A small town in central Italy has declared its independence and started to print its own banknotes.
The authorities in Filettino, 100km (70 miles) east of Rome, are protesting against austerity measures.
It has only 550 inhabitants and under new rules aimed at cutting local administration costs it will be forced to merge with neighbouring Trevi.
Town mayor Luca Sellari, who stands to lose his job because of the eurozone crisis, came up with the idea.
He created his own currency, called the Fiorito. Banknotes have his head on the back, and they are already being used in local shops and being bought as souvenirs by tourists who have started to throng the normally quiet streets.
The mayor says there is enormous enthusiasm about declaring the independence of the new principality.
There has been such an outcry by small towns across Italy at the government move to abolish local councils and merge them with larger towns that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's coalition may be forced to backtrack.
In the meantime the new Principality of Filettino - complete with coat of arms and website - is suddenly enjoying international fame.
TV stations from as far afield as Russia have been running news features about Filettino.
After all, the mayor says, Italy was once made up of dozens of principalities and dukedoms. As he says, the landlocked republic of San Marino still manages to survive, so why not Filettino?
Sunday 4 September 2011
Gaza flotilla: Turkey to take Israel to UN court
Turkey has said it will challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
It is the latest sign of strain between the countries since last year's Israeli action against ships heading for Gaza, in which nine Turks were killed.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu said Turkey did not accept the findings of a UN report which said Israel's blockade of Gaza was a legal security measure.
His comments came a day after Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador.
It also halted military co-operation with Israel.
Report 'not endorsed'
Speaking on state-run Turkish TV, Mr Davutoglu said the UN report, prepared by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer and former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, had not been endorsed by the UN and was therefore not binding.
"What is binding is the ICJ," he went on. "This is what we are saying: let the ICJ decide."
Some activists on the Mavi Marmara attacked commandos as they landed on the ship
Turkey, he added, would start the necessary legal procedures in the coming week.
Based in The Hague, the ICJ is a permanent UN court set up to rule on state-to-state disputes.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon insisted his country had nothing to apologise for and had done all it could to avoid a crisis with Turkey.
He said the Turks seemed to want to raise tensions with Israel for its own reasons.
"They were not ready for a compromise and kept raising the threshold," Mr Ayalon said on Israeli TV.
"I think we need to say to the Turks: as far as we are concerned, this saga is behind us. Now we need to co-operate. Lack of co-operation harms not only us, but Turkey as well."
The US state department has said Washington hopes Turkey and Israel "will continue to look for opportunities to improve their longstanding relationship".
'Unreasonable' force
The nine pro-Palestinian activists who died were on board the Turkish-flagged ship, Mavi Marmara, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it sailed towards Gaza's coast on 31 May 2010.
At the time, the Israeli military said its commandos fired live rounds only after being attacked with clubs, knives and guns. But activists on board said the commandos started shooting as soon as they hit the deck.
The UN inquiry found Israel's naval blockade had been "imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the requirements of international law".
It said Israeli troops had faced "significant, organised and violent resistance from a group of passengers" and were therefore required to use force for their own protection.
But it also said Israel's decision to board the vessels "with such substantial force at a great distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable".
The report noted "forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range".
It is the latest sign of strain between the countries since last year's Israeli action against ships heading for Gaza, in which nine Turks were killed.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu said Turkey did not accept the findings of a UN report which said Israel's blockade of Gaza was a legal security measure.
His comments came a day after Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador.
It also halted military co-operation with Israel.
Report 'not endorsed'
Speaking on state-run Turkish TV, Mr Davutoglu said the UN report, prepared by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer and former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, had not been endorsed by the UN and was therefore not binding.
"What is binding is the ICJ," he went on. "This is what we are saying: let the ICJ decide."
Some activists on the Mavi Marmara attacked commandos as they landed on the ship
Turkey, he added, would start the necessary legal procedures in the coming week.
Based in The Hague, the ICJ is a permanent UN court set up to rule on state-to-state disputes.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon insisted his country had nothing to apologise for and had done all it could to avoid a crisis with Turkey.
He said the Turks seemed to want to raise tensions with Israel for its own reasons.
"They were not ready for a compromise and kept raising the threshold," Mr Ayalon said on Israeli TV.
"I think we need to say to the Turks: as far as we are concerned, this saga is behind us. Now we need to co-operate. Lack of co-operation harms not only us, but Turkey as well."
The US state department has said Washington hopes Turkey and Israel "will continue to look for opportunities to improve their longstanding relationship".
'Unreasonable' force
The nine pro-Palestinian activists who died were on board the Turkish-flagged ship, Mavi Marmara, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it sailed towards Gaza's coast on 31 May 2010.
At the time, the Israeli military said its commandos fired live rounds only after being attacked with clubs, knives and guns. But activists on board said the commandos started shooting as soon as they hit the deck.
The UN inquiry found Israel's naval blockade had been "imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the requirements of international law".
It said Israeli troops had faced "significant, organised and violent resistance from a group of passengers" and were therefore required to use force for their own protection.
But it also said Israel's decision to board the vessels "with such substantial force at a great distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable".
The report noted "forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range".
Nothing is permanent in Bollywood!
Just yesterday, we were celebrating long-standing friendships in Bollywood.
Especially those of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Some of these equations have already changed, the rest are about to change quickly. Sensing better business opportunities, several of these actors and directors are moving in opposite directions.
For 2012, Rohit has a film lined up with Shah Rukh Khan, his best buddy Ajay's bete noire. Sajid Khan is talking of doing a remake of the Jeetendra-Sridevi potboiler Himmatwala with Ajay, who reportedly can't see eye-to-eye with Sajid's close friend Akshay Kumar. And Farah a SRK loyalist till yesterday, will make Happy New Year with Akshay in some capacity because she can't even think of making movies without Akki now. In fact, a trade source confirms, "Farah and Shirish Kunder have grown so fond of Akki post Tees Maar Khan that they will always make movies with him or for him always. In other words, SRK is not in their immediate orbit."
Rohit confirms that though his film with SRK is a very good business proposition, he swears that his Golmaal, Singham and Bol Bachchan actor-partner Ajay will always be close to him. To quote Rohit, "I owe life-long allegiance to only two people -one is my mother and the second is Ajay Devgn." The filmmaker who is riding a crest says, "Films may take me far or close to several superstars/actors. But Ajay will always remain close.''
But Bollywood has taken note of the fact that the loyalty base is shifting... even if it is temporary. And actors and directors are attempting their own game of musical chairs.
Especially those of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Some of these equations have already changed, the rest are about to change quickly. Sensing better business opportunities, several of these actors and directors are moving in opposite directions.
