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| Tuesday, October 31, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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Jaswant upset over ‘murky power game’ Tytler ‘instigated’ violence in ’84
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Minister escapes bid on life Goa CM retains six portfolios JMM stand on CM’s
post hardens Basu’s aim to form third front Probe
politicians’ role in crash: CPM ‘Change of guard not to affect ties with India’ Veerappan case: NHRC intervention sought Kerala Oppn calls for strike on Nov 1 Six of family
die in mishap Tansi case
No to fresh panel on reorganising states
12 forfeit 18.85 cr earnest money Surplus food stock: decision put off Nikahnama debate
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Jaswant upset over ‘murky power game’ NEW DELHI, Oct 30 — External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh has taken strong exception to the ongoing “murky” power game between senior officials of his ministry. Even though the appointment of a new Foreign Secretary in place of Mr Lalit Mansingh is only due in April next year, the fact that media has already started speculating over the succession has perturbed Mr Singh, sources said. The speculation exercise over the battle of succession to Mr Mansingh, obviously supported by a certain section of the Indian Foreign Service officials, and its linking with the ongoing inquiry into “financial irregularites” of a former Ambassador of India to Austria, Mr Yogesh Tiwari has made things worse as it has an adverse impact on the country’s image abroad. Foreign Missions follow such media reports very closely and the External Affairs Minister and other senior officials are often confronted with such speculative reports. It is not a very pleasant experience, sources pointed out. The use of media for influencing a decision is an old exercise but the way it is being done has not gone well with the Vajpayee government, sources said adding it is the prerogative of the political bosses to chose and appoint a particular officer to the top job in any ministry. While an inquiry into the alleged financial irregularity committed by Mr Tiwari is going on and till the completion of the inquiry, he is in compulsory waiting at the headquarter, it was absolutely wrong to link it with the appointment of a new Foreign Secretary, sources pointed out. It is true that lobbying is going on for the post of Indian Ambassador to the USA and the United Kingdom but nothing has been decided yet. Whether Mr Mansingh would be eventually sent to London or not would depend on many factors, sources said adding that neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the External Affairs Minister has yet taken a final view on it. While lobbying is perfectly
alright, the political bosses would have to take a view of the so-called financial irregularities of the bureaucracy as many of the financial favours have to be conferred on their asking. Whatever may eventually come out of the inquiry into Mr Tiwari's
financial dealings during his posting abroad, the minister and his officials are worried that the battle of succession might get more nasty. |
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Tytler ‘instigated’ violence in ’84 NEW DELHI, Sept 30 (PTI) — A victim of anti-Sikh riots today submitted before the Nanawati Commission, probing the violence after Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984 that former Union Minister Jagdish Tytler had instigated a mob in a west Delhi locality which killed his son, nephew and brother-in-law. “Instead of saving them, Jagdish Tytler told the persons who had come along with him to Kabir Basti, that “one Sikh killed my mother (meaning Indira Gandhi) and these Sikhs are moving quietly,” riot victim and an ex-armyman Dilbagh Singh said in an affidavit filed through his counsel Bajrang Singh. “On hearing this, the persons, who had come along with Mr Tytler there (on November 1, 1984) started catching hold of Sikhs and killing and burning them, including his brother-in-law, Darshan Singh, his son Surinder Pal Singh and nephew Jagjit Singh,” the affidavit alleged. When Mr Tytler visited the locality, the then Assistant Commissioner of Police Bhagwan Singh Malik and SHO of subzi mandi police station were present there along with a posse of armed personnel, it claimed. Meanwhile, the Nanawati Commission probing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, today directed the Delhi police and Government to produce all records relating to any inquiry into the riots before it within two weeks. Justice G.T. Nanawati, who discussed with counsel for the Centre and various Sikh organisations the procedural matters and considered their applications, directed that the Delhi police and the state government should send all records available with them to the commission before November 20, the next date of hearing. |
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Minister escapes bid on life PATNA, Oct 30 (PTI) — Higher Education Minister Saba Ahmed escaped unhurt while four policemen were killed and four others injured in an attack by activists of the outlawed Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) at a football ground in a village in Dhanbad district last evening, official sources said today. The minister was distributing prizes after a football match when heavily armed activists of the MCC launched an attack at Kenduatand village under Tundi block, sources said. Mr Ahmed said more than 200 shots were fired and several bombs exploded when the extremists, who were sitting amongst the audience, attacked the policemen accompanying him as he proceeded to give away the prizes. The injured , including three policemen, were admitted to Central Hospital, Dhanbad. The MCC activists took away four rifles, a stengun, a service revolver and other ammunition, the sources said. Those killed were constables of Dhanbad police escorting the minister, they said. |
