Kolkata, Dec 29 (ANI): West Bengal and Jharkhand police forces have decided to allow free movement of police officials in the Maoist-hit areas in the two states.

Three districts of Jharkhand's Kolhan range and three districts of  West Bengal are badly affected by Naxal activities.

Policemen can now move freely into the adjoining states, said West Midnapore Superintendent of Police (SP) R Rajsekharan.

This decision was taken at a joint meeting of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Kolhan range of Jharkhand and his counterpart of Midnapore range in West Bengal's West Midnapore District on Friday.

The ultras often escape into other state taking advantage of forest-covered border after attacking one State.

Now onwards the two States would not have to go through the long procedure of informing the DIG of another state about the movement of Naxalites. The information can be given directly to the respective police station.

According to the existing rule, only a DIG level officer could exchange such information with another DIG level officer.

This would save the precious time, police said. (ANI)
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Agartala, Dec 29 (ANI): The horror and ghastly impact of militancy is well portrayed in the 12-minute film titled 'Bhalo Rakhoni Bhoy', directed by Raikishori Ganguli of Tripura.

Young filmmaker Ganguli, a victim of militancy, has brought out the agony wrought by the mayhem and violence very powerfully in the film.

"This is a topic which has universal appeal because it has relevance all over the   world and also specifically in Tripura. Although the situation in Tripura is much better now, militancy has not been rooted out completely," said Raikishori Ganguli, Director, "Bhalo Rakhoni Bhoy"

The director feels that media has a responsibility in not playing up terror crimes that will affect the psyche of society in a negative way.

Biplab Goswami, the Editor of the film, said, "Through this film, we can understand the mindset prevailing in society and the philosophical churnings. The film is such a powerful medium and it leaves a lasting imprint on one's mental evolution."

The film effectively portrays how even people who are not present at the scene of violence are affected and are equally victims of militancy.

"If we talk about our state, even in the northeast, we have militancy of different hues.  The film brilliantly evokes the terror that looms in various situations, be it in the northeast or other parts of the country, the blowing up of the World trade centre as well as the violence in Afghanistan," said Subhrajit Bhattacharjee, an audience. 

Kinkar Narayan Dutta, another audience added, "Earlier, films have been made in the context of Tripura. I think this is the first time that has been made keeping in mind the global perspective on terrorism. So, I think it's the role of the media to make this film reach every citizen of the state because it can create awareness amongst people."
 
Ganguli ends the film on a positive note with the hope that peace will triumph over militancy.

A celluloid depiction of the impact of militancy has been selected in the short film category at the Kolkata documentary film festival.

Tripura has to a great extent contained violence with the help of the common masses. The film also bases its hope on people and their resilience to deal with any type of violence. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec 29 (ANI): A Harkat-ul-Jehadi Islami (HuJI) militant was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal police from Baranagar area of North 24 Parganas district on Saturday.

The militant was identified as Altaf Ansari. 

According to CID sources, a raid was carried out on a tip-off by the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police to caught Ansari.

The HuJI was launched in 1980 as part of the Pakistan-based Jehad network fighting troops of the then Soviet Union who were deployed in Afghanistan.

It has undergone several changes during the past two decades and spread its area of activities to Jammu and Kashmir, other parts of India and Bangladesh.

HuJI cadres are suspected to be involved in the terrorist attack on the Kolkata office of the United States Information Service (USIS) on January 22, 2002.

Security agencies have also reported that HuJI cadres are linked to the perpetrators of the train arson at Godhra in Gujarat on February 27, 2002. (ANI)
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Ballia (UP)/ Bikramganj (Bihar), Balagarh (W Bengal), Dec 29 (ANI): Voting for the three Lok Sabha seats witnessing by-polls, one each in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar, is being held today.

While the Ballia Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after the demise of former prime minister Chandrashekhar, the other two by-elections in Balagarh and Bikramganj, were necessitated following the death of CPI (M) MLA Dibakanta Rout, and JD(U) MP Ajit Singh, respectively.

In Ballia, a total of over 15 lakh people are expected to decide the fate of 16 candidates. While Samajwadi Party (SP) has fielded late Chandrashekhar's son Neeraj Shekhar, the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded Vinay Shankar Tiwari, son of former state minister Hari Shankar Tiwari.

The BJP and the Congress have given tickets to Virendra Singh Mast and Rajiv Upadhyay, respectively.

In Bikarmganj, Railway Minister and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has fielded a Kushwaha candidate and is banking on the winning combination of Kushwahas and Yadavs.

In Balagarh, the Trinamool Congress, the Congress and the BJP have fielded separate candidates who are directly locked in a fight against the ruling CPI (M) nominee Bhuban Pramanik, a leader of a fishermen's organisation.

The Trinammol, the Congress and the BJP have fielded Asim Kumar Majhi, Biswanath Malik and Bansi Rauth, respectively.

The CPI (ML) Liberation is also in the fray.

The counting of votes in all the three seats will take place on January 2. (ANI)

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Kolkata, Dec 27 (ANI): After making it big in Bollywood, the Bengal beauty Bipasha Basu has found a place in Tollywood in West Bengal.

Bipasha's maiden movie will be directed by much sought after director Rituporna Gosh.

Titled 'Saab Choritro Kalpanik' (All characters fictitious) will feature Bengali matinee idol Prasanjit Chatterjee, who is a tad shorter than Bipasha.

Giving a media briefing about the movie here recently, Gosh said Bengal's cultural heritage plays a key role in the film.

"It is a film about Bengali culture. I think that would be more broad and general description, where all Tagore, Jeevan Anand, Joy and the entire Bengal cultural heritage plays a key role," said Gosh.

Instead of using songs, Rituparno has been experimenting with poetry. It is said that as many as 20 poems are used in the movie. Eminent poet Jay Goswami has written most of the poems being used in the movie.

Immensely successful both as an item number girl and an actress, Bipasha has been conspicuous by her absence from Bengali celluloid.

In 'Saab Choritro Kalpanik', Bipasha is playing the role of Pransejit's wife. The hero is a poet and poetry plays a big part in the film. The story is about a Bengali girl living outside the state returning home to her roots.

"I know the level of intensity that was required out of this particular girl. Because firstly she is much more mature than me and in terms of age she is much older than me. So to understand that relationship with a man and to understand the relationship with the lost roots, there is lot of imagination of this girl that goes into the film," said Bipasha.

The deal for the movie was done quite some time ago but given Rituporna's manner of working he kept Bipasha's maiden Bengali film venture under wraps till recently.

Apart from 'Saab Choritro Kalpanik', Bipasha will be playing a role in Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'Ashoka' in Bollywood. The film will be based on the life of the great ancient Indian King Ashoka. She will also playing a part in Sir Ben Kingsley's film, Taj Mahal.

Bipasha first film was 'Ajnabi' directed by Abbas Mastan. After that she established herself in Bollywood and came out with flying colours.

She never looked back after 'Ajnabi'. Other movies like 'Raaz', 'Jism', and
'No Entry', to name a few followed with relative ease.

Her acting talent was on show in 'Corporate' directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, where she played the role of rising corporate executive. Her acting put her firmly in place. (ANI)
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Durgapur (West Bengal), Dec 26 (ANI): West Bengal Police today baton charged protestors, including women who were demanding permanent jobs in a factory at Durgapur.

The protest took violent shape when one of the protestors threw a bomb, which compelled the management to call police.

Police have also conducted massive raids in the area including the local Trinamul Congress party office.

"We have not found anything from the party office. The raid is still on and we have found three fired bombs," said Murlitharan, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Burdwan Range.

About three hundred Trinamul Congress supporters were protesting at the gate of an Oxygen Plant located just outside Durgapur Steel Plant. (ANI)
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Nandigram, Dec 26 (ANI): The Left Front Chairman, Biman Bose, on Wednesday said that the Left parties would soon meet to resolve their differences over various issues, including Nandigram and the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) concerns. 

"After Communist Party of India-Marxist's (CPI-M) ongoing district conferences, I will talk to the left allies to sort out differences with our party," Bose told a party rally here.

He also said "we have to maintain unity of the people" to keep the development work going on in the area. 

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has asked the Haldia District Administration to treat cadres of the Left party and Trinamool Congress volunteers on par, while giving relief packages to those who were affected in clashes over a proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandigram.

"It is the administration and common people's responsibility to re-establish faith among the villagers," Buddhadeb said.

He also announced a relief package to 10 million rupees for Nandigram.

