INDIA/CHINA: Generals in charge of China border head for Beijing — and Lhasa
Posted by barunroy on August 31, 2009
FROM INDIAN EXPRES
In an effort to achieve some confidence building amid growing suspicion of a military build-up on the Sino-Indian border, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen V K Singh is leading a high-level military delegation to China on a weeklong “goodwill visit” that would include a rare stop in Lhasa. The Eastern Army Command is responsible for deployment in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
It is learnt that Commander of Leh-based 14 Corps Lt Gen S K Singh, who is responsible for forces facing the Chinese on the Ladakh border, is also part of the delegation along with a senior official from the Lucknow-based Central Command that oversees deployment along the Uttarakhand border.
While senior Indian military officials — the last being the Central Army Commander in 2006-07 — have visited China, this visit draws its significance from the fact that it includes all senior officials in-charge of Army deployment along the India-China border. The plan, sources said, had been in the works but dates could only be finalised now.
The delegation will not only meet senior officials from the PLA in Beijing but will also travel to Lhasa and the Chengdu province to meet some of their military counterparts. The visit comes at a time when there is increased suspicion among militaries on both sides, particularly in the Eastern Sector where China has suddenly become more active after staking claim to the Finger Area, the northernmost tip of Sikkim.
Just last week, sources said, junior military officials from the Chinese side wanted to cross into the area claiming that it was their territory. Indian troops blocked them, leading to a heated exchange of words with local commanders finally being able to resolve the issue through persuasion. Such incidents have become more routine than before.
The visit by the high-level military delegation is a move to ensure some confidence building at a time when Beijing has resented Indian moves to set up a division in Arunachal Pradesh. India has also converted the Tezpur air base to a Sukhoi base, revived airfields that had been defunct for a long time along the China border and even moved mechanized forces near the Finger Area. This build-up follows similar strengthening of Chinese ground forces in Chengdu and Tibet Autonomous Region.
The recently-concluded boundary talks between Special Representatives NSA M K Narayanan and Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo also did not make much headway on the boundary issue. While the two sides agreed to elevate the talks into a strategic dialogue, there was hardly any substantial movement on the boundary issue.
It is learnt that India suggested to jointly delineate the Line of Actual Control so that it becomes easier to address issues of misperception but the Chinese side continued to stress on picking up sector-by-sector for discussions while again emphasizing their claim on Arunachal Pradesh.
The whole idea behind the SR-level mechanism, sources said, was to move beyond the “sector approach” and address the issue from a political perspective — the subtext of the arrangement being to explore the possibility of reaching a settlement through minimum disturbance to settled population by way of bilateral political concessions across sectors. The Middle Sector, comprising Sikkim, was considered largely settled but Beijing provoked angry reactions in India after staking claim to Finger Area
Monday 31 August 2009
Saturday 8 August 2009
INDO CHINA TALKS ON BORDER BEGINS
India, China begin 14th round of border talks
NEW DELHI, Aug 7 2009: India and China begin their 14th round of discussions on the border dispute in Delhi on Friday and experts are warning that China is diluting its commitment on Sikkim as a part of India.
They say China's objections over the last year to India strengthening border defences in Sikkim were made with only that purpose in mind.
Professor, Centre for East, Srikanth Kondapalli said, "Overall I see there is a lot of local and military resistance for normalisatioan of relations between the two countries and the issue of finger point was raised by the local level Chinese military units in terms of their infrastructure and possibly it shows the discord in the decision making between the China's political and military leadership.”
The result is that India has now deployed armoured vehicles along the Sikkim Tibet border.
There's disquiet on other fronts and diplomatic sources confirmed Chinese border incursions are mounting in the Ladakh region covering Khurnak Fort, the Pangong Tso lake, Chumar and Demchok.
Chinese troops are again entering the Barahoti grazing grounds in Himachal Pradesh. All this backed up by hints that China is not keen on joint army exercises in December. There's been no movement on joint air force exercises. And growing suspicion that China's naval drills are only to reinforce its Indian Ocean footprint.