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Goa CM retains
six portfolios PANAJI, Oct 30 (UNI) — Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has maintained important portfolios of Home, Finance, Personnel, General Administration and Education with himself while allocating two portfolios to each to his 13 other Cabinet colleagues, seven days after the formation of the new BJP-led government in the state. According to a notification issued here today, Deputy Chief Minister Ravi Naik will hold the charge of PWD and Animal Husbandry Departments while another senior minister Ramakant Khalap will be incharge of Irrigation Technology Departments. |
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JMM stand
on CM’s post hardens RANCHI, Oct 30 (PTI) — The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) today hardened its stand on the chief ministership issue of Jharkhand saying it would accept nothing short of the top post of the new state or prefer to sit in the opposition. Commenting on media reports that JMM might consider power sharing on a rotation basis with the BJP in Jharkhand as the latter did with the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, party chief Sibu Soren said over phone from Bokaro, “this is not exactly our line.” “The fact remains that we cannot accept anything less than the chief ministership of Jharkhand to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the over three crore people living in this tribal belt,” Mr Soren said. |
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Narayanan
welcomes Grimsson NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (UNI) — Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar
Grimsson, on a week-long visit to India, was given a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan today. President
K.R. Narayanan, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and Home Minister
L.K. Advani were among the leaders who were present when President Grimsson arrived. He was also given a guard of
honour. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, recuperating from his recent knee operation, was unable to attend. Mr
Grimsson, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Halldor Asgrimsson and several senior officials, arrived here on October 28 for the visit, the first-ever high-level contact between the two countries.
Grimsson
meets PM NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (UNI) — Iceland President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, on a week-long visit to India, met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at his 7-Race Course Road residence this evening. Welcoming Mr Grimsson the Prime Minister described the visit as “historic” and said that he looked forward to more cooperation between the two countries in bilateral and international matters. The Prime Minister said Mr Grimsson was not a stranger to India. Mr Grimsson had come here when he was not the President. Earlier, Mr Grimsson inaugurated the first-ever festival of films from Iceland. Mr Grimsson who began his state visit from today with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, is accompanied by his Foreign Minister Halldor Asgrimsson and several senior officials. |
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Kerala Oppn calls for strike on Nov 1 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Oct 30 (UNI) — Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has called for a dawn-to-dusk general strike on November 1, the Kerala Formation Day, to press for the resignation of Excise Minister T. Sivadasa Menon, owning responsibility for the recent serial hooch tragedies which left 34 persons dead within a week. This was decided by the high-level meeting of liaison committee of the front here today. The meeting was attended by leaders of all the coalition partners and senior leaders, including former Congress Chief Ministers K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony. The decision comes amid mounting pressure on Mr Menon from different quarters including political parties and other organisations, who squarely blamed the government for its inability to control the flow of illicit liquor. Though the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) rallied behind the tainted Minister by turning down the demand for his resignation, it was learnt that the coalition partners had expressed displeasure over the steps taken to contain the illicit liquor menace. It was also reported that the Excise and Police Departments came in for flak from the front leaders and the Excise Minister was summoned to explain his stand at the two-day meeting of the front concluded here last evening. Briefing the newsmen after the meeting, UDF convener K. Sankaranarayanan said, “if the minister was not ready to resign on his own, the Chief Minister should expel him from Cabinet.” Putting the entire blame on the ruling party, he said, “CPM Excise conspiracy allowed the illicit liquor trade flourish under the blessings and the knowledge of the Nayanar government.” Calling upon the workers to observe general strike on November 1, the front convener said demonstrations would also be staged on that day. Besides, the parties would boycott all official functions to commemorate the formation day of the state. The opposition also decided to organise evening sit-ins in all Assembly segments and protest
