Pakistan must check all terror groups, says David Cameron
Sandeep Dikshit
Manmohan hopes Islamabad will honour commitments
NEW DELHI: Underlining the need to remain engaged with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his British counterpart, David Cameron, on Thursday called on Islamabad to be indiscriminate in cracking down on terror groups operating from its soil.
“We believe that Pakistan should be as serious in paying attention to terror on its western borders as on the eastern borders. I sincerely hope the world community would use its good offices to promote this,” Dr. Singh said at a joint press conference with Mr. Cameron here. “It is not acceptable, as I have said, for there to be within Pakistan existence of terror groups that cause terrorism within Pakistan, outside Pakistan, in Afghanistan, India and elsewhere in the world,” added Mr. Cameron. At the same time, Pakistan should be encouraged to take steps to see that terror was reduced. “We want to work with Pakistan to make it fight the LeT [Lashkar-e-Taiba] and Afghan or Pakistan Taliban. The Pakistan government has taken steps and it needs to take further steps to reduce terrorism in Afghanistan, India and the streets of London. I think the right thing is to have discussion with Pakistan frankly, clearly and openly. Next week, I will have discussions with the President of Pakistan,'' he said.
Making the same point, Dr. Singh hoped that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi would accept the invitation to visit India later this year so that “sooner or later” the dialogue was restored to the “proper sense of purpose.”
In his first observations on the July 15 talks in Islamabad between the Indian and Pakistani Foreign Ministers, Dr. Singh said the discussions covered a lot of ground but the outcome appeared to be rancorous due to Mr. Qureshi's comments at a press conference that followed. Regretting the “way in which the press conference was handled,” he, nevertheless, felt that the discussions managed to “reach agreements on a large number of issues having a bearing on bilateral ties.”
“The way the press conference was handled by the Pakistani Foreign Minister distracted from the larger elements of the agreements reached between the Foreign Ministers of both countries,” he observed while declining to judge the outcome of the talks because “we are too close to events to pass a firm judgment on the outcome of the recent discussions.”
Replying to another question, Dr. Singh expressed the hope that Pakistan would honour the commitments given to him and his predecessors on many occasions that terror from its territory would not be directed against India.
Asked what the international community would do to see that Pakistan did not export terror, Mr. Cameron concurred with Dr. Singh's observations and added that Pakistan must crack down on or eliminate all terror groups, including the LeT.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Villagers block road after famer’s suicide
Villagers block road after famer’s suicide
Dhenkanal
After Auja Dehury, 22, of village Dassipur in Kankadahad block of Dhenkanal district committed suicide by consuming pesticide late on Wednesday night, the villagers blocked the road at Mahabirod for two hours on Thursday with his body protesting the "anti-farmer’ agriculture policy of the Government causing serial suicides of farmers in the State.
The agitating farmers withdrew the road blockade only after Kankadahad BDO Bidhnu Prasad Acharya and Inspector of Parjang police station assured them of possible steps for compensating the loss of crops of the deceased farmer.
Sources said Dehury cultivated cauliflower in one acre of his land last year borrowing agricultural loan of Rs 1 lakh from a bank and another Rs 50,000 hand loan from villagers.
But unfortunately, while his cauliflower crop was damaged due to insects, the paddy he had cultivated in the rest of his one-and-a-half acres upland was lost due to lack of water.
On Wednesday, when he was preparing the bed for re-cropping of cauliflower, the private financers forced him to repay their money.
Depressed over this as he was in no position to repay the loan he took his own life.
Dehury had got married only six months back.
Meanwhile, when the Kankadahad BDO, the Deputy Director Agriculture and Deputy Director Horticulture visited the village to assess the crop loss, only the Maa Mangala Self Help Group claimed that Dehury had borrowed Rs 20,000 from it.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/BHUBANESWAR/Bhubaneswar.html
Dhenkanal
After Auja Dehury, 22, of village Dassipur in Kankadahad block of Dhenkanal district committed suicide by consuming pesticide late on Wednesday night, the villagers blocked the road at Mahabirod for two hours on Thursday with his body protesting the "anti-farmer’ agriculture policy of the Government causing serial suicides of farmers in the State.
The agitating farmers withdrew the road blockade only after Kankadahad BDO Bidhnu Prasad Acharya and Inspector of Parjang police station assured them of possible steps for compensating the loss of crops of the deceased farmer.
Sources said Dehury cultivated cauliflower in one acre of his land last year borrowing agricultural loan of Rs 1 lakh from a bank and another Rs 50,000 hand loan from villagers.
But unfortunately, while his cauliflower crop was damaged due to insects, the paddy he had cultivated in the rest of his one-and-a-half acres upland was lost due to lack of water.
On Wednesday, when he was preparing the bed for re-cropping of cauliflower, the private financers forced him to repay their money.
Depressed over this as he was in no position to repay the loan he took his own life.
Dehury had got married only six months back.
Meanwhile, when the Kankadahad BDO, the Deputy Director Agriculture and Deputy Director Horticulture visited the village to assess the crop loss, only the Maa Mangala Self Help Group claimed that Dehury had borrowed Rs 20,000 from it.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/BHUBANESWAR/Bhubaneswar.html
NRO urges CM for recognition of Ghumura dance
NRO urges CM for recognition of Ghumura dance
Bhubaneswar
Noted Non-Resident Odia (NRO) Digambara Patra has written an e-mail to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging him to give due weightage to Ghumura folk dance form and its exponents while recommending artistes for the prestigious Padmashri award.
While Odissi, Chhau, Ranapa and other folk dance forms have been getting national recognition, Ghumura lacks patronage from the State Government, he lamented asking whether scholars of Ghumura lack political lobby or the form belongs to KBK and does not belong to a particular region continuously favoured by the Odisha State.
Ghumura is more popular than Ranapa and it is much ahead of many other dance forms in Odisha in terms of popularity of folk dance and it is more scholarly researched, cultivated and has a history of at least a 1,000 years, he remarked in his mail, a copy of which has also been sent to the President of India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, State Department of Culture and all MPs from Odisha.
