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December 15
THE AYODHYA IMPASSE
LS defeats Oppn motion on Ayodhya
In a fifty-minute speech frequently interrupted by the Opposition, Prime Minister Vajpayee called for building a consensus on the sensitive issue.
Trinamul, TDP come to govt's rescue
The outspoken ruling alliance partners joined the BJP in rebuffing the Congress-propelled motion demanding the resignations of three ministers charge-sheeted in the Ayodhya case.
Indictment was result of a 'movement', says Advani: PTI
The Union home minister said he would appear before the Justice Liberhan Commission, which has summoned him in connection with the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
I am not avoiding Liberhan: Bharti
The Union sports minister said work had prevented her from attending the hearing and she would appear before the commission on December 19.
Temple will be built, insists Bajrang Dal: PTI
The temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya will be constructed with or without the government's consent, Bajrang Dal vice-president Harishabhai Bhatt asserted in Rajkot.
VHP now claims mosque near Qutub Minar: PTI
Claiming that the mosque was built after destroying an ancient temple, the VHP has served an ultimatum on the Archaeological Survey of India to allow regular puja or 'face the consequences'.
TOP REPORTS
Proceedings against Harin Pathak stayed
Justice A K Trivedi of the Gujarat high court has posted the matter for final hearing on December 26.
Film producer Rizvi remanded to police custody
A sealed envelope containing transcripts of telephonic conversations between him and underworld don Chhota Shakeel was handed over to the judge by the public prosecutor while seeking Rizvi's custody
Mafia doesn't fund anyone: Bharat Shah
Even as Bollywood is agog with rumours of the likely arrest of top film financier Bharat Shah, the man in the eye of the storm is unperturbed and dismisses such talk as nonsense.
Murder in the mosque
The peace of a Tamil hamlet was shattered on Saturday last by the gruesome murder of a worker inside a mosque. A Ganesh Nadar travelled to the village to find out what happened.
Minor fires break out in Delhi airport
Two fires, which were quickly brought under control, led to major confusion and delayed flights.
CRPF jawan among four killed in J&K blast
The police said 15 persons, including three members of the security forces, were wounded in the blast in Sopore.
Orissa Christians seek protection
This is the first time a Christian body has demanded such security during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Ambedkar's party withdraws from DF govt
Prakash Ambedkar was unhappy at the way minor parties were being treated in the coalition in Maharashtra.
Vikram Sood is new RAW chief
Sood's appointment as head of the external arm of the country's intelligence was among a clutch of high-level appointments made on Wednesday.
Orissa to host CPI-M politburo meet
The meeting in January 2001 will decide the strategy for assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam.
Congress hopes for a 'homecoming' in Goa
Four former ministers belonging to former chief minister Francisco Sardinha's Goan People's Congress, who broke away on Wednesday night, may rejoin the parent party.
ULFA militants gun down 2 policemen
The guerrillas opened fire on a joint army-police patrol in Upper Assam's Tinsukia district late on Wednesday, killing the two policemen on the spot.
Make deal with Sharief public: Pak cabinet
There have been reports that Sharief's pardon and exile to Saudi Arabia has damaged the military government's credibility.
PTI REPORTS
MCC kills 4, sets Bihar ex-CM's house ablaze
Suspected ultras of the banned Maoist Communist Centre killed four persons by slitting their throats at Masaria village in Gumla district of Jharkhand.
Govt declares postal strike illegal
Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner G R Majhi communicated the government's decision to office-bearers of the three federations that had called the strike.
Dharmapuri bus mishap toll rises to 17
The bus carrying a marriage party had fallen into a lake on Wednesday afternoon after colliding with a truck.
THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Vajpayee congratulates Bush: PTI
Bush had expressed the hope for a 'close and strong partnership' between India and the USA.
Bush reaches out to Democrats
The Texas governor, in his first address as president-elect to the Texas House of Representatives, called for national reconciliation.
George W Bush has come a long way: AFP
Bush, who will become the 43rd president of the United States, has avenged a deep family humiliation by seizing back the White House, snatched from his father by Bill Clinton in 1992.
Gore 'strongly disagrees' with verdict, but accepts it
Striking a conciliatory posture, the vice-president finally conceded the election.
SPECIALS
Rediff Indian: the second nominations
More nominations come in for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
As long as there is a significant Muslim population in India, Pakistan will feel insecure
'Till such time that the sane and moderate elements in Pakistan do not assert themselves, peace in Kashmir and the subcontinent will always remain fragile,' says Colonel (retd) Anil Athale.
TRIBUTE
'He would not betray his friends to achieve his ambition'
Ramakrishna Hegde pays tribute to J H Patel, the socialist maverick and former Karnataka chief minister who died this week.
DIARY
Glimpses of America
In the US of A, size matters. From cars to sandwiches, from shirts to stadia, everything comes in extra large sizes, meant to accommodate a population that seems intent on gaining as much weight as possible, as soon as possible.
INTERVIEW
'What harm has Christianity done?'
