In order to maintain the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh during and after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-reserves-ayodhya-verdict-after-40-days-of-hearing-256283">pronouncement of judgement</a> on the Ram Janambhoomi- Babri masjid case, the Centre has given Uttar Pradesh almost 4000 extra Paramilitary personnel.

A decision was made on Monday where the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 15 companies of paramilitary forces to Uttar Pradesh immediately which will stay in the state till November 18.

According to a document exclusively accessed by ANI, the 15 companies of paramilitary forces include three companies each of BSF, RAF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.

The official communication also says that 15 more companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will reach Uttar Pradesh on November 11 to stay till November 18.

The central government has also granted an extension of stay till November 18 to ten companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) which are already deployed in Uttar Pradesh.

"Total 40 companies which include 16 companies of RAF and six companies each of CISF, ITBP, SSB and BSF will be deployed in Uttar Pradesh till November 18," an official communication said.

These paramilitary companies will be deployed in 12 most sensitive districts and cities of the state.

Apart from Varanasi and Ayodhya paramilitary forces will be deployed in Kanpur, Aligarh, Lucknow, Azamgarh etc to maintain law and order situation and ensure normalcy during and after the Ayodhya verdict.

The local administration has been asked to make arrangements for the deployment of security force personnel.

The central government is aware that even the smallest of security-related incidents could spark reactions in other states hence there is close coordination between top security departments of both the centre and UP.

Strict instructions have been given right down to the police station level that no breach of government directives on security must be tolerated.

The Supreme Court is expected to pronounce its judgement in the decades-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case before November 17 when Chief Justice of India Ranjan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-sharad-arvind-bobde-appointed-next-cji-will-take-oath-on-november-18-258727">Gogoi demits office</a>.

In order to maintain the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh during and after the pronouncement of judgement on the Ram Janambhoomi- Babri masjid case, the Centre has given Uttar Pradesh almost 4000 extra Paramilitary personnel.

In order to maintain the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh during and after the pronouncement of judgement on the Ram Janambhoomi- Babri masjid case, the Centre has given Uttar Pradesh almost 4000 extra Paramilitary personnel. A decision was made on Monday where the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 15 companies of paramilitary forces to Uttar Pradesh immediately which will stay in the state till November 18. According to a document exclusively accessed by ANI, the 15 companies of paramilitary forces include three companies each of BSF, RAF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The official communication also says that 15 more companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will reach Uttar Pradesh on November 11 to stay till November 18. The central government has also granted an extension of stay till November 18 to ten companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) which are already deployed in Uttar Pradesh. "Total 40 companies which include 16 companies of RAF and six companies each of CISF, ITBP, SSB and BSF will be deployed in Uttar Pradesh till November 18," an official communication said. These paramilitary companies will be deployed in 12 most sensitive districts and cities of the state. Apart from Varanasi and Ayodhya paramilitary forces will be deployed in Kanpur, Aligarh, Lucknow, Azamgarh etc to maintain law and order situation and ensure normalcy during and after the Ayodhya verdict. The local administration has been asked to make arrangements for the deployment of security force personnel. The central government is aware that even the smallest of security-related incidents could spark reactions in other states hence there is close coordination between top security departments of both the centre and UP. Strict instructions have been given right down to the police station level that no breach of government directives on security must be tolerated. The Supreme Court is expected to pronounce its judgement in the decades-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case before November 17 when Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi demits office.

Centre gives UP 4000 CAPF personnel to maintain law and order before, after Ayodhya judgement

India on Friday successfully won the vote to host the Interpol General Assembly in the national capital in 2022, as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of its independence.According to Home Ministry, Home Minister Amit Shah had on August 30 this year proposed hosting the Interpol General Assembly.

The invitation was extended when Jurgen Stock, Secretary-General, Interpol, called on Shah in New Delhi.

"India has won the vote for hosting 91st General Assembly in India in the year 2022, as part of celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence," said the Home Ministry.

CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla had proposed India's candidature in his brief address at the ongoing 88th Interpol General Assembly at Santiago in Chile.

An overwhelming majority voted in favour of India's proposal to host the event.

Interpol is an international organisation with 194 member states and 100 years of experience of international cooperation in Policing.

Interpol's 17 databases house 90 million records. With its secure global data communication channel (I-24/7), Incident Response Teams, Command and Control Centre, a worldwide network of NCBs, Interpolis uniquely placed to assist LEAs of member countries.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India on Friday successfully won the vote to host the Interpol General Assembly in the national capital in 2022, as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of its independence.

India on Friday successfully won the vote to host the Interpol General Assembly in the national capital in 2022, as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of its independence.According to Home Ministry, Home Minister Amit Shah had on August 30 this year proposed hosting the Interpol General Assembly. The invitation was extended when Jurgen Stock, Secretary-General, Interpol, called on Shah in New Delhi. "India has won the vote for hosting 91st General Assembly in India in the year 2022, as part of celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence," said the Home Ministry. CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla had proposed India's candidature in his brief address at the ongoing 88th Interpol General Assembly at Santiago in Chile. An overwhelming majority voted in favour of India's proposal to host the event. Interpol is an international organisation with 194 member states and 100 years of experience of international cooperation in Policing. Interpol's 17 databases house 90 million records. With its secure global data communication channel (I-24/7), Incident Response Teams, Command and Control Centre, a worldwide network of NCBs, Interpolis uniquely placed to assist LEAs of member countries.

India wins vote to host Interpol General Assembly in 2022

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to have a 'Z+' security cover.

MHA's clarification came amidst reports claiming that the government is likely to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) from former Prime Minister's security detail.

&nbsp;"The current security cover review is a periodical and professional exercise based on threat perception that is purely based on a professional assessment by security agencies. Dr Manmohan Singh continues to have a Z+ security cover," read a statement from MHA.

Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, was last week<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-elected-unopposed-as-member-of-rajya-sabha-rajasthan-chief-minister-ashok-gehlot-tweets-244110"> elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan</a>.

The BJP did not field any candidate against the senior Congress leader.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to have a 'Z+' security cover. MHA's clarification came amidst reports claiming that the government is likely to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) from former Prime Minister's security detail.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to have a 'Z+' security cover. MHA's clarification came amidst reports claiming that the government is likely to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) from former Prime Minister's security detail. "The current security cover review is a periodical and professional exercise based on threat perception that is purely based on a professional assessment by security agencies. Dr Manmohan Singh continues to have a Z+ security cover," read a statement from MHA. Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, was last week elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. The BJP did not field any candidate against the senior Congress leader.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh continues to have Z+ security cover: Home Ministry

The Home Ministry has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to visit Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, which have been affected by recent floods.

A Home Ministry release said on Saturday the teams have been constituted in pursuance of a decision taken by Home Minister Amit Shah at a meeting held on August 19.

The IMCTs will make a first-hand assessment of damages caused and relief work carried out by the state administration.

Till now IMCTs visited affected states only after getting memorandum about damage in the affected areas.

The release said that IMCT will again visit the state after submission of memorandum for a detailed assessment of the damages to make final recommendations for allocation of additional funds.

The Home Ministry has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to visit Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, which have been affected by recent floods.

The Home Ministry has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to visit Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, which have been affected by recent floods. A Home Ministry release said on Saturday the teams have been constituted in pursuance of a decision taken by Home Minister Amit Shah at a meeting held on August 19. The IMCTs will make a first-hand assessment of damages caused and relief work carried out by the state administration. Till now IMCTs visited affected states only after getting memorandum about damage in the affected areas. The release said that IMCT will again visit the state after submission of memorandum for a detailed assessment of the damages to make final recommendations for allocation of additional funds.

Home Ministry forms teams to visit flood-affected states

For rapid induction of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary troops in Kashmir, the Centre has pressed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-an-32-aircraft-with-13-passengers-on-board-goes-missing-after-takeoff-223865">Indian Air Force (IAF)</a> aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift plane into service.

Sources on Friday told ANI, "The C-17 heavy-lift aircraft along with other planes are being used for inducting troops from different parts of the country."