There are also concern over China's plans to dam the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet which flows into India as the Brahmaputra.
SOURCE;SIKKIM EXPRESS
NEW DELHI, Aug 7 2009: India and China begin their 14th round of discussions on the border dispute in Delhi on Friday and experts are warning that China is diluting its commitment on Sikkim as a part of India.
They say China's objections over the last year to India strengthening border defences in Sikkim were made with only that purpose in mind.
Professor, Centre for East, Srikanth Kondapalli said, "Overall I see there is a lot of local and military resistance for normalisatioan of relations between the two countries and the issue of finger point was raised by the local level Chinese military units in terms of their infrastructure and possibly it shows the discord in the decision making between the China's political and military leadership.”
The result is that India has now deployed armoured vehicles along the Sikkim Tibet border.
There's disquiet on other fronts and diplomatic sources confirmed Chinese border incursions are mounting in the Ladakh region covering Khurnak Fort, the Pangong Tso lake, Chumar and Demchok.
Chinese troops are again entering the Barahoti grazing grounds in Himachal Pradesh. All this backed up by hints that China is not keen on joint army exercises in December. There's been no movement on joint air force exercises. And growing suspicion that China's naval drills are only to reinforce its Indian Ocean footprint.
There are also concern over China's plans to dam the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet which flows into India as the Brahmaputra.
SOURCE;SIKKIM EXPRESS
Wednesday 5 August 2009
ESSAY: Hinduism is the foundation of Civilization
Posted by barunroy on August 6, 2009
BY DIRGHA RAJ PRASAI
Among all religions of the world, Hindu religion is considered as an ancient religion that is recognized the foundation of civilization as the most liberal democratic way of life. Hinduism & Buddhism is the identities & cultural assets of Nepal. The Lord Pashupathinath, Shoyambhunath, Lumbini, Barahachetra, Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Ridi, Janakidham, Devghat of Nepal, Kailash Mansharobar of Tibet (well accessed for Nepalese and Hindus), and Tirupati, Rameshroram, Jagannath, Badrinath, Amarnath of India are the symbolic shrine of Hinduism & Buddhism. The people of Nepal and India always have cordial relations due to cultural and religious resemblance. They should know that if instability persists in Nepal, it could be a bastion of terrorism posing threat to the whole world.
Nepalese all around the world and Nepal’s well-wishers are anxious about the conspiracy being designed by some deviant party leaders against Monarchy and Hinduism. Nepal will not become a heaven on earth just because monarchy is actually abolished and republican system ushered in. Nepal has already received so much respect and identity for being a Hindu kingdom. The essences of Nepalese nationalism are- Hinduism, constitutional monarchy and Nepali language. If these basic foundations are violated, national unity and sustainable peace cannot be achieved. The conflict between the political parties and the king came up because of the mistakes and blunders of Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML and the authoritarian thinking of the Maoist. But, where would they stand abolishing Nepal and its identity. The nation and its people will win only if all the political leadership realizes this fact.
Several well wishers of Nepal also agree with the idea to conserve Royal institution in Nepal. For example, veteran leader of B.J.P. Lalkrishna Advani says: ‘The framework for constitutional monarchy in Nepal should be consolidated because monarchy is the symbol of Nepal’s identity and sovereignty. Nepal should have an active and dynamic multi-party democracy’. However at political level, Indian government has been trying to create nuisance to Nepal’s effort to strengthen its nationalism and democracy. Indian leaders must understand that if Nepal due any reason, is destroyed, India won’t get any piece. Forgetting Nepal’s background of Hinduism and Buddhism, democratic country like India, should not work to create anarchy and establish terrorism in Nepal. But why are the United Nations, America and other foreign powers despite knowing the identity and value of Nepal are supporting to continuous ruin of the country. But we in Nepal are trying to dig up a well though there already is water in our rivers.