Alleging favoritism by various Chief Ministers towards their home district Ganjam in the name of south Odisha, he lamented that the Government was not giving equal recognition to Ghumura and its scholars.
Ghumura is one of the most sought after and leading folk dance forms in Odisha.
It is classified as a folk dance but it bears more resemblance with other classical dance forms of India and the dance is not limited to tribal only, he said.
The dance is associated with social entertainment, relaxation, love, devotion and friendly brotherhood among all class, creed and religion in the present days and can be classified as classical dance, he advocated.
Ghumura dance is still popularly hidden in the village level in south Odisha, western Odisha, central Odisha and some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Kalahandi is mainly known as land of Ghumura and has taken a leading rule in popularising and retaining its unique identity of Ghumura dance.
Ghumura dance has got the opportunity to represent the nation in various international events worldwide, he said.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/
Bhubaneswar
Noted Non-Resident Odia (NRO) Digambara Patra has written an e-mail to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging him to give due weightage to Ghumura folk dance form and its exponents while recommending artistes for the prestigious Padmashri award.
While Odissi, Chhau, Ranapa and other folk dance forms have been getting national recognition, Ghumura lacks patronage from the State Government, he lamented asking whether scholars of Ghumura lack political lobby or the form belongs to KBK and does not belong to a particular region continuously favoured by the Odisha State.
Ghumura is more popular than Ranapa and it is much ahead of many other dance forms in Odisha in terms of popularity of folk dance and it is more scholarly researched, cultivated and has a history of at least a 1,000 years, he remarked in his mail, a copy of which has also been sent to the President of India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, State Department of Culture and all MPs from Odisha.
Alleging favoritism by various Chief Ministers towards their home district Ganjam in the name of south Odisha, he lamented that the Government was not giving equal recognition to Ghumura and its scholars.
Ghumura is one of the most sought after and leading folk dance forms in Odisha.
It is classified as a folk dance but it bears more resemblance with other classical dance forms of India and the dance is not limited to tribal only, he said.
The dance is associated with social entertainment, relaxation, love, devotion and friendly brotherhood among all class, creed and religion in the present days and can be classified as classical dance, he advocated.
Ghumura dance is still popularly hidden in the village level in south Odisha, western Odisha, central Odisha and some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Kalahandi is mainly known as land of Ghumura and has taken a leading rule in popularising and retaining its unique identity of Ghumura dance.
Ghumura dance has got the opportunity to represent the nation in various international events worldwide, he said.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/
Is Gujarat as a part of ‘enemy country’, asks Modi
Is Gujarat as a part of ‘enemy country’, asks Modi
Ahmedabad-
Hitting out at the Centre and the CBI, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said the agency's plea to the Supreme Court to shift the Sohrabuddin case outside Gujarat was an insult to the judicial system of the state.
He also asked the Centre whether it considered Gujarat as a part of "enemy country".
"Do you not consider the state as a part of India," Modi asked.
Accusing Congress of playing vote bank politics on the fake encounter case, Modi lambasted the ruling party at the Centre and also the CBI, which is probing the 2005 killing.
"There is an attempt to pollute the environment of Gujarat. This is an insult of the judicial system of Gujarat.. its judges..Its lawyers," Modi said at a function here.
"They are trying to malign my name for the last eight years. But now they have started maligning the judicial system of the state. I will not tolerate this. They can attack me but why the judicial system?" the Chief Minister asked.
"Am I doing anything wrong by fighting terrorism.. Have I done anything wrong by arresting the accused of Ahmedabad blasts. Why I am being stopped from fighting terrorism?" he asked.
The Central probe agency, which submitted a status report in the Supreme Court yesterday and placed records before it, has sought shifting of the case outside Gujarat for a "fair trial".
Amit Shah, former minister and a key Modi aide, has been arrested in the case.
"Why is Gujarat being treated as if it was part of an enemy state. Are judges of Gujarat useless. Other courts of the country are good, but courts in Gujarat are bad," Modi remarked.
"Gujarat's peace, brotherhood, development and progress is not liked by some people. They are working towards maligning it. There have been serious efforts to maintain peace in the state. But they do not want peace in Gujarat. They want to demean it," he alleged.
Citing the example of the Best Bakery case, in which the trial was held in a Mumbai court, Modi said even though the case was transferred to Mumbai, the investigation was done by Gujarat police, and the case papers and charge sheet was prepared by them.
"Only the courtroom and judge was from Mumbai, rest including the investigation was by Gujarat police, based on which the accused were convicted," he said.
Similarly, he said in the Bilkis Bano case, which was first transferred outside Gujarat, and then handed over to CBI, all persons except one, named in the chargesheet filed by Gujarat police were convicted.
PTI |
Ahmedabad-
Hitting out at the Centre and the CBI, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said the agency's plea to the Supreme Court to shift the Sohrabuddin case outside Gujarat was an insult to the judicial system of the state.
He also asked the Centre whether it considered Gujarat as a part of "enemy country".
"Do you not consider the state as a part of India," Modi asked.
Accusing Congress of playing vote bank politics on the fake encounter case, Modi lambasted the ruling party at the Centre and also the CBI, which is probing the 2005 killing.
"There is an attempt to pollute the environment of Gujarat. This is an insult of the judicial system of Gujarat.. its judges..Its lawyers," Modi said at a function here.
"They are trying to malign my name for the last eight years. But now they have started maligning the judicial system of the state. I will not tolerate this. They can attack me but why the judicial system?" the Chief Minister asked.
"Am I doing anything wrong by fighting terrorism.. Have I done anything wrong by arresting the accused of Ahmedabad blasts. Why I am being stopped from fighting terrorism?" he asked.
The Central probe agency, which submitted a status report in the Supreme Court yesterday and placed records before it, has sought shifting of the case outside Gujarat for a "fair trial".
Amit Shah, former minister and a key Modi aide, has been arrested in the case.
