 |
| Saturday,
December 30, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
|
Rumour led to unrest: Nepal NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — Nepal has acknowledged India’s contention in unambiguous terms today that the anti-India sentiments whipped up in that country was built on unsubstantiated rumours. Nepal violence BJP blames anti-India forces NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The Congress today lashed out at the government for mishandling the situation in Nepal, while the BJP blamed anti-national forces for the anti-India campaign unleashed by violent demonstrators on the streets of Kathmandu protesting against the alleged anti-Nepal remarks of film star Hrithik Roshan. No Central rule in
Manipur: BJP NCRWC okays 8 papers |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cement prices rise, builders stop work BJP executive meets on Jan 4 BJP not opposed to TC-Cong alliance
GUWAHATI, Dec 29 — Three hardcore ULFA militants, including one who was directly involved in the massacre of 28 Hindi-speaking persons at Sadiya, were killed in encounters with the Army in Upper Assam Year-ender Paul against duty on Chinese products Breakaway Cong group recognised Ganesha idol damaged Psychiatry society to hold camps Protest against relocation Vice-Admiral Bansal
|
|
Rumour led to unrest: Nepal NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — Nepal has acknowledged India’s contention in unambiguous terms today that the anti-India sentiments whipped up in that country was built on unsubstantiated rumours. Clearly, linkages are sought to be drawn with the activites of the underworld in Bollywood and the activities of the dreaded Dawood Ibrahim, who is operating out of Karachi in Pakistan. India has condemned the machinations of elements inimical to this country of fanning “negative sentiments” in the Himalayan Kingdom resulting in violence and disturbances in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. Significantly, the Nepalese Council of Ministers reviewed the overall situation in Kathmandu and the pre-meditated attacks on Indians and their establishments this afternoon and emphasised that “for the sake of national dignity and self respect, a spontaneous surge of awakening would be as much commendable as it would be important to guard oneself against misleading propaganda and a conspiracy to cause loss of life and property by fanning communal hatred in the country.” A press
communiqué issued after the meeting of the Nepalese Council of Ministers observed that “the acts of violence and vandalism that has occurred in the last two days resulting in the loss of life and property in the capital are extremely regrettable. The unbridled spread of violence in the capital on an individual’s unsubstantiated and repeatedly refuted remark is not fitting in the national dignity. Moreover, the unleashing of violence leading to attacks and vandalising the house and business centres is likely to harm social harmony in a multi-lingual and multi-ethnic country like ours is contemptible,” the
communiqué added. Despite frayed tempers in Nepal, the leadership in Kathmandu has taken serious note of the reservations expressed by India that attempts are being in that country to deliberately target citizens of this country especially when the new heart-throb of the silver screen Hrithik Roshan has not uttered a word against Nepal or the people of that country. Meanwhile, Nepalese Ambassador here Bhekh Bahadur Thapa told mediapersons that the disturbances in his country were triggered by “a non issue” and what he described as a “media fabrication” of the remarks allegedly attributed to Hrithik Roshan. Asserting that Nepal would not allow its
territory to be used for anti-India activities, Mr Thapa was categorical
that Kathmandu would take to task the elements responsible for spreading anti-India violence. Asked if Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence was involved in fuelling the fresh wave of anti-India tirade, the Ambassador said: “If there is any evidence in this regard, we will pursue the matter vigorously. If there are elements pushing the case beyond the region, we will take them to task.” NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The Congress today lashed out at the government for mishandling the situation in Nepal, while the BJP blamed anti-national forces for the anti-India campaign unleashed by violent demonstrators on the streets of Kathmandu protesting against the alleged anti-Nepal remarks of film star Hrithik Roshan. “The NDA government should have handled the situation deftly. India and Nepal have historic ties and the relations between the two countries have been friendly and cordial,” Congress party spokesperson, Prithiviraj Chauhan told newspersons here today. Stating that the events on the streets of the Himalayan kingdom were unfortunate, he said the government had mishandled the situation. The BJP, however, blamed anti-national forces for the frenzied anti-India campaign unleashed during the violent protests. “Since the incident has occurred around the same time this year as that of the hijacking of the Indian Airlines plane from Nepaliese soil last year, we feel that the persons behind the hijacking must also be behind the anti-India demonstration,” BJP spokesperson and vice-president K. Jana Krishnamurthy said. The Nepal Government is going into this aspect and we expect that the people behind this will be brought to the book. “There are certain elements in Nepal, they were there earlier too, who do not like a healthy Indo-Nepal relationship,” he added. “If it is in the interest of India to have a good relationship with Nepal, it is also equally important for Nepal to have a healthy relationship with India,” Mr Krishnamurthy said. Five persons were killed and around 180 were injured, including 30 police personnel, in the protest in the Himalayan kingdom against the alleged remarks by teenage heart-throb Hrithik Roshan in a television interview. The Bollywood film star, interviewer and former heroine Simi Grehwal and the television channel have denied that Hrithik made any anti-Nepal comments. