Maharashtra farmers call off protest after Fadnavis bows to their demands

Govt agrees to waive loans, issue ration cards to tillers in tribal areas

The farmers’ agitation in Maharashtra was called off on Monday evening after the state government conceded most for their demands and agreed to implement the conditions agreed upon in the next six months.

A 12-member delegation representing farmers met a ministers’ committee in the afternoon. It was given a letter, signed by the chief secretary, in which the government agreed to address complaints and appeals under the Forest Act, 2006, in the next two months and relax some of the conditions for loan-waiver eligibility.

The government also agreed to issue ration cards to farmers in tribal areas immediately to help them prove their land claims. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the farmers that he will take up with the Centre the matter of minimum support price (MSP) at one-and-a-half times the cost of production as suggested by the Swaminathan committee. On Monday, over 35,000 farmers from across Maharashtra converged on Azad Maidan in Mumbai. They had started from Nashik on March 6 and travelled over 180 km on foot. Their plan was to gherao the Assembly.

Some of the other main demands were an unconditional farm loan waiver, as some of them failed to qualify for any financial relief under the Maharashtra government’s initiative last year, and transfer of forest land to tribal farmers who have been tilling it for years.

The protest march was orchestrated by the All-India Kisan Sabha, which is affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Besides Opposition parties, Shiv Sena, a partner in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led ruling coalition, also supported the agitation.

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechuri with farmers take part in 'Kisan long march' organised by All Indian Kisan Sabha (AIKS) at Azad Maidan in Mumbai Photo: PTI

In the Union Budget for 2018-19, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has proposed implementing the Swaminathan committee’s recommendations.

But, there is uncertainty over the cost to determine the MSP.

Click here to read → Kisan Long March

 

Theni forest fire: Kerala bans trekking, TN orders probe; top developments

Four helicopters of the Indian Air Force and their 10 commandos are involved in the rescue operation in Kurangani forest fire

A massive forest fire, which started on Saturday in Tamil Nadu's Theni, has claimed nine lives so far and seriously injured another 11 of the 36 trekkers that had gone mountain trekking in Kurangani hills in Bodi foothills. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday ordered a probe into the incident. Speaking of stepped up rescue operations, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said an advanced light helicopter had been sent to save those trapped in the forest fire.
Twenty-seven people have been rescued so far by the fire and forest departments, along with Indian Air Force’s (IAF's) aid — 11 of them is admitted to hospitals in Madurai and Erode after suffering serious burns. The defence ministry swung into full force by fielding 16 commandos of the Garud Commando Force and four choppers from the Indian Air Force to fasten the rescue operation of those stuck in Kurangani forest fire in Theni district.

Here are the top 10 developments of Kurangani forest fire in Tamil Nadu:

1. Defence force swings into action: An advanced light helicopter (ALH) will be put into service to rescue those still trapped in Tamil Nadu forest fire. Citing the difficult terrain as a major hindrance in conducting operations seamlessly, Sitharaman said, "We are also bringing in an ALH, which is a light helicopter so that the maneuverability will be better because this cliff is almost a vertical hillock, which goes up very sharply and there is not much not of a level ground where they can land."
Earlier during the day, 16 commandos of the Garud Commando Force and four choppers from the IAF, with one of them at standby, arrived at Theni today morning to commence the search and rescue operation.
"At the moment, the report is that the garuds are trying to lift the bodies of the dead to a higher plain, from where you can have the helicopters go and carry them down. So there are two helicopters waiting to do this particular activity," Sitharaman said.
One helicopter has spent a lot of time from early dawn to contain the fire. It has also has doused the fire in that area, from where the garuds have moved the bodies, she added.
District Collector Pallavi Baldev said the operations were continuing and the trekkers were being brought down by the rescue team members.

2. Nine trekkers dead: The reserved forest fire in the Western Ghats near Bodinayakanur in Theni, about 40 kilometres from Tamil Nadu claimed nine lives and injured another 27 out of the 32 people that had gone for a mountain expedition on Saturday. Among the dead, six were from Chennai and three from Erode. They were camped in an estate and were returning when the fire broke out in the forest.
"Nine persons are dead, while 17 of the rescued have been hospitalised and 10 did not require hospitalisation," Commissioner of Revenue Administration K Sathyagopal said, according to news agency PTI. The bodies have been sent for identification and they would be handed over to the relatives after autopsy.