'The Britishers left three structure of power: the government, the bureaucracy and the judiciary. In Gujarat there is one more structure -- the VHP.' Bishop Ezra Sargunam takes the battle for a controversial 'church' in Gujarat to the streets.
COLUMNS
Eastward Ho!
'China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam -- the prime minister has set himself a fairly hectic schedule, but that is the price he has to pay because his predecessors neglected the East,' says T V R Shenoy.
December 14
US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Al Gore hints the fight is over
Gore asked the Democrats running the efforts for a recount of the votes in Florida to suspend their work and one of his top aides said the vice-president was expected to make a statement later in the day.
US Supreme Court overturns Florida recount ruling
The deeply divided court voted 5-4 to overturn the Florida supreme court's ruling, saying the recount of undervotes in the state's 67 counties violated equal rights.
THE AYODHYA CONTROVERSY
Congress trains gun on Vajpayee: PTI
S Jaipal Reddy, who led the Congress attack, said Vajpayee's comments that the movement for a Ram temple was an expression of 'nationalist feeling' were 'not a slip of tongue but a slip of masks'.
Laxman warns of agitation if ministers are charged: PTI
The BJP president said the Congress was raking up the Ayodhya issue in Parliament to incite the minorities.
Impasse continues in Rajya Sabha: PTI
The government is averse to a discussion on the Ayodhya issue under any rule that involves voting as it does not enjoy a majority in the Rajya Sabha.
Katiyar denies Sudershan's claim: PTI
The BJP politician and former Bajrang Dal chief said the demolition of the Babri Masjid was the handiwork of the karsevaks and it was wrong to suggest that the Congress did it.
Rao dithered till mosque was razed, says Chavan: PTI
'It was up to the prime minister and nothing was done till the last moment,' the former Union home minister told a television news programme.
OTHER TOP REPORTS
12 buried alive in mine cave-in
Not a single body could be recovered from the site in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand till Wednesday afternoon.
J&K minister escapes bid on life
At least 20 persons, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Suhail Ahmed and a district president of the National Conference, were injured in the attack.
Patna DGP K A Jacob transferred
Sources revealed that the marching orders came because he had hosted a dinner party for his former police colleague and Chhattisgarh Governor D N Sahay, who is also vice-president of the Samata Party.
UP CM against beauty pageants
Rajnath Singh considers beauty pageants nothing more than vulgar displays.
Artist Hussaini on fast unto death
He wants all his paintings, seized by the police, back and officers who conducted the raid suspended.
Phoolan Devi may be summoned by UP court
While the former MP's counsel Saeed Navqi challenged the jurisdiction of the Kanpur court on the plea that she was a juvenile at the time of the Behmai massacre, V N Sengar, counsel for the victims, put up evidence to show she was at least 24 years old then.
Army to provide security to ULFA leaders' kin
The families will be provided security on a specific request made to the local police.
Grand wedding raises eyebrows in Goa
Bombay-based Agnivesh Agrawal and Puja Bonger from Calcutta celebrated their marriage at the Taj Holiday Village in Goa at an estimated cost of Rs 100 million.
Quake may rock TN case on Mullaiperiyar dam
Tamil Nadu wants the storage capacity of the dam restored to the original 152 feet, from the current 136 feet, as this will provide irrigation water for the state.
PTI REPORTS
14 drown, 24 injured in TN road mishap
A bus carrying 56 persons of a marriage party collided head-on with a sugarcane-laden lorry before plunging into a lake.
MCC kills abducted BDO
Nawal Kishore Prasad, development officer of Gidhaur block, was abducted by heavily armed Naxalites on Sunday when he went to conduct the pulse polio immunisation programme at Kirkia village in Palamau district.
Producer Nazim Rizvi arrested
He was arrested following information that underworld money was involved in his latest film, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. The film's release is now in doubt.
Plan to kill Rakesh Roshan unearthed
Senior police officials said they had information that the Chhota Shakeel gang was planning to eliminate Rakesh Roshan.
Delhi HC orders end to postal strike
The court directed the Centre to end the strike by December 15 and said it was free to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act.
Navy to launch new warship on Thursday
The indigenously built missile vessel will have a displacement of only 477 tonnes, but will carry the same punch in terms of surface-to-surface missiles as the Delhi class.
Pappu Yadav arrested
He and his supporters planned to stall the movement of trains through Patna in protest against the 'anti-farmer' policies of the Union and state governments.
SPECIALS
Rediff Indian: the first nominations
Vajpayee shares the honours with Karnam Malleshwari...
'Hi-tech enterprises are the temples of the new India'
'We cannot afford prolonged discussions on whether or not IT is good. In fact, our political leaders have to become evangelists for technology in general and IT in particular,' says Infosys chairman N R Narayana Murthy.
INTERVIEW
'If the BJP cannot solve the J&K problem, no other party can'
Just back after a three-week stay in Pakistan, Hurriyat leader Abdul Ghani Lone says the current situation is most conducive to resolving the dispute.