The sources said that in a view of the increased induction of troops, the Air Force and the Army are also on high operational alert in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had visited Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to review the operational preparedness of the troops deployed in the state.&nbsp;

The security agencies have also received inputs about possible attempts of infiltration by terror groups from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pok-protest-erupts-against-neelum-jhelum-hydropower-project-239401">Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir</a> into the state.&nbsp;

After additional security forces were ordered to be deployed in Kashmir in the wake of inputs about a terror attack threat, paramilitary troops are being rushed in from different parts of the country such as Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and many other places, the sources added.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had recently ordered the deployment of an additional 100 coys of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to "strengthen the CI grid as well as for maintaining law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

Out of the 100 coys, 50 are from CRPF, 30 from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and ten each from Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The move to deploy additional troops came after the security establishment received confirmed inputs that Pakistan army-backed terrorist groups are planning to carry out a major attack on the Indian soil.&nbsp;

Inputs have been received by security and spy agencies that after the successful conduct of Panchayat elections in the state, terrorist groups have been asked to attack forces.&nbsp;

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is constantly in touch with the security agencies to monitor the situation and is keeping a close eye on developments in the state.

For rapid induction of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary troops in Kashmir, the Centre has pressed Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift plane into service.

For rapid induction of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other paramilitary troops in Kashmir, the Centre has pressed Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift plane into service. Sources on Friday told ANI, "The C-17 heavy-lift aircraft along with other planes are being used for inducting troops from different parts of the country." The sources said that in a view of the increased induction of troops, the Air Force and the Army are also on high operational alert in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had visited Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to review the operational preparedness of the troops deployed in the state. The security agencies have also received inputs about possible attempts of infiltration by terror groups from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir into the state. After additional security forces were ordered to be deployed in Kashmir in the wake of inputs about a terror attack threat, paramilitary troops are being rushed in from different parts of the country such as Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and many other places, the sources added. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had recently ordered the deployment of an additional 100 coys of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to "strengthen the CI grid as well as for maintaining law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir." Out of the 100 coys, 50 are from CRPF, 30 from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and ten each from Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The move to deploy additional troops came after the security establishment received confirmed inputs that Pakistan army-backed terrorist groups are planning to carry out a major attack on the Indian soil. Inputs have been received by security and spy agencies that after the successful conduct of Panchayat elections in the state, terrorist groups have been asked to attack forces. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is constantly in touch with the security agencies to monitor the situation and is keeping a close eye on developments in the state.

Centre presses Indian Air Force aircraft for quick induction of security forces in Kashmir

The Centre has constituted a new Terror Monitoring Group (TMG) in Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to dismantle terror-financing structure and crackdown terrorists financers in the valley.

Sources said the group will be headed by additional DGP, CID in Jammu and Kashmir, as its Chairman.

There will also be representatives from Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the TMG.

According to highly-placed sources, TMG has initiated concerted action by all the agencies as part of efforts to strike at the financiers of Terror in the valley.

After assuming charge as Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has held back-to-back meetings with officials and others over internal security issues.

He also had a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in which Malik briefed Shah about the prevailing situation in the state.&nbsp;

The Centre has constituted a new Terror Monitoring Group (TMG) in Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to dismantle terror-financing structure and crackdown terrorists financers in the valley.

The Centre has constituted a new Terror Monitoring Group (TMG) in Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to dismantle terror-financing structure and crackdown terrorists financers in the valley. Sources said the group will be headed by additional DGP, CID in Jammu and Kashmir, as its Chairman. There will also be representatives from Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the TMG. According to highly-placed sources, TMG has initiated concerted action by all the agencies as part of efforts to strike at the financiers of Terror in the valley. After assuming charge as Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has held back-to-back meetings with officials and others over internal security issues. He also had a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in which Malik briefed Shah about the prevailing situation in the state.

Ministry of Home Affairs constitutes Terror Monitoring Group

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued another advisory to West Bengal on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protesting-doctors-rejects-mamatas-invite-for-talks-demands-an-unconditional-apology-first-227276">ongoing strike by doctors in the state</a> and has sought a report on the matter urgently. The Ministry, in its advisory, said that "unabated violence over the years is evidently a matter of deep concern," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Central government has also sought a report from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiims-safdarjung-doctors-issue-48-hour-ultimatum-to-mamata-criticizes-her-for-being-hostile-and-unapologetic-227254">West Bengal government</a> on measures taken to contain political violence and investigate such incidents of violence to bring culprits to book.

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MHA Sources: Pointing out the growing number of incidents of election related&amp;political violence&amp;casualties over 4 years from 2016 to 2019,Ministry of Home Affairs in an advisory issued to state govt said,"unabated violence over the years is evidently a matter of deep concern.” <a href="https://t.co/WWKkSZ6IDc">https://t.co/WWKkSZ6IDc</a>
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In its advisory, the Ministry pointed at the growing number of incidents of election-related, political violence and casualties over 4 years from 2016 to 2019.

Meanwhile, agitating doctors in West Bengal have turned down the invite for a closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Sources: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued another advisory to West Bengal state government on the ongoing strike by doctors and sought a report on the matter urgently.
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The doctors have, instead, asked Banerjee to visit the NRS Medical College and Hospital for an open discussion to resolve the ongoing impasse.

"We feel highly insecure and apprehensive regarding our representatives' meeting with the chief minister behind closed doors. That is why we are not sending any representatives to the Chief Minister's Office to attend the meeting," said a spokesperson of the joint forum of junior doctors after holding a governing body meeting.

 
"We humbly request the chief minister to meet all of us at the NRSMCH to discuss and implement all our demands at the earliest," the spokesperson said.

"We are open to a healthy discussion to find a solution to meet our demands. We are deeply concerned about the sufferings of the common people," he added.

Meanwhile, over 300 medical professionals across various state-run medical college and hospitals have resigned from their services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Watch: Chaos In West Bengal

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The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued another advisory to West Bengal on the ongoing strike by doctors in the state and has sought a report on the matter urgently.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued another advisory to West Bengal on the ongoing strike by doctors in the state and has sought a report on the matter urgently. The Ministry, in its advisory, said that "unabated violence over the years is evidently a matter of deep concern," news agency ANI reported. The Central government has also sought a report from the West Bengal government on measures taken to contain political violence and investigate such incidents of violence to bring culprits to book. MHA Sources: Pointing out the growing number of incidents of election related&political violence&casualties over 4 years from 2016 to 2019,Ministry of Home Affairs in an advisory issued to state govt said,"unabated violence over the years is evidently a matter of deep concern.” https://t.co/WWKkSZ6IDc — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2019 × In its advisory, the Ministry pointed at the growing number of incidents of election-related, political violence and casualties over 4 years from 2016 to 2019. Meanwhile, agitating doctors in West Bengal have turned down the invite for a closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat, news agency PTI reported. Sources: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued another advisory to West Bengal state government on the ongoing strike by doctors and sought a report on the matter urgently. — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2019 × The doctors have, instead, asked Banerjee to visit the NRS Medical College and Hospital for an open discussion to resolve the ongoing impasse. "We feel highly insecure and apprehensive regarding our representatives' meeting with the chief minister behind closed doors. That is why we are not sending any representatives to the Chief Minister's Office to attend the meeting," said a spokesperson of the joint forum of junior doctors after holding a governing body meeting. "We humbly request the chief minister to meet all of us at the NRSMCH to discuss and implement all our demands at the earliest," the spokesperson said. "We are open to a healthy discussion to find a solution to meet our demands. We are deeply concerned about the sufferings of the common people," he added. Meanwhile, over 300 medical professionals across various state-run medical college and hospitals have resigned from their services. (With inputs from agencies) Watch: Chaos In West Bengal ×

Ministry of Home Affairs issues another advisory to West Bengal government, says 'unabated violence matter of deep concern'

West Bengal government has written a letter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stating that the law and order situation was "under control" in the state.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De has informed the ministry that "firm and appropriate actions" were initiated in case of a few "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-calls-a-12-hour-bandh-in-basirhat-west-bengal-over-death-of-party-workers-225779">stray post-poll clashes" in the state</a>.

In the letter, De has claimed that the clashes were perpetrated by "some anti-social elements".

"...while there have been a few stray post-poll clashes in the state perpetrated by some anti-social elements, the law enforcement authorities have been taking firm and appropriate actions in all such cases without any delay," the letter dated June 9 reads.

"The situation is under control and it may not be construed under any circumstance to be a failure on the part of law enforcement machinery of the state to maintain the rule of law and impute confidence among the people," it continued.

Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government's statement came after Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to the state government expressing "deep concern" over the death of people in a post-poll clash that ensued between BJP and TMC workers.

