Jaipur, August 18
In a severe jolt to the Raje camp, the BJP today suspended two key aides of Leader of Opposition Vasundhara Raje Scindia - chief whip Rajendra Singh Rathore and Alwar MLA Gyandev Ahuja - from the party’s primary membership for their alleged anti-party activities.

The move has come as a surprise for the Raje camp, as they were not expecting the BJP leadership taking such a stringent action. The party action has been attributed to the statements these Raje aides were making even after she said she would obey the BJP parliamentary board's decision, asking her to step down.

Raje's supporting MLAs were time and again saying that there was no need for her to resign as she had the support of a majority of the BJP MLAs. There was also a buzz among Raje loyalists about launching a signature campaign and retaining her as the Leader of Opposition. They were also contemplating a move where they could re-elect her to the key post. However, the state BJP leadership, by suspending Rathore and Ahuja, has sent a clear signal to Raje that she should rein in her supporters and put in her papers at the earliest.

Over the last couple of days, Rathore and Ahuja repeatedly said before the media that “Raje would remain their leader”, which seemed to have cost them dear. While Rathore said Raje would lead the party even beyond the upcoming Assembly session, Ahuja had attributed the crisis to “ego conflict” among the party leaders, quickly adding that Raje was not at fault.

Despite Raje agreeing to obey the BJP parliamentary board’s decision, Ahuja continued to boast of the number of MLAs supporting her. “We have the support of 61 MLAs. The number may have gone up but it certainly hasn’t come down,” he told mediapersons outside Raje's Civil Lines residence here. The duo's suspension came after a meeting of the state BJP leaders at the residence of BJP’s national treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP Ramdas Aggarwal today. The meeting was attended by state BJP chief Arun Chaturvedi, former state BJP chief Om Prakash Mathur, former Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria and Deputy Leader of BJP legislature party Ghanshyam Tiwari.

After the meeting, Chaturvedi minced no words in making it clear that publically issuing statements against the party would not be tolerated and strict action would be initiated against anyone found indulging in such acts. Sources said the state BJP leadership also had a word with the party high command before initiating action against key Raje aides. Chaturvedi has issued notices to Rathore and Ahuja, asking them to explain their conduct within seven days.

On the other hand, a meeting of the Raje camp was likely to take place at her residence at night in which Raje and her supporters would chalk out their future course of action in view of the party's action against her key aides. While Rathore and Ahuja could not be contacted for their comment as their mobile phones were switched off, senior party leaders were also tightlipped on the matter.

Mumbai, August 18
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who kicked off a controversy after he complained of being detained by US immigration officials at the Newark Airport, New Jersey, during his recent visit to that country, denied allegations that it was all part of a publicity stunt to promote his new movie. “A person with a warped mind might think it was a publicity stunt… someone even suggested the episode mimicked a scene in one of my films,” Khan told reporters here.

Still appearing visibly upset, Khan said he felt humiliated by the questioning. "It wasn't a matter of great pride being asked questions like that… I have never felt racially or religiously discriminated against in this country.”

Recounting his ordeal, Khan said the problem was caused by his name. “Apparently, the name Shah Rukh is very common and kept cropping up on their computers,” the actor said. Khan felt humiliated at the “irrelevant questions” thrown at him though he did not accuse the US officials of racial or religious bias.

“Whenever I am in America, I have to report at least two hours in advance while travelling within the country for security reasons. They ask me to take off my clothes and shoes and I do that. There are some routine security measures, they check your finger prints and scan your retina,” Khan said. He, however, said the above procedures were not followed this time.

Addressing the media at Mannat, his mansion in suburban Bandra, Khan thanked those who supported him. Regarding Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni advocating a tit-for-tat policy for US nationals following the incident, Khan said the government was hopefully looking into the matter. Khan, who was in the US to participate in the Independence Day parade, also hit out at old foe and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh who had criticised the actor for playing up the incident. “Amar Singh is unwell, and I pray that he recovers soon with a healthy body and strong mind."