Nepalese Maoists have been going to destroy the identity of Pashupatinath, Living Goddess Kumari, Bikram Sambat and its calendar and every norm of Hindus. When we loose our norms and value our existences will also be finished. If the Hindu cultures will eliminated from Nepal, it will be very easy to establish the Christian state in these zones. So, in this critical situation, if a solution is not sought with the presence and participation of monarch, this country could see a bloodbath. If that happens, no one knows what will be the future of this country. After the constituent assembly election-2008, the leadership of coalition government is becoming confused & despotic. Unconstitutional declaration of the secularism will be the cause of terrorism. It is because the objective behind the declaration was to suppress the Hindus and its root from Nepal.
Hindu religion is the world’s most liberal and tolerant religion. Despite being a Hindu country, Nepal is the most liberal and tolerant non-secular country in the world. The philosophy of Hinduism is guided as- “to refrain from all evils, to do what is good and to purify the mind”. High thinking & Simple living is the way of Hindu. In Sanskrit, Hindu means ‘Hi’= Sun, ‘Indu’= moon. Nepalese national flag is also decorated by Sun and Moon.
A Nepali Scholar Mr. Dinbandhu Aryal explains– ‘Hindus are inclusive. ‘H’- stands for humanity, ‘I’- stands for individual righteousness , ‘N’-for nationalism, justice, economic freedom, ‘D’- for divine virtue and ‘U’-for universal peace and co-operation. The word Hindu is formed in the full sense.’ Further, he adds ‘Hinduism is the sum and substance of the traditional humane cordiality. The African leader Nelson Mandela was impressed from Vedas, legends and Upanishads. He wanted to be converted Hindu for that purpose he wanted to perform penance or provide donation if necessary. He would be gratified and feel fortunate.’ This is amply proved that Hindus want to make all the people of the world as civilized, cultured and prosperous. Nepal is a land of devotees of different religious faith and traditions, all cooperating and co-existing together towards attainment of humanity and protection of civilized society.
An analyst Stephen Knapp says- India is slowly losing the Vedic culture (Hinduism) through the process of secular or Christian education. In public schools all Vedic books have been removed from the curriculum. There are no possibilities to study the ancient Hindu literature or art in such institutions. The Hindu population is slowly forgetting the unique history and lofty culture of their homeland.5th Feb. 2008- Peoples Review) In fact the Christian saints order to destroy the huts where they keep the idols of Hindu’s God & Goddess and to break the statues of Hindus idols into tiny pieces. That was there goal to destroy Hindu & Buddha culture and make the country a Christian nation. Now it is a high time Nepal should be careful to save her indigenous culture.
I reiterate the reality, in Maldives and Saudi Arabia only Muslims can become citizens of that country. Even in Israel, except a few exceptions, only Jews can become its citizens. In Pakistan, a Hindu cannot vote for Muslim candidate. Out of 199 countries around the works, more than 100 are non-secular countries and of them more than 100 are Muslim and Christian non-secular countries. Despite aware of the fact it is intriguing that so-called big party leaders (Congress, UML and Maoist) declared Nepal a secular state without the mandate of the people. They directly hurt the feeling of the majority of the Hindus in the country and more than 1 billion Hindus all over the world. We are 82% Hindus and including Buddhists we are 95% in Nepal. In India, an estimated 930 million of its population are followers of Hinduism. The Hindu Philosophy preaches that all the people of the world are our friends. Fraternity & honesty always has been propounding by Hindus. However, the Racism and social discriminations are the great hindrances of Hindus. Of course it needs to be corrected. If we respect each others, our problems will be mitigated gradually. So, we request to all party leaders and every nationals not to minimize the reality of Hinduism and Buddhism, the basis of world civilization
Posted by barunroy on August 6, 2009
BY DIRGHA RAJ PRASAI
Among all religions of the world, Hindu religion is considered as an ancient religion that is recognized the foundation of civilization as the most liberal democratic way of life. Hinduism & Buddhism is the identities & cultural assets of Nepal. The Lord Pashupathinath, Shoyambhunath, Lumbini, Barahachetra, Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Ridi, Janakidham, Devghat of Nepal, Kailash Mansharobar of Tibet (well accessed for Nepalese and Hindus), and Tirupati, Rameshroram, Jagannath, Badrinath, Amarnath of India are the symbolic shrine of Hinduism & Buddhism. The people of Nepal and India always have cordial relations due to cultural and religious resemblance. They should know that if instability persists in Nepal, it could be a bastion of terrorism posing threat to the whole world.