3. Kerala bans trekking in forest: The Kerala government has issued directions that trekking to the hills should be stopped until all fire lines get cleared, said Kerala Principal Chief Conservator P K Kesavan.
Authorities on Sunday rushed a police team to help in rescue operations of over a dozen students caught up in a fire in Theni forest area in Tamil Nadu bordering Idukki district, Kerala Police chief Loknath Behra said.
Behra said instructions have been issued to Idukki district police chief to give all assistance in the rescue operation. "Medicines and food also have been sent to the spot. Behra spoke to his Tamil Nadu counterpart and assured of all help. He also asked Kerala State Fire and Rescue chief for all possible assistance," a media statement from Behra's office late Sunday night said.
Theni borders the famed Thekkady tourist destination in Kerala.

Click here to read → Theni forest fire

Maharashtra farmers' long march: 50,000 at Azad Maidan; top 10 developments

The protesters, joined by tribals, had halted at the KJ Somaiya Ground before marching towards Azad Maidan on Monday morning

 

 

After an arduous journey of almost 170 km that started on March 5, a swarm farmers participating in 'kisan long march' to voice their demands to the Maharashtra government, finally reached Mumbai on Sunday. The numbers heavily increased along the way from 30,000 agitatators to about 50,000, according to the organisers.

Enduring the scorching heat in a march that started from Maharashtra's Nashik district six days ago, the farmers moved slowly across the length of Mumbai and finally reached Azad Maidan on Monday at 5 in the morning. The protesters, joined by tribals, had halted at the KJ Somaiya Ground before making their way to Azad Maidan.

ALSO READ: Crop crisis: Over 30,000 farmers to protest outside Maharashtra Assembly

The farmers in the rally are demanding a complete waiver on loans and electricity bills, ensuring remunerative prices for crops, and implementing the Forest Rights Act for the benefit of scheduled tribes, among other things.

Last year, the Maharashtra government had announced a loan waiver of Rs 40 billion under the first phase of the farm loan waiver scheme. Today, the farmers plan to lay siege to the Maharasthra Assembly in Mumbai where the state Budget session is underway.

"We will gherao the Vidhan Bhavan on Monday to demand a complete loan waiver, fair price for farm produce, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, compensation for hailstorm-affected farmers among other things," Kisan Gujar, President of the state council of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) told PTI.

Here are the top 10 developments around the Maharashtra farmers' protest at Azad Maidan:
1. Food distributed among farmers halted at Azad Maidan; several suffering from dehydration: According to media reports, food is being distributed among farmers camped at Azad Maidan before they embark on to their march towards State Assembly later in the day.

Several farmers in the process are reportedly dehydrated after marching for more than 30 km on Sunday in Mumbai. There is also medical dispensary set up at Azad Maidan. Doctors who spoke to CNN-News18, said farmers were suffering from blood pressure and diarrhea.

2. Shiv Sena plans to disrupt the State Assembly functioning: According to media reports, the Shiv Sena said they are not going to let the state Assembly function on Monday until the farmers' demands are met.

3. Protesters reach Azad Maidan: The farmers arrived at Azad Maidan in Mumbai today around 5 am and plan to proceed to state assembly later in the day. Maharashta CM Devendra Fadnavis will address the Union around noon, according to media reports.
The government had earlier reached out to farmers, promising to meet their demands, but the protestors still press on voicing their demands in the Vidhan Bhavan, State Legislative Assmebly.

4. No roads closure or diversion yet: Speakinng to ANI, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar, said that no road closure or diversions has been implemented due to the ongoing farmer's protest.
Contrary to the worries of the people of a possible traffic chaos, the Mumbai Police also tweeted that the traffic movements will remain normal just "like any other day" during the long march.

 

Click here to read → Farmers March to Mumbai

India, Pakistan 'stalk, harass' each other's diplomats: Top 10 developments

India and Pakistan have accused each other of stalking, harassing and intimidating their diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi, respectively

 While the relations between India and Pakistan hang in the balance, especially after the recent barbs exchanged at the UNHCR, they seemed to have hit a new low with both countries accusing each other of “harassing” their diplomats and their families. India and Pakistan threatened to withdraw their diplomats from Islamabad and New Delhi, respectively, if the so-called “intimidation” did not come to a halt.

The issue was brought to the attention of Foreign Secretary of India Vijay Keshav Gokhale by Pakistan High Commsioner Sohail Mohammed and Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria, who had met Pakistan Foreign Secretary on February 16 and made a strong case against multiple acts of hooliganism against Indian personnel and their properties. India’s residential complex was not only illegally raided by Pakistani agencies, but power and water supply were also cut off for over two weeks, according to sources.

