1-VHP, SLSSS observes Sacrifice Day, remembers Swamiji
CHAKAPADA/JALESPATA/BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Viswa Hindu Parishad and SLSSS on August 13 observed the Sacrifice Day and remembered Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on his first death anniversary. The first death anniversary of the Hindu Seer passed off peacefully across Orissa including at Jalespata Ashram, where the religious leader was gun down and Chakapada in tribal dominated southern districts of Kandhamal, where he was cremated.
Swami Sachidananda Brahmachari presided over a function at Chakapada while Swami Sachidananada Saraswati, Swami Pranarupananda Saraswati, Swami Jeevan Chaitnya and Satyananda Maharaj were among those attended. A Kalas Yatra also held at Jalespata Ashram, where thousands paid tearful homage to the late Seer.
VHP, while alleging Church hand in the murder that shocked the entire nation on August 23, 2009 on Janmasthami Day, however held ‘silent protest’ at Raj Bhawan and came down heavily on the Orissa Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case. Sangh workers held a demonstration here at Raj Bhawan and observed Sacrifice Day.
The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor MC Bhandare seeking strong action against killers and conspirators. “The Naveen Patnaik Government for its vote bank politics, however shielding the culprits and blaming the innocent Hindu tribals for the communal flare up,” they said. The partial treatment of the elected Government to go out of the way to help people of a particular community, violets the basic principals of human rights, the VHP said in a memorandum.
Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan, State spokesman RN Panda, BJP MLA Pratap Sarangi, former MP Archana Nayak, Pramod Das of VHP were among those present. Later a delegation met Governor MC Bhandare and submitted a memorandum. Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, president SLSSS Dr Ratnakar Chaini, GS Ratha and Dr Nagen Kumar Debata were among those in the delegation.
2-State level students’ Convention held
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa unit of Itihash Sankalan Samiti on August 15 hosted a State level convention for College and University students and discussed on various national matters. RSS national executive member, Mr Indresh Kumar while attending the convention however alleged that the political functionaries and leaders are always loves to downplay the verdict of Judiciary. He added that , as a result of which, Pakistani based, terror elements, easily targeting Indians on their soil as the country did not have a stringent law to fight.
Citing from Afzal Guru to Kashab, Kumar demanded that each terror element, should treated as national enemy and given proper treatment for his crime on Indian soil. Around 600 students from across the State participated in the event. RSS Khetra Pracharak, Sunilpada Goswami also spoke on this occasion. Prof Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra of Utkal University’s Sanskrit Departmnet presided over the function while Suryakanta Sahoo coordinated.
3-Naveen must book under PINH Act of 1971
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Why not a case registers against Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. As the President Medal is a national honour, the BJD chief should be booked under this act as he denied a medal to 1993 batch IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Independence Day.
Mishra, an Orissa cadre IPS officer is presently working as DIG of Central Industrial Security Forces at Bokaro in Jharkhand was selected for President Award for his meritorious service.
As per the tradition in our Constitution, once the President selects a person to be awarded with the police medal, no Government can pick and chose and sit over the judgment of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, but Naveen overlooked all these traditional conventions of the largest democracy.
“The Chief Minister has to give the medal under constitutional obligations. By denying the medal to the IPS officer, who hails from Madhubani in Bihar, Naveen is sending the message that policemen can no longer fire at tribals even if they violate law and order. On the one hand he is asking that the police set-up be strengthened, and on the other, he is trying his best to undermine the police”, a senior IPS officer told this Correspondent.
Meanwhile, a senior State Congress leader and former Law Minister, Narasingh Mishra has petitioned Pratibha Patil seeking action against those, who denied a medal to the officer.
Only fault of the IPS officer was, 14 tribal were killed, when he served as Police chief of Jajpur district in 2006.By not awarding the police officer with the medal, the Chief Minister had insulted and humiliated the IPS officer and ignored the President's notification, the Congress man said.
The former Minister further said it was the State Government, which had recommended the name of the police officer after which his name was finally selected by the President.
The Congress man said, '' Once the government starts overriding the President, the federal structure will collapse and there will be no law in the country.
He appealed to the President to take appropriate action in this regard as not honouring a police officer with the President's police medal after being called for the same, amounted to humiliation in public and also gross violation of human rights besides besides disregarding her order.
However, anger is brewing within the police ranks in Orissa now over the way Mishra — who had even participated in a rehearsal for the investiture ceremony on August 14 — had been treated.
4-Orissa Church rejects US panel report
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Catholic Churches in eastern Indian States of Orissa, on Friday wholeheartedly rejected a report of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom that placed India on the 'Watch List' for 2008 Kandhamal riot.
Reacting to the US panel report, Orissa Minority Forum chief Swarupananda Patra said that the civil society of the majority Hindus has been really amiable and supportive of the minority Christians in the State.
Though a few criminal elements created problems for the minority community during the riots, the secular fabric of the society was intact, the Church leader said.Earlier, the US panel placed India on watch list for the first time, specifically mentioning the attacks on Christians in Orissa in 2008 and the Gujarat riots of 2002.
The commission, while mentioning the two specific instances of serial violence against religious minorities, also cited the Indian Government’s inadequate efforts to protect their rights.
“It is extremely disappointing that India, which has a multitude of religious communities, has done so little to protect and bring justice to its religious minorities under siege,” said the annual report of the panel, a US government arm. Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Venezuela are the other countries on the list.
The Indian Government and the US panel had been on a collision course earlier this year when Delhi denied visas to a commission team that wanted to visit the country before finalising the report.
The Commission had earlier written to then President George W. Bush on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 2008 US visit asking him to “raise pressing concerns about religious freedom in India”.
The report has asked the Obama government to urge India to take measures to promote communal harmony, protect religious minorities and prevent communal violence. India’s External Affairs Ministry has already rejected the panel report.
5- EVMs are not tamper- proof, explored software experts
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Senior BJP leader LK Advani's contention that India should revert to the ballot paper because the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were not tamper-proof, have got more fuel after some software Experts have probed that the high profile EVMs could be tampered very easily on August 2. Two main opposition parties in Orissa including the Congress and BJP had alleged large scale tampering during the twin polls in State. Both the parties had alleged that ruling BJD had manipulated the whole electoral process in the State. NetIndia Chief Hari K Prasad has demonstrated here to the intelligentsia of the Orissa that the so called tamper proof EVM can be manipulated. NetIndia is an embeded technology based company to develop an almost similar EVM as used in elections recently. The demonstration session was hosted by Orissa Jana Sammilani with the support of Jana Chetana Vedika, an NGO active in Andhra Pradesh here.OJS headed by Rabi Das, a veteran journalist tried to bring home the point that EVM is not tamper proof. Political personalities, Bureaucrats, Judges and Media men were present to have a glimpse on how EVMs can be manipulated. Prasad demonstrated clearly how EVM are vulnerable and prone to manipulations.Sudhanshu Bhusan Mishra, former Chief Secretary graced the occasion. Chowdhury P K Mishra, former Judge of Orissa High Court was also among the dignitaries, who watched the proceedings. BJP’s Bijay Mohapatra, Sameer Dey, Jual Oram and Congress’s Alok Jena and others were also present. Reddy said that it is a move to create awareness among the people of the country about the vulnerability of the EVM.While Election Commission of India (ECI) is confident about the tamper proof EVM, the expert Prasad showed it that the machine can be jolly well manipulated. It may be noted here that the Orissa High Court in second week of July has admitted a petition related to EVM tampering and issued notices to respondents. A single judge bench of Justice Indrajit Mohanty admitted the petition filed by Alok Jena of Congress who fought from Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency and fixed for hearing after issuing notices to other ten candidates who contested from the segment in polls held in April this year. The Congress candidate had lost the elections by over 20,000 votes to BJD nominee Bijay Kumar Mohanty. Jena in his petition has alleged that there was tampering of EVMs both before and after the polling in his constituency comprising 162 booths. "Starting from commissioning of EVMs to dispersal to different booths and during the time of polling, the EVMs were improperly handled by the polling parties concerned," the petitioner claimed. Meanwhile, the OJS, in response to a hurried Press note released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website, has said in a release on August 10 that the ECI was promoting false information. Rabi Das of the OJS said, “We would like to bring forward the facts that our apprehensions mentioned before the Supreme Court about the ignorance of the ECI towards any concerns on the EVMs or the entire process involved in the elections using EVMs has come true. as said “We have put this in front of the Supreme Court that the ECI has not given proper response to any questions raised against EVMs and simply ruled out all vulnerabilities that exists. As directed by the apex court we again knocked the doors of the ECI and submitted all the documents related to the writ petition along with a covering letter of counsel. Sanjay Parikh on July 28,2009”.
In response to that ECI sent a reply to the OJS counsel asking us to demonstrate the tamperability in the EVMs strategically avoiding mentioning all other concerns raised by us in the Writ Petition. And they responded back on August 3, 2009 expressing their readiness anytime from August 7, 2009 onwards to their proposal and also emphasised to consider all other points raised in the writ petition not just limiting to mere demonstration. And again OJS sent a reminder on August 8, 2009 to inform them the date and time to present before the committee. Surprisingly, instead of calling them to present before the committee ECI released the Press note stating that they didn't turned up even after intimation from them which is completely false. This clearly shows the intentions of ECI not to listen to the genuine concerns on the vulnerabilities in the EVMs. The stand taken by the ECI not only violates the order of Supreme Court but also avoid questions which are extremely relevant and important for free and fair elections which can alone strengthen the democracy. OJS has requested the ECI to withdraw the Press release and to give a chance to hear them and incase this is not accepted by the ECI they have no other option but to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.
6-BJP sees danger to wildlife if Vedanta Varsity comes up
BHUBANESWAR/PURI (VISAKEO): The BJP has voiced concern about the fate of eco-fragile sensitive zone around Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, located barely few metres from the proposed Vedanta University near Puri. The Party’s leader in State Assembly, KV Singh Deo on July 31 said “Boundary of the proposed varsity is touching the sanctuary.” Quoting a letter of principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Orissa to the principal secretary of forest and environment department, Singhdeo said that industries, processes and operations within eco-fragile and eco-sensitive zones around sanctuaries needed regulation. The Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, notified in 1984, affords security and habitat protection to about 3,000 deer and antelopes including more than 100 black-bucks.
“Activities in the eco-fragile zones could disturb sensitive animals like deer and black-bucks”, Singhdeo claimed asking the state government to seek permission of the Union ministry of forest and environment before setting up varsity in close vicinity of the sanctuary. Stating that the sanctuary plays an important role in keeping agricultural productivity of the hinterland, the principal chief conservator of forest in his report to the state government said that a belt of one Km width around the sanctuary area should be protected. “A distance of 10 km upstream from the sanctuary boundary along the course of three rivers ~ Nuanai, Kushabhadra and Prachi ~ in Talabani area adjacent to the sanctuary boundary on western side is extremely important for Puri town”, the note said.
“These areas should be a part of the eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary and should be preserved undisturbed,” the BJP leader said quoting the principal chief conservator of forest notes to the department secretary. The eco-sensitive zone on the seaward side of the sanctuary boundary should also extend up to 5 km into the sea from the high tide line, the report said. “Taking PCCF's observation into account, it will be a mistake to allow construction and other activities in the eco-fragile zone,” Singhdeo said. Though the proposed varsity area was not within 71.72 sq km of the sanctuary area, it fell under the eco-fragile zone, Mr Singhdeo claimed. The Wildlife Society of Orissa backed BJP's objection contending, “the sensitive antelope is categorised under schedule-i of the wildlife list”.
7-BJP files FIR against Vedanta advertisement
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): BJP leader from Puri, Uma Ballav Rath lodged a police complaint against NRI businessman Anil Agarwal alleging that he and others of Anil Agrawal Foundation had issued a public advertisement on 29 July on Vedanta University when no such varsity had been created. The capital police station "received" the complaint on July 31 but had not registered a case as yet. The UGC Act, 1956 stipulates that a university can be created only by promulgation of an Act of legislature and pursuant mandatory declarations, stated Rath. He maintained that there was no such Act on 29 July and hence release of public advertisements was wrong. Citing sections of the UGC Act, Rath said: "Whoever contravenes the provisions shall be punishable". Rath claimed that it makes out a cognisable offence. Police sources, however, confided that they would initially make a station diary entry and examine the entire matter thoroughly.
It may be noted here that the Vedanta University Bill, 2009, was passed in the state Assembly on July 31. Incidentally, Rath has been leading a movement against the proposed varsity at Puri since last two years.
8-Probe starts into Temple entry row
PURI (VISAKEO): State Police have started a probe into the Temple entry row, in which, a case was filed against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. Meanwhile, a case was made out against Shetty for apparently breaking the rules while shooting at Orissa's revered Sakhigopal temple in Puri district, the police said adding they were trying to find out if she had hurt religious sentiments. Shetty was accused of entering the Gopinath Deb temple of Sakhigopal near Puri Thursday with her shoes on. The temple authorities later filed a complaint with the Satyabadi police station against the actress. “The temple executive Sachidananda Das along with some staff members of the temple have filed a complaint against Shilpa Shetty. They have complained that the Bollywood actress has violated the shrine rules," said officer in-charge of Satyabadi police station Prasanna Kumar Biswal."I was present when the actress reached the spot as we had instructions to go there for her protection. The crew had already taken the permission of temple authorities to shoot there. Since the complaint has come we are looking into the matter. No serious case is made out against the actress as per IPC (Indian Penal code)," Biswal said. "We are trying to find out whether she has hurt the religious sentiments by entering the temple with shoes on,” he said.
9-‘Operation Saranda’ triggers panic among Rebels
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Muppala Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi and his Red Comrades in the outlawed CPI(Maoists) will have to re-set their stronghold from Saranda Jungles to some other places as the elite anti-insurgency security forces of Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal are gearing for a final offensive against the rebels from September. Though police sources declined to divulge the date of the ‘Operation Saranda’, sources said the offensive would commence sometime in the third week of September. Sources said the police top brass of the three States had been planning the operation since April-May this year. Saranda jungles, which shares borders of four highly leftwing insurgency hit States in eastern India, would be liberated from the hands of the guerrillas if security forces marches ahead.“See, we are preparing for a final war against the rebels in Saranda with the help of Jharkhand and West Bengal. The offensive will be a crucial one. It will either force rebels to surrender or wipe out them,” a top police official engaged in anti-Maoists operation said on August 10. The official further added that in earlier occasions, it was only Jharkhand police, that fought against the rebels in Saranda, now things have changes as three States joins hand to eliminate the outlawed elements. Police sources manning the Special Operation Group (SOG) Headquarters here however said the topography of Saranda is such that it helped rebels sneak into Sundergarh district of Orissa and Purulia district of Bengal whenever the Jharkhand police launch an anti-insurgency operation. “So, we have made efforts to completely check cross-border infiltration while entire stretch connecting Keonjhar to Sundargarh will be under scanner during ‘Operation Saranda,” police sources said. “We will choke all rebel corridors. It will be a no-exit situation. CRPF Jawans will help us in the operation,” he added. Since December 2001, Saranda, has been under the influence of Maoists. The route of flush-out is being marked,” said a police officer adding helicopters and commandos of the Indian Reserve Battalion would be pressed into service during the operation. “While the police of Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts, which hosts a part of Saranda forest, will participate directly in the operation, Purulia and West Midnapore police will help block Maoist escape routes,” sources added.
10-BJP demands CBI probe into mining scam
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa BJP president Suresh Pujari on August 8 demanded a CBI probe into the Rs 4,000 crore mining scam in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district. Addressing reporters, Pujari said the BJP members had raised the mining scam issue in the recent budget session of the Assembly and demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore scam. The state government, he said, instead of accepting the demand of the BJP went ahead with a vigilance inquiry which, in its preliminary report submitted to the government, confirmed irregularities in the mining lease. Pujari said what the vigilance sleuths have unearthed in their investigation was only a tip of the iceberg adding that such a big scam, involving the officials and big politicians of the ruling party, would be exposed only by a fair investigation by the central investigative agency. The BJP president said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who always claimed to be clean and transparent, should not hesitate to order for a CBI probe as the vigilance inquiry by the state government would not be able to go deep into the multi-crore scam. Pujari said the BJP would hold a demonstration in Keonjhar on August 12 pressing for a CBI probe into the mining scam.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of state for Coal Prakash Jaiswal during his visit to the Congress Bhawan here demanding a CBI probe into the mining scam.
13-Orissa DGP takes on politicos
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): By lambasting on political leaders, Orissa Police Chief Manmohan Praharaj on August 7 has given enough signals that the political leadership in the State should be blamed for the fading law and order. Even though, the Naveen Patnaik Government is contemplating to replace Praharaj from the post of DGP, he dared to confront with the political boss on matters of internal security and leftwing insurgency. DGP’s hard hitting statements were directed at some ruling party leaders, who want remote controls in their hands to rule the police headquarters in Cuttack. Praharaj, who is reportedly looking for Central berth, rightly exposed the truth while speaking at a seminar here. Praharaj said, "Ministers and other group leaders routinely violate rule of law here." Terrorists take advantage of the "weak law and order situation" in the country. Comparing the scenario with the US, he said, "While the FBI's data base is acceptable by the judiciary in the US, no such provision exists in India. No body trusts police investigation and therefore, strong judicial process is needed to defeat terrorists".The Police chief claimed that less number of human rights violation cases were reported against Orissa police.
14-Nepal Foreign Secretary assures Kasturi for Lord Jagannth
NEW DELHI( VISAKEO) : In a conference organized by the Delhi Study Group at the Constitution Hall on the Indo – Nepal relationship in second week of August wherein the Foreign Minister of Nepal Ms. Sujata Koirala attended as the chief guest along with other dignitaries and number of Ambassadors from different countries. Ms. Koirala in his presidential address, stressed upon strengthening Indo-Nepalese relationship further in the said conference.
Out of two questions raised and answered by the Foreign Secretary of Nepal in the conference; the Vice President of Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Prasanta Varma raised the issue of Kasturi in the said conference, which is required in the rituals at the time of Rath Yatra at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri every year. It was further stressed by Mr. Varma as to how the sentiments of millions of Indians are attached to the rituals of Rath Yatra in Puri.
While answering to the issue of Kasturi the Foreign Secretary in presence of the Foreign Minister of Nepal informed the members in the conference that the Foreign Secretary is well aware of the Kasturi issue of Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri; which is being dealt by the Consulate office of Nepal at Calcutta.
It was also informed by the Foreign Secretary that Nepal is also concerned about availing Kasturi to the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri and they are also taking steps and hence forth at the time of Rath Yatra the problem of Kasturi would not be there for the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Besides the dignitaries the Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Secretary Santosh K. Rout also attended the conference.
15-Rare stone idol of Lord Buddha unearthed
JAJPUR (VISAKEO): A rare stone image of Buddha was unearthed from the agricultural fields near Khaira village under Barachana block of Orissa's Jajpur district on August 10. Naba Kishor Baral, a small farmer of Khaira village, stumbled upon the three feet long Buddha image while he was cultivating his land.