The Chief Minister appealed to the Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) to dissolve differences, adding, 'On March 14 police was sent to reconstruct those roads and bridges. I would have never sent police if I knew police would be needed to open fire to enter.'

The State Government had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
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Nandigram, Dec26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today asked the Haldia District Administration to treat cadres of the Left party and Trinamool Congress volunteers on par, while giving relief packages to those who were affected in clashes over a proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandigram.

"It is the administration and common people's responsibility to re-establish faith among the villagers," Buddhadeb said.

He also announced a relief package to 10 million rupees for Nandigram.

The Chief Minister appealed to the Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) to dissolve differences, adding, 'On March 14 police was sent to reconstruct those roads and bridges. I would have never sent police if I knew police would be needed to open fire to enter.'

Buddhadeb's visit was boycotted by the BUPC, who opposed the land acquisition in Nandigram.

The Chief Minister, in his inter-action with the people and the CPM cadres, requested them not to provoke the people of the area. 
 
He had also claimed that the violence in Nandigram that began with people's protests against the land acquisition for setting up a SEZ would not impede the process of industrialisation in the State, and it would not affect the confidence of investors.

The State Government had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
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Nandigram, Dec 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, visited Nandigram, which has been the scene of violence between Communist Party of India cadres and local people since March this year.

This was his first visit to Nandigram after violence broke out between CPM cadres and locals, which erupted into a major political controversy.

Buddhadeb assured people that their land would not be taken away forcibly. He also announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the violence.

He told them: "I have suffered because you have suffered," he said.

The visit of Buddhdeb Bhattacharjee was boycotted by Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee, who are opposed to the land acquisition programme. They have been facing opposition from the State government and CPM cadres. 

The Chief Minister, in his inter-action with the people and CPM cadres, requested them not to provoke the people of the area. 
 
The Chief Minister will also address a rally at Tamluk, the headquarters of East Midnapur district.

He had also claimed that the violence in Nandigram that began with people's protests against the land acquisition for setting up a Special Economic Zone would not impede the process of industrialisation in the State, and it would not affect the confidence of investors.

The State Government had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
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Nandigram, Dec 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee will address two public meetings at Nandigram today.

This will be his first visit to the area after intermittent violence broke out in Nandigram in January resulting in the State Government calling off its move to acquire land for a mega chemical hub project.

Bhattacharjee will address one meeting at Nandigram and other at Tamluk, the headquarters of East Medinipur district.

During his visit, he is expected to announce new development schemes for Nandigram.

According to sources, villagers will show black flags on his entry to Nandigram and purify their houses after he leaves the area. Besides, they are also planning to organise mass fast.

The agitations have been planned by the Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC), which is spearheading the anti-land acquisition movement that faced violent opposition from the State Government and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) cadres.

Earlier, Bhattacharjee had said that the violent situation in Nandigram was a political and administrative failure.

He had also claimed that the violence in Nandigram that began with people's protests against the land acquisition for setting up a Special Economic Zone would not impede the process of industrialisation in the State, and it would not affect the confidence of investors.

The State Government had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec 25 (ANI): Senior Congress leader and External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that those opposing the land acquisition for setting up industries must 'know their limits'.

"Those who are opposing land acquisition, they should know their limits - when to oppose and when not to," Mukherjee said at a function in Kulti in West Bengal.
  
Urging the people to be tolerant to the issue of industrial development in the State that requires land acquisition, Mukherjee said, "Wherever development projects are undertaken, land is needed."

"We have to be tolerant," he added.

The row over land acquisition has turned out to be a violent one in West Bengal, where the State government is facing violent protests from farmers and social activists led by opposition Trinamool Congress.

The violent protests over the land acquisition for setting up of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandigram led to police firing and death of several people.

A similar situation developed in Singur where farmers opposed the land acquisition for setting up a car factory of Tata Motors. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec 25 (ANI): Former West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran CPI (M) leader Jyoti Basu on Tuesday said that Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen is 'welcome' to return back to Kolkata, whenever she wants.

Basu said that the Centre should arrange security for the author's stay in Kolkata.

This comes amidst reports that Taslima, who is presently kept in an undisclosed location in New Delhi, was informed by government officials that she would not be allowed to return to Kolkata for now.

However, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee later refuted this and he also denied reports that the controversial author was kept under house arrest and not allowed to talk to media.

After a protest led by some radical Muslim groups, demanding her ouster from Kolkata, turned violent in November this year, Taslima was moved out of the city and transferred to Jaipur. The Rajasthan Government also cited security problems regarding her stay in Jaipur and whisked away the author to Delhi. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec.25 (ANI): Sisters dressed in white and blue are always busy, running from one home to the other, and not having time for celebrations of any sort.

But come Christmas, and the mood at the Missionaries Of Charity, home for the destitute founded here by Nobel Laureate Mother Teresa, is different.

Here, the occasion is a time for celebration. Sisters of the order decorate the entire home with colorful paper chains, stars, bells, and Christmas trees and obviously with Santa Claus.

A spokesperson for the Missionaries of Charity, Sister Christie, said: "Christmas is celebrated with high spirit and joy in MoC. Christmas is the time to spread the message of god's love for common people.  We invite children and common people on this day. We also believe it's a day for giving."

"This day signifies that God loves common people so much that he sent his only son to this world for their service," she added.

Christmas celebration started at Mother House on Christmas Eve. Sisters and volunteers of the home performed a play on Jesus Christ's birth and his service to mankind. On Monday night, sisters at all MoC-managed homes recited a special Christmas prayer.

For Christmas, Mother Teresa's tomb located below the home was also decorated with beautiful flowers.

Prayers will continue all day Tuesday. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec.24 (ANI): As people across the country welcome Christmas on Tuesday, confectioners in Kolkata have had a brisk sale ahead of the big day. The shopkeepers are working to their full potential to meet the demand for cakes on time.

Some of the confectionary shops in the city have opened fast food zones which are crowded with youngsters flocking in groups.

"It grows many folds, in leaps and bounds. Sometimes, it is five times. People come from everywhere to enjoy the Christmas, New Year," said Supriya Ray, Managing Director of a leading confectionary store Sugar & Spice.

Kookie Jar, another confectionary shop popular for its celebration packs, has drawn big crowds with their strawberry flavoured Santa Claus cakes.

"We have a very large and intensive range of cakes, for instance fruit cakes, dundy cakes, and a lot of Christmas related items like ice cookies and very beautiful, fancy boxes containing chocolates and cookies, ideal to gift in this festive seasons of Christmas and New Year. We have a large variety and different price range to suit every customer," said Ritika Singh, the owner of Kookie Jar.

The confectioners say that sales during Christmas and New Year seasons goes up to at least five times higher than the rest of the year.

This time many people have placed special orders to have self-designed cakes Christmas and New Year. Some of the favourite varieties of cakes include chocolate cakes, choco crunch cakes, chocolate cone cakes and chocolate truffles.

Shops and streets at many places in Kolkata are decorated with Christmas trees, dazzling lights and Santa standing at the gates of almost all shops to captivate crowds. (ANI)
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Agartala, Dec 23 (ANI): There has been different ways of condemning militancy, which has turned out as a biggest menace in recent years, but the efforts of a young girl from Tripura have been a unique one.

Raikishori Ganguli has opted to use the medium of cinema to fight against the 'evil force' of militancy, which has taken thousands of lives in the State in the last two and a half decades.

Ganguli, who recently completed a film study course from Jadavpur University in Kolkata, has directed a short Bengali film titled "Bhalo Rakhoni Bhoy" to make people aware of the threats from militancy.

The 12-minute film has been selected in the Short Film Category at Kolkata, and it deals with the psychological condition of a salesman and his frightful daily experiences with events that happen around the world.

The filmmaker, who herself has been a victim of militancy, has used the film to narrate her own personal experiences.

According to the filmmaker, the mass media not only sacrifices all ethics, but somehow they are also responsible for the crime of giving wide publicity to the events.

"I think this is the first time a film has been made on such a subject. I think now it is the duty of the media to make this film reach to masses of the state, because it can create a kind of awareness, said Kinkar Narayan Dutta, a film lover. (ANI)
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Nandigram, Dec 23 (ANI): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Sunday recovered a huge cache of bombs from a brick kiln in Nandigram that has been scene of violent clashes between CPI (M) cadres and the supporters of Bhumi Uched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC).

The bombs were hidden in bushes and number over 50.

The brick kiln allegedly belongs to a CPI (M) cadre and was reportedly used to stockpile arms and ammunition.

