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Kanchi seer, Muslim leaders to discuss Ayodhya proposal

          Lucknow, July 4: Muslim leaders will meet Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati of Kanchi on Sunday in a bid to settle the Ayodhya dispute, it was announced on Friday. The spokesman of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Sajjad Nomani, said members of the board will meet the Hindu seer to discuss a plan he proposed a few days ago. The AIMPLB is the highest policy-making body of Muslims in the country. Though both the sides refused to divulge the details of the plan, reports say the formula proposes that Muslims give up their claim to the Babri Masjid in return for Hindus not pushing for two other mosques, one in Mathura and other in Varanasi, which they claim were also temples. The Sankaracharya met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Congress president Sonia Gandhi last month to discuss his proposal. The dispute is pending before the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court, which has given the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) until August 22 to determine whether a temple existed at the site.

RSS meet in Kanyakumari

          Kanyakumari, July 4: The preparations for the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Baithak of the RSS on 5 and 6 July at Kanyakumari are in progress. A 250-member national executive of the RSS is meeting on these two days. About 40 senior functionaries from the Sangh Parivar and its organizations from all parts of India would attend the meeting. KS Sudarshan, Sarasanghchalak and Mohanrao Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah, will guide the proceedings. Senior functionaries like HV Sheshadri and Madan Das Devi will also attend. Besides reviewing the annual training programmes that have been conducted at over 80 places all over the country this year, the meeting will finalise the calendar of issues for the coming year.

30 killed, 50 hurt in attack on Quetta mosque (Go To Top)

          Islamabad, July 4: More than 30 people were killed and 50 injured in a suspected suicide attack at a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Quetta on Friday, the Interior ministry said, reports the News. Chief of Tehreek Nifaz-e-Fiqah Jaferiya Pakistan, Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi, condemned the killing. In a press statement, he said the incident was aimed at defaming Pakistan and Islam. President Pervez Musharraf, now in Paris, also criticised the massacre and vowed stern action against those involved in the heinous act, the newspaper informed. He termed the incident as unfortunate at a press conference at the conclusion of his three-day official visit to France. The President added that it was only a small minority that was undermining whatever the country stands for.

J-K minister escapes attack, but two are killed and 18 hurt (Go To Top)

          Srinagar, July 4: A state minister escaped unhurt after Muslim militants hurled a grenade at his motorcade on Friday, but two civilians were killed and 18 injured in the assault. The attack took place in Kokernag town in Kashmir and was meant to kill Rural Development Minister Peerzada Mohammad Syed, a police officer said. "When he was just entering the school, I and other security personnel were nearby. There was full security all around him and then the blast happened," said one of the security guards of the minister. Two among the dozen or so rebel organisations in Jammu and Kashmir called newspaper offices to claim responsibility for the attack. The attack comes less than a week after two gunmen raided an army camp in the Jammu region and shot dead a dozen soldiers before they were gunned down. That assault raised fears that it could affect peace moves between nuclear neighbours India and Pakistan but New Delhi, normally fast to blame Islamabad for militant raids, did not comment. Syed belongs to the Congress, a junior partner in the eight- month coalition government headed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

MCC issues death threat to Hazaribagh judge (Go To Top)

          Hazaribagh, July 4: Now it is the turn of judiciary to be in the line of fire of the notorious Maoist Communist Centre. The MCC has issued a death warrant against an additional district judge of Hazaribagh, Ashok Kumar Chand. Last week Chand had given death sentence to three MCC rebels who were accused of being involved in the Beltu massacre in which 11 villagers were killed. The MCC threat have pressed a panic button in the judicial circle. They have demanded more security. Going by the reputation of the MCC, the administration does not want to take any chances and commandoes of Jharkhand Armed Police have been deputed for the security of judges. Mithilesh Kumar Sinha, secretary of the Bar Association, Hazaribagh, said "The judiciary should get protection, but members of the Bar Association should also get it. As we deal with the cases related to militancy, either for or against. We are feeling threatened."

Vigilance Bureau chief unveils Badal graft (Go To Top)

           Chandigarh, July 4: Punjab's Vigilance Bureau chief AP Pandey on Friday enlightened the media about the facts and figures relating to the corruption charges against Prakash Singh Badal, former chief minister. The vigilance bureau is investigating the huge money transfers Badal made by floating six companies, he told a press conference. The bureau has established that several lakhs of rupees were loaned by some people to two of these companies. From here this money was transferred to Orbit Resorts, a company owned by Badal's son Sukhbir. This amount was then shown as Sukhbir's share in Orbit Resorts. Some of these six companies were just used for such types of money laundering. "There are various properties, for which we have acquired a warrant. There were some fraud companies in which money was placed, which was later transferred to the Orbit. Using the wrong means of extracting money from the people, the money was used to build some properties. These are the allegations on which the investigations are taking place," said Pandey.