New Delhi, August 18
As Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni prepares to fly down to New Delhi early next month, India has reasons to believe that the ‘friendly’ Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka is serious about dealing with anti-India elements operating from the Bangladeshi soil.

The Bangladeshi authorities recently arrested, in a span of one week, two Indian militants who had been hiding in Bangladesh for the past 15 years. What is more, the Bangladeshi security forces are understood to be hot on the trail of three or four more Indians who have been choreographing terror attacks against India from the Bangladeshi territory for years.

Sources told The Tribune that the two terrorists, Maulana Obaidullah and Maulana Mansoor Ali, were caught last month following tip-offs provided by Abdur Rauf Daud Merchant, the alleged killer of Bollywood personality Gulshan Kumar. Merchant had escaped from the Indian authorities’ custody and fled to Bangladesh earlier this year. He eventually landed up in the net of the Bangladeshi authorities.

All three Indians are said to the conduits of fugitive “global terrorist” Dawood Ibrahim. Dhaka sleuths have told the Indian authorities that both Obaidullah and Mansur Ali were organisers of the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK)-based Asif Reza Commando Force, the terrorist outfit responsible for the attack on the American Center in Kolkata on January 22, 2002.

Mansur Ali’s interrogation has also revealed that following the crackdown on militants by Dhaka authorities, two other militants, Abdullah alias Khurram, and Shahjahan, hiding in Bangladesh for long, have returned to India.

New Delhi, August 18
His predecessor Pushpa Kumar Dahal ‘Prachanda’ chose to go to China on his first official visit after assuming office annoying India but Nepal Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is not going to repeat the mistake.

Amid an uncertain political situation back home, Madhav Nepal arrived here this afternoon on a five-day visit to India - his first to the country since he assumed office nearly three months ago.

Several important bilateral issues, including the proposed revision of the friendship and trade treaties and the finalisation of a revised extradition treaty, will figure prominently in the discussions between the two sides. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will hold talks with his Nepalese counterpart tomorrow evening. The talks will focus on sustaining the peace process in Nepal.

Some economic and energy pacts may be signed after the talks, official sources said, adding India had also proposed to sign a revised extradition treaty with Nepal.

The Nepalese Prime Minister will also meet President Pratibha Patil, UPA chief Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram.

India is expected to convey its concerns over the slow pace of the peace process in the Himalayan nation after ‘Prachanda’ resigned as the Prime Minister nearly three months ago.

The new Prime Minister's visit was preceded by that of Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala last week. 

New Delhi, August 18
The chief ministers of states affected by the Naxal insurgency have sought more assistance from the central government for training their forces in counterinsurgency operations and for constructing strategically important roads.

New Delhi, August 18
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said “multiple environmental crisis” confronting the country had created an alarming situation. Opening a day-long conference of environment ministers from all states, Singh said: “Climate change is threatening ecosystems. We are staring at the prospect of impending drought. Water scarcity is becoming a way of life and pollution is endangering our health.”

“Multiple environmental crises that confront our country have created an alarming situation,” he said, asking state governments to curtail pollution, clean rivers and fight climate change.

“We have to make fundamental changes in our lifestyles”, he said, while assuring that “challenges are not insurmountable”. In fact, the Prime Minister asked all states to prepare individual action plans on climate change consistent with strategies in the national plan.

Terming climate change as a major global challenge, he said India was conscious of its responsibility to present and future generations and would ensure the ecological sustainability of its development path.

“There should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that we fully recognise not just how important this issue is to our country’s future but also our own obligation to address it.” he said, apparently referring to criticism from developed nations that India was not doing enough to combat global warming. A recent report suggests that India contributes five per cent of global emissions, about a fourth of that of China and one-twentieth of the US.

The Prime Minister expressed concern that rivers all over India were still being degraded. Referring to the increased allocation in this year's national budget to clean rivers, he asked state pollution control boards to curtail release of industrial effluents into waterways that account for 25 per cent of total pollution in rivers.

