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Amid the rising debate over Section 35&nbspA of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, former chief minister of the state and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday assured&nbspthat her party will make every sacrifice to preserve the Article.

Addressing a workers meeting of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) at Kangan in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, Mehbooba said her party was committed to preserve the sanctity of Article 35 A.

"During my government, I made every effort from engaging top-notch lawyers in raising political awareness in the country and the state about the need for protection of Article 35 A."

"... In future also whatever will be required, I and my party will do (it) for protecting the special status of the state,"&nbspshe said.&nbsp

The PDP president said resolving the problems in Jammu and Kashmir and working towards peace in South Asia by ensuring Indo-Pak friendship were the founding principles of her party.&nbsp

"Ever since its formation, the PDP has been striving hard for realising these objectives with all seriousness," she said.

"When our party formed the government in 2002 with Congress, we laid out a schematic plan for attainment of these basic goals and bringing succour to common masses in the state,"&nbspshe added.&nbsp

Mehbooba further said measures, which were unheard of in the past, were taken by the PDP-led government to get the ball rolling on several vexed issues.&nbsp

"Though that momentum lost its pace after 2008, the party continued with its basic agenda and with people's approval when PDP came to power again in 2015, it made its alliance partner to commit on the issues of the state through an Agenda of Alliance, a document which got recognition at the national level,"&nbspshe said.&nbsp

The former chief minister said even while sharing power with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the PDP continued to push for its core agenda like protection of Article 370, dialogue with all stakeholders in the state and resumption of Indo-Pak peace process.

Article 370 of the Constitution grants special status to&nbspJammu and Kashmir, while it also disallows people from residing in&nbspJammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settle permanently, or get state government jobs.

A non-governmental organisation, We the Citizens, filed a petitioned in the Apex Court in 2014 to abolish the law on the grounds that it was "unconstitutional".

The Article is currently facing a legal challenge in the Supreme Court.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 2019.

(With inputs from PTI)

'During my government, I made every effort from engaging top-notch lawyers in raising political awareness in the country and the state about the need for protection of Article 35 A... In future also whatever will be required, I and my party will do (it) for protecting the special status of the state,' she said.

Amid the rising debate over Section 35&nbspA of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, former chief minister of the state and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday assured&nbspthat her party will make every sacrifice to preserve the Article. Addressing a workers meeting of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) at Kangan in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, Mehbooba said her party was committed to preserve the sanctity of Article 35 A. "During my government, I made every effort from engaging top-notch lawyers in raising political awareness in the country and the state about the need for protection of Article 35 A." "... In future also whatever will be required, I and my party will do (it) for protecting the special status of the state,"&nbspshe said. The PDP president said resolving the problems in Jammu and Kashmir and working towards peace in South Asia by ensuring Indo-Pak friendship were the founding principles of her party. "Ever since its formation, the PDP has been striving hard for realising these objectives with all seriousness," she said. "When our party formed the government in 2002 with Congress, we laid out a schematic plan for attainment of these basic goals and bringing succour to common masses in the state,"&nbspshe added. Mehbooba further said measures, which were unheard of in the past, were taken by the PDP-led government to get the ball rolling on several vexed issues. "Though that momentum lost its pace after 2008, the party continued with its basic agenda and with people's approval when PDP came to power again in 2015, it made its alliance partner to commit on the issues of the state through an Agenda of Alliance, a document which got recognition at the national level,"&nbspshe said. The former chief minister said even while sharing power with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the PDP continued to push for its core agenda like protection of Article 370, dialogue with all stakeholders in the state and resumption of Indo-Pak peace process. Article 370 of the Constitution grants special status to&nbspJammu and Kashmir, while it also disallows people from residing in&nbspJammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settle permanently, or get state government jobs. A non-governmental organisation, We the Citizens, filed a petitioned in the Apex Court in 2014 to abolish the law on the grounds that it was "unconstitutional". The Article is currently facing a legal challenge in the Supreme Court. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 2019. (With inputs from PTI)

Will make every sacrifice to preserve Article 35 A: Mehbooba Mufti

Media must self-regulate when reporting on the criminal trial, Supreme Court judge Justice Uday U Lalit said here Saturday.

He was speaking here, as part of the Justice P D Desai Memorial Lecture Series, on whether media reporting comes in the way of fair trial.

There is no law prohibiting the media from covering the investigation of a crime, Justice Lalit said.

“In this country, we consider the rights of the press to be of such level, eminence, that we do not want to curtail them. No statute can curtail them. That does not mean there is complete lawlessness. There is self-regulation which the press must have,” he said.

The media must not disclose the identity of a vulnerable victim or witness, because revealing it can “tremendously affect” the outcome of a trial, Justice Lalit said.

Also, the media should not disclose the line of investigation as it can end up helping the accused, he said.

The media cannot be liable for contempt of court at the investigation stage, because under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, such offence can happen only after the charge sheet is filed in the court, he said.

A Law Commission report, suggesting that the starting point of the offence (for contempt of court) should be the arrest of an accused, has not been accepted, Justice Lalit said.

“As judges, are we not trained sufficiently enough, are we not strong enough to take care of any criticism, any opinion, anything which is stated in the media?” he asked the gathering of judges and lawyers.

He also said the idea behind televising court proceedings — a proposal currently under the Supreme Court’s consideration — is to ensure transparency and to safeguard the accused’s rights further.

“When you say a man should be tried in an open court… there will be sufficient safeguard for him with members of public overseeing,” Justice Lalit said.

Courts can deal with a report that appears to be “motivated or coloured,” he said.

“The superior court still has the inherent right to direct gagging of media,” Justice Lalit said, adding that Indian courts have derived this power from the Canadian jurisprudence.

Media must self-regulate when reporting on criminal trial, Supreme Court judge Justice Uday U Lalit said

Media must self-regulate when reporting on the criminal trial, Supreme Court judge Justice Uday U Lalit said here Saturday. He was speaking here, as part of the Justice P D Desai Memorial Lecture Series, on whether media reporting comes in the way of fair trial. There is no law prohibiting the media from covering the investigation of a crime, Justice Lalit said. “In this country, we consider the rights of the press to be of such level, eminence, that we do not want to curtail them. No statute can curtail them. That does not mean there is complete lawlessness. There is self-regulation which the press must have,” he said. The media must not disclose the identity of a vulnerable victim or witness, because revealing it can “tremendously affect” the outcome of a trial, Justice Lalit said. Also, the media should not disclose the line of investigation as it can end up helping the accused, he said. The media cannot be liable for contempt of court at the investigation stage, because under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, such offence can happen only after the charge sheet is filed in the court, he said. A Law Commission report, suggesting that the starting point of the offence (for contempt of court) should be the arrest of an accused, has not been accepted, Justice Lalit said. “As judges, are we not trained sufficiently enough, are we not strong enough to take care of any criticism, any opinion, anything which is stated in the media?” he asked the gathering of judges and lawyers. He also said the idea behind televising court proceedings — a proposal currently under the Supreme Court’s consideration — is to ensure transparency and to safeguard the accused’s rights further. “When you say a man should be tried in an open court… there will be sufficient safeguard for him with members of public overseeing,” Justice Lalit said. Courts can deal with a report that appears to be “motivated or coloured,” he said. “The superior court still has the inherent right to direct gagging of media,” Justice Lalit said, adding that Indian courts have derived this power from the Canadian jurisprudence.

Media must self-regulate when reporting on criminal trial, says Supreme Court judge UU Lalit

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Saturday dismissed charges from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the Congress party is responsible for stalling the Triple Talaq Bill and not letting it pass in the Rajya Sabha.

“We never opposed the Triple Talaq bill. Their allies also have objections on the issues of criminality. It is good that the BJP is worried about the Muslim women in the country. What about every woman then? Why are they not introducing the Women Reservation Bill? They have numbers as well,” Sharma said.

Slamming the government on the twin policies like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation, Sharma took a potshot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “ Dr Manmohan Singh was a democrat prime minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a dictator. India has the highest rates of GST. Many products such as the petroleum, liquor are out of the GST slab, and yet, the rates are higher. The MSME have suffered loss and crores of people have their jobs because of the demonetization. It is the responsibility of the government in power and not the opposition.”

Mocking the government that they are “worried” about the grand alliance between the Congress and other parties to counter the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sharma added, “We haven’t announced any Grand Alliance, yet, they are worried. There will be a state-wise alliance and in many states, there will be a direct fight between Congress and BJP. They are worried about the unity of the opposition, especially after Kairana, Phoolput, and Gorakhpur.”

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Saturday dismissed charges from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the Congress party is responsible for stalling the Triple Talaq Bill and not letting it pass in the Rajya Sabha.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Saturday dismissed charges from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the Congress party is responsible for stalling the Triple Talaq Bill and not letting it pass in the Rajya Sabha. “We never opposed the Triple Talaq bill. Their allies also have objections on the issues of criminality. It is good that the BJP is worried about the Muslim women in the country. What about every woman then? Why are they not introducing the Women Reservation Bill? They have numbers as well,” Sharma said. Slamming the government on the twin policies like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation, Sharma took a potshot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “ Dr Manmohan Singh was a democrat prime minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a dictator. India has the highest rates of GST. Many products such as the petroleum, liquor are out of the GST slab, and yet, the rates are higher. The MSME have suffered loss and crores of people have their jobs because of the demonetization. It is the responsibility of the government in power and not the opposition.” Mocking the government that they are “worried” about the grand alliance between the Congress and other parties to counter the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sharma added, “We haven’t announced any Grand Alliance, yet, they are worried. There will be a state-wise alliance and in many states, there will be a direct fight between Congress and BJP. They are worried about the unity of the opposition, especially after Kairana, Phoolput, and Gorakhpur.”

Congress never opposed Triple Talaq bill, says Anand Sharma

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rajiv-gandhi-assassination-case-tamil-nadu-cabinet-recommends-release-of-7-convicts-164651">Tamil Nadu cabinet recommends release of 7 convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case</a>

The Tamil Nadu cabinet on Sunday recommended the release of seven convicts in former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination case.&nbspThe cabinet's recommendation will be sent to the TN governor immediately, said fisheries minister D Jayakumar after the cabinet meeting that lasted for two hours in Chennai.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/bjp-achieved-in-48-months-what-congress-could-not-in-48-years-modi-at-bjp-national-executive-164655">BJP achieved in 48 months what Congress could not in 48 years, Modi at BJP national executive</a>

Launching a searing attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that those who failed in government failed in opposition too.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-2-killed-as-suicide-bomber-targets-rebel-leader-commemoration-in-kabul-164636">Afghanistan: 3 killed as suicide bomber targets rebel leader commemoration in Kabul</a>

At least three persons were reportedly killed and nine others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber blew himself up in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Sunday.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ban-cheese-imports-pakistan-discusses-outside-the-box-ideas-to-avoid-imf-bailout-164640">Ban cheese imports? Pakistan discusses outside-the-box ideas to avoid IMF bailout</a>

Pakistani economic advisors discussed banning imports of luxury cars, smartphones and cheese in a wide-ranging strategy session on how to avoid seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a senior government advisor said.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/may-wraps-suicide-vest-around-uk-over-brexit-says-johnson-164618">May wraps 'suicide vest' around </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/may-wraps-suicide-vest-around-uk-over-brexit-says-johnson-164618">UK</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/may-wraps-suicide-vest-around-uk-over-brexit-says-johnson-164618"> over Brexit, says Johnson</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal wraps "a suicide vest around the British constitution" and hands the detonator to the European Union, former foreign minister Boris Johnson said in comments that drew strong criticism.

