,35,303 (6 dy.) Lucknow - 3,70,755 (74%) Agra - 3,45,000 (37%) Allahabad - 1,20,000 (42%) Bareilly - 68,779 (6 dy.) (29%) Varanasi - 99,263 Nagpur - 4,04,851 (55%) Raipur - 66,881 (6 dy.) Yavatmal - 41,820 Jaipur - 7,23,660 Aurangabad - 1,92,636 Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin - 3rd week Mumbai - 24,32,264 (42%) Ahmedabad - 1,16,591 Sholapur - 1,48,875 Delhi - 5,24,906 Kanpur - 1,40,807 (6 dy.) Lucknow - 2,74,167 (46%) Agra - 48,000 (9%) Allahabad - 98,000 (28%) Varanasi - 81,192 Bareilly - 27,601 (6 dy.) Nagpur - 50,625 (23%) Akola - 54,742 (12%) Raipur - 41,982 (6 dy.) Gondia - 44,784 Jaipur - 1,17,217 (15%)
Monday, June 24, 2002
Naseeruddin Shah in elite company!
Naseeruddin Shah has beaten Gulshan Grover to bag the role of Captain Nemo in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which will be shot in Prague and is based in an alternate Victorean age. The role has been apparently adapted from Jules Verne's work 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. If sources are to be believed, Sean Connery too is in the film. Naseer certainly is in elite company!
Monday, June 24, 2002
"Why would anyone want to kidnap me?" -Manisha
A headline in a news daily claimed there was an attempt on actress Manisha Koirala's life. When contacted on the sets of theTamil film Baba (costarring Rajnikanth), in Chennai, the Nepali beauty seems far from threatened. "Where is the threat? I got to know about it only through newspapers. Why would anyone want to kidnap me?" she chortles. "Actually, there was a threat. But that was almost a month ago in Mumbai. When I heard about it, I contacted the Mumbai police. They said they knew nothing about it. I asked them to check with the Chennai police who said there is a threat, so there had to be some basis to it," she explains. The Chennai police seems to be convinced there is a serious threat to Manisha's life. "When I arrived at the Chennai airport last month to shoot for Baba, there were at least 15 policemen waiting for me. I was aghast. Would I be arrested or what? Now what had I done?" she jokes aloud. Manisha muses, "Why would anyone want to kidnap me?" However, she shrugs off speculation: "I have no cops with me any longer. I was threatened a month ago. I do not know why the newspapers have woken up to it now. But I am not scared or nervous. The only thing is, I have to be cautious now. Earlier, I used to be quite a bindaas (daredevil) girl. "Nowadays, threats bother me," the actress adds. Speaking on her new Tamil film Baba, Koirala says, "It is a nice role. I have never played such a role before. But it is Rajnikanth's film all the way." The film releases August. The actress plans to turn into a film producer some time this year. "My first film will be a comedy thriller about two working girls trying to survive in the concrete jungle of Mumbai. It is quite an interesting subject. A bright young former assistant to Mani Ratnam named Sreenivas will direct my film. My executive producer is going to talk to Sushmita Sen to essay one of the characters. The role has been written with her in mind. I will play the other girl. "Next year, I want to expand on the production, so we can make many small, meaningful films. I want to make films that can go to Cannes. I want to be internationally known for my cinema."
Monday, June 24, 2002
Abhishek loses out on Bhoot
Remember we told you that Abhishek was out of Ramgopal's next film titled Bhoot? Well, the reason is quite clear now. Apparently, J P Dutta's LoC (on which Abhishek is working at present) has been delayed by a month due to the tense situation on the Indo-Pak border, and the clash of dates resulted in Abhishek losing out on Bhoot. Sad, that an actor has to lose one good film because of another. But don't worry, Abhishek, we're sure Ramgopal Varma is as impatient to work with you are as vice versa. We're betting it won't be long before Ramu finally gets you!
Monday, June 24, 2002
Samjhauta Express
After a film like Aks, one expected director Rakesh Mehra to do something even more exciting. And he's certainly not disappointing his fans. After a short sabbatical, he's now all set to launch his next film titled Samjhauta Express which is supposed to be a spoof on Indo-Pak relations. After roping in senior Bachchan last time, he's settled for the junior Bachchan, Abhishek this time. Also Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala will lend support to the cast. We're sure this time Rakesh won't miss the train when it comes to box-office success!
Monday, June 24, 2002
Madhavan confident of his second Hindi movie
MUMBAI: His Hindi debut Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein bombed, but south Indian superstar and television heartthrob Madhavan is ready to take on Bollywood a second time with Dil Vil Pyar Vyar. One of the highest paid young actors in Tamil cinema, Madhavan in his second outing tries his hand at a tender love story woven around the songs of legendary music composer R D Burman. The film, slated for an August release, also marks the directorial debut of noted theatre and television actor Anant Mahadevan. Madhavan, who featured in Mahadevan's hit television show Ghar Jamai, is extremely excited about the film. "It's very difficult for me to come across a script that really excites me. Dil Vil Pyar Vyar did. "I couldn't be bothered with its commercial potential or who others should be in the cast. I just wanted to be in this film. Only good stories work. I was very kicked with the concept, story and the team I was working with. I'd say Dil Vil Pyar Vyar is the most enjoyable film I've shot so far." Though he has been getting several lucrative offers from Bollywood filmmakers, Madhavan says he would rather wait and see how his second Hindi film fares while he concentrates on his Tamil movies. But he feels there is a dearth of good scripts in the Tamil film industry as well. "Very few filmmakers in Tamil Nadu are doing creative work. Though I can sign 16 films right now if I want, I'm choosing carefully. Even in Hindi, there's a flood of offers. But nothing that really excites me." But he looks forward to the release of Dil Vil... His latest Tamil film is Run, by director Lingswamy. It is expected to hit the marquees in July. Its music is already a rage across Tamil Nadu. "My two forthcoming films in Hindi and Tamil are acid tests for me." But he is equally confident that he has a long inning ahead in Bollywood. "I know I'm going to be in Hindi films as long as I want to be because I can speak Hindi properly and I'm a fairly good actor. And no one can stop me. "Moreover I'm professional in my dealings. No one has a complaint against me. All my films have been completed within three months. There's a huge amount of producers in Mumbai including Ratan Jain and Jhamu Sugandh, interested in me." Madhavan continues to share a special relationship with ace director Mani Rathnam, who cast him in the hit Alai Payuthe. The two constantly exchanged messages on mobile. Madhavan's eyes light up at Rathnam's mention. "I'm the only actor to have done three films as a leading man with Mani, and I hope and pray I'll be in his next film as well. "My latest film with him, Kannaithal Muttham, was certainly tougher than Alai Payuthe. I didn't only have to play a character older than my age, but I also had to play a father of two children. To play this unsmiling frowning 35-year-old man and that too one who happen to be a poet required lots of preparation. "I studied the personality and speaking pattern of two Tamil poets Vairamuthu and Sujatha. To play the father, I watched Mani closely when he interacted with his 10-year-old son. But most of all, I watched him and give him credit for my performance."
Monday, June 24, 2002
Info on Five Films on Bhagat Singh
We’ve made Gandhi. And films on Sardar Patel, Babasaheb Ambedkar and Veer Savarkar. Bengal has also saluted its militant leaders, Khudiram Bose and Subhash Chandra Bose. The latest revolutionary to have fired the imagiantion of our film-makers is Bhagat Singh. This young member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Party, was involved in a number of uprisings against the British. He masterminded the assassination of the assistant superintendent of police, Sauders who had ordered a lathi charge against Lala Lajpat Rai. He was also among the 17 revolutionaries who hatched the Kakoria train conspiracy. Pursued by the police, he threw a bomb into the Central Legislative Assembly’s visitor’s gallery and then refused to run, believing that his death could inspire other young men to join the revolution. He was hanged on March 23, 1931. The young martyr’s tragic life story has already been retold three times. After a 37 year drought, Bhagat Singh will once again be ressurected in as many as five films this year. A look at what makes the patriot everyone’s favourite hero. RAMESH TAURANI My film is about Bhagat Singh, the intellectual, his thoughts With five films on Bhagat Singh in the race and the Deols insisting that they’ll also release their film in June, may be on the same day as yours, aren’t you apprehensive about your multi-crore investment? No, we’re not because ours is an authentic film. I remember the first time Rajkumar Santoshi narrated the script to us, my whole family was instantly charged up about it and agreed that this was one film that had to be made. It’s not only a film about Bhagat Singh, the freedom fighter. We’ll present the man and the intellectual too. We’ve incorporated Bhagat Singh’s thoughts and his principles into the script and that was what really impressed his brother. When Kultar Singh, along with his son, Kiranjeet Singh, paid us a surprise visit when we were shooting in Pune, he was so moved by Rajkumar Santoshi’s script that he confessed, I feel maine zindagi vapas jee li hai. He even reproduced for us a letter his brother had written to him 71 years ago. When asked to bless Ajay Devgan who’s playing Bhagat Singh in the film he said, How can I bless Bhagat Singh. He’s my elder brother? The Legend Of Bhagat Singh is a film that can make you emotional. It gives out very positive vibes. We’ve made an honest film and that’s already evident in the promos and the songs. What do you think of the sudden wave of patriotic films following the super success of Gadar..Ek Prem Katha and Lagaan? What can I say except that our film was announced way back in July, 2000 before either Gadar or Lagaan were released. There’s documentary proof of that because an ad was released in Trade Guide. But after that Rajkumar Santoshi felt the film needed more research. He signed Anjum Rajabali to write a screenplay for him while he concentrated on Lajja. The screenplay was finished around July-August, 2001. That’s when we were approached. Rajji gave us a narration in September and we gave him the nod immediately. Our film went on the floors in January and will be completed by May. Considering it’s a period film you’ve completed it really fast. We wanted to shoot the film in one schedule because we wanted a certain look and took bulk dates from all the artistes way back in September. The film went on the floors in January and it’ll be through by May despite having a busy artiste like Ajay Devgan. The film was completed so fast not because we were in competition with the other films on Bhagat Singh but because it was planned so well. Even AR Rahman who’s known to take time over his scores, finished the music in three months flat. And admitted that for the first time in his life someone had taken such good work from him in such a short time. What made you choose a South Indian director for a film with a strong North Indian flavour? Rahman is one music director who gives you a period music and at the same time his tunes have a touch of the modern. It is this blend of the old and the new that makes his music so appealing. Your Mera rang de basanti chola... has been playing on the channels for some time now. A week ago, the Deols have come up with their own version of the song for 23rd March, 1931 Shaheed. The competition is certainly hotting up. Is it? Our music will be nothing like their’s. Rahman’s arrangement, his tunes and the wording of the song are very different. I think it would now be sensible to leave it to the audience to decide which film on Bhagat Singh they want to see. People know what they want. What made you decide on Ajay Devgan for the title role? When Rajkumar Santoshi first came to us with the story, we asked him if he had an actor in mind for the title role. He did but wouldn’t tell us who he wanted. Instead, he told us to listen to the story first. As he was narrating the story to us, the image of Ajay Devgan formed in my mind. I could only visualise Ajay as Bhagat Singh. The role needed an intense performer like him. When I told Rajji this he admitted that even he had his sights set on Ajay. In fact, he had approached the star during the making of Lajja. Taking Ajay was an unanimous decision. Does Bobby Deol make as convincing a Bhagat Singh? I don’t think it would be dignified to compare the two actors. Bobby’s a good performer too with whom we’ve made a very successful Soldier. In fact, we’re planning another film with him next year. We also have a good relationship with Sunny. Even Ajay and Bobby are good friends. They wouldn’t care for such comparisons. The Deol production has a lot of saleable names from Sunny and Bobby who’re playing Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh to Aishwarya who’s Bhagat Singh’s fiancee, Amrita Singh who’s his mother and Sanjay Dutt who’s playing Kehar Singh. Your The Legend Of Bhagat Singh in comparison has only one bankable star, Ajay Devgan. That was a conscious decision. We wanted actors who looked the characters. Rajguru is being played by a Mahrashtrian and Jatin Das by a Bengali. Sukhdev is Sushant and Akhilendra Mishra is Chandrashekhar Azad. The casting is very apt. You know, two top actresses approached us for the heroine’s role but we knew that it was only a bit role that required just 15-20 days work. If we took an established actress to play Bhagat Singh’s fiancee, people would expect her to have more footage, more songs. So instead we opted for a newcomer, Amrita Rao. Even for Bhagat Singh’s parents’ roles we always wanted Farida Jalal and Raj Babbar because they looked the part. After Lajja’s failure were you ever doubtful of Rajkumar Santoshi’s ability to pull off this extravaganza? Never! We had complete faith in Santoshi’s potential. There was never any question of doubting his ability. In fact, we want to do more films with him. Incidentally, Lajja wasn’t such a big flop, was it? May be it didn’t live up to expectations but there are so many reasons for a film not doing well. You can’t only blame the director. Roshmila Bhattacharya SHAHEED-E-AZAM Produced by: Iqbal Singh Dhillon Director: Sukumar Nair Starring: Sonu Sood as Bhagat Singh This will be the first of the five Bhagat Singh films being made, to storm the theatres. The film is scheduled for release on May 24. Iqbal Singh Dhillon, the producer of the film, isn’t shouting from the rooftops about his achievement though. We were the first ones to go on the floors so it was inevitable that we would wind up first, he points out with irrefutable logic. Dhillon has earlier produced Shaheed Udham Singh and was a part of Gurdas Mann’s Shaheed-E-Mohabbat Boota Singh too. We had planned this film on Bhagat Singh before even Shaheed Udham Singh, way back in ’96. Our project was announced along with the Sagars’ film on Bhagat Singh, but after launching the film we realised that we needed more time to research the subject, Dhillon maintains. He made trips to Lahore to visit the Lahore jail and meet the children and grand-children of Bhagat Singh’s friends. We even spoke to the family of music diretor Khursheed Anwar who was one of Bhagat Singh’s oldest friends, Dhillon says proudly. He was surprised by the love and respect people across border have for the martyred revolutionary. No one refers to him as Bhagat Singh. They either address him as Bhagat Singh sahab or Allah log, he informs. Those trips to Pakistan yielded more such interesting information and documents about the hero whose bio-pix Dhillon has been compiling with the utmost sincerity these last couple of years. The USP of the film is that it has been shot on actual locations in Punjab including Ferozpur where Bhagat Singh cut his hair. Dhillon remembers that many of the locals would turn up for the shooting and if they found that the chaddar wasn’t tied right or Bhagat Singh’s walk was different, they’d immediately point it out to the film’s South Indian director, Sukumar Nair. That way we were constantly on our toes, smiles Dhillon. The script has been credited to Sardar Jagmohan Singh who is a nephew of Bhagat Singh and Soham Saha. A film was started in Lahore on the freedom fighter some years ago and later shelved. I managed to get a copy of the script that we’ve used for our film, says Dhillon. My film is not just about the revolutionary but Bhagat Singh the poet, the singer and the actor too. He did lots of plays. The songs have been written by Pakistani lyricists, SM Sadique and Khwaja Parvez and set to music by Sabar Ali, Sardool Sikandar and Maqbool Khan. What’s interesting is that ‘Mera rang de basanti chola...’ that’s there in all the other four Bhagat Singh films, doesn’t figure in this film. Bhagat Singh’s favourite colours were black and red. Saffron mazhab ka rang hai. Bhagat Singh didn’t belong to any religion, woh to insaniyat se pyar karte the. ‘Mera rang de basanti chola...’ was a figment of some poet’s imagination and over the years has come to be associated with Bhagat Singh, Dhillon comes up with the startling revelation. His film instead has a song penned by the revolutionary himself, ‘Ab to kha chuke hain Chittor ke gadh ki kasmein...’. While Sunny Deol has opted for Bobby Deol to play the title role and Rajkumar Santoshi for Ajay Devgan, Dhillon has put his money on a newcomer whose only ace is that he strongly resembles the freedom fighter. Bhagat Singh was a body builder, practised yoga and was a keen kabbadi player. We needed a young man who had a good physique, the face of an intellectual and a ready smile. We screen-tested several actors and Sonu Sood fit the bill. He looks right for the role and is also the right age. Bhagat Singh was 23 years and six months when he was hanged. Sukhdev was 22. The boys in my cast are in the age group of 21 and 23 and that, I feel, lends authenticity to the project, he avers. When questioned about his budget Dhillon quips, Films on men like Khudiram Bose and Bhagat Singh who gave their lives for the country, don’t have a budget. Is tarah ke films dil se bante hain. Touche.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Aftab
Despite having worked with most big banners, Aftab’s career didn’t really take off as expected. Most of his films were croppers at the BO but Aftab wants to change that now. His next three releases have him playing a wide gamut of roles and he hopes that the success of these films will take him up the ladder on a new level. In this Q&A, he sounds optimistic about future as an actor preferring to forget the not-so-eventful past. Despite having worked with big banners, you still haven’t reached the top so far. I definitely worked with reputed people and all the big banners. But it shows that big banners do not necessarily guarantee a hit in today’s times. Work at your best and hope for the best is what I am doing now. You cannot predict anything today. Big banners helped me in circulation in the market and that was an advantage but did not guarantee a hit. See, the big banners are failing and new people, be it new directors, new makers or new stars are coming in. I believe that new talents have everything at stake and so they put everything in that film. That little bit more they do pays off, as there is more passion in their work. So, I guess the doors are opening for these newcomers at last. Personally, I feel that though I haven’t reached the pinnacle yet, I am hoping to be there soon. Do you feel that the sweet-boy-next-door image you have went against you? I don’t agree because people have appreciated me in those roles. In Mast, I was appreciated with that sweet image but then I myself wanted to change that look so I did Kasoor. There again, I was successful to a certain extent as the film did well. See, I don’t want to be labeled as anything; I want to try and do something different all the time so that people don’t have a fixed image of me. The more versatile you are, the more life you have in a career like films. It is better not to stick to one kind of roles and get exhausted. So I try to do different things and try to fit into different genres all the time. Boney Kapoor recently said that ‘Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche’ bombed because there were too many Aftab films releasing at once. I don’t agree with that because I think that the audience did not accept the film because the script and the story were rejected. Though there was curiosity because it was Esha Deol’s launch pad and it was a Boney Kapoor film and had Jaya Bachchan in it, the film didn’t reach up to people’s expectations. Your film 'Pyaasa' with Yukta Mookhey has been surrounded by controversy. Yukta and the producer had a problem within themselves and I think that’s about it. I didn’t have a major problem with Yukta, just an argument, which was blown out of proportion. The problem is between her and the producer and I am nobody to comment on that. Yukta didn’t give me any problems; she was perfectly ok with me always. In fact she is a very hardworking, good actress. I am okay with both the parties. Vimal Kumar was upset because Amisha and you both gave him a tough time to complete Suno Sasurji He had a minor problem but everything has been sorted out. Amisha’s date couldn’t match mine and vice-versa. Since we both were busy doing other films, it affected his film’s dates. That is a common phenomenon, but he was entitled to his share of anger. In fact we apologized and even met up and sorted out things. Your career has been rather topsy-turvy. I know it has been topsy-turvy. But then everyone in this line goes through ups and downs. I don’t regret doing the kind of films I have done. I am happy with the kind of work I have done. I know I have not done well at the box office and I am aware of that. And I don’t regret that because there is no point regretting the past. One should look forward towards the future. And, honestly, I don’t have the time to think of what happened in the past. Many people find you arrogant. I think that’s a media made tag. Till date, no co-star, director or producer has ever said that on my face nor have they expressed that feeling to me directly or indirectly. I am just a very shy and introvert kind of guy and I don’t open up to people so easily. May be that makes them feel that I am arrogant. Generally I go into my reserved shell and only open up when I am comfortable with people. You have three films on release. How different are those films from each other? Yeah I have three different films all set to hit the screen. My next release will be Awara Paagal Dewana, which is an action thriller with a lot of comedy. It’s got a lovely track of romance, good songs and good production values. It's all with comedy as the backdrop. I would say it’s quite an entertainer. The climax is wonderful; it has a lot of action but no abuses and vulgarity. The family audience will love it. Then there is Suno Sasurjee, a complete laugh riot where people will laugh all through the movie and lastly there is Pyaasa, which is an intense love story. All the three films are really different from each other so you can’t really compare them.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Aftab
Despite having worked with most big banners, Aftab’s career didn’t really take off as expected. Most of his films were croppers at the BO but Aftab wants to change that now. His next three releases have him playing a wide gamut of roles and he hopes that the success of these films will take him up the ladder on a new level. In this Q&A, he sounds optimistic about future as an actor preferring to forget the not-so-eventful past. Despite having worked with big banners, you still haven’t reached the top so far. I definitely worked with reputed people and all the big banners. But it shows that big banners do not necessarily guarantee a hit in today’s times. Work at your best and hope for the best is what I am doing now. You cannot predict anything today. Big banners helped me in circulation in the market and that was an advantage but did not guarantee a hit. See, the big banners are failing and new people, be it new directors, new makers or new stars are coming in. I believe that new talents have everything at stake and so they put everything in that film. That little bit more they do pays off, as there is more passion in their work. So, I guess the doors are opening for these newcomers at last. Personally, I feel that though I haven’t reached the pinnacle yet, I am hoping to be there soon. Do you feel that the sweet-boy-next-door image you have went against you? I don’t agree because people have appreciated me in those roles. In Mast, I was appreciated with that sweet image but then I myself wanted to change that look so I did Kasoor. There again, I was successful to a certain extent as the film did well. See, I don’t want to be labeled as anything; I want to try and do something different all the time so that people don’t have a fixed image of me. The more versatile you are, the more life you have in a career like films. It is better not to stick to one kind of roles and get exhausted. So I try to do different things and try to fit into different genres all the time. Boney Kapoor recently said that ‘Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche’ bombed because there were too many Aftab films releasing at once. I don’t agree with that because I think that the audience did not accept the film because the script and the story were rejected. Though there was curiosity because it was Esha Deol’s launch pad and it was a Boney Kapoor film and had Jaya Bachchan in it, the film didn’t reach up to people’s expectations. Your film 'Pyaasa' with Yukta Mookhey has been surrounded by controversy. Yukta and the producer had a problem within themselves and I think that’s about it. I didn’t have a major problem with Yukta, just an argument, which was blown out of proportion. The problem is between her and the producer and I am nobody to comment on that. Yukta didn’t give me any problems; she was perfectly ok with me always. In fact she is a very hardworking, good actress. I am okay with both the parties. Vimal Kumar was upset because Amisha and you both gave him a tough time to complete Suno Sasurji He had a minor problem but everything has been sorted out. Amisha’s date couldn’t match mine and vice-versa. Since we both were busy doing other films, it affected his film’s dates. That is a common phenomenon, but he was entitled to his share of anger. In fact we apologized and even met up and sorted out things. Your career has been rather topsy-turvy. I know it has been topsy-turvy. But then everyone in this line goes through ups and downs. I don’t regret doing the kind of films I have done. I am happy with the kind of work I have done. I know I have not done well at the box office and I am aware of that. And I don’t regret that because there is no point regretting the past. One should look forward towards the future. And, honestly, I don’t have the time to think of what happened in the past. Many people find you arrogant. I think that’s a media made tag. Till date, no co-star, director or producer has ever said that on my face nor have they expressed that feeling to me directly or indirectly. I am just a very shy and introvert kind of guy and I don’t open up to people so easily. May be that makes them feel that I am arrogant. Generally I go into my reserved shell and only open up when I am comfortable with people. You have three films on release. How different are those films from each other? Yeah I have three different films all set to hit the screen. My next release will be Awara Paagal Dewana, which is an action thriller with a lot of comedy. It’s got a lovely track of romance, good songs and good production values. It's all with comedy as the backdrop. I would say it’s quite an entertainer. The climax is wonderful; it has a lot of action but no abuses and vulgarity. The family audience will love it. Then there is Suno Sasurjee, a complete laugh riot where people will laugh all through the movie and lastly there is Pyaasa, which is an intense love story. All the three films are really different from each other so you can’t really compare them.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Abdul Kalam: Spotted in Bollywood!
The presidential candidate's face has been splashed all over the papers. But what is surprising was that a particular film producer called Vinod Bhatt looks exactly like APJ Kalam. Guess, the producer must have been shocked to see 'his face' on the front page with "Presidential Candidate" written all over it. A suggestion. If APJ Kalam does become president, all your directors and producers know where to look for a lookalike!
Monday, June 24, 2002
Farhan Akhtar signs Big B for Laksh
It was bound to happen folks. For a director of the caliber of Farhan Akhtar, he definitely couldn't do without anything but the best. And FA is certainly getting just what his dil chahta hai. So this time he has reportedly roped in Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta for his next film, which is titled Laksh. Also, dad Javed Akhtar plans to be fully involved in his beta's project this time. He's penning the lyrics and the dialogues. With that kind of talent already in the film, don't think the film is going to be far off its laksh (mark/target)!
Monday, June 24, 2002
Kareena and Rani fight over Hrithik!
Kareena Kapoor has made quite a reputation for herself in Bollywood as a man-eater who doesn't stop at anything to get the man she fancies. Lately, even if the men were committed to other relationships it didn't matter. Even Company's poor Vivek Oberoi had to bear the brunt of her seduction but since that attempt didn't turn out to be fruitful, it looks like she is to trying to grab Hrithik again. Recently, on the sets of Yashraj films' Mujhse Dosti Karoge, it is understood that co-star Rani Mukherjee had to face the wrath of Kareena after the latter insisted on being paired up with Hrithik Roshan. Sources say that the incident happened when Uday Chopra came into the picture (Yash Chopra's vain attempt at making an actor of Uday, undoubtedly). The two actresses then understood that they would have to be paired up with one of the two men at which Kareena threw her now familiar tantrums saying that audiences were now used to the Kareena-Hrithik team and that in any case Rani wouldn't look good with Hrithik. A fuming Rani kept her cool and asked the director to decide. The director then asked both the actresses to behave themselves on the set and asked all the actors to stay in their make-up vans till they could behave in a civil manner again. Imagine poor Hrithik's halat. A married man sandwiched between two of Bollywood's most desired women. But then one really has to pity Uday Chopra who has to live with the fact that whichever actress he gets was forced into being paired with him!
Monday, June 24, 2002
Germany Preferred Destination Of Indian IT Firms: Study
New Delhi: Germany’s policy initiative to introduce ‘green cards’ for information technology (IT) specialists has made it one of the preferred markets for Indian IT firms, according to a study done by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. There are currently 440,000 jobs in the IT sector in Germany, which are likely to increase to 723,000 by 2003, the chamber said quoting the German IT Industry Association. Indian IT experts have maintained their prominent position in the German software industry, cornering the largest chunk of the green cards, the chamber said. Quoting a recent survey, it said, Indian IT specialists have taken 2,377 green cards, which is almost 22 per cent of the total of 10,994 cards issued. Besides Germany, India’s software exports to UK and the European Union (EU) are likely to go up. The Nether-lands, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Denmark and Greece are sourcing software from India. India’s software exports to EU have increased from $766.39 million in 1998-99 to an estimated $842.27 million in 1999-2000, recording a growth of over 13 per cent, it said. There will be Indian participation at the ‘System 2002’ event to be organised by the chamber in Munich from October 14 to 18.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Tendulkar takes charge to bring Indian victory
London, June 23: Sachin Tendulkar scored a brilliant unbeaten 75 to propel Indians to a morale-boosting three-wicket victory over Sussex in a day-night tour-opener at Hove, about 100 km from here, last night. The master batsman also showed that the Indian batting line-up - even without their captain Saurav Ganguly, recovering from a flu - has the capacity to be awesome, when he is in this sort of mood. But it was not all one-way traffic after that, as Sussex, pressing hard, made a fight of it, and India eventually squeezed home with seven balls to spare, thanks to Tendulkar. SCOREBOARD Sussex: 203 for 8 wiclets in 50 overs India: D.Mongia c Carpenter b House 56; V.Sehwag c & b Innes 26; M.Kaif c Ambrose b Yardy 2; S.Tendulkar not out 75; R.Dravid b House 6; Yuvraj Singh c & b Davis 4; VVS Laxman b Innes 18; A.Agarkar lbw Innes 5; Zaheer Khan not out 6; Extras (lb2, w5): 7; Total (for 7 wkts, 48.5 overs): 205 Fall of wickets: 1-60, 2-69, 3-126, 4-144, 5-155, 6-185, 7-193 Bowling: Lewry 4-0-32 0, Taylor 10-2-33-0, Innes 10-2-35-3, Yardy 6-1-30-1, Davis 10-0-33-1, House 8.5-0-40-2 Tendulkar and Dinesh Mongia (56) put on a rapid 57 for the third wicket before the latter fell victim to a brilliant catch by Jamie Carpenter, who dived to his left at short extra-cover. But Mongia, who had also played a part in an opening stand of 60 with Virender Sehwag, before being dismissed completed a fine half century that contained eight boundaries. Showing no ill-effects from the head injury he suffered in the tour’s first nets, Sehwag replied with typical nerve and verve. He took 18 minutes to find the first boundary and then pulled Will House for the game’s first six. Indian innings suffered a mid-innings blip but that did not deter Tendulkar. He lofted Billy Taylor and Will House for sixes on his way to the match top score of 75 and against a background of flag-waving and whistles from Indian supporters in a 4,000 crowd. However, at one stage it looked as if Tendulkar might run out of partners as the tenacious Sussex whittled through the Indian batting order, and seamer Mark Davis conceded only 23 from his 10 overs. Earlier, Nehra picked up 4 for 27 to help restrict Sussex to a manageable total in which three batsmen got to within striking distance of half centuries but none actually reached it. The Indians’ bowling performance was a measure of their determination to harden up. The lanky Nehra, got pace and bounce from a lively wicket.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Troops not to be withdrawn from Assam: Fernandes
Union Defence Minister George Fernandes on Saturday said troops posted in Assam would not be withdrawn for deployment on the borders in view of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the state. "The insurgency situation in Assam has improved considerably, but we must continue to maintain a strict vigil to ensure that the situation does not escalate," Fernandes told reporters here. Militancy in Assam was mainly due to unemployment as disillusioned youths took to arms and resorted to violence after failing to get jobs, he said. "We must tackle the problem of unemployment as this alone can solve the various ills plaguing the Northeast," the minister asserted.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Integrating PoK is an unfinished agenda: Rajagopal
India had an 'unfinished task' of integrating Pakistan-occupied parts of Kashmir with the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Railways O Rajagopal said today. "We have the task of integrating parts of J&K, which are now under Pakistan, with the state. This is our unfinished agenda," Rajagopal said at a function here to observe the 50th death anniversary of Jan Sangh leader Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Recalling the contributions of Mukherjee to the cause of Kashmir's accession to India, he said "but for Shyama Prasad, the state would have gone out of the country". Rajagopal, who held "responsible" the then union government for Shyama Prasad's tragic death in Kashmir in 1952, described the Kashmir tangle as a consequence of the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's faulty policies. "About 500 princely states were merged with India after Independence and there is no problem in any of these.... For Kashmir, Nehru was given responsibility to look into it since his family hailed from that state. You have seen the outcome," he said.
Monday, June 24, 2002
VHP vows to take temple campaign to nationwide protests
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad said on Sunday it would hold nationwide rallies later this year to mobilize support for its decision to build a temple at the site of the Babri masjid. Closing a two-day meeting of the VHP, Acharya Dharmendra Maharaj, an organisation leader, said he anticipated that hundreds of thousands of people and Hindu religious leaders would participate in the rallies planned for December. The dispute over the site in Ayodhya has been at the center of India's bitterest religious dispute. The Babri mosque was demolished in 1992, triggering riots across India that killed more than 2,000 people. "We are regrouping to achieve our goal ... to make the temple a national issue," Maharaj said at the end of the meeting held in Hardwar. Hindu nationalists say a Muslim ruler built the mosque where Hindus god Rama was born. Muslims dispute this claim. At the VHP's opening meeting on Saturday, leaders said they would intensify their push to build a temple at the site. The group agreed to reverse an earlier decision to wait for a court verdict to decide which group should control the site. The VHP initially said it would wait for the court verdict, after New Delhi refused permission to start building the temple. The site is owned by the government. But the verdict isn't expected for two more years due to the large numbers of witnesses and voluminous records to be examined. And VHP leaders said their patience was wearing thin.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Vajpayee says infiltration into J&K continues unabated
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has said that infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border is continuing "unabated" despite promises by Pakistan to put an end to it. "There has been no change in Pakistan's policy so far as cross-border infiltration is concerned. Everyday we are getting reports that infiltration by terrorists into Kashmir continues unabated," Vajpayee said in an interview to the Newsweek magazine to be published on Monday. Vajpayee's remarks come after Defence Minister George Fernandes last on Thursday said that infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan has almost ended. A spokesman of the Prime Minister's office in New Delhi on Sunday said that Vajpayee gave the interview to the magazine a week ago.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra gives birth to baby girl
NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra gave birth to a baby girl at 4 am on Monday at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in New Delhi. This is Priyanka's second child. Her first-born was a boy. The birth was eagerly awaited by Congress party workers who were looking forward to Priyanka's return to an active public life. It is widely believed by them that the party's revival in the UP belt could be spearheaded by the charismatic Priyanka's return to public life.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Urban Indians breaking taboo of pre-marital sex: Survey
Young Indian couples living in cities have sex every week and around 40 per cent say they have had sex before marriage, something considered taboo among the older generation, according to a new survey. "More than 43 per cent of the sample claims to have had pre-marital sex and a third of them claim to have had it before they were 21 years old," said the survey conducted by Indian condom manufacturer KamaSutra and carried out among 3,176 people living in 10 cities. "Although people seem to be much more liberal about premarital sex, hardly 20 per cent feel it is socially acceptable and only a third find it cool to indulge in it," the survey said. "Almost half of the married respondents claim to have had pre-marital sex with their spouses before marriage." The survey was carried out through the internet to allow respondents to be more uninhibited with their answers, KamaSutra said. Nearly 90 per cent of the respondents were male and the majority lived in nuclear families as opposed to traditional joint families. "On an average the population was having sex once every seven days and about 65 per cent are satisfied with their current frequency," the survey said. But only about half the people surveyed said they could "attain orgasm" during sex. More than a third were found to "fantasise having sex with film stars or other famous people". Indian men said they thought breasts to be the most sexually arousing attribute in women, while females said "overall looks and muscular physique in men" was what mattered. People living in New Delhi were the most sexually active, with nearly 22 per cent saying they had sex every day, compared to just 15 per cent of those questioned in Mumbai. Only about ten per cent of respondents in both cities said they were sexually inactive. An overwhelming majority in both Delhi and Mumbai were faithful to their partners, according to the survey. "The usage of condoms while indulging in sex is fairly high. Forty three per cent of the respondents claim to use condoms whenever they have sex," the survey added. "The overall awareness of safe sex is very high." Most of those questioned got their sex education through reading books or from friends. "Just about four per cent of the respondents have obtained sexual education through professional help," the survey said. But it said concern about AIDS was "extremely high" among a majority of people, who felt sex education should be taught in schools from the age of 12 years. KamaSutra said one out of four Indians could be classified as promiscuous.
Monday, June 24, 2002
VHP demands division of J&K into four
A day after breaking its commitment on the Ayodhya issue, the VHP today mounted fresh heat on the centre by demanding division of Jammu and Kashmir into four parts with separate statehood for Jammu region and accused Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah of hatching a conspiracy to kick-out all the Hindus from the militancy-hit state. On the last day of the two-day meeting of its Margdarshak Mandal, the belligerent VHP leaders gathered here passed a resolution calling for division of Kashmir valley into two parts with creation of a union territory in the northeast of the Jhelum river for resettling migrated Kashmiri Pandits in that area. Demanding abrogation of the controversial Article 370 of the Constitution that gives special status to the northern most state, the VHP said all the six districts of Jammu division should be given a separate statehood status.
Monday, June 24, 2002
PM tells US not to play mediator role
INDIA sees the US as a "facilitator" but will not accept it as a mediator in resolving Indo-Pak differences on Jammu and Kashmir, according to Prime Minister AB Vajpayee who offered to resume talks with Pakistan if it fulfilled all its promises to end crossborder terrorism. In an interview to the Newsweek magazine published in its latest issue, Mr Vajpayee, when asked what should the US role be in the future on the Kashmir issue, said "that of a facilitator". On whether the US emerged as a third party to help in settling the Kashmir issue, Mr Vajpayee emphatically said "no" and added "that is why I said facilitator not a mediator". To a query when India would pull back troops, he said it would take some time. "Let us see what happens on the ground." According to the magazine, Mr Vajpayee laughed when asked if he thought Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is trustworthy and said "we are prepared to deal with him as he is, but we are cautious this time. Our past experience is not very encouraging." He said he was ready to meet Gen Musharraf if the Pakistani general implemented all his promises. "If Pakistan implements all the assurances given to us, then a new beginning can be made. India will be ready to have talks with Pakistan and discuss all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir," Mr Vajpayee said. He, however, said there is no change in Pakistan's policy so far as crossborder terrorism is concerned and "everyday we are getting reports that infiltration is continuing." Musharraf denial Gen Musharraf, in an interview published in the same issue of the magazine, said he has never given assurances of permanently ending crossborder terrorism. Asked about Gen Musharraf's promise to get rid of the terrorist training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, Mr Vajpayee said, "That was the promise. There are 50 to 70 terrorist-training camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and in Pakistan." The prime minister supported US decision to make Pakistan a partner in the war against terror. "It was the right policy. Pakistan should be pressured to fight terror, not only in Afghanistan but inside Pakistan as well." In reply to a question how close India and Pakistan were to the war, Mr Vajpayee said, "It was a touch-and-go affair... I did not rule out the possibility of war. Until the last minute, we were hoping wiser counsel would prevail." On whether al-Qaeda elements are in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Mr Vajpayee said the terrorist organisations operating in Kashmir are closely linked to al Qaeda and other 'Jehadi' groups directly supported by Pakistan. The Prime Minister said leadership of al Qaeda which the United States has failed to capture "may be in Pakistan." He said he thinks that Osama bin Laden is alive and that Pakistan knew his whereabouts. Islamabad may not know every movement of Laden and his lieutenants, Mr Vajpayee said, adding "but broadly speaking, they know where the rest of al Qaeda and the Taliban are." To a question about the upcoming elections in Kashmir, the Prime Minister said the elections would be free and fair and held under the Central Election Commission.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
Govt may be forced to put off J&K polls
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir may not go to polls till March next year, well-placed official sources say, citing unpreparedness on part of both the Centre and the state government as the major reason. Before the polls are formally announced, the Centre will have to address issues related to electoral rolls, photo-identity cards, foreign observers, and the ‘‘accommodation’’ of CM Farooq Abdullah, and a political package for Kashmir, the sources told The Times of India on Saturday. Every political group has slammed the government for not carrying out a proper revision of the electoral rolls. They have criticised the government over the issue of photo-identity card (PIC). Although the Election Commission has said that PICs will not be mandatory, the Union home ministry is keen that all eligible voters are issued PICs. This process will certainly not be complete before October, the sources said. There is the controversy over inviting foreign observers. The Vajpayee government wants some form of foreign presence the US, the UK, or preferably the UN during the polls, to ensure a certificate from the international community to intensify pressure on Pakistan. During his recent visit to the state, CEC J M Lyngdoh had touched upon the issue of foreign observers. Later, he clarified that foreign observers were not being invited but they could come on their own. To involve foreign observers ‘‘formally or informally,’’ the BJP-led government will need a nod from its allies as well as major opposition parties as the issue involves. This process will take time, the sources pointed out. The government’s other imperative is to move Farooq out of the state to the Centre to convince political groupings that the polls will be free and fair. The most crucial decision a political package for the state is yet to come.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
Take further action to stop infiltration: EU to Pak
European Union leaders will tell Pakistan on Saturday to take further action to stop infiltration across the Line of Control in Kashmir and say India should respond positively when it does so. In a draft text of conclusions to be agreed later at a two-day summit of the 15-nation bloc and obtained by Reuters, the heads of government welcomed recent signs of easing tension but said the situation 'remains precarious'. "The European Council therefore called on Pakistan to take further concrete actions... to stop infiltration across the line of control and to prevent terrorist groups from operating from territory under its control, also through closing of training camps," the draft conclusions said. It told India 'to be ready to respond with further de-escalatory steps' as Pakistan 'meets those commitments'. Reuters
Sunday, June 23, 2002
VHP changes temple stand
The VHP has gone back on its promise made in March to honour the court verdict in the Ayodhya dispute. At the opening session of the VHP's two-day national advisory committee meeting here on Saturday, speaker after speaker reiterated that the Ram temple was "a matter of faith" for the country's "90 crore Hindus". No court, therefore, was qualified to pass judgment on the matter. At a press conference later, VHP leader Praveen Togadia claimed the Centre had, in March, given a verbal commitment to hand over the undisputed land at Ayodhya to the VHP by June 2. The Centre had apparently also promised to remove all restrictions on VHP workers converging at Ayodhya, and to facilitate the shila daan ceremony. However, the Centre had not fulfilled its promises. The Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas (RJN), therefore, was also not bound to abide by its promises, Togadia said. About a hundred Margadarshak Mandal members attended the proceedings, which were open to the media. No representative of the local akharas was present. Senior VHP leaders denied the meeting had been boycotted by the akharas, however. The agenda for Saturday's session included "Islamic terrorism" and the "safety measures" Hindus must take in response. Godhra and Jammu and Kashmir will be discussed on Sunday. VHP boss Ashok Singhal gave a hint on what might be expected: the Gujarat violence had been a "victory" for Hindus, he said "for the first time", it was Muslims, not Hindus, who had been driven out to refugee camps. Ramchandra Das Paramhans said if the building of a temple at Ram's birthplace was "communalism", such communalism was preferable to the "secularism" that some people swore by. In New Delhi, the BJP distanced itself from the VHP's volte face. The dispute would be resolved either through consensus or in the courts, party spokesman V.K. Malhotra said.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
No change in Pak policy on cross-border terrorism: Vajpayee
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has said there is no change in Pakistan's policy and that infiltration of militants from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir is continuing. Vajpayee's statement comes days after several ministers, including Defence Minister George Fernandes, have said that infiltration has "more or less come to an end". Speaking to the Newsweek magazine, the Prime Minister said, "There is no change in Pakistan's policy on cross-border terrorism. Everyday, we are getting reports that infiltration (by militants into Kashmir) is continuing." Vajpayee reiterated that India was ready for talks with Pakistan and discuss all issues, including Kashmir if Islamabad ends cross-border terrorism and fulfills its promises to dismantle terrorist training camps. "If Pakistan implements all the assurances given to us, then a new beginning can be made. India will be ready to have talks with Pakistan and discuss all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir," said Vajpayee. Vajpayee said that the two countries were very close to war in recent weeks, describing it as "a touch-and-go affair. Until the last minute, we were hoping wiser counsels would prevail."