For 2012, Rohit has a film lined up with Shah Rukh Khan, his best buddy Ajay's bete noire. Sajid Khan is talking of doing a remake of the Jeetendra-Sridevi potboiler Himmatwala with Ajay, who reportedly can't see eye-to-eye with Sajid's close friend Akshay Kumar. And Farah a SRK loyalist till yesterday, will make Happy New Year with Akshay in some capacity because she can't even think of making movies without Akki now. In fact, a trade source confirms, "Farah and Shirish Kunder have grown so fond of Akki post Tees Maar Khan that they will always make movies with him or for him always. In other words, SRK is not in their immediate orbit."
Rohit confirms that though his film with SRK is a very good business proposition, he swears that his Golmaal, Singham and Bol Bachchan actor-partner Ajay will always be close to him. To quote Rohit, "I owe life-long allegiance to only two people -one is my mother and the second is Ajay Devgn." The filmmaker who is riding a crest says, "Films may take me far or close to several superstars/actors. But Ajay will always remain close.''
But Bollywood has taken note of the fact that the loyalty base is shifting... even if it is temporary. And actors and directors are attempting their own game of musical chairs.
Ameesha Patel goes international
If you wanna look rich and glam, then just wait till Ameesha Patel launches her first home production. She's in serious talks with international fashion houses to tie-up for stylised clothes and accessories in her film.
"We are spending long hours with designers and design teams to chalk out a slick look for the characters in my films," says Ameesha with glee. These wardrobe accessories at a later stage will be auctioned online and contributions will go to charity.
Whilst in London, what's keeping this actress on her toes is the location look out. She and her business partner Kuunal Goomer are hunting for shoot spots at Milan, Scotland and other spots in Europe. "London's been my second home since childhood. And recession phase is a good time to invest in property there. I have already decided on an apartment, which will be used for shoots. And I am excited about my investment in real estate, she adds. Makes sense.
Talking about the progress on her in-house films with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan, she says, "The shoot will begin in November." She will play the lead in these two entertaining films. "And since music is the soul of any good film, we have tied up with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. The entire film promotion will be done on a larger-than-life scale and will be handled by Bhushanji."
With so much happening, so soon, this actress is enthusiastic about plans working out well. "We are confident that when film are made with a motive to entertain the entire family, it rocks. Right now, am having a lot of 'fun stress' and believe me, I am loving every moment of it," she signs off.
"We are spending long hours with designers and design teams to chalk out a slick look for the characters in my films," says Ameesha with glee. These wardrobe accessories at a later stage will be auctioned online and contributions will go to charity.
Whilst in London, what's keeping this actress on her toes is the location look out. She and her business partner Kuunal Goomer are hunting for shoot spots at Milan, Scotland and other spots in Europe. "London's been my second home since childhood. And recession phase is a good time to invest in property there. I have already decided on an apartment, which will be used for shoots. And I am excited about my investment in real estate, she adds. Makes sense.
Talking about the progress on her in-house films with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan, she says, "The shoot will begin in November." She will play the lead in these two entertaining films. "And since music is the soul of any good film, we have tied up with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. The entire film promotion will be done on a larger-than-life scale and will be handled by Bhushanji."
With so much happening, so soon, this actress is enthusiastic about plans working out well. "We are confident that when film are made with a motive to entertain the entire family, it rocks. Right now, am having a lot of 'fun stress' and believe me, I am loving every moment of it," she signs off.
I think a lot about marriage: Kareena Kapoor
Bebo gets candid while talking about being from the Kapoor khandaan, her Punjab connection and secret fitness regime
The year 2011 looks like a packed one for Kareena Kapoor, who will be seen with almost all the Khans, including Salman, SRK, Aamir, Saif and Imran in "Bodyguard", "Ra.One", Reema Kagti's untitled, "Agent Vinod" and "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu", respectively. She's also looking at working with sister Karisma. In a candid conversation, Kareena spoke her heart on some issues...
Do you feel lucky sometimes?
Yes I do. And what I feel good about is that I am never called a privileged star kid. Struggling to get somewhere adds value to the end result. I have been brought up in a different way where I was constantly told that life is not a bed of roses.
You are dating a dapper guy and your career graph is on the rise. What's the secret?
(Laughs) It's all about hardwork. Destiny plays an important role, but one needs to work on their goals. Regarding the guy (Saif), I don't have anything more to say. He is the best.
But you pay the cost of being a star at times, especially a celebrity couple...
I have stopped reacting to things. Initially, I used to get jittery, but gradually I realized that it's a part of life. What surprises me most is how things are hyped up fictitiously
Saif wore feminine track pants while returning from Paris. And many thought it was yours...
(Laughs) Do you think mine would fit him? I laughed a lot when I got to know about it. Trust me it wasn't like that.
What amazes everyone is that you guys are so open about your relationship...
Yes. Actually, where is the need to hide it? Saif and I share the same wavelength. We think if you are doing the right thing there's no need to keep it a secret.
Is it true that 2012 will see you two married?
Everyone likes to get married. And like any other girl, I too think a lot about it. I have special plans for the occasion and will do everything to make it memorable. I will not reveal the plan of action right now (laughs). But it will not come as a surprise. We will surely make a formal announcement. Whether it will be in 2012 or not, I can't say right now.
Now when you are working with almost all the Khans, is there anyone who's your favourite?
(Smiles) Everyone's nice and have their own styles and ways. I like Salman for his nature and grounded attitude. He's a great human being and very professional in his approach. In "Bodyguard" you get to see a different Salman. He did everything to ensure I stayed comfortably during the shoot. Others are equally good.
Last you went to Punjab was for the shoot of "Jab We Met". This time it was "Bodyguard". How has it been?
I am a Punjabi. So, visiting Punjab is a great experience every time. I love the foggy winters there. I will soon return here on a personal trip, as I need to visit the shrines.
Won't you take Saif with you?
Let's see...
Shammi Kapoor's demise jolted the Kapoor family...
Yes. He was full of life. We will always remember him as a dynamic person who took life very positively.
Karisma is starting afresh in Bollywood with "Dangerous Ishq". How do you feel?
I wish her luck. Finally, we will be seeing Karisma's comeback. My equation with her has always been great. She's supported me always.
Will we be seeing you both together on screen?
It's my dream to work with her. There's nothing planned as such, but if something is offered, I will not say no. Wow! I am imagining how exciting it would be to work with her.
Tell us what's happening on "Heroine" front?
I will not say anything about it.
Your wax statue is to be unveiled soon...
It's an occasion to remember and a great honour. I am counting days for when I can fly there to have a look at it.
Your size zero is still a rage? How you maintain it?
I do yoga and eat right. Gymming is also there, but I try to balance things.... that's the secret.
The year 2011 looks like a packed one for Kareena Kapoor, who will be seen with almost all the Khans, including Salman, SRK, Aamir, Saif and Imran in "Bodyguard", "Ra.One", Reema Kagti's untitled, "Agent Vinod" and "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu", respectively. She's also looking at working with sister Karisma. In a candid conversation, Kareena spoke her heart on some issues...
Do you feel lucky sometimes?