The CRPF will hand over the bombs to the State Police. (ANI)
--MP

Baghdogra (WB), Dec 22 (ANI): Customs officials have seized four antique idols worth 10 million rupees in the international market from Siliguri in West Bengal.

The four idols carved out of black basalt date back to 12th century A.D.

Officials said that they intercepted a car from Bangladesh and the idols were
found concealed in their vehicle.

Unauthorised dealing in antiques is banned under the Antiquity and Art Treasure Act (AATA). Under the Act, no object more than 100 years old can be taken out of the country without permission.

But even then, India has become a hub of clandestine dealings in object d'art, with most of the smuggled goods finding their way to rich drawing rooms of the West. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec.22 (ANI):External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday denied that controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen was under house arrest.

Asked by reporters about the possible restrictions on Taslima's return to Kolkata from Delhi where she was presently lodged at an undisclosed location, Mukherjee said, ''whether she will come to Kolkata or go to Chennai. She is not under house arrest.''

The government's policy was to make all appropriate arrangements for the safe and secure stay of a guest, he said.

Mukherjee's comment came two days after Nasreen said that she had been informed by government officials that she would not be allowed to return to Kolkata for now.

Asked what advice had been given to her by the Centre, he said, ''We have communicated to her that she can stay in the country as long as she wants, which is our rule here.''

Stating that he had already made a statement in Parliament on the matter, he said, ''The government's policy is that we never send a guest. If any guest wants to stay, we make all arrangements for it. I had said at the same time that our guest should not do anything that may hurt the sentiments of any segment of the population in the country.''

Mukherjee's comment came hours after Nasreen had decided to put the writing of  her next novel on hold. 

The writer has asked her publishers to cancel the publication of the sixth part of her autobiography. She has not been writing for the last two months.
 
The book was to be released during the Kolkata Book Fair in January. Taslima has said she will not be able to meet the deadline, as she is finding it difficult to concentrate on her writing.

Taslima's supporters organised a rally in Kolkata today to protest against the Centre's ultimatum to keep her in Delhi.

Ironically, since Taslima asked her publishers to delete the objectionable portions of her novel, Dwikhondito (Split in Two), the sale of the book has picked up. It has already sold 5,000 copies in less than a month.

Following the Centre's directive, Taslima's publishers and the Publishers and Book Sellers Guild are not sure whether her novels can feature at the Kolkata Book Fair.

Since 2000, Taslima has been a regular at the Kolkata Book Fair. However, the Kolkata book fair in January will only see a copy of her poems and her past books, which are all in Bengali.

A book of poems by Taslima Nasreen called Tui Nishiddho, Tui Kotha Koish Na (You Shut Up, You Don't Speak) will be released at the Kolkata Book Fair.

The writer, who has been virtually on the run since November when she was forced to leave Kolkata following violent protests by radical Muslims demanding her ouster from India.

After the unprecedented violence in Kolkata by a section of Muslims, the 45-year-old writer was shifted to Jaipur on November 22, and then to New Delhi and under tight security.(ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, December 22 (ANI) : Incarcerated Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has decided to put the writing of  her next novel on hold. 

The writer has asked her publishers to cancel the publication of the sixth part of her autobiography. She has not been writing for the last two months. 

The book was to be released during the Kolkata Book Fair in January. Taslima has said she will not be able to meet the deadline, as she is finding it difficult to concentrate on her writing.

Taslima's supporters are today taking out a rally in Kolkata to protest against the Centre's ultimatum to keep her in Delhi.

Ironically, since Taslima asked her publishers to delete the objectionable portions of her novel, Dwikhondito (Split in Two), the sale of the book has picked up. It has already sold 5,000 copies in less than a month.

Following the Centre's directive, Taslima's publishers and the Publishers and Book Sellers Guild are not sure whether her novels can feature at the Kolkata Book Fair.

Since 2000, Taslima has been a regular at the Kolkata Book Fair.

However, the Kolkata book fair in January will only see a copy of her poems and her past books, which are all in Bengali.

A book of poems by Taslima Nasreen called Tui Nishiddho, Tui Kotha Koish Na (You Shut Up, You Don't Speak) will be released at the Kolkata Book Fair.

A day after the government told Taslima Nasreen that she could either continue to stay in Delhi or leave the country, the controversial Bangladeshi writer appealed to the Government to "change its mind".

The writer, who has been virtually on the run since November when she was forced to leave Kolkata following violent protests by radical Muslims demanding her ouster from India, was told of the government decision on Thursday.

After the unprecedented violence in Kolkata by a section of Muslims, the 45-year-old writer was shifted to Jaipur on November 22, and then to New Delhi and under tight security.(ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec.21 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today described the alleged "house arrest" of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen as "shocking news", and urged the UPA Government not to forget the time tested philosophy of "Athithi Devo Bhawa".

"Taslima is a victim of religious persecution in Bangladesh. She is now a refugee in India. The BJP would like to remind the UPA central government and CPM state government that we are no longer living under the emergency rule of 1975 in which the then attorney general had infamously had the audacity to state that "nobody has right to life if the government wishes so," said BJP spokesman Prakash Javadkar.

Javadkar also said that the BJP is also amused to note that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has finally acknowledged that the left-wing extremism of the Naxals is growing and their base has enlarged.

Blaming the UP Government for discontinuing  the co-ordinated action plan and working group arrangement initiated by theprevious NDA Government to tackle Naxals despite its success, Javadkar demanded that instead of mere statements, the government must display the resolve and follow it up with a specific action plan to conclusively combat and defeat Naxalism across the country. (ANI)
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New Delhi, Dec 21 (ANI): People belonging to the Gorkha community, who had assembled in the National capital from different parts of the country on Friday, staged a protest demonstration demanding a separate Gorkhaland State to be carved out of West Bengal.

The day-long protest was organised by the Bharatiya Gorkha Parishad, an outfit representing ten million Gorkhas in 22 states.

Protestors claimed that the Gorkha community has contributed to the task of nation building, by making a mark in military, academics, administration, sports, art and culture. They feel, yet, they do not receive due recognition in the country.

Bharatiya Gorkha Parishad National Working President C K Shrestha said: "Our main demand is that we want a state for our national identity anywhere within India."

He said the area of Darjeeling and Doar is the most viable and suitable to create a separate state for Gorkhas.

These areas are predominantly inhabited by Gorkha, and historically it is different from West Bengal, Shrestha said.

Over the past few months, Gorkhas have been organising rallies and protests to press for their demands for Gorkhaland. (ANI)
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Kolkata /Goa, Dec 20 (ANI): Preparations for the forthcoming Christmas festival are under way all over the country particularly in Kolkata and Goa.

While around the globe, many are busy decorating their homes for the Christmas, children in Kolkata took a unique initiative to clean the city before the festival arrives.

The children dressed up as Santa Claus took up brooms to clean the streets.

Janvi, a young girl said "We are dressed as Santa Clause and cleaning the city to give a message to the people that they should keep Kolkata clean and we want to welcome everyone here for the New Year."

Meanwhile, in Goa, which is known for being a perfect holiday destination because of its joyful people and great ambience is catching up the Christmas spirit

Many European tourists have already arrived in Goa to be a part of the Christmas celebrations.

Hotels in Goa have started arranging parties and other activities.

Rebecca Ogden, a tourist from England said, "We find the people here very friendly. Everyone is in the Christmas spirit and very helpful. I have two young children and all the staff really wants them to have a good time. They put on lot of activities for them. I think that's different to other places we've been to."

Nick, another tourist said, "It's our first time in India. It is fabulous. All well set up for the Christmas."

Alltogether, many places in India wear a festive look to welcome Christmas and the New Year. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Dec.19 (ANI): Children in the 'City of Joy', Kolkata, took part in a unique initiative to welcome X-Mass and new year in a cleaner greener and mosquito free city .

In a goodwill gesture, some children dressed up as Santa Claus took up broomsticks and had swept a portion of Manohar Pukur Road .

There is no doubt in this Christmas the city  of Kolkata would look ten times smarter than earlier with hi-fi shopping malls and sky-scrappers, however, this total makeover has come at the cost of city's greenery.

Real estate developers are cutting trees indiscriminately and without following the existing rule of planting at least five trees  while cutting a full grown tree .

Earlier, Kolkata was one of those green places in India but now the situation has been reverted courtesy real estate developers . As children are the most sensitive section in the society the campaign for a cleaner city started with them . As they were dressed as Santa Claus with broomsticks in hand they could attract many eyes to their mission easily  . Many people gathered in the area to see the campaign .

