The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Pushed into corner, Cong backs Vadra Anita Katyal/TNS New Delhi, October 5 Just when the Congress went into attack mode today by hitting out at BJP president Nitin Gadkari, it was pushed into a corner over allegations of corruption against Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Arvind Kejriwal today disclosed he had documents showing how Robert Vadra got unsecured loans from a private builder DLF to purchase properties from the same company at throwaway prices. Charging that Vadra’s wealth had risen from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 300 crore, Kejriwal demanded that an inquiry into the favours given to the building company as a quid pro quo. Kejriwal’s allegations, which place Sonia directly in the opposition’s firing line, overshadowed the attack mounted earlier by the Congress against Gadkari for pleading the case of a private businessman, known for his proximity to the BJP president. Having been on the back foot all these days over corruption charges and, more recently, after Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi raised questions about the money spent on Sonia’s medical treatment abroad, the Congress finally decided to go on the offensive on the Gadkari issue. However, the party was overtaken by events after Kejriwal’s disclosures which are bound to become a poll issue in the coming elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Union Ministers and party spokespersons were pressed into service by late evening after the BJP targeted Sonia in the case. Dismissing the allegations as “false” and a conspiracy to defame Vadra, Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit said, “It was wrong to drag in a person who is not in politics.” Union Minister Rajeev Shukla said Vadra had been running his business even before he married Priyanka, adding that there was no proof that the private builder had been given any favours. Demanding a judicial inquiry into these allegations, BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, “This loot has been allowed by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. After coalgate, comes news of this loot of property.”
	Nuclear-capable Dhanush missile test-fired Balasore (Odisha), Oct 5 India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Dhanush, the naval version of Prithvi short-range ballistic missile, from a warship off the Odisha coast today. The indigenously developed naval version of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missile has a strike range of up to 350 km and can carry 500 kg of conventional or nuclear warhead, a DRDO official said. “Dhanush was test-fired from a naval ship off the Odisha coast at around 1125 hours,” Ravi Kumar Gupta, Director in the Directorate of Public Interface in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said over phone. Describing the trial as fully successful, Gupta said the test was conducted by the strategic force command of the Indian Navy. "The trial was a complete success and all the mission objectives were accomplished," he said. Developed by the DRDO, the missile is about 8.53 metre in length and 0.9 metre in diameter. This single stage missile uses liquid propellant. The Dhanush missile can be used as an anti-ship weapon as well as for destroying land targets depending on the range, sources said. — PTI Missile might Indigenously developed Dhanush is naval version of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missile It has a strike range of up to 350 km and can carry 500 kg of conventional or nuclear warhead Developed by the DRDO, the missile is about 8.53 metre in length and 0.9 metre in diameter The Dhanush missile can be used as an anti-ship weapon as well as for destroying land targets depending on the range
	Gender disparity rife, RTE Act implementation a far cry Ananya Panda/TNS New Delhi, October 5 Gender equality is still a far cry in India, be it in representation in the country’s Parliament or in case of the gender ratio. This is also evident in the access of the girl child to education, as pointed out by a Knowledge Practice and Aptitude (KAP) survey recently conducted on the urban poor in the country’s five major cities. While the dismal state of infrastructure in schools, especially separate usable toilets for girls, stands out as one of the major concerns voiced by the 450 randomly sampled households of the lower income group in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore, safety issues, both within schools and outside and attitudinal barriers emerged as other contributors towards the grossly inadequate implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education for children aged between 6 and 14 years - RTE Act, 2009, even after two years of its enforcement. Only 44 per cent schools covered under the Right To Education Act have separate functioning girls’ toilets, reveals the survey conducted by Child Rights and You (CRY) in slums across the cities. Further, Chhattisgarh has only 20 per cent schools with usable girls’ toilets while Jammu and Kashmir (22 per cent) and Madhya