"Why is Gujarat being treated as if it was part of an enemy state. Are judges of Gujarat useless. Other courts of the country are good, but courts in Gujarat are bad," Modi remarked.
"Gujarat's peace, brotherhood, development and progress is not liked by some people. They are working towards maligning it. There have been serious efforts to maintain peace in the state. But they do not want peace in Gujarat. They want to demean it," he alleged.
Citing the example of the Best Bakery case, in which the trial was held in a Mumbai court, Modi said even though the case was transferred to Mumbai, the investigation was done by Gujarat police, and the case papers and charge sheet was prepared by them.
"Only the courtroom and judge was from Mumbai, rest including the investigation was by Gujarat police, based on which the accused were convicted," he said.
Similarly, he said in the Bilkis Bano case, which was first transferred outside Gujarat, and then handed over to CBI, all persons except one, named in the chargesheet filed by Gujarat police were convicted.
PTI |
Friday, July 30, 2010
Nun ‘rape’ case medical report under suspicion
The medical report in the Kandhamal nun ‘rape’ case that was prepared by the Baliguda sub-divisional hospital doctor Sangita Mishra came under sharp criticism at the trial court here on Thursday when the defence lawyers questioned its veracity.
“How come a doctor could examine a rape victim on August 25, 2008 when the requisition for the same came two months after on October 1, 2008”, the defence lawyers asked the doctor who recorded her statements before the trial court.
The doctor however, told the court that she had examined the victim as per the order of requisition that was made two months after the incident. While the deposition of the doctor remained inconclusive on the day, the defence lawyers felt that the entire allegation of ‘rape’ of the nun was an afterthought to malign the State and the documents in support of it by the prosecution are “fake and fabricated”.
“The entire game plan of the prosecution to build up a sensational case out of a non-issue is now getting exposed and more such revealing facts would come out after the deposition of the nun,” informed the defence counsel Ajit Kumar Patnaik.
Besides the doctor, the local project administrator of Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Suresh Chandra Suanr, who was also appointed as a Magistrate during the communal violence also deposed before the court on the day.
In a startling disclosure, the Magistrate who was present during the recording of the statement of the victim at the local police station said that the nun had complained about someone sitting on her thigh when the mob assaulted her and the priest of the
church.
Similarly another witness, Subash Digal told the trial court that some people among the mob had actually escorted the nun and the priest to the nearby police station when they were attacked by another group from the mob.
The witness could identify only one Mitu Patnaik from among the accused produced in the court on the day.
http://dailypioneer.com/272695/Nun-‘rape’-case-medical-report-under-suspicion.html
“How come a doctor could examine a rape victim on August 25, 2008 when the requisition for the same came two months after on October 1, 2008”, the defence lawyers asked the doctor who recorded her statements before the trial court.
The doctor however, told the court that she had examined the victim as per the order of requisition that was made two months after the incident. While the deposition of the doctor remained inconclusive on the day, the defence lawyers felt that the entire allegation of ‘rape’ of the nun was an afterthought to malign the State and the documents in support of it by the prosecution are “fake and fabricated”.
“The entire game plan of the prosecution to build up a sensational case out of a non-issue is now getting exposed and more such revealing facts would come out after the deposition of the nun,” informed the defence counsel Ajit Kumar Patnaik.
Besides the doctor, the local project administrator of Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Suresh Chandra Suanr, who was also appointed as a Magistrate during the communal violence also deposed before the court on the day.
In a startling disclosure, the Magistrate who was present during the recording of the statement of the victim at the local police station said that the nun had complained about someone sitting on her thigh when the mob assaulted her and the priest of the
church.
Similarly another witness, Subash Digal told the trial court that some people among the mob had actually escorted the nun and the priest to the nearby police station when they were attacked by another group from the mob.
The witness could identify only one Mitu Patnaik from among the accused produced in the court on the day.
http://dailypioneer.com/272695/Nun-‘rape’-case-medical-report-under-suspicion.html
Maoists drew less blood: CM
BHUBANESWAR: On a day Union Home Minister P Chidambaram promised to eliminate Naxalism in three years, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reeled out statistics to claim that Maoists drew less blood in Orissa.
Drawing a parallel with other affected states, Naveen claimed in the Assembly that Maoist violence came down by 30 per cent during the first six months compared to the corresponding period last year. His statement comes at a time when Naxalite activities have spread to 25 of the 30 districts in the State and the radicals have been striking with alarming regularity.
Replying to the debate on Home Department Budget, the Chief Minister took solace that the number of violent incidents in Orissa was less than that in the neighbouring states.
In the first six months till June, 68 incidents, involving 42 deaths, were reported in Orissa. During the period, 312 incidents were reported in Chhattisgarh claiming 220 lives and 254 incidents, involving 76 deaths, were reported from Jharkhand. In West Bengal it was 143 deaths in 193 incidents.
The discussion was held in the absence of the Congress and the BJP MLAs who have been boycotting the proceedings demanding resignation of the two coal scam tainted ministers. The Congress, however, lashed out at Naveen for the failure of the State Government to contain the Maoist menace. Addressing a media conference here, Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Chakradhar Paik alleged that neglect of tribal areas has enabled the Maoists strengthen their base.
The problem cannot be solved by police alone, Paik said and added there should be development initiatives in the tribal areas. The party was bitter that the Chief Minister did not take the people’s representatives of the areas into confidence.
Naveen has not convened a single meeting of MLAs of the areas, into where the Maoists have made inroads in the recent years, Paik pointed out.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa
Drawing a parallel with other affected states, Naveen claimed in the Assembly that Maoist violence came down by 30 per cent during the first six months compared to the corresponding period last year. His statement comes at a time when Naxalite activities have spread to 25 of the 30 districts in the State and the radicals have been striking with alarming regularity.
Replying to the debate on Home Department Budget, the Chief Minister took solace that the number of violent incidents in Orissa was less than that in the neighbouring states.
In the first six months till June, 68 incidents, involving 42 deaths, were reported in Orissa. During the period, 312 incidents were reported in Chhattisgarh claiming 220 lives and 254 incidents, involving 76 deaths, were reported from Jharkhand. In West Bengal it was 143 deaths in 193 incidents.
