PRESIDENT OF INDIA presenting padma shree award,

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Rekha Ganeshan, & Saif Ali Khan Patodi at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II, at Rashtrapati Bhavan,   (Photo by PIB No.CNR-31137)
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India and U.S. Launched Historic Partnership to guide Economic Cooperation

Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner launched the India-U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership to strengthen bilateral engagement and understanding on macroeconomic, financial sector and infrastructure-related issues, here today. The Partnership’s launch affirmed the commitment of India and U.S. to cooperate on economic and financial issues - both critical in addressing shared challenges and achieving shared goals in this century. “India and the United States are bound by common values of “democracy, market economies and pluralism”, I am confident that this Partnership launch will unleash the energy and enterprise of people. It will make the relationship between two nations more vibrant and also help address global challenges”, stated the Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee. “This Partnership creates a framework that is commensurate with the growing importance of our economic relationship and the significant business and cultural ties that already exist between our two nations. Deepening our ties with India is critical to the broader global effort to develop a framework for a strong, sustainable and balanced growth and will facilitate more trade, investment and job creation in our two countries”, said Secretary Geithner. The newly-launched dialogue will encompass discussions of economic developments in both countries as well as bilateral policy actions in the broader context of the G-20 commitment to strong, sustainable and balanced growth. The ministers agreed that they, and their senior officials, will continue to consult closely on topics of mutual interest and concern. Given the significant infrastructure needs in the years ahead, the Partnership will also serve as a forum to share experiences and engage in a robust and ongoing dialogue on infrastructure financing, including the potential of private-public partnerships to unlock private sector financing for critical investment. The Partnership will meet next at the Cabinet level in the United States, led by Secretary Geithner and Minister Mukherjee. Working group meetings, at the level of senior officials and experts, will be held during the year to advance discussions on specific economic policy areas. At the inaugural Partnership session, working group discussions focused on macroeconomic policies needed to sustain growth in incomes and jobs; measures to reform financial regulation, deepen capital markets as a means to improve growth and increasing financing for infrastructure investment critical to future productivity and economic growth. Following is the Joint Statement issued by the Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee and Secretary Geithner at the launch of India - U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership: “Today, Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner launched the India - U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership, cementing the economic bonds between our two nations, and building a foundation for greater cooperation and economic growth in the future. The ability and commitment of the U.S. and India to cooperate on Financial and Economic issues are important to the economic success of both nations, and the world, and will assist in addressing shared challenges and achieving shared goals in this century. The Partnership between the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury intends to focus on three broad areas – macroeconomic policy, financial sector reforms, and infrastructure financing – and expects to meet at the Cabinet level once a year, alternating between the United States and India, led by Secretary Geithner and Minister Mukherjee. Working group and sub-cabinet level meetings are to be held during the year to advance discussions on specific economic policy areas. Economic growth and stability are at the core of our engagement. India and the United States have a mutual interest in a strong recovery from the financial crisis and preventing the recurrence of similar crises in the future. Our dialogue is designed to encompass discussions of economic challenges in our two countries, as well as in the broader context of the G-20 commitment to strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. Our expanded partnership will build on our existing dialogue on regulatory issues, and serve as a vehicle to discuss strategies to promote in both countries financial sector reforms, deepen capital markets, including more liquid debt markets, and increase financing for investments. India and the United States have significant infrastructure needs. We aim to share experiences and intend a robust and ongoing dialogue on the potential for private-public partnerships to unlock financing for critical infrastructure investment.”
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Popular support leading to Maoist attacks on security forces?

Hyderabad, April 6 : Security forces in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa are coming under more attack from Maoists because the rebels enjoy considerable support among people especially tribals, feel some former police officials in Andhra Pradesh.These officers blame the lack of development in remote tribal areas and lack of coordination between police and paramilitary forces for the rising number of attacks. According to a former police chief, both intelligence failure as well as lack of coordination between local authorities and paramilitary forces were responsible for Tuesday's massacre of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Chhattisgarh. Former director general of police P. Ramulu said local police officials should have accompanied the CRPF men in the dense forests where they had gone looking for Maoists. "During such operations local officials should accompany the paramilitary forces to guide them and give suggestions as the forces may not be fully well-versed with local conditions and topography," Ramulu said. He felt that in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa the police and security forces were coming under repeated attacks as the Maoists had considerable support among people, especially tribals. Another former police official said Andhra Pradesh could succeed in tackling the Maoist threat as it not only used the forces, especially the anti-Maoist Greyhounds, effectively but also took up series of welfare schemes which resulted in the Maoists losing people's support. Ramulu, who is also a leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), underlines the need to take up development works in forest areas in states like Chhattisgarh. Pointing out that there was a feeling among tribals that governments were depriving them of their rights by allotting natural resources to multinational companies, he called upon the governments in those states to take steps to address this issue. The former police chief also found fault with the policy of the central government in dealing with Maoists. He wanted a uniform policy for the entire country. "Different policies in different states are leading to this kind of incidents," he said and called for a single command for the Operation Greenhunt in various states for better results. Andhra Pradesh, a traditional stronghold of Maoists, effectively put down the threat in the last four years by eliminating over 300 guerrillas including top leaders.
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Police grill Shoaib on Ayesha marriage, seize passport

Hyderabad/New Delhi, April 5 : Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, who is to marry Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, was Monday grilled by police here and his passport was seized on a complaint of cheating filed by a Hyderabad resident who claims to be his first wife.Police quizzed Shoaib for nearly two hours at Sania Mirza's home and seized his passport for investigations a day after booking a case of cheating, harassment and criminal intimidation against him on complaint of Ayesha Siddiqui. The Central Crime Station (CCS) of police launched the probe by questioning Shoaib, recording statement of Ayesha and identifying 10 to 15 witnesses. Police, who have alerted immigration authorities not to allow Shoaib to fly out of the country, also conveyed the details of the case to the central government while the cricketer claimed that the Pakistani high commissioner in New Delhi spoke to him over phone and assured all possible legal assistance. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters Monday evening, "If it becomes necessary to arrest somebody we will arrest. But it will be based on how the case evolves and what sort of evidences we come across." Accompanied by Sania Mirza, Shoaib, former captain of Pakistan cricket team, spoke to media persons outside her residence here and both declared they would marry here April 15 as scheduled. "I am here for my marriage and to clear my name. I will, Inshallah, clear my name and am cooperating with the police and the Indian government. I will do everything," Shoaib told reporters here. Facing a volley of questions, the Pakistani batsman maintained that he had done nothing wrong and hence there was no question of his apologising to anybody. He also challenged Ayesha to come before the media, adding the world would know the truth once she comes out of the house. "I have never met the girl whose photographs were sent to me. I don't know who is Ayesha. I used to call her (the girl who is claiming to be his first wife) Maha Apa, and 'Apa' means elder sister," Shoaib said. "I am here, why doesn't she come before the camera. And I will answer all the questions." "Nobody can touch me till charges against me are proved," he said when asked if he feared arrest. A tense-looking Sania said she was upset over the allegations but claimed she knew the truth. "Our marriage will, Inshallah, take place on April 15. There is no question of postponing it," she said. To questions by reporters that Ayesha alleged she had got pregnant after her "marriage" with him and had a "miscarriage", Shoaib said: "Let her first prove it, and then let's probe it." In New Delhi, Shoaib's lawyer Ramesh Gupta said Malik had told him not to file for anticipatory bail since he was cooperating with the Hyderabad police.
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Government Advises Caution to workers Seeking jobs in Malaysia

