Latehar/Chatra (Jharkhand), Mar 16 : Maoists in Jharkhand call for boycott of the general elections, which is scheduled to be held next month.

In Latehar and Chatra district of Jharkhand, the Maoists have painted the walls with writings, threatening villagers from casting votes and with dire consequences if they take part in the polls.

"We are living in constant fear. The Maoists threaten us not to cast vote. We really can''t say now whether we would be able to cast votes or not," said Anil Kumar, a resident.

New Delhi, Mar 16 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that India wants a stable democratic government in Pakistan, which would act as bulwark against terrorism and extremism.

Terming the conflict as Pakistan''s internal affair, Mukherjee said, it is essential for Pakistan to end its conflict and devote the time and energy in fighting terrorism to maintain peace and stability in the region.

New Delhi, Mar 16 : A Mangalore court on Monday banned Sri Ram Sene Chief Pramod Muthalik from entering `Dakshin Kannada District' for one year.

Mangalore is the headquarter of Dakshin Kannada District.

Muthalik's Ram Sene was involved in an attack in a Mangalore pub in January this year.

The enraged activists of Sri Rama Sene had barged into the lounge bar "Amnesia", abused the owner and customers and beat up women, even as they tried to run to safety.

London, Mar. 16 : As the Congress moved a resolution for the removal of Meghalaya Speaker B M Lanong on the inaugural day of the budget session, Governor R S Mooshahary has directed the Speaker to ensure video recording of the House proceedings during the trust vote on Tuesday.

New Delhi, Mar 16 : Sharat Sabharwal, currently the special secretary in charge of administration, consular, paasport and visa affairs in the External Affairs Ministry, has been appointed as India's new envoy to Pakistan.

He will succeed Satyabrata Pal, whose extended term has ended on February 28. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.

Sabharwal, a 1975 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has served as India's deputy high commissioner in Islamabad between 1995-1999.