After the discovery of the Buddha image, Baral had to stop the cultivation work as hundreds of curious villagers gathered to witness the Buddha image made of stone. The villagers have since installed the Buddha image in the middle of the village and started worshipping it.
The village is situated in close vicinity to the Govari river. Khaira village is also near the Kantikiarai where a rare and gigantic Buddhist monastery was unearthed about four years back.
The famous Buddhist sites Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are also situated in this area. “The unearthing of Buddha idol from Khaira village indicates that the village and its nearby areas are rich of Buddhist culture,” said N.C.Sahu, a Buddhist researcher of Jajpur.
“Neither the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) nor the State's Archeological Department have been paying attention about the small unknown Buddhist sites for which many Buddha images and other archeological findings are gathering dusts in many villages. In many cases the antique lifters are taking away the rare images,” alleged the villagers.
A priceless stone statue of meditating Buddha was stolen from the excavation site at the famous Buddhist monastery in Udayagiri, a couple of years ago. The three-foot high idol, along with many images was unearthed from Udayagiri by the ASI eight years back. But ASI officials had not shifted all the stone images and other objects from Udayagiri to any museum or safe places.
16-Khandagiri-Udayagiri (Travel and Toursim) ( With Pix)
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO) : Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. The caves are situated on two hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription and face each other across the road.
They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out huge residential blocks for the Jain monks, during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri meaning Sunrise Hill, has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves.
The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, called lena or lena in the inscriptions, were dug out mostly during the reign of Kharavela for the above of Jaina ascetics. The most important of this group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery.
Unfortunately, a number of the Jaina caves on the Khandagiri side have encroachment problems, with local Brahmins turning them into Hindu shrines and covering up some of the Jaina iconography.
Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict.
The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC.
Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.
As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udaygiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela.
From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, " was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts.
The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udaygiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.
The Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.
All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes.
17-Rebels’ could selectively target RSS leaders
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The outlawed CPI (Maoists) has drawn up a blue print to eliminate several RSS, VHP and Bajarang Dal leaders in Orissa and the leftwing wing guerrillas could selectively target these leaders.
The Central Intelligence agency has informed the Orissa Government regarding this even despite the first death anniversary of Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and Janmashtami passed off peacefully on August 13.
“We have specific inputs that there could be attacks on some leaders – a dozen-odd names are on the list of the Maoists,” an official said. The Hindu organisations observed the anniversary from August 11 to August 17.
“See, as per the missive of the Union Home Ministry, we have kept a close eye on the activities of the red rebels,” the top cop said.
The missive of MHA assumes greater significance with posters and leaflets being distributed in riot hit Kandhamal district, clearly indicating a secret deal between the Church and the outlawed elements to counter Hindu tribals and Sangh Pariwar leaders, those who are strongly opposing conversion.
The prevailing situation, circumstances and tactical movement of the Maoists along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal district suggested calm before the storm like situation. Sources said more than 300 Red rebels have already been camping along the border areas of these adjoining districts and few of them have already entered the volatile Kandhamal district.
Meanwhile, posters of suspected Maoists were sighted at several places like Raikia, Sankarkhol, G Udayagiri and other areas of Kandhamal district on Janmasthami Day. These posters fumed against Hinduism and have asked people to embrace Christianity.
It appealed to people through these posters to observe Janmasthami as ‘Bijaya Divas’. The Maoists through their posters asked the people to shut down business establishments. But it had no impact. Significantly, the Maoists posters have mentioned Hindu dharma Heena Dharma, Christa Dharma Mahaapunya.
18-Future of mega projects hangs in balance
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The massive victory of BJD of getting 103 seats in 147 Orissa House was supposed to spur frantic industrial activities in the State. The reality is just the reverse. Mega projects seem to be running into more and more problems. In all the major emerging industrial hubs public resistance is on rise.
Clashes between pro and anti industrial groups are becoming more frequent and violent.
On 12 August, violent clashes accompanied by bombs at Vedanta University Project at Puri were witnessed. Pro and anti POSCO clashes occur every now and then. Confrontations between anti and pro Vedanta gropus in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh is now a common feature.
In Angul and Jharsuguda, the Bhusan Projects are drawn into greater controversies leading to uncertain future of the same. Stalemate continues in Kalinga Nagar with periodic confrontation between pro and anti TATA project. Many other mega projects also face uncertainty as most of them are drawn into greater controversies.
All the while the State Government seems to be in ‘No-Hurry’ to intervene affectively or conciliate between pro and anti groups. Left without any initiative from the Government side, mega projects with powerful local ruling party support are engineering clashes with anti-project groups, allege social activists.
Now society is divided with pro and anti groups, thanks to the callous attitude of the Government, alleged they. This is leading to continuous deterioration of law and order situation in the emerging industrial hubs. Prevailing vacuum is ready made for Maoists to step in. All the major industrial hubs are now turning fertile grounds for the Left Wing Extremists (LWE)s, say industry observers. And prevailing unsettled conditions have put the industrial projects at the mercy of some corrupt bureaucrats and police men.
Files are being kept for months in the tables and in many locations these errant mandarins extract heavy price even for routine clearance of files and protection of project activities, admit they. Thanks to the apathy of the state machinery popular ire and resentment against mega projects is increasing day in and day out.
While the mega project promoters look forward to the Government protection and fecilitation to proceed further, the State seems to have adopted “hands off do by yourself” policy. With apathy and inaction in full swing the much hyped Rs.6 lakh crore industrial investment program will turn into a pipe dream, allege the analysts.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
विसकों बुलेटिन सेप्तेमेबेर-2009
1-VHP, SLSSS observes Sacrifice Day, remembers Swamiji
CHAKAPADA/JALESPATA/BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Viswa Hindu Parishad and SLSSS on August 13 observed the Sacrifice Day and remembered Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on his first death anniversary. The first death anniversary of the Hindu Seer passed off peacefully across Orissa including at Jalespata Ashram, where the religious leader was gun down and Chakapada in tribal dominated southern districts of Kandhamal, where he was cremated.
Swami Sachidananda Brahmachari presided over a function at Chakapada while Swami Sachidananada Saraswati, Swami Pranarupananda Saraswati, Swami Jeevan Chaitnya and Satyananda Maharaj were among those attended. A Kalas Yatra also held at Jalespata Ashram, where thousands paid tearful homage to the late Seer.
VHP, while alleging Church hand in the murder that shocked the entire nation on August 23, 2009 on Janmasthami Day, however held ‘silent protest’ at Raj Bhawan and came down heavily on the Orissa Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case. Sangh workers held a demonstration here at Raj Bhawan and observed Sacrifice Day.
The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor MC Bhandare seeking strong action against killers and conspirators. “The Naveen Patnaik Government for its vote bank politics, however shielding the culprits and blaming the innocent Hindu tribals for the communal flare up,” they said. The partial treatment of the elected Government to go out of the way to help people of a particular community, violets the basic principals of human rights, the VHP said in a memorandum.
Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan, State spokesman RN Panda, BJP MLA Pratap Sarangi, former MP Archana Nayak, Pramod Das of VHP were among those present. Later a delegation met Governor MC Bhandare and submitted a memorandum. Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, president SLSSS Dr Ratnakar Chaini, GS Ratha and Dr Nagen Kumar Debata were among those in the delegation.
2-State level students’ Convention held
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa unit of Itihash Sankalan Samiti on August 15 hosted a State level convention for College and University students and discussed on various national matters. RSS national executive member, Mr Indresh Kumar while attending the convention however alleged that the political functionaries and leaders are always loves to downplay the verdict of Judiciary. He added that , as a result of which, Pakistani based, terror elements, easily targeting Indians on their soil as the country did not have a stringent law to fight.
Citing from Afzal Guru to Kashab, Kumar demanded that each terror element, should treated as national enemy and given proper treatment for his crime on Indian soil. Around 600 students from across the State participated in the event. RSS Khetra Pracharak, Sunilpada Goswami also spoke on this occasion. Prof Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra of Utkal University’s Sanskrit Departmnet presided over the function while Suryakanta Sahoo coordinated.
3-Naveen must book under PINH Act of 1971
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Why not a case registers against Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. As the President Medal is a national honour, the BJD chief should be booked under this act as he denied a medal to 1993 batch IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Independence Day.
Mishra, an Orissa cadre IPS officer is presently working as DIG of Central Industrial Security Forces at Bokaro in Jharkhand was selected for President Award for his meritorious service.
As per the tradition in our Constitution, once the President selects a person to be awarded with the police medal, no Government can pick and chose and sit over the judgment of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, but Naveen overlooked all these traditional conventions of the largest democracy.
“The Chief Minister has to give the medal under constitutional obligations. By denying the medal to the IPS officer, who hails from Madhubani in Bihar, Naveen is sending the message that policemen can no longer fire at tribals even if they violate law and order. On the one hand he is asking that the police set-up be strengthened, and on the other, he is trying his best to undermine the police”, a senior IPS officer told this Correspondent.
Meanwhile, a senior State Congress leader and former Law Minister, Narasingh Mishra has petitioned Pratibha Patil seeking action against those, who denied a medal to the officer.
Only fault of the IPS officer was, 14 tribal were killed, when he served as Police chief of Jajpur district in 2006.By not awarding the police officer with the medal, the Chief Minister had insulted and humiliated the IPS officer and ignored the President's notification, the Congress man said.
The former Minister further said it was the State Government, which had recommended the name of the police officer after which his name was finally selected by the President.
The Congress man said, '' Once the government starts overriding the President, the federal structure will collapse and there will be no law in the country.
He appealed to the President to take appropriate action in this regard as not honouring a police officer with the President's police medal after being called for the same, amounted to humiliation in public and also gross violation of human rights besides besides disregarding her order.
However, anger is brewing within the police ranks in Orissa now over the way Mishra — who had even participated in a rehearsal for the investiture ceremony on August 14 — had been treated.
4-Orissa Church rejects US panel report
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Catholic Churches in eastern Indian States of Orissa, on Friday wholeheartedly rejected a report of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom that placed India on the 'Watch List' for 2008 Kandhamal riot.
Reacting to the US panel report, Orissa Minority Forum chief Swarupananda Patra said that the civil society of the majority Hindus has been really amiable and supportive of the minority Christians in the State.
Though a few criminal elements created problems for the minority community during the riots, the secular fabric of the society was intact, the Church leader said.Earlier, the US panel placed India on watch list for the first time, specifically mentioning the attacks on Christians in Orissa in 2008 and the Gujarat riots of 2002.
The commission, while mentioning the two specific instances of serial violence against religious minorities, also cited the Indian Government’s inadequate efforts to protect their rights.
“It is extremely disappointing that India, which has a multitude of religious communities, has done so little to protect and bring justice to its religious minorities under siege,” said the annual report of the panel, a US government arm. Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Venezuela are the other countries on the list.
The Indian Government and the US panel had been on a collision course earlier this year when Delhi denied visas to a commission team that wanted to visit the country before finalising the report.
The Commission had earlier written to then President George W. Bush on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 2008 US visit asking him to “raise pressing concerns about religious freedom in India”.
The report has asked the Obama government to urge India to take measures to promote communal harmony, protect religious minorities and prevent communal violence. India’s External Affairs Ministry has already rejected the panel report.
5- EVMs are not tamper- proof, explored software experts
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Senior BJP leader LK Advani's contention that India should revert to the ballot paper because the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were not tamper-proof, have got more fuel after some software Experts have probed that the high profile EVMs could be tampered very easily on August 2. Two main opposition parties in Orissa including the Congress and BJP had alleged large scale tampering during the twin polls in State. Both the parties had alleged that ruling BJD had manipulated the whole electoral process in the State. NetIndia Chief Hari K Prasad has demonstrated here to the intelligentsia of the Orissa that the so called tamper proof EVM can be manipulated. NetIndia is an embeded technology based company to develop an almost similar EVM as used in elections recently. The demonstration session was hosted by Orissa Jana Sammilani with the support of Jana Chetana Vedika, an NGO active in Andhra Pradesh here.OJS headed by Rabi Das, a veteran journalist tried to bring home the point that EVM is not tamper proof. Political personalities, Bureaucrats, Judges and Media men were present to have a glimpse on how EVMs can be manipulated. Prasad demonstrated clearly how EVM are vulnerable and prone to manipulations.Sudhanshu Bhusan Mishra, former Chief Secretary graced the occasion. Chowdhury P K Mishra, former Judge of Orissa High Court was also among the dignitaries, who watched the proceedings. BJP’s Bijay Mohapatra, Sameer Dey, Jual Oram and Congress’s Alok Jena and others were also present. Reddy said that it is a move to create awareness among the people of the country about the vulnerability of the EVM.While Election Commission of India (ECI) is confident about the tamper proof EVM, the expert Prasad showed it that the machine can be jolly well manipulated. It may be noted here that the Orissa High Court in second week of July has admitted a petition related to EVM tampering and issued notices to respondents. A single judge bench of Justice Indrajit Mohanty admitted the petition filed by Alok Jena of Congress who fought from Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency and fixed for hearing after issuing notices to other ten candidates who contested from the segment in polls held in April this year. The Congress candidate had lost the elections by over 20,000 votes to BJD nominee Bijay Kumar Mohanty. Jena in his petition has alleged that there was tampering of EVMs both before and after the polling in his constituency comprising 162 booths. "Starting from commissioning of EVMs to dispersal to different booths and during the time of polling, the EVMs were improperly handled by the polling parties concerned," the petitioner claimed. Meanwhile, the OJS, in response to a hurried Press note released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website, has said in a release on August 10 that the ECI was promoting false information. Rabi Das of the OJS said, “We would like to bring forward the facts that our apprehensions mentioned before the Supreme Court about the ignorance of the ECI towards any concerns on the EVMs or the entire process involved in the elections using EVMs has come true. as said “We have put this in front of the Supreme Court that the ECI has not given proper response to any questions raised against EVMs and simply ruled out all vulnerabilities that exists. As directed by the apex court we again knocked the doors of the ECI and submitted all the documents related to the writ petition along with a covering letter of counsel. Sanjay Parikh on July 28,2009”.
In response to that ECI sent a reply to the OJS counsel asking us to demonstrate the tamperability in the EVMs strategically avoiding mentioning all other concerns raised by us in the Writ Petition. And they responded back on August 3, 2009 expressing their readiness anytime from August 7, 2009 onwards to their proposal and also emphasised to consider all other points raised in the writ petition not just limiting to mere demonstration. And again OJS sent a reminder on August 8, 2009 to inform them the date and time to present before the committee. Surprisingly, instead of calling them to present before the committee ECI released the Press note stating that they didn't turned up even after intimation from them which is completely false. This clearly shows the intentions of ECI not to listen to the genuine concerns on the vulnerabilities in the EVMs. The stand taken by the ECI not only violates the order of Supreme Court but also avoid questions which are extremely relevant and important for free and fair elections which can alone strengthen the democracy. OJS has requested the ECI to withdraw the Press release and to give a chance to hear them and incase this is not accepted by the ECI they have no other option but to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.
6-BJP sees danger to wildlife if Vedanta Varsity comes up
BHUBANESWAR/PURI (VISAKEO): The BJP has voiced concern about the fate of eco-fragile sensitive zone around Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, located barely few metres from the proposed Vedanta University near Puri. The Party’s leader in State Assembly, KV Singh Deo on July 31 said “Boundary of the proposed varsity is touching the sanctuary.” Quoting a letter of principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Orissa to the principal secretary of forest and environment department, Singhdeo said that industries, processes and operations within eco-fragile and eco-sensitive zones around sanctuaries needed regulation. The Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, notified in 1984, affords security and habitat protection to about 3,000 deer and antelopes including more than 100 black-bucks.
“Activities in the eco-fragile zones could disturb sensitive animals like deer and black-bucks”, Singhdeo claimed asking the state government to seek permission of the Union ministry of forest and environment before setting up varsity in close vicinity of the sanctuary. Stating that the sanctuary plays an important role in keeping agricultural productivity of the hinterland, the principal chief conservator of forest in his report to the state government said that a belt of one Km width around the sanctuary area should be protected. “A distance of 10 km upstream from the sanctuary boundary along the course of three rivers ~ Nuanai, Kushabhadra and Prachi ~ in Talabani area adjacent to the sanctuary boundary on western side is extremely important for Puri town”, the note said.
“These areas should be a part of the eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary and should be preserved undisturbed,” the BJP leader said quoting the principal chief conservator of forest notes to the department secretary. The eco-sensitive zone on the seaward side of the sanctuary boundary should also extend up to 5 km into the sea from the high tide line, the report said. “Taking PCCF's observation into account, it will be a mistake to allow construction and other activities in the eco-fragile zone,” Singhdeo said. Though the proposed varsity area was not within 71.72 sq km of the sanctuary area, it fell under the eco-fragile zone, Mr Singhdeo claimed. The Wildlife Society of Orissa backed BJP's objection contending, “the sensitive antelope is categorised under schedule-i of the wildlife list”.
7-BJP files FIR against Vedanta advertisement
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): BJP leader from Puri, Uma Ballav Rath lodged a police complaint against NRI businessman Anil Agarwal alleging that he and others of Anil Agrawal Foundation had issued a public advertisement on 29 July on Vedanta University when no such varsity had been created. The capital police station "received" the complaint on July 31 but had not registered a case as yet. The UGC Act, 1956 stipulates that a university can be created only by promulgation of an Act of legislature and pursuant mandatory declarations, stated Rath. He maintained that there was no such Act on 29 July and hence release of public advertisements was wrong. Citing sections of the UGC Act, Rath said: "Whoever contravenes the provisions shall be punishable". Rath claimed that it makes out a cognisable offence. Police sources, however, confided that they would initially make a station diary entry and examine the entire matter thoroughly.
It may be noted here that the Vedanta University Bill, 2009, was passed in the state Assembly on July 31. Incidentally, Rath has been leading a movement against the proposed varsity at Puri since last two years.
8-Probe starts into Temple entry row
PURI (VISAKEO): State Police have started a probe into the Temple entry row, in which, a case was filed against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. Meanwhile, a case was made out against Shetty for apparently breaking the rules while shooting at Orissa's revered Sakhigopal temple in Puri district, the police said adding they were trying to find out if she had hurt religious sentiments. Shetty was accused of entering the Gopinath Deb temple of Sakhigopal near Puri Thursday with her shoes on. The temple authorities later filed a complaint with the Satyabadi police station against the actress. “The temple executive Sachidananda Das along with some staff members of the temple have filed a complaint against Shilpa Shetty. They have complained that the Bollywood actress has violated the shrine rules," said officer in-charge of Satyabadi police station Prasanna Kumar Biswal."I was present when the actress reached the spot as we had instructions to go there for her protection. The crew had already taken the permission of temple authorities to shoot there. Since the complaint has come we are looking into the matter. No serious case is made out against the actress as per IPC (Indian Penal code)," Biswal said. "We are trying to find out whether she has hurt the religious sentiments by entering the temple with shoes on,” he said.