Yes I do. And what I feel good about is that I am never called a privileged star kid. Struggling to get somewhere adds value to the end result. I have been brought up in a different way where I was constantly told that life is not a bed of roses.
You are dating a dapper guy and your career graph is on the rise. What's the secret?
(Laughs) It's all about hardwork. Destiny plays an important role, but one needs to work on their goals. Regarding the guy (Saif), I don't have anything more to say. He is the best.
But you pay the cost of being a star at times, especially a celebrity couple...
I have stopped reacting to things. Initially, I used to get jittery, but gradually I realized that it's a part of life. What surprises me most is how things are hyped up fictitiously
Saif wore feminine track pants while returning from Paris. And many thought it was yours...
(Laughs) Do you think mine would fit him? I laughed a lot when I got to know about it. Trust me it wasn't like that.
What amazes everyone is that you guys are so open about your relationship...
Yes. Actually, where is the need to hide it? Saif and I share the same wavelength. We think if you are doing the right thing there's no need to keep it a secret.
Is it true that 2012 will see you two married?
Everyone likes to get married. And like any other girl, I too think a lot about it. I have special plans for the occasion and will do everything to make it memorable. I will not reveal the plan of action right now (laughs). But it will not come as a surprise. We will surely make a formal announcement. Whether it will be in 2012 or not, I can't say right now.
Now when you are working with almost all the Khans, is there anyone who's your favourite?
(Smiles) Everyone's nice and have their own styles and ways. I like Salman for his nature and grounded attitude. He's a great human being and very professional in his approach. In "Bodyguard" you get to see a different Salman. He did everything to ensure I stayed comfortably during the shoot. Others are equally good.
Last you went to Punjab was for the shoot of "Jab We Met". This time it was "Bodyguard". How has it been?
I am a Punjabi. So, visiting Punjab is a great experience every time. I love the foggy winters there. I will soon return here on a personal trip, as I need to visit the shrines.
Won't you take Saif with you?
Let's see...
Shammi Kapoor's demise jolted the Kapoor family...
Yes. He was full of life. We will always remember him as a dynamic person who took life very positively.
Karisma is starting afresh in Bollywood with "Dangerous Ishq". How do you feel?
I wish her luck. Finally, we will be seeing Karisma's comeback. My equation with her has always been great. She's supported me always.
Will we be seeing you both together on screen?
It's my dream to work with her. There's nothing planned as such, but if something is offered, I will not say no. Wow! I am imagining how exciting it would be to work with her.
Tell us what's happening on "Heroine" front?
I will not say anything about it.
Your wax statue is to be unveiled soon...
It's an occasion to remember and a great honour. I am counting days for when I can fly there to have a look at it.
Your size zero is still a rage? How you maintain it?
I do yoga and eat right. Gymming is also there, but I try to balance things.... that's the secret.
85,000 cases still pending with Delhi Police
NEW DELHI: A whopping 47% of the over 1.81 lakh cases reported in the national capital in the past three-and-a-half years remain unsolved with Delhi Police attributing it to delay in forensic tests, non-cooperation by complainants and other reasons.
A total of 85,596 cases reported since 2008 are yet to be solved while police have cracked 96,201 so far. "47.08% of the 1,81,797 cases reported between 2008 and July 31, 2011 remain unsolved," a senior police official said.
A total of 30,904 cases were reported in the first seven months of this year and over 50% of the cases remain to be closed. "While 13,764 cases have been solved, 14,710 cases are yet to be cracked," the official said.
Police attributed the delay to a number of reasons, including delay in arrest of accused and examination of voluminous records.
"The delay in receiving reports from forensic laboratories and non-cooperation by complainant resulting in delay in collection of evidence are some of the reasons," the official said.
Special teams were set up in police stations for focused action on each case and a compendium of criminals released from jail either on bail or after completing their sentence is compiled and given to beat constables to verify their involvement in pending cases, the official said.
In July alone, 4,834 cases were added while police solved a total of 2,404 during the month. However, 2,430 cases were added to the unsolved category in the month.
Similar was the trend for last year when the unsolved cases surpassed the number of solved cases. Out of a total of 51,292 cases reported in 2010, police could only solve 24,702 cases leaving 26,590 cases unsolved.
A total of 85,596 cases reported since 2008 are yet to be solved while police have cracked 96,201 so far. "47.08% of the 1,81,797 cases reported between 2008 and July 31, 2011 remain unsolved," a senior police official said.
A total of 30,904 cases were reported in the first seven months of this year and over 50% of the cases remain to be closed. "While 13,764 cases have been solved, 14,710 cases are yet to be cracked," the official said.
Police attributed the delay to a number of reasons, including delay in arrest of accused and examination of voluminous records.
"The delay in receiving reports from forensic laboratories and non-cooperation by complainant resulting in delay in collection of evidence are some of the reasons," the official said.
Special teams were set up in police stations for focused action on each case and a compendium of criminals released from jail either on bail or after completing their sentence is compiled and given to beat constables to verify their involvement in pending cases, the official said.
In July alone, 4,834 cases were added while police solved a total of 2,404 during the month. However, 2,430 cases were added to the unsolved category in the month.
Similar was the trend for last year when the unsolved cases surpassed the number of solved cases. Out of a total of 51,292 cases reported in 2010, police could only solve 24,702 cases leaving 26,590 cases unsolved.
Mumbai Christians condemn US Quran burning
MUMBAI: Several Christian organizations in the city have condemned the burning of the Quran by a small Florida church. Pastor Wayne Sapp committed the act on March 20, 2011 under the supervision of pastor Terry Jones, who had threatened to do the same last September to mark the 9/11 anniversary.
"Such reprehensible acts can never be justified under any circumstances," said Dr John Dayal of the All-India Catholic Union.
Representatives of Christian bodies feel such acts vitiate the atmosphere, jeopardizing communal harmony.
"The Christian community in India unanimously condemns the insane and irrational act," said Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman, State Minorities Commission. "It is imperative on the US, which has long claimed to be the beacon of freedom, democracy and justice, to take stern and drastic action against (those who committed) this blasphemous act, (something that) will have disastrous and wide-ranging implications for universal peace and inter-faith relations."
Mathai who is also president of the Indian Christain Voice added that burning of religious books would have been impossible in India because a perpetrator of such crime here can be arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for fomenting religious intolerance and bigotry. Such a law doesn't exist in the US.
Christian bodies are unanimous that such acts should not have been allowed at a time when the Islamic world is already seeing a churning. The US bombing of Libya has already angered a section of the Muslims who may not approve of dictatorship of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi but have condemned the killing of civilians in the bombing operations. The burning of the Quran will only add to the Muslims' sense of injury.
"The Christian Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) stands alongside Muslims whose sentiments have been hurt and will work towards a global condemnation of such provocation. It is a crime against humanity and must not be tolerated in the civilized world. We call upon the prime minister, minorities affairs and the foreign minister to let the United States know the feelings of Indians on the issue," said Joseph Dias, The CSF general secretary.