DIARY
This one's about Shivani
But it could easily be about Simran or Smita or Shabana or Sharon. For daughters, says Shishir Bhate, are all the same; like diamonds, they are precious and forever.
COLUMNS
Ayodhya: What next?
'While many might actually welcome a Ram temple, it is far more likely that a temple on the disputed site today will only open a Pandora's box for similar demands. And such demands can be insatiable,' feels Amberish K Diwanji.
A realistic shift
'For the first time, the decade-long proxy war in Kashmir is visibly abating. The mood for peace in the Valley is more palpable than ever before,' says Abeer Malik.
It ain't over til' it's over
'One man campaigned for the country's future, the other ran for office. Given that, a Bush administration would be a nightmare,' says Reeta Sinha.
December 13
THE AYODHYA IMPASSE
Ayodhya panel summons RSS chief
The Justice M S Liberhan Commission, inquiring into the demolition of the Babri Masjid, asked K S Sudershan to appear before it on December 20.
LS to discuss Ayodhya issue on Wed: PTI
An end to the weeklong standoff in the Lok Sabha appeared in sight with an all-party meeting on Tuesday reaching an agreement to discuss the issue.
Oppn to finalise RS strategy on Wed: PTI
The Opposition wants to move a censure motion under Rule 184 in the Rajya Sabha, which the government opposes as it is in a minority.
Parliament adjourned for the day
For the seventh day running, both Houses were paralysed with an unrelenting opposition demanding Prime Minister Vajpayee's resignation.
TOP STORIES
2 soldiers killed in J&K militant attack: PTI
An officer and a jawan were killed when militants attacked an army camp in Baramulla district.
Hindujas summoned in Bofors case
The brothers have been told to appear in the court of Special Judge Ajit Bharihoke on January 19.
BSF to add muscle to anti-Veerappan operation
But reinforcement of the Karnataka STF with the Border Security Force is expected to raise the hackles of the tribals in the M M Hills area.
Netaji's birthplace in Cuttack to be made a national monument
Jankinath Bhawan is crumbling because of the neglect by successive state governments and the Centre.
Bail for four Dara associates
They were accused of murdering a shopkeeper last year at Padabada market under Thakurmunda police station of Mayurbhanj district.
Hoon contradicts George on AJT
'Only a third of the aircraft will be manufactured in India,' the British secretary of state for defence said. Defence Minister Fernandes had claimed that 42 of the 66 AJTs would be manufactured by HAL.
Benazir's party denies deal with military
But Federal Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider said the government could also offer deals to others facing corruption charges.
PTI REPORTS
Security cover for ULFA ultras' kin
The operations group of the unified command spearheading the anti-militancy operations in Assam is concerned about attacks on the families of top ULFA leaders.
18 crocodiles found dead in Kannur
The crocodiles, among reptiles and other animals impounded by forest officials at the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park on Sunday, were being transported to a pond in the park.
Sena affiliate demands Marathi signboards
The Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti Mahasangh threatened 'stringent action' against shops and business establishments in Bombay failing to display the signboards.
Moderate earthquake hits Kerala
The quake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale shook parts of Kerala at 0654 IST on Tuesday.
Karnataka ex-CM J H Patel dies at 71
The Janata Dal, United, politician, who had been undergoing treatment for a liver ailment in Manipal Hospital, died at 0330 IST on Tuesday.
Patel, a great orator and witty leader
An astute politician, acclaimed parliamentarian and staunch socialist, Jayadevappa Halappa Patel had a chequered political career spanning four decades that was studded with bouquets and brickbats.
Bangkok cops bust Indian gang
The police said the extortionists snatched the luggage of traders arriving in Bangkok, giving it back only after a payment of hefty 'baggage release fees'.
Indian diplomat's car damaged in Berlin
The car of M R Reddy, minister (personnel) in the Indian embassy, parked outside his residence at Kreuzberg, was set afire by miscreants on Sunday.
Indian-American named agriculture under-secretary
Islam A Siddiqui, a graduate of the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture University, was previously deputy under-secretary for agriculture. He will now look after marketing and regulatory programmes.
Madras HC strikes down law against women working night shifts
The judge said the restriction was not an affirmative action and ruled it unconstitutional.
PSOs of politicians join strike
The striking Manipur Rifles personnel are demanding payment of arrears of house rent and special compensatory allowances.
SPECIAL
The return of Shakti
Images from a memorable concert!
INTERVIEW
'Let the critics say what they want'
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on the PM's remark on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, his current political status and his 60th birthday.
COLUMNS
Ayodhya again!
'Yes, the PM has taken sides in a partisan dispute over a conqueror vs native legacy -- and if you took a comprehensive poll in the nation you would be surprised at what its findings are,' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy.
'Get Back PoK'
'Recovering PoK should be a universal cry encompassing every Indian everywhere, here and abroad,' says Arvind Lavakare.
December 12
THE J&K CEASEFIRE
Give peace a chance, Lone tells militants: PTI
Non-Kashmiri militants will have to leave the arena when the political dialogue starts, the Hurriyat leader said on his return to New Delhi after a three-week visit to Pakistan.