9-‘Operation Saranda’ triggers panic among Rebels
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Muppala Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi and his Red Comrades in the outlawed CPI(Maoists) will have to re-set their stronghold from Saranda Jungles to some other places as the elite anti-insurgency security forces of Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal are gearing for a final offensive against the rebels from September. Though police sources declined to divulge the date of the ‘Operation Saranda’, sources said the offensive would commence sometime in the third week of September. Sources said the police top brass of the three States had been planning the operation since April-May this year. Saranda jungles, which shares borders of four highly leftwing insurgency hit States in eastern India, would be liberated from the hands of the guerrillas if security forces marches ahead.“See, we are preparing for a final war against the rebels in Saranda with the help of Jharkhand and West Bengal. The offensive will be a crucial one. It will either force rebels to surrender or wipe out them,” a top police official engaged in anti-Maoists operation said on August 10. The official further added that in earlier occasions, it was only Jharkhand police, that fought against the rebels in Saranda, now things have changes as three States joins hand to eliminate the outlawed elements. Police sources manning the Special Operation Group (SOG) Headquarters here however said the topography of Saranda is such that it helped rebels sneak into Sundergarh district of Orissa and Purulia district of Bengal whenever the Jharkhand police launch an anti-insurgency operation. “So, we have made efforts to completely check cross-border infiltration while entire stretch connecting Keonjhar to Sundargarh will be under scanner during ‘Operation Saranda,” police sources said. “We will choke all rebel corridors. It will be a no-exit situation. CRPF Jawans will help us in the operation,” he added. Since December 2001, Saranda, has been under the influence of Maoists. The route of flush-out is being marked,” said a police officer adding helicopters and commandos of the Indian Reserve Battalion would be pressed into service during the operation. “While the police of Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts, which hosts a part of Saranda forest, will participate directly in the operation, Purulia and West Midnapore police will help block Maoist escape routes,” sources added.
10-BJP demands CBI probe into mining scam
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa BJP president Suresh Pujari on August 8 demanded a CBI probe into the Rs 4,000 crore mining scam in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district. Addressing reporters, Pujari said the BJP members had raised the mining scam issue in the recent budget session of the Assembly and demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore scam. The state government, he said, instead of accepting the demand of the BJP went ahead with a vigilance inquiry which, in its preliminary report submitted to the government, confirmed irregularities in the mining lease. Pujari said what the vigilance sleuths have unearthed in their investigation was only a tip of the iceberg adding that such a big scam, involving the officials and big politicians of the ruling party, would be exposed only by a fair investigation by the central investigative agency. The BJP president said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who always claimed to be clean and transparent, should not hesitate to order for a CBI probe as the vigilance inquiry by the state government would not be able to go deep into the multi-crore scam. Pujari said the BJP would hold a demonstration in Keonjhar on August 12 pressing for a CBI probe into the mining scam.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of state for Coal Prakash Jaiswal during his visit to the Congress Bhawan here demanding a CBI probe into the mining scam.
13-Orissa DGP takes on politicos
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): By lambasting on political leaders, Orissa Police Chief Manmohan Praharaj on August 7 has given enough signals that the political leadership in the State should be blamed for the fading law and order. Even though, the Naveen Patnaik Government is contemplating to replace Praharaj from the post of DGP, he dared to confront with the political boss on matters of internal security and leftwing insurgency. DGP’s hard hitting statements were directed at some ruling party leaders, who want remote controls in their hands to rule the police headquarters in Cuttack. Praharaj, who is reportedly looking for Central berth, rightly exposed the truth while speaking at a seminar here. Praharaj said, "Ministers and other group leaders routinely violate rule of law here." Terrorists take advantage of the "weak law and order situation" in the country. Comparing the scenario with the US, he said, "While the FBI's data base is acceptable by the judiciary in the US, no such provision exists in India. No body trusts police investigation and therefore, strong judicial process is needed to defeat terrorists".The Police chief claimed that less number of human rights violation cases were reported against Orissa police.
14-Nepal Foreign Secretary assures Kasturi for Lord Jagannth
NEW DELHI( VISAKEO) : In a conference organized by the Delhi Study Group at the Constitution Hall on the Indo – Nepal relationship in second week of August wherein the Foreign Minister of Nepal Ms. Sujata Koirala attended as the chief guest along with other dignitaries and number of Ambassadors from different countries. Ms. Koirala in his presidential address, stressed upon strengthening Indo-Nepalese relationship further in the said conference.
Out of two questions raised and answered by the Foreign Secretary of Nepal in the conference; the Vice President of Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Prasanta Varma raised the issue of Kasturi in the said conference, which is required in the rituals at the time of Rath Yatra at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri every year. It was further stressed by Mr. Varma as to how the sentiments of millions of Indians are attached to the rituals of Rath Yatra in Puri.
While answering to the issue of Kasturi the Foreign Secretary in presence of the Foreign Minister of Nepal informed the members in the conference that the Foreign Secretary is well aware of the Kasturi issue of Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri; which is being dealt by the Consulate office of Nepal at Calcutta.
It was also informed by the Foreign Secretary that Nepal is also concerned about availing Kasturi to the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri and they are also taking steps and hence forth at the time of Rath Yatra the problem of Kasturi would not be there for the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Besides the dignitaries the Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Secretary Santosh K. Rout also attended the conference.
15-Rare stone idol of Lord Buddha unearthed
JAJPUR (VISAKEO): A rare stone image of Buddha was unearthed from the agricultural fields near Khaira village under Barachana block of Orissa's Jajpur district on August 10. Naba Kishor Baral, a small farmer of Khaira village, stumbled upon the three feet long Buddha image while he was cultivating his land.
After the discovery of the Buddha image, Baral had to stop the cultivation work as hundreds of curious villagers gathered to witness the Buddha image made of stone. The villagers have since installed the Buddha image in the middle of the village and started worshipping it.
The village is situated in close vicinity to the Govari river. Khaira village is also near the Kantikiarai where a rare and gigantic Buddhist monastery was unearthed about four years back.
The famous Buddhist sites Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are also situated in this area. “The unearthing of Buddha idol from Khaira village indicates that the village and its nearby areas are rich of Buddhist culture,” said N.C.Sahu, a Buddhist researcher of Jajpur.
“Neither the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) nor the State's Archeological Department have been paying attention about the small unknown Buddhist sites for which many Buddha images and other archeological findings are gathering dusts in many villages. In many cases the antique lifters are taking away the rare images,” alleged the villagers.
A priceless stone statue of meditating Buddha was stolen from the excavation site at the famous Buddhist monastery in Udayagiri, a couple of years ago. The three-foot high idol, along with many images was unearthed from Udayagiri by the ASI eight years back. But ASI officials had not shifted all the stone images and other objects from Udayagiri to any museum or safe places.
16-Khandagiri-Udayagiri (Travel and Toursim) ( With Pix)
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO) : Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. The caves are situated on two hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription and face each other across the road.
They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out huge residential blocks for the Jain monks, during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri meaning Sunrise Hill, has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves.
The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, called lena or lena in the inscriptions, were dug out mostly during the reign of Kharavela for the above of Jaina ascetics. The most important of this group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery.
Unfortunately, a number of the Jaina caves on the Khandagiri side have encroachment problems, with local Brahmins turning them into Hindu shrines and covering up some of the Jaina iconography.
Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict.
The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC.
Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.
As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udaygiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela.
From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, " was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts.
The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udaygiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.
The Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.
All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes.
17-Rebels’ could selectively target RSS leaders
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The outlawed CPI (Maoists) has drawn up a blue print to eliminate several RSS, VHP and Bajarang Dal leaders in Orissa and the leftwing wing guerrillas could selectively target these leaders.
The Central Intelligence agency has informed the Orissa Government regarding this even despite the first death anniversary of Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and Janmashtami passed off peacefully on August 13.
“We have specific inputs that there could be attacks on some leaders – a dozen-odd names are on the list of the Maoists,” an official said. The Hindu organisations observed the anniversary from August 11 to August 17.
“See, as per the missive of the Union Home Ministry, we have kept a close eye on the activities of the red rebels,” the top cop said.
The missive of MHA assumes greater significance with posters and leaflets being distributed in riot hit Kandhamal district, clearly indicating a secret deal between the Church and the outlawed elements to counter Hindu tribals and Sangh Pariwar leaders, those who are strongly opposing conversion.
The prevailing situation, circumstances and tactical movement of the Maoists along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal district suggested calm before the storm like situation. Sources said more than 300 Red rebels have already been camping along the border areas of these adjoining districts and few of them have already entered the volatile Kandhamal district.
Meanwhile, posters of suspected Maoists were sighted at several places like Raikia, Sankarkhol, G Udayagiri and other areas of Kandhamal district on Janmasthami Day. These posters fumed against Hinduism and have asked people to embrace Christianity.
It appealed to people through these posters to observe Janmasthami as ‘Bijaya Divas’. The Maoists through their posters asked the people to shut down business establishments. But it had no impact. Significantly, the Maoists posters have mentioned Hindu dharma Heena Dharma, Christa Dharma Mahaapunya.
18-Future of mega projects hangs in balance
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The massive victory of BJD of getting 103 seats in 147 Orissa House was supposed to spur frantic industrial activities in the State. The reality is just the reverse. Mega projects seem to be running into more and more problems. In all the major emerging industrial hubs public resistance is on rise.
Clashes between pro and anti industrial groups are becoming more frequent and violent.
On 12 August, violent clashes accompanied by bombs at Vedanta University Project at Puri were witnessed. Pro and anti POSCO clashes occur every now and then. Confrontations between anti and pro Vedanta gropus in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh is now a common feature.
In Angul and Jharsuguda, the Bhusan Projects are drawn into greater controversies leading to uncertain future of the same. Stalemate continues in Kalinga Nagar with periodic confrontation between pro and anti TATA project. Many other mega projects also face uncertainty as most of them are drawn into greater controversies.
All the while the State Government seems to be in ‘No-Hurry’ to intervene affectively or conciliate between pro and anti groups. Left without any initiative from the Government side, mega projects with powerful local ruling party support are engineering clashes with anti-project groups, allege social activists.
Now society is divided with pro and anti groups, thanks to the callous attitude of the Government, alleged they. This is leading to continuous deterioration of law and order situation in the emerging industrial hubs. Prevailing vacuum is ready made for Maoists to step in. All the major industrial hubs are now turning fertile grounds for the Left Wing Extremists (LWE)s, say industry observers. And prevailing unsettled conditions have put the industrial projects at the mercy of some corrupt bureaucrats and police men.
Files are being kept for months in the tables and in many locations these errant mandarins extract heavy price even for routine clearance of files and protection of project activities, admit they. Thanks to the apathy of the state machinery popular ire and resentment against mega projects is increasing day in and day out.
While the mega project promoters look forward to the Government protection and fecilitation to proceed further, the State seems to have adopted “hands off do by yourself” policy. With apathy and inaction in full swing the much hyped Rs.6 lakh crore industrial investment program will turn into a pipe dream, allege the analysts.
CHAKAPADA/JALESPATA/BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Viswa Hindu Parishad and SLSSS on August 13 observed the Sacrifice Day and remembered Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on his first death anniversary. The first death anniversary of the Hindu Seer passed off peacefully across Orissa including at Jalespata Ashram, where the religious leader was gun down and Chakapada in tribal dominated southern districts of Kandhamal, where he was cremated.
Swami Sachidananda Brahmachari presided over a function at Chakapada while Swami Sachidananada Saraswati, Swami Pranarupananda Saraswati, Swami Jeevan Chaitnya and Satyananda Maharaj were among those attended. A Kalas Yatra also held at Jalespata Ashram, where thousands paid tearful homage to the late Seer.
VHP, while alleging Church hand in the murder that shocked the entire nation on August 23, 2009 on Janmasthami Day, however held ‘silent protest’ at Raj Bhawan and came down heavily on the Orissa Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case. Sangh workers held a demonstration here at Raj Bhawan and observed Sacrifice Day.
The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor MC Bhandare seeking strong action against killers and conspirators. “The Naveen Patnaik Government for its vote bank politics, however shielding the culprits and blaming the innocent Hindu tribals for the communal flare up,” they said. The partial treatment of the elected Government to go out of the way to help people of a particular community, violets the basic principals of human rights, the VHP said in a memorandum.
Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan, State spokesman RN Panda, BJP MLA Pratap Sarangi, former MP Archana Nayak, Pramod Das of VHP were among those present. Later a delegation met Governor MC Bhandare and submitted a memorandum. Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, president SLSSS Dr Ratnakar Chaini, GS Ratha and Dr Nagen Kumar Debata were among those in the delegation.
2-State level students’ Convention held
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa unit of Itihash Sankalan Samiti on August 15 hosted a State level convention for College and University students and discussed on various national matters. RSS national executive member, Mr Indresh Kumar while attending the convention however alleged that the political functionaries and leaders are always loves to downplay the verdict of Judiciary. He added that , as a result of which, Pakistani based, terror elements, easily targeting Indians on their soil as the country did not have a stringent law to fight.
Citing from Afzal Guru to Kashab, Kumar demanded that each terror element, should treated as national enemy and given proper treatment for his crime on Indian soil. Around 600 students from across the State participated in the event. RSS Khetra Pracharak, Sunilpada Goswami also spoke on this occasion. Prof Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra of Utkal University’s Sanskrit Departmnet presided over the function while Suryakanta Sahoo coordinated.
3-Naveen must book under PINH Act of 1971
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Why not a case registers against Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. As the President Medal is a national honour, the BJD chief should be booked under this act as he denied a medal to 1993 batch IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Independence Day.
Mishra, an Orissa cadre IPS officer is presently working as DIG of Central Industrial Security Forces at Bokaro in Jharkhand was selected for President Award for his meritorious service.
As per the tradition in our Constitution, once the President selects a person to be awarded with the police medal, no Government can pick and chose and sit over the judgment of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, but Naveen overlooked all these traditional conventions of the largest democracy.
“The Chief Minister has to give the medal under constitutional obligations. By denying the medal to the IPS officer, who hails from Madhubani in Bihar, Naveen is sending the message that policemen can no longer fire at tribals even if they violate law and order. On the one hand he is asking that the police set-up be strengthened, and on the other, he is trying his best to undermine the police”, a senior IPS officer told this Correspondent.
Meanwhile, a senior State Congress leader and former Law Minister, Narasingh Mishra has petitioned Pratibha Patil seeking action against those, who denied a medal to the officer.
Only fault of the IPS officer was, 14 tribal were killed, when he served as Police chief of Jajpur district in 2006.By not awarding the police officer with the medal, the Chief Minister had insulted and humiliated the IPS officer and ignored the President's notification, the Congress man said.
The former Minister further said it was the State Government, which had recommended the name of the police officer after which his name was finally selected by the President.
The Congress man said, '' Once the government starts overriding the President, the federal structure will collapse and there will be no law in the country.
He appealed to the President to take appropriate action in this regard as not honouring a police officer with the President's police medal after being called for the same, amounted to humiliation in public and also gross violation of human rights besides besides disregarding her order.
However, anger is brewing within the police ranks in Orissa now over the way Mishra — who had even participated in a rehearsal for the investiture ceremony on August 14 — had been treated.
4-Orissa Church rejects US panel report
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Catholic Churches in eastern Indian States of Orissa, on Friday wholeheartedly rejected a report of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom that placed India on the 'Watch List' for 2008 Kandhamal riot.
Reacting to the US panel report, Orissa Minority Forum chief Swarupananda Patra said that the civil society of the majority Hindus has been really amiable and supportive of the minority Christians in the State.
Though a few criminal elements created problems for the minority community during the riots, the secular fabric of the society was intact, the Church leader said.Earlier, the US panel placed India on watch list for the first time, specifically mentioning the attacks on Christians in Orissa in 2008 and the Gujarat riots of 2002.
The commission, while mentioning the two specific instances of serial violence against religious minorities, also cited the Indian Government’s inadequate efforts to protect their rights.
“It is extremely disappointing that India, which has a multitude of religious communities, has done so little to protect and bring justice to its religious minorities under siege,” said the annual report of the panel, a US government arm. Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Venezuela are the other countries on the list.
The Indian Government and the US panel had been on a collision course earlier this year when Delhi denied visas to a commission team that wanted to visit the country before finalising the report.
The Commission had earlier written to then President George W. Bush on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 2008 US visit asking him to “raise pressing concerns about religious freedom in India”.
The report has asked the Obama government to urge India to take measures to promote communal harmony, protect religious minorities and prevent communal violence. India’s External Affairs Ministry has already rejected the panel report.
5- EVMs are not tamper- proof, explored software experts
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Senior BJP leader LK Advani's contention that India should revert to the ballot paper because the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were not tamper-proof, have got more fuel after some software Experts have probed that the high profile EVMs could be tampered very easily on August 2. Two main opposition parties in Orissa including the Congress and BJP had alleged large scale tampering during the twin polls in State. Both the parties had alleged that ruling BJD had manipulated the whole electoral process in the State. NetIndia Chief Hari K Prasad has demonstrated here to the intelligentsia of the Orissa that the so called tamper proof EVM can be manipulated. NetIndia is an embeded technology based company to develop an almost similar EVM as used in elections recently. The demonstration session was hosted by Orissa Jana Sammilani with the support of Jana Chetana Vedika, an NGO active in Andhra Pradesh here.OJS headed by Rabi Das, a veteran journalist tried to bring home the point that EVM is not tamper proof. Political personalities, Bureaucrats, Judges and Media men were present to have a glimpse on how EVMs can be manipulated. Prasad demonstrated clearly how EVM are vulnerable and prone to manipulations.Sudhanshu Bhusan Mishra, former Chief Secretary graced the occasion. Chowdhury P K Mishra, former Judge of Orissa High Court was also among the dignitaries, who watched the proceedings. BJP’s Bijay Mohapatra, Sameer Dey, Jual Oram and Congress’s Alok Jena and others were also present. Reddy said that it is a move to create awareness among the people of the country about the vulnerability of the EVM.While Election Commission of India (ECI) is confident about the tamper proof EVM, the expert Prasad showed it that the machine can be jolly well manipulated. It may be noted here that the Orissa High Court in second week of July has admitted a petition related to EVM tampering and issued notices to respondents. A single judge bench of Justice Indrajit Mohanty admitted the petition filed by Alok Jena of Congress who fought from Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency and fixed for hearing after issuing notices to other ten candidates who contested from the segment in polls held in April this year. The Congress candidate had lost the elections by over 20,000 votes to BJD nominee Bijay Kumar Mohanty. Jena in his petition has alleged that there was tampering of EVMs both before and after the polling in his constituency comprising 162 booths. "Starting from commissioning of EVMs to dispersal to different booths and during the time of polling, the EVMs were improperly handled by the polling parties concerned," the petitioner claimed. Meanwhile, the OJS, in response to a hurried Press note released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website, has said in a release on August 10 that the ECI was promoting false information. Rabi Das of the OJS said, “We would like to bring forward the facts that our apprehensions mentioned before the Supreme Court about the ignorance of the ECI towards any concerns on the EVMs or the entire process involved in the elections using EVMs has come true. as said “We have put this in front of the Supreme Court that the ECI has not given proper response to any questions raised against EVMs and simply ruled out all vulnerabilities that exists. As directed by the apex court we again knocked the doors of the ECI and submitted all the documents related to the writ petition along with a covering letter of counsel. Sanjay Parikh on July 28,2009”.
