South Asia

The showstopper at IIJW See page 16-17 ribune T FREE Year 2  Issue 07  Thursday, 30.08.12  www.satribune.co.uk

Show “insulted” and “ridiculed” Islam. A viewer who complained Arrest warrant BBC Citizen sought for Khan Insult Tony Blair of Muslims? Citizen Khan provokes 200 complaints as BBC is

accused of insulting Muslims An arrest warrant for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair Former Secretary General of the Muslim Council is being sought by the Society for the Protection of our Constitution of Britain, Yousuf Bhailok said the show was “the (Spoc). best thing the BBC has done recently”. “We fi led a complaint with the SA Police Service yesterday and a ‘crimes against the state’ • Viewers say the programme ‘takes the mickey out of Islam’ and is guilty docket was opened,” Muhammed of ‘stereotypes about Asians’ Vawda, secretary of Spoc, said on • Comedy series follows the fortunes of a Muslim community leader Wednesday. • BBC1 show was watched by 3.6million viewers “A case number was issued and it will go to the National Director It was suggested that the programme “takes the mickey out of Islam”, contained of Public Prosecutions for a “stereotypes about Asians” and that it was “disrespectful to the Quran”. decision.” A scene in which a heavily made-up girl, Mr Khan’s daughter, rushed to put on a hijab Blair and former US president and pretended to be reading the Koran when her father entered provoked particular George W Bush were found guilty in ire, the Daily Mail reported. absentia of crimes against humanity Continued on page 2 >> Continued on page 3 >> South Africa: Defense Lawyer Blasted in Dewani Murder Trial The judge presiding over the In testimony on Monday Qwabe Anni Dewani murder trial issued detailed how he and Mngeni a strongly worded warning to had carried out the killing after accused Xolile Mngeni’s attorney conducting a staged hijacking when his absence delayed the trial of the vehicle Anni and her new for an hour yesterday morning. husband Shrien Dewani were It was the second time this travelling in. week that Judge Robert Henney As state witness, Qwabe, who blasted defense attorney Qalisile pleaded guilty to murdering Dayimani. his absence and continue with proceedings, set to begin at who was sentenced to 25 years Anni, said Mngeni had pulled the Visibly angry, Henney threatened court proceedings. 10am, only started at 11am. in prison earlier this month for trigger. to report Dayimani to the Law Henney made the threats after Dayimani was expected to cross- his part in the murder of Anni Dayimani’s excuse that his Society and to in future disregard Dayimani’s absence meant court examine Mziwamadoda Qwabe, Dewani on November 13, 2010. Continued on page 7 >> 2 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 Assad says more time needed to ‘win the battle’ We’re Engaged in Regional, Int Battle Syrian President Bashar al-Assad television, excerpts of which were Syria,” he said. During the says that his country faces regional broadcast on Wednesday. interview Assad appealed to the and international battle, stressing The president, responding Syrian people: “The fate of Syria is that the Syrian forces were to rumours concerning his in your hands.” He also addressed advancing. whereabouts since a July bombing the issue of defection of senior there should be time in order in Damascus, said he was speaking regime officials noting: “The good to end it,” President Assad to the from the presidential palace in the national man does not flee his Syrian TV ad-Dounia. capital. country. Practically speaking, this Assad wondered: “Do we In an interview with pro- is a positive process as it serves as go backward because of the government al-Dunya TV, Mr Assad self purification of the state first unawareness of the Turkish also dismissed as “unrealistic” the and homeland in general.” officials”? idea of creating humanitarian Assad also admitted that “many As he slammed the Turkish buffer zones within Syria. mistakes were made,” but qualified government, President Assad “Talk of buffer zones firstly is his statement by adding that is spite praised the Turkish people, saying not on the table and secondly it of the mistakes there is a strong “they have supported us during is an unrealistic idea by hostile link between Syria’s policies and the crisis and was not affected by countries and the enemies of the ideology of the Syrian people. propaganda and money which was spent.” Assad was speaking in an interview with Syria’s Addounia NAM draft statement opposes Publisher Salah Bu Khamas (UAE) foreign intervention in Syria Sabha Khan (UK) Foreign ministers of the Non-Aligned problem and to help resolve the problem UK Office Movement issued a draft statement on without others’ interference and through 10 Courtenay Road, Wembley, Tuesday in which they stated the Syrian a Syrian-Syrian (solution).” Middlesex, HA9 7ND UK crisis must be resolved without foreign Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Phone: +44 20 8904 0619 intervention and welcomed Lakhdar Ramzy Ezzedine Ramzy delivered a Fax: +44 20 8181 7575 Brahimi as the representative of the UN speech at Tuesday’s meeting, in which [email protected] secretary general for Syria, replacing he said that the termination of foreign Kofi Annan. interference in the world’s countries is India Office “While studying the draft, there was a prerequisite for the establishment of Satya Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. a little difference between Syria and lasting global peace. C/O Satya Group. another country, which of course was Egypt currently holds the rotating 1st Floor, Avenue Appt., resolved with the management of presidency of the movement, and the Near Sheth. R. J. J. High School, Iran, and all countries present (at the on Sunday and Monday, was ratified. resolve the situation in Syria. presidency will be handed over to the Tithal Road, meeting) endorsed the draft,” Iranian The final statement will be ratified during “The foreign ministers present at the Islamic Republic for three years during Valsad - 396001 Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin the NAM meetings of the heads of state Tehran summit paid special attention Thursday’s meeting. Gujarat, India Mehmanparast told reporters on and government, which are scheduled to to the issue of Syria, and various views In his speech, Ramzy stated that Tuesday. be held on Thursday and Friday. were expressed at the meeting of the Egypt is confident that Iran will make United Arab Emirates Office At Tuesday’s meeting, the draft Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar foreign ministers,” he added. every effort to help accomplish NAM’s S.K. Group of Companies statement, which had been drawn up Salehi also said on Tuesday that the Salehi stated, “Our objective is to objectives during its presidency over the P.O. Box 9021, Karama Dubai, during the senior officials’ meetings held movement. United Arab Emirates foreign ministers explored ways to help facilitate the resolution of Syria’s Tel: +971 4 2659970, 3359929; Fax: +971 4 2659971, 3341609 Continued from page 01 >> BBC Citizen Khan Insult of Muslims? www.sk-groupofcompanies.com The six-part series, created by and starring Adil “We feel though as if this show has crossed the line “There is great humour among Muslims. I am glad Ray, a British Muslim, was shown for the first time and we expected a comedy show but now we have it has been made.” Managing Editor & CEO on Monday at 10.35pm. witnessed a mocking show,” said the viewer. Arifa Akbar, writing in The Independent said Mohammad Shahid Khan Among the comments on the BBC’s message board Another wrote that the content was “bigoted” and it wasn’t a bad comedy, “it just wasn’t new”. The following the broadcast was one which said: “This is “offensive”. criticism was echoed in the Daily Star, which Group Editorial Managers terrible stereotyping, ignorant and just dreadful.” Another said: “HIGHLY disappointed especially added: “The show’s weakness isn’t so much that Gulzar Khan (India) Writer and actor (Mr.Khan) Adil Ray was born in when her father walks in and she disrespectfully it’s a niche comedy but the fact that its style feels Abdul Khalique (Pakistan) Birmingham to his Pakistani father and Kenyan opens the Koran!!” incredibly dated, like an old-fashioned studio Editorial Board UK mother. He was brought up in the suburb of Comedian Humza Arshad, star of the hit internet sitcom from 20-odd years back.” Frances Brunner Yardley. Adil’s father Abdul was a Bus Driver for comedy Diary of a Badman, told the BBC’s Asian Meanwhile, a review in The Guardian described almost 40 years and his mother worked for the Network that he felt some of the jokes went “a bit the sitcom as “un-bold” and “safe”. FYI Tribune team Civil Service . too far”. The BBC said the first episode of Citizen Khan was Adrian Fellar According to BBC Complaints have risen overnight, “I wasn’t offended but I think some other people watched by 3.6 million viewers, which it described Misbah Khan however, the BBC said it has evidence of a lobbying might be. For example, the scene with the Quran. as a “very positive start”. Reema Shah campaign. “Insulting” Personally I’d play it safe. Some people might A spokeswoman said: “We’re delighted that so Rohma Khan The media watchdog, Ofcom, said it received in the complain about it - I’ve got similar feedback myself many people enjoyed this new comedy and we Keziah-Ann Abakah region of 20 complaints about the programme. by the audience, the Muslim community is one of have received a number of appreciations from The BBC released a statement explaining that.. the most sensitive communities out there.” members of the Muslim community and beyond Marketing & Sales “New comedy always provokes differing reactions Former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of in praise of the show and for creator Adil Ray, who Andrew Klugman (Manager) from the audience. The characters are comic Britain, Yousuf Bhailok said the show was “the best like the family portrayed, is a British Pakistani creations and not meant to be representative of the thing the BBC has done recently”. Muslim. Art Department UK community as a whole.” “It is good to change the stereotyped image of “Alongside these appreciations, a small percentage Ali Ansar (Art Director) One viewer who complained to the BBC said the Muslims always being serious and shouting that of viewers have complained to the BBC regarding Mohammad Reazul Islam show “insulted” and “ridiculed” Islam. has appeared so often in the media,” he said. the show’s portrayal of the Muslim community. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 3 Spain prepares for economic “black September” As the holiday season comes to a football grounds are also likely to Spain’s housing market has been an attempt to clear this backlog. President of the European Council close, many Spaniards are bracing be hit. in depression since 2008 with a However, that tariff is now set of Ministers Herman Van Rompuy themselves for what could be The sales tax increase is part of the backlog of unsold houses building to rise to 10 percent, further on Tuesday. described as a “black September.” Spanish government’s efforts to up. depressing the housing sector and This will be followed on Thursday Apart from having to return to the construction industry. by a visit by French President work after the summer holidays, Meanwhile, sales tax on foodstuffs Francois Hollande. While Rajoy this September is set to be tougher and transport will increase from 8 may find a sympathetic ear with than ever for Spaniards for several percent to 10 percent. Hollande, he is likely to have reasons. Almost 25 percent of the a tougher time when German To begin with, Spaniards will face Spanish workforce is currently Chancellor Angela Merkel visits an increase in sales tax from 18 unemployed. September is Madrid on September 6. percent to 21 percent on goods traditionally a bad month for jobs With Spain’s GDP continuing to such as electricity, petrol and in Spain as it sees the end of many fall, unemployment rising and water bills from September 1. This temporary contracts in the tourist consumer confidence falling, will affect many other services with sector and also of short-term work some argue that it is only a matter the price of cinema tickets, vet bills in the agriculture sector. of time that Madrid would request and even the cost of funerals rising After a minor letup during an EU bailout. Some analysts say by three percent. the summer, the jobs market a further round of spending cuts The price rises will hit already will almost certainly return to will do nothing to help kickstart struggling sectors such as the car reflecting the crude reality of the economy, raise production industry, which has seen sales Spain’s economic situation. and create new jobs. drop consistently for the last two reduce the country’s deficit to 6.3 Former Spanish rime minister Jose Spanish Prime Minister Mariano For Spaniards, September may years, while bars, restaurants, percent of its economic output by Luis Zapatero reduced the sales Rajoy faces a busy month, which symbolize the start of a difficult cinemas and even attendance at the end of the year. tax on new houses to 4 percent in will start with the visit of the autumn and a long dark winter. Arrest warrant sought for Tony Blair Tuesday is cheapest day Continued from page 01 >> the speakers at the Discovery Leadership by the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre Tribunal in November last year. on Thursday. to fly from UK They were also found guilty of genocide for Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu withdrew from the summit on Tuesday A major study by consumer group their roles in the Iraq War. The tribunal because of Blair’s attendance. Which? found that the second day was presided over by five judges. The Muslim political party Al Jama-ah of the week is the cheapest day to The court acknowledged that the verdict said it planned to protest against Blair fly out of Britain, and travelling was non-enforceable, but the findings were when he spoke at the summit. midweek can save people a reported to the International Criminal Vawda said South Africa was legally bound significant sum of money. Court in The Hague. The Daily Maverick to the requirements of international Anyone keen to keep the cost of reported that the official UK government law, as it fell under the United Nations their holiday down will know that inquiry into the Iraq War, the Chilcot jurisdiction, and therefore was compelled the day you choose to fly can make Inquiry, is only set to release a report late to co-operate. “Legally speaking, we expect a significant difference to the price into 2013, which will run to more than to get the warrant...all the grounds are of your ticket. The research also found that as expensive. 1-million words. there...there is no obstacle,” said Vawda. Now new research by Which? has well as cheaper days, there are Richard Lloyd, Which? executive It reported that part of the delay was due South Africa must operate without fear, revealed that Tuesday is in fact the cheaper times of the day to fly, director, says: “With household to a row over whether Cabinet officials favour or prejudice, he said, adding cheapest day of the week to book though this varied across different budgets squeezed, holidaymakers were willing to publish certain sensitive that the judiciary, police and National your flight out of the UK. airlines. will want to make sure they are documents, such as notes passed between Directorate for Public Prosecutions must Booking an outbound flight mid- For example, British Airways’ getting a good deal on their flights. Blair and Bush, and records of their not bow down to political pressure. week can save holidaymakers a cheapest outbound flights were “We found people can save a conversations. National Prosecuting Authority significant sum of money, research in the morning before 7.30am, significant sum of money if they The inquiry held public hearings between the spokeswoman Phindile Louw said she found. whereas outbound flights with shop around and can be flexible, end of 2009 and the beginning of 2011 on would comment on the matter after Consumer group Which? looked EasyJet in the mornings between changing the day or time they matters including the background to the war. checking on the complaint. at 1,174 flights in September from 5.45am and 11am were its most choose to travel.” Blair is in South Africa this week as one of three London airports to three destinations in Europe – Dublin, Barcelona and Alicante, for one person with one piece of checked- in luggage on a return flight. t found that for outbound flights, Tuesday was on average the cheapest day to fly with Easyjet, British Airways and Ryanair, while Sunday was on average the most expensive day to return home. Flights with Easyjet from London Gatwick to Alicante on Fridays were, on average, 35% or £28 more expensive than Tuesday departures, while return flights with Easyjet from London Gatwick to Alicante on Sundays were on average 45% or £56 more expensive than on Thursdays. 4 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 EDITORIAL Russia: Sufi Spiritual leader Citizen Khan: Humiliation of Dagestani Muslims killed of Muslims sells Comedy? in suicide blast The persecution of Muslims by the British “We feel though as if this show has crossed and financially support his family. He Media is real, and endorsed by millions. the line and we expected a comedy show but served in the Soviet Army and worked as Citizen Khan is’terrible stereotyping, now we have witnessed a mocking show,” a firefighter before coming to religion at ignorant and just dreadful’ said the viewer. the age of 32. BBC One’s new sitcom Citizen Khan has Another wrote that the content was “bigoted” In his last years, Afandi mostly wrote received around 200 complaints. In a and “offensive”. books, many of which were translated into statement, the BBC have defended the show. Russian and English. He was also fond of They told the Daily Mail: “Citizen Khan British journalists with regards to media poetry, and was a keen poet himself. has made a very positive start, launching coverage of Muslim issues for a BBC Radio 4 Tens of thousands of people have come to successfully with 3.6million viewers and a Analysis programme admitted that mistakes pay their respects to the cleric, who was a 21.5 per cent share in a late-night slot. have been made but there is a sense from very revered figure in Dagestan. “New comedy always provokes differing many of them that it was all worth it. For Attacks against spiritual leaders in Russia reactions from the audience. The characters Muslims themselves, it felt as though they have been on the rise recently. Less than are comic creations and not meant to be were under siege. Rageh Omaar, formerly of two months ago, the mufti of the Russian representative of the community as a whole.” the BBC and now with al-Jazeera, said that Republic of Tatarstan was seriously The sitcom “Citizen Khan”, produced by the he is convinced that what is happening is Said Atsayev, a 74-year-old Sufi Muslim injured in a car bomb, and another cleric BBC, traces the life of a Muslim community that “tough liberal” journalists, like Martin spiritual leader also known as Sheikh was gunned down outside his apartment worker in Birmingham. Bright at the New Statesman or John Ware Said Afandi al-Chirkavi, was killed when in the republic’s capital, Kazan. It mocks the Muslim leader’s self-importance, at the BBC, are using attacks on Islam to the woman entered his home disguised as The news of Afandi’s murder came as including his delusions about his position in prove their own liberal credentials. Most of a pilgrim and detonated an explosive belt Russian President Vladimir Putin called the community and about his standing in the those who are distressed with the negative around her waist, police sources said. for religious tolerance during a visit to the business world. portrayal of Muslims in the media showed no ¬According to police officers on the Republic of Tatarstan. Britain is home to a Muslim community of interest in complaining about them. When ground, at least six other people died in “Religious tolerance has been one of the 2.5 million. they are asked why their answers highlight the blast, including the female suicide foundations of Russian statehood for A recent government-commissioned study their alienation from society. In coverage of bomber. The house has been surrounded, centuries,” Putin said before granting a has found that a torrent of negative and issues concerning Muslims some words i.e. and police are working at the scene. The state award to Tatarstan’s chief mufti, imbalance stories in the British media terrorism, bombing, hijacking, extremism, device, according to sources close to the who survived a car bombing in July on demonize the sizable Muslim minority and are deliberately inserted which manipulate investigation, was not very powerful, the same day as one of his deputies was their faith by spreading prejudices and the public to believe that all Muslims are which means officers will be able to shot dead. portraying them as the enemy within. related to or are supporters of these activities identify the attacker. “Those who want to destroy this statehood An earlier British study had accused the just and reliable representation of Muslims The Republic’s President Magomedsalam are taking aim at this (tolerance),” Putin media and film industry of perpetuating and Islam - the media must be fair and Magomedov, has announced August 29th said. “But the criminals will never achieve Islamophobia and prejudice by projecting objective towards Muslims. There is a need will be a day of mourning. their dirty goals. They have no future. Muslims as violent, dangerous and for reliable writers reporters who are well “After suffering multiple injuries, Sheikh They will not succeed – not here in threatening people. versed with the Islamic belief system and Said Afandi died on the spot. Another 5 Tatarstan and the Volga region, not in the cultures or Muslim writers and reporters who people, including a child, were also killed. North Caucasus, not in any region of our From The Satanic Verses controversy, can understand their subjects *A balanced Many were injured. This horrible tragedy big country.” also known as the Rushdie Affair, was the approach - the media should be balanced has shaken Dagestan, and caused pain Said-Afandi is the second prominent Sufi heated and frequently violent reaction of in its approach and try to understand what and outrage among our people”. sheikh to be assassinated in Daghestan some Muslims to the publication of Salman is going on in the minds of the Muslim 74-year-old Said Afandi, a well-known in the past year. Sirajudin Israfilov, 56, Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses, which population and convey it as it is. Sufi cleric, was considered one of the the imam of a Sufi mosque in the town was first published in the United Kingdom Conscientious Muslims are not noted for Republic’s top spiritual leaders. His of Derbent, was shot dead at his home in 1988. Many Muslims accused Rushdie of raucous humour and indeed Muslim ethics father died when Afandi was just seven in October. Sirajudin Israfilov, the imam blasphemy or unbelief and in 1989 Ayatollah set much worth in a carefully restrained years old. Halfway through highschol, of a Sufi mosque in the town of Derbent, Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwā sense of humour. he dropped out to become a shepherd was shot dead at his home in October. ordering Muslims to kill Rushdie. Numerous Unrestrained hilarity depends either on killings, attempted killings, and bombings surprise or ridicule, and is invariably the resulted from Muslim anger over the novel luxury of the secure, well-established . And the book became a best-seller. People majority and its, but the weak, insecure British families to be behind the book’s controversy sure knew minority singled out for humiliation in how to sell books. circumstances where it cannot answer back. The events of 9/11 have been described as a If you don’t know the people well, if you only worse off next year turning point for many people, communities have general, stereotypical ideas about the A new research has found that struggling and nations across the globe, in particular for subject or the people, the humorous element families in Britain will be almost £200 worse Muslims. In Britain the attacks on the World depends on a twist to the stereotype and plays off next year amid a sharp rise in the bills. Trade Centre lead to the affirmation of broad those aspects up – it depends on prejudged The research commissioned by investment brushed references to Islam and Muslims notions about the people, i.e. racialist or bank Morgan Stanley found that families in large sections of the media. Increasingly xenophobic or Islamophobic notions in should allocate their pay rises to soaring energy new attempts were made to understand the peoples minds. bills, mortgages and petrol costs. views of the Muslim communities in Britain, In consequence Muslims are beset on several According to the forecast, as far as the inflation and then 7/7 suddenly catapulted British fronts – ethical reluctance to indulge in rate is concerned, the average family would Muslims (especially young second and third humiliation, defensiveness of an embattled have £50 less money to spend this year and generation Muslims) into the spotlight. A minority, and reaction to reinforcement of £200 next year as the prices of commodities sense of panic amongst Muslims living in racialist stereotypes. Only when members of continue to rise. Morgan Stanley said soaring George Osborne who should give the hope Britain resulted in a societal dynamic of the Muslim community are in a strong and energy bills would consume almost £1.3billion of a return to economic growth and/or end ‘integration’ vs. ‘seclusion’ forcing Muslims to culturally secure position will it be possible of family spending money this year and the tightest squeeze on family incomes for a redefine their identities as either ‘moderates’ to make jokes at Muslims’ expense, causing £5billion next year. generation. or ‘extremists.’ And now Citizen Khan is on offence perhaps, but without causing real “With approximately 25 million households in This comes as the UK’s second biggest energy BBC to ridicule Islam especially Pakistani harm. the UK, this would be the equivalent to about supplies, SSE, announced a shocking decision Muslims. All the fuss and controversy and complaints £50 less in real income per household in 2012 last week to increase gas and electricity prices One viewer who complained to the BBC said or reaction will do one thing and for sure the and £200 less next year”, said Bank economist in October by 9 percent. The increase is nearly the show “insulted” and “ridiculed” Islam. Citizen Khan will sell well. Jonathan Ashworth. three times the inflation rate and it will add The findings are a bad news for the Chancellor over £100 to the average annual bill. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 5 Hurricane Isaac Moves Into Louisiana Hurricane Isaac batters US Storm Surge Is Main Concern Along Shoreline; Water Tops One Levee Hurricane Isaac lashed New Orleans with 70-mile-per-hour winds and heavy rain, but the slow-moving storm appeared to be veering west of the hunkered-down city Wednesday morning, seven years to the day after the much more powerful Katrina. About 75% of New Orleans residents were without power and there was some minor street flooding, according to emergency officials. The storm’s surge along the Gulf Coast. “It is kind of eerie here to see nobody New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu easy-going lifestyle. topped a levee in a sparsely populated While not as powerful as Katrina, around,” Zach said. said Tuesday that the city could expect The timing of the storm had many here community south of the city, closer to Isaac threatens to flood the coasts of Powerful winds knocked over trees up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) of on edge. the mouth of the Mississippi River. four states with a potentially deadly and ripped down power lines, leaving rain or more from the slow-moving “It brings back a whole lot of memories,” Isaac is beginning to move inland storm surge, torrential rain and high some 390 000 people without power, hurricane. said Melody Barkum (56) who spent towards New Orleans after a second winds. according to Entergy Louisiana, a local “We have dodged a bullet in the sense days stranded on a roof without food landfall along the coast of south-east that this is not a category three storm,” or water after Katrina struck. “I’m not Louisiana. he said, “But a category one at this afraid. If I can survive Katrina, I can A storm surge driven by the hurricane strength... is plenty big enough to survive this.” has topped a rural levee in the state, put a big hurt on you if you fall into Katrina left behind a devastating flooding homes in the coastal parish of complacency. Let’s not do that.” sprawl of destruction and death when Plaquemines near New Orleans. US President Barack Obama urged it hit New Orleans on August 29, Isaac is expected to pass over Louisiana people to take the threat seriously, 2005, and a bungled response by the over the next two days but will weaken warning of the possibility of major Bush administration tarnished the over land by Friday when it reaches flooding and damage. president’s second term in office. neighbouring Arkansas, said the “I want to encourage all residents of Some 1800 people were killed along National Hurricane Centre in Miami. the Gulf Coast to listen to your local the US Gulf Coast and in New Orleans Isaac reached hurricane strength on officials and follow their directions, thousands were left stranded on the Tuesday and went nearly stationary including if they tell you to evacuate,” roofs of their houses for days after for several hours near the mouth of Officials say they are confident that utility. Obama said, adding: “Now is not the Katrina’s storm surge smashed levees the Mississippi River before making improvements to water defences in More than 4000 members of the time to tempt fate.” long-warned to be inadequate. a second landfall just west of Port New Orleans will prevent a repeat of Louisiana National Guard had been Obama said he had managed a wide- Those who made it to dry land faced Fourchon on Wednesday. the 2005 Katrina catastrophe. mobilized, with 48 boat teams deployed ranging effort by federal and local deadly violence and looting as the city The category one storm is on course to But despite no mandatory evacuation around New Orleans, according to the governments to prepare for the storm. descended into chaos and officials hit just west of New Orleans seven years order being issued for the city, many office of Governor Bobby Jindal, who A hurricane warning remained in effect failed to provide water and food - let after Hurricane Katrina devastated the people have decided to seek safety had warned residents to prepare for for metropolitan New Orleans, a city alone security and medical aid - in the city and killed more than 1,800 people elsewhere. the worst. known as the Big Easy for its jazz and sweltering heat. Moscow warns against further assistance to Syrian opposition Financial, technical and Cyprus are being used to help the opposition forces continue fighting Britain has two military bases in bases to overhear Syrian officials’ military assistance to the Free Syrian Army. and refuse to join a dialogue on Cyprus at Dhekelia and Akrotiri. conversations and then pass them to Syrian opposition could lead to “Russia has repeatedly said that national reconciliation, which They draw intelligence from the terrorists fighting the Syrian army.

