Dr Manmohan Singh, appeals for peace after Ayodhya verdict

Sep,29, Prime Minister Manmohan Tuesday urged the people to maintain peace and harmony after the Allahabad High Court delivers its verdict Thursday in the 61-year-old Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya.“Whatever be the nature of judgment, I think everyone should make every effort to maintain peace, harmony and tranquility in the country,” Manmohan Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a book release function here Tuesday.He recalled that the appeal for peace had been mentioned in the resolution adopted by the union cabinet Sep 16.Earlier in the day, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia dismissed a petition to defer the high court judgment to facilitate attempts for an out-of-court settlement.The judgment by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court was earlier scheduled for Sep 24 but the apex court deferred it Sep 23.Last week, Home Minister P. Chidmabaram had also appealed for peace after the verdict.Both Manmohan Singh and Chidmabaram had pointed out that the high court judgment may not be the final word in the dispute as one could appeal in the apex court.The suit relates to a disputed site in Ayodhya, which Hindu groups claim to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. On Dec 6, 1992, radical Hindu activists destroyed the Babri Masjid, alleging it was built in 1528 after razing a temple there.The demolition had triggered one of the worst communal riots, resulting in the death of 2,000 people in different states.
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Maintain peace after Ayodhya verdict, urges Sonia

Sep,29, Congress president and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi Wednesday asked the people to maintain peace and communal brotherhood “at any cost” after the court verdict on the “sensitive” Ayodhya dispute.“I request you to accept whatever the court’s decision will be and keeping faith in the Indian judiciary maintain peace, mutual respect and brotherhood at any cost. Emotional unity is the greatest strength of India,” Gandhi said in her appeal written in Hindi.The appeal comes after the Supreme Court Tuesday paved the way for the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute verdict to be delivered by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday.“We all know that the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court will deliver its judgment on a very sensitive issue tomorrow (Thursday). We also know that we, after expressing our faith in the fairness of our judiciary, have agreed to accept the court decision, whatever it may be,” the UPA chairperson said.“This is a matter of pride for our judiciary and is also a reflection of our tolerant society,” she added.
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Apex court’s Ayodhya order welcomed by Hindus, Muslims

The Supreme Court’s decision to clear the decks for pronouncing the verdict on the decades-old Ayodhya litigation has been welcomed by all quarters – both Hindus and Muslims – here.Vinay Katiyar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice president, who is also a former BJP MP from Faizabad – Ayodhya, hailed the verdict. “It is such a big relief that the country’s highest court has turned down the plea for deferment of the verdict, which was only a conspiracy to put the issue in cold storage,” he told reporters.
Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) convenor and All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Zafaryab Jilani echoed the sentiment. “There is no doubt that some people were only interested in letting the issue linger on for several more years; but we are grateful to the honourable Supreme Court of India, which has scuttled their designs. I am sure this will make everyone happy,” Jilani told IANS over telephone from New Delhi.Ramjanmabhoomi Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, who is regarded as the most respected sadhu of Ayodhya, too welcomed the apex court decision, which he felt “was clearly in the larger interest of the nation”. According to him, “haven’t we already waited long enough; remember justice delayed is justice denied”.Maulana Khalid Rasheed, the Naib Imam of Lucknow’s Eidgah and head of the city’s oldest Islamic seminary Firangi Mahal, as well as saffron-clad Swami Ram Vilas Vedanti, an aggressive member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, too welcomed the order with equal enthusiasm. “Whatever be the final court verdict, at least it is going to be open at long last,” was the common refrain of both.It was significant that both religious as well as political leaders on the two sides were particular about appealing to the masses to “maintain peace and harmony irrespective of which side the scales tilt”.The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court is to pronounce the verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi land dispute on Sep 30.This follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of a plea to postpone the verdict for a period of three months to enable rival sides to work out an out-of-court amicable settlement.
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High court rejects Kasab plea to meet lawyers in isolation

The Bombay High Court Wednesday rejected a plea of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab for permission to consult his lawyers in isolation in the Arthur Road Central Jail premises.A division bench of the court comprising Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice V.K. Tahilramani cited grounds of security and safety of the lawyers and security personnel while declining permission, Kasab’s lawyer Farhana Shah said.“We have all options open before us. We plan to challenge this ruling in the Supreme Court soon,” Shah told emerging from the courtroom Wednesday afternoon.Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, opposing the application, Tuesday submitted to the high court a CD of an attack on a jail security personnel by Kasab in the high-security prison Sep 1.Shah had moved an application recently seeking directions to debar jail authorities from being present within earshot in the room where she discussed legal issues with Kasab.Citing the attack as a serious issue, Nikam said it was impossible for police or jail authorities to permit the Pakistani terrorist to meet his lawyers in isolation, without the presence of security officials.He had also expressed apprehension that Kasab may attack his lawyer and hence he should be allowed to discuss issues with the lawyer only in the presence of security and jail personnel.On her part, the government-appointed Shah made a strong plea, and said Kasab felt uncomfortable discussing details of his case in front of security and jail personnel.Shah also said she had no objections to the presence of security personnel as long as they remained at a distance where they could not hear her discussion with Kasab.On May 3, Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani held Kasab guilty on five counts in the killing of 166 people during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
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Funds for Tribal hostels will be released : Andhra Pradesh CM

Hyderabad, Sep 29: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today agreed to release funds for the improvement of tribal welfare hostels and other schemes taken up by the department.He said all Tribal Welfare institutions in the state would be renovated. Emphasis would be given to tribal welfare schools and hostels. He asked the finance department to give priority to the requirements of the Tribal Welfare Department.The Chief Minister today reviewed the functioning and various other issues pertaining to the Tribal Welfare Department with minister and officials. Dr Rosaiah also agreed to fill up the vacancies in the ITDAs and the Tribal Welfare Department on a priority basis. The Chief Minister was informed that a workshop was held in ITDA and Bhadrachalam recently to identify the gaps and interventions required for improving literacy in tribal areas. A comprehensive plan was being prepared. Meanwhile, support was sought for Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme at State Level Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU) on tribal education in the office of the Commissioner, Tribal Welfare. There are 1313 tribal welfare institutions with a total strength of 2,98,600 students. During 2010-11, the strength was fixed for all Tribal Welfare institutions as per existing infrastructure available. Admission to Tribal Welfare hostels during 2010-11 were being done as per a GO. In Andhra Pradesh, Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions (APTWREIs) admissions are completed as per Right To Education Act.The arrears of Post Metric scholarships has been released to the districts. During the year 2010-11, Rs 1540 lakhs provided for pre metric scholarships. Under the Tribal Welfare-NREGS convergence, 4.67 lakh acres of land was distributed to 1.65 lakh families as individual pattas under the RoFR Act, 2006. A comprehensive and systematic planning was being taken up to start land development, minor irrigation development, horticulture and plantation development.The Plan would be implemented in 2010-11 and 2011-12. The Chief Minister was informed that 25 per cent of the royalty amount collected from mining leases in tribal areas were to be spent for the welfare of tribals. The Chief Minister asked the finance department to allocate funds under the scheme to the Tribal Welfare Department.Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju, Adviser to CM, P K Agarwal, Special Chief Secretary, Tribal Welfare, A K Tigdi, Commissioner, Tribal Welfare, Shanthi Kumari, Principal Secretary, Finance, L V Subramaniam and other officials attended the meeting, a press release from CMO here said.
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Piped cooking gas for GHMC consumers

Hyderabad, Sep 29 : Petroleum, Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Chairman, Mr L. Man Singh today assured Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah that piped cooking gas will be supplied to the people of GHMC area in two months time.