In response to that ECI sent a reply to the OJS counsel asking us to demonstrate the tamperability in the EVMs strategically avoiding mentioning all other concerns raised by us in the Writ Petition. And they responded back on August 3, 2009 expressing their readiness anytime from August 7, 2009 onwards to their proposal and also emphasised to consider all other points raised in the writ petition not just limiting to mere demonstration. And again OJS sent a reminder on August 8, 2009 to inform them the date and time to present before the committee. Surprisingly, instead of calling them to present before the committee ECI released the Press note stating that they didn't turned up even after intimation from them which is completely false. This clearly shows the intentions of ECI not to listen to the genuine concerns on the vulnerabilities in the EVMs. The stand taken by the ECI not only violates the order of Supreme Court but also avoid questions which are extremely relevant and important for free and fair elections which can alone strengthen the democracy. OJS has requested the ECI to withdraw the Press release and to give a chance to hear them and incase this is not accepted by the ECI they have no other option but to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.
6-BJP sees danger to wildlife if Vedanta Varsity comes up
BHUBANESWAR/PURI (VISAKEO): The BJP has voiced concern about the fate of eco-fragile sensitive zone around Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, located barely few metres from the proposed Vedanta University near Puri. The Party’s leader in State Assembly, KV Singh Deo on July 31 said “Boundary of the proposed varsity is touching the sanctuary.” Quoting a letter of principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Orissa to the principal secretary of forest and environment department, Singhdeo said that industries, processes and operations within eco-fragile and eco-sensitive zones around sanctuaries needed regulation. The Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, notified in 1984, affords security and habitat protection to about 3,000 deer and antelopes including more than 100 black-bucks.
“Activities in the eco-fragile zones could disturb sensitive animals like deer and black-bucks”, Singhdeo claimed asking the state government to seek permission of the Union ministry of forest and environment before setting up varsity in close vicinity of the sanctuary. Stating that the sanctuary plays an important role in keeping agricultural productivity of the hinterland, the principal chief conservator of forest in his report to the state government said that a belt of one Km width around the sanctuary area should be protected. “A distance of 10 km upstream from the sanctuary boundary along the course of three rivers ~ Nuanai, Kushabhadra and Prachi ~ in Talabani area adjacent to the sanctuary boundary on western side is extremely important for Puri town”, the note said.
“These areas should be a part of the eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary and should be preserved undisturbed,” the BJP leader said quoting the principal chief conservator of forest notes to the department secretary. The eco-sensitive zone on the seaward side of the sanctuary boundary should also extend up to 5 km into the sea from the high tide line, the report said. “Taking PCCF's observation into account, it will be a mistake to allow construction and other activities in the eco-fragile zone,” Singhdeo said. Though the proposed varsity area was not within 71.72 sq km of the sanctuary area, it fell under the eco-fragile zone, Mr Singhdeo claimed. The Wildlife Society of Orissa backed BJP's objection contending, “the sensitive antelope is categorised under schedule-i of the wildlife list”.
7-BJP files FIR against Vedanta advertisement
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): BJP leader from Puri, Uma Ballav Rath lodged a police complaint against NRI businessman Anil Agarwal alleging that he and others of Anil Agrawal Foundation had issued a public advertisement on 29 July on Vedanta University when no such varsity had been created. The capital police station "received" the complaint on July 31 but had not registered a case as yet. The UGC Act, 1956 stipulates that a university can be created only by promulgation of an Act of legislature and pursuant mandatory declarations, stated Rath. He maintained that there was no such Act on 29 July and hence release of public advertisements was wrong. Citing sections of the UGC Act, Rath said: "Whoever contravenes the provisions shall be punishable". Rath claimed that it makes out a cognisable offence. Police sources, however, confided that they would initially make a station diary entry and examine the entire matter thoroughly.
It may be noted here that the Vedanta University Bill, 2009, was passed in the state Assembly on July 31. Incidentally, Rath has been leading a movement against the proposed varsity at Puri since last two years.
8-Probe starts into Temple entry row
PURI (VISAKEO): State Police have started a probe into the Temple entry row, in which, a case was filed against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. Meanwhile, a case was made out against Shetty for apparently breaking the rules while shooting at Orissa's revered Sakhigopal temple in Puri district, the police said adding they were trying to find out if she had hurt religious sentiments. Shetty was accused of entering the Gopinath Deb temple of Sakhigopal near Puri Thursday with her shoes on. The temple authorities later filed a complaint with the Satyabadi police station against the actress. “The temple executive Sachidananda Das along with some staff members of the temple have filed a complaint against Shilpa Shetty. They have complained that the Bollywood actress has violated the shrine rules," said officer in-charge of Satyabadi police station Prasanna Kumar Biswal."I was present when the actress reached the spot as we had instructions to go there for her protection. The crew had already taken the permission of temple authorities to shoot there. Since the complaint has come we are looking into the matter. No serious case is made out against the actress as per IPC (Indian Penal code)," Biswal said. "We are trying to find out whether she has hurt the religious sentiments by entering the temple with shoes on,” he said.
9-‘Operation Saranda’ triggers panic among Rebels
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Muppala Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi and his Red Comrades in the outlawed CPI(Maoists) will have to re-set their stronghold from Saranda Jungles to some other places as the elite anti-insurgency security forces of Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal are gearing for a final offensive against the rebels from September. Though police sources declined to divulge the date of the ‘Operation Saranda’, sources said the offensive would commence sometime in the third week of September. Sources said the police top brass of the three States had been planning the operation since April-May this year. Saranda jungles, which shares borders of four highly leftwing insurgency hit States in eastern India, would be liberated from the hands of the guerrillas if security forces marches ahead.“See, we are preparing for a final war against the rebels in Saranda with the help of Jharkhand and West Bengal. The offensive will be a crucial one. It will either force rebels to surrender or wipe out them,” a top police official engaged in anti-Maoists operation said on August 10. The official further added that in earlier occasions, it was only Jharkhand police, that fought against the rebels in Saranda, now things have changes as three States joins hand to eliminate the outlawed elements. Police sources manning the Special Operation Group (SOG) Headquarters here however said the topography of Saranda is such that it helped rebels sneak into Sundergarh district of Orissa and Purulia district of Bengal whenever the Jharkhand police launch an anti-insurgency operation. “So, we have made efforts to completely check cross-border infiltration while entire stretch connecting Keonjhar to Sundargarh will be under scanner during ‘Operation Saranda,” police sources said. “We will choke all rebel corridors. It will be a no-exit situation. CRPF Jawans will help us in the operation,” he added. Since December 2001, Saranda, has been under the influence of Maoists. The route of flush-out is being marked,” said a police officer adding helicopters and commandos of the Indian Reserve Battalion would be pressed into service during the operation. “While the police of Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts, which hosts a part of Saranda forest, will participate directly in the operation, Purulia and West Midnapore police will help block Maoist escape routes,” sources added.
10-BJP demands CBI probe into mining scam
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa BJP president Suresh Pujari on August 8 demanded a CBI probe into the Rs 4,000 crore mining scam in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district. Addressing reporters, Pujari said the BJP members had raised the mining scam issue in the recent budget session of the Assembly and demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore scam. The state government, he said, instead of accepting the demand of the BJP went ahead with a vigilance inquiry which, in its preliminary report submitted to the government, confirmed irregularities in the mining lease. Pujari said what the vigilance sleuths have unearthed in their investigation was only a tip of the iceberg adding that such a big scam, involving the officials and big politicians of the ruling party, would be exposed only by a fair investigation by the central investigative agency. The BJP president said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who always claimed to be clean and transparent, should not hesitate to order for a CBI probe as the vigilance inquiry by the state government would not be able to go deep into the multi-crore scam. Pujari said the BJP would hold a demonstration in Keonjhar on August 12 pressing for a CBI probe into the mining scam.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of state for Coal Prakash Jaiswal during his visit to the Congress Bhawan here demanding a CBI probe into the mining scam.
13-Orissa DGP takes on politicos
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): By lambasting on political leaders, Orissa Police Chief Manmohan Praharaj on August 7 has given enough signals that the political leadership in the State should be blamed for the fading law and order. Even though, the Naveen Patnaik Government is contemplating to replace Praharaj from the post of DGP, he dared to confront with the political boss on matters of internal security and leftwing insurgency. DGP’s hard hitting statements were directed at some ruling party leaders, who want remote controls in their hands to rule the police headquarters in Cuttack. Praharaj, who is reportedly looking for Central berth, rightly exposed the truth while speaking at a seminar here. Praharaj said, "Ministers and other group leaders routinely violate rule of law here." Terrorists take advantage of the "weak law and order situation" in the country. Comparing the scenario with the US, he said, "While the FBI's data base is acceptable by the judiciary in the US, no such provision exists in India. No body trusts police investigation and therefore, strong judicial process is needed to defeat terrorists".The Police chief claimed that less number of human rights violation cases were reported against Orissa police.
14-Nepal Foreign Secretary assures Kasturi for Lord Jagannth
NEW DELHI( VISAKEO) : In a conference organized by the Delhi Study Group at the Constitution Hall on the Indo – Nepal relationship in second week of August wherein the Foreign Minister of Nepal Ms. Sujata Koirala attended as the chief guest along with other dignitaries and number of Ambassadors from different countries. Ms. Koirala in his presidential address, stressed upon strengthening Indo-Nepalese relationship further in the said conference.
Out of two questions raised and answered by the Foreign Secretary of Nepal in the conference; the Vice President of Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Prasanta Varma raised the issue of Kasturi in the said conference, which is required in the rituals at the time of Rath Yatra at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri every year. It was further stressed by Mr. Varma as to how the sentiments of millions of Indians are attached to the rituals of Rath Yatra in Puri.
While answering to the issue of Kasturi the Foreign Secretary in presence of the Foreign Minister of Nepal informed the members in the conference that the Foreign Secretary is well aware of the Kasturi issue of Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri; which is being dealt by the Consulate office of Nepal at Calcutta.
It was also informed by the Foreign Secretary that Nepal is also concerned about availing Kasturi to the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri and they are also taking steps and hence forth at the time of Rath Yatra the problem of Kasturi would not be there for the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Besides the dignitaries the Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Secretary Santosh K. Rout also attended the conference.
15-Rare stone idol of Lord Buddha unearthed
JAJPUR (VISAKEO): A rare stone image of Buddha was unearthed from the agricultural fields near Khaira village under Barachana block of Orissa's Jajpur district on August 10. Naba Kishor Baral, a small farmer of Khaira village, stumbled upon the three feet long Buddha image while he was cultivating his land.
After the discovery of the Buddha image, Baral had to stop the cultivation work as hundreds of curious villagers gathered to witness the Buddha image made of stone. The villagers have since installed the Buddha image in the middle of the village and started worshipping it.
The village is situated in close vicinity to the Govari river. Khaira village is also near the Kantikiarai where a rare and gigantic Buddhist monastery was unearthed about four years back.
The famous Buddhist sites Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are also situated in this area. “The unearthing of Buddha idol from Khaira village indicates that the village and its nearby areas are rich of Buddhist culture,” said N.C.Sahu, a Buddhist researcher of Jajpur.
“Neither the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) nor the State's Archeological Department have been paying attention about the small unknown Buddhist sites for which many Buddha images and other archeological findings are gathering dusts in many villages. In many cases the antique lifters are taking away the rare images,” alleged the villagers.
A priceless stone statue of meditating Buddha was stolen from the excavation site at the famous Buddhist monastery in Udayagiri, a couple of years ago. The three-foot high idol, along with many images was unearthed from Udayagiri by the ASI eight years back. But ASI officials had not shifted all the stone images and other objects from Udayagiri to any museum or safe places.
16-Khandagiri-Udayagiri (Travel and Toursim) ( With Pix)
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO) : Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. The caves are situated on two hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription and face each other across the road.
They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out huge residential blocks for the Jain monks, during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri meaning Sunrise Hill, has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves.
The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, called lena or lena in the inscriptions, were dug out mostly during the reign of Kharavela for the above of Jaina ascetics. The most important of this group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery.
Unfortunately, a number of the Jaina caves on the Khandagiri side have encroachment problems, with local Brahmins turning them into Hindu shrines and covering up some of the Jaina iconography.
Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict.
The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC.
Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.
As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udaygiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela.
From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, " was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts.
The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udaygiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.
The Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.
All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes.
17-Rebels’ could selectively target RSS leaders
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The outlawed CPI (Maoists) has drawn up a blue print to eliminate several RSS, VHP and Bajarang Dal leaders in Orissa and the leftwing wing guerrillas could selectively target these leaders.
The Central Intelligence agency has informed the Orissa Government regarding this even despite the first death anniversary of Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and Janmashtami passed off peacefully on August 13.
“We have specific inputs that there could be attacks on some leaders – a dozen-odd names are on the list of the Maoists,” an official said. The Hindu organisations observed the anniversary from August 11 to August 17.
“See, as per the missive of the Union Home Ministry, we have kept a close eye on the activities of the red rebels,” the top cop said.
The missive of MHA assumes greater significance with posters and leaflets being distributed in riot hit Kandhamal district, clearly indicating a secret deal between the Church and the outlawed elements to counter Hindu tribals and Sangh Pariwar leaders, those who are strongly opposing conversion.
The prevailing situation, circumstances and tactical movement of the Maoists along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal district suggested calm before the storm like situation. Sources said more than 300 Red rebels have already been camping along the border areas of these adjoining districts and few of them have already entered the volatile Kandhamal district.
Meanwhile, posters of suspected Maoists were sighted at several places like Raikia, Sankarkhol, G Udayagiri and other areas of Kandhamal district on Janmasthami Day. These posters fumed against Hinduism and have asked people to embrace Christianity.
It appealed to people through these posters to observe Janmasthami as ‘Bijaya Divas’. The Maoists through their posters asked the people to shut down business establishments. But it had no impact. Significantly, the Maoists posters have mentioned Hindu dharma Heena Dharma, Christa Dharma Mahaapunya.
18-Future of mega projects hangs in balance
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The massive victory of BJD of getting 103 seats in 147 Orissa House was supposed to spur frantic industrial activities in the State. The reality is just the reverse. Mega projects seem to be running into more and more problems. In all the major emerging industrial hubs public resistance is on rise.
Clashes between pro and anti industrial groups are becoming more frequent and violent.
On 12 August, violent clashes accompanied by bombs at Vedanta University Project at Puri were witnessed. Pro and anti POSCO clashes occur every now and then. Confrontations between anti and pro Vedanta gropus in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh is now a common feature.
In Angul and Jharsuguda, the Bhusan Projects are drawn into greater controversies leading to uncertain future of the same. Stalemate continues in Kalinga Nagar with periodic confrontation between pro and anti TATA project. Many other mega projects also face uncertainty as most of them are drawn into greater controversies.
All the while the State Government seems to be in ‘No-Hurry’ to intervene affectively or conciliate between pro and anti groups. Left without any initiative from the Government side, mega projects with powerful local ruling party support are engineering clashes with anti-project groups, allege social activists.
Now society is divided with pro and anti groups, thanks to the callous attitude of the Government, alleged they. This is leading to continuous deterioration of law and order situation in the emerging industrial hubs. Prevailing vacuum is ready made for Maoists to step in. All the major industrial hubs are now turning fertile grounds for the Left Wing Extremists (LWE)s, say industry observers. And prevailing unsettled conditions have put the industrial projects at the mercy of some corrupt bureaucrats and police men.
Files are being kept for months in the tables and in many locations these errant mandarins extract heavy price even for routine clearance of files and protection of project activities, admit they. Thanks to the apathy of the state machinery popular ire and resentment against mega projects is increasing day in and day out.
While the mega project promoters look forward to the Government protection and fecilitation to proceed further, the State seems to have adopted “hands off do by yourself” policy. With apathy and inaction in full swing the much hyped Rs.6 lakh crore industrial investment program will turn into a pipe dream, allege the analysts.
विसकों बुलेटिन जुलाई-2009
Sishu Mandir students sweeps Orissa Board Exams
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Students of Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, a chain of Schools run by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh under Sikhya Vikash Samiti once again on June 30 did very well with near about 50 students placed in best 100 of the State Board of Secondary Education Examinations.
Importantly, two joint toppers including Bibeka Bishal Mehena of Rourkela( 574) and Sanket Dash of Berhampur(754) were from the Saraswati Sishu Mandir and the second topper Anshuman(573) Tripathy was also from Balangiri Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir. Similarly, Bidyasabitry Nayak of Lunahar Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir in Salipur stood third in the toppers list by securing 572 marks while Satwik Routray secured 571 from the same School.
Others, who found place in best 100 from SSVM included, Anjan Kumar Tripathy (570) of Balangir SSVM, Rosaline Sahoo(569) of Nalco Nagar SSVM, AP Padhi(569) of Unit-8 SSVM, Bijay Laxmi Parida( 568) of Rourkela-2 SSVM. Similarly, Abhisek Das(568) of College Square SSVM, S Parida(567) of Nayagarh SSVM, Amit Kumar Pradhani(566) of Jeypore SSVM have found place in best 100.
Followed by Kalpataru Palai(565) of Dhanupalli SSVM, Abhijit Joshi(565) of Patnagarh SSVM, Adesh Kumar Mishra(564) of Balangiri SSVM also shined in the examinations.
Similarly, Anwesh Parida(564) of Salipur SSVM, Sabhasachi Baliarsingh(564) of Nayagarh SSVM, Shibashis Mohapatra(563) of Damanjodi SSVM also found places in 100 best.
Abinash Swain (563) of Manjari Road SSVM in Bhadrak, Biswajit Samanta(563) of Barmunda SSVM, Debasis Sahu( 563) of Nayapalli SSVM, Suman Kar(562) of Sohela SSVM, M Acharya(562) of Balangir SSVM, S Nayak( 562) of Ramaharinagar SSVM also found places in best 100.
Besides, Sunena Nayak( 562) of Bhadrak SSVM, Sunil Kumar Pahadasingh(562) of Khurda SSVM, J Jaypuria(561) of Banharpali SSVM, Bibek Prusty( 561) of Keonjhargarh SSVM, R Lopamudra Sahoo(561) of Harachandisahi SSVM, A Majhisamanta(561) of Nayapalli SSVM, N Dash(560) of Puri-1 SSVM, J Sarangi(560) of Pipili SSVM, S Panda(560) of Nayapalli SSVM, Ipsita Swain(559) of Badagada SSVM, A Dash(559) of Nayapalli SSVM, Payal Sahu(558) of Dhanupalli SSVM, S Agasty(558) of Patanagarh SSVM have able to registered their name in best 100.
Similarly, P Paik (558) of Parlakhemundi SSVM, S S Mishra( 558) OF Neelakantha Nagar SSVM, Arpita Malla( 558) of Santasahi SSVM in Kendrapara, M Dash( 558) of Barmunda SSVM, D Dash ( 558) of Badagada SSVM and Poonam Mahaptra( 558) of Nayapalli SSVM have also did well in the examinations.
