TUESDAY 05 NOVEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 14 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘EFFORTS WILL BE MADE FOR RESTORATION OF J&K'S STATEHOOD’ ‘EVEN POLITICAL NEWBIES WANT DMK TO BE OBLITERATED’ P4 SENSEX 78,782.24 Partly cloudy sky. Mist in the morning. Maximum and Minimum Temperature most likely to be around 31˚C and 24˚C respectively. RAINFALL: 0.0 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 93% ` vs $ 84.11 P10 GOLD 80,945.00 The group, seen holding 'Khalistani' flags, barged into the temple premises and attacked the devotees also in the temple. Amid severe strain in bilateral ties, India asked Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from attacks and prosecute those indulging in violence. NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER Full Moon on 16 November THUMBNAILS Devotees perform dance during the immersion procession of Goddess Kali idol, in Prayagraj on Monday. n ANI IAF MiG-29 fighter jet crashes near Agra: A MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed into open fields near Agra on Monday during a routine training mission. Luckily, no casualties were reported and the pilot of the fighter aircraft successfully ejected to safety before the aircraft hit the ground and caught fire. As the aircraft fell on the ground it turned into a ball of fire in the blink of an eye with explosions heard far and wide at around 4 pm. Soon after the crash, a huge crowd of villagers gathered at the spot along with police personnel, IAF officers, and fire brigade. According to the sources, there were two pilots on board the aircraft at the time of the accident who jumped out of the plane with the help of a parachute seconds before the fire broke out.The IAF has initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of the incident. P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the attack on a Hindu temple by pro'Khalistan' elements at Brampton in Canada and said India expects the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. ''I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,'' he said in a social media post on X following reports that 'anti-India' elements violently disrupted a consular camp organised on Sunday by the Indian High Commission in Canada in collaboration with the Hindu Sabha Mandir at Brampton. ''We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday,'' Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to questions. Amid severe strain in bilateral ties, India asked Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from attacks and prosecute those indulging in violence. ''We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,'' the MEA spokesperson said. Screengrab of viral video of violence outside Hindu Temple in Canada. nAgencies He made it clear that the outreach of Indian Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence. As videos of a 'Khalistani' mob attacking devotees in the temple went viral on Monday, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, in a statement, said that any further such events will be organised "contingent on security arrangements" made by the local authorities. "We have seen violent disruption today (November 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp coorganised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto," it said. The group, seen holding 'Khalistani' flags, barged into the temple premises and attacked the devotees also in the temple. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the incident, saying the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. ''Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,'' he said on X. He, however, avoided making any reference to 'Khalistani' elements. Canadian Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the attack and said all Canadians should be able to practice their faith in peace. The Indian high commission's statement also highlighted other incidents of disruption during consular camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3. The Indian mission said it is "deeply disappointing" that such disruptions "are allowed" for routine consular work. "It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our consulated with the fullest Jharkhand: PM accuses JMM-RJD-Cong alliance of ‘supporting infiltrators’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER upcoming assembly elections, countering what he described as the current administration's mismanagement and corruption. "After the BJP forms a government in Jharkhand, three lakh government posts will be filled in a transparent manner," he declared. He condemned the misinformation campaign and rumours allegedly being spread by the ruling alliance. “These days, there is a huge business of spreading Hardly implemented firecrackers ban: SC pulls up Delhi govt, police PARMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER Taking a strong exception to the flouting of its order banning the bursting of firecrackers, contributing to high pollution levels in the national capital during Diwali celebrations, the Supreme Court on Monday sought to know from the Delhi government and the Delhi police Commissioner about the steps taken to enforce the ban on the sale, and bursting of the firecrackers. Referring to the media reports on the violation of the top court’s order banning the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations, a bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih P14 SILVER 97,000 PM condemns ‘deliberate attack’ on Hindu temple STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Min: 24.8˚C (+2.6) SUN SETS 16:58 hrs MOON SETS 18:48 hrs Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a blistering attack on the JMM-RJD-Congress alliance government in Jharkhand accusing it of supporting infiltrators and thereby jeopardising the