Pradesh (23 per cent) are placed at a marginally better position. Even in the north-eastern states, the scenario is pathetic, with very few schools having usable toilets for girls. Among the respondents, in Delhi and Bangalore put together, more than 40 per cent said girls face abuse on their way to school, while in the national capital alone, 48 per cent of households agreed, attributing it to unsafe transportation system, and another 33 per cent in the city saying girls face abuse in schools. The countrywide figures for children being abused are 23.7 per cent on their way to school and 20.4 per cent abused inside schools, noted the survey, which also found that 57 per cent of the households were ignorant about the RTE Act. While 20 per cent were unaware about child education that too free being a right, a significant 72 per cent respondents across five cities were ignorant about any scheme for girls. In Delhi, more than half of those surveyed were in this bracket. The findings which will be submitted to the HRD Ministry, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Women and Child Development Ministry, also draws attention towards a startling shift in children’s definition, with 44 per cent of those surveyed of the opinion that one should not be considered a child if he or she can do daily chores and work to earn, with Mumbai leading at 70 per cent. Startling facts Only 44% schools covered under the RTE Act that were part of the CRY survey have separate functioning girls’ toilets 37% urban poor believe girls should be married between 16 and 18 years As per a recent CAG report, while 40% children (6-14 years) are still out of school, in urban India, 66.7% girls complete schooling as opposed to 80.3% boys Literacy among females is just 53.87%. About one-third of girls drop out of school due to early marriage, distance to schools, lack of separate toilets, lack of female teachers, for safety reasons and in order to take care of siblings
	Babbar Khalsa routing money to revive sleeper cells in India Attack on Brar shows radical groups abroad trying to revive Khalistan movement Jangveer Singh/TNS Chandigarh, October 5 Militancy might be dead in Punjab but its adherents abroad are desperately trying to revive the so-called Khalistan movement. The radical elements are using social networking sites and television to woo youth and raise money. The movement, which now has its headquarters in Pakistan and is still patronised by the country’s Inter- Services Intelligence (ISI), has modules in several European countries, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The modules are invariably indulging in overt propaganda as it is difficult to proceed against them. The men at the top of the militant hierarchy continue to be stationed in Pakistan. According to intelligence sources, the top ground continues to be occupied by the Babbar Khalsa International led by Wadhawa Singh. This group gets logistic support from the ISI and raises funds worldwide through several organisations, including self- professed NGOs. The BKI is known to be jointly working with other militant organisations. It is now using foreign modules for planning and executing terror strikes in India. This strategy was used to assassinate Rashtriya Sikh Sangat head Rulda Singh Patiala two years ago. It was also used to transport explosives for a blast in Delhi. The explosives were seized in Ambala around Diwali last year. The outfit has been successfully transferring money to sleeper cells and families of former militants for the last few years. Recently, the Punjab Police nabbed two former militants - Daljit Singh Bittu and Kulbir Singh Barapind who are accused of receiving more than Rs 1 crore through hawala channels for distribution to families of former militants. UK citizen Jaswant Singh Azad was recently arrested after it came to light that he had distributed Rs 53 lakh to militant families as well as sleeper cells of the BKI in Punjab. Azad had 14 bank accounts in Punjab. Other top militants holed up in Pakistan include Jagtar Singh Tara, the assassin of former Chief Minister Beant Singh who escaped from the Burail jail in Chandigarh. Tara has formed his own outfit called the Khalistan Tiger Force. Another militant stationed in Pakistan is Ranjeet Singh Neeta who is the chief of the Khalistan Zindabad Force. These radicals, including Wadhawa Singh, are known to travel abroad to meet supporters and raise money. Punjab police sources say these top militants were holed up in Lahore earlier and have now been shifted to Faislabad. Sources said the ISI provides these militants shelters and arms. These outfits rely on organisations and cells in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and European countries for new recruits and funds. Money is being raised by radicals mainly in gurdwaras. They are increasingly taking the help of the Internet and even the Facebook to raise funds. Police sources claim while terrorists in Pakistan continue to be on the watch list, what is worrying is the manner in which the Dal Khalsa had become popular among youth in the United Kingdom. The Dal Khalsa