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Patil to go on three-day visit to Andaman, Nicobar

     New Delhi: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will start his three-day visit to the tsunami-hit areas of Andaman and Nicobar islands from Saturday to take stock of the rehabilitation and reconstruction work. Patil is expected to meet the Governor, Ram Kapse, and senior officials of the Union Territory administration. He will also be visiting the relief camps and interact with the locals to assess the progress of relief and rehabilitation work in Car Nicobar, Nancowry and Nicobar group of Islands. During a meeting with his ministry officials last evening, the Minister reviewed the progress of the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in these islands. He also wanted to know about the despatch of building materials from the mainland for construction of temporary shelters has begun and the shipping schedule for the current month finalised, he was informed on the same by his officials. Patil directed his officials to take measures to complete the construction of temporary shelters before the onset of monsoons. He was also briefed about the progress of the reconstruction work of damaged jetties and roads.

Naxals kidnap 13 people in Orissa (Go To Top)

     Rairakhol (Orissa): Suspected leftist rebels kidnapped 13 labourers, working for a road project in Orissa, police said today. A group of about 40 rebels abducted recently. "They came with covered faces. They dragged me from my room and threatened me that if I shout, they will shoot me. They tied me with a rope and asked me about the details of money spend on a labourer. I told them that I am a helper and they left me," Tunga, a villager, said. Police officials said the rebels were trying to build a base in the area. "It seems that they wanted to create a base here and after creating a base they want to increase their strength so that they can influence men to do criminal activities," said S.K. Nath, policed inspector, Sambalpur. Nath said the rebels released six of the kidnapped labourers. Five people suspected to be involved in the kidnapping have been arrested. Police have launched a massive combing operation in the nearby forest area to nab the abductors.

Sonia shares platform with Soren in Jharkhand (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi is campaigning in the naxal-affected areas of Jharkhand today, as the countdown to the second phase of election begins. She is sharing the platform with JMM chief Shibu Soren at a joint rally at Gumla in East Singhbhommi district. Sonia Gandhi said, "We will bring happiness. Children's future will be secure. Jharkhand does not lack in anything. Nature has been kind. It is rich in minerals and people are hardworking." "But the state is lagging behind because the leaders in the ruling party have been fighting among themselves," she added.