security and development of the state. Addressing a public rally in the Garhwa district of pollbound Jharkhand, Modi said, "These three political parties (the JMM, RJD, and Congress) support infiltrators." They are making them settle in entire Jharkhand, he added. The prime minister promised to fill 3 lakh government posts transparently if the BJP was voted to power in the ‘WILL BE FASCINATING TO SEE HOW INDIA REBOUNDS’ BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 75.24 36 die as bus falls into deep trench in Almora The Indian govt condemns violence, demands prosecution of perpetrators Min. 58% TEMPERATURE Max: 31.2˚C (+0.1) SUN RISES 05:43 hrs MOON RISES 08:05 hrs P5 NIFTY 23,995.35 WEATHER QUINCY JONES DIES AT 91 observed that there are widespread reports in newspapers that the ban on firecrackers was not implemented and said that it wanted Delhi government and the Delhi police as well to immediately respond as to why firecrackers ban was hardly implemented. “We want the Delhi government to immediately respond as to why this has happened. We will simultaneously issue notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner as to why there is non-compliance. We have to hear this immediately. The real problem is that this is all under the Air Prevention Act, 1981, which after amendment this year, has only penalty provisions”, the bench observed in the course of the hearing. rumours, but you should not believe any such rumour," he warned. The PM recalled how the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) discouraged farmers from subscribing to the PMKisan Samman Nidhi Scheme with a misleading and false narrative that the funds provided to them under the scheme would eventually be taken back. Referring to the unfulfilled promises of the current government, Modi questioned the status of the Abua Awas Yojana, a housing scheme for the poor in the state. Citing his promise during the Lok Sabha poll campaign of constructing three crore new homes across India, he reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to providing houses to the poor. "Now that the Jharkhand unit of the BJP has also resolved to build 21 lakh new houses every poor person should have a house, this is BJP's guarantee," he assured. The prime minister acknowledged the prevailing challenges to the state, such as forced migration and the deteriorating law and order situation. He attributed them to the current administration's ties with criminal elements. "Jharkhand's government has been enslaved by the mafia," he charged, adding, "The people are being forced to migrate. Every vote of yours (cast in favour of the BJP) will dent the mafia that owes its allegiance to the JMM-RJD-Congress combine." Bypolls in Kerala, Punjab, UP rescheduled to 20 Nov STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE CHANDIGARH, 4 NOVEMBER The Election Commission on Monday announced rescheduling of by-polls in 14 Assembly constituencies across Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, postponing the date from November 13 to November 20. The move comes in response to requests from major political parties, including the Congress, BJP, BSP, RLD, and others, who cited concerns over potential low voter turnout due to upcoming festive events. The adjustment in bypoll dates aims to ensure higher participation and smoother conduct of the polls across the three states. cooperation of the local co-organizers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place," the statement added. It confirmed that despite the disruption, more than a 1000 life certifications were issued to Indian and Canadian applicants. "In light of these incidents and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organisers as well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities," the statement read. Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada shared a video of the attack on the temple and said that the 'Khalistani' elements attacked kids and women. PR SINGH DEHRADUN , 4 NOVEMBER Overcrowding and poor maintenance of an ill-fated bus resulted in a mishap that killed more than 36 persons on Monday morning near Marchula in Almora, more than 250 kilometres from Dehradun. The 33-seater bus carrying 63 passengers broke its axle at a sharp turn, Kupi Band, and skidded into 150 meters 150-meter-deep gorge. The Uttarakhand government confirmed the 36 deaths after the bus fell into the gorge along river Geet Jagir near MarchulainthedistrictAlmora, more than 250 kilometers from Dehradun, the state capital. Among the deceased, 28 died on the spot while eight others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital during treatment. Most of the passengers were part of a marriage party from the Naini Danda area. Officials said the overcrowded bus UK-12 PA0061 belonging the state's one of the oldest transport associations Garhwal Motor Owners Union (GMOU) Ltd. Officials said the ill-fated 33-seater private bus was car- EC transfers Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla ahead of polls STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER The Election Commission has transferred Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla ahead of the assembly polls following complaints against her by opposition parties. The poll panel issued the transfer order after taking note of complaints from political parties, including the Congress. "Acting on the complaints from INC and other parties, the ECI ordered transfer of Rashmi Shulka, DGP Maharashtra with immediate effect with directions to Chief Secretary to hand over her charge to the next senior most IPS officer in the cadre," sources said on Monday. The Maharashtra Chief Secretary has also been directed to send a panel of three IPS officers by 1 pm on 5th November for appointment as DGP, added sources. Earlier, CEC Rajiv Kumar had