Tamil Nadu cabinet recommends release of 7 convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case The Tamil Nadu cabinet on Sunday recommended the release of seven convicts in former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination case.&nbspThe cabinet's recommendation will be sent to the TN governor immediately, said fisheries minister D Jayakumar after the cabinet meeting that lasted for two hours in Chennai. BJP achieved in 48 months what Congress could not in 48 years, Modi at BJP national executive Launching a searing attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that those who failed in government failed in opposition too. Afghanistan: 3 killed as suicide bomber targets rebel leader commemoration in Kabul At least three persons were reportedly killed and nine others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber blew himself up in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Sunday. Ban cheese imports? Pakistan discusses outside-the-box ideas to avoid IMF bailout Pakistani economic advisors discussed banning imports of luxury cars, smartphones and cheese in a wide-ranging strategy session on how to avoid seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a senior government advisor said. May wraps 'suicide vest' around UK over Brexit, says Johnson Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal wraps "a suicide vest around the British constitution" and hands the detonator to the European Union, former foreign minister Boris Johnson said in comments that drew strong criticism.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Stepping up preparations for the conduct of Assembly elections in Telangana, the Election Commission of India (EC) on Saturday announced that the final voter list will be published on October 8.

The poll panel suspended the ongoing process of revision of electoral rolls in the wake of the premature dissolution of the state Assembly and declared a new schedule for revision.

Telangana’s Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said under the new schedule, the integrated draft electoral roll will be published on September 10.

Claims and objections can be filed from September 10 to September 25 while disposal of claims and objections will be taken up on October 4. Updating database and printing of supplement will be completed before October 7.

October 8 will be the date for final publication of the electoral roll, which means elections may be held any time after this date.

As per the schedule announced earlier, all new voters who will complete the age of 18 on January 1, 2019, would be eligible to submit applications to include their names in the voter list.

Under the second special summary revision announced on Saturday, those who completed the age of 18 on January 1, 2018, can still submit their requests for inclusion of their names.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao dissolved state Assembly on Thursday, nearly nine months before its term was to end, to clear the way for early elections.

The EC has indicated that the polls in Telangana could be held at the year-end along with four other states where elections are due.

The poll panel on Friday announced that it will send a team to Telangana on September 11 to study the poll preparedness of state machinery.

The poll panel suspended the ongoing process of revision of electoral rolls in the wake of premature dissolution of the state Assembly and declared a new schedule for revision.

Stepping up preparations for the conduct of Assembly elections in Telangana, the Election Commission of India (EC) on Saturday announced that the final voter list will be published on October 8. The poll panel suspended the ongoing process of revision of electoral rolls in the wake of the premature dissolution of the state Assembly and declared a new schedule for revision. Telangana’s Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said under the new schedule, the integrated draft electoral roll will be published on September 10. Claims and objections can be filed from September 10 to September 25 while disposal of claims and objections will be taken up on October 4. Updating database and printing of supplement will be completed before October 7. October 8 will be the date for final publication of the electoral roll, which means elections may be held any time after this date. As per the schedule announced earlier, all new voters who will complete the age of 18 on January 1, 2019, would be eligible to submit applications to include their names in the voter list. Under the second special summary revision announced on Saturday, those who completed the age of 18 on January 1, 2018, can still submit their requests for inclusion of their names. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao dissolved state Assembly on Thursday, nearly nine months before its term was to end, to clear the way for early elections. The EC has indicated that the polls in Telangana could be held at the year-end along with four other states where elections are due. The poll panel on Friday announced that it will send a team to Telangana on September 11 to study the poll preparedness of state machinery.

Telangana all set for elections; voter list to be ready by October 8

The Narendra Modi government is working for “making India” whereas the Congress is working for “breaking India”, BJP president Amit Shah said Saturday, asserting that his party will return to power in 2019 with a majority bigger than what it got in 2014.&nbsp

Launching a blistering attack on the Opposition in his inaugural address at the party’s two-day national executive meeting, he said the proposed “maha-gathbandhan” (grand alliance) of the BJP’s rivals is an illusion and myth, and will make no difference to its fortunes.

Shah sought to build a narrative about his party around the theme of development, especially targeting the poor, and nationalism while painting the Opposition as those sympathising with “urban Naxals” and working for “breaking India” in its frustration over electoral losses.

Briefing reporters on Shah’s speech in the closed-door meeting, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman said he termed the Opposition as “disruptions” and that it no longer seems to be representing the voice of the people.

He made these comments in the context of the no-confidence motion brought by opposition parties in Lok Sabha in the Monsoon Session, saying that there was no reason for it and accusing them of being in “denial mode” after it was defeated with a big margin.

With many political watchers suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may find it hard to repeat its 2014 feat, Shah said it will handily win in 19 states where it is in power and also emerge victorious in states such as West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana due to “anti-incumbency” factor against regional parties in power there.

“We will return to power strongly and with a good majority. We will win with a bigger majority than what we got in 2014,” Sitharaman quoted him as saying. The BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 in the 2014 parliamentary election. Top party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of party-ruled states, were in attendance as Shah asserted that it will return to power on the basis of the government’s performance, Modi’s charismatic leadership and its organisational strength.

Amid unity efforts among opposition parties to challenge the BJP, Shah said his party had defeated all of them in 2014 and their coming together will make no difference to it.

He also took a dig at Congress leader and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who had recently said that the Modi government had failed on all fronts, saying that while Singh follows his party, Modi leads his. Hitting back at former finance minister P Chidambaram over his criticism of the government’s economic policies, especially demonetisation, Shah said over three lakh shell companies were shut down hampering black money operations and the numbers of income tax assesses have doubled.

“Our workers should take on P Chidambaram and company and challenge them for debates on facts,” he said.

Shah also touched on the issues of National Register of Citizens (NRC) and triple talaq bill while making a passing reference to his rivals’ attack on the party over Dalit issues but avoided the topics of oil price rise and reported upper castes anger over the BJP’s support for pro-Dalit laws.

Not a single infiltrator will be allowed into India, he said, noting that the party has been consistent in its support to the NRC with its part national executives making a mention of it as many as nine times. He also made a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to minorities being persecuted in neighbouring countries, saying it must be done without any hesitation.

Shah also made a reference to the instant triple talaq being banned in several Islamic countries and said the bill, which envisages criminal action against Muslim men accused of practising it, has been stuck in Parliament due to the Congress’s “hypocritical” stand.

Speaking for the first time on the raging controversy over the arrest of several activists on the charge that they helped Naxals, he praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present, for the police action.

Opposition parties such as the Congress are doing vote bank politics on it, he said.

The BJP has often accused the Congress of hobnobbing with Naxals and being sympathetic to terrorists, a charge rejected by the opposition party.

The BJP’s rivals have been making “baseless” allegations against it over Dalit issues, he said. Referring to pro-poor programmes of the government, Shah said it has lived the party’s ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya’s principle of ‘antyodaya’ (uplift of the last man in queue) by benefitting over 50 crore people with its 126 schemes.

He asked party workers to go to villages covered under ‘Gram Swaraj’ (village empowerment) scheme of the government and celebrate Diwali with residents. The party will showcase its organisational prowess in the 2019 polls, he said, asking its functionaries to go to the masses with details of the government’s works.

The party has also decided to organise various events on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, observe September 28, the day the Army had carried out surgical strikes, as ‘”Shaurya Diwas”, and hold “sewa saptah” (service week) between September 17 and 25.

He also hailed the passage of a bill granting constitutional status to a commission for Other Backward Classes and claimed that the government’s works have touched on all segments of society.

The Narendra Modi government is working for "making India" whereas the Congress is working for "breaking India", BJP president Amit Shah said Saturday, asserting that his party will return to power in 2019 with a majority bigger than what it got in 2014.

The Narendra Modi government is working for “making India” whereas the Congress is working for “breaking India”, BJP president Amit Shah said Saturday, asserting that his party will return to power in 2019 with a majority bigger than what it got in 2014. Launching a blistering attack on the Opposition in his inaugural address at the party’s two-day national executive meeting, he said the proposed “maha-gathbandhan” (grand alliance) of the BJP’s rivals is an illusion and myth, and will make no difference to its fortunes. Shah sought to build a narrative about his party around the theme of development, especially targeting the poor, and nationalism while painting the Opposition as those sympathising with “urban Naxals” and working for “breaking India” in its frustration over electoral losses. Briefing reporters on Shah’s speech in the closed-door meeting, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman said he termed the Opposition as “disruptions” and that it no longer seems to be representing the voice of the people. He made these comments in the context of the no-confidence motion brought by opposition parties in Lok Sabha in the Monsoon Session, saying that there was no reason for it and accusing them of being in “denial mode” after it was defeated with a big margin. With many political watchers suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may find it hard to repeat its 2014 feat, Shah said it will handily win in 19 states where it is in power and also emerge victorious in states such as West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana due to “anti-incumbency” factor against regional parties in power there. “We will return to power strongly and with a good majority. We will win with a bigger majority than what we got in 2014,” Sitharaman quoted him as saying. The BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 in the 2014 parliamentary election. Top party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of party-ruled states, were in attendance as Shah asserted that it will return to power on the basis of the government’s performance, Modi’s charismatic leadership and its organisational strength. Amid unity efforts among opposition parties to challenge the BJP, Shah said his party had defeated all of them in 2014 and their coming together will make no difference to it. He also took a dig at Congress leader and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who had recently said that the Modi government had failed on all fronts, saying that while Singh follows his party, Modi leads his. Hitting back at former finance minister P Chidambaram over his criticism of the government’s economic policies, especially demonetisation, Shah said over three lakh shell companies were shut down hampering black money operations and the numbers of income tax assesses have doubled. “Our workers should take on P Chidambaram and company and challenge them for debates on facts,” he said. Shah also touched on the issues of National Register of Citizens (NRC) and triple talaq bill while making a passing reference to his rivals’ attack on the party over Dalit issues but avoided the topics of oil price rise and reported upper castes anger over the BJP’s support for pro-Dalit laws. Not a single infiltrator will be allowed into India, he said, noting that the party has been consistent in its support to the NRC with its part national executives making a mention of it as many as nine times. He also made a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to minorities being persecuted in neighbouring countries, saying it must be done without any hesitation. Shah also made a reference to the instant triple talaq being banned in several Islamic countries and said the bill, which envisages criminal action against Muslim men accused of practising it, has been stuck in Parliament due to the Congress’s “hypocritical” stand. Speaking for the first time on the raging controversy over the arrest of several activists on the charge that they helped Naxals, he praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present, for the police action. Opposition parties such as the Congress are doing vote bank politics on it, he said. The BJP has often accused the Congress of hobnobbing with Naxals and being sympathetic to terrorists, a charge rejected by the opposition party. The BJP’s rivals have been making “baseless” allegations against it over Dalit issues, he said. Referring to pro-poor programmes of the government, Shah said it has lived the party’s ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya’s principle of ‘antyodaya’ (uplift of the last man in queue) by benefitting over 50 crore people with its 126 schemes. He asked party workers to go to villages covered under ‘Gram Swaraj’ (village empowerment) scheme of the government and celebrate Diwali with residents. The party will showcase its organisational prowess in the 2019 polls, he said, asking its functionaries to go to the masses with details of the government’s works. The party has also decided to organise various events on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, observe September 28, the day the Army had carried out surgical strikes, as ‘”Shaurya Diwas”, and hold “sewa saptah” (service week) between September 17 and 25. He also hailed the passage of a bill granting constitutional status to a commission for Other Backward Classes and claimed that the government’s works have touched on all segments of society.

BJP working for ‘making India’, Congress for ‘breaking India’; will win 2019 with bigger majority: Amit Shah

Launching a searing attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that those who failed in government failed in opposition too.

Briefing reporters on Narendra Modi's concluding remarks at the BJP national executive meet, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad referring to Congress &nbsp;he said ''Those who failed in government failed in opposition too.''&nbsp;

According to Prasad, PM highlighted how 50 crore people were lifted out of poverty during his speech.&nbsp;

Stating that opposition lies must be exposed, Modi said Congress party is not capable of leading an alliance as there is no specific leadership for the grand alliance.

No party was ready to accept Congress leadership, Prasad said and added that there was no leadership in the grand alliance whose policies are not clear and their intentions are corrupt, he said.&nbsp;

According to Prasad, PM reportedly told the BJP national executive that he want development with a humanitarian face.