Even the Bombay Catholic Sabha has condemned the act, saying promoters of faith should not act irresponsibly. Gordon D'Souza, president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha appealed to the people in India, especially Muslims, to maintain calm and restraint and not to get provoked by such an uncivilized behaviour of a pastor.
"Such reprehensible acts can never be justified under any circumstances," said Dr John Dayal of the All-India Catholic Union.
Representatives of Christian bodies feel such acts vitiate the atmosphere, jeopardizing communal harmony.
"The Christian community in India unanimously condemns the insane and irrational act," said Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman, State Minorities Commission. "It is imperative on the US, which has long claimed to be the beacon of freedom, democracy and justice, to take stern and drastic action against (those who committed) this blasphemous act, (something that) will have disastrous and wide-ranging implications for universal peace and inter-faith relations."
Mathai who is also president of the Indian Christain Voice added that burning of religious books would have been impossible in India because a perpetrator of such crime here can be arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for fomenting religious intolerance and bigotry. Such a law doesn't exist in the US.
Christian bodies are unanimous that such acts should not have been allowed at a time when the Islamic world is already seeing a churning. The US bombing of Libya has already angered a section of the Muslims who may not approve of dictatorship of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi but have condemned the killing of civilians in the bombing operations. The burning of the Quran will only add to the Muslims' sense of injury.
"The Christian Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) stands alongside Muslims whose sentiments have been hurt and will work towards a global condemnation of such provocation. It is a crime against humanity and must not be tolerated in the civilized world. We call upon the prime minister, minorities affairs and the foreign minister to let the United States know the feelings of Indians on the issue," said Joseph Dias, The CSF general secretary.
Even the Bombay Catholic Sabha has condemned the act, saying promoters of faith should not act irresponsibly. Gordon D'Souza, president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha appealed to the people in India, especially Muslims, to maintain calm and restraint and not to get provoked by such an uncivilized behaviour of a pastor.
'US feels India has 180m Muslims'
NEW DELHI: The United States believes that there are many more Muslims who live in India than is being officially stated here through census, and 'Islam' here presents a series of dichotomies like most issues affecting the world's largest democracy.
The US views on 'Indian Islam' and its interpretation had found place in one of its diplomatic cable, leaked by WikiLeaks.
Referring to various 'contacts' in India, the cable says that most of them believe that the official figure ( Census 2001) of over 138 million Muslims in India is "under representative" as actual number is "substantially higher" - closer to 160 to 180 million.
Taking sympathetic views of Indian Muslims for their 'liberal' approach, the cable, originated from American embassy in New Delhi in February last year, says that majority of the Muslims live in a very poor condition despite some of the millionaires from the community, like Azim Premji, influence Indian market.
It says: "Iconic celebrities such as Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan attract legions of fans, while millions of Muslims languish in poverty. Since Independence, three Muslims have been appointed as President, but Muslims are grossly under-represented in Parliament and other elected bodies".
The US embassy cable also refers to the Rajinder Sachar Committee report which in 2006 revealed that Muslims in general fare worse in economic terms than India's Dalits. "These seeming contradictions reflect overall socioeconomic trends in India: a tiny percentage of Muslims thrive, while the vast majority struggles to support themselves".
The cable, however, noted that Indian Muslims are eager to catch up to their compatriots. "Their Sufi heritage, promoting pluralism and tolerance, should leave them well-equipped to compete in secular India. However, lingering resentment from the partition and external influences threaten to divide the community".
US diplomats in their dispatch to Washington also noted in details the composition of Shias and Sunni and existence of tension between two Sunni movements - Barelvi and Deobandi - rooted in differences in ideology, wealth, education and views on reforms. On political front, the dispatch says that Shia and Barelvi leaders have, of late, discussed forming a political alliance to counter Deoband and the increasing influence of Wahabism. The alliance would balance each group's strength: Barelvis have the numbers and Shias have a higher level of education and more contact with the Indian elite.
The US views on 'Indian Islam' and its interpretation had found place in one of its diplomatic cable, leaked by WikiLeaks.
Referring to various 'contacts' in India, the cable says that most of them believe that the official figure ( Census 2001) of over 138 million Muslims in India is "under representative" as actual number is "substantially higher" - closer to 160 to 180 million.
Taking sympathetic views of Indian Muslims for their 'liberal' approach, the cable, originated from American embassy in New Delhi in February last year, says that majority of the Muslims live in a very poor condition despite some of the millionaires from the community, like Azim Premji, influence Indian market.
It says: "Iconic celebrities such as Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan attract legions of fans, while millions of Muslims languish in poverty. Since Independence, three Muslims have been appointed as President, but Muslims are grossly under-represented in Parliament and other elected bodies".
The US embassy cable also refers to the Rajinder Sachar Committee report which in 2006 revealed that Muslims in general fare worse in economic terms than India's Dalits. "These seeming contradictions reflect overall socioeconomic trends in India: a tiny percentage of Muslims thrive, while the vast majority struggles to support themselves".
The cable, however, noted that Indian Muslims are eager to catch up to their compatriots. "Their Sufi heritage, promoting pluralism and tolerance, should leave them well-equipped to compete in secular India. However, lingering resentment from the partition and external influences threaten to divide the community".
US diplomats in their dispatch to Washington also noted in details the composition of Shias and Sunni and existence of tension between two Sunni movements - Barelvi and Deobandi - rooted in differences in ideology, wealth, education and views on reforms. On political front, the dispatch says that Shia and Barelvi leaders have, of late, discussed forming a political alliance to counter Deoband and the increasing influence of Wahabism. The alliance would balance each group's strength: Barelvis have the numbers and Shias have a higher level of education and more contact with the Indian elite.
'Turkey must cut all ties with Israel'
A senior Iranian lawmaker has urged Turkey to take serious action towards completely severing its ties with Israel, downplaying Ankara's recent expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.
“[Turkey's] contracts and contacts [with Israel] are still in place with the expulsion of the ambassador of the [Israeli] regime,” member of the Majlis (Parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Hossein Naqavi told Fars News Agency on Saturday.
“If Turkey has the intention of taking practical measure vis-Ã -vis the Zionist regime [of Israel], [it] must display this practical measure by terminating and revoking its contracts with this regime,” he noted.
On Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the country had suspended all its military ties with Tel Aviv and expelled Israel's envoy from Ankara.
The measures came in response to Israel's refusal to apologize for its attack on an aid flotilla, which set sail for the Tel Aviv-blockaded Gaza Strip in May 2010. Israeli soldiers attacked a Turkish-flagged aid convoy, killing nine Turkish activists and injuring many others.
At the time, the Israeli military claimed that its commandos opened fire only after being attacked with clubs and knives and acted in self-defense. But activists on board the Mavi Marmara said Israeli troops started shooting as soon as they boarded the ship.
