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US wants long-term access to Iraqi bases: Report

          Washington, Apr 20: The United States is planning a long- term military relationship with the new government of Iraq that would give the Pentagon access to military bases in the region, the New York Times reported on Saturday. A Pentagon spokesman said he had no information on the report. The Times online edition quoted US military officials as saying they hoped to maintain four bases in Iraq - one at the international airport near Baghdad, one at Tallil near Nassiriya in the south, one at an isolated airstrip in the western desert along an old oil pipeline that runs to Jordan, and one at the Bashur air field in the Kurdish north. The US military already uses the bases to support operations against remnants of the old government, to deliver supplies and relief aid, and for reconnaissance patrols.

           As the invasion force turns over control to a new Iraqi government, Pentagon officials expect to gain access to the bases in the event of a future crisis, the newspaper said. "There will be some kind of a long-term defense relationship with a new Iraq, similar to Afghanistan," it quoted a senior administration official as saying. "The scope of that has yet to be defined - whether it will be full-up operational bases, smaller forward operating bases or just plain access."

Iraqis savour taste of freedom (Go To Top)

          Baghdad, Apr 20: Thousands of Shiite pilgrims renewed a tradition banned for decades as they set out on a walk of faith to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. "In the past we couldn't talk about anything. Now we can talk about everything," said Raad Abdul Hamid, a 36-year-old taxi driver. US troops kept anxious watch for signs it could turn into an anti-American display, and said they would keep a respectful distance as long as the march of three to four days did not turn against them.

           Vendors overturned another prohibition from the Saddam era and began peddling whiskey and beer on the street. Hundreds of Iraqis swarmed the Palestine Hotel in hopes of obtaining jobs with the transitional government. US Marines began leaving the Capital as they plan to transfer control of Baghdad to their Army counterparts. Marines will work in southern cities before heading home. Their parting tasks include picking up empty plastic food-rations packets discarded by many Marines on the road to Baghdad.

DCI sees nuke build-up by India (Go To Top)

          Washington, Apr 20: India continues to acquire and develop technology, weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions, the US Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) has said in a report to the US Congress. "Since the 1998 tests, New Delhi has continued efforts intended to lead to the development of more sophisticated nuclear weapons," the DCI said in its recently-submitted report on the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions.

          India, the report says, continued to obtain foreign assistance for its nuclear programme, primarily from Russia, while Indo- Israel defence cooperation is expanding. The report stated that the underground nuclear tests in May 1998 "were a significant milestone" in India's continuing nuclear weapons development programme. India has the insatiate yearning to possess and stockpile more and more missiles, though, "it still lacks engineering or production expertise in some key missile technologies." "The entities in Russia and Western Europe," the report reveals, "remained the primary conduits of missile-related and dual-use technology transfer during 2001."

           During the reporting period ie January 1 to June 30, 2002, the DCI stated: "India flight-tested the 'Agni-I ballistic missile' and continued work with the Russians on the Brahmos cruise missile." Israel also sought to expand its defence cooperation with India, the report said, adding: "In recent months, India and Israel engaged in negotiations for the sale of the Arrow-2 anti- tactical ballistic missile. Negotiations were also under way regarding the proposed sale of three Phalcon airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft for approximately 1 billion dollars."

           "India has already taken delivery of the Israeli Green Pine radar for installation at a ground site for use as an early warning platform in conjunction with the Phalcon AEW aircraft," the report stated, adding: "Israel has also reportedly sold the Harpy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to India." With regard to Advanced Conventional Weapons (ACWs), the report added, in the acquisition of ACWs, Russia continues to play an important role in India's across-the-board modernisation of its armed forces. "Many key programmes have been plagued by delays, but New Delhi has received the first of a licensed upgrade of 125 MIG-21-93 fighter aircraft, working with Hindustran Aeronautics."

           In 2001, the report said, New Delhi concluded an 800 million dollar contract with Russia for 310 T-90s main battle tanks and a smaller contract for KA-31 helicopters. It said: "India was also negotiating with Russia for nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier. India also continued to explore options for leasing or purchasing several airborne early warning systems.

           In addition to purchasing the Green Pine radar from Israel, New Delhi also signed a 270-million dollars contract with Tel Aviv for the ship- borne Barak-1 surface-to-air missile defence system. The Indian air force reopened the competition for jet trainer aircraft and is considering bids primarily from the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom."