further violence in the country, assisting either side of the Syrian violates the UNSC resolutions, and airwaves for GCHQ, Britain’s Terrorists use British intelligence a statement released by the conflict could undermine stability Kofi Annan`s peace plan, as well listening post in Cheltenham, on Syrian forces’ movements to plan Russian Foreign Ministry says. in both Syria and the entire Mideast as the communiqué of the Action Gloucestershire. their counterattacks on the forces of It was issued in response to reports region”, the statement reads. Group on Syria released in Geneva The British military uses the President Bashar al-Assad’s popular that the British military bases on This kind of assistance lets the on June 30. eavesdropping systems in the Cyprus government. 6 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 ‘We believe that the USA is the major player against Syria and the rest are its instruments’ Assad’s Foreign Minister of Douma, Jobar, Arbeen and A year ago, I told Muallem, I lunched orders to pay Ennahda $150m have very important relations with gives his first interview to a Qaboun – where a helicopter was with the Emir of Qatar, and he was to help his party in the elections. Iran.” Western journalist since the shot down – became so loud that enraged at what he called Bashar Anyway, this was their business. For the Syrian Foreign Minister, conflict began even the most phlegmatic of Foreign al-Assad’s lies, claiming that the But I asked the Emir: ‘You were the crisis started with “legitimate Speaking in an interview on Ministers in a region plagued Syrian President had reneged on a having very close relations with demands” subsequently addressed Monday with The Independent, by rhetoric glanced towards the deal to allow Muslim Brotherhood Muammar Gaddafi and you were by “legislation and reforms and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid window. How did he feel when he members to return home. the only leader in his palace when even a new constitution”. Then al-Muallem said his government Gaddafi hosted you during the along came “foreign elements” who believes that the United States is summit – so why are you sending used these legitimate demands “to the driving force in the rebel side your aircraft to attack Libya and be hijack the peaceful agenda of the of the ongoing Syrian civil war, part of Nato?’ The Emir said simply: people”. and that he believes that other ‘Because we don’t want to lose our There followed a familiar tale. “I nations backing the rebels are just momentum in Tunis and Egypt – don’t accept as a citizen to return America’s “instruments.” and Gaddafi was responsible for back centuries to a regime which Muallem’s interview was by dividing Sudan’.” can bring Syria backwards. In telephone, and was regularly Of America’s power, Walid Muallem principle …no government in the interrupted by the sound of had no doubt. The Americans, world can accept an armed terrorist fighting in the capital of Damascus. he says, succeeded in frightening group, some of them coming from He said he was saddened by the the Gulf countries about Iran’s abroad, controlling streets and ongoing fighting, and that he nuclear capabilities, persuaded villages in the name of ‘jihad’.” considers himself a Syrian first and them to buy arms from the US, It was the duty of the Syrian a government minister second. fulfilling Franklin Roosevelt’s 1936 government to “protect” its citizens. The battle for Damascus could be dream of maintaining bases for oil Assad represents the unity of Syria heard inside the Foreign Minister’s transportation. and all Syrians must participate in office yesterday, a vibration “We believe that the US is the creating a new future for Syria. If of mortars and tank fire from major player against Syria and Syria falls, its neighbour countries the suburbs of the capital that the rest are its instruments.” But will fall. Muallem travels to the penetrated Walid Muallem’s inner heard this, I asked him? Muallem nodded. “If you met the wasn’t this all really about Iran? non-aligned summit in Iran sanctum, a dangerous heartbeat to “Before I am a minister, I am a same Emir two years ago, he was I asked, a dodgy question since tomorrow to burnish what he calls match the man’s words. Syrian citizen, and I feel sad at praising Assad, and considered it suggested a secondary role for their “constructive efforts” to help America was behind Syria’s seeing what’s happening in Syria, him a dear friend. They used to Syria in its own tragedy. And when Syria. violence, he said, which will not end compared with two years ago,” he have family relations, spending Muallem referred to the Brookings I asked about chemical weapons, of even after the battle for Aleppo is said. “There are many Syrians like family holidays in Damascus Institution, I groaned. course. If Syria had such weapons, over. “I tell the Europeans: ‘I don’t me – eager to see Syria return to and sometimes in Doha. There “You are laughing, but sometimes they would never be used against understand your slogan about the the old days when we were proud is an important question: what when you are Foreign Minister, its own people, he said. “We are welfare of the Syrian people when of our security.” happened? I met the Emir in Doha you are obliged to read these fighting armed groups inside you are supporting 17 resolutions I have my doubts about how many in, I think, November 2011, when things – and there was a study by Aleppo, in the Damascus suburbs, against the welfare of the Syrian Syrians want a return to “the the Arab League started their the Brookings Institute [sic] called before that in Homs and Idlib and people’. And I tell the Americans: old days” but Muallem claims initiative [resulting in the sending The Road to Tehran, and the result this means fighting within Syrian ‘You must read well what you did that perhaps 60 per cent of the of League observers to Syria] and of this study was: if you want to cities – and our responsibility is to in Afghanistan and Somalia. I don’t country’s violence comes from we reached agreement … The contain Iran, you must start with protect our people.” understand your slogan of fighting abroad, from Turkey, from Qatar Emir told me: ‘If you agree to this Damascus… And the infamous Shabiha international terrorism when you and Saudi Arabia, with the United initiative, I will change the attitude “We were told by some Western militia blamed for atrocities in are supporting this terrorism in States exercising its influence over of Al Jazeera and I will tell [Sheikh] envoy at the beginning of this crisis the countryside? Walid Muallem Syria’.” all others. Qaradawi [a popular prelate with a that relations between Syria and doesn’t believe in them. There Walid Muallem spoke in English “When the Americans say, ‘We regular slot on the television chain] Iran, Syria and Hezbollah, Syria might be local unarmed people and very slowly, either because of are supplying the opposition to support Syria and reconciliation, and Hamas are the major elements defending their property from the disconcerting uproar outside or with sophisticated instruments and I have put down some billions behind this crisis. If we settle this armed groups, he says. But pro- because this was his first interview of telecommunications’, isn’t this of dollars to rebuild Syria…’ . issue, they [the Americans] will regime, paid militiamen? Never. with a Western journalist since the part of a military effort, when they “At the same time, when I was help end the crisis. But no one told No war crimes charges against the Syrian crisis began. At one point, supply the opposition with $25m – waiting to enter a meeting, there us why it is forbidden for Syria Syrian Foreign Minister, then. But the conflict between rebels and and much more from the Gulf and was the head of the Tunisian party to have relations with Iran when the guns still thunder away outside government troops in the suburbs Saudi Arabia?” Ennahda and the Emir issued most if not all the Gulf countries his windows. Protesters hold demonstration outside Vedanta’s London annual general meeting Nearly 100 protesters today held a demonstration participated in the demonstration against the outside a venue hosting an annual general meeting mining company at the Lincoln Centre here. of mining major Vedanta, demanding an end “We call on the British government to stop backing to British support for the company, accused of this lawless corporate,” Amrit Wilson of the South malpractices in Odisha. Asia Solidarity Group and Foil Vedanta said. Supporters of Foil Vedanta, South Asia Solidarity Vedanta is owned by leading Indian mining Group, Save Goa Campaign and other organisations entrepreneur Anil Agarwal. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 7 Most prisons are overcrowded - Prison Reform Trust More than half the prisons in England and Wales are too full, but reformers say building more is not the answer to the problem. in effective community penalties. “Court ordered community sentences are more effective, by eight percentage points, at reducing one-year proven reoffending rates than custodial sentences of less than 12 months for similar offences. “Rather than falling back on short, ineffective spells behind bars, investment in more intensive community sentences and public health solutions would cut crime and save the taxpayer money.” A Prison Service spokeswoman said: “All of our prisons provide acceptable levels of accommodation for prisoners, although some prisons hold more people than they were originally designed for. Nearly two thirds of prisons in England and Wales are overcrowding has a tangible impact. “We are aiming to reduce the existence of crowding alongside operating at an overcrowded level, new statistics have “Figures for 2010/11 show that nearly a quarter of people in reducing the cost of the prison estate.” showed. prison are being held in overcrowded accommodation, either The 10 most overcrowded prisons in England and Wales There are 7,294 more people in the system than it is designed doubling up in cells designed for one occupant or being held (prison, in use Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA), and built to hold, the analysis of prison population statistics three to a cell in cells designed for two people. population, percentage overcrowded) by the Prison Reform Trust found. “Private prisons have held a higher percentage of their Although the growth in the prison population has slowed prisoners in overcrowded accommodation than public sector Prison Capacity Inmates % Overcrowded down in recent months, 77 out of 131 establishments were prisons every year for the 13 years to 2010/11. over the Prison Service’s Certified Normal Accommodation “Overcrowding makes it much harder for staff to work Kennet (Merseyside) 175 337 193% (CNA) as of July 27, the trust said. intensively with offenders on resettlement. Shrewsbury (Shropshire) 170 326 192% CNA is “the good, decent standard of accommodation “Currently 47% of adults reoffend within a year of leaving Swansea (South Wales) 240 436 182% that the Service aspires to provide all prisoners”, a trust prison, rising to almost 57% for those who had served a Leicester (Leicestershire) 200 342 171% spokesman said. sentence of less than 12 months. Official figures showed HMP Kennet in Liverpool, “Nearly 70% of children (10-17) released from custody Exeter (Devon) 317 530 167% Merseyside, is the most overcrowded prison in England and reoffend within a year.” Dorchester (Dorset) 148 242 164% Wales, the spokesman said. Trust director Juliet Lyon said: “Building our way out of the Wandsworth (London) 730 1,191 163% Designed to house 175 men, it now holds 337. In second overcrowding problem is not the answer. Northallerton (N.Yorkshire) 146 232 159% place is Shrewsbury (built to hold 170 men, it holds 326) and “The prison population can be safely reduced by curbing third is Swansea (built for 240, it holds 436). inflation in sentencing, calling a halt to any unnecessary use Preston (Lancashire) 455 712 156% The spokesman said: “For people in prison themselves, of custodial remand, dealing with addictions and investing Doncaster (S. Yorkshire) 743 1,142 154% South Africa: Defense Lawyer Blasted in Dewani Murder Trial Continued from page 1 >> Mngeni has pleaded not guilty to would be taking, and that both not remember exactly, there must being told not to. consultations with his client was charges of kidnapping, robbery Anni and her husband Shrien have been such a discussion. the reason for his absence were with aggravating circumstances, would be in the back. Dayimani said Qwabe’s testimony The trial would continue after not accepted by Henney. murder, and the illegal possession Qwabe said Tongo told them contradicted a statement given by lunch. Dayimani also said he wanted of a firearm and ammunition. no one else was to be harmed, Tongo, as part of a plea agreement He said Tongo told them there was transcripts of court proceedings Mngeni’s trial has been set down although it was not specifically in which he was jailed for 18 a man who wanted his wife killed, in order to go through testimony to run until September 21. discussed what they would do with years. but he never specified how this with Mgneni. the husband. The lawyer said that in this had to be done. “I don’t accept your apology. You We didn’t plan Various State witnesses had plea document, Tongo said that The witness said only the minibus’ are disrespectful,” said Henney. alleged that Shrien masterminded although he was not present, he route and the hijacking were “I was waiting anxiously. Why Anni’s killing’ a plan to have his wife killed while understood Dewani was shot as discussed. did you not do this over the on their Cape Town honeymoon. the men had planned. Anni’s father and cousin were weekend?” asked Henney, to Anni Dewani’s killers never He has repeatedly denied the Qwabe said he had testified what visibly emotional throughout most which Dayimani responded that discussed how she would be allegations. he could remember. of Qwabe’s testimony. he had difficulty in getting access murdered, the Western Cape High Qwabe revealed earlier in the week “This is what I recall from the The two stared at the floor of the to Mngeni at Pollsmor Prison Court heard on Wednesday. that the hijackers ordered Shrien conversation. Maybe I left some courtroom, while Qwabe detailed over the weekend. Convicted killer Mziwamadoda out of the vehicle and told him to things out, but that is what we his actions. It was not the first time Henney Qwabe testified that a discussion run to nearby houses, before the discussed,” he said. During his testimony on Tuesday, has rebuked Dayimani since the between himself, shuttle driver van drove off again with his wife The trial on Wednesday was beset Qwabe said Mngeni fired the shot trial start on August 15, having Zola Tongo and the man on trial, still in the back. by a number of delays. A lengthy that killed the bride. expressed dissatisfaction of his Xolile Mngeni, only involved a Qwabe testified that both he and adjournment had to be taken to He told the court that they were queries regarding fingerprints set-up for a faked hijacking in Mngeni had known his firearm repair Qwabe’s faulty portable paid R15,000 by Anni’s husband, lifted from the vehicle in Gugulethu on November 13, 2010. would be used as the murder microphone. Shrien Dewani, for the murder. which Anni’s body was found “Zola told us the husband wants weapon. A while later, Judge Robert But the British businessman has and unnecessary technical his wife to be killed, but we did Qalisile Dayimani, for Mngeni, Henney called for an early lunch denied any wrongdoing and is delays related to CCTV footage not plan exactly as to how she asked whether they had discussed break to find a new courtroom. undergoing treatment for post- Dayimani wanted to show the would be killed. It would look like the firearm after the meeting, on He said the present courtroom traumatic stress. court, but which has not yet been a hijacking,” he said. the Saturday she was killed. had poor acoustics and Dayimani His extradition hearing will viewed. Tongo told them the route he Qwabe said that although he could continued to speak softly, despite resume in 2013. 8 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 Scotland is the most affordable area in the UK MORTGAGE payments for new earnings than anywhere else in the borrowers have plummeted to UK. In addition, all ten of the most their lowest level as a proportion affordable local authority districts of disposable earnings for 15 years, are in Scotland, with East Ayrshire with Scotland the most affordable the most affordable. area in the UK, according to a “Lower house prices and reduced new study. mortgage rates have led to a Typical payments for both fi rst- signifi cant improvement in housing time buyers and home movers affordability for those able to fund taking out a new loan north of the necessary deposit to enter the the Border stood at 20 per cent market over the past fi ve years. As of take-home pay in the second a result, mortgage payments for quarter of this year compared a a typical new borrower currently UK-wide average rate of 26 per account for the lowest proportion cent, the Bank of Scotland found. of earnings for ten years. Typical mortgage payments “The low level of mortgage in Scotland as a proportion of payments in relation to income earnings have fallen from 37 per is providing support for Scottish cent in autumn 2007, putting the house prices. The prospect nation at the bottom of the league The study put the increased prices have remained relatively are all in Scotland, with potential of interest rates remaining at table alongside Northern Ireland, affordability down to static and strong due to strong overseas mortgage payments in East low levels for some time yet is where payments have dropped by falling house prices coupled with buyer demand, potential payments Ayrshire standing at around 15 per expected to continue to be a key around two-thirds. low mortgage rates by long-term for a new borrower have reached cent of disposable earnings. factor supporting the demand Along with Wales, Yorkshire and standards as the Bank of England around 35 per cent of disposable Nitesh Patel, housing economist at for homes, helping to keep house the Humber, payments in Scotland maintains the base rate at a earnings compared with 56 per Bank of Scotland, said: “Mortgage prices around their current level have nearly halved since the peak historic 0.5 per cent low. cent fi ve years ago. payments in Scotland account for during the remainder of 2012.” of the market fi ve years ago. Even in London, where house The ten most affordable areas a lower proportion of disposable France opens Yasser Arafat murder inquiry French prosecutors have launched an supplied to Al-Jazeera by his widow. The city of Dubai is built on foundations that offi cial inquiry into the 2004 murder They were then analyzed at the Institut are steeped in history and tradition. From the of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, de Radiophysique in Lausanne, evocative Dubai Museum to the spectacular Jumeirah Mosque, and from the breathtaking after his family claimed he had been Switzerland. Bastakiya to the imperious Heritage Village. poisoned. Arafat, who led the struggle for There are many mysteries waiting to be ¬Arafat’s family initiated legal action Palestinian statehood for nearly four unravelled. Explore Dubai at your pace and relive great traditions from day gone by. in France last month over claims the decades, died in a French military Palestinian leader died of radioactive hospital after being airlifted there polonium poisoning. for treatment from his Ramallah His widow, Suha Arafat, has asked that headquarters. DEFINITELYDUBAI.COM her late husband’s body be exhumed At the time of his death, Palestinian for further testing. The Palestinian offi cials alleged he had been poisoned Authority has already consented to by long-time foe Israel, but an