is headed by alleged former Indian Airlines hijacker Gajinder Singh. They said the organisation was recently able to collect £1.5 million through the Sangat television channel patronised by it during a campaign to seek clemency for Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana five months back. Sources said in North America radicals have formed social organisations to attract youth. The organisations, which do humanitarian work, also allegedly feed anti-India stories. The Punjab Police, on its part, says it has started receiving real-time information through appropriate channels from the United States and the United Kingdom on radical groups. A senior police officer said both countries were also putting radicals under surveillance on specific requests. He, however, said some European countries were still to understand the real nature of the activities being undertaken by these radical groups. The International Sikh Youth Federation which has branches in over a dozen countries, including Canada and Europe, is led by alleged Kanishka bomber Lakhbir Singh Rode. Police sources claim small groups of radicals are also based mainly in Germany which was the first to give political asylum to former militants. Some groups are also based in Belgium, France, Norway and Switzerland. Active in Pakistan Babbar Khalsa International — Leader: Wadhawa Singh Khalistan Tiger Force — Leader: Jagtar Singh Tara Khalistan Zindabad Force — Leader: Ranjeet Singh Neeta Wooing youth The militant groups are focusing on youth. The possible recruits are being wooed with the help of social networking sites. Some of these groups have also formed social organisations. In revival mode The BKI trying to revive terrorism in Punjab. Recently, two former militants - Daljit Singh Bittu and Kulbir Singh Barapind - were arrested. They were accused of receiving hawala money from abroad to boost sleeper cells. UK citizen Jaswant Singh Azad was arrested for distributing Rs 53 lakh to families of former militants.
	Cong: Badal govt mute spectator to radicals’ acts Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 5 The Punjab Congress today alleged that the SAD-BJP government was a mute spectator to the activities of fundamentalists and their sympathisers. Leader of the Congress Legislative Party, Sunil Jakhar, called on the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to apprise him of the situation in Punjab. Emerging from the meeting, Jakhar told The Tribune: “We are worried over the fact that the Punjab Government has reduced the security of former MPs and MLAs who had once been on the hit-list of militants.” The Home Minister has promised that he will ask the Union Home Secretary to do a review, Jakhar said. “The recent attack on Lt General KS Brar (retd) on Sunday in London clearly illustrates that radical elements are on the prowl. Like Brar, there is threat to the lives of many former Congress MPs and MLAs whose security has been cut drastically. These Congress leaders were responsible for shaping public opinion against the separatist forces in Punjab. Such people continue to face threat from pro-Khalistan elements,” said Jakhar.
	SC halts all mining operations in Goa Legal Correspondent New Delhi, October 5 The Supreme Court today suspended mining activities in all the 90 mines in Goa and also restrained the companies from exporting and selling the iron and manganese ores already extracted. A three-member Bench headed by Justice Aftab Alam passed the order going by the Justice MB Shah Commission report estimating the loss arising from illegal mining in the state at Rs 35,000 crore in the past 12 years. The Bench also issued notice to the Centre and the state government seeking their response to a PIL filed by an NGO, Goa Foundation. Further, the Supreme Court asked the court-appointed Central Empowered Committee to submit its own report on illegal mining in the state within four weeks. The PIL has sought a probe into the illegal mining activities. The petitioner said private companies continued to transport the ores from mines despite the fact that the state government had suspended mining operations in September. Arguing for the NGO, advocate Prashant Bhushan sought the setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) to go into the illegalities.
	SC to Jagan: Bail only after probe in all 8 cases Legal Correspondent New Delhi, October 5 The Supreme Court today dismissed the bail plea of YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy, observing that he could be let out of jail only after the completion of investigations in all the eight disproportionate assets cases against him. A bench comprising Justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai passed the order after CBI contended that the cases had international ramifications and as such, letter rogatories had been issued to various countries. Appearing for CBI, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Mohan Parasaran and senior counsel Ashok Bhan said according to the four chargesheets filed so far, the total wealth accumulated by Jagan and his associates amounted to Rs 3,000 crore.