In the advisory to the state government, MHA has stated,&nbsp;"It is strongly advised to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquillity. It is also requested to take strict action against officials found delinquent in the discharge of their duty."

The clash between the two factions was triggered by the removal of BJP's flag in Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency of North 24 Parganas on Saturday.

BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged that four workers of his party were shot dead by the members of TMC.

State's ruling party, on the other hand, has alleged that a member of their party has also died in the clashes.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sought a report from the state government on the incidents of violence, said sources.&nbsp;

West Bengal government has written a letter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stating that the law and order situation was "under control" in the state. West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De has informed the ministry that "firm and appropriate actions" were initiated in case of a few "stray post-poll clashes" in the state.

West Bengal government has written a letter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stating that the law and order situation was "under control" in the state. West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De has informed the ministry that "firm and appropriate actions" were initiated in case of a few "stray post-poll clashes" in the state. In the letter, De has claimed that the clashes were perpetrated by "some anti-social elements". "...while there have been a few stray post-poll clashes in the state perpetrated by some anti-social elements, the law enforcement authorities have been taking firm and appropriate actions in all such cases without any delay," the letter dated June 9 reads. "The situation is under control and it may not be construed under any circumstance to be a failure on the part of law enforcement machinery of the state to maintain the rule of law and impute confidence among the people," it continued. Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government's statement came after Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to the state government expressing "deep concern" over the death of people in a post-poll clash that ensued between BJP and TMC workers. In the advisory to the state government, MHA has stated, "It is strongly advised to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquillity. It is also requested to take strict action against officials found delinquent in the discharge of their duty." The clash between the two factions was triggered by the removal of BJP's flag in Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency of North 24 Parganas on Saturday. BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged that four workers of his party were shot dead by the members of TMC. State's ruling party, on the other hand, has alleged that a member of their party has also died in the clashes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sought a report from the state government on the incidents of violence, said sources.

Situation 'under control', West Bengal government answers Home Ministry's advisory on violence

The Trinamool Congress Monday in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-under-control-west-bengal-government-answers-home-ministrys-advisory-on-violence-225809">MHA advisory to the West Bengal government</a> is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and an "evil ploy to grab power" in opposition-ruled states.

TMC secretary general and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said in the letter that the Ministry of Home Affairs has drawn conclusions without verifying the ground reality or taking a report from the state government.

"We, on behalf of the Trinamool Congress, lodge our strong objection to the advisory issued by the MHA and urge that the same be withdrawn forthwith," he said.

In the advisory sent to the West Bengal government on Sunday, the MHA had expressed "deep concern" over the continuing post-poll violence in the state and asked it to maintain law and order.

The advisory came a day after BJP and TMC workers clashed in Sandeshkhali area of North Parganas district.

Criticising the advisory, Chatterjee said, "We have reason to believe that it is an evil ploy to grab power in states run by parties politically opposed to the BJP. Moreover, this is a deep-rooted conspiracy and game plan to malign the state government and capture the Bengal administration through undemocratic, unethical and unconstitutional means."

Blaming "BJP goons" for having perpetrated violence and chaos across the state, the TMC leader alleged that as the MHA and the saffron party are being headed by the same person, it is "quite obvious" that "whatever the BJP desires, the MHA is implementing it with closed eyes, throwing all constitutional propriety to the wind".

"In a democracy, the Centre and the states work in tandem. Instead of taking the state government into confidence and verifying the ground situation, the unilateral issue of an advisory by the MHA is an insult to the people of Bengal and an assault on the glory, culture, and heritage of the state," Chatterjee said.

On Sunday night, the West Bengal government sent a letter to the MHA saying that the situation in the state was "under control" and there was no failure on part of its law enforcement agencies.

The BJP has claimed that five of its workers were killed in the violence in Sandeshkhali, while the ruling TMC claimed that one was killed.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress Monday in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the MHA advisory to the West Bengal government is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and an "evil ploy to grab power" in opposition-ruled states.

The Trinamool Congress Monday in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the MHA advisory to the West Bengal government is a "deep-rooted conspiracy" and an "evil ploy to grab power" in opposition-ruled states. TMC secretary general and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee said in the letter that the Ministry of Home Affairs has drawn conclusions without verifying the ground reality or taking a report from the state government. "We, on behalf of the Trinamool Congress, lodge our strong objection to the advisory issued by the MHA and urge that the same be withdrawn forthwith," he said. In the advisory sent to the West Bengal government on Sunday, the MHA had expressed "deep concern" over the continuing post-poll violence in the state and asked it to maintain law and order. The advisory came a day after BJP and TMC workers clashed in Sandeshkhali area of North Parganas district. Criticising the advisory, Chatterjee said, "We have reason to believe that it is an evil ploy to grab power in states run by parties politically opposed to the BJP. Moreover, this is a deep-rooted conspiracy and game plan to malign the state government and capture the Bengal administration through undemocratic, unethical and unconstitutional means." Blaming "BJP goons" for having perpetrated violence and chaos across the state, the TMC leader alleged that as the MHA and the saffron party are being headed by the same person, it is "quite obvious" that "whatever the BJP desires, the MHA is implementing it with closed eyes, throwing all constitutional propriety to the wind". "In a democracy, the Centre and the states work in tandem. Instead of taking the state government into confidence and verifying the ground situation, the unilateral issue of an advisory by the MHA is an insult to the people of Bengal and an assault on the glory, culture, and heritage of the state," Chatterjee said. On Sunday night, the West Bengal government sent a letter to the MHA saying that the situation in the state was "under control" and there was no failure on part of its law enforcement agencies. The BJP has claimed that five of its workers were killed in the violence in Sandeshkhali, while the ruling TMC claimed that one was killed.

Home Ministry advisory 'deep-rooted conspiracy' by BJP to grab power: Trinamool Congress

Sixty-one security personnel and 11 civilians were killed while 142 people were injured in 177 terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in the first four months of 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said.

The statement by Sulekha, Director, MHA came in response to an RTI plea filed by social activist Rohit Choudhary of J&amp;K.

She said that the injured included 73 security force personnel and 69 civilians.

Earlier, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-In-C), Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said 86 terrorists were killed this year in the state and vowed that operations against the ultras will continue.

"During this year, we have neutralised 86 terrorists so far. Twenty terrorists were also apprehended. Our operations against terrorists will continue. A number of ultras have been brought back to the mainstream with the help of their parents, teachers and senior citizens," Lt Gen Singh had said at a function in Udhampur last Monday.

He also said 450 terrorists were operating in Jammu and Kashmir and the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) was intact with the full support of Pakistan as 16 terrorist camps were operating in the neighbouring country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

Sixty-one security personnel and 11 civilians were killed while 142 people were injured in 177 terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in the first four months of 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said.

Sixty-one security personnel and 11 civilians were killed while 142 people were injured in 177 terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in the first four months of 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said. The statement by Sulekha, Director, MHA came in response to an RTI plea filed by social activist Rohit Choudhary of J&K. She said that the injured included 73 security force personnel and 69 civilians. Earlier, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-In-C), Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said 86 terrorists were killed this year in the state and vowed that operations against the ultras will continue. "During this year, we have neutralised 86 terrorists so far. Twenty terrorists were also apprehended. Our operations against terrorists will continue. A number of ultras have been brought back to the mainstream with the help of their parents, teachers and senior citizens," Lt Gen Singh had said at a function in Udhampur last Monday. He also said 450 terrorists were operating in Jammu and Kashmir and the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) was intact with the full support of Pakistan as 16 terrorist camps were operating in the neighbouring country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

61 security personnel, 11 civilians killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 4 months: Ministry of Home Affairs

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">counting of votes due on Thursday</a>, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined.&nbsp;

The state has given 10 prime ministers since independence. Going by the exit polls predictions, the BJP-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">NDA is likely to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh</a>'s 80 Lok Sabha seats. Times Now-VMR said the NDA will get 58 seats in UP and C-Voter suggested 38 seats for the alliance. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicted 43 seats for the NDA.

For Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, the pollsters painted a dismal picture giving just a couple of seats to the party in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is predicted to bag between 20 to 40 seats, pollsters said.&nbsp;

During the last Lok Sabha polls, the NDA registered a landslide win with 71 seats out of 80.&nbsp;

Along with its NDA constituents, the BJP won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats.