23 injured in two blasts in J&K
At least 23 persons, including seven security personnel, were seriously injured in two powerful bomb explosions on the 13th day of the unilateral ceasefire announced by the prime minister.
India should set modalities for talks, says Pakistan
High Commissioner Ashraf Jehangir Qazi said Pakistan was willing to abide by all bilateral agreements with India, including the Lahore Declaration.
US ambassador calls on Advani: PTI
He conveyed Washington's 'keen interest' in the peace initiative taken by Prime Minister Vajpayee on Jammu & Kashmir.
THE AYODHYA IMPASSE
PM ready to make statement on Ayodhya: PTI
The Opposition stalled business in Parliament for the sixth day running on the issue.
All-party meet flops, Parliament adjourned
The all-party meeting called by the NDA government flopped on Monday morning, as the Opposition demanded a discussion on Ayodhya.
Cong to insist on ministers' resignation
Chief whip Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi explained that the party would table a fresh motion because the question of propriety was very important.
I don't know how Babri Masjid fell, says Joshi: PTI
It is very difficult to say what really happened. It is for the investigative agencies and the government machinery to bring out the truth, the Union HRD minister said.
Work on temple support structures unaffected
After the mosque was pulled down by a frenzied mob, Uttar Pradesh has seen two chief ministers opposed to the construction of the Ram temple, but the workshops have continued to function.
SPECIAL
A taste of iftar diplomacy
Iftar parties are no longer a celebration of the end of Ramzan's daily fast. Instead, they are the biggest political get-togethers in the capital.
INTERVIEW
'PM's statement has the potential of fanning communalism'
TDP leader K Yerran Naidu on Vajpayee and the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
OTHER REPORTS
Nizam's jewels to be exhibited in Hyderabad
The jewellery will be displayed amidst special security. Two or three halls of the Salar Jung Museum will be reinforced and 32 special-gauge showcases with bullet-proof glass panes will be custom-built for the purpose.
India may join peace mission in Ethiopia-Eritrea
India is planning to send a reserve company of infantry soldiers and an engineering company to the troubled border in east Africa.
Tension in TN after mosque attack
The Karunanidhi government has transferred investigations into the case to the crime branch, CID, while the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam called for a state-wide bandh.
Osho disciples petition NHRC
The disciples petitioned the rights commission against being denied entry to the Osho Ashram in Poona, which is allegedly "remote-controlled from New York by half-a-dozen self-appointed owners".
Army launches operations against ULFA
Sources said that in the first phase the army would carry out commando strikes in the deep jungles of Tirap and Changlang districts in Arunachal Pradesh to destroy ULFA camps.
PTI REPORTS
ULFA militants kill Bihari couple
Bhigorg Rajbohr and his wife Phuljori were shot dead in their house under Barpeta police station by four ultras on Sunday night.
TN police move HC against Jaya's acquittal in Tansi case
The crime branch also challenged the acquittal of her close aide Sasikala Natarajan and former Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation chairman T R Srinivasan.
Sharief's assets seized
Major parties condemned the government for making a 'mockery' of the fight against corruption by releasing Sharief who faced a number of corruption charges.
Basu will work to oust BJP from the Centre
Addressing a crowded rally at Atharokhai near Siliguri, Basu said that though he gave up the chief ministership of West Bengal on health grounds, he would continue in politics till death.
Violence for third consecutive day in Ahmedabad
Police said mobs set afire a number of cabins and kiosks in the labour-dominated Nagoriwad area before making good their escape.
Bangladesh wants Pak diplomat out
Home Minister Mohammad Nasim demanded that Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner Irfan Raja quit immediately after accusing him of acting against the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh.
Delhi HC asks govt about postal strike
It wanted to know whether the government was contemplating invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act to end the seven-day-old strike.
NDA govt will fall in three months: Laloo
He said the process for evolving a Third Front had been set into action on
Sunday, but refused to give a time-frame for its formation.
COLUMNS
Gentle, generous Atal
The PM's critics are fuming: How dare he extend a lifeline to a man who is threatening to do stuff to his Principal Secretary Brajesh Mishra! Capital Buzz. Gossip from the Delhi durbar.
Ayodhya and 'Khalistan': the link betwixt
'The Ayodhya issue is not a dispute over real estate, or even the idol/ideal of Ram. It must be absorbed by Hindus -- the few non-eunuchs that survive amongst us, that is -- as the battle for the restoration of Hindu self-esteem,' says Varsha Bhosle.
December 11
Two mosques attacked, one dead
Two Muslim shrines - one in Uttar Pradesh and the other in Tamil Nadu -- were attacked Sunday by some miscreants.
Ten hurt in communal clash in Jaipur
Police fired teargas shells to disperse violent mobs of two communities
pelting each other with stones in Muslim-dominated Ramganj area.
Third Front looks to Basu for leadership
Former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu is once again being projected as the man who would lead an alternative to the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata
Party at the Centre.