A UN inquiry into the deadly incident also blamed Israeli troops for using excessive force after boarding the aid ship.
"Forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range," the long awaited UN report also known as the Palmer report said.
“[Turkey's] contracts and contacts [with Israel] are still in place with the expulsion of the ambassador of the [Israeli] regime,” member of the Majlis (Parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Hossein Naqavi told Fars News Agency on Saturday.
“If Turkey has the intention of taking practical measure vis-Ã -vis the Zionist regime [of Israel], [it] must display this practical measure by terminating and revoking its contracts with this regime,” he noted.
On Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the country had suspended all its military ties with Tel Aviv and expelled Israel's envoy from Ankara.
The measures came in response to Israel's refusal to apologize for its attack on an aid flotilla, which set sail for the Tel Aviv-blockaded Gaza Strip in May 2010. Israeli soldiers attacked a Turkish-flagged aid convoy, killing nine Turkish activists and injuring many others.
At the time, the Israeli military claimed that its commandos opened fire only after being attacked with clubs and knives and acted in self-defense. But activists on board the Mavi Marmara said Israeli troops started shooting as soon as they boarded the ship.
A UN inquiry into the deadly incident also blamed Israeli troops for using excessive force after boarding the aid ship.
"Forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range," the long awaited UN report also known as the Palmer report said.
3 killed in E Afghanistan shooting
At least three people have been killed in Afghanistan when an Afghan soldier opened fire on US soldiers at a military base in eastern Afghanistan, Press TV reported.
There have been no official announcements of the identities of the victims, but unofficial reports say two US soldiers and one Afghan soldier have been killed, a Press TV correspondent reported.
Another US soldier was injured in the attack, and the Afghan assailant was killed in the incident.
NATO sources claim that the shooting only involved Afghan soldiers and no foreign troops have been harmed.
There have been no official announcements of the identities of the victims, but unofficial reports say two US soldiers and one Afghan soldier have been killed, a Press TV correspondent reported.
Another US soldier was injured in the attack, and the Afghan assailant was killed in the incident.
NATO sources claim that the shooting only involved Afghan soldiers and no foreign troops have been harmed.
Danish soldier killed in Afghanistan
A Danish soldier has been killed and four others injured in a bomb attack in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand.
"It is with great sorrow that I have received word that one of our soldiers has been killed in Afghanistan and that four other soldiers have been slightly wounded," the chief of the Danish Army Operational Command, Major General Agner Rokos, said in a statement issued on Saturday.
An improvised explosive device went off when the soldiers were patrolling on foot between Patrol Baseline and Gereshk, he added.
The injured were taken to the field hospital at Camp Bastion, but one lost his life on arrival at the medical facility, the statement explained.
Sunday's attack raised the death toll for Danish soldiers in conflict-related incidents in Afghanistan to 36. Six other Danish troops have died in non-combat related incidents, including one who committed suicide, according to the Danish military.
There are about 750 Danish troops in Afghanistan, mostly in Helmand, under the command of British forces.
However, Denmark plans to reduce its contingent in the Central Asian country to 650 by the second half of 2012.
Some 420 foreign troops have been killed in Afghanistan in 2011.
"It is with great sorrow that I have received word that one of our soldiers has been killed in Afghanistan and that four other soldiers have been slightly wounded," the chief of the Danish Army Operational Command, Major General Agner Rokos, said in a statement issued on Saturday.
An improvised explosive device went off when the soldiers were patrolling on foot between Patrol Baseline and Gereshk, he added.
The injured were taken to the field hospital at Camp Bastion, but one lost his life on arrival at the medical facility, the statement explained.
Sunday's attack raised the death toll for Danish soldiers in conflict-related incidents in Afghanistan to 36. Six other Danish troops have died in non-combat related incidents, including one who committed suicide, according to the Danish military.
There are about 750 Danish troops in Afghanistan, mostly in Helmand, under the command of British forces.
However, Denmark plans to reduce its contingent in the Central Asian country to 650 by the second half of 2012.
Some 420 foreign troops have been killed in Afghanistan in 2011.
US military contractors' fraud revealed
The US Congressional Commission on Wartime Contracting has released a report detailing gross negligence, waste of funds and fraud by US contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The panel's report stated that as much as USD 60 billion has been lost due to fraud or has been wasted in the two countries, describing it as a "troubling" failure that cannot continue amid the country's deepening economic crisis.
The report noted that US security forces are over-dependent on private contractors, whose numbers are sometimes greater that the country's military and civilian personnel, Reuters reported.
Since 2002, the US has spent some USD 206 billion on grants to and entered into agreements with private military contractors.
According to Michael Thibault, a co-chairman of the panel, the US government's oversight led to waste, fraud and abuse.
The US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 under a "war on terror" pretext. Insecurity is, however, rising in Afghanistan, despite the presence of nearly 150,000 US-led forces there.
The US also attacked Iraq in 2003 claiming that the Middle Eastern country was in possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
However, it was later revealed that not only executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was not in possession of WMDs but also that US and UK leaders knew about the non-existence of such weapons.
However, nearly 50,000 American troops remain in Iraq.
The development comes against the backdrop of the ongoing economic crisis in the United States, which, according to US President Barack Obama, is America's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The US currently grapples with a nearly USD 3-trillion budget deficit and an unemployment rate above 9 percent.
The panel's report stated that as much as USD 60 billion has been lost due to fraud or has been wasted in the two countries, describing it as a "troubling" failure that cannot continue amid the country's deepening economic crisis.
The report noted that US security forces are over-dependent on private contractors, whose numbers are sometimes greater that the country's military and civilian personnel, Reuters reported.
Since 2002, the US has spent some USD 206 billion on grants to and entered into agreements with private military contractors.
According to Michael Thibault, a co-chairman of the panel, the US government's oversight led to waste, fraud and abuse.
The US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 under a "war on terror" pretext. Insecurity is, however, rising in Afghanistan, despite the presence of nearly 150,000 US-led forces there.
The US also attacked Iraq in 2003 claiming that the Middle Eastern country was in possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
However, it was later revealed that not only executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was not in possession of WMDs but also that US and UK leaders knew about the non-existence of such weapons.
However, nearly 50,000 American troops remain in Iraq.
The development comes against the backdrop of the ongoing economic crisis in the United States, which, according to US President Barack Obama, is America's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The US currently grapples with a nearly USD 3-trillion budget deficit and an unemployment rate above 9 percent.
'France acting as a lackey of the US'
A senior Iranian lawmaker has criticized the French stance on Iran, saying that France has become the United States' accomplice in implementing wrong policies throughout the world.
The deputy chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Majlis (parliament), MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, said on Saturday that during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency, French foreign policy has changed in regard to international equations, the Majlis news agency (ICANA) reported.
This change has resulted in countless diplomatic failures for Paris in recent years, he added.