Foreign funding to Orissa NGOs on rise
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): As many as 1,007 NGOs from Orissa receiving funds from outside, mostly from Church dominated western countries.The NGOs received funds under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976. Though, the Government blacklisted as many 25 NGOs but it has completely failed in restricting foreign funds to other NGOs.
Official record says Orissa has 1, 05,927 registered NGOs while 1007 NGOs receiving foreign grants.“It was shocking that the figure has been rising and the large scale conversion has been possible because of foreign funds,” alleged a VHP leader. The VHP and others have been demanding complete ban on foreign funding to NGOs working in Orissa, mostly in tribal areas, he said adding the State Government yet to act on this issue.
“It has been probed that the western countries funding NGOs in Orissa to convert tribal Hindu into Christianity,” VHP State general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said.
Table Kandhamal probe report, demands BJP
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Orissa unit of Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded tabling of the interim report of the judicial commission on Kandhamal violence in the Assembly.Govt disburses Rs 1.05 cr to Kandhamal riot victims The issue relating to the interim report of Justice S C Mohapatra Judicial Commission was raised by BJP member Jaynarayan Mishra in the assembly during Zero Hour on July 7.
"As we (MLAs) were unable to know details of the interim report, the government should lay it in the House," Mishra said adding that since the House is on session, it was duty of the state government to table the report. Justice Mohapatra, a retired High Court Justice, had submitted an interim report on the violence on July 1, after nine months of formation of the judicial commission.
The commission was constituted on September 3, 2008 after riot broke out in Kandhamal on August 24, 2008, a day after killing of VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati. Justice Mohapatra had reportedly identified three factors including conversion and re-conversion responsible for the large scale violence. Two other factors were - tribal land and fake tribal certificate issues.
BJP seeks ban on Church Harmony Day
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The BJP has taken a strong note of Harmony Day to be observed by Church on August 23 this year. The same day in last year, Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati brutally killed at his Jalespata Ashram in tribal dominated southern district of Kandhamal.
On July 22, Archbishop of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack Raphael Cheenath along with other Christian leaders had announced to observe August 23 as Peace Day' to commemorate the murder of Hindu seer
The BJP has opposed the move and asked the Naveen Patnaik Government to not allow such farce. BJP MLA from Baliguda in Kandhamal, where communal violence broke out after the murder of Swamiji, Karendra Majhi said in the State Assembly, "Observance of August 23 as peace and harmony day will only help to ignite communal tension in Kandhamal."
Majhi referred to the killing of Saraswati and said allowing the organisation to observe "peace and harmony day" on that particular date would add fuel to the already surcharged communal situation in the district.
"It is necessary to remember August 23 as a day for peace and harmony so that evil designs of criminals to divide civil society on religious lines is strongly thwarted," the Archbishop had said while addressing a press conference here on July 25.
The archbishop had added that Christians across the State would observe fasting and offer prayers at churches to commemorate the day on which "peace and harmony was disturbed leading to violence for several months." He said he would also appeal all bishops in the county, the state and Union governments as well as the international community to observe August 23 as "Global day for peace."
Orissa Minority Forum president Swarupananda Patra and Utkal Christian Council spokesperson Bibhudata Das said they would organise a series of events including seminars, debates and paining competitions for a month to commemorate the day.
Central Forces withdrawn as MHA rejects extension
PHULABANI (VISAKEO): Four Companies of Central Para-Military Forces on Wednesday withdrawn from Orissa riot hit tribal dominated Kandhamal district as their stay in the area ended on July 30, official sources said.
“In fact, the deployment of Central Forces was up to June 30, provided, we have also requested to Union Home Ministry seeking extension but it has not agreed,” State Director General of Police, Manmohan Praharaj said adding hinted that the Central Forces have been withdrawn from the district.
“We would deploy adequate number of State police personnel to man the troubled district, which witnessed communal violence in August last year,” informed Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Arun Sarangi. All steps have been taken to avail security for the riot victims, the IGP added.
With this, all Central Forces have been withdrawn from the district. Earlier, more than 4000 Central Forces were deployed in the district following the violence in the wake of murder of Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23, 2008.
BJP MLA seeks better security
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): BJP MLA from G Udayagiri in Orissa’s riot hit Kandhamal district, Manoj Pradhan on July 7 appealed to Speaker Pradip Amata to avail better security for him as the outlawed leftwing guerrillas have threatened to kill him.
Pradhan had taken his oath as a member of the Assembly on July 6 after he was released from the jail on Sunday on a 15-day conditional bail. So far, in G-Udaygiri, Naxalites have killed four RSS activists, besides eliminating VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati and four of his associates.
The MLA was behind bars ever since his arrest on October 18, 2008 without any solid evidence against him in connection with the Kandhamal riots.
Pradhan stressed upon his innocence and repeatedly said that he was not involved in any violence. “I never ventured out of my house during the riots and I do not know who filed the cases against me. The charges against me are false but I have complete trust in the judiciary and know that justice will be done,” said Pradhan. After Pradhan’s release, the leader reportedly first visited the ashram to offer his prayers.
When quizzed about the Kandhamal riots, Pradhan said peace would be possible in the block only when the government addresses the three main issues — land, fake certificate and conversion. Pradhan appealed to riot victims staying at relief camps to return home. The MLA had fought and won the recent elections from behind bars defeating a senior Congress leader, Ajayanti Pradhan.
SJM hits out at Union Commerce Minister
CUTTACK (VISAKEO): Commerce Minister Kamal Nath was in news by announcing a breakthrough in Doha Development Round of Talks on his first visit to the USA. Reaching India, he made attempts to neutralise its effects by declaring that nothing he conceded. Such an exercise was least expected. It has undermined the image of the country among developing countries, alleged national co-convener of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch Saroj Kumar Mitra on July 20.On one pretext and other, the US and EU are flouting the WTO agreement.
These countries demanded developing economies to curtail whatever small amount of subsidies they provide to their poor farmers, alleged Mitra, adding that India’s food security cannot be subjected to international marketing strategy of developed countries. So food security and agriculture should be withdrawn from the agenda of the WTO, which should deal only with trade related matters. In the name of free trade, all sorts of restrictions are being imposed on products of developing countries. India should not play broker on behalf of developed economies and act like a stooge of the USA, he alleged further.
81.514 acres of land encroached in Orissa
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): About 81,514 acres of public land are in unauthorized possession across the Orissa, State Revenue Minister S N Patro said. "To retrieve the land, cases have been registered in consonance with the OPLE Act (Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972)," he said, adding the total number of such cases presently stood at 1, 95,657.
The maximum quantum of 9819.043 acres government land, according to Patra, has been encroached in Cuttack district, followed by Sundargarh (9732.131 acres), Balangir (6421.393 acres), Mayurbhanj (5627.25 acres) and Dhenkanal (5562.568 acres). Among the districts showing the least encroachment of government land are Boudh (478.595 acres), Kandhamal (481.338 acres), Malkangiri (519.201 acres), Bhadrak (610.47 acres) and Gajapati (971.306 acres).
Government officials conceded that amount of public land that is encroached across the state could indeed be much more than what the records show. For instance, going by official data, 1941.74 acres have been encroached upon in Khurda district, including Bhubaneswar. But, officials pointed out that in reality it could be more considering the large swathes over which slums have come up in the state capital.
According to Patro, the government is taking steps to finalise the encroachment cases to recover the land. He said the highest of 19,453 cases have been registered in Sundargarh district alone, while in 14,573 have been filed in Mayurbhanj. Balasore comes next with 13,970 cases. Ganjam has 12,771 such cases. A total of 10,181 cases have been lodged in Cuttack district. Among the other districts, Angul (10,020), Dhenkanal (9934) and Khurda (8366) also have a large number of such cases.
BJP urges CM to protect Konark Temple
KONARK(VISAKEO): Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Brajakishore Tripathy has expressed grave concern over the poor conservation work of the international heritage monument of the Sun Temple at Konark by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as well by the State Government.
Addressing media persons here on July 11, he said it is unfortunate that the State Government is callous over the tumbling of a number of artefacts from the monument. Five artefacts fell from the thirteenth-century edifice within the last six months and the State Government has no knowledge about it as is evident from the statement of the concerned Minister in the State Assembly.
Tripathy said a 15-member team of experts in 2006 had visited Konark, and after examining the temple opined that the sand filled inside the temple had receded by about 16 feet and it needed to be addressed immediately.
The committee insisted on engagement of skilled sculptors while carrying out the conservation work. Nothing visible has happened since then, while the monument has been decaying day by day, he lamented. Tripathy, in a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has sought his intervention, saying the temple is the property of the State Government, which was handed it over to the ASI for preservation. If the ASI fails to do the job, the State should take it back as it is “the symbol of our glorious past and a genuine heritage.”
Tripathy has pointed out to the Chief Minister that the ASI is engaging unskilled labourers and using steel brushes detrimental to the health of the temple arts. This apart, water-logging has posed a threat to the temple’s plinth.No senior ASI official is posted at Konark to look after the heritage monument. The light and sound project at Konark, initiated in 2005 to attract tourists, is yet to materialise, he pointed out.Puri Zilla Parishad president Sankarshan Parida and former chairpersons of the Puri Municipality A Biswanath Rao and Gourahari Pradhan were present at the news conference.
HSC toppers felicitated
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Sikhya Vikash Samiti on July 5, felicitated toppers of High School Certificate Examinations-2009 here.School and Mass Education Minister Pratap Jena while attending a function at OUAT campus, lauded the performance of students and promised all help for the Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir. The Minister however promised better facilities including financial help for girl student.
45 out of the best 100 including two joint toppers Bibek Biswal and Sanket Dash and three former students, in total, 48 students felicitated. Besides, Bidya Bharati zonal president Jagadish Patnaik, Sudarshan Nayak, Dr Nagendra Pradhan, BC Sahoo and Swami Jeevan Chaitnya were also felicitated.
Board Director DD Nath, Bidya Bharati State joint organizing secretary of Uttar Pradesh Prakash Chandraji, organizing secretray B Ganesh Kulkarni, Samiti president Dr Prafulla Mohapatra and Secretary Bijay Swain, spokesman Rabi Narayan Panda and organizing secretray Gobinda Chandra Mahanta were among those present.
Anti-cow slaughter campaign from Sept 28
BHUBANESWAR: Biswa Mangal Go Gram Samiti would launch a 108 days national wide Yatra seeking complete ban on cow slaughtering and maximum funds for rural India. Speaking at a Press meet here on July 27, Samiti State vice-president Dr Basanta Kumar Rath, Saint Pranarupananda Saraswati, coordinator Arnada Shankar Panigrahi and joint coordinator Ashok Padhi demanded national animal status for cow and asked the Centre as well as respective States Government to impose a complete ban on cow slaughtering.
A committee has been formed in the State. Justice Debapriya Mohapatra has been selected as chairman while Prafulla Das would remain as secretary, Arun Kumar Panda and Dr Basanta Rath as vice-president. Nirajan Nanda, NK Mishra and Deepak Rout have been elected as joint secretaries. The Yatra, which will spread the message of 'save cow and save village' will be flagged off on September 28, 2009, on Vijaya Dashami Day at Kurukhetra in Hariyana and calumniated at Nagpur in 2010 on Makar Sankranti Day," they said. The Yatra would traverse some 20,000 kilometers.
Apart, from the main Yatra, 15,000 smaller Yatra including 150 in Orissa to traverse some 10 lakh kilometers during in 108 days while meetings will be held at 400 places across the country and signature of 50 crore people will be collected and submitted to the President of India seeking complete ban on cow slaughter. The Yatra would stay in Orissa for four days from November 7 to 10. It will arrive at Rourkela on November 7 from Ranchi and reach Sambalpur on November 8 Cuttack on 9 and on 10, it will be at Berhampur and on 11, it would left for Visakhapatnam.
CPI (Maoists) responsible for unrest in industrial hubs, Govt
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa Government has officially admitted that the outlawed CPI (Maoists) posing a great treat to the industrial drive.The police establishment admitted that series of violence triggered by naxalites in different places during 2008 had made the situation critical. At least 74 security personnel had lost their lives while 22 common men became target of the extremist groups. CPI (Maoist) was trying to bring tribals and dalits into its fold by extending its support to the latter’s demands in cities and upcoming urban centres.
The State police claimed that although the government was trying to rehabilitate people being displaced by industrial projects and provide employments, anti-industrial groups had resorted to agitations by involving affected people through out 2008. Damage to public property during these agitations had been minimized due to its swift actions, police said.Similarly, number of agitations by labourers on the premises of industrial projects had also gone up in 2008 compared to previous year. In 2007 at least 77 incidents of violence related to laboures’ problem were witnessed against 114 in 2008.
In view of growing law and order problem around industrial pockets, the State government had mooted raising an industrial security force. However, it is yet to be materialised. The State was witnessed fast industrialisation in districts such as Jajpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Sambalpur. Industrial houses were facing stiff opposition from local people in Kashipur of Rayagada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur and Keonjhar district.
Visitors to carry Photo ID in holy city of Puri
PURI (VISAKEO): Puri-bound pilgrims and tourists would have hard times henceforth in the abode of Lord Jagannath without a valid photo identity card (PIC). The Puri police clamped such a rule from July 24.
Puri Superintendent of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi has announced that all the visitors arriving in the town would be asked to produce their PIC to check into any hotel. The voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, passport, driving licence, pan card, credit or any such proof with photograph would be considered the PIC, explained the SP and added that the rule will also be applicable to Holiday Homes operated by various corporate houses and other organisations and even to ‘dharmashalas’.
The owners and managers of these hotels and guest houses have been warned to adhere to the rule strictly failing which stringent action would be initiated against the violators, the top cop said. Even those, who would be coming to the city by train and road without a plan to halt may also be asked to show their proof of identity for security reasons, he clarified. The SP has maintained that the travel and tour operators providing taxi and bus services would ask the persons booking the service to produce photocopy of their identity.
This restriction follows a recent crime committed by a group of people, who hired a taxi and killed the driver en route and fled with the vehicle. The whereabouts of the killers could not be established without any information about the team.However, for the families visiting Puri, the head of the family would alone be asked to produce the PIC for check in – a major relaxation that the police have provided.
The restrictions are a fall out to the threats received for the Jagannath temple from extremist organisations, it was learnt. Besides, of late Puri has become a safe haven for criminals who commit crimes and escape for this peaceful town in the guise of pilgrims and tourists.
The new rule would empower the law enforcing agencies to track them, the police believe. The police also advised the employees of various government, non-government and private organizasions of the town to carry their identity cards.
Orissa cops vent ire, hit out at CM
CUTTACK (VISAKEO): Orissa cops have accused the Naveen Patnaik Government of leaving them vulnerable to Maoist attacks by sitting on long-standing demands for better arms and equipment. The resentment, building up for a while, burst into the open on a day the Chief Minister attended the funeral of a sub-inspector killed by Maoists.
The Orissa Police Association (OPA), which represents over 7,000 inspectors and sub-inspectors, said sub-inspector Ajit Bardhan may have been alive if the government had given the force modern weapons. “Government inaction has armed the rebels,” association secretary Sunil Mohanty said.
Association president S.N. Sharma seconded Mohanty. “We need choppers for combing and rescue operations.” It has demanded at least two. Sharma said Bardhan’s bullet-riddled body was found only after 36 hours, appearing to blame the delay on the lack of upgrade. Bardhan’s last rites were performed with full state honours.
Eleven state police personnel, as many CISF jawans and a CRPF man have died in rebel attacks so far this year. Padmanav Behera, the president of Orissa Havildar and Constable Federation, which has 40,000 members, said: “We face Maoist bullets and all we get is honour posthumously. We need weapons instead of pep-talk or wreaths.”
State police Chief M.M. Praharaj said steps were being taken to bring in sophisticated arms. The Opposition has tapped the discontent, saying the government’s attitude had made the policemen “sitting ducks”. Leader of the Opposition, the Congress’s Bhupinder Singh, said: “The government has failed miserably in drafting strong weapon policies to battle the rebels.”
Singh pointed out that junior officers and jawans often bore the brunt of the failure to upgrade arms and facilities as they were at the forefront of the anti-insurgency operations.
Orissa rope proved potency
PURI/BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Rama Krushna Dashmohapatra proved his mettle. The Chairman of the Orissa Co-operative Coir Corporation (OCCC) insistence to go for ropes of the state to be used in the chariots has paid dividends. The Chief Daitapati of Devi Subhadra was persistent on his view that coir ropes produced by OCCC is no way inferior to the Kerala Coir Corporation (KCC) products.
Ashok Kumar Meena, Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) agreed to use Orissa Coir ropes to pull Devi Subhadra’s chariot. KCC is for last 22 years is supplying thick and long ropes for the chariot pulling. 16 pieces of coir ropes (each rope 220 feet long and 8 inch width) is needed for the purpose every year. Dashmohapatra insisted that this year for a pilot project Orissa rope will be used entirely in pulling Devi Subhadra’s chariot. Devi Subhadra’s chariot is known as Devadalan stands at 44.6 feet height. While the height of the Taladwaja, Lord Balabhadra's chariot, is 45 feet, the Nandighosh Lord Jagannath's chariots stand at 45.6 ft.
So Orissa Coir provided 4 ropes measuring 220 feet long and 8 inch width for pulling the chariot, said Basant Kumar Dash, Managing Director OCCC. For the cordon purpose 3 ropes having 450 feet length and 3 inch width were given to Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), said Mr.Dash. Ropes were used to draw chariot on 24 June, Rath Jatra and it was also pressed into services on 2 July, Bahuda Jatra,
In both these cases the ropes found suitable and stood the test of time, said the Managing Director of OCCC. Interestingly the workmen engaged in making the ropes were determined to prove their mettle by providing quality material and to produce the ‘Shrikshetra Rope’ they even did not touch any non-vegetable items during the entire period, revealed Mr.Dash. With lot of determination and dedication the ropes were made and it tested fina, said an official in SJTA.
Earlier ropes were provided by local mutts during per-Independence period and due to irregular in supply authorities opted for Calcutta Ropes. It went on for many years and later Kerala Coir came forward to supply the ropes regularly. In the mean time OCCC has already provided ropes to the district authorities of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak and Berhampur for using in chariots. Now with the Orissa Coir products proved its potency, SJTA will favour the state ropes and there is no need to go to Kerala for this purpose, said the sources in SJTA.
Why Naveen fears for CBI probe (Editorial)
Why Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik preferred double dhamaka instead single over the mining scam? Instead asking CBI to probe 4,000 crore mining scam, Patnaik opted Administrative and Vigilance probe (double dhamaka), which raises a lot of eyebrows.It seems the State Government is shielding all culprits involved in the scam by not ordering a CBI probe into illegal mining in tribal dominated Keonjhar district. Chief Minister said that the Secretary of the Department of Steel and Mines will enquire into the misconduct of the officers supporting the illegal mining. Patnaik said that after ordering the administrative, Raghunath Mohanty, the Minister Steel and Mines has favored for vigilance inquiry to look into the criminal angle.
