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January 30 TMC legislator quits in protest R Chokkar in his resignation letter to Speaker P T R Palanivelrajan wrote that the party's tie-up with the AIADMK was in contradiction to the position it had taken in the 1996 election. Let hostages sue, say intelligence officials "We want them to go ahead. They would lose because there is no provision under the rules for compensation for hijacking," an officer said. Spell out Kashmir policy, Cong tells Centre Party spokesman Ajit Jogi held the Union government responsible for the recent militant attacks on security forces in the state. No interference in India's affairs: US Asked whether President Clinton would visit Pakistan during his visit to South Asia in spring, a state department official said Secretary of State Madeleine Albright would make a recommendation in this regard. Talks fail, Rajasthan staff to intensify stir Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the government would not budge as it cannot sacrifice the people's interests to fulfil the demands of its employees. Boy injured as toy-bomb goes off in Bombay The ten-year-old was injured when a "bomb-like" object exploded in Andheri in the western suburbs of Bombay, police said. THE ASSEMBLY POLLS BJP, BJD embrace on Orissa contest The dispute on seat-sharing between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Biju Janata Dal for the assembly election in Orissa has been resolved. Congress in disarray in Orissa Of the three ministers and a dozen MLAs who have been denied tickets, most hold the PCC president responsible for their exclusion though they don't mention it openly. Chautala to contest Rori, Narwana seats The INLD is also trying to work out a seat-sharing agreement with the BJP, reliable party sources said. Vanniyar Sangam to support AIADMK in by-poll Natarajan told reporters in Madras that he pledged support to the AIADMK after its president J Jayalalitha sought the organisation's co-operation. OTHER REPORTS Thiruvalluvar comes to life in Kanyakumari Karunanidhi had been been planning for the last 25 years to honour one of the greatest Tamil poets by erecting a huge statue on the southern tip of India near the Vivekananda Rock. Seminar thrashes out draft anti-terrorism legislation Former home secretary N N Vohra said TADA had failed to effectively address the situation. Those who talk of human rights should realise the ground reality by assessing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir where terrorists have killed thousands of people "and our existing legal system has failed to combat terrorism there". AFP REPORTS Indonesia warns India on nuke arms 'It is ironical that India, which is still a developing country, acquired a bomb. So did Pakistan,' Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid said. Turning Karmapa away will be a mistake: Dalai Lama "It will be a terrible mistake, both for India's image as well as in substance, if the Karmapa is not allowed to stay on in India," the Dalai Lama said. THE REDIFF SPECIAL When I'm sixty-four 'There you are now, sitting in your chair like a rag doll, drooling. Or lying in bed, praying for an early deliverance. And all you have now is your spouse, your children and a handful of your oldest friends. And if you're not particularly lucky you might not even have that.' Anvar Alikhan has seen the future. THE REDIFF DIARY Parade to perfection 'One never really realises the kind of sweat and tears that go into the smart turnout of cadets.' Cleona Lira recalls her Republic Day parade. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS CBI makes music 'Abhishek Verma, sleuths say, is singing like a canary. In the process, he has unravelled the racket he ran with former Enforcement Directorate official Ashok Aggarwal.' Capital Buzz. Gossip from the Delhi Durbar. Kargil is now the most richly decorated real estate in the world 'Never before have so many gallantry awards been conferred in such a confined space, restricted to three mountain ridges in Dras and Batalik: Tololing, Tiger Hill and Juber-Khalubar,' says Major General (retd) Ashok K Mehta. January 29 Government looking for security of tenure "The Vajpayee government's downfall in the 12th Lok Sabha, that too by a solitary vote, was instrumental in hardening the BJP's resolve to explore a review of the Constitution if it retained power," senior home ministry officials told rediff.com Jethmalani tries to douse President-PM tussle The law minister said there was widespread misunderstanding of the President's comments and his reading of the situation was that Narayanan had approved of the process of reviewing the Constitution. Flight 814 passengers divided on damages suit "What would I do with the money? Will a couple of crores bring my son to life?" asked Rupin Katyal's father. War is the only solution, says Farooq "The [Kashmir] trouble will continue till India builds up courage to have a decisive war with Pakistan," the chief minister said in Jammu. Cyclone victims to boycott Orissa poll "We need relief and rehabilitation, not election," says Banku Mohanty of Badia Sahi in Mahakaalipada. TMC joins hands with old foe AIADMK Though party sources indicated that the decision holds good only for the by-elections, continuing the alliance for next year's assembly poll will be an unavoidable corollary. AFP REPORTS IA pays Rs 8.7 lakh to Rachna Katyal But no compensation will be paid to the others who were held in Kandahar until their release on December 31. Kathmandu airport chief among 18 charged Medini Prasad Sharma was among 18 people who have been charged with negligence on duty following the hijacking, which exposed security standards at Kathmandu airport. Vedrine