"The Indian High Commission in Pakistan has been facing tremendous harassment for long, particularly in the last year," the source said.

Pakistan, on the hand, lodged four harassment charges, known as note verbale, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), alleging incidents of harassment and intimidation of its diplomats. Highlighting one of the recent episodes, Pakistan High Commission said two cars carrying Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner’s children to a school in New Delhi were followed and obstructed on Tuesday. The driver was also, apparently, threatened later. A note verbale is unsigned and prepared in third person, therefore making it less formal in nature.

This comes close on the heels of frequent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.

 

Here are the top 10 developments of the Indian-Pakistan diplomatic spat so far.

 

1. ISI raids Indian residential complex, power and water supply cut off: The Indian residential complex in Islamabad, which is currently under construction, was allegedly raided by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) that expelled all service providers, and later disconnected power and water supply, according to sources. Further, the Pakistan government delayed providing clearance for the complex, forcing Indian diplomats to compromise on their safety and security, the sources added.
"Despite the Foreign Secretary's assurance, the power supply was not restored for over two weeks. The Pakistan High Commission faces no such disruptions (in India)," sources said, according to news agency PTI. Indian diplomats have often complained about unauthorised entry into their premises.

2. ‘Harassment the new normal’: Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria, who had gone to Karachi for a literature festival, said his car was interrupted in the middle of the road to prevent him from attending a lunch hosted by Bohra community. "Harassment is the new normal for Indian High Commission personnel in Islamabad. The High Commissioner's car was recently stopped by Pakistani agencies in the middle of a busy road to prevent him from attending an event," a source said, according to PTI.
This is not the sole incident of Indian diplomats’ car being intercepted. Another diplomat said his car was suddenly interrupted and vigourously searched while he was on his way home, reported The Times of India. | Readmore...

Sri Lanka emergency: Buddhist mob torches Muslim shop, curfew in Kandy

The Sri Lankan govt imposed a 10-day emergency to quell the spread of communal riots on Tuesday. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa slammed Maithripala Sirisena's United National Party for inaction

A Buddhist mob set ablaze a Muslim man's shop and attacked a Mosque in Ampara, as violence continues unabated in Sri Lanka despite an emergency. United Nations under-secretary-general Jeffery Feltman will visit Sri Lanka to take stock of the situation in the island country after the president, Maithripala Sirisena declared an emergency. He will meet religious leaders there this week, a UN spokesperson said.

Sri Lankan parliament's Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake has hit out at the government, saying that the emergency is a tactic to divert people's attention from more pressing issues and to suppress people's fight for their rights.

However, the presidential decree hasn't been able to stop all violence as a mosque and a Muslim shop have been burnt.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa rejected suggestions that the clashes could be a result of some political conspiracy and rested the blame for the situation entirely on the United National Party's (UNP) 'inaction'.

Here are the top 10 highlights surrounding the emergency and the violence in Sri Lanka:

1. State of emergency:
Following the imposition of the emergency, the police and tri-forces have been given extraordinary powers. The force can arrest anyone who creates violence or disturbs communal harmony and sentence them to 20 years of imprisonment or even life imprisonment.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka declares emergency, Buddhists burn Muslim shops: 10 highlights

2. President Sirisena's response
The Sri Lankan government has said that it would not hesitate to take strict measures in order to quell the communal tensions. President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday said that the countrymen are well aware of the value of peace after suffering a brutal civil war that lasted for over three decades. The civil war, that ended in 2009 with the death of LTTE chief Prabhakaran, started as a rebellion by the minority Tamil community against what they believed to be the tyrannies of the majority Sinhalese community.

3. Kandy, the epicentre of the riots:
More than two dozen arrests have been made so far, following the violence against the minority Muslim community in Kandy district which claimed two lives. Members of the Buddhist community held protests outside a police station in Kandy demanding the release of its people who were arrested in the riots. The police have said that the special security arrangements put in place in the areas will continue and the country's Special Task Force (STF) has been deployed to maintain peace.

4. Mosque, shop burnt:
At around 11:30 PM on Wednesday, hours after President Sirisena declared an emergency, a mosque and a shop were burnt down in Central Sri Lanka according to news website Al Jazeera. A local news website called Groundview shared photos of a shattered glass door, broken chairs and an audio clip from a man who said he was inside the mosque when the attack happened.