File:Yasir Arafat in London the procedure. inconclusive investigation in 2005 Earlier, a nine-month investigation ruled out poisoning, as well as cancer conducted by Al-Jazeera concluded and AIDS. Israel has consistently that Arafat’s personal belongings denied the allegations. contained abnormally high levels Polonium is a highly toxic substance of polonium, a rare and highly which is rarely found outside military radioactive element. The items, and scientifi c circles, and was used to including his clothing, his toothbrush, kill former Russian security offi cer and even his iconic kaffi yeh, were Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 09 NAM ministerial meeting begins in Tehran The two-day ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has convened in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Iran Optimistic about Success of New UN Envoy on Syria Iran believes that the new UN- Arab League Special Envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, has a greater chance of success than his predecessor, Kofi Annan, a senior foreign ministry offi cial said Tuesday. Speaking to FNA about the contents of the Non-Aligned in Tehran on Sunday. in Tehran to attend the summit and government will open on Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Movement (NAM) experts meeting The foreign ministers of the NAM since Sunday. Thursday with an inaugural speech India is represented by External in Tehran on Sunday and Monday, member states have been arriving The meeting of the heads of state by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Affairs Minister S M Krishna, is Secretary of the NAM experts to review the draft document that meeting Mohammad Mehdi would be adopted at the end of Akhoundzadeh described the talks the 16th Summit of their leaders, among the member states about which is slated for August 30-31. Syria as “constructive”. The draft statement includes issues At the opening ceremony of the like fi ght against imperialism NAM ministerial meeting, Iran’s and racism, avoiding occupation Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and military aggression against hailed Egypt’s efforts during the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) past three years which “have had states, stressing on the need for a considerable effect on the progress world free of nuclear weapons and of NAM’s programs.” weapons of mass destruction and On Sunday, during the opening respecting the rights of all countries ceremony of the NAM expert-level across the globe to pursue peaceful meeting, Iran assumed the rotating use of nuclear energy. presidency of the movement for The document has been ratifi ed by three years. Egypt’s Ambassador experts of some 120 NAM member to the United Nations Mootaz states. Khalil formally handed over the Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani presidency to Iran. Khar has called for dealing the More than 100 countries are major challenge confronting the partaking in the NAM meeting world today to achieve international which kicked off at the expert level peace and security on the basis of equity and UN Charter principles. “We all know peace and development are mutually reinforcing and without peace we cannot even think of development and prosperity” Khar said while speaking at the NAM Ministerial meeting during interactive debate on “ Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance” here in Tehran on Tuesday. NAM, an international organization with 120 member states, is considered as not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. Egypt invites Russia, China to join regional group on Syria Egypt has invited Russia Earlier this month, Cairo wants to gather and China to join a Egypt proposed to form both the friends and foes regional contact group a regional contact group of the Syrian regime at on Syria, President an emergency summit of one table. Mohamed Morsi’s press the Islamic Cooperation This year, Russia and secretary Yasser Ali, said Organization. China vetoed two on Tuesday. It is supposed to include UN Security Council He is accompanying Syria’s closest neighbors resolutions calling for President Morsi during – Turkey, Saudi Arabia military intervention in his visit to China. and Iran. Syria. 10 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 Aafi a’s imprisonment a tragedy: Ramsey Ex-US attorney general terms drone strikes ‘criminal’ Former Attorney General of United views with the US administration an innocent citizen of Pakistan, accepting that an injustice has been suffi cient diplomatic measures. States of America Ramsey Clark on on the issue of Dr Aafi a Siddiqui. and had become a victim of done to Dr Siddiqui. However, Mr The government remains a silent Monday urged the Pakistani media He hoped that Aafi a’s release international politics. His rejection Clark’s declaration should go some spectator in the Afi a Siddiqui case, to be more forthright in preaching would be helpful in strengthening of the charges against her, were a way in changing this opinion, and does not use all the measures “the criminality of US drones”. of Pakistan-US relations. reminder that the lengthy jail term especially since he is speaking at its disposal. It must, because Speaking as chief guest at an award Those who addressed the seminar she is serving is meant to be for about a system he personally there can be no greater national ceremony of the Pakistan American Democratic Forum, Clark stated that the US should cease using this ‘vicious’ technology, adding that the use of drones is primarily a US innovation in warfare and their use is a violation of all international laws. The former US attorney general went on to say that there will be no peace on earth with the looming threat of drone attacks from one country to another. Mr. Ramsey Clark says Dr Aafi a Siddiqui is an innocent citizen of Pakistan who has been wronged and denied justice. also included prominent lawyers the crime of pointing a snatched presided over. As Mr Clark said, interest than the freedom of one He was addressing a seminar here, and human rights activities. weapon at an interrogating offi cer. freeing her would help remove of its citizens, or of its citizens arranged to highlight the need Vietnam War-era US Attorney Her sister, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, an irritant from US-Pakistan to be with their children, from for release of Dr Aafi a Siddiqui, General Ramsey Clark, who stated her to be a daughter of the relations. It is only offi cialdom’s whom Dr Siddiqui is still parted. Former Chief Justice of Supreme has developed a formidable Muslim Ummah, and that she stubbornness which is keeping her There seems to be no area where Court of Pakistan, Justice (Retd) reputation as a humans rights deserved better treatment. behind bars. the government has succesfully Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui chaired advocate, addressing a seminar Confi dence in the justness of Mr Clark did not mention one of defended the rights of its citizens. the seminar. in Karachi on Sunday by the Afi a the American justice system had the main reasons Dr Siddiqui was Dr Afi a Siddiqui is simply another Clark said he would exchange Siddiqui Movement, said she was been one of the biggest barriers to still in jail, and that is the lack of example of this. Al-Shabaab sympathizers issue terror warnings following the death of Al-Qaeda linked Muslim Cleric in Kenya Killing sparks riots, Three killed

Two Kenyan police offi cers and a sparking rioting by youths in which of the shooting, along with Rogo’s for a check-up after she had a and enforced disappearances of civilian were killed when rioters one person died. fi ve-year-old daughter. They were miscarriage two weeks ago. terrorism suspects”. hurled a grenade at offi cers in the The killing yesterday of Aboud Rogo not injured. Rogo’s killing sparked protests The Forum’s chairman, Al-Amin port city of Mombasa on Tuesday fi ts into a pattern of extra-judicial Rogo’s wife, Khaniya Said Sagar, by hundreds of Muslim youths Kimathi, said that last month Rogo after two days of violence over the killings and forced disappearances angrily told police who came to who went on the rampage on the and Abubakar Shariff Ahmed, both killing of a radical Muslim cleric. of suspected terrorists allegedly assist her: “It is you policemen streets of Mombasa, as his body suspects in a terrorism-related GUNMEN in Kenya’s coastal orchestrated by Kenyan police, say who have killed him, we don’t was taken for burial. case, survived an abduction city of Mombasa have shot dead Kenyan human rights groups. want a post-mortem or any help The Muslim Human Rights attempt by gunmen they claimed a Muslim cleric accused by the Rogo’s wife was wounded in the leg from you.” Forum called Rogo’s murder an were state agents who accosted United Nations of supporting al- in the attack, said Rogo’s father, She said they were in the car as “extra-judicial killing” and called them as they arrived in the capital Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia, who was also in the car at the time she was being taken to hospital for “an end to targeted killings city. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 11 Gaza will be ‘unlivable’ by 2020 unless immediate action taken - UN Gaza stands little to no chance of Nations Relief and Works Agency improving its situation, especially (UNRWA). since it doesn’t have an airport or a But it’s not just Gaza’s lack of sea port. accessibility to supplies that “Despite their best efforts, the contributes to its less than promising Palestinians in Gaza still need help. future. Gaza’s border with Israel is They are under blockade. They are tense, and the area is frequently hit under occupation and they need our by Israeli air strikes – often leading help both politically and practically to civilian deaths.

Gaza will no longer be “livable” by growth. into the Mediterranean Sea. on the ground,” Gaylard said. Gaza will need to achieve both peace 2020 unless urgent measures are At the moment, the region is According to a report released in Gaza is 80 per cent aid dependent and security before the lives of its taken to improve the area’s water suffering from its worst-ever fuel June by Save the Children and – relying on foreign funding and people can be improved, Gaylard Medical Aid for Palestinians, the a tunnel economy which brings said, and “it will certainly have to levels of water contamination in in food, construction materials, mean the end of blockade, the end of Gaza are around ten times higher electronics, and cars from Egypt. isolation and the end of conflict.”

supply, power, health and schooling, shortage and power cuts, as well as according to a UN report. unemployment levels of around 45 “Action needs to be taken right now per cent. But while the population on fundamental aspects of life: water grows, these problems are predicted sanitation, electricity, education, to only get worse. health and other aspects,” UN Gaza’s lack of clean drinking water humanitarian coordinator Maxwell should be the first thing that is Gaylard told journalists. addressed, according to UNICEF than what is deemed safe for But the current amount of outside But the goal of peace and security Those services are “not keeping Special Representative Jean Gough. consumption. However, many poor help won’t be enough to sustain the isn’t likely to be achieved anytime pace with the needs of the growing The report estimates a 60 per cent families have no choice but to drink region’s needs, according to Gaylard, soon. The Palestinian Authority population,” the report states. increase in Gaza’s future water the water. who has called on international currently refuses to negotiate with The document predicts the needs, while urgent action is already The coastal strip is extremely isolated donors to increase their aid. Israel unless the country agrees to population of the Gaza Strip will needed to protect the area’s existing due to an Israeli blockade which By 2020, Gaza will need 440 more a “freeze” on settlement building increase from 1.6 million people water resources, Reuters says. Tel Aviv refuses to lift, claiming it schools, 800 more hospital beds in the West Bank – something Tel today to 2.1 million people in 2020 At present, only a quarter of Gaza’s prevents arms from reaching Gaza’s and over 1,000 additional doctors, Aviv will not do, even though the – calling into question whether the waste water is treated. The rest, governing Hamas organization. according to Robert Turner, UN says the settlements go against region can actually sustain such including raw sewage, goes straight And until the blockade is lifted, director of operations of the United international law. 12 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 Libya Sufi shrines attacked ‘by WAHABIS Fighters bulldoze Sufi mosque in center of Tripoli A shrine in the Libyan capital along with the tombs of the holy Tripoli venerating a Sufi Muslim personalities in Maqbarat’al- saint has been partly destroyed Ma‘la in Mecca, where the Holy - the latest in a series of attacks Prophet’s mother, wife Khadija, blamed on ultra-conservative grandfather and other ancestors Salafi Islamists. are buried. Attackers bulldozed a mosque Destruction of the sacred sites in containing Sufi Muslim graves the Hijaz continues till this day. in the center of Tripoli in broad Wahhabis say they are trying daylight on Saturday, in what to rescue Islam from what they appeared to be Libya’s most consider innovations, deviances blatant sectarian attack since and idolatries. the overthrow of Muammar Among the practices they Gaddafi. believe are contrary to Islam Government officials condemned are constructing elaborate the demolition of the large Sha’ab monuments over graves and mosque and blamed an armed making supplications there. the group who, they said, considered mosque and tomb of Sayyid Imam its graves and shrines to Sufi al-Uraidhi ibn Ja‘far al-Sadiq, figures un-Islamic. inciting the Wahhabis to re- grave of the Prophet Muhammad, refused permission to perform four miles from the Prophet’s It was the second razing of a occupy Mecca in 1805. may the peace and blessings of Hajj, as were the Syrians in 1806 Mosque, was destroyed by Sufi site in two days. Ultra- In 1806, the Wahhabi army God be upon him, many times, and Egyptians the following year. dynamite and flattened on August conservatives wrecked Sufi The Saudi leader at the time 13, 2002. Imam al-Uraidhi is shrines with bombs and another wanted the pilgrims to embrace ninth in line from the Prophet. bulldozer and set fire to a mosque his Wahhabi beliefs and accept Within the last 10 years, Muqbil library in the city of Zlitan in the his Wahhabi mission. ibn Hadi al-Wadi’i, a student early hours of Friday, an official The destruction of the historical at the University of Medina, said. sites is yet another way for wrote a thesis titled “About the Libya’s rulers have struggled the Wahhabi sect to show that Dome Built over the Grave of to control armed groups who there is no other form of Islam- the Messenger,” sponsored by are competing for power in the whether on the ground, in the Sheikh Hammad al-Ansari. In North African country a year past, or in people’s memories- this paper, the student demands after Gaddafi’s fall. other than their own. that the noble grave be brought The president of Libya’s newly *The house of the companion, out of the Mosque. elected National Congress, Abu Bakr is where the Mecca He says the presence of the holy Mohamed al-Magariaf, called the Hilton Hotel stands today. grave and noble dome are major prime minister to an emergency *The mosque Abu-Qubais innovations and that they both meeting later on Sunday. (Makka), is where the king’s need to be destroyed! His thesis “What is truly regrettable and occupied Medina. They did not but would repeatedly change palace stands today received very high marks. Last suspicious is that some of those leave any religious building, their minds. At this time, *Dar-ar-Arqam, the first school year, the city planning board who took part in these destruction including mosques, without non-Wahhabi Muslims were of Islam is where the escalators of Medina painted the famous activities are supposed to be of the security forces and from the revolutionaries,” Magariaf told reporters on Saturday night. He did not elaborate on how security forces took part. The Arabian Peninsula, the cradle of Islam, is being demolished by hardliners. In countries such as Saudi Arabia almost all of the Islamic historical sites are gone, but this is not the first time they have been destroyed. In 1802, and army led by the sons of Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab (the founder of Wahhabism) and Muhammad ibn Saud occupied Taif and began a bloody massacre. A year later, the forces occupied the holy are situated today. green dome of the Prophet’s city of Mecca. They executed a *The birthplace of the Prophet Holy Mosque silver. After campaign of destruction in many Muhammad is a library intense protests by the citizens sacred places and leveled all today, and is next in line to be of Medina, the board restored the existing domes, even those demolished to make way for a the dome to its original colour. built over the well of Zamzam. demolishing it, whether inside prevented from performing car park and complex. On April The Wahhabi religious However, after the army left, or outside the Baqi’ (graveyard). the Hajj (pilgrimage). In 1805, 21,1925, the domes in the Baqi’ authorities are, unfortunately, on Sharif Ghalib breached the truce, They intended to demolish the Iraqi and Iranian Muslims were were demolished once more Continued on page 14 >> Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 13 “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” Neil Armstrong dies, his legend lives became a community Man In Space Soonest and X-20 leader in Cincinnati. Dyna-Soar human spacefl ight [...] While we programs, Armstrong joined the mourn the loss of a NASA Astronaut Corps in 1962. very good man, we His fi rst spacefl ight was the also celebrate his NASAGemini 8 mission in 1966, remarkable life and for which he was the command hope that it serves as pilot, becoming one of the fi rst an example to young U.S. civilians in space. people around the He is the man who said the world to work hard famous words: “That’s one small to make their dreams step for a man, one giant leap come true, to be willing for mankind.” In fi ve years after to explore and push the the lunar mission, Armstrong limits, and to selfl essly retired from NASA and started serve a cause greater his own business. than themselves.” Among the many rumors Neil Alden Armstrong circulating in the Islamic was born on August world, the claim that Neil 5, 1930. A participant Armstrong, the famous Astronaut Neil Armstrong, who in Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant in the U.S. Air Force’s Astronaut, has become a 1969 became the fi rst person in the American hero who always Muslim seems to be one that world to set foot on the Moon, died believed he was just doing his job. will never die. in the United States. He served his Nation proudly, as Neil Armstrong participated in In early August, 82-year-old a navy fi ghter pilot, test pilot, and the Global Leadership Forum in Armstrong received surgery to Malaysia on 6 September 2005. The reduce the clogging of coronary Star Malaysia, currently the most arteries. Today, the family of widely read English newspaper the legendary astronaut said in Malaysia, took the occasion to that he died due to post-surgery interview him on his moon landing complications. mission with Apollo 11. U.S. President Barack Obama In the article, Armstrong recalls made a statement in connection moon landing, published on 7 with astronaut’s death. He stressed September 2005, both in print and out that Armstrong had shown the online, (http://thestar.com.my/ world, what incredible power one news/story.asp?file=/2005/9/7/ small step can have,” Rosbalt said. nation/11971532&sec=nation ) one Obama also called Armstrong “one fi nds this statement: Armstrong, of America’s greatest heroes.” also denied he had heard the The statement from Neil Muslim call to prayer on the moon Armstrong’s family says: “Neil astronaut. He also found success and had converted to Islam. Neil was our loving husband, father, back home in his native Ohio Armstrong was a protestant. grandfather, brother and friend. in business and academia, and Egypt rejected U.S. demand to fi re on Iranian ship: Suez chief Speaking to Al Arabiya and Al-Hayat to increase the number of ships Regarding the fees paid by ships TV networks, Vice Admiral Mohab passing through. that pass through the canal, Mamish, also a former commander “Increasing the number of ships also Mamish said they were determined of the Egyptian Navy, said the US necessitates widening the waterway by a committee that took into had requested the Egyptian Navy through digging several tributaries. consideration fees of other to attack an Iranian vessel passing All this will be done by Egyptian international waterways. through the Suez Canal, but his hands and through Egyptian “The current revenue of the Suez country’s naval force rejected the companies,” he said. Canal amounts to fi ve billion dollars, request. In response to rumors about the and it is not advisable to raise the Egyptian Naval Forces recently sale or rent of the Canal, Egyptian fees, because this might decrease rejected a U.S. demand to fi re on President Mohamed Mursi had the number of ships passing through an Iranian vessel loaded with arms issued instructions that no foreign the canal,” he said. and heading to Syria, the chairman companies were to be involved Asked about the content of ships of the Suez Canal Authority has told in Suez development projects, he passing through the Suez, Mamish Al Arabiya. added. said the authority is notifi ed 24 Vice Admiral Mohab Mamish, also “My main goal since I was appointed and it is impossible for military Mamish also noted that a committee hours in advance of passage about former commander of the Egyptian chairman of the Suez Canal Authority actions to take place there.” was formed to determine the projects the weight and nature of the items Navy, ruled out the possibility of on August 12 is to secure all ships In the interview, which touched on that need to be implemented on board each ship. any military operations in the Suez passing through the waterway,” he a number of concerns about the for the development of the Suez “The Suez Canal Authority verifi es Canal, to guarantee the security of said in a Saturday interview. “The waterway, Mamish said intensifi ed Canal especially ones related to this information before giving the the international waterway. Suez Canal is a narrow waterway security in the canal was bound maintenance and fuel. ship a permission to pass,” he said. 14 COMMENT South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012