The discussion was held in the absence of the Congress and the BJP MLAs who have been boycotting the proceedings demanding resignation of the two coal scam tainted ministers. The Congress, however, lashed out at Naveen for the failure of the State Government to contain the Maoist menace. Addressing a media conference here, Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Chakradhar Paik alleged that neglect of tribal areas has enabled the Maoists strengthen their base.
The problem cannot be solved by police alone, Paik said and added there should be development initiatives in the tribal areas. The party was bitter that the Chief Minister did not take the people’s representatives of the areas into confidence.
Naveen has not convened a single meeting of MLAs of the areas, into where the Maoists have made inroads in the recent years, Paik pointed out.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa
Thursday, July 29, 2010
250 NGOs blacklisted in State
250 NGOs blacklisted in State
Bhubaneswar
Planning and Coordination Minister Anang Uday Singh Deo on Thursday informed the Assembly that the State Governmnet has black listed 250 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as they were involved in anti-State works.
Giving a reply to a question of Sidharth Sekhar Singh and additional questions of Rabi Narayan Nanda, Amar Prasad Satapathy, Sananda Marandi, Nrusinhga Sahu, Satya Narayan Pradhan, Sanjay Das Burma, Minister said nearly 1.5 lakh NGOs are working in the State now and they had received foreign funding of Rs 5.40 crore in five years from 2004-05 to 2009.
He also informed that while 83 thousand NGOs have been taking up different works in district levels, 23, 719 have been registered in State level. Of the black listed NGOs, 84 working in Nayagarh district had received Rs 2.65 crore from all sources including Central and State Governments. Grants have been stopped to such NGOs, Minister informed.
Sing Deo said the NGOs are funded as per the guidelines which have been specially set for them. District collectors have been asked to look into the workings of the suspected NGOs, he said.
Bhubaneswar
Planning and Coordination Minister Anang Uday Singh Deo on Thursday informed the Assembly that the State Governmnet has black listed 250 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as they were involved in anti-State works.
Giving a reply to a question of Sidharth Sekhar Singh and additional questions of Rabi Narayan Nanda, Amar Prasad Satapathy, Sananda Marandi, Nrusinhga Sahu, Satya Narayan Pradhan, Sanjay Das Burma, Minister said nearly 1.5 lakh NGOs are working in the State now and they had received foreign funding of Rs 5.40 crore in five years from 2004-05 to 2009.
He also informed that while 83 thousand NGOs have been taking up different works in district levels, 23, 719 have been registered in State level. Of the black listed NGOs, 84 working in Nayagarh district had received Rs 2.65 crore from all sources including Central and State Governments. Grants have been stopped to such NGOs, Minister informed.
Sing Deo said the NGOs are funded as per the guidelines which have been specially set for them. District collectors have been asked to look into the workings of the suspected NGOs, he said.
BJP Krushak Morcha seeks CM’s resignation
BJP Krushak Morcha seeks CM’s resignation
Bhubaneswar,(visakeo)
The BJP Krushak Morcha in a meeting of the State and district functionaries here on Thursday has expressed concern over the CAG report stating that there has been a scam of Rs 4,200 crores in the Water Resources Department.
In the meeting presided over Krushak Morcha State unit president Maheshwar Sahu, the Morcha has questioned the transparent and clean image of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as he is holding the portfolio of Water resources. The Morcha alleged that water resources are being provided to the industries instead of agriculture and there is a conspiracy to provide water to the upcoming industries and there is an alarm bell for the farmers of the State.
The Naveen Government which is trumpeting to irrigate 65 per cent of the agricultural land has, till now not been able to irrigate 25 per cent of the lands.The Morcha said it will demonstrate before all the district collectorates on August 5 and demand for a CBI inquiry into the scam and demand the resignation of the Chief Minister
Bhubaneswar,(visakeo)
The BJP Krushak Morcha in a meeting of the State and district functionaries here on Thursday has expressed concern over the CAG report stating that there has been a scam of Rs 4,200 crores in the Water Resources Department.
In the meeting presided over Krushak Morcha State unit president Maheshwar Sahu, the Morcha has questioned the transparent and clean image of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as he is holding the portfolio of Water resources. The Morcha alleged that water resources are being provided to the industries instead of agriculture and there is a conspiracy to provide water to the upcoming industries and there is an alarm bell for the farmers of the State.
The Naveen Government which is trumpeting to irrigate 65 per cent of the agricultural land has, till now not been able to irrigate 25 per cent of the lands.The Morcha said it will demonstrate before all the district collectorates on August 5 and demand for a CBI inquiry into the scam and demand the resignation of the Chief Minister
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Puri deities dazzle in gold
PURI: Gun-toting police personnel formed multi-layered security cover around the three chariots today as the Puri Trinity - Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra - was decked in gold as part of the `Sunavesha' ritual.
As per the tradition, after arrival of the three chariots at the 'Singhadwara' of the main temple the deities are dressed in pure gold and ornaments studded with rare jewels. While Sunavesha is observed five times in a year this is the lone occasion when the devotees get to have a glimpse of the Gods in gold.
Three separate teams of servitors, belonging to each deity, drew ornaments, weighing 100 kg, from the temple treasury and carried them to the raths where it was handed over to the three special sets of servitors. The process began at about 3 pm and was over by 5 pm.
The deities were adorned with objects resembling giant human limbs like the feet and hands besides weapons of the deities like mace, Chakra and insignias _ lotus and conch. The other decorations included giant diadems, kundalas and chest guards besides necklaces and garlands studded with rare jewels. All these were, however, returned to the temple treasury after the 'Sunavesha' was over.
Of the seven concealed ornament compartments in the temple treasury only one was opened till now. This lone compartment contains 367 items made of four quintals of gold and silver ornaments weighing 14 quintals. As many as 251 items find mention in the official inventory conducted in 1978. These apart, platinum ornaments studded with diamond, emerald, ruby and other precious stones of rare quality and size are used on special occasions.