          He also stated various investigation operations which the bureau will be taking. "There is Rs 17 lakh of cash. We have to find its source, then there's further amount which was taken in the form of loans from the banks. There are properties that have been inspected and evaluated and the movement of money in relation to them are also being investigated," Pandey added. He also said that the police are looking for the people who simply gifted their money to Sukhbir, and are trying to establish that the money transferred was actually graft money. "There are six companies and the money collected in them was transferred to Orbit. The account of shareholders was trasferred to Sukhbir's account. How the money was collected is yet to be investigated. The two companies which have been investigated, no business transaction has ever taken place in them before or after the money was collected," said Pandey.

Court rejects RK Sharma's bail plea (Go To Top)

          New Delhi, July 4: A Delhi court on Friday rejected the bail plea of RK Sharma (the main accused in Shivani Bhatnagar murder case) for attending his father's 'chaubarsi' on the ground this would enable him influence witnesses who would be appearing in the next few days. "RK Sharma had applied for interim bail for attending his father's chaubarsi on 10th July. But his bail has been rejected primarily because we have no knowledge of any such ritual. This is just a prelude to get an interim bail and another important reason is that he might influence two very important witnesses who are supposed to appear on 8 July", said SK Saxena, Special Public Prosecutor. Two witnesses, Shivani Bhatnagar's sister Shevanti and her friend Suparna, are expected to appear before the court on July 8. According to the court, the bail application is just a camouflage to influence the witnesses. In his application, Sharma had sought bail for any five days between July 3 and July 10.

White tiger of Lucknow zoo has cancer, evokes sympathy (Go To Top)

          Lucknow, July 4: He attracts children like magnate, earns enough to be able to pay tax and is now perhaps the city's most famous animal. Eight-year old Rupesh, a white tiger in Lucknow zoo, has hit headline but, sadly, for the wrong reason. The quadraped, the zoo's biggest revenue-earner, was last month diagnosed with a form of oral cancer and since then the entire city has been praying for his speedy recovery. The zoo authorities say they have been flooded with calls from all over the country about Rupesh's health. Zoo director Uma Sharma said they had contacted officials at the Chicago and Singapore zoos and were hopeful of getting a response soon. Various Indian zoos are also sending their wildlife experts to look into Rupesh's health problems. Rupesh is one of the three white tigers at Lucknow zoo. And having fathered two cubs, he is also crucial for maintaining the zoo's white tiger population. But the worst-hit by Rupesh's disease is his caretaker Mehbood Ali. Having taken care of him since he was a cub, Ali was shattered when he found Rupesh lying half-conscious and bleeding from the mouth.

TN recruits temporary staff to replace agitating employees (Go To Top)

          Chennai, July 4: The Tamil Nadu government has gone ahead with its plans for recruiting temporary staff to fill the vacancies, as agitation by employees and teachers in the state entered the third day on Friday. The government has proposed to take in 10,000 temporary staff before Sunday. Official sources say they will be posted at important government offices like district collectorates and taluk offices. They will be paid a consolidated salary of Rs 5,000 per month. Over 1,200 striking employees have already been arrested under the Essential Services Maintenance Act. According to officials, more arrests are being made in different parts of the state. The federation of organisations spearheading the movement has announced that the stir will be intensified from July 7. It will organise demonstrations in front of the district collectorates on July 7. A picketing programme on July 8 in all district headquarters is also to be organised. The agitators are demanding full cash payment of gratuity and encashment of earned leave.

Shilpa Shetty's father released on bail (Go To Top)

          Surat, July 4: A local court here on Friday granted bail to Surendra Shetty, an accused in an extortion case, and released him on the condition that he will cooperate with the investigations. District and sessions court judge KM Vin also asked Shetty, father of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, to furnish a surety bond of Rs 50,000. His earlier three bail plea were rejected on the ground of "prima facie evidence" available to grill him. Surendra Shetty is facing the charge of hiring gangsters to recover Rs 80 lakh payable to his daughter by saree manufacturer Pankaj Agarwal for modelling in an ad film.