Nepalese all around the world and Nepal’s well-wishers are anxious about the conspiracy being designed by some deviant party leaders against Monarchy and Hinduism. Nepal will not become a heaven on earth just because monarchy is actually abolished and republican system ushered in. Nepal has already received so much respect and identity for being a Hindu kingdom. The essences of Nepalese nationalism are- Hinduism, constitutional monarchy and Nepali language. If these basic foundations are violated, national unity and sustainable peace cannot be achieved. The conflict between the political parties and the king came up because of the mistakes and blunders of Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML and the authoritarian thinking of the Maoist. But, where would they stand abolishing Nepal and its identity. The nation and its people will win only if all the political leadership realizes this fact.
Several well wishers of Nepal also agree with the idea to conserve Royal institution in Nepal. For example, veteran leader of B.J.P. Lalkrishna Advani says: ‘The framework for constitutional monarchy in Nepal should be consolidated because monarchy is the symbol of Nepal’s identity and sovereignty. Nepal should have an active and dynamic multi-party democracy’. However at political level, Indian government has been trying to create nuisance to Nepal’s effort to strengthen its nationalism and democracy. Indian leaders must understand that if Nepal due any reason, is destroyed, India won’t get any piece. Forgetting Nepal’s background of Hinduism and Buddhism, democratic country like India, should not work to create anarchy and establish terrorism in Nepal. But why are the United Nations, America and other foreign powers despite knowing the identity and value of Nepal are supporting to continuous ruin of the country. But we in Nepal are trying to dig up a well though there already is water in our rivers.
Nepalese Maoists have been going to destroy the identity of Pashupatinath, Living Goddess Kumari, Bikram Sambat and its calendar and every norm of Hindus. When we loose our norms and value our existences will also be finished. If the Hindu cultures will eliminated from Nepal, it will be very easy to establish the Christian state in these zones. So, in this critical situation, if a solution is not sought with the presence and participation of monarch, this country could see a bloodbath. If that happens, no one knows what will be the future of this country. After the constituent assembly election-2008, the leadership of coalition government is becoming confused & despotic. Unconstitutional declaration of the secularism will be the cause of terrorism. It is because the objective behind the declaration was to suppress the Hindus and its root from Nepal.
Hindu religion is the world’s most liberal and tolerant religion. Despite being a Hindu country, Nepal is the most liberal and tolerant non-secular country in the world. The philosophy of Hinduism is guided as- “to refrain from all evils, to do what is good and to purify the mind”. High thinking & Simple living is the way of Hindu. In Sanskrit, Hindu means ‘Hi’= Sun, ‘Indu’= moon. Nepalese national flag is also decorated by Sun and Moon.
A Nepali Scholar Mr. Dinbandhu Aryal explains– ‘Hindus are inclusive. ‘H’- stands for humanity, ‘I’- stands for individual righteousness , ‘N’-for nationalism, justice, economic freedom, ‘D’- for divine virtue and ‘U’-for universal peace and co-operation. The word Hindu is formed in the full sense.’ Further, he adds ‘Hinduism is the sum and substance of the traditional humane cordiality. The African leader Nelson Mandela was impressed from Vedas, legends and Upanishads. He wanted to be converted Hindu for that purpose he wanted to perform penance or provide donation if necessary. He would be gratified and feel fortunate.’ This is amply proved that Hindus want to make all the people of the world as civilized, cultured and prosperous. Nepal is a land of devotees of different religious faith and traditions, all cooperating and co-existing together towards attainment of humanity and protection of civilized society.