Organizer , Launcher Z , of the campaign felt that it was urgent to launch such a campaign because increasing number of dengue and malaria only portrayed Kolkata in bad light and it also leaves scar on city's face. (ANI)
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Siliguri (West Bengal), Dec 18 (ANI): The President of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Subash Ghising, has demanded more powers and autonomy soon for the Hill Development Council in Darjeeling hills.

Ghising, the former Chairman of the Autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (ADGHC), said the hill people would be frustrated if the parliament does not approve the Constitution Amendment Bill granting Sixth Schedule status to the Hill Council in the next Budget Session of Parliament starting mid-February.

"People tend to get frustrated. In 2005, the memorandum settlement (for the autonomy of the Hill Development Council) was prepared, but the project is yet to be materialised," Ghising said after a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee here.

The GNLF wants the Darjeeling Hills to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, while the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha (GJMM), a breakaway faction of the GNLF, led by Bimal Gurung, opposes the demand.

GNLF launched the agitation for a separate state in 1980, but dropped the demand for Sixth Schedule after New Delhi agreed to confer partial autonomy in 1988 for the Nepalese-speaking people.

An agreement was signed by the Central Government, the West Bengal Government and the GNLF paving way for the setting up of the Autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (ADGHC) in 1988.

The State Government in West Bengal has been resisting demands for a separate state to Gorkhas. (ANI)

- AY

Kolkata, Dec 17 (ANI): The Calcutta High Court on Monday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit its final report on the March 14 police firing incident in Nandigram within two months, in spite of the investigating agency's plea of granting them four months time to complete their investigation.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S S Nijjar and Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh issued the directive to the CBI asking it to submit the final report by February 15.

At least 14 people were killed when police fired bullets on activists of Trinamool Congress spearheaded Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC), who were protesting against the setting up of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Nandigram.

The Supreme Court has already stayed a Calcutta High Court order directing the CBI to begin criminal proceedings against police officials for the March 14 incident.

The West Bengal Government has contended that the Calcutta High Court had made a "premature conclusion" without properly evaluating the evidence on record.

The State Government had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
--MP

Agartala, Dec 15 (ANI): Kabyalok, a Kolkata-based theatre group, recently organised a workshop to hone acting skills of youngsters in Tripura.

The main purpose behind the workshop was to rejuvenate the dying art of theatre in the age of cinema and television.

After a week-long training programme, children produced and enacted a play.

"I like it. All of us who have participated in this workshop are determined to do something. Our main aim is to do something beyond, whatever we have learnt or were taught in this workshop," said Paromita Debnath, a student.

More than 40 children participated in the workshop.

Trainers also held discussions with the children's guardians and discussed different aspects of drama and child psychology and how plays help ensure all-round development.

"Theatre has been an integral part of human civilization. It's a fascinating aspect of human relationship that when in silence you participate and create," said Surajdebnath, a trainer.

Some parents took keen interest and felt that such workshops should be held frequently to hone children's creative skills.

"Children understand drama. In the workshop children learnt the technique of talking on the stage, understanding the audience, elders and respecting them," said Pompy Muzumdar, a parent.

Renowned theatre artistes Rudraprashad Sengupta and Debsankar Haldar from Kolkata conducted the training programme.

With the return of normalcy in Tripura more and more people are exploring newer facets and avenues, which had remained hidden and unexplored in more uncertain times dogged by militancy. (ANI)
--MP

Darjeeling, Dec.13 (ANI): Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, nestling at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, is offering a new lease of life to the highly endangered species of snow leopards.

Today, it is known for its successful breeding of snow leopards.

Having started with just four snow leopards --two from Germany and another two from America -- the zoological park is today home to 14 snow leopards.

In 1986, inspired by the Switzerland-based, International Snow Leopard Trust, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in West Bengal launched a snow leopard breeding programme. The objective was and is the conservation of snow leopards in captivity.

According to authorities at the zoo, the breeding of snow leopards is a long-term project, and will involve exchange programmes both within India and abroad.

"The future plan is that we'll continue breeding and we'll be sending these animals to other zoos like we have done with...we have sent animals to Shimla, Nainital and Gangtok," said said A. K. Jha, the Director of the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

"They are keeping these animals in captivity in India and we have also had an exchange programme with zoos in other parts of the world. We bring animals from there and we exchange them for the new improved bloodline," Jha added.

Weighing up to 75 kilograms (165 lb), the snow leopard has a thick, soft gray coat with ringed black spots to help it camouflage itself against rocks.

The snow leopard's tail is almost the same length as its body and helps maintain its balance on the rugged mountain terrain.

Scientifically known as the 'Uncia uncia', the solitary cats are native to the remote mountain ranges of central and southern Asia, where their population is estimated to be around 7,000.

In 2006, India had between 200 to 600 snow leopards -- the third-largest population of the wild cats after China and Mongolia -- of which around half inhabit Kashmir's Himalayan mountain range at the altitudes of about 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).

The cats, whose skin command a high price in the international market, are protected but wildlife groups say there have been no real conservation measures to help save the endangered species.

The degradation of their natural habitat, poaching of their furs, reduction of their prey due to hunting and them being killed by locals as retribution for lost livestock are some of the factors that contribute to their depleting population, officials said.

The Himalayan range covers most of northern India. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Dec.13 (ANI): Bengalis' love for sending invitation cards to friends and relatives on almost every other occasion is today a common knowledge in West Bengal. A function is considered incomplete till at least 100 guests attend it.

The popular custom here is to invite friends and relatives by sending them printed invitation cards. Be it the birth of a child, the rice ceremony, a birthday, a marriage or someone's last rites, invitation cards are required.

In Kolkata, Mahatma Gandhi Road, popularly called College Street, is known for its invitation card shops. Just after a marriage is fixed, a family visits these shops to select an invitation profile reflecting one's personal taste.

Bulbul Mukherjee , whose daughter will get married in January , recently visited College Street in search of an artistic card .

She said: "We, Bengalis, need cards for all occasions starting from birth to death. Since childhood, we know College Street is the place where we get cards."

At the College Street, there are over 100 shops selling invitation cards for all occasions. Here, it is a flourishing trade offering employment to over 2,500 people.

This invitation card business goes back to more than 50 years. When a handful of people of the area started making and selling some handmade cards, mainly for the wedding occasion.   There were just four to five shops selling cards here.

Meanwhile, with the passage of time, the preference for wedding cards has undergone a sea change.

Old timers say that the introduction of computers has revolutionised the business all together.

Prabhat Saha, who has spent his last 20 years into the card trade, says : "Everything has changed in the last ten years with computers. Perfection is the key word now - be it designing or printing. The cost has also come down considerably due to high production. Press printing has actually gone to oblivion."

Interestingly, patterns of invitation cards have seen an evolution with changing pattern of job market in Kolkata.

The wedding card business is booming with people spending more money for fashionable cards.

There was a time when for a middle to upper middle class family, rupees three to five would be spent for each wedding card. That amount has risen up to rupees 20 to 50 per card today.

Today's youth, who work mainly in the IT and service sector, opt for slick modern cards. Earlier, a Bengali wedding card included the picture of a bride in a palanquin or a butterfly or a Kalash.

Today, modern motifs are in vogue, including Tagore's painted woman face or Jamini Ray paintings or their own designs.

Biswa Ranjan Kumar, whose son works for a multinational company, said: "They have so many specifications because of their job-profile. In my son's wedding card we have as many as three pages. One for invitation in Bengali, the other for English as his friends are mostly non-Bengali and the last page is meant to guide for a route map up to venue. The texture of paper has also changed. Now customers prefer handmade papers which are brought from Assam."

Rabi Ghosh, whose family is into card business for past three decades, says: "We can guess the taste, profession and religion of a person from the card he or she selects."

Rabi adds: "A professional Bengali always looks for slick modern card while non-Bengali Hindus always insist for a motif of the Lord Ganesha on the card whereas the business class prefers heavily designed cards."

Interestingly, colours for wedding cards vary according to one's religious faith.

Hindus prefer red cards while Muslims opt for green with picture of mosque and half moon.  On most of the Muslim cards, their favourite number "786" is written in the middle, as they consider this as their 'lucky number'.  Whereas the Christian cards are always in white or light pink with pictures of church marriage and flowers on them. (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Dec 13 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed a Calcutta High Court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to begin criminal proceedings against police officials for the March 14 firing in Nandigram.

Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan heard a petition filed by the West Bengal Government, challenging the CBI into the police firing.

At least 14 people were killed when police fired bullets on activists of Trinamool Congress spearheaded Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC), who were protesting against the setting up of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Nandigram.