PM policies are lauded all over the world, Prasad said and added that NDA &nbsp;government did not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion.&nbsp;

Gujarat was once Congress bastion but people have accepted our party, he said.

Modi also paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and called a powerful phrase in his honour: 'Ajay Bharat, Atal BJP', Prasad said.&nbsp;

Briefing reporters on Narendra Modi's concluding remarks at the BJP national executive meet, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad referring to Congress he said ''Those who failed in government failed in opposition too.''

Launching a searing attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that those who failed in government failed in opposition too. Briefing reporters on Narendra Modi's concluding remarks at the BJP national executive meet, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad referring to Congress he said ''Those who failed in government failed in opposition too.'' According to Prasad, PM highlighted how 50 crore people were lifted out of poverty during his speech. Stating that opposition lies must be exposed, Modi said Congress party is not capable of leading an alliance as there is no specific leadership for the grand alliance. No party was ready to accept Congress leadership, Prasad said and added that there was no leadership in the grand alliance whose policies are not clear and their intentions are corrupt, he said. According to Prasad, PM reportedly told the BJP national executive that he want development with a humanitarian face. PM policies are lauded all over the world, Prasad said and added that NDA government did not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion. Gujarat was once Congress bastion but people have accepted our party, he said. Modi also paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and called a powerful phrase in his honour: 'Ajay Bharat, Atal BJP', Prasad said.

BJP achieved in 48 months what Congress could not in 48 years, Modi at BJP national executive

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said those involved in incidents of hate and lynching cannot call themselves nationalists while holding that legislation alone was not enough as a change in societal behaviour was required to prevent such cases.

The vice president also expressed anguish over the politicisation of incidents of lynching, saying such cases should not be linked with political parties.

"Societal change (is needed). This (lynching) is not because of this party or that party. The moment you attribute it to these parties, the cause is lost. That is what is happening, let me be very frank," he said.

Asked about the incidents of hate and lynching, he said it was not a new trend and there were such instances in the past also.

"It is the societal behaviour that has to change...When you kill the other man, how can you call yourself nationalist. On the basis of religion, on the basis of caste or on the basis of colour, or on the basis of gender, you discriminate. Nationalism, Bharat Mata Ki Jai has a wider meaning," Naidu told PTI in an interview on Tuesday.

He said "some of these things" cannot be tackled through legislation alone, and a societal change was needed to check them.

The government has been under attack from Congress and several other opposition parties for a spate of lynchings in various parts of the country in the last couple of years.&nbsp

According to Home Ministry data, around 40 people were lynched in nine states in the past one year.

The opposition and various civil rights groups have also accused the government of not coming down hard on those involved in the incidents.&nbsp

On July 17, the Supreme Court said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism. It also asked the Centre to consider enacting a new law to sternly deal with such incidents.

A panel appointed by the government to examine ways to contain such incidents is believed to have recommended framing a new legislation.&nbsp

"When the Nirbhaya issue came, there was a clamour for Nirbhaya act. Nirbhaya act has come, did they stop. I am not getting into politics, the political parties they have their own way of highlighting it. I (had) said, what is required is not a mere bill, political will, administrative skill, and then go for the kill of the social evil. I had said in Parliament," said Naidu.

Noting that there was also a debate on about nationalism in the country, Naidu said it should also be properly defined and articulated.

"According to me nationalism or 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' means 'Jai Ho' to 130 crore people. Any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, sex, religion or region is against nationalism," the vice president said.

In the Nirbhaya case, five men and a juvenile gangraped a woman on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a running bus in South Delhi and severely assaulted her. She succumbed to injuries on December 29, 2012, at a Singapore hospital. The woman was given the name Nirbhaya (fearless).&nbsp

The vice president also expressed anguish over the politicisation of incidents of lynching, saying such cases should not be linked with political parties.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said those involved in incidents of hate and lynching cannot call themselves nationalists while holding that legislation alone was not enough as a change in societal behaviour was required to prevent such cases. The vice president also expressed anguish over the politicisation of incidents of lynching, saying such cases should not be linked with political parties. "Societal change (is needed). This (lynching) is not because of this party or that party. The moment you attribute it to these parties, the cause is lost. That is what is happening, let me be very frank," he said. Asked about the incidents of hate and lynching, he said it was not a new trend and there were such instances in the past also. "It is the societal behaviour that has to change...When you kill the other man, how can you call yourself nationalist. On the basis of religion, on the basis of caste or on the basis of colour, or on the basis of gender, you discriminate. Nationalism, Bharat Mata Ki Jai has a wider meaning," Naidu told PTI in an interview on Tuesday. He said "some of these things" cannot be tackled through legislation alone, and a societal change was needed to check them. The government has been under attack from Congress and several other opposition parties for a spate of lynchings in various parts of the country in the last couple of years. According to Home Ministry data, around 40 people were lynched in nine states in the past one year. The opposition and various civil rights groups have also accused the government of not coming down hard on those involved in the incidents. On July 17, the Supreme Court said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism. It also asked the Centre to consider enacting a new law to sternly deal with such incidents. A panel appointed by the government to examine ways to contain such incidents is believed to have recommended framing a new legislation. "When the Nirbhaya issue came, there was a clamour for Nirbhaya act. Nirbhaya act has come, did they stop. I am not getting into politics, the political parties they have their own way of highlighting it. I (had) said, what is required is not a mere bill, political will, administrative skill, and then go for the kill of the social evil. I had said in Parliament," said Naidu. Noting that there was also a debate on about nationalism in the country, Naidu said it should also be properly defined and articulated. "According to me nationalism or 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' means 'Jai Ho' to 130 crore people. Any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, sex, religion or region is against nationalism," the vice president said. In the Nirbhaya case, five men and a juvenile gangraped a woman on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012 inside a running bus in South Delhi and severely assaulted her. She succumbed to injuries on December 29, 2012, at a Singapore hospital. The woman was given the name Nirbhaya (fearless).

Those involved in lynchings cannot call themselves nationalists: Venkaiah Naidu

DMK President MK Stalin on Sunday alleged that the BJP and rival AIADMK in Tamil Nadu have joined hands to reopen the&nbsp;Tuticorin&nbsp;Sterlite plant.

Referring to the groundwater analysis conducted by the Union Ministry of Water Resources, he said It's shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite.

"BJP and AIADMK have joined hands to reopen Sterlite Plant, it's condemnable.Union Ministry of Water Resources conducted groundwater analysis independently in and around of Thoothukudi. It's very shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite," MK Stalin tweeted.

"It is shocking to see the BJP government throw away the welfare of crores of Tamil people for the sake of a private corporate company," he said.

The DMK leader called for the withdrawal of the report and asked the state government to move the court and get a star order.

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BJP & AIADMK have joined hands to reopen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sterlite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sterlite</a> Plant, it's condemnable.Union Ministry of Water Resources conducted groundwater analysis independently in and around of Thoothukudi. It's very shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite:DMK President MK Stalin (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/gAsGP2O9Jg">pic.twitter.com/gAsGP2O9Jg</a>
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The Tamil Nadu government, on the other hand, rejected the Centre's report on groundwater contamination in Tuticorin in the backdrop of the Sterlite controversy.

The state government said it was "absolutely vague" and seemed to support the Vedanta Ltd unit which was "totally unwarranted".

In her letter to the Ministry of Water Resources, RD and GR (Ground Water), Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan said that Tamil Nadu was "perturbed" that the report had been commissioned without intimating the state government or the statutory authorities, including the TNPCB.

"On the basis of scientific studies, the TNPCB has concluded that the level of pollution caused by the Sterlite Copper Smelting Plant has gravely affected the health and safety of residents in the locality, warranting closure of the industry," she said in the letter, dated September 7.

She also said that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) refused to renew consent for the operation of Sterlite Copper Smelting plant in Tuticorin in April after detailed investigation and analysis of all the relevant factors.

She further said that the Tamil Nadu government had ordered the permanent closure of the unit to safeguard the environment adding that the order was imposed by the virtue of Article 48-A of the Constitution of India.

Quoting from the report, she said it concludes that the investigation team could not enter into the premises of Sterlite Copper Industry to collect representative samples from inside and outside of the unit since district authorities had sealed it following a government order for its permanent closure.

She said the report had stated that "Therefore, it cant be stated that M/s Sterilte Industry is only cause of pollution indicated above" and described this conclusion as "totally unwarranted".

"This conclusion, which appears to support Sterlite Industry, is totally unwarranted, besides being absolutely vague and is not supported by any empirical data whatsoever," she said. Further, it does not appear to be made on any scientific basis and it was not known how the two scientists who have submitted the report have made such a vague and an unsubstantiated statement in the report, she added.

She said the state government "strongly feels that the report is motivated and has been prepared only to prejudice the Tamil Nadu government and the TNPCB cases in various judicial fora."

She finally concluded by rejecting the report and asking the Ministry of Water Resources to immediately withdraw the entire report.&nbsp;

Vaidyanathan said, "In view of the above, we reject the report and request you to immediately withdraw the entire report since the competent statutory authority of the State has already conducted a detailed analysis on which a decision has already been taken by the Tamil Nadu government and since the matter is sub-judice before various fora".

Thirteen people were killed in a police firing after violence broke out on May 22 during an anti-Sterlite protest at Tuticorin.

(With inputs from PTI)

MK Stalin said,`BJP and AIADMK have joined hands to reopen Sterlite Plant, it's condemnable.Union Ministry of Water Resources conducted groundwater analysis independently in and around of Thoothukudi. It's very shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite'

DMK President MK Stalin on Sunday alleged that the BJP and rival AIADMK in Tamil Nadu have joined hands to reopen the Tuticorin Sterlite plant. Referring to the groundwater analysis conducted by the Union Ministry of Water Resources, he said It's shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite. "BJP and AIADMK have joined hands to reopen Sterlite Plant, it's condemnable.Union Ministry of Water Resources conducted groundwater analysis independently in and around of Thoothukudi. It's very shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite," MK Stalin tweeted. "It is shocking to see the BJP government throw away the welfare of crores of Tamil people for the sake of a private corporate company," he said. The DMK leader called for the withdrawal of the report and asked the state government to move the court and get a star order. BJP & AIADMK have joined hands to reopen #Sterlite Plant, it's condemnable.Union Ministry of Water Resources conducted groundwater analysis independently in and around of Thoothukudi. It's very shocking to know that the analysis was pro-Sterlite:DMK President MK Stalin (file pic) pic.twitter.com/gAsGP2O9Jg — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × The Tamil Nadu government, on the other hand, rejected the Centre's report on groundwater contamination in Tuticorin in the backdrop of the Sterlite controversy. The state government said it was "absolutely vague" and seemed to support the Vedanta Ltd unit which was "totally unwarranted". In her letter to the Ministry of Water Resources, RD and GR (Ground Water), Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan said that Tamil Nadu was "perturbed" that the report had been commissioned without intimating the state government or the statutory authorities, including the TNPCB. "On the basis of scientific studies, the TNPCB has concluded that the level of pollution caused by the Sterlite Copper Smelting Plant has gravely affected the health and safety of residents in the locality, warranting closure of the industry," she said in the letter, dated September 7. She also said that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) refused to renew consent for the operation of Sterlite Copper Smelting plant in Tuticorin in April after detailed investigation and analysis of all the relevant factors. She further said that the Tamil Nadu government had ordered the permanent closure of the unit to safeguard the environment adding that the order was imposed by the virtue of Article 48-A of the Constitution of India. Quoting from the report, she said it concludes that the investigation team could not enter into the premises of Sterlite Copper Industry to collect representative samples from inside and outside of the unit since district authorities had sealed it following a government order for its permanent closure. She said the report had stated that "Therefore, it cant be stated that M/s Sterilte Industry is only cause of pollution indicated above" and described this conclusion as "totally unwarranted". "This conclusion, which appears to support Sterlite Industry, is totally unwarranted, besides being absolutely vague and is not supported by any empirical data whatsoever," she said. Further, it does not appear to be made on any scientific basis and it was not known how the two scientists who have submitted the report have made such a vague and an unsubstantiated statement in the report, she added. She said the state government "strongly feels that the report is motivated and has been prepared only to prejudice the Tamil Nadu government and the TNPCB cases in various judicial fora." She finally concluded by rejecting the report and asking the Ministry of Water Resources to immediately withdraw the entire report. Vaidyanathan said, "In view of the above, we reject the report and request you to immediately withdraw the entire report since the competent statutory authority of the State has already conducted a detailed analysis on which a decision has already been taken by the Tamil Nadu government and since the matter is sub-judice before various fora". Thirteen people were killed in a police firing after violence broke out on May 22 during an anti-Sterlite protest at Tuticorin. (With inputs from PTI)

BJP, AIADMK have joined hands to reopen Tuticorin Sterlite plant, alleges MK Stalin

In a suspected case of drunken driving, a 25-year-old man drove his car on a footpath in west Delhi's Rajouri Garden, killing two men and injuring two others in the early hours on Sunday, the police said.