	Cabinet nod to ratification of Nagoya Protocol Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 5 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). The objective of the protocol is fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies. India has already signed the protocol, a new international treaty adopted under the auspices of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), after six years of intense negotiations. It was adopted by the tenth Conference of Parties (CoP-10) held in Nagoya in Japan in October 2010. India's move to ratify the protocol came as the 11th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the CBD is underway in Hyderabad. The Nagoya Protocol has been signed by 92 countries. Five countries have also ratified the protocol. India signed the Nagoya Protocol on May 11, 2011. The move gives India an opportunity to consolidate, scale-up and showcase its strengths and initiatives on biodiversity before the world, a press statement said. India is one of the identified megadiverse countries rich in biodiversity. With only 2.4 per cent of the earth`s land area, India accounts for 7-8 per cent of the recorded species of the world. India is also rich in associated traditional knowledge, which is both coded as in ancient texts of Indian systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Sidha, and also non-coded, as it exists in oral undocumented traditions. The genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge can be used to develop a wide range of products and services for human benefit, such as medicines, agricultural practices and cosmetics. Much of the world`s biodiversity is found in developing countries, and can thus contribute to their economic and social development,, and also create incentives for their conservation and sustainable use, thereby contributing to the creation of a fairer and more equitable economy to support sustainable development. The Nagoya Protocol would also contribute to the other two objectives of the CBD relating to conservation and sustainable use, since benefits accruing from utilisation of genetic resources would act as incentive to biodiversity-rich countries and their local communities to conserve and sustainably use their biodiversity.
	Natarajan rules out missile firing range in Andamans New Delhi, October 5 The Environment Ministry has rejected an Indian Navy proposal to test fire missiles at the Tillanchong sanctuary in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a firing range would destroy the habitat of the Nicobar megapode, an endangered bird species. "The matter came up during the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife last month and many non-official members raised concerns about it. I decided yesterday that the range should not come in that area," Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan told reporters here today. She said it was a very tough decision as there was lot of pressure from the Ministry of Defence to clear the project. "It was a very difficult decision to reject the proposal as it involves security and missile range is important for the country's defence. But as the Environment Minister, it is my mandate to make sure that wildlife, flora and fauna of our country are protected and I should stay with it," she said. The Navy has reportedly sought permission for temporary use of the ecologically sensitive forest land on the island for missile testing. It also wants to put up a temporary structure as a target for testing the accuracy of missiles fired from submarines. The test firing is proposed to be carried out once every year for a duration of seven to 10 days. The wildlife board in its meeting last month had also turned down a proposal from the Indian Coastguard to divert forest land at the Narcondam Islands in the Andaman Sea to install a coastal surveillance radar. According to the ministry, the project will adversely affect the life of the endangered Narcondam hornbill, endemic to the island. — IANS
	Naroda Patiya case: Convict gets 31-year jail Ahmedabad, October 5 A special court here today awarded 31 years rigorous imprisonment to a convict of the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre case, who was produced in the court after he jumped his bail. Terming Suresh alias Shehzad Netalkar as one of the main conspirators, special judge Jyotsana Yagnik sentenced him to 21 years life imprisonment after serving 10 years under Section 326 (voluntary causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the IPC. On August 29, 2012, Netalkar was held guilty of murder (Section 302), conspiracy and other sections of the IPC among 32 accused, including BJP MLA and former minister in Narendra Modi government, Maya Kodnani. While pronouncing the sentence on August 31, the court had named Kodnani as a kingpin of the massacre in Naroda area where 97 people were brutally killed. The court had sentenced her to 18 years life imprisonment after serving 10 years under Section 326. Seven other accused were awarded enhanced life imprisonment of 21 years and they will also have to first serve 10 years imprisonment under Section 326. Another high-profile convict in the case -- Babu Bajrangi -- had been sentenced to remain in jail till he dies. As Netalkar had jumped his bail and was declared an absconder, the court had reserved the pronouncement of quantum of punishment till he could be brought before the court. Judge Yagnik had also directed the Supreme Court appointed special investigation team (SIT) to form a special team to nab Netalkar. — PTI