Six suspended for Golconda Express accident (Go To Top)

          New Delhi, July 4: Six South Central Railway officials, including Divisional Engineer (Mechanical) Kishan Singh, have been suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the Golconda Express accident at Warangal in Andhra Pradesh last Wednesday. Others are: Upendra Kumar, Asstt. Engineer, Warangal;, P.Narasinha Rao, Permanent Way Inspector; Manjeet Singh, Asstt. Electrical Engineer, Vijaywada; Choka Lingam, Senior Section Engineer, Vijaywada; and Hassan Pasha, Senior Section Engineer, Guntur (Carriage and Wagon Workshop). Twenty-one people were killed and 22 injured in the accident.

Hindu families from Pak seek Indian citizenship (Go To Top)

          Lucknow, July 4: Nearly 260 Pakistani families living in Lucknow have appealed to the Centre to grant them Indian citizenship. They have been staying since 1979 on temporary residential permits. The Pakistani nationals, most of them Hindus, came on tourist visas which expired soon. Tired of making repeated rounds of passport offices and other concerned authorities for citizenship, they now want the Union government to intervene.

          Most say that repeated appeals to senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, have gone unanswered. "We have renewed our passport three to four times and they expired again. In the meantime we applied for permanent citizenship but nothing has happened. There are lots of problems. We cannot even leave our business. What do we do, whether we see our livelihood or just run from pillar to post for our passport? The government won't allow us to stay without passport. What do we do?" said Sri Chander, a Pakistani national. These families belonging to Sindh region of Pakistan, shifted to India as most of their relatives were staying here and many had their family businesses. Many of them who came with their parents said they could not think of leaving India now. "We cannot move out of this place. We are businessmen and need to travel. They (authorities) hassle us. Neither can we be issued a ration card nor can we apply for a government job. We cannot move out of this place. The officers come here for inquiry and leaving our chores and daily business we have to run after it," said Ramdev, another Pakistani national.

          NP Singh, assistant district magistrate, said that since the issue is complicated, it will take more time. "The issue of granting permanent citizenship is complicated. We have to carry out certain investigations to ascertain facts. We are trying to complete it soon. Ever since I took charge I am trying to speed up the process after realising the grim situation," said Singh. All the Pakistani nationals have to sign a register with the office of district magistrate every week. India treads cautiously on granting citizenship to migrants from Pakistan due to suspicion and apprehension that some of them could be engaged in inflaming religious tensions, sabotage or anti-national activities.

France offers to facilitate Indo-Pak dialogue (Go To Top)

          Islamabad, July 4: The French government has reportedly expressed its keeness to bring both Pakistan and India to the negotiation table. Diplomatic observers in Paris, where Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is on an official visit, were quoted as saying that President Jacques Chirac had told Musharraf that France was willing to do anything to facilitate a dailogue between Islamabad and New Delhi. The French leadership, they said, had indicated that instead of playing a role of a mediator between India and Pakistan, it may agree to play the role of a facilitator. There seems to be a perceptible understanding between Chirac and Musharraf on this likely development, the diplomatic observers said.

98.8 per cent of Kashmiris in PoK vote for independence (Go To Top)

          Muzaffarabad, July 4: As many as 98.8 per cent of the people living in the town of Hajira in Rawalakot district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have voted for independence from Pakistan. The vote was taken by the All Party National Alliance (APNA), a group of Kashmiri leaders in PoK seeking a better deal from Islamabad. APNA Chairman Arif Shahidi said ballot papers were given to as many as 3600 people in Hazira and 98.8 per cent of voters opted for independence. Only 1.2 per cent were in favour of merging with Pakistan.

Sikh shrines in Pakistan dilapidated (Go To Top)

          Amritsar, July 4: Abuse of Sikh 'maryada' and ill- maintenance of Sikh shrines in Pakistan has been an oft-repeated story told by delegations of pilgrims visiting their holy places in that country. The latest stress in Pakistan's strategy with regard to gurdwaras and 'jathas' from India is to somehow make the pilgrims accept their point of view, apparently to foment trouble in India. Ever since a body calling itself the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee wrested control of these shrines, they have been neglected, almost forgotten, except when pilgrims from India go for a visit. The Indian contingent is decorated to win them over to allegedly anti-India designs. Poor knowledge of Sikh traditions, even among members of the managing committee, has meant the setting aside of basic 'maryada,' something that India has long called for correction.