This time around, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">the exit polls show the BJP cornering over 300 seats</a> and form a government at the Centre comfortably. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-in-countrys-hindi-heartland-exit-polls-spell-thumping-victory-for-party-in-madhya-pradesh-4-other-states-219985">Hindi heartland of the nation</a> including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;

With the counting of votes progressing on Thursday, fates of some of the political bigwigs will be sealed who are contesting from the key constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is in the contest with Congress' Ajai Rai.&nbsp;

Amethi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in a tough fight against BJP minister Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi is in a straight contest with BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh.

Azamgarh: A traditional SP stronghold, Azamgarh will see a battle between chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua.

Mainpuri: Another SP bastion, party patriarch is set to lock horns here with BJP's Prem Singh Shakya.&nbsp;

Lucknow: Union Home Minister is set to take on SP's Poonam Sinha and Congress' Acharya Pramod Krishnam.&nbsp;

Gorakhpur: Here, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP.

Sultanpur: The seat will witness a close contest as the BJP's candidate is the Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is replacing her son Varun Gandhi.

Congress candidate Sanjay Singh will give tough competition to Maneka Gandhi, as Congress has had a hold on this seat in 7 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP's 4 wins in this constituency.

Allahabad: Rita Bahuguna Joshi is BJP's candidate on the Allahabad seat.

Joshi is fighting against Congress leader Yogesh Shukla and SP's Rajendra Singh Patel.

With the counting of votes due on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined.

With the counting of votes due on Thursday, all eyes will be on Uttar Pradesh which offers a massive chunk of 80 parliamentary constituencies. The strategic significance of the state in deciding the fate of the incumbent central government could never be undermined. The state has given 10 prime ministers since independence. Going by the exit polls predictions, the BJP-led NDA is likely to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. Times Now-VMR said the NDA will get 58 seats in UP and C-Voter suggested 38 seats for the alliance. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicted 43 seats for the NDA. For Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, the pollsters painted a dismal picture giving just a couple of seats to the party in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance is predicted to bag between 20 to 40 seats, pollsters said. During the last Lok Sabha polls, the NDA registered a landslide win with 71 seats out of 80. Along with its NDA constituents, the BJP won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre. It was for the first time in about three decades that a party won such a huge number of seats. This time around, the exit polls show the BJP cornering over 300 seats and form a government at the Centre comfortably. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. With the counting of votes progressing on Thursday, fates of some of the political bigwigs will be sealed who are contesting from the key constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a second term from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat where he is in the contest with Congress' Ajai Rai. Amethi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is in a tough fight against BJP minister Smriti Irani. Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi is in a straight contest with BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh. Azamgarh: A traditional SP stronghold, Azamgarh will see a battle between chief Akhilesh Yadav and BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua. Mainpuri: Another SP bastion, party patriarch is set to lock horns here with BJP's Prem Singh Shakya. Lucknow: Union Home Minister is set to take on SP's Poonam Sinha and Congress' Acharya Pramod Krishnam. Gorakhpur: Here, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP. Sultanpur: The seat will witness a close contest as the BJP's candidate is the Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is replacing her son Varun Gandhi. Congress candidate Sanjay Singh will give tough competition to Maneka Gandhi, as Congress has had a hold on this seat in 7 Lok Sabha elections against the BJP's 4 wins in this constituency. Allahabad: Rita Bahuguna Joshi is BJP's candidate on the Allahabad seat. Joshi is fighting against Congress leader Yogesh Shukla and SP's Rajendra Singh Patel.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Results of high-stakes polls in Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats to seal Mahagathbandhan's fate 

Ahead of the counting of votes, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued an alert to State Chief Secretaries and DsGP regarding the possibility of eruption of violence in different parts of the country on the counting day.&nbsp;

The Ministry has asked state authorities to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquillity, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The authorities have further been asked to take adequate measures for the security of strong rooms and venues of counting of votes.&nbsp;

This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of the counting of votes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">The counting of votes of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls</a>, that concluded on May 19, will take place tomorrow. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

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States/UTs were further asked to take adequate measures for the security of strong rooms and venues of counting of votes. This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of counting of votes. <a href="https://t.co/1A8T5cCgoO">https://t.co/1A8T5cCgoO</a>
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It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

On Monday, the Election Commission had rubbished the reports of alleged EVM tampering stating that adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

"Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified.&nbsp;

On May 19, various exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;

Ahead of the counting of votes, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued an alert to State Chief Secretaries and DsGP regarding the possibility of eruption of violence in different parts of the country on the counting day.

Ahead of the counting of votes, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued an alert to State Chief Secretaries and DsGP regarding the possibility of eruption of violence in different parts of the country on the counting day. The Ministry has asked state authorities to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquillity, news agency ANI reported. The authorities have further been asked to take adequate measures for the security of strong rooms and venues of counting of votes. This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of the counting of votes. The counting of votes of the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls, that concluded on May 19, will take place tomorrow. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. States/UTs were further asked to take adequate measures for the security of strong rooms and venues of counting of votes. This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of counting of votes. https://t.co/1A8T5cCgoO — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2019 × It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. On Monday, the Election Commission had rubbished the reports of alleged EVM tampering stating that adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls". "Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified. On May 19, various exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Home Ministry alerts state authorities of possible violence on counting day

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-counter-affidavit-in-supreme-court-rahul-gandhi-again-regrets-chowkidar-chor-hai-comment-214344">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy.

''Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company,'' the notice read.

Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company.

''It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company’s Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British,'' the notice said.

On April 20, BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao had also raised a similar objection to Gandhi’s citizenship at a press conference here.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy. ''Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company,'' the notice read. Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company. ''It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company’s Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British,'' the notice said. On April 20, BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao had also raised a similar objection to Gandhi’s citizenship at a press conference here.

Ministry of Home Affairs issues notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over citizenship row

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 19th, 2019

The Nepal government has deported 51 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese and Bangladeshi citizens, on charges of overstaying in the country, officials said Friday.&nbsp;

As per law, if a foreigner overstays without renewing tourist visa in excess of the period of 150 days, he or she will be expelled from the country.&nbsp;

The offender will have to pay a fine of $3 per day and an additional fine of up to Rs 50,000, officials said.

As per the recommendation of the Department of Immigration, the Ministry of Home Affairs deported 51 foreign nationals, mostly citizens from China and Bangladesh, on charges of overstaying in Nepal over the last three months, they said.

The deported foreigners are nationals from over three dozen countries, according to the Department of Immigration.&nbsp;

Some of those overstaying in Nepal were found to be working without a permit or converting Hindus to Christians, officials said.

The Nepal government has deported 51 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese and Bangladeshi citizens, on charges of overstaying in the country, officials said Friday.

The Nepal government has deported 51 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese and Bangladeshi citizens, on charges of overstaying in the country, officials said Friday. As per law, if a foreigner overstays without renewing tourist visa in excess of the period of 150 days, he or she will be expelled from the country. The offender will have to pay a fine of $3 per day and an additional fine of up to Rs 50,000, officials said. As per the recommendation of the Department of Immigration, the Ministry of Home Affairs deported 51 foreign nationals, mostly citizens from China and Bangladesh, on charges of overstaying in Nepal over the last three months, they said. The deported foreigners are nationals from over three dozen countries, according to the Department of Immigration. Some of those overstaying in Nepal were found to be working without a permit or converting Hindus to Christians, officials said.

Nepal deports 51 foreigners for overstaying

Breaking News: Pro-Mamata officers face action

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-tells-bengal-government-to-initiate-disciplinary-proceedings-against-kolkata-police-chief-195345">The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals</a>, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

The current political crisis between the Centre and West Bengal started Sunday after the CBI turned up unannounced at Kumar's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the CBI's turning up unannounced was a "destruction of the federal structure".

She then announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna.&nbsp;

Kumar had sat in on the dharna with Mamata, which is what the Centre is taking objection to.

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MHA Sources: Centre has taken a dim view of serving officers of uniformed forces taking part in dharna. MHA has asked the WB government to take action against the officers who had participated in dharna in Kolkata on 4th February as per All India Services (Conduct) Rules. <a href="https://t.co/t9oUaiwOH0">pic.twitter.com/t9oUaiwOH0</a>
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MHA sources: In addition, a number of measures are also being initiated against defaulting officers such as withdrawing medals. Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list &amp; bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government. <a href="https://t.co/ao65ga92T0">https://t.co/ao65ga92T0</a>
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The Centre says Kumar sitting in on the dharna was against the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, which govern the conduct of all central government officers.&nbsp;

The MHA sources said Thursday that similar action may be taken against four other officers who sat in on Mamata's dharna.&nbsp;

The sources added that "Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government."&nbsp; &nbsp;

The MHA is the controlling authority of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. It had already on February 5 asked the West Bengal government to take disciplinary action against Kumar. &nbsp;

The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday. The current political crisis between the Centre and West Bengal started Sunday after the CBI turned up unannounced at Kumar's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.