(PIB NEWS) It has come to the notice of the government that a large number of workers misguided by some unscrupulous Indian as well as Malaysian Recruiting Agents (RAs) are emigrating to Malaysia without proper documentation about their employment, foreign employer and employment contract etc. As a result such Indian workers become vulnerable to exploitation by their employers in Malaysia and often get stranded in Malaysia without work and then lodge complaints in the Indian High Commission at Kuala Lumpur. Indian High Commission at Kuala Lumpur has formulated guidelines for Indian workers who want to take up legal employment in Malaysia. The Indian workers intending to seek legal employment in Malaysia should get themselves familiarized with the laws and working conditions in Malaysia. These guidelines are available on the website www.mohr.gov.my. The Indian workers planning to take up legal employment in Malaysia, should take the following steps, on arrival in Malaysia: (i) Obtain a resident permit or identity card and a labour card immediately, (ii) Keep their passports in safe custody and not part with their travel document, (i.e., passport) and employment contract signed by them in India,(iii) At least, a copy of the passport should always be carried by them at all times, (iv) They should not sign another employment contract or any blank paper during his/her stay in Malaysia,
(v) In case of loss of passport or copy of the employment contract, a report may be lodged with the Indian High Commission immediately,
(vi) They should get themselves apprised about the working conditions in Malaysia,(vii) They should note that strike by workers in Malaysia is an illegal act under Malaysian Law.
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PM-paying at samadhi babu jagjivan ram,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 103rd Birth Anniversary, at Samta Sthal, in Delhi on April 05, 2010.    (Photo by PIB No:CNR-31092)
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Achievements of Maulana Azad Education Foundation during 2009-10

(PIB NEWS) Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, provided scholarships to 15,070 meritorious girl students belonging to Minority communities during 2009-10. Under this scheme it spent an amount of Rs. 18.08 crore. Under the Grants-in-aid to NGOs, MAEF sanctioned Rs. 13.37 crore to 105 NGOs during the last fiscal ending on 31st March 2010. MAEF, established in 1989, is a voluntary, non-political, non-profit making Society registered under the Societies Registration Act. Union Minister for Minority Affairs is the ex-officio President of the Foundation.The schemes of the MAEF are mainly of two types, viz.; Grants-in-aid to NGOs for construction and expansion of schools/hostels, technical/vocational training centres with emphasis on girl students; and Scholarships to Meritorious Girl Students from the Minorities.
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Andhra Pradesh CM calls for strengthening Indo-Australian ties

Hyderabad, Apr 5: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today underlined the need to strengthen the Indo-Australian ties in different spheres.He also stressed the need to clear the air about the safety of Indian students in Australia in view of the recent attacks on them, at an interaction with an Australian delegation sponsored by Mr DSN Murthy, Managing Director and CEO, Dhanush Infotech, a release from the Chief Minister's office said.The team has been touring India to build better bilateral relationship in areas such as education, business, trade, culture, sports etc. The delegation was led by Mr Rajendra Nimje, former IAS officer who had worked as Secretary of Higher Education in Andhra Pradesh government. He said bilateral delegations and discussions would help improve the ties. Dr Rosaiah was speaking to the Australian delegation which met him today.The Chief Minister said both Hyderabad and Australian cities could cooperate in areas like IT, BT, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Mining, Irrigation, and Water Resources. Both sides agreed to pursue next level of consultation in these areas by sending an Andhra Pradesh Business Delegation to Australia.A proposal has been put forth to establish a Sister City relationship between Hyderabad and two Australian cities of Brisbane and Ipswich which share great commonalities and are planning to enhance cooperation and business ties. (photo by etemaad)
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BJP forms fact-finding team to probe old city riots

Hyderabad, Apr 5 : The BJP today announced that it has constituted a Fact-Finding Team (FFT) to probe the cause for last week's riots in the old city of Hyderabad, and the handling of the situation after the riots by police and the administration.According to a press release here, BJP National Official spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman, holding AIMIM squarely responsible for riots, alleged that the ruling Congress government was completely bullied by their ally AIMIM. The government was ''turning a blind eye to the atrocities perpetrated by the AIMIM''.''Even during the curfew, AIMIM legislators are moving about freely. The media has reported that in the vicinity of the murder site, one MLA of the MIM was present. The Hyderabad MP belonging to the AIMIM, in blatant violation of the curfew rules, was staging a dharna in front of the police and was not arrested,'' she claimed.Criticising the Congress party on its failure to ''prevent the violence and restore peace in the affected areas'', Ms Sitharaman said, ''even today, several areas are under curfew. The failure of the government in not arresting those who knifed innocent citizens till today speaks volumes about their commitment to the law of the land.''
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Day curfew lifted in riot-hit old city

Hyderabad, Apr 5 : The indefinite curfew clamped in the old city of Hyderabad in the wake of killing of two people since March 27 was lifted for nine hours from 0800 hrs today, providing the much-needed relief to the common man.With normalcy returning to the city after posting of nearly 30 companies of central para-military forces, besides state police personnel, including the elite OCTOPUS personnel, the authorities decided to lift curfew during day time. ''If the present situation continued, curfew could be lifted fully in a couple of days,'' Additional Commissioner of Police (Coordination) Ch D.Tirumala Rao told mediapersons. Mr Rao warned that ''if the situation takes a bad turn, we will have no option but to reimpose curfew''.As a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders were promulgated in the entire city. Police also urged political party leaders not to organise any processions or 'dharnas' as the same might prove detrimental to peace. Police also banned pillion riding on two-wheelers by adult men from 2300 hrs to 0600 hrs to avoid any trouble by miscreants. Indefinite curfew was first imposed in 17 police station limits of South Zone on March 29 and extended to eight more police station limits in West, Central and East zones as violence spread to these zones.Police had so far arrested 165 people in connection with 152 cases between March 27 and March 31, while another 100 people were let off after taking them into preventive custody. No breakthrough had been achieved into the murder cases so far.
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Ayesha was pregnant, had miscarriage: Family

Cricketer Shoaib Malik and tennis star Sania Mirza’s marriage saga got murkier Monday as Hyderabad resident Ayesha Siddique’s family claimed she was not only married to the former Pakistan team skipper, but also got pregnant and suffered a miscarriage.While Shoaib has denied marriage with Ayesha, the latter’s family claimed that they lived as man and wife.“She was pregnant and had a miscarriage. Shoaib knew about it but did not bother,” Shams Babar, a family friend of Ayesha, told reporters outside her house in Banjara Hills.He along with Ayesha’s lawyer also alleged that the Pakistani cricketer physically and mentally abused her. They declined to answer queries saying this would be proved in the court of law.A day after Shoaib, in his statement, denied meeting Ayesha, Babar said the two had met 14 times. “We have solid proof to nail Shoaib,” Babar said.“I am warning Shoaib not to make it worse by prolonging it. He should admit it and make a public apology like a good man and give divorce to Ayesha,” he said.