Over 12 lakh devotees thronged this small town to witness the glittering function, throwing traffic haywire. The residents were put to immense difficulties as police closed almost all roads leading to the Grand Road from morning. There were traffic jams along various routes leading to the Holy City. Devotees waited for hours to join the queue.
Besides the security personnel, security cameras were scanning the crowd while an unspecified number of plainclothes police and intelligence personnel were pressed into service along with bomb detection and disposal squads.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa
As per the tradition, after arrival of the three chariots at the 'Singhadwara' of the main temple the deities are dressed in pure gold and ornaments studded with rare jewels. While Sunavesha is observed five times in a year this is the lone occasion when the devotees get to have a glimpse of the Gods in gold.
Three separate teams of servitors, belonging to each deity, drew ornaments, weighing 100 kg, from the temple treasury and carried them to the raths where it was handed over to the three special sets of servitors. The process began at about 3 pm and was over by 5 pm.
The deities were adorned with objects resembling giant human limbs like the feet and hands besides weapons of the deities like mace, Chakra and insignias _ lotus and conch. The other decorations included giant diadems, kundalas and chest guards besides necklaces and garlands studded with rare jewels. All these were, however, returned to the temple treasury after the 'Sunavesha' was over.
Of the seven concealed ornament compartments in the temple treasury only one was opened till now. This lone compartment contains 367 items made of four quintals of gold and silver ornaments weighing 14 quintals. As many as 251 items find mention in the official inventory conducted in 1978. These apart, platinum ornaments studded with diamond, emerald, ruby and other precious stones of rare quality and size are used on special occasions.
Over 12 lakh devotees thronged this small town to witness the glittering function, throwing traffic haywire. The residents were put to immense difficulties as police closed almost all roads leading to the Grand Road from morning. There were traffic jams along various routes leading to the Holy City. Devotees waited for hours to join the queue.
Besides the security personnel, security cameras were scanning the crowd while an unspecified number of plainclothes police and intelligence personnel were pressed into service along with bomb detection and disposal squads.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa
Friday, July 23, 2010
NREGS failed to contain rural migration in Orissa: CAG
BHUBANESWAR: Despite implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), rural migration increased by a whooping 116 per cent in Orissa with irregularities in galore at many fronts, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India today.
The rate of rural migration was abnormally high by 483 per cent in Nuapada district while the state average was 116 per cent, CAG said in its report for the year ending March 31, 2009.
The report which was tabled in the assembly today found several lacunae as incidents of manipulation in muster
rolls, non-payment of unemployment allowance and others.
"Deceased persons, government employees and old age persons were shown engaged and received wages," the report said adding 61 per cent beneficiaries were not even aware of their rights and privileges they are entitled to under the scheme.
Use of labour displacing machines was also noticed in Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Nayagarh districts. Inspection in 26
blocks found that 11030 works were executed at Rs 154.99 crore through contractors/middlemen in the guise of Village Labour Leaders (VLLs) and department officials.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The rate of rural migration was abnormally high by 483 per cent in Nuapada district while the state average was 116 per cent, CAG said in its report for the year ending March 31, 2009.
The report which was tabled in the assembly today found several lacunae as incidents of manipulation in muster
rolls, non-payment of unemployment allowance and others.
"Deceased persons, government employees and old age persons were shown engaged and received wages," the report said adding 61 per cent beneficiaries were not even aware of their rights and privileges they are entitled to under the scheme.
Use of labour displacing machines was also noticed in Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Nayagarh districts. Inspection in 26
blocks found that 11030 works were executed at Rs 154.99 crore through contractors/middlemen in the guise of Village Labour Leaders (VLLs) and department officials.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
15 lakh devotees witness Sunavesha
15 lakh devotees witness Sunavesha
PURI:Over 15 lakh devotees thronged the abode of Sri Jagannath here on Thursday to witness the famous Sunavesha of the deities on raths. This was the most decorative vesha of the lords outside the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple.
Gun-toting police personnel formed multi-layered security cover around the three chariots today as the Puri Trinity - Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra - was decked in gold as part of the `Sunavesha' ritual.
As per the tradition, after arrival of the three chariots at the 'Singhadwara' of the main temple the deities are dressed in pure gold and ornaments studded with rare jewels. While Sunavesha is observed five times in a year this is the lone occasion when the devotees get to have a glimpse of the Gods in gold.
Three separate teams of servitors, belonging to each deity, drew ornaments, weighing 100 kg, from the temple treasury and carried them to the raths where it was handed over to the three special sets of servitors. The process began at about 3 pm and was over by 5 pm.
The deities were adorned with objects resembling giant human limbs like the feet and hands besides weapons of the deities like mace, Chakra and insignias _ lotus and conch. The other decorations included giant diadems, kundalas and chest guards besides necklaces and garlands studded with rare jewels. All these were, however, returned to the temple treasury after the 'Sunavesha' was over.
Of the seven concealed ornament compartments in the temple treasury only one was opened till now. This lone compartment contains 367 items made of four quintals of gold and silver ornaments weighing 14 quintals. As many as 251 items find mention in the official inventory conducted in 1978. These apart, platinum ornaments studded with diamond, emerald, ruby and other precious stones of rare quality and size are used on special occasions.
Over 12 lakh devotees thronged this small town to witness the glittering function, throwing traffic haywire. The residents were put to immense difficulties as police closed almost all roads leading to the Grand Road from morning. There were traffic jams along various routes leading to the Holy City. Devotees waited for hours to join the queue.
Besides the security personnel, security cameras were scanning the crowd while an unspecified number of plainclothes police and intelligence personnel were pressed into service along with bomb detection and disposal squads.
PURI:Over 15 lakh devotees thronged the abode of Sri Jagannath here on Thursday to witness the famous Sunavesha of the deities on raths. This was the most decorative vesha of the lords outside the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple.
Gun-toting police personnel formed multi-layered security cover around the three chariots today as the Puri Trinity - Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra - was decked in gold as part of the `Sunavesha' ritual.