The Chief Minister thanked Mr Man Singh and his officials for all the support extended to Andhra Pradesh in honouring the requests.PNGRB has been extending full support to Andhra Pradesh to develop an Integrated Gas Grid. The PNGRB has accepted the state's proposal for treating a district as a unit for gas distribution in the city.The Chief Minister expressed happiness that PNGRB had recently notified four districts--Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nalgonda and Khammam for bidding to develop city gas distribution network. Already, the distribution for Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kakinada and Rajahmundry has been awarded and work was in progress. The APGIC would submit bid documents for four districts, which were recently notified.Dr Rosaiah said the Andhra Pradesh Gas Infrastructure Corporation(APGIC) has requested PNGRB to take up a trunk line between Kakinda and Kolkata so that the distribution network can be laid in the districts of Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam as the Kakinada-Kolkata trunk line had not been taken up so far. He said the APGIC will be approaching PNGRB for city gas distribution network for the remaining districts in the state, starting from West Godavari, Krishna, Warangal, Karimnagar, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram and East Godavari. The Gas Distribution in the districts south of Krishna river was also being planned by the state. Soon, Expression of Interest will be filed with the PNGRB.
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Satyam Computer fraud now estimated at USD 1.75 billion

Hyderabad, Sep 29 : Financial irregularities perpetrated by the original promoters of Satyam Computer Services led by B. Ramalinga Raju resulted in a Rs.78.55 billion (USD 1.75 billion) impact on the company's accounts, the stock exchanges were informed Wednesday.Presenting the consolidated financial results of the company, now renamed Mahindra Satyam, the new management said an impact of Rs.67.95 billion (USD 1.5 billion) was on account of what it said was based on specific financial irregularities identified during forensic investigations. "The fictitious revenue was recorded by creation of false invoices by circumventing the normal revenue recognition cycle," said the filing signed by Chairman Vineet Nayyar on behalf of the new board of the company.The irregularities covered various heads including revenue, interest income, exchange fluctuations, salary costs, other expenses, bank borrowings and interest, as also tax payments, as per the report presented to the stock exchanges.Once the poster boy of Indian information technology industry, Raju had stunned the corporate world in January last year when he admitted to financial irregularities worth Rs.70 billion (USD 1.5 billion) over the past several years in the largest corporate fraud in the country's history.
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Isolated rain in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema

Hyderabad, Sept 29 : Isolated rain or thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema over next 48 hours.Outlook for subsequent two days was no large change was expected, the Met Office here said.The sky would be generally cloudy for Hyderabad and neighbourhood. Thunderclouds may develop towards evening over next two days.Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 23 Degree Celsius.Observations recorded till 0830 hours said isolated rain occurred over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Gudivada 4, Bhimavaram and Polavaram, Koida, Parvathipuram 3 each.
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Virtusa gets Technology Center in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sept 29 : Virtusa Corporation (NASDAQ: VRTU), a global IT services company, on Wednesday announced the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Nanakramguda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, marking the expansion of its engineering excellence capabilities in India.Virtusa has invested approximately Rs. 75.30 crores in setting up the new center.The ATC, whose inauguration ceremony was graced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah is built on over 6 acres of land, and when fully built out would provide a 6000 seat capacity. Speaking at the inauguration, Kris Canekeratne, Virtusa's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "India is a key part of our global operations and we are proud of this milestone in our decade long association with Hyderabad in addition to our presence in Chennai. Our new Advanced Technology Center reflects our commitment to Virtusans in India who are part of our One Global Team focused on accelerating business outcomes and consumer experiences of our Fortune 1000 client base." The Hyderabad campus will provide diverse technology solutions and service global clients across many industries, including, banking, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, technology and healthcare.
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ISNA Announces 2010 Election Results,Imam Mohamed Majid New ISNA President

USA,Sep,28,(Deccan Samachar Service) ISNA is proud to share with our community at large the young and diverse new group of ISNA leaders elected to the Majlis Ash-Shura this September. A mix of American born and foreign born Muslims were elected by ISNA members with a broad range of ethnic diversity and ages. "The diversity and youth of our new leadership point to the healthy direction ISNA is taking as it strives to lead the development of the Muslim community in America and bring new and fresh ideas to the table. ISNA members have elected a new group of leaders that more adequately represent the diversity of the American Muslim population," stated ISNA Secretary General Safaa Zarzour.The newly elected leaders join 16 current Majlis members and comprise a young and motivated segment of the community, with ISNA President Imam Mohamed Majid and ISNA Vice President Azhar Azeez both under the age of 42. Additionally, a new milestone was reached this election season as ISNA members elected the youngest person ever, Asma Mirza aged 26, to the Majlis.
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Ayodhya verdict on Sep 30

Sep,28, The Supreme Court Tuesday paved the way for the Allahabad High Court to give its verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, dismissing a petition that sought its postponement. The high court has decided to announce the verdict Sep 30 at 3.30 p.m.Former bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi had filed the petition for deferring the high court verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit in Ayodhya till the end of the Commonwealth Games.An apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice Aftab Alam and Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan passed the brief order when the court reassembled after lunch break Tuesday.Speaking for the bench, Chief Justice Kapadia said: “Having heard the arguments in detail, we are of the view that the petition deserves to be dismissed.”With the dismissal of Tripathi’s petition, the decision on when to pronounce the verdict now rests with the high court.In its pre-lunch sitting, the apex court heard the arguments from both the sides.Attorney General G. Vahanvati told the court: “If there is any possibility of the settlement (out of court), we will welcome it but at the same time we don’t want any uncertainty to continue.”“For the sake of maintaining law and order, we cannot keep security forces in sustained animation,” he added.The apex court last week ordered an interim stay on the pronouncement of the title suit verdict by the high court, acting on a petition by Tripathi.Tripathi had also sought the court’s direction to the parties to explore the possibility of an out-of-court amicable settlement.
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Uncertainty on Ayodhya shouldn’t continue: Attorney General

The Supreme Court was set to decide on a petition to defer the Ayodhya verdict at 2 p.m. Tuesday even as the government said it did not want “any uncertainty to continue”.The apex court had last week ordered an interim stay on the pronouncement of the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit verdict by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, acting on a petition by retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi,Appearing for the central government, Attorney General G. Vahanvati said: “If there is any possibility of the settlement (out of court) we will welcome it but at the same time we don’t want any uncertainty to continue.”“For the sake of maintaining law and order we cannot keep security forces on sustained animation,” he added.
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Rajya Sabha to get independent TV channel

The Rajya Sabha is likely to have an independent TV channel to broadcast its proceedings from next month’s winter session of parliament, official sources said Monday.The sources said the proceedings will be aired by a separate channel from Nov 7, the expected date for start of the winter session.They said the new channel, an initiative of Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, will initially air proceedings of the house along with a few other programmes. It would eventually be a 24X7 channel.Gurdeep Singh Sappal, OSD to Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari, is understood to have been appointed as the CEO of Rajya Sabha TV.In 2006, DD Lok Sabha was replaced by Lok Sabha TV (LSTV), a 24-hour TV channel broadcasting in Hindi and English.The Rajya Sabha proceedings are at present aired by a Doordarshan channel.
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Ayodhya vedict delay petition untenable: Sunni Central Wakf Board

The Sunni Central Wakf Board Monday said the petition by retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi seeking the deferment of the Allahabad High Court’s verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title case was “untenable, misconceived and frivolous” and needed to be dismissed.The board’s affidavit, filed in the apex court registry, also said the petitioner’s “assumption of so-called repercussions or apprehensions was totally  unfounded”.Seeking the vacation of interim stay restraining the Allahabad High Court from pronouncing the Ayodhya title suit verdict, it said there was no such apprehension among the general public of Ayodhya and Faizabad.Describing Tripathi’s petition as nothing but an attempt to thwart the entire judicial efforts of last 60 years and put the clock back, the affidavit said that Tripathi has not appeared in the high court to plead his case in the last 19 years.The only occasion he appeared in the court was in May 2005 when he told that court that he had no witness to present before the court and his evidence was closed, the affidavit noted.It said it was “evident that Tripathi has no following amongst the Hindus and such a person could not be expected to undertake the exercise of out-of-court mutual settlement between the contending parties”.Given the nature and background of the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute, the affidavit contended that it could not be resolved through mediation, conciliation or arbitration.Another respondent Mohammad Hashim said the efforts for negotiated settlement were being made since 1986. It started with Jagadguru Shankracharya of Kanchikoti inviting (noted Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi) Ali Mian in 1986 to find a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.Then several initiatives were taken by the then Prime Ministers V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and P.V. Narasimha Rao and former president R. Venkataraman.The Shankracharya of Kanchikoti made another attempt to settle the dispute through the negotiation route by roping in the All India Muslim Personal Law Board president, Maulana Rabey Hasni Nadwi but this effort also proved fruitless.He said that the AIMPLB too has repeatedly said that the dispute could only be resolved by the verdict of the court.
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Now, e-learning content on USBs