An analyst Stephen Knapp says- India is slowly losing the Vedic culture (Hinduism) through the process of secular or Christian education. In public schools all Vedic books have been removed from the curriculum. There are no possibilities to study the ancient Hindu literature or art in such institutions. The Hindu population is slowly forgetting the unique history and lofty culture of their homeland.5th Feb. 2008- Peoples Review) In fact the Christian saints order to destroy the huts where they keep the idols of Hindu’s God & Goddess and to break the statues of Hindus idols into tiny pieces. That was there goal to destroy Hindu & Buddha culture and make the country a Christian nation. Now it is a high time Nepal should be careful to save her indigenous culture.
I reiterate the reality, in Maldives and Saudi Arabia only Muslims can become citizens of that country. Even in Israel, except a few exceptions, only Jews can become its citizens. In Pakistan, a Hindu cannot vote for Muslim candidate. Out of 199 countries around the works, more than 100 are non-secular countries and of them more than 100 are Muslim and Christian non-secular countries. Despite aware of the fact it is intriguing that so-called big party leaders (Congress, UML and Maoist) declared Nepal a secular state without the mandate of the people. They directly hurt the feeling of the majority of the Hindus in the country and more than 1 billion Hindus all over the world. We are 82% Hindus and including Buddhists we are 95% in Nepal. In India, an estimated 930 million of its population are followers of Hinduism. The Hindu Philosophy preaches that all the people of the world are our friends. Fraternity & honesty always has been propounding by Hindus. However, the Racism and social discriminations are the great hindrances of Hindus. Of course it needs to be corrected. If we respect each others, our problems will be mitigated gradually. So, we request to all party leaders and every nationals not to minimize the reality of Hinduism and Buddhism, the basis of world civilization
Saturday 1 August 2009
REPORT CARD OF MHA-INDIA JULY 2009
Report Card of the Ministry of Home Affairs for July, 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16:54 IST
Shri P. Chidambaram presented the Report Card of the Ministry of Home Affairs for July, 2009 today. Following is the text of the Minister’s statement :
“July 2009 saw the Budget provide Rs.46,392.53 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs under ten Demands for Grants. This represents an increase of Rs.10,770.51 crore over the Revised Estimate of 2008-09 (Rs.35,622.02 crore). The bulk of the provision is for Demand No.53 – Police. MHA is confident that with the increased allocation it would be in a position to fulfil most of the objectives set out in Action Plan II as well as Action Plan III that will be drawn up for the period 1.10.2009 to 31.3.2010.
2. The Demands for Grants of MHA were discussed in the Lok Sabha on 22nd July, 2009.
3. I responded to a Calling Attention Motion on ‘honour killings’.
Internal Security
4. Internal Security continues to receive the highest attention. The MAC – SMAC network will be deepened to connect the special branches at the district level. Work has begun on a pilot project to connect 40 districts in the North Eastern States to the MAC – SMAC network.
5. CCEA approved the proposal for establishing a Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS). Following the approval, the implementation guidelines and the system documents were released to the States and the States were requested to begin work towards establishing the system. Rs.89 crore has been allocated to the States and UTs.
6. A Special Tactics Wing has been established in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad. The Academy will now offer a course on tactical operations in militancy affected areas.
7. Although it is about seven weeks since the CPMFs were deployed in Lalgarh at the request of the Government of West Bengal, the situation has not still stablised. The CPI (Maoist) still continues to have pockets of influence and is suspected to be behind some recent acts of violence. We have made it clear to all States that while CPMFs will be available for deployment, such deployment cannot be for an indefinite period, and that State Police Forces would have to take over the responsibility of maintaining law and order as soon as possible.