Accordingly he has ordered a vigilance inquiry on the matter and the Directorate of Vigilance will enquire into allegations with due seriousness and stern action will be taken against those who are found guilty. In fact a belligerent opposition has stalled the proceedings of the House for a CBI inquiry over the matter.
Interestingly, Chief Minister preferred to sleep at Naveen Niwas and skipped an all party meeting held on July 14 over this issue. Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat, who tried his level best to find out a solution to the impasse, could not able to satisfy the opposition.
As per the parliamentary procedure, leaders of the all the parties in the Orissa House are supposed to attend the meeting summoned by the Speaker. So the Chief Minister, leader of the BJD Legislative Party was to attend the meeting.
But opposition found that CM was absent in the meeting. When asked about his absence, it was reported that he is sleeping.
As the Leader of the House remained absent from the meeting, Leader of the Opposition, Bhupinder Singh preferred to stay away. In the morning hours of July 14, Governor MC Bhandare later received Bhupinder Singh, who led a delegation of Congress Legislature Party in the Raj Bhawan.
Bhandare promised the delegation to call for the files from the Department of Steel and Mines on illegal mines operating in the state. BJP Legislature Party Leader K.V. Singh Deo also met the Governor along with 6 legislators.
They submitted a Memorandum detailing how the precious manganese ores from mines at Katasahi in Keonjhar district were handed over to a private firm – Ram Bahadur Thakur Limited (RBTL) illegally and demanded CBI Inquiry. Governor Bhandare also promised the delegation to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, political pundits are baffled at an interesting development unfolding in Orissa House. While both Congress and BJP are at draggers drawn in national scene and in various States, the foes are turning friendly to take on Naveen. Both BJP and Congress lawmakers have sink their differences on the issue of alleged multi-crore manganese scam.
Interestingly with 27 members Congress is following the saffron party, which is a minority with only 6 lawmakers in the 147 members Orissa House. The Leader of the Opposition, Singh is seen toeing the line of Singhdeo, leader of the BJP Legislature Party in the House.
This is evident from July 10, when Singhdeo, raised the issue of the alleged Rs.4000 crore, manganese scam in Joda in the district of Keonjhar. Singh supported the demands of BJP for CBI Inquiry into the allegations, while tabling an adjournment motion. Mohanty, Minister Steel and Mines assured the House of stringent action on the erring officials.
They also tabled a Privilege Motion against the Chief Minister for not taking the House into confidence before announcing Vigilance Inquiry into the alleged scam. Both BJP and Congress members are also gunning for Mohanty for misleading the House.
Senior Congress leaders are worried over the development as joining hands with BJP to fight against BJD does not give mileage to the Century old party. They feel that BJP is hogging the lime light and Congress is seen as the B-Team of saffron party. Though few MLAs from Congress feel the pinch, but they do not know how to wriggle out of the jam.
People in the state expect their problems like price rise, Maoist menace, deteriorating law and order situation and other burning issues should be discussed and sorted out in the House, said another political analyst.
Chandipur Beach: Orissa’s real beauty in sea water (Tourism)( With Pix)
Orissa has a long coastline of over 480 km.on the Bay of Bengal interspersed by a couple of lovely beaches. Added to their seductive beauty is a vast hinter land of antiquities and holy shrines. Backed up by musical sway of casuarina trees and creepered sand dunes, Chandipur is one such beach, but with a unique distinction on its own. Unlike other beaches, the sea water here recedes away from the shore line about five km twice a day, an unusual phenomenon, rarely found anywhere. ?You can see the sea literally vanishing before your eyes and also watch it coming back rhythmically at regular intervals, as if playing hide and seek.
Elsewhere, the waves come and go dashing on the shore like madcap but here they are like a musical fountain, soothing to the eyes and ears. Elsewhere, the waters wait for the visitors but here the visitors have to wait for the waters. Elsewhere, the waves go wild and the visitors calm but here the ecstasy of visitors will go wild while the waves remain calm.
This marvel of Nature gives the bathers an unexpected pleasure of fearlessly walking into the sea and happily playing with the waves. When the waters disappear, you can even take jeep ride on, the widest beach. The beauty of the exposed bosom of the beach is further enhanced by the small red crabs. If a beach comber, you will be delighted with its abundant wealth of sea shells and drift wood.
To enjoy Chandipur in all its entirety, a minimum stay of twenty-four hours is recommended.
Hardly 2 km away is Balaramgadi where the river Budhabalang meets the sea. A trip through the mouth of the meandering river on a fisherman's boat is a pleasant experience. Watching them cast their nets and pull their catch of fish is memorable.
Road : Chandipur is well connected by an excellent all-Weather road. 16 km from Balasore on N.H. 5, 230 km from Bhubaneswar and 314 km from Kolkata. Regular bus services are available. Taxis and Auto rickshaws are also available from Balasore.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Balasore (16 km) on the S.E. Railway served by a number of fast trains from Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Puri, Tirupati, Bhubaneswar etc.
Air : Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (230 km) and Kolkata (314 km).
Accommodation: OTDC Panthanivas and Yatrinivas (Ph. 370051), Hotel larika (Ph. 370045), Hotel Chandipur (Ph. 370030), Hotel Subham (Ph. 370025), Hotel Anandamayee (Ph: 370012), Hotel Santinivas (Ph: 370018) besides a few more.
Excursion: There are a few places to which day trips can be made from Chandipur, OTDC has provision to organise conducted tours to some of the places (Contact : Manager, Panthanivas Ph. (06782) 370051.
Panchalingeswar (45 km) Ensconced in the verdant of Nilagiri Hills with panoramic views around, it is a place of scenic beauty, sanctified by the five lingams over which runs a perennial stream. Popular as a Saiva Shrine, you have to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingams, which is itself as exciting as adventurous. Herds of elephants can be seen occasionally moving up and down the hill. It is also an ideal base for trekking the Nilagiri hills. There is a Panthasala of Orissa Tourism Department for night stay. (Reservation - Tourist Officer, Balasore, ph. 362048)
Remuna (25 km) Famous for the shrine of Khirachora Gopinath, it is a seat of Vaishnavite culture for centuries. Sri Chaitanya, his teacher Madhavendrapuri and disciple jeevaswami Goswami are said to have visited the shrine and worshipped the lord. Khira (a special milk preparation) is the most delicious offering of the temple. Champak and Kadamba trees inside the courtyard fill the air with sweet and scented fragrance all the time.
Nilagiri (40 km): Harbouring the Kuldiha Sanctuary, which is also an ideal base for trekking, Nilagiri is known for the Jagannath Temple. Headquarters of an ex-princely state, set against the green mountain, it is a charming place on the lap of nature.
Sajanagarh (45 km): About 5 km from Nilagiri is Sajanagarh, the shrine of Bhudara Chandi. A seat of sakti cult, the place is archaeologically rich.
Similipal (100 km): Covering an area of about 2750.sq. km, it is a wildlife sanctuary and one of the few Tiger Reserves of India. Apart from.Tigers, it is the home of leopards, Elephants, Deer,Crocodiles and Reptiles. Over 230 species of birds including the talking myna and dancing peacocks fill the air with their chirpings.
Filled with lush green forest covers, especially luxuriant sal trees and vast expanse of grassy meadows, cloud kissing peaks, the wild beauty is enhanced by the sparkling water fails and unique orchids. There is an Aranyanivas of the OTDC (Reservation ,Tourist Office, Batipada, Ph. 06792-52710) at lulung for night stay. There are also Forest Bungalows at different places inside, (Reservation: Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve Project, Baripada, Dist: Mayurbhanj, Orissa, Tel : (06792) 52593.
Deokund: It is an enchanting place with a series of waterfalls and a Sakti shrine, set against the outer periphery of Similipal.
(New News)
Orissa clears Sri Sri University bill
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Sri Sri University Bill-2009 has been passed in the Orissa Legislative Assembly on July 30 .While opposition members put the Treasury Bench in a difficult situation over clearing the bill, Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister higher Education diplomatically steered the first private university bill in Orissa.Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust (SSRVMT), educational wing of the Art of Living is setting up the world class University in Bidyadharpur near Naraj in Cuttack district, only 35 kilometer from Capital City.
200 acres has been identified for the SSRVMT by the government of Orissa, which will set up structures that will reflect Indian ethos and aesthetic appeal, said Mr.Mishra.
The university will cater to the needs of 15,000 students and 1500 teachers, which will have advanced communication system and e-library facilities.A multi-specialty hospital will be attached to the School of medical Sciences, said the Minister.The university will be inviting the best of talents available in the global academic community to take up teaching course in the varsity.
To start with in the first year Ayurveda, Vedic Studies, Education, Indian Cultural Studies and Management courses will be opened. In second year, Mass Communication and cultural Tourism, Engineering in third year and in fourth year, Bio-technology and law and in the fifth year, Research Sciences and medical Sciences will be opened.
Taking the mood of the House, Minister allowed many amendments in the bill, which invited a division from the opposition.However the division fall flat with 88-27 votes and Government won the voting.After 3 days of marathon deliberations, now Sri Sri University Bill-2009 will take shape of an act, enabling the SSRVMT authorities to go ahead for construction.Sources said the SSRVMT will be setting up an eco-friendly and zero carbon foot print campus in the state.
11 relief camps closed in Kandhamal
PHULABANI( VISAKEO): Orissa Government on July 27 closed down one more relief camps in riot hit southern districts of Kandhamal, about 270 kilometers away from State Capital. With this 11 such camps have now been closed down.” We have closed down a relief camp at Tikabali that was running since last year violence while more than 100 inmates have returned to their homes” Government’s special administrator for the riot hit area, Madhu Sudan Padhi said. The tribal dominated district witnessed violence after the murder of Hindu seer Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his Jalespata Ashram under Tumulibandha police limit on August 23, 2008.The administration had provided shelters to the locals, setting up 13 relief camps in the district. About 1000 are, however, still taking shelter in two relief camps -- one at Mandakia and another in Tiangia village, though no violence has been reported in the region since October last year.
Postal stamp on Poet Jayadev released
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 27 unveiled 11 commemorative stamps on 12th century poet Jayadev and the rest 10 on incarnation of Lord Jagannath as depicted in Gitagovinda here at Jayadev Bhawan.
The Department of Posts has sponsored the stamps, which took at least 2 and half years of dogged pursuit by the Government of Orissa for making this endeavor a success.
Sources said the former Chief Post Master General, Orissa Circle, Mrs. Indira Krishnakumar had set to proposal on the motion in January, 2007 after successfully releasing the Special Cover on the poet. The Information and Public Relations department provided all necessary details including authentic facts on Jayadev’s birth, his literary works and activities.
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Students of Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, a chain of Schools run by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh under Sikhya Vikash Samiti once again on June 30 did very well with near about 50 students placed in best 100 of the State Board of Secondary Education Examinations.
Importantly, two joint toppers including Bibeka Bishal Mehena of Rourkela( 574) and Sanket Dash of Berhampur(754) were from the Saraswati Sishu Mandir and the second topper Anshuman(573) Tripathy was also from Balangiri Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir. Similarly, Bidyasabitry Nayak of Lunahar Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir in Salipur stood third in the toppers list by securing 572 marks while Satwik Routray secured 571 from the same School.
Others, who found place in best 100 from SSVM included, Anjan Kumar Tripathy (570) of Balangir SSVM, Rosaline Sahoo(569) of Nalco Nagar SSVM, AP Padhi(569) of Unit-8 SSVM, Bijay Laxmi Parida( 568) of Rourkela-2 SSVM. Similarly, Abhisek Das(568) of College Square SSVM, S Parida(567) of Nayagarh SSVM, Amit Kumar Pradhani(566) of Jeypore SSVM have found place in best 100.
Followed by Kalpataru Palai(565) of Dhanupalli SSVM, Abhijit Joshi(565) of Patnagarh SSVM, Adesh Kumar Mishra(564) of Balangiri SSVM also shined in the examinations.
Similarly, Anwesh Parida(564) of Salipur SSVM, Sabhasachi Baliarsingh(564) of Nayagarh SSVM, Shibashis Mohapatra(563) of Damanjodi SSVM also found places in 100 best.
Abinash Swain (563) of Manjari Road SSVM in Bhadrak, Biswajit Samanta(563) of Barmunda SSVM, Debasis Sahu( 563) of Nayapalli SSVM, Suman Kar(562) of Sohela SSVM, M Acharya(562) of Balangir SSVM, S Nayak( 562) of Ramaharinagar SSVM also found places in best 100.
Besides, Sunena Nayak( 562) of Bhadrak SSVM, Sunil Kumar Pahadasingh(562) of Khurda SSVM, J Jaypuria(561) of Banharpali SSVM, Bibek Prusty( 561) of Keonjhargarh SSVM, R Lopamudra Sahoo(561) of Harachandisahi SSVM, A Majhisamanta(561) of Nayapalli SSVM, N Dash(560) of Puri-1 SSVM, J Sarangi(560) of Pipili SSVM, S Panda(560) of Nayapalli SSVM, Ipsita Swain(559) of Badagada SSVM, A Dash(559) of Nayapalli SSVM, Payal Sahu(558) of Dhanupalli SSVM, S Agasty(558) of Patanagarh SSVM have able to registered their name in best 100.
Similarly, P Paik (558) of Parlakhemundi SSVM, S S Mishra( 558) OF Neelakantha Nagar SSVM, Arpita Malla( 558) of Santasahi SSVM in Kendrapara, M Dash( 558) of Barmunda SSVM, D Dash ( 558) of Badagada SSVM and Poonam Mahaptra( 558) of Nayapalli SSVM have also did well in the examinations.
Foreign funding to Orissa NGOs on rise
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): As many as 1,007 NGOs from Orissa receiving funds from outside, mostly from Church dominated western countries.The NGOs received funds under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976. Though, the Government blacklisted as many 25 NGOs but it has completely failed in restricting foreign funds to other NGOs.
Official record says Orissa has 1, 05,927 registered NGOs while 1007 NGOs receiving foreign grants.“It was shocking that the figure has been rising and the large scale conversion has been possible because of foreign funds,” alleged a VHP leader. The VHP and others have been demanding complete ban on foreign funding to NGOs working in Orissa, mostly in tribal areas, he said adding the State Government yet to act on this issue.
“It has been probed that the western countries funding NGOs in Orissa to convert tribal Hindu into Christianity,” VHP State general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said.
Table Kandhamal probe report, demands BJP
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Orissa unit of Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded tabling of the interim report of the judicial commission on Kandhamal violence in the Assembly.Govt disburses Rs 1.05 cr to Kandhamal riot victims The issue relating to the interim report of Justice S C Mohapatra Judicial Commission was raised by BJP member Jaynarayan Mishra in the assembly during Zero Hour on July 7.
"As we (MLAs) were unable to know details of the interim report, the government should lay it in the House," Mishra said adding that since the House is on session, it was duty of the state government to table the report. Justice Mohapatra, a retired High Court Justice, had submitted an interim report on the violence on July 1, after nine months of formation of the judicial commission.
The commission was constituted on September 3, 2008 after riot broke out in Kandhamal on August 24, 2008, a day after killing of VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati. Justice Mohapatra had reportedly identified three factors including conversion and re-conversion responsible for the large scale violence. Two other factors were - tribal land and fake tribal certificate issues.
BJP seeks ban on Church Harmony Day
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The BJP has taken a strong note of Harmony Day to be observed by Church on August 23 this year. The same day in last year, Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati brutally killed at his Jalespata Ashram in tribal dominated southern district of Kandhamal.
On July 22, Archbishop of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack Raphael Cheenath along with other Christian leaders had announced to observe August 23 as Peace Day' to commemorate the murder of Hindu seer
The BJP has opposed the move and asked the Naveen Patnaik Government to not allow such farce. BJP MLA from Baliguda in Kandhamal, where communal violence broke out after the murder of Swamiji, Karendra Majhi said in the State Assembly, "Observance of August 23 as peace and harmony day will only help to ignite communal tension in Kandhamal."
Majhi referred to the killing of Saraswati and said allowing the organisation to observe "peace and harmony day" on that particular date would add fuel to the already surcharged communal situation in the district.
"It is necessary to remember August 23 as a day for peace and harmony so that evil designs of criminals to divide civil society on religious lines is strongly thwarted," the Archbishop had said while addressing a press conference here on July 25.
The archbishop had added that Christians across the State would observe fasting and offer prayers at churches to commemorate the day on which "peace and harmony was disturbed leading to violence for several months." He said he would also appeal all bishops in the county, the state and Union governments as well as the international community to observe August 23 as "Global day for peace."
Orissa Minority Forum president Swarupananda Patra and Utkal Christian Council spokesperson Bibhudata Das said they would organise a series of events including seminars, debates and paining competitions for a month to commemorate the day.
Central Forces withdrawn as MHA rejects extension
PHULABANI (VISAKEO): Four Companies of Central Para-Military Forces on Wednesday withdrawn from Orissa riot hit tribal dominated Kandhamal district as their stay in the area ended on July 30, official sources said.
“In fact, the deployment of Central Forces was up to June 30, provided, we have also requested to Union Home Ministry seeking extension but it has not agreed,” State Director General of Police, Manmohan Praharaj said adding hinted that the Central Forces have been withdrawn from the district.
“We would deploy adequate number of State police personnel to man the troubled district, which witnessed communal violence in August last year,” informed Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Arun Sarangi. All steps have been taken to avail security for the riot victims, the IGP added.
With this, all Central Forces have been withdrawn from the district. Earlier, more than 4000 Central Forces were deployed in the district following the violence in the wake of murder of Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23, 2008.
BJP MLA seeks better security
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): BJP MLA from G Udayagiri in Orissa’s riot hit Kandhamal district, Manoj Pradhan on July 7 appealed to Speaker Pradip Amata to avail better security for him as the outlawed leftwing guerrillas have threatened to kill him.
Pradhan had taken his oath as a member of the Assembly on July 6 after he was released from the jail on Sunday on a 15-day conditional bail. So far, in G-Udaygiri, Naxalites have killed four RSS activists, besides eliminating VHP leader Laxamananda Saraswati and four of his associates.
The MLA was behind bars ever since his arrest on October 18, 2008 without any solid evidence against him in connection with the Kandhamal riots.
Pradhan stressed upon his innocence and repeatedly said that he was not involved in any violence. “I never ventured out of my house during the riots and I do not know who filed the cases against me. The charges against me are false but I have complete trust in the judiciary and know that justice will be done,” said Pradhan. After Pradhan’s release, the leader reportedly first visited the ashram to offer his prayers.
When quizzed about the Kandhamal riots, Pradhan said peace would be possible in the block only when the government addresses the three main issues — land, fake certificate and conversion. Pradhan appealed to riot victims staying at relief camps to return home. The MLA had fought and won the recent elections from behind bars defeating a senior Congress leader, Ajayanti Pradhan.