quarters. Scottish liberal Queen Bee indeed do know better. It is those latter Joyce MacMillan said I was “increasingly who should be examining their reactions notorious” (presumably since I was elected over the last seven days. in the most stunning British by-election Mind you when BBC radio 2 listeners had in modern history just a few months ago) the chance to phone in about the hysteria, Father Ted, the saintly Eamon McCann 80% of the callers backed me. The local took to that friend of liberty the Belfast Bradford rag took down their telephone Telegraph to literally anathematise me poll when the fi gures began to swing in and excommunicate me from the left. This my favour. I have 89,000 followers on from some class of atheist Trotskyite. Twitter; fewer than 400 used it to attack Harriet Harman who’s lost more votes me, albeit repeatedly and in increasingly for Labour than anyone alive except Tony offensive and demented terms. I have Blair (and justifi ed the killing of more 90,000 followers on Facebook; fewer than women in wars she fully backed than any 100 denounced what I said. I have 80,000 feminist in history) was perhaps a more electors in Bradford West, again fewer predictable assailant. New Labour still than 100 have written in against me, and haven’t recovered from the bloody good most of those hadn’t voted for me in the hiding I gave them in Bradford and before fi rst place. George that in east London. I mention that as reassurance that those It turned into a peculiarly Scottish thing who make most noise don’t always speak Galloway MP in the week when fellow Dundonian for the majority, they just make it sound Craig Murray named and identifi ed on like they do. And to echo the old saw, I was sacked this week, on Twitter, from a Lovers rarely “ask” each other for “consent” Newsnight one of the women involved in the that when the British media and political “job” I hardly knew I had. In the interests before coupling at least not verbally. If allegations against fugitive whistleblower class are unanimous, they are usually of liberalism of course. Mandy Rhodes the they had to on pain of prosecution, half the Julian Assange as being involved in CIA- unanimously wrong. editor of something called the Holyrood couples in the country would be on trial. If, fi nanced anti-Castro Cuban activities. This all broke when I was thousands of magazine with which you’ll be unfamiliar in such circumstances, one of the partners Murray, sacked by New Labour’s Jack miles away in Indonesia, the local leg of my took to the ether to “withdraw her consent” says she has a headache, or he says not Straw for denouncing torture - including nuptials took place yesterday in Javanese to my writing a column for her obscure tonight Josephine, or either expresses the rape of women - in Uzbekistan where style. All week I had to watch this from a magazine - and was promptly hailed by just a plain no, then anyone continuing to he was British Ambassador was instantly distance, dealing with one false claim after those champions of womens rights the press their attentions is potentialy guilty of transfi gured into the anti-Christ himself. another, some of them years old some of Daily Star the Sun and the Express (prop rape. No never means yes. This diffi cult to Mark my words, dear readers, Julian them so fantastical as to be funny. It was R Desmond, publisher of Asian Babes defi ne but easy to recognise state of affairs Assange has been set up in a political the unspeakable in full pursuit of the Slut Grannies and Spunk Loving sluts is particularly true, surely, where sex has plot designed to deliver him to fi fty years uneatable as Oscar Wilde - who knew a and broadcaster of several X-Rated cable been separated by a nap from a previous of solitude in an American dungeon as thing or two about witch-hunts - described channels) session. You know from your own lived revenge for his real “crime”. Which was to the red-coated toffs in their ancient ritual As Ms Rhodes knows however, I have never experience that this is true. reveal the dirtiest secrets of the Empires of chasing foxes. written a word in her magazine (neither Other allegations, made by woman 2, which over the last years have raped killed I am not a fox, though there were moments have I read a word anyone else wrote)she would if true clearly cross the line though of extorted tortured rendered and robbed when I’ve felt a bit of a lone wolf. The wolf has never paid me a single bawbee. She course no charges were made and Assange their way around half the world. goes about its business no matter what the merely used me, my name and my picture. told he was free to leave Sweden. Not only For airing cockpit video of the cold-blooded climate is around it. This is what I shall do I somehow knew one day I’d pay for my do I believe that Assange should be made mass murder of Iraqis by American pilots too. spurning of her constant entreaties in to answer to these allegations - so does HE! following their controllers orders to “light If you have a spare moment, actually multiple texts to tea, lunch, drinks dinners All that’s stopping it is the refusal of the them up”. Light them up they duly did, a watch what I said and about whom on every time she was in London. Truth is for Swedish government to, as it could, give mass incineration of human beings. He the Youtube channel Molucca Red. Even me, it just wasn’t worth it. Still “sacking” an undertaking not to extradite Assange to revealed documents detailing the US’s better watch the documentary broadcast me whilst I was under fi re was apparently the United States. controlling interest in death squads in Iraq by Australia’s ABC - their BBC equivalent worth it for her 5 minutes of Sun-light. Last week a collective bout of the vapours and murder most foul in Afghanistan. The - on the Assange case. This has been taken And it was all on account of my stating the arose in a great British moral panic, a US agencies will never forgive them for off Youtube (in the interests of liberalism obvious, as every person reading this outside kind of cult-like mass hysteria and I was that. This is understandable. Less so is the of course) but can still be seen on my of a convent knows from their own lives. denounced from some extraordinary Pavlovian reaction of many who should, facebook at George Galloway MP

Continued from page 12 Libya Sufi shrines attacked ‘by WAHABIS demolished. It was in the area of Shi’b ‘Ali near the Bab ‘Ali door opposite the king’s palace. It is now part of the extension of the Haram. In Medina, of the seven mosques at the site of the Battle of the Trench (Jabal al-Khandaq), where Sura al- Ahzab was revealed, only two remain. The others have been demolished and a Saudi bank’s cashpoint machine has been built in the area. Today, the Zam Zam towers stand in place of the Fort. The Zam Zam towers are being leased from £500, 000 to £1,000,000 for a 24 year lease, the prices are very extortionate as during last ten days in the holy month of Ramadan it a fast track. In 1998 the grave of petitions throughout the Muslim then hurriedly covered over so as his children Umm Kulthum, would cost between £54,000 Amina bint Wahb, the Prophet’s world were sent to Saudi Arabia, to obliterate any trace of it. Ruqqaya, Zaynab, F atima, and to £137,500 to rent plus extra mother, was bulldozed in Abwa nothing stopped this action. The This was the house where the Qasim were born. Dar al-Arqam, annual maintenance charges. and gasoline was poured on House of Khadija was excavated Prophet received some of his fi rst the fi rst school in Islam where Yet another Saudi Wahhabi plot it. Even though thousands of during the Haram extensions, revelations and it is also where the Prophet taught has also been destroying Islamic heritage. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 NEWS 15 London prepares to welcome the world yet again Thousands of people have turned out to welcome the success. While competing in international sports Paralympic flame which is en route to the Olympic events they have secured 55 medals comprising 16 Stadium for the opening ceremony of the Games. Gold, 19 Silver, 20 Bronze medals. Crowds have lined the route of the 24-hour torch relay which began in Stoke Mandeville on Tuesday The National Paralympic Committee of Pakistan night. (NPCP) is the primary body in the country for The flame arrived in north London almost two the promotion of SPORTS FOR THE DISABLED. hours late and organisers said breaks would be cut The key focus of this organization is to organize, to save time. supervise and co-ordinate games, elite sports and The Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge performance, which will feature a high-wire act. came third in the Olympics medal table, galvanising competitions for the disabled and to prepare them are due to attend the opening ceremony which starts Many details of the show have been kept under wide support for the Games across the country and for participation in national and international at 20:30 BST. wraps but Bradley Hemmings, who has been lifting a national mood hit by lingering economic events, ultimately participating in the Paralympic Crowds gathered in the market square in Aylesbury, responsible for its organisation, alongside fellow woes. Games. NPCP was set up as a trust in 1998 and Buckinghamshire, to watch the start of the relay artistic director Jenny Sealey, promised it will be ParalympicsGB have been set a minimum target of is affiliated with the International Paralympic and thousands more turned out overnight along the “both spectacular and deeply human”. 103 medals from at least 12 different sports -- one Committee. The National Paralympic Committee of route to cheer on the torchbearers. The ceremony, signalling the start of 11 days of better than in Beijing -- and to match their second- Pakistan is headed by former Federal Secretary Mr Guard of honour competition by nearly 4,300 athletes from 166 place finish four years ago. Tariq Mustafa. After arriving in London, the flame, which is being countries, has been given the theme and title For the home team, hopes are highest for athletes All you wanted to know about India’s carried by 580 torchbearers, was taken up the steps Paralympic athletes to Britain’s first traditional Hindu temple, the Shri Two members of the Indian Paralympic team are Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Brent, where a training in Wales ahead of the Paralympic Games. torch was lit at about 08:30 BST. India have ten athletes participating in the Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent, took part in a Paralympics 2012 which starts on 29th August and ceremony which involved pulling apart string made ends on 9th September. We are competing in four up of different threads and colours to “allow” the categories—Athletics, Powerlifting, Shooting and Paralympic torch through. Swimming. While there are separate athletes in each He said: “It was a very special moment. We have category for Athletics and Powerlifting, shooter and been waiting since 6.30am and the thrill and Naresh Sharma and swimmer Sharath Gayakwad excitement is just fantastic. I don’t think there will be participating in different categories. has ever been a setting like this, for an Olympic or Here’s a short profile of the Indian contingent. Paralympic flame.” Girisha Nagarajegowda (High Jump – F42) London 2012 organisers Locog said of the delay: A 24-year old from Hosanagara in Hassan district in ‘We are running approximately 1hr 30 mins late Enlightenment and features deaf artists and those like Jonnie Peacock, who in June set a new T44 Karnataka. The young man, who has an impairment due to the late finish of the Stoke Mandeville event with other disabilities. 100m record of 10.85secs and is expected to in his left leg, promises to give it his best shot. For and the time required for multiple exchanges of the The world’s top athletes with a disability, including challenge South Africa’s Pistorius for gold in the the Paralympics, he won the qualifying event held flame between team members. “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius, converge on showpiece track event. in Kuwait, with a leap of 1.60 metres. But his best “Overnight we have refined the exchange process London next week for what organisers say will be With Pistorius’ long-standing rival Jerome is 1.80 metres. In The Hindu, Girisha was quotes as and are making up time.” the biggest and most high-profile Paralympics in Singleton, of the United States, and a host of other saying: “I found a job but had to quit since I had to With only 100,000 tickets left, the Games are on the Games’ 52-year history. lightning-fast sprinters likely to line up in the final, prepare for the Paralympics. The job can wait, what course to be the first Paralympics to sell out. A A record 4,200 athletes from 166 countries will organisers even predict that all eight runners could matters now is a medal.” further 10,000 tickets will be made available each be in the British capital, with the 11-day Games a dip under 11secs. Jaideep Deswal (Discus Throw – F42) day during the competition. near sell-out and expected to be watched by an Deswal qualified for the Paralympics after clinching Locog chief executive Paul Deighton said: “We’ve estimated global television audience of four billion Pakistani athletes to gold at the Malayasian Para Athletics C’ships tried to get as many people in as we reasonably can. people. Britain is considered the birthplace of the in April 2012. He underwent training at Cardiff This is a wonderful illustration of how the British Paralympic movement, after World War II veterans participate in London Metropolitan University, Wales, for the Games. The public have said we love the Paralympics and want with spinal injuries competed in archery events at Paralympics 2012 para-athlete, was diagnosed with polio at the age to be part of it.” Stoke Mandeville in southern England in 1948, 12 The Pakistan contingent participating in London of five, but paid no heed to criticism and people’s The Paralympic opening ceremony will be an years before the first official Games in Rome. The Paralympic Games from 29 indifference to rise against all odds.

“exquisite journey of discovery” with Professor International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said August- 9 September 2012 comprises 2 athletes and Stephen Hawking as a guide, its co-artistic director that history, a desire to see more elite sport after some officials. Amit Kumar (Discus Throw – F51-53) Jenny Sealey has said. Earlier it was revealed the a successful Olympics, increased media coverage He is ranked third in the world in this category. He Queen and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will and sponsorship have combined to drive up interest The team has been under training in Bedford finished sixth in the Commonwealth Para Games attend the opening ceremony. and awareness. “There’s a fantastic buzz in the air, University for a month before in the shot put and won a silver at the Guangzhou Prince Harry’s first public appearance since naked waiting for it to kick off and people talking about it,” they arrived at the Paralympic village on the 22nd Asian Para Games in 2010. He suffered a spinal photos of him made headlines around the world will IPC president Philip Craven told AFP before next August 2012. Main cord injury which affected his lower body. be at the Aquatic Centre on Monday where he will Wednesday’s opening ceremony. athlete is Haider Ali (Cerebral Palsy) from Narender Ranbir (Javelin Throw – F44) watch the swimming. China held the last Paralympics in Beijing in 2008 Gujranwala- Punjab who had Narender, who hails from from Haryana, qualified More than 3,000 adult volunteers are taking part and did much to raise the Games’ profile. The broken the world record in long jump in Beijing in for the Games when he won the gold medal in the in the opening ceremony, along with around 100 previous hosts won 211 medals, including 89 gold, 2008. Second athlete is Malaysian Open earlier this year. children and a professional cast of 100. and will be looking to replicate that success this Naeem Masih from Kasur- Punjab (amputee). Jagseer Singh (Long Jump – F46) Some of the performers have completed a circus time round. The Pakistani athletes with disability have an This athlete from Rajasthan is one of India’s top skills training programme to prepare for the But challenging them will be the current hosts, who impressive record of Continued on page 30 >> 16 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 17 Madhuri Dixit- Juhi Chawla -Nene, the showstopper at IIJW International Jewellery Week 2012. ended the show wearing a complete Former Miss India and Bollywood ac- bridal set of cummerbund, spread col- tor Juhi Chawla wowed audience at the lar choker with polkis and emeralds, recently held India International Jew- earrings, bangles and armlet. ellery Week 2012, in Mumbai. The collection showcased ethnic jewell- The actor looked resplendent in bridal lery that was reminiscent of the Nizam jewellery from Kays Jewels collection and the Maharaja eras with neckpieces that showcased their traditional as well in diamonds, pearls, emeralds and gold as modern designs at the show. dazzling on the ramp. Wearing a black a black lehenga en- “The Ambe Ambelike” collection that semble from the Jashn collection, Juhi was showcased, is an ode to woman- hood has been inspired by the girl child or kanyaa and had jewellery which was a mix of rubies, diamonds, emeralds in The India International Jewellery Week for the modern woman in light-weight kundan, gold and meenakari. 2012, sponsored by PCJ, came to a close gold, while the specially crafted bridal The western line too impressed all in Mumbai with the dual grand fi nales line had exquisite pieces of gold and - a ‘Best of the best’ show featuring or- diamond jewellery. naments from the entire IIJW 2012, Sonam Kapoor, the brand ambassador and a show by PC Jewellers. Madhuri of IIJW 2012, closed the show wearing Dixit-Nene was the showstopper for the a polki necklace with a tasselled pen- latter. dant, along with intricate kadas and a She walked the ramp in a polki rani maang tika. haar collar, with Aaja Nachle playing Indian Bollywood fi lm actress Juhi in the background. She was later joined Chawla showcases jewellery designer on the ramp by Balram Garg of PCJ. Kays Jewels creations as she walks PCJ’s contemporary collection was the ramp during the third day of India 18 ENTERTAINMENT Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 My wedding has become Veteran actor A K a Rajya Sabha debate: Hangal passes away Kareena Kapoor to NDTV but the doctors decided to take him off the ventilator since his condition wasn’t improving.” The veteran was admitted to the hospital in suburban Santa Cruz on August 16 after he slipped and fell down in his bathroom on August 13, fracturing his right femur (thigh) bone. Hangal, who has been in and out of hospital since the last few years, was suffering from several ailments including high blood pressure and kidney dysfunction. Doctors attending to him initially felt that he needed to be operated on for the fracture but considering his advanced age they dropped the idea. “My father was a spirited man....He kept fighting every time till his last breath,” Vijay said, adding the funeral will be held at 1 PM today. The actor was facing severe financial hardship before several celebrities from the film industry chipped in Fresh and upbeat after a holiday in could have been married three years with funds after news of his deteriorating health broke London and Paris with beau Saif, ago and still done a Heroine. But yes out last year. Hangal had participated in the freedom Bollywood’s 100 crore Heroine you will know when I do,” the actress struggle before turning to acting. Kareena Kapoor has no Khan to help said. He played roles in films like Sholay, Shaukeen, Namak her carry the weight of her latest Bebo is rather upset about A Haram, Aaina, Avtaar, Arjun, Aandhi, Kora Kagaz, film. certificate films not being allowed to Distinguished character actor A K Hangal, who was Bawarchi, Chitchor, Guddi, Abhimaan, Anamika and Carrying the weight of Heroine on her telecast. She says if foreign movies best known for his roles in films like Namak Haram, Parichay. slim able shoulders, the actress says can be viewed on TV then why not Sholay and Shaukeen, passed away at a hospital here He was also a regular in Rajesh Khanna’s starrers like critical acclaim apart from box office Hindi films. this morning following a brief illness. He was 98. Aap Ki Kasam, Amar Deep, Naukri, Thodisi Bewafaii success is more important. But takes With Heroine all set to release on “He passed away at 9 AM at Asha Parekh Hospital. He and Phir Wohi Raat. Recently, he returned to face a firm stance that that the heroine is her 32nd birthday she has close was not keeping well for quite some time,” Hangal’s the studio lights after seven long years for TV Series far from being the hero of a film. competition with cousin Ranbir son Vijay said adding, “He was on life support initially ‘Madhubala’. “It’s a male dominated industry. One whose Barfi! releases a week ahead Dirty Picture and a Heroine can’t of her film. change the tide. It’s not the actor And it seems the Kapoor cousins will alone but even the director needs to soon be sharing screen space. “Yes Shah Rukh, Aamir restart Kashmir romance change his mindset,” Kareena said. it’s in the pipeline,” she said. Bollywood superstars shoot in the valley; Will Salman Khan follow soon? And regarding the tired question on And why should we go watch the big fat Kapoor-Khan wedding the Heroine? For three things, piped the rest of Bollywood is not likely to actress had a rather humorous take in director Madhur Bhandarkar: stay far behind. on it. “Kareena Kareena Kareena.” The audience can soon expect a slew “It’s a Rajya Sabha debate. Everything Watch the complete interview of producers and directors to make I do, becomes a national issue, I with Kareena Kapoor and Madhur a beeline to shoot by the scenic Dal could well be married you know. Bhandarkar on Sunday (September Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens, How would that make a difference? I 2, 2012) at 7.30 pm on NDTV 24x7. snowy peaks and ski resorts of Gulmarg and some of the world’s prettiest backdrops. Some of the most popular Bollywood Bollywood hunk Hrithik movies of yesteryears were often associated with romantic scenes in Roshan is jobless Kashmir was Bollywood’s favourite The film is scheduled to in cinemas Kashmir. outdoor shooting location until around Diwali, the Indian festival of Some of those films include ‘Kashmir The star has no project in hand after ‘Krrish 3’ violence reared its head in the 1980s lights. Ki Kali’, ‘Junglee’, ‘Andaz’, ‘Aarzoo’, and made the ‘Paradise on Earth’ a Well, Kashmir could not have asked ‘Betaab’ and ‘Mere Sanam’ to name troubled spot. for a better brand ambassador or a few. With the situation improving for a mightier boost to its fledgling Post-insurgency, only a handful of now and stability returning, the tourism industry than a King Khan films such as ‘Mission Kashmir’, pictureseque valley, its beautiful land, lakes and mountains are once again in the spotlight. According to latest reports from the Mumbai-based Hindi film industry, Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting in Pahalgam in Jammu Actor Hrithik Roshan is considered will start work for Rajkumar Hirani’s and Kashmir for his upcoming, yet to be one of the top Bollywood actors. ‘Peekay’ opposite Anushka Sharma. untitled, film. He has returned to the Others who are up on the ladder are Salman Khan after a record breaking valley after almost 20 years. Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ opening is close to He plays the role of an army officer Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. finishing work on ‘Dabangg 2’. Then - Samar - in the love-triangle with The foursome seem to have their he will start Sajid Nadiadwala’s Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. film under the Yash Raj banner. ‘Yahaan’, ‘Tahaan’ and ‘Shaurya’ diaries full with a host of big ‘Kick’, followed by a film with The first trailer of the film is released But to give credit where it is due, were filmed in the state. projects. younger brother Sohail. and it shows Shah Rukh Khan Bollywood’s Mr Perfectionist, Shah Rukh Khan’s shooting in Shah Rukh Khan is busy wrapping Action hero Akshay Kumar is busy strumming a guitar as he romances Aamir Khan, marked the return of Kashmir this week heralds the official up Yash Chopra’s next, while he has with ‘OMG’ (Oh My God), followed Katrina Kaif in the UK. Bollywood to Kashmir when he shot return of Bollywood to the land of Rohit Shetty’s ‘Chennai Express’ by ‘Khiladi 786’, ‘Once Upon A Time According to Yash Raj Films for the Incredible India campaign gurgling mountain rivers, lush green going. Again’, ‘Special Chabbis’, ‘Boss’ and production sources, the movie’s in Srinagar, the state capital, earlier meadows, pristine white peaks and Aamir Khan is wrapping up Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Ramana’ title will be revealed on director this year. tall Chinar trees. ‘Dhoom:3’ in Chicago. After which he remake. Yash Chopra’s 80th birthday bash. Once the Khans head to Kashmir, Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 19