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Entertainment Committee co-chairman Mr Amit Khanna, in a statement said: “There is not a shred of evidence anywhere either in print or electronic media that Hrithik had made any derogatory remarks about Nepal.” “Therefore, the unfortunate incidents in Nepal seem to be totally and uncalled for. The actor concerned has also categorically denied having ever made any such statement against Nepal,” he said, adding that “it appears that certain forces inimical to the interest of Indo-Nepal friendship are at work to disturb the harmonious and cordial relationship between the two countries.” Film industry stalwarts like Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Yash Johar and film star Shah Rukh Khan, who are members of the FICCI committee, have expressed concern about the rising tide of violence in Nepal over the alleged remarks by Hrithik. Meanwhile, the Nepalese capital was mostly calm today after Left-wing students called off a fifth day of protests against the alleged anti-Nepal remarks by film star Hrithik Roshan out of respect for the King’s birthday. In isolated incidents, offices of the pro-India Nepal Sadbhavana Party were set on fire and a few vehicles belonging to Indian businessmen in Kathmandu were damaged this morning, witnesses said. Today was a national holiday in the Himalayan kingdom to mark the 56th birthday of King
Birendra.  |
|
No Central rule in Manipur: BJP NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The BJP today ruled out imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur where the state unit of the Congress has split and aligned with seven Opposition parties to topple the Nipamacha Singh government. A Congress spokesperson today accused the government of “engineering defections” in the ruling parties of Manipur to form a government of its choice in the north-eastern state of Manipur. The Bharatiya Janata Party said it was keeping a “close watch” on the developments in Manipur but ruled out bringing the state under President’s rule. Party vice-president, K. Jena Krishnamurthy said there was a change in the material situation and the instability aspect had cropped up in view of the “non-cooperative” mood between two sections of the government. He said the government did not have the numbers in the Rajya Sabha to pass a motion for President’s rule as the Congress, the main Opposition party, was not willing to cooperate. Congress spokesperson Prithviraj Chauhan said the government had not taken the party into confidence about the developments in the state since December 16 when Parliament was in session, though it was true that the Home Minister had contacted Congress president Sonia Gandhi and later Home Ministry officials had briefed Congress Working Committee member Pranab Mukherjee. Asked whether the Congress would support the imposition of President’s rule in the state in view of the political instability there, he said it was for the government to take a decision. He was critical of Manipur Speaker, Dhananjay Singh for adjourning the state Legislative Assembly sine die when a notice on a no confidence motion was moved in the House. The Speaker should have allowed a discussion on the issue as repeatedly demanded by the Chief Minister, Mr W. Nipamcha Singh, Mr Chauhan added. |
|
NCRWC okays 8 papers NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) said today that it had finalised working papers on eight of the 10 subjects referred to it for reviewing by the government and expected to complete its job by March, 2001. “The Commission had prepared 20 consultation papers in its exercise to review the working of the Constitution during the past 50 years and eight of them are ready and some are before advisory panels set up by it,” Commission’s Chairman Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah told reporters after its 5th meeting here. He said the consultation papers finalised were on immunity of MPs and MLAs under Article 105(2) of the Constitution against prosecution for any criminal offence in respect of vote given in legislature, treaty making power of the government, liability of the state in tort and sovereign immunity, All-India Judicial Service and efficacy of the public audit system and reforming the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor-General. Stating that the papers would be released for public debate on January 8, Justice Venkatachaliah said the Commission had also reviewed the working of political parties, especially with regard to electoral reforms, keeping in view the pre and post-poll scenario in the country. Among the major problem areas identified in this regard were the absence of transparent means of funding of the parties, growing influence of regionalism, casteism, communalism and criminals on their functioning, fractionalisation of coalitions and formation of jumbo-size ministries, he said.