Hyderabad, Sep 28 : Information technology (IT) solutions provider FirstObject Technologies Limited Tuesday said it has entered into an agreement with optical media giant Moser Baer India Limited for launching its e-education content on DVDs and USB drives."We plan to launch the DVDs and USBs in a phased manner throughout India by the end of October 2010," said P. Ramnath, director of Firstobject. According to the company, the collaboration with Moser Baer will enable it to widen its product offering in the media range through DVDs and USB drives. The company is currently offering e-learning products like Firsteschool and Firstlawschool through web based platform in the country. Recently, Moser Baer launched new USB drives with Bollywood movies. It plans to further launch higher storage capacity drives with entertainment content.
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US consulate announces 1 year scholarships to US Community Colleges

Hyderabad, Sep 28 : The US Consulate General, with funding from the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has invited applications from eligible candidates for the Community College Initiatives Program.The one-year program offers youth from Andhra Pradesh, without a university background, the opportunity to study at a community college in the United States to develop professional skills. This is the second year that the US Consulate General Hyderabad has sought applicants. Last year, seven applicants from Andhra Pradesh were selected and are now studying in the US. The United States Government provides funding for round-trip airfare to the US, tuition costs, health benefit plan and cultural enhancement activities for selected candidates. To apply to the program, candidates must have completed secondary school education; have two years work experience in the field in which they are applying. They must also have English language skills that will provide a basis for enrolling in academic course work following two months of intensive English language study in the US.Candidates from economically disadvantaged background will be given preference. Candidates holding a master's degree are ineligible to apply. Eligible fields for the program including Agriculture, Applied Engineering, Business Management and Administration; Health Professions, including Nursing; Information Technology; Media; and Tourism and Hospitality Management. Applications can be downloaded from http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/ccip.html. Interested candidates may submit their completed applications to the Public Affairs Section, US Consulate General - Hyderabad by October 22, 2010 , a release from US consulate here said.
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SAHI organises 'Walk To Hear'

Hyderabad, Sep 27 : Apollo Hospitals and Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI), an NGO striving to help poor children with hearing impairment, organised 'Walk to Hear'to express solidarity with the hearing impaired on the occasion of International Deaf Day.The walk which started from KBR Park and ended at Apollo Hospitals, was flagged off yesterday by Secunderabad MLA Jayasudha. Andhra Pradesh Chief Information Commissioner Jannat Hussain, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad A K Khan, Tollywood star Smitha, Ms Sangita Reddy, Executive Director, Apollo Hospitals, Dr E C Vinay Kumar, Secretary, SAHI also participated in the program.Several hearing impaired children, students, corporate employees and concerned citizens joined the walk. SAHI donated ear plugs for traffic policemen in the city to Mr Khan on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jannat Hussain said, ''we should try to support SAHI as much as possible in its noble endeavour. We should try to spread awareness amongst parents of 3 to 5 year old children about free cochlear implant surgeries done under Arogyashree and the free screening and tests done for neonatals by SAHI.''
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Auto fares will be revised soon: Commissioner

Hyderabad, Sep 27 : Transport Commissioner L Premachandra Reddy assured the delegation of Auto Parirakshana Porata Committee that the existing auto fares will be reasonably increased soon.The delegation led by Mohd Amanulla Khan met him yesterday and presented a memorandum demanding immediate increase in the auto-fares and settlement of other pending issues.They informed the Commissioner that in Bangalore city the auto-fares were already fixed at Rs 17 minimum fare and Rs 9 per kilometre rate with effect from August 1, 2010. They said it had been over two years since the fare for auto was revised in the city as Rs 12 minimum fare and Rs 7 per kilometre . Price of essential commodities had almost doubled and it was the high time for the government to hike the auto fare.Further the delegation informed that as per the government order, the autos converted and run on LPG/CNG were exempted from the payment of Green Tax for five years. But despite the tax exemption the Transport department was collecting the green tax illegally for last 4 years, they demanded that the tax should be refunded to the autodrivers forthwith.The Commissioner assured the delegation that the illegal collection of the tax would be stopped.Finally the Committee leaders informed the Commissioner that if their problems were not solved by the end of this month, auto-drivers would be forced to go on an indefinite strike from October 1, a release from Auto Parisakhana Porata Committee here said today.
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Rosaiah moots employment-intensive tourism projects

Hyderabad,Sep 26 : Planning Rs 1,500 crore investment on tourism inftrastructure, Andhra Pradesh Government is setting up a mega park near Nagarjuna Sagar on the lines of Brindavan and Lalbagh.The State Government was looking for a 16 per cent growth in the state over 129 million tourists in 2009-2010, ahead of releasing its new tourism policy, according to a press release here today Chief Ministrer K Rosaiah has asked the Tourism Department and Tourism Development Corporation to prepare a master plan for employment-intensive projects to achieve the twin objectives of promoting tourism and creating job opportunities, both direct and indirect. The Chief Minister said the year 2011 will be observed as 'Visit Andhra Pradesh' year in recognition of the roll out of dynamic tourist promotion initiatives in the realm of adventure, pilgrimage and beach tourism to attract more international tourists to the State.Dr Rosaiah has approved the final draft of the New Tourism Policy after discussions with Tourism Minister J Geetha Reddy, Chief Secretary Mr S V Prasad and Secretary Tourism Jayesh Ranjan at camp office today. He will release the new policy on September 27.The release said Andhra Pradesh proposes to develop a sprawling, modern garden on the lines of Brindavan in Mysore and Lalbagh at Bengaluru at Nagarjuna sagar. Around 400 acres of land has been identified in Nagalvaram village, Macherla Mandal of Guntur District. The Chief Minister said, ''I want this park to be both a tourist and an educational destination unique in the entire south India.Wherever possible such employment-intensive tourist projects should be promoted to provide jobs to skilled, unskilled and poor and illiterate people in rural areas.'' He said Andhra Pradesh's tourism policy would be the best in the country.The Chief Minister also congratulated officials of the Tourism Department and APTDC for putting the state on the top of tourism map of the country with a record number of 129 million tourists in 2009-10.He expressed happiness that the tourism sector had achieved a 16 per cent growth last year and retained its top position once again.''With the new initiatives and focused tourism policy, I have no doubt that Andhra Pradesh will continue as a preferred destination of both domestic and international tourists and retain its top position,'' he said.
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Comprehensive law to protect lakes and nallas

Hyderabad, Sep 26 : Andhra Pradesh government will bring in comprehensive law to protect lakes and nallas from encroachments Chief Minister K Rosaiah said today.

He responded positively to the proposal to bring in the new law to protect these water bodies in the city and surrounding areas.This law was also needed to protect the lives and property of the people. The officials concerned informed the Chief Minister that all tanks in and the surrounding areas in the city were full and further rains would inundate the nearby localities also putting many unauthorised dwellings also in danger. The Chief Minister said an empowered committee should look into this problem in detail and come out with a comprehensive law to protect the lakes and nallahs.The Chief Minister gave clear directions to all the officials of the GHMC, MA and UD, Health, Water Board, traffic police and the Collectors of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts to initiate necessary steps on a war footing to prevent inundation of low lying areas and colonies, traffic bottlenecks and spread of epidemics. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation following unprecedented rains in the city and surrounding areas with ministers, City Mayor and top officials of various departments.
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South Central Railway to run 129 Dassera/Holiday Special Trains

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : South Central Railway (SCR) will run 129 special trains between various destinations from October to November, 2010, to clear the extra rush of passenger during the ensuing Dassera holiday season.Train No 0719 Secunderabad-Bikaner Special train will depart Secunderabad on October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 2300 hrs and arrive Bikaner at 1700 hrs on the second day. In return direction Train No 0720 Bikaner-Secunderabad Special train will depart Bikaner on October 10, 17, 24, 31 and November 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 1515 hrs and arrive Secunderabad at 0850 hrs on the second day.
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Rosaiah recommends measures to renovate temples

