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Inputs of dubious
external linkages From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Aug 19: The Government of India has received a warning that allowing secessionist outfits like the National Socialist Council of...more
I have matured as an actress: Sushmita MUMBAI, Aug 19: Sushmita Sen is one actress who has had a slow and steady race as an actress right from the time . ....more "Vested
interests" SHOOL TANKESHWAR (VARANASI), Aug 19: Upset over media reports that he secretly married Union Minister Uma Bharati last month, BJP ....more Vigil stepped up following reports of attack on Shakeel MUMBAI, Aug 19: Senior city police officials are verifying reports that Pakistan based gangster Chhota Shakeel, the right hand man of underworld .......more |
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Aggarwal’s parents NEW DELHI, Aug 19: The CBI today said the parents of former Deputy Director of Enforcement Directorate Ashok Aggarwal, whom the agency ..........more
Jana
asks Bengal BJP DIGHA (WB), Aug 19: Seeking to end the tussle between the BJP’s central and West Bengal unit leaders over the re-induction of Trinamool Congress.......more ‘DD
should not be NEW DELHI, Aug 19: A parliamentary committee has slammed Doordarshan for selling important time slots on its Metro Channel to foreign/private.....more NHRC
orders probe into NEW DELHI, Aug 18: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an inquiry into conduct of jail officials in Rajasthan, after it verified ....more |
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Inputs
of dubious external linkages From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Aug 19: The Government of India has received a warning that allowing secessionist outfits like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) with dubious external linkages to dictate terms can have adverse consequences as far as the course of negotiations is concerned. The warning is contained in a document, prepared by a top Indian security and intelligence specialist. The document, copies of which have also been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr LK Advani, says that Muivah is today a person without a country and, thus, ideally placed as far as hpostile foreign intelligence agencies like the Pakistani ISI are concerned for being manipulated. Muivah, who was arrested in Thailand in January 2000 when he entered Bangkok from Karachi on a fake passport, flew to Amsterdam from Thailand on an Indian passport. Muivah was provided with an Indian passport because the Government of India did not rule out the possibility that he could have been deported to Pakistan by the Thai Government. New Delhi’s interlocutor, Mr K Padmanabhaiah, former Union Home Secretary, flew to Amsterdam on July 22 to meet Muivah, chief of the NSCN (I-M). According to the document, a copy of which has also been made available to Mr Padmanabhaiah, has concluded that Muivah is both a crafty militant and a hard negotiator. Equally significant is the conclusion that handling Muivah needs a degree of understanding of Naga history and the Naga psyche, as also of past and present Naga personalities. The document laments: "This the current crop of Indian negotiators lack". Conclusion number three: Muivah’s capacity for mischief is unlimited. It is hardly fortuitous that the NSCN (I-M) has been assiduously seeking international mediation. Muivah has endeared himself to the European Parliament by grossly distorting human rights issues inside Nagaland. There are also enough misguided NGOs in the West, anxious to prop up Muivah and the NSCN (I-M) cause for "self-determination". Conclusion number four: Delhi should never underestimate the degree of volatility present in the security scenario in the entire Northeast. The centrality of peace in the region, with the ‘cease-fire’ only a means towards this end, seems to have been clearly overlooked. Also ignored is yet another aspect-that is, institutional responses to internal security threats require a combination of diplomatic, political and covert means, accompanied by the judicious use of force. Conclusion number five: For long, ethnic organisations backed by militant outfits sporting various labels, have held sway in the Northeastern States. Manipur was waiting to explode. The June 14 announcement of extension of the ‘cease-fire’ without territorial limits provided spark. Conclusion number six: By the time the Centre had made a ‘U-turn’ and reverted to the status quo ante six weeks later, the damage had been done. In the four years of ‘cease-fire’, the NSCN (I-M), the document insists, feels "more emboldened today than at any time before to move into newer areas like Arunachal Pradesh". Conclusion number seven: The NSCN(I-M) has hardly hidden its territorial ambitions, or that its vision of ‘Nagaland’ is many times larger than the existing State of Nagaland. Their ‘Nagaland’ incorporates sizeable areas of Manipur and parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and even the adjoining Naga inhabited areas of Burma. |