Attacks on militants' families continue in Assam
At least seven people were killed Sunday as attacks on the relatives of United Liberation Front of Assam militants continued in the wake of insurgents targeting Hindi-speaking people in the state.
Court verdict on Ayodhya will be final: NDA
The alliance, however, rejected the opposition demand for resignation of three charge-sheeted Union ministers in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
Sharief leaves for Saudi Arabia with family
The Sharief family has agreed to surrender a part of its wealth against liabilities; leave Pakistan and stay away from politics, The News reported citing unnamed official sources.
We were forced to leave the country: Kulsoom
She told reporters in Islamabad before the family's departure for Riyadh in Saudi Arabia that her husband had not sought any pardon from the government.
THE AYODHYA IMPASSE
Allies vent their ire at PM's remarks: PTI
Trinamul Congress leader Mamata Banerjee went so far as to say that Vajpayee's intemperate remarks had 'embarrassed' her.
PM steers clear of Ayodhya
Vajpayee said the government was willing to have a discussion on the matter in Parliament.
DMK unhappy with PM's Ram temple remarks: PTI
DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi reminded the BJP that the NDA's National Agenda for Governance contained a clear commitment to secularism and protection of minorities.
NCP seeks PM's resignation: PTI
Party general secretary Tariq Anwar said it was `unbecoming' of the prime minister to comment on the Ram temple construction issue as it was sub-judice.
TDP seeks clarification from PM
The key ally of the National Democratic Alliance demanded a clarification on remarks on the Ayodhya issue before Monday to "reduce communal tension" in Andhra Pradesh.
Venkaiah rules out ministers' resignation
The Union rural development minister said the Centre was committed to the NDA agenda and there was no question of the resignation of three Union ministers chargesheeted in the Ayodhya case.
Blast destroyed Babri masjid: RSS chief
K S Sudershan said the Babri Masjid was not demolished by karsevaks.
J&K CEASEFIRE
Hurriyat leaders to sort out differences
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ceasefire announcement brought to the surface some divergent perceptions within the Hurriyat Conference.
'We want political dialogue on J&K to commence': PTI
We want to go to Pakistan to talk to the mujahideen leadership there about creating a peaceful atmosphere for genuine political dialogue, says senior Hurriyat leader Yaseen Malik.
TOP STORIES
GNLF calls for Darjeeling bandh
The bandh was called to renew demands for a separate state. However, the opposition comprising the Gorkha Liberation Organisation and the Communist Party of Revolutionary-Marxist have declared that they would oppose the bandh.
Calcutta prepares to bid farewell to Basu
Erstwhile leaders of the United Front, including four former prime ministers, will meet in Calcutta in a ceremony to bid farewell to former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu.
Reliance makes a huge donation to Guruvayur temple
However, a number of devotees feel that the Sree Krishna Temple, one of the richest temples in the country, should not be at the mercy of the rich and the famous to improve its facilities.
My concern is security for people of Assam: Mahanta
Being surrounded by foreign countries, which are friendly only in name, is causing immense problems to the state, says the chief minister.
Assam killings: Rabri seeks Centre's intervention
The systematic ethnic cleansing must stop immediately or it may lead to retributive action and consequent disturbances as people in Bihar are extremely distressed by the killings, she said.
Villagers in Orissa fear attacks by elephants
'We are no more safe. The elephants may attack any village in the area. Villagers have virtually stopped leaving their houses alone for fear of the elephants,' said Babuli Sahu of Gangapada village.
Charges may be dropped against Speight
Treason charges may be dropped against Fiji's coup leader owing to the failure of the prosecution and police to come up with adequate evidence.
Bangkok police confirm Rajan's escape story
The Bombay gangster escaped from Samitivej Hospital on November 24 with help from mountaineers, findings by the scientific crime detection police confirmed.
Theft at Kumaramangalam's house
The theft was reportedly committed by a Nepali servant employed a few days earlier by the Union power minister's widow.
3 school principals held in Kanpur
First information reports have been lodged against five others in connection with a scholarship scam.
PTI REPORTS
Industrialist Garware found in Lonavala
Police suspect that the kidnapping could have been the handiwork of local gangsters and not the Chhota Rajan gang.
Christmas cards lie in heaps as postal strike continues
Post Master General D S Balchandra said the number of home guards posted in Maharashtra circle had gone up to 476. In Bombay, 77 home guards had been posted to ensure skeletal services.
Clinton calls for closer ties with India
The American president said the 'cold war estrangement' between the United States and India should end and a systematic, committed relationship should begin.
SPECIAL
'When one is a Hindu, one lives in fear'
They had decided they would not let politics dictate their lives. Yet today, Pakistani Hindus are seeking refuge in India for two reasons. One, they do not want to convert to Islam. Two, they fear their daughters will be harassed.
COLUMNS
Where's the moolah?
'The way Veerappan is slowly emerging as a putative Tamil freedom fighter speaks volumes for the way his image-building exercise is being planned and executed by a team of brilliant media managers. The question is: Who is behind it all?' says Pritish Nandy.