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today responded positively to the suggestions of the Technical Advisory Committee appointed by the State Government to assess the structural safety and soundness of major temple structures in the State and recommended remedial measures required to strengthen them.Dr Rosaiah held a meeting in this regard with the members of the Technical Committee and officials of the Endowments Department. He has approved in principle the renovation and reconstruction of 47 temples at a cost of about Rs 30 crore, which include Rajagopuarams.There are 37,000 temples in the State under the administrative control of the Endowments department. There are about 5,000 temples of historic nature constructed more than 100 years ago. The Technical Advisory Committee has inspected 47 major and important temples on priority basis. Thus the process of identifying old temples and assessing them will be a continuous process.
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Heavy rains in Rayalaseema, a few places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, Sept 25 : Moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers may occur at many places over Rayalaseema and in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore of Coastal Andhra Pradesh.Light to moderate rain or thundershowers would occur at a few places over Telangana and in the remaining districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, over next 48 hours.The sky would be generally cloudy over Hyderabad and neighbourhood. Rain or thundershowers may occur in parts of city next two days. Maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 23 degrees Celsius respectively.Observations recorded till 830 hours said Southwest monsoon has been vigorous over Rayalaseema. Rain occurred at most places over Rayalaseema and at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.The stations recorded heavy rainfall in cm are Thambalapalle 11, Palasa 9, Kadiri, Piduguralla, Vinjamur 8 each, Tirupathi AP, Bheemgal, Hindupur, Srikalahasti 7 each.The other chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Pargi, Ramannapet 6 each, Atmakur and Pathikonda, Bhimadole, Kollapur, Pakala and Puttur, Penukonda 5 each, Chilamattur and Pamidi, Punganur and Venkatagiri Kota, Venkatagiri Town 4 each, Anantapur, Nalgonda, Armoor, Bhongir and Suryapet, Cumbum and Yerragondapalem, Gooty and Kalyandurg, Jangaon, Kalakada, Koilkuntla, Lakkireddipalli and Rayachoty, Nirmal, Veeraghattam 3 each, Arogyavaram, Chittoor, Medak, Atmakur, Dhone, Dubbak and Narayanakhed, Kamareddy and Navipet, Mandasa and Palakonda, Porumamilla 2 each.
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Volkswagen ex-official, five others charged with fraud

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday formally filed charges against six people, including former Volkswagen executive Helmuth Schuster, in a case of defrauding the Andhra Pradesh government.The investigating agency, which took up the probe in 2005, filed the 150-page charge sheet in the CBI court here. It examined 59 witnesses. The name of state Panchayati Raj Minister B. Satyanarayana, however, did not figure in the charge sheet. He was then holding the industries portfolio and the opposition had alleged his involvement. The 56-year-old Schuster is on the run since the scam broke, and has been placed on the wanted list of the CBI. An Interpol notice was issued against him in 2005. The other accused include Volkswagen's former India representative Ashok Jain, businessmen Bhuwan Kumar Chaturvedi, Jagdish Alaga Raja and his sister Gayatri, who in collusion with Schuster had floated a fictitious firm to cheat the state government. The accused have been charged under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code, CBI official S. Venkatesh told reporters outside Nampally Criminal Court complex. The accused started Vashishta Wahan Private Ltd (the firm's initials are VW, the same as that of the German car maker) to receive Rs.11 crore from the state government for setting up its plant at Visakhaptanam. The scam hit the headlines in 2005 when Volkswagen sacked Schuster on charges of corruption in some other dealings. Schuster was negotiating on behalf of Volkswagen with the state government for setting up the car plant since early 2004 when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was in power. Later, the Congress government continued the talks. In January 2005, the state government received a letter from Schuster. Typed on Volkswagen letterhead, it confirmed that the company was going ahead with the project. For a joint venture with the government, Schuster sought transfer of 2 million Euros to Vashishta Wahan, which he claimed was the Indian arm of Volkswagen. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), a government organisation, made the payment. Volkswagen later denied that Vashishta Wahan was its Indian arm or it received the payment. Ashok Jain had registered Vashishta Wahan with the Registrar of Companies. He wrote to the ROC in January 2005 that he was stepping down as promoter and director. The company was later registered in the name of Bhuwan Kumar Chaturvedi of Gurgaon and Jagdish Alaga Raja of Chennai. After the scam broke out top officials of Volkswagen had visited Hyderabad to clarify that the company had nothing to do with Vashishta Wahan. They tendered a moral apology for the wrongdoings of Schuster and offered to return the money the government paid to Schuster. Then Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy had refused to accept the money and instead urged Volkswagen to set up its plant in Andhra Pradesh. The auto giant later dumped the southern state and choose Maharashtra for locating its unit. Meanwhile, Satyanarayana told reporters that he was relieved at getting a clean chit. He accused the opposition TDP of resorting to character assassination by making baseless allegations against him.
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Deferment will prolong Ayodhya issue: Owaisi

Sep,25, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi Thursday apprehended that further deferment of the Ayodhya verdict’s pronouncement by the Allahabad High Court would unnecessarily prolong the issue.Ruling out any compromise on the matter, Owaisi said the people of the country have the right to know the truth.“Where is the question of compromise when both the parties have already ruled out the same,” asked Owaisi, reacting to thme Supree Court deferring the Ayodhya verdict till Sep 28.The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) chief told IANS that the deferment was unnecessary as it served no purpose and would, in fact, prolong the issue. “Our fear is that if Justice Dharam Veer Sharma (of the high court) retires before the verdict is pronounced, the issue will again get prolonged,” Owaisi said.Justice Sharma, one of the three judges of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court that is to give its ruling on the Ayodhya verdict, is retiring on Oct 1. Legal experts say that if the verdict is not pronounced before his retirement, the hearing would have to take place all over again.“This issue is going on for 50 to 60 years. The people of this country have a right to know what is the truth,” Owaisi, a barrister, contended.He felt that the Supreme Court deferring the verdict was unnecessary, especially when the Muslim Personal Law Board and others have already stated that the verdict would be acceptable to them.Asked if Muslims would approach a larger bench of the Supreme Court against the deferment, Owaisi said it was for the Muslim Personal Law Board to take a decision. “But I think since there are only four days for the next hearing we should wait and see,” the MP added.
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Court dismisses pleas for postponing Satyam trial

Sep,25, A special court hearing the multi-crore Satyam fraud case Friday dismissed the petitions of three accused for postponing the trial against them.The XXI Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court dismissed the petitions of former Satyam chief financial officer Vadlamani Srinivas, and two other employees of the company on the ground that they were devoid of merit.Srinivas, D. Venkatapathi Raju and Ch. Srisailam sought postponement of the hearing on framing of charges till the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) files the fourth chargesheet in the case.They moved the petitions as the court, which has already heard CBI’s arguments on framing of charges, was to hear the arguments from all 10 accused.CBI’s Special Public Prosecutor K. Surender opposed the pleas on the ground that the investigating agency never said that it would file a fourth chargesheet.He told the court that investigations were on and if the CBI finds evidence it would file another chargesheet. He also pointed out that the court had already rejected a similar petition by another accused.Magistrate B.V.L.N. Chakravarti ruled that the petitions were devoid of merit and not tenable under law.Founder and chairman of Satyam Computer Services B. Ramalinga Raju, the prime accused in the Rs.14,000-crore accounting fraud, has also filed a similar petition seeking postponement of trial till the CBI completes its investigation.The CBI has already opposed the petition, saying it was yet another attempt by the accused to delay the trial. The final arguments on the petition are likely on Sep 29.Ramalinga Raju had shocked corporate India by confessing massive accounting fraud in the IT bellwether.All 10 accused in the case have already been granted bail by the court.
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Volkswagen ex-official, five others charged with fraud

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday formally filed charges against six people, including former Volkswagen executive Helmuth Schuster, in a case of defrauding the Andhra Pradesh government.The investigating agency, which took up the probe in 2005, filed the 150-page charge sheet in the CBI court here. It examined 59 witnesses. The name of state Panchayati Raj Minister B. Satyanarayana, however, did not figure in the charge sheet. He was then holding the industries portfolio and the opposition had alleged his involvement. The 56-year-old Schuster is on the run since the scam broke, and has been placed on the wanted list of the CBI. An Interpol notice was issued against him in 2005. The other accused include Volkswagen's former India representative Ashok Jain, businessmen Bhuwan Kumar Chaturvedi, Jagdish Alaga Raja and his sister Gayatri, who in collusion with Schuster had floated a fictitious firm to cheat the state government. The accused have been charged under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code, CBI official S. Venkatesh told reporters outside Nampally Criminal Court complex. The accused started Vashishta Wahan Private Ltd (the firm's initials are VW, the same as that of the German car maker) to receive Rs.11 crore from the state government for setting up its plant at Visakhaptanam. The scam hit the headlines in 2005 when Volkswagen sacked Schuster on charges of corruption in some other dealings. Schuster was negotiating on behalf of Volkswagen with the state government for setting up the car plant since early 2004 when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was in power. Later, the Congress government continued the talks. In January 2005, the state government received a letter from Schuster. Typed on Volkswagen letterhead, it confirmed that the company was going ahead with the project. For a joint venture with the government, Schuster sought transfer of 2 million Euros to Vashishta Wahan, which he claimed was the Indian arm of Volkswagen. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), a government organisation, made the payment. Volkswagen later denied that Vashishta Wahan was its Indian arm or it received the payment. Ashok Jain had registered Vashishta Wahan with the Registrar of Companies. He wrote to the ROC in January 2005 that he was stepping down as promoter and director. The company was later registered in the name of Bhuwan Kumar Chaturvedi of Gurgaon and Jagdish Alaga Raja of Chennai. After the scam broke out top officials of Volkswagen had visited Hyderabad to clarify that the company had nothing to do with Vashishta Wahan. They tendered a moral apology for the wrongdoings of Schuster and offered to return the money the government paid to Schuster. Then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy had refused to accept the money and instead urged Volkswagen to set up its plant in Andhra Pradesh. The auto giant later dumped the southern state and choose Maharashtra for locating its unit. Meanwhile, Satyanarayana told reporters that he was relieved at getting a clean chit. He accused the opposition TDP of resorting to character assassination by making baseless allegations against him.
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Two-year-old crushed under school bus