|
|
Cement prices rise, builders stop work NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The construction activity across the country would come to a standstill with the builders deciding to suspend work to protest against the increasing prices of cement by manufacturers. “They (cement manufacturers) have cut down production and curtailed supplies to consuming parties. They have also resorted to intermittent stoppage of supplies for two or three days to be resumed again, thereby creating artificial scarcity condition to keep the prices at higher levels,” the Builders Association of India said here today. The association said this practice of the cement manufacturers “is tantamount to unfair trade practices resorted to by the cement producers and we call for strict action by the government.” Mr Raj Pal Arora, general secretary of the association said, “The builders have decided to suspend work if the government does not take urgent measures to control prices.” “The construction costs would increase enormously and construction contractors would not be able to carry on the work in hand. They would have no option but to suspend work,” he said. Such escalating prices will take toll on the ongoing work and likely render labour surplus, thereby creating unemployment, the association added. Cement prices in the north zone were at Rs 110 to Rs 120 per bag a few months back. They have now touched the figure of Rs 150 to Rs 160 per bag, which is an increase of 35 to 40 per cent, Mr Arora said. According to cement manufacturers’ annual report for 1999 to 2000, during 1997 a bag of cement cost Rs 99. The price rose to Rs 107 in 1998, Rs 111 in 1999 and Rs 115 in 2000. The association said the production cost of cement per bag and present day prevailing price per bag demonstrated the action of manufacturers was most unfortunate and a monopolistic one aimed at collecting huge sums from the government and the public by unfair and unethical means. Mr Arora urged the government to
intervene and take steps under the MRTPC Act and also allow cement import to correct the price imbalance from China and Korea. |
|
BJP executive meets on Jan 4 NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The BJP will hold its National Executive on January 4 and 5 in which the party will deliberate on the problems faced by farmers and the steps initiated by the Vajpayee government to resolve them. The two-day meet will be held at the Parliament Annexe here, the party Vice-President, Mr Jana Krishnamurthy told mediapersons here today. The economic resolution would centre around the farmers and agricultural issues and the steps taken by the government to resolve them, he said. “Of late there has been accusation by the Opposition parties that our Central Government has been neglecting agriculturists. They also sought adjournment motions in Parliament. Though the Opposition parties were silenced by the effective replies given by the government during the debate, the party has decided to take up the issue during the meet,” Mr Krishnamurthy said. Other prominent issues to be deliberated by the party’s highest forum would be the initiatives taken by the Vajpayee government in Kashmir and the serious law and order situation in Assam and other North-Eastern states, he said. The two-day party conclave will also take stock of the
preparedness of the state units to face the crucial Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry early next year, he said. The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, will make the concluding address and the party President, Mr Bangaru Laxman, will make the inaugural address, Mr Krishnamurthy said. |
|
BJP not opposed to TC-Cong alliance BHUBANESWAR, Dec 29 (UNI) — The BJP President, Mr Bangaru Laxman, today said his party would not oppose the Trinamool Congress entering into a poll alliance with the Congress in West Bengal. “The
BJP will not oppose if Ms Mamata Banerjee joined hands with the Congress in West Bengal for the Assembly elections,’’ Mr Laxman told mediapersons here. The
BJP President’s statement assumes significance in the wake of Ms Banerjee’s reported move to forge an alliance with the Congress in West Bengal as part of a ‘Mahajot’ plan. He, however, did not elaborate whether his party would go alone or share seats with the Trinamool Congress in such a situation. Mr Laxman said the
BJP’s National Executive, scheduled in Delhi on January 4, would decide the party’s electoral strategy as five states go to polls in March and April next year. The states going to Assembly poll are West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala. Mr Laxman said the message of the Nagpur convention was taken to the grass-roots level in the country. The campaign which was launched in November would end on December 31. The party, he said, would continue the campaign next year too. Asked whether his call to the minorities in the Nagpur convention had evoked any response, he said they were coming to the
BJP fold. Mr Laxman accused the Congress of non-cooperation on major issues. He said the decision of the Congress and the Communists to launch an agitation on the farmers’ issue could not fool the latter as these parties were directly responsible for their hardships. Mr Laxman said the