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I have matured as an actress: Sushmita MUMBAI, Aug 19: Sushmita Sen is one actress who has had a slow and steady race as an actress right from the time she had made her bow in films with ‘Dastak’ after winning the Miss Universe Crown five years ago. In this no-holds-barred conversation with Jyothi Venkatesh on the sets of Vipul Shah’s ‘Aankhen’, Sushmita talks at length on herself, her films her attitude to life and her career. On her growth as an actress from ‘Dastak’ till ‘Aankhen’ overall I’d say that I was extremely raw and new when I made my debut as an actress with Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Dastak’ opposite Mukul Dev and Sharad Kapoor. Six years from hence I am sure I’d be able to rown more and matured as an actress, not now. On her role in "Kyonki Main Jhoot Nahin Bolta": I have been teamed opposite Govinda for the first time in my career in Ekta Kapoor’s film which is being directed by none other than David Dhawan. I had earlier worked with David Dhawan in Vashu Bhagnani’s ‘Biwi No 1’ too in which I was teamed opposite Salman Khan. In "Kyonki Main Jhoot Nahin Bolta" I should say that I am playing a mother as well as a wife for the first time. You definitely can never go wrong when you are with Chi Chi and David Dhawan. Theirs is a lethal combination and I am sure I will be able to benefit a lot. On the film KMJNB: KMJNB is a situational comedy. It is not a forced one. This kind of comedy had earlier worked in Biwi No 1. The best thing about KMJNB is that I am finally playing a role where I am able to get to keep my guy with me unlike in Sirf Tum or Biwi No 1 or for that matter Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai in which I played the loser in love. I am very excited about my role in KMJNB On her equation with David Dhawan: It is true that David Dhawan and I had a sort of misunderstanding when I was working with him in Biwi No 1. However that is a thing of the distant past. On Govinda: What can I say about Govinda. I call him Chi Chi affectionately. When you work opposite a good actor, your performance automatically gets polished. On Aankhen" I am thrilled I am getting an opportunity to work with an actor like Amitabh Bachchan who I have always admired since I was a teenager. Earlier I had acted opposite his son Abhishek Bachchan in Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai and now I am working with Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Arjun Rampal in Aankhen which is being directed by Vipul Shah. The film is an adaptation from Vipul’s popular Gujarati play Andhalo Pato which he had directed a decade ago. It is a thriller which revolves around a bank robbery and three blind thieves. All that I can say about my role in the film is that I am playing a teacher who is forced to use her art of teaching to a bunch of thieves against her will. On acting in Tamil film Rakshagan: I played Nagarjun’s only south Indian film in which I have ever acted in my career spanning five years. On why she is not working in films down south: After Rakshagan the only Tamil film in which I acted was Mudhalvan, which has now been remade in Hindi as Nayak, the real hero. I decided not to work in any more Tamil film even though offers started pouring in after Rakshagan because I realized that me acting in a Tamil film was like cheating the poor audience because I did not know the language. On why she turned down the offer from Shankar to play the leading lady opposite Kamal Haasan: Yes. It was true that Shankar who is directing Nayak had offered to cast me opposite none other than Kamal Haasan in his forthcoming film robot. I however could not accept the offer for the simple reason that I do not know Tamil at all. Shankar then approached Preity Zinta. I agreed to do just one song in his Tamil film Mudhalvan only because I felt bad that I was not doing his film. On whether she feels that she is out of place in the industry since she is brutally frank and emotional and not cool and calculating? On the contrary I am of the opinion that my being frank and emotional is proving to be the biggest advantage as far as I am concerned in this industry. You see when you get used to sucking up to people who matter to dole out favors for you, you end up losing the main art of cinema. I feel I am here in this industry not to suck up to people but to learn certain art. On what acting means to her: To me being an actress does not at all mean getting the best of the dress designers and showing off my costumes in every other scene. There’s more to acting than showing your skin or costumes. On the films in which she is working now: I am working in quite a few films. The list includes the veteran painter M F Hussain’s pet project after Gaj Gamini called Do Kadam Aur Sahi in which my co star is Rahul Khanna, and Filhaal which is being directed by Meghna Gulzar, daughter of Gulzar in which I am having a fantastic role which any actress would give her right arm for. In Filhaal, I have been cast along with Tabu, Palash Sen and Sanjay Suri. Then I am working opposite Salman in producer Gordhan Tanwani’s film which is being directed by Pankaj Parashar. Incidentally Pankaj Parashar has also signed me to play one of the three leading ladies in his next film, which he says will be out and out woman -oriented. On whether she believes in rankings in the industry: Frankly I had never ever dreamt that I would become an actress one day. I became one with Dastak after I won the crown of Miss Universe. Today I enjoy the art more than the fame and adulation, which I had got even earlier when I had won the title. According to me, cinema is about getting the audience mesmerized within a time span of two to three hours in a dark auditorium. If I can do that, I