The driver, Devesh, who works in a software firm, was arrested from the spot, they added.

Police said the incident happened around 4.30 am. Devesh told police he was driving from Paschim Vihar towards the airport where he was supposed to meet a friend.

Devesh was in an inebriated condition and was driving at a high speed. He lost control of his Honda Civic car and ended up driving it over the footpath near Rajouri Garden flyover where four men were sleeping.&nbsp

Two of them died while two others were grievously injured, the police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Monika Bhardwaj confirmed the incident and the arrest of the driver.

The police said the accused has been booked under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), which attracts a maximum jail term of 10 years.&nbsp

The driver, Devesh, who works in a software firm, was arrested from the spot.

In a suspected case of drunken driving, a 25-year-old man drove his car on a footpath in west Delhi's Rajouri Garden, killing two men and injuring two others in the early hours on Sunday, the police said. The driver, Devesh, who works in a software firm, was arrested from the spot, they added. Police said the incident happened around 4.30 am. Devesh told police he was driving from Paschim Vihar towards the airport where he was supposed to meet a friend. Devesh was in an inebriated condition and was driving at a high speed. He lost control of his Honda Civic car and ended up driving it over the footpath near Rajouri Garden flyover where four men were sleeping. Two of them died while two others were grievously injured, the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Monika Bhardwaj confirmed the incident and the arrest of the driver. The police said the accused has been booked under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), which attracts a maximum jail term of 10 years.

Drunk man drives car on Delhi footpath, kills 2

Lashing out at Kerala MLA PC George for using 'abusive language' against an alleged rape victim, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma Sunday said such incidents are shameful.

Sharma noted that the commission would be writing to Kerala DGPLokanath Behera to take action against such lawmakers.

The NCW chairperson said the nun was allegedly facing discrimination after levelling sexual assault charges against Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal and that she was not getting support from the church.

Sharma's comments come amid reports of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-mla-pc-george-says-nun-who-alleged-rape-is-a-prostitute-asks-why-didnt-she-complain-first-time-164546">Kerala MLA PC George</a> abusing the nun. In his statement, the MLA asked why didn't the nun report the incident earlier.

In July this year, the nun filed a complaint with the Kottayam district police chief, alleging that Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal had raped her and had unnatural sex with her multiple times at a small town near Kottayam between 2014 and 2016.

Mulakkal has claimed innocence and said the truth will come out in the police investigation.&nbsp;

Sharma's comments come amid reports of Kerala MLAPC George abusing the nun

Lashing out at Kerala MLA PC George for using 'abusive language' against an alleged rape victim, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma Sunday said such incidents are shameful. Sharma noted that the commission would be writing to Kerala DGPLokanath Behera to take action against such lawmakers. The NCW chairperson said the nun was allegedly facing discrimination after levelling sexual assault charges against Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal and that she was not getting support from the church. Sharma's comments come amid reports of Kerala MLA PC George abusing the nun. In his statement, the MLA asked why didn't the nun report the incident earlier. In July this year, the nun filed a complaint with the Kottayam district police chief, alleging that Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal had raped her and had unnatural sex with her multiple times at a small town near Kottayam between 2014 and 2016. Mulakkal has claimed innocence and said the truth will come out in the police investigation.

NCW chief lashes out at Kerala MLA for abusive language against nun

The doctors who conducted a postmortem on the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim told a court in Pathankot&nbspthat the girl was sexually assaulted and she died of asphyxia, a lawyer has said.

As many as 54 witnesses have deposed before the court so far in the ongoing trial in the brutal rape and murder of the girl.

The girl was allegedly repeatedly assaulted before being killed at a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January.

Special Public Prosecutor J K Chopra said the doctors who conducted the postmortem recorded their statement before the court of chief judicial magistrate recently.

They said the victim was subjected to sexual assault and cited asphyxia as the reason behind her death, Chopra, who has been representing the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch, said.

Pathankot District and Sessions Judge Tejwinder Singh is hearing the case after it was transferred on the orders of the Supreme Court on a plea filed by the victim's family.&nbsp

The district and sessions court framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on June 8.

The crime branch had earlier arrested Sanji Ram, the custodian of a temple where the child was allegedly confined, his son Vishal and his juvenile nephew, two special police officers Deepak Khajuria alias 'Dipu' and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu.&nbsp

All of them were named in the first charge sheet on April 9.

Ram, considered as the main accused, allegedly hatched the conspiracy to kidnap the girl as part of a strategy to remove a minority community from the area.

The crime branch had also arrested Head Constable Tilak Raj and Sub-Inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. Raj and Dutta have since been dismissed from service.

Chopra said the statements of the doctors have further strengthened the prosecution case. "I am very satisfied with the evidence submitted by the crime branch," he said.

The crime branch had submitted a supplementary charge sheet on July 30 in which it highlighted that the victim was administered a cocktail of sedatives through her captivity, "rendering her incapacitated" to resist sexual assault and murder.

According to the charge sheet, the child was abducted on January 10. She was killed on January 14 and her body was found in a forest area near Kathua on January 17.&nbsp

The girl was allegedly repeatedly assaulted before being killed at a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January.

The doctors who conducted a postmortem on the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim told a court in Pathankot&nbspthat the girl was sexually assaulted and she died of asphyxia, a lawyer has said. As many as 54 witnesses have deposed before the court so far in the ongoing trial in the brutal rape and murder of the girl. The girl was allegedly repeatedly assaulted before being killed at a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January. Special Public Prosecutor J K Chopra said the doctors who conducted the postmortem recorded their statement before the court of chief judicial magistrate recently. They said the victim was subjected to sexual assault and cited asphyxia as the reason behind her death, Chopra, who has been representing the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch, said. Pathankot District and Sessions Judge Tejwinder Singh is hearing the case after it was transferred on the orders of the Supreme Court on a plea filed by the victim's family. The district and sessions court framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on June 8. The crime branch had earlier arrested Sanji Ram, the custodian of a temple where the child was allegedly confined, his son Vishal and his juvenile nephew, two special police officers Deepak Khajuria alias 'Dipu' and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu. All of them were named in the first charge sheet on April 9. Ram, considered as the main accused, allegedly hatched the conspiracy to kidnap the girl as part of a strategy to remove a minority community from the area. The crime branch had also arrested Head Constable Tilak Raj and Sub-Inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. Raj and Dutta have since been dismissed from service. Chopra said the statements of the doctors have further strengthened the prosecution case. "I am very satisfied with the evidence submitted by the crime branch," he said. The crime branch had submitted a supplementary charge sheet on July 30 in which it highlighted that the victim was administered a cocktail of sedatives through her captivity, "rendering her incapacitated" to resist sexual assault and murder. According to the charge sheet, the child was abducted on January 10. She was killed on January 14 and her body was found in a forest area near Kathua on January 17.

Kathua case: Doctors say victim was sexually assaulted, died of asphyxia

In the midst of a political firestorm over the Rafale jet deal, the Indian Air Force is quietly making preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft, official sources said.

They said the IAF is sending a batch of pilots by the end of this year to France for training on Rafale jets.

A number of IAF teams have already visited France to help Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, incorporate India-specific enhancements on-board the fighter aircraft.

India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016, for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets -- capable of carrying a range of potent weapons and missiles -- is scheduled to begin from September next year.

Sources said Dassault Aviation has already started test flight of Rafale jets to be supplied to India and the company has been told to strictly adhere to the timeline for delivery of the aircraft.

The Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others.

A team of IAF pilots have already trained on Rafale jets in France and they will again go there by end of the year, sources said.

The Congress has raised several questions about the deal, including rates of the aircraft, while the government has rejected the charges.

Sources said the first squadron of the aircraft will be deployed in Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there.&nbsp;

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal.

Officials said the government has already sanctioned around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

The sources said France has been regularly briefing India about progress in the project to supply the jets.

In July last year, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, during his visit to France, flew a Rafale jet at the Saint-Dizier airbase to gain a first-hand experience of the aircraft.

According to the deal, the delivery of the jets will start in 36 months and will be completed in 67 months from the date the contract was inked.&nbsp;

India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016, for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets -- capable of carrying a range of potent weapons and missiles -- is scheduled to begin from September next year.

In the midst of a political firestorm over the Rafale jet deal, the Indian Air Force is quietly making preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft, official sources said. They said the IAF is sending a batch of pilots by the end of this year to France for training on Rafale jets. A number of IAF teams have already visited France to help Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, incorporate India-specific enhancements on-board the fighter aircraft. India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016, for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets -- capable of carrying a range of potent weapons and missiles -- is scheduled to begin from September next year. Sources said Dassault Aviation has already started test flight of Rafale jets to be supplied to India and the company has been told to strictly adhere to the timeline for delivery of the aircraft. The Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others. A team of IAF pilots have already trained on Rafale jets in France and they will again go there by end of the year, sources said. The Congress has raised several questions about the deal, including rates of the aircraft, while the government has rejected the charges. Sources said the first squadron of the aircraft will be deployed in Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there. The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. Officials said the government has already sanctioned around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases. The sources said France has been regularly briefing India about progress in the project to supply the jets. In July last year, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, during his visit to France, flew a Rafale jet at the Saint-Dizier airbase to gain a first-hand experience of the aircraft. According to the deal, the delivery of the jets will start in 36 months and will be completed in 67 months from the date the contract was inked.

IAF quietly making preparations to welcome Rafale jets :Officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a statue of Sardar Patel on the birth anniversary of India's first home minister on October 31, news agency PTI reported quoting Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the BJP's national executive meeting, the BJP leader&nbsp;said the statue with a height of 182 metres will be a symbol of the country's unity and integrity, the report added.

The statue has been called a statue of unity by the Gujarat government.

Rupani said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had collected iron, soil and water from across the country to use them to build the statue in the state, a decision announced by Modi in 2013 when he was its chief minister.

In an apparent reference to the issue of Naxalism following the arrest of some activists for allegedly collaborating with Left ultras, Rupani said the statue will highlight Patel's works for the country's unity at a time when a few people are working to break it.

When Modi had made an announcement that his government would build the world's tallest statue to commemorate Patel, opposition parties had termed it as "empty talk" but it has now been raised with world-class facilities, he was quoted as saying.