earlier during the review meetings and announcement of assembly elections in the state had warned officials to not only be impartial and fair but also perceived to be non-partisan in their conduct while carrying out their duties. Notably, on 29 Oct, the CEC has expressed concern over “politically motivated” crimes in Maharashtra & asked the state DGP to ensure a strict clampdown against such crimes, which vitiates the electoral atmosphere and disturbs the level playing field. Elections to 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on 20th November. The counting of votes will take place on 23rd November along with Jharkhand. Din prevails in J-K Assembly as PDP MLA moves resolution against Art 370 abrogation STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE JAMMU, 4 NOVEMBER The first sitting of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday witnessed uproarious scenes after PDP MLA Waheed Parra moved a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and sought restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Parra moved the resolution soon after the election of the Speaker and as the members were waiting for Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to arrive and deliver his address. He requested the newly elected Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to fix the time for debate on his resolution that was not on the agenda of the 5-day session. This is the first session after six years following the collapse of the BJP-PDP coalition government in June 2018. All 28 members of BJP were on their feet seeking suspension of Parra for bring- ing the resolution in violation of the rules of the Assembly. Parra pleaded that although the agenda of the house has been finalised, the Speaker has the authority to allow a discussion on the resolution as it reflects the sentiments of the people of J&K. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have not approved the decision taken by the centre on 5 August 2019 when the Article 370 was abrogated but he slammed the PDP member and said the resolution has “no standing and it was only meant for cameras. One member will not decide how the house will reflect and discuss the issue. The issue would have been discussed first with us had the member been serious on it. The Speaker repeatedly asked the BJP members to take their seats but they continued protesting. He said the resolution has not yet come before him and when it does he will examine it. There was an angry exchange of words between the BJP and the ruling National Conference (NC) members who slammed the former for interrupting the proceedings of the house. NC MLA Shabir Kullay rushed towards the well of the house amidst the pandemonium. Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti appreciated Parra’s move and wrote on X; “Proud of Waheed Parra for introducing resolution in JK Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370 and resolve to restore the special status. God bless you”. Earlier in the morning, the NC leader and 7 time MLA, Rather was unanimously elected Speaker of the Assembly. Agriculture minister Javed Ahmed Dar moved the resolution for electing Rather as the Speaker. Before that all MLAs of the ruling alliance met under the leadership of CM Omar Abdullah to finalise their strategy. rying 63 passengers when the accident occurred early Monday morning. The over 15year-old bus of 'Users Group' plunged into the gorge as the driver lost control of the vehicle while taking a turn at a steeply sharp 'Kupi Band' at Marchula as the axle broke down. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The bus was going from Naini Danda in Pauri to Ramnagar via Almora carrying mostly members of a marriage party. AccordingtotheAlmoradistrict administration, the death of the 36 passengers was confirmed but the toll might go up as 27 of the injured admitted to the nearby Dewayal and Ramnagar government hospitals are in critical condition. Three passengers with severe skull injuries were airlifted to the AIIMs Rishikesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the Almora road accident and said, "My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the road accident and wish speedy recovery for the injured. Local administration is making all efforts for relief and rescue of the victims under the supervision of the state government." Opp MPs write to LS Speaker, seek time to raise concerns on Waqf Bill AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 4 NOVEMBER Opposition MPs in the Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking time to raise their points. Earlier on Monday Chairman of the JPC, Jagdambika Pal said that a series of meetings will take place on November 4 and 5 to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on the issues related to the Waqf Board Amendment Bill. "When the resolution for the Joint Parliamentary Committee was brought by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, he said that he wanted to refer it to the JPC so that we could call more and more stakeholders, intellectuals, Islamic scholars, former judges, lawyers of the Supreme Court and high court, minority organisations," Pal said while speaking to ANI. The Joint Committee of Parliament will meet on November 5. In this meeting committee will record views and suggestions Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Parishad led by Shreehari Borikar, Anveshak led Gaurav Agarwal, Anjuman Shiateali Bohra led by Dawoodi Community Senior Counsel, Dr Mohammad Hanif Ahmad (Associate Professor, AMU, Aligarh) and Dr Imran Chudhary and Group, Convener, Student and Madarsa Cell on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The JPC's efforts are part of a larger national initiative to reform the Waqf Act and ensure that waqf properties are used for the greater good of the community.