The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday. The current political crisis between the Centre and West Bengal started Sunday after the CBI turned up unannounced at Kumar's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the CBI's turning up unannounced was a "destruction of the federal structure". She then announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna. Kumar had sat in on the dharna with Mamata, which is what the Centre is taking objection to. MHA Sources: Centre has taken a dim view of serving officers of uniformed forces taking part in dharna. MHA has asked the WB government to take action against the officers who had participated in dharna in Kolkata on 4th February as per All India Services (Conduct) Rules. pic.twitter.com/t9oUaiwOH0 — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × MHA sources: In addition, a number of measures are also being initiated against defaulting officers such as withdrawing medals. Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list & bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government. https://t.co/ao65ga92T0 — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × The Centre says Kumar sitting in on the dharna was against the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, which govern the conduct of all central government officers. The MHA sources said Thursday that similar action may be taken against four other officers who sat in on Mamata's dharna. The sources added that "Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government." The MHA is the controlling authority of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. It had already on February 5 asked the West Bengal government to take disciplinary action against Kumar.

Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief's medals: Home ministry sources 

Terror attack in the hinterland of&nbsp;India decreased in a major way, according to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mha-tweaks-travel-norms-indians-over-65-under-15-can-use-aadhaar-to-visit-nepal-bhutan-191575">ministry of home affairs (MHA)</a> data. The data was given by the&nbsp;minister of state in the ministry of home affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in Parliament.&nbsp;

The MHA said in the last five years from 2014 to 2018, the hinterland of the&nbsp;country saw just six terror incidents, with three in 2014, one each in 2015, 2016, 2018 and none in 2017. The number of civilians and security personnel killed in terror attacks in the last five years was eleven each while terrorist killed were seven.&nbsp;

But the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-is-groups-may-be-encouraging-lone-wolf-attacks-in-kashmir-mha-sources-29986">situation deteriorated in Kashmir</a>. The number of terror attacks increased from 222 in 2014 to 614 in 2018 in which 138 civilians and 339 security personnel were killed. Kashmir saw 1,708 terror attacks in the last five years. The number of terrorists killed was 838.&nbsp;

Informing the Parliament on the measures taken by the government to check terrorism, Ahir said: "In order to avert terror incidents in the country, there exists close and effective coordination between intelligence and security agencies at the centre and the state level. The multi-agency centre (MAC) has been strengthened and re-organized to enable it to function on 24x7 basis for real-time collation and sharing of intelligence with other intelligence agencies and state governments"&nbsp;

He added, "states have also raised special forces to deal with terror incidents and central armed police forces and national security guards have also been stationed at different locations to assist the states in dealing with such incidents."&nbsp;

The number of left-wing extremist terror attacks in the last five years were 4,969 and saw a gradual decline from 1,091 in 2014 to 833 in 2018. The number of civilian deaths also declined due to left-wing extremism from 222 in 2014 to 173 in 2018 while left-wing extremist killed by security forces increased from 63 in 2014 to 225 in 2018.&nbsp;

North-east also saw a decrease in insurgency-related attacks from 824 in 2014 to 252 in 2018. The number of civilian death decreased from 212 in 2014 to 23 in 2018. Security forces who died fighting was 109 while 508 extremists were killed in the last five years.&nbsp;

Terror attack in the hinterland of India decreased in a major way, according to ministry of home affairs (MHA) data. The data was given by the minister of state in the ministry of home affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in Parliament.

Terror attack in the hinterland of India decreased in a major way, according to ministry of home affairs (MHA) data. The data was given by the minister of state in the ministry of home affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in Parliament. The MHA said in the last five years from 2014 to 2018, the hinterland of the country saw just six terror incidents, with three in 2014, one each in 2015, 2016, 2018 and none in 2017. The number of civilians and security personnel killed in terror attacks in the last five years was eleven each while terrorist killed were seven. But the situation deteriorated in Kashmir. The number of terror attacks increased from 222 in 2014 to 614 in 2018 in which 138 civilians and 339 security personnel were killed. Kashmir saw 1,708 terror attacks in the last five years. The number of terrorists killed was 838. Informing the Parliament on the measures taken by the government to check terrorism, Ahir said: "In order to avert terror incidents in the country, there exists close and effective coordination between intelligence and security agencies at the centre and the state level. The multi-agency centre (MAC) has been strengthened and re-organized to enable it to function on 24x7 basis for real-time collation and sharing of intelligence with other intelligence agencies and state governments" He added, "states have also raised special forces to deal with terror incidents and central armed police forces and national security guards have also been stationed at different locations to assist the states in dealing with such incidents." The number of left-wing extremist terror attacks in the last five years were 4,969 and saw a gradual decline from 1,091 in 2014 to 833 in 2018. The number of civilian deaths also declined due to left-wing extremism from 222 in 2014 to 173 in 2018 while left-wing extremist killed by security forces increased from 63 in 2014 to 225 in 2018. North-east also saw a decrease in insurgency-related attacks from 824 in 2014 to 252 in 2018. The number of civilian death decreased from 212 in 2014 to 23 in 2018. Security forces who died fighting was 109 while 508 extremists were killed in the last five years.

Terror attacks fell in the hinterland in last five years: Home Ministry to Parliament

A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development.

The project is slated to strengthen island and border security and facilitate the development of infrastructure in border and island areas.

The report of task force approved by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, had identified island development, border security, communication and navigation, GIS and operations planning system and border infrastructure development for use of space technology, according to a Ministry statement.

The report was finalised after MHA had a consultation with all stakeholders including Border Guarding Forces (BGFs), ISRO, National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The task force would be headed by Joint Secretary (Border Management) and would have members from BSF, Department of Space and BM Division.

To execute the project in a time bound manner, a short, medium and long term plan has been proposed for implementation in five years in close coordination with ISRO and MoD.

Major recommendations of the report were to build capacity in BGFs to use space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development.

In short term, immediate needs of BGFs would be met by procurement of high-resolution imagery and the hiring of bandwidth for communications.

In the midterm, one satellite is being launched by ISRO for the exclusive use of MHA. Over the long term, MHA would develop ground segment and network infrastructure to share satellite resources by user agencies, develop a central archival facility for storing various imagery resources and dissemination of the same to user agencies.

Satellite communication would also help in the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in remote areas. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)-based GPS would provide navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote and difficult borders and Naxal areas.

The government has designated BSF as the lead agency for implementation of ground segment and network infrastructure including the establishment of the archival facility.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the assistance of the Department of Space.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development.

A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development. The project is slated to strengthen island and border security and facilitate the development of infrastructure in border and island areas. The report of task force approved by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, had identified island development, border security, communication and navigation, GIS and operations planning system and border infrastructure development for use of space technology, according to a Ministry statement. The report was finalised after MHA had a consultation with all stakeholders including Border Guarding Forces (BGFs), ISRO, National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Ministry of Defence (MoD). The task force would be headed by Joint Secretary (Border Management) and would have members from BSF, Department of Space and BM Division. To execute the project in a time bound manner, a short, medium and long term plan has been proposed for implementation in five years in close coordination with ISRO and MoD. Major recommendations of the report were to build capacity in BGFs to use space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development. In short term, immediate needs of BGFs would be met by procurement of high-resolution imagery and the hiring of bandwidth for communications. In the midterm, one satellite is being launched by ISRO for the exclusive use of MHA. Over the long term, MHA would develop ground segment and network infrastructure to share satellite resources by user agencies, develop a central archival facility for storing various imagery resources and dissemination of the same to user agencies. Satellite communication would also help in the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in remote areas. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)-based GPS would provide navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote and difficult borders and Naxal areas. The government has designated BSF as the lead agency for implementation of ground segment and network infrastructure including the establishment of the archival facility. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the assistance of the Department of Space.

Ministry of Home Affairs to get satellite from ISRO to strengthen border security

A PIL was filed on Monday in the Supreme Court challenging the government's notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system.