The Prime Minister was of the view that environment clearances had become a new form of license raj and a source of corruption. “This is a matter that needs to be addressed. There are trade-offs that have to be made while balancing developmental and environmental concern. But time procedures must be fair, transparent and hassle-free,” he said.

Chennai, August 18
As meetings supporting the LTTE and protests against the Centre's Sri Lankan policy is gathering momentum again, Tamil Nadu government today warned of stringent action against those displaying the image of Tiger chief Prabhakaran in hoardings or posters and those carrying his portraits in public.

An announcement published in the name of state's Chief Secretary in all prominent dailies, said "speaking in support of banned organisations, using the portraits of its leaders, their flags, insignia etc., in public places for advertisement purposes or printing, portraying, publishing or broadcasting or telecasting is an offence under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967."

Coming a day after the pro-LTTE conference of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, an ally of the DMK, which attracted a huge gathering of youths, the government warned "any organisation who organises public meetings, conferences, rallies etc. should bear this in mind".

Even while the Sri Lankan Tamils Protection Movement comprising the BJP, the CPI, the MDMK and the PMK is preparing to hold a conference in the same venue on August 20, the Chief Secretary said violation of the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act would attract stringent legal action.

The convenor of the Sri Lankan Tamils Protection Movement P Nedumaran had announced that a declaration "to restore the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils to live: would be read out in the conference. The organisers of the conference had not displayed the hoardings or banners of LTTE chief Prabhakran in any place so far.

However, the speeches in the conference by pro-LTTE leaders like Vaiko, whose words could be more volatile and fiery, would be closely watched by the government, even if the conference was not banned.

Any possible harsh criticism of the Congress and its leader Sonia Gandhi is likely to embarrass the DMK, which is a partner in the UPA government. The Congress, which is supporting the DMK government from outside, is also keeping an eye on the conference and certain to come out with demands for severe action, in the event of an anti-Congress tirade. 

Chandigarh, August 18
An Army court of inquiry (COI) has acquitted a Brigadier of allegations of misbehaving with a junior officer’s wife, but has held him blameworthy on several counts of financial irregularities and procedural lapses. The COI has recommended that “suitable action” be initiated in the matter, it is learnt.

Last month, the wife of a Captain had alleged that Brig Bhupinder Singh, Commandant of the Kumaon Regimental Centre in Lansdowne, had misbehaved with her at a public function.

Based upon the complaint, the GOC-in-Cm Central Command, had ordered a court of inquiry into the matter. The allegations could not be established during the COI, presided over by General Officer Commanding 6 Infantry Division, Maj-Gen DK Jamwal.

Army sources said the brigadier, who had been approved for promotion to the rank of Major-General, had been held blameworthy on seven other counts of irregularities.

These include irregularities in the sale of canteen items, unauthorised diversion of funds meant for civil works, and irregularities in the utilisation of training funds and other grants worth several lakhs.

Sources said the officer had denied having committed any irregularities and had maintained that he had only carried on with the precedents and norms already being followed at the centre.

He had been attached to the Headquarters, Uttar Bharat Area, during the proceedings of the COI, but the attachment had now been revoked.

New Delhi, August 18
Differences of opinion on utilising funds for compulsory afforestation cropped up between the central government and a state on the very first day the first installment totalling Rs 400 crore was released to ten states.

Haryana Minister Kiran Chowdhury’s demand that New Delhi release extra funds besides the Rs 19 crore that Haryana received today under the Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) prompted Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to ask: “I hope it (afforestation funds) will not be used for acquiring land.” Chowdhury responded by saying she saw no reason why the money could not be used for acquiring land on which forests would be raised.

When questioned about Haryana’s stand on utilisation of the funds for acquiring land, Ramesh specifically said: “I’m against the use of CAMPA funds for buying land. They should be used for afforestation purposes only”.