SJM hits out at Union Commerce Minister
CUTTACK (VISAKEO): Commerce Minister Kamal Nath was in news by announcing a breakthrough in Doha Development Round of Talks on his first visit to the USA. Reaching India, he made attempts to neutralise its effects by declaring that nothing he conceded. Such an exercise was least expected. It has undermined the image of the country among developing countries, alleged national co-convener of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch Saroj Kumar Mitra on July 20.On one pretext and other, the US and EU are flouting the WTO agreement.
These countries demanded developing economies to curtail whatever small amount of subsidies they provide to their poor farmers, alleged Mitra, adding that India’s food security cannot be subjected to international marketing strategy of developed countries. So food security and agriculture should be withdrawn from the agenda of the WTO, which should deal only with trade related matters. In the name of free trade, all sorts of restrictions are being imposed on products of developing countries. India should not play broker on behalf of developed economies and act like a stooge of the USA, he alleged further.
81.514 acres of land encroached in Orissa
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): About 81,514 acres of public land are in unauthorized possession across the Orissa, State Revenue Minister S N Patro said. "To retrieve the land, cases have been registered in consonance with the OPLE Act (Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972)," he said, adding the total number of such cases presently stood at 1, 95,657.
The maximum quantum of 9819.043 acres government land, according to Patra, has been encroached in Cuttack district, followed by Sundargarh (9732.131 acres), Balangir (6421.393 acres), Mayurbhanj (5627.25 acres) and Dhenkanal (5562.568 acres). Among the districts showing the least encroachment of government land are Boudh (478.595 acres), Kandhamal (481.338 acres), Malkangiri (519.201 acres), Bhadrak (610.47 acres) and Gajapati (971.306 acres).
Government officials conceded that amount of public land that is encroached across the state could indeed be much more than what the records show. For instance, going by official data, 1941.74 acres have been encroached upon in Khurda district, including Bhubaneswar. But, officials pointed out that in reality it could be more considering the large swathes over which slums have come up in the state capital.
According to Patro, the government is taking steps to finalise the encroachment cases to recover the land. He said the highest of 19,453 cases have been registered in Sundargarh district alone, while in 14,573 have been filed in Mayurbhanj. Balasore comes next with 13,970 cases. Ganjam has 12,771 such cases. A total of 10,181 cases have been lodged in Cuttack district. Among the other districts, Angul (10,020), Dhenkanal (9934) and Khurda (8366) also have a large number of such cases.
BJP urges CM to protect Konark Temple
KONARK(VISAKEO): Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Brajakishore Tripathy has expressed grave concern over the poor conservation work of the international heritage monument of the Sun Temple at Konark by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as well by the State Government.
Addressing media persons here on July 11, he said it is unfortunate that the State Government is callous over the tumbling of a number of artefacts from the monument. Five artefacts fell from the thirteenth-century edifice within the last six months and the State Government has no knowledge about it as is evident from the statement of the concerned Minister in the State Assembly.
Tripathy said a 15-member team of experts in 2006 had visited Konark, and after examining the temple opined that the sand filled inside the temple had receded by about 16 feet and it needed to be addressed immediately.
The committee insisted on engagement of skilled sculptors while carrying out the conservation work. Nothing visible has happened since then, while the monument has been decaying day by day, he lamented. Tripathy, in a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has sought his intervention, saying the temple is the property of the State Government, which was handed it over to the ASI for preservation. If the ASI fails to do the job, the State should take it back as it is “the symbol of our glorious past and a genuine heritage.”
Tripathy has pointed out to the Chief Minister that the ASI is engaging unskilled labourers and using steel brushes detrimental to the health of the temple arts. This apart, water-logging has posed a threat to the temple’s plinth.No senior ASI official is posted at Konark to look after the heritage monument. The light and sound project at Konark, initiated in 2005 to attract tourists, is yet to materialise, he pointed out.Puri Zilla Parishad president Sankarshan Parida and former chairpersons of the Puri Municipality A Biswanath Rao and Gourahari Pradhan were present at the news conference.
HSC toppers felicitated
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Sikhya Vikash Samiti on July 5, felicitated toppers of High School Certificate Examinations-2009 here.School and Mass Education Minister Pratap Jena while attending a function at OUAT campus, lauded the performance of students and promised all help for the Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir. The Minister however promised better facilities including financial help for girl student.
45 out of the best 100 including two joint toppers Bibek Biswal and Sanket Dash and three former students, in total, 48 students felicitated. Besides, Bidya Bharati zonal president Jagadish Patnaik, Sudarshan Nayak, Dr Nagendra Pradhan, BC Sahoo and Swami Jeevan Chaitnya were also felicitated.
Board Director DD Nath, Bidya Bharati State joint organizing secretary of Uttar Pradesh Prakash Chandraji, organizing secretray B Ganesh Kulkarni, Samiti president Dr Prafulla Mohapatra and Secretary Bijay Swain, spokesman Rabi Narayan Panda and organizing secretray Gobinda Chandra Mahanta were among those present.
Anti-cow slaughter campaign from Sept 28
BHUBANESWAR: Biswa Mangal Go Gram Samiti would launch a 108 days national wide Yatra seeking complete ban on cow slaughtering and maximum funds for rural India. Speaking at a Press meet here on July 27, Samiti State vice-president Dr Basanta Kumar Rath, Saint Pranarupananda Saraswati, coordinator Arnada Shankar Panigrahi and joint coordinator Ashok Padhi demanded national animal status for cow and asked the Centre as well as respective States Government to impose a complete ban on cow slaughtering.
A committee has been formed in the State. Justice Debapriya Mohapatra has been selected as chairman while Prafulla Das would remain as secretary, Arun Kumar Panda and Dr Basanta Rath as vice-president. Nirajan Nanda, NK Mishra and Deepak Rout have been elected as joint secretaries. The Yatra, which will spread the message of 'save cow and save village' will be flagged off on September 28, 2009, on Vijaya Dashami Day at Kurukhetra in Hariyana and calumniated at Nagpur in 2010 on Makar Sankranti Day," they said. The Yatra would traverse some 20,000 kilometers.
Apart, from the main Yatra, 15,000 smaller Yatra including 150 in Orissa to traverse some 10 lakh kilometers during in 108 days while meetings will be held at 400 places across the country and signature of 50 crore people will be collected and submitted to the President of India seeking complete ban on cow slaughter. The Yatra would stay in Orissa for four days from November 7 to 10. It will arrive at Rourkela on November 7 from Ranchi and reach Sambalpur on November 8 Cuttack on 9 and on 10, it will be at Berhampur and on 11, it would left for Visakhapatnam.
CPI (Maoists) responsible for unrest in industrial hubs, Govt
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa Government has officially admitted that the outlawed CPI (Maoists) posing a great treat to the industrial drive.The police establishment admitted that series of violence triggered by naxalites in different places during 2008 had made the situation critical. At least 74 security personnel had lost their lives while 22 common men became target of the extremist groups. CPI (Maoist) was trying to bring tribals and dalits into its fold by extending its support to the latter’s demands in cities and upcoming urban centres.
The State police claimed that although the government was trying to rehabilitate people being displaced by industrial projects and provide employments, anti-industrial groups had resorted to agitations by involving affected people through out 2008. Damage to public property during these agitations had been minimized due to its swift actions, police said.Similarly, number of agitations by labourers on the premises of industrial projects had also gone up in 2008 compared to previous year. In 2007 at least 77 incidents of violence related to laboures’ problem were witnessed against 114 in 2008.
In view of growing law and order problem around industrial pockets, the State government had mooted raising an industrial security force. However, it is yet to be materialised. The State was witnessed fast industrialisation in districts such as Jajpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Sambalpur. Industrial houses were facing stiff opposition from local people in Kashipur of Rayagada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur and Keonjhar district.
Visitors to carry Photo ID in holy city of Puri
PURI (VISAKEO): Puri-bound pilgrims and tourists would have hard times henceforth in the abode of Lord Jagannath without a valid photo identity card (PIC). The Puri police clamped such a rule from July 24.
Puri Superintendent of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi has announced that all the visitors arriving in the town would be asked to produce their PIC to check into any hotel. The voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, passport, driving licence, pan card, credit or any such proof with photograph would be considered the PIC, explained the SP and added that the rule will also be applicable to Holiday Homes operated by various corporate houses and other organisations and even to ‘dharmashalas’.
The owners and managers of these hotels and guest houses have been warned to adhere to the rule strictly failing which stringent action would be initiated against the violators, the top cop said. Even those, who would be coming to the city by train and road without a plan to halt may also be asked to show their proof of identity for security reasons, he clarified. The SP has maintained that the travel and tour operators providing taxi and bus services would ask the persons booking the service to produce photocopy of their identity.
This restriction follows a recent crime committed by a group of people, who hired a taxi and killed the driver en route and fled with the vehicle. The whereabouts of the killers could not be established without any information about the team.However, for the families visiting Puri, the head of the family would alone be asked to produce the PIC for check in – a major relaxation that the police have provided.
The restrictions are a fall out to the threats received for the Jagannath temple from extremist organisations, it was learnt. Besides, of late Puri has become a safe haven for criminals who commit crimes and escape for this peaceful town in the guise of pilgrims and tourists.
The new rule would empower the law enforcing agencies to track them, the police believe. The police also advised the employees of various government, non-government and private organizasions of the town to carry their identity cards.
Orissa cops vent ire, hit out at CM
CUTTACK (VISAKEO): Orissa cops have accused the Naveen Patnaik Government of leaving them vulnerable to Maoist attacks by sitting on long-standing demands for better arms and equipment. The resentment, building up for a while, burst into the open on a day the Chief Minister attended the funeral of a sub-inspector killed by Maoists.
The Orissa Police Association (OPA), which represents over 7,000 inspectors and sub-inspectors, said sub-inspector Ajit Bardhan may have been alive if the government had given the force modern weapons. “Government inaction has armed the rebels,” association secretary Sunil Mohanty said.
Association president S.N. Sharma seconded Mohanty. “We need choppers for combing and rescue operations.” It has demanded at least two. Sharma said Bardhan’s bullet-riddled body was found only after 36 hours, appearing to blame the delay on the lack of upgrade. Bardhan’s last rites were performed with full state honours.
Eleven state police personnel, as many CISF jawans and a CRPF man have died in rebel attacks so far this year. Padmanav Behera, the president of Orissa Havildar and Constable Federation, which has 40,000 members, said: “We face Maoist bullets and all we get is honour posthumously. We need weapons instead of pep-talk or wreaths.”
State police Chief M.M. Praharaj said steps were being taken to bring in sophisticated arms. The Opposition has tapped the discontent, saying the government’s attitude had made the policemen “sitting ducks”. Leader of the Opposition, the Congress’s Bhupinder Singh, said: “The government has failed miserably in drafting strong weapon policies to battle the rebels.”
Singh pointed out that junior officers and jawans often bore the brunt of the failure to upgrade arms and facilities as they were at the forefront of the anti-insurgency operations.
Orissa rope proved potency
PURI/BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Rama Krushna Dashmohapatra proved his mettle. The Chairman of the Orissa Co-operative Coir Corporation (OCCC) insistence to go for ropes of the state to be used in the chariots has paid dividends. The Chief Daitapati of Devi Subhadra was persistent on his view that coir ropes produced by OCCC is no way inferior to the Kerala Coir Corporation (KCC) products.
Ashok Kumar Meena, Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) agreed to use Orissa Coir ropes to pull Devi Subhadra’s chariot. KCC is for last 22 years is supplying thick and long ropes for the chariot pulling. 16 pieces of coir ropes (each rope 220 feet long and 8 inch width) is needed for the purpose every year. Dashmohapatra insisted that this year for a pilot project Orissa rope will be used entirely in pulling Devi Subhadra’s chariot. Devi Subhadra’s chariot is known as Devadalan stands at 44.6 feet height. While the height of the Taladwaja, Lord Balabhadra's chariot, is 45 feet, the Nandighosh Lord Jagannath's chariots stand at 45.6 ft.
So Orissa Coir provided 4 ropes measuring 220 feet long and 8 inch width for pulling the chariot, said Basant Kumar Dash, Managing Director OCCC. For the cordon purpose 3 ropes having 450 feet length and 3 inch width were given to Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), said Mr.Dash. Ropes were used to draw chariot on 24 June, Rath Jatra and it was also pressed into services on 2 July, Bahuda Jatra,
In both these cases the ropes found suitable and stood the test of time, said the Managing Director of OCCC. Interestingly the workmen engaged in making the ropes were determined to prove their mettle by providing quality material and to produce the ‘Shrikshetra Rope’ they even did not touch any non-vegetable items during the entire period, revealed Mr.Dash. With lot of determination and dedication the ropes were made and it tested fina, said an official in SJTA.
Earlier ropes were provided by local mutts during per-Independence period and due to irregular in supply authorities opted for Calcutta Ropes. It went on for many years and later Kerala Coir came forward to supply the ropes regularly. In the mean time OCCC has already provided ropes to the district authorities of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak and Berhampur for using in chariots. Now with the Orissa Coir products proved its potency, SJTA will favour the state ropes and there is no need to go to Kerala for this purpose, said the sources in SJTA.
Why Naveen fears for CBI probe (Editorial)
Why Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik preferred double dhamaka instead single over the mining scam? Instead asking CBI to probe 4,000 crore mining scam, Patnaik opted Administrative and Vigilance probe (double dhamaka), which raises a lot of eyebrows.It seems the State Government is shielding all culprits involved in the scam by not ordering a CBI probe into illegal mining in tribal dominated Keonjhar district. Chief Minister said that the Secretary of the Department of Steel and Mines will enquire into the misconduct of the officers supporting the illegal mining. Patnaik said that after ordering the administrative, Raghunath Mohanty, the Minister Steel and Mines has favored for vigilance inquiry to look into the criminal angle.
Accordingly he has ordered a vigilance inquiry on the matter and the Directorate of Vigilance will enquire into allegations with due seriousness and stern action will be taken against those who are found guilty. In fact a belligerent opposition has stalled the proceedings of the House for a CBI inquiry over the matter.
Interestingly, Chief Minister preferred to sleep at Naveen Niwas and skipped an all party meeting held on July 14 over this issue. Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat, who tried his level best to find out a solution to the impasse, could not able to satisfy the opposition.
As per the parliamentary procedure, leaders of the all the parties in the Orissa House are supposed to attend the meeting summoned by the Speaker. So the Chief Minister, leader of the BJD Legislative Party was to attend the meeting.
But opposition found that CM was absent in the meeting. When asked about his absence, it was reported that he is sleeping.
As the Leader of the House remained absent from the meeting, Leader of the Opposition, Bhupinder Singh preferred to stay away. In the morning hours of July 14, Governor MC Bhandare later received Bhupinder Singh, who led a delegation of Congress Legislature Party in the Raj Bhawan.
Bhandare promised the delegation to call for the files from the Department of Steel and Mines on illegal mines operating in the state. BJP Legislature Party Leader K.V. Singh Deo also met the Governor along with 6 legislators.
They submitted a Memorandum detailing how the precious manganese ores from mines at Katasahi in Keonjhar district were handed over to a private firm – Ram Bahadur Thakur Limited (RBTL) illegally and demanded CBI Inquiry. Governor Bhandare also promised the delegation to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, political pundits are baffled at an interesting development unfolding in Orissa House. While both Congress and BJP are at draggers drawn in national scene and in various States, the foes are turning friendly to take on Naveen. Both BJP and Congress lawmakers have sink their differences on the issue of alleged multi-crore manganese scam.
Interestingly with 27 members Congress is following the saffron party, which is a minority with only 6 lawmakers in the 147 members Orissa House. The Leader of the Opposition, Singh is seen toeing the line of Singhdeo, leader of the BJP Legislature Party in the House.
This is evident from July 10, when Singhdeo, raised the issue of the alleged Rs.4000 crore, manganese scam in Joda in the district of Keonjhar. Singh supported the demands of BJP for CBI Inquiry into the allegations, while tabling an adjournment motion. Mohanty, Minister Steel and Mines assured the House of stringent action on the erring officials.
They also tabled a Privilege Motion against the Chief Minister for not taking the House into confidence before announcing Vigilance Inquiry into the alleged scam. Both BJP and Congress members are also gunning for Mohanty for misleading the House.
Senior Congress leaders are worried over the development as joining hands with BJP to fight against BJD does not give mileage to the Century old party. They feel that BJP is hogging the lime light and Congress is seen as the B-Team of saffron party. Though few MLAs from Congress feel the pinch, but they do not know how to wriggle out of the jam.
People in the state expect their problems like price rise, Maoist menace, deteriorating law and order situation and other burning issues should be discussed and sorted out in the House, said another political analyst.
Chandipur Beach: Orissa’s real beauty in sea water (Tourism)( With Pix)
Orissa has a long coastline of over 480 km.on the Bay of Bengal interspersed by a couple of lovely beaches. Added to their seductive beauty is a vast hinter land of antiquities and holy shrines. Backed up by musical sway of casuarina trees and creepered sand dunes, Chandipur is one such beach, but with a unique distinction on its own. Unlike other beaches, the sea water here recedes away from the shore line about five km twice a day, an unusual phenomenon, rarely found anywhere. ?You can see the sea literally vanishing before your eyes and also watch it coming back rhythmically at regular intervals, as if playing hide and seek.
Elsewhere, the waves come and go dashing on the shore like madcap but here they are like a musical fountain, soothing to the eyes and ears. Elsewhere, the waters wait for the visitors but here the visitors have to wait for the waters. Elsewhere, the waves go wild and the visitors calm but here the ecstasy of visitors will go wild while the waves remain calm.
This marvel of Nature gives the bathers an unexpected pleasure of fearlessly walking into the sea and happily playing with the waves. When the waters disappear, you can even take jeep ride on, the widest beach. The beauty of the exposed bosom of the beach is further enhanced by the small red crabs. If a beach comber, you will be delighted with its abundant wealth of sea shells and drift wood.
To enjoy Chandipur in all its entirety, a minimum stay of twenty-four hours is recommended.
Hardly 2 km away is Balaramgadi where the river Budhabalang meets the sea. A trip through the mouth of the meandering river on a fisherman's boat is a pleasant experience. Watching them cast their nets and pull their catch of fish is memorable.
Road : Chandipur is well connected by an excellent all-Weather road. 16 km from Balasore on N.H. 5, 230 km from Bhubaneswar and 314 km from Kolkata. Regular bus services are available. Taxis and Auto rickshaws are also available from Balasore.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Balasore (16 km) on the S.E. Railway served by a number of fast trains from Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Puri, Tirupati, Bhubaneswar etc.
Air : Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (230 km) and Kolkata (314 km).
Accommodation: OTDC Panthanivas and Yatrinivas (Ph. 370051), Hotel larika (Ph. 370045), Hotel Chandipur (Ph. 370030), Hotel Subham (Ph. 370025), Hotel Anandamayee (Ph: 370012), Hotel Santinivas (Ph: 370018) besides a few more.
Excursion: There are a few places to which day trips can be made from Chandipur, OTDC has provision to organise conducted tours to some of the places (Contact : Manager, Panthanivas Ph. (06782) 370051.