Work displayed in saarc int. are a review of southasianmedia.net. The information on this page is for information purposes only. The South Asia Tribune and SAARC International Ltd. assume no liability for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The full story can be viewed at www.southasianmedia.net aarc Sinternational Thursday, 30.08.12 Pakistan pins hope on India: Supreme Zardari, Manmohan Court confirms death meeting in Tehran sentence for Kasab ‘Conspiracy hatched across border to wage war against India’ element of conspiracy as no other case. The appellant was part of a conspiracy hatched across the border to wage war against the government of India, and lethal arms and explosives were collected with the intention of waging war against the government of India.” The Bench rejected Kasab’s argument that he was not given a fair trial. It accepted the Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani towards trust building. Continued on page 20 >> Observing that the 26/11 Mumbai Khar on Wednesday said that The minister said all previous terrorist attacks had shocked the Pakistan is looking forward to talks between the two leaders have collective conscience of Indian upcoming talks between President been “very useful particularly in people, the Supreme Court on Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime New Delhi and we hope same Wednesday confirmed the death Minister Manmohan Singh spirit would continue in Tehran.” sentence awarded to the prime on sidelines of Non Aligned Khar said both sides need to show accused, Ajmal Kasab, by the Movement (NAM) Summit in commitment to move forward. trial court for waging war against Tehran to resolve most important “As far as Pakistan is concerned India. issues. it was committed to moving In its 398-page judgment, a Bench Speaking to media representatives, forward beyond any other issues of Justices Aftab Alam and C.K. she said environment between the that might arise between the two Prasad said: “This case has the two countries was now moving countries,” she added. Indian court convicts 32 in 2002 Gujarat riots Narendra Modi rules out apology for 2002 Gujarat riots An Indian court convicted a former state government minister and 31 other people Wednesday in connection with deadly anti- Muslim riots that shook the western state of Gujarat in 2002. The violence, which killed more than 1,100 people, almost all Muslims, began after a train fire on Feb. 27, 2002, that killed 60 Hindu pilgrims. Hindu mobs, convinced Muslims set the fire, rampaged Bharatiya Janata Party, of not in Naroda Patiya, a small industrial of education and child welfare in others, did not immediately through towns and villages burning doing enough to stop the violence town on the outskirts of Gujarat’s the Gujarat government. She was announce the sentences or who Muslim homes and businesses. and even stoking it. capital Ahmadabad, that killed 95 arrested in 2009 on charges of was convicted of which crime. Rights groups and survivors have The convictions Wednesday, on people. Those convicted included murder and criminal conspiracy The convictions were not the first accused the state government, charges ranging from rioting to Maya Kodnani, a state legislator at and has been in prison since. linked to the rioting. controlled by the Hindu right-wing murder, stemmed from an attack the time who later became minister The court, which acquitted 29 Continued on page 20 >> 20 SAARC Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 Karachi mayhem : Violence claims 10 lives Ten people, including to have arrested two suspects two women, were killed after an exchange of gunfire. in different incidents of According to police sources, the violence in Karachi, report suspects were busy fleeing after on Wednesday. looting some citizens in Mubina A person died of gunshot wounds Town area of the city adding that by unknown persons in New a motorcycle used in the crimes, Karachi area of the city. two pistols and stolen mobile In another incident, two office phone were recovered from the bearers of a political party were suspects, the sources added. wounded in a firing incident The CID police claimed to have in Orangi Town’s MPR colony arrested an extortionist linked in Karachi. Both persons were to the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban shifted to hospital where they Pakistan. succumbed to their wounds According to police sources during treatment. during the initial investigations Police claimed to have arrested the suspected confessed to his six suspects from the area after A political activist was shot and 14 pistols were recovered Three suspected bandits were involvement wth the banned the incident adding that weapons dead in Martin Quarters area of from the suspects during the killed in an alleged police TTP and claimed to provide and narcotics were recovered Karachi. The situation in the area operation. encounter in Karachi’s Malir the organization with funding from the arrested suspects. Police turned tense after the killing and Enraged residents took out a area. through the criminal activities. sources further said that the some unknown armed men set a protest against the arrest of According to police sources, The suspect also disclosed that incident seemed to be the result bus on fire. suspects, claiming that the the suspects were busy looting one of his brothers had been of a monetary dispute. Rangers entered the area after arrested suspects were innocent citizens in Malir area of Karachi killed in Waziristan some time A woman was killed by firing in the incident and an exchange and demanded their release. when a police party reached ago, and that two of his brothers Baldia Town area of Karachi. of fire took place between the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s the spot. An encounter ensued were already in the custody of the Moreover, a 60-year-old man was armed men and the Rangers (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain during which all three suspects CID. shot to death in Karachi’s Orangi personnel. Additional Rangers condemned the worker’s killings. were killed. A case was registered against the Town area near Nishan-e-Haider personnel later reached the Moreover, two political workers Police claimed to have recovered suspect as investigations went chowk. spot and conducted a targeted who were wounded on 14th two AK-47 rifles and a repeater underway. The body of a woman was found operation in the area, arresting and 26th August respectively shotgun from the suspects. Authorities were conducting near the Korangi Crossing creek 20 suspects. succumbed to their wounds on In a similar incident, police in raids for arrest the suspected in Karachi. Sources said that six AK-47 rifles Tuesday. Karachi’s Mubina Town claimed accomplices.

