HERALD PUBLICATIONS-JUNE 6

OHERALDOThe Voice of Goa Since 1900

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JUNE 5

Even as the resignation ofTourism Minister, MickkyPacheco from the DigambarKamat cabinet has created a stirin political circles, all appearedquiet at the Betalbatim resi-dence of the minister.

When HCN cameraman San-tosh Mirajkar visited the resi-dence of the tourism minister,there wasnt much activity, ex-cept a lone policemen guardinghis residence.

Pachecos official car with thered beacon and his Hummer carwere parked outside. Inquiriesonly revealed that the ministerwas not holed inside, even asthe Goa Police was asked to lookout for Pacheco after he failedto turn up at the Crime Branchoffice for questioning.

A lone policemen in uniform,believed to be the former min-isters bodyguard, was seenguarding the Betalbatim resi-dence, while the usual hustleand bust le went miss ing.Pacheco was personally notavailable inside the building.

Incidentally, while the GoaPolice went to the town withthe news that the police hasalerted all police stations totrace Mickky Pacheco, the policewere conspicuous by their ab-sence at the residence of theBenaulim MLA.

Surprisingly, there was nomovement at the District andSessions Court as there werespeculations that the Benaulimlegislator would move the courtfor anticipatory bail. It may berecalled that in the casino ex-tortion case, the former ministerhad immediately moved theSouth Goa Sessions Court foranticipatory bail, which wasgranted with conditions.

When Herald contactedPachecos Officer on Special

PTI

WASHINGTON, JUNE 5

India has been given access toDavid Coleman Headley, Pak-istani-American LeT (Lashkar eToiba) operative who has con-fessed to his role in the Mumbaiattacks, United States NationalSecurity Adviser James Jonessaid today.

Yes access (to Headley) hasbeen given. This is an ongoingprocess and I dont have any de-tailed information that will behelpful except to say that it isin the hands of right profession-als from both countries, Jonestold PTI at his White House of-fice.We have fulfilled our com-mitment, he said.

However, Jones did not havedetailed information about howand when a team of visiting In-dian investigators was given ac-cess to Headley, who is beingheld in Chicago.

We are very happy that inthis world of terrorist activities

that our two countries can worktogether to make sure that weexchange information rapidly,we exchange intelligence thatwe have, when we capture peo-ple that are mutual interest wetry to arrange for those peopleto be interviewed by all inter-ested sides in the interest ofsolving the problems of thesenetworks, he said.

Asked if this access to Headleyis going to be a one-time affairor whether Indian investigatingagencies would be given accessmultiple times, Jones said: Idont know but the spirit of co-operation and respect for each

others position is alive and welland we have taken the first step,we just have to wait and seewhether there is any other re-quest beyond this one.

When asked what does thiscase symbolise, the US nationalsecurity adviser said: If I werea terrorist, it would tell me thatlooks like India and the Unitedstates are working very closelytogether and that is going tomake my job a lot more difficultto be successful and thats agood thing.

Jones said: What we needis a network of countries thatcan operate in the same waywith speed, with precision, withopenness because there is notone country that is going to de-feat terrorism; it is going to bemany countries working together.

His remarks follow visitingExternal Affairs Minister S M Kr-ishnas statement that investi-gations of this nature are verysensitive.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 5

In a change of politicalfortunes and turn ofevents, f lamboyant

Tourism Minister and Na-tionalist Congress Party

l eg i s l a to r M ickk yPacheco who is

being probedin the Nadia

T o r r a d odeath caseresignedf r o mthe

cabinet on Saturday after hisparty high command pressurisedhim to quit.

The minister, who failed toappear at the Crime Branch forfurther interrogation, sent hisresignation to the Chief MinisterDigambar Kamat today after-noon. He was not contactablethe entire day and the CrimeBranch too maintained he couldnot be contacted.

Goa Police Public RelationsOfficer Atmaram Deshpandesaid they alerted all police sta-tions in the State after the min-ister could not be tracedanywhere. The search for theminister will continue till he istraced. If he is not traceable theinvestigating officer in the casewill move for the next courseof action as per law, he observed.

A communiqu issued by theDepartment of Information inthe evening stated the governorhad accepted the resignation ofthe minister on the recommen-dation of the chief minister withimmediate effect.

NCPs National Secretary Jee-t endra Deshprabhu sa id

Mickkys resignation arose as aconsensus within the party. Incase of the minister, things hadgone beyond a reasonable pointand on moral grounds the partyhad to take a stand, he stated.But, however, Deshprabhu saidMickky continued to be a partyman.

Pacheco in his resignation let-ter maintained he was resigningfrom the cabinet over the alle-gations levelled against him inthe death of Nadia, who diedon May 30 in Chennai, 15 daysafter she consumed rat poison.

The chief minister, who hada word with NCP supremoSharad Pawar said Mickkys de-cision to quit was right becauseorders had come from his partyshigh command.

NCPs State President CarmoPegado said the tourism minis-ters resignation was on moralgrounds and he was asked todo so in the interest of the party.

When questioned whetherthe Tivim legislator NilkantHalarnkar would be next in linefor ministerial berth, Pegadosaid it was but obvious. As a

matter of right it is natural thatthe portfolios of Mickky shouldgo to Nilkant. We have spokento the CM in this regard, he stated.

The CM, too, reportedlyspoke to the NCP supremoSharad Pawar about Mickkysresignation and added anotherminister would be sworn in his place.

Kamat said he had briefedPawar about the events andmaintained Congress and NCPhigh commands will jointly takea decision on who will replacePacheco.

The Bharatiya Janata Party ap-peared happy over the ministersresignation. In a statement thepartys spokesperson RajendraArlekar said the resignation ofthe minister had proved BJPsdoubts in the episode. We hopethe investigation will be held inan impartial manner and the cul-prit booked. This will improvethe image of Goa which is beingtarnished by tainted ministersin the Kamat ministry, he said.

VASCO REPORTER ADDS:

Vasco police were on their toesSaturday as various teams were

India: Kangana has taken

Bollywood by storm Pg 9

Sports: Schiavone crowned

French Open queen Pg 16

Goa: Under construction well

caves in; 2 feared dead Pg 2

Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in panjim, sunDaY, june 6, 2010 pRiCe Rs. 3.00 (air surcharge Rs 1.50) pages 16+6

SUNDAY

(Continued on page 2)





IN BRIEF

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 5

Goas existence from the mapwould be wiped off if the currenttrend of sea-level rise continues,said a renowned environmen-talist.

With the current trend ofsea level rise, Goa will soon meetthe fate of Dvarka, Dr KasturiDessai, a scientist, told Herald.

Rise in sea levels poses a bigthreat to all coastal cities of thecountry. No wonder, the people

of Goa are coming to realise thatsome of its best beaches andtowns could go under water inthe next few decades, sheadded.

Dr Dessai said that large por-tions of land are engulfed bythe sea every year due to sea-level rise, which is attributed toclimatic change and globalwarming.

Its not possible to predictwhen the entire State will besubmerged as sea-level rise is aslow process. It will slowly and

steadily erode the shoreline,she feels.

A scientific study has revealedthat around 4.3 per cent ofGoas 105 kilometre coastlinehas already been affected by aone meter rise in sea level,which continues. The study alsosays that 7.3 per cent of Goascoastal population is affectedby beach erosion which is alsovery high compared to otherStates

By 2050 and 2080 if the sea

Rising sea could swallow Goa: Greens

The study revealed that around4.3 per cent of Goas 105-kmcoastline has already been affected by one meter rise in sealevel, which continues. The study also says that 7.3 percent of Goas coastal populationis affected by beach erosion. By 2050 and 2080 if the sea levelwould rise by 38 and 59 metersrespectively, then Goa would losemaximum percentage of its landand its population.

Mickky quits; vanishes Police stations on alert to trace him

All quiet atBetalbatim

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 5

While the family members ofNadia Torrado, who are beingsubjected to rounds of interro-gation, continue to maintainthey were being harassed for

no reason, there were no firmconclusions as to where the casewas headed even after two daysof questioning.

It is not yet clear what theCrime Branch is looking at, evenas Police Inspector Sunita

Sawant maintained the case wasopen in all angles. The twobrothers of Nadia said theydidnt have a clue where thiswas all heading.

Nadias mother, Sonia, wasquestioned for the entire day

today at the Crime Branch. Sheappeared out of the Dona Paulaoffice of the Crime Branch ataround 7.30 pm and was led tothe car by her younger son. Shelooked tired and showed no in-terest in answering queries from

the press. When the news of Mickkys

resignation was broken at theCrime Branch office Nadiasbrothers showed no interest.How does this news affect us? said

India finally gets access to Headley

Yes access (to Headley) hasbeen given. This is anongoing process and I donthave any detailed informationthat will be helpful except tosay that it is in the hands ofright professionals from bothcountries.

All quiet at the residence of the Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco afterhe resigned from the Digambar Kamat ministry.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

l Mickky skips functions

l NGOs demandGSCW chiefs

resignation overNadias death

ON PAGE 3

IPL: No end toPawars woes

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 5

Agriculture Minister SharadPawars cup of woes appears tobe overflowing.

The Nationalist CongressParty (NCP) chief seems to havegot embroiled further in the IPLbid controversy with the BCCIchief Shashank Manohar saying

Near-collision of airplanes averted A near-collision between anIndian Airlines aircraft and JetAirways flight over Tiruchirap-palli air space was avertedtoday by timely alertness ofpilots of both the planes. (PTI)

GOAHERALD

Pg2GOA, SUNDAY, 6 JUNE, 2010

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MARCEL, JUNE 5

The highest passing percentageat the Secondary School Certifi-cate (SSC) examination has putundue pressure on admissionsin educational institutions.

For some students, gettingadmission to higher secondaryschools has become a distancedream, especially for studentseager to enter the Sciencestream.

In Ponda taluka too, the sit-uation is no different, as thereis a long waiting list of studentswanting to join Science andother streams.