'Police raj in UP?' (Go To Top)

          Lucknow, Apr 20: Staying the arrest of SP leader Amar Singh recently, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court said the judiciary would see to it that the rule of law prevails in Uttar Pradesh. Justice Vishnu Sahay pulled up the state's Advocate General SC Mira and asked, "Is there any rule of law in the state?" "It seems the police is ruling the state. They could arrest anybody any time. They could even arrest judges on flimsy grounds," Justice Sahay observed.

           Leter UP Chief Minister Mayawati instructed officials not to arrest Samajwadi Party leaders and others named in FIRs filed in connection with "misuse" of the discretionary fund without getting clearance from the courts. No arrest should be made unless courts issue directions in this regard, she told reporters on Saturday.

           Faced with charges of political vendetta, Mayawati said misuse of the discretionary fund during the tenures of three BJP chief ministers and herself since 1994 would be probed. "Impartial and just inquiries would be conducted into the various cases since 1994 to establish that the money sanctioned by the government through discretionary fund was not misused."

Kshatriyas call for dismissal of Mayawati govt (Go To Top)

          New Delhi, Apr 20: Various non-political Kshatriya organisations on Sunday gathered under one banner, 'Kshatriya Ekta Parishad' in New Delhi. They staged a demonstration against UP chief minister Mayawati and blamed her for working against the Rajputs in the state. They said Mayawati was able to do so because of the active support of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

           "Today Rajputs are being tortured and suppressed in Uttar Pradesh. They are being booked under various acts like POTA. We have staged the protest against Mayawati and the BJP at the Centre which is helping her government so that the people can get justice," said Mainpal Singh Raghav, main organiser of the Kshatriya Ekta Parishad.

           Mayawati has been allegedly targeting the upper caste in the state. Recently she accused Amar Singh, the Samajwadi party leader and a Rajput, of maligning her image by distributing video tapes in which she was shown asking for money from her deputies for the party fund. Before this Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiyya, an independent MLA, was arrested under POTA for allegedly keeping a huge cache of unlicensed arms. He is in jail. His father Raja Uday Pratap Sing was also arrested under POTA. The demonstrators sought their release from jail.

           "This demo is against Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, who arrested Raja Bhaiyya and Raja Uday Pratap Singh and fabricated a case against them," they said and urged all the Rajputs to resign from her government, "We demand the BJP, which is supporting the Mayawati government, if it wants the Kshatriya votes, then it should withdraw its support to the Mayawati government. All Kshatriyas should resign from her government," said Kunwar Bajrang Singh Tanwar, general secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha. After converging at Parliament Street, party members gave a memorandum to the President.

Youths from 16 states gather to spread the message of peace (Go To Top)

          Gwalior, Apr 20: On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Loknayak Jai Prakash Narayan, an eight-day camp was organised in Gandhi Seva Ashram, Jaora, in Madhya Pradesh. More than 200 youths from 16 states participated. The youngsters presented cultural programmes of their native states. It was a unique experience for the youngsters to share a common platform to express their views, opinions on the present situation in the country. They came to know more about the life styles, cultures and traditions of different states.

Choir singing, special prayers mark Easter (Go To Top)

          New Delhi, Apr 20: Christians gathered in New Delhi on Sunday to celebrate Easter - the day which signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To the devouts, the resurrection of Christ symbolises the victory of good over evil and life over death. At the Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi, devotees lit candles, sang devotional songs and attended special prayers to mark the day. For most of the devouts it was a joyous occasion.

         "On the third day after death, Jesus was resurrected. We celebrate resurrection of Christ. We celebrate this more joyously than Christmas because it is resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday," said John Michael, a devout. "It is a day of happiness for us. Jesus Christ took pain on our behalf. He suffered because of us. The lesson is that we should share our pains and problems," said Pearl Thomas, another devout.

          Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox or the first Sunday after Good Friday - another important date on the Christian calendar, when Christ was crucified. It also concludes the Lent season which covers a forty-six day period that began on Ash Wednesday. The Lent season is a period of penitance in preparation for Easter, considered the highest festival of the church year. Christians make up about three per cent of India's over one billion population.