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On 31st October 2018, Statue of Unity (monument statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/p2IjbuWdbM">pic.twitter.com/p2IjbuWdbM</a>
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&nbsp;

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the BJP's national executive meeting, he said the statue with a height of 182 metres will be a symbol of the country's unity and integrity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a statue of Sardar Patel on the birth anniversary of India's first home minister on October 31, news agency PTI reported quoting Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the BJP's national executive meeting, the BJP leader said the statue with a height of 182 metres will be a symbol of the country's unity and integrity, the report added. The statue has been called a statue of unity by the Gujarat government. Rupani said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had collected iron, soil and water from across the country to use them to build the statue in the state, a decision announced by Modi in 2013 when he was its chief minister. In an apparent reference to the issue of Naxalism following the arrest of some activists for allegedly collaborating with Left ultras, Rupani said the statue will highlight Patel's works for the country's unity at a time when a few people are working to break it. When Modi had made an announcement that his government would build the world's tallest statue to commemorate Patel, opposition parties had termed it as "empty talk" but it has now been raised with world-class facilities, he was quoted as saying. On 31st October 2018, Statue of Unity (monument statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Delhi pic.twitter.com/p2IjbuWdbM — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 ×

PM Modi will inaugurate Sardar Patel's statue on October 31: Rupani

A metropolitan court in Hyderabad will pronounce the quantum of punishment for the two Indian Mujahideen operatives convicted in the 2007 Hyderabad blasts case on Monday.

Two powerful explosions had ripped through a popular eatery and an open air theatre in Hyderabad on August 25, 2007, killing 44 people and wounding 68.

On September 4, Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge (in-charge) T Srinivas Rao pronounced Aneeq Shafique Sayeed and Mohammed Akbar Ismail Chowdhari guilty in the 11-year-old case, but acquitted Farooq Sharfuddin Tarkash and Mohammed Sadiq Israr Ahmed Shaik for want of enough evidence.

The quantum of punishment, as also the judgement on the fifth accused Tarik Anjum, accused of harbouring the perpetrators in New Delhi and other places, will be pronounced Monday by the special court set up on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison, where they are currently lodged.

The prosecution will seek capital punishment for the convicts, said Special Public Prosecutor C Seshu Reddy, who represented the Counter Intelligence wing of the Telangana Police, which had investigated the case and arrested the five accused.

However, the defence counsels said they would challenge the verdict in the high court.

Another Public Prosecutor K Surender said the duo -- Aneeq and Chowdhari -- were found guilty of carrying out blasts at Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park and also in connection with the recovery of the unexploded bomb from under a foot over bridge in the Dilsukh Nagar area.

The duo were found guilty under Section 302 (murder) and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Arms Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the prosecutors said.

Two synchronised blasts had rocked Gokul Chaat, a popular eatery on August 25 2007, killing 32 people and leaving 47 injured, and an open air theatre in Lumbini Park close to the state secretariat where 12 people died and 21 wounded.

Three other accused named in the chargesheets filed by police, including 'Indian Mujahideen' founder Riyaz Bhatkal, his brother Iqbal, and Amir Reza Khan are absconding.

The Bhatkal brothers of Karnataka are believed to have taken shelter in Pakistan.

The trial against five accused in the case was shifted to a court hall located on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison from a court located in Nampally Court complex in June this year.

Two of those acquitted face some other cases in Maharashtra.

Two powerful explosions had ripped through a popular eatery and an open air theatre in Hyderabad on August 25, 2007, killing 44 people and wounding 68.

A metropolitan court in Hyderabad will pronounce the quantum of punishment for the two Indian Mujahideen operatives convicted in the 2007 Hyderabad blasts case on Monday. Two powerful explosions had ripped through a popular eatery and an open air theatre in Hyderabad on August 25, 2007, killing 44 people and wounding 68. On September 4, Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge (in-charge) T Srinivas Rao pronounced Aneeq Shafique Sayeed and Mohammed Akbar Ismail Chowdhari guilty in the 11-year-old case, but acquitted Farooq Sharfuddin Tarkash and Mohammed Sadiq Israr Ahmed Shaik for want of enough evidence. The quantum of punishment, as also the judgement on the fifth accused Tarik Anjum, accused of harbouring the perpetrators in New Delhi and other places, will be pronounced Monday by the special court set up on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison, where they are currently lodged. The prosecution will seek capital punishment for the convicts, said Special Public Prosecutor C Seshu Reddy, who represented the Counter Intelligence wing of the Telangana Police, which had investigated the case and arrested the five accused. However, the defence counsels said they would challenge the verdict in the high court. Another Public Prosecutor K Surender said the duo -- Aneeq and Chowdhari -- were found guilty of carrying out blasts at Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park and also in connection with the recovery of the unexploded bomb from under a foot over bridge in the Dilsukh Nagar area. The duo were found guilty under Section 302 (murder) and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Arms Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the prosecutors said. Two synchronised blasts had rocked Gokul Chaat, a popular eatery on August 25 2007, killing 32 people and leaving 47 injured, and an open air theatre in Lumbini Park close to the state secretariat where 12 people died and 21 wounded. Three other accused named in the chargesheets filed by police, including 'Indian Mujahideen' founder Riyaz Bhatkal, his brother Iqbal, and Amir Reza Khan are absconding. The Bhatkal brothers of Karnataka are believed to have taken shelter in Pakistan. The trial against five accused in the case was shifted to a court hall located on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison from a court located in Nampally Court complex in June this year. Two of those acquitted face some other cases in Maharashtra.

2007 Hyderabad twin blasts: Quantum of punishment against 2 Indian Mujahideen convicts tomorrow

The Bombay High Court is likely to pronounce on Monday, its verdict on whether or not some senior Gujarat and Rajasthan police officers deserve to be discharged in the 2005-2006 encounter case of suspected gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife and their aide.

Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their aide Tulsiram Prajapati were killed in "fake" encounters by the police of the two states in 2005-2006, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On July 16, a single bench of the high court, presided over by Justice A M Badar, had reserved the verdict on five revision applications challenging the discharge granted in the case by a trial court to Gujarat IPS officer Rajkumar Pandian, former Gujarat ATS chief D G Vanzara, Gujarat police officer N K Amin, Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Dinesh M N and Rajasthan police constable Dalpat Singh Rathod.

Justice Badar had been conducting hearings on a daily basis since July 4 on the five revision pleas filed by Sohrabuddin Shaikh's brother Rubabuddin Shaikh and the CBI.

Rubabuddin Shaikh had filed three of these five pleas, challenging the discharge granted in the case by the trial court to Pandian, Dinesh and Vanzara.

The remaining two pleas were filed by the CBI challenging the discharge granted to Amin and Rathod.

The CBI had booked these five officials, along with 33 other people, as accused in the "fake" encounters of Sohrabuddin Shaikh and Kausar Bi in November 2005 and Prajapati in December 2006.

The Gujarat Police had then claimed Sohrabuddin Shaikh had terror links.

Between 2014 and 2017, a special court in Mumbai, where the case was shifted from Gujarat following a Supreme Court order, discharged 15 of these 38 accused.

Those discharged included 14 police officials and BJP president Amit Shah.

As per the CBI charge sheet, Sohrabuddin Shaikh, a suspected gangster based in Gujarat, and Kausar Bi were abducted by officers of the Gujarat ATS and the Rajasthan Police from near Hyderabad, and killed in a fake encounter in November 2005.

Prajapati, an eye-witness to these killings, was shot dead in another staged encounter in December 2006 by some Rajasthan Police officials at the behest of the Gujarat and Rajasthan officers, who had been involved in the killing of the husband-wife duo, the CBI had claimed.

Justice Badar also conducted a separate hearing on a discharge plea filed by Gujarat IPS officer Vipul Aggarwal.

A co-accused in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh encounter case, Aggarwal's discharge plea was rejected by the trial court last year.

He then approached the High Court&nbspchallenging the order, seeking parity with the others who have been discharged.

The verdict in Aggarwal's case is also likely to be pronounced Monday.

The encounter cases of Sohrabuddin Shaikh and Kausar Bi, and Prajapati were clubbed together in 2013 after the apex court directed that the trial be shifted to Mumbai from Gujarat.

Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their aide Tulsiram Prajapati were killed in 'fake' encounters by the police of the two states in 2005-2006, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Bombay High Court is likely to pronounce on Monday, its verdict on whether or not some senior Gujarat and Rajasthan police officers deserve to be discharged in the 2005-2006 encounter case of suspected gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife and their aide. Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their aide Tulsiram Prajapati were killed in "fake" encounters by the police of the two states in 2005-2006, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On July 16, a single bench of the high court, presided over by Justice A M Badar, had reserved the verdict on five revision applications challenging the discharge granted in the case by a trial court to Gujarat IPS officer Rajkumar Pandian, former Gujarat ATS chief D G Vanzara, Gujarat police officer N K Amin, Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Dinesh M N and Rajasthan police constable Dalpat Singh Rathod. Justice Badar had been conducting hearings on a daily basis since July 4 on the five revision pleas filed by Sohrabuddin Shaikh's brother Rubabuddin Shaikh and the CBI. Rubabuddin Shaikh had filed three of these five pleas, challenging the discharge granted in the case by the trial court to Pandian, Dinesh and Vanzara. The remaining two pleas were filed by the CBI challenging the discharge granted to Amin and Rathod. The CBI had booked these five officials, along with 33 other people, as accused in the "fake" encounters of Sohrabuddin Shaikh and Kausar Bi in November 2005 and Prajapati in December 2006. The Gujarat Police had then claimed Sohrabuddin Shaikh had terror links. Between 2014 and 2017, a special court in Mumbai, where the case was shifted from Gujarat following a Supreme Court order, discharged 15 of these 38 accused. Those discharged included 14 police officials and BJP president Amit Shah. As per the CBI charge sheet, Sohrabuddin Shaikh, a suspected gangster based in Gujarat, and Kausar Bi were abducted by officers of the Gujarat ATS and the Rajasthan Police from near Hyderabad, and killed in a fake encounter in November 2005. Prajapati, an eye-witness to these killings, was shot dead in another staged encounter in December 2006 by some Rajasthan Police officials at the behest of the Gujarat and Rajasthan officers, who had been involved in the killing of the husband-wife duo, the CBI had claimed. Justice Badar also conducted a separate hearing on a discharge plea filed by Gujarat IPS officer Vipul Aggarwal. A co-accused in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh encounter case, Aggarwal's discharge plea was rejected by the trial court last year. He then approached the High Court&nbspchallenging the order, seeking parity with the others who have been discharged. The verdict in Aggarwal's case is also likely to be pronounced Monday. The encounter cases of Sohrabuddin Shaikh and Kausar Bi, and Prajapati were clubbed together in 2013 after the apex court directed that the trial be shifted to Mumbai from Gujarat.

Sohrabuddin case: High Court verdict on discharge of cops likely tomorrow

Back-to-back operations by security forces in the Kashmir valley has reduced the "shelf life" of terrorists and over 360 were killed in less than two years, CRPF Director General (DG) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar has said.

In an interview to PTI, he said as figures show an increase in the number of local youths joining terror groups in the valley, security forces are reaching out to young men through all possible ways to stop them from taking up arms.

Bhatnagar said keeping in mind the security challenges, the CRPF has "increased the protection level" of its troops operating in Jammu and Kashmir by inducting full-body protectors, bullet proof vehicles and special armoured 'interception vehicles' to enable personnel to operate in life threatening situations.

"The terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir... Some of them are from outside and there are also the misguided youth (locals) who join terror groups. It is quite a mix. The numbers go up and down but if you were to look at the length, the time for which terrorists survive in J&K, then the signal is very clear that it (terrorist recruitment) is having no impact".

"The shelf life of terrorists, the time frame to survive, is very short. So, even if the numbers (of joining terror ranks) may be large, they may be more, but the consequence is limited," he said when asked if recruitment of local Kashmiri youths by terror groups is rising and a cause of concern".

The chief of the country's largest paramilitary force said the youth was being drawn into it (terror ranks) as "there was a little bit of glamourisation", but they have to understand that it will not get them any result.

"It is only a matter of time. We have made a lot of efforts (to wean them away) and have also asked them to surrender, and a lot of them have come back. They have to understand that taking up the gun serves no purpose," he said.

The CRPF chief, on youths taking up arms, also said, "Obviously this is something that we have to prevent and take appropriate steps so that the youth does not take to militancy and those who have done so, come back."

"The official numbers show an increase in recruitment. However, with the increase in the number of neutralisations the overall picture is better," he said.