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Women’s commission approached in Ayesha-Shoaib case

An online complaint has been registered with the National Commission of Women (NCW) urging the women’s rights panel to take action in the controversy surrounding Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik’s alleged marriage to Ayesha Siddiqui.Acting on the basis of media reports, Naresh Kadiyan, a social activist from Haryana, has registered a complaint on Ayesha’s behalf that the girl had been subjected to cruelty and harassed for dowry.An NCW complaint cell official said: “Suitable action will be taken in this case only once a competent authority like a member approves the case. There will be a probe after that only. ”Ayesha, who claims to be Malik’s wife, Sunday lodged a police complaint in Hyderabad against him for cheating her after it was announced that he planned to marry Indian tennis star Sania Mirza April 15.Ayesha complained that Shoaib was warning her to keep mum and was going ahead with his second marriage with Mirza without divorcing her. Ayesha filed the complaint under sections 498 A (harassment), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.“We registered the complaint online yesterday (Sunday). I spoke to the designated counsellor. He appears to be on leave but has assured me that action will be taken at the earliest, within three weeks, since the case has come in the media eye,” Kadiyan, who heads non-government organisation People for Animals Haryana, said.Kadiyan said he did not know Ayesha or her family.“I don’t know the girl. I just wanted that if it is a case of harassment then the issue should be probed and action taken. Let police verify if there is any truth in what she (Ayesha) says. If yes we will support her, else we will withdraw support,” he added.
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Will not leave India till my name is cleared: Shoaib

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik Monday said he would not leave India till his name is cleared in the controversy surrounding his alleged first marriage to a city  girl. Accompanied by his bride-to-be, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, he spoke to media persons outside her residence here and declared that they would marry April 15 as scheduled.“I am here for my marriage and to clear my name. I will Inshaallah clear my name and am cooperating with the police and Indian government. I will do everything,” Shoaib told reporters here in a chaotic press conference.Facing a volley of questions, the Pakistani batsman maintained that he had done nothing wrong and hence there was no question of apologising.He also challenged Ayesha Siddiqui to come before the media, adding the world would know the truth once she comes out.“I have never met the girl whose photographs were sent to me. I don’t know who is Ayesha. I used to call her (the girl who is claiming to be his first wife) Maha Apa and Apa means elder sister,” Shoaib said.“I am here, why doesn’t she come before the camera, and I will answer all the questions."The cricketer admitted that police had taken away his passport after the questioning Monday morning but was confident that he would get it back by the evening. “Nobody can touch me till charges against me are proved,” he said when asked if he fears arrest.He said the Pakistani high commissioner in India spoke to him and assured him full assistance in clearing his name.A tense-looking Sania said she was upset over the allegations but claimed she knew the truth. “Our marriage will Inshallah take place on April 15. There is no question of postponing it,” she said.“We are representing our countries in different ways, and it is very painful to speak on such matters,” Sania said.Shoaib also termed Ayesha’s allegations “a cheap publicity gimmick”.To questions by reporters that Ayesha alleged she had got pregnant after her “marriage” with Shoaib and had had a “miscarriage”, Shoaib said: “Let her first prove it, and then let’s probe it.”
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India assures full legal aid to 17 on death row in UAE

India has assured full legal assistance to 17 Indians sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the Indian consulate in Sharjah tapped prominent lawyers to argue their case.“They are in good health. We have assured them of full legal assistance,” a government source said here.“The appeal in a higher court will be made within two months of the judgment,” the the source added.“We will provide them whatever help they need,” the source said.The source added that the authorities in Sharjah have been meeting top-end lawyers to seek their assistance and the appeal to the higher court will be made within the prescribed period of two weeks from the date of judgment by the lower court.The Indians are pleading innocence, the sources confirmed.Relatives of the 17 Indians, who are mostly from Punjab, have demanded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s intervention in rescuing them.External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has also assured support to them, saying New Delhi will stand by them if they appeal in a higher court.The Indians were accused of killing a Pakistani and injuring three more following a row over illegal alcohol business.Early this week, Indian consulate officials in Dubai got access to all 17 Indians placed in an UAE prison
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Ayesha Siddique files police complaint against Shoaib Malik,

Hyderabad, April 4: Ayesha Siddiqui, who claims to be the first wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Sunday lodged a police complaint against him for cheating her.In her complaint to Banjara Hills police station, Ayesha also complained that Shoaib was warning her to keep mum and was going ahead with his second marriage with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza without divorcing her. In the complaint, filed by Ayesha's father M.A. Siddiqui on her behalf, she also accused Shoaib of harassment. Police said they would investigate the complaint before taking any action. "We have only received a complaint. We will go into it before taking further action," said Assistant Commissioner of Police R. Ravinder Reddy. Ayesha has filed the complaint under sections 498 A (harassment), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. She alleged that the Pakistani cricketer had offered her USD 1 million to keep mum on their first marriage. She also stated that he was threatening her for speaking to the media. Police may record Ayesha's statement before registering a case against Shoaib, who is staying at Sania Mirza's house here. Legal experts said if a case is booked against Shoaib, his passport may be seized and he may be prevented from leaving India until the investigations are completed. Earlier, Shoaib rejected Ayesha's demand for a divorce, saying he signed a 'nikahnama' or marriage document for marrying a girl whose photographs she had been sending. Shoaib told reporters that he was in Hyderabad for the marriage with Sania Mirza April 15. (photo from allvoices) 
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Curfew relaxed for 6 hours in two phases

Hyderabad Apr 4: The indefinite curfew, clamped in 25 police station limits in Hyderabad since Monday last in the wake of killing of two people in communal violence since March 27, was relaxed for six hours in two phases, providing much needed relief to the people reeling under restrictions for the seventh day today.Relieved over the return of peace to trouble-torn areas, the Hyderabad Police first relaxed curfew for three hours from 0700 hrs in eight Police Stations of Tappachabutra, Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Kulsumpura,Shahinayathgunj, Habeebnagar, Begumbazar and Afzalgunj in West-East-Central zones. Curfew was then relaxed for another three hours from 1000 hrs in 17 Police Station limits in Charminar, Hussainialam, Kamatipura, Bahadhurpura, Kalapathar, Falaknuma, Chatrinaka, Shahalibanda, Moghalpura, Bhavaninagar, Dabeerpura, Mirchowk, Reinbazar, Madannapet, Santhoshnagar, Kanchanbagh and Chandrayangutta, in the communally sensitive South Zone. Thousands of young and old came out of their homes and queued up to buy milk vegetables and groceries. Long queues were also seen in front of medical shops.City Police Commissioner A K Khan told mediapersons that if the present situation continued, they would consider lifting curfew during daytime tomorrow. Police continued heavy deployment of central para-military forces, besides the state forces including the elite OCTOPUS personnel, even as authorities made extensive arrangements for distribution of essential commodities, commoners complained that unscrupulous traders were charging double the market rate to make a quick money. No untoward incident was reported during the curfew relaxation period, Mr Khan said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah had asked the police to consider relaxation of curfew for a longer spell to reduce the hardships of the general public, while taking stern action against trouble-makers and rumour mongers.                    (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Shoaib says no 'Nikah' took place with Ayesha