led-led Union Government had initiated measures to undo the damages caused by the ‘unwise’ policies pursued for over four decades by the Congress regime. |
|
Temple issue BANGALORE, Dec 29 (UNI) — Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda today warned that the country will witness “street wars” if Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee failed to restrain the Vishwa Hindu Parishad from announcing the date for construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya on the Kumbh mela day. Talking to newsmen here, he said Mr Vajpayee should categorically state to the VHP not to raise the temple issue. “The BJP is raising the bogey of the temple issue again as it is losing its electoral base in the country,” he claimed, adding that the debacle it suffered in the local body elections in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh proved this. The VHP had also warned that the party would secure not more than two seats in Parliament if the Ram temple was not allowed to be
constructed at the disputed site in Ayodhya, he claimed. Mr Gowda said Mr Vajpayee had on his own deviated from the NDA national agenda on the temple issue inviting the wrath of alliance partners, the Trinamool Congress and the Telugu Desam Party. Subsequently he retracted and said that the BJP would not budge an inch from the agenda, he maintained. Mr Gowda accused the BJP of taking a U-turn by dropping its known stand for promoting swadeshi, and implementing the second stage of economic reforms. It had vehemently opposed the first set of economic reforms introduced by the Congress government a decade ago, he recalled. Claiming that the reforms had neither helped the farmers nor the consumers, he alleged that the BJP-led NDA government was keen on promoting only traders as it was traders and middlemen who stood benefited by the reform process. Farmers were suffering from fall in prices of their produce and was not even recovering the input cost, while the consumers had to bear the increasing prices with inflation hovering over 8 per cent. Mr Gowda termed as “gimmick” Mr Vajpayee’s assertion that the country would witness 9 per cent economic growth rate and said even Planning Commission Member S.P. Gupta had expressed serious doubt over achieving the target. |
|
3 ULFA ultras
shot dead
GUWAHATI, Dec 29 (PTI) — Three hardcore ULFA militants, including one who was directly involved in the massacre of 28 Hindi-speaking persons at
Sadiya, were killed in encounters with the Army in Upper Assam, while two persons were injured in separate incidents today, official sources said here. Acting on a tip-off, troops of 2 Mountain Division shot dead ULFA militant Bittu
Konwar, alias Hareshwar Moran, and Palawan Jyoti Baruah during an encounter at Nachanigaon village in Dibrugarh district, the sources said.
|
|
Year-ender NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — With Kargil at the back of its mind, India’s concentration in the year gone by was mainly upon improving its relations in defence- related matters with most of the major powers around the world. Not only was there a constant exchange of ideas and goodwill visits between senior military officers, but there was also an attempt to develop strategic partnerships in defence with these countries. Besides, India also placed orders for vital defence equipment from these countries aimed at bringing about a perceptible change in bilateral relations by adding a strategic content. The visits of the Defence Ministers from two of the major powers — the UK and France — paved the way for a major thrust in improving ties. On the other hand the signing of long pending defence deals during the visit of the Russian President Vladimir Putin further enhanced the already existing relations between the two countries. The visit of the Defence Ministers from Germany and Australia was also a significant development. Most importantly, India has grudgingly been recognised as a ‘nuclear power’ with most of the global players realising the true importance of India’s security problems and concerns. Relations with countries which had soured after the Pokhran blasts were firmly re-established. The major initiative undertaken on this front even resulted in the UK taking up India’s case with the USA for lifting some of the sanctions imposed against New Delhi. All in all it was a satisfying year, specially as the dormant contacts between the high-level military officials of India and the USA got a further boost following the visit of President Bill Clinton. The framework for cooperation that had evolved over the years was revived with both engaging in high-level dialogue for greater convergence on security issues. France, on the other hand, went ahead with the assurance that it would not supply any defence equipment to
Pakistan, which could possibly be used against this country. Paris assured New Delhi of assisting in other areas, including non-military nuclear field. Israel emerged as one of India’s strategic defence partners. For a number of years it had been an ‘untouchable’ for