Bhatnagar acknowledged that the forces were taking it as a challenge to ensure that a lot of effort is taken to see that recruitment of youths for terror acts goes down.

Good governance, transparency in official dealings and an all-round exercise is on to gain the confidence of the public and the youth in Jammu and Kashmir and the valley, he said.

The chief of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which has over 60 battalions deployed in the Kashmir valley (over 60,000 personnel), said his force, the state police and the Army are operating in "very good synergy".&nbsp;

The forces now have an edge or to say the upper hand in the terrorism scenario in the valley, Bhatnagar said.

"We have worked as one unit. That has given us a lot of success. This year 142 terrorists have been neutralised. If you look at last year's figures, it was more than 220 terrorists who were killed. There is excellent coordination between security forces and they have the upper hand.

"Their (terrorists') notable commanders have been neutralised. Fidayeen attacks on camps have been effectively rebuffed. We have denied them any success in terms of camp attacks also," the DG said.

He said the law and order situation in the valley is not like any other theatre in the country as there is a "guerrilla hit-and-run like tactic" used here.

"We are, hence, working very closely with the Jammu and Kashmir Police," Bhatnagar said.

"Our drills, our equipment as well as our schemes are working well and we are able to counter efforts to disrupt the operations through stone pelting".

"It is in only on very rare occasions that the stone pelters have managed to disrupt the operations that is too when it has been sudden exchange and the preparation has not been there. That has been the only time that the terrorists have managed to get away," the DG said.

He also spoke about better equipping his personnel to combat the security challenge in the state, specifically in the valley.

"We have gone in for better protection, full body protectors for our people, use of less lethal weaponry so that there is less collateral damage and the number of casualties and serious injuries on our side and the public is less".

"The collateral damage has been fairly minimised," the DG underlined.

When asked about the use of much-debated pellet guns and the damage rendered by them on locals, Bhatnagar said while these ammunition are not being discarded, its use is part of a well laid out standard operating procedure.

"The sequence in which we use force is well laid out. We fire and disperse them (protestors) by using tear smoke and other allied irritant kind of non-lethal gases".

"So our first effort is to disperse them by making a proper bandobast. Also, we have a large number of plastic bullets that are used," he said.

Pellet guns, the CRPF chief said, is used where we find that it is required to disperse the mob.

"We are taking precautions by using deflectors (on pellet guns) so that injuries are on lower part of the body. There is a graded use of force. Even when crowd tries to come very close, our boys have shown restraint. We have done our best to meet the objectives for which we have been deployed in J&K," he said.

The pure intent is always to have less and less collateral damage, he said.

'The terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir... Some of them are from outside and there are also the misguided youth (locals) who join terror groups. It is quite a mix. The numbers go up and down but if you were to look at the length, the time for which terrorists survive in J&K, then the signal is very clear that it (terrorist recruitment) is having no impact' CRPF Director General (DG)

Back-to-back operations by security forces in the Kashmir valley has reduced the "shelf life" of terrorists and over 360 were killed in less than two years, CRPF Director General (DG) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar has said. In an interview to PTI, he said as figures show an increase in the number of local youths joining terror groups in the valley, security forces are reaching out to young men through all possible ways to stop them from taking up arms. Bhatnagar said keeping in mind the security challenges, the CRPF has "increased the protection level" of its troops operating in Jammu and Kashmir by inducting full-body protectors, bullet proof vehicles and special armoured 'interception vehicles' to enable personnel to operate in life threatening situations. "The terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir... Some of them are from outside and there are also the misguided youth (locals) who join terror groups. It is quite a mix. The numbers go up and down but if you were to look at the length, the time for which terrorists survive in J&K, then the signal is very clear that it (terrorist recruitment) is having no impact". "The shelf life of terrorists, the time frame to survive, is very short. So, even if the numbers (of joining terror ranks) may be large, they may be more, but the consequence is limited," he said when asked if recruitment of local Kashmiri youths by terror groups is rising and a cause of concern". The chief of the country's largest paramilitary force said the youth was being drawn into it (terror ranks) as "there was a little bit of glamourisation", but they have to understand that it will not get them any result. "It is only a matter of time. We have made a lot of efforts (to wean them away) and have also asked them to surrender, and a lot of them have come back. They have to understand that taking up the gun serves no purpose," he said. The CRPF chief, on youths taking up arms, also said, "Obviously this is something that we have to prevent and take appropriate steps so that the youth does not take to militancy and those who have done so, come back." "The official numbers show an increase in recruitment. However, with the increase in the number of neutralisations the overall picture is better," he said. Bhatnagar acknowledged that the forces were taking it as a challenge to ensure that a lot of effort is taken to see that recruitment of youths for terror acts goes down. Good governance, transparency in official dealings and an all-round exercise is on to gain the confidence of the public and the youth in Jammu and Kashmir and the valley, he said. The chief of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which has over 60 battalions deployed in the Kashmir valley (over 60,000 personnel), said his force, the state police and the Army are operating in "very good synergy". The forces now have an edge or to say the upper hand in the terrorism scenario in the valley, Bhatnagar said. "We have worked as one unit. That has given us a lot of success. This year 142 terrorists have been neutralised. If you look at last year's figures, it was more than 220 terrorists who were killed. There is excellent coordination between security forces and they have the upper hand. "Their (terrorists') notable commanders have been neutralised. Fidayeen attacks on camps have been effectively rebuffed. We have denied them any success in terms of camp attacks also," the DG said. He said the law and order situation in the valley is not like any other theatre in the country as there is a "guerrilla hit-and-run like tactic" used here. "We are, hence, working very closely with the Jammu and Kashmir Police," Bhatnagar said. "Our drills, our equipment as well as our schemes are working well and we are able to counter efforts to disrupt the operations through stone pelting". "It is in only on very rare occasions that the stone pelters have managed to disrupt the operations that is too when it has been sudden exchange and the preparation has not been there. That has been the only time that the terrorists have managed to get away," the DG said. He also spoke about better equipping his personnel to combat the security challenge in the state, specifically in the valley. "We have gone in for better protection, full body protectors for our people, use of less lethal weaponry so that there is less collateral damage and the number of casualties and serious injuries on our side and the public is less". "The collateral damage has been fairly minimised," the DG underlined. When asked about the use of much-debated pellet guns and the damage rendered by them on locals, Bhatnagar said while these ammunition are not being discarded, its use is part of a well laid out standard operating procedure. "The sequence in which we use force is well laid out. We fire and disperse them (protestors) by using tear smoke and other allied irritant kind of non-lethal gases". "So our first effort is to disperse them by making a proper bandobast. Also, we have a large number of plastic bullets that are used," he said. Pellet guns, the CRPF chief said, is used where we find that it is required to disperse the mob. "We are taking precautions by using deflectors (on pellet guns) so that injuries are on lower part of the body. There is a graded use of force. Even when crowd tries to come very close, our boys have shown restraint. We have done our best to meet the objectives for which we have been deployed in J&K," he said. The pure intent is always to have less and less collateral damage, he said.

Terrorists 'shelf life' reduced in Kashmir with over 360 killed in two years: CRPF

Petrol and diesel may soon become cheaper in Punjab and Karnataka, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil said in Shimla Sunday.

Responding to a question, Patil said the chief ministers of Congress ruled Punjab and Karnataka have already been directed to reduce value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.&nbsp

Patil, accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Mukesh Agnihotri, said 2 per cent VAT on petroleum products had been reduced in Himachal Pradesh during the previous Virbhadra Singh led Congress government.&nbsp

On Monday's proposed Bharat Bandh against skyrocketing prices of petroleum products, she said it would be observed peacefully in Himachal Pradesh too.

She said the prices of essential commodities have risen steeply during the Modi government period.

Patil said though the crude oil prices was higher during previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government but the rates of petroleum products were less.

However, rates of petroleum products are much higher under the present regime as compared to crude oil prices, she said.

Patil said the public would "teach" BJP a lesson in the coming general elections in 2019.&nbsp

All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil said the chief ministers of Congress ruled Punjab and Karnataka have already been directed to reduce value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.

Petrol and diesel may soon become cheaper in Punjab and Karnataka, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil said in Shimla Sunday. Responding to a question, Patil said the chief ministers of Congress ruled Punjab and Karnataka have already been directed to reduce value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products. Patil, accompanied by Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Mukesh Agnihotri, said 2 per cent VAT on petroleum products had been reduced in Himachal Pradesh during the previous Virbhadra Singh led Congress government. On Monday's proposed Bharat Bandh against skyrocketing prices of petroleum products, she said it would be observed peacefully in Himachal Pradesh too. She said the prices of essential commodities have risen steeply during the Modi government period. Patil said though the crude oil prices was higher during previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government but the rates of petroleum products were less. However, rates of petroleum products are much higher under the present regime as compared to crude oil prices, she said. Patil said the public would "teach" BJP a lesson in the coming general elections in 2019.

Petrol, Diesel may soon become cheaper in Punjab, Karnataka

The Army is looking at recalibrating its counter-insurgency strategy in the militancy-hit North East in the wake of an "overcautious" approach being adopted by its field units following the Supreme Court's strict orders to the CBI probing a number of cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, military sources said.

They said the Army headquarters was "deeply worried" by the Army's rising casualty figures in Manipur as well as a marked slowdown in the intensity of its operations against militants in the state, where over 10 major militant groups are active.

The <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-will-be-like-neeraj-chopra-if-pakistan-stops-terror-army-chief-163877?src=tw">top brass of the Army</a> held a detailed deliberation last month to look at recalibration of operations since there appears to be a "manifested caution" being exercised because of the directives of the court on AFSPA-related cases, the sources said.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court has passed a number of orders to the CBI in the last few months directing the central probe agency to thoroughly investigate the alleged extra-judicial killings and fake encounters by the Army, Assam Rifles and police in Manipur, saying violation of human rights cannot be tolerated.&nbsp;

In July last year, the court, following a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, constituted a special investigation team.

The sources said there has been perceptible disquiet among some of the soldiers and officers deployed in Manipur following the court orders and subsequent CBI action and that they are adopting an "over-cautious approach" in carrying out the operations against militants.

They said a total of eight army men were killed and 26 injured in anti-insurgency operations while the number of militants gunned down was three.

Till August this year, only three insurgents have been eliminated where as five soldiers were killed and 17 injured in military-led operations, they said.

According to official figures, a total of 1,889 soldiers were killed and 3,168 have suffered serious injuries in action in the North East since 1997 while the number of insurgents killed during the period was 4,974.&nbsp;

An official said the overall figure of the Army and Assam Rifles personnel killed and injured, along with those gunned down by security forces, was around 10,000 in the last 20 years.

"The Kargil conflict had left 527 army men dead and 1363 wounded. But look at the casualty figures in the North East," he said.

Earlier during a hearing on AFSPA related cases in Manipur, the Supreme Court had rejected the government's contention that the disturbed area is akin to a war like situation.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and a number of states in the North East were brought under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in J-K and the Northeast to withdraw it.&nbsp;

In a major move, around 700 Army officers and soldiers have approached the Supreme Court against reported move to dilute some provisions of the AFSPA. The act protects the forces from prosecution without the Centre's approval.

Interestingly, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat disapproved of the move by the serving officers and soldiers to approach the top court in their personal capacity.&nbsp;

Military sources said Army HQ was deeply worried by rising casualty figures in Manipur. The Army's 'overcautious' approach is a result of the Supreme Court ordering the CBI to thoroughly investigate alleged cases of extrajudicial killings by the Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police.