Hyderabad, April 4: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik Sunday claimed that no 'nikah' or marriage took place with Ayesha Siddiqui and hence there was no need for him to divorce her.In his first comments over his alleged first marriage with Ayesha Siddiqui, Shoaib said he signed the 'nikahnama' thinking that he was marrying the girl whose photographs were sent to him. He quoted chief qazi of Hyderabad as saying that the 'nikah' was not valid as it did not meet the conditions prescribed in Islam. The cricketer released a statement to the press in front of the residence of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who he is marrying April 15 here. The Pakistani claimed that Ayesha Siddiqui was the girl who had introduced herself as Maha Apa or elder sister of Ayesha and had taken him around in Hyderabad during his visits. Shoaib said he or his brother-in-law could never meet Ayesha during their visits to Hyderabad. Shoaib, who arrived here has been staying at Sania's house for the last two days, came out to release the statement to the waiting media but declined to answer queries saying his lawyer would answer them. A nervous-looking Shoaib told reporters that the marriage with Sania would take place in Hyderabad on April 15. "I have come here for my wedding with Sania Mirza and we are happy," he said. Shoaib said Sania knew the truth and she had been supportive of him. To a query about Sania's tennis career, he said she would play as long as she wished to play. "She has been representing India and will continue to represent India," he said to another query. Shoaib claimed that Ayesha had starting making phone calls to him in 2001 when he was in Sharjah with the Pakistani team. "Naturally I wanted to meet her. Every time I brought up the topic of meeting, she would send me a bunch of photographs," the statement said. The cricketer claimed that he was made to believe that he was speaking to the girl in the photograph. "The truth is that I have, to this day, not met the girl in the photograph," he said. He said when he came to Hyderabad in 2002 to meet Ayesha, he was told that she had left for Saudi Arabia for some urgent work. "She told me over phone that Rema and Maha Apa would take me around," he claimed. Later, Shoaib was informed that Ayesha was not meeting him as she had put on weight and would come before him only after shedding some weight. He was also told that the photographs sent to him were old ones. The Pakistani said in 2002 Ayesha forced him into marriage over telephone saying people in Hyderabad had started talking about their relationship and this had put her parents in embarrassing position. "We accidentally ran into the truth about who Ayesha was. It was worst moment of my life. No one enjoys being made a fool of and that was exactly how I was made fool of," he said. "It happened in August 2005. My brother-in-law got a photograph of a teacher in Saudi Arabia who was telling people around her that Shoaib is married to me. His nephews were studying in that school. I was aghast when he showed me the photograph of the teacher. The woman in the photograph was the woman I called Maha Apa." "I immediately confronted Maha Apa. I told her I didn't want to speak to her again. I told Ayesha I was going to release photographs she had been mailing me to the media. She apologized and told me that the other girl was married and that I would ruin her life if I release the photographs. I thought about it, who so ever is in the photograph does not even know about all this and it would not be fair to release the pictures."
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Expelled SP leader Jaya Prada celebrates birthday in tirumala

Tirumala, Apr 3: On the occasion at her birthday, expelled Samajwadi party leader Jaya Prada offered prayers at the hill shrine of venkateswara swamy temple here this evening.The yester year glamour heroine-turned politician Jaya Prada who arrived here along with her family members, had darshan of the lord Bajali during the VIP break and after darshan, she was presented sri vari prasadams by the TTD officials.Later briefing mediapersons, she said that Uttar Pradesh people have supported her in all her political endeavours during her political career.Replying to a question, she said that she would contest in the next elections from Andhra Pradesh and remained tight lipped over contesting from the party concerned.
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Shoaib still in Sania's house, marriage may be advanced

Hyderabad, April 4: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik continued to stay in the residence of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza amid speculation that their marriage was being advanced to avoid any problems due to the raging row over Shoaib's alleged first marriage with a resident of this city.Shoaib, who arrived here Friday night from Dubai, did not come out of Sania's house in Jubilee Hills. With Sania's relatives and friends visiting her till late Saturday night, speculation was already doing the rounds that the marriage, originally scheduled for April 15, had been advanced. Sania's family is reportedly in touch with a qazi to solemnize the marriage. Sources said it would only be a reception which Sania's family would host at a star hotel here on April 15 but the marriage could take place much before that. Some television channels captured the duo dancing Saturday night and Sania's friends confirmed about the festivities being held at home. Unfazed by the threats by Ayesha Siddiqui to launch legal proceedings against him for cheating, Shoaib landed in Hyderabad Friday night and was spotted at Sania's house Saturday. Shoaib reportedly cleared the air over serious allegations levelled by Ayesha and her parents. Sania's family was apparently convinced by his claim that Ayesha cheated him by using the photographs of another girl. While admitting that he signed the 'nikahnama', Shoaib reportedly told Sania and her parents that he did not marry Ayesha. Sania, in her Twitter page, said they knew the "truth" and had confidence in god's justice. With dozens of media persons with cameras and OB vans surrounding her house in Jubilee Hills and obstructing the guests, Sania's family Sunday sought police protection. Some policemen in addition to her private security guards were deployed at the house. Meanwhile, the family of Ayesha Siddiqui said they were going ahead with the legal proceedings against Shoaib to get a formal divorce from him. They want Shoaib to give divorce to her before marrying Sania and have hired a lawyer in Pakistan to file a case against him.
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25th Accountants’ General Conference to begin from 5th April, 2010 in New Delhi

(PIB NEWS) 25th Conference of Accountants General is being held for 5 days from 05 to 09 April 2010. Conference of Accountants General is held almost every two years to discuss contemporary issues in relation fulfilling the role and responsibilities of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and transforming the audit as an effective tool for good governance. The Accountants’ General conferences conclude with specific recommendations for internal and external reforms to enhance the effectiveness of audit. The recommendations upon their approval by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India are implemented to realize the value from the deliberations of all Accountants General. The fundamental objective of this conference is to deliberate on ‘Transformation of Indian Audit & Accounts Department: Consolidation, Expansion and Innovation’. More than 120 Accountants General and Principal Accountants General, responsible for audit of the Union and State Governments and for maintenance of accounts of the State Governments, shall be attending the conference. The theme papers for deliberation in the conference include (i) Adoption of Best Practices in Audit Function; (ii) Institutional Frame Work for Integrated Audit; (iii) Performance Auditing; (iv) Audit and Risk Management; and (iv) Accounting as an enabler for Good Governance and more effective Audit. In addition the new draft ‘Public Audit Bill’ forwarded by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to the Government will also be discussed during the conference. The conference shall be inaugurated by Smt. Meira Kumar, Speaker of the Lok Sabha on 05 April 2010 at 11.30 AM in the Auditorium of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Pocket 9, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi. Shri Gopinath Munde, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament and Shri Vinod Rai, Comptroller and Auditor General of India will also address the inauguration session. A special feature of this conference will be a Stakeholders’ Panel Discussion on 06 April 2010 during 10 AM to 1 PM in the Auditorium of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Pocket 9, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi, in which eminent personages from public life, media, business and professions will participate. The theme of the stakeholders’ panel discussion is “Expectations from CAG”. It will afford an opportunity to deliberate on what the stakeholders expect from the CAG and to what extent their expectations are fulfilled. It is for the first time that this type of wide external stakeholder’s panel discussion is organized during the Accountants’ General conference. The stakeholders’ panel discussion shall be attended by eminent personages, which includes Smt Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Deepak Parekh, Chairman HDFC, Shri Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief, Indian Express, Shri T.N.Ninan, Chairman and MD, Business Standard and Shri T. Mohandas Pai, Director (HR and E&R), Infosys Technologies Limited. The valedictory function of the conference will be addressed by the Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 09 April 2010 at 1 PM in Auditorium of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Pocket 9, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi. ======================================================

Stern action to be taken against troublemakers: Andhra Pradesh CM

Hyderabad, Apr 3: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today advised to the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner to consider relaxation of curfew for a longer spell to reduce the hardships of the general public.