“Presently, [the French] are playing roles in Washington's programs in a way that it can be said that they have become the partners of the Americans in implementing incorrect policies in the world,” Falahatpisheh said.
“The revolutionary people of the [Middle East] region and North Africa not only pursue anti-dictatorial goals domestically but also anti-colonialist objectives against Western countries. Thus, the status and position of France have been seriously damaged in Tunisia and Lebanon.”
The Iranian MP described Sarkozy's stance on Iran as reactionary and said that his remarks should not be taken seriously because Tehran gave the appropriate defensive responses to the United States in the past, and this is the reason that the US now carefully chooses its methods to threaten Iran.
On Wednesday, August 31, the French president warned that Iran's alleged attempts to build long-range missiles and “nuclear weapons” could compel unnamed countries to launch a preemptive military strike against some of its facilities.
“Its military, nuclear, and ballistic ambitions constitute a growing threat that may lead to a preventive attack against Iranian sites that would provoke a major crisis that France wants to avoid at all costs,” the French president said.
However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conducted numerous inspections of Iran's nuclear sites but has never found any evidence indicating that its civilian nuclear program has been diverted toward weapons production, which gives the lie to Sarkozy's remarks about Iran.
MAB/HGH/MP/HGL
The deputy chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Majlis (parliament), MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, said on Saturday that during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency, French foreign policy has changed in regard to international equations, the Majlis news agency (ICANA) reported.
This change has resulted in countless diplomatic failures for Paris in recent years, he added.
“Presently, [the French] are playing roles in Washington's programs in a way that it can be said that they have become the partners of the Americans in implementing incorrect policies in the world,” Falahatpisheh said.
“The revolutionary people of the [Middle East] region and North Africa not only pursue anti-dictatorial goals domestically but also anti-colonialist objectives against Western countries. Thus, the status and position of France have been seriously damaged in Tunisia and Lebanon.”
The Iranian MP described Sarkozy's stance on Iran as reactionary and said that his remarks should not be taken seriously because Tehran gave the appropriate defensive responses to the United States in the past, and this is the reason that the US now carefully chooses its methods to threaten Iran.
On Wednesday, August 31, the French president warned that Iran's alleged attempts to build long-range missiles and “nuclear weapons” could compel unnamed countries to launch a preemptive military strike against some of its facilities.
“Its military, nuclear, and ballistic ambitions constitute a growing threat that may lead to a preventive attack against Iranian sites that would provoke a major crisis that France wants to avoid at all costs,” the French president said.
However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conducted numerous inspections of Iran's nuclear sites but has never found any evidence indicating that its civilian nuclear program has been diverted toward weapons production, which gives the lie to Sarkozy's remarks about Iran.
MAB/HGH/MP/HGL
Friday 2 September 2011
Man held for 'raping' sister-in-law
JALNA: A man has been arrested for allegedly raping his sister-in-law and making a video clip of the act, police said on Friday.
The women's husband and in-laws, residents of Pension Pura area here in central Maharashtra, have also been booked for allegedly torturing her for dowry, they said.
According to the police, the victim's husband Shaikh Harun Shaikh Hussain (40), brother-in-law Aleem Shaikh Hussain (30), father in-law Shaikh Hussain and mother-in-law Khatimabi demanded Rs 50,000 from her for buying a plot.
When she expressed her inability to get the money from her parents, she was tortured and later driven out of home by her husband and other family members, Inspector R P Pardeshi said, quoting the complaint filed by the woman.
The woman alleged that her brother-in-law had been raping her for two years and also video recorded the alleged act, he said.
Aleem was arrested yesterday, while the others are absconding, police said.
The women's husband and in-laws, residents of Pension Pura area here in central Maharashtra, have also been booked for allegedly torturing her for dowry, they said.
According to the police, the victim's husband Shaikh Harun Shaikh Hussain (40), brother-in-law Aleem Shaikh Hussain (30), father in-law Shaikh Hussain and mother-in-law Khatimabi demanded Rs 50,000 from her for buying a plot.
When she expressed her inability to get the money from her parents, she was tortured and later driven out of home by her husband and other family members, Inspector R P Pardeshi said, quoting the complaint filed by the woman.
The woman alleged that her brother-in-law had been raping her for two years and also video recorded the alleged act, he said.
Aleem was arrested yesterday, while the others are absconding, police said.
'US Muslims live in state of fear'
'US Muslims live in state of fear'
Fri Sep 2, 2011 1:6PM GMT
The Muslim community in the United States lives in a state of fear, as intelligence services in the country mount pressure on the minority group, an American Islamic activist told Press TV.
“The Muslims of America actually live in a state of fear; fear of [lack of] privacy in their own homes, fear of going to businesses, fear of even going to prayer or Eid celebrations. The Muslims feel very oppressed and spied on here in America,” said Abdul Alim Musa, Imam of Masjid al-Islam in Washington.
He made the remarks in reaction to new reports indicating that the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have singled out Muslim communities for surveillance after 9/11 attacks.
“This is a gross violation of the rights of the Muslims and we believe there is a contrived effort by the government to spread an air of suspicion and distrust amongst the Muslims about each other,” Musa pointed out.
The Muslim activist contended that Israel and the US government are ones that benefit from the mounting pressure on the Muslim community.
“If you go to the root of it, the ones that feel most threatened by an Islamic revival are the Zionists, the occupiers of Palestine. Then that is associated with the US government where it feels that any progress that we make is a threat to their stability.” he said.
According to a recent report released by the Pew Research Center poll, 55 percent of American Muslims believe the US government's anti-terrorism policies have singled them out for increased surveillance and monitoring.
The new poll also showed that the abuse of Muslims by airport security, law enforcement officers and others have increased considerably since Muslim-Americans were first polled in 2007.
Almost as many as 43 percent reported experiencing harassment in the past year, which shows an increase from the 40 percent reported in 2007.
Turkey cuts all military ties with Israell
Turkey has suspended all its military ties with Israel and has expelled Israel's envoy from Ankara over Tel Aviv's refusal to apologize for last year's deadly attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla.
The Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made the announcement in a press conference on Friday and said, “The time has come for Israel to pay for its stance that sees it above international laws and disregards human conscience."
"At this point the measures we are taking are: The relations between Turkey and Israel will be downgraded to second secretary level. All officials over the level of second secretary, primarily the ambassador will turn back to their country at the latest on Wednesday," AP quoted Davutoglu as saying.
Relations between Turkey and Israel began to deteriorate after the Israeli military attacked the Gaza-bound relief aid convoy Freedom Flotilla in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea in May 2010, killing nine Turkish citizens on board the Turkish-flagged M.V. Mavi Marmara and injuring at least 50 other activist that were part of the team on the six-ship convoy.
Quick News: Unauthorized workers in US claimed $4.2bn in tax credits
Tax filers who were not authorized to work in the U.S. collected $4.2 billion in tax credits in 2010, a Treasury Department watchdog reported.
