India

BJP accuses Central Govt. for going soft on terror

BJP accuses Central Govt. for going soft on terrorNew Delhi, Sept 20: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress-led Central Government of not acting tough on terrorism.

"Four-year term of Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi has not only encouraged terrorism, but also allowed the terrorists from the other side of the border to execute their plans in India. In the name of Indian Mujahideen and SIMI, has given birth to such terrorists in India, the biggest crime is of this government," said senior party leader LK Advani in a public rally in Karol Bagh, a blast site of September 13 attacks, which left at least 23 dead.

Authorities gear up to rescue flood-affected in Gujarat

Surendranagar (Gujarat), Sept 20 : Authorities in Surendranagar in Gujarat are gearing up to evacuate marooned villagers after floodwaters submerged over 20 villages in the last three days.

Many places in the area have turned into virtual islands making movement difficult.

The local administration along with fire brigade team has chipped in for rescuing hundreds of stranded villagers who are deprived of daily requirements.

"We are providing food materials to the affected families. Once the water starts receding, we will set up camps to check the spread of diseases. We are sending chemicals for the disposal of dead cattle," said Anandi Ben Patel, state Revenue Minister.

CPI national executive meet begins today

CPI national executive meet begins todayNew Delhi, Sept 20 : A two-day national executive meeting of the Communist Party of India will begin here from today to finalise strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Besides taking stock of the political developments, the meeting is expected to pass resolutions expressing the party’s view on the recent Delhi bomb blasts, Bihar floods, attacks on minorities in various parts of the country, and the deepening global financial crisis.

US condemns violence against Christians in India

Washington - The United States on Friday condemned violence against Christians in India that has escalated in recent weeks, leaving about 20 dead and thousands homeless.

"We urge all parties to refrain from violence and urge government officials to protect religious freedom throughout India and thus preserve India's longstanding tradition of religious tolerance," Thomas Hanford, ambassador at large for international religious freedom, said in Washington at the annual release of the State Department's International Religious Freedom Report.

Manmohan to meet Plan panel before leaving for US visit

Manmohan to meet Plan panel before leaving for US visitNew Delhi, Sept 20: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will convene a meeting of all members of the Planning Commission here today to discuss the integrated energy policy and take stock of the country''s nuclear energy programme.

The meeting comes ahead of Dr. Singh’s U. S. visit, to which he will leave on Monday to attend the meeting of the 63rd session of UN General Assembly in New York.

India, China border talks end without any solution

India ChinaNew Delhi, Sep 19 : India and China today failed to reach any specific agreements on their disputed boundary issue in the latest round of negotiations, but decided to pursue their goal for a fair and reasonable solution acceptable to both sides.

“Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Indian National Security Adviser M K Narayanan headed their delegations for the talks, which were pragmatic, candid and friendly,” a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said here.

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