Sunday, June 23, 2002
Woman burnt alive in Kashmir mosque
Three masked men burnt alive a woman to death in a mosque in Budgam, about 20 km from Srinagar. Police officers told Sify.com that three masked men swooped on 35-year-old divorcee, Neelofar, outside her house at Kralpora village. They gagged her and took her to a nearby mosque. They doused her in some inflammable material and set her ablaze. The attckers then fled from the scene. Neelofar's cries for help drew the attention of local people, who rushed her to nearest hospital. She died of injuries late last night. Before breathing her last, Neelofar told Sify.com that she did not know the identity or the motive of the assailants. She also exonerated her former husband. Hundreds of residents held protest demonstrations when her body reached the village.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
Kinetic Motor launches Nova (1500 hrs)
Kinetic Motor Company today launched a 115 cc four-stroke scooter 'Nova' in Delhi. Priced at Rs 35,547 (Ex-showroom, Delhi), the company expects to sell 50,000 units of the new scooter, Kinetic senior vice-president (sales and marketing) Ajay Kapila said. Speaking about the product, Kapila said the 'Nova' with high engine power has been designed to appeal to men unlike other automatic scooters which are mainly targeted at women and teenagers.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
The right spirit
Never mind Asoka and that annoying back, with audiences eagerly awaiting Bhansali’s 50-crore obsession Devdas, Shah Rukh Khan must be pretty nervous. Not only is he paired opposite the beautiful Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, he’s got quite an act to to live up to. Khan has confessed to meeting Dilip Kumar to get a ‘feel’ of enacting Devdas from the redoubtable thespian. Also, there were certain scenes which called for extra effort, like those that demanded Khan to look inebriated.‘‘I didn’t get smashed,’’ he says. ‘‘But most of the time, I was actually drunk. That’s because I wanted to slow down for my role. It’s just that when you’re drunk, the eyes look nicer and a little darker, they blink less, they stare a little more too and your body becomes a little looser.’’ Spirit-ed revelations, these.
Saturday, June 22, 2002
Situation on Indo-Pak border still dangerous: Musharraf
Islamabad, Saturday, June 22, 2002: Calling for immediate withdrawal of troops from the border and resumption of Indo-Pak dialogue at a high level, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf today said the threat of war had receded but situation remained explosive and could turn worse in the event of any major strike in Kashmir or elsewhere in India by militant groups. In a hard hitting interview to BBC Radio and Television during which he pooh-poohed the de-escalatory measures taken by India, Musharraf said the two countries came very close to war during the past few weeks and the threat of war could recede only if the troops were pulled back from the borders. "We came very close. As a military man I gauge it more from military capability point of view ... When Indians moved their forces forward, Army and Air Force that became very dangerous. That situation still remains," he said. "The threat of war has in fact diminished because of diminishing of intentions. But the capability exists. The situation will remain explosive because if anything happens inside Kashmir or inside India which is a possibility by any independent, any terrorist organisation or group doing it, the situation can become explosive again. "Therefore the situation remains serious as long as forces are there. It is reduction of the forces which will reduce the tensions," he said. He also called for resumption of bilateral talks at a high level arguing that any lower level parleys would only mean to "sideline the issues". 11:01 IST
Saturday, June 22, 2002
UTI skips dividend on US 64
For the first time since its inception, the Unit Trust of India on Friday decided to skip dividend on its flagship scheme US 64 for the year ending June 30, 2002. "The flagship scheme is a Net Asset Value (NAV) based scheme and there is no sanctity attached to announce any dividend. Whenever the performance of the scheme improves, the board can review the decision and decide about paying the dividend," UTI chairman M Damodaran told reporters here. Last year (in 2000-01), despite the financial crisis which gripped the flagship scheme, the board had announced a 10 per cent dividend. Damodaran, after the six-hour meeting and persistent queries from the media, said this scheme already has a special repurchase facility upto 5,000 units and any declaration of dividend would increase the government's budgetary commitment towards it. In a statement, UTI said in arriving at the decision, the board noted that this would increase the gap between the NAV and the repurchase price deterimined as a part of special relief package for US 64. On meeting the shortfall on its two schemes - Monthly Income Plan 1997 (II) and Special Institutional Investors Scheme - Damodaran said UTI would use a credit line for Rs 10 bn from State Bank of India on the back of a guarantee given by the Union Government. He also announced that the accounting year would become SEBI compliant by March 2004. 10:02 IST
Saturday, June 22, 2002
Pakistan will "teach India a lesson" if it invades: Musharraf
ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistani troops will "teach India a lesson" if it invades Kashmir, President Pervez Musharraf has said in a television interview. The military leader, in a BBC interview first aired on Friday, said he "couldn't care less" about India's recent moves to wind down tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals. "We don't see de-escalation as a response," Musharraf said. "We couldn't care less whether they de-escalate or not," he added. "We are totally prepared for them and we will teach them a lesson if they come across the Line of Control. "They dare not violate our international border, they dare not violate the Line of Control. We will teach them a lesson on the ground, in the air." Musharraf dismissed India's recent naval withdrawal from waters off southern Pakistan as self-serving. "They called back their navy -- what for? Let them remain in the high seas. They're not bothering us," he said. "It was bothering themselves, therefore they called them back." "They are not doing us any favour by de-escalating. They shouldn't be talking of it. We don't want them to de-escalate -- they can carry on remaining on the borders. We know what is hurting them." He also admitted the al-Qaeda terrorist network may be behind the series of high-profile attacks on Westerners in Pakistan -- culminating in last week's deadly bomb attack at the US consulate in Karachi -- but dropped strong hints India could also have had a hand in them. "There certainly is a possibility of al-Qaeda being there," he said. "I would say it is somebody, an organisation, a group or a country may I say which is not too happy with whatever good we are doing in Pakistan. "They are not too happy with Pakistan developing improved relations with the United States, they are not too happy with our defence development in the form of the submarines with the French. "They are not happy with our economic development, they want to again put a dent in the investment climate in Pakistan," he said. "So who can that be? Al-Qaeda is one, certainly RAW and Indian backing is another possibility," he said, referring to the Indian Research and Analysis Wing intelligence agency.
Saturday, June 22, 2002
India test fires anti-tank missile from Orissa coast
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India, in a military standoff with Pakistan, test fired an indigenously developed heat-seeking anti-tank missile from the coast of Orissa on Friday, a senior defence official said. Defence officials said the test firing of the third-generation missile, with a range of 4.18 km, was routine. The test came as tensions between India and its western neighbour Pakistan are easing, although war fears have not fully receded as the nuclear rivals still have a million troops massed along their border. "It's a guided missile with fire-and-forget capability. It's a routine test which is part of the integrated guided missile programme," he said. He said the weapon, called Nag or Cobra, was fired from an interim test range at Chandipur-on-sea. The all-weather missile said to be capable of penetrating any type of armour was first tested in 1990. Nag has been developed as part of an integrated guided missile development programme involving five missiles that can traverse different distances and terrains. Tensions between India and Pakistan eased earlier this month after Pakistan pledged to stop Islamic militants from crossing into Indian-held Kashmir.
Saturday, June 22, 2002
Time journalist says he fears expulsion from India
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A British journalist working for Time magazine said on Friday he feared he would be expelled from India over an article he wrote questioning the health of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Alex Perry, 32, said Indian authorities had begun investigating alleged passport irregularities after the publication of the article. He denied any irregularities. The article, carried by Time's Asian edition and headlined "Asleep at the Wheel?", asked whether the 77-year-old Vajpayee was well enough to run India during a military standoff with nuclear rival Pakistan over disputed Kashmir. Vajpayee's office protested to Time about the article, saying Vajpayee was fit and well and that the story was in bad taste, "designed to tarnish the Prime Minister's image". "We stand by the story," Perry told Reuters. He met Indian visa officials on Friday after an Indian newspaper published a story saying that the passport he had used to enter India was different from one with his Indian visa. Perry, who is married, arrived in India on April 1. Perry said he carried three passports, but two were additions to the original passport, granted because the first, and then second, were full of visas. He was due to meet visa officials again on Monday when he expected a decision on whether to allow him to stay in India, adding that he feared he could be expelled. "This is the subject of an investigation being conducted by the Home Ministry...I believe there has been no harassment," foreign ministry spokeswoman Nirupama Rao told reporters. "But the fact is on that article the government of India has issued a very strong rejoinder and we stand completely by that reaction and that rejoinder. It was an ill-informed and ill-advised article. It was completely without foundation." In a letter to Time magazine, Vajpayee's spokesman Ashok Tandon said the Prime Minister's office had taken "strong exception" to the report. "Comments such as 'He takes a three-hour snooze every afternoon on doctor's orders and is given to interminable silences, indecipherable ramblings and not infrequently falling asleep in meetings' are baseless," it said. It added that those who were familiar with the rigour of Indian politics could vouch for Vajpayee's fitness.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
PM brushes off talk on his health
NEW DELHI: Rattled by the Time magazine article on the PM, the Centre presented him to the entire national media through a high-profile dinner tonight to demonstrate that he was fit and fine. And Vajpayee himself, in his characteristic way, brushed off any speculation. As he walked towards the exit, a journalist remarked: ‘‘You appear to be all right.’’ Hostess I&B Minister Sushma Swaraj promptly intervened to say: ‘‘What is this about appearing to be fine? He is indeed fine.’’ The punchline, however, came from Vajpayee, who remarked amid laughter: ‘‘Whether fit or not, one must appear to be all right.’’ The dinner, attended by editors of national dailies, followed the presentation of a string of annual awards for journalism instituted by RSS weekly Panchjanya. BJP president K Jana Krishnamurthy, general secretaries Sunil Shastri and Maya Singh, BJP parliamentary party spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra, RSS joint gen secy Madan Dass Devi were among those present. At the awards presentation function held earlier at the Prime Minister’s residence, Vajpayee, speaking as the chief guest, called upon the media to ponder over the forces which controlled it. He said the present society was often referred to as ‘‘media-driven.’’ However, the question was ‘‘Who is driving the media?’’ Those, who were out to make profits? Could an unprincipled media take a society forward, he asked He called upon the media to inculcate a commitment to raise its voice against injustice and conduct itself with dignity and restraint by taking a leaf out of the Puranic story of Nachiketa, who conquered death.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
India, China fail to exchange LAC maps
Beijing India and China held another round of talks on the vexed boundary issue but failed to exchange sample maps of the western sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as planned. Asked to comment on the 12th round of the Expert Group (EG) on the India-China boundary issue held here on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the two sides exchanged views on the sample map of the LAC on the western sector in a very frank atmosphere. "They also exchanged views on the building up of trust and implementation of the confidence building measures between the two sides," a senior Chinese official said. However, when asked specifically whether the two sides exchanged sample maps of the western sector of the LAC as planned, he did not respond. Official sources later confirmed that "due to some problems" the two sides could not exchange the sample maps of the LAC of the western sector as planned during earlier high-level meetings. External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, during his visit to China in March, said the two sides have agreed to exchange sample maps of the LAC in the western sector at the 12th round of the EG and had expressed satisfaction at the progress made on the clarification and confirmation of the LAC. Singh had also said that both sides will also do their best endeavour to complete the exchange of sample maps of LAC in the western sector by the end of 2002 and begin the exchange of sample maps of LAC in the eastern sector early 2003.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
I'll tell you what to do, is Wipro's new credo
WIPRO Technologies is teaching its employees new lines to say. The programmer's "Tell me what to do" approach is giving way to the consultant's "I'll tell you what to do", in keeping with the company's professed ambition of competing with the IBMs, Accentures and EDSs of the world. The company even has a dedicated division Talent Transformation and Staffing to focus on the change. As the company moves towards its professed goal of providing IT consultancy, there is a "reskilling" exercise in progress to meet new business needs. The Chief Executive of the division, Mr Laxman Badiga, said that the process had already begun "in small parts''. "Today, there are many more systems integration projects. Ten per cent of our projects today are those in which we are taking greater ownership," he said. The changes start from the recruitment level. The company is hiring people who have done this kind of work before and who have the required skills. Internally, the company is training employees in soft skills to be able to approach customers differently (the "talent transformation'' part of the activity). "It is a challenge to change the mindset,'' admitted Mr Badiga. The Talent Transformation and Staffing division has also taken over the staffing function from HR. People are allocated to projects based on their skills and technical requirements. Recruitment too is no longer an HR function. "Four to five years ago, recruitment was not mainline business, today it is,'' explained Mr Badiga. The Talent Transformation group is manned by business people and is integrated with business requirements. Sourcing too has changed. It is through Web sites, job sites and occasional ads. Employee referrals have become a big thing, with 30-40 per cent of new recruits coming in this way. Existing employees feel responsible for the quality of manpower coming in and the method helps to keep a quality check, said Mr Badiga. The company has come up with a slogan urging employees to "Be the best, and bring the best". Recruitment and staffing techniques are partly responsible for a higher utilisation rate of 70 per cent, which in turn has a direct impact on bottomlines, he said. The charter is to keep utilisation rates high. The company uses all the available manpower, training them where skills are lacking. "No one talks of a bench today,'' said Mr Badiga. The company is aiming for a just-in-time hiring strategy "a kind of supply chain of talent," said Mr Badiga. Wipro gave an across the board salary hike this year, one of the first IT companies to do so. "Our hikes were between 10 per cent and 40 per cent,'' Mr Badiga said. The decision to do it was because "overall as a business we are okay and we want employees to be positive," Mr Badiga explained. Wipro plans to take in 1,000 people laterally every quarter. It will also go to the campuses again to recruit students who finish in 2003, though the number of freshers may be around 500 instead of the usual 1,000. The campus backlog will be cleared this year, he said.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Cell to cell incoming calls may be free
In what could be a bonanza for the over 6.8 million cellular phone users in India, all leading operators are planning to offer free incoming calls between mobile phones. Discussions are on among the major operators to come to an agreement and announce the decision together under one platform. At the moment, only 10 per cent of the total cellular calls are mobile to mobile. The industry expects this percentage to go up dramatically if incoming calls are made free. The increase in use and customer base is expected to largely compensate for the decline in revenue. Cellphone users now have to pay for incoming calls at rates ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 1.70 a minute. However, in some pockets like Tamil Nadu, the C Siva- sankaran-promoted Aircel has made incoming calls free (both from mobile and also from fixed lines) but charges a slightly higher rental to compensate for this. Confirming the move, a source close to the negotiations said it would help expand the cellular market and would be an effective means of tackling competition from limited mobility operators who have a price advantage. Wireless in local loop operators are allowed to offer free incoming calls and there is a fear that this might attract a lot of customers. Large operators of limited mobility services include Reliance, which is setting up an all-India fibre backbone, and the Tatas. Industry sources say the move has been initiated by cellular operators that are rolling out services in new circles as the fourth player. Most of these companies face tough competition from existing players and are looking for ways to gain customers. A big bang announcement of this nature can give a major fillip to the market. The Bharti group, for instance, is launching its services in 10 new states, including Maharashtra as well as Mumbai, where it faces tough competition from Hutchison-Essar and BPL. The Hutchison-Essar group is launching operations in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chennai. The Tata-AT&T-Birla combine, through its brand Idea, is set to launch operations in Delhi where it faces Bharti and Hutch. But some experts point out that the move for free mobile to mobile incoming calls might face opposition from basic service operators who might challenge the decision by pointing out that it discriminates against customers who use fixed-lime phones.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
BCCI announces performance-based contracts for cricketers
India's cricket board announced new performance-based contracts on Wednesday for its national team that will give the players bonuses for wins and slashed payments for losses. The president of Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jagmohan Dalmiya, told reporters that 20 players would initially be offered the contracts, which are based on retainerships. Dalmiya said the payments for the contracted players would be divided into four scales and based on individual performances. He also said the eleven players who played each match would be paid more than the reserves in the national squad. Players with "outstanding performances" would be paid Rs 7.5 million annually, he said. Over and above the match fees, the players will be paid a bonus for defeating a team - the sum will be more if the rivals are ranked higher. "In case of a defeat, the match fee would be reduced by 50 per cent," Dalmiya said. Under the present system, players in the national team are paid a fixed amount irrespective of whether they win or lose a match. Similarly, reserve players are paid the same amount as those who play a match. Dalmiya said on top of the 20 players to be initally signed up, any non-contracted player who played three Test matches or ten one-day internationals would also be offered a retainership. He added the system of contract payments would be discussed with the players and likely to be finalised after their 83-day England tour, which starts this month.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Telephone cable scam: 7 BSNL officials arrested
Jaipur,Thursday, June 20, 2002: Seven Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) officials were arrested by CBI in connection with alleged telephone cable scam resulting in a loss of Rs 25 lakh to the telecom major, official sources said here. Two partners of a construction company were also arrested on Monday in this connection, the sources said. They said the BSNL staffers allegedly gave contract of laying underground cable in Sikar district at four times the normal rate causing a loss of Rs 25 lakh to the Public Sector telecom major. All the nine, who were remanded to judicial custody yesterday, were granted bail today. The scam was unearthed two years back, the sources said. 10:34 IST
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Derailment leaves seven injured, train traffic affected
Gulbarga, Thursday, June 20, 2002: About seven persons were injured when nine bogies of Mumbai-Kanyakumari Jayanti Janata Express derailed between Wadi and Nalwad in Karnataka's Gulbarga district early this morning, Railway officials said. The train left Gulbarga station around 4 am and ran off the track an hour and a half later, the officials told. Consequent to the derailment, rail traffic from both directions have been disrupted and work is on in full swing to clear the track, they said. 10:34 IST
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
India was prepared for nuclear war: PM
REUTERS NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was quoted in a newspaper interview published on Monday as saying the nation was close to war and prepared even for a nuclear conflict with Pakistan some weeks ago. Senior government officials confirmed an interview given by Vajpayee to a reporter from a Hindi newspaper on Saturday in which Vajpayee referred to the possibility of a nuclear confrontation. "The nation was prepared for war," Vajpayee was quoted as saying in the newspaper. "Our forces on the border were awaiting orders. Their morale was also high. "India was prepared for an atomic war but we were confident that our neighbour would not commit such an act of madness." A foreign ministry spokeswoman said Vajpayee had made clear in the interview that it was Pakistan which had indulged in "nuclear blackmail" during the crisis. "It is very clear from this (interview) that it was Pakistan which indulged in irresponsible wayward talk about the use of nuclear weapons... nuclear blackmail," Nirupama Rao said. Vajpayee, however, said tensions had eased following Pakistan's commitment, conveyed through United States Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, to put a permanent halt to incursions by militants into Indian-ruled Kashmir. Vajpayee also rejected any possibility of resuming dialogue with Pakistan and said New Delhi expected it to honour its pledge to crack down on terrorism first. "There are clear indications that the situation on the border is improving," the newspaper quoted Vajpayee as saying. "But without proper verification, India is not going to take (Pakistan President Pervez) Musharraf's statement about stopping infiltration at face value. "India is not going to accept any Pakistani statement until infiltration is completely stopped and simultaneously terrorist training camps in Pakistani-occupied Kashmir and elsewhere in Pakistan are destroyed."
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Baby among 3 killed in communal violence in Maharashtra town
Jalgaon,Wednesday, June 19, 2002: Three persons, including a five-month-old boy, were killed and 150 shops, houses and vehicles set on fire in communal violence two groups Tuesday at Jamner town in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. While the boy and Ramesh Mali (45) were stabbed to death, Yusuf, a resident of Ahmedabad, was killed in police firing on mobs, police sources said. Police fired eight rounds to disperse clashing mobs and curfew imposed on the town. The violence sparked off at about 3.30 pm when two groups of people clashed over the arrest of a person allegedly involved in desecration of a Hanuman idol in the market place on June 15, the sources said. Police sources at Nasik said that preceding the desecration of the idol, on June six a dead pig was allegedly thrown near the Shahi Masjid. The mob indulged in stone-pelting and set ablaze 150 houses, vehicles and shops in the area. The sources said 10 people, including Additional S.P Poharkar and a police inspector, were injured in heavy stone pelting. A majority community man was arrested for his alleged involvement in desecration of the idol, the sources said. 10:25 IST
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Two Pak soldiers killed, bunkers destroyed
Jammu,Wednesday, June 19, 2002: Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and a number of enemy bunkers destroyed in retaliatory fire by Indian troops after heavy shelling by Pakistani soldiers in Kargil and Dras sectors of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistani forces have been indulging in heavy artillery and mortar shelling in the area targeting the vital Srinagar-Leh highway for the past four days", an army spokesman here said. The spokesman said though there was mortar and small-arms fire in Noushera sector as well along the International Border facing the Jammu region, he said the firing level had reduced in all these sectors. A civilian was killed and four others injured in Pakistani shelling in Rajouri and Poonch districts since last evening, official sources said here Tuesday. One Tilak Raj was killed and two other civilians were injured when Pakistani troops targeted Laam, Khordi and Bhawani villages in Noushera sector of Rajouri district with mortar shells Tuesday, they said. One state road transport corporation bus was damaged in the shelling from the border, they said. Indian troops retaliated and the exchange continued till midnight, the sources said adding some casualties were infilcted on the enemy side across the Line of Control (LoC). Two people received bullet wounds in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district in the firing from across the LoC during the period . 10:25 IST
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Ganguly to persist with Sachin at number four
India will retain the batting line-up of the ODI series against West Indies when they take on Sri Lanka in their inaugural match of the triangular ODI series in England on June 29. Indian cricket captain Saurav Ganguly before leaving for Mumbai said he would open with Virender Sehwag at least in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka. "Sachin will bat at number four. Sehwag will open with me. At least, I don't intend to change the batting line-up for the first match," Saurav said. This means that Sachin Tendulkar will bat at number four and will again form the mainstay of the Indian middle order. In West Indies, Sachin Tendulkar was seen batting with greater responsibility coming down the order and posted a couple of big innings. India gets time to play three practice matches against Sussex, Kent and Liecestershire on June 22, 24 and 26 before the match with Sri Lanka. Brushing aside the media speculations regarding Srinath's absence from the side, Saurav said: "Our side is a balanced one. We performed well in West Indies with the newcomers. We are no less in strength than Sri Lanka and England." Zaheer, Agarkar, Nehra and Youhannan had given a good account of themselves in the Carribeans and the batting department went about their job with responsibility and if the same form continued Saurav hoped to surprise the opponents. However, the Indian captain was non-commital about rearranging his bowling line-up. "Any decision will be made after inspecting the pitches." Saurav left for the 90-day long English tour last night with wife Dona and daughter Sana. UNI
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Wipro, Infosys make it to IT-100 list
If the figures bandied about are to be believed, information technology is one of the biggest industries in India. However, only two Indian IT companies made Business-Week magazine's IT-100 list for 2002. The two companies -Wipro and Infosys were the only two companies to make the cut. Infosys came in at 71st place and Wipro in 98th. On a positive note for Indian companies however, both Indian entrants made the cut of the top 10 most profitable companies on the list. On profitability Infosys was third and Wipro fifth with return on equity (ROE) of 37.2 and 30.3 per cent, respectively. To qualify to become members of this exclusive club companies needed to be publicly listed and have revenues of at least $300 million. Over 550 companies were considered and were ranked on four criteria - shareholder return, return on equity, revenue growth and total revenues. Korea's Samsung Electronics figured at the top of the class, closely followed by several Taiwanese companies. Several big names found themselves fighting for the lower ranks. Microsoft was in 27th place, Oracle in 53rd, Intel in 56th and Hewlett-Packard ranked 99th. Infosys has improved from a lowly 102nd last year to break into the top 100, Wipro on the other hand went downwards from 87th last year. Next year however, more Indian companies might make the grade with Tata Consultancy Services being the prime candidate as it is shortly expected to become a listed company.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Indian team arrives in England
London: The Indian cricket team arrived here today on a 83-day tour of England, hoping to improve on their woeful overseas record. The team, led by Sourav Ganguly, will play four Test matches with England after participating in a tri-nation one- day series also involving Sri Lanka. The one-day tournament starts on June 27 with a match between Sri Lanka and England. India play their first match against England at Lord`s on June 29.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Don't dare mock our PM: Indians rap 'Time' magazine
Indian public opinion is increasingly going ballistic over the Time magazine article, which has alleged that Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has ‘multiple physical incapacities’ and is mentally and physically unfit. The ministry of External affairs has not only talked to the editors at Time, but the PMO is has written a stiff rejoinder, pointing out that there are numerous factual inaccuracies in the piece, including getting Vajpayee’s age wrong. But Time’s promise of publishing the Indian rejoinder has not stopped Indian columnists and the ruling NDA constituents from going ballistic, even hinting that it was part of an American and Western conspiracy to demoralise and humiliate India. Chandan Mitra, the editor of The Pioneer, blasted the Time allegations, writing, As an Indian I was outraged. I was outraged by the supercilious, patronising, white-supremacist, flippant and crassly ill-mannered tone of the piece." "I was outraged that a magazine of such awesome reputation could actually publish a catalogue of bazaar gossip, almost totally incorrect and unsubstantiated. I was outraged that not a single person was quoted to confirm even one damaging observation." "I was outraged that an American journalist and his redoubtable publication had mocked at the democratically elected leader of a country of one billion." Mitra concludes that there was a motive in running the article, which was to brow-beat India and the Prime Minister to fall in line with US agenda in the region". (The) motive can only be to humiliate India and get us to kow-tow to American diktats in the confrontation with Pakistan." he thunders. As it is, the West is laughably paranoid about the (non-existent) prospect of a nuclear war in the sub-continent. It, therefore, bolsters their argument if it is proved that a sick man's fingers may trigger a nuclear conflict." The aim is to lower India's confidence level and deflect the Government into trying to salvage the Prime Minister's image rather than address the more important military and diplomatic tasks at hand." While Mitra may be the most articulate of the expressions of Indian outrage, he is certainly not the only one. The Secretary General of Confederation of Indian Industry, Tarun Das gave vent to his fury calling the Time article 'non-factual, impressionistic and very, very superficial. Earlier, the Prime Minister’s cabinet colleagues like Union Minister for Railways Nithish Kumar and George Fernandes were the among the first to take Tome to task. The Time article denigrates the post of the Prime Minister and India of over 100 million people and we demand that they tender an unqualified apology," Kumar said. The speculation about Vajpayee’s health is not new. The capital itself has been abuzz with rumours about the Prime Minister’s failing health. However, as a senior journalist, very close to the government leadership told Sify.com, The Prime Minister’s obituary has been written by vested interests many a time. It has been going on for the last three years. I can assure you that he is, after his knee operations, much more healthier than he was a year ago." While he has difficulty in walking at a quick pace, mentally he is as agile as he you or I am. Rest assured of that. The speculation can go. If I know the man, he will just laugh it off," he says.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
US to continue support to a dialogue between India, Pak
Putting pressure on Islamabad to stop infiltration across the Line of Control, the United States has said it will continue to support a dialogue between India and Pakistan to help defuse the current crisis. "Pakistan has to stop infiltration across the Line of Control. It means closing down terrorist camps", State Department Director of Policy Planning Richard Haass on Tuesday said at a joint meeting of the Indo-US Parliamentary Forum, FICCI and Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The meeting was attended by founder of the India Caucus, Frank Pallone, Chairman of the Forum Kapil Sibal, Members of Parliament Rajeev Shukla, Praful Patel, NJ Panda and Senior Vice President of FICCI AC Muthiah. "The State Department will continue to support a dialogue between India and Pakistan, lend its good offices for defusing this crisis", Haass said adding "we are available for other involvement as the governments seem fit". Answering critics who said that cross border terrorism continued for several months from Pakistan even after Musharraf's famous address, Haass said "I understand there is a difference between words and actions. Many of those things have not yet been translated or not been fully translated into action". "But it still was a major step in the right direction," he added. "He (Musharraf) has committed himself to ending terrorism across the Line of Control and removing the terrorist camps. We are seeing significant progress," he said. "One can harp on imperfections on what has not been said and done", Haass said adding "it is also important to recognise where progress has been made and positive things are being said and done". "It is very much in the interests of India and the United States that Musharraf succeed, and more important than that, that Pakistan succeed" in becoming a dynamic, democratic, stable country. Replying to criticism of President Musharraf by some of the speakers who did not share his enthusiasm for Musharraf, Haass said "I have a slightly more generous view of Musharraf." Haass praised his actions after September 11 despite there being "probably" resistance from certain quarters in Pakistan. Musharraf then delivered a "rather extraordinary address" to the Pakistani people. "I am waiting for other leaders of the Muslim world to deliver comparable addresses," he said. Haass. Sibal, reacted sharply to the Haass arguments saying that "there is definitely a difference in perception" in the approach to Pakistan between India and the views expressed by Haass. For India, he said, the issue is how much Pakistan is doing to stop cross border terrorism. The US perception appears to be that Pakistanis are doing a lot. The Indian experience is definitely different, Sibal said.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Pak bunkers, oil depot damaged
Jammu: Four Pakistani bunkers and an oil depot were damaged in retaliatory fire by Indian troops across the Line of Control (LoC) in Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir since last evening, official sources said here today. A civilian was injured in Pakistani shelling in Digwar area of Poonch district today, they said. Pakistani troops resorted to artillery and mortar shelling in Drass sector since last evening forcing Indian troops to retaliate, they said. Four Pakistani bunkers were damaged and one oil depot caught fire across the LoC, they said, adding casualities on the other side could not be ascertained. Some Pakistani posts along LoC and International Border (IB) in other sectors also suffered damages in retaliatory action by Indian troops during the period, they said. On Indian side, a civilian, Subhash Chander (rpt Subhash Chander) was injured in Digwar area of Poonch when Pakistani troops targeted it today, the sources said. Some shells also fell in Betar nullah of Poonch town without causing any damage. One Balraj, who was wounded in Pakistani shelling in Bhawani area of Rajouri district on June 12, succumbed in government medical college hospital here this morning, they said. The intensity of small-arms intermittent exchange of fire was very low along the IB during last night, they added. 20:16 IST
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Presidential race picks momentum
The race for the country's top post picked up momentum with NDA nominee A P J Abdul Kalam arriving here to file nomination papers for the July 15 poll, even as his rival Lakshmi Sahgal fired the first salvo that Kalam as Presdient would send "wrong signals" at this juncture. 'Missile man' Kalam arrived in the capital to a rousing welcome from the scientific community and a host of Ministers who received him at the airport. "I have come here on a mission. I will file my nomination papers tomorrow", he told Earlier, Kalam referred to support from various parties and said it showed that "people want me". Sahgal, who is being fielded by the left parties in a symbolic contest against Kalam, told a press conference that she admired him greatly for his scientific mind and his contribution to science but his election to the top post would send "wrong signals" at a time when tensions ran high between India and Pakistan. Sahgal will be filing her nomination on June 21. Later, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee hosted a lunch for Kalam at his residence which was also attended by Home Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes, HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan. 17:28 IST
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
India tells Bangladesh it does not want third party mediation
India today unambiguously conveyed to Bangladesh that there was no room for involvement of third party or regional organisations like SAARC in settling its bilateral issues with Pakistan. ''This was clearly and unambiguously conveyed'' to visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan during his talks with Indian leaders, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson told reporters. New Delhi made it clear that all issues pertaining to Indo-Pak relations can be discussed only between the two countries. ''There is no room for third party involvement in this regard'', she said adding ''there is no room for involvement of regional organisations like SAARC''. The Indian position was accepted by the Bangladesh side, she said. Khan met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and held detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra. He also had meetings with Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister I K Gujral. The Bangladesh Minister arrived from Pakistan yesterday on his mission to impress on the two countries the need to lower tensions and resume their dialogue to address outstanding issues. Khan's visit is the first to India after the new Government took charge in Bangladesh last October. India conveyed its concerns on infiltration and cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, she said. 20:16 IST
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Thanksgiving Day: Kalam’s first day out in Delhi
NEW DELHI: The President-in-waiting, Dr APJ Abul Kalam, went on a thanksgiving spree on Monday, calling on leaders of all the parties backing his nomination and spending time with his mentors. Arriving in the Capital on the morning flight from Chennai, Kalam was escorted by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan. In a day that was spent rushing from one meeting to another, Kalam called on President KR Narayanan, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav. Kalam will be filing his nomination papers on Tuesday morning, preparations for which were being made till late in the night by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), including getting the required 60 signatures to second the nomination. ‘‘As far as I am concerned, I am the candidate. You should understand that I am a candidate now with many supporting parties. The National Democratic Alliance, Congress, Mulayam Singhji’s party and the BSP are supporting me. So what you see is that people want me,’’ said Kalam, soon after landing in Delhi. On his shift to politics, he said: ‘‘I want to ask you what is politics? Politics is the generation of leadership in many fields social sector, development and also technology. And tomorrow’s world is a technological world. The kind of core competence, technology and management this combination I definitely have. I will give it to my Parliament if I am elected.’’ Commenting on what would be his main contribution as a President, Kalam said: ‘‘The President’s post and position is a system to integrate the minds of the nation. So, I will be working with the Parliament, with the Cabinet. To see how we can see the integration of mind is done. That is the main task I will have.’’ During the day, after meeting his long-time mentor, George Fernandes, for over half-an-hour, Kalam joined Vajpayee for lunch. According to sources, he thanked the Prime Minister for supporting his name. In the afternoon, he paid a ‘‘courtesy call’’ to Naryanan and then met Mulayam for half-an-hour, during which he expressed his hope of learning Hindi in the next three to six months. He then wound up his exhaustive schedule by calling on Sonia to express his gratitude for her support. Sources said Kalam was keen to continue his academic work even after he moves to Rashtrapati Bhavan. ‘‘Dr Kalam believes in putting in over 18 hours of work everyday. He wanted to find out whether there would be any constitutional hindrance in his pursuing his studies. He was assured that there could be no such hindrances,’’ said the sources. ‘We have to have a vision for the nation’ • On his political inexperience: You gain experience from what you can see and what you learn. Experience builds up wisdom, wisdom helps you to understand and tackle problems. • On Gujarat: I feel we have to have a vision for the nation. You will find reduction of all types of deviation from suicidal norms in future. • On his roots: If you remember how you began and where you began, that is how you will become humble. You can recall how your past experience helped you and adjust it with your way of working. • On canvassing for Presidentship: I have been touring states earlier. In fact, I will visit more states now that I am a candidate. Till late on Monday night, Minister of State for the PMO Vijay Goel was busy collecting the required 60 signatures necessary for seconding Dr Kalam’s nomination papers tomorrow. Senior leaders from various NDA constituents were trooping in to sign their support for Kalam. Kalam’s nomination will be accompanied by three sets of supporting papers. While Vajpayee will file a set on behalf of the NDA, Sonia and Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is expected to arrive tomorrow, will file the others. The Congress papers will be seconded by Dr Manmohan Singh, Natwar Singh, Shivraj Patil, Najma Heptulla, PM Sayeed, Ambika Soni, Ahmed Patel, Pranab Mukherjee and Jaipal Reddy.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
We won without going to war: PM
NEW DELHI: India has won a significant victory over Pakistan without going to war and the nation has reason to be satisfied at New Delhi’s diplomatic success, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has said. In an interview to Dainik Jagran given over the weekend, Vajpayee said that there have been ‘‘clearly visible’’ changes in the conditions on the border but reiterated his stand that ‘‘until infiltration is stopped and terrorist camps in PoK and elsewhere in Pakistan are not destroyed, India won’t accept any claims by Islamabad.’’ He said that the country was prepared and ready for war had it not been for Pakistan’s commitment to stop infiltration and Washington delivering that guarantee to New Delhi. ‘‘The country was ready for war. The Army at the border was waiting for instructions. If Pakistan had not agreed to stop infiltration and if the US had not delivered this guarantee to India, a war couldn’t have been avoided,’’ Vajpayee said. Stressing the importance of New Delhi’s diplomacy in its campaign against terror, Vajpayee said: ‘‘There have been four wars against Pakistan. Never before has the international community been as supportive of India as it’s now. Without going to war, the victory India has achieved has a special significance.’’ On Pakistan’s threat to use nuclear weapons, Vajpayee said: ‘‘India was ready even for a nuclear war but we believed that (Pakistan) would never resort to anything as insane as this. Under international pressure, Pakistan’s UN representative who had threatened to use nuclear weapons had to take back his words. The world wasn’t ready to trust Pakistan but they had faith in us.’’ On the issue of Kashmir as well, diplomacy has worked, the Prime Minister said. ‘‘There’s been an unprecedented change in the world’s view on J&K. For the first time, the world says that whatever is happening in Kashmir isn’t a freedom struggle but terrorism. Pak has been isolated like never before.’’ Vajpayee denied that the presence of US troops in Pakistan had any role to play in India not taking military action. In fact, he said, the presence of US troops ‘‘raised the importance of this region’’ and made the world aware of the ground realities here. The Prime Minister admitted that imposition of economic sanctions was one of the tools being considered as part of the pressure on Pakistan. ‘‘But before that weapon could be used, Pakistan went down on its knees,’’ he said. Whatever steps Musharraf has taken, Vajpayee said, ‘‘these are for the benefit of Pakistan.’’ But a large section of Pak society is hardline, said the Prime Minister, and ‘‘it sees this as a sign of Pak’s defeat. It’s Musharraf’s responsibility to take on this section. Saying that there was no question of talks with Pakistan, Vajpayee said that if ‘‘military-level talks are required to stop infiltration, this can happen.’’ On the possible Cabinet reshuffle, Vajpayee said: ‘‘A major reshuffle is possible. Two and a half years of this govt are over, it’s time to chart out steps for the future. The party and the govt both have to face the challenge.’’
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Andhra Pradesh police fully wired up
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh, already in the forefront in e-governance, is set to become the first Indian state with total computerisation and networking of all police stations to make law enforcement more efficient. The government is launching e-COPS (e-Computerised Operations for Police Services) for online tracking of crime reported in police stations across the state. This system, it hopes, will eliminate delays in registering and investigating cases. When e-COPS becomes fully operational, a person can lodge a complaint online from anywhere in the state. Filing of the first information report, the written complaint, with e-COPS will take just an hour. At present, when a case is registered, the police have to enter the records manually in eight different registers. With e-COPS, once the details are keyed in, all records would get updated. A person can also follow up the status of a complaint by logging on to the state police Web site, "apstatepolice.org" Instant information on crimes and criminals and information on missing vehicles and persons can also be accessed. The integrated network will be used to provide police stations with necessary, timely information. So, besides bringing in quicker results, e-COPS would improve relations between the police and the public. Under the first phase of e-COPS, which Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launches Monday, 225 police stations in three cities and two districts will be covered. Sixty-three police stations in Hyderabad, 35 in the port city of Visakhapatnam, 29 in Vijayawada city, 43 in Srikakulam district and 55 in Ranga Reddy district will be linked at a cost of Rs.157 million. Terming the project a "new chapter in policing", Home Minister T Devender Goud said the facility would be extended to all police stations in the state by the next year. The total cost of the project will be Rs.500 million. Andhra Pradesh, with a population of 76 million, has an 80,000-strong police force and 1,585 police stations. The biggest law and order challenge for the state are the Maoist guerrillas. Inspector General of Police S V Ramanamurthy said e-COPS was designed to reduce paperwork substantially and help the police in automatic maintenance of registers and generation of reports, data analysis, planning and coordination, speedy detection of crimes and monitoring prosecution. The project will also help the police enhance performance and eliminate redundant procedures. "This will result in making the department function with a greater degree of efficiency," he said. Top companies such as Microsoft (platform and software licensing), Sun Microsystems (servers and integrations), Cisco (routers and hubs), Oracle (database management and backend support) and APTECH (training of the police personnel) have helped introduce e-COPS. The Andhra Pradesh Government plans to later extend e-COPS to the traffic police and include databases from other departments and states. The system would be integrated with the fingerprints database that already exists. "Since the police department has to closely interact with various other departments, e-COPS, in the next phase, will be integrated to share and exchange information with important entities such as hospitals, revenue departments, prisons, national crime record bureau, home ministry, judiciary, prosecution department and databases of other states," the Home Minister said.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Bhagat Singh: Relatives' objection list grows
DEHRA DUN: Behind every great man are relatives ``guarding his legacy''. The same is true of Bhagat Singh and others associated with the martyr. After the martyr's relatives objected to the romantic angle lent to him in the new films made on him, the family members of those who played a crucial role in Bhagat Singh's trial are stepping out with their objections. Relatives of Justice Agha Hyder, a former judge of the Lahore High Court who refused to toe the line of the English judiciary in the martyr's trial, feel his role in history hasn't been duly acknowledged by the films. Or by historians either. Bhagat Singh's younger brother Kultar Singh too acknowledges this. Justice Syed Agha Hyder belonged to an aristocratic zamindar family of Saharanpur and went to study law in England. After attaining his degree, he returned to practise law. He joined the Allahabad High Court, where he was later elevated to the bench. In 1925, he was transferred to the Lahore High Court. He was a member of the first tribunal constituted by the British government to try Bhagat Singh and his comrades in what was known as the Lahore conspiracy case in 1930. The other members of the tribunal were Justice J. Coldstream, who was the panel chairman, and Justice G.C. Hilton. On May 12, 1930, Bhagat Singh and his compatriots were brought to Poonch House in Lahore where the trial was to be held. In protest against being handcuffed, they refused to get down from the police bus, shouting slogans and singing patriotic songs instead. Justice J. Coldstream ordered the police to use force on them in the court room, which was objected to by Justice Agha Hyder, who also refused to sign on the proceedings of the day and record his dissent. The judge paid for his act. Justice Coldstream informed the then Punjab governor about the ``non-cooperative'' attitude of Justice Agha Hyder. Public Prosecutor Cordon Need was sent to Justice Hyder's house to pacify him, but the latter turned him out, saying: ``I am a judge, not a butcher.'' He also lodged a formal complaint about the episode with then Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Shadi Lal. The British government then reconstituted the tribunal, with Justice G.C. Hilton as Chairman, and Justice Abdul Qadeer and Justice J.K. Tabb as members. It was this panel that decided that Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev should hang. Meanwhile, Justice Hyder died before seeing independent India, on February 5, 1947. Last week, relatives of Bhagat Singh, along with hundreds of others, had come on the streets of Bazpur town in Udham Singh Nagar district against the wrong depiction of his character in the films. Lakhwinder Singh Sandhu, who led the protest, demanded that the scenes be expunged.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
World can come see J&K polls: CEC
SRINAGAR: Having succeeded in persuading the international community that ``cross-border terrorism'' was significantly responsible for Kashmir's ills, the Government on Monday fielded Chief Election Commission J M Lyngdoh in Srinagar so as to begin tackling the problem from within. Announcing that security forces would not be allowed to coerce people to vote in the forthcoming Jammu & Kashmir elections so as to increase voter turnout, Lyngdoh said: ``Anybody from anywhere in the world would be given access to polling stations,'' as long as they made the trek to Kashmir on their own. The CEC's announcement is part of a carefully thought-out stategy by New Delhi which seeks to inspire confidence in the J&K electorate and ensure a decent voter turnout in a ``free and fair election'' that it knows will be keenly watched across the world. Also, the Commission has ``for the first time in the history of elections in India decided that the voter slips will be issued by the election machinery and not by the political parties,'' the CEC said. Significantly, New Delhi has informally discussed its plans with key nations in the international community and received reassuring endorsement over its intentions, highly placed sources here said. Part of the strategy is to allow all diplomats stationed in the capital, except those from the Pakistan High Commission, access to the Valley and other parts of the state during the elections. Similarly, the foreign media (again, except for journalists from Pakistan), which has been free to travel in Kashmir for some years now, will have unhindered access to reporting on the elections. The catch, however, is that these diplomats and media will not be allowed to flaunt their pretended or real status of being ``election observers'' for any foreign organisation or country. They can freely travel within Kashmir as individuals, the sources said. The other exception is that foreign human rights groups like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch will also not be allowed into the state. On the other hand, New Delhi has no problems if the National Human Rights Commission sends observers to watch proceedings in the Valley, just like the NHRC did recently in Gujarat. New Delhi's strategy to ``open'' Kashmir to the foreign community stems from the belief that repressing information can only lead to ``rumour-mongering rather than reporting.'' Lyngdoh said that foreigners will not be invited by the EC and cannot be part of the ``official observer team,'' a job that will go to ``absolutely handpicked people, who are not afraid of anybody, especially any government.'' These observers, as per law, will be government officers from the civil services, he said. ``They (observers) will be our eyes and ears. They will not only observe elections but also the conditions for a proper polls are putn place on the ground,'' he said. Lyngdoh said that electronic voting machines will be introduced to act as a deterrent in booth capturing and rigging. ``We have already procured 8,000 voting machines. We are also taking measures to ensure that proper training is imparted to people for their use,'' he said. He also talked about introduction of special identity cards which will be printed on the paper used for the currency. ``Voters who wish to have an ID card need to provide us with two pictures and the cards will be issued after proper inquiry and verfication by the concerned tehsildars,'' he said. However, he did not elaborate whether these special IDs were mandatory. Lyngdoh also vowed to clean the electoral rolls which, he said, were unsatisfactory. ``Our electoral roll carried even the names of deceased people,'' he said. ``We were told that the Panchayat electoral rolls were much better so we will make a comparison to that as well''. He said that the Commission has nearly computerised the electoral rolls with the help of Utter Pradesh Urdu Academy. Referring to the apprehensions by various political parties here, Lyngdoh said the EC has issued directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which has directed the state government to ensure security of political workers and candidates. ``The political parties are much more concerned about lack of security,'' he said. ``We were told that the Government is planning to use STF (Special Task Force) and NDF (National Defence Force), who are backed by renegades. This is their fear. Many (activists of political parties) have recieved threats as well.'' Stressing on a coercion-free poll, Lyngdoh said that ``no Indian is suppossed to be to be compelled to vote. It amounts to electoral offence and (offenders) will have to be prosecuted.'' He said that ``uniformed forces will be expected only to reassure voters and creat conditions where they can vote and there is no need to provide vehicles or escort the voters.'' NOTHING OFFICIAL ABOUT IT * As per Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, only Govt officers chosen by the EC can monitor the polls. * Neither a foreigner nor even a private Indian citizen is eligible to be appointed as an observer. * Foreigners can come on their own and if cleared by proper authorities, they may even be given access to polling stations and counting halls. * The EC allows such access via passes to individuals, regardless of their nationality. This includes accredited correspondents and other bona fide professionals such as psephologists and scholars.