          Says Hardip Singh, a member of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee in Amritsar, "We have been demanding from the beginning that the management of Sikh shrines in Pakistan should have some representation from the Sikhs in India. The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee should have representation so that the viewpoint of the community in India can be put forward." "For example," he adds, "the Sikh community in India has wanted that the maintenance of our shrines should not be handed over to the professionals, but should be carried out as service by devotees. It's an issue to be taken seriously and Pakistan must take steps to ensure it."

          Though the Pakistan SGPC claims to have released funds for the renovation and upkeep of the gurdwaras, the fact remains that only a small fraction has actually reached a few of the major shrines. And even where cosmetic repairs have been carried out, 'maryada,' observance of a code of conduct, is largely absent. It results from a mixture of lack of knowledge and deliberate abuse. Many of the shrines are, it is suspected, used as bases for secret terror operations. The photographs of a gurdwara near Lahore tell a vivid tale. Sites of holiness converted into storehouses of terror and propaganda. Something the Sikh community worldwide looks at painfully. "All of our religious functions, Gurpurabs (birthdays of the Gurus) and other ceremonies, have to be kept separate from propaganda and politics. It is important that there is no clash between two states in this regard, so that the sentiments of the Sikh community worldwide are not hurt," says Hardip Singh. The small Sikh community in Pakistan has little say in all that goes on, be it the administration, or even the running of their own gurudwaras. Their's is a perpetual struggle just to hold on to what they have.

Three Indian youths stranded in Pak send SOS to India (Go To Top)

          Lahore, July 4: It's a desperate cry for help from across the border. Encouraged by the gradual easing of tensions between the two arch-enemies, three Indian youths staying in Pakistan as illegal immigrants have appealed to the Indian government for help. The youths, trying to sneak into Greece from Lebanon without proper travel documents, were sent back to Lebanon. The authorities there then sent them to their original entry point of Iran from where they were eventually despatched to Pakistan. They have been languishing in Pakistan ever since. The young men say they paid Rs 300,000 each to a Lebanon-based travel agent who promised them great jobs in Greece."They told us that we will earn a lot when we reach there. Initally we did earn some money, around 1,600 dollars. So we were lured," said Avtar Singh," one of the immigrants. Originally from Punjab, they have now taken shelter in a Sikh shrine, Dera Sahib Gurdwara, in Pakistan to protect themselves from the state police. According to them, they have endured long periods of suffering, being sent back from one country to another, with still no signs of a re-union with their families back home. "Our families are very worried. We are also keen to return. We have been stranded for so long, have suffered so much. Stayed hungry, stayed in jails," said Balbir Singh, another of the three. Earlier in May, Pakistan handed over 20 Indian prisoners as part of the peace overtures between the two neighbours.

Bottomlines

Renee's 'beyond the grave' communication with Janis Joplin (Go To Top)

          London, July 4: Now, this might be enough to freak you out. Two time Oscar nominee Renee Zellweger claims that she has communicated with rock-and-roll legend Janis Joplin from beyond the grave to take advice on how to play her character correctly in her latest biopic, 'Piece of My Heart'. The heart-stromping songstress, who died in 1970 after a drug overdose, reportedly has such a strong connection with the svelte 'Bridget Jones Diary' star that Renee talks to her as she sleeps to ensure Janis' story is told properly, according to a report in the Daily Express. "She says Janis speaks to her in her dreams and tells her the way she wants her story told", a source close to Renee told the British tabloid. "It's like Joplin is standing there right beside her. Renee told me that when she sings a Joplin song, it's really Joplin's voice she's using, coming right out of her mouth. I've heard her sing two of Joplin's songs and it's quite a chilling experience", the source added.

Star tantrums come visiting Carey's gynaecologist (Go To Top)

          Washington, July 4: Starry tantrums could never get better or so it seems. Pop diva Mariah Carey is hell bent on carrying her star status even as she visits her gynecologist's office. Apparently, whenever the crooner has a tete-a-tete at Dr. Janice Marks' East 72nd Street, the singer is adamant that all other appointments during that time remain cancelled, a report in New York Post said. The 'Hero' singer is also finicky about having to spend time with lesser mortals in the waiting room. Wagging tongues say that Marks is tired of shutting down her office in order to accommodate Carey, with other patients expressing their discontent. "She's not going to do it again. It's just too much," a fellow patient was quoted as saying.