India, but the fact that some of the most critical defence equipment will be purchased from Tel Aviv again reflects the stress New Delhi has put on improving its relations with various countries. Not only has Israel helped India in securing the international border with Pakistan, but it would also be supplying high altitude UAVs and the AWACS to improve the country’s surveillance capabilities. India is likely to buy sophisticated radars from Israel. In furthering the country’s military diplomacy, Defence Minister George Fernandes became the first Indian Defence Minister to visit Japan and a strategic defence dialogue was established with Tokyo. He also visited South Africa, UK, Vietnam, Maldives and Russia. There was a marked improvement in Sino-Indian ties. While the joint working group (JWG) established by both countries has been in place for nearly 12 years, exchange of maps for the solving the vexed border dispute was a significant step. The government substantially hiked the defence budget by over Rs 10,000 crore, specially in the wake of the shortfalls which the armed forces faced during the Kargil
conflict. Although, majority of the hike would have gone in compensating those who laid down their lives during Pakistan misadventure in Kargil, it reflected the government’s positive attitude of not neglecting the country’s security. Spurred by the urgent requirements of the three services, the government signed a major defence agreement with Russia. Some of the long pending deals for the purchase of defence equipment from Russia were concluded. The estimated $3 billion agreement included the
licensed production of the Su-30 MK-I fighter planes, 310 T-90 tanks and the aircraft carrier Adm Gorshkov. The deal for the T-90 tanks was one of the most important ones for countering the threat posed after Pakistan acquired T-80 tanks from Ukraine. Although the price negotiations for the deal were still underway, the deal has been agreed to in principle and would complete one of the most critical demands of the Army, especially in the wake of the delay in the development of the indigenous MBT. Simultaneously, the Army is in the process of acquiring the Kornet and Konkur anti-tank missiles from Russia worth more than Rs 250 crore. India has contracted for the medium-range surveillance radars and Thermal Integrated Observation Equipment as well. The IAF continued to be in news for the wrong reasons. The crash of MiGs was becoming an
embarrassment, necessitating the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.Y. Tipnis to come out in defence of the fighter planes. He went on record saying that he himself was still flying the planes and there was nothing wrong with them. This after the media had started a campaign questioning the IAF for keeping the ageing MiG planes in its inventory. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence in its report blamed the government for being slack in thinking about the modernisation of the IAF. It pointed out that in the next 10 years there would be 40 per cent depletion in the strength of the fighter planes available with the IAF, leaving the country vulnerable from the security point of view. But with the arrival of the two prototypes of the upgraded version of the MiG-21s, the stage is now set for the upgradation of 120 of these fighter planes, which would eventually play an important role in securing the skies of the country. The IAF is confident that with the upgraded versions of MiG-21s under its belt the planes will be in a position to serve the force for at least another decade. A deal for the induction of 10 more Mirage-2000 and 40 MI-17 helicopters has also been finalised. India is set to sign a deal with Russia for the licenced production of the Su-30 fighter aircraft at the Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. The Sukhois fit IAF’s needs of a multirole aircraft it has been wanting for some time. India is on the verge of pulling off another major coup. In its negotiations for the purchase of the Hawk, the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) from the British Aerospace, India will also be getting the licence for its manufacture at HAL. This will be the first time that UK will be allowing the manufacture of Hawks anywhere outside its domain. What has, however, been a dampener are the pace of the indigenous programmes for developing various defence equipment. The delay in the development of various defence equipment, including the Light Combat Aircraft and some of the missiles has come in for severe criticism. Parliamentarians were very unhappy with the progress and did not hesitate in pointing out that by the time such defence
equipment rolled out 50 per cent of it would have become obsolete and not only critical years of research but crores of rupees would have gone down the drain. The LCA was one such project which attracted
criticism. It should have been flight tested by the last quarter of this year, but the LCA is nowhere near completion. As a result, the
plane, which was to replace the MiGs will now be ready for induction only in 2015, a painstaking 32 years after it was first conceived. There has also been a delay in the induction of the low-level transportable radars, an equipment vital for surveillance on the borders along with the need to put in place an effective air defence, more capable, lethal and potent surface-to-air missile systems. The development of the Akash and Trishul missiles has also suffered delays. The Indian Navy requiring force multipliers will be commissioning the powerful destroyer INS Mumbai, the missile