Monday, June 17, 2002
No talks unless cross-border terrorism stops totally: Advani
Ahmedabad: Home Minister L K Advani today ruled out dialogue with Pakistan unless that country permanently halts export of terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in its territory. +Pakistan should first stop cross-border terrorism and dismantle terrorist infrastucture particularly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Unless that is done, there is no point in having a dialogue,+ Advani told reporters here. Asked if there was any reduction in infiltration from across the border recently, he said +reports available with us atleast do not indicate anything of this kind.+ +Rather, even today, there are at least 70 terrorist training and sheltering camps operating in Pakistan and a bulk of them were in POK,+ he said. Referring to Pakistan President Pervez Musharaff's May 26 speech, Advani said +we want to see results at the grassroots level... in checking export of terrorism to India+. On the issue of proposed joint monitoring of Line of Control (LoC), Advani said Pakistan has expressed disagreement and the matter had ended there. The Home Minister said earlier, western countries would privately confide Pakistan's role in violence in parts of the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir but in the changed scenario, US, UK and Russia have publicly acknowledged Pakistan's hand in sponsoring terrorist activities in India. In fact, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld spoke about Pak-sponsored terrorism in India when they visited Islamabad, he added. +This is one of the most important developments in the last three weeks,+ Advani said. 20:17 IST
Monday, June 17, 2002
No perceptible tension along LoC: Fernandes
Vijayawada: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said there was no "perceptible" tension along the Line of Control (LoC) despite Indian and Pakistani armies remaining in an eye-ball-to-eye-ball situation. Patrolling troops on border areas on both sides did not mean tension, Fernandes, who was here to attend the two-day Samata Party national council meeting, told reporters. "We have already withdrawn our navy, lifted ban on Pakistani overflights on Indian skies with an intention to defuse tension......hope Pakistan President Pervez Mushrraf will realise all these aspects," he said. "However, our jawans are always alert on duty to safeguard the borders," the Defence Minister added. Referring to US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's statement in Pakistan that he did not have adequate information with regard to the presence of al-Qaeda in Kashmir, Fernandes said Rumsfeld had only said that information was not adequate to initiate any action and beyond that he had not said anything. India's relationship with the US was stable and good. The US has started supplying engines for India's light combat aircraft, which was earlier stopped, he said. The US was supplying engines for the 'Kaveri aircraft' which were under trials in Russia, Fernandes said. The Kaveri light combat aircraft would be ready within two years. 20:17 IST
Monday, June 17, 2002
26 Badrinath pilgrims drown in Alaknanda
Dehradun,Sunday, June 16, 2002: Twentysix pilgrims were drowned and six injured, two of them seriously, when a private bus in which they were returning from Badrinath shrine skidded off the road and plunged into Alaknanda river at Baldora area in Chamoli district last night, police today said. The bus going to Hardwar from Badrinath was carrying 32 pilgrims, including 17 women, mostly from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, when the mishap occurred at Baldora near Vishnuprayag area. So far five bodies have been recovered but there is no hope of any survivors, DIG (Garhwal range) L P Mishra told. The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Joshimath where condition of two is stated to be critical. The bus belonging to a private travel agency in Hardwar, has completely submerged into the swirling waters of Alaknanda river, a tributary of Ganga, Mishra said. Massive rescue operations are on with senior police and administrative oficials visitng the site. District administration has also sought the help of ITBP and Border Road Organiation. Uttaranchal Chief minister N D Tiwari has expressed shock over the accident and directed the administation to take appropriate steps to prevent accidents in the region. 15:13 IST
Monday, June 17, 2002
Boy succumbs, Doda pilgrim attack toll rises to three
Jammu,Sunday, June 16, 2002: The toll in militant attack on pilgrims in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir has risen to three with a boy succumbing to injuries in a hospital today, official sources here said. Three other pilgrims injured in the attack are undergoing treatment in hospital, they said adding that initial reports had indicated that only four pilgrims were injured, of whom two succumbed to injuries. Militants had yesterday opened fire and lobbed grenades from a hill top on a procession of pilgrims on way to Kud Mata Devi temple in Khora-Kanthwara area of the district.
Monday, June 17, 2002
Inflation inches up to 1.5 pc even as vegetable prices soar
New Delhi: Inflation rose marginally by 0.07 per cent to 1.50 per cent for the week ended June 1 as against 5.45 per cent in the previous year. Though prices of vegetables and oil cakes soared by five per cent and four per cent respectively, the rise in change in price level, as measured by Wholesale Price Index (WPI), was to a great extent contained by price dip in motor cycles, tea, fruits, fish-inland, wheat and maize. Unlike point-to-point inflation, the WPI was firm at the week ago level of 162.9, even as manufactured items became costlier by 0.1 per cent and the index was 160.5 a year ago. The final WPI stood at 162.1 for the week ended April 6, as compared to the provisional level of 161.7, while the final inflation stood at 1.5 per cent as against the provisional mark of 1.25 per cent. Primary Articles' group index fell by 0.1 per cent to 169.5 from 169.6 due to 0.2 per cent dip in the price of food articles, even as there was 0.4 per cent rise in the price of non-food items. The index was 168.1 in the previous year. The index for Food Articles' group declined to 177.3 from 177.6 as prices fell for fish-inalnd and tea (two per cent) and wheat, maize and urad (one per cent each). However, there was price rise for ragi (five per cent), barley (two per cent) and gram and arhar (one per cent each). Non-Food Articles' group index rose to 153.9 from 153.3 due to costlier soyabean (eight per cent), raw rubber (two per cent) and kardi seed (one per cent), even as price fell for sunflower (eight per cent), fodder (six per cent), niger seed (two per cent) and raw jute (one per cent). 11:39 IST
Monday, June 17, 2002
No security threat to Tendulkar: Lord Condon
London, On the eve of the arrival of the Indian team to England, a senior official of the International Cricket Council has said that there is no security threat to star batsman Sachin Tendulkar in the United Kingdom. "There is no specific threat (to players) anywhere in the world," Lord Paul Condon, Director of the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit told when asked whether any special security measures were taken for Tendulkar during his stay here. "Our task is not to deal with physical protection but to work as part of the anti-corruption unit," he said. Lord Condon described India as one of the staunchest allies of the ICC in dealing with match-fixing. "I see India as one of the staunchest allies of ICC in dealing with match-fixing. India is the central gravity for world cricket and we rely very heavily on India and the sub-continent zczc 14:23 IST
Sunday, June 16, 2002
Will Rahman taste the sweet smell of success?
The six young people at Millie Tharakkan's Kerala Restaurant at Oxford Circus, London, are animatedly discussing the hot musical The Full Monty. Then they continue to discuss some of the other hot shows on London's Westend including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mamma Mia! Gingerly, I interrupt. Are they planning to see Bombay Dreams? "Perhaps," says the most articulate of the six. "I have been seeing ads for it everywhere." She dips the Kerala paratha into the fish gravy, adding, "I loved Monsoon Wedding. This could be fun, too." I gently tell her that Bombay Dreams is a musical produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber. That it is not a movie. I also hasten to add that it is a love story set in Mumbai and is directed by Steven Pimlott, who has directed many acclaimed Shakespearean plays in London. And that it is an expensive production; its $6 million cost is as high as that of Mamma Mia! or any other big Broadway show. The six look at me with mild surprise. They had no idea what Bombay Dreams was about. They did not even know it was a West End musical, with hopes of making it on Broadway in New York. For some reason, the ads that grab your attention from train stations, and the top of the double decker buses don't mention Andrew Lloyd Webber. Or for that matter, that it is a musical. Only when you look at the bottom of the ad, you get to know that it opens soon in one of London's best known theaters. Lloyd Webber is aware of the low publicity (and advance sales), generated by his newest production which some newspapers have called his most audacious gamble in the past decade. This is the first time ever that the composer and producer behind such international hits as Cats (which ran for over 20 years in London as well as New York), The Phantom Of The Opera and Starlight Express has for the first time in his three-decade long career has used the work of another composer, in this case A R Rahman. Rahman, who has worked on the show for nearly two years, told this writer that Lloyd Webber had heard his songs from Taal, Roja and many other films, thanks to Shekar Kapur, who would eventually suggest the rich-girl-meets-poor-boy story idea to novelist and actress Meera Syal, who then wrote the book for the show. Lloyd Webber wanted to use 20 of Rahman's old songs for the musical, but the Chennai-based composer insisted he wanted to compose new songs. Eventually, he wrote about 16 new songs, and let Lloyd Webber chose four of his old tunes, especially from Taal and Nayak (Shakalaka Baby). And for the very first time a story set in Bollywood has been produced in the West. Bombay Dreams, which has London-based Preeya Kalidas and Raza Jaffrey in the lead, also features Dalip Tahil, Ayesha Dharker and Sophiya Haque. It opens at Apollo Victoria Theatre, one of London's most prestigious theatres, where Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express concluded its 18-year engagement early this year. The theatre, which has about 2,000 seats, was also the home for The Sound Of Music for over a decade. "It has one of the best acoustics systems in London," says Rahman. Lloyd Webber, the richest producer in 20th century musical history, but who has also not had a success in a decade, has repeatedly said that the musicals in the West have become jaded. He hopes the refreshingly different score by Rahman will revitalise theater. Entertainment writers in London whisper that if the show becomes a hit, it could revitalise the career of Lloyd Webber, too. Though Lloyd Webber was moaning at the lack of interest in the show about three weeks ago and even threatened to shutter it down after two or three weeks after it opened, he seems to be in an upbeat mood on the eve of its premiere on June 19. The show opened to previews on May 31. He says he is still upbeat about the show, despite low advance sales. His first big hit, Cats, he says, began slowly, and despite many critical pans, went on to become a record breaking musical across the world. Cats too ended its run in England early this year. The Phantom Of The Opera, another huge hit with Lloyd Webber's music, is still going strong in London and New York. It opened January 1988 at the 1,607-seat Majestic Theatre in New York and still draws about 80 per cent capacity audiences for its eight performances a week, with top tickets going for $85. Bombay Dreams is priced at the same rate as some of West End's most popular shows, with top tickets going for 40 pounds (about $58). It opens against many hot-selling Broadway shows such as the revised version of My Fair Lady, and some of the recent hits such as Mamma Mia!, which are going very strong. Meera Syal, who wrote the story and book, is convinced that the audiences are going to be on "an incredible journey" and that the show is a train that won't be stopped. "Lloyd Webber has done a very courageous thing," she says. "He has dared take an unknown composer [in the West] and produced this lovely show." But much depends on how the reviewers will look at the show and how word of mouth spreads after June 19. In recent years, Lloyd Webber has not received very good press in England. In fact, Daily Mirror, the widely circulated tabloid asked this week if this is a vanity production for Lloyd Webber. Broadway and West End shows with poor advance and bad reviews are often closed the week after they officially open as their producers want to cut their losses. Only in a few exceptional cases do producers keep a show going for several months, hoping for a box-office miracle. In New York, The Sweet Smell of Success, starring John Lithgow, went on for about two months despite savage reviews. It garnered only one major award last month, a Tony for Lithgow, and the attendance kept dwindling --- it was time for the shutters. The show lost about $9 million. You hear whispers that while the Brits won't mind shelling out 6 pounds (about $8.5) to see Monsoon Wedding, they may not be ready to spend 30 to 40 pounds to see a live musical with a cast of unknowns. Cats did not have big name stars, says Lloyd Webber. So was the case with Starlight Express. Both were huge hits. The show itself, in this case, should be a big draw, Lloyd Webber says. "It is a charming show; everyone will have a great time," says director Pimlott. "It is not just song and dance. Meera has given the show a sharp edge, and it tells a powerful story about dreams and ambitions and the ultimate need to know oneself." Lloyd Webber and Pimlott are so convinced the audiences will take to the show sponatenously that they have included a live qawwali at the end of the show. "We trust the audience, who have travelled so long with us on this journey, will love the finale," says Pimlott, who says the best Bollywood movies are like Shakespearean plays --- entertaining and offering moral lessons. Akash, the young slum dweller of Bollywood Dreams, learns many life lessons about the dangers of fame by the end of the show. If the show becomes a hit, it would offer some life lessons to the theatre world as well.
Sunday, June 16, 2002
No Problems with Srinath: Sourav
With much of the focus this week being on France and Argentina’s shock exit from the soccer World Cup, few perhaps took note of a ‘teasing’ Sunil Gavaskar observation in his fortnightly column. Talking about Jawagal Srinath’s retirement from Test cricket, the former captain wrote: Sourav Ganguly indicated at his press conference, on arrival from the West Indies, that he would try and persuade Srinath to reconsider That will be an interesting conversation for, during the just-concluded Test series, there seemed more than one occasion when the bowler did not see eye-to-eye with the captain and there was plenty of arms-flapping As it turns out, Sourav didn’t miss that bit from Gavaskar and, speaking to The Telegraph, clarified there wasn’t any problem between him and Srinath. Look, some things can be said on the field, some gestures may seem Fact is Srinath was trying his hardest to help India win the series. Equally, I was trying my hardest to get the same result. Our objective, then, was common I certainly didn’t have a problem with our most experienced quick. Sourav confirmed having actually spoken to Srinath prior to last Saturday’s selection committee meeting, but the veteran still declined to make himself available for Tests. I could only ask Srinath to have a re-think However, he ruled out that possibility, insisting he just didn’t wish to again play Tests As it’s a personal decision, I obviously couldn’t press beyond a point. Sourav, of course, agreed Srinath’s absence would be felt. That we now have an inexperienced attack is a reality Of all the quicks, only Ajit Agarkar (who was in the 1999 World Cup squad) has experience of conditions in England Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan and Tinu Yohannan complete the specialist quicks’ line-up. [Incidentally, looking to the England tour, which begins Tuesday, the captain had this to say: It’s going to be tough England’s home advantage is bound to be significant and, clearly, our task is cut out. While the tri-series will be played between June 27-July 13, the four Tests will cover the period July 25-September 9.] Asked whether there could still be a one-day role for Srinath (who is keen to feature in the 2003 World Cup), Sourav was candid: At this point, I can’t make a definite comment It’s possible Let’s see how things unfold. Srinath, who must surely be disappointed at being ignored for the forthcoming tri-series, should take some comfort. After all, the captain didn’t say the door was firmly shut.
Sunday, June 16, 2002
PM calls on President
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee called on President K R Narayanan at Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening. Though Vajpayee's 50-minute meeting with the President was described as "routine", official sources said the Prime Minister briefed him about the current situation particularly along the Indo-Pak border as well as his recent visit to Kazakhstan. This was Vajpayee's second meeting in the recent past when he had conveyed to Narayanan that the ruling NDA was opposed to his getting second term in office. 21:55 IST
Sunday, June 16, 2002
Six ISI agents nabbed in Kanpur
Six alleged ISI agents, including a sacked ordnance factory worker and a municpal corporation employee, passing on sensitive information to Pakistan intelligence agency have been arrested here, a top police official said today. Superintendent of Police R P Singh told the six persons including one Deepak Verma, a municipal corporation employee Backruddin and Ali Alla, sacked ordnance factory worker running a PCO, were arrested from various localities of the city on the basis of revelations made by an alleged ISI agent Sushil Sharma held in Gwalior recently. While Verma used to supply information on phone, Backruddin used to compile information on a floppy and pass it on to some people in Delhi to be forwarded to ISI. He was paid Rs 20,000 for the work, the SSP said. All the arrests were made with the help of local unit of military intelligence. The links of the other arrested persons were being investigated, he said. 17:40 IST
Sunday, June 16, 2002
Russia, UK for Indo-Pak talks, back India's anti-terror draft
Calling for direct dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve the Indo-Pak standoff, Russia and Britain have backed the Indian draft of the global convention on combating terrorism tabled at the UN millennium summit. Britain and Russia expressed support for the Indian draft and called for its speedy adoption by the UN for laying the legal foundation for combating terror at the global scale, a Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued yesterday said. The decision was taken by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov and the British Deputy Under-Secretary of Foreign and Commonwealth Office Steven Wright at the first meeting of joint Russian-British working group on combating international terrorism. Trubnikov and Wright said the situation between India and Pakistan was a bilateral matter which could only be resolved by a direct dialogue. They welcomed the progress made since President Vladamir Putin's meetings in Almaty with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and agreed to jointly work for de-escalation of tension between the South Asian neighbours and facilitating direct dialogue. Diplomatic sources said Moscow has been consistently backing the Indian anti-terror draft, under discussion for two years in the UN Political Committee. It now has better chances for adoption with London's support, another veto-wielding UN Security Council member. 17:40 IST
Sunday, June 16, 2002
Militants attack pilgrims, two dead, two injured in Doda
Militants attacked a procession of pilgrims firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades killing two of them and injuring two others in Khora-Kanthwara area of Kishtwar tehsil in Doda district this afternoon, official sources said here. Militants fired from a hill top in the area when the procession was on way to Kud Mata Devi, the sources said. Two of the four serioulsy injured pilgrims later succumbed to injuries, they said. Security personnel accompanying the procession retaliated forcing the militants to retreat in the forest area, the sources said adding reinforcement has been rushed from various towns of Doda district to track down the ultras. 20:25 IST
Sunday, June 16, 2002
India, Pak aware of conflict's risks: Rumsfeld
After visiting India and Pakistan to firm up efforts to ease their tension, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that both countries are aware of the risks posed by the conflict and more diplomatic talks are required to defuse the crisis. "I think they are both sensitive to the risks and I was impressed in talking to them and I think they are both asserting leadership in a way that is positive rather than negative," Rumsfeld told reporters while flying en-route from Pakistan to Bahrain on Thursday. He said that India and Pakistan "recognise that its always proper to fire in self-defence" and to prevent territorial infiltration, but beyond that, less artillery shelling and more diplomatic talk would be desirable. When asked if he discussed nuclear weapons with Indian and Pakistani leaders, Rumsfeld said "I am not going to talk about nuclear weapons. I think that the elevation of that subject is past us and both of those leaders (Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Bihari vajpayee) are managing their affairs the way people responsible for weapons of that power ought to manage them." "I think to get in and start discussing that isn't useful," he added.
Sunday, June 16, 2002
National roll-out of BSNL's cellular service in three months
The long pending national roll-out of BSNL's GSN based cellular services is expected within the next three months, Prithipal Singh, chairman and managing director of BSNL, said today. "The main equipment for the service which would cover at least 100O cities including Chennai is presently undergoing trials and evaluation while the process of procuring equipment for various zones are progressing as per schedule," Singh told a press conference here. BSNL hoped to provide at least 2,50,000 mobile connections across the country by the end of this year. BSNL's mobile venture was certain to have a competitive edge, mainly because of its larger reach and infrastructure covering national highways, rail network and villages. Singh said BSNL was also planning an entry into providing "TV contents" of various channels through its telephone network to customers, adding talks were currently on in this regard with a few content providers. 22:04 IST
Sunday, June 16, 2002
Oil co's to hike Petrol, Diesel prices by 23-30 paise per litre
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have decided to raise retail selling prices of Petrol and Diesel by 23-30 paise per litre, effective tonight, due to hike in international crude oil prices. The new prices of petrol in four metros will be Delhi - Rs 29.18 per litre (Rs 28.94 was the old price), Kolkata - Rs 29.63 per litre (Rs 29.39), Mumbai - Rs 33.72 (Rs 33.45) and Chennai Rs 31.30 (Rs 31.05), company sources said here tonight. Diesel prices in Delhi would be - Rs 18.23 per litre (Rs 17.99 was the old price), Kolkata - Rs 18.61 per litre (Rs 18.38), Mumbai - Rs 23.14 (Rs 22.84) and Chennai - Rs 19.88 per litre (Rs 19.63), they said. The current marginal hike in the prices was in line with the oil industry's intention to pass on the increase in the global prices in a staggered manner so that the full impact was not felt by the public, they added. The average oil prices during April-May 2002 increased to about USD 25 per barrel. Considering this, the prices of petrol and diesel were increased from June four 2002. It may be recalled that the average crude oil price at the time of the price revision on March 1, 2002 was between USD 19-20 per barrel, they added. 22:04 IST
Saturday, June 15, 2002
One killed in fresh violence in Ahmedabad
AHMEDABAD, June 14 (UNI) After three days of peace, Ahmedabad city once again witnessed incidents of violence and stabbing in which one person was killed and three others injured. According to police, a 30-year-old man was stabbed to death by unidentified persons in Jamalpur area at Gaekwad Haveli region of the city. Two others, including a rickshaw driver and a middle aged woman sitting in the passenger seat, were also stabbed in the same area at around 4:30 pm. Police sources said that a group of unidentified persons stopped the autorickshaw and stabbed them. The injured have been admitted to V S Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, panic also gripped the another sensitive Dariapur area following a stabbing incident this afternoon, details of which are awaited. However, Mr S K Gadhavi, Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone-4 (Dariapur), told UNI that the situation was under control. On the other hand, total peace prevailed in Juhapura, where trouble had erupted on Sunday. Day curfew has been completely lifted from the area while night curfew remains intact.
Saturday, June 15, 2002
Raveena Tandon's visit to the zoo kicks off legal row
Actress Raveena Tandon's visit to Lucknow's Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens has landed up in a legal mess. In the cross criminal cases that have been registered on the visit, Raveena might have to go to Lucknow as witness in court to the sordid drama in the zoo premises. Dr Ram Lakhan Singh, the director of the Zoological Gardens and the Chief Wildlife Warden of UP, has lodged an FIR against Zafar Nabi the secretary of the Indian Academy of Art and Culture, which awarded the Awadh Samman to film stars Raveena Tandon and Anil Kumar on June 11. In his FIR, the zoo director alleged that Zafar Nabi tried to extort money from him for bringing Raveena Tandon to the zoo. Zoo authorities had sold thousands of special tickets at the rate of Rs 100 for April 11, instead of the normal tickets priced at Rs 10, offering visitors a glimpse of Raveena. But at the eleventh hour, Zafar Nabi had announced that Raveena would not visit the zoo. The park director was furious. So was Raveena, who apparently flared up when she learnt that her zoo programme had been cancelled. The visit, however, went on as planned. On the other hand, Zafar Nabi has lodged a cross-FIR, accusing top forest officers of defaming him. He has refuted the charge of fraud, blackmail and extortion levelled against him. Nabi has alleged that a top-ranking officer, Dr Ram Lakhan Singh, had threatened him with dire consequences if Raveen's visit to the zoo did not go on as planned. The case got another interesting twist when when Zafar Nabi's wife Yasmeen Nabi also lodged a report against the zoo director. She alleged he had abused her husband, asked his subordinates to throw him out, and to kill him if he offered resistance. The Hazratganj police has also registered a case against the Chief Wildlife Warden of Uttar Pradesh, Uma Shankar Singh, and the zoo director. Uma Shankar Singh has described the charges as a tissue of lies. Now, only Raveena Tandon who was present at the zoo can tell the court the truth.
Saturday, June 15, 2002
Pak withdraws warships
ISLAMABAD, June 14 (Reuters) Pakistan said today it was withdrawing its warships deployed in the high seas in another sign of some easing of a military standoff with nuclear-armed neighbour India. A government statement said the acting Indian ambassador was called to the Foreign Ministry today and ''informed about the decision of the government of Pakistan to recall the Pakistan Navy assets deployed in the high seas to their bases''. It did not say how many warships had been deployed to face India and were now being recalled in response to New Delhi's decision to recall Indian warships deployed near the Pakistani waters. Earlier, a military spokesman said Pakistan has pulled back its warships from high-alert positions in the Arabian Sea following a similar Indian navy withdrawal. "Pakistan Navy has moved its assets to forward position because of the Indian posture and now they are returning to their peace-time locations," he said. The Indian Defence Ministry said yesterday about 20 of at least 40 Indian Navy warships deployed near the Pakistani waters had returned to their base in Bombay. India said earlier this week it was ending a six-month ban on Pakistani overflights and sending a new ambassador to Islamabad to replace one recalled in December in a bid to ease tensions. Pakistan welcomed the move, which followed US-led international efforts to avert a feared war between the two countries, but said it was not enough and called for withdrawal of Indian troops massed on the border to peace-time locations. The two countries have massed more than a million troops on their border after a deadly attack on the Indian Parliament in December that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. The tensions heightened after an attack on an Indian army camp in Kashmir, which was also blamed on same militant groups, sparking fears of a fourth war between India and Pakistan.
Saturday, June 15, 2002
CCS decision: No more peace moves for now
Despite the US's prodding, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided on Friday it will not make further diplomatic concessions to Pakistan to defuse the current tension until it is clear Islamabad's commitment to permanently end cross-border infiltration has indeed been effected. Chaired by Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, the CCS reviewed the situation for over two hours, especially considering US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's recent visit to the subcontinent. The CCS also discussed the US offer to provide India sensors to monitor terrorist incursion in Jammu and Kashmir. Rumsfeld made the offer during his visit after New Delhi rejected Islamabad's suggestion of deploying UN/Western forces as independent monitors along the LoC. Coming out of the CCS meeting, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh said India might formally respond to the US offer after the army examined its viability. "Its technical details and other interlinked components will have to be analysed ahead of actual deployment," he added. Sources said India will continue its calibrated response to the implementation of Pakistan's promises on the ground. The assessment of the implementation will take at least a week or two. As regards the appointment of Harsh Bhasin as India's new High Commissioner to Islamabad, the sources explained it may be at least 8 to 10 weeks before the envoy begins functioning. "Even if the proposal is pushed for post-haste implementation, the formal paperwork, by way of 'diplomatic agre'ment' from the neighbouring country, may take at least 6 to 8 weeks," they said. However, the high commission getting back to full strength in Islamabad was another matter and would be decided upon when the next lot of diplomatic measures is being considered, the sources said. With regard to joint patrolling, sources said the issue will be discussed only if India and Pakistan disagreed on terrorist intrusion from Pakistan. "If Islamabad shows sincerity in putting an end to cross-border intrusions, New Delhi's positive response will be determined by its implementation and impact at the ground level. And in that kind of a scenario, joint patrolling may not be necessary," the sources said.
Saturday, June 15, 2002
India to study proposal to place US sensors on LoC
India has decided to study a proposal to place US sensors on the Line of Control to monitor militant incursions in Jammu and Kashmir, it was officially stated here today. ''There was a proposal about sensors to be placed on the LoC. That is matter that will now be discussed between the Defence Ministry and the US Government--the technical parts of it. How it is to be done, who does it etc. There is no decision on it. The decision is only to study this matter,'' External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh told reporters after a two-hour long meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The proposal was mooted by US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld during talks with Indian leaders during his recent visit here. On prospects of India sending its new High Commissioner to Islamabad soon, Singh confirmed that Harsh Bhasin will be the next envoy but declined to indicate when he will be sent. ''What is official in papers is the name that has been selected to be the next High Commissioner who goes to Islamabad,'' he said adding there was nothing ''official'' about sending the envoy there. Chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the meeting was attended by Home Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes, Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K C Pant. The minister indicated further confidence building measures to ease tensions with Pakistan were on the anvil but made it clear that Islamabad has to create a conducive atmosphere for resumption of dialogue. 19:11 IST
Saturday, June 15, 2002
India firmly rules out foreign forces on LoC
Firmly ruling out any foreign forces on Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, India today said it was ready for dialogue with Pakistan if Islamabad created an atmosphere conducive for it and hinted at further confidence building measures to ease tensions. "The situation is pregnant with possibilities," External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh told reporters after two-hour meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) here on being asked whether further diplomatic steps were on the anvil. To a question, he made it clear "there is no proposal for any other forces from any other country other than Indian forces to be on the LoC". Asked about US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld remarks that India and Pakistan should hold direct talks, Singh said "India always stood for dialogue. India never said we do not wish to hold dialogue. We are ready for a dialogue. But for the dialogue to be held, a conducive atmosphere for it has to be created". On the suggestion for halting mortar and artillery firing by Indian and Pakistan troops across the LoC, he said it relates the certain developments. "The Prime Minister had announced in November last unilateral moratorium and cessation of hostile activities. We examine all options and take action at appropriate time", Singh said. 15:46 IST
Saturday, June 15, 2002
India condemns bomb attack on US consulate in Pakistan
India today strongly condemned the car bomb attack on the US consulate in Pakistan which has claimed eight lives and said this was yet another terrorist act by suicide bombers in Karachi. "It is very sad and very regrettable incident and we condemn it fully. This is yet another terrorist activity by suicide bomb variety that has taken place in Karachi,'' External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh told reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security here. Stating that he was grieved and unhappy over the incident, he said the people of India sympathise with the victims and sent their condolences to the families of those killed in the incident. 19:11 IST
Saturday, June 15, 2002
11 killed, over 40 injured in Karachi blast
In a major strike, a suspected suicide bomber today carried out an attack on the US consulate here by crashing an explosive-laden car at a police post just outside the heavily fortified building killing 11 people and injuring over 40, including an American Marine, a day after Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's visit to Pakistan. Immediately after the attack, the US embassy and the American Centre in Islamabad were closed for the public. Its consulates in Lahore and Peshawar were also shut down. All the dead were Pakistani nationals, including five women and the suicide bomber. Among the injured were five Pakistani consulate employees and the US Marine guard. Twenty-six people were in serious condition, hospital sources said. The explosion that occurred around 1115 AM local time (1045 AM IST) destroyed a portion of the boundary wall, created a large crater and shattered the window panes of the consulate and nearby buidings. The bomb went off just as the bustling southern metropolis was gearing up for Friday prayers. According to local police the unidentified suicide bomber driving a high-roofed white Suzuki van packed with explosives brought the vehicle near the police checkpost that demarcated the US consulate and Marriott Hotel and exploded. 21:15 IST
Thursday, June 13, 2002
India positive to US offer on ground sensors
India is understood to have responded positively to an American proposal to position ground censors on its side of the Line of Control (LoC) to monitor infiltration from across the Pakistani side even as it remained loath to accept another idea of positioning personnel of US special forces. The two proposals, along with various other related ideas that America has tossed up in the light of Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf's pledge to permanently end infiltration, figured prominently in visiting US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's day-long discussions with the Indian leadership. Following the concluding part of his discussions with Prime Minister A B Vajpayee late this evening, Mr Rumsfeld gave enough indications that the American proposal of placing ground censors along the LoC was acceptable to the Indian side. "Positioning ground censors near the Line of Control was discussed," he said. This would involve further discussions by "technical people" and they would be able to assess its usefulness to monitor infiltration. The al Qaeda factor Emerging out of his 45-minute long discussions with the Prime Minister, Mr Rumsfeld also gave enough hints of the US interest in deploying US special forces near the LoC when he invoked the al Qaeda factor. "I have seen indications that the al Qaeda are operating near the LoC," he said, though he added that there was yet no hard evidence about it, including details about how many were there, who they were or where exactly they were. He also made it clear enough that it was a matter of direct interest to the US when the al Qaeda were involved as Washington was continuing to hunt for them. He said he discussed with the Indian leaders issues of American global war on terrorism, including Indo-US cooperation in this regard. He avoided a direct reply when specifically asked whether, the US intended to hunt for the al Qaeda on the Indian side of the LoC. All that he said was that Pakistan was cooperating with the US special forces in the hunt for al Qaeda men inside Pakistan. Mr Rumsfeld's reply was not surprising. He was obviously drawing the Indian attention the joint Pak-US haunt for al Qaeda elements in Pakistan to impress the Indian leadership to consider a similar joint Indo-US hunt on the Indian side of the LoC. However, the Indian side was reluctant to accept the al Qaeda route to give an entry to the US troops into Jammu and Kashmir for a direct presence on the Indian side of the LoC an idea about which Islamabad is believed to be very keen in view of its strong preference for international monitors. In fact, Home Minister L K Advani was quoted as saying in an interview to a British daily today that the US, if it so wished, could consider positioning its troops on the Pakistani side of the LoC to ensure that Gen Musharraf implemented on the ground his pledge to Washington to permanently end infiltration. The Indian side does not consider going beyond US satellite and ground censor monitoring along the LoC. US Ambassador Robert Blackwill, who is understood to have initially broached the various American monitoring proposals with Indian leaders, including Mr Advani, National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra and External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, accompanied Mr Rumsfeld in all his meetings today. Mr Rumsfeld, who left for Islamabad late this evening, six hours behind the scheduled departure, began the day with a detailed discussion with Defence Minister George Fernandes, which included an hour-long one-on-one. He followed up this with an hour-long meeting with Mr Mishra and brief meetings with Mr Advani and Mr Singh. According to Mr Rumsfeld, the situation on the Indo-Pak front was still tense but noted that India had taken some "constructive steps" towards de-escalation, including the move to pull back warships from their battle-ready positions in the Arabian Sea. ‘Understandings’ Mr Fernandes told newsmen following his discussions with his US counterpart that they had reached "understandings" on how to deal with the immediate situation on the ground. He did not elaborate, but said that the US appreciated the steps taken by India to reduce Indo-Pak tensions. adds: Terming Indo-US relationship as important, the US Defence Secretary said in recent years, this relationship has "matured and strengthened" especially in the military-to-military field. "A series of connections and relationships beneficial to both our countries have been evolved," he said without elaborating. Praising the initiative shown by India in the present crisis, Mr Rumsfeld said "we recognise the leadership shown by the Indian Prime Minister during the current stand-off with Pakistan". After his meeting with Mr Fernandes, Mr Rumsfeld said: "The President of the United States and Secretary of State Colin Powell are, needless to say, deeply interested in the relationship with this country and are anxious to see the tensions that exist between India and Pakistan improve (lowered)." In his brief remarks after meeting the Indian defence minister, Mr Rumsfeld, the highest ranking US official to visit the sub-continent since the Indo-Pak border standoff, said: "We feel that there are steps being taken which are constructive... Leadership in India has demonstrated their concern and interest in seeing that things are resolved in an appropriate way." Terming his talks with Indian leadership as "cordial and constructive", Mr Rumsfeld said the US "very much values its relationship with India politically, economically as well as improving and strengthening military-to-military relations".