The petition filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma seeks to quash the government's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-empowers-security-intelligence-agencies-for-mass-surveillance-185626">December 20 notification.</a>

According to the government's notification, 10 Central probe and snoop agencies are now empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Ministry of Home Affairs officials said.

The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and the Delhi Police commissioner.&nbsp;

A PIL was filed on Monday in the Supreme Court challenging the government's notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system.

A PIL was filed on Monday in the Supreme Court challenging the government's notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system. The petition filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma seeks to quash the government's December 20 notification. According to the government's notification, 10 Central probe and snoop agencies are now empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Ministry of Home Affairs officials said. The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and the Delhi Police commissioner.

PIL filed in SC against order authorising 10 govt agencies to monitor any computer

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday refused to comment on the ministry's order of allowing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-new-powers-to-security-law-enforcement-agencies-mha-on-computer-surveillance-185712">10 agencies to monitor any computer resource</a>. Singh stated that the Home Ministry has already issued a clarification on the issue and that he will speak on the issue in the Parliament.

"The Ministry has already issued a clarification. I can't say anything on it right now as the Parliament is in session. If I am asked, I will speak on it in the Parliament," Singh told media.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the BJP, earlier in the day, claimed that interception of calls and emails were done illegally during the Congress-led UPA government while Modi dispensation has adopted legal means with its order designating 10 agencies to do so, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh on MHA order allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource: The Ministry has already issued a clarification. I can't say anything on it right now as the Parliament is in session. If I am asked, I will speak on it in the Parliament. <a href="https://t.co/C8Epqj9Fz9">pic.twitter.com/C8Epqj9Fz9</a>
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BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra showed that in two RTI replies the UPA government in August 2013 had said that on an average its agencies intercepted 9000 telephone calls and 500 emails a month.&nbsp;

"The political party which enforced emergency, the party which brought the post office amendment bill how can that political party level such charges against another party? The Congress party for its opportunism has gone to the extent of playing with national security" Patra alleged.&nbsp;

In an order on Thursday, the Union Home Ministry authorised 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor, and decrypt "any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer".&nbsp;

The centre's order had come under attack from the opposition who said that the move was "unconstitutional and an assault on fundamental rights" and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday refused to comment on the ministry's order of allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource. Singh stated that the Home Ministry has already issued a clarification on the issue and that he will speak on the issue in the Parliament.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday refused to comment on the ministry's order of allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource. Singh stated that the Home Ministry has already issued a clarification on the issue and that he will speak on the issue in the Parliament. "The Ministry has already issued a clarification. I can't say anything on it right now as the Parliament is in session. If I am asked, I will speak on it in the Parliament," Singh told media. Meanwhile, the BJP, earlier in the day, claimed that interception of calls and emails were done illegally during the Congress-led UPA government while Modi dispensation has adopted legal means with its order designating 10 agencies to do so, news agency PTI reported. Home Minister Rajnath Singh on MHA order allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource: The Ministry has already issued a clarification. I can't say anything on it right now as the Parliament is in session. If I am asked, I will speak on it in the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/C8Epqj9Fz9 — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra showed that in two RTI replies the UPA government in August 2013 had said that on an average its agencies intercepted 9000 telephone calls and 500 emails a month. "The political party which enforced emergency, the party which brought the post office amendment bill how can that political party level such charges against another party? The Congress party for its opportunism has gone to the extent of playing with national security" Patra alleged. In an order on Thursday, the Union Home Ministry authorised 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor, and decrypt "any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer". The centre's order had come under attack from the opposition who said that the move was "unconstitutional and an assault on fundamental rights" and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

Will speak on it in Parliament: Rajnath Singh on MHA order allowing computer surveillance

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a statement clarifying that the order does not confer any new powers to any of the security or law enforcement agencies. "Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home Secretary," the statement added.&nbsp;

"Rule 4 of IT (Procedure &amp; Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring &amp; Decryption of Info) Rules'09 provides that ‘the authority may authorise a government agency to intercept, monitor or decrypt info generated, transmitted or stored in any computer for a purpose specified in the Act," the statement added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad defended Home Ministry's move to allow 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource. The minister stated that the move has been carried out in national security interest. &nbsp;

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MHA clarifies that no new powers have been conferred to any of the security or law enforcement agencies by the S.O dated 20.12.2018. Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home secretary.
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"This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in 2009. Each case of interception and the decision is to be approved by Union Home Secy," Prasad stated.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/order-to-monitor-computers-exists-since-2009-arun-jaitley-185675">Jaitley, earlier in the day</a>, said that the order came into existence after Congress party-led Opposition joined hands on to oppose the government's move to authorise 10 Central agencies to intercept "any information" on computers.

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Union Min RS Prasad on MHA order allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource: This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in'09.Each case of interception&amp;the decision is to be approved Union Home Secy. <a href="https://t.co/munR0NAdAn">pic.twitter.com/munR0NAdAn</a>
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Jaitley was responding to former Union minister Anand Sharma's remark which noted that the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state through its recent order.

The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.

The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NIB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a statement clarifying that the order does not confer any new powers to any of the security or law enforcement agencies.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued a statement clarifying that the order does not confer any new powers to any of the security or law enforcement agencies. "Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home Secretary," the statement added. "Rule 4 of IT (Procedure & Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring & Decryption of Info) Rules'09 provides that ‘the authority may authorise a government agency to intercept, monitor or decrypt info generated, transmitted or stored in any computer for a purpose specified in the Act," the statement added. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad defended Home Ministry's move to allow 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource. The minister stated that the move has been carried out in national security interest. MHA clarifies that no new powers have been conferred to any of the security or law enforcement agencies by the S.O dated 20.12.2018. Each case of interception, monitoring, decryption is to be approved by the competent authority i.e. Union Home secretary. — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in 2009. Each case of interception and the decision is to be approved by Union Home Secy," Prasad stated. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, earlier in the day, said that the order came into existence after Congress party-led Opposition joined hands on to oppose the government's move to authorise 10 Central agencies to intercept "any information" on computers. Union Min RS Prasad on MHA order allowing 10 agencies to monitor any computer resource: This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh govt in'09.Each case of interception&the decision is to be approved Union Home Secy. pic.twitter.com/munR0NAdAn — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × Jaitley was responding to former Union minister Anand Sharma's remark which noted that the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state through its recent order. The Centre on Friday authorised select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource. The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau (NIB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

No new powers to security, law enforcement agencies: MHA on computer surveillance

Every individual case will continue to require prior approval of Home Ministry or state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has not delegated its powers to any law enforcement or security, the government on Friday clarified on its latest directive that empowers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-empowers-security-intelligence-agencies-for-mass-surveillance-185626">security, intelligence agencies for mass surveillance</a>.&nbsp;

The notification does not confer any new powers and adequate safeguards are provided in the IT Act 2000, the clarification further stated. It stated that similar provisions and procedures already exist in the Telegraph Act along with identical safeguards.

The response from the Government of India came in after it authorized select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.

The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (R&amp;AW) and Delhi's Commissioner of Police.

The order drew criticism from the opposition parties, which termed it as unconstitutional, undemocratic and an assault on fundamental rights. 
However, the government clarified that the notification is analogous to the authorisation issued under the Telegraph Act. The entire process is also subject to a robust review mechanism as in case of Telegraph Act

This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh government in 2009. Each case of interception and the decision is to be approved by the Union Home Secretary," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told ANI.

The direction from the MHA came as a follow up to a 2009 notification, wherein the then UPA government had stated that no person shall carry out the interception, monitoring, or decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under sub-section (2) of section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, except by an order issued by the competent authority.

The clarification over the December 20 notification is a codification of the standard operating procedures issued by MHA on May 19, 2011, when P Chidambaram was the Home Minister.

Every individual case will continue to require prior approval of Home Ministry or state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has not delegated its powers to any law enforcement or security, the government on Friday clarified on its latest directive that empowers security, intelligence agencies for mass surveillance.