The State Government has contended that the Calcutta High Court had made a "premature conclusion" without properly evaluating the evidence on record.

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14, and directed the government to continue the CBI probe.

The High Court had on November 27 issued a criminal contempt notice to Left Front chairman Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.

Bose had said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a CBI probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature.

Meanwhile, a decomposed body was found in a sack at Parulbari village in Nandigram, as police dug up a grave in a paddy field on Wednesday.

The Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), which opposes the land acquisition for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandigram, has claimed that the body belongs to one of their supporters, Harun Pramanik.

The BUPC are alleging that their supporters were abducted and killed by the CPI (M) cadres during the violence that rocked this part of the State earlier this year. 

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Dec 13 (ANI): The Supreme Court will today hear a petition filed by the West Bengal Government, challenging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the March 14 police firing in Nandigram.

Earlier, Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan headed bench gave a nod for an early hearing into the matter.

At least 14 people were killed when police fired bullets on the activists of Trinamool Congress spearheaded Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC), who were protesting against the setting up of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Nandigram.

The State Government has contended that the Calcutta High Court had made a "premature conclusion" without properly evaluating the evidence on record.

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14, and directed the government to continue the CBI probe.

The High Court had on November 27 issued a criminal contempt notice to Left Front chairman Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.

Bose had said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a CBI probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature.

Meanwhile, a decomposed body was found in a sack at Parulbari village in Nandigram, as police dug up a grave in a paddy field on Wednesday.

The Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), which opposes the land acquisition for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandigram, has claimed that the body belongs to one of their supporters, Harun Pramanik.

The BUPC are alleging that their supporters were abducted and killed by the CPI (M) cadres during the violence that rocked this part of the State earlier this year. 

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Dec 12 (ANI): A decomposed body was today found in a sack at Parulbari village in Nandigram as police dug up a grave in a paddy field. 

The Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), which opposes the land acquisition for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandigram, has claimed that the body belongs to one of their supporters, Harun Pramanik.

The body has been sent to Nandigram Police Station.

BUPC leader Abdul Samad was present in the spot when police dug up the grave.

He alleged that Harun was an active member of the BUPC and was abducted on November 7 by the CPI (M) cadres.

The CRPF personnel present in Nandigarm got a tip off from local people about the presence of bodies in the area.

On Tuesday they had found bullet covers in the adjoining areas.

The BUPC are alleging that their supporters were abducted and killed by the CPI (M) cadres during the violence that rocked this part of the State earlier this year.  

The digging of the grave inside a paddy field took place in presence of Shantiram Gorai, Block Development Officer of Nandigram.

To prevent tension and clashes security forces cordoned off the area since Tuesday. The Superintendent of Police of East Midnapore, S S Panda also visited the spot.  (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 11 (ANI-Business Wire India): Beceem Communications, the leading provider of terminal chipsets for Mobile WiMAX, announced that more than 10 commercial Mobile WiMAX devices have been designed with Beceem's industry leading BCS200 chipset, and will be shipping into Mobile WiMAX networks around the world in 2008.

These products, primarily PC modems (USB dongles, PC cards, Express cards) and low-cost desktop modems, comply with the new Mobile WiMAX standard for which the Department of Telecommunications has recently allocated 2.5 GHz spectrum to be auctioned off to service providers like BSNL, Reliance, Tata Communications and Bharti in 2008, finally clearing the way for large scale- Mobile WiMAX deployments in India.

Beceem started developing its industry-defining chipsets four years ago in its R&D center in Bangalore, and its CTO and co-founder is one of India's most eminent technology visionaries, Dr. Arogyaswami Paulraj.

Under the guidance of Dr. Paulraj, Beceem has led the WiMAX ecosystem by launching three generations of Mobile WiMAX terminal chipsets. The current BCS200 chipsets supports all WiMAX features and profiles and incorporates the industry's most advanced signal processing techniques, enabling MIMO and Smart Antenna operation with the unparalleled performance, allowing Beceem enabled devices to reach peak user throughputs of more than 33 Mbps.

"Beceem's Mobile WiMAX chipset solutions are developed right here in Bangalore, India. With more than two years of field testing and commercial deployments around the world, Beceem has proven that its products outperform those of any other chipset vendor," said Dr. Paulraj, CTO and co-founder of Beceem Communications. "Our chips deliver the highest performance and work against the basestations of all major WiMAX OEMs; thereby giving the operators in India the confidence that they will have access to high-performance equipment at a low cost. Beceem is a clear leader among Mobile WiMAX chipset providers, and we are excited to be able to work with Indian operators to accelerate Mobile WiMAX deployments and service initiatives."

In addition to high-performance Beceem also has the largest interoperability testing program with leading basestation vendors like Alcatel-Lucent, Alvarion, Motorola, Navini, NEC, Nokia-Siemens (for Sprint), Nortel, Samsung and ZTE.

The interoperability testing with the basestation vendors ensures that Beceem's terminal chipset customers can build devices that can be sold and used in almost any WiMAX network around the world. This value proposition is attractive to many device makers and Beceem has already signed up more than a dozen customers that will be shipping WiMAX terminals with Beceem's chipset in 2008. (ANI)
- AY

Singur, Dec 11 (ANI): Social activist Medha Patkar has launched a door-to door campaign in Singur in West Bengal against the acquisition of land for the proposed Tata Motors car plant.

Terming the proposed plant as illegal, Patkar said, Tata Motors should defer production at the factory and uphold the wishes of the villagers.

"They (Tata Motors) have not started any production here though announcements have been made. If people of Singur are protesting, they should not start production here against their wishes. At present also, whatever little they are doing is illegal," said Patkar.

Tata Motors started work on its factory in Singur earlier this year on what is touted as the world's cheapest car for 100,000 rupees.

But the project, which has become a test case for the ruling Communists party in West Bengal, has been mired in controversy with some farmers declaring that the government took their land against their will.

There have been regular protests in West Bengal this year over the acquisition of agriculture land for industry. (ANI)
- AY

Siliguri (West Bengal), Dec 10 (ANI): The Indian Railways has started an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the Sunday night's derailment of the Delhi-bound Brahmaputra Mail, the railway officials said today.

Mehtab Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Katihar Division, Northeastern Frontier Railway, refused to comment on the cause of the accident.

"We can't say anything preliminary because the kind of accident that has taken place," Singh said, adding "We are still investigating."

However, railway officials said sabotage could not be ruled out.

One person was killed and nearly 50 others were injured when fourteen bogies of the DN Brahmaputra Mail derailed about 15 km from New Jalpaiguri junction late on Sunday night.

The train, which was heading to New Delhi from Guwahati derailed between Rangapani and Nijbari railway stations at around 11 p.m.

The injured are undergoing treatment at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri.

The deceased identified as Mohammed Imroz who was working with pantry car of the train, as confirmed by the rescuers.

In August 1999, at least 400 people mainly military personnel were killed when the Brahmaputra Mail rammed into a stationary train at Gaisal station near Siliguri in West Bengal. (ANI)
--MP

Birbhaum (West Bengal), Dec.10 (ANI): Fissures have appeared in the ruling Left Front in West Bengal.  

The  state secretary of Forward Bloc, Ashok Ghosh, today announced that the party would fight the forthcoming Panchayat Polls alone, and not as a partner of the Left Front .  

Addressing a press conference in Birbhaum in Bolpur District, Ghosh said: "We will nominate our own candidates wherever we are strong." 

Significantly, he also mentioned "We would not join hands with forces like the Congress or the Trinamul Congress. The Forward Bloc would not join hands with any other Left Front partner."  

At its state council meeting, the Forward Bloc had decided that the party would not tolerate the CPI-M's big brotherly attitude anymore.  

Ghosh alleged that the Left Front Government had become the CPI-M Government now and, it did not fulfill the basic understanding of the Left Front. 

Despite this announcement of "going it alone", Ghosh made it clear that the Forward Bloc is still an ally of the Left  Front .  

When he was asked if his party would stick to the same combine during the Assembly polls, Ghosh replied: 'That depends on the situation.'  

Differences between the CPI-M and other Left allies like the Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) are becoming prominent. It is mainly over the issue of land acquisition for industrialization.  The RSP and the Forward Bloc have raised their voices repeatedly against 'the way the agricultural land has been acquired for industries by the State Government. 

Incidents like Nandigram have added fuel to the differences. The Forward Bloc and the RSP have both publicly criticized the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya-led Government on the incident.  