There has been an overflowof students wanting to get ad-mission in our institute. The rea-son I suppose is due to the SSCEresults which has been excep-tional this year, said AvdhootKamat, principal of GVMsHigher Secondary School,Ponda.

We have 150 seats for Sci-ence stream and we have writ-ten to the education department

for increase in the seats, saidKamat.

In all, 70 students are onthe waiting list for Sciencestream. The seats are alreadyfull, except for the manage-ment quota o f about 30seats, added Kamat.

The closing percentagefor getting admission in theScience stream has touched78%. Every year, we used getaround 70-80 students, whosecured ove r 80% in the

SSCE, but this year the num-ber has c rossed the 115mark. In Commerce too, thereis a waiting list of about 50 stu-dents, informed Kamat.

Said PES Higher SecondarySchool, Farmagudi-Ponda, Prin-cipal Tukaram Gaonkar : Ihavent seen such a situationbefore. Every student wants toget into Science stream, but weare helpless as there are limitedseats.

We also have around 70 stu-dents on the waiting list of Sci-ence stream. Apart from Science,there is also a long waiting listin Commerce and Vocationalstreams. We have written to theeducation department askingpermission for additional divi-sion in Science, Arts and Com-merce streams and for 20additional seats in the Voca-tional stream, he added.

If this is done, then the prob-lem can be solved. We are wait-i ng fo r a rep l y f rom theeducation department, saidGaonkar.

Institutions face difficulties in admitting SSC students

nThere has beenan overflow ofstudents wantingto get admissionin our institute.The reason Isuppose is due tothe SSCE resultswhich has beenexceptional thisyear. --Avdhoot Kamat

Motorcycle collides with mining truck, 2 hurt

A youth looks at the motorcycle under the truck. Photo by John Fernandes


QUPEEM, JUNE 5

Two riders were seriously in-jured when a speeding miningtruck hit the motorcycle fromthe rear at Quepem on Satur-day.

Incidentally, the mishap tookplace in front of the RTO officeand in the presence of a policeofficer deputed to regulate min-ing traffic along the route.

According to reports, Cae-tan Rebelo, a motorcyclepilot from Quepem and a res-ident of Godgal-Ambaulimalong with a pil l ion riderwere proceeding on the mo-torcyc le (GA-09-U-0387) ,when they were knockeddown by a truck (GA-08-U-

THOMAS FERNANDES

CALANGUTE, JUNE 5

When a 240-metre long ore car-rier ran aground off the Can-dolim coast on a stormy nighton June 6, 2000, no one wouldhave expected the ship to re-main at the site for the next tenyears.

State governments havechanged over the years, but theMV River Princess continues tolanguish about 300 metres fromthe seashore, much to the dis-may of environmentalists andresidents in the area.

Residents of Candolim andneighbouring villages formedthe River Princess Hatao Manchand held many agitations, whichincluded a human-chain and aroad-blockade, to press for theearly removal of the RiverPrincess. But their efforts toseek a positive response fromthe government in power havemet with little success.

The attitude of variousgovernments to find a wayto remove the grounded shiphas been such that many ofus fear the ship will remainat the site for many years tocome. Who knows, it maythen even be declared a her-itage site, was the sarcasticremark of a resident fromCandolim.

Accusing the government ofmaking false promises to thepeople, many residents opinedthat though the River Princesswas declared a State Disaster,the vessel still remains off theCandolim coast.

A decade on, Princess removal still a distant dream

The River Princess marks 10 years of its existence off the Calangute coast. Photo by Thomas Fernandes

The River Princess is a verysad story for the unfortunatevillagers of Candolim. They havebeen praying fervently and tire-lessly in churches, chapels andtemples for its early removal,remarked Convener of RiverPrincess Hatao Manch FerminoFernandes.

The vessel would have neverbeen stranded off the Candolimcoast and could have towedaway in the very first month ofits arrival. However, the care-lessness of the successive gov-ernments has forced the RiverPrincess to remain for so long,he added.

Initially, successive govern-ments messed up over the re-

moval of the vessel. Whileawarding contracts for the re-moval of the vessel, the capa-bilities or past track records ofthe contractors were not ascer-tained by the government, al-leged Fernandes.

The government is leastbothered about the damage tothe environment or sufferingsof the people. They are, how-ever, qu ick to make rosyspeeches about efforts beingmade to remove the RiverPrincess, he added.

When contacted, local MLAAgnelo Fernandes said: Thework on the tenders has begun,but it will take time which isvery unfortunate for the villagers

of Candolim. Hopefully, theprocess will be expedited at alater stage to get rid of thestranded vessel.

It may be recalled that variousconcerns were raised as soonas the R iver Pr incess ranaground on June 6, 2000. In Sep-tember, oil began to leak fromthe ship and posed ecologicalproblems.

In 2001, the governmentpassed the Goa Tourist Places(protection and maintenance)Act, 2001 in a bid to remove theRiver Princess.

Two years later, the govern-ment passed an order claimingthat Salgaocar Mining IndustriesLtd had forfeited vessel and that

the ship was now vested withthe government.

The government then issuedtenders to remove the ship andthough the US-based Smith In-ternational bagged the tender,it claimed the time-period to re-move the ship was too shortand eventually turned down thetender. Crosschem InternationalLtd of UK then bagged the ten-der, but was unable to removethe ship.

In 2006, the government ap-points Jaisu Shipping Pvt Ltdfrom Gujarat to remove the shipwithin a period of 90 days, butthe company too failed to hon-our the contract within the ini-tial deadline.

nIncidentally, the mishap took place in frontof the RTO office and in the presence of apolice officer deputed to regulate miningtraffic along the route. While sourcesclaimed that the truck driver was under theinfluence of alcohol, the police, however,denied the claim.

8713) , dr iven by IscarewMathew Sunny, a native ofKarnataka but residing atCacumordi-Quepem.

The motorcycle along withthe pilot and the pillion riderwere then dragged to a distanceof about 10 metres.

Both riders were seriously in-jured and were rushed to the

Hospicio at Margao. While sources claimed that

the truck driver was under theinfluence of alcohol, the police,however, denied the claim.

Quepem police has arrestedthe truck driver on charges ofdriving in a rash and negligentdriving manner and for endan-gering public life.

well under construction cavesin at Agonda, two feared dead

FROM PAGE 1

Mickky quits; vanishessent to the airport, railway sta-tion, bus stops and hotels inMormugao taluka, in a bid tolocate former Tourism MinisterMicky Pacheco.

P o l i c e I n s p e c t o r B r a zManezes along with the air-port outpost staff were seen

patiently waiting at the air-port and were keeping a con-s t a n t w a t c h o n b o t hdomestic and internationaldepartures and arrivals.

The register books at mosthotels in Mormugao taluka werealso checked and police teams

were also posted at the Vascorailway station.

Police checked the Delhi-bound Goa Express trains in af-ternoon and the eveningBangalore-bound Yeswantpurexpress train, but could not lo-cate Pacheco.

Duty, Lyndon Monteiro said thelegislator would not move thecourt for bail. He said thatPacheco would make his pres-ence felt before the Crime

Branch later in the evening asassured on Friday.

In fact, when contacted again,Lyndon said that Pacheco ispresently in Margao and is await-

ing the arrival of a Mumbai-based criminal lawyer to accom-pany him before the CrimeBranch for the second round ofinvestigations.

All quiet at Betalbatim

the elder brother, who remainedat the office the entire day.

The tourism minister whoclaimed he was close to the fam-ily remained elusive for the en-tire day with the Goa Policeissuing alerts at all police sta-tions to trace him.

Earlier in the day the youngerbrother of Nadia was taken in-side for questioning.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ag-nelo Fernandes who answered

a few questions while he wasleaving the Crime Branch officesaid he would submit his reportlikely by next week. I am yetto begin the inquiry as I amawaiting the viscera report ofthe deceased, he said.

Crime Branch officers re-mained tight-lipped over thegrilling of Mickky Pacheco formore than eight hours yesterday.Rumours were floating aroundin the day he was likely to be

arrested, but police denied anysuch move.

Later in the evening, againrumours were doing the roundsthat Mickky was coming to theCrime Branch office. But byabout 7.45 pm the rumour fiz-zled out as there was no signof Mickky.

Meanwhile, it is learnt thatNadias mother and her brothershave been called for interroga-tion on Sunday.

No clue yet ...

Rising sea could swallow ... level would rise by 38 and 59meters respectively, then Goawould lose maximum percent-age of its land and its popula-tion, an article in the book onGlobal warming and climaticchange by Dr Desh Bandhu hasclaimed.

Dr Dessai was addressing apanel discussion on a theme Cli-matic change and biodiversityon the occasion of World Envi-ronment Day and the Interna-tional Year of Biodiversity,organised by the Center for En-vironment Education (CEE) atthe Nat iona l Ins t i tute o fOceanography (NIO).

Dr Unnikrishnan, an NIO sci-entist, said that thermal expan-sion in the ocean, melting ofglaciers and ice are mainly at-tributed to global warming andglobal sea level rise.

About Goa, a lot needs to bestudied and examined. The sea-level rise has affected large por-tions of land here but to whatextent it will lead in future cantbe predicted at the moment,

he said replying to a question.Dr Baban Ingole also pointed

out that the increasing sea-levelrise has a long term impact onmangrove plantations in theState. As its a slow process,the impact is not visible. Butmangroves, which are a hinter-tidal plants wont be in a stageto expose themselves as theyrequire low tide, he explained.

During the discussion, Dr Des-sai, who has done several stud-ies on sand dunes across theState, said that large number ofsand dune vegetation through-out the State has been de-stroyed due to tourism activities,which are mushrooming alongthe coast.

To give way to tourism de-velopment, vegetations on sanddunes have been cleared. In2009, when I conducted a sur-vey, I found that almost all thevegetations were cleaned andthe dunes were open, she said.

When asked whether, thesand-filled geotubes are the onlyoption to protect the heavily

eroded beach stretch, Dr Dessaisaid that the geotubes are nota supplement for vegetation.

Candolim and Keri beach aresupplemented with geotubes,which is not a solution. And assuch I feel that in next five years,the entire Goa coast will be fullof geotubes and no plantation,he predicted.