The Army is looking at recalibrating its counter-insurgency strategy in the militancy-hit North East in the wake of an "overcautious" approach being adopted by its field units following the Supreme Court's strict orders to the CBI probing a number of cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, military sources said. They said the Army headquarters was "deeply worried" by the Army's rising casualty figures in Manipur as well as a marked slowdown in the intensity of its operations against militants in the state, where over 10 major militant groups are active. The top brass of the Army held a detailed deliberation last month to look at recalibration of operations since there appears to be a "manifested caution" being exercised because of the directives of the court on AFSPA-related cases, the sources said. The Supreme Court has passed a number of orders to the CBI in the last few months directing the central probe agency to thoroughly investigate the alleged extra-judicial killings and fake encounters by the Army, Assam Rifles and police in Manipur, saying violation of human rights cannot be tolerated. In July last year, the court, following a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, constituted a special investigation team. The sources said there has been perceptible disquiet among some of the soldiers and officers deployed in Manipur following the court orders and subsequent CBI action and that they are adopting an "over-cautious approach" in carrying out the operations against militants. They said a total of eight army men were killed and 26 injured in anti-insurgency operations while the number of militants gunned down was three. Till August this year, only three insurgents have been eliminated where as five soldiers were killed and 17 injured in military-led operations, they said. According to official figures, a total of 1,889 soldiers were killed and 3,168 have suffered serious injuries in action in the North East since 1997 while the number of insurgents killed during the period was 4,974. An official said the overall figure of the Army and Assam Rifles personnel killed and injured, along with those gunned down by security forces, was around 10,000 in the last 20 years. "The Kargil conflict had left 527 army men dead and 1363 wounded. But look at the casualty figures in the North East," he said. Earlier during a hearing on AFSPA related cases in Manipur, the Supreme Court had rejected the government's contention that the disturbed area is akin to a war like situation. Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and a number of states in the North East were brought under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in J-K and the Northeast to withdraw it. In a major move, around 700 Army officers and soldiers have approached the Supreme Court against reported move to dilute some provisions of the AFSPA. The act protects the forces from prosecution without the Centre's approval. Interestingly, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat disapproved of the move by the serving officers and soldiers to approach the top court in their personal capacity.

Army looking to recalibrate counter-insurgency strategy in Northeast

The BJP, at its national executive meeting Sunday, passed a political resolution reaffirming the party's commitment to build a "New India" by 2022, and said the opposition has neither a leader nor a policy while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's has very high approval even after four years in power.

The political resolution was presented by senior party leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The BJP said the opposition's hope to defeat the saffron party was a "daydream".

Briefing the media, Union minister Prakash Javdekar said a lot of development work has been done in the past four years, and a "New India" will by formed by 2022.

"This government has vision, passion and imagination, and the works of this government can be seen. By 2022, India will be free of terrorism, casteism, communalism and nobody will be homeless," Javadekar said.

Taking on the opposition, the party in its resolution said it has no agenda or policy, or strategy.

"The opposition is frustrated and it has neither leader nor policy and its sole agenda is to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Javadekar said.

He said Modi is still a very popular leader in the country and even after four years in power, Modi's approval rating is more than 70 per cent.

The minister said the BJP will win the 2019 parliamentary election with a majority even bigger than what it achieved in 2014. The BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 in the 2014 parliamentary election.

Talking about terrorism, Javadekar said the terror strikes which happened frequently, have stopped now.&nbsp

The BJP, at its national executive meeting Sunday, passed a political resolution reaffirming the party's commitment to build a "New India" by 2022, and said the opposition has neither a leader nor a policy while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's has very high approval even after four years in power

The BJP, at its national executive meeting Sunday, passed a political resolution reaffirming the party's commitment to build a "New India" by 2022, and said the opposition has neither a leader nor a policy while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's has very high approval even after four years in power. The political resolution was presented by senior party leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The BJP said the opposition's hope to defeat the saffron party was a "daydream". Briefing the media, Union minister Prakash Javdekar said a lot of development work has been done in the past four years, and a "New India" will by formed by 2022. "This government has vision, passion and imagination, and the works of this government can be seen. By 2022, India will be free of terrorism, casteism, communalism and nobody will be homeless," Javadekar said. Taking on the opposition, the party in its resolution said it has no agenda or policy, or strategy. "The opposition is frustrated and it has neither leader nor policy and its sole agenda is to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Javadekar said. He said Modi is still a very popular leader in the country and even after four years in power, Modi's approval rating is more than 70 per cent. The minister said the BJP will win the 2019 parliamentary election with a majority even bigger than what it achieved in 2014. The BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 in the 2014 parliamentary election. Talking about terrorism, Javadekar said the terror strikes which happened frequently, have stopped now.

Opposition has no leader or policy, its only agenda is to stop Modi: BJP

The <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-mla-pc-george-says-nun-who-alleged-rape-is-a-prostitute-asks-why-didnt-she-complain-first-time-164546">body of a nun</a>&nbsp;has been found floating in a well inside a convent in Kerala's Kollam, news reports said Sunday.&nbsp;

The nun was identified as 55-year-old Sister Susan who taught at St Stephen's school in Kollam's Pathanapuram, about 80 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;

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The reports said bloodstains were first found in Sister Susan's room at the Mount Tabor convent and then near the well. Then, her body was seen floating in the well.&nbsp;

The reports added that Susan had been teaching at Mount Tabor for the last 12 years.&nbsp;

Both the school and the convent, the reports said, are run by the Kottayam-headquartered Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church.

The cause of death remains unknown.&nbsp;

On Saturday meanwhile, and in a first, five nuns joined a public protest to demand the immediate arrest of a bishop who has been accused of raping a nun.

The nun had complained in June that Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal had raped her 13 times over a period of two years starting May 2014.

The nun alleged Mulakkal assaulted her at a convent in Kuruvalangadu near Kottayam.

Mulakkal has denied the charges.&nbsp;

The nun was identified as 55-year-old Susan who taught at the St Stephen's school in Kollam's Pathanapuram, about 80 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

The body of a nun has been found floating in a well inside a convent in Kerala's Kollam, news reports said Sunday. The nun was identified as 55-year-old Sister Susan who taught at St Stephen's school in Kollam's Pathanapuram, about 80 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala: A 55-year-old nun found dead inside a well in Mount Tabor Dayara Convent in Kollam's Pathanapuram. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/pS6O8vciiS — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × #Kerala: A 55-year-old nun found dead inside a well in Mount Tabor Dayara Convent in Kollam's Pathanapuram. Police at the spot. pic.twitter.com/FXCtRae4mi — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × The reports said bloodstains were first found in Sister Susan's room at the Mount Tabor convent and then near the well. Then, her body was seen floating in the well. The reports added that Susan had been teaching at Mount Tabor for the last 12 years. Both the school and the convent, the reports said, are run by the Kottayam-headquartered Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church. The cause of death remains unknown. On Saturday meanwhile, and in a first, five nuns joined a public protest to demand the immediate arrest of a bishop who has been accused of raping a nun. The nun had complained in June that Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal had raped her 13 times over a period of two years starting May 2014. The nun alleged Mulakkal assaulted her at a convent in Kuruvalangadu near Kottayam. Mulakkal has denied the charges.

Kerala: Body of nun found floating in well inside convent

With 40 deaths in 75 accidents between September 2017 and August 2018, the railways has registered its best safety figures in five years for the corresponding 12-month period, a ministry official has said, quoting official data.

While between September 2016 and August 2017, there were 80 train accidents and 249 fatalities the Indore-Patna Express derailment near Kanpur in November 2016 alone had killed over 150 passengers. In the corresponding period for 2017 and 2018, the number of deaths stood at 40, the official said.

There were two major accidents during this period – the derailment of the Utkal Express in August 2017 which killed over 20 people, and the death of 13 children in Uttar Pradesh on April 26 this year after a train rammed into their school van.

Similarly, between September 2013 and August 2014, the number of deaths was 275 in 139 accidents, in the corresponding period in 2014-2015, the number was 196 deaths in 108 accidents.

“Comparing the figures of the period between September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014 to that of the number between September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, the fatality figures in collisions and derailments (whose causes the railways can address, according to the official) taken together have come down from 62 to 4 – a 93 per cent reduction,” he said.

“Whereas injury figures in collision and derailment came down from 272 to 12 (95.6 per cent reduction). The total number of collision and derailments have come down from 69 to 56 during this period,” the senior official said.

The rest 36 deaths in 2017-2018 were accounted for by other factors such as mishaps at unmanned-level crossings (28 fatalities), six deaths at manned-level crossings, one in a coach fire accidents and one in “miscellaneous” accidents, according to the official data.

“Better tracks, replacement of existing coaches with LHB ones and more focus on maintenance in the last four years have resulted in fewer accidents due to technical reasons,” he said.

The official further said that the vast reduction in injuries and fatalities happened primarily because of the massive renewal of tracks, regular safety reviews, better safety training of staff and close monitoring of safety performance undertaken during the period.

Another aspect which has contributed to better safety figures is the removal of unmanned level-crossings – the railways plans to eliminate them completely by March 2020.

The national transporter has been aggressively removing UMLCs – 1,565 of them were eliminated in 2017-18 which resulted in fewer accidents. The target is of removing 1,600 such UMLCs in 2018-19, the official said.

The number of accidents at unmanned level crossings owing to the negligence of road vehicle users during September 2013 to August 2014 was 52, in the corresponding period in 2014-15 the number stood at 39, in 2015-2016 it was 23, in 2016-17 it was 13 and it reduced to just eight in the corresponding period of 2017-18, according to the data.

The vast reduction in injuries and fatalities happened primarily because of the massive renewal of tracks, regular safety reviews, better safety training of staff and close monitoring of safety performance undertaken during the period.

With 40 deaths in 75 accidents between September 2017 and August 2018, the railways has registered its best safety figures in five years for the corresponding 12-month period, a ministry official has said, quoting official data. While between September 2016 and August 2017, there were 80 train accidents and 249 fatalities the Indore-Patna Express derailment near Kanpur in November 2016 alone had killed over 150 passengers. In the corresponding period for 2017 and 2018, the number of deaths stood at 40, the official said. There were two major accidents during this period – the derailment of the Utkal Express in August 2017 which killed over 20 people, and the death of 13 children in Uttar Pradesh on April 26 this year after a train rammed into their school van. Similarly, between September 2013 and August 2014, the number of deaths was 275 in 139 accidents, in the corresponding period in 2014-2015, the number was 196 deaths in 108 accidents. “Comparing the figures of the period between September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014 to that of the number between September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, the fatality figures in collisions and derailments (whose causes the railways can address, according to the official) taken together have come down from 62 to 4 – a 93 per cent reduction,” he said. “Whereas injury figures in collision and derailment came down from 272 to 12 (95.6 per cent reduction). The total number of collision and derailments have come down from 69 to 56 during this period,” the senior official said. The rest 36 deaths in 2017-2018 were accounted for by other factors such as mishaps at unmanned-level crossings (28 fatalities), six deaths at manned-level crossings, one in a coach fire accidents and one in “miscellaneous” accidents, according to the official data. “Better tracks, replacement of existing coaches with LHB ones and more focus on maintenance in the last four years have resulted in fewer accidents due to technical reasons,” he said. The official further said that the vast reduction in injuries and fatalities happened primarily because of the massive renewal of tracks, regular safety reviews, better safety training of staff and close monitoring of safety performance undertaken during the period. Another aspect which has contributed to better safety figures is the removal of unmanned level-crossings – the railways plans to eliminate them completely by March 2020. The national transporter has been aggressively removing UMLCs – 1,565 of them were eliminated in 2017-18 which resulted in fewer accidents. The target is of removing 1,600 such UMLCs in 2018-19, the official said. The number of accidents at unmanned level crossings owing to the negligence of road vehicle users during September 2013 to August 2014 was 52, in the corresponding period in 2014-15 the number stood at 39, in 2015-2016 it was 23, in 2016-17 it was 13 and it reduced to just eight in the corresponding period of 2017-18, according to the data.

40 deaths in 75 accidents since September 2017: Railways’ records best safety figures in 5 years

The General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ram Madhav, on Sunday criticised Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC), saying that Abdullah is playing party politics ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav said that the Kashmiri leader does not want the people of his state to avail democratic rights.