At the same time, he warned that stern action would be taken against troublemakers and rumour mongers while normalcy was returning in Hydetabad. The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the latest situation in the old city areas with ministers, DGP and other top officials from camp office soon after his return from Chittoor today.He expressed satisfaction that the situation was fast improving in the old city areas and that there were no untoward incidents in the curfew and non-curfew areas.The Chief Minister thanked all religious leaders and political parties for their whole-hearted cooperation in bringing back normalcy in the old city areas. Mr Rosaiah said Hyderabad was historically known for peace and communal harmony and hence ''it was our paramount duty to keep aloft the 'Brand Hyderabad' name.'' The DGP explained to the Chief Minister that the situation was by and large peaceful in the curfew and non-curfew areas. There were no untoward incidents when the curfew was relaxed in the old city areas today. He was told that milk, vegetables and other essential commodities were supplied through selected outlets in sufficient quantities. The Chief Minister specifically told them not to cause any inconvenience to patients who need emergency medical services. He also advised the City Commissioner of Police to extend the curfew relaxation period taking the situation into consideration to reduce hardships of the people.The Chief Minister once again appealed to the people to remain calm and assured that the government will take all necessary steps to restore peace and communal harmony in the city. The Chief Minister once again appealed to the people not to believe in any rumours and baseless provocative SMSs.Mr Rosaiah further said the Government was closely monitoring the situation and would take appropriate action accordingly. Home Minister Ms Sabita Indra Reddy, Chief Secertary S V Parasad, DGP R R Girish Kumar, IG (Intelligence), Mr M Mahender Reddy, City Police Commissioner, Mr A K Khan, Commissioner, GHMC, Mr Sameer Sharma, and other officials were also present at the occasion. (newkerala.com)
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Shoaib Malik at Sania Mirza's house in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Apr 3 : Despite the controversy surrounding his marriage with tennis star Sania Mirza, Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik is reported to be at Sania's place in Hyderabad.It has been reported Shoaib Malik arrived here from Dubai on Friday and is with Sania''s family since then.It has been reported that the two sports stars will tie the nuptial knot in Dubai on April 15, as Malik''s family fears protests in India on their arrival.The Pakistani media has reported that Malik''s family wants the wedding to take place in Dubai and would not come to India."Around 25 people are expected to attend the marriage in Dubai," adds the Pakistani media.After the marriage, the couple will be based in Dubai, where Shoaib is a resident.The wedding ceremony of both the sports stars will take place in April, while the Walima reception will be hosted by Shoaib on April 16 or 17 in Lahore. Shoaib was earlier engaged to another Hyderabad girl, Ayesha Siddiqui. (newkerala.com)
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PM-enumerated for sensus 2011,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh being enumerated for Census-2011.by the staff of the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, in New Delhi on April 03, 2010.Wife of the Prime Minister, Smt. Gursharan Kaur and the Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Prithviraj Chavan are also seen. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-31078) ======================================================

Clarification

(PIB NEWS) A report in the Times of India dated March 12, 2010 has suggested that ever since demitting office in 2007, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India has been a "frequent flyer" and that the Government was "looking to see if it can put a cap on such visits".

It is clarified that the cost of the foreign travels of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, has been borne usually by his hosts and not the Government of India. There is no proposal before the government to put any kind of restriction on the foreign travels of former Presidents.
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Jaipal Reddy criticises Bal Thackeray for his statement about Sania Mirza

(PIB NEWS) The Union Minister for Urban Development, Mr. S. Jaipal Reddy has criticised Shiv Sena Supremo, Shri Bal Thackeray for his statement about Ms. Sania Mirza’s marriage plan. In a statement Mr. Reddy has said the comment of Mr. Bal Thackeray is highly symptomatic of his notorious tendency to lend a communal colour to every issue. Following is the statement of Mr. Jaipal Reddy:-“It is unfortunate that the leader of Shiv Sena, Mr. Bal Thackeray, has chosen to criticise the decision of Miss. Sania Mirza to marry a Pakistani cricketer on political grounds. We in India have very serious problems with the Government of Pakistan. That does not, however, mean that there cannot be good relations between the people of the two countries. At any rate, the choices in matters relating to marriage are absolutely personal. Nobody can dispute the freedom of Miss Sania Mirza on the issue.The Comment of Mr. Bal Thackeray is highly symptomatic of his notorious tendency to lend a communal colour to every issue. The people of India, in the second decade of twenty first century, are much too mature and sophisticated for such cheap political gimmicks.”
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Curfew relaxation gives relief to people in riot-hit Hyderabad

Hyderabad, April 3: The two-hour relaxation in curfew Saturday provided much-needed relief to the people in riot-hit areas of Hyderabad while the situation remained peaceful in the city.Thousands of men and women came out of their homes in eight police station areas as curfew was relaxed from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to enable people to buy essential commodities. Huge crowds were seen in the markets to buy vegetables, milk and groceries. Long queues were also there at the medical stores. People once again complained of traders exploiting the situation by jacking up the prices of essentials as the arrangements made by the authorities to supply vegetables proved inadequate. For the first time since curfew was imposed in these areas outside the worst-hit old city Tuesday, police relaxed the restrictions, providing some relief to the people. No untoward incident was reported in two hour relaxation. The curfew in 17 police station areas of old city was relaxed for three hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The curfew in the communally sensitive old city was relaxed for two hours Thursday but no relaxation was given Friday as police anticipated trouble during prayers. With Friday prayers passing off peacefully, the police decided to give three-hour relaxation. Though no untoward incident was reported in any of the curfew-bound areas since Tuesday night, police were continuing the curfew as a precautionary measure. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan Saturday said there would be relaxation for longer duration on Sunday. "Lifting of curfew will take some more time," he said. There was mild tension near the historic Charminar area late Friday when Hyderabad MP and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi staged a protest at Charminar police station against the arrests of "innocent" Muslim youth by police. Owaisi later called off the protest after an assurance by the senior police officers that innocent youth would be released. Owaisi, who was accompanied by parents of some of the arrested youth, alleged that police was breaking into the houses during night time, abusing women and lifting their children. The communal violence, which broke out following a dispute over putting up of religious flags, has so far claimed two lives and left over 150 injured. The police commissioner said probe into various incidents of violence was on and so far 300 people were taken into custody. Police were also on the lookout for two corporators of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Telugu Desam Party for their alleged involvement in riots.
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Curfew continues in riot-hit Hyderabad

Hyderabad for the fourth day Friday. Even though the situation remained peaceful, police were on high alert because of Friday prayers.Police decided not to relax the curfew in all 25 police station areas since they anticipated trouble during Friday prayers. They have requested Muslims to pray in their homes.Police Commissioner A.K.Khan told reporters that curfew, which was relaxed for two hours in 17 police station areas Thursday, would continue without any relaxation Friday.An eminent Islamic scholar has also ruled that Friday prayers were not a must in curfew-bound areas and appealed to Muslims to pray in their homes. Mufti Khaleel Ahmed, head of the Islamic university Jamia Nizamia, said Friday prayers in mosques are a must only when they can be offered without any disturbance and without endangering lives.Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy had earlier hinted that curfew could be relaxed for prayers but after a review meeting with Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and police top brass last night, she ruled out the relaxation. Security has been tightened at all places of worship in Hyderabad and in districts like Adilabad, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. The chief minister has directed police to deploy additional forces to ensure peace during Friday prayers.Meanwhile, no untoward incident has been reported from any part of the city since Tuesday night. However, the home minister made it clear that the curfew would continue till normalcy was restored.The communal violence, which broke out following a dispute over putting up of religious flags, has so far claimed two lives and left over 150 injured.Police have increased their probe into various incidents of violence. As many as 200 people have so far been arrested in connection with 67 cases of rioting. The arrests were made for attacks on places of worship, arson and looting and damage to public and private property.(photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Friday prayers pass off peacefully in old city