As per the tradition, after arrival of the three chariots at the 'Singhadwara' of the main temple the deities are dressed in pure gold and ornaments studded with rare jewels. While Sunavesha is observed five times in a year this is the lone occasion when the devotees get to have a glimpse of the Gods in gold.
Three separate teams of servitors, belonging to each deity, drew ornaments, weighing 100 kg, from the temple treasury and carried them to the raths where it was handed over to the three special sets of servitors. The process began at about 3 pm and was over by 5 pm.
The deities were adorned with objects resembling giant human limbs like the feet and hands besides weapons of the deities like mace, Chakra and insignias _ lotus and conch. The other decorations included giant diadems, kundalas and chest guards besides necklaces and garlands studded with rare jewels. All these were, however, returned to the temple treasury after the 'Sunavesha' was over.
Of the seven concealed ornament compartments in the temple treasury only one was opened till now. This lone compartment contains 367 items made of four quintals of gold and silver ornaments weighing 14 quintals. As many as 251 items find mention in the official inventory conducted in 1978. These apart, platinum ornaments studded with diamond, emerald, ruby and other precious stones of rare quality and size are used on special occasions.
Over 12 lakh devotees thronged this small town to witness the glittering function, throwing traffic haywire. The residents were put to immense difficulties as police closed almost all roads leading to the Grand Road from morning. There were traffic jams along various routes leading to the Holy City. Devotees waited for hours to join the queue.
Besides the security personnel, security cameras were scanning the crowd while an unspecified number of plainclothes police and intelligence personnel were pressed into service along with bomb detection and disposal squads.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Press Release on Coal Scam and CM’s statement to the Assembly.
Press Release on Coal Scam and CM’s statement to the Assembly.
-------- viswa sambad kendra orissa-----
Addressing a Press Conference to-day (Dt.21/7/’10), the Chief Spokesman and State Vice President Ashok Sahu castigated the Chief Minister of being a party to the on going Coal scam under the OSIS by protecting the two Ministers who were at one time Chairman of the Corporation. Shri Sahu alleged that Pratap Jena had personally got one Balaji Coal Traders appointed as Handling Agent who is transporting Coal from MCL to the Coal Depot at Manguli Chhak in Cuttack District by trucks and Tippers owned by ‘ Baba Lingaraj Transport Co.’ whose real owner is Pradip jena himself. He further alleged that Badri Narayan Patra, another Minister now was signatory to a resolution dated 17th February 2009 for setting up Coal Depots owned by private parties even at places where MCL has its own depot. It is in violation of the FSA and also the guidelines set by the Department of Public Enterprises as the expenditure involved exceeded ten lakh rupees. The prior approval of the parent department of Industries should have been obtained by the OSIS before embarking upon changes in the Coal distribution policy as resolved on 17/2/2009. Shri Sahu emphatically stated that there are enough materials to constitute prima facie charges against both the Ministers to investigate into their complicity in the multi Crore Coal Scam. But the CM, by giving clean chit to the delinquent members in the Cabinet has pre-emptied the investigation by the Vigilance Department. He alleged that in face of a clean chit by none other than CM himself, no one in the Vigilance Department would finger at these two delinquents even if they are guilty.
Shri Sahu further alleged that Hemant Sharma, the IAS officer was benefited by being posted as the Director Industries as well as the Managing Director of the OSIS as a reward for the services he rendered as the Collector and Returning Officer in Kendrapada where Naveen Babu’s arch-enemy Bijoy Mohapatra was contesting the elections in 2004. Shri Sharma as Director Industries formulates policies for allotment of MSMES entitled for such subsidized coal and as MD of the OSIS was implementing his own decisions in a different capacity. How he could be above board when corruption is ascertained to have been committed during preliminary enquiry. The CM has admitted in his statement before the Assembly on 17/7/2010 that there has been corruption reported in the OSIS but regarding appointment of private Coal Depot holders the concerned file had not gone to Badri Narayan Patra. But the resolution dated 17/2/2010 is within full knowledge of Patra as per records. Hence, CM’s statement is baseless, illogical and intended to mislead the House. The CM has to drop these two delinquents from his Cabinet and suspend Hemant Sharma and Akhil Jena to facilitate the Vigilance Department for impartial and fearless investigation.
-------- viswa sambad kendra orissa-----
Addressing a Press Conference to-day (Dt.21/7/’10), the Chief Spokesman and State Vice President Ashok Sahu castigated the Chief Minister of being a party to the on going Coal scam under the OSIS by protecting the two Ministers who were at one time Chairman of the Corporation. Shri Sahu alleged that Pratap Jena had personally got one Balaji Coal Traders appointed as Handling Agent who is transporting Coal from MCL to the Coal Depot at Manguli Chhak in Cuttack District by trucks and Tippers owned by ‘ Baba Lingaraj Transport Co.’ whose real owner is Pradip jena himself. He further alleged that Badri Narayan Patra, another Minister now was signatory to a resolution dated 17th February 2009 for setting up Coal Depots owned by private parties even at places where MCL has its own depot. It is in violation of the FSA and also the guidelines set by the Department of Public Enterprises as the expenditure involved exceeded ten lakh rupees. The prior approval of the parent department of Industries should have been obtained by the OSIS before embarking upon changes in the Coal distribution policy as resolved on 17/2/2009. Shri Sahu emphatically stated that there are enough materials to constitute prima facie charges against both the Ministers to investigate into their complicity in the multi Crore Coal Scam. But the CM, by giving clean chit to the delinquent members in the Cabinet has pre-emptied the investigation by the Vigilance Department. He alleged that in face of a clean chit by none other than CM himself, no one in the Vigilance Department would finger at these two delinquents even if they are guilty.