Losing through winning
'While desi community members in Canada may have become high profile, it is doubtful if the community will benefit,' says S Gopikrishna.
December 10
THE AYODHYA IMPASSE
Allies vent their ire at PM's remarks: PTI
Trinamul Congress leader Mamata Banerjee went so far as to say that Vajpayee's intemperate remarks had 'embarrassed' her.
PM steers clear of Ayodhya
Vajpayee said the government was willing to have a discussion on the matter in Parliament.
DMK unhappy with PM's Ram temple remarks: PTI
DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi reminded the BJP that the NDA's National Agenda for Governance contained a clear commitment to secularism and protection of minorities.
NCP seeks PM's resignation: PTI
Party general secretary Tariq Anwar said it was `unbecoming' of the prime minister to comment on the Ram temple construction issue as it was sub-judice.
TDP seeks clarification from PM
The key ally of the National Democratic Alliance demanded a clarification on remarks on the Ayodhya issue before Monday to "reduce communal tension" in Andhra Pradesh.
Venkaiah rules out ministers' resignation
The Union rural development minister said the Centre was committed to the NDA agenda and there was no question of the resignation of three Union ministers chargesheeted in the Ayodhya case.
Blast destroyed Babri masjid: RSS chief
K S Sudershan said the Babri Masjid was not demolished by karsevaks.
J&K CEASEFIRE
Hurriyat leaders to sort out differences
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ceasefire announcement brought to the surface some divergent perceptions within the Hurriyat Conference.
'We want political dialogue on J&K to commence': PTI
We want to go to Pakistan to talk to the mujahideen leadership there about creating a peaceful atmosphere for genuine political dialogue, says senior Hurriyat leader Yaseen Malik.
TOP STORIES
GNLF calls for Darjeeling bandh
The bandh was called to renew demands for a separate state. However, the opposition comprising the Gorkha Liberation Organisation and the Communist Party of Revolutionary-Marxist have declared that they would oppose the bandh.
Calcutta prepares to bid farewell to Basu
Erstwhile leaders of the United Front, including four former prime ministers, will meet in Calcutta in a ceremony to bid farewell to former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu.
Reliance makes a huge donation to Guruvayur temple
However, a number of devotees feel that the Sree Krishna Temple, one of the richest temples in the country, should not be at the mercy of the rich and the famous to improve its facilities.
My concern is security for people of Assam: Mahanta
Being surrounded by foreign countries, which are friendly only in name, is causing immense problems to the state, says the chief minister.
Assam killings: Rabri seeks Centre's intervention
The systematic ethnic cleansing must stop immediately or it may lead to retributive action and consequent disturbances as people in Bihar are extremely distressed by the killings, she said.
Mild earthquake shakes up Koyna
The tremors, on Friday evening, lasted for four seconds.
Villagers in Orissa fear attacks by elephants
'We are no more safe. The elephants may attack any village in the area. Villagers have virtually stopped leaving their houses alone for fear of the elephants,' said Babuli Sahu of Gangapada village.
Charges may be dropped against Speight
Treason charges may be dropped against Fiji's coup leader owing to the failure of the prosecution and police to come up with adequate evidence.
Bangkok police confirm Rajan's escape story
The Bombay gangster escaped from Samitivej Hospital on November 24 with help from mountaineers, findings by the scientific crime detection police confirmed.
Theft at Kumaramangalam's house
The theft was reportedly committed by a Nepali servant employed a few days earlier by the Union power minister's widow.
3 school principals held in Kanpur
First information reports have been lodged against five others in connection with a scholarship scam.
PTI REPORTS
Industrialist Garware found in Lonavala
Police suspect that the kidnapping could have been the handiwork of local gangsters and not the Chhota Rajan gang.
Christmas cards lie in heaps as postal strike continues
Post Master General D S Balchandra said the number of home guards posted in Maharashtra circle had gone up to 476. In Bombay, 77 home guards had been posted to ensure skeletal services.
Clinton calls for closer ties with India
The American president said the 'cold war estrangement' between the United States and India should end and a systematic, committed relationship should begin.
SPECIAL
'When one is a Hindu, one lives in fear'
They had decided they would not let politics dictate their lives. Yet today, Pakistani Hindus are seeking refuge in India for two reasons. One, they do not want to convert to Islam. Two, they fear their daughters will be harassed.
COLUMNS
Where's the moolah?
'The way Veerappan is slowly emerging as a putative Tamil freedom fighter speaks volumes for the way his image-building exercise is being planned and executed by a team of brilliant media managers. The question is: Who is behind it all?' says Pritish Nandy.
Losing through winning
'While desi community members in Canada may have become high profile, it is doubtful if the community will benefit,' says S Gopikrishna.
December 9
J&K CEASEFIRE
No settlement without Hizb: Salahuddin
The Hizbul Mujahideen chief said it would reciprocate the Indian ceasefire only if New Delhi agreed to tripartite talks involving Pakistan.