Thursday, June 13, 2002
India turns down US request for more peace steps
The South Asian peace process ran aground on Wednesday. India rejected requests by US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for more de-escalatory steps. On the other side of the border, Islamabad said it would not reciprocate the gestures made by New Delhi on Monday. Rumsfeld met Indian leaders in New Delhi on Wednesday. Sources say he pressed India to carry out more diplomatic and military de-escalatory steps. He urged "defrosting" in the subcontinent be accelerated. New Delhi declined to make any more offers to Islamabad for now. One, Indian officials told Rumsfeld, infiltration was still continuing. They said a group of six terrorists crossed over near Mehran in Kashmir on June 9 despite a Pakistani army picket at the point of crossing. Two, India wanted infiltration to end permanently. This meant closing terrorist camps in PoK. Rumsfeld is reported to have expressed doubts over whether General Pervez Musharraf was ready to take action against the camps yet. The Pentagon chief's statement on camps has caused concern among Indian officials. The US and UK had earlier said Musharraf had already promised to close the camps. This was repeated by Secretary of State Colin Powell in New York on Tuesday. Rumsfeld did not raise this commitment in his discussions in New Delhi. In Islamabad, Pakistan took a similar hard line before Rumsfeld's arrival. The Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman described India's actions on Monday as "gestures that carry little substance". Islamabad would not reciprocate until India agreed to resume a serious, result-oriented dialogue on Kashmir immediately and returned its military forces to peacetime locations. Though Islamabad seemed to be jettisoning the demand for foreign personnel monitoring the LoC, a Pakistani official said it wanted some form of "international monitoring of the LoC to ensure India does not level any false accusations" about infiltration. "Rumsfeld's remarks about the possibility of American surveillance technology being used in Kashmir to monitor militant incursions across the LoC is exactly what we want." The Indian Government denied earlier reports that the discussions with Rumsfeld had included talk of stationing foreign forces along the LoC. There was little disagreement between India and the US on the de-escalatory steps that could be taken. However, New Delhi made it clear the "choreography" of such steps would not be dictated by the US. Western diplomats say the US's primary concern is that the nuclear threat has not receded significantly because both armies remain on hair trigger alert. New Delhi's response has been to say Washington, by asking for de-escalation without an end to Pakistan's sponsorship of terror, was succumbing to Pakistani "nuclear blackmail". India will now take a "wait and watch" approach to see what Pakistan will do next. ************************ India, US agree next steps are: Armies pull back from forward positions Shelling stop along LoC Pak aircraft get landing rights But disagree over whether: Pakistan is doing enough about infiltration Pakistan should close terror camps first Pakistan says it will do nothing more: Until India pulls back troops Dialogue on Kashmir is resumed
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Rumsfeld says lower the temperature, hints camps may be target
New Delhi Asking India to take steps to reduce military tension so that its Army is not perceived as a ‘‘threat’’ across the border, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is said to have agreed with New Delhi that the next step after ending infiltration was the dismantling of terrorist camps in Pak territory. But after a series of meetingsbeginning with Principal Secretary Brajesh Mishra at breakfast and ending with Prime Minister Vajpayee over teaRumsfeld flew to Islamabad with only the assurance that New Delhi would wait to see if infiltration had stopped on the ground before moving towards greater rapprochement. ‘Monitor but from their side’ New Delhi: Home Minister L K Advani suggested that the international community monitor the border from the Pakistani side. ‘‘I have no objections to foreign countries monitoring (the border) on the Pakistani side ... I (also) have no objection to foreign agencies and countries examining the infrastructure of terror in Pakistan or PoK,’’ he told British newspaper Independent. ‘‘There is no infiltration from our side. So that’s the side that has to be watched’’. ‘‘I am not a mediator (with Pakistan), needless to say,’’ Rumsfeld told the press, then added, ‘‘with respect to the tension between India and Pakistan, we recognise that Prime Minister Vajpayee has taken certain steps during this period, (but) that the situation continues to be tense.’’ In fact, New Delhi is said to have presented to its American guest a pretty much united roadmap to relations with Pakistan: That free and fair elections in Kashmir in October is India’s ‘‘litmus test’’ for the end of cross-border infiltration, implying that dialogue with Pakistan can only begin after both sides have crossed that particular mountain. If Rumsfeld bought that line, it did not stop him from pushing New Delhi to take other steps to reduce tension with Pakistan. In fact, he sought to impress upon his various interlocutors today that Musharraf was ‘‘crucial’’ in the US war against the Al-Qaeda and that New Delhi would do well to give him a renewed lease of life by returning to dialogue with Islamabad. Rumsfeld also admitted at his interaction with the press that there were ‘‘some indications’’ that there were some Al-Qaeda ‘‘elements in the area near the LoC,’’ but that the US had no hard evidence on this matter. But government sources said the Al-Qaeda aspect of the story only came up ‘‘very generally’’ in the discussions and were not germane to the discussions with Rumsfeld today. To a question whether the US would then pursue the Al-Qaeda into Kashmir, Rumsfeld sidestepped the issue, only speaking in glowing terms about General Musharraf’s participation in the US war against the Al-Qaeda. Both sides also discussed ways and means on enhancing the sharing of information and intelligence so as to constantly monitor progress on the ground. In fact, Rumsfeld acknowledged that the question of placing sensors at the LoC had come up in his discussions with the Indian side, that this would need ‘‘technological expertise’’ since the goal was to see that infiltration across the LoC was ended. Washington is also said to have argued that New Delhi could considerably help by lowering the high alert status of the Army and the Air Force, allowed soldiers to go on leaveat least on the international border in Rajasthanand stopped shelling.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Attacks on India should stop, warns G8
G8 foreign ministers warned India and Pakistan Wednesday there would be no let up in the intense diplomatic drive to ensure their simmering crisis does not escalate into a nuclear war. Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham said ministers meeting in the western ski resort of Whistler for two days discussed who to send to the region next, following a volley of peace shuttles by US, British and European officials. Graham warned that any new terror attacks on Indian targets by Pakistan-based militants could pitch the region back to the brink of a disastrous conflict, despite encouraging signs over the last few days. "The discussion certainly was around who had gone and who might go in the future," said Graham, who did not rule out undertaking his own mission as Canada currently holds the Group of Eight nations chair, should it be needed. "We are all committed to sustain diplomatic activity both to ensure that Pakistan continues its efforts to curtail terrorism and that India exercises restraint," he said. "We are looking at ways to coordinate travel, ways that will continue to take the international communty's message to India and Pakistan." Ministers met here for their annual talks as US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited India and Pakistan, following a mission to the region earlier this month by Deputy US Secretary of State Richard Armitage. European Union commissioner in charge of external relations Chris Patten has also returned from a recent trip to the region, and was here to brief ministers. Despite a recent reduction of tensions, Graham said ministers still believed the situation in the region was very grave. "We are concerned of course that if anything did happen and a recourse to arms was had, there is the possibility of it escalating to a nuclear conflict. But we believe that the risk of that in the last three weeks is reduced." US Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has mounted a marathon campaign of personal telephone diplomacy to head off the South Asian crisis, said earlier he was pleased with the progress made in recent days. "What we have to do now is to steadily move forward to keep the steps going in the right direction," he told reporters on his plane heading for the G8 talks. Graham said he hoped a series of travel warnings by western nations for citizens and non-essential diplomats to leave the region, would soon be lifted.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Another candlelit night for South Bangaloreans
Power supply in southern parts of the City was thrown out of gear today following technical snag at the Subramanyapura power station which takes care of the power supply in this area of the City. A large number of areas including Jayanagar, Banashankari, Basavanagudi, Hanumanthanagar, Padmanabhanagar, Katriguppe, V V Puram, Byatarayanapura, Rajarajeswarinagar, Kengeri and Chandra layout were affected. The newly created Bescom (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) was at the receiving end from the residents as it tested their patience by failing to rectify the technical faults and provide power till late in the night. The Bescom had announced earlier that their would be power cuts in several parts of the city in southern areas from 10 am to 4 pm to undertake emergency maintenance works. Accordingly, power supply was cut at 10 am, but the supply was not resumed at 4 pm due to technical problems. In fact the power supply was yet to be resumed even at 11:30 pm in several areas as there was a leakage of gas in a circuit breaker of a transformer at 220-KV station in Subramanyapura. This enraged the people as they were actually made to suffer more than 13 hours of interruption. This newspaper office was flooded with calls from angry residents who expressed their anguish over failure of the Bescom to resume power supply. The residents termed this undue delay in resuming power as inefficiency on the part of the company and said this would amount to ignoring the consumers. Delay of one or two hours is understandable. But what can be said about such inordinate delay, wondered Dr Janakiram of Katriguppe. What irritated the consumers most was that they were not able to get convincing reply from the officials when the power supply would resume. Several residents from Basavanagudi even alleged that the cell phones of the engineers, which had been published by the KPTCL to be contacted during hours of crisis, had been switched off and the land lines had been kept off the hook. Some of the angry residents even gathered in front of the Bescom office at Basavanagudi to protest against the delay in resumption of power supply. However, the police pacified and dispersed the crowd. The industries were worst hit. Meanwhile, power supply was restored in some of the areas by 11:15 pm while some others were still in darkness. On their part, the Bescom officials blamed the gas leakage in the circuit breaker and said they had been doing everything to resume supply. After rectifying the gas leakage, a fault had been noticed in DC circuit. We are trying to rectify this fault and power supply would resume soon after that, the Bescom officials told Deccan Herald at 11:30 pm.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Miles between Pak talk and walk, Rumsfeld told
TIMES NEWS NETWORK NEW DELHI: India has ruled out further de-escalatory steps vis-a-vis Pakistan until Pervez Musharraf walks the talk on ending infiltration and terrorism. This was the message US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld took to Pakistan after a series of discussions in India. Emerging from a meeting with PM Atal Behari Vajpayee this evening, Mr Rumsfeld said, "We recognise the series of steps India has taken recently and these are useful, like the resumption of overflights, the indication of a high commissioner to be named, the movement of naval forces to the South." But while India agreed it would abide by its promise on diplomatic and military de-escalation, New Delhi insisted it would choreograph these steps, depending on its assessment of Pakistan’s moves on the ground. India, Mr Rumsfeld was told, would be looking to see whether Pakistan took steps to dismantle the "infrastructure of terrorism" including camps, funding and communication lines with the Pakistan army/Inter Services Intelligence. Interestingly, while Mr Rumsfeld seemed unwilling to commit Pakistan to these steps, in New York, US secretary of state Colin Powell said Mr Armitage had secured a promise from general Musharraf last weekend that he would soon be taking steps to shut down terrorist camps, a promise communicated to India. This promise was not referred to by Mr Rumsfeld, who instead asked India for further steps like pulling back aircraft from forward positions, stopping shelling and giving Pakistan’s aircraft landing rights in India. Mr Rumsfeld’s meetings today included breakfast with Brajesh Mishra, followed by talks with Union ministers George Fernandes, Jaswant Singh and LK Advani, capping it with a meeting with the PM this evening. Meanwhile, the Pakistan government said Indian gestures were "cosmetic" and called for "resumption of a meaningful dialogue on disputes, especially the core issue of Kashmir." "In a situation where Indian forces are massed on Pakistan’s borders in a dangerous posture of confrontation, Indian decisions do not address the main causes of tension," a foreign office statement said this evening. Mr Rumsfeld admitted the US and India did have discussions on monitoring the LOC, but as sources present in the meetings clarified, the discussions centred mainly on sensors and radars rather than deployment of forces. India has rejected international monitoring but is not averse to technological assistance as well as intelligence and information sharing between the US and India, which featured in the discussions. "We discussed a whole range of subjects and I guess the honest answer is yes, that subject did come up," However, "we reached no conclusions. It is a subject that needs to be discussed and thought about," Mr Rumsfeld said. For the first time, however, the US acknowledged al-Qaeda terrorists may have been moved to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir. "I have seen indications that the al-Qaida is operating in areas near the Line of Control," Mr Rumsfeld said. "I don’t have any hard evidence of how many or who or where." Whether this can be used by the US as a front for posting its troops in the PoK or on the LOC is another matter altogether. According to high-level government sources, the US was informed there still seemed to be a serious disconnect between general Musharraf’s promises and evidence on the ground. Although infiltration had indeed come down since May 27, Indian officials pointed to the interception of six terrorists across the LoC on June 9 in Mendhar, from close to a Pakistan army picket, clearly indicating the army was not stopping all infiltration into India. The external affairs minister, defence minister and the PM clarified to Mr Rumsfeld that the troops were a deterrence to terrorism, and would move back to peacetime positions only after India determined terrorism was down. Mr Rumsfeld’s colleague, the head of the US strategic command, made the point that India’s troops and the continuous shelling might trigger a potential nuclear response from Pakistan. In response, Indian officials made it clear that pulling back for this reason would be tantamount to succumbing to Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail. Instead, Jaswant Singh drove home to the US delegation India’s displeasure at the US travel advisories which were more of a scare-mongering exercise. New anti-insurgency patrol craft launched India has launched a fast patrol vessel, which can be used for anti-smuggling and anti-insurgency operations and provide back-up to the Indian navy during emergencies. India keen on solving crisis: Rumsfeld India's leaders have shown they are concerned to resolve the South Asia crisis "in an appropriate way", US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said here on Wednesday. US offers devices to track infiltration US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has offered Washington's help in establishing a system of sensory devices to monitor incursions by militants into Kashmir, a senior US defense official said on Wednesday. US to stop proliferation of UAVs The United States has broadened and strengthened efforts to deal with threats stemming from the proliferation of unmanned air vehicles which can be acquired by terrorist groups for chemical and biological weapons delivery. Indo-Pak border situation grim: Mush Terming the Indian move to lift the overflight ban on Pakistani aircraft and withdrawal of its warships from the Arabian Sea as "a very small beginning", Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf has said the situation will "remain grim" till forces continue to be deployed on the Indo-Pak border.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Air India turns corner, to have new image - Hussain
Air India, the national carrier, has turned the corner after being in the red for seven years and will have a brand new image by the year end, Minister for Civil Aviation, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain has said. The airlines, which made a profit of Rs 200 mn in 2001-02, after making losses for seven continuous years, will acquire eight aircraft on lease and commence a Delhi-Frankfurt flight from September, Hussain who, is on a four-day visit told in an interview here Wednesday evening. He said Government was trying to make Delhi and Mumbai international hubs on the pattern of Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Besides, Government was also trying to attract foreign investment in leasing out the four major airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, wherein foreign investors would have 74 per cent holding and the rest 26 would vest with the Airport Authority of India, he said. "The Government planned to raise Rs 160 bn by this move," he said. Spelling out his ministry's ambitious plan to give a new image to 'Maharaja', Hussain said the carrier would have better seats and improved catering service. "We are going to have eight aircraft on lease, mostly Airbus 310." Hussain also said the government has earmarked Rs 11.2 mn for the development of the airport at Bodhgaya, the Buddhist pilgrimage centre in Bihar, which was added to the list of world heritage centres by the UNESCO recently. 10:25 IST
Thursday, June 13, 2002
Maharashtra Speaker disqualifies seven MLAs
The Maharashtra Legislative assembly speaker Arun Gujarathi today disqualified from the house seven of the eight MLAs who had withdrawn support to the DF Government, facing trust motion later in the day. However, the case of Padmakar Walvi has been kept pending, the speaker told reporters. The legislators - five NCP MLAs, one JD(S) and one nominated member - have been disqualified "since their conduct, behaviour and action appeared as if they had voluntarily resigned from the party," the Speaker said. While Narayan Pawar, Shivajirao Naik and Narsingh Patil (all NCP) as well as Vinay Kore have been disqualified from the house since June 4, NCP MLA Shirish Kotwal and nominated member Desmond Yates have been disqualified from 5th and 7th June respectiely. The JD(s) candidate Gangaram Thhakrwad has been disqualified from 4th June, the Speaker said. All these above seats will now be considered vacant, Gujarati said. However, Walvi, the lone Congress MLA, who had gone back to Congress camp Wednesday, would be permitted to vote today since his case has been kept pending, the Speaker added. 10:25 IST
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
No international monitoring of LoC: India
Hours ahead of U S Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's visit, India today opposed any move for a helicopter-borne international force to monitor infiltration of militants into Jammu and Kashmir saying joint patrolling with Pakistan would be the "best" way. "There is nothing to suggest that this is a proposal that has been made. Government's views on the issue of patrolling, verification and monitoring along the LoC have been very well articulated," an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said. She was responding to a question on a report published in `The Times' in London that Rumsfeld, who arrives here tonight, would propose to India an airborne international monitoring mechanism of the LoC. Recalling the suggestion of Prime Minsiter Atal Bihari Vajpayee for joint monitoring of LoC by India and Pakistan, the spokesperson said "This would be the best way since our defence forces know the terrain very well. "And therefore, the best and most efficacious way of monitoring activities along the LoC can be done by the two countries," she said. Asked whether India had officially informed Islamabad about its decision to allow overflight by Pakistani aircraft, the spokeperson said Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner here J A Jilani was told by the External Affairs Ministry last evening about it. 19:51 IST
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
US willing to monitor LoC from air if both India, Pak agree
Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says the US does not see the need for US monitors to check on cross-border activity across the LoC but sharing of intelligence can be considered if both sides agree. Armitage, who returned from the sub-continent recently, told television networks that he had discussed the monitoring proposal with both sides. He appeared to leave the possibility open for monitoring from the air. He said Islamabad could have Indian and Pakistani monitors so long as there was an international component. "Their feeling," he said, "is it is very difficult to take people who have been shooting at each other one day, and make them join hands and jointly monitor the next. "From the Indian point of view, this should be a strictly bilateral monitoring mechanism, with only Indian and Pakistani troops taking part. "I suspect things will clarify over time but there is no resolution to that yet." Asked whether he sees a US role, Armitage said: "I think we have already had a role in moving back and forth to India, so that will continue. I don't right now see the need for US monitors." About the sharing of intelligence in terms of being able to at least from the air monitor or verify what is going on, he said: "I think that this is very much something that can be considered, and if there is a willingness from both sides to engage in it, I think the US nwill be delighted". 22:19 IST
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Army sets in motion monitoring mechanism to check infiltration
The Army has set in motion a 'monitoring mechanism' to assess the ground reality of Islamabad's claim of compliance with its pledge to stop cross-border terrorism. A high-level team comprising officers from the Operations and intelligence directorate is being put in place to make daily reports on the situation on attempted infiltrations across the Line of Control as well as International Border facing Jammu and Kashmir, highly placed army sources said. The move to set up a monitoring mechanism came after a marathon meeting the Army Chief Gen S Padmanabhan had with his five army commanders. The meeting was attended among others by Lt Gen R K Nanavaty, Northern Army Commander, commanding forces in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen S S Mehta, Western army Commander of forces in Punjab and Southern Army commander Lt Gen G S Sihota and commanding forces in Rajasthan and Kutch region, where Indian and Pakistani troops are presently in an eyeball to eyeball situation. Though officials were tightlipped, the forces de-esclation from the border also figured prominently in the deliberations. Defence sources have already pointed out that troops pullback would be undertaken only in a phased manner and that Army would remain in force in Jammu and Kashmir till October Assembly elections. 21:26 IST
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Narayanan says he is not a candidate
President K R Narayanan tonight declared that he is not a candidate for coming Presidential elections. A Rashtrapati Bhawan statement said that there had been reports in the press suggesting that Narayanan may be a candidate for the July 15 Presidential poll. "This is to clarify that K R Narayanan is not a candidate", it said.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
India make clean sweep in SAARC Cycling Championships
India made a clean sweep of medals in the 2nd SAARC Cycling Championships, scooping up the remaining seven gold medals in the track events at the Yamuna Velodrome here today. Indian cyclists who have set the track on fire since the very first day of the championship endeared themselves to the spectators by garnering all the gold medals while trouncing the Bangladeshi cyclists. Ace cyclist Rameshwori Devi who had bagged a gold yesterday in the 500m time trial, continued her domination as she won the 3000m individual pursuit for women today clocking 4:21.114 for a photo-finish win over compatriot O Bina Kumari Devi who timed 4:26.566. Farhana Sultana of Bangladesh finished distant third to win the bronze at 5:20.250 while her teammate Mallaka Parveen ended fourth in 5:25.603. Likewise, the men's events were also dominated by the Indians with Sarabjeet Singh and Sandeep Mallik winning the gold and silver medals respectively in the 4000m Individual Pursuit. Sahidul Islam and Shah Iftekhar Alam of Bangladesh were pushed to the third and fourth positions. Indian captain Premojit Singh grabbed yet another gold today by notching 35 points in the 16-km Point Race while teammates Sukhjinder Singh and Gurpreet Singh finished second and third with 25 and 18 points respectively. Jahangir Alam of Bangladesh, who managed 8 points, came fourth. 22:17 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
India, Sri Lanka to review free trade agreement
and Sri Lanka today decided that the review of their bilateral free trade agreement would be put on a "fast track" and fixed a four-week timeframe for resolving all outstanding issues. "We have given a timeframe of four weeks. We have zerored in on all issues. An Indian official level team will visit Colombo on July five to sort out all outstanding issues in the Indo-Sri Lankan free trade agreement," Commerce Minister Murasoli Maran told reporters after his 30-minute meeting with visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. Maran was assisted by Commerce Secretary Dipak Chaterjee and Wickramasinghe by his Commerce Minister Ravi Karunanayake. Maran said the two countries discussed all trade related issues between them. "We have decided to put the review of FTA on a fast track." "We want their market access and they want our market access. There has to be give and take and that would be the approach," Maran said. 18:18 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
VSNL to go ahead with invmnt. in TTSL; issue with govt cleared
Tatas today appeared to have convinced the Centre of the merits of the controversial decision by the VSNL to invest Rs 12 billion in Tata Teleservices even as it agreed to take a government nominee in the board committee that would decide on periodicity and valuation issues. After protracted negotiations over the investment decision, which snowballed into a major controversy with Communication Minister Pramod Mahajan threatening legal recourse if the board did not review its decision of May 28, VSNL and Department of Telecom (DOT) said in a joint statement that they had reached an agreement. When contacted, spokesperson of VSNL, who issued the statement, told that "as far as we are concerned, the decision to invest upto Rs 12 billion is not under review. There is no dilution of May 28 decision to invest upto Rs 12 billion in TTSL by VSNL." Earlier in the day, Mahajan, who had questioned the ethics of Tatas about the decision to invest in a company whose future was not known, said in Hyderabad that the issue between government and Tatas had been resolved and a joint statement would be issued. The statement said "as per the understanding, committee already established by the Board will study and decide the quantum and the valuation/price at which the investment would be made by VSNL in TTSL at various points of time. "It will also decide the tranches and periodicity of investment in TTSL. The committee will include a government nominee director, Y S Bhave, and will complete its deliberations by August 15, 2002," it said. 20:21 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Pak reacts cautiously to India's decision to remove flight ban
Pakistan today reacted cautiously to India's decision to lift overflight ban on Pakistani aircraft saying it was a step in the "desired" direction but more needs to be done. "It was a step in the desired direction," Pakistani Foreing Office Spokesman Aziz Ahmed Khan told reporters here. However, he added that India needs to do more to de-escalate the tensions. He said the Pakistan government is awaiting a report from its Charge de Affairs of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who has been informed of the Indian decision. A detailed reaction would follow after receiving the reports from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, he said. 20:22 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
India takes first step towards de-escalation of tensions
India today took the first step towards de-escalation of Indo-Pak tensions by announcing lifting of over the six-month ban on overflights by Pakistani aircraft and said there has been "some fall" in infiltration of militants into Jammu and Kashmir. "The Government has decided that with effect from today, all restrictions placed since January one this year on Pakistani aircraft and Pakistan Airlines to overfly Indian territory, are lifted," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao said. The step does not entail resumption of Pakistani Airlines services in India and does not extend any landing rights to their aircraft, she said. The decision comes a day ahead of the visit by US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to India but Rao said the move had no connection. Replying to questions if promises made by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to "immediately and permanently" end infiltration has been translated on the ground, she said "there has been some fall" in infiltration. 20:22 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Official Secrets Act slapped against Geelani
In a major development, Jammu and Kashmir police today slapped Official Secrets Act against fire-brand Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for allegedly passing on "classified documents" to Pakistan even as the computer seized from his residence has revealed transaction worth crores of rupees during the militancy. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) K Rajendra Kumar told reporters that "five-page documents" recovered from his residence revealed deployment of Indian army and para-military forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He said it was suspected that Geelani had onpassed the documents to Pakistan as well. "We are investigating the matter and we hope to expose the entire conspiracy to destablise the country," he said. Kumar did not rule out the possibility of involvement of some officials in the conspiracy and said "anyone gulity would be punished." It may be mentioned that his son-in-law in New Delhi, Iftikhar Geelani, was arrested last night following recovery of similar "classified documents" from his residence. He has been remanded to police custody till June 15. Another son-in-law, Altaf Ahmed alias "Fantoosh" has also been booked in connection with funding of militancy in the valley. Police has detained him under Public Safety Act. Police claimed to have recovered data from the computer seized from Geelani's house which indicated transactions worth crores of rupees from the early 1990's. They said the money must have been distributed among the various militant organisations. 20:22 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
UAE President, Musharraf discuss Indo-Pak tension
UAE President Sheikh Zayed today said India and Pakistan must make every possible effort to defuse tension through dialogue and peaceful means as President Pervez Musharraf briefed him on the current Indo-Pak situation. "Every possible effort should be made to narrow differences between the two neighbours in order to achieve security and stability in the region", Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan told Musharraf during their meeting in UAE capital Abu Dhabi, according to official news agency WAM. He said the two countries "need to defuse tensions through dialogue and understanding in order to resolve their differences through peaceful means." Musharraf informed Sheikh Zayed of the "developements in the situation between India and Pakistan and efforts deployed to counter the crisis," the agency said. Musharraf is in Abu Dhabi on the first leg of his two-nation tour which will also take him to Saudi Arabia. On his arrival at the UAE capital, Musharraf had said he would "brief the UAE President about the measures that my government has taken to counter and curb terrorism". In a statement, he also said the main purpose of his visit was to personally brief Sheikh Zayed on the heightened tensions on the border as well as the steps taken by Pakistan to avert a war with India. The talks also covered current international issues, bilateral cooperation and the Mideast situation. 20:22 IST
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
India makes yet another tactical move
External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh on Monday informed British foreign secretary Jack Straw that the new High Commissioner to Pakistan will be named soon and the Western and Eastern Naval fleets would return to their ports, thus taking positive steps towards descalation of tension between Pakistan. Straw, who spoke to Singh, made this disclosure in a statement in the House of Commons in London, a British High Commission release says. Welcoming the Indian decision, the British foreign secretary, however, said the position in the region still remained precarious. "Terrorism is still a threat. The situation will continue to require the engagement of the international community for some time." He said the international efforts against terrorism and the Kashmir crisis will be important items on the agenda for the meeting of the G-8 foreign ministers. Straw said the dispute between India and Pakistan was at root a bilateral matter which can only be resolved by direct dialogue. It was a dispute with potent international implications because of the potential scale of any military actions including the possible use of nuclear weapons. He admitted that there had been a significant reduction in incursions across the line of control since May end. UNI
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
It's not over yet, US warns India, Pak
Washington, The United States has welcomed conciliatory gestures by India and Pakistan to reduce tensions but cautioned that the crisis was not yet over. ''We welcome signs that tensions are beginning to lessen,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters. Steps including positive statements by the leadership of both countries and India's announcement that Pakistani aircraft can resume flights over the Indian territory were encouraging, he said. But, he said, armies on both sides remain mobilised and ''both sides need to continue to seek to lower tensions.'' ''The crisis, though showing signs of abating, is not yet over.'' Despite the apparent easing of tensions, there was no change in the status of advisory issued to Americans urging them to depart, Boucher added. Following Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage's ''positive meetings'' in Islamabad and New Delhi last week, he met Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in Estonia on Saturday to brief him on the progress of negotiations. The briefing would serve to prepare Rumsfled for his upcoming meeting with Indian and Pakistani leaders later this week, he added. UNI
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
NDA picks Kalam for President
Prime Minister AB Vajpayee on Monday announced APJ Abdul Kalam, the father of India's indigenous missile programme and recipient of the Bharat Ratna, was the NDA's presidential candidate. The announcement seemed to throw the Opposition into disarray. It was Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu's intervention that ensured the NDA finally found a consensus candidate in Kalam. He spoke to Kalam on Sunday afternoon sounding him out and preparing the ground for an offer from Vajpayee. The PM spoke to the scientist shortly before midnight. Later, Vajpayee spoke to Naidu, AIADMK chief J Jayalalitha and BSP leader Mayawati, who welcomed Kalam's candidature. Naidu flew to Delhi in a BSF aircraft in time for a meeting of the NDA and its allies where Vajpayee formally announced Kalam's candidature. Later, NDA convenor George Fernandes, Naidu, Mayawati and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan addressed a press conference making public Kalam's candidature. Senior BJP and TDP leaders said the choice of Kalam left the Congress with no option but to settle for a consensus. If the Congress did not, it would pay a heavy price - being seen to be opposed to a Muslim, who was not politically controversial. Mahajan flew to Mumbai to convey Vajpayee's decision Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Vajpayee was anxious to get Thackeray's consent. Thackeray welcomed the idea. Vajpayee spoke to other NDA leaders and allies including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who also supported Kalam's name for the post. The Congress and the People's Front (PF), which had displayed a show of unity in pushing for a second term for President KR Narayanan, reportedly had problems endorsing Kalam's candidature. The problem was perhaps even more acute for the PF, as the Left was not overly enthused by Kalam's candidature. The Samajwadi Party's (SP's) difficulty was most acute. It had first mooted Kalam's name at party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's meeting with Vajpayee before his Almaty visit. The Opposition's reservations become all the more untenable given the fact that he was decorated with the Bharat Ratna when the United Front, backed by the Congress and the Left, was in power. The Opposition cannot take a decision on Kalam without reverting to Narayanan, after their joint appeal asking him to contest. Some Congress and Left leaders are credited with the view that the BJP-led NDA has chosen Kalam to neutralise the BJP's poor communal record in Gujarat. A contrary view is that the Congress would lose politically if it did not settle for a consensus, after the NDA's climbdown under pressure from Naidu. "I'm confident that they cannot contest now. Kalam's candidature represents a national consensus," Naidu told the Hindustan Times. "The Opposition will lose more than a presidential election if they decide to put up a fight." The TDP leader's confidence isn't misplaced. The NDA has a strong chance of attracting the SP's support. When told about Kalam's candidature at a meeting with Vajpayee earlier in the evening, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh had also asked Vajpayee whether he was the NDA’s final choice. When they broached the subject of electing the vice-president, Vajpayee replied that that would be dealt with separately. The BJP's calculation is that after conceding ground to Naidu, it can now elect a vice-president of its own choice. Kalam released a statement, saying, "I am happy to be presidential candidate." COUNTDOWN TO A CANDIDATURE June 9 11.30 pm Vajpayee speaks to Abdul Kalam, after Chandrababu Naidu sounds him out on the question of being the next President June 10 9 am Pramod Mahajan meets Naidu in Hyderabad. Both emphasise the need to build a consensus 10 am-6 pm Vajpayee speaks to Jayalalitha, HS Surjeet, AB Bardhan, PA Sangma, PS Badal, Naveen Patnaik, Sharad Yadav, Ajit Singh and other leaders 4.30 pm Left leaders meet at Surjeet's residence to discuss Kalam's candidature 5.15 pm Sonia Gandhi holds meeting with senior party leaders 6.30 pm Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh meet Vajpayee and are formally told about Kalam's candidature 7.15 pm Vajpayee meets Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh 8. 30 pm Naidu meets Vajpayee in Delhi 8.45 pm NDA meeting begins; Naidu and Mayawati attend
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Sachin says getting priorities right is key to success
NUPUR MAHAJAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK MUMBAI: He walks out of a Palio, enters the Adidas store and refuses to talk cricket. Meet the politically correct Sachin Tendulkar. Soft, suave and smooth. And stingy? "About Otters Club, I need to clarify," he says, referring to the debate in the club over whether he should be granted free membership. "This is typical of what happens when you live out of a suitcase. I’m completely unaware of what happened the AGM or the signatures (collected to support him getting free membership). A friend told me that Otters would like to bestow me with honorary membership and I said, ‘Sure.’ For me, the matter ended there. No one from the club ever spoke to me, or about whatever followed. I’ve been on the cricket circuit since. I’ve heard of the issue only now." Life on the circuit, phew! Is he a guest at home? "No way," he laughs. "I ensure I spend enough time with my family. You have to prioritise. On the field, the only planning I do is how to score runs. Back home, it’s just family my wife and kids. On June 17, I’m off for the England tour, and they will accompany me. So it isn’t all that bad!" But time at home is also divided between endorsements, appearances and shoots. What about the privacy-loving Sachin? "That’s inevitable, I take it as a part of my career. It doesn’t disrupt my privacy, it’s enjoyable in its own way. I look upon the attention as an honour how many Indians have it? I’m lucky and thank God for it." But there’s always the flip side what about Home Trade? "At my end, I ensure that all the brands I associate with are top of the line the very best. I personally ensure that. Home Trade is an exception. But these things are out of my control. Though I was away, once I heard what had happened, I immediately wrote letters and now WorldTel (his agent) is looking into the matter." Doesn’t he get fed up of the hype, doesn’t he wish he wasn’t Sachin Tendulkar the cricketer? "In that case, you wouldn’t be interviewing me!" Finally, what’s his take on the team selection? "Ask Sourav!" is all he’ll say. nupur.mahajan@timesgroup.com
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
US detains Pak-trained terrorist in nuclear plot
TIMES NEWS NETWORK WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday claimed to have foiled a plot to explode a primitive nuclear weapon called the "dirty bomb" in Washington DC following the capture of a suspected terrorist who flew in from Pakistan to Chicago last month. Making this startling announcement, but offering few details, Attorney General John Ashcroft said the suspect, an American citizen named Jose Padella who goes by the Islamic name Abdulla al Muhajir, had been detained on charges of joining the enemy to wage acts of war against the United States. Ashcroft did not specify who the enemy was but said al-Muhajir was closely associated with the al-Qaeda. Al-Muhajir, he said, was detained by the Department of Defence as an "enemy combatant" under legal provisions of the laws of war. The DoD role in holding him will circumvent the need to present him before US courts under the legal defence system. The suspect was reportedly detained on May 8 on arrival in Chicago but the announcement of his custody by DoD was made only on Monday to meet a legal deadline. Ashcroft praised the cooperation between the CIA. FBI and the Department of Defence in apprehending al-Muhajir, but said nothing about Pakistan, from where the suspect returned, or the government of Pakistan, which has been praised in the past for arrests of other terrorist suspects. US officials quoted in the American media were saying the fact that al-Muhajir had such close ties with al-Qaeda in Pakistan showed Islamabad needed to do a better job of combating terrorism. No immediate link had been established between al-Muhajir and the two Pakistani nuclear scientists who were found to be in cahoots with al-Qaeda. But officials said al-Mujahir received training in wiring conventional explosives in Pakistan and had at least two meetings with al-Qaeda operatives in Karachi. They also said al-Muhajir also held an American passport that enabled him to travel freely in and out of the United States.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Some positive movement, says U.S.
The Bush administration is saying that the although the crisis between India and Pakistan is not over, it does show signs of "abating'' and that there has been some positive discussions and positive movements. At the same time, the U.S. is not prepared to change its advice to American nationals who have been "strongly urged'' to depart. "...the crisis is not over, even though it does show signs of abating; and we've seen some positive discussions and now some positive movement. But we need to continue to be careful. The basic situation of mobilised armies on both sides remains and can always be dangerous,'' the State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, said today. "We welcome signs that tensions are beginning to lessen. These include positive statements by the leadership of both countries, and now India's announcement that Pakistani aircraft can resume flights over Indian territory... We welcome reports that additional measures are being considered to lower the threat of an escalation of armed conflict'', Mr. Boucher remarked at the start of his regular briefing. Step in the right direction: Straw reports from London: Britain today reacted positively to India's decision to lift overflight ban on Pakistani aircraft terming it as a step in the right direction but cautioned terrorism remained a threat and Indo-Pak situation still precarious. Tensions between India and Pakistan have ``eased a little'' but the situation is still precarious and terrorism is still a threat'', the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said in the House of Commons today. Mr. Straw who had visited both the countries recently, concurred with India's charge that ``terrorism (from across the border) has had the covert support of the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan. Pak. to respond positively A report from Islamabad said today that the Pakistan Government would respond positively to India's decision to lift ban on flight restrictions after the latter communicates it officially and asked New Delhi to follow it up with pullout of troops from the border. ``If India wants to reconsider its decision and return towards normalcy it is welcome'', the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, told Pakistan state television tonight from Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Two killed in Ahmedabad
AHMEDABAD Two persons were killed and about 20 injured in police firing, stabbing and stone throwing in the curfew-bound Juhapura and Vejalpur localities here since this morning. Even as the indefinite curfew was reimposed in the Vejalpur police station areas on Sunday, fresh violence continued today.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Japan welcomes decision to reopen airspace
Japan on Tuesday welcomed India's decision to reopen its airspace to Pakistani flights, saying that could help ease the standoff between the two countries. "We truly welcome the fact that India has allowed (Pakistani aircraft) to fly over its skies," Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said. On Monday, some 50 Japanese businessmen, tourists and relatives of diplomats returned to Tokyo from India on a Japan Airlines Co Ltd jetliner chartered by the Japanese government. Japan decided last week to charter a flight to evacuate its nationals after JAL scrapped one of its bi-weekly flights to New Delhi. Earlier this month, it had asked its citizens in India to leave the country and urged nationals to postpone travel to India and Pakistan following similar advice by other countries. As of Sunday, an estimated 984 Japanese were in India and 447 in Pakistan, according to the Japanese foreign ministry. Reuters
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Rumsfeld visit to cement moves towards peace
In what is being seen as another key diplomatic initiative by the US to ease tensions in the subcontinent, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrives in New Delhi today. Rumsfeld, who will also visit Islamabad, comes to the region a day after New Delhi lifted the ban on Pakistani commercial flights through Indian airspace. India's offer comes in recognition of assurances that Pakistan was putting a permanent halt to cross-border terrorism. Leaders across the world, worried of a possible nuclear war between the two neighbours, were quick to welcome this announcement by India though with caution. "We are pleased that as a result of intensive diplomatic efforts we have begun to see some relaxation in the tension," US Secretary of State Colin Powell said. "This is a step down the ladder. We are still in a period of crisis and the situation is still very tense," he added, highlighting the continued presence of hundreds of thousands of troops on the India-Pakistan borders. US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, though welcoming the move, also said that crisis was not yet over. "Armies on both sides remain mobilized. Both sides need to continue to seek to lower tension," he said. Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was happy that tension between India and Pakistan had eased a little and that there was ground for some optimism. Pakistan too reacted positively, though with caution. It hopes that these gestures would be followed by military de-escalation, which would reduce the threat of war between the two countries. India, which has been concerned about infiltration by militants from across the border has high hopes from the visit. "We would like to know from the US that they remain engaged in the region. They will endure that Musharraf remains committed to his intentions not only to infiltration, more so with terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)," said Omar Abdullah, Union Minister of State for External Affairs. Donald Rumsfeld's visit follows US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage's visit last week. Armitage had expressed confidence that India and Pakistan would come to some agreement -- a task which Donald Rumsfeld hopes to cement.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Chirac presses Pak to rein in extremists
French President Jacques Chirac urged Pakistan to keep its promise to curb the activities of extremists on its soil in a meeting with visiting Pakistani envoy General Jehangir Karamat, Chirac's spokesperson said. The meeting took place against the backdrop of brinkmanship between India and Pakistan that has brought the two countries close to war. Karamat was asked by Chirac to tell Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to carry out promises to rein in groups deemed terrorist by India and to limit incursions by these groups into Kashmir, spokesperson Catherine Colonna said. Chirac also stressed that Pakistan's measures to combat terrorism should be verifiable. The envoy, Pakistan's former army chief, had flown into the French capital from Italy earlier today as part of an European tour. He was one of two envoys sent by Musharraf to Europe and the Middle East to spread Islamabad's point of view and options. The second envoy, former president Farooq Ahmed Leghari, was dispatched to Germany and Egypt.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Putin, Chirac to jointly ease Indo-Pak tension
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Jacques Chirac have agreed to closely work for de-escalation of tension in South Asia and normalization of Indo-Pak relations. In the course of his telephonic conversation today, Putin briefed Chirac on his talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee last week in Almaty. Meanwhile, encouraged by the positive trend in the subcontinent following Almaty talks, Russia intends to further work in order to create conditions for the resumption of a direct India-Pakistan dialogue. Even though various channels of communications remain open between New Delhi and Islamabad, the state of relations between their leaders do not permit a third party to lead them into a common room. "While offering Delhi and Islamabad help in pooling efforts for combating terrorism, Moscow did not (not) offer its assistance in resolving Kashmir issue, which must be resolved in accordance with the Simla and Lahore Agreements exceptionally on bilateral basis," the expert was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Now you need to pay to check your `Hotmail'
ANI WASHINGTON: First it was AOL, then Yahoo and Lycos and now it is Hotmail which is joining the ranks of other web companies that charge you to have an e-mail account with them, reported BBC. Starting mid-July, users will have to now pay for the formerly free web based services. Hotmail reportedly has 110 million Hotmail users who might get peeved by this latest gimmick. From 16 July, Hotmail will end the free service that makes it possible to check e-mail accounts held with net service providers via its website. Anyone wanting to check other accounts, so-called POP mail, will have to sign up for the MSN Extra Storage service which, in the UK, costs 19.95 pounds per year. Hotmail informed users of the change in an e-mail sent earlier this week. Many people have signed up for a Hotmail account because it allows them to check and manage their various electronic mail accounts from almost anywhere they can find a net browser. Many net experts see the charging of fees for once-free services as an inevitable part of the web's development. Many companies with websites are looking for new ways to offset the cost of running their net business now that revenue from advertising is harder to come by and investor funds are scarce. But a report by Jupiter MMXI released earlier this year questioned whether users would be prepared to pay charges. The report said that only entertainment companies offering music, movies or images via broadband links were likely to make significant amounts of money from net charges. Almost half of the European users questioned in the report said they would never consider paying for net services.
Monday, June 10, 2002
12-year-old die-hard patriot kills self after watching Bhagat Singh
ANI Ashutosh Singh, a twelve year old boy from Kanpur has left his parents grieving. He committed suicide by hanging himself in his residence. Ashutosh was a die-hard patriot since his chilhood and often listened to legends of freedom fighters, about whom his grandfather would often recount to him. But, when he saw the trailors of the two recently released movies "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" and "23 March, 1931- Shaheed", based on the life of Bhagat Singh, he probably found his ultimate hero in him. Bhagat Singh epitomised everything the boy felt strongly about. He was so moved by the sacrifice made by Bhagat Singh for his motherland that he decided to end his life in the same manner as his idol."Before hanging himself, he saw the movie "Karamyogi" and also the trailors of movies on Bhagat Singh and was really inspired by them. Then he returned back to his room and hung himself," said Hakim Singh, Ashutosh's father. A patriot to the core, Ahutosh often confided in his Grandfather regarding his feelings about terrorism. He was deeply moved by the prevailing tension between India and Pakistan."It was because of our upbringing that Ashutosh developed such a great love for his country. We had always taught him to place country before self," said Mukhiya Sone Singh, Ashutosh's grandfather. Ashutosh's feelings poured out in the drawings he sketched. Kargil war, WTC attack and the latest developments in the world would be the topics for his drawing. Though he is no more, but he will continue to live in the thoughts of his parents, relatives and friends.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Police reinforcement rushed to state govt offices in W Bengal
Kolkata: Spurred by Central alert about a terrorist strike on West Bengal secretariat here, more policemen were deployed around it and other vital installations. Home Secretary A K Deb said on Sunday after attending a high-level meeting to review security at the Writers' Building, the state secretariat, and other state government offices that it was decided to enhance police reinforcements and increase vigil at those places. To a question, he said the government had no plan to involve the Army in maintaining security. Following the meeting at the secretariat, city police top brass held a meeting at their heaquarters here to discuss steps to beef up security in the metropolis and decided to intensify police patrolling and surveillance by plainclothes policemen, besides increasing the strength of Reserve Forces. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Shibaji Ghosh said "fool-proof" security measures would be taken at Writers, the Legislative Assembly, Raj Bhavan, local All India Radio station and other vital installations. 10:40 IST
Monday, June 10, 2002
Pak welcomes India's reported moves to ease tension
Pakistan Sunday said reports that India was considering diplomatic and military gestures to reduce tension indicated that the current situation between the two countries was heading towards improvement. "Pakistan welcomes that India was considering military and diplomatic gestures to de-escalate tensions between the two countries over the Kashmir issue. It seems the situation is heading towards improvement," Information Minister Nisar Memon said. "It seems that the efforts of friends like US and Russia have been successful," Memon said reacting to announcement by US Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage yesterday that India is considering returning some of its diplomats to Pakistan and making some "military gestures" to reduce the tension in the sub-continent. India has started understanding our position, he was quoted as saying by the official media. He also reiterated that Pakistan would not allow its territory to be used for any acts of terrorism abroad. President Pervez Musharraf has already stated in his speech on Jan 12 that Pakistan would not allow anyone to use its soil for terrorism, he said. He also hoped that the two countries would be able to begin a dialogue on all important issues including Kashmir soon. 10:40 IST
Monday, June 10, 2002
Militants says they'll defy Musharraf's order to end incursion
Accusing Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf of betraying the Kashmiri cause, some militants' "commanders" have said they would not obey his order to stop incursion into Kashmir, a report here said. "Our men manage to sneak past the Indians, so how can the Pakistanis stop us," 'Newsweek' quoted one of the "commanders", who met the magazine "clandestinely", as saying. It identified him as Irfan of radical Harkat-ul Mujahedin. Another, identified as Atif, said, "we will continue to fight. God always creates ways for us." Musharraf's order, the magazine said in its upcoming issue, was given to two dozen commanders by a Major General from the Inter-Services Intelligence agency during a meeting at a Pakistani army base, 40 kms from the front lines. Atif told Newsweek that the commanders denounced Musharraf by name. "After ditching the Taliban, Musharraf has now betrayed the Kashmiri cause," shouted one commander. "How can we accept this?" The commanders size up their chances of defying the infiltration ban: they know how to work covertly; they continue to get funding; they can acquire weapons and they know the law of the land better than anyone, the magazine said. "What do we need to fight? Not much," another commander was quoted as saying. "Hand grenades and Kalashnikovs are available everywhere". 10:40 IST
Monday, June 10, 2002
British Muslims send huge funds to Kashmiri terrorists
Pakistan-based Kashmiri terrorist groups are being funded to the tune of five million pounds a year by British Muslims, 'The Sunday Telegraph' claimed. On undercover visits to mosques in London last week, reporters of the daily found clerics openly proclaiming how money was being channelled to "freedom fighters" in Kashmir. Another sympathiser claimed it was "easy" to send money to terrorists whom he described as "our fighting brothers". The evidence of clandestine support for the Kashmiri terror organisations backs up claims in a report submitted to the British Foreign secretary Jack Straw by his Indian counterpart Jaswant Singh in New Delhi two week ago. The report, which included a dossier of evidence revealing bank account details, claimed that two banned groups, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were illegally raising up to 5 million pounds a year. It was being investigated by a special branch here and according to it, Straw had promised to clamp down on the militants. Meanwhile, at the Regent's Park mosque in London, funds have been raised for the Kashmiri "freedom fighters". The report quoted Abu Hamza, the Imam saying that if funds were raised for terrorism, he would support it. "These people are defending their Islamic brothers," he said. "Britain is a source of funds for both groups because of its large Kashmiri population," an Indian official said. There are 600,000 people of Kashmiri origin in Britain, most from the area under Pakistani control.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Delhi readied to face impact of war
Sirens have been activated, hospitals readied and resources mobilised. Delhi is ready to face the war if it breaks out. Besides the activation of the three Disaster Management Centres (DMC), set up last year after the devastating January 26 Gujarat earthquake, the Civil Defence mechanism has been reorganised to meet any kind of calamity. A possible nuclear attack has also been kept in mind and efforts are on to work out a mechanism for safety of the citizens in the event of such an eventuality. "All departments concerned have been readied and sensitised about the calamity if a war breaks out," said a senior Delhi Government official. The preparation involves integration of the departments of Health, Municipal bodies besides the Fire and Police. The private enterprises have also been approached for an assurance of support in terms of logistics. To lend a streamlining edge to the preparations, Joint Commissioner of Police Amod Kanth has been made the Controller of Civil Defence, which is the nodal body in all calamities whether man-made or natural, while Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) have been named Group Controllers and Assistant Commissioners of Police as Zonal Controllers. "Preparations have been made to meet any kind of situation in which there may be loss of life or property," Kanth said.