	Krishna visits kin of US gurdwara shooting victims Ashok Tuteja/TNS New Delhi, October 5 A day after completing his engagements at the United Nations, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna met family members of the six persons killed in the horrific shootout at a Wisconsin gurdwara in August and asserted that India and the US stood united against those who perpetrate a culture of violence and hatred. The Indian minister also visited the Local Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and met the family of priest Punjab SIngh, still in coma after being critically wounded when lone gunman Wade Michael Page went on a shooting spree in the gurdwara in what appeared to be a hate crime. ‘’Two months after the dastardly attack, banners of hope, love and comfort adorn the walls of the Sikh temple at Wisconsin,’’ MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted. After paying his respects at the gurdwara, Krishna addressed a gathering of more than 300 members of the Sikh community. ‘’This senseless act of violence is more tragic because it took place in a place of worship which radiates the message of love, devotion and peace. People in the US, India and around the world have strongly condemned this barbaric attack. Incidents like this remind us of the challenges that we all face from perverse ideologies,’’ he said. The shooting incident had outraged Indians across the world. Even people in the US had strongly condemned the killing of innocent people in the shooting, which reflected the growing intolerance in the American society as well as the vulnerability of minority groups. The issue had also figured during talks Krishna held with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly. ‘’I wish to place on record the deep sense of appreciation from the government and people of India for the quick and selfless response by local police officers in averting what perhaps could have been a much bigger tragedy,’’ Krishna said. The minister said the world has to be rid of intolerance because it perpetuated the culture of hate and violence. ‘’We are of different nationalities, different religious affiliations, different countries but all of us must united to condemn and not be intimidated by such senseless violence. On the other hand, we will continue to pursue faiths in which we have faith and nobody dare obstruct that culture,’’ he added.
	N-E infrastructure will be strengthened, says IAF Chief Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 5 India will continue to upgrade its infrastructure in the North-East to be ready to meet any exigency arising from across the Himalayas. As a part of the plan, two squadrons of the frontline fighter Sukhoi-30 MKI and two squadrons of the latest armed chopper MI-17V5 will be stationed there. The next squadron of the tactical lift transporter, C-130-J, will be stationed at Panagarh and will be dedicated to the North-East. The C-130-J can drop paratroops and even land on mud strips. The Sukhoi-30-MKI, a long-range fighter equipped with an array of weapons, was first stationed in the North-East a couple of years ago. Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of the Indian Air Force, listed future force positioning in the North-East at a press conference today. The IAF chief said, “A dedicated project is on to upgrade airfields and advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in the North-East.” The ALGs at Along, Walong Tuting, Mechuka, Tawang and Ziro — all in Arunachal Pradesh — are needed immediately. Last year the IAF provided a paved runaway at Vijaynagar in Arunchal Pradesh from where the nearest road head in 220 km, the Air Chief said adding that the Sukhois will be added to the fleet over the next three years. Two squadrons of the Mi-17-V5 were already there and two more will be added by the year-end, he added. “The IAF will play a leading role if the need arises,” the IAF boss said while saying he was “absolutely convinced” that the outcome would have been different in 1962 war had the IAF been tasked to use its offensive assets. On the talk of having a Mountain Strike Corp, Air Chief Marshall said, “The proposal for having a strike corps is being examined by the chief of staffs committee. The government has yet to give its views.” Like the Army Chief, the IAF chief also said, “Our position on Siachen remains unchanged”. The induction of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas has been delayed. It will begin initial operations in the third quarter of the next year. On ongoing anti-Naxal operations, the Air Chief said, “We have told te MHA that you cannot rely on heavy choppers for every little work. There is a need to have boots on the ground. We cannot put a chopper in the jungle. There has to be central place to operate”. On the anvil Two more Sukhoi-30-MKI squadrons in North-East Advanced landing grounds in North-East Sukhoi-30-MKI squadron at Halwara Punjab in Jan next First MMRCA squadron, to be based at Ambala