7 killed, 53 injured in Kashmir
In one incident, militants lobbed a grenade at security forces in Pulwama. But it missed and exploded on the road injuring 24. Three persons - Special Police Officer Ghulam Hassan Lone, Mohammad Rafiq and Mohammad Shafi Magray later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
India should let Hurriyat leaders visit Pak: Qazi
The Pakistan High Commissioner to India said the LoC does not divide Jammu and Kashmir - it is a ceasefire line and not a boundary. The people of J&K do not accept the LoC as dividing their territory. The territory of Kashmir is the territory of the state of J&K as it was in 1947.
INTERVIEW
'The ceasefire is no solution to the problem of J&K'
Mirwaiz Omar Farooq tells Onkar Singh that there is no merit in any kind of ceasefire unless accompanied by comprehensive political measures.
TOP STORIES
Florida SC rules for Gore
The state's apex court ordered recount of the 'undervotes' in the entire state.
Another setback for Al Gore
Florida Circuit Court judges have ruled in two voter lawsuits, refusing to discard thousands of absentee ballots - a move that could have given Al Gore victory.
BJP allies urge PM to withdraw remarks
'If the government runs as per the NDA agenda, we can be in it. If it runs as per the BJP agenda, then it will not be possible for us to remain,' Mamata Banerjee said.
Eunuchs can teach politicians a lesson or two
Many in Madhya Pradesh are veering around to the view that eunuchs may be the answer to the shamelessness and greed of the modern day politician.
Uma Bharti insists on temple construction
The Union minister said she had gone to Ayodhya to prevent the demolition of the 'disputed structure'.
PM plans holiday in Kerala
According to highly placed sources, Vajpayee will spend a week from December 25 to 30 at the Kumarakam resort.
Budget, not starvation deaths, is Orissa govt's priority
None other than Revenue Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan said that the heavens would not fall if the issue was not discussed in the assembly immediately.
Oppn demands PM's resignation
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day after Opposition leaders demanded the resignation of Vajpayee and Union ministers L K Advani, Uma Bharati and M M Joshi over the Ayodhya issue.
21 MLAs form pressure group in Maharashtra
The group, led by former minister of state for agriculture Harshvardhan Patil, said that smaller partners in the coalition government had been neglected in decision-making.
BJP not worried about PMK move
The Bharatiya Janata Party is not overly concerned about the reported moves of the Vanniar-strong Pattali Makkal Katchi to cross over to the rival AIADMK-Congress combine in Tamil Nadu.
Cartridges nailed commando's lie, say police
Ballistic examination of the cartridges revealed that these three rounds were also fired from the same MP-5 weapon from which Satbir Singh fired 20 rounds at the alleged intruder.
Stonework for temple sanctum sent to Ayodhya
VHP general secretary Praveen Togadia said the schedule for construction of the Ram temple would be decided at a three-day meeting of the 'dharma sansad' during the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad.
PTI REPORTS
Red alert in Assam
The Assam chief minister said Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence was helping the United Liberation Front of Asom carry out heinous attacks on Hindi-speaking people of the state.
Special operations against ULFA soon
Advani said the Centre would immediately send 27 more companies of central forces to augment the existing 128 companies, while the army was already there on call.
ULFA leaders' kin attacked in Assam
ULFA 'foreign secretary' Sasha Choudhury's brother was gunned down in Nalbari district while another militant's house came under attack in separate incidents in Assam on Friday.
Balayogi concerned over frequent LS disruption
The Speaker asked leaders of political parties to educate and guide their colleagues to maintain decency and uphold the dignity of the House.
Anti-poverty plans may be reviewed
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Friday expressed concern over the effectiveness of the programmes and said there was a general feeling its entire operation and implementation should be decentralised more effectively.
Postal strike continues; no sign of breakthrough
Reacting to Communications Minister Ram Vilas Paswan's plan to seek the army's help to run postal services, an union official said it showed that government was not serious about their genuine demands.
COLUMNS
Brutes only understand brute force
'It is true insanity to offer peace to someone with the instincts of a raging bull. These terrorists are today's implacable buffalo-demons; let us not do the Chamberlain thing of trying to appease them. It won't work, as it didn't work with the Nazis and the Chinese,' says Rajeev Srinivasan.
India needs a balanced election system
'Which Indian politician is really worried about the way Mizoram votes? Or Goa? But everyone is worried about the polls in UP or Bihar or Maharashtra. Because in a popular vote system their numbers alone make up for the others!' says Amberish K Diwanji.
December 8
THE AYODHYA IMPASSE
Oppn unlikely to back down on Ayodhya
'By giving a clean chit to his three ministers, the prime minister is trying to influence the CBI and the court. The CBI is under the direct control of the prime minister and the government is trying to exert pressure on the [demolition] case,' Congress politician Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
PM wants amicable solution to Ayodhya dispute
Vajpayee clarified that there was no truth in the opposition claim that NDA allies, especially the Trinamul Congress and the Telugu Desam Party, were unhappy with his statement on construction of the Ram temple.