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : A two-year-old girl playing outside her house was crushed under a school bus here Saturday, police said.The girl was playing in front of her residence in Attapur neighbourhood when she came under the rear wheels of the mini bus that was reversing. Eye witnesses said the bus driver failed to spot the little girl. She sustained serious injuries and succumbed before she could be shifted to hospital. The child's parents were inconsolable. The accident sent shock waves in the residential locality. The bus driver fled soon after the accident. Police said they have registered a case. Residents said there was nobody on the bus to help the driver and the negligence of the school authorities led to the accident. In a similar incident, a school child came under the wheels of his school bus while alighting from the vehicle near his house.
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Man held for killing former girlfriend

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : Police have arrested one Shekhar for allegedly murdering his junior Divya in his apartment at Hill colony in Vanasthalipuram.Shekhar, an engineer, was arrested along with his parents three days back from the city, Police Commissioner S Prabhakar Reddy told reporters at a conference here yesterday. Divya and Shekhar were close friends for the past three years but the two were not on good terms for the past six months after Divya befriended another student who was her former schoolmate.Shekhar, who had completed his B Tech last year, could not ''digest'' that Divya was seeing someone else, following which he bore a grudge and planned to murder her.On September 19, he invited her on the pretext of sorting out differences. He smashed her head with a baseball bat, clubbed her to death and fled the scene, the police said. Shekhar has reportedly confessed to the crime and said she had betrayed him. ''I returned the love letters that Divya wrote to me, but she did not return the letters which I wrote to her,'' police quoted Shekhar as saying.''She used to taunt me as drugaddict and a mad fellow ever since she started seeing Pradeep. So, I killed her,'' police quoted Shekhar as saying.
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Andhra parties, Muslim groups appeal for peace

Hyderabad, Sep 23 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, leaders cutting across party lines and Muslim groups have appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony after Friday's court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute.Rosaiah has asked police to be vigilant and take all precautionary measures to deal with the situation after the Allahabad High Court gives its judgment. He appealed to the public, political leaders and elders of all communities to ensure that harmony prevails, said a statement from the chief minister's office. He said the court verdict on the issue should be accepted by all and no one should react in a manner that hurts the religious sentiments of other communities. Rosaiah Thursday held a meeting with Director General of Police Aravinda Rao, Police Commissioner A.K. Khan and other top officials to review security arrangements across the state. President of the state unit of the ruling Congress party D. Srinivas, opposition leader N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao, Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) president K. Chiranjeevi and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi have also appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has also issued an appeal to Muslims to maintain peace no matter in whose favour the judgment goes. Board general secretary Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani urged the community not to show any reaction to the verdict. Leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Movement for Peace and Justice, Majlis Tameer-e-Millat, Majlis Bachaco Tehreek and other Muslim organisations have also appealed for maintaining peace. Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said security measures taken for Ganesh idol immersions Wednesday would continue till Friday. More than 35,000 policemen were deployed for the procession. Fifteen people who were sending provocative SMSes ahead of the court verdict have been identified and will be arrested, police say. The cyber crime wing of city police is investigating the case. Khan told reporters that police were in touch with mobile phone service providers and would keep a close watch on those sending SMSes to several numbers simultaneously. Appealing to people to maintain peace, Khan said the verdict should not be construed as the victory of one community over another. "Whatever be the verdict, it will not be a final one as one or both the parties will have the option of approaching the Supreme Court," he said.
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Berths Available in South Central Railway Special Trains in September

Hyderabad, Sept 22 : South Central Railway(SCR) is running several special trains to various destinations to cope up with extra rush of Passengers.The vacant berths availability at the earliest dates are Tr. No.0995 Secunderabad-Jaipur weekly special train on September 27, Tr. No.0866 Nizamabad-Visakhapatnam weekly special train on September 29, Tr. No.0719 Secunderbad-Bikaner weekly special train on September 29, Tr. No. 0727 Narsapur-Nagarsol weekly special train on September 29, Tr. No. 0714A Secunderabad-Guntur weekly special train on September 24, Tr. No. 0701 Secunderabad-Kakinada special train on September 25, Tr. No. 0701A Secunderabad-Kakinada special train on September 26, Tr. No. 0748A Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam weekly special train on September 25, Tr. No.0703 Kacheguda-Bangalore weekly special train on September26, and Tr. No. 0723 Secunderabad-Tirupati weekly special train on September 27, a SCR release said here today.
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Ganesh procession passes off peacefully in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sep 22 : The mammoth Ganesh procession passed off peacefully here Wednesday amid unprecedented security.The main procession, comprising hundreds of big idols, passed through the communally sensitive Old City ahead of the immersion of idols in Hussain Sagar Lake. Officials said over 1,000 idols were immersed in the lake since early morning and the process was expected to continue till early Thursday. Heavy rains which lashed the city disrupted the immersion procession for a couple of hours on Wednesday evening. The downpour accompanied by strong winds also hampered immersion. The tallest idol this year was at Khairatabad. Heavy cranes were deployed to lift the 50-feet idol and put it on a truck ahead of immersion. Police said though the main procession had passed off peacefully, they would continue the vigil. Thousands of idols from all parts of state capital Hyderabad and its outskirts were brought to Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city for immersion. More than a million people took part in the festivities. About 35,000 policemen were deployed as part of the massive security while the army was kept on stand-by. Earlier, the afternoon and evening prayers at the historic Mecca Masjid also passed off peacefully. The main procession was stopped some distance away to allow smooth conduct of prayers at the mosque near the historic Charminar. The procession resumed through the communally sensitive area after the prayers. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan was supervising the security arrangements in the area where communal clashes took place in the past. With the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is set to deliver its verdict in the Ayodhya title suit Sep 24, police have made additional security arrangements in the city. State Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy addressed the gathering from the welcome stage set up by Ganesh procession organisers at Charminar. She stressed the need to maintain peace and communal harmony. State ministers D. Nagender, Mukesh Goud, Hyderabad Mayor Kartika Reddy, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president G. Kishan Reddy and others addressed the devotees. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and other ministers earlier offered prayers to the Ganesh idol at Khairatabad - the tallest idol in the state. This year the idol was 50-foot-tall and had five-heads with a 500-kg laddu in its palm. Meanwhile, two people sustained minor injuries at Moazzamjahi Market when a huge idol fell on the road. A crane was arranged to remove the idol. There was a festive mood in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad with slogan-shouting youth wearing saffron scarves marching towards the lake with the Ganesh idols for immersion. From a cycle to a long truck, the devotees used every possible mode of transport to carry the idols for immersion. More than 50 cranes have been installed at the lake for the immersion of big idols. The main procession with huge idols in different sizes began from Balapur in the Old City in the morning. It covered a distance of 20 km to reach the lake. The procession began after the auction of the traditional 'laddu' at Balapur. Businessman A.G. Sridharbabu bought it for Rs.5.35 lakh. However, the auction was marred by controversy as a woman devotee Sarita accused the organisers of cheating her. Sarita, who had bought the laddu for Rs.5.10 lakh last year, claimed that it was given to another man even though she had offered a price of Rs.5.50 lakh. Meanwhile, the chief minister congratulated the police for peaceful and smooth conduct of the 11-day Ganesh festival and the immersion procession.
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Blast at Andhra hospital, none hurt