8. I am happy that the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) heeded the advice of the Central Government and Government of West Bengal and withdrew their agitation and, in particular, the attempt to block National Highway 31A which is the lifeline to Sikkim. We have invited the GJM for tripartite talks on August 11, 2009 and I hope that the talks will be held with an open mind and explore all avenues towards a resolution of the issues raised.
9. I am happy that the issue of providing reservations for the Gurjar community in Rajasthan was resolved in the space of a few days.
10. I was pained by the developments in Jammu and Kashmir following certain allegations made in the J&K State Legislature. MHA put out the facts in the public domain and, I believe, that helped bring the controversy to an end. What Jammu and Kashmir needs is good and effective governance and I hope that all political parties will work with the State Government to provide good and effective governance in that State.
CPMFs
11. During July 2009, Rs.59 crore was sanctioned for various infrastructure works in the CPMFs.
12. Procurement for the CPMFs continues at an accelerated pace. Among the sanctions issued in July 2009 were:
(i) A contract for procurement of 10 nos. of 12-tonne interceptor boats for Andaman & Nicobar islands was signed on 31st July 2009.
(ii) Sanction was accorded to BSF to procure 1490 nos. of high frequency digital radio sets at a cost of Rs.78 crore.
(ii) Sanction was accorded to CRPF for procurement of 288 nos. of Boat Assault Universal Type (BAUT) at a cost of Rs.10 crore.
13. Nursing allowance to nursing personnel of CPMFs will now be at the same rate as applicable to nursing personnel of Central Government hospitals.
14. The first batch of women constables recruited in the BSF was inducted at a passing out parade at Kharkan, Punjab on 25th July, 2009.
15. Infosys Technologies Limited has become the first private sector establishment to be provided CISF cover.
States and UTs
16. MHA continues to provide help to the State Governments in tackling insurgency and left wing extremism. Some important measures were:
(i) Orders were issued for engagement of 6666 SPOs in the states of Andhra Pradesh (1630), Uttar Pradesh (203), Orissa (1480) and Bihar (3353).
(ii) Security Related Expenditure (SRE) work plans were approved for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
17. New Governors were appointed for Haryana (Shri Jagannath Pahadia) and Uttarakhand (Smt. Margaret Alva). Shri Iqbal Singh was appointed as Lt. Governor of Puducherry.
18. President’s rule was extended in Jharkhand for a further period of six months. Shri K Sankaranarayanan was appointed as Governor of Jharkhand.
19. The Committee on Non-Plan Expenditure has approved the infusion of additional equity of Rs.74.36 crore over 3 years into REPCO Bank (Rs.48 crore this year).
20. Advance Releases made of Rs.81.40 crore to Assam, Rs.62.79 crore to Bihar, Rs.2.34 crore to Manipur and Rs.124.77 crore to UP (Total Rs.271.3 crore) as Centre's contribution to the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) during 2009-10.
Border and Coastal Security
21. Border fencing and road works continue to make progress. In July 2009, 12.30 kms. of fencing and 9.15 kms of road work were completed on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Besides, 17 kms of fencing was replaced. On the Indo-China border, 35.63 kms. of formation works and 2.82 kms. of surfacing works were completed.
22. Coastal security has been strengthened. In July 2009, 7 interceptor boats were delivered by two shipyards.
23. Immigration Control System (ICS) software was installed at Nagpur airport and Port Blair seaport. Three ICPs at Nagpur airport, Gaya airport and Port Blair seaport were connected with the network of Central Foreigners Bureau (CFB). Computer systems were upgraded in two ICPs at Nagpur airport and Port Blair seaport.
24. The Cabinet has approved the draft of the Land Ports Authority of India Bill, 2009. Subject to the orders of the Speaker, I intend to introduce the Bill in the current session of Parliament.