Ram temple on BJP's agenda, not NDA's: PM
The prime minister had, on Wednesday, said the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya was an unfinished task and that it reflected the popular sentiment.
Trinamul, TDP unlikely to quit NDA
The two parties seem to be visibly embarrassed over the prime minister's statement Wednesday that the construction of temple at Ayodhya is an unfinished task. But they may not like to precipitate matters at this juncture.
Trinamul, TDP to meet PM on Ayodhya statement
Sudip Bandopadhyaya, the Trinamul Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, told rediff.com, "Vajpayee statement was completely unwarranted."
Parliament adjourned over PM's statement
Both Houses were adjourned for the day on Thursday following pandemonium over an Opposition's demand that Vajpayee apologise for his controversial statement pertaining to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
THE J&K CEASEFIRE
Islamic extremists are biggest threat in J&K: Lone
The former Hurriyat chief ridiculed the 'myth' that Kashmiris want their state to merge with Pakistan and said he had found many residents of occupied Kashmir to be less happy than he had anticipated.
Bhat asks for 'measured steps' from India, Pak: PTI
The Hurriyat chairman said both should refrain from making statements which unnecessarily increase tension.
3 CRPF jawans among 9 injured in grenade blast
Militants lobbed a hand grenade at a bus stand in Kishtwar of Doda district on Wednesday evening.
Grenade blast at bus-stand in Kupwara
About 26 civilians were reported hurt, and the condition of eight is said to be serious.
TOP STORIES
27 people killed in Assam
Suspected ULFA militants lying in wait in the densely wooded area fired a hail of bullets at three trucks carrying mostly Hindi-speaking people, who were returning home from Sunpura bazaar to Sadiya, the sources said.
Crucial court hearings begin in the US
Vice President Al Gore's camp is lending support to the demand for rejection of thousands of absentee ballots alleging that Republican functionaries tampered
with them in Seminole and Martin counties even as the Florida Supreme Court gears up to handle the Democrats' appeal against rejection of their contest by a lower court.
SC gives polluting units in Delhi 4 weeks
A bench comprising Justice B N Kirpal, Justice Doraiswamy Raju and Justice Brijesh Kumar said the implementation of the order would not be affected by any stay or injunction granted by any court.
Postal strike continues: Paswan hopeful
The postal unions urged Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to intervene and pave the way for a negotiated settlement.
Warrant against Rajesh Khanna
The warrant was issued as Khanna, an accused in an I-T returns case, was not present in the court when it was supposed to deliver its order.
Lying Marine Commando may lose job
Indication available is that the sailor could in all possibility face removal from
service as a summary punishment, while the Delhi police will charge him for attempted suicide.
Orissa HC seeks details of Chenchu case
It has asked whether any appeal has been filed by Sudersan Hansda alias Chenchu against the order of his conviction and sentence in the Graham Staines murder case.
Orissa, Centre to set up anti-Naxal force
The Centre has finally agreed to the Orissa Government's request for help to set up a battalion of reserve police to counter left wing extremism.
Gunmen attack family of ULFA leader
The men sprayed bullets from a car Wednesday night at the residence of Paresh Baruah - military commander of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) -- in Jeraigaon village.
Vaiko wants Prabhakaran extradition notice withdrawn
The National Democratic Alliance's Tamil partners - MDMK and PMK - are exerting pressure on the government to withdraw a notice sent to the Sri Lanka Government for extradition of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam supremo for investigations in the conspiracy that led to the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
Armed intruder tries to enter Laloo's house
Dilip Kumar Nirala, armed with a pistol, wanted to enter the residence to lodge a complaint. When security personnel on duty objected, he tried to force himself in.
PMK, MGR-ADMK may quit NDA
The Vanniar-strong Pattali Makkal Katchi and the MGR-ADMK are likely to join an alliance of the Congress-led Opposition at the national-level. The cross-over could herald a larger shake-up of the NDA, in which the Trinamul Congress is also being counted.
PTI REPORTS
Postal strike enters third day
The indefinite nation-wide strike has paralysed services across the country as unions were firm not to withdraw it until all demands are met.
Ex-wing commander dies in judicial custody
Satnam Shah, facing trial for allegedly possessing over 150 kg of drugs, died of suspected cancer in New Delhi on Wednesday.
SPECIAL
'Fernandes's flirtation with the LTTE is ominous for Sri Lanka'
According to home ministry sources, the Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency will produce a secret report that will detail the alleged links between Defence Minister George Fernandes, other Indian leaders and the LTTE.
DIARY
If more people were for people...
'No one abroad, I am sure, feels so incapacitated, so confined, as we are made to feel in India,' writes polio-afflicted Caroline D'Souza.
COLUMN
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: December 2000 edition
'The national interest comes first. Nobody is going to remember those who stood for foolish principles (remember Non-Alignment, that which caused us to stand around like idiots mumbling slogans about Palestine and South Africa as the world raced ahead?): it is results that count,' says Rajeev Srinivasan.
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