However, Minister for Envi-ronment, Alexio Sequeria saidthat the State government wasforced to take up the idea ofgeotubes at Candolim, which isaffected with River Princess.

If the vessel still continuesover there, it will wipe out theshore, he said.

Other members present forthe panel discussion were Pro-fessor B S Jangode, AgricultureUniversity, Shirshi, Pankaj Kud-tadkar, and Sandeep Azrekar.

Director of Science and Tech-nology Micheal DSouza and theChairman of the Goa State Pol-lution Control Board Dr SimonDSouza were also present dur-ing the occasion.

Rescue workers trying to retrieve the persons trapped inside the well.

IPL: No end to Pawars woesthe IPL Governing Council didnot know that Aniruddha Desh-pande of the City Corporationbid in his individual capacity forthe Pune IPL team.

Congress today continued tokeep a distance from the con-troversy, suggesting that theNCP leader should do all the ex-

plaining on the issue. The issueinvolves BCCI, Pawar and the in-quiry going into the IPL. If thereare any facts give it to it (in-quiry). Congress has nothing tocomment. You should ask thesequestions to Pawar, All IndiaCongress Committee (AICC)spokesman Abhishek Singhvi

told reporters here. The Pune bid, which was ul-

timately won by the Saharagroup, has snowballed into amajor controversy involving for-mer BCCI chief and AgricultureMinister Sharad Pawar and hisparl iamentarian daughterSupriya Sule.


CANACONA, JUNE 5

Four persons were trappedwhen a well under constructioncaved in under a landslide atAgonda on Saturday.

While one person was pulledout, three persons were stilltrapped inside the 8-feet deepwell, which incidentally col-lapsed on the third day of itsexcavation.

Sources told Herald that thewell was taken up for construc-tion two days ago at Val-ward,a southern side of Agondabeach, by Domnic Fernandes, alocal of the area. Incidentally,there are at least three suchwells in the area.

Five workers had reached adepth of 8 feet, when the sidewalls collapsed and trapped thefour labourers, who were aboutto end their days work at about5.30 pm.

Sources informed that oneworker had come out mo-ments before the landslide,w h i l e t h e s e c o n d m a n ,Prakash Velip (35) was pulledout by villagers and shiftedto Hospicio at Margao.

Two were seen alive for overtwo hours while the third oneburied under the mud and sand,disappearing immediately afterthe well collapsed at about 5.30on Saturday evening.

The three trapped labourershave been identified as NarayanPagi (45) of Dhawalkhazan-

Agonda, Kamlakar Fondu Velip(35) of Ambdem-Khola andSukdo Velip (55) of Mudcheli-Agonda. Efforts were on till lateSaturday n ight to rescueNarayan Pagi from the well.

Attempts by the CanaconaFire Services to dig out thetrapped labourers with the helpof a JCB from a distance proved

detrimental, as the fragile wellwalls reportedly began to col-lapse, prompting the firemen togive up the idea.

The National Disaster Re-sponse Force (NDRF) thentook charge of the rescueoperations.

About 30 NDRF personnelwere manually trying to remove

the mud in a desperate bid torescue the three trapped labour-ers.

Deputy Collector Deepak Des-sai, Disaster Management in-cha rge Ashutosh Apte ,Mamlatdar T B Shetkar, DySPGurudas Mhatme and CanaconaPI Raju Raut Dessai were all sta-tioned at the site, supervising

the rescue operation and tryingto rescue the trapped labourers.

Former minister Sanjay Ban-dekar, Agonda acting sarpanchGulshan Guru Bandekar, ex-sarpanch Jovi Fernandes andPanch Tipu Pagi were seen as-sisting the rescue teams in theoperations, which continued tilllate Saturday evening.

VGG visits controversial projects at Sancoale HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, JUNE 5

Activists of the VillagersGroup of Goa (VGG) on Saturdayvisited various controversial realestate projects at Sancoale onthe occasion of World Environ-ment Day.

The VGG activists first pro-ceeded to a hotel project alongthe NH-17B at Upasanagar thatis under construction and laterwent near the BITS Pillani com-plex, where private forest landhas been converted to accom-modate a hotel project.

The VGG activities expressedshock that the Mormugao Plan-ning Development Authority(MPDA) had allowed the builder

to convert a green zone intosettlement zone.

They later went to inspect amega housing project of a notedVasco-based builder, who is aclose associate of a minister,which is coming up near theMES College.

Their f inal stop was atMatvem-Dabolim, where aportion of a hill has been cutfor a proposed approachroad leading to a hill-top realestate project.

However, the MPDA has is-sued a show-cause notice to thebuilder to stop barbed fencingfollowing a complaint fromEdwin Mascarenhas.

Interestingly, most projects

are being built on eco-sensitiveland and are facing either theZuari River or Arabian Sea.

Enough is enough. The gov-ernment has to curb such bla-tant v io lat ions that haveendangered the ecology of theState. Tourists are attracted to

Goa because of its naturalbeauty and not the concert jun-gles, said VGG Convener JoaoPhilip Pereira. Edwin Mascaren-has alleged that the ODP of Mor-mugao taluka had been plannedas per the whims and fancies ofreal estate sharks and accused

the TCP of failing to act on ille-galities of the builders.

Others present during the sitevisits included Prajal Sakar-dande, Simon Carvalho, RuiAraujo, Carmin Miranda, FrankeyMonteiro, Audoot Naik andother activists.


PORVORIM, JUNE 5

The District Institution of Ed-ucation and Training (DIET) atPorvorim has finalized the meritlist of students for admissionsto the two -year course inDiploma in Education for theacademic year 2010-11.

While 240 candidates had ap-plied for the 50 seats at the DEdcourse in Marathi medium, 434candidates had applied for the50 seats at the DEd course inEnglish medium.

The eligibility criteria for ad-mission to the DEd course is aminimum of 50% marks at HSSC

examination of Goa Board forgeneral category and 40% min-imum marks for the students ofreserved category such as OBC,Schedules Caste and ScheduledTribes.

In the general category, 33were selected out the 137 eli-gible candidates for the Englishmedium course, while 32 of the69 eligible candidates were se-lected for the Marathi mediumcourse.

S tuden t s who secu redover 63% marks at the HSSCexams could find a place inthe merit list of first yearDEd course.

DIET finalises merit list of students

pg2:Layout 1 6/5/2010 11:35 AM Page 1

GOA, SUNDAY, 6 JUNE, 2010

GOAHERALD

Pg3

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JUNE 5

Womens organizations have de-manded the resignation of theChairperson of Goa State Com-mission for Women (GSCW)Ezilda Sapeco for the failure ofthe Commission to take suomoto cognizance of the NadiaTorrado mysterious death andfor castigating the NGOsThe role of the Chairperson ofGoa State Commission forWomen came in for severe crit-icism at the hands of BailanchoEkvott and Savera, who de-manded to know why the Com-mission did not suo moto takethe Nadia Torrado case.On the contrary, these two or-ganizations pointed out that theCommission was too eager toattend to the complaint filed byNadias mother instead of prob-ing into the death of the youngwoman.Addressing a press conference,Bailancho Ekvott Auda Viegasdemanded the resignation ofthe Ezilda Sapeco for castingaspersions on Savera PresidentTara Kerkar on the Ratol pastetube.She said Mickky Pacheco andNadias family is trying to avoidjustice by accusing the policefor harassment meting out to

the family.She said that since Pacheco hasresigned, there should be a fullproof inquiry to unearth themystery surrounding Nadiasdeath.She praised South Goa Super-intendent of Police, Allan De Saand other officers for their rolein the investigations of the casesince day one.Viegas urged Nadias motherSonia to throw light on the cir-cumstances leading to the deathof her daughter.

Colva Panch Calvert Gonsalves,who attended the press briefing,said that at last justice is donein the case with the TourismMinister putting in his papersand praised SP, South Allan DeS and his team, besides theCrime branch for the investiga-tions. For a change, the CrimeBranch was quick in investi-gating the present case,Calvert added.Meanwhile, Savera PresidentTara Kerkar has demanded thearrest of Nadias mother andbrother in connection with thecase to unearth the circum-stances leading to the womansdeath. I am surpr i sed that theCommiss ion Chai rpersonmade a comment a f te r Ishowed a Ratol paste tube.I have been involved in tak-ing up womens issues sincemany years now , Kerkarsaid and asked whether theCommission Chairperson hasmade any contribution towomens issues.She demanded that the CrimeBranch should conduct a de-tailed inquiry after arresting hermother and brother and inter-rogating her close friends.

NGOs demand GSCW chiefs resignation over Nadias death

Mickkyskips

functionsHERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JUNE 5

Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheconot only skipped the secondround of questioning by theCrime branch, but was conspic-uous by his absence at the freenote book distribution functionsorganised by him in the newconstituency of Nuvem on Sat-urday morning.

Free note books were dis-tributed by Pacheco on Sat-u rd a y i n t h e v i l l a g e s o fLoutolim, Nuvem, Verna andNagoa villages falling int h e n e w A s s e m b l y c o n -stituency of Nuvem wherethe Benaulim MLA has sethis eyes to contest againstPower Minister Alexio Se-queira in the coming Assem-bly polls.

Pacheco, however, skippedthe function at Nuvem, wherehe was scheduled to make hispresence felt and distribute freenote books to around 1200 stu-dents.

In his absence, the bookswere distributed by Viola forsome t ime before NuvemZilla Panchayat Member Wil-fred De Sa did the job forthe MLA.

Wilfred informed that 10 notebooks were distributed to eachof the 1200 students in Nuvemvillage.

He said the books have beensponsored by the BenaulimMLA.

Free note books have beendistributed in Nagoa, Verna,Loutolim and Cortalim today,he said.

nThe role of theChairperson ofGoa StateCommission forWomen came infor severecriticism at thehands ofBailancho Ekvottand Savera, whodemanded toknow why theCommission didnot suo moto takethe Nadia Torradocase.