meetings on November 6. |
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‘Change of guard not to affect ties with India’ NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (PTI) — The new momentum in Indo-US ties, spurred by the visits of President Bill Clinton to India and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to the USA is unlikely to be affected by the change in administration in Washington after the upcoming Presidential elections, US Ambassador to India Richard F. Celeste, indicated today. “A firm foundation has been laid by the visits of President Clinton and Prime Minister Vajpayee,” he said adding this will be “built upon” by the next administration the top slot for which is being contested by Democrat nominee and Vice-President Al Gore and Republican candidate George Bush. He said neither side would be interested in taking a “step back” to the period of “mutual suspicion or uncertainty” that prevailed in the wake of the nuclear tests. The new administration would like to utilise the opportunities for further strengthening bilateral relations, Mr Celeste said while addressing a meeting of the PHD chamber of on ‘the visit of Indian Prime Minister to USA’ — the way ahead.’ Officials from the ministries of External Affairs and Home, besides military experts and the US State Department, would hold the first meeting of the Indo-US joint working group on UN peace-keeping here next month, he said. Later, a foreign office spokesman said the meeting, to be held on November 1 and 2, would be headed on the Indian side by Alok Prasad, Joint Secretary (Americas) in the External Affairs Ministry while the US delegation would be led by L. Hawley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for international organisational affairs. |
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Veerappan case: NHRC intervention sought CHENNAI, Oct 30 (PTI) — Tamil National Movement leader P. Nedumaran and two human rights activists involved in talks with outlaw Veerappan to secure the release of Kannada filmstar Rajkumar appealed to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today to intervene in the Supreme Court case regarding the release of 51 TADA prisoners in Karnataka. In a memorandum to the NHRC, a copy of which was released to the Press here, the three emissaries said the Commission would be able to highlight the human rights violations that the present case involved and the need to uphold the common order of the TADA court — to drop TADA charges — to enable the detainees’ release on bail. The plea by retired police officer Abdul Kareem in the apex court against their release essentially involved the human rights of prisoners languishing in jail for years without, trial, those killed in ‘encounters’ and others who had suffered torture and sexual abuse in custody, Mr Nedumaran, Prof Kalyani and Mr G. Sukumaran said in the nine-page memorandum. The emissaries said if the NHRC intervened in the case, it would give an opportunity to the apex court to allow the resumption of the stalled NHRC panel inquiry into human rights violations by the special task forces of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka constituted to nab Veerappan. |
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Six of family
die in mishap COIMBATORE, Oct 30 — Six members of a family, five of them women, were killed and two others injured when the Maruti van in which they were travelling collided with a tourist bus at Kalipalayam in this district of Tamil Nadu early today. The police said while five persons were killed on the spot, one died on way to Tiruppur Government Hospital. Both the injured, including a male child, were admitted to the hospital. The victims were on their way to Tiruppur from Erode to invite their relatives to a wedding when the mishap occurred. The bus was proceeding to Bangalore. |
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Tansi case CHENNAI, Oct 30 (UNI) — Former AIADMK Minister Md. Asif today filed an appeal in Madras High Court challenging the order of a Special Judge, convicting and sentencing him to three years rigorous imprisonment (RI) in the TANSI land-Jaya Publications case. Mr Asif sought to set aside the order of the Special Judge and to suspend the sentence till the
disposal of the appeal. |