Monday, June 10, 2002
'Discontent brewing among Pak forces'
With Pakistani troops deployed on the Indo-Pak border for almost ten months now, discontentment is brewing among army and paramilitary personnel stationed in the Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and other parts forcing top officials to take turns to visit forward areas to pacify them, according to intelligence reports here. During the past fortnight, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who is also the Chief of Army Staff, Vice Chief Gen Yusuf Khan and Commander of Pakistan Army's 10th Corps, Lt Gen Arif Hasan, have rushed to Gilgit, Skardu and other parts of the Northern Areas facing Kargil sector. While fatigue has started setting in, the major cause of discontent among the Pakistani troops, including those from the Northern Light Infantry (NLI), has been their continued forward deployment since last October, when it began as part of the preparation for winter exercises, the reports said. But soon after the December 13 attack on Parliament here, Indian forces were massed on the international border and along the Line of Control. This led to continuation of deployment of the Pakistani troops in high altitudes and inhospitable terrain. In the past two weeks, Vice Chief Gen Khan visited these areas twice and 10th Corps Commander Lt Gen Hasan rushed there four times to meet and talk to the personnel, the reports said. The reports said the other causes of the brewing discontentment included cancellation of leave for a long period which has led to complaints that the personnel have not been able to contact their families for the past five months. The troops, especially those of the Northern Light Infantry which lost about 1,000 men during the Kargil War, have also complained about delayed or non-payment of salaries during the past two months. The reports said even the local populace was feeling disturbed with the heightened presence of troops in these areas for such a long time. In some cases in the hilly areas, the locals have refused to carry logistics and ration to forward positions fearing they would be caught in the cross-fire, they said. Scarcity of essential commodities especially food items have also been reported with normal supplies to these areas having been requisitioned by the army.
Monday, June 10, 2002
India creating effects of war on Pak: Musharraf
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has said the Kashmir ''dispute'' remained an obstacle to peace and India's tough stand was aimed at ''creating the effects of war on us.'' India wants ''to prevent us from our stand on Kashmir and to suppress the Kashmiri people's struggle,'' Gen Musharraf said in an interview with Malaysia's New Sunday Times, published today. ''The Kashmiri people don't want the election (in September) because Kashmir is not a part of India. ''...they probably think that we are prevented from giving any moral or diplomatic kind of support to the Kashmiri people,'' said the Pakistani President who has time and again reiterated his support to the ''Kashmiri struggle''. ''We see thousands being killed in Kashmir. What is happening here is state-terrorism. We are very clear that in Kashmir we see freedom fighters, not terrorism,'' he added. However, toeing the line put forth before United States Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, the military ruler said, ''I think the chance of war is minimal. The threat (of war) in the last four or five days has diminished.'' He said the solution lay in ''recognising Kashmir as the central core issue between India and Pakistan which has bedevilled relations between the two countries''. ''It is ridiculous that they say there are other issues. What other issues are they talking about. This is the dispute,'' Gen Musharraf emphasised. Accusing India of ''not having the will to initiate a dialogue and not de-escalating'', he said, ''I keep telling them don't go up to the Line of Control ... our army, air force and navy are around the border. ''You don't do us a favour, we may be doing you a favour by de-escalating,'' claimed the ruler facing stiff opposition from the army as well as political parties in Pakistan. ''The response that I'm expecting is de-escalation followed by initiation of a dialogue on Kashmir,'' said the Pak President who told Armitrage that no infiltration into India was going on from the Pakistani side. UNI
Monday, June 10, 2002
Geelani, sons-in-law held; ISI links found
Former chairman of the All Party Hurriyat Conference and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his sons-in-law Altaf Ahmad Shah and Iftikar Geelani were arrested on Sunday. Geelani and Shah, suspected to have received funds from Pakistan's Inter-services Intelligence (ISI), were arrested in Srinagar under the Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act , and Iftikar was arrested in Delhi under the Official Secrets’ Act. The arrests followed raids by the police and income-tax officials at 11 places in Kashmir and three in the Capital. The Hurriyat has condemned the arrests, and chairman Abdul Ghani Bhat said it was a move to "sabotage international efforts to lessen the tension between India and Pakistan". The Hurriyat has called for a strike in the Valley on Tuesday to protest the arrests. Geelani has been taken to Ranchi Jail. Other than cash and documents indicating benami holdings, the police also found a file called 'Fact' on Geelani's laptop computer which had records since October 2001, of locations of Indian Army units, the number of personnel in each unit, and other strategic details. The police also found two ordinance maps of defence installations. Interestingly, authorities say they found a diamond-studded watch in Geelani's house, with the inscription: "From Pakistan Government". Several Pakistani visa forms were also found at Geelani's house. Geelani is the India correspondent for Friday Times and Nation, both published from Pakistan. The police and income-tax officials also raided about a dozen other places in Srinagar and Baramulla, including premises of Dakhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi and Abdul Rasheed Saraf, brother of Pakistan-based Muslim Conference leader Ashraf Saraf, who are also believed to have been passed on some of the money Geelani received from the ISI. Finance Ministry officials said Geelani was receiving ISI funds through Kashmiris in UK who routed the money to India to accounts in Standard Chartered-Grinlays Bank, Credit Development Bank of India, and the Srinagar branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank. I-T officials said investigations have revealed unaccounted-for wealth. "Geelani had declared he received Rs 7,100 as pension and made another Rs 10,000 a year from farming, whereas his 13 servants alone receive Rs 2,000 each per month," they said. What the police found on Geelani Two houses worth Rs 14 lakh each in Delhi Records of location, other details of Indian Army units Rs 11 lakh, US $10,000 Documents on property purchases; jewellery purchases Diamond-studded watch inscribed ‘From Pakistan Government’ l2 Ambassador cars, 1 Tata Sumo Equipment worth Rs 4 lakh and stone-quarrying contracts seized from chauffeur are believed to be benami holdings of Geelani
Monday, June 10, 2002
Putin, Blair call for Indo-Pak dialogue
AGENCIES MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have agreed to continue their joint efforts for defusing the Indo-Pak tension and resumption of bilateral dialogue between the two countries, Kremlin spokesman Alexei Gromov said on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation, Putin briefed Blair on his talks in Almaty last week with Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. According to Gromov, Blair appreciated Putin’s mediating efforts and called for further co-ordinated action.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Violence in Ahmedabad
AHMEDABAD June 9. Two persons were killed and an indefinite curfew was clamped in the Vejalpur police station areas in Ahmedabad following renewed violence today. Police said 30 persons, including two police personnel, were injured in police firing and bomb blasts and a dozen persons injured in stone-throwing. The disturbances also led to communal tension in the locality leading to a couple of stabbing incidents in Juhapura and Guptanagar localities.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Presidential poll: NDA meet put off ‘indefinitely’
The much-expected meeting of the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) scheduled to be held today to finalise its choice of Maharashtra Governor P C Alexander for President was postponed indefinitely amid reports that supporting party TDP was not in favour of it even as incumbent K R Narayanan told Opposition leaders that he has an open mind on running for a second term. The official reason given for the postponement of NDA meeting was to give more time for consultations among political parties on the choice of a candidate for the post. A team of the Opposition consisting of Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr Natwar Singh (Congress), Mr H S Surjeet and Mr Sitaram Yechuri (CPM), Mr A B Bardhan (CPI) and Mr Amar Singh (SP) called on Mr Narayanan and urged him to consider contesting for second term. The President has told them that he has an open mind on the subject and will consider their proposal. He did not commit himself either way, Congress spokesman S Jaipal Reddy told reporters later. Cong against Alexander Mr Reddy added that Congress party’s stand against Mr Alexander was well known and added that the NDA had conveyed to the Congress its choice of Mr Alexander yesterday through interlocutors. He said the Opposition was sure of Mr Narayanan’s victory if he contested. We are not opposed to consensus but we do not want to plead for consensus. In democracy, both are equally legitimate. Asked whether the Opposition has the required number to get Mr Narayanan elected, he quipped: Numbers are generated by the dynamics of democracy. In the morning, the Left leaders met Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss the issue. Prime Minister A B Vajpayee today held a meeting with Home Minister L K Advani and the latter discussed the issue with some senior cabinet ministers where the statistical position of each party and possible candidates were deliberated upon (the NDA and supporting parties have a total of 47.92 per cent, the Opposition 40.41 per cent and others 11.24 per cent. The TDP position becomes crucial as it has 5.13 per cent of votes). The NDA was to arrive at a decision on its choice on Presidential candidate yesterday itself but the meeting was postponed to today apparently because it had to consult all its allies. Naidu sulking? NDA leaders had requested TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu to be present in the capital for consultations but the Andhra Pradesh chief minister, who is said to be plumping for Vice-President Krishan Kant to the highest post, stayed away from Delhi. The postponement assumed significance since Mr Naidu failed to turn up. The reason given was that he was away from Hyderabad his Janmaboomi programme. Sources, however, say Mr Naidu was not too keen on the choice of Mr Alexander for President. A report said that Mr Naidu has agreed to come to capital tomorrow. On the contrary, BJP sources noted that the meeting had been put off indefinitely as Mr Alexander’s name could not be announced in the present circumstances. Being the governor of Maharashtra which is facing political crisis, Mr Alexander had to continue until at least June 13 when the Maharashtra Assembly meets to decide the fate of the Congress-NCP coalition government. If Mr Alexander is named candidate, he has to resign as governor immediately but we don’t want that to happen considering the political crisis, a senior BJP leader said. According to his, the NDA meeting will be held only after this Thursday. The NDA, it may be recalled, has opposed a second term for the incumbent and is none too keen on elevating Mr Kant for president. These sources insist that there is no hurry to announce the NDA candidate as the last date for filing of nominations for Presidential poll is June 25. Where is the hurry? There is plenty of time before we decide on the candidate. We are waiting for the Maharashtra crisis to be over, the sources said adding that Mr Naidu had already stated that he would abide by the choice of Prime Minister Vajpayee in this regard. They maintained that Mr Vajpayee had sounded Mr Naidu out on the choice of Mr Alexander during their meeting on Thursday last. Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh said today that the Opposition was given to understand that Mr Kant would be the consensus choice of the political spectrum. We did not expect this development (of Mr Alexander being the choice of the government). We are opposed to Mr Alexander. Two options According to ruling coalition sources, the NDA has placed before Mr Naidu two options: making Mr Alexander the President and allowing Mr Naidu to have a say on the choice of vice-president including a second term for Mr Kant, and making Mr Kant president and choosing a senior BJP leader like former Rajasthan chief minister B S Shekawat as vice-president, thus, allowing the Opposition to have a say apparently does not figure in the NDA’s scheme of things at present. In a bid to play down the significance of indefinite postponement of NDA meeting, the BJP said today that efforts were on to evolve a consensus on the issue. We are sincerely making all efforts to evolve a consensus on the issue, party spokesman Sunil Shastry said. On the reported differences within the NDA, he said all allies including supporting parties such as TDP and BSP have authorised the prime minister to take a decision in this regard.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Nine killed, eight injured in road mishap
Nine persons were killed and eight injured when a jeep rammed into a tree at Dumar in Bihar's Katihar district on Sunday night, police sources said on Monday. The mishap took place when one of the tyres of the jeep suddenly burst. While seven persons, all travelling in the jeep, died on the spot, two others succumbed to their injuries on way to hospital. All the injured were admitted to Sadar Hospital in Purnea.
Monday, June 10, 2002
The curious case of Srinath
Some would say Javagal Srinath deserved the snub that the selectors gave him by ignoring him for the one-day team to tour England this month. The selectors, for once, cannot be faulted for their harsh decision, though it may appear sad that one of India's finest pacemen had to be dropped as the bowler had made known his intentions of not wanting to play in Tests. There are many theories floating around as to why Srinath, known better for his exploits in the Test arena, chose to make this strange choice? But for a man close to calling it a day and not fit enough to carry on for long, Tests would have been a better option, especially in the friendly surroundings of England. That is what the selectors wanted and that is what India's captain desired. It is believed that Sourav Ganguly tried to persuade Srinath to make himself available for Tests but the paceman did not oblige. He was adamant and when on Sunday Srinath was asked by HT whether he is thinking of changing his mind as the team needs him for Tests, he laughed: "Man I have retired." One does not know whether his decision to quit is final or whether he will change his mind, but for a bowler of his class to bow out so unceremoniously, is sad. It is unfair to the man who was without doubt India's best paceman after Kapil Dev and had played a significant role in quite a few Indian victories. Of late, Srinath had become even better by realising that pitching up the ball helps more than keeping it short. That he was looking tired and even jaded at the end of the series in the West Indies was signal enough that his days at the international level were numbered. One thought he could still be very useful for Tests, leaving the one-day load to his younger and fitter colleagues. Srinath had, even once before, willingly opted out of one-dayers, so it would have been logical for him to do so again. That he chose to defy cricketing logic will remain a mystery, unless the great bowler decides to tell the real story himself.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Govt to consult UTI stake holders on new co
According to senior officials, talks will have to be initiated with the institutions also on the extent of their contributions to the shortfall in the assured return schemes of UTI. THE Government is planning to initiate talks soon with the contributors to the initial capital of Unit Trust of India (UTI) led by Industrial Development Bank of India on their participation in the proposed new sponsoring company for the trust, and also on their share of contribution to the shortfall in all the assured return schemes. With an in-principle decision on the repeal of the UTI Act having been taken, the Government has to finalise the process for putting in place the SEBI-mandated three-tier mechanism for mutual funds. SEBI's mutual fund regulations stipulate that a sponsoring company, a board of trustees and an asset management company (AMC) have to be set up for launching a mutual fund. Once the UTI Act is repealed, this structure has to be in place. The Finance Ministry reckons that the most pragmatic way of doing this is to ensure the involvement of the contributors to the initial capital of the UTI. This includes IDBI, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), State Bank of India (SBI) and Syndicate Bank. The minimum capitalisation requirements of the sponsoring company will not be substantial, with the SEBI regulations putting the figure at Rs 5 crore. According to senior officials, talks will also have to be initiated with these institutions on the extent of their contributions to the shortfalls in the assured return schemes of UTI such as the Monthly Income Plans (MIPs). Although these contributors have taken the stand that they are not liable to bridge the shortfall as they are not the sponsors of UTI, the view within the Government is different. "All these assured return schemes were approved by the representatives of these institutions on the UTI board and they cannot escape from their fiduciary responsibilities," an official said. Two assured return schemes floated by UTI in 1997 are due for redemption by the end of the month. Considering the shortfall of over Rs 1,000 crore in these two schemes alone and the prospects for the other assured return schemes, the Government would pitch in with support along with the other contributors. This could be in the form of either a guarantee to help the trust borrow from banks and institutions or issuance of special securities on the lines of those issued to banks earlier, officials said. Either way, it will figure as a contingent liability for the Government on its books. Once these contributors to the initial capital of Rs 5 crore of UTI participate in the proposed new sponsoring company, they will be liable as sponsors for the assured return schemes. That was why commercial negotiations would have to be called for with these institutions and banks, officials said. The board of directors of these institutions and banks will also have to approve their participation in the proposed sponsoring company. A view within the Government is that they could be allowed to utilise the investor database of UTI for cross-selling their products as a sop. The dominant view within the Finance Ministry and among the members of the Informal Group on the Financial Sector constituted by the Finance Minister is that the UTI Act should be repealed. Carrying out amendments to the Act will mean the residual responsibility falling on the Government again in the event of another crisis in the UTI as two expert committees have pointed out.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Bipasha Basu
"It took me sometime to understand the actress in me." Bipasha Basu has arrived. With loads of fan mail at her doorstep, this sultry seductress of Ajnabee is quite a simpleton at home. No newcomer to stardom, Bipasha feels quite welcome in the industry. When she accidentally began her career as a 17-year-old Ford supermodel, Bipasha never knew that her dreams of a career as chartered accountant were out for a toss. After globe trotting for four years and enjoying every bit of the ramp and ad shows, she leaped into the Hindi film industry. Landing right on her feet, Bipasha is all set to be the best actress. With her next release and her first solo film, the supernatural thriller Raaz slated to hit in February, the Bengali actress shares her views on the masti and magic of movies. By Kavita Awasthi Everyone seems to be talking about your performance in Ajnabee. How does it feel to be accepted as an actress at such an early stage? Wonderful. People have been so nice to me that I am overwhelmed. I feel glad that my work in Ajnabee has been appreciated by my fans and industry folks alike. I was too nervous about the outcome of the film. My fan mail keeps assuring me that people like me as an actress. So this time round I am not a nervous wreck but I do have butterflies in my stomach as this is my first solo release. I have got more than I had bargained for. So tell us about Raaz? Is it a remake of What Lies Beneath? See first of all we Indians can never really copy English films as we have to keep the Indian sentiment and the masses in mind. Raaz is a super natural thriller with little reference to What Lies Beneath. It talks about this couple who is on the threshold of a divorce and goes to their farmhouse for a fresh talk. They feel there is a better chance at reconnecting with each other away from the pressures of the city. But here they come across something supernatural and their lives change. We have incorporated the superstitions tantriks, mantras etc. We have tried to make it interesting rather than spooky. The mystery unravels slowly and it is quite a surprise. There is lot of thrills rather than the irritating scary sounds in usual ghost movies. How was it working with Vikram Bhatt? Vikram made things so easy for both Dino and me that we felt we at home. He never treated us like newcomer. He guides you through a scene and then gives you full liberty to do the scene your way. Of course, if you are too off track he is once again there to bring you back to reality. But I felt that the freedom one felt with him was enormous as no pressure and dedication equals good work according to me. I learnt a lot. I don't know how I would have done Raaz if he weren't the director. Did you want to be an actress always? When I began acting I was in it for the fun of trying out something different. So people the film industry thought that I wasn't interested in acting at all. Actually it was the case in the beginning but once I got the hang of the whole acting bit, I realised this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am glad I became an actress as I was venturing out of modeling anyways. I had gotten a bit tired of living in and out of suitcases for my ramp shows around the world. Though in films too traveling is an occupational hazard, but within limits and it isn't a necessity. I have been really choosy in accepting films as I want to try every thing before I know what I can do best. After a vampish role in Ajnabee, I am doing a supernatural thriller, can I be more varied. What was your first reaction when you learnt that Dino would be playing the hero? I was happy. But actually I already knew Dino would be in the film as I was not the first choice for the film. The producers had casted Lisa Ray but due to some problems that I wasn't aware of, they started looking for another actress. I was hoping they would find someone really nice who would suit Dino on screen. Then Vikram called me as he had seen some parts of Ajnabee and liked me a lot. So he came and gave a full narration of the film. He insisted that I do the film and I agreed because the subject was too good and I was sure the film would turn out well, as I had seen Vikram's earlier films. The whole working together thing worked out well. Dino and I never had problems working with each other as we have done several ads and photo shoots in the past. It was fun to be together for this new adventure in life. Working together helped our performances too as there were few bedroom scenes and it made me think that had there been another co-star I would not be on that comfort level as I am with Dino. What are the other projects you are doing? Lots actually. I have David Dhawan's Chor Machye Shor with Bobby Deol, which is a laugh riot co-starring Shilpa Shetty. Then there's Sanjay Gardi's Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, which is produced by Yashraj films co-starring Uday Chopra and Jimmy Shergill. It's a romantic comedy, a light film actually. I hope both these films should release this year. I am already working on Nehle Pe Dehla with Sanjay Dutt and Ab Kya Hoga with Aftab Shivdasani. There are two more films that I am almost going to sign, but will let you know once I have.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Mahima: Shaadi shopping
Hadn't we just reported how Mahima Chaudhary had just walked out of films like Sarhad and Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and how she was not interested in her career. Well this should explain her indifferent attitude towards her profession. It seems the gal is busy shopping for household items these days. Boyfriend Leander Paes and she have been often spotted hunting for goods that go to make a home. Now, now one wonders if marriage is on the cards soon!
Monday, June 10, 2002
Sunil-Ajay in Qayamat
The mahurat of Harry Baweja's Qayamat was held at Mumbai's Filmcity recently and had Ajay Devgan tied up to a chair as Sunil Shetty clad in an inspector's clothes interrogated him roughly. As soon as the mahurat shot was over Ajay and Sunil began cracking jokes like friends who have just met up with each other after a long time. Besides Ajay and Sunil the film also stars Arbaaz Khan, Sanjay Kapoor, Gracy Singh and Isha Koppikar and has music by Nadeem Shravan. Interestingly, this is the second film Ajay and Sunil are doing together, the first one being Dilwale. Sunil Shetty is also doing Karz -The Burden Of Truth with Harry Baweja co-starring Sunny Deol and Shilpa Shetty in key roles.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Music Review: Devdas
Album : Devdas Music : Ismail Darbar Lyrics : Nusrat Badr, Pt Birju Maharaj & Sameer Vocals: Various Artistes Label: Universal Rating : * * * * By Kavita Awasthi Ismail Darbar has once again weaved magic with Devdas. The best part is that Kavita Subramaniam sings only for Madhuri a new singer Shreya Ghoshal sings for Aishwarya. Shreya has done a good job. Starting with Silsila Ye Chahat Ka a solo sung by Shreya is about a girl pining for her beloved. The song flows effortlessly and proves that Shreya can delvier. Next comes Maar Daala a mujra which is already a hit and reminds us of Pakeezah. The song is splendid with lovely lyrics by Nusrat Badr and melodious voice of Kavita Subramaniam. Bairi Piya a romantic duet sung by Udit Narayan and Shreya eternalizes romance. This song too has been liked by the listeners. Kaahe Chhed Mohe, sung, composed and written by Pt. Birju Maharaj, is a pure classical number and has Madhuri Dixit rendering a few lines too. Kavita Subramaniam sings as and when needed in the song. Chalak Chalak a fun song about drinks and the drunkards. Udit Narayan, Vinod Rathod and Sherya give the needed zest to the song. Hamesha Tumko Chaha sung by Kavita Subramaniam and Udit Narayan is a soft slow song recapturing the depth of Chandramukhi. Woh Chand Jaisi Ladki sung by Udit Narayan is a romantic song where in devdas defines the beauty of Paro. Morey Piya is sung by Jaspinder Narula and Shreya and is more on the classical side. There is a competition song between Chandramukhi and Paro picturised in Dola Re Dola. This one is interesting to listen to. Ismail Darbar has done an admirable job here. A must buy! Poor : Strictly OK : Average : Good : Excellent :
Monday, June 10, 2002
Abhishek Bachchan
I work in every film like it is my first and last film. Abhishek Bachchan has had a string of flops to his discredit and surprisingly he has a string of films to fall back on. The usual guess why is the Bachchan surname, which is the rope he is hanging on to. This time he is banking on Anupam Kher's directorial debut Om Jai Jagadish to bail him out. Playing the youngest brother's role, he has Anil Kapoor and Fardeen Khan co starring in the movie. Abhishek answers the questions without reservations and a rare smile. One only wishes the jinx breaks sooner and this Bachchan emerges a winner. By Kavita Awasthi Tell us about your role in Om Jai Jagadish. My character Ritish is very real, very identifiable. There is nothing heroic about him. He's loud flamboyant. Anupam wanted my character to be very loud extrovert loving caring and having no qualms showing his emotions. That's how he is different from me. Jagadish is truly an Indian man a perfect balance between western influence and Indian culture. It was a pleasure playing the role. How was the experience working with family friend Anupam Kher? He was very fair. Neither stern nor lenient. Anupam knew how to extract a performance out of me. As I had trained under him it wasn't the first time he was directing me. That helped a lot. It was wonderful to work with an actor turned director because he thinks most of the things through an actor's point of view. Anupamji really takes care of his actors. He knows how they feel and how to take care of them. What is your opinion on multistarrers? Working with Vashuji after Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya was like working with family. I don't ask him any questions. Coupled with Anupam uncle who I have seen since my childhood didn't leave any doubts in my mind about doing Om Jai Jagadish. Then Waheedaji was the icing on the cake. I have been a fan of her work. I always hoped and prayed that I get a chance to work with her. This film was made on trust. I don't think footage matters in a film. It is the impact of your role that makes most of the difference. Multistarrers I feel enhance performances primarily because there are so many artistes to learn from and work with. Anil Kapoor, Fardeen and I had a great rapport on the sets. They are quite amazing people, very cooperative understanding. There were scenes where they weren't needed yet they stayed back and helped. In fact Anil would come at 4 o'clock in the morning whilst I was giving a shot, he would say don't do that, give the shot this way. Fardeen too would give cues when he could have simply packed off and gone home. We were like this big huge family. I hope I get a chance to work with them again. How exciting would a family drama be in this day and age of thrillers and supernatural stories? Family dramas are a genre in itself and have been immensely successful in India. The kind of society we have we believe more in big families and it appeals more to the audiences so it is a popular genre in Hindi cinema. There can be lot of situations and trends to cash in vis-a vis the west which doesn't really think much of a joint family. You seem to look quite nice in the movie promos. Who is responsible for the makeover? I think whatever I have looked in the film is due to the hard work of the technicians. I have always maintained that actor's are mere puppets. My director, cinematographer, choreographer all are responsible for the look. I have been quite conscious of the outfits I wear and it has worked for everybody's benefit. You seem to have your kitty full. Have you signed Ramu's film Bhoot too? Yeah it is under consideration. I will let you know when I sign it officially. I have few projects lined up for release, which are Rohan Sippy's Kuch Na Kaho opposite Aishwarya Rai, Sooraj Barjatya's Main Hoon Prem Ki Deewani with Hrithik and Kareena, Boney Kapoor's Dil Ka Chor opposite Kareena. Then A B Corp will be producing Rakesh Mehra's topical drama dealing with India-Pakistan conflict and so will Vipul Shah who will be directing my dad and me. Madhur Bhandarkar's film is an action drama produced by Vashu Bhagnani. Mahesh Manjrekar's Kutumbh with dad again will start next year. The much delayed Shararat will be released in July. Yeah. The film is a good one and so is my role. I play a spoilt brat who gets into trouble, which leads me to being punished for 30 days in an old-age home to serve the seniors there. It is a fun film, which will entertain you. How do you react when your film flops? I feel bad when my films flops. You work so hard and lot of effort and money is involved in a film. I don't think any actor goes to shooting for fun. I work in every film like it is my first and last film. It upsets you when you have lived in that character for so long and then it doesn't reach the desired goal. I have stopped making predictions about my films. I simply leave them to god. You learn from your mistakes and then move on. Luckily I would say the characters I have played to date have been totally different from each other. I think we have to take each step as it comes.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Saroj Khan turns director
Ace choreograhper Saroj Khan turns a director with producer T P Agarwal's next venture. T P Agarwal had earlier produced Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata that met with dismal fate at the box-office. Speaking to the press, the producer said that his next film would be directed by Saroj Khan. "She had confided in me about her plans to direct a film. And I thought that if she planned to turn a director, why not do so with my film. We are yet to decide on the cast and crew of our film," he informed.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Hum Kisise Kum Nahin
Director: David Dhawan Producer: Afzal Khan Music: Anu Malliik Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan and Aishwarya Rai Rating: * * * By Kavita Awasthi David Dhawan is back with his personalized comedy, which no one can match. This time round it is better than the insane stuff he churns out. Could it be that he has a good film Analyze This to copy sorry get inspired from? The Don of the city Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt) runs into Komal (Aishwarya Rai) while chasing his rival Pillai (Ashish Vidyarthi). He falls in love with her and is unable to perform his don duties thereafter. He begins to see everywhere he goes and whatever he does. His sidekicks (Satish Kaushik, Annu Kapoor) are perplexed at the change and take him to Dr. Rastogi (Amitabh Bachchan). Dr. Rastogi tells Munnabhai that he is in love and he should woo the girl. He has no clue that the girl is none other than his own sister Komal. Later Munnabhai learns that she is in love with Raja (Ajay Devgan), who ahs been with Dr. Rastogi since childhood. A war begins between Munnabhai and Raja. When Dr. Rastogi and Komal go to Malyasia for vacations, Munnabhai follows them and then makes them come back to India where he has control over everything. In a battle of wits and who marries Komal, a bullet meant for Raja hits her. Munnabhai then realsies his folly and backs off. A David Dhawan film can’t be without gags and laughs but he seems restrained this time, not to be taken, as he is subtle but at least better than the inanities he did in his earlier films. The pace of the film slows down at times. Songs by Anu Maliik are good, specially O Sapno Ke Saudagar Ik Sapna De De and Ye Kya Ho Raha Hain. O Sapno Ke Saudagar ash been choreographed well and ash has done a wonderful job. Sanjay Dutt steals the show and captures you attention throughout the film. Amitabh Bachchan is quite good in comic scenes. Ajay Devgan has a small role comparatively and is just about ok in the film. Aishwarya Rai looks stunning and has managed to do a good job. Hum Kisise Kum Nahin is an enjoyable film giving you wholesome entertainment with songs, dances, gags and lots of laughs. Poor : * Strictly OK : * * Average : * * * Good : * * * * Excellent : * * * * *
Monday, June 10, 2002
Ab Ke Baras
Director: Raj Kanwar Producer: Raj Kanwar Music: Anu Malik Cast: Introducing: Arya Babbar, Amrita Rao, Ashutosh Rana, Danny Rating: * * By Kavita Awasthi Once again we have a film based on reincarnation. Like lots of films made on the same theme namely- Karz or Karan Arjun, Ab Ke Baras fails to evoke any emotion let aside being a hit. Anjali (Amrita Rao) who stays abroad starts dreaming of her lover from previous birth, soon after her engagement. When she can't handle the pain and the trauma of the cries in the dream she decides to go to India in search of him. But her parents stop her so she has to run. When she lands in Anjali is stopped yet again by her uncle DGP Baksh (Danny). She manages to trick him and flee once again. This time she meets Karan (Arya Babbar) a small time thief. Due to unforeseen circumstances they both keep ending up together. Karan laughs at Anjali's theory of re-birth but can't help falling in love her soon enough. But when Karan is hunted by some goons and shot, Anjali remembers her past. In the previous birth Anjali was Nandini and Karan was Abhay, a freedom fighter. Police officer Tejeshwar Singhal (Ashutosh Rana) wants to arrest Abhay for the British but is unable to do so. He wins his trust by lies and murders him. Nandini too dies after vowing to be back in the next birth. When Karan sees Singhal he too remembers everything. Now DGP Baksh (Danny Denzongpa) help the lovers to unite and destroy the enemy. Raj Kanwar doesn't give anything we haven't seen before. The usual drama, emotions, romance and songs. Even the narrative of the reincarnation is not different. The film fails to leave a mark. Arya Babbar is just above average and needs to work up on his acting, body language, and dressing sense. He dances well. Amrita Rao is more impressive and delivers well. Ab Ke Baras is as predictable as rains in June. Poor : * Strictly OK : * * Average : * * * Good : * * * * Excellent : * * * * *
Monday, June 10, 2002
Review: Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam
Producer: KC Bokadia Director: KS Adiyaman Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, Alok Nath, Aruna Irani and Aishwarya Rai Rating: * * By Parag Maniar Hum Tumhare Sanam tells the story of possessive husband Gopal (Shahrukh Khan) who does not take his wife Radha's (Madhuri Dixit) friendship with her childhood mate Suraj (Salman Khan) lightly. He even casts aspersions on her character, leaving her no choice but to gulp down sleeping tablets. There was no other way to prove her 'pativrataness' you see. Of course all is well and end's well! Gopal and Radha reunite while Suraj finds his mate in beloved (Aishwarya). In the making for five years, the glitches and tackiness is more than apparent. The storytelling pace is extremely lethargic and outdated. The story fails to justify Shahrukh Khan's overly suspicious nature. Even musically though it boasts of six music directors it fails to leave any kind of memory with the viewer. Amongst the cast it burns one heart to see the pretty Aishwarya Rai wasted in pathetic role. Madhuri attempts to put life into her character but sadly she looks inconsistent throughout. Her character has not been sketched well at all. Salman Khan goes through his part mechanically. To only saving grace to this cliched story is Shahrukh Khan. It is a delight to see him the comic scenes. But time he turns serious giving sermons on the husband wife relationship, you wish to he wouldn't have to do all this. Poor : * Strictly OK : * * Average : * * * Good : * * * * Excellent : * * * * *
Monday, June 10, 2002
23rd March 1931: Shaheed
23rd March 1931: Shaheed Director: Guddu Dhanoa Producer: Sunny Super Sound Music: Anand Raaj Anand Cast: Bobby Deol, Sunny Deol, Amrita Singh, Aishwarya Rai, Rahul Dev Rating: * * By Sharon Fernandes And the saga continues The Bhagat Singh mania that gripped the industry now reaches the peak. Two industry heavy weights are finally subject to the best critic the discerning public. Amongst fire, fanfare and controversy the Bobby and Sunny Deol movie is obviously a sentimental journey for the Jat family and the regional connection has helped in creating the ambience in terms of the son of Punjab who made India proud. In true Bollywood ishtyle the movie is loud and furthers the Gadar formula that incites patriotism. Making the Bhagat Singh role topical to today’s times though is what is called going just a tad too far! Bobby Deol in the role of Bhagat Singh has his moments though they definitely show a strain on the star’s reticent acting skills. Sunny Deol in Chandrashekar Azad’s shows the veteran actor in the role he best fits. The music is heart warming and one brilliant move made by director Guddu Danoa would be roping in Aishwarya Rai to play the girl forsaken by Bhagat Singh providing relief to the unfolding of the historic script. The treatment of the script shows the research and efforts in acquiring the pre Independence environment. Special mention goes to Sukhdev (Rahul Dev) who matures well as an actor with every role he takes. Amrita Singh in the role of Bhagat Singh’s mother portrays the emotional edge of a mother- son relationship well. The rest of the cast of freedom fighters somehow just fade into oblivion considering their roles consists of being beaten up mercilessly by the convincing order barking firangis in the movie. Suresh Oberoi as a jailor who sees both sides of the coin is true to his acting experience, sincere to his role. Bollywood though would learn well when it comes to historical movies arm twisting with the facts should be kept to bare minimum. An overdose of the freedom fighter’s life will not be well received by movie goers who would appreciate a choice of different fare on their platter.. The ones to suffer though would be the smaller productions under the glare of the mega tussle. Though bigwigs of the media world had their favorites the movie now subject to public scrutiny will definitely trump a final verdict putting an end to media speculation that have preceded the movies. Poor : * Strictly OK : * * Average : * * * Good : * * * * Excellent : * * * * *
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Musharraf pledge a step forward, says Jaswant
AFP NEW DELHI: Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh on Saturday talked with US Secretary of State Colin Powell over the phone and described Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's pledge to end infiltration as "a step forward in the right direction." A foreign ministry statement said Powell had called Singh to discuss the India-Pakistan situation. "Jaswant Singh informed Colin Powell that India welcomes the pledge that President General Pervez Musharraf has given to US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, about immediately and permanently ending cross-border infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir. Its implementation on the ground will be carefully assessed, whereafter, as Prime Minister Vajpayee has already stated, India will respond appropriately and positively. An irreversible end to infiltration requires that the infrastructure of support to cross-border terrorism within Pakistan and Pakistan-occuppied Kashmir be also dismantled. India's commitment to lasting peace remains undiluted," ," the statement said. Armitage, who ended a visit to India and Pakistan on Friday, said the tensions between the South Asian nuclear-armed rivals had eased a bit and both country's leaders were intent on avoiding war. US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who is due in the region next week, is expected to push home any advantages the rough-riding, troubleshooting Armitage managed to wring out during his South Asian blitz.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Security beefed up at Kolkata airport
PTI KOLKATA: Strict security measures have been imposed at the NSC Bose International airport here following a red alert message from New Delhi about a possible ISI-backed attack in the metropolis, CISF sources said on Saturday. Vigilance has been stepped up and more security force personnel deployed to guard planes in the aprons and vital installations in and outside the operational areas of the airport. The Bureau of Civil Aviation security has instructed the officers of different organisations, including the airlines operating at the airport, to be more watchful and CISF men and other concerned officers were already on patrol duty, the sources said. The passengers and visitors were thoroughly being checked at all airport gates and terminal buildings.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Sri Lankan PM arrives on four-day visit
PTI CHENNAI: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived here on Saturday evening amidst tight security en route to Bangalore on a four-day visit to India. He was received at the Meenambakkam International Airport by senior state government officials. The Sri Lankan leader would leave for Bangalore later on Saturday. Reaching Delhi on June 10, Wickremesinghe is scheduled to meet President K R Narayanan, Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
India says use of UAV routine
NEW DELHI: India on Saturday said it had lost an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over Pakistani territory and that use of such vehicles was routine. The Defence Ministry issued a statement saying the UAV, which was on a routine flight near the Indo-Pak border, lost contact with the ground control around 2300 hours. "It is believed to have fallen down within 20 km south-south west of Lahore," the statement said, adding "in the current state of deployment of the armed forces, the use of UAVs by either side is a routine feature". The Pakistan Defence Ministry in a statement had earlier said the "Indian aerial vehicle was on a reconnaissance and spying mission when it violated the Pakistan air space close to Lahore". Pakistan Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said, "penetration of the Indian plane into our airspace can only enhance the dangers existing in the presence of forces on both sides of the Line of Control." Sattar added, "in a situation like this, responsible states must exercise utmost care to ensure that no provocations are made which might lead to escalation."
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Three civilians killed in Pak firing
PTI JAMMU: Three civilians, including two women, were killed and seven injured in unabated shelling and firing by Pakistani troops from across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu division since Friday, official sources said on Saturday. Two persons, including a woman, were killed and another woman was injured when Pakistani troops targetted Sagara village in Balnoi-Mendhar area with mortar bombs last night, the sources said. Three others received splinter injuries in Pakistani shelling in the same village, they said. A woman was injured and a house damaged in shelling in adjoining Jandrola village. Pakistani troops also targetted Goni, Dubraj, Dharana and Balakote villages with shells forcing Indian troops to retaliate causing heavy damage on the other side, they said. A woman was killed and four others were injured when Pakistani troops targetted Pindi village in Arnia sector from across the IB this morning, the sources said. A house was also damaged in the firing. Exchange of mortar shelling and heavy firing between the two sides was also reported from Mangalnar, Pathrar, Bhawani and Noushera areas of Rajouri district and Swajian, Gagrian and Poonch town in Poonch district since last evening, they said. Intermittent exchange of light arms firing took place at 49 places along the IB in Jammu and Kathua districts during the last 24 hours, they added.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Indo-Pak confederation possible: Advani
PTI NEW DELHI: Home Minister L K Advani has said if East and West Germany could unite, there was no reason why India and Pakistan could not form a confederation of their own free will after resolving all problems through dialogue and not by violence or terrorism. "If East and West Germany could unite despite acrimonious political relations, why not India and Pakistan? There may be difficulties, but it is not impossible. "A day will come when the people of both countries will realise that partition has done no good to them," Advani said on Saturday after launching a monthly journal, South Asia Politics, here. "The most important thing to move towards a confederation is that all disputes and problems between India and Pakistan be resolved only through dialogue and not by violence or terrorism", the home minister said. Referring to an assessment of the US Administration about existence of a possibility of "revolutionary change" in Indo- Pak relations during the Lahore bus trip by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said this could not happen "as the then Pakistan army chief (Pervez Musharraf) had other things in mind which led to the Kargil war". In Agra too, Musharraf described terrorists as "freedom fighters". But now, the world community had accepted the reality about cross-border terrorism and asked Pakistan to "act in accordance with the promises (to contain terrorism) it has made", Advani said.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
India confirms plane lost over Pakistan
India confirmed Saturday it had lost an unmanned plane over Pakistani territory. "An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a routine flight lost contact at about 2300 hours (1730 GMT) on June 7 (Friday)," a defence ministry spokesman told AFP. "It had fallen about 20 kilometres inside Pakistan territory and in the present state of deployment, the use of such UAVs by either side is a routine feature." Pakistan said it had shot down the "spy plane" over its territory.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
BG to invest additional $500 mn in India (1130 hrs)
The British Gas Group has proposed to invest an additional $500 million in India, minister for petroleum and natural Gas, Ram Naik said in London. "British Gas has already made long term investment of $500 million in India. They propose to invest an additional $500 million and I am very optimistic about it," Naik told reporters yesterday evening. Naik, who was here to promote the third round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP-III) said the response for the Road Show was "qualitative and impressive." Some of the major stake holders in India's upstream petroleum sector, namely British Gas Group and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Cairn Energy also made presentations during the Road Show about their experiences and vision of India's petroleum sector, especially the upstream sector, the minister said. He said in all 53 leading British companies participated in the Road Show. Bids on the third round close on August 28, 2002.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Srinath ignored, Patel in team for Tests
Javagal Srinath was not considered, so the 15-member squad selected here on Saturday for the one-day tri-series in England didn't have any surprises. However, it wasn't as if the afternoon was without surprises. In fact, there were two. First, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) general-secretary Niranjan Shah announced a 16-member Test squad as well. The second: Gujarat wicket-keeper batsman and junior World Cup skipper Parthiv Patel found a place in that list. Apart from Shah, the selection committee meeting was attended by chairman Chandu Borde, Madan Lal from North Zone, Shivlal Yadav from South Zone, Sanjay Jagdale from Central Zone, Ashok Malhotra from East Zone and skipper Sourav Ganguly. The announcement of the squad for the Tests, which follows the tri-series, so early on was done at Ganguly's behest. Srinath, who had announced retirement from Tests was not considered for the One-dayers, Shah said. For the Test squad, Patel replaces Deep Dasgupta. Shah added that Sanjay Bangar, who retained his place, would be considered for the opener's slot apart from regular openers S S Das and Wasim Jaffer. The lone change in the ODI squad was the return of Anil Kumble, in place of Murali Kartik. Rahul Dravid, who kept wickets in the West Indies, was also a candidate behind the stumps for the England tour, according to the Board secretary. 'All-rounder' Ajit Agarkar finds a place in both the Test and ODI squads. TEAMS For one-dayers: Sourav Ganguly (capt), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Mongia, Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman, Ajay Ratra, Zaheer Khan, Ajit Agarkar, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Tinu Yohannan. For Tests: Sourav Ganguly (capt), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, SS Das, Wasim Jaffer, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar, Tinu Yohannan, Ajay Ratra, Sanjay Bangar, Parthiv Patel.
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Alexander in, contest for President certain
NEW DELHI: The race for Rashtrapati Bhawan is wide open. The NDA is understood to have decided on Maharashtra Governor P C Alexander as its candidate. The NDA will announce support to Alexander on Sunday, NDA sources said. Alexander is expected to resign from his post the same day. An indication that consensus is unlikely was available late on Saturday afternoon when the NDA abruptly postponed a meeting to finalise its candidate. Late on Saturday night Prime Minister Vajpayee summoned Chandrababu Naidu for a meeting on Sunday. The Congress has already made it clear that if the NDA insists on Alexander, it will contest the presidential elections. Congress president Sonia Gandhi held consultations with her party colleagues on Saturday on the party’s strategy. CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury claimed that with the combined opposition commanding more votes than the NDA constituents, the contest was wide open. CPM sources said regardless of political affiliations, efforts should still be made for a consensus candidate who commands respect across political spectrum "Even a BJP candidate could fit the bill," the sources added. Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh said, "The NDA is indulging in politics of confrontation. We are prepared for it (contest)."
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Tensions are down, says Armitage
TALLINN, ESTONIA, JUNE, 8. The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, today said that ``tensions were down measurably'' between the nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan, but the crisis over Kashmir was not yet over. ``When you have close to a million men glaring, shouting, and occasionally shooting across a territory that is a matter of some dispute, then I think you couldn't say the crisis is over, but I think you can say that the tensions are down measurably,'' Mr. Armitage told reporters before meeting the U.S. Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld. Mr. Armitage was speaking on his arrival in the Estonian capital Tallinn after holding talks in Pakistan and India. Reuters
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Indian 7 year old earns Microsoft certificate
Reuters The seven-year-old son of an Indian diplomat in the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip has been awarded a Microsoft certificate which is so advanced that some US universities require that their students earn it to graduate. Anudeep Bhaskar obtained a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certificate after passing the Microsoft Office 2000 Word exam in May by scoring 891 points, surpassing the required 770. Bhaskar and his family moved to Gaza Strip shortly before Palestinians began an uprising against Israeli occupation in September, 2000. The Israeli army has responded to Palestinian attacks with air strikes on Gaza. "Israeli bombardments used to cut off electricity and I had to wait for hours and when electricity came back my work on the screen would have vanished and I had to redo it," said Bhaskar. In a letter to the second-grade student, an official from the MOUS programme said Bhaskar was "one of very few, gifted young people in his age group that reached this level."