House burgled HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, JUNE 5

Valuables have been stolenfrom a residence at Bella Vista,Sangolda on Saturday.

According to reports, MukulLal had gone shopping some-time between 11 am and 2.40pm when burglars broke intohis house and stole a necklace,silver items and cash of Rs 1500.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JUNE 5

The South Goa Sessions Courton Saturday sentenced to lifeimprisonment a native of Jhark-hand for the murder of one Palalias Paul at Cansaulim in 2007.

A day after he was held guiltyfor Pals murder, Additional Ses-sions Judge P V Savaikar sen-tenced 26-year old SudhirKhanulano to life imprisonmenttoday. The court has further di-rected the accused to pay of Rs10,000.

In this case, the body of de-ceased Pal was found lying onthe r a i lway t r a ck a t theCansaulim railway station andpolice investigations only re-vealed that the deceased wasmurdered after the accused slithis throat and caused a woundin his abdomen.

The prosecution led by Public

Jharkhand native gets life rap

Prosecutor Bhanudas Gaonkar,had examined 15 witnesses insupport of its case.


MARCEL, JUNE 5

One person died while four oth-ers were injured when a road-side hotel at Mardol-Ponda wentup in flames in the wee hoursof Saturday.

According to reports, all fivepersons were asleep in the hotelwhen the incident occurred re-portedly due to short circuit ataround 2.30 am.

Ponda police said PrasannaDevraj, a native of Chikman-glure-Karnataka, died at the GoaMedical College and Hospital,

Bambol im, whi le Chai tanShankar (22), Annapa Rudraya(18) and Pradip Bassappa (21),all from Chikmanglure, andSimon Viegas (47) from Manga-lore have sustained burn in-juries. Viegas is reported in acritical condition with 60% burninjuries.

The property gutted in thefire is estimated at Rs 8 lakh.

Viegas had taken the hotel,owned by one YeshwantKhedekar, on rental basis andhe along with the four otherswere residing in the premises.

Locals claim that they hearda loud sound resembling an ex-plosion, which later was sus-pected to be the explosion of agas cylinder.

Fire personnel suspect a shortcircuit started the fire and theflames later spread to the hotel,leading to the cylinder explo-sion.

Fire fighters rushed to thesite and used two fire tenders,one each from the Ponda andKundaim fire stations. PSIDeepak Pednekar is investigat-ing the case.

Fire breaks out in hotel, one dead

The hotel gutted in the fire at Mardol. Photo by Amresh Parab

Fish catch on the decline in Goa

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 5

Its for two consecutive yearsthat fish catch of Goa has beenon decline as hostile weathercondition held back fishermenfrom going into the sea many atimes during the fishing season.

During last season the Cy-clone Phyan spelt doom formany trawler owners, this sea-son fishermen preferred to an-chor their vessels at the slightestwarning rather than face roughweather.

Many trawler owners sufferedhuge losses when Phyan hit GoaCoast in 2009.

Total marine catch camedown to 88771metric ton in2009, according to the provi-sional figures released by theFisheries department, this sea-son catch has further declinedto 80687 metric ton.

When contacted Director ofFisheries S C Verenkar though,said there is no scientific basisto show why there has beendrop in the fish catch, the in-clement weather condition haveto be blamed to some extend.

As season closes on June 15when fishing ban begins andwould be in force till July 31,most fishing trawlers havestopped their trips.

Since the cyclone warninglast month our trawlers havestopped going for fishing, says

Menino Afonso, Chairman Man-dovi Fishermen Co-operative Society Ltd.

Since Cyclone Phyan hit Goacoast in November last, notrawler attached to the Malimjetty has gone for deep sea fish-ing. They have not yet over-come their fears, says Afonsoand hence did not go deep seafishing.

Some 38 persons were re-ported missing from the Malimjetty and four trawlers never re-

Year Fish Catch (in metric tonnes)

2005 103087

2006 96326

2007 91185

2008 88771

2009 80687

turned as caught in the CyclonePhyan.

However, in addition to un-favorable weather, competitionfrom big trawlers coming fromoutside the State has been re-sponsible factor.

Our small trawlers with 150horse power cant compete withbig trawlers with 350 horsepower which come fishing intoGoas water, complaint Afonso.

While authorities may notable to pinpoint why there hasbeen decline in fish catch, butit is matter of concern as fishcatch of has seen drop post2005. (see box).

A drop has also been regis-tered in the quantity of inlandfish catch in the last few years.The drop has been since 2005 -- Inland fish catch was about4194 metric but since this hassteadily declined to 3000 metricton.

GOA GOA, SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010

HERALD

Pg 4

UPCOMing EvEnTS

SHORT TAKES

POWER SHUTDOWN

Weekly market at Honda

The weekly market day at Honda-Sattari. Photo by Ashraf Khan

VALPOI(HC): The newly conducted weekly Bazaar at Hondahas been drawing attention not only from the local people,but also from the residents of Keri, Poriem, Pissurlem, Valpoiand Sanquelim.

Speaking to Herald, a group of residents from Honda in-formed that the main reason for the heavy rush at the weeklybazaar is that the Bazaar day is held on a holiday, Sunday.

There is also a flow of migrant people at this area, asHonda area caters to the shortcut route to Karnataka and Ma-harashtra, said the residents.

Meanwhile, the newly allotted area for fish market at Honda-Sattari also caters to the needs of residents of Honda and sur-rounding areas.

Unlike other weekly Bazaars in the State, the weekly Bazaarat Honda reduces traffic congestion as there is plenty of spacefor parking vehicles near the fish market.

Drama, art training imparted

Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar distributes certificates tochildren at the Rangamachi camp in Curchorem.

Photo by Suresh Naik

CURCHOREM (HC): Sankalp Theatres, Curchorem, recentlyorganized a 15-day Drama Art Training camp Rangamachi forsmall children at Curchorem.

The camp was organized in association with the Directorateof Art and Culture, Panjim. In all, 50 children participated inthe camp which was held under the expert guidance of DramaArt Teacher Avdhut Sahakari.

Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar was the chief guest forthe concluding function, which was held at Ravindra Bhavan,Curchorem.

Satardekar appreciated the Sankalp Theatres for organizingthe camp since the last four years. Such camp helps to bringout the hidden talents in children, he said.

Hanumant Vast and teacher Avdhut Sahakari were presenton the occasion.

The children presented four different one act plays in fourdifferent languages on the occasion. Hauns Theatres, Ponda,presented a drama The Maal Goa-2010.

Later, MLA Satardekar presented the certificates to all theparticipating children.

SSC Round-Up

Abhinav Vidyamandir COLLEM(HC): Abhinav Vidyamandir High School, Mollem,

secured 85 per cent at the recently held SSC exam.In all, 20 students had appeared for the exam, out of which

17 passed with one distinction, five first class and 11 secondclass. Tukaram Chandrakant Zore topped in the school securing80 per cent.

BBS Saunsta Chairman Sadashiv Marathe has congratulatedthe school staff and students for the performance.

Our Lady of Piety CollemCOLLEM(HC): Our Lady of Piety High School, Collem, has

secured 90 per cent at the SSC examination conducted by theGoa Board.

Out of the 51 students, who had appeared for exams, 51students were successful. Suraj Babani Naik topped in theschool securing 80 per cent marks followed by Ajaya AnilMairekar, who secured 76 per cent marks.

Two students got distinctions, seven got first class, 31secured second class and 11 got pass class.

The PTA of the school has congratulated the management,Principal Fr Pio Furtado and staff for performing well in theSSC exam.

Komal excels at St TheresasCALANGUTE(HC): Komal S

Naik, a student of St TheresasHigh School, Candolim, ex-celled in the recently declaredSSC exam results.

Komal secured a pass per-centage of 94.33% and scored100% marks in Mathematics andScience. She also scored 99%marks in Social Science

The school secured a passingpercentage of 90.62% with 64students appearing for theexams. Three students, KomalNaik (94.33%), Marilyn Fernan-des (81.83%) and Xanar Fernan-des (75%) got distinctions, 18 students got first class, 32 secondclass and five pass class.


CORTALIM, JUNE 5

PWD Minister Churchill Alemaohas hailed Cortalim MLA andDeputy Speaker Mauvin God-inho for his efforts in setting upof Kala Bhavan at Upas Nagar inCortalim constituency, whichwould provide platform to theartists to showcase their talent.

Alemao was speaking as thechief guest on the occasion of4th anniversary celebration ofJagannath Shet Kala Saunsthaat Mangesh Maharudra Hall,Cortalim recently.

In his speech, Godinho whileexpressing the need to preserve

the rich cultural heritage of Goa,promised all help to the Saun-stha for the good work theyhave been doing.

Sancoale acting Sarpanch Ra-makant Borkar made a case fora cabinet berth for Godinho andurged Alemao to pressurise theCongress high command in thisregard.

Earlier, the students of Bharat-natyam and classical music classorganised a programme. Stu-dents from local school who ex-celled in SSC and HSSC examsand some women were also fe-licitated by Godinho.

Artists Akhada Narcinha Fadte

(Bhajan), Dilip Dhargalkar (art),Mangaldas Naik (bhajan), Gan-pati Kelkar, Peter Santan Fernan-des were felicitated on theoccasion.

Earlier, Saunstha PresidentSunil Shet welcomed the gath-ering, while Sudesh Gaonkarread out the performance re-port. Sunayana Shet comperedand Shrikant Palsarkar proposedthe vote of thanks.

Others present on the occa-sion were Cortalim QuelosimSarpanch Caitano Xavier, Cor-talim ZP member Cynthia DSilvaand Sancoale ZP member AparnaNaik.

Mauvin hailed for role in setting up Kala Bhavan

Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho being felicitated by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao at Cortalim in thepresence of Sancoale acting sarpanch Ramakant Borkar.

CandolimCooperative

Society openedat MargaoHERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 5

Chief Minister Digambar Kamatrecently inaugurated the sev-enth branch of Candolim urbanCooperative Credit Society Ltdat Osia Complex Margao.