Continued from page 19 >> 156 dengue virus cases India: Supreme Court confirms death sentence for Kasab argument of senior counsel for Maharashtra Gopal incite communal strife and insurgency, all with the intent reported in Karachi Subramanium that he was given legal assistance right to weaken the country from within. In short, this is a case of A total of 157 cases of dengue virus Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed, all from the stage of trial, and said Kasab’s plea (that he was terrorist attack from across the border. It has a magnitude have been reported in Sindh, of which hospitals of Sindh have been asked not given legal assistance from the beginning), by itself, of unprecedented enormity on all scales. The conspiracy… 156 cases were reported in Karachi to reserve dedicated beds for dengue would not vitiate the proceedings. was as deep and large as it was vicious. The preparation while one from Hyderabad. virus patients. Writing the judgment, Justice Alam said: “The conspiracy and training for the execution was as thorough as the This was stated at a meeting of Health He pointed that arrangements have was to launch a murderous attack on Mumbai, regarding it execution was ruthless. In terms of loss of life and property, Department which reviewed the pre- been to ensure availability of dengue as the financial centre of the country; to kill as many Indians and more importantly in its traumatising effect, this case cautionary arrangements to protect test kits and medicines at these and foreign nationals as possible; to take Indians and stands alone, or it is at least the very rarest of rare to come people from the attack of dengue virus hospitals. foreign nationals… hostages for using them as bargaining before this court since the birth of the Republic. Therefore, in the province here Tuesday. Special Similarly, private hospitals have been chips in regard to the terrorists’ demands; and to try to it should also attract the rarest of rare punishments.” Secretary Health Dr Suresh Kumar, obligated to report dengue virus cases to dengue surveillance cells, Indian court convicts 32 in 2002 Gujarat riots working round-the-clock at In July, a special court found 21 in six other cases within a year. should get the biggest punishment the office of Director General people guilty in the murders of 11 Modi rules out apology possible if he is guilty. And the world Health Hyderabad and Civil members of a Muslim family in the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi should know that there isn’t any Hospital Karachi to prepare town of Visnagar and sentenced them has refused to apologize for the 2002 tolerance for such political leaders,” he a data about this disease. to life in prison. riots in the state. told The Wall Street Journal. The meeting decided to Last November, 31 Hindus were “One only has to ask for forgiveness if He was asked whether he would launch awareness campaign sentenced by the same court to life one is guilty of a crime. If you think it’s apologize for the riots which his critics about dengue virus in the imprisonment for killing dozens of such a big crime, why should the culprit demand. province in collaboration Muslims by setting a building on fire in be forgiven? Modi parried a question whether he with Local Government. the state’s Mehsana district. “Just because Modi is a chief minister, sees himself as a future prime minister, Director General Health, Medical Under the campaign, college and The courts are expected to issue verdicts why should he be forgiven? I think Modi saying he was concentrating on Gujarat. Superintendents of all hospitals, school students will be informed about representative of WHO attended the the virus as well as safety measures. meeting. Pamphlets will be distributed in the 16 Rohingyas held with fake passport The victims hail from North Nazimabad entire province while media campaign The law enforcers arrested 16 Rohingyas and seven currencies worth about Tk 26.21 lakh from one of them. Town, Lyari Town, Clifton, Gulshan-e- will be launched for creating awareness Bangladeshi nationals while they were trying to depart from Police detained three Rohingyas at the at departure gates Iqbal and Malir Town. about dengue virus. The meeting was Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on fake Bangladeshi and later following the detainees information detained Secretary Health Aftab Khatri, while informed that anti-mosquito spray passports on Wednesday. three more Rohingyas from car parking area of the airport. presiding over the meeting, said campaign has been started in several Five Bangladeshi nationals were also arrested by the As per the detainees’ information, police arrested five that on the instructions of Sindh areas. Armed Police Battalion (APBn) for helping the Rohingyas others, Atiqur Rahman, senior assistant superintendent of go abroad. The APBn members also recovered foreign police of APBn told The Daily Star. Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 SAARC 21 WEEKLY REVIEW OF AFGHANISTAN NEWS Afghanistan intelligence chief Nabil removed by Karzai Afghan President Hamid Karzai has Mujtaba Patang will be promoted to Assadullah Khalid, the minister of authorized to release the information. submit names for replacements “today removed the head of the intelligence replace Mr Khan as interior minister. tribal and border affairs, would replace Lawmakers dealt Karzai a blow when or tomorrow,” said Abdul Qadir service, Rahmatullah Nabil. Both appointments have to be Nabil. they voted to remove two of his top Qalatwal, a lawmaker from Zabul Mr Karzai’s offi ce said a decision had approved by parliament, which may Another offi cial close to the president’s lieutenants on Aug. 4 — Defense province. been taken to limit the term of the cause friction between parliament and offi ce said the Cabinet reshuffl e could Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak, one of One of the nominees is Mohammadi, offi ce to two years. However, there are reports that Mr Karzai was unhappy with the agency’s performance in combating the militant Taliban movement. Mr Karzai is also expected to announce replacements for two security ministers who were dismissed by parliament. Interior minister Bismillah Khan and Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak were removed by MPs for failing to tackle insecurity and over corruption allegations. A statement from Mr Karzai’s offi ce Mr Karzai. also include replacing the fi nance the top Afghan offi cials most trusted who would become defense minister, thanked Mr Nabil for his service statement from Karzai’s offi ce minister, the attorney general and by Washington, and Interior Minister while Deputy Interior Minister and said he would take up a post as Wednesday said Rahtamullah the head of the Independent Election Bismullah Khan Mohammadi. Mushtaba Patang would become ambassador to a foreign country. Nabil would step down as National Commission. Finance Minister They cited past security lapses, interior minister, Qalatwal said. Security concerns Directorate of Security director Omar Zakhilwal faces allegations of corruption allegations and outrage A spokesman for Karzai, Hamid Reports say that Mr Khan will be re- because he had fi nished his two-year corruption over large deposits in his at reports of Pakistani cross-border Elmi, confi rmed that the president introduced to the cabinet as defence term. Dubai bank account, although he shelling as reasons for the no- would send nominees for the minister. It did not name a replacement. denies any wrongdoing. confi dence vote. defense and interior ministries, as Senior offi cials told the BBC that However, two senior Afghan offi cials The three offi cials spoke on condition Karzai’s offi ce told parliament well as for a new intelligence chief, the current deputy interior minister told The Associated Press that of anonymity because they were not Wednesday that the president will “in the near future.” No charges in Afghanistan Kandahar, Afghanistan, Quran burning Police Chief Abdul Raziq US soldiers and marines receive instead of the right way” resulted disclosed on Monday, and it was not survives bombing administrative punishment but no in the burning of Quran copies and clear whether the lack of criminal criminal charges for incident that other religious books at a US base in charges would trigger any protests led to protests. Afghanistan early this year. in Afghanistan. Six US army soldiers and three US military leaders widely Administrative punishments could marines have escaped criminal condemned both the Quran burning include demotions, extra duty, charges for burning copies of the and the urination, which was forfeiture of pay or a letter in their Quran and urinating on the corpses captured on video. fi le. They also could stall future of Taliban fi ghters in Afghanistan, The Quran burning triggered advancement and end military but have received administrative Afghan riots and retribution killings, careers. Afghan response awaited Aimal Faizi, a spokesman for Kandahar Police Chief Abdul bomber in a minivan, and 20 Afghanistan’s president, said Raziq, one of the most powerful people were hurt, including Raziq, Hamid Karzai’s offi ce would review men in southern Afghanistan, whose injuries were described as the decisions and wait until Tuesday survived a massive bombing late minor. to respond. The bomb exploded about 10 p.m. The news on the punishments came as Raziq’s convoy was driving late at night in Afghanistan. past on a main road on the city’s Afghan offi cials have claimed the outskirts, said spokesman Jawed Quran burning was intentional, and Faisal. the incident reinforced perceptions Raziq, who was installed as police in the country that Americans are chief after his predecessor was insensitive to the Afghans’ religion assassinated, is credited with many and culture. in Kandahar with helping contain Discipline against a Navy sailor in the Taliban presence in the city. the Quran burning was dismissed. Previously the head of the punishments, according to US including two US troops who were The navy said the sailor was provincial border police, he is a military offi cials. shot by an Afghan soldier and two found not guilty of any alleged Monday that appeared to have favorite of the American military, A military investigation concluded on US military advisers who were misconduct. The Marine Corps said been aimed at him, a provincial which helped boost his power and Monday that miscommunications, killed at their desks at the interior it will announce discipline against spokesman said. prestige. However, he has also been poor guidance and soldiers’ ministry. additional marines in the urination At least four civilians died in the dogged by allegations of human decisions to take “the easy way The exact punishments were not case at a later date. blast, apparently set off by a suicide rights abuses and corruption. 22 SAARC Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 WEEKLY REVIEW OF BANGLADESH NEWS Govt to clear stance in 48 hours The government is expected to make a the technical committee for scrutiny. It is also expected that Muhith’s statement A source close to Mashiur said that he had statement in next 48 hours on the latest The communications minister said he would would also put an end to speculations about met prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday developments over the stalled Padma Bridge not make any further comments before removal of the prime minister’s economic and offered to resign. But the prime minister project and the issue of its funding in a bid to a report was submitted by the technical affairs adviser Mashiur Rahman. told him that the government had not yet prevent policymakers from making frequent made a decision on his resignation. comments on the issue, officials said. It was reported that the WB had attached a Prime minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting number of conditions, including removal of with key cabinet members, including finance two ministerial-level government officials minister AMA Muhith and LGRD and before finally scrapping its committed $1.2 cooperatives minister Syed Ashraful Islam billion credit to the bridge project in July. after the weekly cabinet meeting on Monday As Syed Abul Hossain has already stepped at the secretariat. down as the ICT minister to fulfill one of the The prime minister reviewed the latest WB conditions, speculation was rife with situation with the senior ministers and the deadline approaching that the economic instructed them to be more cautious in affairs adviser would follow suit. Asian talking about the bridge project which ran Development Bank and Japan International into problems after the World Bank pulled Cooperation Agency, two major co-financers out of its commitment to provide $1.2 billion of the bridge project with a $1 billion in loan on allegation of corruption. commitment, extended their loan deal for A Malaysian delegation led by special envoy to committee. Mashiur Rahman, also the integrity adviser one month that would expire on August 31. South Asia on infrastructure S Samy Vellu has Finance minister AMA Muhith said on to the bridge project, could not hold a single The government is in a tight corner over submitted its final proposal on construction the day he would clear the position of the meeting to address the WB concerns and the ways to manage funding for construction of of the bridge as part of an alternative funding ruling party on the Padma Bridge project on alleged graft in the bidding process. the 6.1 kilometre rail-cum-road bridge across sought by the government. Wednesday. He declined comments despite repeated the River Padma. They submitted the proposal to the He told journalists at his secretariat queries by reporters whether he had already Starting the construction work of the bridge communications minister Obaidul Quader office that he was not ready to talk onthe resigned on Sunday. before January 2014 was an election pledge at the Bridge Division office on Monday bridge project. ‘I will make a statement on The economic affairs adviser said it was the of the ruling party. The government is looking afternoon. Wednesday,’ he said. government’s spokesperson or the finance for alternative funding sources for financing The communications minister remained The finance minister’s statement will not minister who would give a statement about the bridge project. tight-lipped about the latest proposal by the only clear the government’s position on the the matter. ‘I will give my reaction only after It is even weighing the idea of building the less-known Malaysian consortium. He told WB and the others donors, but also focus on the government makes a statement...,’ he bridge with self-finance and has sought reporters that the proposal would be sent to the Malaysian proposal. said. voluntary funding from the private sector. Myanmar formed Bangladesh: 665 jawans commission on riot, PM told jailed for Pilkhana mutiny against the Sadar Rifle Battalion Unit. Once that verdict is delivered, the mutiny trial will be complete. Meanwhile, trials of all the 46 cases filed over the mutiny outside Dhaka have been completed. The Dhaka Judge’s Court is separately trying the case filed over murders and loot during the mutiny. Witnesses’ deposition is A special court has sentenced 665 members out of 673 of the 44th Myanmar told the Bangladesh situation, which was now under Battalion of the erstwhile BDR to Prime Minister it had formed control of the authorities. various terms in jail for their role in a high-powered commission to “The high-powered commission the 2009 bloody Peelkhana mutiny investigate the causes of recent will dig out the cause of the at the then Bangladesh Rifles sectarian violence between Muslim violence and recommend necessary headquarters. Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine measures,’ Azad quoted him as Colonel Ehiya Azam Khan, heading Buddhists at Rakhine State. saying. the court set up at the Border Guard Myanmar’s Ambassador to Hasina hoped the Yangon will soon Bangladesh headquarters, delivered Bangladesh U Myint Than informed start repatriating refugees from the the verdict on Tuesday. Sheikh Hasina of latest situation refugee camps in Bangladesh. Of them, 113 got the highest seven Apr 26, 2010. The plaintiff of the of Rakhine state after the riot at a Otherbilateral interests were also years in jail and others to various case is Subedar Ismail Hossain. going on in the case. meeting at her office, PM’s Press discussed at the meeting. terms. The court also acquitted Though charges were framed against The Peelkhana mutiny on Feb 25 Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said. Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin, eight members of the battalion of 675 members of the battalion, two of and 26 had seen 73 people including The envoy said the tension PM’s Principal Secretary Sheikh the charges. them died while undergoing trial. 57 army officials dead. in violence-hit Rakhine state Wahid-Uz Zaman and Office All the sentenced members have This was the 10th case completed The name of the country’s border had eased after the Myanmar Secretary Mollah Wahiduzzaman also been fined Tk 100 each. out of 11 filed over the mutiny in watchdog was changed to Border government sincerely tackled the were present. The trial for the mutiny began on Dhaka. The only case left is the one Guard Bangladesh after the mutiny. Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 SAARC 23 WEEKLY REVIEW OF BHUTAN NEWS Bhutan seeks to move out of isolation, gears PM off to Tehran up for global profi le for 16th summit The Bhutan government is acquiring establish bilateral relations with other Non-Aligned Moment Prime an international profi le with plans countries, including China. Bhutan Minister Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday to contest the Asian seat for a non- does not have diplomatic ties with left for Tehran, the capital city of the permanent member at the United China as relations have been strained Islamic Republic of Iran, leading Nations Security Council. between them ever since China took the Bhutanese delegation for the The government in Thimphu and its control of Tibet in 1951. 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned tiny band of diplomats and top offi cials Prime minister Thinly and Chinese Movement that began on August 26 have been on overdrive, lobbying with premier Wen Jiabao had a historic and continues until August 31. governments and diplomats around meeting on the sidelines of the Themed “Lasting peace through the Asian region. Rio+20 UN conference on Sustainable Joint Global Governance”, the The hermit kingdom, tucked along Development in Rio de Janeiro in June, Summit of the Heads of States and the northeastern corner of India, when both leaders spoke about the Government will be held between also borders the Tibetan region of possibility of establishing diplomatic August 30 and 31. China with which its shares close ties. The Summit will be preceded by the civilisational ties. The country has The Bhutanese leader also sought ministerial meeting of the foreign been going through a series of fast- Chinese support for the prestigious ministers between August 28 and paced events in recent years, shedding UN seat during his discussions with 29 and that of the senior offi cials its isolation from the outside world premier Wen. The subject came up meeting from August 26 to 27. again when Bhutan and China held Minister-in-charge for foreign three years. non-aligned nations. border talks in Thimphu recently. The affairs Khandu Wangchuk will lead The movement was formed in 1961 Bhutan joined the movement in two countries have a festering border the Bhutanese delegation at the and comprises 120 states and 17 1973 and has participated in all dispute and have held 20 rounds of ministerial meeting and permanent observers, representing nearly two- previous summits. talks to try to resolve the issue. In 1998, representative of Bhutan to the thirds of United Nations and about The Bhutanese delegation will take the two sides signed an agreement to UN in Geneva ambassador Daw 55% of the world population. the opportunity to discuss Bhutan’s “maintain peace and tranquillity on the Penjo will head the senior offi cials The largest grouping of states candidature for non-permanent Bhutan-China border areas”. meeting. outside the UN, the movement’s membership in the UN security India has welcomed Bhutan’s opening At the Summit, Iran will assume main objective is to ensure national council with members of the Non- up to the outside world. Under the the rotating Presidency of the Non independence, sovereignty, Aligned Movement and other Treaty of 1949, India handled all of Aligned Movement for the next territorial integrity and security of observer states. Bhutan’s external relations. In 2007, the and transiting from monarchial rule to two sides signed a new treaty refl ecting an elected government. Bhutan began a new contemporary relationship its transition towards democracy and based on mutual cooperation. India is Three-day fungus festival begins modern governance in 2008 when the Bhutan’s main trade partner and Indian fi rst ever elections were held in the built hydel power projects provide Apart from other reasons, what Bumthang dishes like putta said the programme was organised, country and an elected government Bhutan its main revenue source based brings the community of Ura in (buckwheat noodles) and khuley mainly for the farmers to take formed. on sale of power to India. Bumthang together around this (pan-fried bread), as well as local equal responsibility in preserving The Bhutan government expressed China’s plans to build a road network in time of the year is a fungus, that drinks like ara, bangchang and Thrumshingla national park, which its intention to contest the Asian seat Tibet reaching up to the Bhutan border grows abundantly in their pine singchang are also available at the falls in their gewog. “Public should during the UN session in September has raised concerns in Thimphu. There forests, and which is cherished festival. think that the park belongs to them, 2010. A two-year membership of the have been incidents in the recent years by the Japanese for its health “The festival is a good time for so that they take responsibility and Security Council would propel the tiny when Chinese troops have entered benefi ts. farmers like us to show and sell support in nature conservation,” Himalayan kingdom into the epicentre Bhutanese territory close to Bhutan of high international diplomacy. army posts. China claims Bhutanese At present, Bhutan has diplomatic territory towards the west, bordering relations with barely 40 countries; the Chumbi valley in Doklam, diplomatic ties with 15 countries were Charithang, Sinchulimpa and Dramana established in the past two years. pastureland. Bhutan has Indian and Bangladesh The narrow Chumbi valley ends at resident missions in Thimphu, and has the strategic trijunction between consular relations with its other large Bhutan, India and China. The area is of neighbour, China. immense importance to India for it lies Bhutan’s prime minister Jigme Y a few hun Thinly lobbied with all the South Asian dred kilometres north from the countries with varying results at the Siliguri corridor or the chicken’s neck last SAARC summit held in Maldives corridor that connects Assam and the last year. northeastern states to the rest of India. To celebrate its popularity, the our farm products,” a farmer from lyonpo said. Bhutan hopes its smooth transition China has indicated keenness to three-day annual Matsutake Shingnyer, who was busy selling The festival is also expected to towards democracy and its concept of engage Bhutan while there are sections festival began yesterday at the her local drinks, said. help farmers understand the ‘gross national happiness’ would act in Bhutan that would like to explore gewog centre in Ura. Ura gup Dorji Wangchuk said the management of mushroom as a USP for showcasing its capacity to bilateral ties with China. Chinese goods Thrumshingla national park’s festival would not just benefi t the harvesting, as well as making it contribute to the councils of the UN. are available in Thimphu and many ranger Pema Thinley said the locals, but also promote interaction sustainable, said lyonpo. In case Bhutan wins the contest it will would like to reopen border trade with festival is organised to showcase between guests and farmers. As a part of programme, visitors take up the seat vacated by India on Tibet that thrived many decades ago. mushroom products and other The three-day festival also has and guests, on paying a nominal fee, completion of its twoyear term. The The Bhutan government has taken organic products of Ura, as well as traditional games, treks and hot will also be collecting mushrooms election is due this October. measured steps in its relations with some from Chamkhar town. There spring bathing on offer. from the nearby forest areas, which As Bhutan moves out of its isolation, China, but it may hasten the pace as it are 27 stalls, displaying a variety of Agriculture minister, (Dr) Pema TNP offi cials have identifi ed and it is inevitable that it would seek to lobbies for the UNSC seat. products from Ura gewog. Gyamtsho, who joined the festival, saved for collection. 24 SAARC Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 WEEKLY REVIEW OF INDIA NEWS 43 Indians in custody Judges should not of Somali pirates: Govt rule nation, says CJI Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia today said judges should not govern the country or evolve policies and apply the enforceability test on some verdicts like making “right to sleep” a fundamental right. Doing some frank introspection on judiciary’s functioning, he also wondered what would happen if the executive refuses to comply with judiciary’s directives that may not be enforceable. “Right to life, we have said, includes environmental protection, right to live Shipping minister G K Vasan on Monday informed Lok Sabha that 43 with dignity. Now we have included to be given weightage,” he said. the principles of Constitution while Indian citizens were in the custody of Somali pirates. right to sleep, where are we going? Kapadia said judges should go strictly deciding the issue. He said the Centre has taken several steps for the release of hostages It is not a criticism. Is it capable of by the Constitutional principles which Justice Kapadia cited the apex court and to deal with the menace. These steps include setting up of an inter- being enforced? When you expand has clearly demarcate the separation direction for suspending mining ministerial group of offi cers (IMGO) to deal with hostage situation arising the right, the judge must explore the of powers among the judiciary, the activities in Karnataka’s Bellary district out of the hijacking of merchant vessels with Indian crew on board. enforceability. legislature and the executive. to say that environmental concerns The shipping ministry has issued guidelines for deployment of armed “Questions which judges must ask The CJI said judges must abide by should be balanced with sustainable security guards on board Indian fl agged merchant ships. Indian ship are if it is capable of being enforced. the principles of Constitution while development. owners can also deploy armed security guards. Naval escort is provided Judges must apply enforceability test. dealing with Centre-State relations “At the same time there is to the ships in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy is providing enhanced Today if a judge proposes a policy and federal policy while dealing with unemployment. Economy will suffer. vigil in the Indian EEZ and westward up to 65 degrees east longitude. matter, government says we are not matters arising out of scams and Therefore, we have to strike a balance,” Moreover, the government has banned sailing of vessels in waters south going to follow. Are you going by way made it a point to clarify he was not he said, stressing the need for judges to or west of the line joining Salalah and Male. of contempt or implement it?” he mentioning the “coalgate” scandal. consider the sustainable development asked. Quoting Justice B P Jeevan Reddy in of the country. Delivering a lecture on “Jurisprudence the SR Bommai case, the CJI said the He referred to his speech on August Chidambaram remains of Constitutional Structure”, he was Constitution was not federal but tilted 15, when he had told the Union Law making an apparent reference to the in favour of the Centre. But at the same Minister that the Constitution should recent Supreme Court judgement time Justice Reddy, had cautioned that not be tinkered with including the accountable, BJP in the Ramlila Maidan police action it should not mean that States powers collegium system of appointment for on the Joint Parliamentary against Ramdev’s supporters in are to be whittled, he said. judges unless a better alternative was Committee had walked out of it which “Right to Sleep” was declared a “Let me give an example. I don’t available. after Prime Minister Manmohan fundamental right. want to mention anything about the Laying great stress on the importance Singh and Mr. Chidambaram were “Judges should not govern this country. coalgate, Let it be understood. of Constitutional law not only for the not included in the list of witnesses We need to go by strict principle. “When we analyse whether the Centre legal fraternity but for the common to be examined by the panel. Whenever you lay down a law, it seeks to whittle the powers, if land is a man too, the CJI said the subject Mr. Prasad contended that the should not interfere with governance. State subject what is the implication, should be taught to every student huge difference in the pricing of We are not accountable to people. if State has reservation on a policy in the country so as to enable every 2G spectrum in 2008 and 2012 Objectivity, certainty enshrined in the can the Centre, override it?” he asked, individual to know his or her rights left little doubt that the exchequer basic principles of the Constitution has saying judges must keep in mind and duties. suffered a huge loss. “It is well known that the base price of 2G in 2008 was determined at Rs. 1,600 crore, disregarding the advice of Finance Ministry offi cials to go for auction. In 2012, when Unfazed by the Supreme Court’s the market conditions are adverse dismissal of a petition seeking the base price has been fi xed to name Finance Minister P. at Rs. 14,000 crore by a Group Chidambaram a co-accused in of Ministers headed by [Mr.] the 2G spectrum case, the BJP Chidambaram,” he said. maintained that Mr. Chidambaram On the Supreme Court judgment, remains “constitutionally and Mr. Prasad said he would not politically accountable.” like to comment without going The party’s chief spokesperson through the details. He said, “[Mr.] Ravi Shankar Prasad said: “The Chidambaram as the Finance loss has been caused to the Minister was involved along with government. [Mr.] Chidambaram the then Telecom Minister A. was a part of the decision-making Raja in the determination of 2G process. He is constitutionally spectrum pricing. Dr. Manmohan accountable, remains politically Singh in Parliament, in our accountable and that is what we presence, has stated that [Mr.] are seeking inside Parliament and Raja and [Mr.] Chidambaram came will continue to seek in JPC.” on the same page with regard to On Wednesday, the BJP members spectrum pricing. I accepted that.” Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 SAARC 25 WEEKLY REVIEW OF PAKISTAN NEWS Charges Against Pakistani Prime Minister Are Delayed In a rare conciliatory move toward the civilian- his court to new heights of judicial activism in a “This case has created a situation of uncertainty led government, Pakistan’s Supreme Court on campaign against Mr. Zardari and other offi cials in the country,” Mr. Ashraf said. “The government Monday delayed until at least Sept. 18 the pressing of the governing Pakistan Peoples Party. and the offi ce of the prime minister are under a lot of contempt charges against Prime Minister Raja Supporters of the chief justice see him as a bold of pressure.” Pervez Ashraf that could lead to his dismissal from campaigner against the corrupt and powerful. But At fi rst, Justice Khosa insisted that the court’s offi ce. Appearing in court, Mr. Ashraf sought more he has come under increasing fi re for so intensely position was clear and that Mr. Ashraf comply. time to resolve the issue of a court order requiring targeting P.P.P. offi cials that it could topple a “You do not have a choice to implement or not to him to write to the authorities in Switzerland and democratically elected government well ahead of implement,” he said. ask that they reopen dormant corruption charges next year’s expected general elections. But then he sounded a conciliatory note, telling there against his party’s chief, President Asif Ali As Mr. Gilani had been, Mr. Ashraf was widely Mr. Ashraf: “This is not as big a problem as it has Zardari. expected to be charged with contempt on Monday, been made out. Please take our word. We want to A similar court order led to the undoing of Mr. and he appeared in court after a debate inside the solve it.” And he delayed contempt charges until Ashraf’s predecessor, former Prime Minister Pakistan Peoples Party about whether he should the middle of September. Yousaf Raza Gilani, who was ousted in June after even attend the hearing. by senior political allies, including several federal Before the court hearing, the information he refused to comply. But at a private meeting on Sunday evening, Mr. ministers. minister, Qamar Zaman Kaira, told reporters that Behind it all is a bitter rivalry between Mr. Zardari Zardari ordered Mr. Ashraf to appear before Citing the pressures of government, Mr. Ashraf the government continued to respect the judiciary and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the court, Pakistani offi cials said, and the prime asked the presiding judge, Justice Asif Saeed Khan “even though we have reservations on most of its Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who has pushed minister turned up on Monday morning fl anked Khosa, to delay the proceedings by six weeks. judgments.” Korea keen to invest in PTI unveils its “Economic Plan” Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) on Friday unveiled its economic plan which envisages more then doubling the water, power projects growth rate of economy through investment and trade This was stated by Myung-Pil Shim, of mutual cooperation to further driven growth strategy. Minister for National Restoration, enhance economic ties between the It foresees signifi cant reduction in current back breaking Republic of South Korea, during a two countries. Later, a presentation levels of infl ation, creation of ten million new jobs over meeting with Federal Minister for on Four River Restoration Project fi ve years and to move Pakistan to ideal of a sovereign Water and Power Ch Ahmed Mukhtar was given by the Korean side welfare state where fruits of development are shared by here Monday. regarding fl ood protection and river the entire nation and not just the elite. Koreans have expressed their keen management. While welcoming the PTI Senior Vice President Asad Umar, while presenting interest to invest in hydropower and delegation, Minister for Water and the policy compared the growth of Pakistan with water sector projects in Pakistan. Power appreciated the Koreans for other countries, he said, “Pakistan’s solution is not The meeting was also attended by showing their interest to invest in the administrative, it is political.” Special Secretary, Additional Secretary, power sector. He said that Pakistan The PTI leader castigated Federal, Provincial governments equitable tax system, impose minimum asset tax Joint Secretary (Water) of Ministry of had great potential in the hydropower for misplaced priorities, incompetence and greed. adjustable against income already paid, end soft amnesty generation. He pledged to improve livelihoods of the masses, create schemes, Umar suggested. He said Pakistan was now focusing jobs for youth through a radical reforms program. He said that provincial governments must take on indigenous resources to generate A fi ve-pillar emergency reforms program has been responsibility, collect property and agriculture tax from cheap electricity. Work on number drafted in consultation with key stakeholders including large landholders. Revamp FBR and make it autonomous of hydel power and water storage businessmen, academics, technical specialists, labor insulated from political pressures. projects was in progress, he added. unions, farmer associations and the youth, said Umar. Reforms will increase tax revenue to 15 per cent of GDP The Koreans were offered to invest Despite momentous challenges ahead, the PTI’s reforms in 2018 from 9.9 per cent in 2012, he suggested. in the Neelum Jhelum hydropower program will not only rescue crumbling state but also Carry out deep reforms that make state institutions projects of 969 MW and DiamerBasha meet aspirations of citizens, particularly youth, he said. empowered, accountable and transparent, he said. dam project of 4500 MW.The He said that last fi ve years have been unmitigated disaster Devolve power from central, provincial capitals and for the people with status quo ruling parties (PPP, empower local communities at grass roots level. PML-N, allies) setting new records of bad governance The PTI senior vice president recommended forming and incompetence. a special task force to recover looted national wealth The PTI leader said that average growth of three per cent stashed outside the country. All recovered assets of in last fi ve years is lowest growth period in Pakistan’s corruption will be used for educating the youth of the history. In same period India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka country, he said. posted growth rates more then double of that of Pakistan, He said that there will be only one standard modern he added. education system for all Pakistanis. The Five-Pillar Emergency Reforms Program of the party He said that the party will increase education spending will address critical challenges facing Pakistan today and by fi ve folds to Rs 2,195 bn by 2018 to achieve 80per break free from vicious cycle of low growth, high infl ation, cent enrollment. rising poverty, said Umar. Umar said that the party will introduce free health care Water and Power, Chairman Wapda, Minister assured that the government It aims at deep institutional reform and takes on powerful system for poor and spending pn health will be increased MD, PPIB, Chairman Federal Flood would support and facilitate the entrenched vested interests head on to break status quo. by fi ve folds to Rs 1,142bn by 2018. Commission and senior offi cials of the Korean investors and welcome their He said that energy reforms are focused on reducing cost He said the PTI’s economic policy envisages indigenous Ministry and Wapda. investment in the water and power of producing electricity from indigenous resources. It investment and trade driven growth strategy for sustaining Shim said that Korean companies sector projects. will resolve circular debt and make Pakistan an energy a welfare state. It targets to ramp up investment spending were already working in different Earlier, a detailed presentation was secure state. to 21.4 per cent of GDP by 2018 after collapsing to 12.4 water and power sector projects and given by the Chairman Wapda on Umar said that expenditure reforms include shutting per cent under current rulers. more investors were keen to invest the hydel power potential, ongoing down of PM, CM & Governor Houses, slashing budget for The PTI leader said that investment will be ramped up here. Korea had expertise in the fi eld and future projects. He said that fi ve the Presidency by 50 per cent, reducing ministries to 17 by resolving energy crisis, increasing credit access to of fl ood mitigation and interested to hydel power projects of 1422 MW will from 37, abolishing free and subsidized plots, reducing private sector credit by reducing crowding out by large share their experience and technical be completed within three years while spending by all state institutions including the armed government borrowings, bringing down interest rates know-how with Pakistan. eight hydel projects of 21015MW were forces and releasing funds for welfare of the citizens. and by placing special emphasis on inviting overseas He also discussed various issues ready for implementation. Tax all incomes regardless of source and create just, Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan. 26 SAARC Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 WEEKLY REVIEW OF MALDIVE NEWS Maldives President to visit China Maldives President Mohamed on how to act upon them in a Waheed will travel to China next manner that maintains harmony week on an offi cial visit during in Maldivian society and helps which he will meet top Chinese strengthen democratic practice. leaders and hold bilateral talks “There will no doubt be many with them. issues to address emerging Waheed, who returned from from the Commission’s report. Sri Lanka’s visit on Saturday, I encourage political leaders to highlighted the signifi cance of increase their efforts towards China to Maldivian interests. engaging in genuine dialogue, “China is a fast developing nation in order that consensus may be and most products are being achieved, in a constructive and made there. Both small and larger peaceful manner, on the path countries are trying to establish forward,” the statement said. trade ties with China. Hence we McKinnon said that he is in regular should also follow suit,” Waheed Meanwhile, the Commission of unrest on Thursday. carefully on how to act upon’ the contact with both President told reporters. National Inquiry will on Thursday Human Rights commission of the decisions of the CNI.” Waheed and former President The last offi cial state visit by a disclose its fi nal report on what Maldives has revealed its report “I look forward to the imminent Nasheed, and would continue to Maldivian President to China happened during the February 7 saying that it was not a coup and completion of the work of the do so in the days ahead. came in May 2010 when Mohamed unrest when President Mohamed the actions of President Nasheed reconstituted Commission of Furthermore, former President Nasheed visited the Shanghai Nasheed resigned from the himself led to his resignation. National Inquiry and to its being Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has left World Expo. Presidency. A statement issued today by able to agree on its Report,” he for India yesterday on an unoffi cial Over two hundred thousand Deputy Commissioner of Police the Commonwealth Secretary- said in the statement. medical visit. tourists have visited Maldives Hussain Waheed told media that General’s Special Envoy to McKinnon asked all stakeholders to During this visit, he will meet from China alone this year to the Maldives Police Service will not Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon, respect the Commission’s fi ndings Prime Minister Manmohan Singh present date. give the chance to anybody to make advises Maldivians to “refl ect and to take time to refl ect carefully and hold talks with him. Maldives president rejects Maldives on alert ahead of Commonwealth vote deadline report on coup allegations street protests capped by a police mutiny. Nasheed later said he was forced out in a military coup. The new president insisted Nasheed was not under duress to resign, and said the earliest a fresh vote could be held was July next year. He added he was “contemplating” running for re-election in the nation of 330,000 Sunni Muslims. Nasheed has already been nominated by his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as their choice in the poll. Two weeks after the alleged coup, Commonwealth Secretary General Maldivian President Mohamed Kamalesh Sharma urged Waheed The Maldives has tightened security in the be big shock to all Maldivians. Nobody is going Waheed, who faces accusations of and Nasheed to agree on a date for capital Male ahead of the release of a report to believe it,” Hamid Abdul Gafoor, Nasheed’s seizing power in a military coup, an election to be held before the end into this year’s transfer of power on the Indian Maldivian Democratic Party spokesman, told rejected Friday as “premature” the of 2012. Ocean islands that former President Mohamed Reuters. Commonwealth deadline to hold The European Union as well as the Nasheed labelled a coup, offi cials said on “People are arriving from other islands despite elections before the end of this year. United States and neighbouring Wednesday. police trying to block them and send them Waheed, who is on an offi cial visit India have called for early elections The Commonwealth-backed Commission of back.” to Sri Lanka, said he was not against to end the political turmoil in the National Inquiry was appointed to look into the Police said they would not allow any unrest elections, but that the poll deadline Indian Ocean archipelago, which is circumstances that led to the crisis in the tropical and asked people to stay away from planned set by the 54-nation Commonwealth better known for up-market tourism. beach paradise on February 7 when Nasheed protests. could not be met because of India had also engineered a behind- said he was asked to resign at gunpoint. Superintendent of Police Abdulla Nawaz said constitutional impediments. the-scenes truce between rival The report will be made public on Thursday. eight people have been taken into custody. “Since they made the demand, parties in the tiny nation to clear the Police in Male have started searching boats President Mohamed Waheed’s offi ce said these people (the Commonwealth) way for an early vote. and people arriving in Male, fearing potential peaceful protests would be allowed. have come to their senses,” Waheed Nasheed, the Muslim nation’s fi rst unrest. The Maldives, for almost nine centuries a told reporters in Colombo. “The democratically elected leader who Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party nominee sultanate before it became a British protectorate, Commonwealth has realised that came to power in 2008, has refused on the commission has already said some held its fi rst fully democratic elections in 2008. they made a demand that cannot be to recognize the government, and evidence likely to support Nasheed’s allegations Nasheed defeated Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, met. It was a premature demand.” has demanded early elections and a of a coup is missing from the report. who at 30 years in power was then Asia’s Waheed was vice president to referendum to test the legitimacy of “Everybody knows what happened on that day. longest-serving leader and accused of running Mohamed Nasheed who stepped the new leadership. down in February after weeks of If the commission says it’s not a coup, then it’ll the country as a dictator. Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 SAARC 27 WEEKLY REVIEW OF NEPAL NEWS Transparency needed to end Nepal crisis The good news is that Nepal’s major of the old one to promulgate the As these players took the process political parties have resumed talks constitution would be taken by of constitution drafting outside to end the three month political senior leaders of these parties. the CA and got busy with deals on crisis following dissolution of the However there’s no guarantee that power sharing, lawmakers became Constituent Assembly without a whatever decision these leaders insignifi cant and instability set in. constitution. But the bad news is take behind closed doors would be The numerous deals, statements that there’s every possibility of implemented or even accepted. and counter-statements made by these talks remaining confi ned to Earlier Madhesi parties, an leaders from these parties added party offi ces and luxury hotels and important part of the ruling to the confusion. failing to give any solution like so coalition, and nearly two dozen Dashing hopes of some last minute many times in the past. smaller parties from the dissolved miracle, these political players On Wednesday, leaders of ruling CA were left out. They could failed to cross the fi nal hurdle and Unifi ed Communist Party of Nepal disagree with the big three. deliver the constitution. Attacks (Maoist) and opposition Nepali One important reason why Nepal’s and counter-attacks on who is to Congress and Communist Party of lawmakers failed to deliver the be blamed have continued since. Nepal (Unifi ed Marxist Leninist) new constitution through the These parties have again embarked met after an interlude. Constituent Assembly despite Though the elected body hijacked by UCPN (M), NC, CPN on the same path. But unless they They agreed that decision on fresh taking four years was lack of clarity comprising 601 representatives (UML) and the conglomeration of show transparency, the fresh talks polls to elect a new CA or revival and transparency. was entrusted with the job, it was Madhesi parties. could fail to end the impasse. Nepal parties to forge consensus Nepal ‘risks handing for having consensus: Report power to extremists’ A leading international think tank “Otherwise they risk ceding political ethnic groups, and marginalised lower warned yesterday that Nepal risks space to extremists who might appear castes are looking for a greater say in handing power to extremists unless more action-oriented or sympathetic running the country and increased its major political parties act urgently to a frustrated polity.” access to jobs and education four to revive its dissolved parliament or In May Nepal’s political leaders failed years after the abolition of Nepal’s vote in a new chamber. after years of wrangling to meet a Hindu monarchy. The Brussels-based International deadline to write the constitution Ethnically-driven organisations with varying demands have organised increasingly violent protests, with recent deaths in bomb attacks in Kathmandu and in the southern plains, known as the Terai. Nepal’s top three parties, United said Minendra Rijal of Nepali While the Maoists want the creation Marxist Leninist, Nepali Congress Congress. of up to 14 states named after ethnic and United Marxist Leninist leaders With Delhi’s support as usual? groups, their rivals say dividing held a rare meet on Sunday, August “We found no magical solution Nepal along such lines will fuel 26, 2012, and decided to hold today but I have to accept that we unrest. a ‘serious meeting’ on Monday, did something,” added Minendra. In two reports released yesterday August 27, 2012, it is reported. Perhaps they forget about the the ICG said Nepal’s political Reports have it further, leaders NOIDA potion. parties had often not listened to held consensus to be important “Where lay the problems between their own members and done very in that consensus between parties parties”, said Maoists leader little to explain their “sometimes have become a must. Narayan Kaji and added, “This haphazard” proposals for federalism Agreed to have agreed? The word was the topic of discussion today. to the public. consensus must have been feeling Beginning tomorrow we will hold The think tank called on the country’s ashamed. discussions on various issues one Crisis Group (ICG) said the country’s and parliament was dissolved, leaders to urgently start transparent Thus they agreed to hold series of by one. We have also decided warring political parties had failed to leaving the restive Himalayan nation and inclusive negotiations on a such meetings in the days ahead at that there will be no mudslinging communicate with voters and each with no legal government and no roadmap to peace. least to maintain cordial relations between parties henceforth.” other over plans for its fi rst post- roadmap for elections. “Nepal is undergoing a democratic between the parties. “Since dissolution of Constituent war constitution and future federal Nepalis had voted in the 601- transition and its political parties The meeting took place at the in Assembly there was no dialogue structure. member Constituent Assembly in must use this to enhance the Singhdurbar. Thanks it was not at between parties. The beginning of “To get the constitution-writing 2008 to draw up the constitution practice of participatory democracy Gokarna safari Resort. talks is a positive signal”, also said process back on track, mainstream for a new social and political order at all levels,” said Paul Quinn-Judge, “Beginning tomorrow we have Naryan Kaji. politicians have to manage their in a country that remains deeply ICG’s acting Asia program director. decided to hold series of meetings Interestingly, the Indian parties better, listen to diverse unequal six years after the end of a “Negotiating a broadly acceptable to create favorable atmosphere Ambassador Jayant Babu was opinions and clarify their own decade-long civil war which claimed constitution is at the heart of this to hold talks over contentious absent. He did not attend this agendas,” said Anagha Neelakantan, 16,000 lives. process. Diffi cult as it might be, this political issues. We need to quickly meet. The leaders must have ICG’s senior analyst for south Asia. Nepal has more than 100 different project cannot be abandoned.” AFP lift the country out of crisis”, missed him. 28 SAARC Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 WEEKLY REVIEW OF SRILANKA NEWS Several Police Officers are hospitalized after Sri Lankan government asks being attacked by student demonstrators opposition parties not to Police fired teargas and water Wednesday. The Police who had to fire water canons. They did hamper national reconciliation cannons at a protest organized attempted to disperse them due not disperse but began hurling by university students in front of to their unruly behaviour were stones at the Police. Thereafter the