coming on Feb 17, 18: AFP The French foreign minister's trip will precede a state visit to France by Indian President K R Narayanan. US blasts Pakistan for removing judges State Department spokesman James Rubin said Islamabad's decision to force judges to swear loyalty oaths was a slap in the face to any pretence of democratisation in Pakistan. OTHER REPORTS Agartala-Dhaka bus from April 14 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said the state government had been demanding the introduction of the bus service for a long time. Chambal dacoits have changed According to the police, dacoits now prefer kidnappings because these are safer. In a majority of cases, victims' parents do not even inform the police for the fear of inviting harm to the child. CPI-M-Trinamul clashes claim 20 lives Political analysts are unanimous that the CPI-M, which has already conceded the Midnapore Municipal Board to the Trinamul Congress, will find it increasingly difficult to maintain its supremacy in the 2001 assembly election. Parivar takes on Islamic activist for advocating jihad The Sangh Parivar in Kerala has demanded the arrest of Delhi-based social activist and Islamic Movement of India patron Professor Khaliquzzaman for justifying the concept of jihad and calling for conversion to Islam. Bomb explodes outside NC MLC's house Policemen guarding the house returned the fire and the exchange continued for sometime. The militants later managed to escape under the cover of darkness. Four injured in Azamgarh communal violence The clash took place after members of a minority community objected to the rendition of Vande Mataram at a Republic Day function in the local Shibli College. More trouble for the Olive Ridley turtles Trawlers crush them in the no-fishing zone while the bureaucracy throws up its hands citing lack of equipment. Evidence suggests Mahabharat town Kampil was inhabited in 1000 BC Prof G S Philipi and Dr Grono Marcolongo came across this evidence as part of their study on ancient Indian sites of the Mahabharat period, including other places like Hastinapur and Kaushambi. THE REDIFF SPECIAL The gallant 21 The Param Vir Chakra was established on January 26, 1950 and designed by Savitri Khanolankar (born Eva Yuonne Linda Maday-de-Maros to a Hungarian father and Russian mother). Josy Joseph on the history of the PVC and its winners so far. THE REDIFF DIARY Hot on the scent The invitation came in the shape of a perfume bottle. It promised an evening of dance, music and a chance to meet the three new Miss Indias. The occasion was the launch of a perfume, 'Amouage', by the House of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri & Sons. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'Swami Adhokshyananda is a fake...an imposter' 'This fellow (Swami Adhokshyananda) is a puppet on a chain pulled by politicians with nefarious intent,' says the Shankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati. THE REDIFF COLUMNIST Some people, it seems, never learn! 'I believe Uttar Pradesh has been dangerously tardy. Sadly, it is not alone; almost every state in India is dancing on the edge of bankruptcy, says T V R Shenoy. January 28 RSS pledges to stop Vajpayee from signing CTBT "We will set up a special anti-CTBT front, similar to the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, to ensure that the government does not buckle under pressure and sign it," declared Seshadri Chari, editor of Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece. President, PM disagree on Constitution review K R Narayanan and Vajpayee have expressed divergent views on the government's move to set up a review commission. Azar's other brother planned the hijacking While one brother of the Muslim cleric led the hijackers, the other based in Karachi controlled the entire operation. THE REDIFF SPECIAL 'There's no room for complacency when there's a rogue in the neighbourhood' Krishna V Rajan, India's ambassador to Nepal, on the post-hijack scenario, the threat from the Inter-Services Intelligence, and other issues. AFP REPORTS Belgium stops fighter-engine exports to India The office of Foreign Minister Louis Michel cited tension in Kashmir as the reason for withholding the licence. Politician's home attacked in Kashmir Unidentified gunmen hurled a hand grenade at the house of Muzaffar Beg, a provincial leader of the Congress in Jammu, injuring a police guard. Sharief sees Indo-Pak war clouds "At present the very existence of this country is in danger," the deposed Pakistani prime minister said. "War clouds are hovering over us, and in such circumstances the elected prime minister of the country has been put behind bars." Sex scandal accused NRI gets bail As court officials worked out the conditions of his release on Tuesday, the police arrested Lakireddy Bali Reddy's son on suspicion of falsifying documents and taking part in a scheme to bring illegal immigrants from India. THE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS Laloo scares BJP, Samata into infighting The two allies are still quarrelling over seat-sharing for the Bihar election. Reason: both are wary of contesting in the RJD strongholds. BJP, BJD fall out in Orissa over seat-sharing The alliance partners, who fought the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha poll together, are yet to arrive at a consensus on the number of seats each will contest. OTHER REPORTS 11 killed in Lanka blast Several injured persons weve rushed to a local hospital. Indo-French joint naval exercise from Feb 23 With over 3,000 sailors, six ships, including a nuclear aircraft carrier and a nuclear submarine, and 29 aircraft, the largest flotilla of the French Navy is headed for India to participate in the biggest