Every individual case will continue to require prior approval of Home Ministry or state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has not delegated its powers to any law enforcement or security, the government on Friday clarified on its latest directive that empowers security, intelligence agencies for mass surveillance. The notification does not confer any new powers and adequate safeguards are provided in the IT Act 2000, the clarification further stated. It stated that similar provisions and procedures already exist in the Telegraph Act along with identical safeguards. The response from the Government of India came in after it authorized select security and intelligence agencies for purposes of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource. The agencies empowered by the government in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Cabinet Secretariat (R&AW) and Delhi's Commissioner of Police. The order drew criticism from the opposition parties, which termed it as unconstitutional, undemocratic and an assault on fundamental rights. However, the government clarified that the notification is analogous to the authorisation issued under the Telegraph Act. The entire process is also subject to a robust review mechanism as in case of Telegraph Act This has been done in national security interest. It has been done under the law made by the Manmohan Singh government in 2009. Each case of interception and the decision is to be approved by the Union Home Secretary," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told ANI. The direction from the MHA came as a follow up to a 2009 notification, wherein the then UPA government had stated that no person shall carry out the interception, monitoring, or decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under sub-section (2) of section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, except by an order issued by the competent authority. The clarification over the December 20 notification is a codification of the standard operating procedures issued by MHA on May 19, 2011, when P Chidambaram was the Home Minister.

New surveillance akin to Telegraph Act, says government

A fresh warning about thunderstorm and squall hitting West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on Friday has been issued, the home ministry said, and noted that 124 people were killed while more than 300 injured in five states due to thunderstorm and lightning in the last two days.

The maximum casualty was reported in Uttar Pradesh where 73 people were killed, while 91 others were injured.

Most of the deaths and injuries in the state took place in Agra region, a home ministry spokesperson said.

In Rajasthan, altogether 35 people were killed and 206 injured, while eight people were killed in Telangana, six in Uttarakhand and two in Punjab. Nearly 100 people were injured in Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab.

Following the thunderstorms, power supply was cut off in many areas as squall uprooted trees and snapped electricity cables. At least 12,000 electric poles were uprooted and 2,500 transformers damaged in the affected states in the last two days.

The home ministry spokesperson said a fresh warning has been issued about possible thunderstorms accompanied with squall which may hit four states --- West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh -- today.

The thunderstorm accompanied with squall are very likely at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura.

Isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Odisha, northwest Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, interior Tamil Nadu and Kerala are very likely to experience thunderstorm along with gusty winds.

Heavy rains are very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while dust storm and thunderstorm very likely at isolated places over Rajasthan.

The home ministry has also issued an advisory for tomorrow saying thunderstorm accompanied with squall are very likely at isolated places in Uttarakhand, Assam and Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub, Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.

The thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely to occur at isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and gangetic West Bengal.&nbsp;

Heavy rains are very likely at isolated places in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. Dust storms are very likely at isolated places in Rajasthan, an official said.&nbsp;

The maximum casualty was reported in Uttar Pradesh where 73 people were killed, while 91 others were injured

A fresh warning about thunderstorm and squall hitting West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on Friday has been issued, the home ministry said, and noted that 124 people were killed while more than 300 injured in five states due to thunderstorm and lightning in the last two days. The maximum casualty was reported in Uttar Pradesh where 73 people were killed, while 91 others were injured. Most of the deaths and injuries in the state took place in Agra region, a home ministry spokesperson said. In Rajasthan, altogether 35 people were killed and 206 injured, while eight people were killed in Telangana, six in Uttarakhand and two in Punjab. Nearly 100 people were injured in Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab. Following the thunderstorms, power supply was cut off in many areas as squall uprooted trees and snapped electricity cables. At least 12,000 electric poles were uprooted and 2,500 transformers damaged in the affected states in the last two days. The home ministry spokesperson said a fresh warning has been issued about possible thunderstorms accompanied with squall which may hit four states --- West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh -- today. The thunderstorm accompanied with squall are very likely at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura. Isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Odisha, northwest Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, interior Tamil Nadu and Kerala are very likely to experience thunderstorm along with gusty winds. Heavy rains are very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while dust storm and thunderstorm very likely at isolated places over Rajasthan. The home ministry has also issued an advisory for tomorrow saying thunderstorm accompanied with squall are very likely at isolated places in Uttarakhand, Assam and Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub, Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. The thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely to occur at isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and gangetic West Bengal. Heavy rains are very likely at isolated places in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. Dust storms are very likely at isolated places in Rajasthan, an official said.

Government issues fresh thunderstorm, squall warning for 4 states

A report with the Ministry of Home Affairs has warned of a pro-ISIS women group, Daulat ul Islam, being active in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, a group of women associated with the terrorist outfit were found allegedly giving speeches supporting ISIS ideology in parts of Valley.

As per the report, which has been accessed by Zee News, the pro-ISIS women group – Daulat ul Islam – is first of its kind found to be active in Jammu and Kashmir.

The activities of Daulat ul Islam members in the Valley first came to light after one terrorist was killed in Anantnag in March. Members of the group allegedly visited his residence and gave proactive speeches in the favour of Jehad, said the report.

Following the report, officials of the Home Ministry are concerned about the growing influence of ISIS in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, recent encounters at Hakoora in Anantnag and Balhana in Srinagar suggested the growing appeal and support for ISIS ideology.

The three terrorists killed at Hakoora were claimed to be members of ISIS, and their real names were declared by the group as Abu Yahya Al Ishtashadi alias Eisa Fazli, Abu Baraa Al Kashmiri alias Syed Owais Shah and Abu Zar Al Hindi alias Sultan Al Hyedrabadi. Two of them were local terrorists known to be associated with Tehreek Ul Mujhadeen (TuM) a suspected ally group of ISIS.

The third terrorist, Abu Zar Al Hindi alias Sultan Al Hyderabadi, was identified as Mohmmad Taufeeq, a native of Telangana who was associated with both ISIS and AGuH at different point of time.

As per the report, which has been accessed by Zee News, the pro-ISIS women group – Daulat ul Islam – is first of its kind found to be active in Jammu and Kashmir.

A report with the Ministry of Home Affairs has warned of a pro-ISIS women group, Daulat ul Islam, being active in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, a group of women associated with the terrorist outfit were found allegedly giving speeches supporting ISIS ideology in parts of Valley. As per the report, which has been accessed by Zee News, the pro-ISIS women group – Daulat ul Islam – is first of its kind found to be active in Jammu and Kashmir. The activities of Daulat ul Islam members in the Valley first came to light after one terrorist was killed in Anantnag in March. Members of the group allegedly visited his residence and gave proactive speeches in the favour of Jehad, said the report. Following the report, officials of the Home Ministry are concerned about the growing influence of ISIS in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, recent encounters at Hakoora in Anantnag and Balhana in Srinagar suggested the growing appeal and support for ISIS ideology. The three terrorists killed at Hakoora were claimed to be members of ISIS, and their real names were declared by the group as Abu Yahya Al Ishtashadi alias Eisa Fazli, Abu Baraa Al Kashmiri alias Syed Owais Shah and Abu Zar Al Hindi alias Sultan Al Hyedrabadi. Two of them were local terrorists known to be associated with Tehreek Ul Mujhadeen (TuM) a suspected ally group of ISIS. The third terrorist, Abu Zar Al Hindi alias Sultan Al Hyderabadi, was identified as Mohmmad Taufeeq, a native of Telangana who was associated with both ISIS and AGuH at different point of time.

Pro-ISIS women group Daulat ul Islam is active in Kashmir: MHA report

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have told the Zee group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Telegram channel, the MHA sources say, was created on September 23, 2017, renamed on October 3, 2017, and has 223 members.&nbsp;A Telegram channel is similar to a WhatsApp group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The MHA report adds that VeraCrypt, a programme used to encrypt files and disks, was also posted on the channel. As was content related to lone-wolf attacks and techniques explaining the usage of explosives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/wont-allow-anti-india-activities-in-kashmir-army-chief-29627" target="_blank">Won&#39;t allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

The report adds that a hashtag in support of Islamic State has been doing the rounds of social media in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The report says the hashtag was used in 2014 when the IS was active in Iraq and Syria and that, as per analysis on Facebook, usage of the hashtag has seen a tenfold increase in 2017.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The sources said the MHA has instructed security agencies to identify&nbsp;the admininstrator of the channel and take action. 
&nbsp; 
For security reasons, the Zee group has decided not to disclose the name of pro-IS Telegram channel.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia in Jammu and Kashmir

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have told the Zee group. The Telegram channel, the MHA sources say, was created on September 23, 2017, renamed on October 3, 2017, and has 223 members. A Telegram channel is similar to a WhatsApp group. The MHA report adds that VeraCrypt, a programme used to encrypt files and disks, was also posted on the channel. As was content related to lone-wolf attacks and techniques explaining the usage of explosives. Also read: Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir The report adds that a hashtag in support of Islamic State has been doing the rounds of social media in Jammu and Kashmir. The report says the hashtag was used in 2014 when the IS was active in Iraq and Syria and that, as per analysis on Facebook, usage of the hashtag has seen a tenfold increase in 2017. The sources said the MHA has instructed security agencies to identify the admininstrator of the channel and take action. For security reasons, the Zee group has decided not to disclose the name of pro-IS Telegram channel.