Response to Pakistan’s Questions
25. Yesterday, MHA finalised the response to the latest set of questions sent by the Government of Pakistan in connection with the investigations in Pakistan on the terror
26. attack in Mumbai on 26th November, 2008. A 7-page response with annexures has been handed over to the Ministry of External Affairs for transmission to the Government of Pakistan.
Census 2011 and National Population Register (NPR)
26. The preparatory work for collecting data for the National Population Register (NPR) of all usual residents in the coastal villages has been completed. Work orders have been issued to 3 Central PSEs, namely, BEL, ECIL and ITIL. The data collection will commence in the first week of August 2009.
27. The pre-test for Census 2011 commenced on 28th June 2009 in all the 35 States and Union Territories. The field work for the pre-test was completed on 31st July 2009. Orders for necessary hardware and software required for data processing were placed with NICSI at a cost of Rs.18.75 crore. Besides, approval was granted to procure ICR software for image processing at a cost of USD 400,000.
Section 377 IPC
28. The 3-Minister Group took note of the judgement of the High Court in the case of Naz Foundation and Others. Vs. UOI and Others and finalised its recommendation to the Cabinet”.
OK/RS/KKA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16:54 IST
Shri P. Chidambaram presented the Report Card of the Ministry of Home Affairs for July, 2009 today. Following is the text of the Minister’s statement :
“July 2009 saw the Budget provide Rs.46,392.53 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs under ten Demands for Grants. This represents an increase of Rs.10,770.51 crore over the Revised Estimate of 2008-09 (Rs.35,622.02 crore). The bulk of the provision is for Demand No.53 – Police. MHA is confident that with the increased allocation it would be in a position to fulfil most of the objectives set out in Action Plan II as well as Action Plan III that will be drawn up for the period 1.10.2009 to 31.3.2010.
2. The Demands for Grants of MHA were discussed in the Lok Sabha on 22nd July, 2009.
3. I responded to a Calling Attention Motion on ‘honour killings’.
Internal Security
4. Internal Security continues to receive the highest attention. The MAC – SMAC network will be deepened to connect the special branches at the district level. Work has begun on a pilot project to connect 40 districts in the North Eastern States to the MAC – SMAC network.
5. CCEA approved the proposal for establishing a Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS). Following the approval, the implementation guidelines and the system documents were released to the States and the States were requested to begin work towards establishing the system. Rs.89 crore has been allocated to the States and UTs.
6. A Special Tactics Wing has been established in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad. The Academy will now offer a course on tactical operations in militancy affected areas.
7. Although it is about seven weeks since the CPMFs were deployed in Lalgarh at the request of the Government of West Bengal, the situation has not still stablised. The CPI (Maoist) still continues to have pockets of influence and is suspected to be behind some recent acts of violence. We have made it clear to all States that while CPMFs will be available for deployment, such deployment cannot be for an indefinite period, and that State Police Forces would have to take over the responsibility of maintaining law and order as soon as possible.
8. I am happy that the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) heeded the advice of the Central Government and Government of West Bengal and withdrew their agitation and, in particular, the attempt to block National Highway 31A which is the lifeline to Sikkim. We have invited the GJM for tripartite talks on August 11, 2009 and I hope that the talks will be held with an open mind and explore all avenues towards a resolution of the issues raised.
9. I am happy that the issue of providing reservations for the Gurjar community in Rajasthan was resolved in the space of a few days.
10. I was pained by the developments in Jammu and Kashmir following certain allegations made in the J&K State Legislature. MHA put out the facts in the public domain and, I believe, that helped bring the controversy to an end. What Jammu and Kashmir needs is good and effective governance and I hope that all political parties will work with the State Government to provide good and effective governance in that State.
CPMFs
11. During July 2009, Rs.59 crore was sanctioned for various infrastructure works in the CPMFs.
12. Procurement for the CPMFs continues at an accelerated pace. Among the sanctions issued in July 2009 were:
(i) A contract for procurement of 10 nos. of 12-tonne interceptor boats for Andaman & Nicobar islands was signed on 31st July 2009.