Although federal law prohibits people residing illegally in the U.S. from receiving most public benefits, an increasing number filed tax returns claiming the additional child tax credit intended for working families, according to the report released Friday by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, J. Russell George.
"The payment of federal funds through this tax benefit appears to provide an additional incentive for aliens to enter, reside, and work in the United States without authorization, which contradicts federal law and policy to remove such incentives," the report said.
The recipients didn't qualify for Social Security numbers and filed tax returns using individual taxpayer identification numbers supplied by the Internal Revenue Service. Bloomberg
'US unemployment crisis unchanged'
The US government says the country's employers have not add any jobs in August and that the unemployment rate in the country remains at 9.1 percent.
Earthquake sparks tsunami warning off Alaska coast
A regional tsunami warning has been issued after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake south-east of Alaska's remote Aleutian Islands.
The quake's epicentre was some 125 miles (200km) from the settlement of Atka, at a depth of 22 miles, the US Geological Survey reported.
Atka - some 1,000 miles south-west of Anchorage - has a population of less than 100, according to a census in 2000.
Its main industry is fishing.
The quake rocked the remote Pacific region at 1055 GMT, said the USGS.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said it did not forecast a widespread destructive tsunami from Friday's earthquake.
The warning is for coastal areas of Alaska which are very remote and not heavily populated, the Associated Press reported.
The region was the site of the world's biggest tsunami on record, when a massive rock-fall caused by a quake in 1958 led to a wave 1,720 ft (520m) high.
US economy: No new jobs added in August
The US economy added no net new jobs in August, according to the key non-farm payrolls figures from the Department of Labor.
The previous month's figure was revised downwards - it now shows that 85,000 jobs were created in July, down from 117,000 in the earlier estimate.
The August number was much worse than had been expected - the predicted figure was an addition of about 70,000.
The unemployment rate remained unchanged from July at 9.1%.
Global stock markets had been lower all day on Friday ahead of the numbers and they fell further after the publication.
'Rough month'
It is the first time since 1945 that there has been a zero payrolls figure.
A strike by 45,000 Verizon workers reduced the figure, as striking workers do not appear on payrolls, although those employees have now returned to work.
"August was a pretty rough month for the economy," said Ryan Sweet at Moody's Analytics in Pennsylvania.
"We saw financial markets tighten. I think businesses sort of responded by putting hiring on the back-burner."
Average hourly earnings fell by 3 cents to $23.09, while the average working week dropped to 34.2 hours from 34.3 hours in July.
The size of the labour force increased by 366,000 to 153.6m.
The number of jobs added in June was revised down from 46,000 to 20,000. All the revisions in June and July were due to fewer government jobs being added than previously thought.
Attention will now turn to a speech by President Obama next Thursday, in which he is due to outline a new plan for boosting growth and creating jobs.
"US companies have no confidence in the US economy and no confidence in the country's political leadership, so it's no surprise no jobs are being created," said Max Johnson at Currency Solutions.
"The US economy is looking increasingly forlorn and this latest jobs data will apply further downward pressure on the dollar.
Turkey expels Israeli ambassador over Gaza flotilla row
Turkey is to expel the Israeli ambassador after details emerged of a UN report into last year's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla.
Officials in Ankara said it was also suspending all remaining military agreements with Israel.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said some of the report's findings, leaked to the New York Times, were unacceptable.
Turkey wants Israel to apologise for the raid but it has refused to do so.
Nine Turkish pro-Palestinian activists were killed when Israeli forces stormed the flotilla in May 2010.
The BBC's Jonathan Head, in Istanbul, says relations between Turkey and Israel have been frozen since last year's flotilla incident, but now they are being downgraded to the lowest possible level.
A leaked copy of the United Nations report says Israeli forces did use excessive force when they intercepted the Turkish-led flotilla trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.
But the report also concludes that Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is legal - a move that has angered Turkey.
Turkey announced the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador hours before the report was expected to be published.
Turkish President Abullah Gul said the report was "null and void for us", in televised remarks reported by AFP.
On Thursday Mr Davutoglu said the UN report was Israel's "deadline" to apologise.
Hamas, the militant group that runs the Gaza Strip, applauded the Turkish move.
"This is a natural response to the Israeli crime against the freedom flotilla," said spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
In the copy leaked to the New York Times, the report says: "Turkey and Israel should resume full diplomatic relations, repairing their relationship in the interests of stability in the Middle East and international peace and security".
Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel shortly after the raid and cancelled joint military exercises.
"Turkey-Israel diplomatic relations have been reduced to a second secretary level," Mr Davutoglu told a news conference on Friday.
"All personnel above the second secretary level will return to their countries by Wednesday at the latest."
The publication of the UN report has been delayed several times to encourage reconciliation between Israel and Turkey, but that has not happened.
The report says: "Israel's decision to board the vessels with such substantial force at a great distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable."
But the UN panel of inquiry, chaired by former New Zealand prime minister Geoffrey Palmer, added that the naval blockade was legal and appropriate because it was aimed at preventing weapons being brought in by sea.
The New York Times says that while Israel feels vindicated by the report, Turkey is upset with the conclusion on the legal status of Israel's naval blockade.
Israeli commandos descended from helicopters on to the Turkish-owned Mavi Marmara in international waters about 130km (80 miles) from the Israeli coast.
Activists say the commandos started shooting as soon as they hit the deck but Israeli officials say they fired in self-defence.
Relations between Turkey and Israel, once close, have soured in recent years with Turkey's current Islamist government being more sympathetic than its predecessors to the Palestinian cause.
'Indian forces kill 3 Pakistani troops'
Pakistan says three of its soldiers have been killed after Indian forces fired across the de facto border in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
The Pakistani army said on Thursday that Indian forces opened "unprovoked" fire across the Line of Control -- which divides the parts of Kashmir administered by India and Pakistan -- in Neelam Valley, Reuters reported.
"The soldiers were moving from one post to another when they came under fire. Three soldiers were killed," military Spokesman Major Gen. Athar Abbas said.
He added that Pakistani forces returned fire in retaliation, and the incident was raised with local Indian commanders.
However, Indian army spokesman Lt. Col. J.S. Brar said the Pakistanis shot first.
"They opened fire first and we retaliated ... In the morning again they started firing mortars again and we retaliated and the exchange of fire continued," he said.
Islamabad and New Delhi have fought two wars over Kashmir since their independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The arch rivals lay claim over the whole region but control parts of it.
India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control in 2003, and a year later launched talks aimed at brokering a regional peace.
The process was however suspended after over 160 people lost their lives in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
NY police arrest Muslims over hijab ban
American police officers in the state of New York have clashed with Muslim individuals protesting an arbitrary ban on hijab at an amusement park and arrested at least 15 protesters.