Hyderabad, Sep 22 : A blast took place in a hospital owned by an environmental activist at Sompeta in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district. No one was injured but a portion of the hospital was damaged, police said.The blast occurred on the third floor of Mahalakshmi Nursing Home. There was still no word from the police about the nature of explosives used and who could be behind the attack. Y.Krishna Murthy is the convenor of environment protection committee, which is fighting against the proposal to set up a thermal power plant at Sompeta, 600 km from here. His supporters allege that the blast was to threaten him to silence. The committee took out a peace rally after the blast, demanding action against the guilty. The environment protection committee along with other NGOs have been opposing the proposed thermal power project by Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC). It was on their petition that National Environmental Appellate Authority (NEAA) in July overruled the environmental clearance given for the 2,640 MW project coming up at a cost of Rs.12,000 crore. Earlier on July 14, two people were killed and over 100 injured in police firing on protesters. The groups had been protesting against the project on the ground that it would destroy the ecology and endanger their livelihood.
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TRS allays industry apprehensions over Telangana

Hyderabad, Sep 22 : Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) President K. Chandrasekhar Rao Wednesday assured top honchos of the Indian industry that his party would ensure that the movement for separate Telangana does not affect the ongoing business ventures in the region.Allaying apprehensions of industrialists regarding investment climate in view of the ongoing agitation, Rao said TRS was for a peaceful movement for a separate Telangana, bifurcating the Andhra Pradesh state. The industry leaders voiced their concern that the Telangana movement could again affect the industry and business like it did late last year and early this year. They raised questions on chances of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and if it happens, its implications for industry and governance. Rao exuded confidence that a separate Telangana state would soon be a reality with Hyderabad as its capital. The process for state formation would be initiated soon after Srikrishna committee submits its report to the central government by Dec 31. Rao was addressing a CEOs forum organised by the International Market Assessment (IMA). About 150 business leaders including those from leading companies like DuPont, Bank of America, GVK Bio, Matrix laboratories, SabMiller, Apollo Hospitals and Gati attended the closed-door session. "We will also develop Hyderabad as international business hub and in and around the city satellite townships will be created. To create industrialisation throughout the state, we will revitalize district industries centres," said K. Taraka Rama Rao, Rao's son and a legislator. Rama Rao pointed out Hyderabad already has a dominant position in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry producing about 33 percent (worth USD 1.6 billion) bulk drugs of the country. "We will also develop places like Sircilla, Gadwal, Pochampally, Dubbaka which are strong in weaving and handicraft. Telangana will compete with industrially progressed states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka and try to surpass them in terms of growth and progress," he told the industrialists. He said more districts would be created in Telangana state to provide responsive and accountable governance. The meeting of TRS and industry leaders was significant in view of the recent remarks made by Chief Minister K. Rosaiah at national executive committee meeting of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Rosaiah had said that movements like the one for separate Telangana affected investments in the state.
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Army on standby for Ganesh procession in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sep 22 : The mammoth Ganesh procession began here Wednesday amid unprecedented security with the army on standby in case of an emergency, officials said.Thousands of idols from different parts of the state capital and its outskirts headed towards Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. There was a festive mood in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad with slogan shouting youth, wearing saffron scarves, marching towards the lake with the idols. From a cycle to a long truck, the devotees used every mode of transport to carry the idols for immersion. More than 50 cranes have been installed at the lake for the immersion of big idols. The main procession with huge idols in different sizes and shapes began from Balapur in the old city. It will reach the lake late in the evening after covering 20 km and passing through several communally sensitive localities. The procession began after the auction of the traditional 'laddu' at Balapur. A.G. Sridharbabu bought it for Rs.5.35 lakh. However, the auction was marred by controversy with a woman devotee Sarita accusing the organisers of cheating her. Sarita, who had bought the laddu for Rs.5.10 lakh last year, claimed that it was given to another man though she had offered a price of Rs.5.50 lakh. Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the annual procession, which is attended by over a million people. About 35,000 policemen and personnel of the paramilitary Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed. Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K.Khan hoped that the procession would pass off peacefully with the cooperation of all sections of people. He said tight vigil was being maintained at the places of worship to prevent any untoward incident. He said the army was being asked to standby to meet any eventuality. "If necessary we will also use the anti-terrorist force Octopus," he said. With the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court set to deliver the verdict in the Ayodhya title suit on Sep 24, police have made additional security arrangements. Security was also on high alert at the historic Mecca Masjid in the old city, where communal clashes broke out in the past. The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti has set up welcome stages at the Charminar and Moazzamjahi Market to welcome the idols. Labour Minister Mukesh Goud and other political leaders offered prayers to Ganesh idol at Khairatabad. The tallest idol in the state attracts large number of devotees. This year it is a 50-ft, five-headed idol with 500-kg laddu in its palm.
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Army on standby for Ganesh procession in Hyderabad

Sep,22, The mammoth Ganesh procession began here Wednesday amid unprecedented security with the army on standby in case of an emergency, officials said.Thousands of idols from different parts of the state capital and its outskirts headed towards Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city.There was a festive mood in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad with slogan shouting youth, wearing saffron scarves, marching towards the lake with the idols.From a cycle to a long truck, the devotees used every mode of transport to carry the idols for immersion. More than 50 cranes have been installed at the lake for the immersion of big idols.The main procession with huge idols in different sizes and shapes began from Balapur in the old city. It will reach the lake late in the evening after covering 20 km and passing through several communally sensitive localities.The procession began after the auction of the traditional ‘laddu’ at Balapur. A.G. Sridharbabu bought it for Rs.5.35 lakh. However, the auction was marred by controversy with a woman devotee Sarita accusing the organisers of cheating her.Sarita, who had bought the laddu for Rs.5.10 lakh last year, claimed that it was given to another man though she had offered a price of Rs.5.50 lakh.Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the annual procession, which is attended by over a million people. About 35,000 policemen and personnel of the paramilitary Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed.Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K. Khan hoped that the procession would pass off peacefully with the cooperation of all sections of people. He said tight vigil was being maintained at the places of worship to prevent any untoward incident.He said the army was being asked to standby to meet any eventuality. “If necessary we will also use the anti-terrorist force Octopus,” he said. With the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court set to deliver the verdict in the Ayodhya title suit on Sep 24, police have made additional security arrangements.Security was also on high alert at the historic Mecca Masjid in the old city, where communal clashes broke out in the past.The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti has set up welcome stages at the Charminar and Moazzamjahi Market to welcome the idols.Labour Minister Mukesh Goud and other political leaders offered prayers to Ganesh idol at Khairatabad. The tallest idol in the state attracts large number of devotees. This year it is a 50-ft, five-headed idol with 500-kg laddu in its palm.
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Women empowerment important for a powerful nation: Patil

Sep,22, President Pratibha Patil Wednesday said women empowerment is very important for developing India into a powerful nation.“Women empowerment is very important for the development of the nation. If women become powerful, the nation will also become powerful along with them,” Patil said while addressing the platinum jubilee celebration of the All India Marwari Federation here.She said just like a car cannot move without wheels, a nation cannot also progress without its two wheels — men and women.Talking about the business sector, the president said it plays an important role in the prosperity of the country, but it is even more important to maintain ethics in business.“…In an era where newer technological innovation is the need of the hour, it is even more important to maintain ethics at workplace,” she said.Patil said the characteristic of “unity in diversity” in India has made it unique in the world. “In our country we have people of various religions, castes, languages. This uniqueness sets India apart from all other countries,” she said.
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Central government not providing adequate forces: Mayawati

Sep,21, Ahead of the judgment in the Ayodhya case due Sep 24, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Monday criticised the central government for its “apathy” in providing the state the security forces needed in case of any trouble after the verdict.While reviewing the law and order situation in the state here, she told the high level meeting held at her official residencehow she had been repeatedly seeking assistance of the central government ever since the high court declared its decision to deliver the much awaited verdict some two months back.
“Since then the state government was making special efforts to maintain law and order besides taking all possible measures to ensure that the communal forces would not be able to disturb the law and order. We also made it a point to keep the centre duly posted of the prevailing situation in the state,” she said.Mayawati lamented the fact that as against the state’s demand and requirement of 642 companies (one company comprising about 80 men) of para-military forces, the central government had agreed to eventually provide just 52 companies, which she described as “grossly inadequate.”“While the initial demand on Aug 6 was made for 458 companies, the demand for an additional 143 companies was made on Sep 1 last to specifically protect the disputed site at Ayodhya. Besides, 29 companies were sought to ensure fool-proof security high court premises, both in Lucknow and in Allahabad, followed by yet another letter dated Sep 6 for 12 companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF),” she said.According to an official spokesman, the chief minister stressed the need to take a tough stand against mischief-mongers. Directing officials to remain on a round-the-clock alert, she also made it a point to highlight the need for keeping a tab on rumour-mongering, which was “equally dangerous”.Mayawati also reviewed the security of important religious, social and historical places, that were already on a high alert.She also appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and cautioned them to watch out for mischievous elements.
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Mumbai attack: Hearing on confirmation of Kasab’s death sentence from Oct 18