Sunday, June 9, 2002
Indian Navy needs just four hrs to go to war
Indian Navy is fully prepared for any eventuality and needs just four hours in the event of a conflict, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Madhvendra Singh today said. ''We only need four hours,'' said Admiral Singh who was the chief guest at the passing out parade of the Indian Military Academy here. The Navy was fully prepared against attacks on Mumbai and Kandla ports, he said adding that the oil pipelines in Gujarat were well guarded. Last week, Pakistani naval chief Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza had warned that the Kandla harbour and Kathiawar, the major supply line for Indian ground forces deployed on the country's western borders with Pakistan, would be the major targets of its forces. Admiral Singh declined comment on reports of India buying an aircraft carrier from Britain. According to British media reports, India was looking at Britain's HMS Invincible that would come with sea harrier fighter jets. HMS Invincible is due to be taken out of British Navy in 2006. Admiral Singh said the navy has already moved two ships from the eastern coast to the western coast and if neccerary more ships would be moved from eastern coast. The Navy would start making an air defence ship at the Cochin dockyard next year, he said and added that it would take eight years for completion. UNI
Saturday, June 8, 2002
Pak says it shot down Indian spy plane
Islamabad, June 8 Pakistan claimed to have shot down a pilotless spy plane which strayed into its airspace, according to an official statement released in Islamabad early Saturday. The Indian plane was "on mission of... espionage" and was shot down at 2300 local time (1700 GMT) on Friday close to the town of Lahore, a statement from the public relations service of the Pakistan Airforce said. According to the statement, the aircraft violated Pakistani airspace, and interceptors were immediately launched to shoot it down. The plane fell close to the village to Rajah Jang (south of Lahore), the statement said.
Saturday, June 8, 2002
US sees significant drop in Kashmir infiltrations
Washington, June 8 The United States said it had seen a significant decline in incursions by Islamist guerrillas into Kashmir, but could not yet certify they had halted completely. "We have growing indications that infiltration across the Line of Control is down significantly," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher. "We can't, at this point, say that this change has been done on a permanent basis. That's what (Pakistani) President (Pervez) Musharraf has promised; that's what we're looking for. "We continue to look at all possible information on what's going on, and that is our, sort of, snapshot assessment of where things stand at the moment." Boucher declined to say where Washington had come by its information, but said it will make its own assessments on the situation in Kashmir Once the incursions have halted permanently, Washington will be looking for concessions from India, to lower regional tensions, he said. "With an end to infiltration across the line. We'll be looking for reciprocating steps by the Indian government. "We look forward to India taking these kinds of steps at the appropriate time."
Saturday, June 8, 2002
Make action evident, U.S. tells Musharraf
WASHINGTON The United States continues to maintain that the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, must stop terrorist infiltration across the Line of Control in Kashmir on a "permanent basis,'' and when this becomes clear, Washington will look to India to reciprocate. "...the goal that affects the relationship and the situation in Kashmir is to stop infiltration across the LoC on a permanent basis. And as that becomes clear, as that becomes evident, we look to the Indians to reciprocate,'' the U.S. State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, said. The United States was talking to Gen. Musharraf on how to make the checking of terrorist infiltration effective, Mr. Boucher said. "He (Musharraf) has made clear repeatedly that there won't be any support from Pakistani-controlled territory for terrorist activity. And so what we're talking to him about is how to make that effective, and in some ways how to make that evident to all of us that that kind of activity has ceased.'' With the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, having finished his talks in Pakistan and on his way to India, the Bush administration said the situation in the subcontinent was still very tense, although somewhat better. "... the situation does remain very tense, but there are elements of progress, some marginal progress, that can be recorded,'' Mr. Boucher said, defending the Department's travel warnings and advisories on India and Pakistan. "On the one hand, you have a very tense situation that means that we strongly urge our own people and other Americans to depart; at the same time, we are in there, Deputy Secretary Armitage is in there, trying to make it better.'' The Bush administration is not responding to queries on the subject of joint patrolling along the LoC. There have been media reports of the administration here leaning towards some kind of a U.S.-British helicopter force monitoring the LoC. "I don't really have anything to say at this moment,'' Mr. Boucher said. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Richard Myers, has been quoted in Brussels as saying that to his knowledge, there is no American intention of offering the use of American troops to monitor the LoC. Also, in what seems to be routine planning, the American military has drawn up plans to reposition its troops operating in and around Pakistan, in the event of a war in South Asia. reports: The U.S. intelligence agencies have picked up information indicating that the Al-Qaeda terrorists are planning to assassinate Gen. Musharraf. An intelligence report from Southwest Asia, which has not been confirmed, stated that the activists of the terror outfit, Al-Qaeda, were trying to conduct the assassination to precipitate the conflict between Pakistan and India, The Washington Times reported today. ``The Al-Qaeda views a conflict as good for the organisation. The war would make it harder for Pakistan to cooperate with the U.S. military and intelligence forces now searching for Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan and Pak.'' On the outfit's efforts to exploit the Indo-Pak. standoff, the U.S. Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, said ``it would be, you know, most unfortunate if someone saw it in their interest to create incidents on either side of the LoC or the border in the hope that those incidents would be judged to be by the other party and thereby incite people to activities they would otherwise avoid.''
Saturday, June 8, 2002
China 'provided' Pak with missile technology
Saturday, June 8, 2002 (Washington): As the tense standoff between India and Pakistan continues, a senior US official has revealed that China "recently" provided Islamabad with missile-related technical assistance. "China has recently provided Pakistan with missile related technologies which include dual-use missile-related items, raw materials and other accessories essential for missile manufacturing," Assistant Secretary of State for Non-proliferation, John S Wolf has revealed in his prepared testimony before the Senate Governmental Affairs Subcommittee. Wolf, however, declined to reveal how "recent" the technological transfer took place. "In November 2000, China committed not to assist, in any way, any country in the development of missile technology," he said. Wolf pointed out that in September 2001, the US imposed missile sanctions on Chinese and Pakistani entities for their involvement in the transfer of MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) Annex Category II items that contributed to Pakistan's MTCR Annex-listed ballistic missile programme. Voicing concern over "gaps and loopholes" in Chinese export control, he said, "If China's policy is as it describes -- opposition to proliferation--then it needs to put the tools in place and use them effectively."
Saturday, June 8, 2002
Five killed, 16 injured in shelling along LoC
Five people were killed and 16 injured in continuing exchange of artillery, mortar and small-arms fire along the Line of Control and international border between Indian and Pakistani troops since Thursday evening, official sources said on Friday. Three civilians were killed and seven injured when Pakistani troops targeted Jhallas area of Poonch district with mortar fire on Friday morning, the sources said, adding victims of Pakistani shelling have been identified as Chander Prakash, Abdul Hamid and Puran Chand. Another civilian, Shabir Ahmed, was injured and many cattle killed in shelling in Jhallas area on Thursday evening, they said. Gulpur Khari-Karmara, Digwar, Kerni and Malti areas of Poonch also came under fire on Thursday, they said. In retaliatory action, some vehicles were damaged opposite Khari-Karmara, the sources said. Another civilian, Mohammad Qasim, was killed and two were injured in Manakote area of Poonch district due to Pakistani shelling, they said, adding another civilian Mohammad Shamim was injured in Balnoi area of the district. An army soldier was killed and three injured in shelling from across the border in Keri area of Rajouri district, according to defence ministry spokesman, Col H S Oberoi. Two women, Shakuntla Devi and Shakti Devi, were injured and a house was damaged in Garkhal area of Akhnoor sector, he said.
Saturday, June 8, 2002
Indian team selection today
A 15-member Indian team for the triangular one-day series in England later this month will be selected here on Saturday. Apart from the five selectors, Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is also expected to be present during the meeting to be held at the Eden Gardens on Saturday morning. The triangular series, involving host England, Sri Lanka and India, to be played in England from June 27 to July 13, will be a real test for the Indian side which won the last one-day series against the West Indies 2-1 recently. Besides the triangular series, the Indian team will also play a four-Test series against England in the later part of the 83-day tour. The Indian team is expected to leave for England on June 8. The two injured players, wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra and medium pacer Ashish Nehra, will be available for selection. Batting mainstay Sachin Tendulkar, down with a shoulder injury and leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who suffered a fracture in his jaw and now on way to recovery, should also be available for selection. According to sources, the five selectors will retain most of the players who did duty for India in the West Indies. It will also be interesting to note whether the selectors would again ask Rahul Dravid to don the gloves. The Indian captain is favourably inclined to have his deputy behind the stumps. The meeting, originally scheduled to be held in Mumbai, was shifted to Kolkata as the BCCI president, Jagmohan Dalmiya, wanted to meet the five selectors before they sit down to decide the composition of the side.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
PM calls for joint Indo-Pak patrolling
ALMATY, June 5 REJECTING as impractical Pakistan’s suggestion for monitoring of the Line of Control by international observers, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today instead proposed joint patrolling by Indian and Pakistani forces to check infiltration of militants into Jammu and Kashmir. We had earlier agreed to joint patrolling and the proposal can be considered afresh. It can be accepted, Mr Vajpayee told reporters winding up his four-day visit to Kazakhstan where he attended a 16-nation security summit. Asked if India would agree to verification by a third party like the United States as suggested by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Mr Vajpayee said this was impractical and there is no need for it. If Pakistan decides against encouraging infiltration, we are ready for a joint-patrolling mechanism, he added. Asserting that infiltration was taking place even now, Mr Vajpayee ruled out de-escalation and resumption of talks till there was correct verification of an end to cross-border terrorism and dismantling of terrorist camps in Pakistan. This, he said, was necessary to create a conducive atmosphere for resumption of dialogue. If Musharraf’s promises to stop cross-border terrorism and infiltration are translated on the ground, we are ready to take further steps towards de-escalation of tensions, he said. Refuting Pakistan’s claim that infiltration and cross-border terrorism had ended, Mr Vajpayee said, We have information that infiltration is on and terrorist camps are functioning across the border. As per one assessment, over 3,000 terrorists are active in these camps. The incidents which were happening even during the CICA summit clearly disprove Pakistan’s claim that terrorist violence has stopped, he said. International support On the issue of joint patrolling to prevent cross-border terrorism, he said, India has got tremendous international support unlike on any other issue in the past. Mr Vajpayee said India was never opposed to a dialogue with Pakistan; but first infiltration must end and terrorist camps there must be dismantled. We had to deploy troops along the border to stop infiltration. If Pakistan keeps its word and the situation on the ground is verified, then we can take steps towards de-escalation, he said. Asked if India’s proposal on joint patrolling could be construed as succumbing to world pressure, he said, International pressure is part of the process. If we can achieve our objectives through this, we will be happy. We think that Pakistan is under its own public pressure also. However, he asserted that international pressure did not mean India was showing any weakness. Mr Vajpayee, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin last night, said his bilateral talks with them were highly fruitful. He had discussed the situation in South Asia with them and both the leaders had strongly opposed terorrism in all its forms, he added. Hinting at the possibility of economic sanctions against Pakistan by international community, Mr Vajpayee said, There is also a thinking that economic and financial aid to Pakistan be stopped. Those countries which have been helping Pakistan economically are now ready to consider this. Asked if the situation along the border was war-like, he said, The war-like situation can be changed and avenues for economic cooperation opened.... But if the situation does not improve, India has its options and India has the capacity to bear any eventuality. To a question on India’s demand that Pakistan should hand over 20 terrorists and criminals, Mr Vajpayee said, Let them not only consider it but also act on it.... We have heard that they (Pakistan) have a list of persons wanted by them (who are living in India). As per our understanding, such a list should not exist. However, we are ready to consider any list if they give it to us.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Narayanan may not opt for second term
With the return of the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, to the capital this evening, the politics of presidential poll is likely to gain momentum. The Election Commission is scheduled to notify the time-table for the presidential poll early next week. Meanwhile, the President, K. R. Narayanan, is reported to be on the verge of making himself unavailable for a second term, after it became clear that a victory might elude him even if he allowed himself to be persuaded to take the unusual step of entering the electoral fray. The requisite bi-partisan support that an incumbent President should have in a re-election bid has failed to materialise. Apart from the uncertainty, a contest means seeking a mandate against the ruling party. No President has done that, though Zail Singh, R. Venkataraman, and Shanker Dayal Sharma were all keen on a second term. An unlikely success would pit Mr. Narayanan against Mr. Vajpayee, thereby creating a distracting constitutional tension. The National Democratic Alliance has already informed Mr. Narayanan, through Mr. Vajpayee, that the ruling combine wants to stick to the convention of "no second term" for anyone in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Though Mr. Vajpayee has incurred the charge of gracelessness, at least the ruling party has not left any room for political ambiguity. The thinking within the Congress, too, is veering around to the view that Mr. Narayanan has left it too late in coming to a decision on whether he would be a candidate for re-election. Even now, there is no definite announcement or indication on whether the "open mind'' means "availability.'' The thinking within the Congress is that it would be better off cutting its losses and that it should throw its weight behind the Vice-President, Krishna Kant. At least the Congress can insist that if the NDA does not want to depart from the convention that no sitting President should seek a second term, it should follow the other convention of elevating the Vice-President to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Except G. S. Pathak, B. D. Jatti and Hidayatullah, all the Vice-Presidents have moved up. Even the Left appears to have lost its ardour for Mr. Narayanan. The Left's enthusiasm for the President can be traced to a die-hard opposition to two probable NDA candidates P. C. Alexander and Abdul Kalam. But the Left is also aware of the numbers in the presidential electoral college, as also of the unreliability of the Samajwadi Party. The recent utterances of an SP leader against Mr. Narayanan have not been taken kindly by the President's well-wishers. The dignity and prestige of the Rashtrapati Bhavan cannot be mortgaged to the likes and dislikes of such leaders, many felt. It would be better for Mr. Narayanan to leave on a dignified note rather than seek the support and indulgence of small-time leaders.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
India hitches a bus ride to the Internet
People in rural India will soon be able to access the Internet when a bus passes near their home, New Scientist reports in next Saturday's issue. Buses are being fitted out with a Rs-4500 wireless transceiver -- based on the "wi-fi" broadband networks used by laptops -- which is hooked up to an Internet Service Provider by radio. The next step is to modify software on village computers so that they automatically switch to "connected" mode whenever a passing bus is within range. The PostNet project, a joint venture between the Indian government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), initially aims to give farmers access to agricultural news and weather forecasts at least twice a day, the British weekly says.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
VSNL focus now on end-users
VSNL, a Tata group company, may go in for strategic investments in various telecom companies, across basic and cellular operations, to capture customers. The company’s business strategy involves getting access to end consumers, whose volumes will ultimately help VSNL negotiate the most competitive rates with outbound and inbound international carriers, and with NLD operators. The company now expects to enhance its direct customer contact which was hitherto non-existing. A long distance international service provider, VSNL already has an ISP license and a national long distance license. But to survive competitively in these businesses, it needs to be able to quote a substantial customer base. A senior Tata group executive explained that with a host of service providers expected to become operational in the next few years, getting the finest rates from bulk service providers would require access to a strong customer base. The official said VSNL would be open to taking a strategic stake in the access providers--basic and cellular--if only to confirm a captive customer base. However, no firm decision has been taken till now and the company will examine options as they come along. The proposed strategic investment --which may extend to full acquisitions--will enable VSNL to provide end-to-end connectivity for national and international calls. As an international telecommunication service provider, VSNL does not have direct access to the end customer. In fact, it does not know who its consumer is, and simultaneously, the consumer does not know who is the carrier carrying his calls, the official explained. VSNL enjoyed monopoly as an ILD provider till March 2002. However, the government threw the sector open to private companies resulting in severe competition. The VSNL management is of the opinion that unless it has access to its customer, it will not be able to provide competitive price with other vendors. The revenue pie of VSNL is expected to shrink as it will not have pricing flexibility. VSNL is not in a position to fix the tariff independently of the rate that it pays to the international carrier, to the domestic access and the NLD providers. The access providers (BSNL and MTNL) continue to keep a part of the total customer revenue. According to the divestment norms, BSNL and MTNL are expected to send their outgoing traffic through VSNL for the next two years as long as VSNL’s service is competitive. If VSNL fails to provide a competitive price, it risks losing this bilh traffic.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Ganguly vows to persuade Srinath
Mumbai June 5. Sourav Ganguly vowed that he would urge Javagal Srinath to withdraw his decision to retire from Test cricket. Looking very fit and confident, Ganguly, who was unanimously retained as captain for the forthcoming England tour, said on Wednesday: "I will definitely talk to Srinath, he remains India's best fast bowler. Decisions do change and there are chances of his comeback.'' Srinath declared in Bangalore a few days ago that henceforth he will play only `objective' cricket and that the selectors can consider him for limited over internationals. Srinath's determination to remain in one part of the international scene is driven by strong World Cup ambitions. One could detect Ganguly's hope not to be beaten by a long shot. By the tone of his expression, it is clear that he will make a forceful pitch for Srinath's inclusion in the 15-member team for the NatWest Trophy tri-series. Once he achieves the first objective of getting Srinath he was not picked by the selectors for the five match series in the West Indies in the team for the tri-series, Ganguly will have time in England to coax and talk Srinath out of retirement. Whether Ganguly succeeds in persuading Srinath depends largely on whether Srinath will have the enthusiasm to stay fit for a match that can last 30 hours and more over a period of five days. Speaking to the media after a long haul from Trinidad to Mumbai he made his position clear about the option of picking a specialist stumper for the NatWest series and his improvement as captain in the last two months in the West Indies. Ganguly has set long-term plans for his deputy Rahul Dravid, which according to reports, the latter is happy with. Ganguly wants Dravid to concentrate on wicketkeeping, a job that will help India find the balance in choosing the team for the World Cup and also provide a solution, though short- term, in finding a batsman-wicketkeeper. But Ganguly also asserted that there would be a specialist wicketkeeper who will be part of the team for the NatWest series. "Rahul has done a fantastic job for the team. He's been very good behind the stumps. He would have got used to keeping wickets as we approach the World Cup. But we must have a specialist `keeper as well in the squad. I am very clear on that. A good player will adjust anywhere and Sachin Tendulkar has proved that.'' When asked if his development as captain was seen in the West Indies he said: "I try and give my best every time I take the field. I am still learning. I have made mistakes. But I will not be found wanting on effort. I will always strive for it,'' said Ganguly, adding that, the players know that there's not much time before the start of the tour of England. "They (players) are mentally prepared for it.''
Thursday, June 6, 2002
India plans war within two weeks: Report
The military is seeking final authorisation to attack terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the middle of this month, reports the Independent. Military sources told the British paper that the planned campaign would be similar to the US attack in Afghanistan, in which air strikes would be followed by ground assaults by special forces transported by helicopter. Military officers expect that the conflict would last about a week before pressure from America and other powers forced a ceasefire. "Smart bombs and other advanced ordnance are reported to have been loaded on to French-made Mirage 2000H and Russian-built MiG-27 aircraft at bases in northern and western India," the report said. Senior Indian officials, however, are confident that a war would not boil over into a nuclear exchange. "Our intention is not to have an all-out war. It would be a limited action," an official said. Another officer told the paper that there was only the "slimmest chance" of nuclear weapons being used. "We will call Pakistan's nuclear bluff," he said. It (the nuclear factor) cannot deter us any more." Officers hinted that the air force was poised to execute a strategy developed over several years to strike at 50 to 75 militant bases and a handful of other targets in PoK. Targets will include a bridge across the Karakoram highway connecting China to the region and at least three others linking PoK to the rest of the country. The military expect major casualties as the helicopters cross four lines of Pakistani air defences equipped with advanced radar, the paper said.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Indian ensures smooth sailing for world's richest
Pune, June 5 When the "most exclusive" ship in the world went a-sailing with 100 of the world's richest couples, it was an Indian firm that ensured that everything went off without a hitch. The luxury liner, christened "The World", has embarked on a two-year voyage around the globe, docking at exotic locales and social and cultural do's. The tycoons, royalty and senior executives on board who have bought apartments on this "residential ship" at a cool price of $2.25 million or rented them at $2,100 a day step out of their luxurious "resorts" only to attend really important events. Like the Cannes film festival, the Grand Prix at Monte Carlo or the British Open. Every need on the ship - be it ordering an aspirin or maintaining the elaborate machinery - has been catered to by marine engineer Milind Phadke and his Mumbai-based company Plan Main Quality Consultants. Phadke and his team of engineers have produced the tailor-made software for integrating the various systems that run this huge enterprise. The software keeps track of the condition of the machinery, inventory, stocktaking, expenditure and the accounting system. An ordinary ship has four to five operators to collect and process data. But as Phadke explained to : "On this liner everything is computerised. Even if you want to order an aspirin you do it by using the computer system. That's the kind of data that has to go in and be integrated with different systems. "The ship authorities have to keep track whether it is a chargeable use which will earn them revenue or something that is just to keep the ship running." Though the software has to do a lot of complicated work, it has to be simple and user-friendly at the same time. "The liner has diverse users. So the integration and training has to cater on one hand to a very skilled PC user and on the other hand an unskilled one, say, a nurse," Phadke said. Phadke's firm bagged the contract after a Norwegian client recommended them. The work took them almost a year compared to the three-odd months needed for their usual jobs for ordinary ships. It also involved doing things they had never done before - like shovelling snow when part of the team was stationed in freezing Norway, working from there in tandem with the Mumbai office. There were still more deterrents. With multiple contractors involved in the project, Phadke's team had to make sense of information coming in different languages like Italian and German. They managed fine most of the time, thanks to a Pune-based translation bureau. The only time that ploy didn't work was when they received documents in Norwegian. They couldn't find anyone who knew the language fluently. So the papers had to be sent back all the way to Norway. "Fortunately, we didn't have any showstoppers along the way," said a thankful Phadke.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Will the best Bhagat Singh win?
Mumbai, June 6 One film on Indian independence hero Bhagat Singh is already out with disastrous results; two others release Friday amid a media war between their crew. The poor response to "Shaheed-e-Azam" that released May 31 is not encouraging for the hyped historic films on Bhagat Singh. In one Ajay Devgan plays Singh and in another it is Bobby Deol who takes the honours. Both the Deols and Tips, producers of "23 March 1931 Shaheed" and "The Legend Of Bhagat Singh" respectively, are ploughing ahead in their belief that theirs is the authentic version of the fiery freedom fighter's life. The question is: Would enough people be interested in re-living the anguished rebellion of Bhagat Singh's fight to liberate India from British rule? Will either film rake in enough moolah to become a profitable venture? No, say film trade experts. Industry sources in Mumbai say in the battle between the two Bhagat Singhs, only one can be a winner. Unlike earlier tussles between titans that release on the same day -- like Anil Sharma's "Gadar - Ek Prem Katha" and Ashutosh Gowariker's "Lagaan" in 2001 or Raj Kumar Santoshi's "Ghayal" and Indra Kumar's "Dil" a decade ago, the two Bhagat Singh flicks are about the same character and identical events from his life. Strangely, Sunny Deol always seems to be a part of ferocious skirmishes at the box-office - he was in both "Ghayal" and "Gadar" that competed against the Aamir Khan starrers. The only clash in which Sunny got the better of a Khan is when his "Indian" and Shah Rukh Khan's "Asoka" released last year. As for comparisons, "The Legend..." has a musical edge with A.R Rahman's songs displaying a definite superiority over Anand Raj Anand's score for Guddu Dhanoa's "...Shaheed." On the other hand, Dhanoa's film has more star value with Sunny and his brother Bobby, while Santoshi's bio-pic only has Ajay Devgan. Dhanoa's film has Sunny playing Bhagat Singh's ally and freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad, a role played by little-known though talented Akhilendra Mishra in Santoshi's film. The Deols have also roped in Aishwarya Rai -- her third release in three weeks -- to play Bhagat Singh's ladylove -- a role played by newcomer Amrita Rao, who debuted opposite Arya Babbar last month, in Santoshi's epic. Though Santoshi's film has excellent performers, the line-up in Dhanoa's film is more impressive. It also has appearances from yesteryear stars like Amrita Singh, who made her debut in "Betaab" with Sunny. She is making a comeback two decades later in "...Shaheed" as Bhagat Singh's mother. Exhibitors say the two Bhagat Singhs would be like "Lagaan" and "Gadar". Santoshi's film is subtle like "Lagaan", and Dhanoa's film flamboyant like "Gadar". While media attention is focused on the Bhagat Singhs, a film from veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra's production house might have the last laugh. Yash Raj Films' "Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai" also releases Friday and is the antithesis of the heavy patriotic films hitting the marquee along with it. It is the perfect foil for the historical spice this week and is a romantic comedy inspired by Hollywood hit "My Best Friend's Wedding". Sources say the chances are that most people would watch only one Bhagat Singh depending on their preference of the filmmaker and stars and "Mere Yaar..." could just turn up winner due to the spill over.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
India not to engage in talks with Pak in third country
At the end of a day of acrimonious exchanges between them, India made it abundantly clear on Tuesday that it would not engage in talks with Pakistan in a third country after President Pervez Musharraf claimed that Russia was inviting him and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Moscow for negotiations. "There is no question of meeting Musharraf in Moscow or any other place", National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra told reporters here after Musharraf had claimed that he had accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to go to Moscow for talks with Vajpayee, who was also being invited there. Reacting to Musharraf's claim, Mishra said that Vajpayee could meet the Pakistani leader in India or in Pakistan provided cross-border terrorism ended and Musharraf's promises in this regard were implemented on the ground. He rejected Pakistan's demand for third party mediation. Both Vajpayee and Musharraf separately met Putin earlier in the day after which the Russian leader expressed the hope that neither country would use force in their ongoing stand off. India as well as Pakistan were "sending positive signals" about resolving their conflict peacefully, Putin said. The Indo-Pak stand off overshadowed the 16-nation regional security summit here which witnessed the two countries blaming each other for the current tension in the sub-continent. The summit ended with a declaration against terrorism.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
No visible indications of Pak measures to stop terrorism: Army
Though radio intercepts indicate that Pakistan has asked terrorists to stop their activities for one to two months, Army on Tuesday said there were no markers on the ground to suggest any de-escalation in cross-border terrorism. There is no let up in the artillery and mortar shelling all along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir and an estimated three to four thousand mercenaries are still massed in camps close to the LoC, highly placed Army officials said. Large bands of terrorists including Al-Qaeda and Taliban elements have been moved to launching pads at Gultari across Drass sector, Lippa valley facing Tangdhar, on the outskirts of PoK capital Muzzaffarabad, Alibad near Haji Pir Pass, Kotli, Bhimbar Gali and in Zafarwal area facing the International Border opposite Samba town. Pakistan military high command, officials quoting radio intercepts said, had also instructed the closure of radio stations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, run by various Pakistani mercenary outfits like Jaish, Lashkar and Harkat-ul Mujahideen to indicate that terrorist communication lines had been silenced. However, other intercepts, officials said spoke of Pakistan intelligence agencies assuring the terrorists in the Valley that money flow would continue and that more terrorists would swell their ranks.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Blackout drill in Jammu city
Sirens wailed, Air Force choppers raced across the sky and the entire Jammu city plunged into darkness as a blackout drill was carried out tonight for a possible war with Pakistan. The blackout lasted for an hour from 2030 hours as the streets of the town were emptied of people and vehicular traffic and shops closed and people scurried to nearest trenches for shelter fearing air raids from across the border. Three to four Air Force helicopters flew across the city several times as part of the war-time exercise. Normalcy was restored after 2130 hours after an all-clear siren.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Congress kicks off J&K election campaign
Election rallies have begun in Jammu and Kashmir with the Congress party kicking off its political campaign on Tuesday. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in September. Ghulam Nabi Azad, president of the Congress Party in J&K, launched the party's election campaign at a low-key rally in the border town of Uri. Azad began with the politics of peace by criticising the government for its war rhetoric. He reiterated the Congress stand that issues with Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue and not war. Azad's speech focused on his two political opponents - the BJP at the centre and the National Conference in the state. "Some people here are fed up with militancy, some are fed up with the army and some are fed up with the government," said Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress leader in charge of the party in J&K. The Congress influence has seen a steady decline in Jammu and Kashmir. In 1967, the party won 61 seats and 53 per cent of the vote share. By 1996, Congress was reduced to just seven seats in the 87-member assembly and got only 20 per cent of the vote share. "In a country where the Prime Minister says one thing in Kashmir, a second in Jammu, a third thing in Delhi, a fourth in Pakistan and a fifth in America, such a Prime Minister and party cannot protect its borders," Azad said at the Congress party's first pre-election rally in the Kashmir Valley. A recent survey conducted in Jammu and Kashmir has indicated that a majority of the people in the Valley want elections to be held. The Congress hopes to cash-in on such sentiments and regain its lost ground in the state.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Vajpayee expresses concern over terrorism
Expressing concern over growth of terrorism, Prime Minister Vajpayee today said that India was willing to talk with Pakistan if a "conducive atmosphere" was created. Speaking at a press conference on the conclusion of his four-day visit to Almaty, Vajpayee made several indirect references to the Indo-Pak dispute. He said that terrorism was being supported in the name of freedom struggle. He made a special mention of the Almaty Act, which forbids support to terrorism in the name of any separatist movement and said it was "one step forward in the fight against terrorism." The Act approved by the CICA "condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and any support or acceptance of it and the failure to condemn it directly. The Act identifies separatism as one of the main threats and challenges to security and stability" in the region, Vajpayee added. "Member states will not support any separatist movement on the territory of another member state," it says. Vajpayee also brought up the issue of cross-border terrorism and referred to the support that India has gained from other nations at the Almaty conference. The Prime Minister once again reiterated that cross-border terrorism must end to create an environment for talks. "For a conducive atmosphere, terrorism must end," Vajpayee said. He said terrorism has become a crucial international issue and has affected all nations in the region. Terrorism has been recognised as a challenge to humanity and consequently has to be fought by all nations.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
India, Pak resume LoC shelling
Indian and Pakistani soldiers unleashed fresh artillery and gunfire in Kashmir Tuesday, a day after eight civilians were killed by shelling, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. The cross-border firing persisted even as leaders of the nuclear-armed rivals attended a Central Asian summit on security in Almaty, Kazakhstan, that some hope could turn into a forum to coax them off a war footing. Pakistani artillery fire killed at least two dozen cattle and damaged a house in India's Jammu region on Tuesday, said an Indian army spokesman, Capt. Anshu, who uses just one name. The United States, Russia, Britain and Japan have been trying to pull India and Pakistan away from the brink of a fourth war since the South Asian neighbours achieved independence from Britain in 1947. Two of the previous three wars were fought over Kashmir. India and Pakistan have massed a million troops along the frontier. New Delhi blames a December 13 attack on the Indian parliament on Pakistan-based Islamic groups, a charge Pakistan denies. On May 14, suspected Islamic militants attacked an army camp on the outskirts of Jammu, killing 34 people, mostly wives and children of Indian soldiers. (AP)
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Tensions between India, Pak 'worrying': Annan
Describing tensions between India and Pakistan as 'worrying', United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday stressed that the effort at conflict prevention must be not merely to postpone violence for a few weeks or months, but to build the foundation of sustainable peace. "I'm working very closely with other world leaders to try and help de-escalate the situation," Annan, who is currently visiting Moscow, said. Annan said he expected the efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin would 'help reduce tensions (between India and Pakistan) and save us from any further escalation'. He added he was in touch with both Vajpayee and Musharraf. Meanwhile, in a message delivered at the Asian Security Summit in Almaty, Annan also called for development of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, which includes a 'vigorous response' as also steps to address the issues poverty, economic inequality and political exclusion. "I am thinking of in particular the need to ensure sustained and long-term economic and economic assistance to Afghanistan as it emerges from years of anarchy and instability," he said.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
McDonalds issues apology to Hindus
The international fast food giant McDonalds has issued an official apology to Hindus. In a statement which appeared on its website on June 1, McDonalds said that it was ready to donate $10 million to Hindus and other groups to settle lawsuits filed against the chain for mislabelling French fries and hash browns as vegetarian. Acknowledging mistakes made in communicating information to its customers about the ingredients used in hash browns and fries, McDonalds says, "We regret, we did not provide the customers with complete information. We sincerely apologize for any hardship that these miscommunications have caused among Hindus, vegetarians and others". McDonald's was sued last year in Seattle by three vegetarians, including two Hindus, for labelling their French fries vegetarian when the oil used for frying contained animal fat.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Deshmukh gets 10 days to prove govt’s majority
An unexpected rebellion within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) coupled with withdrawal of support by eight legislators today reduced the Congress-led Democratic Front (DF) Government of Maharashtra to a minority and was asked by Governor P C Alexander to prove its majority within 10 days. The rebellious NCP legislators met the governor and submitted letters withdrawing their support to the DF Government. These MLAs were Narayan Pawar, Shivaji Naik and Narsingh Gurunath, while the fourth one, Vinay Khore, faxed his letter to Raj Bhavan. The revolt in the NCP was so sudden, it has shocked the NCP and the Congress and may prove to be the last nail in its coffin. independents inducted: In a day of fast paced developments, the DF, with its back to the wall, moved with a breakneck speed and inducted three independents into the Cabinet to shore up its strength, giving an impression that it had been able to avert the impending collapse of the government. However, cracks within the fragile coalition were shown by evening when the four NCP legislators delivered the shock. An independent Hitendra Thakur too withdrew his support. With this, the government has now the support of 140 legislators in the house of 288 members, five short of simple majority. On the other hand, the BJP-Shiv Sena Opposition's number swelled from 133 to 141, close to the magic figure. Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and NCP's deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal had a meeting with the governor in the evening, during which they questioned the validity of the withdrawal of support by four NCP legislators. Mr Deshmukh told the governor that he would prove his majority within 10 days.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Japan tells Pakistan to stop infiltration
Japan on Tuesday told Pakistan to prevent infiltration across the Line of Control and carrying out terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. This was conveyed to Pakistan when Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi spoke over telephone to her Pakistani counterpart Abdul Sattar, who is in Almaty attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, Kyodo news agency reported. Kawaguchi, expressing concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, said Tokyo would continue to call on India to seek diplomatic solution to the situation and to resume dialogue with Pakistan.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Tatas to sell VSNL stake in Intelsat and Immarsat
Even as the controversy over Videsh Sanchar Nigam’s (VSNL) decision to invest Rs 1,200 crore in Tata Teleservices continues, that was not the only significant decision taken at the controversial board meeting on May 28. Documents available with The Indian Express show that the Tatas plan to cash in on two important international investments of VSNL by selling the equity held in Inmarsat and Intelsat. As per the agenda for the board meeting, VSNL plans to divest 75% of its holding in Intelsat and 100% of its holding in Inmarsat when these two companies go public in the near future. Under Agenda items 5 and 6 (B3 and B4), it sought authorisation from the board to give power of attorney to Intelsat to sell 75 per cent of VSNL’s holding at a floor price of $21 a share. It also sought an authorisation to have its entire stake in Inmarsat sold at a floor price of $11 a share through a similar power of attorney. According to insiders, offloading these two investments is expected to fetch over Rs 1,200 crore for VSNL. Speaking to The Indian Express Kishore Chaukar, a Tata director said that it is not possible to say how much VSNL would receive from the sale of Intelsat and Inmarsat shares at the moment. He said that while the two blocks of shares had been offered for sale, the extent of shares sold would be decided by the investment bankers to the respective IPOs at the time of placement. If several stakeholders around the world offered their stakes for sale then the extent of sale would be decided on a pro rata basis by the investment bankers, he said. As to the reasons for divestment, Chaukar said the proposal had come from the VSNL management because they felt that there was no strategic value in being a shareholder of the two consortia and it would be better to encash their investment during the respective IPOs. Inmarsat is the world’s largest commercial satellite communications services provider founded in 1979. Its constellation of communications satellites (Intelsats) provide international broadcast services. It transformed itself into a private company in April 1999 and then planned to raise funds through an IPO that has been postponed twice due to the depressed telecom market. VSNL is a founding member of Inmarsat and holds a 2.02 per cent stake in the company. Intelsat’s network of 21 satellites offer telephony, corporate network, Internet and broadcast services worldwide via these satellites to over 200 countries. It was founded in 1964 and has over 145 members and was privatised in July 2001. VSNL holds a 5.4 per cent stake in the company and its managing director S K Gupta is on the international board of Intelsat Ltd. Intelsat plans to raise $500 million through a US IPO. It filed its document at the end of April and hopes to place the shares at $21 to $28 during the issue which is imminent. The floor price fixed by the VSNL board is the lower level of this price expectation. Intelsat’s shareholders such as VSNL have been allowed to offer their shares for sale during the IPO.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
India must act like a super power: Armitage
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage on Monday pledged to bring reason and logic to bear in his peace mission to India and Pakistan, but warned that the horrific prospect of nuclear war in the region could not be ruled out. Armitage, who leaves for the region on Tuesday, said he hoped to hear Pakistan's president Pervez Musharraf had halted incursions by Islamic terrorists into Kashmir _ a key demand of New Delhi. But, as fears linger that a conflict between India and Pakistan could degenerate into the world's first nuclear exchange, he made clear he expected assurances from India as well, warning that it must accept the responsibility of being in the 'superpower club.' Armitage, a physically imposing former US naval officer, is scheduled to have talks in Pakistan and India on Thursday and Friday, in the latest stage of an accelerating international drive to head off war in South Asia. Pressing home the US case, Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke at the weekend to Musharraf, while Armitage consulted British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who was in South Asia last week, aides said. The latest US engagement came as Russian president Vladimir Putin was set to apply his diplomatic credentials to the crisis at a regional summit in Kazakhstan, attended by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Musharraf. "I think the United States, joined by our international parties, right now joined by president Putin in Almaty, is trying to do our best to bring reason and logic to bear on what's a very difficult situation," Armitage said in a CNN interview. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said that the administration appreciated Putin's efforts, which are seen by many as a bid by the Russian leader to reestablish Russia's credentials as a major global player. Armitage, who will be followed to the region later this month by US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, praised Musharraf's weekend statement that no sane individual could think about starting nuclear war, and such an eventuality should not be up for discussion." Officials from the United States and its Western allies appear to believe that India and Pakistan have not thought through the consequences of the nuclear weapons they acquired after atomic tests in 1998. They say that they are concerned that the world's first nuclear exchange in the region could be triggered by accident, or because either side believes it could survive a 'limited' nuclear war. Armitage also revealed his likely message to India. "From the Indian leadership, I would hope to hear that they have not quite run out of patience. There's a great responsibility that comes with being in the superpower club," he said in a later appearance on CNN International. "India is about to join the world on that superpower stage, and I hope she can restrain herself and act very responsibly." A crackdown on militants by Musharraf is key to US plans to navigate a face-saving way out of the crisis, and if it is proved to be taking place, India will face US pressure to provide a concession to Pakistan.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Prices of Petrol, diesel go up
Prices of Petrol, diesel go up DH News Service NEW DELHI, June 3 Public sector oil companies today effected an increase in the consumer prices of petrol and diesel by around Rs 2.50 and Rs 1.50 per litre respectively to mitigate the impact of nearly $5 a barrel hike in global crude oil prices since the presentation of the General Budget 2002-2003 on February 28 this year. The revised retail prices of petrol and diesel would be effective from midnight tonight. Duty adjustment Significantly, the government also announced a scheme based on adjustment in excise duty on petrol and diesel to deal with the phenomenon of price volatility in the international oil market. Making these announcements at a crowded press conference here, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik said petrol in Delhi would now cost Rs 28.94 per litre as against the prevailing Rs 26.54, while in Chennai it would be Rs 31.05 as against the existing Rs 28.49 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol will now cost Rs 33.47 per litre as against the present Rs 30.78 and in Kolkata it will be Rs 29.39 as against the existing price of Rs 26.99 per litre. In case of diesel, in Delhi it will now cost Rs 17.99 per litre as against Rs 16.59 recording a hike of Rs 1.40. In Mumbai, it will now cost Rs 22.85 per litre as against the existing Rs 21.10 registering a hike of Rs 1.75 per litre. In Kolkata, diesel will now cost Rs 18.38 per litre as against the existing Rs 16.97, while in Chennai it will now cost Rs 19.63 as against existing Rs 18.10. Mr Naik said the increase of around Rs 2.50 and Rs 1.50 per litre in selling prices of petrol and diesel respectively would apply in states having sales tax of 25 per cent on petrol and 20 per cent on diesel. In places where sales tax rates are different the increase would be lower or higher depending on the sales tax rates. Mr Naik said the hike in the consumer prices of petrol and diesel had been effected along with a corresponding reduction in excise duty on die-sel from the existing 16 per cent to 14 per cent and on petrol from the existing 32 per cent to 30 per cent. At a meeting of the Petroleum Ministry with the oil companies the scheme of duty adjustment was conveyed to them. The oil companies in turn informed the government that after factoring in the impact of the duty reductions, the revised prices of petrol and diesel would be brought into effect from midnight tonight, Mr Naik said. The new scheme based on duty adjustment to handle the price volatility in the international oil market was finalised after a series of meetings between him and Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha. Mr Naik said the new mechanism to handle oil market volatilities from now onwards would be automatic and the oil companies had agreed that they would make further adjustments-upward or downward-on fortnightly basis with the international oil prices. With this the domestic prices of retail petroleum products in the country would get aligned with the international prices, in line with the practice obtaining in other deregulated economies, he said. The excise duty rates would be reviewed every quarter in the light of international oil prices, retail selling prices of petrol and diesel, their impact on the domestic market and other economic factors. Next review After considering all these aspects an appropriate duty adjustment would be made, if required, he said and indicated the next review would fall due in September this year. In case there is excessive volatility in the international oil market such a review could be held earlier. This mechanism would ensure protection to the domestic consumers from the international oil market price volatilities, he said.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Shimla pact only solution to J&K: US
PTI [ TUESDAY, JUNE 04, 2002 1:51:33 AM ] WASHINGTON: Virtually ruling out any intervention on Kashmir issue, the US has said that it was a "bilateral issue" involving India and Pakistan and could only be solved as per the Shimla Agreement. "Under the Shimla accord of 1972, both India and Pakistan determined that the question of Kashmir was a bilateral issue, so if it is to be solved, it will be solved bilaterally," Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said in an interview to CNN. Commenting on the US's role in resolving the Kashmir issue while "taking a side", Armitage said, "I guess it is theoretically possible but it is difficult." However, he said it could be solved with the assistance and encouragement of the international community, including the US and the UK.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Six Pak soldiers killed in retaliatory fire
UNI & Six Pakistani soldiers were killed and several of their bunkers destroyed in retaliatory artillery fire by Indian troops along the LoC in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district today. Four civilians sustained shrapnel injuries in Pakistani mortar fire on the Serian village in the Jhangar area of Nowshera sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district. A report said from Srinagar Shakeel Ahmed Wani, a member of Doordarshan camera team, was injured in the Pakistani shelling in Kupwara sector in North Kashmir today, information received by the local Doordarshan said. FIDAYEEN CHIEF KILLED: Meanwhile, a Pakistan-based fidayeen commander of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad was among four people killed while ultras set afire 13 houses in the Kashmir valley during the past 24 hours. The slain militant, carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on his head, was also the commander of the JeM fidayeen group.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
India's parameters for de-escalation
Top security planners here maintained that deescalation of armed forces from the border would be "risky'' unless Pakistan demonstrated in a concrete fashion that it was ending support to terrorism. Having been "deceived'' twice by Islamabad's assurances once after the December 13 attack on Parliament and then by the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf's address on January 12 New Delhi would be keen on evaluating certain parameters over a period of time before it was convinced of Pakistan's intentions. "On our part, we can't take the risk of withdrawing from the border unless there is some sign of a permanent change of policy by Pakistan,'' reiterated senior Defence Ministry officials. The parameters which will form the initial basis for any analysis include the level of violence, magnitude of communication traffic between terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and their mentors across the Line of Control, trend of supplies in terms of food and ammunition, pace of hawala transactions and the intensity of firing from the Pakistani side which usually picks up during infiltration bids. These have to be analysed over at least four weeks before firm indicators become available. The sources said communications intercepts have indicated that at a recent ISI-convened meeting, the various `tanzeems' were asked to stop infiltration for the "time being''. The Pakistani 10 corps commander was also instructed to stop abetting cross-border incursions. "But as yet there is no evidence of these instructions having been complied with,'' said Government sources. It was pointed out that India would have to be extremely cautious while surmising the trends post-December 13 and especially after January 12 because a slight lull was reported in the following months as compared to the same period last year. However, the data available with security forces shows that Pakistan had again reactivated its support for terrorists in May. In fact according to most indicators, May 2002 proved much hotter for the security forces compared to the same month last year. Terrorist incursions, stand-off firing, IED blasts and grenade explosions increased significantly. Although some `over-run' could be expected even after Pakistan totally stopped supporting the terrorists, Ministry officials felt the next logical step after India was convinced of its action should be the posting of observers along the LoC to ascertain the ground situation first-hand. "The U.S. and Britain could monitor Pakistan's actions,'' they suggested, while making it clear that any decision of this type would have to come from the political executive. `No use of nuclear arms' Meanwhile, in an attempt to address international concerns, India today emphatically ruled out use of nuclear weapons against Pakistan. "The Government makes it clear that India does not believe in the use of nuclear weapons. Neither does it visualise that it will be used by any other country,'' said a Defence Ministry statement. Reacting to media reports about the possible use of nuclear weapons in the context of the current India-Pakistan stand off, the Government said India is a responsible nation and "it feels it will be imprudent to use such weapons''.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Parrikar sworn in
The BJP legislature party leader, Manohar Parrikar, was today sworn-in the new Chief Minister of a BJP-led coalition Government in Goa. The Governor, Mohammed Fazal, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Parrikar and his 12 Cabinet colleagues at the Raj Bhavan. All the four members of the MGP-UGDP combine and an independent were among those inducted in the Ministry. The technocrat-turned politician took oath of Chief Ministership for the second consecutive time.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Vajpayee addresses CICA summit in Almaty
Prime Minister Vajpayee is addressing Asian leaders at the Almaty security conference. In the past 24 hours, there have been signals from Indian leaders indicating a softening of the rhetoric which has dominated world headlines for several weeks. Later in the day, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is scheduled to meet the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese Prime Minister Jiang Zemin. Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is also attending the 16-nation Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) at the Kazakh capital. Both India and Pakistan will see the summit as a gauge of temperatures on both sides of the border. Although the possibility of talks between the Indian and Pakistani leadership appears remote, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Jiang Zemin will be meeting both Vajpayee and Musharraf separately. Putin said he hopes to try and get both sides to meet, even if it is just an informal meeting. "I think all sane persons would believe that we should as a mature nation - both nations, should sit together and talk about our differences," says senior Pakistani journalist Absar Alam of the Nation. Meanwhile, India has been putting more diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and has said there is no question of resuming talks until there is a visible change on the ground. While Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah reiterating India's point of view said: "Regardless of what other countries' opinions are, India's very clear that we're not meeting Musharraf here (Almaty)."