Muslims had gathered for Eid al-Fitr festivities, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, in a Westchester County park in New York on Tuesday when they realized that women with headscarves were barred from the amusement park rides, NY Daily News reported on Wednesday.
Objections to the Rye Playland headwear ban broke into scuffles and the park was shut down after police intervened and detained 15 people, including three women that were charged with 'disorderly conduct and assault.'
The incident occurred when one woman, Entisai Ali, protested to police officers over the amusement park's headscarf restriction, the report added.
"The cops started getting loud with her and she started getting loud, too. They pushed her on the ground and arrested her," said Dena Meawad, a witness at the scene.
According to the report, police also beat two young Muslims who rushed to help the woman.
"She just wanted to get on a ride. That was it," Dena Meawad said of the initial confrontation. "It's clear, this all happened because we're Muslim."
Nearly 100 cops from surrounding police departments converged in the park to subdue the disappointed Muslims.
The incident took place just after 1 p.m. local time during an event organized by the Muslim American Society of New York, which attracted 3,000 Muslims from Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester County.
Muslim civil rights leaders on Wednesday accused the authorities of using excessive force in the police violence.
US Afghan war fatalities hit new high
The United States Defense Department has raised the number of the military's fatalities from the Washington-led Afghan war in August to 69.
Two Army sergeants died in a bomb explosion in Helmand Province in the south of Afghanistan on August 25, while a third trooper died after his vehicle turned over in the other southern province of Kandahar on August 28, the Pentagon announced on Thursday, AFP reported.
66 American troops had already lost their lives in Afghanistan in August, making it the deadliest month for the US forces since Washington led its allied states in the invasion of the violence-hit country in 2001.
Nearly half of the total died on August 6, when the Taliban shot down a helicopter belonging to the US-led military alliance of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in the east of the country. The fatalities from the incident were mostly elite Navy SEALs.
According to a tally kept by the US military, at least 1,643 troops have died in the war. The independentIcasualties.org website, however, has put the number of at over 1,750.
Thousands of Afghan civilians have also died during the invasion.
The Taliban insurgency has, however, intensified over the past years, despite the US and NATO forces' expanding presence in Afghanistan.
Exciting stone tool find in Kenya
The world's earliest sophisticated stone tools have been found near Lake Turkana in northwest Kenya.
The teardrop-shaped hand-axes date to about 1.76 million years ago, and would have been used for a range of tasks from chopping wood to cutting up meat.
They would have been so useful in fact that scientists describe them as the "Swiss army knife" of the Stone Age.
Researchers tell the journal Nature that the tools were probably made by the human ancestor Homo erectus.
This was a bigger-brained, smarter and more dextrous creature than any human species before it.
Homo erectus ranged across Africa and Asia before going extinct about 70,000 years ago. Many suspect it was on the direct evolutionary line to modern humans - Homo sapiens.
Careful design
Palaeolithic stone tools can be grouped into a number of different styles. The type unearthed at the Kokiselei archaeological site is referred to by anthropologists as Acheulian technology.
Such objects are larger and heavier than the pebble-choppers (Oldowan technology) that were used previously and which are associated with a more primitive human known as Homo habilis.
The Acheulian hand-axes also have distinctive chiselled edges.
Manufacturing them would have required forethought in design and the careful selection of particular types of starting rocks from which to fashion the final product.
"The Oldowan is a little more haphazardly made," said lead author Christopher Lepre from Rutgers University and Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
"It's not until you start seeing Acheulian culture do you get into tools that are very systematic and more recognisable to the lay person as tools," he told the BBC.
Magnetic dates
The Kokiselei objects were dated by analysing the mudstone sediments in which they were found.
The tools were recovered from ancient shoreline sediments close to modern-day Lake Turkana
Mudstones contain iron minerals that preserve the direction of the Earth's magnetic field at the time they were laid down - a tell-tale signature that can be compared with a range of other palaeo-records to reveal an age.
The study reported in Nature shows the tools were in use some 350,000 years earlier than all previous Acheulian finds.
This dating places them closer to the origins ofHomo erectus, and suggests the Acheulian was the proprietary technology of this specific human species, said Dr Lepre.
"Our finding does suggest that the Acheulian was indeed invented nouveau by Homo erectus.
"There probably wasn't that period of borrowing from Homo habilis, meaning that once Homo erectus had originated, they invented this new tool technology - the Acheulian hand-axe."
Great migration
If Homo erectus originated in Africa and then spread out across Asia, the puzzle is why the species did not take the more advanced Acheulian capability with it immediately - it is hundreds of thousands of years before the technology becomes more widespread elsewhere in the world.
"If Homo erectus has the technology and has evolved the behaviour this early - why not see it right away [out of Africa]? pondered Rhonda Quinn from Rutgers University in New Jersey, US.
"Why didn't this advanced technology aid the dispersal, to tap into new environments? Why the delay?
"Is it because the hominins that actually dispersed were not the Acheulian users?
"Whether that means a species difference, or just a cultural difference - that's something we can now go and test," she told BBC News.
Liverpool University's John Gowlett, who was not connected with the study, said Dr Lepre's team had done an excellent job "to nail a date that is probably earlier than we were expecting."
The professor of archaeology described the Acheulian hand-axe as a versatile, all-purpose tool: "You could do butchery with it, you could do woodworking with it; and probably things like scraping hide.
Mobile internet use nearing 50%
Almost half of UK internet users are going online via mobile phone data connections, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Some 45% of people surveyed said they made use of the net while out and about, compared with 31% in 2010.
The most rapid growth was among younger people, where 71% of internet-connected 16 to 24-year-olds used mobiles.
Domestic internet use also rose. According to the ONS, 77% of households now have access to a net connection.
That figure was up 4% from the previous year, representing the slowest rate of growth since the ONS survey began in 2006.
Among the 23% of the population who remain offline, half said they "didn't need the internet".
The ONS report is the first since dot-com entrepreneur Martha Lane-Fox was appointed as the government's UK Digital Champion, with a brief to increase internet uptake.
In a statement, Ms Lane-Fox said: "That so many offline households don't see any reason to get online reinforces the importance of the digital champions network that the Raceonline2012 partners are creating."
Mobile revolution
The figure for domestic connections contrasted sharply with the rapid growth in uptake of mobile services.
However, the popularity of 3G broadband did not necessarily mean that more people were going online overall.
Many of those using mobile phones are likely to already have home broadband connections.
Older users, who the government is particularly keen to get connected, appeared to have been relatively untouched by the phenomenon.
While 71% of 16 to 24-year-old who went online said they used mobile broadband, just 8% of internet users aged over 65 made use of the newer technology.
The ONS survey also found a dramatic rise in the use of wifi hotspots - a seven-fold increase since 2011 - suggesting that the rise of 3G has done little to slow demand for free and paid-for wireless access.
All findings were based on a monthly survey of 1,800 randomly selected adults from across the UK
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