Shri Sahu further alleged that Hemant Sharma, the IAS officer was benefited by being posted as the Director Industries as well as the Managing Director of the OSIS as a reward for the services he rendered as the Collector and Returning Officer in Kendrapada where Naveen Babu’s arch-enemy Bijoy Mohapatra was contesting the elections in 2004. Shri Sharma as Director Industries formulates policies for allotment of MSMES entitled for such subsidized coal and as MD of the OSIS was implementing his own decisions in a different capacity. How he could be above board when corruption is ascertained to have been committed during preliminary enquiry. The CM has admitted in his statement before the Assembly on 17/7/2010 that there has been corruption reported in the OSIS but regarding appointment of private Coal Depot holders the concerned file had not gone to Badri Narayan Patra. But the resolution dated 17/2/2010 is within full knowledge of Patra as per records. Hence, CM’s statement is baseless, illogical and intended to mislead the House. The CM has to drop these two delinquents from his Cabinet and suspend Hemant Sharma and Akhil Jena to facilitate the Vigilance Department for impartial and fearless investigation.
Lakhs witness Jagannath's return car festival
PURI: Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad thronged the pilgrim town of Puri today to witness 'Bahuda Yatra', the return car festival of Lord Jagannath amidst tight security.
Winding up their nine-day annual sojourn to their auht's abode, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra set off their return journey to the 12th century shrine on three majestic wooden chariots.
A host of special rituals were performed before the deities moved out of the Gundicha temple to the three colourfully decorated chariots for the return journey as sound of 'Jai Jagannath' rent the air in the seashore town.
The three deities were then taken to the chariots in an elaborate royal ritual called 'Pahandi' to the beating of gongs, cymbals and konch shells as devotees and 'sevayats' (worshippers) jostled to have a closer look and to touch them.
Jagannath was ensconsed in the largest of the chariots, 45-feet high 'Nandighosh' which has 16 huge wooden wheels. The chariot of Balabhadra was the 14-wheeled 44 feet high 'Taladhwaja' and that of Subhadra known as 'Darpadalan' with 12 wheels and standing 43 feet high.
The Gajapati King of Puri, Divya Singha Deb arrived from his palace on a silver-plated palanquin for the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual. He offered prayers to the deity and then swept the platforms with a golden broom and sprinkled flowers and fragrant water.
The giant chariots were pulled by devotees on "bada danda", the grand avenue up to the lion's gate in front of Sri Jagannath temple where they would be stationed till Friday.
The deities would be decorated with 'suna besha', golden attire, tomorrow on the chariots, which is expected to attract a large number of devotees.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/lakhs-witness-jagannaths-return-car-festival/191739.html
Winding up their nine-day annual sojourn to their auht's abode, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra set off their return journey to the 12th century shrine on three majestic wooden chariots.
A host of special rituals were performed before the deities moved out of the Gundicha temple to the three colourfully decorated chariots for the return journey as sound of 'Jai Jagannath' rent the air in the seashore town.
The three deities were then taken to the chariots in an elaborate royal ritual called 'Pahandi' to the beating of gongs, cymbals and konch shells as devotees and 'sevayats' (worshippers) jostled to have a closer look and to touch them.
Jagannath was ensconsed in the largest of the chariots, 45-feet high 'Nandighosh' which has 16 huge wooden wheels. The chariot of Balabhadra was the 14-wheeled 44 feet high 'Taladhwaja' and that of Subhadra known as 'Darpadalan' with 12 wheels and standing 43 feet high.
The Gajapati King of Puri, Divya Singha Deb arrived from his palace on a silver-plated palanquin for the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual. He offered prayers to the deity and then swept the platforms with a golden broom and sprinkled flowers and fragrant water.
The giant chariots were pulled by devotees on "bada danda", the grand avenue up to the lion's gate in front of Sri Jagannath temple where they would be stationed till Friday.
The deities would be decorated with 'suna besha', golden attire, tomorrow on the chariots, which is expected to attract a large number of devotees.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/lakhs-witness-jagannaths-return-car-festival/191739.html
9 acquitted in Kandhamal riots case
PHULBANI: A fast track court here today acquitted nine persons in a case relating to communal riots in Kandhamal in 2008 for lack of evidence. Additional Sessions Judge of Fast Track CourtII Chittaranjan Das acquitted nine persons who had been arrested from Tikabali area for various offences, including arson.
The main charge against them was that of torching a church on August 28, 2008, at Beladevi village under Tikabali police limits ?
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/9-acquitted-in-kandhamal-riots-case/191616.html
The main charge against them was that of torching a church on August 28, 2008, at Beladevi village under Tikabali police limits ?
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/9-acquitted-in-kandhamal-riots-case/191616.html
Kandhamal riots: 229 churches damaged
BHUBANESWAR: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Surjya Narayan Patro today said that 229 prayer houses and churches were damaged in the 2008 riots in Kandhamal district.
In a written reply to a question from Nihar Ranjan Mahanand (Cong), the Minister said that the State Government had sanctioned Rs 51.9 lakh for the repair and renovation of all the 229 damaged churches after the Supreme Court directive. He said that no temple was damaged during the riots in the district.
The Minister said that Rs 50.9 lakh has already been paid to the managing committees of 221 prayer houses and churches.
He said that funds for repair and renovation of the prayer houses were paid by the State Government and the Centre had no contribution in it.
While the highest number of 55 prayer houses were damaged in Tikabali block, 44 were damaged in G Udaygiri block. The number of prayer houses damaged in other blocks are, Phulbani nine, Phiringia one, Chakapada one, Raikia 39, K Nuagaon 34, Daringbadi 16, Baliguda 19, Tumudibandh five and Kotagarh six.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/kandhamal-riots-229-churches-damaged/191935.html
In a written reply to a question from Nihar Ranjan Mahanand (Cong), the Minister said that the State Government had sanctioned Rs 51.9 lakh for the repair and renovation of all the 229 damaged churches after the Supreme Court directive. He said that no temple was damaged during the riots in the district.
The Minister said that Rs 50.9 lakh has already been paid to the managing committees of 221 prayer houses and churches.
He said that funds for repair and renovation of the prayer houses were paid by the State Government and the Centre had no contribution in it.