Speaking on the occasionChief Minister congratulated theChairman, Board of Directorsand staff of the Credit Societyfor their devotion in the CreditCooperative Sector.

Kamat said, his Governmenthas always extended support toCooperative Sector. He said hehad close association with theCooperative Sector and hadstarted acceptance of powerbills through Credit Coopera-tives when he was the PowerMinister.

He said there are many ded-icated workers in CooperativeSector and the Staff of the So-ciety should cultivate a feelingof belonging for the growth oftheir institution.

Krishni Walke, entrepreneurand social worker who wasguest of honour, P M Naik, DyRegistrar of Cooperatives alsospoke on the occasion.

Dr Shivanand Verlekar, Chair-man, Candolim Urban Cooper-a t i ve C red i t Soc ie t y L tdWelcomed the guests, SnehaRaikar compered while AnandBandodkar, Director proposedthe vote of thanks.


CALANGUTE, JUNE 5

The Food and Nutrition BoardMinistry of Women and ChildDevelopment recently organizeda two-day orientation pro-gramme on nutrition and healthfor women of self help groupsat Parra-Saligao.

The two-day orientation pro-gramme was organised in col-laboration with the PereiraSocial Welfare Centre of Verla-Parra led by Sr Edith for the selfhelp groups.

The orientation programmecourse was inaugurated by ParraSarpanch Benedict DSouza inthe presence of other digni-taries, while Saligao ZP memberMichael Lobo was the chiefguest for the concluding func-tion.

On the concluding day of theorientation programme, certifi-cates were given away to 30trainees by Michael Lobo andSarpanch DSouza. Others pres-ent at the valedictory functionwere Sr Edith and officials ofthe Food and Nutrition Board

Ministry.Dur ing the course , the

trainees were given thoroughtraining by experts in differentfields, which will help womendo something on their own.

In his valedictory address,Michael Lobo stressed uponthe importance of nutritionaldiet for a healthy living. Healso advised the women to con-vey the message to others whocould not make it for the pro-gramme.

Congratulating Sr Edith forher efforts in bringing womenunder one umbrella of LadiesSocial Welfare Group and moti-vating them to take up govern-ment schemes, Lobo urgedwomen to stay united andstrengthen the group so thatthey can force the governmentfor more self-help schemes.

Earlier, Gajanan Tari, memberof the Food and Nutrition BoardMinistry, welcomed the traineesfor the programme, while ArunaS Naik, technical assistant of theBoard, proposed the vote ofthanks.

Nutrition, womens health programme held at Parra

Saligao ZP member Michael Lobo gives away a certificate to SrEdith in the presence of Parra Sarpanch Benedict DSouza.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes


MAYEM, JUNE 5

The Primary Health Centre (PHC)in association with Directorateof Health Services organized aone-day medical camp in Bi-cholim to create awarenessamong people about precau-tions to be taken during mon-soon to protect themselves fromdifferent diseases.

The camp was organized inPHC hall in Bicholim on Thurs-day.

Guiding on the occasion,Health Officer Dr Shivram Lot-likar said the motive behind or-ganizing the camp is to createawareness among the peopleabout different diseases likemalaria, chikungunya, swine fluand cholera, etc.

This mission is necessary

due to large strength of outsideworkers, who often visit otherstates and return without anymedical check up, said thehealth officer.

Dr Lotlikar further said it isnecessary to prepare healthcards for such labourers workingunder builders before mixingwith other people as soon asthey arrive.

He also directed authoritiesto keep gutters, rivulets andother areas clean, where thereare possibilities of creation ofunhygienic atmosphere due towater stagnation and other rea-sons.

He also stressed the need todrink boiled water, undertaketimely blood check ups and pre-cautionary measures to controlmosquito menace, protection

to wells, sterilization of waterand keeping the areas clean.

In his speech, Bicholim MLARajesh Patnekar while laudingthe task of the health centrecalled upon the people to followthe instructions strictly to avoidfurther danger.

Dr Medha Salkar gave a briefidea of all the diseases, whichmay spread during monsoon.

Meanwhile, all the 17 panchy-ats in Bicholim taluka have sanc-tioned Rs 10,000 each on behalfof the Directorate of Health Serv-ices to keep cleanliness in theirvillages. Surprisingly, only twosarpanchas out of the 17 sarpan-chas were present for the camp.

The urban and rural healthcentres were also instructed toorganize cleanliness drives dur-ing monsoon.

DHS organises health awareness camp in Bicholim

Health Officer Dr Shivram Lotlikar addresses the health awareness meeting at Bicholim in the presenceof Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar. Photo by Vishant Vaze

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JUNE 5

The BJP appears bracing up tomake its presence in the newCurtorim Assembly constituencyin a big way.

Close on the heels of settingup its office at Curtorim, the BJPhas announced its mandal com-mittee for Curtorim Assemblyconstituency, indicating that theparty proposes to contest thenext Assembly polls from thisconstituency.

Party general secretary Naren-dra Sawaikar, who was thepartys candidate for the lastLok sabha polls, announced theCurtorim Mandal Committeewith Somnath Amonkar as theMandal President, Anthony Pres-ident as ST Cell president andVivek Naik as the general sec-retary. BJP Cultural cell and stateoffice bearer convenor Sid-hanath Buyao has been madein-charge of the Curtorim man-dal.

Other office bearers are vice-presidents Shivaji Hegde andsecretaries Anthoniy Dias, JayeshColvekar, Jyoto Naik and Alexio

Fernandes. Mandal Committeemembers includes Sarita Dias,Kanchan Kunde, Brigita Mon-teiro, Sonam Naik, Urmee S Ku-dalkar, Rohidas Korgaokar,Abdullah (Bhaijan) B Makandar,Roy DCosta, Rupesh Naik, Con-stantino Menezes, GaneshGaoka r, L axman Ekvade ,Joaquim Ferrao and IsaacMoraes.

Besides, party members, whoare either elected to public bod-ies or who hold positions in theparty hierarchy are included asinvitees. These include Raju Naikalias Hadlee the councillor ofMargao Municipal Council, Pan-durank Naik, Subhash Kanekar,Hyder shah, Conceicao Dias &Sanny DSouza .

Says Buyao: With the delim-itation of the constituencies,the BJP sees Curtorim assemblyconstituency as a winnable seatgiven the fact that it has got sixbooths from Gogol HousingBoard while the Congressstrongholds of San Jose de Arealand Macasana are detachedf rom the Cur to r im con -stituency.

BJPs mandal panel forCurtorim constituency

MP to opencomputer lab atKonkani Bhavan

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 5

Konkani Bhasha Mandal has setup a computer laboratory at theKonkani Bhavan at Margao, fullysponsored by Member of Parlia-ment, Shantaram Naik and thesame have been installed withthe help of Rotary Club of Mar-gao.

The inaugural function ofcomputer laboratory will be heldon June 8 at 11 am at KonkaniBhavan, Margao. On this occa-sion, Member of Parliamen Shan-taram Naik will be the chiefguest while Rotary Club Presi-dent Ashesh Keni will presideover the function.

According to a press release,Konkani Bhasha Mandal is run-ning Vidya Bhuvan Konkani Shala(a pre-primary and primaryKonkani medium school) at Mar-gao with the intention to provideall learning and teaching facilitiesto their school children. Effortshave been taken to install com-puters with Devnagiri font withInternet connection. Altogether,four computers have been in-stalled at present. KonkaniBhasha Mandal is also planningto make available the facility ofcomputer use to the needy stu-dents of Margao in near future.

Prashant Naik, President ofKonkani Bhasha Mandal is alsoplanning to make available thefacility of computer use to theneedy students of Margao innear future.

Prashant Naik, President,Konkani Bhasha Mandal, has ap-pealed to all the parents of theschool, members of KonkaniBhasha Mandal, Members of Ro-tary Club, Margao and generalpublic to attend this function.

JUNE 10MAPUSA: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Bodgini,

Navtara hotel, Parra, Agnimorod, Parra tower, Jakni waddo,Arradi, Verla, Canca, Brittowado, Saliswado, Lingabhat, Lobowado,Fondacwaddo, Freitaswado and surrounding areas.

Rumbler strips notified PANJIM(HND): District Magistrate, North Goa District has

ordered construction of "Rumbler Strips" (3 in Nos) at two lo-cations around the Bal Bharati Vidyamandir School. The firstabout 5 mts away from main gate of the school on the roadproceeding towards Ribandar Church and the second just afterthe "L" junction about 10 mts away near the water tank on tothe road leading towards NH-4A Bye-pass in the jurisdiction ofCorporation of the City of Panjim in Tiswadi Taluka.

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 5

Chief Minister Digambar Kamatsaid Goa can be promoted as adestination for holding film fes-tivals.

Mr Kamat was speaking atthe inaugural function of twoday Children's Film Festival or-ganized by the EntertainmentSociety, Goa at a function heldon Saturday at Maquinez palacein Panjim. Secretary Informationand Publicity Narendra Kumargraced the occasion.

Simultaneous screenings arebeing held at Ravindra Bhavan,Margao.

Speaking further chief minis-ter expressed happiness overorganization of film festivals forchildren and also congratulatedyoung personalities who werefelicitated on the occasion.

Personalities and youngstersfelicitated on the occasion in-clude Mahableshwar Sail, writerand novelist who brought nameto Goa at international levelthrough his script for film 'Pal-tadcho Munis' produced by Lax-imikant Shetgaokar.

Divya Chafadkar, Nilesh Naik-Rangoli Artist from Goa who hasentered the Guiness Book ofWorld Records, Saieesh Kapdi-stu-

dent from Goa who ranked 11that the AIEEE and GCET Examns,Mrinmayee Tirodkar- singer, SnehaKarmarkar-singer and NandanKakode, SSC topper 2010.

Vishnu Surya Wagh, Press andMedia Adviser to Govermentand Member ESG, Raju Naik, Ed-itor Lokmat and member ESG,Menino Peres, Director of Infor-mation and Publicity, othermembers of ESG were presenton the occasion. On his arrivalchief minister was received byManoj Shrivastava, CEO, ESG.