After announcing his party's plans to withdraw from the Panchayat polls a few days ago, Abdullah on Saturday threatened to boycott Lok Sabha and Assembly elections also if the Centre fails to give an assurance on protecting the Articles 35A and 370 respectively, which are enjoyed exclusively by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting to the NC chief's threat, Madhav said, "In order to provide Kashmir people with their democratic rights, we want local body election to happen in the Valley, Jammu and Ladakh. Farookh Abdullah has always done politics of his own party and never made efforts to ensure the democratic rights of people. Now when Prime Minister Modi is doing so then he is opposing it by making excuses."

He added, "I want to ask Farooq Abdullah if he is opposing Panchayat election because of Article 35A, then why did he contest the election in Kargil and how did he win 10 seats? These are just excuses."

While addressing an event commemorating the death anniversary of his father late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on Saturday, the former chief minister said, "We will not only boycott Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370."

Meanwhile, National Panthers Party leader Bhim Singh feels that Abdullah's decision to pull out Panchayat polls is a "blessing in disguise" for the people.

"I come from Jammu and Kashmir and was MLA during Abdullah's government in the state. Will there be any difference if they will not contest in the election? I have received around 1000 texts from people of the state asking not to let NC contest in the election," Singh told ANI.

"If they (NC) will not contest in the election then it will be a blessing for the people. People of Jammu and Kashmir welcome this decision," he added.&nbsp

After announcing his party's plans to withdraw from the Panchayat polls a few days ago, Abdullah on Saturday threatened to boycott Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

The General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ram Madhav, on Sunday criticised Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC), saying that Abdullah is playing party politics ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav said that the Kashmiri leader does not want the people of his state to avail democratic rights. After announcing his party's plans to withdraw from the Panchayat polls a few days ago, Abdullah on Saturday threatened to boycott Lok Sabha and Assembly elections also if the Centre fails to give an assurance on protecting the Articles 35A and 370 respectively, which are enjoyed exclusively by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to the NC chief's threat, Madhav said, "In order to provide Kashmir people with their democratic rights, we want local body election to happen in the Valley, Jammu and Ladakh. Farookh Abdullah has always done politics of his own party and never made efforts to ensure the democratic rights of people. Now when Prime Minister Modi is doing so then he is opposing it by making excuses." He added, "I want to ask Farooq Abdullah if he is opposing Panchayat election because of Article 35A, then why did he contest the election in Kargil and how did he win 10 seats? These are just excuses." While addressing an event commemorating the death anniversary of his father late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on Saturday, the former chief minister said, "We will not only boycott Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370." Meanwhile, National Panthers Party leader Bhim Singh feels that Abdullah's decision to pull out Panchayat polls is a "blessing in disguise" for the people. "I come from Jammu and Kashmir and was MLA during Abdullah's government in the state. Will there be any difference if they will not contest in the election? I have received around 1000 texts from people of the state asking not to let NC contest in the election," Singh told ANI. "If they (NC) will not contest in the election then it will be a blessing for the people. People of Jammu and Kashmir welcome this decision," he added.

BJP slams Farooq Abdullah's call to boycott polls

National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma on Sunday lashed out at Kerala MLA PC George over his derogatory comments about the rape victim num from Kerala, and demanded strict action against the lawmaker.

This comes a day after George, an independent MLA, termed the raped victim nun a prostitute. The nun has alleged that Jalandhar Bishop, Franco Mulackal raped her. "No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. 12 times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?" George had said.

Reacting on the statement, Sharma told ANI, "I am ashamed of such lawmakers who are giving these statements instead of helping women. This is absolutely shameful. The NCW has already taken up the matter and we will write to DGP demanding strict action against him."

She added that she herself went to see the nun, who was in a deep trauma, and alleged that the Punjab government and the Kerala police were not taking the matter seriously.

"I met the nun in person, who was in a deep trauma. She was crying. She was protesting against the Bishop and demanding justice for herself. I have seen her being denounced by the church. She was denied basic facilities like ration and stipend. On that bishop, I have written to the Home Ministry as the Punjab government and Kerala police have not done anything. The bishop should be punished," Sharma further said.

Former NCW member Shamina Shafiq echoed similar views and said that George does not deserve to be called an MLA.

"I condemn such disgusting statements made by the MLA. He does not deserve to be called as an MLA. What kind of mentality is this, where the people, who are holding public positions are using such kinds of words? I am ashamed of repeating those words. It is absolutely shocking and unfortunate. Such people should be brought to books and strictly punished," she added.

On Saturday, a group of nuns staged a sit-in protest at the High Court Junction bus station in Kochi demanding the arrest of the Jalandhar bishop, who is accused of sexually assaulting a nun in Kottayam.

The incident came to light after a case was registered in June against four priests of Malankara Orthodox Church for alleged sexual assault.

The accused had allegedly threatened to disclose the victim's confessions, made in the church.

This comes a day after George, an independent MLA, termed the raped victim nun a prostitute.

National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma on Sunday lashed out at Kerala MLA PC George over his derogatory comments about the rape victim num from Kerala, and demanded strict action against the lawmaker. This comes a day after George, an independent MLA, termed the raped victim nun a prostitute. The nun has alleged that Jalandhar Bishop, Franco Mulackal raped her. "No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. 12 times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?" George had said. Reacting on the statement, Sharma told ANI, "I am ashamed of such lawmakers who are giving these statements instead of helping women. This is absolutely shameful. The NCW has already taken up the matter and we will write to DGP demanding strict action against him." She added that she herself went to see the nun, who was in a deep trauma, and alleged that the Punjab government and the Kerala police were not taking the matter seriously. "I met the nun in person, who was in a deep trauma. She was crying. She was protesting against the Bishop and demanding justice for herself. I have seen her being denounced by the church. She was denied basic facilities like ration and stipend. On that bishop, I have written to the Home Ministry as the Punjab government and Kerala police have not done anything. The bishop should be punished," Sharma further said. Former NCW member Shamina Shafiq echoed similar views and said that George does not deserve to be called an MLA. "I condemn such disgusting statements made by the MLA. He does not deserve to be called as an MLA. What kind of mentality is this, where the people, who are holding public positions are using such kinds of words? I am ashamed of repeating those words. It is absolutely shocking and unfortunate. Such people should be brought to books and strictly punished," she added. On Saturday, a group of nuns staged a sit-in protest at the High Court Junction bus station in Kochi demanding the arrest of the Jalandhar bishop, who is accused of sexually assaulting a nun in Kottayam. The incident came to light after a case was registered in June against four priests of Malankara Orthodox Church for alleged sexual assault. The accused had allegedly threatened to disclose the victim's confessions, made in the church.

NCW demands strict action against PC George

The administrations of Phek and Kiphire, the worst affected districts of month-long rain in Nagaland till mid-August, presented reports to a central team here of the damages and the fund required for their repair.

The reports, made available to the media, were presented during debriefing of a five-member inter-ministerial central team in Kohima on Friday.&nbsp

Reports from other districts are yet to come, officials said.

In a consolidated report of damages in Phek district, a sum of Rs 416.06 lakh is required to repair damages of infrastructure, while Rs 281.34 lakh are needed to rebuild agricultural, animal husbandry and fisheries sector, its Deputy Commissioner Orenthung said.

No relief has been received by the district, while two sorties have been made by IAF chopper for supply of essential commodities to Phokhungri and Wuzu villages under Meluri sub-division, he said.

He said that the district administration and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) extended immediate relief of Rs 10,000 each for severely damaged houses and Rs 5000 each for partially damaged houses.

Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman of Kiphire, Md Ali Shihab said with more than a month of the district remaining cut-off from all sides due to landslide, the administration was yet to reach remote villages with relief material.

Shihab said that the main NH-202 connecting Kiphire to Kohima and Tuensang districts remained cut-off at various locations since July 29 last due to torrential rain with major affected areas being Meluri in Phek district and Yei bridge in Tuensang district.

Though the Meluri stretch has now been connected through a bypass road, it is not safe for heavy vehicles, while Yei bridge location in Tuensang road is not yet restored.

Due to the bad road conditions, normal supply of essential commodities from Dimapur has been affected severely and the district is facing acute shortage of rice, he said.

Kiphire district has around 110 villages and the DDMA is not able to reach maximum villages with relief material due to bad weather condition and damaged roads, he said.

Since Kiphire does not produce rice, the villagers in those areas are surviving on local produce kholar (beans) and maize.

The deputy commissioner sought immediate attention of the Central government for repair of the National Highway and village roads.

The five-member Inter-ministerial central team, led by Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs K B Singh, left for Delhi on Friday after conducting on-the-spot assessment from September 4 to 7.&nbsp

The reports, made available to the media, were presented during debriefing of a five-member inter-ministerial central team in Kohima on Friday.

The administrations of Phek and Kiphire, the worst affected districts of month-long rain in Nagaland till mid-August, presented reports to a central team here of the damages and the fund required for their repair. The reports, made available to the media, were presented during debriefing of a five-member inter-ministerial central team in Kohima on Friday. Reports from other districts are yet to come, officials said. In a consolidated report of damages in Phek district, a sum of Rs 416.06 lakh is required to repair damages of infrastructure, while Rs 281.34 lakh are needed to rebuild agricultural, animal husbandry and fisheries sector, its Deputy Commissioner Orenthung said. No relief has been received by the district, while two sorties have been made by IAF chopper for supply of essential commodities to Phokhungri and Wuzu villages under Meluri sub-division, he said. He said that the district administration and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) extended immediate relief of Rs 10,000 each for severely damaged houses and Rs 5000 each for partially damaged houses. Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman of Kiphire, Md Ali Shihab said with more than a month of the district remaining cut-off from all sides due to landslide, the administration was yet to reach remote villages with relief material. Shihab said that the main NH-202 connecting Kiphire to Kohima and Tuensang districts remained cut-off at various locations since July 29 last due to torrential rain with major affected areas being Meluri in Phek district and Yei bridge in Tuensang district. Though the Meluri stretch has now been connected through a bypass road, it is not safe for heavy vehicles, while Yei bridge location in Tuensang road is not yet restored. Due to the bad road conditions, normal supply of essential commodities from Dimapur has been affected severely and the district is facing acute shortage of rice, he said. Kiphire district has around 110 villages and the DDMA is not able to reach maximum villages with relief material due to bad weather condition and damaged roads, he said. Since Kiphire does not produce rice, the villagers in those areas are surviving on local produce kholar (beans) and maize. The deputy commissioner sought immediate attention of the Central government for repair of the National Highway and village roads. The five-member Inter-ministerial central team, led by Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs K B Singh, left for Delhi on Friday after conducting on-the-spot assessment from September 4 to 7.

Two rain-hit Nagaland districts present reports to central

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah formally inaugurated the two-day National Executive meeting of the party, starting off with the national office bearers' meeting.

Shah will deliver the inaugural address on the first day, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the valedictory address on Sunday in the presence of top party leaders.

The meeting will be attended by all national and state executive members.

The BJP National Executive meeting is slated to begin at 3 pm today.

This is the first National Executive meeting of the party after the death of former prime minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

On Friday, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that during the meeting, members will pay tributes to Vajpayee.

He also said that the upcoming assembly elections and general elections of 2019 are expected to be the main agenda of the meeting. Apart from that, topical issues will also be discussed at the meeting, Hussain said.

Shah will deliver the inaugural address on the first day, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the valedictory address on Sunday in the presence of top party leaders.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah formally inaugurated the two-day National Executive meeting of the party, starting off with the national office bearers' meeting. Shah will deliver the inaugural address on the first day, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the valedictory address on Sunday in the presence of top party leaders. The meeting will be attended by all national and state executive members. The BJP National Executive meeting is slated to begin at 3 pm today. This is the first National Executive meeting of the party after the death of former prime minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On Friday, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that during the meeting, members will pay tributes to Vajpayee. He also said that the upcoming assembly elections and general elections of 2019 are expected to be the main agenda of the meeting. Apart from that, topical issues will also be discussed at the meeting, Hussain said.

Amit Shah inaugurates BJP's National Executive meet, focus on general elections 2019

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