Colombo: The Sri Lankan government ally Sri Lanka Muslim government today requested the Congress (SLMC), which is contesting Colombo Fort Railway Station this attacked by the protesters. Several Police had to fire tear gas. opposition parties not to shatter the the Eastern PC election independently, afternoon (Aug. 29). Police Officers including the The Maradana OIC, a Chief Inspector national reconciliation built with of trying to raise communal passions Amidst heavy rains, the IUSF-led Maradana OIC were injured in this and five other Police officers were great difficulty by inciting communal to win votes in the East. students numbering around 2,000 attack and admitted to Hospital. injured due to the stones pelted at passions during election campaign Minister Alahapperuma charged the staged the demonstration to protest Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith them by the demonstrators. They in the Tamil and Muslim dominated main opposition party UNP also of the government’s actions with Rohana revealed more details of are being treated at the Colombo Eastern Province. espousing communalism to win votes. regard to the education field. the incident. National Hospital. The Police Addressing a media conference He recalled how the people in the East Certain roads leading to Colombo The Police Media Spokesman Spokesman mentioned that anyone today the Youth Affairs and Skills rejected the UNP at the last election. Pettah remained closed during the said a demonstration was staged had the right to stage an agitation. Development Minister Dullas He deplored the opposition party’s agitation. opposite the Colombo Fort Railway It has also been consolidated in the Alahapperuma said the ruling party attempt to take political advantage The IUSF said the protestors Station today. The Inter University Constitution. The Police respected United Peoples Freedom Alliance over the exposition of Kapilavastu demanded the immediate Students Federation staged the and honoured this right. stand for representing all Sri Lankans relics in the country by saying that reopeniong of universities, granting protest. He said that by about 1.00 SSP Ajith Rohana pointed out that in the country. the government was using the relics demands of teachers and students, p.m. the demonstrators behaved the law does not permit the staging He accused the major Tamil party, as part of its election propaganda for a halt to privatization of education, violently and in an unruly manner. of demonstrations on highways. No Tamil National Alliance (TNA) of the elections. a reasonable solution to the z-score The demonstrators were also one in the world had a right to fight espousing communalism among the Minister Johnston Fernando at the issue etc. obstructing the Olcott Mawatha. for their rights obstructing the rights people saying that the election is media briefing said the UNP is using The Inter University Students They attempted to enter the High of others. The Police are compelled another step of the Eelam War. drought and paddy purchases as their Federation staged a demonstration Security Stone. As a result the Police to take action if any demonstration The Minister also criticized the election slogans. Wanted: Sri Lanka President to lead Sri Lankan seeks hangman delegation to NAM summit in Teheran Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will lead a delegation to the 16th Non-Aligned Movement summit currently being held in the Iranian capital of Teheran from August 26 to 31. The President and the Sri Lankan delegation including External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris will attend the summit on Thursday and Friday, the Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunathilaka Amunugama has told the state-run radio SLBC. Sri Lanka began interviews today for the post of hangman a year after The heads of state and governments two positions fell vacant, with at least 480 convicts on death row. of the 120-member organization But it was not quite clear how the two successful candidates would fill their are to meet on August 30 and 31 center stage at the discussions. At the Tehran summit, Iran will take days - the death penalty has not been used in Sri Lanka, a predominantly to discuss nuclear disarmament, The United Nations Secretary- over the presidency of NAM from Buddhist country, since 1976. human rights and regional issues at General Ban Ki-moon will also Egypt for the next three years. “About 176 applicants are there and interviews are going on today and the summit. The foreign ministers attend the summit defying the NAM is an international tomorrow,” Gamini Kulatunga, commissioner operations at the Prisons conference will be held today and requests by the United States and organization with 120 member Department, told Reuters. “Only males will be eligible for the post.” tomorrow. Israel asking him not to attend the states that is not formally aligned The two posts fell vacant after one hangman was promoted and the other The most important international NAM summit in Teheran. with or against any major power retired. developments including the The Iranian media reported that bloc. Nearly two-thirds of the At least 480 people convicted of murder and drugs offences could violence and crisis in Syria, nuclear a wide security network will be in countries of the United Nations are potentially be executed, Mr Kulatunga said. disarmament, violation of human operation for the heads of state also NAM members. There has been an alarming rise in child abuse, rapes, murders, and drug rights by the imperial powers, the summit and over 100,000 police NAM is the biggest international trafficking since the 25-year war against Tamil Tiger separatists ended in Israeli-Palestinian conflict and officers will be deployed to provide organization after the United May 2009, prompting some lawyers and politicians to push for the death Iran’s nuclear program will take security for the attendees. Nations General Assembly. penalty to be reintroduced. Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 SAARC 29 Indian, Pakistani MPs propose new CBMs Parliamentarians from Pakistan travel across the border in their own specific recommendations have technology, as well as general issues MNA Khurram Dastgir Khan, and India wrapped up their fourth vehicles. been made by the parliamentarians, such as strengthening democracy Chairman, National Assembly round of dialogue on Friday with The two-day dialogue began with which was turned into a joint and promoting accountability in standing committee on commerce, appeals for several confidence discussion on developments statement issued upon the public life. addressed a press conference upon building measures, specifically to the conclusion of the dialogue. ease the visa process between the According to The Times of India, two neighbours. Sinha said the meeting was held in They proposed that citizens from an “extremely cordial” atmosphere both countries be able to obtain and all issues which have a bearing visas exempt from police reporting on the Indo-Pak relations were to avoid harassment during their discussed. stay. Delegates at the parliamentary “The feeling among people of both dialogue also highlighted the countries is of friendship and peace… importance of health-related travel it is quite clear that the people of the and religious tourism between the two countries want to live in peace countries, suggesting that it be and prosper together,”he said. treated as a priority. Responding to a question, Khan The group also encouraged said Pakistan would respond if acceleration in the exchange of evidence is provided on allegations artists and media persons by the that elements based on its soil two sides and suggested that both uploaded inflammatory content countries lift a ban on airing each on the internet linked to Assam other’s news and entertainment violence. channels. They also insisted that in the official Pakistan-India conclusion of the two-day dialogue. Dialogue co-chair, Yashwant Sinha, “I think the evidence is yet to be educationists and senior citizens dialogue process. More specifically, For future dialogue, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seen and I don’t think that even the from both sides of the border be parliamentarians discussed the parliamentarians have agreed to leader and a former foreign minister Indian media has seen it. If evidence allowed visa-free access. themes of visas, education, health, focus on issues such as agriculture and dialogue co-chairs Pakistani is given to the Pakistan government, It was suggested that the two sides local government and the role of and irrigation, energy (including Senator Muhammad Jehangir it will respond,” said MNA Khurram move towards allowing citizens to media. On each of these themes, renewable energy) and information Bader, Leader of the House and Dastgir Khan. Pakistanis allowed to Iran, India, Pakistan buy Indian shares plan economic cooperation