Chowdhury’s other demands included extra funds for agro-forestry, which she suggested could be used by the environment & forests ministry in other states as well to increase forest cover. She also wanted farm loans to be made easier and monetary assistance to Haryana for ten ‘ecozones’ that it had notified. “This has been done at a huge cost - you have to help us,” she added.

Chowdhury also urged Ramesh to set up a central monitoring committee for the Aravallis. “You have to act like a monitoring agent…there has to be fear (among those exploiting the area) from your side,” she said. However, Ramesh expressed his helplessness, saying he had no legal power to take action in what was a state issue.

Ten states today received the first tranche of CAMPA funds totalling Rs 400 crore for compulsory afforestation. These include Assam (Rs 6 crore), Chandigarh (Rs 2 crore), Goa (Rs 12 crore), Haryana (Rs 19 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 53 crore), Sikkim (Rs 8 crore) Uttarakhand (Rs 82 crore), Chhattisgarh (Rs 123 crore) Karnataka(Rs 70 crore) and Gujarat (Rs 24 crore).

Orissa, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, which are to get almost 40 per cent of the funds, are expected to receive their share - Rs 130 crore, Rs 130 crore and Rs 110 crore, respectively, - in a day or two.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also made a mention of CAMPA in the environment minister’s conference. Lauding Ramesh’s efforts in this direction, he said: “The ‘Green India’ campaign is a major initiative that will have many spinoff benefits. We need to quickly operationalise the Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority by constituting state level authorities. I’m very happy Jairam has brought a new sense of purpose and earnestness to this department. What he has told us about the transfer of funds from the CAMPA account to the states is the forerunner of things to come of greater collaboration, cooperation between the central and state governments. I therefore congratulate Jairam for this initiative”.

Meanwhile, one of the major decisions at today’s meet was setting up an empowered environmental protection authority within a year under the Environment Protection Act.

It would be an autonomous, professional and science-based body, fully authorised to undertake effective implementation of the legislation and rules therein, as well as monitoring compliance with safeguards stipulated as part of environmental clearances.

New Delhi, August 18
Reflecting India’s growing frustration with Islamabad for its inaction in dealing with cross-border terrorism, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna tonight ruled out any “meaningful dialogue” with Pakistan until it brought to justice those behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

“The Prime Minister has already made his position clear that unless credible action is taken against the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks, it would be extremely difficult to have any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a book release function.

He said India hoped Pakistan would take sincere and credible steps to nab and put on trial the plotters of the Mumbai mayhem.

Krishna’s statement came a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warning chief minister during a conclave on internal security about the possibility of Pakistan-based terrorist groups carrying out fresh strikes in India. Pakistan had reacted sharply to the PM’s statement and its foreign office had summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner P Kumaran in Islamabad. He was told that New Delhi should share information regarding the threat of fresh terrorist attacks as was agreed upon between the two countries at Sharm el Sheikh.

New Delhi appears to be gradually distancing itself from the Sharm el Sheikh statement in view of Pakistan’s failure to move forward with sincere investigations into the Mumbai attacks.

Official sources wondered whether sharing any information with Pakistan would bring about any change in the situation. “We have shared every information with Pakistan on the 26/11 attacks…what have they done so far?” they asked.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister, releasing a book “India’s Foreign Relations - 2008 Documents”, asserted that acts of terrorism would not deter India, but only strengthen its resolve to counter the menace and those responsible for it.

Mumbai, August 18
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray hit out at BJP leaders Jaswant Singh and LK Advani for their stands on founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

“Advani first created confusion in minds of people by praising Jinnah. Jaswant Singh has now revived the issue,” Thackeray was quoted as saying by party mouthpiece Saamna.

He added that the controversy, first stoked by Advani a few years ago, caused the Hindu community to be disillusioned with the BJP-Sena combine leading to their defeat inthe Lok Sabha poll.

“If Jinnah was secular, as claimed by Advani, why had he to leave Sindh and seek refuge in India,” Thackeray asked. Hitting out at the two BJP leaders, Thackeray said their comments insulted the patriots, who lost their lives in the freedom struggle.