Click here to read → Sri Lanka declares emergency

Tripura violence continues, another Lenin statue razed: Top 10 developments

Two statues of communist icon Vladimir Lenin were brought down in South Tripura as the CPI(M) and its arch-rival in Bengal, the Trinamool Congress, blamed the BJP for the incidents

Tripura continued to see post-poll violence for a fourth straight day, even as the Northeast Assembly elections result 2018 sank in. Communist icon and leader Vladimir Lenin became the symbolic casualty, with at least two of his statues in the state being razed or pulled down. The Left was defeated in the Tripura Assembly polls 2018 by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), which together won a two-thirds majority in the House in a state where the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) had been in power for 25 years.

Both the BJP and the CPI(M) have urged everyone to maintain peace. Chief Minister-designate Biplab Kumar Deb repeatedly urged Tripura's people not to disturb the peace and abstain from attacking the rival party's members. He said that anybody indulging in violence would be punished.

On Tuesday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to state Governor Tathagata Roy and the director general of police and asked them to ensure peace till a new government was installed.

Meanwhile, according to reports, at least two statues of communist leader Lenin were brought down in South Tripura. Along with the CPI(M), Opposition parties, including the Congress and the All India Trinamool Congress, condemned the razing of these statues.

Here are the top 10 developments surrounding the post-poll violence in Tripura and the razing of Lenin's statues:

1) Two Lenin statues brought down in Tripura: BJP activists razed two statues of Vladimir Lenin in Tripura, CPI(M) leaders said. On Tuesday night, Tripura CPI(M) State Secretary Bijan Dhar said: "A statue of Vladimir Lenin was knocked down by BJP activists on Monday night at Sabroom in southern Tripura." He added, "The statue was set up a few years ago."

Sabroom is 135 km south of the state capital.

On Monday evening, BJP activists brought down an 11.5-feet fibre statue of Vladimir Lenin with a bulldozer in Belonia, according to an earlier report.

Speaking to the media earlier on Tuesday, CPI(M) leader Haripada Das said: "The BJP supporters, chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', knocked down the statue of Lenin near a government college in Belonia." Das added that the statue was set up a year ago in Belonia, South Tripura's district headquarters, around 90 km from Agartala.

The state police corroborated the fact that the communist icon's statues had been razed. On Tuesday, the police said that two statues of Vladimir Lenin were brought down in South Tripura. The statues were pulled down just days after the Left was defeated in the 2018 Assembly polls by the BJP and its ally IPFT.

Click here to read → Tripura violence

Karti Chidambaram in ED dock now, shouts slogans outside court: 10 points

UPA-era finance ministry bureaucrats are reportedly in the Enforcement Directorate's dock over the alleged INX Media money-laundering case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to grant an interim relief to Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union finance minister P Chidambaram, in the so-called INX Media kickback and money-laundering case and listed the matter to be heard again on 8 March.

Karti was seen raising his hands and shouting slogans while entering the Patiala House Court on Tuesday, according to Times Now.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal and senior lawyer appearing for Karti had pleaded to the top court for interim relief in the case.

"We are willing to co-operate in every way and we also did so. I am worried about my arrest," Sibal told the Top Court

CBI said that it had been able to gather some important information during the custodial interrogation so far, even as the accused had remained evasive while answering routine questions.

The premier investigating agency said that it needed to confront the accused and co-accused and unearth the larger conspiracy involved in the INX Media money-laundering case.

Seeking the extension of Karti Chidambaram's custody, the CBI said that his presence was needed in order to serve 'some important & specific purposes connected with the completion of investigation' in the INX Media case.

Simply put, the apex court has now refused to prevent Karti's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), even as his custody with the CBI ends on Tuesday. The CBI, however, told SC that it would seek an extension of Karti Chidambaram's custody before the trial court in the corruption case.

Karti had been arrested last week for allegedly influencing the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) decisions to favour certain companies during his father P Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister. The FIPB has since been scrapped by the Narendra Modi-led present Union government.

During its time, it used to be headed by the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs with representatives from a host of other ministries.

"More skeletons in the United Progressive Alliance governments' closet" might tumble out as finance ministry officials are reportedly in the Enforcement Directorate's (ED's) dock over the INX Media money-laundering case.

Karti is being held up for facilitating Foreign Investment Promotion Board go-ahead of a Rs 3 billion-project for INX Media, including monetary in favour of the company's directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea. |Readmore...