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Work on Narmada dam restarts today KEVADIYA, (Gujarat), Oct 30 (PTI) — Amidst tight security, work to raise the height of the controversial Rs18,000 crore Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada, the largest water resource development project in the country, begins tomorrow in this remote village, 90 km from Baroda. Authorities have deployed over 2,000 police personnel to prevent any untoward incident. The entire area has been sanitised and all incoming vehicles and persons were being thoroughly frisked, District Collector Anil Mukim said. The Supreme Court had on October 18 given the green light to raising the height of the dam from 85 metres to 90 metres, giving a blow to the anti-dam movement. Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd, which is executing the ambitious multi-purpose project, is organising a mammoth public rally at the dam site, which would be attended among others by Union Home Minister L.K. Advani and Unict. The project was mired in controversy ever since its inception in 1961 and has been opposed tooth and nail by anti-dam activists led by Medha Patkar of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA). Patkar only yesterday called off her fast protesting the Supreme Court judgement. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jamuna Devi are also expected to attend the function, coinciding with the 125th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the country’s first Home Minister. Mr Advani will also be unveiling a life-size statue of Sardar Patel at the site on the occasion. People travelling to attend the “Victory Day” function have been exempted from paying bus fares. As part of the security measures, the Maharashtra-Gujarat National highway passing through Kevadiya has also been closed for traffic and vehicles were being diverted through other routes. Gujarat claims that the project would provide drinking water facilities to over 8,000 villages and 135 urban areas, besides irrigating 18 lakh hectares of land and generating 1,450 mw of hydro power. NEW DELHI (UNI): The Supreme Court today declined to fix an early date for the hearing of an application by the Narmada Bachao Andolan seeking certain clarifications on its recent judgement permitting raising of the height of the Sardar Sarovar dam up to 90 metres. The early hearing was declined by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice A.S. Anand when applicants’ counsel Prashant Bhushan urged the court for the same. “It will not be possible to disturb the hearing schedule of the court right now. You file the application in the registry and it will come up in due course,” the court said. The other judges on the Bench were Mr Justice R.C. Lahoti and Mr Brijesh Kumar. The NBA application seeks clarification on the October 18 judgement and order of the court on whether the permission for construction of the dam up to 90 metres was inclusive or exclusive of the “humps”. The NBA also wanted to know whether the permission for construction up to 90 metres was based on the assumption that the relief and rehabilitation sub-group had already granted such permission, and would still be operative if the premise and assumption were known and shown to be incorrect. This clarification was also required in view of the fact that such permission for immediate construction up to 90 metres would be in clear violation of the award of Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal. |
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Basu’s aim to form third front CALCUTTA, Oct 30 (UNI) — Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu today said his prime task after retirement would be to work for the formation of the third front as an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress. Talking to reporters here, Mr Basu, who ruled the state for over 23 years, said the task of formation of a third front was a difficult one because of the split in the United Front. Lambasting the NDA government at the Centre, Mr Basu said the faster the government was removed, the better for the country. “Our main objective is to form the third front to save the people from the BJP which is ruining the country with its anti-people policies,” he said, and added, it was not important as to who would lead the third front. Reiterating that he was retiring as the Chief Minister because of health problems related to old age, he said, he would not quit politics and would help the Left Front in retaining power in the state. Lashing out at Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, Mr Basu said he had no time to give reply to her rubbish questions. “She always tells lies. I thought she would improve after becoming a central minister but unfortunately she hasn’t. She is a violent woman and now has made a pact with a communal party,” Mr Basu observed. Describing his successor Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee as a competent leader Mr Basu said he was involved in politics since his student days. He expressed confidence that the Left Front would return to power in next year’s assembly elections. |
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No to fresh panel on reorganising states NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (UNI) — The Bharatiya Janata Party today rejected the Opposition demand for setting up another Commission for reorganisation of States. The BJP feels the demand for another commission is neither necessary nor warranted by circumstances, “party spokesman K. Jana Krishnamurthy said. He was referring to a statement made by former Prime Minister V.P. Singh in this regard. Mr Krishnamurthy said the new states of Uttaranchal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand had been created to fulfil the long standing demand of the people of the regions. Besides, the Legislative Assemblies of these states had also passed resolutions for their bifurcation. The BJP, meanwhile, Mr Krishnamurthy said, would like to congratulate the people of these three states which would come into being in a few days. “They will now be able to build their states according to their expectations. The BJP assures its fullest cooperation and backing to the people in their effort to build these states”, he added. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ascribed the resignation of Mr Jyoti Basu from the Chief Ministership of West Bengal to the fear of the CPM going to the polls under his leadership. “Mr Basu’s resignation and its acceptance by CPM reveal the nervousness of the Communists to face the polls under his leadership”, BJP vice-president K. Jana Krishnamurthy, told reporters here. He said Mr Basu, who had been the Chief Minister for 23 years, had been talking about quitting the post on health grounds but every time the party persuaded him to continue. |