India has opened up its doors to of the Aug 1 decision by the Indian thought the Indian decision to be Pakistani citizens and entities commerce ministry that overturned “symbolic”. incorporated in this country to invest a ban on foreign investment (in He did not expect an imminent rush in shares and convertible debentures industrial ventures) from Pakistan, of funds to equity markets on the of an Indian company under the permitting a citizen or entity from other side of the border. Foreign Direct Investment Scheme. Pakistan to make such investments The Managing Director of Karachi Iranian, Indian and Pakistani of goods among the three capitals According to a circular released in India. Stock Exchange, Nadeem Naqvi, foreign ministry officials Sunday during a meeting which would be by the Reserve Bank of India The decision to accept the FDI from however, commented that the agreed to form a task group for held in Chabahar three months (RBI) on Wednesday and a press Pakistan was taken in April this year decision by RBI to allow investment strengthening joint economic later. release issued by the Indian High when the two trade ministers met in shares and debentures of Indian cooperation. Given their joint cultural Commission in Islamabad on Friday, in New Delhi and was thought to be companies was a welcome step. He The agreement was reached viewpoints, Tehran, Islamabad such investment would have to be in response to Pakistan’s decision said that it was a natural evolution of during a tripartite meeting held and New Delhi could further serve made after prior approval of the to grant India the `Most Favoured the thawing of relations between the in the Iranian southeastern city their common interests through Foreign Investment Promotion Nation (MFN)` status by the end of two neighbours where the potential of Chabahar to discuss grounds cooperation at the international Board of the Government of India. It the year. for bilateral business and investment for promotion of joint economic and regional circles, Deputy will also be subject to certain terms Traders and investors on this side of relationship was huge. cooperation, reported the Islamic Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas and conditions. the border were glad over the second An industrialist said: “Now that India republic news agency. Araqchi said after the meeting. “The Indian company, receiving step in ‘trade diplomacy’ in a single has permitted Pakistani nationals and Located in the Iranian Sistan and Meanwhile, the Indian and such FDI, must not be engaged month as they believed it would help corporates’ investment in industrial Balouchestan Province, Chabahar Pakistani officials voiced their in sectors/activities pertaining to tackle troublesome issues such as ventures and equity markets, is a free port (Free Trade Zone) on countries’ readiness to boost joint defence, space and atomic energy Kashmir which has soured relations everyone looks forward to the RBI to the coast of the Gulf of Oman. economic cooperation with Tehran and sectors/activities prohibited for between the two countries, since remove a Pakistan-specific regulation The officials also agreed to follow referring to the tripartite meeting foreign investment,” the RBI said. their creation 65 years ago. that bars Indian companies from up efforts to develop joint trade as a good opportunity to move in The move comes quickly on the heels A senior stock broker, however, investment in Pakistan.” activities, investments and transit that direction. 30 NEWS Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 India, Pakistan agree to talk out Siachen India and Pakistan have agreed was held here on June 18-19. of welfare for soldiers deployed to continue dialogue on Siachen “The two sides discussed the in Siachen comprises Siachen for early resolution of the land boundary in the Sir Creek allowance, provision of Separated outstanding issues there, and area and also delimitation of Family Accommodation have reaffirmed the resolve to International Maritime Boundary anywhere in India, free warrant make serious, sustained and between India and Pakistan. to travel hometown twice result-oriented efforts to seek an They reiterated their desire to in a year, special ration and amicable solution. find an amicable solution of the food developed by DRDO and India and Pakistan have agreed Sir Creek issue through sustained evacuation by helicopter during to continue dialogue on Siachen and result-oriented dialogue,” he medical emergencies,” he said. for early resolution of the said. On the number of casualties outstanding issues there, and Denying reports of withdrawal there, he said, “A total of 846 have reaffirmed the resolve to of troops from Siachen Glacier, armed forces personnel have make serious, sustained and Antony said, “There has been no made supreme sacrifices on the result-oriented efforts to seek an decision to withdraw troops from Siachen glaciers since 1984. The amicable solution, the Lok Sabha Siachen Glacier. Any deployment/ death during the course of duties was informed on Monday. redeployment of troops in the on Siachen glaciers is treated as In a written reply to the House, area is contingent upon the threat battle casualties.” Indian Defence Minister A K both delegations reaffirmed desire of the leaders of both the perception, ground situation and Replying to a separate question Antony also said that since 1984, a their resolve to make serious, countries for early resolution of other operational aspects.” on deployment of troops total of 846 soldiers had lost their sustained and result-oriented all outstanding issues, Antony On benefits provided to soldiers in Kashmir, he said, “The lives in Siachen glacier. “During efforts for seeking an amicable added. deployed in Siachen, Antony said deployment of security forces as the 13th Round of Siachen Talks resolution of Siachen,” he was On resolution of Sir Creek that several measures had been part of the security grid in the between the Defence Secretaries quoted as saying by PTI. It was issue with Pakistan, he said the initiated by the government to Northern sector, including J&K, of India and Pakistan held in agreed to continue the dialogue meeting between the Surveyor improve the conditions for troops is based on the threat perception Pakistan on 11-12th June 2012, on Siachen in keeping with the Generals of the two countries there.“The composite package and is periodically reviewed.” Darkening days in Afghanistan THE Taliban’s barbarity in is an upsurge in Taliban action. beheading 17 people, including The security challenge to coalition two women, for attending a party forces remains undiminished. If at which music was played is a anything, it is more complicated, grim reminder of how enormous with the frequency of green- the challenge remains for coalition on-blue attacks and distrustful forces in Afghanistan ahead coalition forces sometimes left of planned troop withdrawals with no alternative but to use toy scheduled for 2014. weapons to train members of the So is the disclosure that another Afghan National Army for the vital two US soldiers have been gunned role they are supposed to shoulder down by someone they saw as a as coalition soldiers prepare to colleague from the Afghan National leave. An investigative team of US Army. The surge in internecine military psychologists has found green-on-blue attacks is escalating, that after a decade of fighting with 42 NATO troops killed by alongside each other there is deep- their putative allies in the Afghan seated loathing between the two army so far this year compared to putative allies. 31 last year. It is a daunting and depressing As a monstrous act of savagery, scenario. But the challenges it the massacre of party-goers in presents must be met. A successful southern Helmand province could handover by coalition forces to a hardly be more telling. It sums up properly trained and loyal Afghan what the Taliban in its medieval Taliban stronghold, was one of with the surge about over, the such as Helmand where the National Army is pivotal if the madness is all about, and why we the two main targets of President Taliban continues to act with Taliban is on the offensive: even in country is to avoid more dreadful are fighting in Afghanistan. It is Barack Obama’s much-vaunted apparent impunity. what was the comparatively stable massacres such as the Helmand also revealing. Helmand, long a 30,000-strong troop surge. Yet, And it’s not just in volatile provinces northeast Bamiyan province, there beheadings.

Continued from page 15 >> London prepares to welcome the world yet again 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, Mixed 50m Rifle Prone medal prospects. He finished seventh in the Beijing for almost 18 years now. Along the way, he has won Sachin Chaudhary (Powerlifting -82.5kg) SH1. He is already 40 and trained under German Paralympics four years back and will be looking to the Arjuna Award (2007) and Eklavya Award (2008). The ‘relative’ newcomer in the Powerlifting team. coach Manfred Goras. do much better this time round. The Arjuna award At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, he finished fourth He competed in the 2010 Commonwealth Games as Sharath Gayakwad (Swimming) winner won the gold medals in two international and count on him to go at least one better this time. well. He won silver medals in the APC Cup as well The swimmer from Karnataka is taking part in four events in the run-up to the London Games and that He also won a gold and a silver in IWWS World as the IWAS World Games. Both events took place events — 50m freestyle S8, 100m breaststroke SB8, should boost his confidence a great deal before the Games in 2009 and 2011 respectively. in 2009. 100m butterfly S8, 200m individual medley SM8. Paralympics. According to a report in the Hindustan Rajindersingh Rahelu (Powerlifting – 67.5kg) Naresh Sharma (Shooting) He won two gold medals, four silver and a bronze Times, Jagseer trains for almost 5-6 hours daily. Another senior. He has won several international Another veteran — these are his fifth Paralympics. in the 2009 IWAS World Games in Bangalore. In Farman Basha (Powerlifting – 48kg) medals and is an Arjuna awardee as well. He won a He will be representing India in three separate March this year, he won two silver and as many The veteran in India’s squad. He has been competing bronze at the Athens Paralympics in 2004. events — Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1, Men’s bronze medals in the Danish Open swimming Saarc international I Thursday 30 August 2012 SAARC 31 Media accountability commission SC issues notices to 58 TV channel owners * Seeks reply on September 6 in Quetta ISLAMABAD: Hearing a senior questions had been raised in the towards anyone. If he had filed He said they were under constant Upon this, the court ordered the journalists’ petition seeking petitions and it is imperative that the petition due to any differences pressure form TV channel owners government to take measures for formation of an accountability they be argued in the court. Bokhari with the private TV channel then as well as other elements. security and adjourned hearing commission for the media, which further told the court that Mir filed its anchor Arshad Sharif would not Mir further said no TV channel had until September 6 and asked for will also form a code of conduct, the detailed replies from the 58 TV Supreme Court has issued notices channel owners. to 58 TV channel owners to submit It is to be noted that two senior their response on September 6 in anchors, Hamid Mir and Absar Quetta. Alam, had requested the SC to form A two-member bench comprising a commission to probe the alleged Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and distribution of money by Malik Riaz to Justice Arif Hussain heard the senior media persons. The petitioners petitions filed by journalists Hamid requested the court to direct FBR Mir, Absar Alam and others with to produce the assets and income a request to form a commission to statements of all media persons. probe the alleged distribution of They further pleaded the SC to order money by business tycoon Malik Riaz to appear along with proof of Riaz to senior media persons. all the persons: journalists, military During the hearing, counsel for officials, bureaucrats and any other Bahria Town, Zahid Bokhari, individuals whom they had tried, rejecting the petitioner’s claim, told directly or indirectly, to buy favours the bench that Malik Riaz had never from. Media persons prayed that the given any plot or money to any FIA should be directed to inquire journalist and such insinuations as to who spread the list of media were “a pack of lies”. persons on social media. Upon this, Hamid Mir argued the petition due to his opposition of have been party to the petitions. its office in Quetta. “They don’t know “There should be an impartial that if this was untrue the court a private TV channel. This is a fight He said besides him, Asma Sherazi what is happening there. It would investigation into why the huge should seek PTA record and see of an individual that is being fought and Mazhar Abbas were also be better if they are summoned to scam of Rs 640 million has been who released the list of journalists through channels. correspondents and they were all Quetta and hearing is conducted hushed up by the Anti-Corruption on the Internet. Justice Khawaja Mir said he is a professional professional journalists and had no there so they would see what is Department in Punjab,” they remarked that several important journalist and bears no animosity links with any media house owner. happening in the city,” Mir added. added.

Continued from page 32 >> Misbah rues Pakistan batting failure here on Tuesday after another short. Lanky left-arm paceman Mitchell Cricket: India win Under-19 World Cup batting collapse saw them bowled “At one point we thought we can Starc returned career best figures of India their third Under-19 world title, after emerging champions in 2000 out for 198 in 45.1 overs, their last six make 230 and considering our spin 5-42 to derail Pakistan batting. and 2008. wickets going for 38 runs. bowling it’s a good total but a lot of Pakistan hit back through off-spinner N. Srinivasan, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India In contrast Australia fought hard players are new and, maybe, because Saeed Ajmal who took 3-30 and when said: “Many congratulations to the Indian team for the winning the ICC through skipper Michael Clarke’s some senior players are not there so Mohammad Hafeez (2-29) dismissed Under-19 Cricket World Cup. We won the ‘senior’ World Cup last year, resolute 96-ball 66 and George we couldn’t reach that point,” said Clarke with Australia still needing and now our boys have triumphed in the junior version of the tournament. Bailey’s responsible unbeaten 57 off Misbah. 78, they were in with a chance. This is a great day for Indian cricket.” 88 deliveries, winning in 48.2 overs Pakistan left out experienced batsman But Baily and Glenn Maxwell (38) The Indian cricket board today felicitated the triumphant Indian Under after Pakistan spinners threatened to Younis Khan from the series after he added an invaluable 63 for the 19 World Cup winning team at a suburban hotel here after their arrival in spoil the chase. managed just ten runs in four one- sixth wicket which helped Australia the afternoon and the players were awarded a cheque of Rs 20 lakh each Misbah showed disappointment over day innings in Sri Lanka in June. achieve the target. by the BCCI. not scoring big despite including Misbah singled out lower order “When we got Clarke we tried The team management and support staff, who were given Rs 15 lakh seven regular batsmen in the side. batting as the main cause of concern. everything, kept attacking fielding each, along with chief selector Abey Kuruvilla were also honoured at the “I think the strategy (to include seven “We are not able to read the match but credit must be given to them. function. batsmen) was obvious from the situation well. Our lower order is not The way Bailey and Maxwell batted, Victorious team skipper Unmukt Chand thanked the team and the collapse, we are struggling in batting contributing which is essential. We it showed maturity even though support staff for realising the victory down under. since the England series and then needed 30-40 from the lower order they were playing their third fourth Unmukt Chand became only the third batsman in history to score a in Sri Lanka so that is why we kept and that is why we kept Kamran matches,” said Misbah. century in an ICC Under-19 World Cup final as India defeated Australia seven batsmen,” said Misbah. Akmal and Shahid Afridi in lower The second match will be played in by six wickets at Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville on Sunday. Pakistan are now 1-0 down in the order,” said Misbah. Abu Dhabi on Friday followed by the Scorecard: India vs Australia, Under-19 World Cup final three-match series. They have lost Pakistan were cruising along nicely third in Sharjah on Monday. Chand, who had scored only 135 runs in the lead up to the final, thoroughly their last two one-day series 4-1 at 159-4 with Asad Shafiq (56) and Both teams will also play three displayed his temperament, talent and shot-selection to score a masterly against England here and 3-1 in Sri Umar Akmal (52) at the crease but Twenty20 internationals -- all in 111 not out as India achieved the 226 runs target for the loss of six wickets Lanka. lost three wickets in the five batting Dubai -- on September 5, 7 and 10. Misbah said Pakistan were 30 runs power-play overs, scoring just 16. Strauss resigns as England captain, quits cricket Strauss said he’d spoken to England month that saw England surrender He paid tribute to Strauss by saying: “He has been a fantastic captain, has been an easy decision for him and coach Andy Flower about retiring their number one Test ranking to “Andrew’s contribution to England led from the front for three-and-a- everyone in the dressing room will “before the Kevin Pietersen situation the Proteas. cricket in recent years is evident to half years and is a true ambassador be sad to see him go. reared its head”. Strauss scored 21 hundreds – one everyone who follows the sport but for the game. “I’m very excited by this new His last Test was a 51-run defeat by shy of England’s all-time record. only those of us who have been lucky “To have played 100 Tests for your challenge, it is a huge honour to be South Africa at Lord’s, his Middlesex Cook’s first Test as captain will be enough to share a dressing room with country is a phenomenal achievement appointed Test captain and I am very home ground where he made his the first of a four-match series in him are fully aware of his immense and I want to congratulate him on a much looking forward to captaining Test debut in 2004, earlier this India in November. contribution to our success. superb career. I know this can’t have the side in India this winter.” 32 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 30 August 2012 Misbah rues Pakistan batting failure As Misbah-ul-Haq arrived in Abu Dhabi today, for team’s long term problems in batting and said he Friday’s second match of their one-day international hoped his players learned quickly to avoid another SAT series against Australia, the Pakistan captain was still series defeat. searching for solutions to his team’s batting woes, an Pakistan lost the first limited overs internationals ailment that shows no signs of improvement. against Australia Sports Skipper Misbah-ul Haq Wednesday regretted his by four wickets Continued on page 31 >> Strauss resigns as England captain, quits cricket Andrew Strauss resigned as told the news conference. England dropped Pietersen, England’s Test captain and “It’s one of these decisions when you who hasn’t played international annnounced his retirement from know when your time is up.” cricket in any format since making professional cricket with immediate Alastair Cook, already England’s 149 in the drawn second Test at effect on Wednesday. one-day captain and Strauss’s Headingley, after he admitted “After much thought over the last opening partner in the five-day sending “provocative” texts to South few weeks, I have decided to step game, was announced as the new African players. down as England Test captain and skipper of the Test team. Some of these were alleged to have announce my retirement from all Strauss insisted his retirement had been critical of Strauss, who succeeded forms of cricket,” Strauss said in an nothing to do with the ongoing South Africa-born and raised Pietersen England and Wales Cricket Board England exile of star batsman Kevin as England captain in 2009. (ECB) statement issued ahead of a Pietersen. Continued on page 31 >> news conference at Lord’s. “It has clearly been a tough decision played exactly 100 Tests, added. to make, but I believe that it is both “The driver to all this is I haven’t in the best interests of the England batted well enough for a long time. cricket team and myself to step down I wasn’t going to improve batting- at this stage,” the 35-year-old, who wise, I’ve run my race,” Strauss later BCCI felicitates triumphant Under 19 World Cup squad Cricket: India win Under-19 World Cup

Dubai Airport Free Zone Airport Road Tong Ping Indian lifted the Under-19 World The hero of India’s victory was P.O. Box 293674 - Dubai, UAE P.O. Box 572 - Juba, South Sudan Cup defeating Australia by six skipper Unmukt Chand, who T: +971 4 2533028 | F: +971 4 2533029 T: +211 99 9000 099 | F: +211 99 9000 098 wickets at the Tony Ireland cracked an unbeaten 111 runs well Stadium in Australia. Chasing supported by Baba Aparajith (33) Australia’s total of 225 runs, India’s and Smit Patel (62n.o) to secure victory came in 47.4 overs. Continued on page 31 >> [email protected] | www.questqualitas.com Quest Qualitas is Atlas Copco and Dynapac Authorized Distributor in South Sudan Published by Saarc International Ltd, Suite 101, 10 Courtenay Road, London HA9 7ND. UK Telephone:020 8904 0619 Fax: 020 8181 7575 E-mail: [email protected] www.satribune.co.uk, www.saarc.co.uk. Printed at Webprint UK Ltd, Unit B1 Eastern Approach, Alfred Way, Barking, IG11 0AG