The differences have become sharper with the CPI-M recapture of Nandigram, which was quite bloody. (ANI) -AJ

Siliguri (West Bengal), Dec 10 (ANI):  One person was killed and 49 others were injured when fourteen bogies of the DN Brahmaputra Mail derailed about 15 km from New Jalpaiguri junction late on Sunday night.

According to railway sources, the train, which had set out from Guwahati, was headed for New Delhi when the incident occurred between Rangapani and Nijbari stations at around 11.00 p.m..

The injured are undergoing treatment at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri.

The deceased identified as Mohammed Imroz who was working with pantry car of the train, as confirmed by the rescuers.

The cause of the derailment was still not clear. (ANI)
- AY

Darjeeling, Dec 9 (ANI): A zoo in Darjeeling, which has bred two Red Pandas in captivity, plans to release the endangered mammal in the wild by early next year.

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) has in the past successfully bred and released the animal under the Project Red Panda launched in 1986.

Buoyed by the success of the release of four female Red Pandas a few years ago, park officials are once again preparing the ground for the release of two male Red Pandas.

"Maybe next year we will be able to release the animals in the Singalila National Park," said PNHZP Director Akjha.

The pandas will initially be "soft released" into the Singalila National Park, during which the animals are kept within an enclosure large enough for them to roam around so that they gradually acclimatise to their surroundings.

Red Panda is one of the endangered species in the world. There are about 2,500 Red Pandas and their number is declining. They are mostly found in the mountainous stretch from Myanmar, Nepal, China, North Eastern India, Bhutan and Laos. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Dec.8 (ANI): Priyanka Todi, the widow of Rizwanur Rehman, whose body was found near a railway track outside Kolkata on September 21 this year, has squarely blamed her husband's brother, Rukbanur, for the tragedy.  

''I have no idea how Rizwanur died, but he must have been deeply disturbed by something,'' Priyanka told  the Telegraph newspaper in an interview. 

Expressing her shock and sadness over Rukbanur's "false" statements, she said: "We blindly trusted Rukbanur, I regret his involvement. I made a mistake by not getting my family to meet Rizwanur, whose body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction. 

Talking about the time she left her husband's home to stay with her father she said she had asked Rizwanur, a computer graphics teacher, to wait for her, and he said he would wait a lifetime.  

She also blamed Pappu or S M Mahinuddin, who runs an NGO called 'Peace' for Rizwanur's death.Priyanka's father, Ashok Todi, is the main accused in the case. 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had on October 31 interrogated Ashok Todi. CBI Joint Director Arun Kumar and DIG S K Golcha carried out the interrogation.  

Priyanka's uncle, Anil Sarogi, who is alleged to have been an eyewitness to Rizwanur's death, was also questioned by the CBI team.  

Later, the CBI also called former skipper Sourav Ganguly's brother and former Bengal Ranji cricketer Snehasish Ganguly for interrogation at its Nizam Palace office. Former city police Chief Prasun Mukherjee is to be grilled later. 

The agency has reportedly interrogated four top city police officers, including two former Deputy Commissioners Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, who were removed by the State Government as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur. "The IPS officers have said a lot of things," Kumar had said then.  

The investigative agency has already questioned Priyanka and her mother. (ANI) -AJ

Kolkata/Ahmedabad, Dec 7 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has questioned the historical existence of Lord Ram thus opening a Pandora's Box in connection with the Sethu Samundram project.

"Where is the historical proof of Ram's birth? If Ramayana is history and Ram is a historical figure then where is the proof," Bhattacharjee said while speaking at a here to mark the 15th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid.

Reacting to Bhattacharjee's remarks, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said in Ahmedabad that Ram is a matter of faith for majority of Indians.

"I believe it could be personal view of the leftists and we are fully in disagreement with this view," said Jaitley.

Few months back, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist, had said the existence of Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas.

His comments had irked Hindu groups over the controversial Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).

The project will dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal.

However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 7 (ANI): The West Bengal Government today filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the March 14 police firingin Nandigram. 
The apex court will take up the matter on December 13.Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan headed bench gave a nod for an early hearing into the matter.  

At least 14 people were killed when police fired bullets on the activists of Trinamool Congress spearheaded Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC), who were protesting against the setting up of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Nandigram. 

The State Government has contended that the Calcutta High Court had made a "premature conclusion" without properly evaluating the evidence on record. 

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14, and directed the government to continue the CBI probe. 

The High Court had on November 27 issued a criminal contempt notice to Left Front chairman Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.  

Bose had said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a CBI probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature. 

Meanwhile, media reports said that West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has ordered a CID probe into the recovery of five half-burnt dead bodies found near Nandigram on December 5.  

The five graves were found by the CRPF at Bidyapith village in the Marxist stronghold of Khejuri. Half-burnt portions of skulls and bones were exhumed from three of the five graves in the presence CBI Joint Director Arun Kumar.  

On December 4, three weeks after he justified the violent takeover of Nandigram by the CPI (M) cadres, Bhattacharya had regretted his 'tit for tat' remark, which he had made in Kolkata. 

A few days after CPI (M) cadres took over the control of Nandigram after fierce clashes between the Left and the activists belonging to a Trinamool supported land protection committee, Buddhadeb had justified his party's cadres act by saying, "The people who suffered were paid back in their own coin." 

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project. 

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)-AJ

 

Meet the lady coach for men's football team in West Bengal

By Soma Mitra

Kolkata, Dec.6 (ANI): If the recent Bollywood hit "Chak De" showcased how a coach can make a difference to the fortunes of a feeble hockey team, Anita Sarkar of Kolkata is making a similar attempt for the men's football team in West Bengal.  

Anita holds the distinction of being the only woman coach of a men's football team registered with the Indian Football Association (IFA). She claims football being her first and last love.

She is grateful to the game that earned her fame and a career to earn a livelihood with respect. 

Anita, who is in her 40s, is presently training 40-50 boys from various districts of West Bengal. He dream is to produce world class footballers from the State. For this, she has recently started her own camp at a Maidan tent in Kolkata apart from coaching Mirzapur Union Club footballers.

The USP of Anita's training is that she can very well perform what she expects from the youngsters aiming to represent the national team. She finds is easy to discover what's going wrong on the field and how to overcome it.

The best part of training is that "Our madam (Anita) actually plays with us", said Sujay Das, one of the students. 

"She doesn't believe in dictating commands from the sidelines as she says that modern football is all about fitness, power and speed. Our coach is totally focused. She always insists for perfection," said footballer Tanveer Hassan Khan . 

Anita started her career as a footballer in the year 1975.

Apart from playing for club level football and representing Bengal at various tournaments she also played for Indian Women Team for long span. But she took to coaching in 1997.

Having taken training of coaching and earned the degree from Football Association (FA) in England in the best available training program for football coaches, Anita believes that  proper training is a must for success in any field.

She has also done an International Preliminary Coaching Award Course conducted by the FA, in 1998 and earned an 'A' certificate. 

On being asked the most disliked question that how does it feel to coach men footballers being a woman herself, she says: "It's all about teaching them the techniques and tactics which does not vary with the gender of a footballer."

Anita, who is a spinster and an employee of Customs, says that she has reached this position in football due to the firm support of her family and colleagues. 

Anita says: "Football gave me everything that I desired--a good job, a satisfactory career and a little fame."

It was one of her unforgettable moment of the career when was she was chosen to represent India to a training session at German Football Association. Among the 25 trainees at the camp, the only other woman was from Ghana.

She is happy doing what she loves the most. But she has a dream which is to one day coach the national women football team.  (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 5 (ANI): Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee today raised the issue of Nandigram in the Lok Sabha that lead to abrupt adjournment of the House for 30 minutes.  

Firebrand leader Banerjee came to the Lok Sabha for the first time in the Winter Session and raised the issue making certain accusations against the Left leaders.  

On December 4, three weeks after he justified the violent takeover of Nandigram by the CPI (M) cadres, the Chief Minister of the Left-ruled state of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya regretted his 'tit for tat' remark, which he had made in Kolkata. 

A few days after CPI (M) cadres took over the control of Nandigram after fierce clashes between the Left and the activists belonging to a Trinamool supported land protection committee, Buddhadeb had justified his party's cadres act by saying, "The people who suffered were paid back in their own coin." 

West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi on Sunday said the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government should honour the Calcutta High Court order on March 14 police killings here.  

On November 9, Gopalkrishna had said that the manner in which the 'recapture' of Nandigram villages was being attempted "was totally unlawful and unacceptable." 

"I find it equally unacceptable that while Nandigram has been ingressed with ease by armed people, on the one hand, political and non-political persons trying to reach it have been violently obstructed," he had said.  