Indiana Jones and Kingdomof Crystal Skull was screenedafter the inaugural ceremony.

Goa, a destination for film festivals, says CM

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Secretary Information and Publicity Narendra Kumar seen with thepersonalities at the inaugural ceremony of Childrens Film Festival at Maquinez Palace, Panjim.

Retreat at Don BoscoPANJIM(HND): A three-day retreat will be preached by Rev

Fr Joshy and his team from Tabor Bhavan from June 10 - 12,from 9 am to 5 pm, organized by the Don Bosco alumni of thePanjim - Konkan Provincial Federation. The retreat will be heldat the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Don Bosco, Panjim. Thethree day spiritual bonanza, organized for the Don Boscoalumni and their families promises to be a rejuvenating spiritualexperience and a unique opportunity to personally encounterthe Lord Jesus.

Lunch packets shall be provided on request at reasonablerates.

Scholarship for studentsPANJIM(HND): The All Goa Toddy Tappers' Association Pres-

ident Gaspar Afonso has instituted a Scholarship to be allottedto the top ranking students of the Toddy-Tapping Communityof Goa. The students securing 50% and above marks in theS.S.C Exam of Goa Board may produce a certified copy of themark-sheets to the village leaders of toddy tappers associationon or before June 15 for the purpose of scrutiny. The topranking student thereafter will be selected for the Scholarship,says a press release.

Blood donation campPANJIM(HND): Lions Club of Chinchinim in collaboration

with Parish Youth Association of Chinchinim will organizeblood donation camp on June 6 from 9 am to 12 noon at DrNagzarkars hospital, Chinchinim.

Lion Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Minister for Water Resourceswill inaugurate the camp..

The Club and Youth Association members have request thevillagers of Chinchinim to come forward to donate blood, saysa press release.

Aleixo highlightsimportance

of environmentHERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 5

Minister for Environment AleixoSequeira highlighted the vitalimportance to protect and pre-serve environment for the sur-vival and benefit of humanity.

Sequeira was speaking aschief guest at a function organ-ized on the occasion of WorldEnvironment Day at NIO audi-torium at Dona Paula on Satur-day.

The function was organizedby Centre for Environment Ed-ucation (CEE) in cooperationwith Department of Science,Technology and Environment,Government of Goa and NIOstaff.

Speaking further, the Ministercomplimented CEE for organiz-ing quiz, panel discussion forstudents. He said, governmentwas open for any suggestionsfrom environmentalist, whichwill take into considerationwhile taking important deci-sions.

Dr B S Janagaodar, Dean, Col-lege of Forestry, Dharwad, Sur-jeet Kumar Dongre, ProgrammeCoordinator, CEE, Goa, DrRamesh Rathode, Asst Professor,College of Forestry spoke onthe occasion.

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INDIAOHeRAL

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PTI

SINGAPORE, JUNE 5

In a clear reference to Pakistan,India today said clandestineproliferation network in the re-gion had adversely affected itssecurity and pitched for a newglobal paradigm to meet thechallenge, factoring in the"real" risks of terrorists gainingaccess to nuclear material.

National Security AdviserShivshankar Menon also high-lighted the dangers Indiafaces by being in the vicinityof "epicentre" of global terror-ism and pressed for increasedglobal collaborative efforts todefeat the menace particu-larly when terror groups are"networked to an unprece-dented extent".

Addressing the 9th Interna-tional Institute for StrategicStudies (IISS) Asia SecuritySummit -- The Shangri-La Dia-logue here, he said, "securityhas acquired new transnationaldimensions because of recentgeo-political, technologicaland economic developments"and these have to be "dealt

with differently from tradi-tional security concerns".

Elaborating on the newtransnational dimensions of se-curity, Menon identified areaslike spread of weapons of massdestruction, terrorism and cli-mate change which need to becountered and ensuring cybersecurity, maritime security andouter space security.

"The world may now be atthe proliferation tipping pointin terms of both nuclearweapons and the militarisationof space. For India, clandestineproliferation networks in ourneighbourhood have alreadyadversely affected our secu-rity," the NSA said.

He did not name Pakistanbut was clearly alluding to thecountry whose father of nu-clear programme A Q Khan isknown to have run a clandes-tine network of nuclear prolif-eration.

"The risk of nuclear weaponsor of other weapons of massdestruction falling into extrem-ist or terrorist hands is real andmust be factored into our

thinking," Menon said."It is clear that a new non-

proliferation paradigm is nec-essary to deal with issues ofnuclear security, caused by therise of non-state actors andtheir links to formal or organ-ised structures in weak states,"he said.

He noted that India is theonly nuclear-weapon state toannounce an unequivocal no-first-use commitment and todeclare that a world withoutnuclear weapons will enhancesecurity.

On terrorism, Menon said ithad been empowered by newtechnologies and in this con-text referred to Mumbai at-tacks.

"The Indian experience ofcross-border terrorism showsthe complexity of what we aredealing with. The 26/11 attackson India were planned and or-ganised in one country, wherethe attackers were trained, thelogistics and communicationsupport chain extended over atleast seven countries," hepointed out.

N-proliferation has affected Indias security: Menon

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 5

A Delhi court today reserved itsorder till July one on framing ofcharges against Congressleader Sajjan Kumar and othersin connection with the killingsof six persons during the 1984anti-Sikh riots.

After hearing the argumentsfrom the CBI and the accused,Additional Sessions JudgeSunita Gupta said the court willpronounce its order on Julyone.

The arguments in the casewere wrapped up with the CBIseeking prosecution of formerouter Delhi MP and four othersfor the murder, rioting andother offences under the IPCand the defence counsel re-questing discharge of the ac-cused claiming insufficientevidence.

During over two-hour argu-ments, CBI counsel D P Singhreferred to statements of differ-ent witnesses including Bhag-wani Bai and Chand Kaur toclaim that they had stood bytheir affidavits submitted be-fore Jain Banerjee Committee,specifying the role of the ac-cused in the riots.

He tried to rebut the plea ofthe counsel for the accusedthat the cases in which the CBIwas seeking their prosecutionhad already been decided, say-ing that the murder chargeshad earlier never been pressedagainst them.

Anti-Sikh riots: Court reserves order on framing of charges

PTI

HYDERABAD, JUNE 5

The Andhra Pradesh govern-ment will seek financial assis-tance of Rs 1357.42 crore fromNational Calamity ContingencyFund and Calamity Relief Fundfor reconstruction work in thedistricts hit by the cycloneLaila.

The state Cabinet, whichmet here today under thechairmanship of Chief MinisterK Rosaiah, decided to seek as-sistance of Rs 51.74 crore to-wards rescue and reliefoperations, Rs 399.52 crore fortemporary restoration workand Rs 906.16 crore for perma-

nent restoration.The state will soon submit

the memorandum to the Cen-tre seeking release of funds, In-formation and Public RelationsMinister J Geeta Reddy told re-porters after the cabinet meet.

The state government hasestimated the losses arisingfrom Laila, which crossed theBay of Bengal coast on May 22,at Rs 1603.22 crore.

Both agriculture and horti-culture crops suffered a dam-age of Rs 171.44 crore, housesRs 129.39 crore while damageto public infrastructure was es-timated at Rs 1302.39 crore.

The state government has

prepared a memorandum list-ing the losses and the quantumof financial assistance to besought from the centre underthe NCCF and CRF.

Meanwhile, the Cabinetcleared a proposal for estab-lishing three mobile LokAdalats in three districts Kadapa, Ranga Reddy andVisakhapatnam on a pilotbasis.

"This is taking justice to thepeoples doorsteps and ensur-ing speedy disposal of pettydisputes," Geeta Reddy said.

The Cabinet also cleared aproposal sanctioning 2151 ad-ditional posts of teachers in

AP seeks Rs 1357 cr assistance from Centre for cyclone damage

tribal welfare schools, whichwould be upgraded from pri-mary to upper-primary andupper-primary to high schools.

Wild elephant saved from well

PTI

PALAKKAD (KERALA), JUNE 5

A wild elephant that fell into a20-foot-deep well at a villagenear here was rescued un-harmed and let back into forestin the wee hours today after 22hours of hectic efforts.

The she-elephant, which ap-peared to be a three-year-old,was enabled to walk upthrough a path created by dig-ging up a side of the well, usingexcavators.

Two trained elephants,known in local parlance as'kunkis', were brought to thespot by late last night to tacklethe wild jumbo in case itturned violent after getting outof the well.Woman

assaulted, paradednaked

PTI

ALIGARH, JUNE 5

A woman has charged six per-sons, including district BSPPresident, of assaulting andlater parading her naked in amarket following which a casehas been registered againstthem by the police.

A case of assault against sixpersons, including the BSPleader Moolchand Bhagel, hasbeen filed, Superintendent ofPolice Maan Singh Chouhansaid.

He, however, said thewoman was not paradednaked.

The incident took place onJune 2 when 45-year-old BrimaDevi had a minor tiff with somepersons while she was on herway back from a temple. Shewas then beaten up.

She alleged in her complaintto police that she was also pa-raded naked through the vil-lage Chandaukha, 20 kms fromhere.

Bir Singh, husband of BrimaDevi, alleged that the policewas trying to dilute the chargesagainst the BSP leader becauseof political pressure.

The woman was detained bythe police for a few hours inconnection with some case.She was, however, let off later.

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INDIAOHeRAL

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Pg8GOA, sundAy, 6 june, 2010

==

PTI

UTTAN (MAH), JUNE 5

Nationalism is BJP's inspiration and it de-fines our political character, party presi-dent Nitin Gadkari said as the two-dayconvention of chief ministers of BJP-ruledstates began here today.

"Important people who are giving direc-tion to the party, have gathered here," hesaid addressing a gathering.

Terming BJP as a party with a difference,

Gadkari said, "In all areas where we haveworked, we have proved that we are aparty with a difference and it is a matter ofpride for us."

In an apparent reference to bickeringwithin the organisation, the BJP leadersaid, "It pains me the most when I see egosof two big people clashing. I try to medi-ate...We all should work in team spirit,under leadership of our chief ministersand deputy CMs."