Hyderabad, Apr 2 : Authorities heaved a sigh of relief as Friday prayers passed off peacefully in the communally-sensitive old city of Hyderabad today amid the indefinite curfew and deployment of ten more companies of para-military forces.Elite Rapid Action Force personnel and mounted police turned the historic Mecca Masjid into a fortress where only a few devout Muslims offered Namaz. They offered prayers in their houses following issuance of fatwa to this effect by clergymen. City Police Commissioner A.K.Khan, who covered several parts of the old city by foot, told mediapersons that ''The situation is fully under control. No untoward incidents were reported so far from anywhere. We will take a decision on relaxing curfew tomorrow if there are no further incidents later today.'' Mr Khan, who interacted with a cross section of people, including religious leaders, said leaders of both the communities had come to an understanding to work jointly for restoration of communal amity.Already 21 companies of central forces have been deployed in 25 police station limits, besides Andhra Pradesh Special Police and elite OCTOPUS in the wake of the killing of two people in communal clashes since Saturday.All roads leading to Mecca Masjid in the old city wore a deserted look as police put up a two-layered barbed wire security fencing.The state government's strategy of working from behind by forming peace committees and persuading clerics to issue fatwa, asking Muslims to offer their zohor (mid-noon prayers) either in their houses or local mosques, paid off. As many as 109 cases were registered in connection with the communal flare-up and over 200 people were picked up for questioning, police said.
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Old Hyderabad under curfew for fourth consecutive day

Hyderabad, Apr 2 : Curfew prevailed parts of riot hit old Hyderabad for a consecutive fourth day on Friday.Police decided against relaxing curfew in all 25 police station areas since anticipating trouble during Friday prayers.The situation, however, remained peaceful with security forces on high alert.State police chief R.R. Girish Kumar, met Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi to ensure peaceful Friday prayers.Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said curfew, was relaxed for two hours in 17 police station areas on Thursday.Meanwhile, eminent Islamic scholar and the head of the Jamia Nizamia Islamic University, Mufti Khaleel Ahmed said Friday prayers in mosques are a must only when they can be offered without disturbance.State Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy had earlier hinted that curfew could be relaxed for prayers but after a review meeting with Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and senior police officials last night, she ruled it out.Communal violence broke out over a dispute involving a religious flag. So far, two have died and 150 have been injured.Two hundred people have been arrested in connection with 67 cases of rioting.
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10 companies brought; heavy security at Mecca Masjid

Hyderabad, Apr 2: Ten additional companies of para-military forces were brought and mounted and police deployed around the historic Mecca Masjid, which was virtually encircled, even as the Hyderabad police braced up for the crucial Friday prayers in the riot-hit old city area of Hyderabad today.With already 21 companies deployed in the 25 police stations in two zones, 17 in south and 8 in west, the Hyderabad police took no chance as it laid a two layer barbed wire security fencing on the desolate roads in various parts, particularly in the vicinity of Charminar.Working behind the scenes, the police and the state government rallied peace committees and talked to the religious leaders, leading to the clerics issuing fatwas, asking Muslims to offer their zohor (mid-noon prayers) either in their house or in the mosques in their localities rather than venture to the Mecca Masjid.Strict vigil was kept on the movement of persons with past rioting record even as police picked up more than 200 people and registered around 70 cases since the communal riot flared up on a flag issue five days back.The government had relaxed the curfew for two hours in two phases yesterday to enable the people to buy their provisions and advised them to store them for two days. However, traders kept the prices of provisions at an unviable rate, normally five times the market price, to make quick money.A few voluntary organisations today distributed packets of rice, oil, pulses and sugar but that was insufficient for the population of two and a half million in the old city area.
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BJP asks CM to order time-bound judicial inquiry into riots

Hyderabad, Apr 2 : ''Unequivocally condemning'' the communal violence in the old city of Hyderabad, the BJP today asked Chief Minister K Rosaiah to order a time-bound judicial inquiry into the riots covering a wider framework including the involvement of Jehadi, ISI elements, conspiracy and political allegations.In a letter to Mr Rosaiah, a copy of which was released to the media here, the BJP state unit demanded that another inquiry into the lapses in handling curfew in the old city be ordered.Protesting against the ''initial failure and subsequent discriminatory attitude of the police'', it said, ''The present spurt of riots at once showcase the failure of the intelligence and counter-intelligence departments at one level, and the failure of entire administration at a larger level.'' The saffron party also demanded that the Rosaiah government announce an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed in riots, a government job to an eligible member of the family and a house. It also asked the government to provide compensation of Rs 50,000 to injured and Rs 1 lakh to seriously injured in addition to free treatment.
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BJP sets up team to probe Hyderabad violence

New Delhi, April 2: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari Friday constituted a five-member committee, headed by party MP and spokesman Prakash Javdekar, to probe the communal violence in Hyderabad.BJP Lok Sabha member Prahlad Joshi, spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman, national secretary Dr. Laxman and Rajya Sabha member K.B. Shanappa are the other members. "The committee will visit the riot-hit areas to take stock of the situation there. Later, it will submit a report to the party president," according to a party statement here. Party sources said the actual time to visit the affected places and programme of the committee would be decided by Javdekar. "The committee will leave for Hyderabad in a day or two. They will meet in Hyderabad before visiting the riot-hit areas," a party official said.
The communal violence, which broke out following a dispute over putting up of religious flags, has so far claimed two lives and left over 150 injured.
The riot-hit areas are still under curfew. Police have stepped up their probe into various incidents of violence. As many as 200 people have so far been arrested for 67 cases of rioting. The arrests were made for attacks on places of worship, arson and looting, and damage to public and private property.
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US Consulate General to upgrade facilities

Hyderabad, Apr 2 : US Consul General Cornelis Keur today said the US Consulate General in Hyderabad will upgrade its existing facility to accommodate the increasing demand for consular services from the first week of May 2010.During this period, expected to last six weeks, the Consular Section will temporarily reduce the number of appointments available to both American citizens and visa applicants. In a statement, the Consul General said, ''This period of refurbishment is unavoidable as the existing configuration is inadequate to meet the growing demand for services from both American citizens and visa applicants in Andhra Pradesh.'' ''To avoid inconvenience to our applicants, the Consulate General will increase the number of visa and American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments available during the four weeks prior to the expected facility upgrade. Interview appointments can now be scheduled on Saturdays beginning April 10, 2010,'' he said. The US Consul General urged the applicants to plan ahead and apply far in advance of expected travel dates for visas or American citizen services such as passports, notarials, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. Applicants with urgent travel needs during this period of limited consular services can apply for visas at the US Consulate General in Chennai or other US consular sections throughout India,he said.                                   (photo by RSJ Thomas) ==========================================================

Hyderabad: Curfew relaxed for two hours,

Hyderabad, Apr 1 : Curfew was relaxed in areas around the Charminar in old Hyderabad on Thursday for two hours to allow people to buy essential commodities.This is the first time that curfew was relaxed since it was imposed for an indefinite period on Monday evening following communal clashes.Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah and Leader of Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the people to observe discipline following reports of fresh clashes.It has been reported that at least eight persons, including two cops were injured as protestors' pelted stones during a Hanuman Jayanti procession that led to communal clashes in new areas of the city.Meanwhile, the Central Government has deployed over 1800 troops in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.Over 130 persons, suspected to be involved in communal clashes, have been taken into custody so far, police said.The Andhra Pradesh Government on Monday had ordered the deployment of additional security forces in old Hyderabad City where tension prevails, following overnight clashes between the two communities.The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the state police were earlier deployed in Moosa Bowli, Hussaini Alam, Purana Pul, Begum Bazar, and nearby areas to restore peace following incidents of stone-pelting and assault on religious places, houses, shops and vehicles.The Strife started in the Moosa Bowli area when the majority Hindu community reportedly removed green flags installed by and installed saffron ones during a recent festival. The heated exchanges later snowballed into clashes between both groups.
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Situation peaceful in Hyderabad as curfew relaxed