A day after Gopalkrishna's remark, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said that the Governor had crossed the "constitutional limit of the highest office of the state." 

The Calcutta High Court, on November 27, had issued a criminal contempt notice to Left Front chairman Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.  

Bose had said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature. 

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14. 

The High Court, however, asked the State Government to give compensation of five hundred thousand rupees to the families of those who were killed, two hundred thousand rupees to women who were raped or molested, and one hundred thousand rupees to those who were injured. 

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.  

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI) -AJ

Kolkata, Dec 4 (ANI): Indian skipper Anil Kumble today said that Pakistan team has not gained a moral victory ahead of the third and the final Test match in Bangalore after the visitors managed to draw the Kolkata Test on Tuesday.

Speaking at a post match press conference, Kumble said, "I don't believe in moral victories. It's really crazy, I don't know why people talk about moral victories."

"When you struggle to pick up five wickets in both innings, that's no moral victory to me. To me what matters is the result and I think overall we dominated the match over the five days," Cricinfo added him, as saying.

Pakistan has a glimmer of hope for levelling the Test series against India in Bangalore. A belligerent, yet watchful century by stand-in skipper Younis Khan ensured a draw between Pakistan and India on the fifth and final day of the second Test played at the Eden Gardens here.

Chasing 345-run target for a possible win, Pakistan was initially pegged back by India's bowlers, and was at one time precariously placed at 78 for four. With defeat staring them in the face, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf staged a remarkable rearguard fight back that left hosts India rueing the possibility of not having declared earlier.

Younis, standing in as captain for the injured Shoaib Malik, hit his 15th Test hundred and fifth against India. Mohammad Yousuf scored an unbeaten 44 with six boundaries. The pair added 136 for the fifth wicket, and returned unconquered to the pavilion to the applause of the their teammates and their rivals.

Both captains -- Anil Kumble and Younis Khan called it a day at 214 for 4 with half an hour of play left.

Pakistan scored 214 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in Yasir Hamid, Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt and Misbah-ul-Haq, who had scored century in the first innings.

Kumble took two wickets in the second innings and Munaf Patel one. 

Earlier in the day, India added 43 runs to their overnight score before declaring at 184 for four with the dismissals of Sourav Ganguly and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Wasim Jaffer, who scored a double century in the first innings of the match, was adjudged the Man of the Match. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 4 (ANI): Three weeks after he justified the violent takeover of Nandigram by the CPI (M) cadres, the Chief Minister of the Left-ruled state of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya today admitted that the violent situation in that part of the State was a political and administrative failure.

He also regretted his 'tit for tat' remark, which he had made in Kolkata.

''We paid back in their own coin, I said. But I should not have said this because now I want peace, peace for all, peace for all sections,'' said a mellowed Buddhadeb, who is here to attend his party's politburo meeting.

On November 13, just days after CPI (M) cadres took over the control of Nandigram after fierce clashes between the Left and the activists belonging to a Trinamool supported land protection committee, Buddhadeb had justified his party's cadres act by saying, "The people who suffered were paid back in their own coin".

A day later, he remained firm on his remark in spite of it evoking huge criticisms, and added that he was not only the Chief Minister of the State but also a CPI (M) worker.

However, the West Bengal Chief Minister today said, ''Bengal has committed a mistake, it was like tit for tat''.

He also claimed that the violence in Nandigram that began with people's protests against the land acquisition for setting up a Special Economic Zone would not impede the process of industrialisation in the State, and it would not affect the confidence of investors.

"Nobody is going back. Not only in steel sector, food processing, engineers, IT (Information Technology), but new proposals are coming in. At Haldia every month, new proposals are coming in. It is not a setback. We are trying to correct our mistakes there but the process of industrialisation will not be disturbed in any way," he added.

The Chief Minister also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and apprised him of the situation prevailing in Nandigram.

"I told him (Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) that the situation is gradually normalizing and almost all people who were evicted from their houses are going back to their houses," he said. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Dec.4 (ANI): A belligerent, yet watchful century by stand-in skipper Younis Khan ensured a draw between Pakistan and India on the fifth and final day of the second Test played at the Eden Gardens here. 

Chasing 345 for a possible win, Pakistan was initially pegged back by India's bowlers, and were at one time precariously placed at 78 for four. With defeat staring them in the face, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf staged a remarkable rearguard fightback that left hosts India rueing the possibility of not having declared earlier. 

Younis, standing in as captain for the injured Shoaib Malik, hit his 15th Test hundred and fifth against India. Mohammad Yousuf scored an unbeaten 44 with six boundaries. The pair added 136 for the fifth wicket, and returned unconquered to the pavilion to the applause of the their teammates and their rivals. 

Both captains -- Anil Kumble and Younis Khan called it a day at 214 for 4 with half an hour of play left.  

India were disappointingly lethargic, except for brief periods in the afternoon or when Anil Kumble was involved. Kumble had brought the game alive in the afternoon, with two wickets. But as the two Y's came together with another century partnership - their ninth - even Kumble's tenacity wasn't enough.  

Yousuf helped himself back into some form. By tea, he was set and after it, was rarely hassled, choosing occasionally to stroke a cover drive, but opting generally to pat balls back.  

The two teams now travel to Bangalore for the third and final Test of the series. (ANI) -AJ

Nandigram/New Delhi, Dec 4 (ANI):  Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee has lashed out at the Left Government in West Bengal for unleashing its muscle power in Nandigram, the scene of recurring clashes over plans to create an industrial hub.

Squarely blaming the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Banerjee who visited Nandigram village said, "The CPM has recaptured Nandigram with 10,00,00 goons, but it has failed to capture the hearts of Nandigram people."

The CPI (M) on the other hand claims that normalcy has returned to Nandigram.

"Nandigram is coming back to its earlier position. Peace is being restored gradually. The Governor who went there has seen that the peace process is on," claimed Biman Bose, a senior CPI-M leader.

West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi had visited the village and said that the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government should honour the Calcutta High Courts order on the March 14 police killings there.

Gandhi also admitted that the traumatised people of the village would take some time to resume normal lives.

Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured since January in protests against the West Bengal Government's plan to set up a chemical manufacturing hub export zone on land acquired from Nandigram villagers.

The Left lost control of Nandigram earlier this year after trying to turf villagers off their land to make way for the chemicals complex in Nandigram.

Opposition parties and Maoist rebels moved in, and the area became a no-go zone for Communists and police alike.

Last month, Left party cadres forced their way back in. At least six villagers were killed in the violence, bringing the death toll to at least 34 killed so far this year.

Several women alleged that they were raped by Communist cadres.

Although the State Government has shelved the industrial hub plan after initial protests, paramilitary forces were sent in after the recent clashes in Nandigram to avert further clashes and restore order. (ANI)

- AY

Kolkata, Dec 4 (ANI): Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is reportedly considering an offer to act in Indian films.

The Rawalpindi Express, who earlier had turned down a role in Mahesh Bhatt's film "Gangster", has changed his mind.

"A film director is coming to meet me in Bangalore when we go there for the final Test later this week," Akhtar told reporters here.

"I'm open to acting offers in Bollywood. Let's see how things shape up this time," the Dawn quoted Akhtar, as saying.

Akhtar also said that it was entirely hid decision to play the Kolkata Test.

"The team management didn't force it on me," he added. (ANI)

- AY

Kolkata, Dec 3 (ANI): After the Pakistan team avoided follow-on on the
fourth day of the Kolkata Test, Team India has taken a lead of 301
against the visiting team.

Pakistan made 458 runs before its team was all out, and India were 141
runs for the loss of two wickets at the end of play on the fourth day.

India lost its first wicket in Dinesh Karthik who scored 28. Opener
Wasim Jaffer scored 56 in just 75 balls before getting bowled. Danish
Kaneria took both wickets.

Saurav Ganguly and skipper M S Dhoni were at crease scoring 24 and 28
respectively. (ANI) -AJ

Nandigram, Dec 3 (ANI): Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will visit violence-hit Nandigram today to take stock of the situation.

Earlier, Mamata managed to reach there on October 28 and her supporters alleged that they were fired upon by the followers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Tight security arrangements have been made as according to sources the supporters of Mamata are planning to hold a rally.

Mamata's visit is taking place a day after West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi visited the village.

Gandhi said that the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government should honour the Calcutta High Court order on March 14 police killings here.

The Governor also said that the traumatised people of the village would take some time to normalise, adding, "Normalcy is returning, but not an easy process."