Earlier, the gathering observed one-minute silence to pay respect to the de-parted soul of Chhattisgarh ChiefMinister Raman Singh's father, whopassed away yesterday. Singh did not at-tend the meeting due to his father's de-mise.

The BJP rules Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, HimachalPradesh and Karnataka. It is part of the rul-ing alliance in Bihar, Punjab and Jharkhand.

Nationalism defines BJPs political character: Gadkari

Actor Raghubir

sent to judicial

custodyPTI

MUMBAI, JUNE 5

Actor and theatre artistRaghubir Yadav, arrested inconnection with an alimonycase lodged by his estrangedwife, was today remanded tojudicial custody till June 7 bya suburban family court here.

Raghubir, against whom awarrant had been issued bythe Bandra family court inSeptember last for failing toappear before it despite regu-lar summons, was arrested atthe Mumbai Central railwaystation last night.

His wife Purnima had ap-proached the court in 2002after the actor failed to paymaintenance for over fouryears.

"The duo tied the knot in1988, but got divorced in1996. He was directed to payan alimony of Rs 20,000 permonth, which was laterbrought down to Rs 10,000.Till date, Raghubir has notpaid a single paisa to Purn-ima. There are arrears of Rs4.5 lakh," Purnima's lawyerSumangala Biradar told PTI.

Raghubir today told thecourt that he was facing fi-nancial crunch and could af-ford to pay only Rs 20,000 ofthe arrears.

"The court did not acceptthis argument and remandedhim to judicial custody. Hehas to at least pay Purnima 50per cent of the arrears if hewants to come out," Biradarsaid.

PTI

ISLAMABAD, JUNE 5

A Pakistani anti-terrorism courthearing the Mumbai attackscase involving LeT's ZakiurRehman Lakhvi and six othersuspects today sought informa-tion from the government onthe execution of arrest war-rants for Ajmal Kasab andFahim Ansari.

Judge Malik MuhammadAkram Awan of the Rawalpindi-based anti-terrorism courtheard arguments by prosecu-tion and defence lawyers onmaking Kasab, a Pakistani na-tional sentenced to death byan Indian court for his role inthe attacks, and Ansari, whowas acquitted, part of the pro-ceedings in Pakistan.

The prosecution and de-fence lawyers have filed sepa-rate petitions with regard tomaking Ansari and Kasab partof the proceedings in the trialbeing conducted within AdialaJail for security reasons.

Arrest warrants for the twomen issued by Judge Awanwere recently handed over tothe Indian government by Pak-istan.

The defence lawyers told thejudge that proceedings to bringthe two men to Pakistan shouldbe dropped on the principle ofdouble jeopardy as an Indiancourt had already convictedKasab and acquitted Ansari.

The prosecution argued thatthe presence of Kasab andAnsari was needed for the trialof the seven suspects, includ-ing Lashker-e-Taiba operationscommander Lakhvi.

The prosecution also said ac-tion should be taken in this re-gard under Sections 87 and 88of the Code of Criminal Proce-dure, which relate to personsdeclared absconders.

"After hearing the argu-ments by both sides, thejudge adjourned the proceed-ings till June 12 without mak-ing any decision," saidShahbaz Rajput, one of the de-fence lawyers.

Special Public ProsecutorMalik Rab Nawaz Noon told PTIthat the judge sought informa-tion from the government onaction being taken to executethe arrest warrants issued bythe court for Kasab and Ansari.

The judge said a reply detail-ing the progress made in exe-cuting the warrants should besubmitted at the next hearing,Noon said.

The judge also heard argu-ments by the defence and pros-ecution on allowing mediacoverage of the proceedings inthe anti-terrorism court.

The proceedings are beingconducted in-camera andmedia is barred from beingpresent in the makeshift court-room with the jail.

The defence lawyers havebeen pressing the judge toallow the media to cover theproceedings.

Special Public ProsecutorNoon said the prosecution is"not seriously contesting" thisdemand by the defencelawyers.

Sources said the prosecutionhad sought time from the courtto obtain instructions from thegovernment on media cover-age of the proceedings.

The defence and prosecu-tion could decide on a consen-sus approach to provideinformation to the mediaunder the observation of thecourt, the sources said.

Lakhvi and the other sus-pects Zarar Shah, HamadAmin Sadiq, Abu al-Qama,Shahid Jamil Riaz, YounasAnjum and Jamil Ahmed havebeen charged with planningand facilitating the Mumbai at-tacks that killed 166 people.

Pakistan's Supreme Court re-cently refused to entertainLakhvi's petition seekingquashing of criminal proceed-ings against him and said hecould approach the highercourts for relief only after hiscase was decided by the anti-terrorism court.

Pak court seeks info on execution of arrest warrant for Kasab

Manipur deploys forces to prevent Muivahs entry

PTI

IMPHAL, JUNE 5

Manipur government has de-ployed state forces at Liyai Khu-nou and Jessami near theNagaland border in Ukhrul dis-trict to prevent entry of NSCN-IM General SecretaryThuingaleng Muivah.

Official sources said todaythat about 200 police person-nel and border security forceshave been deployed at both thevillages.

Muivah, who attempted toenter Manipur along the Im-phal-Dimapur National High-way 39 last month by campingat Viswema in Nagaland, hadmoved to Pfutsero in that statein an attempt to cross intoUkhrul district via Jessami andLiyai Khunou.

The senior Naga rebel leader,who hails from Somdal in Ma-nipur's Ukhrul district, left hisvillage about 40 years ago towage an armed struggle.

The state government andmany civil organisations herewere of the view that Muivah'sattempt to enter Manipurwould create communal dishar-mony as the main demand ofthe NSCN-IM now was to forma greater Nagaland by takingNaga-settled areas of Manipurwith the present Nagalandstate, official sources said.

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 5

Union Commerce MinisterAnand Sharma was today nom-inated by the Congress for thebiennial elections to the RajyaSabha from Rajasthan.

Sharma's Rajya Sabha tenurehad expired recently. He was amember from HimachalPradesh but the party couldnot get him re-elected fromthere as it did not have ade-quate strength in the state As-sembly.

Other candidates announcedby the Congress are Vijaylak-shmi Sadho from MadhyaPradesh, former Rajasthan Min-ister Ask Ali Tak and RajasthanCongress MP Narendra Buda-nia, an AICC statement said.Sadho is a Dalit leader and wasa minister in the Digvijay Singhgovernment.

Congress had yesterday an-

nounced the candidature ofUnion Minister Ambika Sonifrom Punjab and its GeneralSecretary Mohsina Kidwai fromChhattisgarh for the biennialelections to the Rajya Sabha.

The party had also nomi-nated former Union Ministerand in charge of the CentralElection Committee of theparty Oscar Fernandes from

Karnataka. Former Union Minister San-

tosh Bagrodia, who was a RajyaSabha member from Rajasthan,however, failed to get a renom-ination from the state thistime.

Biennial elections to fourRajya Sabha seats in Rajasthanand bypoll to one will be heldon June 17 following comple-tion of the terms of four MPsand death of one sitting mem-ber.

AICC general secretary andRajya Sabha member from Kar-nataka B K Hariprsad whoseterm is coming to an end, alsofailed to get a nomination fromthere as the party can get onlyone member re-elected fromthere on the basis of its ownstrength. The party has an-nounced the renomination ofsenior leader Oscar Fernandesfrom the state.

RS polls: Anand Sharma is Cong nominee from Rajasthan

Buddhadebskips CPI(M)

meetingPTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 5

West Bengal Chief MinisterBuddhadeb Bhattacharya,smarting under Left's drubbingin civic polls in his state, todaystayed away from a meeting ofthe CPI(M) Polit Bureau whichgot a "preliminary" report onthe debacle.

Amid reports that 66-year-old Bhattacharya had offered toquit, state CPI(M) SecretaryBiman Bose said there was noquestion of him stepping downbut admitted the state unit hasnot properly implemented therectification campaign initiatedby the central leadership afterthe Lok Sabha poll debacle.

"The question does not arise.The matter has not been re-ferred to the Central Commit-tee. It has not been discussedin the state committee," Bose,who is here to attend the two-day party Polit Bureau meeting,told reporters. The meetingwas presided by General Secre-tary Prakash Karat.

Asked whether there wouldbe any change in leadership inthe state, Yechury evaded a di-rect answer and said only afterthe state committee reviewsthe election debacle, the mat-ter will come to the CentralCommittee and Polit Bureau.

This is the second time Bhat-tacharya is skipping a politburomeeting.

n The prosecution ar-gued that the pres-ence of Kasab andAnsari was needed forthe trial of the sevensuspects, includingLashker-e-Taiba oper-ations commanderLakhvi. The prosecu-tion also said actionshould be taken inthis regard under Sec-tions 87 and 88 of theCode of Criminal Pro-cedure, which relateto persons declaredabsconders.

PTI

MUMBAI, JUNE 5

The Brihanmumbai MunicipalCorporation has said thatthere would be no rise inwater cuts in the city till midJuly but it might decrease aftermonsoon.

"Our agenda is to come outof the water crisis situation.We are continuously monitor-ing the lake levels and till mid-July there will be no rise inwater cuts. Even after, we donot intend to increase thewater cuts. The cuts will eitherremain or be decreased,"Deputy Municipal Commis-sioner Dinesh Gondaliya toldPTI here.

Due to scanty rainfall lastyear, the civic body had im-posed water cuts since last

June. Presently, residential andcommercial users are facing 15and 30 per cent water cuts re-spectively.

"If the intensity and regular-ity of rainfall is exceptionallygood, then lake levels will risesteadily and accordingly wecan think about reducing thecut," Gondaliya said.

At present, the lakes have atotal available stock of1,01,721 million litres per day(mld) against 2,45,343 mld lastyear.

BMC has said it will be ableto supply 2,900 mld till July 15.A population of over 1.25 crorereceives 3,450 mld of wateragainst the demand of 4,500mld, meaning a shortfall of1050 mld.