will be more than happy. On why she has been reduced to doing just item songs in her films: Yes. It is true that till date I cannot say that this is my best film in terms of performance. In most of the films I am remembered only for my item numbers like mere Mehboob Mere in Fiza, or Dilbar Dilbar in Sirf Tum. However, I have no regrets that I had done those dance numbers, which the public really liked. I feel that those numbers enabled me to convey to the industry as well as my fans that I can dance well. I treated them like music videos and did what I like doing-letting my hair down and freak out and dance away to glory. On being saddled with the glamorous image: Here in this industry people try to saddle you with a pre conceived image because they have preconceived notions about an actress but let me tell you once an actress is able to deliver by overriding her glamorous image, they will accept her and then sky alone will be the limit. In Biwi No 1, though I was presented glamorously, I succeeded in my attempt to make the viewer laugh. And in Sirf Tum though once again I was attired in glamorous costumes, I made people cry. What else can an actress aspire for as far as variety of roles in her kitty is concerned? I am perennially on the look out for a path-breaking role. Whatever be the role that you are offered you should be ready to put your best foot forward. On Abhishek Bachchan: It was a pleasure working with Abhishek in Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai. It is wonderful now working with Amitabh Bachchan in all the best. Let me tell you Amitabh Bachchan is a legend and even if he sneezes slightly it makes news but Abhishek is a Lambi Race Ka Ghoda. On her role as Lara in Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai: One of the most beautiful things about the role of Lara Oberoi that I played in Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai is that when you are career driven, you tend to be selfish but Lara was a professional girl who thinks for some one else. She is extremely selfless. In Lara you can find unconventional looks and conventional feelings. On little Rini who she has adopted: All that I can say about my little bit Rini who I had adopted two years ago is that she is god’s gift to me. I love her very dearly and hope and trust that she will grow into a beautiful and intelligent compassionate human being. (PTI) |
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"Vested interests" behind spreading rumours: Govindacharya SHOOL TANKESHWAR (VARANASI), Aug 19: Upset over media reports that he secretly married Union Minister Uma Bharati last month, BJP ideologue K N Govindacharya has blamed "vested interest and status quoist" for spreading such unfounded reports. Speaking to a group of newsmen first time in two months from his seclusion at Shool Tankeshwar near Varanasi, Govindacharya said he was "pained, aggrieved and felt a sense of guilt" over such attacks on Uma Bharati. He said since 1992 attempts have been made repeatedly to link his name with Uma Bharati to put her to shame. It was beyond his comprehension why a chapter, which had been closed ten years ago, was being sought to be reopened again and again. Asked why Uma Bharati alone was being targeted in this manner while there were other women workers in the party, he said Bharati was a leader with a mass base and capable of forging ahead on her own. "Attack against her is aimed at discouraging efforts of women for a rightful share in public life." Govindacharya admitted that he wanted to marry Uma Bharati in 1991 and sent a proposal to her and her family through a senior BJP leader but she turned it down. Thereafter, she took Sanyaas and the matter ended there. Describing Uma Bharati as a "political co-worker and a close friend," Govindacharya said he respected her as a saint. She was in public life and any irresponsible propaganda against her was an attack not only against her but women at large. Stating that women’s participation in public life should increase, he said it was the responsibility of all, particularly the media, to observe restraint and caution before saying anything about women. Govindacharya said he was very upset about the news of his so called marriage with Uma Bharati reported by a TV channel. He, however, admitted that he had met her in Bangalore during the period in which he was keeping away from public life. He also admitted having spoken to her after the news was telecast. Asked why did he take so long in reacting to this, govindacharya said "I first thought that the whole matter had ended and there was no sense in reacting, but the telecast made me break my silence." He said his mental make up was that of an ordinary worker but after this incident he felt that silence could cause a misunderstanding. "Sometimes silence is more damaging than eloquence. I am paying the price for my silence," he added. (PTI) |