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Musharraf ready to meet Vajpayee
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Monday said he was prepared 'unconditionally' to hold talks on the Kashmir issue with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during a regional summit on security in Kazakhstan's economic capital Almaty. "I don't have any conditions (for a meeting). You need to ask this question to Vajpayee," Musharraf told a news conference after a meeting with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbaev. Questioned on the prospects of avoiding war between the two countries, Musharraf replied: "I will do my utmost. I hope I will be successful. They say you can't clap with one hand, you clap with two hands, but the second has to be equally supportive in avoiding war. That is how we will succeed in avoiding war." The Pakistani leader said Nazarbaev had told him he had been unable to obtain an assurance from (Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari) Vajpayee during a separate meeting that the Indian premier would agree to speak to him. On the prospects for Russian mediation, Musharraf said President Vladimir Putin was 'in a very important position to play a definitive role in mediation between India and Pakistan'. Later, in an interview on Russian RTR television, Musharraf said the Indian refusal to hold direct talks was preventing progress in resolving the issue. "As far as I am concerned, the main problem is the obstinacy and the reluctance of the Indian leadership to join with us in a process of dialogue," he said. He stressed that the use of nuclear weapons was not an option. "Nuclear war in the present age is unthinkable. No sane personality would even discuss that," he said. "I believe that India and Pakistan ought to be sensible enough and responsible enough to prevent or avoid a nuclear conflict," he said. Musharraf and Vajpayee are in Almaty to attend a one-day Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building measures in Asia.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Advani fails to turn up for screening of Shaheed
The Union Home Minister, Lal Kishenchand Advani, cancelled his appearance at the screening of 23rd March 1931 - Shaheed, leading to the dropping of the film's screening in Delhi on Monday evening. According to home ministry sources, the minister had to attend to 'something important that cropped up at the last minute'. Several Members of Parliament and eminent personalities had been invited to attend the special show. But political observers feel that the home minister decided to not attend the screening as producers of the other films on Bhagat Singh would also insist on Advani seeing their films. "Besides the home minister was told that the relatives of Bhagat Singh had expressed their displeasure against the manner in which his personality had been portrayed [in the film]," a source close to Advani said. "This probably led to a change of mind and hence the show was cancelled," he said. While one film on Bhagat Singh has already been released, the other four, including 23rd March 1931- Shaheed produced by Dharmendra is likely to be released on June 7. Meanwhile, a Delhi-based NGO Article 51: A Forum, which has questioned the authenticity of the film, has decided to hold demonstrations in the capital during the release of the film to protest the 'distortion of history'. "We would hold the demonstrations either a day before the release on the film or on June 7 [when the film would be released]," Ravinder Kumar, president of the forum, told rediff.com.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Govt to bail out UTI with its assured schemes
The support of the Government again to UTI was finally considered to be the best solution in the larger interests of lakhs of unitholders and investors, according to officials. This may also be palatable politically. THE Government has decided to provide support to the Unit Trust of India (UTI), along with the contributors to the initial capital of the mutual fund, to help it bridge the shortfall arising in the assured returns schemes. An in-principle decision to support the beleaguered Trust was taken at a meeting to review the restructuring of the UTI last weekend, according to officials. A decision to repeal the UTI Act in the monsoon session of Parliament has also been firmed up by the Government. The meeting was chaired by the Finance Minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha, and attended by the senior officials in the Ministry. The inputs provided by members of the Informal Advisory group for the Financial Sector who attended the meeting last week will also be used in the restructuring exercise. The Finance Ministry's proposal envisages the Government also contributing along with the initial contributors to the capital of the Trust to meet the likely shortfall in its assured return schemes. These include the Monthly Income Plans (MIPs) and the Institutional Investors Special Unit Scheme (IISUS 97'). The support of the Government again to UTI was finally considered to be the best solution in the larger interests of lakhs of unit holders and investors, according to officials. This may also be palatable politically. When the UTI first approached the Government this year for support, it met with a cold response from the Finance Ministry. The Ministry took the view then that the onus of determining the sponsors of UTI and their liability should be on SEBI. The regulator is yet to give its judgement on this issue. The rethink now comes in the background of the approaching deadline of June 30 for the redemption to two assured return schemes. The estimated shortfall for these two schemes alone is stated to be over Rs 750 crore. The corpus of the Development Reserve Fund (DRF), which is the guarantor of these schemes, aggregates over Rs 900 crore, a good portion of which is not liquid. The contributors to UTI's capital of Rs 5 crore include Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) to whom the Reserve Bank of India had divested its holding in 1976, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), State Bank of India and Syndicate Bank. The proportion in which each of them and the Government will contribute to any shortfall in the assured return schemes is to be decided shortly. The UTI Chairman, Mr M. Damodaran, had said in an interview last month that based on current prices (May 2002) the hole in UTI's balance sheet would be Rs 7,500 crore. A meeting will be convened shortly involving these institutions and banks to work out the arrangements and to firm up their role in the new sponsoring company to be put in place once the UTI Act is repealed. All the initial contributors to the UTI's capital will be given an opportunity to be part of the new sponsor company along with a few other players. These institutions and the banks are likely to be provided some sops in the form of access to the huge investor database of UTI. The rethinking on the issue of coming to the support of UTI yet again may well have been prompted by the fact that the Government could have been the receiving end, especially from the investors. Besides this, the Government had to take into account the resistance shown by IDBI and some other contributors to bridging the shortfall. IDBI had obtained a legal opinion that it was not the original sponsor of the UTI and was not liable to make good any shortfall in the schemes. Section 3 of the UTI Act also says that the Trust will be established by the Central Government while SEBI's mutual fund regulations say that the sponsor is the one who establishes the Fund.
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
War clouds spread gloom over tourism sector
AS India and Pakistan indulge in threats and counter-threats, loose talk on exercising the nuclear option continues and the armies on both sides of the border remain on high alert, one of the casualties is the travel and tourism business. There clearly seems to be a season of uncertainty in the sector as some hotels, travel companies and airlines experience a drop in demand. While airlines are being used extensively to fly out of the subcontinent, especially after several Western nations have issued travel advisories to their diplomatic corps and citizens, it is the inbound traffic that is losing out. Says Mr Harkirpal Singh, chief representative of the Travel Agents Association of India, "It's not only foreign nationals who are avoiding travel to India, even NRI travellers are drying up." But, on the other hand, a European airline operating daily flights out of Delhi has not felt the heat. "The passenger loads both into and out from India are excellent for this time of the year. For the next week-to-10 days the airline is reporting a passenger load of between 75 and 80 per cent for flights coming to India," said its spokesman. However, the fears of an impending war seem to have affected plans of some airline crew. Hotel sources said that at least one Far East-based international airline has decided against its flight crew spending the night in Delhi. The fact that it is a low season for inbound traffic seems to be the silver lining among the war clouds. But, as Mr Pradip Madhavji, Chairman, Thomas Cook, points out, "Business travel will be affected no doubt as the fear of holding national or international level meetings will be there." In fact, this may be the case as some hotels in the Capital admit to serious fall-out of the war mongering. A spokesperson for Le Meridien, situated in the heart of the city, has reported "massive cancellations," while ITC Maurya Sheraton has to still take stock. "We have instructed all our hotels to take stock and report back in the next day or two on the cancellation which they may be receiving. A clear picture will emerge only then. But no major cancellations have been noticed as yet," said its spokesperson. But it is the holiday season for domestic travellers and some tour companies feel that though the impact of the war clouds are not felt acutely in southern and western India (unlike Gujarat that had a large impact on tourism out of western India), the northern parts of the country are experiencing an anxiety about travel. Tourists are postponing travel or altering plans. "There is definitely fear in the minds of people and business is affected depending on the news circulated, the pendulum keeps shifting from one side to the other. While in actual terms cancellations may be marginal, the more serious problem is that new clients are holding out. In my rough estimation in the month of May- June, we have done at least 20 per cent less business," says Mr Om Prakash, Director of the business and leisure company, Orbit.But will current tensions have an impact on the inbound tourism trade in the peak winter season? Will it lead to foreign tourists cancelling or postponing their Christmas or New Year sojourns? Hospitality industry majors feel it is too early to comment. "For now, overseas travellers seem to be adopting a wait and watch strategy. It will be perhaps a month or so before a clearer picture emerges. Hopefully by then one will know whether the war clouds have blown over or not," says a senior hotel industry official.
Monday, June 3, 2002
India will use nuclear weapons if Pakistan does: Defence official
AFP New Delhi India will retaliate with nuclear weapons if Pakistan uses its atomic arsenal, and both countries must be prepared for "mutual destruction," the country's seniormost defence ministry bureaucrat was quoted as saying in a magazine interview on Sunday. Defence Secretary Yogendra Narain in an interview with the Outlook news weekly also hinted that India's nuclear weapons were in place for use without delay. Narain's warning came a day after Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf dismissed as "absolutely baseless" charges that Pakistan had moved nuclear missiles to the border. "Pakistan is not a democratic country and we do not know their nuclear threshold. We will retaliate and must be prepared for mutual destruction on both sides," Narain said. The defence secretary said India had "factored" in the possibility of a war with its neighbour turning nuclear. He argued that it was difficult to fathom the assurances of General Musharraf, who siezed power in a military coup in October 1999. After testing five nuclear devices in May 1998, India put a moratorium on further tests and said its stockpile was built on the policy of minimum credible deterrence and that it would follow a no-first-use rule. Pakistan conducted rival tests the same month. Narain said India's command-and-control system, the nuclear button, was in place. "Everything is finalised. It is in the hands of the civilian government and we don't expect any delay in issuing orders." India's missile capabilities match Pakistan's, but New Delhi has numerical superiority over its South Asian rival in terms of ballistic missiles and stockpiled nuclear warheads, according to experts.
Monday, June 3, 2002
Pakistan offers militants Rs 50,000 to kill Indian colonels
The Pakistani army is giving cash awards to militants in Jammu and Kashmir for killing Indian Army officers and personnel. "The cash award for killing a colonel of the Indian Army is Rs 50,000, Rs 20,000 for a Major and Rs. 10,000 for a Sepoy," Army intelligence sources said. The sources said militants were offered amounts ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 for local training in Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 50,000 for training in Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to intelligence inputs, activists of al-Qaeda and Taliban had been merged with the terrorist camps in PoK, "Though we have not shot any al-Qaeda activist on our side so far," the sources said. "It can be easily assumed that the job of the al-Qaeda and Taliban and other jehadi groups is to be on the frontline and carry out sabotage operations like disruption of communication lines in the eventuality of a military conflict between India and Pakistan," they added. The al-Qaeda and Taliban activists had been kept in camps close to villages in PoK besides army cantonments to ensure "uninterrupted supply lines" for them, they said. "The terrorist camps have been shifted to PoK to escape the public glare." The intelligence sources said the level of infiltration had not come down, contrary to claims by Pakistan. "There has been no significant decline compared to previous years." "All necessary measures have been taken to ensure that movement across the Line of Control (LoC) is stopped. But considering the terrain along the LoC and the International Border, it is not possible to stop infiltration altogether by deploying troops," they said. "From March 1 to May 27 this year, an estimated 410 infiltrations took place of which 320 were by foreign mercenaries," they added. UNI
Monday, June 3, 2002
Peace hopes rise, Pak plugging LoC
RAJESH RAMACHANDRAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK ON BOARD AIR INDIA 1: As leaders of Central Asia began arriving at Almaty on Sunday, it was not yet clear if Russian President Vladimir Putin can pull off a peace meeting between Prime Minister A B Vajpyaee and Pakistan President Gen Musharraf. But the chances are that the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Central Asia (CICA) will have a propitious start with India and Pakistan shifting base, even if imperceptibly, from the hard war posturing of the last few weeks. As Prime Minister Vajpayee's entourage took off on its circutous flight to Almaty (in Khazakhstan) to avoid overflying Pakistan, there were indications that war clouds were receding, even if temporarily. Highly placed officials in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said India has received an assurance from the United States that the latter has sought and received a ``commitment'' from Pakistan President Gen. Musharraf that he would put a permanent stop to infiltration and terrorist violence in Jammu & Kashmir. This assurance, coupled with the first hints of a Pakistani government effort to stop infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir, said a high official in the PMO, may help India hold its hand. ``There won't be any knee-jerk reaction, we will wait watch,'' he said. According to him, the ``results on the ground'' that India has been demanding, may have started to show. ``Certain wireless intercepts of communication between terrorists suggest that there has been an `order' from Pakistan to stop infiltration,'' he disclosed. However, he said, it was early days and there has not been a dramatic change in the ground situation so far. Yet, according to intercepts of communication between the terrorists and the base camps in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the Indian agencies have been able to understand that there is much confusion among the terrorists. Along with a command to stop infiltration Indian agencies have also been able to listen in to orders to terrorists for ``readiness''. Another positive indicator from across the border is that the Pakistan side has either reduced the power of its transmitters or jammed them. This could either be to stop intercepts or as a measure to scale down the terrorist activities. The most important indicator of the lowering of temperatures in the subcontinent was that the government is ready to sift isolated attacks made by desperate terrorists and the sincere efforts of the Pakistan government. That is, even if a Kaluchak-like incident occurs in the near future, the government will be ready to weigh it against the level of infiltration and Pak-sponsored terrorist activities in the Valley. This change in attitude has occurred due to the growing understanding that militant groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba are no longer under Musharraf's control. The emphasis on a ``permanent commitment'', was underlined by the official when he said that there is a real threat of terrorist violence stopping for now and then resuming during the rains. ``That is the import of Colin Powell's statement too. They might perceive that a war cannot be fought during summer and hence might resume their activities during the monsoon. We need a firm commitment against this eventuality,'' said the official. On the way to Almaty, the Prime Minister Vajpayee told reporters on board his aircraft that there were no plans to meet Musharraf. Yet, in a statement at Delhi before his departure, the PM had said, ``If we see the result on the ground of General Musharraf's statements, we shall certainly give it our serious consideration,'' clearly keeping the door open. When asked about a possible handshake between the two, Vajpayee laughed it away. President Musharraf, too, followed up his ``no-nuclear war'' statement of Saturday with some more peace talk. In Dushanbe (Tajikistan) on way to Almaty, Musharraf cut down on the war rhetoric saying: ``Pakistan will not start a war.'' Musharraf said he would was ready to meet Vajpayee and hoped President Putin can arrange the meeting.
Monday, June 3, 2002
Talks if Pakistan acts: PM
TIMES NEWS NETWORK & AGENCIES NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday ruled out a meeting with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf during his stay in Kazakhstan, but said depending upon the situation on the ground, India would "give it a serious consideration" and "take appropriate steps". "I have no such plans (to talk to Musharraf)," he told newspersons before emplaning for his four-day visit to Almaty to attend the 16-nation conference on interaction and confidence-building measures in Asia (CICA), that will also be attended by Musharraf. Echoing similar views at the Singapore regional security conference, defence minister George Fernandes said in a tearful speech, ``India will not be impulsive in its stand-off with Pakistan...The country is angry and anguished. The pressure on our Prime Minister...to launch an attack is intense.'' Ruling out third-party intervention in the Kashmir issue, Fernandes said, ``We have to resolve the problems between ourselves and I believe we are capable of resolving these problems if...the US plays its role.'' Taking a detour avoiding the Pakistani airspace, Vajpayee reached Almaty after flying for about seven-and-a-half hours, while the normal flying time to Almaty is just over three hours. Musharraf has also arrived in Tajikistan ahead of the summit. He was accompanied by foreign minister Abdul Sattar, information minister Nisar Memon and other officials. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said he had spoken to US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. At Almaty, he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin and discuss the issue of cross-border terrorism. ``I will be discussing with the leaders, including Putin and Jiang Zemin, our views on cross-border terrorism which has created the present tension in our region,'' he said, adding, the CICA summit will also adopt a declaration condemning terrorism. On Monday, Vajpayee would rename a road in Kazakhstan after Mahatma Gandhi. The summit was an important initiative of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to establish a framework for mutual understanding and goodwill among the people of Asia, Vajpayee said. Vajpayee has extended his visit to Kazakhstan by a day apparently to have his first meeting with Jiang Zemin and impress upon the Chinese leader to ask Islamabad, Beijing's close post-cold war ally, to take firm steps to end cross-border terrorism.
Monday, June 3, 2002
India clinch one-day series
AGENCIES PORT OF SPAIN: India rounded off their tour of West Indies on a satisfying note, registering a comfortable 56-run victory in the fifth and final one-day international to clinch the series. Displaying a fine all-round performance, India scored a competitive 260 after electing to bat first with skipper Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar coming up with solid half- century knocks. They then bundled out West Indies for 191 in 36.2 overs after the home team had been set a revised target of 248 in 44 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis system following a brief rain interruption. The win gave India a 2-1 win in the rain-truncated series that saw the first two matches in Jamaica being washed out. India won the third one-dayer at Bridgetown by seven wickets and West Indies replied with a seven-wicket win. It was India's first one-day series triumph abroad after their 2-1 victory against West Indies in the DCM Cup in Toronto in 1999. In a mature performance by the Indians, useful contributions came from all the top-order batsmen. But while others threw it away when well set, Ganguly and Tendulkar laboured hard and consolidated the Indian innings. Tendulkar top-scored with a 70-ball 65 while Ganguly made 56 off 80 balls. The West Indian cause seemed all but lost when their first five wickets fell for just 88 runs. But Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who had a dream run in the Test series, played another magnificent knock of 51 off just 40 balls to keep the West Indian innings afloat. Chanderpaul and Ridley Jacobs added 71 runs in only 55 balls but could not stay long enough to carry their team through. With the asking rate climbing steadily, the pressure mounted on the batsmen and Chanderpaul, who hit Harbhajan Singh for an amazing six over long-on, scooped a high catch to Ganguly while attempting another big hit. Chanderpaul's dismissal sounded the death knell of West Indian innings even though the rest of the batsmen tried their best to put up a fight. The most noticeable aspect of Indian batting was the willingness of the players to graft and work hard for their runs. Leaving aside their penchant for scoring mainly through boundaries, the Indians did a lot of running and only 19 fours were hit in the entire innings, apart from two sixes. Tendulkar's knock contained just three fours and a six while Ganguly hit five fours. Only Virender Sehwag retained his usual flamboyance hitting six fours in his 32-run knock. Sehwag drove Cameron Cuffy straight for two boundaries and took two fours in a Dillon over before falling in the ninth over. He flicked Dillon straight to Chris Gayle, who took a head-high catch at short mid-wicket. The run-rate did not decline after Sehwag's dismissal as Mongia provided valuable support to Ganguly, hitting one six and two fours in his 37-ball knock. Mongia, dropped on 15 by Shivnarine Chanderpaul at point off Pedro Collins, struck the first six of the match off Corey Collymore as fielder Cuffy held the catch, but crossed the long-off boundary in the process. He shared a 62-run stand for the second wicket with Ganguly before driving a Collymore full-toss to Gayle at mid-wicket in the 21st over. Ganguly fell to a casual shot seven overs later, pulling a rising delivery from Dillon to Ramnaresh Sarwan at short mid-wicket after hitting five fours in his 46th half-century. Tendulkar continued to do the good work with his intelligent batting and helped his team cross the 250-mark. Scoreboard: India: S. Ganguly c Sarwan b Dillon 56 V. Sehwag c Gayle b Dillon 32 D. Mongia c Gayle b Collymore 28 S. Tendulkar b Dillon 65 R. Dravid c Sarwan b Hooper 20 Y. Singh b Gayle 10 M. Kaif b Gayle 17 A. Agarkar c Hooper b Dillon 3 H. Singh not out 5 Z. Khan c Collins b Dillon 4 A. Nehra b Gayle 0 Extras (w8, nb4, lb8) 20 Total 260 Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-105, 3-141, 4-187, 5-212, 6-239, 7-248, 8-248, 9-254. Bowling: Dillon 10-1-52-5, Cuffy 9-0-45-0, Collymore 8-0-42-1, Collins 10-0-46-0, Hooper 8-0-41-1, Gayle 5-0-26-3. Overs: 50 West Indies: C. Gayle b Zaheer 3 W. Hinds c Sehwag b Nehra 2 R. Sarwan b Harbhajan 32 B. Lara c Mongia b Tendulkar 36 C. Hooper c Sehwag b Agarkar 1 S. Chanderpaul c Ganguly b Harbhajan 51 R. Jacobs c Harbhajan b Agarkar 36 M. Dillon run out 0 P. Collins b Agarkar 9 C. Collymore not out 0 C. Cuffy c Agarkar b Nehra 7 Extras (w9, b1, lb4) 14 Total 191 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-12, 3-73, 4-76, 5-88, 6-159, 7-162, 8-184, 9-184. Bowling: Nehra 5.2-0-25-2, Zaheer 7-1-32-1, Agarkar 8-0-33-3, Harbhajan 9-0-55-2, Sehwag 4-0-21-0, Tendulkar 3-0-20-1. Overs: 36.2 West Indies' revised target: 248 off 44 overs Result: India win by 56 runs Man of the match: Sachin Tendulkar Man of the series: Saurav Ganguly Series result: India win five-match series 2-1. Toss: India Umpires: Eddie Nichols (WIs) and Russell Tiffin (Zim). Match-referee: Mike Proctor (Rsa).
Monday, June 3, 2002
Fernandes asks US to cut off aid to Pak
Singapore, June 2 Defence Minister George Fernandes today asked the US to cut off aid to Pakistan in order to put pressure on it for resolving the current conflict with India. He conveyed this to US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz on the sidelines of an Asian Security Conference here. He said he had raised with Wolfowitz the issue of money flowing from various western governments and multinational agencies to Pakistan. ‘‘Pakistan survives on money that comes from the World Bank and other financial agencies,’’ he said. ‘‘And if they say, stop this...we believe that General Musharraf will have to take some decision.’’ Ruling out any talks with Pakistan at Almaty where Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived today, Fernandes said it should hand over at least the 14 Indians on the list of 20 given to it last year. He downplayed the nuclear threat. ‘‘I don’t think anyone should be worried about the nuclear thing. I don’t know who has started this,’’ he said. ‘‘You know from the statements made by General Musharraf that he does not believe in it. So we should leave it at that,’’ he said. Kashmir talks: US minds its language The US offered to help India and Pakistan defuse their conflict over Kashmir but stopped short of saying it would mediate. ‘‘Our role has been to encourage dialogue and a reduction of violence... We do not seek a mediator’s role but we would be prepared to provide facilitative assistance, if the parties requested it,’’ said a State Department spokesperson • OIC ALSO AT HAND: The Organisation of the Islamic Conference expressed its ‘‘full readiness’’ to mediate between India and Pakistan ‘‘defuse tension and facilitate dialogue’’ • PASSAGE FROM PAK: The flight from the subcontinent continued today, with family members of UN personnel in Pakistan and Saudi students and families starting to leaving Islamabad • IRAN, ISRAEL TOO: Iran and Israel joined the list of countries urging their citizens not to travel to India and Pakistan • HIZBUL DEFIANT: Syed Salahuddin, head of the Hizbul Mujahideen, today declared that ‘‘All routes to avoid nuclear holocaust pass through Kashmir. Our struggle will continue until the last drop of our blood’’ Speaking at the conference earlier, Fernandes assured the world that India would not act impulsively in its dispute with Pakistan but would keep pressing its neighbour to stop supporting terrorism. ‘‘India will not be impulsive. Neither will we waiver in our determination for the simple reason that what we have been fighting and will continue to fight is the war against terrorism,’’ he said in a speech to an Asian security conference in Singapore. ‘‘All we expect of the Musharraf regime is that it should desist from supporting terrorism,’’ he said. ‘‘We are not threatening the territorial integrity of Pakistan, nor do we have any animosity against the people of Pakistan.’’ He said India recognised that Pakistan was supporting the US-led coalition against terrorism but nonetheless believed terrorists had infiltrated Pakistan. He said militant groups including al Qaeda and Taliban fighters from Afghanistan had escaped into Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province and its part of Kashmir. ‘‘We are deeply concerned that these cadres would be encouraged to indulge in terrorist violence against India.’’ Fernandes asked delegates at the security conference to consider why Pakistan had recently tested some missiles. ‘‘Why, after all, did they test their missiles at this particular point of time in even the face of global condemnation?’’ Arguing that it amounted to threatening use of nuclear weapons, he asked: ‘‘Is this not an attempt to blackmail India and the rest of the global community?’’ The minister said India’s nuclear programme was purely defensive. ‘‘India will not get drawn into a nuclear arms race.’’ (Reuters)
Monday, June 3, 2002
Injured Indian staffer to be sent home soon
ISLAMABAD Efforts are on to send home the Indian High Commission staffer, Kulwant Singh, who suffered serious injuries at the hands of Pakistani authorities yesterday, as he was not being allowed to receive proper medical care here, India's Charge d'Affaires, Sudhir Vyas, said today. Mr. Singh would be sent either via Dubai or by road through the Wagah border. Pakistani authorities did not permit Mr. Singh to receive proper medical treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science, Mr.Vyas said adding that the staffer sustained serious injuries during the four-and-a-half-hour-long violent interrogation by intelligence officials. Mr. Vyas charged Pakistani security officials with interfering at every stage of the medical examination.
Monday, June 3, 2002
Musharraf appeals to Vajpayee for peace talks
DUSHANBE The Pakistani President, Pervez Musharraf, insisted today that Pakistan will not start a war with India over Kashmir and reiterated his appeal to the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, for peace talks. "Pakistan will not start a war. We support solving the conflict through peaceful means,'' Gen. Musharraf told reporters in Dushanbe, during a stopover on his way to the Asian summit in Kazakhstan that Mr. Vajpayee was also to attend. He had said for months that he wanted a dialogue with Mr. Vajpayee over Kashmir, but Mr. Vajpayee said that there must be a stop to terrorist attacks by Islamic militants crossing into Kashmir. " I'm ready to meet anywhere and at any level. I would like the talks to be one-on-one, but if (Vajpayee) he doesn't want to, I will not insist,'' Gen. Musharraf said. He was optimistic about the Russian President, Vladimir Putin's offer to mediate talks this week between the leaders on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan summit. "I think that he (Putin) can persuade India to join a dialogue,'' Gen. Musharraf said. The Tajikistan President, Emomali Rakhmonov, said today his country was also willing to facilitate the start of negotiations between India and Pakistan, according to the Interfax news agency AP `Infiltrations have stopped' Muzaffarabad (Pakistan) June 2. Kashmiri rebels have virtually halted infiltrations into Kashmir under instructions from Islamabad, in a bid to avert a war with India, militant sources said today. India has demanded that Pakistan fulfil a promise to end support for what it calls ``cross-border terrorism'', and the United States has also asked the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, to do more to prevent militants crossing from Pakistan to India. Sources close to the Kashmiri separatist groups in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, said they had received the message. ``We have been asked to stop sending militants across the Line of Control,'' a militant source told Reuters. ``They have been asked, so infiltration has virtually stopped,'' another source close to the militants said. ``The instruction was issued around a week ago or so.'' Pak. blocks funds to madrasas Pakistani authorities have stopped funding 115 Islamic religious schools (madrasas) across the country for their involvement in extremism and militancy. The institutions were found involved in ``sectarian violence and terrorism,'' Mufti Abdul Qavi, member of the Pakistan Madrasa Education Board, told a news conference in Multan. They will not be entitled to financial assistance from the Government and their activities will be under observation. The action follows the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf's decision to crack down on extremism and curb religious militancy. He has already banned five radical Islamic groups AFP
Monday, June 3, 2002
Armed intruders in IAF station?
An extensive combing operation was launched at the Indian Air Force Station at Aya Nagar in South Delhi after a civilian employee allegedly spotted three armed men entering the area around 11 tonight. According to reliable sources, a civilian labourer hired by the Air Force spotted three men entering the Station. He immediately informed his superiors and said the men also had rifles slung across their shoulders. Given the slant on security these days, officials at the Station did not want to leave anything to chance and sounded an alert. The police too were called in and the entire area was cordoned off within minutes. Simultaneously, a combing operation was launched inside the Station, but nothing was discovered till 12.30 a.m. By that time, Air Force personnel had completed the search inside the premises. Nearly all residences at the Station had been searched and no unidentified person found. By about 1 a.m., officials were looking for the alleged intruders outside the Station on the Faridabad road and some nearby forested area. The Station is commanded by an officer of the rank of a Group Captain and is said to house important radar-cum-communication facilities. Searches were still on.
Monday, June 3, 2002
Ganguly thrilled with ODI triumph
Port of Spain, Trinidad: Indian captain Saurav Ganguly was thrilled after leading India to their first-ever one-day series win in the West Indies. "It`s a great feeling to win after having lost the tests," Ganguly said. "It`s always great to win abroad." The visitors scored 260 from their 50 overs and then bowled out West Indies for 191, 57 short of their rain-reduced target of 248 in 44 overs. Sachin Tendulkar led the charge with a 70-ball 65 and opener Ganguly chipped in with 56. "We batted well today," Ganguly said. "I wanted to bat the full 50 overs. We have a lot of youngsters in the side and it was important for either Sachin, Rahul (Dravid) or me to bat till the end." West Indies lost their way early, losing quick wickets to stumble to 88 for five before Shivnarine Chanderpaul attempted an unlikely recovery smashing 51 off 40 balls. "Even when Chanderpaul was batting, we knew we were in no real danger of losing," Ganguly said. "They still had 130-odd runs to get and were trying to hit out at every ball. If they had won from there, it would have been amazing." Ganguly walked away with the man-of-the-series award following scores of 41 and 39 in the last two matches after the first two games were washed out. MANY GAINS Indian coach John Wright said there had been lots of gains for India from the series. "After the test series loss, we wouldn`t have been able to swallow a one-day defeat and this result has been great," Wright said. "The batting order looks a lot more measured now with Sachin coming at number four and Dinesh Mongia and Virender Sehwag developing well." The former New Zealand coach also heaped praise on the bowling and fielding. "On the bowling front, we have a young attack but Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Tinu Yohannan and Ajit Agarkar all did well." "The fielding is improving in every game and we`ve started to do better in our running between wickets as well. "I think we`re working towards finding the right combination for next year`s World Cup." But he said there were still a few areas of concern. "Some of the players are getting out at the wrong time, just when we need them to stay. That is something we have to work on. We are also perhaps not getting the best out of the last 10 overs." India scored only 60 from the last 10 overs on Sunday, losing six wickets in the process. "All in all, it`s our second one-day series win and we`re happy. Hopefully we`ll carry on the good work in England." India beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in a five-match series in March. They travel to England for four tests and a one-day tri-series also involving Sri Lanka later this month. Reuters
Monday, June 3, 2002
Kashmir diplomacy to dominate Almaty Summit
Intense backroom diplomacy is expected today in Almaty, Kazakhstan where a crucial international meet on confidence building measures in Asia gets underway today. Both Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf are in Almaty but New Delhi has already made it clear that there will be no bilateral meeting between the two leaders. The focus of the conference will however remain on reducing the levels of tension between India and Pakistan. The summit is expected to adopt a declaration condemning terrorism. Slim chances of tripartite meet Even though Vajpayee has ruled out a face-to-face meeting with Musharraf, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said that there were still "slim chances" of a tripartite meet with the mediation of President Vladimir Putin. "The first step should be made by Pakistan. First of all, infiltration of terrorists across LoC must be stopped," Alexander Losyukov was quoted by ITAR-TASS on the eve of President Putin's departure for Almaty. The Russian President has offered to mediate talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the summit in a bid to bring the nuclear-armed nations back from the brink of war. "The administration of Pervez Musharraf needs to make serious efforts for this (ending cross-border terrorism), only then India would be ready for a dialogue," Losyukov said defining President Putin's bottom line for mediation. President Putin's mediation mission to reconcile South Asian nuclear rivals has got the blessing of the United States and the European Union. Vajpayee to advocate India's stand On the sidelines of the key 16-nation security summit, Prime Minister Vajpayee will meet Russian leader Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Tuesday. He is also scheduled to meet Afghan leader Hamid Karzai and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev tomorrow. Vajpayee is expected to impress upon them that Pakistan should urgently take action to stop cross border terrorism. India's concerns over lack of action on Islamabad's part to stop infiltration despite promises made by President Musharraf are also expected to be conveyed to the international leaders. During the meet, India and Kazakhstan will sign three agreements on defence cooperation, on ways to combat terrorism and on measures to promote tourism. The agreement on terrorism would lead to formation of a joint working group to combat the menace. India expects to extend the treaty to four other Central Asian states. (With inputs)
Monday, June 3, 2002
`India determined but not impulsive'
The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, came close to giving an assurance to the international community that India would not attack Pakistan as feared when he said today that New Delhi "will not be impulsive'' in dealing with cross-border terrorism. Mr. Fernandes made the remarks at the closing session of the Asia Security Conference after extensive interaction with the U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary, Paul Wolfowitz. Right through the three-day conference, Mr. Fernandes has been engaged with Mr. Wolfowitz. They are known to have had at least two meetings one formal and the other informal. Even this morning at the conference, the extent of Indo-U.S. engagement became clear when Mr. Wolfowitz walked across to where Mr. Fernandes was sitting and whispered something into his ear. Soon afterwards, Mr. Fernandes left the conference hall and went to his room in the Shangri La hotel which also happens to be the venue of the meeting, organised by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). What transpired between the two is not immediately clear, but senior officials confirmed to this correspondent that the U.S. was actively engaged in pressuring Pakistan to offer some "immediately verifiable'' step that it has stopped aiding cross-border terrorism. Without saying it, the U.S. is playing mediator. "If the U.S. is successful in pressuring Pakistan, then a cooling of tensions is possible,'' the officials said. In his speech and while answering questions, Mr. Fernandes said: "I don't see the likelihood of any kind of escalation (with Pakistan) which takes us to the extreme.'' India, he said, had never begun a war with Pakistan and all the four wars had been imposed upon New Delhi. He "cannot visualise'' a situation where any action that India took would get out of hand. He made it clear that India had asked the U.S. to stop the flow of funds to Pakistan till Islamabad put a stop to sponsoring terrorism into India. Referring to the May 14 Kaluchak killings, Mr. Fernandes said India was "angry and anguished'' at the incident. "The pressure on our Prime Minister to launch an attack on the terrorists is intense. But we held back only to have Abdul Gani Lone, a voice of moderation in the politics of Kashmir, assassinated by terrorists. India is focussed on terrorism with determination. We are not threatening the territorial integrity of Pakistan, nor do we have any animus against the people of Pakistan. We have resolved to address the problem of terrorism both tactically and strategically. All we expect of the Musharraf regime is that it desist from supporting terrorism,'' he said. Mr. Fernandes, who was repeatedly urged by speaker after speaker to ensure that India continued to exercise restraint, said that there was, perhaps, a need to change the semantics of war when we address terrorism. ``India has been grappling with the challenge of terrorism for many years. We recognise that the military is only one of many tools in the quiver of State and society ...short-term interests should not allow countries to make imprudent choices. In this specific case, I believe the global community, led by the U.S., can prevail upon Pakistan to live up to its responsibilities to the global community and its commitment to the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1373 (which enjoins States not to support terrorism, among other things). This is the cooperation we seek from those who advise India to be restrained,'' Mr. Fernandes said. Surveying the Asian security scene, the Defence Minister said China, Japan, India and Russia had a "crucial role'' to play in fostering regional cooperation in the Asian continent. ``We also view China as a crucial peg of the emerging security and political architecture of Asia. Much of Asia's security future will depend on the way China's leadership shapes its policies regarding many of its neighbouring countries. China has embarked upon a path of rapid modernisation and ambitious economic growth. It is our hope that economic development in China will help it to play a benign role in all Asian matters, including the peaceful settlement of its boundary disputes with some countries in the region,'' he said. On India's nuclear posture, he said, "India's nuclear weapons' capability is meant only for self-defence and seeks to ensure that India's independence and integrity are not threatened by any misconceived plan of nuclear aggression. India will not get drawn into a nuclear arms race.'' After the conference, Mr. Fernandes held meetings with the Defence Ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Indonesia. It has been agreed that the "Asia Security Conference'' is to become an annual affair providing a forum to Asian Defence Ministers to meet with their counterparts from Europe and the U.S.. The next meeting will take place in Singapore in May 2003.
Monday, June 3, 2002
PM in Almaty, rules out talks with General
Almaty, With the threat of an Indo-Pak war looming large, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived here today to attend a security summit firmly ruling out any meeting with President Pervez Musharraf on its sidelines but declaring that cross-border terrorism would be the focus of his bilateral talks with the Russian and Chinese Presidents. ‘‘There is no proposal for talks with Musharraf,’’ he said in New Delhi before emplaning for a four-day visit to Kazakasthan during which Russia is expected to engage in intense backroom diplomacy in a bid to defuse the military stand-off between India and Pakistan. Vajpayee will be attending the first-ever 16-nation Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA), which is also being attended by Musharraf, on June 4. No response on hug Prime Minister Vajpayee on Sunday jocularly said he had not thought of a response if Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf hugged him at a security conference here. ‘‘Achanak ye sawal poocha, ye soocha nahi tha (you have asked the question suddenly, I had not not thought of it),’’ he quipped when a journalist asked him how he would respond if Musharraf hugged him. ‘‘I will be discussing with other leaders including President (Vladimir) Putin of Russia and President Jiang Zemin of China our views on cross-border terrorism which is creating the present tension in the region,’’ he said. Putin is hoping to use the opportunity to prod India and Pakistan to step back from the brink of a conflict. The Russian President, who has offered to help in defusing crisis, would be meeting Vajpayee and Musharraf separately. Jiang, who will also participate in the summit, is expected to spell out his country’s views on escalation of Indo-Pak tensions at the summit as well as at bilateral meetings with Vajpayee and Musharraf. With the world getting increasingly alarmed and a number of countries withdrawing their non-essential diplomatic staff and their family members from India and Pakistan fearing a war, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the Almaty summit would be able to deter the two countries from escalating their tensions. Speaking in Kiev, capital of nearby Ukraine, Annan said he was confident Putin and Jiang would be able to dissuade Indian and Pakistani leaders from raising the level of dispute over Kashmir. Ruling out talks with Musharraf in Almaty, Vajpayee said depending on the situation on the ground, India would ‘‘give it a serious consideration’’ and ‘‘take appropriate steps’’.
Monday, June 3, 2002
BJP set to form coalition government in Goa
The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), which went for a mid-term poll here to seek a clear mandate on its own, is set to form a four-party coalition government with two MLAs each from the regional United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP)-Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) combine, and the support of one independent. Caretaker Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar confirmed tonight that he would form the government and be sworn in as chief minister tomorrow. Mr Parrikar met Governor Mohammed Fazal earlier in the day to stake his claim. The BJP which emerged the single-largest party with 17 seats to the Congress 16, fell short of a majority by four seats. The support of these disparate groups would now give it 22 members in the 40-member assembly. The MGP and UGDP who had a poll understanding, met here this evening to endorse the move to back the BJP. But sources in both parties said there was no unanimity in the decision and one UGDP MLA, Matanhy Saldanha, has refused to extend support to the BJP. Those who will tie up with the BJP in the new government are UGDP MLAs Atanasio Monserrate and Mikky Pacheco, MGP MLAs Ramkrishna Dhavlikar and Pandurang Madkaikar and former minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues who left the BJP to contest the election as an independent.