Generous Jude's hefty tip on date with Nic (Go To Top)

          New York, July 4: Tranquil dining out with pal Nicole Kidman was all Jude Law wanted and for that the grateful actor gave a New York waiter a generous tip recently. The 'Cold Mountain' hunk was so relieved their waiter left them alone to finish their meals before asking for an autograph. He left him a 300 dollars tip, according to a report in TeenHollywood. "You have waited until our meal was over before asking for that - you are a gentleman", Jude told the waiter. Oscar-winning Nicole is rumoured to be the reason behind Jude's split from wife Sadie Frost, although the pair has strongly denied these stories, the report added.

'I haven't had sex in a long time': Jolie (Go To Top)

          London, July 4: It's been ages since 'Tomb Raider' star Angelina Jolie last got frisky in the bedroom, says the lady herself. According to a report in the Sun, once boasting of kinky sex games with ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton and more recently having snared one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors in Nicolas Cage, Jolie's sex life is not as jolly. Asked what she thought of being seen as a sex symbol, she said: "Considering I haven't had sex in a really long time, I find that really funny."

Diana's portrayal in comic outrages public sentiments (Go To Top)

          London, July 4: In a spin-off from the popular X-Men series, the comic X-statix has sparked outrage bringing back Diana to life as a mutant superhero who battles evil. Appearing in a story called 'Die Another Day', in one scene she leapfrogs a weird bulging-eyed monster flashing her stocking tops and cleavage. The cartoon - published by New York-based Marvel Comics - has been branded "sick" and "tasteless", says a report in the Sun. Richard Johnson, editor of a comic industry website, said: "Most people think this is in incredibly bad taste. This is the first time a specific celebrity has appeared in the book. I think the only reason for that is to attract more attention." "I can't believe they are treating Diana's memory in this way. It's just sick", said a comic fan. According to the report, X-Statix writer Peter Milligan, however, laughed off the controversy. He said: "Diana looks great in spandex! She may not be like the flying, lethally-oscillating characters that populate my comic. But the strange power she exerts from beyond the grave certainly makes her a valid subject for us." X-Statix is already on sale in America and Britain and is expected to sell around 150,000 copies worldwide.

It's splitsville for Sharon Stone, hubby (Go To Top)

          London, July 4: Sharon Stone and her husband Phil Bronstein have decided to part ways after five years of marriage. The couple reached the decision after the Oscar-nominated US actress returned home after finishing shooting of a spy-film, titled 'A Different Loyalty,' co-starring Rupert Everett. Sharon tied the knot with Phil, editor-in-chief of the `San Francisco Chronicle,' on Valentine's Day in 1998 and two years later they adopted a baby boy, Roan. Things between the couple reportedly went sour when photos of Phil enjoying cocktails with several blonde women appeared in Star Magazine. According to insiders, the marriage ended so suddenly that neither side had time to seek legal, financial nor custodial advice regarding the dissolution of the marriage, reports People News. Phil is currently staying in his work place, while Sharon is in Los Angeles.

Sexy Salma single again (Go To Top)

          London, July 4: First, it was Sharon Stone and her editor husband, now it's Edward Norton and Salma Hayek. The Oscar- nominated Hollywood couple have decided to split up. It was a month ago that singer Courtney Love, who reportedly had a clandestine four-year affair with Ed, hinted that the couple may not be together for long. "He'll never marry her. For one he can barely understand half of what she's saying," insisted Courtney. Salma is a Mexican actress, who mostly speaks Spanish. Recently, Ed was spotted enjoying a romantic evening with a `gorgeous blonde' with Salma nowhere in sight. "Ed was introducing the woman as his girlfriend. You couldn't find a more different-looking woman from Salma," a source was quoted as saying by People News.

Kylie bids adieu to her famous assets (Go To Top)

          London, July 4: Has Kylie Minogue had enough of it or has her French beau got to do something with it? Well, whatever the reason is, the bad news for her millions of male fans around the world is that the Aussie pop princess is planning to get rid of her famous "hot-panted, sex-kitten" image in favour of a sophisticated French look. And once again stylist Will Baker, the man responsible for those gold hot pants, will handle Kylie's image makeover. "Kylie's is the most famous backside in showbiz. What an impact those hot pants made. But I want to take her away from the sex symbol thing now. She loves French sophistication and I think it's perfect for her - especially as she's with Olivier (Martinez), a French movie star," Will was quoted as saying by the Sun.