Pro-IS groups may be encouraging lone-wolf attacks in Kashmir: MHA sources

There is no term as &quot;martyr&quot; or &quot;shaheed&quot; in the Army or the police and instead, a soldier or a policeman killed in action is called a &quot;battle casualty&quot; or &quot;operations casualty&quot; respectively, the ministries of defence and home have submitted before the Central Information Commission.

The issue surfaced after an RTI applicant approached the Union home ministry seeking to know the meaning and detailed definition of word &quot;shaheed&quot; (martyr) according to the law and the Constitution.

He also asked about the legal provisions to ensure restriction on its misuse and punishment for violation.

The application was transferred to different officials of the home and defence ministries but when the applicant could not get a satisfactory response, he approached the CIC, the highest appellate body in matters relating to the Right to Information Act.

The respondents from the ministries of defence and the home affairs were present and heard, Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad said.

&quot;The respondent from the Ministry of Defence stated that word &#39;shaheed&#39; or &#39;martyr&#39; is not used by the MoD. Instead the one used is &#39;battle casualty&#39;. The respondent from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that in the MHA the word used is &#39;operations casualty&#39;,&quot; Azad said.

Quoting the submissions, he noted that the decision to declare cases of &#39;battle casualty&#39; and &#39;ops&#39; were taken after a report of a court of inquiry in both the matters.

&quot;After hearing the respondents and the perusal of the record, the commission finds that the averments made by both the respondents have duly explained the correct usage of the terms and directs the respondents to send a revised reply to the appellant accordingly,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

A soldier or a policeman killed in action is called a 'battle casualty' or 'operations casualty' respectively, the ministries of defence and home have submitted before the Central Information Commission

There is no term as "martyr" or "shaheed" in the Army or the police and instead, a soldier or a policeman killed in action is called a "battle casualty" or "operations casualty" respectively, the ministries of defence and home have submitted before the Central Information Commission. The issue surfaced after an RTI applicant approached the Union home ministry seeking to know the meaning and detailed definition of word "shaheed" (martyr) according to the law and the Constitution. He also asked about the legal provisions to ensure restriction on its misuse and punishment for violation. The application was transferred to different officials of the home and defence ministries but when the applicant could not get a satisfactory response, he approached the CIC, the highest appellate body in matters relating to the Right to Information Act. The respondents from the ministries of defence and the home affairs were present and heard, Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad said. "The respondent from the Ministry of Defence stated that word 'shaheed' or 'martyr' is not used by the MoD. Instead the one used is 'battle casualty'. The respondent from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that in the MHA the word used is 'operations casualty'," Azad said. Quoting the submissions, he noted that the decision to declare cases of 'battle casualty' and 'ops' were taken after a report of a court of inquiry in both the matters. "After hearing the respondents and the perusal of the record, the commission finds that the averments made by both the respondents have duly explained the correct usage of the terms and directs the respondents to send a revised reply to the appellant accordingly," he said.

No term like 'martyr' or 'shaheed' in our lexicon: Government

Anti-terror probe agency NIA could be empowered to investigate cases of human trafficking, in what seems to be a breakthrough in the nearly year-long consultations among various stakeholders, including the home ministry and the ministry of women and child development.

Sources say the additional responsibility for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be part of the proposed anti-human trafficking law unveiled by Maneka Gandhi last year.

The move will also require amending the law that gave birth to the counter-terrorism agency -- the National Investigation Act, 2008.

The Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016, proposed setting up a National Bureau on Trafficking in Person for &quot;prevention, investigation of the trafficking of persons cases and protection of the victims of trafficking&quot; -- a role which could be performed by the NIA, sources said.

&quot;The ministry of home affairs (MHA) wanted NIA to investigate trafficking and we have agreed to that. MHA has also given its approval for the draft Bill. After we get a green flag from Prime Minister&#39;s Office, a Cabinet note will be circulated,&quot; according to a top official of the ministry of women and child development.

Another official said that &quot;a cell within NIA&quot; could be probing human trafficking cases.

After the Union Cabinet gives its approval, the draft bill will be tabled before Parliament.

&quot;Traffickers enjoy immunity because local police agencies are not able to probe inter-state or cross-border crimes. We require a nodal agency as 80-90 per cent of trafficking cases span across various states,&quot; said President of NGO Shakti Vahini, Ravi Kant, explaining why activists have been seeking a central body to probe human trade.

Government officials say that in order to empower the NIA to investigate trafficking cases the National Investigation Act, 2008, will have to be amended.

The NIA was set up by the previous UPA government in 2009 to probe terrorist activities in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people.

As per the National Investigation Act, the anti-terror body is empowered to probe offences under eight specified laws, including the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, and the Anti-Hijacking Act 1982.

The proposed anti-human trafficking legislation will be independent of the existing law on trafficking in relation to prostitution -- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 -- while a section of the civil society has sought an umbrella law.

The draft law divides offences into &quot;trafficking&quot; and &quot;aggravated trafficking&quot;. The punishment for offences in the former category is rigorous imprisonment between 7 and 10 years and a fine of not less than Rs 1 lakh, while aggravated forms of trafficking will invite a jail term of between 10 years and life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh.

Aggravated trafficking will include trafficking of children, transgenders, differently-abled, pregnant women and those which involve the use of drugs and alcohol.

There is also a provision for a national committee as well as a central fund for the relief and rehabilitation services for the victims.

Sources say the additional responsibility for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be part of the proposed anti-human trafficking law unveiled by Maneka Gandhi last year

Anti-terror probe agency NIA could be empowered to investigate cases of human trafficking, in what seems to be a breakthrough in the nearly year-long consultations among various stakeholders, including the home ministry and the ministry of women and child development. Sources say the additional responsibility for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be part of the proposed anti-human trafficking law unveiled by Maneka Gandhi last year. The move will also require amending the law that gave birth to the counter-terrorism agency -- the National Investigation Act, 2008. The Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016, proposed setting up a National Bureau on Trafficking in Person for "prevention, investigation of the trafficking of persons cases and protection of the victims of trafficking" -- a role which could be performed by the NIA, sources said. "The ministry of home affairs (MHA) wanted NIA to investigate trafficking and we have agreed to that. MHA has also given its approval for the draft Bill. After we get a green flag from Prime Minister's Office, a Cabinet note will be circulated," according to a top official of the ministry of women and child development. Another official said that "a cell within NIA" could be probing human trafficking cases. After the Union Cabinet gives its approval, the draft bill will be tabled before Parliament. "Traffickers enjoy immunity because local police agencies are not able to probe inter-state or cross-border crimes. We require a nodal agency as 80-90 per cent of trafficking cases span across various states," said President of NGO Shakti Vahini, Ravi Kant, explaining why activists have been seeking a central body to probe human trade. Government officials say that in order to empower the NIA to investigate trafficking cases the National Investigation Act, 2008, will have to be amended. The NIA was set up by the previous UPA government in 2009 to probe terrorist activities in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people. As per the National Investigation Act, the anti-terror body is empowered to probe offences under eight specified laws, including the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, and the Anti-Hijacking Act 1982. The proposed anti-human trafficking legislation will be independent of the existing law on trafficking in relation to prostitution -- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 -- while a section of the civil society has sought an umbrella law. The draft law divides offences into "trafficking" and "aggravated trafficking". The punishment for offences in the former category is rigorous imprisonment between 7 and 10 years and a fine of not less than Rs 1 lakh, while aggravated forms of trafficking will invite a jail term of between 10 years and life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh. Aggravated trafficking will include trafficking of children, transgenders, differently-abled, pregnant women and those which involve the use of drugs and alcohol. There is also a provision for a national committee as well as a central fund for the relief and rehabilitation services for the victims.

NIA likely to probe human trafficking cases

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