"The current water stock will

continue to supply 2,900 mldtill mid-July. Once it rains lakesmay take time to fill up be-cause the land in the catch-ment areas is totally dry and soit will first get saturated. Also,levels are extremely low solakes will take more days to getfilled up," he explained.

The monsoon is expected tohit Mumbai by June 10.

"This situation is definitelyan eye-opener for both BMCand the people. We had tocome up with ideas and initia-tives and for the people it waslike understanding the impor-tance of water and saving it,"Gondaliya said.

He further said, "It is good tosee the awareness among peo-ple today and I hope it contin-ues."

BMC hints at decreasing water cuts post monsoon

PTI

ITANAGAR, JUNE 5

On World Environment Day,the people of ArunachalPradesh have been asked toregularly participate in cleanli-ness drive for keeping the en-vironment clean.

Addressing a gathering hereyesterday, Chief Election Com-missioner Navin Chawala askedthe people of the state tochange their mindset and helpthe government to improve theenvironment even though theborder state had the highestforest cover of 82 percent.

"I found Itanagar roads lit-tered with lots of plastic waste.But today due to the adminis-tration's cleanliness drive theylook neat and tidy. There is notmuch use of such occasional

drive unless people participatein it regularly and change theirmindset and develop a habit ofmaintaining their environmentclean round the year", he said.

"You are fortunate to have82 per cent forest cover butstill to maintain your environ-ment you need to put plasticwaste to good use as in Madu-raiof Tamil Nadu recentlywhere plastic waste is used inblacktopping roads", he said.

He asked the local adminis-tration to contact their coun-terpart in Madurai andreplicate the experiment.

Narrating his experience hesaid while driving through Siva-ganga district adjoining Madu-rai he found the roadsides fullof plastic wastes. But in Madu-rai, roads are clean as all the

plastic waste in Madurai is col-lected, cut to pieces and usedfor blacktopping roads.

Defending the local admin-istration, Governor Gen (retd)J J Singh told Chawala that theproblem of plastic wastes hadbecome acute here two yearsago but it had been reducedto a great extent after banwas imposed on use of plasticbags and shopkeepers werefined.

He said solid waste man-agement had been launchedhere as a part of which it hadbeen decided that rag pickerswith proper identity cardswould come regularly to eachand every house to collectsegregated non-biodegrad-able solid waste and recycla-ble waste.

Regularly participate in cleanliness drive: Chawala

INDIAHERALD Pg 9

opinionated

appointments

GOA, SUNDAY, 6 JUNE, 2010

Terrorists, freedomfighters and human rights

Rui da Gama

Some years back, no one had heard the word terrorist.But as of today, it is a fearful word. Many of us tend toclose our minds and never want to dream of a terrorist

or a terror attack. We should not forget that over a period ofyears, nation states have developed deadly weapons whichhave been used to suppress the freedom of the people, theirlegitimate demands and rights of self determination.

There is no doubt that organised gangs and the so-calledMafia those who want to do illegal trade and extortion have used terror tactics and should be classified as ter-rorists. But the worst of all has been state terrorism, whichis used to suppress the legitimate voice and freedom ofthe people.

Nations have, over a period of time, supported terrorismand terror tactics to conquer territories of other nations.Owing to deadly new inventions in weapons, including nuclearweapons, nations were unable to challenge others for theirown territorial and economic gains. So they resorted to sup-porting terrorist activities to achieve their goals. Finally, theylost their control over the terrorists and terrorist organisationsthey supported.

There are times that the terrorists have turned their weaponson the same nations that once supported and trained them.Terrorism is grown to be a lion today. When the late YasserArafat and his Palestine Liberation Organisation introducedhijacking to fight the state of Israel, he was branded as a ter-rorist. But subsequently, over the years, Yasser Arafat wasclassified as a freedom fighter and shared a Nobel PeacePrize.

Worldwide, nations and states use their criminal power tosuppress legitimate movements of people for freedom, bycalling the agitation or unrest as an unlawful activity. Themajority of the people in the world are not for violence,killings or wars. But communities built on a particular socialfoundation have a legitimate right to freedom of expression,the right to self determination and manage their affairs, aswell as to use their resources to their benefit.

When nations or states use unlawful or extraordinary forceto terrorise people or their movements for a cause, thenpeople get frustrated and tend to take up alternative meansof defending themselves, like hit-and-run attacks, guerrillatactics, suicide bombings, etc. Everyone has a right to theirown defence, and violence is the last resort used to protectones cause, movement or freedom struggle. If MahatmaGandhi had failed in his non-violence approach to gain freedomfor India, either Subhas Chandra Bose or some other militantleader would have led the Indians into an armed revolt toachieve this legitimate goal.

Freedom movements can be distinguished from terrorism.A large number of people of a particular community or ethicgroup will be emotionally involved to voice their struggle toattain a particular objective of freedom from state oppression,deprivation or social injustice. People might indulge in terroristactivity to achieve their goal. But it is the responsibility ofthe state to bring them to the negotiating table, admit thatthey have failed in their social responsibility towards theirpeople, and arrive at a negotiated settlement.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rightsadopted by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/2200A(XXI)on 16 December 1966, Article 1 says: All people have theright to Self-Determination. And by virtue of the right, theyfreely determine their political status and freely pursue theireconomic, social and cultural development. And in no casemay a people be deprived of their own means of subsistence.Most nations of the world, including India, are a signatory tothis international covenant and also to the Universal Decla-ration of Human Rights adopted by the General AssemblyResolution A/RES/217 A (III) on 10 December 1948.

It is the responsibility of every nation and state to ensurethat there is equitable distribution of resources. And everycommunity has the right to put forth their legitimate demandsto the state or nation. Corruption and monopolistic policiesincorporated by the leaders cause economic disparity andsocial unrest. Unhealthy competition indulged in by the de-veloped countries leads to exploitation of the poorer coun-tries.

Many times, however, corrupt leaders of poor nations tendto exploit the poverty and backwardness of their own people.If a state or nation has failed to deliver goods and servicesto its people, the consequent restlessness of people andsocial movements cannot be classified as terrorist activities;instead, they are freedom movements. The leaders of nationsand states cannot suppress such causes and movements withthe slogan of national integrity or in the name of allegianceto constitutional sovereignty. In such an event, the leadersof that state or nation are solely responsible for the loss ofinnocent lives and property, and such state leaders shouldalso be classified as terrorists!

Nations and states also indulge in state terrorism, but wehave been ignoring this fact for long. For example, many ofthe states in India where Maoists or Naxalites exist are failedstates. Pakistan is nearly a failed state. These states arecorrupt and have been exploiting the people since Independ-ence. It is an emotional defence for people, whose cause hasforced into violence or war. These people cannot be classifiedas terrorists.

The nation and the states should not use force or terrorismon its own emotionally hurt people, rather than get into ne-gotiations, even if it takes time to find a solution. A realsolution can come only of our own trust. But if it is too late,such leaders of states will be overthrown, like it happenedto the King of Nepal.

On the other hand, the LTTE in Sri Lanka was ruthlesslyeliminated with terrible human rights violations and abuse,which can be classified as state terrorism. There is no doubtthat the LTTE was ruthless, but their cause arose from killingsof Tamils during the language agitation, plus deprivation andstate suppression. It was an emotional war for the Tamilpeople of Sri Lanka, and it is bound to arise one more in thefuture if proper care is not taken by the leaders of that stateto devolve power to the Tamil minority.

There is someone dead or hurt in every second family inthe Tamil-dominated North-East of Sri Lanka, and once againthe younger generation will grow up with anger and revenge.To avoid this, the issue must be attended to immediately,with mercy, compassion and love. Similar is the case of Pales-tine, Kashmir, North-Eastern and Central India, Africa, Iraq,Afghanistan, Pakistan, some South American states.

Every nation or state has the responsibility to train its se-curity personnel to balance their approach, taking into con-sideration the human rights of the people, freedom fighters,terrorists and soldiers. It is not easy, but we have to findways to balance security needs with protection of humanrights.

We all have a responsibility to initiate peace. Whereverthere is unrest, we have to pressurise our governments toinitiate peace talks and continue till a negotiated settlementis arrived at. We all want peace.

(The author is the Convenor of Asha Family Responsibilities &Rights Association, Goa. The article is written on the occasion ofthe International Seminar on Media and Terrorism in South Asia,from 4 to 6 June at the International Centre, Goa)

appointments

PTI

LUCKNOW, JUNE 5

Defence Minister A K Antonytoday said the Union govern-ment was carefully assessingnaxal situation in the countryand would take a decision soonto effectively deal with it.

"The government will take adecision (anti-naxal strategy)after carefully assessing variousimplications and pros and cons,"he told reporters.

"It is a serious issue and thegovernment will go through allthe aspects in depth and alsothe implications", Antony, whowas here to inaugurate a hous-ing project for armymen, added.

He said his ministry wouldconvey its suggestions on thesubject after getting views ofthe Army and the Airforce.

"The Army and the Airforceare carefully discussing the issuewithin themselves and once theysend their proposal then onlywe (the ministry) will send ourproposal to the government,"he said.

When asked how much timethis exercise would take, theminister said his ministry wouldsend its proposal at the earli-

Govt carefully assessing naxal situation: Antony

Don't jump to conclusion on Nanda case

PTI

LUCKNOW, JUNE 5

Defence minister A K Antony today advised against jumping toconclusion on allegation of misconduct against a top army officeras the matter was under investigation.

"Don't jump to the conclusion, they (Army) are investigating,"Antony told reporters when asked about Engineer-in-Chief Lt GenA K Nanda facing allegation of misconduct.

The Defence minister was here to inaugurate housing projectfor armymen. Army Chief General V K Singh, who accompaniedthe minister, said, "there are certain service norms and certainthings which are done, we are going through that so there is norequirement to jump to the conclusion."

"After the things are over you will come to know," he added."Whenever there is a serious allegation, we are not ignoring it,

we inquire about it and take actions," Antony said.59-year-old Nanda has been accused by the wife

HERALD PUBLICATIONS-JUNE 6

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