While the highest number of 55 prayer houses were damaged in Tikabali block, 44 were damaged in G Udaygiri block. The number of prayer houses damaged in other blocks are, Phulbani nine, Phiringia one, Chakapada one, Raikia 39, K Nuagaon 34, Daringbadi 16, Baliguda 19, Tumudibandh five and Kotagarh six.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/kandhamal-riots-229-churches-damaged/191935.html
'46 farmers killed self in 2 years'
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government today admitted 46 farmers committed suicide in the State during two years, 200910 and 201011, for different reasons.
In a written reply to a question from Pratap Chandra Sarangi (Ind) and Ramchandra Kadam (Cong), Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout said that 27 out of the 46 farmers who committed suicide had availed of loans from different banks while the reason behind the death of others was not available. While three farmers ended their lives in Balasore district, four committed suicide in Bargarh. But the cause behind the suicide of farmers from Bargarh district is yet to be ascertained. Two each committed suicide in Balangir and Cuttack districts. Boudh reported a lone case. The farmer, Uograsena Mahanandia, had taken a crop loan of Rs 9,000 and goatery loan of Rs 30,000.
Two such cases were reported from Ganjam district. The reason behind the death of Banchhanidhi Pradhan of Srichandanpur village by consuming poison has been stated to be due to quarrel within the family.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/46-farmers-killed-self-in-2-years/191605.html
In a written reply to a question from Pratap Chandra Sarangi (Ind) and Ramchandra Kadam (Cong), Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout said that 27 out of the 46 farmers who committed suicide had availed of loans from different banks while the reason behind the death of others was not available. While three farmers ended their lives in Balasore district, four committed suicide in Bargarh. But the cause behind the suicide of farmers from Bargarh district is yet to be ascertained. Two each committed suicide in Balangir and Cuttack districts. Boudh reported a lone case. The farmer, Uograsena Mahanandia, had taken a crop loan of Rs 9,000 and goatery loan of Rs 30,000.
Two such cases were reported from Ganjam district. The reason behind the death of Banchhanidhi Pradhan of Srichandanpur village by consuming poison has been stated to be due to quarrel within the family.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/46-farmers-killed-self-in-2-years/191605.html
'Gujarati Muslims well-off than brethrens in WB'
PATNA: The Muslims in BJP-ruled Gujarat were "prosperous" in comparison to their brethrens in the Left Front ruled West Bengal, the BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed here today.
"The growth rate of Muslims in terms of their prosperity is the highest in Gujarat and the poorest in West Bengal being lorded by the 'secular' forces," he told reporters here.
Prasad made the remark in defence of Narendra Modi in reply to a question about the jitters among the minority community about the latter's visit to Bihar to attend the BJP national executive.
"Modi will attend the two-day national executive and address a rally at the historic Gandhi Maidan here on June 13," Prasad said.
The BJP national spokesman refused to answer a volley of question on the image of the Gujarat Chief Minister and the reservation about him among the Muslims.
PTI-http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/gujarati-muslims-well-off-than-brethrens-in-wb/180518.html
"The growth rate of Muslims in terms of their prosperity is the highest in Gujarat and the poorest in West Bengal being lorded by the 'secular' forces," he told reporters here.
Prasad made the remark in defence of Narendra Modi in reply to a question about the jitters among the minority community about the latter's visit to Bihar to attend the BJP national executive.
"Modi will attend the two-day national executive and address a rally at the historic Gandhi Maidan here on June 13," Prasad said.
The BJP national spokesman refused to answer a volley of question on the image of the Gujarat Chief Minister and the reservation about him among the Muslims.
PTI-http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/gujarati-muslims-well-off-than-brethrens-in-wb/180518.html
Smooth return of Lord Jagannath
PURI: After `khichdi’ and `gopal bhog’ in the morning, it was a smooth return journey. The gods must have enjoyed the 3-km hassle-free ride while the devotees perspired in scorching heat. But for the six lakh visitors, these were moments to cherish despite high humidity.
The ropes of all the three chariots snapped at various places causing some anxious moments. Some devotees and cops were injured.
As if the Trinity was in a hurry for `Bahuda,’ all the rituals were completed before time. `Pahandi,’ slated to be over around 1.30 pm, was completed by 11.45 am.
`Chherapahanra’ by Gajapati Dibya Singh Deb was completed 90 minutes before
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=33884226
The ropes of all the three chariots snapped at various places causing some anxious moments. Some devotees and cops were injured.
As if the Trinity was in a hurry for `Bahuda,’ all the rituals were completed before time. `Pahandi,’ slated to be over around 1.30 pm, was completed by 11.45 am.
`Chherapahanra’ by Gajapati Dibya Singh Deb was completed 90 minutes before
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=33884226
BJD MP Siddhant promoting Maoism: BJP’s youth wing
BJD MP Siddhant promoting Maoism: BJP’s youth wing
Bhubaneswar(visakeo) -
The State Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha on Wednesday met Governor MC Bhandare and sought his immediate intervention to stop the release of Odia movie Swayamsidha in which a ruling BJD MP Siddhant Mohapatra plays the role of a Maoist area commander.
Bhubaneswar(visakeo) -
The State Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha on Wednesday met Governor MC Bhandare and sought his immediate intervention to stop the release of Odia movie Swayamsidha in which a ruling BJD MP Siddhant Mohapatra plays the role of a Maoist area commander.
CM’s clean chit would impact coal scam probe: BJP
CM’s clean chit would impact coal scam probe: BJP
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-
The BJP on Wednesday strongly criticised Chief Minister's clean chit to the two tainted Ministers, Badri Narayan Patra and Pratap Jena, in the multi-crore linkage coal scam terming the same as the latter's 'pre-judgement'. The party has also reiterated its demand of bringing former MD of OSIC Hemant Sharma into the investigation.
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-
The BJP on Wednesday strongly criticised Chief Minister's clean chit to the two tainted Ministers, Badri Narayan Patra and Pratap Jena, in the multi-crore linkage coal scam terming the same as the latter's 'pre-judgement'. The party has also reiterated its demand of bringing former MD of OSIC Hemant Sharma into the investigation.
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