Sep,21, The Bombay High Court Monday fixed Oct 18 for starting daily hearings to confirm the death sentence awarded to Mumbai attack convict and Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab.A division bench of Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice Ranjit More also declined to entertain Kasab’s application seeking physical presence and ruled that he would remain present through video-conferencing, his lawyer Farhana Shah said.“As per the court’s directions, I met Kasab and discussed the issue. He wanted to remain personally present in the high court during the hearing,” Shah said.The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, expressed apprehensions about brining Kasab to the Bombay High Court on a daily basis from the Arthur Road Central Jail and said it may pose a threat to him.Shah said in view of these developments, Kasab was unlikely to be brought to the court and would appear before it through video-conferencing as he did Monday.She said she planned to file her appeal against the death sentence by Sep 27.On May 6, Kasab was awarded the death sentence by Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani after finding him guilty of 86 different offences.Kasab’s two co-accused – Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed – charged with conspiracy in the terror attack, were acquitted on the grounds that the prosecution evidence against them was doubtful.Kasab is lodged in the Arthur Road Central Jail, where the trial was conducted.
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NDA won’t win in Bihar: Lalu Prasad

SEP,21, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad asserted Monday that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will fail to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to power in Bihar.“It is certain that the JD-U-BJP (Janata Dal-United and Bharatiya Janata Party) government of Nitish Kumar will not win the (October-November) assembly elections,” Lalu Prasad told a press conference here.The former railway minister launched a scathing attack on Nitish Kumar, alleging that rampant corruption had caused agony in the last five years.He also alleged growing differences between the JD-U and BJP.Lalu Prasad said his RJD and Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshaktri Party had decided to contest from 168 and 75 seats respectively.
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Cannot trust BJP, VHP, RSS on Ayodhya: Digvijay

Sep,21, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh Monday said he cannot trust the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on the Ayodhya dispute as “they could do anything”.He said the Congress made a mistake in 1992 by believing the affidavits filed by Sangh parivar organisations. The Babri mosque was demolished Dec 6, 1992 by Hindu mobs who had gathered at the spot.“I cannot trust BJP, RSS, VHP. In 1992, we made a mistake by believing their affidavit,” said Singh, who is Congress general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh.The Congress leader said he had information that Sangh parivar organisations were making some plans. The Lucknow bench of Allahbad High Court is expected to give its verdict in the title suits relating to the Ayodhya dispute on Sep 24.He said the party has asked its MPs and legislators in Uttar Pradesh to remain in their constituencies on Sep 24 and work for communal harmony.Singh alleged that posters had been put up by Hindu fundamentalist organisations in Bhopal and Indore to recruit people.He said he had told Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a telephonic conversation that the state government should control “overzealous” workers in the current scenario.
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Chiranjeevi's fans in Telangana vow to protect his interests

Hyderabad, Sep 21 : With the films of actor-turned-politician K. Chiranjeevi and his family members facing a boycott from Telangana activists, his die-hard fans in the region Tuesday formed a group to protect his interests.The fans of the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) president met in Hyderabad and formed a "Chiru Force" to counter pro-Telangana groups who have been disrupting the screening of films of Chiranjeevi, his son Ramcharan Teja and brother Pavan Kalyan for their opposition to the demand for a separate state of Telangana. The presidents of Chiranjeevi Fans' Association from all 10 districts of Telangana made it clear that they would not tolerate any disruption of the screening of his films. The members of the "Chiru Force" said since Chiranjeevi entered politics on their demand and had been raising the issues of people, it was their responsibility to protect him and his family members. They also pointed out that people of Telangana were the biggest beneficiaries of the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank. The group said it was ready even for a confrontation on the issue. Osmania University students' joint action committee (JAC) was quick to hit back. The JAC leaders said they would disrupt the screening of Chiranjeevi's movies at any cost. They warned that the "Chiru Force" would be responsible for the consequences. The superstar is facing the ire of Telangana groups since early this year for taking a U-turn on Telangana statehood issue. Both legislators of his party in Telangana quit the party in protest. Chiranjeevi has not visited Telangana since then. The Telangana statehood supporters have decided to stop him from visiting the region. The superstar, however, recently said he would soon undertake a visit to Telangana.
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Hyderabad tightens security for Ganesh immersions

Hyderabad,Sep 21: Over 30,000 policemen were deployed and the military asked to stand by as massive security arrangements have been made for Ganesh idols immersion processions here Wednesday.A thick security blanket has thrown around the route of the mammoth procession, which passes through the communally-sensitive old city before culminating at Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. Unprecedented security has been made in view of the communal riots that broke out in the city in March this year and the verdict of Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in Babri Masjid title suit scheduled for Sep 24. According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K.Khan, military will be on stand-by to meet any contingency. "If necessary, the services of anti-terror force Octopus and armed forces will be utilised," he told reporters. Four companies of paramilitary Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be deployed in addition to the police forces. While the entire 10,000- strong city police force will be deployed, another 15,000 to 20,000 constables from other parts of the state will also be drafted for security. Over 40 officers of the rank of superintendent of police and above will be on duty. Over one million people are expected to attend the annual procession, which starts from Balapur in old city. Nearly 13,000 big idols from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Cyberabad and surrounding districts will be immersed in the Hussain Sagar. Authorities have installed 50 heavy cranes for immersion of the idols. Hundreds of idols were immersed during last two days. Police have already imposed restrictions under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code banning assembly of four or more people barring those in the Ganesh processions. The orders will be in force till Sep 28. Thirty bomb disposal squads will search vulnerable places along the 20-km long procession route. An equal number of anti-sabotage teams will use 30 sniffer dogs to identify suspicious objects. Massive security will be in place at the historic Mecca Masjid and Charminar in the old city. In the past, communal clashes broke out during the procession in the sensitive areas in the old city. The procession, organised by Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti since early 1980s, brings the city to a grinding halt. The main procession route and roads taken by nearly two dozen tributary processions will be closed for traffic.Like in the past, the state government has declared a general holiday in the state capital and the neighbouring Ranga Reddy district fo Anantchaturdashi that marks the close of the 10-day Ganesh festival.
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Murder accused stabbed to death in Andhra court

Hyderabad, Sep 21 : A man accused in a murder case was stabbed to death in a court premises in Andhra Pradesh Tuesday.Kondaiah, who was brought by police to the court for the murder case hearing, was stabbed and killed in full public view in the court complex in Miryalguda town of Nalgonda district, about 150 km from here. Police said the attacker fled after killing the youth. The incident sent panic among litigants and lawyers at the court. According to Kondaiah's relatives, the attacker, Khaja, picked up an argument with him and stabbed him to death as others watched in horror. The motive is still not clear. Police suspect the attack was carried out to settle old scores, and have now launched an investigation. Kondaiah allegedly had extramarital relations with a woman and her relative Khaja stabbed him to take revenge. Kondaiah, hailing from Nagarjunasagar, was allegedly involved in a murder and was brought by police to the court for hearing.
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NFAI organises 'cine course' for journalists from Oct 11

Hyderabad, Sep 21 : With a view to provide systematic inputs on Indian cinema to the working Journalists, National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune, is organising a 'cine correspondents' courses' in association with the Film and Television Institute of India.The curriculum includes theoretical study of the art and history of cinema, development of cinema as a medium of art and communication.The course is scheduled from October 11 to 22. The course fee would be Rs 5000 per participant. Working journalists with minimum experience of three years in news organisations in the age group of 25 to 50 years can participate, a release issued here yesterday by the NFAI said.
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Jama Masjid buzzes back to life day after shooting

Jama Masjid and its surrounding areas in Delhi’s old quarters was back to its bustling self Monday, a day after gunmen opened fire outside the 16th century mosque, injuring two Taiwanese. While tourists came in large numbers, it was business as usual for the numerous shops in the area.