ever war games with the Indian Navy. US ambassador protests against Indians' ill-treatment Naresh Chandra, New Delhi's representative in Washington, said he was "saddened and disappointed" to learn about the incident. "We expect [such treatment] in other countries, but not in the United States," he said. Puri Shankaracharya goes on the offensive "He should be arrested or at least packed off to a loony bin," thundered the Shankaracharya, referring to Swami Adhokshyananda, who since 1995 has been challenging his right to be the pontiff. Badal is between the devil and deep sea The stand-off between the apex Sikh clergy and the SGPC over implementing a new calendar has divided the community and placed the Punjab chief minister in a dilemma. Now, the dead can wait N Vijaykumar, inventor of the 'portable corpse preserver', believes the unit will be useful in rural Kerala where modern mortuary facilities are not available. January 27 No evidence to link Pak in hijack: Clinton Clinton told a press conference that the United States had no reason to believe that Pakistan might have been involved in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane last month. India parades Kargil success on R-Day With fear of terrorist strikes, security was extremely tight. Buildings near and even those overlooking Rajpath were sealed off yesterday itself. Blasts mar celebrations in J&K The Republic Day was marked by eight explosions around Jammu city despite unprecedented security arrangements. January 26 Delhi is a fortress on R-Day eve All highrise buildings in and around Rajpath and Connaught Place have been sealed. The police have mounted anti-aircraft guns above most such buildings to provide air defence for the capital. Militants storm army camp in Kashmir, 2 killed The state administration has sounded a general alert. Troops and commandos have taken positions in and around Srinagar. Govt moots 'hot pursuit' to end J&K militancy The government intends to follow up its tough words on Kashmir with matching action. THE HIJACK: A MONTH LATER Pak backed IA hijack: US According to The New York Times, Pakistan now faces the risk of being placed on Washington's list of nations that support terrorism. OTHER REPORTS Narco-terrorism, extremism and small arms proliferation biggest threats: Jaswant The minister warned that non-State actors, fired by ideology, extremism and fanaticism, and equipped with ever more lethal weapons, have now appeared on the scene. UPSEB workers climb down, call off strike The strike was called off following protracted talks. But the state government refused to concede the main demand of the workers, to roll back the restructuring of the power board. Strike in Rajasthan enters 42nd day The state government maintained that it just isn't in a position to concede the demands of the employees as its coffers are empty. Sena politician Gopal Rajwani shot dead Rajwani's enmity with Pappu Kalani is part of Ulhasnagar's folklore. Police are likely to interrogate Kalani soon. Thakre threatens crackdown on Kalyan's men The BJP president has asked the Uttar Pradesh unit chief for details of legislators in league with the rebel, saying he will take action against them once their guilt is established. PMO to launch Web site tomorrow "The common man perceives the prime minister and his ministers as demigods. They think they are inaccessible. With this site we want to get the people closer to the PMO," said an official. 'Chinna MGR' ready for big time Jayalalitha's foster son goes into a religious overdrive to prepare for a career in politics. Navy chief recuperating after bypass Sources told rediff.com that the government would consider appointing an acting chief only if Admiral Sushil Kumar is unable to return to office "for a very long, long time". Krishna puts ministers on duty in party offices The Karnataka CM has asked his ministers to spend an hour at a stretch, twice a month, in the Congress office, meeting party workers and receiving petitions or complaints. Netaji's house in Cuttack falls to ruin It is not that the state government does not know about the historical significance of the building. Promises have been made by successive governments to recognise the structure as a national monument. But that's all. Mobile phone service launched at Tirumala While at Tirumala and Tirupati, JTM subscribers can receive calls on their mobiles from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Nellore at local call rates. THE REDIFF CHAT 'Had they stormed the plane, the casualties would have been much much higher' 'And we would not have gained anything, because of the kind of arms and ammunition they had inside the aircraft.' Captain Devi Sharan recalls events on Flight 814, a month after the hijack. THE REDIFF SPECIAL The Kathmandu connection 'Much of the money-laundering, drug-running, gold smuggling, counterfeit currency and small-arms businesses there are controlled by the ISI. The agency has established field bases in the Terai on the Indo-Nepal border,' says Major General (retd) Ashok K Mehta. AFP REPORTS Nigerian president begins official five-day trip "Internal or international terrorism should be strongly condemned," said Olusegun Obasanjo. Pak seeks UN intervention in Kashmir The request has been made in a letter to UN General Secretary Kofi Annan by Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar. Head-on train collision narrowly averted The incident occurred on Monday in West Bengal, not far from the site of the August 1999 Gaisal disaster that killed 300 people. THE REDIFF DIARY Our man in the White House 'The Deoras, you see, spent December 31 in the company of the most powerful man in the world, the President of the United States...' THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Human rights violations in Kashmir 'Young girls are kidnapped, inhumanly raped by several militants for days at a stretch, made to work as agents and conduits for various terrorist groups and exploited in every possible manner before being finally discarded,' says Varsha Bhosle. 