frigate, Kirch, a corvette Kulish, besides six other ships next year. It
proposes to acquire four TU-22 missile capability long-range maritime patrol aircraft. The government has accorded approval the for acquisition of four KA-31 helicopters. The proposal of the Naval Headquarters for an additional five KA-31 AEQ helicopters is also being considered. |
|
Paul against duty on Chinese products CALCUTTA, Dec 29 (PTI) — India should not impose anti-dumping duty on Chinese products and instead ask its own private sector to be more competitive, Lord Swraj Paul said today. “China is not dumping goods in India. It is just that they are so efficient and competitive that Indian producers are finding it difficult to compete. The Indian Government should start pressurising the industry to be more competitive,” the London-based NRI industrialist told reporters here. He said Indian policies should be directed towards the common man and not for a few industrial houses. “The only way the private sector can play a better role is through competition,” he said. Asked for his comments on the pace of economic reforms in India, Mr Paul replied “Personally, I think it is slow in all areas because the benefits are not reaching the common man and unless it reaches there, your job is not done.” He said the government should chalk out a policy with a fixed agenda on reforms. “One cannot be successful with selective reforms like the one initiated by Dr Manmohan Singh,” he remarked. “Manmohan Singh made a complete mess. Had he not gone for selective reforms in the latter days, things would have been different today,” he said. “The agenda of reforms should be to bring the benefits to common people and create competitiveness among the industry,” he said. “The IT sector has flourished because there is no government interference,” he added. |
|
Breakaway Cong group recognised IMPHAL, Dec 29 (PTI) — Manipur Assembly Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy Singh has recognised the new Manipur Regional Congress Party (MRCP) formed by 10 rebel Congress MLAs, an Assembly secretariat order said today. The order dated December 28 and issued to the press today said recognition of the new party under the leadership of Radhabinod Koijam would be effective from December 28. It said the new party under provisions of Tenth Schedule of the Constitution would be deemed to be a political party having 10 legislators. The order said the new party would be treated as a separate group in the next session of the Assembly. Earlier on December 27, the press was informed that the Speaker had accorded recognition to the breakaway Progressive Federal Party of Manipur
(PFPM) floated by two dissident legislators of six-member Federal Party of Manipur, coalition partner of the ruling United Legislature Front led by W. Nipamacha Singh.
|
|
Ganesha idol
damaged TIRUNELVELI (TN), Dec 29 (PTI) — Two state government buses were stoned by a group of miscreants in Tirunelveli town as tension prevailed in Melapalayam area after a Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha) idol was found damaged today, the police said. The incident at Kurichi in Melapalayam has made the situation tense as Tirunelveli town and Palayamkottai area were observing a bandh today in protest against alleged desecration of temple idols last week. The police has tightened vigil in sensitive places following the incident. The police said they had arrested two of the five-member group of miscreants involved in the bus-stoning incidents. |
|
Psychiatry society
to hold camps NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — The Delhi Psychiatry Society (DPS) plans to hold a series of events to disseminate information on mental health and mental disorders. The endeavour is motivated by the World Health Organisation’s focus on mental health in the coming year. The WHO has chosen mental health as the theme of this year and the World Health Day which falls on April 7 will focus on mental health. The President of the DPS and Senior Consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, told the TNS here yesterday that the society comprising 300 mental health professionals will being free mental health camps in different parts of the city. The first camp is scheduled to be held in
Rohini. |
|
Protest against
relocation NEW DELHI, Dec 29 — Workers of the Lok Bhalai Party held a demonstration in the capital today to protest against the relocation of units present in the non-conforming areas. The issues concerning the industrial workers displaced by the relocation have not been considered seriously by the Central and the state governments, the party said. Vice-Admiral Bansal NEW DELHI, Dec 29 (PTI) — Vice-Admiral O.P. Bansal today took over as Fortress Commander of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral Bansal is gunnery and missile specialist in the Navy and had participated in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. He has commanded an Oman navy ship ‘Al Mansoor’ and Indian naval warships INS Hosdurg and INS Ranjit as well as the Eastern Naval Fleet. |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 120 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Temple issue