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Probe politicians’ role in crash: CPM NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (UNI) — The CPM
today asked the government to seek Canada’s help to probe the links
of Indian politicians with the terrorists arrested for the 1985
bombing of the Kanishka Air Lines plane. The National Democratic Alliance government must investigate the allegations to this effect so that those giving cover to criminals were exposed, party general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet said. In a press note, he said reports have linked the arrested Punjab terrorists Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh with Indian politicians. It had been reported that the two “were playing host to many Indian politicians to cover up their activities,” he said. More than 300 people were killed in the bombing of the Air India jet. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police today said they had arrested a third suspect and more arrests could follow. Mr Surjeet noted that the USA and Canada provided a safe haven to Punjab terrorists in the eighties and the government of the day had failed to put pressure on the two countries to curb the anti-India activities. |
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FM radio stations NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (UNI) — Twelve broadcasting companies, including the Zee TV’s sister company New Media Broadcasting forfeited a total sum of Rs 18.85 crore paid as earnest money for FM radio stations when they failed to submit the bank guarantees and sign agreements as the deadline set for this purpose ended today. A total sum of Rs 158.75 crore was received in bank guarantees by the government from 14 parties who signed agreements for 37 channels in 20 centres. A total of 26 letters of intent had been issued for 93 channels committing a sum of Rs 384.905 crore, out of the 29 parties which successfully bid for the 100 channels in 40 cities in March this year in the first phase of auctions but the 12 parties failed to furnish bank guarantees for 56 stations. While New Media forfeited Rs seven crore, observer forfeited Rs 3.35 crore and Hind Broadcasting forfeited Rs 2.125 crore. Nimbus Communications stands to lose Rs 3.35 crore while dream radio will forfeit Rs 1.25 crore. Vertex Broadcasting (owned by Dabur) will forfeit Rs 87.5 lakh and Indigo Radio stands to lose Rs 75 lakh. Kismat Radio and Magic Radio will lose Rs 50 lakh each while Bollywood Broadcasting, Dhun Radio and Modi Entertainment Network forfeit Rs 25 lakh each. In case all 29 parties had fulfilled their part of the agreement and paid the bank guarantee, all india radio would have earned Rs 530 crore in the first year with a 15 per cent increase every year, after setting out in its auction in March with a reserve price of only Rs 75.4 crore. |
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Surplus food stock: decision put off NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (PTI) — The Group of Ministers headed by Home Minister LK Advani on finding ways to liquidate the burgeoning food stock today deferred a decision on solving the problem even as a substantial portion is lying in the open for want of adequate storage facilities. “We discussed various options and a final decision will be taken soon,” Consumer Affairs Minister Shanta Kumar told
PTI immediately after the GoM meeting here. Among the options discussed by the
GoM for disposing of about 180 lakh tonnes of surplus stock over and above the buffer limit included enhancement of supply limits under pds to people below poverty line and using the stock under the centrally sponsored food for work schemes. The
GoM is likely to meet again next month to finalise its recommendations, sources said. At its last meeting on October 17, the empowered group also discussed export of surplus stock at internationally competitive prices. In view of the high domestic prices of foodgrains, government was considering lowering them to compete in the international market, Mr Kumar had said adding this may help in reducing the surplus stock. Government was spending Rs 4000 crore annually to deal the excess foodgrains, Mr Kumar had said. |
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Nikahnama debate BANGALORE, Oct 30 (PTI) — The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board
(AIMPB) has deferred decisions on making far-reaching moves on standardisation of ‘Nikahnama’ (marriage contract) for Muslims, saying more debate was necessary on the issue. Briefing reporters on the two-day AIMPB convention which ended here yesterday, its General Secretary Maulana Syed Nizamuddin said majority of the members felt that the ‘Nikahnama’ prepared by a four-member committee did not fully achieve the objective of the marriage contract. |
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