50 years of solitude -- II 'At fifty years of age, we are in a strange era, where every decision of the government, its agencies, has been thrown open to judicial scrutiny... A judge today is expected to be an expert on anything and everything,' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy. 50 years is no cause for celebration 'Power for its own sake or for personal ends has become the supreme value. Those in government remain so occupied in the struggle for sheer survival that they have little time for serving the people,' says Arvind Lavakare. January 25 Government gives up plan to withdraw NSG cover to 30 politicians Sources said the politically irksome decision, taken in the wake of the hijack crisis, would now "be considered at a suitable time". THE HIJACK: A MONTH LATER No victim visits post-trauma cell "Maybe some passengers turned up at AIIMS for medical treatment, but those, in most cases, have been minor problems that a physician can treat," said Dr D K Sharma, deputy medical superintendent at AIIMS. Rupin's family yet to get over his loss "Do you really think it is fair on a 20-year-old girl having to suffer like this? But I tell you, she will survive, because we all want her to get over the tragedy," says his grandfather, 75-year-old Mulk Raj Katyal. THE REDIFF CHAT 'Had they stormed the plane, the casualties would have been much much higher' 'And we would not have gained anything, because of the kind of arms and ammunition they had inside the aircraft.' Captain Devi Sharan recalls events on Flight 814, a month after the hijack. OTHER REPORTS J&K prepares for Jan 26 with guns & grenades "We have taken extraordinary steps to ensure that the militants do not succeed in their attempts," a police officer said. "Foolproof arrangements are in place." SC clamps down on industries polluting Yamuna The Supreme Court banned thousands of factories in New Delhi and the neighbouring state of Haryana from discharging untreated industrial effluents into the river. Malayalam poet embraces Buddhism Balachandran Chullikkad said his decision to embrace Buddhism was a political move. The shade of Tulasa seeks justice The Nepali girl has died, and so have some of her tormentors, but her father is coming back to the courts, seeking belated retribution. Kerala govt imposes curbs on RSS drills The government has made it mandatory for organisations imparting physical training to obtain licences. No Bharat Award for bravery this year 'This year we found that there were far too many cases of children saving someone from drowning. The other acts of bravery were also not up to the mark,' ICCW chairperson Sunita Gadgil said. Seven foreigners held in fake currency case The three Kenyans, one Liberian and three Bangladeshis were nabbed and $3 million US and $ 5000 Brazilian in fake currency seized from them. AP orders probe into NRI sex racket One version is that in recent years, Bali Reddy took as many as 300 persons to the United States. While men were employed in his hotel and other ventures, the women were used allegedly for immoral activities. Cops sniff illegal betting racket in Bombay In a raid on Sunday, crime branch sleuths seized incriminating documents from three bookies. These documents have been sent to the RWITC. NE gets 'old wine in new bottle' from PM Though a Rs 102.71 billion 'agenda for economic development' was announced by Vajpayee, a closer look shows that some of the schemes are current projects while others are a mere transfer of heads. BJP, TDP begin talks for civic polls With more meetings scheduled over the next few days, the TDP and BJP hope to reach an agreement on seat-sharing by January 31. THE REDIFF SPECIAL The Naxal connection Some Maoist leaders have contacts in Pakistan and, if a deal is struck between them and the ISI, Nepal, which till now has only been a passive witness to Pakistani operations, may have to pay a heavy price. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'Baripada is now my home' "A hate campaign has been started against those working for the welfare of the people. I have received hundreds of letters from all over the country and abroad in the last one year which clearly mention that what happened with Staines was not Hinduism," says Gladys Staines, wife of the murdered missionary. AFP REPORTS UP sacks 2,000 power workers: AFP State Power Minister Naresh Agarwal also refused to hold further talks with the 88,000 strikers opposed to the decision to split up the loss-making Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board. Fernandes says CTBT in 'coma': AFP "Instead of speaking in language of threats, [Pakistan] should make conditions for some talking," the defence minister said. Pak papers warn of trouble in Kashmir The Nation said the fact that India had refused to de-escalate tension with Pakistan, despite repeated US advice to do so, was a danger signal. THE REDIFF DIARY Femme 2000 'Lara is a terrific girl. She had supreme confidence even when she was a novice. She always had this I-know-what-I-want-to-be-and-I-will-achieve-it attitude without a trace of arrogance in it...' THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS China doesn't matter: Part II 'India's bitter foe is not nearly the legend that it is in its own mind, or alas, in the imagination of Indians who are dazzled by its marketing,' says Rajeev Srinivasan. Archives |
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