Despite advisories from the governments of Australia and Britain urging their nationals to refrain from visiting sensitive locations, around 35 foreigners were seen near the historic mosque Monday morning while many more visited the majestic Red Fort nearby.“Yes, there were some concerns but the mood at our camp is upbeat. There is no scare… neither are we planning to cut short our vacation here in India,” British tourist Steve Coll said as he came out of Jama Masjid.Two Taiwanese tourists – Ko Chang and Ku Ze Wei – were wounded when two gunmen on a motorcycle opened random fire at a bus from which a group of tourists was alighting near the Jama Masjid Sunday morning.The attack, just after 11 a.m., took place near Gate No.3 of the mammoth, red sandstone mosque.Though the police presence increased by the hour Monday, shops near Jama Masjid opened at their usual time and rikshaw-pullers eagerly awaited customers.“We’re not afraid. The event occurred, and we’re over it. But we wish that the criminals are arrested soon, or we’ll be affected adversely if tourists get scared,” aid Monu, a rickshaw puller.Ganga Singh, who works in ‘Delhi’s Ivory Palace’, a shop opposite Jama Masjid’s Gate No.3, seemed unfazed by Sunday’s shooting incident. He opened the shutters of the shop at around 9 a.am., like he does on a normal working day.“What have we to fear? Police is carrying on their investigations…the results will come out and we’ll carry out our business as usual,” Singh said.Sanjay Chauhan, who works in a garage a liitle away from Singh’s shop, told IANS that no one in the neighbourhood was scared and that they would assisst the police in every way possible.“All shops will open in due time…nobody’s scared of those attackers. Work will go on as usual and we’ll assist the police to the best we can,” Chauhan said.Mohammed Amin, another rickshaw puller, said: “It is important that those criminals are caught and their identity revealed. These terrorists want nothing but disturbances in the city. We all will help the police in any way we can.”A policeman, who arrived at the site at 7.30 a.am., was alert but calm and said that everybody in the area was at peace. “People aren’t panicky or in a state of shock. There is not much to worry about but we’re watchful nevertheless,” he said.“We are watchful for any new faces and for suspicious elements,” he said.Visitors in tourist buses and hired taxis were seen near the mosque and many parents were also seen escorting their young ones inside the complex.In other parts of the city, tourist hotspots like Connaught Place, Gole Market and areas around Commonwealth Games venues were heavily barricaded. Traffic restrictions were imposed at around 470 landmarks and prime locations, including Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and major markets.Several motorists said they could not park their vehicles because of the restrictions.Police said pillion riders have been disallowed near these sites and motorists will have to park their vehicles at least 100 metres away from these places. CCTVs are also being installed at these locations, police said.
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Murdered girl student's friends being questioned

Hyderabad, Sep 20 : A day after the gruesome murder of a girl student by her senior, Hyderabad police Monday were questioning two of their friends.

Shekhar Goud, who killed engineering final year student Divya by smashing her head with a baseball bat, is still at large and police have formed special teams to arrest him. Police suspect it to be a case of sexual jealousy as Divya had been avoiding him of late and had befriended another boy, Pradeep. The body of 20-year-old Divya, student of Vignan Engineering College on the city outskirts, was handed over to her relatives after an autopsy at Osmania Hospital. Shekhar had invited Divya to his flat at Hill Colony in Vanasthalipuram Sunday evening for talks to sort out some differences which had of late cropped up between them. After killing Divya, Shekhar sent an SMS to Pradeep saying he had eliminated her and wanted to end his life. Alerted by Pradeep, police found the body of the girl in his flat. Police were questioning Pradeep and another friend of Vidya. Meanwhile, women and students' groups staged a protest at Vanasthalipuram police station demanding capital punishment to Shekhar. They alleged that the government had failed to act though such incidents were taking place regularly. Divya's father Madhusudhan Rao, who works with Mahindra and Mahindra in Kolkata, returned along with his wife Susheela. The girl was staying with her relatives in Habsiguda area. Shekhar, who completed his engineering last year, is a native of Nalgonda district but his father Venkatesham Goud works in Mumbai
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16 drowned in Ganesh immersions across Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, Sep 20 : As many as 16 people lost their lives during the Ganesh idol immersions in different parts of Andhra Pradesh Monday, police said.

Tragedy struck Ganesh festivities in Krishna district when six people were drowned while immersing an idol in a lake. According to police, the incident took place at Gollanapalle village of Gannavaram mandal. Local fishermen fished out the bodies of the six youths, all hailing from Gannavaram. Three people died in a similar incident in Kadapa district and two persons were washed away in Godavari River when they were immersing an idol at Bhadrachalam in Khammam district. Two youngsters met a watery grave in a lake at Mandamarri in Adilabad district and two people in East Godavari district. One death has been reported from Nizamabad district. The Ganesh immersion is taking place in different parts of the state for the last two days. The festivities will continue over the next two days. The mammoth Ganesh procession will be taken out in Hyderabad Wednesday. Over 13,000 idols will be immersed in Hussainsagar Lake in the heart of the city.
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New Delhi shooting won’t stop Taiwanese from visiting India

Taiwan media gave wide coverage Monday to the incident in New Delhi in which two members of a Taiwanese film crew were shot, but some people said the incident would not stop them from visiting India.The United Daily News carried seven related stories, one analysing terrorist attacks in India and another warning that the two Taiwanese victims might be infected with the superbug in Indian hospitals.But some travel agents and Taiwanese are not overly concerned.“This is an isolated incident. It will not affect Taiwan people’s interest in visiting India,” Yeh Ting-lin, chairman of the Shih Chun Travel, said.“Terrorist attacks usually target Americans and Europeans. Generally speaking, Taiwan tourists are safe,” he added.Chou Mei-li, head of the Friends of Tibet, said the shooting will not scare Taiwanese who travel to India to visit Buddhist temples or to see the Dalai Lama.“I also think this is an isolated incident, and the target of the shooting was not Taiwanese,” she added.The Foreign Ministry urged Taiwanese to mind travelers’ personal safety when in India, but did not issue a travel alert.India is a favourite travel destination for Taiwanese. Nearly 30,000 Taiwanese visit India each year for sightseeing or business.Some of the tourists are “religious tourists”, like Buddhist pilgrims, disciples of the Dalai Lama or disciples of late spiritual leader Osho.According to the Dalai Lama’s representative office in Taipei, there are half a million students of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan, and the number is increasing.“Every year, some 1,000 Taiwanese travel as a group to Dharamsala to attend Buddhist lectures given by the Dalai Lama,” said Sonam Dorji, secretary-general of the representative office.The shooting occurred Sunday morning outside the Jama Masjid in New Delhi.A Taiwan TV crew had just stepped out of a coach when two masked men arrived on a motorbike, fired on the mosque and at the coach before speeding off.One cameraman was hit in the abdomen, while the other was grazed in the back by a bullet. The condition of both men was stable.A few hours after the shooting, an Islamic militant group issued a statement and threatened to attack the Commonwealth Games scheduled to begin in New Delhi October 3-14, with 7,000 athletes and 100,000 tourists.
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Advani speaks to Chidambaram on Delhi shooting, Uttarakhand landslide

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Sunday telephoned Home Minister P. Chidambaram and discussed security measures in the wake of the shooting near Jama Masjid that wounded two Taiwanese tourists and the landslides in Uttarakhand which killed over 40 people in the BJP-ruled state.

Advani said that he spoke to Chidambaram and discussed the heightened terror threat perception ahead of the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games in the light of Sunday’s shooting near Jama Masjid.The issue also figured in their talks briefly when Advani and Chidambaram met at India Islamic Cultural Centre which had organised an Eid get-together.Advani added that he also discussed the devastating landslides and heavy rains in Uttarakhand that have killed over 40 people and left many homeless. Uttarakhand has recorded over 300 mm of rainfall since Saturday.Two Taiwanese tourists were wounded when two gunmen on a motorcycle opened random fire near the Jama Masjid here Sunday morning, creating a scare ahead of the Commonwealth Games.Ko Chang and Ku Ze Wei, both in their 20s, were shot in the head and stomach respectively when the gunmen fired at a bus from which a group of tourists was alighting, police and eyewitnesses said.The attack came despite a high level of security here in the run up to the Commonwealth Games that will draw 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories.
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