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‘DD should not be guided by market in prime time slots’ NEW DELHI, Aug 19: A parliamentary committee has slammed Doordarshan for selling important time slots on its Metro Channel to foreign/private companies saying prime time programming should conform to the mandate of Prasar Bharati as a public service broadcaster and not be guided by commercial and market considerations. The standing committee on information technology in its report on the working of Prasar Bharati said it was unable to appreciate the justification to sell out important time slots to foreign/private companies on the plea that the agreement would be restricted to a period of only one year on a performance test. "Moreover, the policy of Prasar Bharati to do prime time programming primarily on commercial and market consideration does not conform to the mandate given to it," the report said. Noting that time slots were made available for telecasting the programmes produced by channel nine network Australia Pty Ltd for six hours at a consideration of Rs 122 crore, it said that allotting such daily slots was a serious matter involving far reaching consequences. The committee was not convinced that all matters were considered before taking a decision. The committee said it was not against private participation but recommended that the corporation adopts a clear and firm policy by taking views of expert bodies and public representatives and lay down suitable guidelines to ensure transparency and telecast of suitable programmes consistent with the objective of Prasar Bharati. The committee also expressed concern that commercial earnings of DD-metro was continuously declining in the late nineties and revenue realisation had come down from Rs 100 crore to Rs 50 crore in 1999, while the earnings of private Hindi channels increased from Rs 200 crore to Rs 400 crore. Pointing out that on commercial considerations Prasar Bharati sold its prime time slots to a company in which channel nine had substantial stake, the report said it was "ironical" that a company with foreign stake produced entertainment programmes in Hindi for Indian viewers. It was perturbed that marketing network of Prasar Bharati was so weak that during the last one year it could earn a revenue of Rs 11 crore only from prime time slots for which a foreign company offered Rs 59 crore. The committee said it was not convinced by the explanation that producers were indulging in undercutting each other and asked Prasar Bharati to look into it in detail to ensure that there was no malpractice in marketing slots. Recommending that Prasar Bharati tones up its marketing efforts, the committee said "Prasar Bharati which has modern equipment installed in its studios should be capable of producing programmes of superior quality. (PTI) |
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NHRC orders probe into NEW DELHI, Aug 18: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an inquiry into conduct of jail officials in Rajasthan, after it verified and found true a complaint that the going price for a torture-free stay in central jail in the state was Rs 20,000. On receipt of the complaint by a prisoner there that the Jail Suprintendent had denied him parole to organise the treatment of his ill wife, who subsequently died, by intentionally falsifying documents, the NHRC in its recent order directed the State Government to pay Rs 20,000 as immediate interim relief. The Suprintendent allegedly used documents belonging to another prisoner, a namesake of the complainant who had been previously released, to dissuade the District Magistrate from granting parole, claiming that the prisoner was likely to escape abroad, the complaint alleged. In response to the Commission, the Suprintendent admitted that an error had occurred but maintained that it was a purely clerical one and devoid of any malafide intent. NHRC then sent its investigation team to ascertain whether the mix-up was genuine or constituted harassment. According to the team’s report, one Harbhajan Singh was lodged in the central jail, Bikaner, consequent upon his conviction and sentence to life imprisonment in a murder case and the day he was lodged in jail, the Suprintendent demanded Rs 20,000 from his son. "The Suprintendent threatened that otherwise his father would have a `bad time’ inside the jail," the NHRC team said. The son managed to bargain and bring it down to Rs 14,000 but could only pay Rs 10,000 on the spot, the team’s report said adding after a few months when Singh’s mother expired, he was able to get seven days of emergency parole by paying Rs 3,000 to the Jail Suprintendent as illegal gratification. Singh was also told that he would be required to bring the amount yet unpaid by his son, on his return from home. "Not being able to pay the Rs 4,000, he was subjected to harrassment and torture by the Suprintendent. After some time, when he again left the jail on seven days parole to attend his son’s wedding, he was reminded to bring Rs 4,000," it said. "Out of fear he managed to collect the money this time with great difficulty, and paid it to Suprintendent, the report said adding much later when he applied for parole on account of his wife’s sickness, the Suprintendent forged the letter of Singh’s namesake who had been released earlier," it said. NHRC’s investigation team recommended departmental action against the Jail Suprintendent and the senior medical officer and opined that the mistake was "malafide". The investigation also revealed acts of extortion and torture of prisoners. The Commission has recommended that the State Government order a thorough inquiry into the unseemly instances of the administration and initiate appropriate action against jail officials found guilty and the complainant be awarded ‘immediate interim relief’ of Rs 20,000 for harrassment and deprivation suffered at the hands of officials. (PTI) |
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