Hyderabad, April 1 : The situation in riot-hit parts of Hyderabad Thursday remained peaceful while people in curfew-bound areas of the city got some relief with authorities relaxing the curfew for two hours.No untoward incident was reported from any of the areas in the old city, where curfew was relaxed in two phases, police said. Thousands of people, living under curfew for the last three days, came out to buy essential commodities. Long queues were seen outside grocery shops, milk booths and medical stores during the relaxation. Though police had announced that women and men above 50 years will only be allowed to come out to buy essential goods, a large number of youth were also seen shopping in some areas like Bahadurpura as police could not strictly enforce the restrictions. Traders exploited the situation by selling the essential commodities at exorbitant prices. In some areas milk was sold for Rs.100 a litre while vegetables cost Rs.50 per kg. Though the government had made some arrangements to supply milk and vegetables, they proved inadequate. Police had a tough time in controlling the crowds at vegetable markets and milk booths. People complained that, taking advantage of the situation, the traders jacked up prices. Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy told reporters that four traders were arrested for selling essential commodities at very high rates. She said the authorities supplied 28 trucks of vegetables and 45,000 litres of milk in 17 police station areas. Curfew was relaxed from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in nine police station limits and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in eight police station limits. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said there would be no relaxation in eight police station areas of the new city where curfew was imposed Tuesday night after communal clashes. The riots, which broke out last week over putting up of religious flags, have so far claimed two lives and left over 150 injured. The home minister said a decision on relaxing curfew for Friday prayers would be taken in the evening after a review of the situation. She said 10 more companies of paramilitary forces had reached the city and were being deployed. This is in addition to 21 companies already deployed in the riot-hit areas.
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Rosaiah,Chandra babu Naidu appeal for peace in curfew tensed Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Mar 31: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and Leader of Opposition N. Chandra babu Naidu have appealed to the people to observe discipline following reports of fresh clashes between the two communities in the old city of Hyderabad. Director General of Police (DGP) Girish Kumar said an indefinite curfew has been imposed in the entire south zone area of the city.It has been reported that at least eight persons including two cops were injured as the protestors' pelted stones during a Hanuman Jayanti procession that led to communal clashes in the new areas of the city.The curfew was imposed till 6 p.m. on Tuesday and as a precautionary measure all the shops in Ramagopalpet, Nallagutta, Saleemnagar and Tarnaka were closed down.Meanwhile, the Central Government has rushed in over 1800 troops in the sensitive areas to maintain law and order and restore peace.Over 130 persons, suspected to be involved in the communal clashes, have been taken into custody so far, police added.The Andhra Pradesh Government on Monday ordered deployment of additional security forces in old Hyderabad city where tension prevails; following overnight clashes between the two communities.The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the state police were earlier deployed in Moosa Bowli, Hussaini Alam, Purana Pul, Begum Bazar, and nearby areas to restore peace following incidents of stone-pelting and assault on religious places, houses, shops and vehicles.Strife started in Moosa Bowli area when the majority community reportedly removed green flags installed by members of the other community and installed saffron ones, instead, during a recent festival. The heated exchanges snowballed into clashes between the two groups. Meanwhile, Class 10 board examinations in around 140 centres have been postponed following the incidents of communal violence.Osmania University authorities have also announced that the degree examination that was scheduled to begin on Wednesday will start from April 7.
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Hyderabad police start removing religious flags,

Hyderabad, March 31: As a dispute over religious flags triggered the communal riots in Hyderabad, the city police have decided to remove all religious flags and banners from public places.Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters Wednesday that Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) would remove all religious banners and flags in the city. It was a dispute between two groups over putting up a religious flag which sparked communal clashes in the old city Saturday. The riots have so far claimed two lives and left over 100 injured while indefinite curfew is continuing in 25 police station areas. Some people of one community were putting up their religious flags by removing the flags of the other community, which led to a quarrel between two groups last week. Police believe that religious flags and banners put up by some groups during the festivals were becoming a major source of tension, especially in the communally sensitive old city. Police sources said there was a competition going on between two political groups in old city in putting up flags on streets, traffic junctions and high-rise structures. They point out that one group put up green flags and banners at every available point during Miladunnabi while the rival group painted the city saffron last week by putting up saffron flags for Hanuman Jayanti. Some concerned citizens complain that these flags and banners are not removed after the festivals, leading to communal tensions. =======================================================

Union Home Minister assures Ministry of Minority Affairs of full co-operation in dealing with problems of Minorities,

(PIB NEWS) Union Home Minister Shri P. Chidambaram has assured the Ministry of Minority Affairs of his full cooperation in dealing with various problems being faced by the Minorities. Inaugurating the Annual Conference of State Minorities Commissions, organized by the National Commissions for Minorities, here today at Vigyan Bhawan, Shri Chidambaram said ‘Inclusive Growth’ is the basic mantra of the Government and the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the welfare of Minorities is meant to achieve this goal. He emphasized the value of ‘Pluralism and Diversity’ and said that this has given India its unique strength and colour. Shri Chidambaram assured full security to all sections of society and expressed the hope that the new law to check communal violence and to rehabilitate the victims of such violence will be put in place by the end of the year. Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid, said that the National Commission for Minorities should act as the proverbial ‘Jahangir’s Bell’ for helping the Minorities and as such should always be available to come to the rescue of the Minorities. Shri Khurshid said that a time has come when there is need to go beyond the provision of ‘reservation’ and, therefore, more ‘Affirmative Action’ like Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme is needed. Minister for Minority Affairs said that a programme like Multi-Sectoral Development Programme for the welfare of Minorities (MsDP) needs further expansion as it is a unique area development programme under which even the majority community is benefitted thereby creating a congenial atmosphere for co-existence. Shri Khurshid said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs plans to relax the norms for declaring a district as Minority Concentration District (MCD) which will result in bringing another 40-45 districts in the ambit of MsDP. Mohammed Shafi Qureshi, Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities dwelt upon the importance of synergy between the National Commission and the State Minorities Commissions. He said that the National Commission for Minorities will undertake a new initiative to have a regular interaction with the stakeholders, namely State Commissions, academics, civil society groups and also the media so that there is more public awareness about the issues related to minorities. ======================================================

Who was behind Hyderabad riots? Many rumours, no answer

Hyderabad, March 31 : Were the communal riots in Hyderabad pre-planned and if so who was responsible for it? These questions have cropped up in people's minds as wild allegations are being made by a section of leaders within the ruling Congress party.While party leaders from Telangana have pointed fingers at their colleagues from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, saying it was a conspiracy to weaken the movement for separate statehood, a Congress MP from Andhra has blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress MP from Vijayawada L. Rajagopal, who met his party's central leaders in Delhi Tuesday, alleged that riots in Hyderabad were the handiwork of the BJP to prove its existence. He pointed out that riots broke out soon after young BJP legislator Kishan Reddy took over as president of the party's state unit. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah is already facing embarrassment as the opposition is mounting pressure on him to order a probe into the allegations of a couple of Telangana MPs of his own party that the riots were a conspiracy by leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema to destabilise his government and weaken the Telangana movement. Taking strong note of the developments following protests by Congress leaders from Andhra and Telangana, the central leadership of the Congress party has asked two MPs and a legislator not to go public with their allegations. In the past, squabbling within the Congress party was blamed for riots in the old city of Hyderabad. Rivals of late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy within the Congress had alleged that he was behind the 1990 riots, which claimed over 200 lives. Reddy, however, denied the allegations. Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy said investigations were on to identify the culprits and assured that they would be dealt with firmly. "Special teams have been constituted to probe the violence and identify the guilty. While some rioters have already been arrested, there are others who are yet to be arrested," she said. The home minister evaded a reply to queries about some media reports which quoted intelligence sources as saying that a BJP minister in Karnataka was behind the communal violence. The reports said the minister developed a grouse against the Rosaiah government for taking action against his illegal mining operations in Anantapur district bordering Karnataka. The reports also quoted intelligence sleuths as saying that the minister funded several right-wing outfits in Hyderabad to create trouble. The state leadership of the Congress party has reportedly brought this to the notice of party president Sonia Gandhi.
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Toll in Hyderabad rises to two, curfew in more areas