(ii) Sanction was accorded to BSF to procure 1490 nos. of high frequency digital radio sets at a cost of Rs.78 crore.
(ii) Sanction was accorded to CRPF for procurement of 288 nos. of Boat Assault Universal Type (BAUT) at a cost of Rs.10 crore.
13. Nursing allowance to nursing personnel of CPMFs will now be at the same rate as applicable to nursing personnel of Central Government hospitals.
14. The first batch of women constables recruited in the BSF was inducted at a passing out parade at Kharkan, Punjab on 25th July, 2009.
15. Infosys Technologies Limited has become the first private sector establishment to be provided CISF cover.
States and UTs
16. MHA continues to provide help to the State Governments in tackling insurgency and left wing extremism. Some important measures were:
(i) Orders were issued for engagement of 6666 SPOs in the states of Andhra Pradesh (1630), Uttar Pradesh (203), Orissa (1480) and Bihar (3353).
(ii) Security Related Expenditure (SRE) work plans were approved for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
17. New Governors were appointed for Haryana (Shri Jagannath Pahadia) and Uttarakhand (Smt. Margaret Alva). Shri Iqbal Singh was appointed as Lt. Governor of Puducherry.
18. President’s rule was extended in Jharkhand for a further period of six months. Shri K Sankaranarayanan was appointed as Governor of Jharkhand.
19. The Committee on Non-Plan Expenditure has approved the infusion of additional equity of Rs.74.36 crore over 3 years into REPCO Bank (Rs.48 crore this year).
20. Advance Releases made of Rs.81.40 crore to Assam, Rs.62.79 crore to Bihar, Rs.2.34 crore to Manipur and Rs.124.77 crore to UP (Total Rs.271.3 crore) as Centre's contribution to the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) during 2009-10.
Border and Coastal Security
21. Border fencing and road works continue to make progress. In July 2009, 12.30 kms. of fencing and 9.15 kms of road work were completed on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Besides, 17 kms of fencing was replaced. On the Indo-China border, 35.63 kms. of formation works and 2.82 kms. of surfacing works were completed.
22. Coastal security has been strengthened. In July 2009, 7 interceptor boats were delivered by two shipyards.
23. Immigration Control System (ICS) software was installed at Nagpur airport and Port Blair seaport. Three ICPs at Nagpur airport, Gaya airport and Port Blair seaport were connected with the network of Central Foreigners Bureau (CFB). Computer systems were upgraded in two ICPs at Nagpur airport and Port Blair seaport.
24. The Cabinet has approved the draft of the Land Ports Authority of India Bill, 2009. Subject to the orders of the Speaker, I intend to introduce the Bill in the current session of Parliament.
Response to Pakistan’s Questions
25. Yesterday, MHA finalised the response to the latest set of questions sent by the Government of Pakistan in connection with the investigations in Pakistan on the terror
26. attack in Mumbai on 26th November, 2008. A 7-page response with annexures has been handed over to the Ministry of External Affairs for transmission to the Government of Pakistan.
Census 2011 and National Population Register (NPR)
26. The preparatory work for collecting data for the National Population Register (NPR) of all usual residents in the coastal villages has been completed. Work orders have been issued to 3 Central PSEs, namely, BEL, ECIL and ITIL. The data collection will commence in the first week of August 2009.
27. The pre-test for Census 2011 commenced on 28th June 2009 in all the 35 States and Union Territories. The field work for the pre-test was completed on 31st July 2009. Orders for necessary hardware and software required for data processing were placed with NICSI at a cost of Rs.18.75 crore. Besides, approval was granted to procure ICR software for image processing at a cost of USD 400,000.
Section 377 IPC
28. The 3-Minister Group took note of the judgement of the High Court in the case of Naz Foundation and Others. Vs. UOI and Others and finalised its recommendation to the Cabinet”.
OK/RS/KKA
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