Panchalingeswar (45 km) Ensconced in the verdant of Nilagiri Hills with panoramic views around, it is a place of scenic beauty, sanctified by the five lingams over which runs a perennial stream. Popular as a Saiva Shrine, you have to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingams, which is itself as exciting as adventurous. Herds of elephants can be seen occasionally moving up and down the hill. It is also an ideal base for trekking the Nilagiri hills. There is a Panthasala of Orissa Tourism Department for night stay. (Reservation - Tourist Officer, Balasore, ph. 362048)
Remuna (25 km) Famous for the shrine of Khirachora Gopinath, it is a seat of Vaishnavite culture for centuries. Sri Chaitanya, his teacher Madhavendrapuri and disciple jeevaswami Goswami are said to have visited the shrine and worshipped the lord. Khira (a special milk preparation) is the most delicious offering of the temple. Champak and Kadamba trees inside the courtyard fill the air with sweet and scented fragrance all the time.
Nilagiri (40 km): Harbouring the Kuldiha Sanctuary, which is also an ideal base for trekking, Nilagiri is known for the Jagannath Temple. Headquarters of an ex-princely state, set against the green mountain, it is a charming place on the lap of nature.
Sajanagarh (45 km): About 5 km from Nilagiri is Sajanagarh, the shrine of Bhudara Chandi. A seat of sakti cult, the place is archaeologically rich.
Similipal (100 km): Covering an area of about 2750.sq. km, it is a wildlife sanctuary and one of the few Tiger Reserves of India. Apart from.Tigers, it is the home of leopards, Elephants, Deer,Crocodiles and Reptiles. Over 230 species of birds including the talking myna and dancing peacocks fill the air with their chirpings.
Filled with lush green forest covers, especially luxuriant sal trees and vast expanse of grassy meadows, cloud kissing peaks, the wild beauty is enhanced by the sparkling water fails and unique orchids. There is an Aranyanivas of the OTDC (Reservation ,Tourist Office, Batipada, Ph. 06792-52710) at lulung for night stay. There are also Forest Bungalows at different places inside, (Reservation: Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve Project, Baripada, Dist: Mayurbhanj, Orissa, Tel : (06792) 52593.
Deokund: It is an enchanting place with a series of waterfalls and a Sakti shrine, set against the outer periphery of Similipal.
(New News)
Orissa clears Sri Sri University bill
BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Sri Sri University Bill-2009 has been passed in the Orissa Legislative Assembly on July 30 .While opposition members put the Treasury Bench in a difficult situation over clearing the bill, Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister higher Education diplomatically steered the first private university bill in Orissa.Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust (SSRVMT), educational wing of the Art of Living is setting up the world class University in Bidyadharpur near Naraj in Cuttack district, only 35 kilometer from Capital City.
200 acres has been identified for the SSRVMT by the government of Orissa, which will set up structures that will reflect Indian ethos and aesthetic appeal, said Mr.Mishra.
The university will cater to the needs of 15,000 students and 1500 teachers, which will have advanced communication system and e-library facilities.A multi-specialty hospital will be attached to the School of medical Sciences, said the Minister.The university will be inviting the best of talents available in the global academic community to take up teaching course in the varsity.
To start with in the first year Ayurveda, Vedic Studies, Education, Indian Cultural Studies and Management courses will be opened. In second year, Mass Communication and cultural Tourism, Engineering in third year and in fourth year, Bio-technology and law and in the fifth year, Research Sciences and medical Sciences will be opened.
Taking the mood of the House, Minister allowed many amendments in the bill, which invited a division from the opposition.However the division fall flat with 88-27 votes and Government won the voting.After 3 days of marathon deliberations, now Sri Sri University Bill-2009 will take shape of an act, enabling the SSRVMT authorities to go ahead for construction.Sources said the SSRVMT will be setting up an eco-friendly and zero carbon foot print campus in the state.
11 relief camps closed in Kandhamal
PHULABANI( VISAKEO): Orissa Government on July 27 closed down one more relief camps in riot hit southern districts of Kandhamal, about 270 kilometers away from State Capital. With this 11 such camps have now been closed down.” We have closed down a relief camp at Tikabali that was running since last year violence while more than 100 inmates have returned to their homes” Government’s special administrator for the riot hit area, Madhu Sudan Padhi said. The tribal dominated district witnessed violence after the murder of Hindu seer Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his Jalespata Ashram under Tumulibandha police limit on August 23, 2008.The administration had provided shelters to the locals, setting up 13 relief camps in the district. About 1000 are, however, still taking shelter in two relief camps -- one at Mandakia and another in Tiangia village, though no violence has been reported in the region since October last year.
Postal stamp on Poet Jayadev released
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 27 unveiled 11 commemorative stamps on 12th century poet Jayadev and the rest 10 on incarnation of Lord Jagannath as depicted in Gitagovinda here at Jayadev Bhawan.
The Department of Posts has sponsored the stamps, which took at least 2 and half years of dogged pursuit by the Government of Orissa for making this endeavor a success.
Sources said the former Chief Post Master General, Orissa Circle, Mrs. Indira Krishnakumar had set to proposal on the motion in January, 2007 after successfully releasing the Special Cover on the poet. The Information and Public Relations department provided all necessary details including authentic facts on Jayadev’s birth, his literary works and activities.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
State level students’ Convention held
State level students’ Convention held
BHUBANESWAR(visakeo)- Orissa unit of Itihash Sankalan Samiti on August 15 hosted a State level convention for College and University students and discussed on various national matters. RSS national executive member, Mr Indresh Kumar while attending the convention however alleged that the political functionaries and leaders are always loves to downplay the verdict of Judiciary. He added that , as a result of which, Pakistani based, terror elements, easily targeting Indians on their soil as the country did not have a stringent law to fight.
Citing from Afzal Guru to Kashab, Kumar demanded that each terror element, should treated as national enemy and given proper treatment for his crime on Indian soil. Around 600 students from across the State participated in the event. RSS Khetra Pracharak, Sunilpada Goswami also spoke on this occasion. Prof Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra of Utkal University’s Sanskrit Departmnet presided over the function while Suryakanta Sahoo coordinated.
BHUBANESWAR(visakeo)- Orissa unit of Itihash Sankalan Samiti on August 15 hosted a State level convention for College and University students and discussed on various national matters. RSS national executive member, Mr Indresh Kumar while attending the convention however alleged that the political functionaries and leaders are always loves to downplay the verdict of Judiciary. He added that , as a result of which, Pakistani based, terror elements, easily targeting Indians on their soil as the country did not have a stringent law to fight.
Citing from Afzal Guru to Kashab, Kumar demanded that each terror element, should treated as national enemy and given proper treatment for his crime on Indian soil. Around 600 students from across the State participated in the event. RSS Khetra Pracharak, Sunilpada Goswami also spoke on this occasion. Prof Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra of Utkal University’s Sanskrit Departmnet presided over the function while Suryakanta Sahoo coordinated.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
व्प observes Sacrifice Day, remembers Swamiji on his death anniversary
VHP observes Sacrifice Day, remembers Swamiji on his death anniversary
BHUBANESWAR:(Visakeo) The Viswa Hindu Parishad on Thursday observed the Sacrifice Day and remembered Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on his first death anniversary. The first death anniversary of the Hindu Seer passed off peacefully across Orissa including at Jalespata Ashram, where the religious leader was gun down and Chakapada in tribal dominated southern districts of Kandhamal, where he was cremated.
VHP, while alleging Church hand in the murder that shocked the entire nation on August 23, 2009 on Janmasthami Day, however held ‘silent protest’ at Raj Bhawan and came down heavily on the Orissa Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case. Sangh workers held a demonstration here at Raj Bhawan and observed Sacrifice Day.
The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor MC Bhandare seeking strong action against killers and conspirators
“The Naveen Patnaik Government for its vote bank politics, however shielding the culprits and blaming the innocent Hindu tribals for the communal flare up,” they said. The partial treatment of the elected Government to go out of the way to help people of a particular community, violets the basic principals of human rights, the VHP said in a memorandum.
Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan, State spokesman RN Panda, BJP MLA Pratap Sarangi, former MP Archana Nayak, Pramod Das of VHP were among those present.
Later a delegation met Governor MC Bhandare and submitted a memorandum. Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, Dr Ratnakar Chaini, GS Ratha and Dr Nagen Kumar Debata were among those in the delegation.
BHUBANESWAR:(Visakeo) The Viswa Hindu Parishad on Thursday observed the Sacrifice Day and remembered Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on his first death anniversary. The first death anniversary of the Hindu Seer passed off peacefully across Orissa including at Jalespata Ashram, where the religious leader was gun down and Chakapada in tribal dominated southern districts of Kandhamal, where he was cremated.
VHP, while alleging Church hand in the murder that shocked the entire nation on August 23, 2009 on Janmasthami Day, however held ‘silent protest’ at Raj Bhawan and came down heavily on the Orissa Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case. Sangh workers held a demonstration here at Raj Bhawan and observed Sacrifice Day.
The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor MC Bhandare seeking strong action against killers and conspirators
“The Naveen Patnaik Government for its vote bank politics, however shielding the culprits and blaming the innocent Hindu tribals for the communal flare up,” they said. The partial treatment of the elected Government to go out of the way to help people of a particular community, violets the basic principals of human rights, the VHP said in a memorandum.
Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan, State spokesman RN Panda, BJP MLA Pratap Sarangi, former MP Archana Nayak, Pramod Das of VHP were among those present.
Later a delegation met Governor MC Bhandare and submitted a memorandum. Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, Dr Ratnakar Chaini, GS Ratha and Dr Nagen Kumar Debata were among those in the delegation.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
VHP plans silent protest on Aug 13
VHP plans silent protest on Aug 13
BHUBANESWAR, Aug 8:(visakeo)- The Viswa Hindu Parishad would host two ‘silent protests’ meetings here in State Capital and in riot hit Kandhamal district on August 13 to mark the sacrifice day in memory of late Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.
VHP would host these two meetings, besides hosting prayer meetings at Jalespata Ashram, where the Seer and his followers were shot dead on August 23, 2008 and Chakapada, where his body was cremated.
“We would host seven-day long activities to mark the Sacrifice Day,” VHP State general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said on Saturday. Rath came down heavily on State Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case.
“It was shocking and unfortunate that one year after the brutal murder, police officials till clueless while Government favouring one community for vote bank politics,” he added.
BHUBANESWAR, Aug 8:(visakeo)- The Viswa Hindu Parishad would host two ‘silent protests’ meetings here in State Capital and in riot hit Kandhamal district on August 13 to mark the sacrifice day in memory of late Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.
VHP would host these two meetings, besides hosting prayer meetings at Jalespata Ashram, where the Seer and his followers were shot dead on August 23, 2008 and Chakapada, where his body was cremated.
“We would host seven-day long activities to mark the Sacrifice Day,” VHP State general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said on Saturday. Rath came down heavily on State Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case.
“It was shocking and unfortunate that one year after the brutal murder, police officials till clueless while Government favouring one community for vote bank politics,” he added.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Install Savarkar Statue in France: Hindus tell govt
Install Savarkar Statue in France: Hindus tell govt
Hindus want the 10 year impasse in installing Veer Savarkar’s Statue in France to be ended. Recently, they petitioned the government to his effect. On August 3, 2009, Hindu Janajagriti Samiti (HJS) representative along with the representatives of other Hindu organizations in Chennai submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Tamilnadu, His Excellency Mr. Surjit singh Barnala urging the Central Government to construct a Memorial for the great freedom fighter, Veer Savarkar in Marseilles port, France. The following dignitaries were present during the submission of memorandum. Shri.. V. Sundaram, Retd.IAS Officer, Associate Editor, News Today; Shri.L. Natarajan, RSS, Chennai; Shri. P. Prabhakaran, Sanatan Sanstha, Chennai; Shri. Parthasarathi, VHP Chennai; Smt. Uma Ravichandran, HJS; Shri.Kashinath Shetti, HJS. The Governor accepted the memorandum and assured the delegation that it will be forwarded to the President of India.
Hindus are not pleased by the antics of Muslim Outfits
Muslim outfits in Tamilnadu with questionable history are busy these days in posing as champions of seva and desh bhakti. Two recent instances prove this: ONE: Nellaippar (Shiva) temple is the main place in the city of Tirunelveli, This place has been earmarked for Tourism Development and measures are taken for the same. As a black mark, there is a state government – run wine shop on the North Rath Street of the temple. Tamilnadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam has given a petition to the collector to shift the wine shop. Secretary Usman Khan claimed that another wine shop in West Rath Street was shifed after various organizations including TMMK fought for it. TWO: Manitha Neya Paasarai, another Muslim outfit, said that it would conduct a ‘march past’ by its volunteers in military uniform in Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, on August 15. The Hindus are in no mood to relish this farce. They have registered their protest with the police.
Hindus want the 10 year impasse in installing Veer Savarkar’s Statue in France to be ended. Recently, they petitioned the government to his effect. On August 3, 2009, Hindu Janajagriti Samiti (HJS) representative along with the representatives of other Hindu organizations in Chennai submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Tamilnadu, His Excellency Mr. Surjit singh Barnala urging the Central Government to construct a Memorial for the great freedom fighter, Veer Savarkar in Marseilles port, France. The following dignitaries were present during the submission of memorandum. Shri.. V. Sundaram, Retd.IAS Officer, Associate Editor, News Today; Shri.L. Natarajan, RSS, Chennai; Shri. P. Prabhakaran, Sanatan Sanstha, Chennai; Shri. Parthasarathi, VHP Chennai; Smt. Uma Ravichandran, HJS; Shri.Kashinath Shetti, HJS. The Governor accepted the memorandum and assured the delegation that it will be forwarded to the President of India.
Hindus are not pleased by the antics of Muslim Outfits
Muslim outfits in Tamilnadu with questionable history are busy these days in posing as champions of seva and desh bhakti. Two recent instances prove this: ONE: Nellaippar (Shiva) temple is the main place in the city of Tirunelveli, This place has been earmarked for Tourism Development and measures are taken for the same. As a black mark, there is a state government – run wine shop on the North Rath Street of the temple. Tamilnadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam has given a petition to the collector to shift the wine shop. Secretary Usman Khan claimed that another wine shop in West Rath Street was shifed after various organizations including TMMK fought for it. TWO: Manitha Neya Paasarai, another Muslim outfit, said that it would conduct a ‘march past’ by its volunteers in military uniform in Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, on August 15. The Hindus are in no mood to relish this farce. They have registered their protest with the police.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Event update :Utensils donated by Kalinga Seva Samiti
The members of Kalinga Seva Samiti, Chauliaganja, Cuttack – a social organisation has donated utensils worth of Rs.20,000/- along with a donation of Rs. 51,000/- in the form of Fixed Deposit for the children of Jashoda Sadan Balashram on 19th July 2009. The members of the Trust have expressed their satisfaction over the noble work of Balashram and have taken a vow to remain associated with the work of children for ever.
Shri Mahaveer Prashad Jajodia, Shri Sangram K. Patra and Shri Jagadisha Pattanaik was present on behalf of Jashoda Sadan and received the FD and utensil donations from the members of the Kalinga Seva Samiti . A small meeting was organised in the Balashram premises on this occasion in which a small cultural programme was also conducted.
Shri Mahaveer Prashad Jajodia, Shri Sangram K. Patra and Shri Jagadisha Pattanaik was present on behalf of Jashoda Sadan and received the FD and utensil donations from the members of the Kalinga Seva Samiti . A small meeting was organised in the Balashram premises on this occasion in which a small cultural programme was also conducted.
Book your copy now and Avail pre-publication special offer.
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Tarun Vijay's new book
India Battles to Win
"Tarun Vijay is an intellectual, patriot, writer and thinker. He argues and emphasises that our cultural and religious (Hindu) heritage gives India an advantage to achieve a better, prosperous, equitable and sustainable future. As an Indian, I am beholden to Tarun for making me think of my heritage as a part of the future."
- F.C. Kohli, Former Vice-President, Tata Consultancy Services.
About The Book:
India bruised and brutalized with terror war, poverty and self denying secularism yet shining stunningly on world horizon as an unstoppable global power is like a lion shackled in deep slumber slowly awakening with a roar. India's time has arrived. Invincible military strength, emerging economic power and a vibrant reformist youth energy having pride in its core civilisational character are the ingredients that makes this Indian war winnable.
India Battles to Win is an invigorating reading. Written in his own inimitable style by Tarun Vijay, who has emerged as the strong and 'most read' journalist representing Hindu nationalism gives his best power packed commentary. Controversial and fiery. Spares none-and remains unapologetic.
An unprecedented book by a highly respected writer who has been one of the closest policy makers to the top leaders of Hindu movement and politics.
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Tarun Vijay's new book
India Battles to Win
"Tarun Vijay is an intellectual, patriot, writer and thinker. He argues and emphasises that our cultural and religious (Hindu) heritage gives India an advantage to achieve a better, prosperous, equitable and sustainable future. As an Indian, I am beholden to Tarun for making me think of my heritage as a part of the future."
- F.C. Kohli, Former Vice-President, Tata Consultancy Services.
About The Book:
India bruised and brutalized with terror war, poverty and self denying secularism yet shining stunningly on world horizon as an unstoppable global power is like a lion shackled in deep slumber slowly awakening with a roar. India's time has arrived. Invincible military strength, emerging economic power and a vibrant reformist youth energy having pride in its core civilisational character are the ingredients that makes this Indian war winnable.
India Battles to Win is an invigorating reading. Written in his own inimitable style by Tarun Vijay, who has emerged as the strong and 'most read' journalist representing Hindu nationalism gives his best power packed commentary. Controversial and fiery. Spares none-and remains unapologetic.
An unprecedented book by a highly respected writer who has been one of the closest policy makers to the top leaders of Hindu movement and politics.
Hurry, before the offer ends-
THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT A PRE-PUBLICATION PRICE OF RS. 395.00 till 15th August, 2009. THE PUBLISHED PRICE IS RS 495.00 PLEASE BOOK YOUR ORDER NOW TO AVAIL SPECIAL OFFER.
On Line Payment Method- Buyers can pay to HDFC BANK, LTD, DARYAGANJ BRANCH, NEW DELHI 110 002 TO ACCOUNT NO 03142790000151(a/c Rupa & Co., Delhi).
Orders with payment details may be forwarded on following emails:- info@rupabooks.com , sales@rupapublications.com . Postage free for the books shipped within India.
Postage charges for the orders received from abroad will be @ Rs 600.00 per book (registered air mail).
ALTERNATIVELY THE SAME OFFER CAN BE AVAILED FROM OUR WEBSITE: http://www.rupapublications.co.in/client/Book/INDIA--BATTLES-TO-WIN.aspx
A Rupa Publications proud presentation
INDIA BATTLES TO WIN by Tarun Vijay Category: Current Affairs, Pages: 355 Book Size: 6x9 inches Weight: 500 gm Available in: HardboundISBN: 9788129115003.
For more information contact A K Singh: Tele- 23240448 ,23272161 /Mobile 9868111026.
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