Hyderabad, March 30: One more person was stabbed to death in Hyderabad Tuesday, taking the toll in the communal violence to two while riots spread to new areas and curfew was imposed in the limits of eight more police stations.While curfew continued the old city without any relaxation, it was imposed in new areas following fresh clashes. Hyderabad police Commissioner A.K.Khan said Tuesday evening that indefinite curfew would be in force in Afzalgunj, Begumbazar, Shahinayathgunj, Tappachabutra, Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Kulsumpura and Habibnagar police stations. This has taken the number of police stations under curfew to 25. Indefinite curfew was imposed in all 17 police stations in the south zone (old city) Monday night and it continued Tuesday without any relaxation. He also imposed prohibitory orders banning processions and rallies across this Andhra Pradesh capital after clashes in new areas. The communal violence, which was so far confined to the old city, spread to other areas in the city, triggering tension. One person was stabbed to death in Karwan area adjoining the old city. One person was killed Monday. Dozens of people were injured in clashes in Musheerabad, Bholakpur and Rani Gunj and other areas in central Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad. Andhra Pradesh police chief Girish Kumar told reporters that police were ordered to shoot anyone carrying lethal weapons, stones or sticks in the curfew-bound old city. While the curfew-bound old city remained by and large peaceful, trouble broke out in Musheerabad area when some people allegedly pelted stones on a religious procession. Rival groups clashed with stones and sticks. The miscreants attacked houses and damaged over 20 vehicles. The trouble spread to nearby Bholakpur and Rani Gunj areas. In Begum Bazar area near the old city, police opened fire in the air to disperse two clashing groups. There was tension in several areas as various organisations took out processions to mark Hanuman Jayanti. As the tension was mounting, police ordered closure of shops and business establishments in almost all parts of the city as a precautionary measure. Almost the entire city wore a deserted look. Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported from curfew-bound areas of Gulzar Houz and Shah ali Banda near the historic Charminar but the police controlled the situation by resorting to baton charges and arresting the miscreants. The violence, which broke out Saturday in Moosa bowli area of Hussaini Alam over a dispute on putting up of religious flags, has also left over 80 injured while several places of worship were attacked and vehicles torched. Police imposed curfew Monday to bring the situation under control. Hundreds of policemen and paramilitary forces personnel were deployed across the communally-sensitive walled city.Police Commissioner Khan police said police have formed special teams to identify the culprits behind the riots. "We have so far arrested 110 people in connection with various incidents and are questioning them to identify the culprits," he said.
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Curfew continues in Old city

Hyderabad, Mar 31 : An eerie silence prevailed in the old city of Hyderabad, hit by communal clashes since Saturday, as authorities decided to continue the curfew in 25 police station limits.Talking to reporters after visiting the trouble-torn areas, City Police Commissioner A K Khan ruled out relaxation of the curfew for the present as clashes had erupted in different parts of the state capital yesterday also, taking the toll in the violence to two. Director General of Police R R Girish Kumar also visited the affected areas and reviewed the situation. Chief Minister K Rosaiah, along with his Cabinet colleagues P Sabita Reddy, J Geeta Reddy, Mukesh Goud and D Nagender, reviewed the situation in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad with senior police officials, including the DGP. Police had yesterday fired in the air, lobbed teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge when participants in a religious procession turned violent. The city Police Commissioner had also clamped prohibitory orders in the twin cities ''in exercise of the powers vested in him under section 22(1) (a) to (f) and 22 (2) (a) and (b) of Hyderabad City Police Act''.
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Shoot-at-sight orders in Hyderabad as riots spread,

Hyderabad, March 30: Communal riots spread to new areas in Hyderabad Tuesday even as shoot-at-sight orders were issued in the old city and curfew was imposed in the areas under eight more police stations.While curfew continued the old city without any relaxation, it was imposed in new areas following fresh clashes. Hyderabad police Commissioner A.K. Khan said Tuesday evening that indefinite curfew would be in force in Afzalgunz, Begumbazar, Shahinathgunz, Tappachaputra, Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Kulsumpura and Habibnagar police stations. He also imposed prohibitory orders banning processions and rallies across this Andhra Pradesh capital after clashes in new areas. The indefinite curfew in the riot-hit old city of Hyderabad continued Tuesday without relaxation. All 17 police stations under the south zone were brought under curfew Monday night to control the situation. The communal violence, which was so far confined to the old city, spread to other areas in the city, triggering tension. Groups belonging to two different communities clashed in Musheerabad, Bholakpur and Rani Gunj and other areas in central Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad. Andhra Pradesh police chief Girish Kumar told reporters that police were ordered to shoot anyone carrying lethal weapons, stones or sticks in the curfew-bound old city. The order came after fresh incidents of violence that left over 30 people injured. While the curfew-bound old city remained by and large peaceful, trouble broke out in Musheerabad area when some people allegedly pelted stones on a religious procession. Rival groups clashes with stones and sticks. The miscreants attacked houses and damaged over 20 vehicles. The trouble spread to nearby Bholakpur and Rani Gunj areas. In Begum Bazar area near the old city, police opened fire in the air to disperse two clashing groups. There was tension in several areas as various organisations took out processions to mark Hanuman Jayanti. As the tension was mounting, police ordered closure of shops and business establishments in almost all parts of the city as a precautionary measure. Almost the entire city wore a deserted look. Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported from curfew-bound areas of Gulzar Houz and Shahali Banda near the historic Charminar but the police controlled the situation by resorting to baton charges and arresting the miscreants. The violence, which broke out Saturday in Moosabowli area of Hussaini Alam over a dispute on putting up of religious flags, has so far left one person dead and over 80 injured while several places of worship were attacked and vehicles torched. With rampaging mobs taking to streets in several areas Monday afternoon, police imposed curfew to bring the situation under control. Hundreds of policemen and paramilitary forces personnel were deployed across the communally-sensitive walled city. The violence of last three days and the curfew has put the residents to severe inconvenience. Police, with the help of some dairy farms, arranged supply of milk in curfew-bound areas Tuesday morning. Women were allowed to come out and buy milk from the suppliers. Policemen from other parts of the state, neighbouring states and personnel of central forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed in the trouble-torn areas. Police Commissioner Khan said any decision on relaxing the curfew would be taken after a review of the situation Wednesday. He said police had formed special teams to identify the culprits behind the riots. "We have so far arrested 110 people in connection with various incidents and questioning them to identify the culprits," Khan said. Authorities have postponed the Class 10 examinations in all curfew-bound areas. The education department announced that the examinations would be held for students in the old city at a later date.
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