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Dec 2 (ANI): Keeping the Pakistani hope alive, middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal struck brilliant centuries to almost bring their team on the verge of avoiding follow-on on the third day of the second Test match against India here at the Eden Gardens today. 

After the Pakistani top order once again failed to perform to its calibre, leaving the team tottering at 150 with five wickets down at one stage, Misbah and Akmal steadied the innings. The two scored 207 runs for sixth wicket before off-spinner Harbhajan Singh got rid of Akmal, who scored 119, which included 16 fours. 

Earlier this morning, it was the same old story for the Pakistani batsmen as none of their top four players could score even a half-century, and the visitors lost half of their side for just 152 runs.  

Thanks to some fine bowling by skipper Anil Kumble and Harbhajan, they lost the wickets of opener Salman Butt (42) and their most outstanding batsman of recent time Mohammad Yousuf (6) within the first hour of the morning session. Soon, Younis Khan (43) and Faisal Iqbal (0) were also back to pavilion.  

At stumps on day three, Pakistan was 358 for six, with Misbah unbeaten on 108 and Mohammad Sami batting at nought.  

Pakistan still needs 59 runs to avoid follow-on with four wickets remaining. (ANI) -AJ

Haldia/Kolkata, Dec 2 (ANI): After visiting Nandigram for the first time since violence erupted in the village, West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi today said the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government should honour the Calcutta High Court order on March 14 police killings here.  

The governor also said that the traumatised people of the village would take some time to normalise, adding, "Normalcy is returning, but not an easy process." His visit came few days after he had a phoney war with the Left leaders. 

On November 9, Gopalkrishna had said that the manner in which the 'recapture' of Nandigram villages was being attempted "was totally unlawful and unacceptable." 

"I find it equally unacceptable that while Nandigram has been ingressed with ease by armed people, on the one hand, political and non-political persons trying to reach it have been violently obstructed," he had said. 

A day after Gopalkrishna's remark, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said that the Governor had crossed the "constitutional limit of the highest office of the state." 

The Left Front chairman Biman Bose alleged that the Governor "failed" to maintain neutrality.  

The Calcutta High Court, on November 27, had issued a criminal contempt notice to Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.  

On November 17, Bose has said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature. 

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14. 

The High Court, however, asked the State Government to give compensation of five hundred thousand rupees to the families of those who were killed, two hundred thousand rupees to women who were raped or molested, and one hundred thousand rupees to those who were injured. 

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project. 

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI) -AJ

Kolkata, Dec 2 (ANI): West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi today visited violence-hit Nanidgram village to take stock of the situation there.

His visit comes days after he met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on November 29 and briefed him about the prevailing situation in Nandigram.

On November 9, Gopalkrishna had said that the manner in which the 'recapture' of Nandigram villages was being attempted "was totally unlawful and unacceptable."

"I find it equally unacceptable that while Nandigram has been ingressed with ease by armed people, on the one hand, political and non-political persons trying to reach it have been violently obstructed," he had said.

A day after Gopalkrishna's remark, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said that the Governor had crossed the "constitutional limit of the highest office of the state."

The Left Front chairman Biman Bose alleged that the Governor "failed" to maintain neutrality.

The Calcutta High Court, on November 27, had issued a criminal contempt notice to Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.

On November 17, Bose has said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature.

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14.

The High Court, however, asked the State Government to give compensation of five hundred thousand rupees to the families of those who were killed, two hundred thousand rupees to women who were raped or molested, and one hundred thousand rupees to those who were injured.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police. (ANI)
- AY

Agartala, Dec 2 (ANI): Tripura Director General of Police, KTD Singh, has said that Harkat-ul-Jihadi-e-Islami (HuJI) is helping militants to creep into the country via Indo-Bangladesh porous border, as infiltration from the western border has become very difficult.

"With the western border of India getting difficult, Islamic fundamentalist are now using the long porous border of Indo-Bangladesh to sneak into the country, Singh told reporters here.

He further said that despite of the changing scenario in Bangladesh, militants are still taking shelter in that country.

Coming down heavily on the Bangladesh Government for doing enough to contain mushrooming of anti-India militant camps in that country, Singh said that they carried out fewer raids, but they were all done after leaking prior information to militant groups.

He said the outlawed All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) and the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) maintain more than 30 camps in Bangladesh and they are in constant touch with other bigger terror groups like United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).

Admitting that there was a drop in militant activities in the state, Singh said that they might increase in the run up to the assembly elections. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Dec.1 (ANI): India has set Pakistan a formidable 616 to get in the second cricket Test being played at the Eden Gardens here.

Continuing from its overnight score of 352 for three, India compounded Pakistan's problems on Saturday by adding a further  264 runs for the loss of just two wickets in under six hours of play.

Overnight batsmen Wasim Jaffer and Saurav Ganguly  added a further 23 runs to their partnership of 39 on Friday, before Jaffer fell for a master class 202 with 34 boundaries, caught behind of the bowling of Sohail Tanvir.

Pakistan, hoping to see light at the end of a dark tunnel, was in for greater disappointment as Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman plundered runs at will of a wilting bowling attack.

Both completed centuries, but for Ganguly, Saturday's 102 with 14 boundaries, was special as it was his first on his homeground -- the Eden Gardens.

The thrill exhibited on reaching the coveted landmark was there for all to see. Sadly, he fell soon after, getting caught in the deep of Salman Butt.

He and Laxman had a partnership of 163, and his departure resulted in a rollicking  unbeaten partnership of 78 runs between Laxman and Dhoni, of which the latter got 50 with six fours and a six.

Laxman got his 11th century in due course. He scored an unbeaten 112 with 15 boundaries.

Indian skipper Anil Kumble declared the innings closed at 616 for five after Dhoni reached his half-century.

For Pakistan, the standout bowlers were Sohail Tanvir, who took two wickets for 166 runs of 39 overs and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria who took two for 194 of 50 overs. Butt took one for 36 of 6.5 overs.

Pakistan will have to reach a score of 416 to avoid a follow-on in the 1850th Test match to be played in the world. At the time of filing this report, Pakistan were 10 without loss. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Dec.1 (ANI): Pakistan managed to score 50 for one in reply to India's massive score of 616 for five wickets on the second day of the second Test match at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Saturday. 

Chasing an initial target of 417 to avoid a follow-on, Pakistan suffered an early setback, when lost the wicket of Yaseer Hamid to a peach of delivery from leg spinner and captain Anil Kumble. Hameed was declared leg before wicket for an individual score of  21 with four boundaries. 

At the draw of stumps, opener Salman Butt with 26 (four boundaries) and middle-order bat and captain Younis Khan with three were at the crease. 

For India, fast bowler Zaheer Khan  was economical, while Munaf Patel was expensive, giving away 22 runs in three overs. Kumble returned figures of 1/12 of five overs, while Harbhajan Singh returned figures of none for 14 of 6.4 overs. 

Earlier in the day, India set Pakistan a formidable 616 to get in the second cricket Test being played at the Eden Gardens here. 

Continuing from its overnight score of 352 for three, India compounded Pakistan's problems on Saturday by adding a further   264 runs for the loss of just two wickets in under six hours of play. 

Overnight batsmen Wasim Jaffer and Saurav Ganguly  added a further 23 runs to their partnership of 39 on Friday, before Jaffer fell for a master class 202 with 34 boundaries, caught behind of the bowling of Sohail Tanvir. 

Pakistan, hoping to see light at the end of a dark tunnel, was in for greater disappointment as Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman plundered runs at will of a wilting bowling attack. 

Both completed centuries, but for Ganguly, Saturday's 102 with 14 boundaries, was special as it was his first on his homeground -- the Eden Gardens. 

The thrill exhibited on reaching the coveted landmark was there for all to see. Sadly, he fell soon after, getting caught in the deep of Salman Butt. 

He and Laxman had a partnership of 163, and his departure resulted in a rollicking  unbeaten partnership of 78 runs between Laxman and Dhoni, of which the latter got 50 with six fours and a six. 

Laxman got his 11th century in due course. He scored an unbeaten 112 with 15 boundaries. 

Indian skipper Anil Kumble declared the innings closed at 616 for five after Dhoni reached his half-century. 

For Pakistan, the standout bowlers were Sohail Tanvir, who took two wickets for 166 runs of 39 overs and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria who took two for 194 of 50 overs. Butt took one for 36 of 6.5 overs. 

Pakistan will have to reach a score of 416 to avoid a follow-on in the 1850th Test match to be played in the world. At the time of filing this report, Pakistan were 10 without loss. (ANI) -AJ