Monday, June 3, 2002
Dhirubhai’s brother may be IPCL chief
TIMES NEWS NETWORK AHMEDABAD: The fourth day of June may mark the return of Ramnikbhai Ambani, an elder brother of RIL chairman Dhirubhai Ambani, assuming high-profile role in the Ambani’s business empire after a long time. As per the market buzz, the elder brother is tipped to take over as the new chairman of IPCL. Same day, RIL will also announce its new board led by its own chairman. During the June 4 meeting, IPCL will announce its annual results and dividend for the year 2001-02 with the outgoing government of India nominated board of directors. It may be pointed out that for quite some time, Ramnikbhai and his son Vimal, had assumed a relatively low profile within the RIL group. Until few years ago, Ramnikbhai was also an important part of the family-dominated conglomerate, where most of the key positions are either with the Ambani family or with their cousins, Meswani brothers. As the grapevine has it, if the elder Ambani is back to business then the return of his son Vimal may also become a reality soon. Among others, K G Ramnathan, former CMD of IPCL, who is currently heading power business of the RIL group, has been tipped to join IPCL as the CEO of IPCL. However, market sources suggests that Mr Ramnathan may not have the same team, which he led for nearly half a decade during his tenure as CMD of IPCL. All the four present directors on the board of IPCL, were reportedly called upon at RIL headquarters by the top management last weekend. According to sources, all four directors, which include directors in charge of personnel, operations, finance and marketing divisions were reportedly told that June 4 might become their last meeting as directors on the board of this petrochemicals giant. The board meet of June 4 is perceived to be very crucial as the results announced on the day are expected to shape the future of movement of the IPCL’s share price on the bourses, since RIL has already announced its intent of acquiring the additional 20 per cent stake via public offer of Rs 231 per share. The IPCL share has been moving in the range of Rs 150-157 per share for quite some time now.
Monday, June 3, 2002
India stands firm on Kashmir dialogue
India's defence minister has ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir until there is an end to what he called "cross-border terrorism". It's difficult to specify in what circumstances you need a war. At the moment, I don't see any situation in which that may become necessary Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has also ruled out talks with Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf at an Asian summit in Kazakhstan which the two leaders are attending. "Not a day passes when... Pakistani troops do not fire into our territory," Mr Fernandes told the BBC. "In the process of this firing the terrorists are smuggled into our territory, so unless this is stopped, there is no way one can talk," he said. Meanwhile, families of United Nations employees in Pakistan began to fly home on Sunday, after the tensions between the nuclear rivals caused the organisation to withdraw them. Mr Fernandes is attending a regional conference in Singapore, at which he called on General Musharraf not to support militants operating in Indian-controlled Kashmir. However, he said India would not pursue militants across the Line of Control which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan into Pakistani territory Fernandes: No Indian first nuclear strike He also ruled out India's first-use of nuclear weapons and slammed recent Pakistani missile tests, which he called an attempt to blackmail India and the global community. "We have a nuclear doctrine that... India shall never be the first to use a nuclear weapon, India will never use it against any non-nuclear country and India looks at this weapon purely as a deterrent and nothing more than that," he said. "I would like to ask why is world opinion is not strongly reacting to such open threats by Pakistan of use of nuclear weapons." Kazakh summit Hopes that Pakistan and India might come together at the Asian conference in Kazakhstan this week were dashed when the Indian prime minister said there were "no plans for talks" with General Musharraf. India's ambassador to Kazakhstan said the summit was "not a forum to discuss India-Pakistan issues". Before flying to the Kazakh capital, Almaty, Mr Vajpayee said he would issue a declaration condemning terrorism and would brief the Chinese and Russian terrorism on "the cross-border terrorism that has created tension in our region". However, General Musharraf says he thinks Russia's President Putin can persuade Mr Vajpayee, to join in a dialogue. The Pakistani leader was speaking in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on a brief stop-over on his way to the conference. "I have assured the [Tajik] president that Pakistan is against war, we are for peace, we are for de-escalating, we are for reduction in tensions and I guarantee to the president that Pakistan will not be the one to initiate war," he told reporters. Meanwhile, the authorities in Pakistani-administered Kashmir said they would stage a general strike during the visit of the US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, expected later this week. The Prime Minister of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, said the strike would be in protest against the inclusion of Kashmiri separatist groups on the America's list of terrorist organisations. Mr Sikandar Hayat was speaking at a conference of Kashmiri political and religious groups in Islamabad, which also adopted a resolution accusing the US and the West of showing bias towards India over the Kashmir issue. Evacuation As the stand-off continues, foreign nationals and non-essential diplomatic staff from many countries are leaving India and Pakistan. Rising tension: 1 October 2001: 38 killed in attack on the Kashmir assembly in Srinagar 13 December 2001: 14 killed in attack on the Indian parliament building in Delhi 14 May 2002: More than 30 killed in attack on an Indian army camp in Kashmir 21 May 2002: Moderate Kashmiri politician Abdul Ghani Lone shot dead Troubled relations over the years The first families of United Nations staff began to leave Pakistan on Sunday, with a similar evacuation beginning in India in the coming days. "We don't particularly feel that we're in any great danger but we've been ordered to go and orders are orders," said one Scandinavian woman leaving Pakistan. "All of us want to stay together, especially if there is any danger, but there's nothing much we can do," she said. The UK, the US and Saudi Arabia are among the many countries to have advised their citizens to leave the region, fearing a military confrontation. On Sunday, Kuwait also advised its citizens not to travel to the region, while Malaysia urged families of diplomats and its non-essential embassy staff to leave India and Pakistan. Border firing About one million soldiers are massed on either side of the Line of Control which divides Kashmir between Pakistan and India. Reports say a paramilitary officer was killed and three soldiers were wounded on Sunday in Indian shelling of the Sialkot district in Punjab province in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. A police official said two people were killed and nine wounded, including three women, when a mortar bomb hit a market in the Khoi Ratta sector. One Indian woman was also reportedly killed and eight civilians injured when Pakistani troops launched a mortar attack on Sunday in the village of Garkhal, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Jammu.
Monday, June 3, 2002
Parrikar to be sworn in Goa CM today
TIMES NEWS NETWORK PANAJI: The uncertainty over ministry formation in this coastal state ended on Sunday with newly-elected BJP Legislature Party leader and caretaker chief minister Manohar Parrikar being invited by the governor to form the next government. Parrikar would be sworn in as CM of a BJP-led coalition government at Raj Bhavan on Monday morning. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 17 MLAs in the 40-member state assembly, cobbled together a coalition with two regional parties and one independent MLA to cross the simple majority of 21 to form the government even as the opposition Congress was busy electing its legislature party leader. Earlier, Parrikar, Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavlikar and Pandurang Madkaikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Francis Xavier ‘Micky Pacheco’ and Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monsorrate of the UGDP and Filipe Neri Rodrigues, the lone independent MLA, called on the governor. In the presence of Parrikar, all of them individually forwarded their letters of support to Parrikar. However, of the three UGDP MLAs elected, one, Mathani Saldhana, stayed away. ‘‘He is also supporting and is with us,’’ claimed businessman-turned-politician Micky Pacheco. Pacheco, who defeated Congress heavyweight and former CM Churchill Alemao, said: ‘‘Only the BJP can give a stable government. I have seen Parrikar’s government.’’ For the BJP, Union minister Pramod Mahajan, whose aircraft could not land in Goa, was a dampener of sorts. Parrikar, on his part, refused to speak to the media and said that Mahajan would be finalising the modalilities of the structure of the government.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
US offers to facilitate Indo-Pak talks
AFP WASHINGTON: The United States has offered to help India and Pakistan defuse the conflict over Kashmir, but stopped short of saying it would mediate the dispute. "Our role has been to encourage dialogue and a reduction of violence that would improve the atmosphere for productive discussions," a State Department official said on Saturday on condition of anonymity. "We do not seek a mediator's role but we would be prepared to provide facilitative assistance, if the parties requested it." But the official said Washington was also asking India to show restraint. "We continue to believe that there is a danger the irresponsible elements will try to spark a conflict between India and Pakistan by engaging in terrorist provocations," the official said, adding that the conflict could "seriously detract from our common goal of eradicating international terrorist groups." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf prepared to go on Sunday to an international forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, that could offer both sides a convenient venue for talks on reducing bilateral tensions. But as diplomats searched for signs of the two countries' readiness to step back from the brink, Musharraf earlier made clear he was not inclined to make the first move. "I have initiated such steps so many times, and I thought maybe a response needs to come from the other side now," he said in an interview with CNN television. On Sunday, the Pakistani president repeated his assurances that infiltration of militants from Pak-occupied Kashmir had been stopped. But the second-ranking US Defence Department official, visiting Singapore, disputed these assertions.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Seeing war, US ready to ditch Mush, region
CHIDANAND RAJGHATTA TIMES NEWS NETWORK WASHINGTON: The US has begun distancing itself from Pakistan’s military dictator Pervez Musharraf and reconciling to the possibility of an all-out war in the region. Having clearly laid the onus of de-escalation on Musharraf, to the extent of repeatedly asking him to stop cross-border terrorism, the Bush administration issued a dramatic travel warning with respect to India, authorising all its non-essential diplomatic staff to leave the country and advising its nationals to return home by any means available. Washington is now convinced that India is serious about prosecuting a war against Musharraf and his hardline militarists and not the Pakistani people because of his unremitting support to terrorism. US moves to pack up from the region came even as it began preparations for some hardball diplomacy aimed mostly at the military regime in Islamabad, which defying American expectations that it would be a moderate, liberal dispensation, is turning out to be extreme. Ahead of the visits to the region of Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage on June 6 and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in June 9, the administration on Thursday rushed out state department mandarin Nancy Powell to Islamabad as a special envoy. Powell, no relative of the Secretary of State, is being designated to succeed Wendy Chamberlain as the Ambassador in Islamabad. But because the post requires senate confirmation, she has been sent as the charge d’affairs given the urgency of the situation. Musharraf’s hair-trigger nuclear posture and his allusions to waging a holy war against India have unnerved his patrons in Washington. Even Secretary of State Colin Powell, who was unshakable in his confidence in Musharraf, has begun wincing at Islamabad’s on-the-edge strategy, especially after Pakistani diplomat Munir Akram broadcast before the world on Thursday his country’s low threshold for throwing in nuclear weapons. Asked on a television news show on Thursday if nuclear weapons would be used by India or Pakistan if conflict came, Powell indicated that he had told the Pakistanis how foolish such an option would be, given India’s no first use policy. Senior Indian diplomats have told US officials again that India is still committed to a no first use of nuclear weapons. "For that matter, India does not take a decision to wage war easily or lightly. It is a deliberative, consensual decision involving the Parliament and the people of India, not based on the whim and fancy of one man," Indian diplomats said, adding they had conveyed this message to the State Department. New Delhi has also conveyed that Musharraf, who it accuses of having continually waged war for the last two-and-a-half years despite his protestations of peace, can still avert the crisis by addressing international concerns on terrorism. The cooling of American ardour towards Musharraf comes amid murmurs in South Asian circles of a need for a regime change in Pakistan if there is to be some long-term stability in the region beyond the present crisis. The first ball has been thrown up in the air by former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who in comments in the Los Angeles Times and the UK’s Guardian said that it was unlikely that dialogue proposals could halt the inexorable march to war now taking place, and "there is one way that war can be prevented, and that is a change of regime." Bhutto obviously has her own agenda, but she pointed out that Musharraf carried the baggage of being the man who planned the Kargil invasion in 1999. Such thinking is slowly beginning to dawn in the administration circles also, though the immediate US aim is to prevent conflict. In deference to New Delhi’s anger, Bush administration officials have suddenly stopped issuing the daily certificates and endorsements about Musharraf’s cooperation in the war on terrorism. Uniformly, officials, from President Bush down, are saying the Pakistani general has to make good on his pledges to stop infiltration and terrorism, and implying clearly that he is not doing so.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Weak Pervez triggers diplomat exodus
The West’s fear of the Pakistani nuclear arsenal falling into irresponsible hands appears to have swelled to a sweeping alarm. The slew of advisories issued by Western governments asking citizens to leave India and Pakistan was triggered by genuine anxiety that General Pervez Musharraf might now be too weak to keep his nukes away from the hotheads in Islamabad. European diplomats based in New Delhi met on Saturday to discuss the shared assumption that India and Pakistan were on the brink of war. Our assessment is that irresponsible elements in Pakistan might take control of nuclear weapons, said a diplomat who was at the meeting. The assessment is intriguing for it flies in the face of British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's assurance to New Delhi that Musharraf would show results on containing cross-border terrorism within 10 days. Nonetheless, over a hundred Western diplomats and their families left India for home on Saturday. As more and more foreign nationals queue up at their missions to register their presence in the country, the exodus is likely to become larger. US mission sources said only about 15,000 of some 60,000 Americans in India were currently registered with them. Maximum-alarm bells went off in Western capitals after a US state department report concluded that hectic international efforts might not ultimately be able to ward off war between India and Pakistan. The conclusions foreign diplomats in Delhi drew were based as much on the US assessment as on Musharraf's weakened regime and India’s determination to act in the absence of Pakistani efforts to stop infiltration. Our moves have been influenced by the heavy firing on the border. It's our job to act in the best interest of our nationals, said a US diplomat. Indeed, whatever Straw might have said, 15 UK mission staff have already left India with their families. There are approximately 30,000 British nationals in India. Fifty US embassy staffers have already returned home with their families. Some 240 United Nations emplo- yees are expected to leave in a couple of days. Day’s Developments N-war unthinkable, says Musharraf The Pakistani President has told CNN that the world shouldn’t even be discussing a nuclear war, because any sane individual cannot even think of going into it. Pak checking incursions, says Powell The US secretary of state has said there were some indications that Pakistan had ordered a stop to infiltration, but it is too early to say it has stopped. Indian mission staffer abducted in Pak An employee of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, Kulwant Singh, was abducted from near his home in Islamabad around 11.30 a.m. He was later released.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Inflation skids to 1.43%
PTI NEW DELHI: Sharp fall in the price of fruits and other food articles pushed down inflation by a marginal 0.13 per cent to 1.43 per cent for the week ended May 18 as against 5.59 per cent a year ago. Though prices soared for vegetables, maize, ragi, arhar, coconut oil and assembled car chasis, it was to a great extent contained, dipping the price level measured by wholesale price index with 19993-94 as the base. The WPI, close on the heels of point-to-point change, was up by 0.1 per cent to 162.8 from the previous week's level as price rose for manufactured products, even as primary items became cheaper with fuel items remaining stuck. The index was 160.5 in the previous year. The final WPI stood at 161.9 for the week ended March 23 as against the provisional level of 161.6, while final rate was 1.63 per cent as compared to provisional 1.44 per cent. The consumer price index for industrial workers, which captures the price change at the retail level, rose by one point to 469 in April due to price rise for pulses, groundnut oil, vegetables and fruits. Primary articles' group index was down by 0.2 per cent to 169.1 from 169.4 due to 0.3 per cent dip in the price of food articles, even as non-food articles' price was up by 0.5 per cent. The index was 167.6 a year ago. The index for food articles' group fell to 177 from 177.6 due to cheaper eggs and pork (three per cent each), tea (two per cent) and fruits and vegetables (one per cent), even as prices rose for barley (three per cent) and maize, ragi and arhar (one per cent each). Non-food articles' group rose to 153.3 from 152.6 due to price hike in raw rubber (eight per cent), kardi seed (five per cent), copra and fodder (three per cent each) and rape and mustard seed and soyabean (two per cent each). Prices, however, fell for mesta (seven per cent), linseed (three per cent) and raw jute (one per cent). Fuel, power, light and lubricants' group index remained firm at the previous week's level of 230.4 and the index was 222.7 a year ago. The index for manufactured products' group rose to 145.5 from 145.3 due to costlier food products, textiles, paper, basic metals and transport equipment. The index was 144.1 in the previous year. Food products' group rose by 0.6 per cent to 148.9 from 148 as prices upped for coconut oil (eight per cent), solvent extracted groundnut oil and oil cakes (three per cent each), all kinds of bran and rice bran oil (two per cent each) and rape and mustard oil, groundnut oil and soyabean oil (one per cent each), while the price of gur fell by one per cent. Textiles' group was up by 0.3 per cent at 118 from 117.6 due to price rise for texturised yarn (six per cent), polyster yarn (four per cent), polyster staple fibre (two per cent) and viscose staple fibre (one per cent), while there was four per cent fall in the price of viscose filament yarn and two per cent in sacking and hessian bags. Paper and paper products' rose by 0.1 per cent to 173.7 from 173.6 due to one per cent price hike of map litho paper and m g paper roaster. The index for basic, metals, alloys and metal products was up by one per cent to 141 from 140.8 due to costlier steel sheet plates and strips (five per cent), other iron steel (three per cent) and ms bars and rounds (two per cent), while there was two per cent decline in the price of zinc. The index for transport equipment and parts rose by 0.2 per cent to 148.9 from 148.6 as there was one per cent hike in the price of car chasis assembled. Chemicals and chemical products' group was down by 0.2 per cent to 172 from 172.4 on account of 37 per cent dip in pencillin price, two per cent in oxygen and one per cent in caustic soda, while the price of pvc resins moved up by eight per cent. The index for machinery and machine tools' group fell by 0.1 per cent to 129.5 from 129.6 owing to three per cent fall in the price of roller bearings and sewing machines and one per cent in batteries.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Musharraf denies movement of N-missiles
PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday ruled out the possibility of a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, dismissed as "absolutely baseless" allegations of Islamabad moving nuclear missiles near the border and expressed willingness to meet Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Almaty next week. "I don't think either side is that irresponsible to go to that limit," Musharraf told CNN in an interview. "I would even go to the extent of saying one shouldn't even be discussing these things, because any sane individual cannot even think of going into this unconventional war, whatever the pressures," he said. Musharraf said he was willing to meet Vajpayee in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where both leaders will attend an Asian summit from June 4. "It depends more on Prime Minister Vajpayee," he said. "I have no problem in meeting. I have been saying that all along. This question needs to be put to him". Reacting to the charges that Islamabad had moved its nuclear missiles near the border, Musharraf said "That Pakistan ever moved any nuclear asset or deployed its missiles is baseless, absolutely baseless." "If India has moved their missiles, this is extremely dangerous and a very serious escalation, an extremely serious escalation. The international community must take note of this because you can't distinguish what is conventional and what is unconventional," Musharraf told the network. "Let us hope good sense prevails (and) this does not lead to escalation. It has not because we are restraining ourselves, and let Indians not test our patience and restraint because it will be very dangerous." When reminded that India has a stated policy that it will not be the first to strike with nuclear weapons, Musharraf said Pakistan backs something "much bigger than that." "We've called for a no-war pact (with India), that there shouldn't be any war. We've called for de-nuclearisation of South Asia, so we've called for reduction of forces," he said.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Pak nukes Indian economy with loose talk
CHIDANAND RAJGHATTA TIMES NEWS NETWORK WASHINGTON: Pakistan may have damaged India to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars with its loose talk about initiating nuclear war in the region, according to Indian officials, analysts and business executives. With the American media raising fears of a nuclear war in the sub-continent to fever pitch over the last few days and the US administration playing into the hysteria by advising US nationals to leave, Indian industry may have received a crushing blow even before -- figuratively -- the first bullets have begun to fly. The travel advisory in terribly damaging. It will hurt business and destroy the little tourism we have, said a gloomy Prasanto Biswal, US representative of the Indian trade body FICCI. The federation is organising a meeting of Indian parliamentarians and American business groups in Washington later this month, an event that has already come under a cloud because of the nuclear hot talk. No immediate estimates are available, but Biswal and others say depending on how things pan out over the next few days, business travel could be severely affected and the little tourism that comes India’s way could be wiped out. The United States is India’s largest trading partner with bilateral trade in the region of $ 15 billion. The state department’s decision to pull the plug on India will impact directly on not just business travel but also the increasingly inter-linked commercial transactional activity, since the advisory urges Americans already in India to leave. It could also hurt US businesses since many American orders are processed in India, under a back office system aimed at reducing transaction cost for American consumers. Worse, almost every western country follows the American example in these matters. Indian officials are reacting with disappointment and even anger over the American advisory asking its nationals to leave India, with some of them suggesting it implicitly rewards Pakistan’s policy of nuclear blackmail and brinkmanship. Pakistan straps itself with a nuclear weapons and runs amok like a suicide bomber... and we get punished, one official fumed, echoing the vivid imagery first invoked by Salman Rushdie in a New York Times comment last week. Some Indian officials are convinced that since Pakistan's economy and industry "is in any case doomed," Islamabad is consciously raising the pitch to hurt India's prospects. Pakistan’s military leader Pervez Musharraf tried to offset the image of a nuclear-crazed country in a CNN interview Saturday by saying western fears of a nuclear exchange are exaggerated. But the US media has described Pakistan’s nuclear machismo in such fervid detail including its cheesy monuments to nuclear weapons in its city squares that few are paying any attention to his protestations of responsibility. However, India is also having to bear the brunt of western criticism since discourse on the subject rarely takes note of New Delhi’s no-first use policy and instead condemns both sides as being on a hair-trigger nuclear posture. Indian officials say this is frustrating. Meanwhile, travel agencies in the US have begun receiving calls canceling bookings and easing some of the summer rush, when US-India ticket prices shoot up to $ 1600 for the cheapest economy class ticket. Typically, business travel is thin in summer, but many Indian families visit home because of the school holidays. These plans are being put on hold.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
13 Pak troops killed in Indian retaliatory firing
While India gave the finishing touches to its war preparations, the first batch of 50 non-essential staff of the United States embassy, including diplomats and their families left for home today amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan. Besides the US, Britain, Germany, Australia, Denmark, New Zealand and France have decided to reduce their staff in India and Pakistan. "More non-emergency staff members of the US embassy and their dependents are expected to leave in the next few days," a US embassy spokesman told. He, however, could not give the total number of staffers and their families who could be leaving from the Mission here and Consulates in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. "It is an individual and voluntary decision," he said. Amid intense Pakistani artillery shelling aimed cutting the vital Srinagar-Leh highway, Indian troops in a retaliatory fire today killed 13 enemy soldiers in Dras and Ranbir Singh Pura sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Siachen on fire The Siachen glacier, labelled as the highest battlefield in the world, witnessed fierce artillery and heavy mortar exhcanges in morning hours. Indian troops using mountain artillery guns and mortars destroyed enemy bunkers in Poonch and Naushera sectors. One civilian was killed and three others, including two women, were injured in shelling and firing by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border since last evening. Intermittent artillery, mortar and small arms firing was reported from Poonch and Hiranagar sectors, a defence spokesman said. War preparations The Army today activated early warning systems in the border city of Poonch to warn people to hide in bunkers and safe places to save themselves as soon as Pakistani mortar shells hit the city. To have an edge over Pakistan threatening to use nuclear and conventional missiles, India today asked Israel to speed up supply of a large number of aerostat balloons to detect incoming missile attacks on targets up to 500 kms. Israel will also supply in-depth battlefield surveillance equipment as well as to track incoming enemy artillery shells, defence sources said. To further bolster defence against missiles, India is giving top priority to upgrading border radar systems and looking for more US anti-missile systems which are being tested at present in the battlefield. India also wants to get weapon locating radars for the army. Pakistan already has few of such systems which it used during the Kargil war. It helps locating the enemy’s fire-emitting guns which could be precisely targetted. Some of such radars have already been deployed, the sources said.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Vajpayee leaves for Kazakhstan today
In the midst of escalating Indo-Pak tensions, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee leaves on a four-day visit to Kazakhstan today. During his visit, Vajpayee is expected to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf will also be attending the first summit of 16-nation Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on June 4. However, India has ruled out any possibility of Vajpayee meeting him. Putin, who has offered to help in defusing the standoff between New Delhi and Islamabad, is expected to meet Vajpayee and Musharraf separately on the sidelines of CICA in a bid to find a solution to the present crisis. Vajpayee has now extended his visit to Kazakhstan by a day apparently to have his first meeting with Zemin and impress upon the Chinese leader to ask Islamabad, Beijing's closest post-Cold War ally, to take firm steps to end cross-border terrorism. Vajpayee will take a detour to fly to Almaty avoiding Pakistan airspace. This follows India's decision to stop overflights by Pakistan planes following the December 13 terrorist attack on Parliament. Vajpayee, who is visiting Almaty at the invitation of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev, will hold wide-ranging talks with the Kazakh leader on June 3 and also rename a road there after Mahatma Gandhi. India and Kazakhstan are expected to sign bilateral agreements to combat terrorism and promote tourism. India will also convey its deep concerns over Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism to the summit leaders. The CICA Summit is expected to adopt a declaration on Eliminating Terrorism and Promoting Dialogue among Civilisations. Its first meeting in November was postponed because of the US-led military action in Afghanistan. Besides India, Russia, China and Pakistan, CICA members include Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Turkey and central Asian states. The US, Japan and certain other countries enjoy observer status. (With inputs)
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Rajouri comes under heavy artillery fire
There have been reports of fresh exchange of artillery fire along the Line of Control in the Poonch and Rajouri sector over the last three days. The ground situation in Rajouri is tense after both India and Pakistan have been trading artillery fire. Artillery exchanges between India and Pakistan are common in Ladakh and in Kashmir. But here in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, which falls in the Jammu region, there have been very few artillery attacks since 1971. Most cross-border firing is in the form of mortar or small arms and machine guns. But now the Pakistani army, under heavy pressure from Indian mortar attacks after the Kaluchak attack, has started opening up with artillery guns. They have been firing on not just military positions but also on civilians as well, such as in the border town of Poonch. The artillery attacks are far more dangerous than mortar attacks and far more intense. But more importantly they have a longer range and a longer reach into Indian territory, which means that towns like Rajouri which seem outwardly normal, can turn into a war zone suddenly if Pakistani guns start firing. On the Pakistani side, there are very few large towns close to the border but on the Indian side of the line of control, there is Poonch, Rajouri, Naushera and Sundarbani, all of which can be attacked by Pakistani artillery at any time. If the Pakistani artillery attacks like the recent one in Poonch spread to the other border towns, then the Indian army might well feel that there is no option but to escalate the situation in order to prevent these Pakistani guns from reaching the Indian cities and bringing civilians under attack.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Indo-British arms talks not suspended: Straw
Negotiations on British arms sales to India have not been suspended despite the current crisis between India and Pakistan, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today. Following press reports last weekend of a possible British government embargo on sales to India, in particular 66 British BAE Hawk training aircraft, Straw told BBC Radio, "Are BAE and their partners fully entitled to continue the negotiations about these sales? Yes. I certainly approve of a continuation of commercial relations with countries -- India and Pakistan -- with which we have good diplomatic relations." "If we get to a position where contracts are signed, then these companies will make applications for licences and they will be considered against the criteria, but we're not there," said Straw, who has just returned from a three-day peace mission to the subcontinent. The British government was not involved in negotiations. The possible of military conflict involving a country buying British arms would be taken into account as one of the criteria in granting export licences. Ministers and officials were quoted last Monday as saying Britain was clamping down on arms sales to India and Pakistan in an effort to slow the nuclear rivals' slide into conflict over Kashmir. In 2000, British arms exports to India were worth around £64 million ($93 million), easily dwarfing sales to Pakistan of just £6 million. An arms sales ban could threaten the future of a £1billion order for 66 Hawk training aircraft which Britain's BAE Systems has been negotiating with India. Yesterday, Britain urged its nationals in India to consider leaving the country because of the increased risk of conflict with Pakistan. "I talked to my opposite number Jaswant Singh yesterday to explain what we were about to announce, and I didn't ask him to agree," Straw said. He added, "Neither did he seek to give his endorsement, because everybody understands that these are decisions which each country has to make for themselves and their own citizens." Straw said his decision to warn British people yesterday about the situation in India did not indicate that Britain had intelligence of imminent war. "The situation is dangerous but war is not inevitable," he said. "That remains the position, but plainly and palpably when you have one million men under arms on either side of the Line of Control, all in a high state of alert and readiness, both countries have nuclear weapons and one of them, Pakistan has said they reserve the right to use them first, then we have a dangerous situation." The United States and Canada have also advised their nationals to leave India and the United Nations has ordered its staff in both Pakistan and India to send dependents home. Straw said he was particularly concerned because the two countries did not have the same controls developed by the Soviet Union and NATO during the Cold War to prevent tension spiralling into nuclear war. "One of the difficulties faced here is that, while in the standoff between the Soviet bloc and NATO there was a highly developed doctrine of mutually assured destruction and many detailed arrangements made to avoid conflict by mistake, the arrangements between India and Pakistan are frankly rudimentary," he said.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
21 Hizb terrorists surrender in Kupwara
Twenty-one members of the Hizbul Mujahideen surrendered before the civil administration and army in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning. Army sources said the 21 were "active and hardcore" and their surrender was a clear indicator of the "divide" between the Kashmiri and foreign militants. "Since the influx of Pakistani terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, reports of tensions between the Pakistani terrorists and local militants had been appearing from time to time," an army officer said in New Delhi. "This has been corroborated" by the surrendered militants, he said. The militants said they were giving up arms because of the harassment that they and Kashmiri locals were facing from foreign terrorists, the army claimed. They also admitted that the high level of civilian casualty in attacks by foreign terrorists was a worrying factor. In this regard, the militants mentioned the October 1, 2001, attack on the state assembly, in which over 30 civilians were killed, said an army officer. The expulsion of Abdul Majid Dar, who was till recently the chief commander of the Hizb in the valley, was another reason behind their surrender, the army said. According to information from Kupwara, the militants told the local administration that the expulsion of Dar and his associates had convinced them that the Kashmiri movement was now being remote-controlled by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Cronje killed in plane crash
Former South Africa cricket captain Hansie Cronje has been killed in a plane crash in George, a city in the South African Western cape province. The plane, which was carrying three passengers, crashed outside the city of George, about 500 kilometers east of Cape Town. Relatives of Cronje are reported to have said, that the plane carrying Cronje and three other passengers left Johannesburg for George early on Saturday morning but was unable to land due to poor weather conditions and crashed. According to witnesses, the pilot tried to circle before landing but crashed in the rugged Outeniqua mountains. Hansie Cronje was banned for life from the game by the UCB, the board that controls cricket inSouth Africa in 2000.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
India bites the dust in fourth one-dayer
Chris Gayle smashed 24 in an over on way to his 67-ball 84 as the West Indies thrashed India by seven wickets in the fourth one-day international at the Queen's Park Oval here on Saturday. The hosts squared the five-match series 1-1 with this win, having lost the third match by seven wickets at Bridgetown in Barbados on Wednesday. The left-handed Gayle cracked three sixes and nine fours in his 10th half-century as the West Indies surpassed India's modest total of 123 with 17 balls to spare in a match reduced to 25-overs-a-side due to rain. He was involved in a 117-run stand for the opening wicket with Wavell Hinds, who hit one six and two boundaries in his 45-ball 30. The deciding fifth one-dayer will be played at the same venue on Sunday. The first two games were rained off without a ball being bowled in Jamaica last week. The 22-year-old Gayle reduced the match to a no-contest in the seventh over when he plundered 24 runs off fast bowler Tinu Yohannan. He began with a lofted drive over mid-off for a four and followed it up with a six over long-on, a brace, a four over mid-on and two flowing drives through the covers for boundaries. Yohannan conceded 25 in that over, including a no-ball, to finish with 2-50 off five overs. Gayle raced to his half-century off just 40 balls, steering paceman Ajit Agarkar for his eighth four. He was unstoppable as he continued to strike the ball hard and clean to bring his team closer to victory. He hoisted off-spinners Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh for two more sixes, much to the delight of a capacity crowd. The West Indies were also indebted to fast bowler Corey Collymore for their victory as the fast bowler grabbed 3-14 off five tidy overs to restrict India to a small total. Collymore dismissed a well-set Sourav Ganguly before removing Mohammad Kaif (12) and Agarkar for nought off three deliveries. India struggled in the absence of master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, ruled out of the match due to a shoulder-injury. Ganguly top-scored for India with a 44-ball 39 with the help of one six and five fours, but his team lost one wicket too many in the opening 10 overs. India scored 56 in less than 10 overs, but lost four wickets to a combination of poor shot-selection and tight West Indian pace bowling and fielding. Ganguly did the bulk of scoring in the initial overs as he middled the ball extremely well, pulling Cameron Cuffy and lofting Mervyn Dillon for two boundaries early in his innings. He then lofted Cuffy over extra cover for the first six of the match, but failed to ease the pressure on his team after early reverses. Hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag lasted just one ball, driving Dillon straight to Brian Lara at mid-on in the opening over. Left-handed Dinesh Mongia also fell playing shots as he made a 12-ball 13 before being bowled by a Cuffy full-toss. Venkatsai Laxman and Yuvraj Singh fell in the space of three runs as the West Indies tightened their grip on the match. Laxman, who replaced an unfit Tendulkar, was run out for two as he failed to beat a Carl Hooper direct-hit to the non-striker's end from short square-leg. Yuvraj was beaten by the movement of a Pedro Collins delivery to be caught behind for one. India suffered a big blow when Ganguly was adjudged leg-before while playing across as the run-rate declined after his dismissal. Rahul Dravid tried to force the pace as he hoisted Cuffy over extra cover for a six, but could not last long. He was bowled by Hooper after contributing a 36-ball 28 with the help of one six and two fours.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Pak no match for India in military terms: Post
India having an overwhelming advantage over Pakistan in military terms adds further unpredictability to the standoff between the two countries and the possibility of a war. The Washington Post, quoting United States government analysts and military experts, reported today that in military terms, Pakistan is no match for India, which has a 2-to-1 advantage in ground and air forces. At sea, India has an aircraft carrier, while Pakistan has none, and India has more submarines and many more surface warships. The size of both countries' arsenals of deliverable nuclear weapons is secret, but India's is widely believed to be at least twice that of Pakistan. The disparity increases uncertainty and contributes to an escalatory situation in which both sides are tempted to take the offensive with preemptive moves, according to analysts. "It is kind of like World War I, with both sides mobilising on automatic," said retired Marine Gen Anthony C Zinni, who watched India and Pakistan take a series of planned escalatory steps in 1999. "When they see an action on one side, there is a pre-programmed counter-reaction, which makes it extremely dangerous right now." According to the Pentagon's count, India has stationed more than 250,000 troops across the Line of Control, while Pakistan has more than 180,000 soldiers on its side of the line. India has more than 1,500 artillery pieces in Kashmir, US officials report, to Pakistan's 600. Likewise, India is thought to have about three dozen warplanes in the area, roughly triple the Pakistani number. Estimates of the sizes of the nuclear arsenals vary widely, with some western military analysts calculating that India possesses 25 to 40 weapons and Pakistan 15 to 20, and others saying the likely size of each arsenal is double that. Both militaries appear poised to strike, according to US officials. "There are a lot of forces on the borders, and they have been there for a while, so they have had a lot of opportunity to prepare," a senior Defence Department official said. While Pakistan's military is smaller than India's, the gap is narrower in the parts of its armed forces that are best at projecting power, especially armoured and mechanised army divisions. Some western military analysts said those key units have deteriorated badly over the past decade, as US sanctions cut off the supply of spare parts and aid in training. But Zinni said that in his experience, the Pakistani army is skilled at maintenance and ingenious at manufacturing needed parts, The Washington Post said. UNI
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Investor Interest In UTI’s MIPs Will Be Protected: FM
Finance minister Yashwant Sinha has said the government is committed to protect the interest of investors in the monthly income plans (MIPs) of Unit Trust of India (UTI). Mr Sinha told FE: We will fully protect the interest of the investors in these schemes. He added that the finance ministry is concretising the modalities for achieving this goal. UTI chairman M Damodaran met the finance minister on Saturday and discussed at length various issues confronting UTI. Various assured return MIPs of UTI will mature for redemption during the next two years. All these schemes are currently facing major shortfalls in their corpus for meeting the redemption, and it would be difficult for the trust to meet its obligations in the absence of a helping hand. Mr Sinha’s assurance, therefore, is significant especially in view of the fact that top finance ministry officials are not in favour of a direct bail out by the government of the MIPs. The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) recently could not ask IDBI, LIC and SBI, the initial capital contributors to UTI, to bail out MIP ’97 which ran a huge short-fall of Rs 617 crore, as they are not sponsors of the Trust. UTI, which came into existence in 1964 by an Act of Parliament, faced a redemption of Rs 1,157.20 crore in MIP ’97 which matured on April 30. The Trust dipped into its development reserve fund (DRF) to make good the short-fall, which now stands reduced to around Rs 950 crore. It will be a mammoth task for UTI to make good the short-fall in various other fully assured MIPs which will mature in the next two years. MIP 97 (II) and MIP ’95 will be redeemed on June 30, 2002. During the calender 2002, other schemes like MIP ’97 (III), MIP ’97 IV and MIP ’97 V will mature for redemption. There are six more such schemes like MIP ’98, MIP ’98 (II), MIP ’98 (III), MIP ’98 (IV), MIP ’99 and MIP ’99 (II) which will mature in the next two years. All the assured return schemes will have to be redeemed by May 31, 2004. In May 2003, UTI may face huge redemption pressure on account of the country’s biggest mutual fund scheme US ’64 as the assured price for units up to 5000 held by each investor will touch Rs 12. The guaranteed repurchase price scheme will expire in May 2003 when investors are expected to rush to redeem US ’64 units. For units above 5000, UTI is committed to give Rs 10 in May 2003. MIP ’98 (II) will also mature for redemption during the same month.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Musharraf tries to quell nuclear war fears
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on Saturday tried to defuse fears of nuclear war between his nation and India, saying that such a war was all but unthinkable. "I don't think either side is that irresponsible to go to that limit," Musharraf told CNN in an exclusive interview. "I would even go to the extent of saying one shouldn't even be discussing these things, because any sane individual cannot even think of going into this unconventional war, whatever the pressures." Meanwhile, shelling across the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir continued. Pakistani artillery shells landed Saturday around the town of Kargil, in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir, causing panic among the populace, Indian police sources said. Three grenade attacks since Friday by suspected Islamic militants in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir have led to at least two deaths and more than two dozen injuries, sources said. India has a stated policy that it will not be the first to strike with nuclear weapons; Pakistan does not have an official policy on the matter. But Musharraf said Pakistan backs something "much bigger than that." "We've called for a no-war pact [with India], that there shouldn't be any war," he said. "We've called for denuclearization of South Asia, so we've called for reduction of forces." The pressures on Musharraf come from several continents. Britain and the United States, allies with Pakistan in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, have urged Pakistan to stand down from military posturing. Musharraf insists that Pakistan will only defend itself against any Indian aggression. India, on the other hand, blames Pakistan for militants' incursions into the Indian-administered section of Kashmir. Musharraf said that his country is "against militancy" and "will fight militancy in any form." Kashmir is a region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, separated into Pakistani- and Indian-controlled regions by the Line of Control. But, the president said, Kashmiri separatists are engaged in "a genuine freedom struggle" to force the implementation of a U.N. resolution calling for the right of self-determination. Musharraf insisted that "nothing is happening across the Line of Control," but noted that "it should not end there." "There has to be some movement forward," he said. "And the movement forward is certainly the issue of addressing, initiating the process of dialogue, and squarely addressing the dispute of Kashmir." U.N. orders evacuation from Pakistan, India As fears of a war grow in South Asia, the United Nations has ordered the evacuation of the families of its staff in Pakistan and India. However, officials added there was no sense of panic and the order from United Nations headquarters in New York was merely a precaution. The decision came in the wake of three grenade attacks by suspected Islamic militants in Kashmir. In the latest incident, suspected militants Saturday threw hand grenades at Indian security forces in the village of Kulgam north of Anantnag, 60 kilometers southwest of Srinagar. One person was killed and nine others were injured. Earlier Saturday, twelve people were injured, three critically, when militants attacked a security post with hand grenades, Indian police sources said. All of the injured were civilians. On Friday in Srinagar, a grenade attack killed a child and wounded six others, including a soldier, sources said. Indian and Pakistani troops in Kashmir are continuing to exchange artillery and mortar fire across the so-called Line of Control that divides the disputed Himalayan region. The U.N. evacuation order follows advice from the U.S. State Department Friday urging the 60,000 Americans in India, including hundreds of diplomats and their families, to leave. In urging people to leave, the State Department said that "the risk of intensified military hostilities between India and Pakistan cannot be ruled out''. Britain and other Western nations have also urged their citizens to leave India and reduced diplomatic staffing in Pakistan. Diplomatic pressure increases Washington is intensifying its diplomatic involvement in the crisis with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld preparing to travel to the region next week and Secretary of State Colin Powell in almost daily communication with the leaders of both countries. Several Western governments have issued advisories urging their citizens to leave India and Pakistan Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is also expected to travel to India and Pakistan next week. U.S. officials are concerned the India-Pakistan crisis could deal a serious blow to the antiterrorist campaign in Afghanistan, where American and British troops have been working with Pakistani forces to search for al Qaeda and Taliban leaders along the rugged Afghan-Pakistani border. Rumsfeld hinted that he might share U.S. intelligence estimates that a nuclear war in south Asia could leave up to 17 million dead and wounded in the first weeks of an all-out exchange. Russia is also putting pressure on both sides, with President Vladimir Putin hoping to persuade Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to hold one-on-one talks during a regional security meeting next week in Kazakhstan. On Friday foreign ministers from the Group of Eight leading industrial nations issued a rare joint statement saying they were "gravely concerned about the risks inherent in the current crisis between India and Pakistan, which could destabilize the region and beyond." The statement, issued in Ottawa, called on Pakistan in particular to take urgent action to ease tensions by delivering on pledges to stop Islamic militants crossing into Indian territory to carry out attacks. The battle over Kashmir India accuses Pakistan of arming, funding and training Kashmiri separatist fighters battling Indian rule over its portion of Kashmir. Islamabad denies the Indian charges, saying it only gives moral support to groups it says are fighting a "freedom struggle" for the people of the disputed Himalayan region. Around 1 million Indian and Pakistani troops are amassed along the border between the two countries and along the Line of Control, the U.N.-drawn border dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Tensions between the two sides intensified last December following an attack on India's Parliament that killed 14, including five assailants. New Delhi blamed the attack on Kashmiri militants. The crisis escalated further with an attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir in early May that killed 34 people, mostly women and children. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence, two of them over Kashmir. Both countries tested nuclear weapons in 1998 and have developed medium-range missiles capable of striking deep into each other's territory. Despite the continuing buildup, India's defense minister described the situation as "stable" Friday.
Sunday, June 2, 2002
Musharraf tries to quell nuclear war fears
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on Saturday tried to defuse fears of nuclear war between his nation and India, saying that such a war was all but unthinkable. "I don't think either side is that irresponsible to go to |
