UN Moon in Sri Lanka

Ban Ki-moon didn't mention UNHRC resolution in talks with Sirisena

By P.K.Balachandran Published: 02nd September 2016 02:48 PM Last Updated: 03rd September 2016 07:48 AM

Colombo, September 2: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who had talks with the Sri Lankan President, Maithripala Sirisena, here on Thursday, did not mention the October 1, 

2015 UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution which had called upon Sri Lanka to set up a Judicial Mechanism with international judges to try war crimes cases.

“The President told us that Ban did not mention the UNHRC resolution even in the 10 minute one-to-one meeting he had with him. In fact Ban expressed satisfaction about the way the Sri Lankan government is handling the issue of reconciliation,” a reliable source in the President’s Office told  Express.

While noting that the progress in reconciliation has been “slow”, Ban said it has been “steady”, and offered all assistance from the UN to carry forward the reconciliation process and post-war re-construction.

The President told media persons on Friday that Ban did not set deadlines for reconciliation.

The UN Secretary General told the President that during his visit to Galle on September 1 to address a youth conclave on reconciliation, he could witness the progress achieved in various fields. He held a dialogue with the people, especially the youth, and expressed satisfaction at the free and friendly atmosphere prevailing in Sri Lanka now.

Sirisena briefed the Secretary General about the steps taken by his government to reach out to the Tamil minority, including the return of lands seized from them during the war. The two leaders discussed the ongoing development programs, progress of the programs to strengthen reconciliation and the efforts being made to bring about constitutional reforms including devolution to the provinces.

Sirisena explained the steps taken by the government for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the Tamil war refugees, the release of land to the original owners and also livelihood  development.

He requested the UN chief to give Sri Lanka more time to resolve issues of reconciliation as Sri Lanka country has only recently emerged from 30 years of armed conflict.

Prior to meeting Ban Ki-moon, Sirisena had tweeted to say that he “warmly welcomes” the Secetary General and is “looking forward to fruitful discussions” with him.

Kashmir Day 58: 600 more injured as clashes continue

Day 58: 600 more injured as clashes continue

Photo: Aman Farooq/GK

Kashmir registers day with ‘highest number of injuries’ | Number of total civilians injured crosses 10,000 mark | Pellets rain on protestors in South Kashmir | Youth set ablaze mini-secretariat in Shopian | Boy, 17, sustains head injury in Sopore, put on ventilator | Freedom rallies held in several localities

ABID BASHIR/ KHALID GUL 

Srinagar, Anantnag, Publish Date: Sep 5 2016 12:47AM | Updated Date: Sep 5 2016 1:25AM

On the day an all-party parliamentary delegation visited Kashmir, at least 600 people sustained injuries in day-long clashes in several areas of the region on Sunday, with over 500 of them receiving pellet and tear-gas shell wounds in South Kashmir areas alone, witnesses and reports said.  A 17-year-old boy from Sopore area of north Kashmir sustained “serious” head injury and his condition was stated as critical in a Srinagar hospital.

Majority of these injuries were reportedly caused by pellet firing and with these fresh injuries, the number of total injured in the ongoing uprising that entered its 58th day on Sunday, crossed the 10000-mark while at least 73 people, including two cops, have been killed during this period. More than 600 have been hit by pellets in their eyes and are on the verge of losing their eyesight in the affected eye, according to medicos.

SOUTH KASHMIR

At least 500 people were injured, most of them with pellets, when government forces attempted to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies in South Kashmir areas on Sunday. The agitated protesters set ablaze Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in Shopian town following attack on a rally by forces in Pinjoora village. Witnesses said forces lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets into a pro-freedom rally which was underway in Pinjoora’s Eidgah. The forces’ action triggered massive clashes, resulting in injuries to scores of people. According to witnesses, people had anticipated the forces’ action and had assembled at the venue on Saturday evening itself, and many of them spent the night there only.
Health officials put the number of injured in Pinjoora village at around 300, with at least 22 of them being shifted to Srinagar health facilities for specialized treatment.  However, locals said, scores of others with pellet victims were treated locally by chemists and thus the number of injured “would certainly be more.”

“One of the youths had sustained teargas shell injury in his abdomen and was also refereed to Srinagar,” an official said, adding: “Almost all people shifted to Srinagar had pellet injuries in their eyes.”

As the defiant youth made the forces to retreat, people again starting assembling at the venue and the rally was held successfully. At least 35,000 people participated in the freedom rally-cum-unity conference which, besides religious clerics of various sects, was addressed by local pro-freedom leaders including Tehreek-I-Hurriyat District President Muhammad Yousuf Falahi.
Meanwhile, as the word about forces’ action in Pinjoora reached Shopian town, people instantly hit the streets. Announcements were made from Public Address Systems of mosques, asking people to come out. The angry protesters marched towards DC-office-cum Mini-Secretariat Shopian and set it ablaze.

“The fire tenders later rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control,” witnesses said.
At least 50 people, including eight women, sustained injuries in Ashmuji village of Kulgam district as forces tried to foil another peaceful rally there. Witness said forces vandalized the venue and set ablaze the tent erected for people, triggering clashes in which dozens sustained pellet injuries in action by forces. The villagers in Ashmuji and adjoining its areas alleged that government forces ran amok and thrashed “whosoever came their way.” “Even women and children were not spared,” they said.

Eight women sustained injuries in Chansoo village after forces fired pellets directly towards them, reports said.

The injured were reportedly shifted to District hospital Kulgam, District Hospital Anantnag, Sub-district hospital Qaimoh and local Primary Health Centers, while three of the critically-wounded were referred to Srinagar hospitals.

40 more people were injured after forces intercepted people near Fatehpora-Kabamarg in Anantnag (Islamabad) district while they were proceeding towards adjacent Sadoora village to attend a freedom rally. “The forces lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets on them without any provocation,’ locals said.

Eight people were injured in the forces’ action, they said, and were being treated at District hospital Anantnag while others were treated locally.

A doctor at the district hospital said they received around 33 pellet-hit cases and also some persons who were beaten up. The rally however was held in Sadoora till 4 pm. “Byt, forces raided the village and vandalized the venue and lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets, injuring at least a dozen people,” witnesses said. Six of the injured with pellet injuries were being treated at District Hospital Anantnag.
At least 20 people were injured in Drubgam village of Pulwama district as forces tried to thwart another peaceful pro-freedom rally there. “All of the injured had pellet injuries and were treated at different local health facilities,” reports said.

Another freedom rally was held in Haasanpora-Arwani in Anantnag district. The rally, besides religious clerics of various sects, was also addressed by Muslim Conference Chairman and Hurriyat Conference (G) leader, Ghulam Nabi Sumji.

Pertinently, freedom-cum-unity rallies of various sects—Deobandis, Barelvis, Jamiat-I-Ahlihadith and Jamat-I-Islami (under the banner of Itihad-I-Millat)—have become a routine in South Kashmir villages during the ongoing uprising triggered by the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani on July 8. The rallies went peacefully during the first month of the uprising, but are now being attacked by forces with teargas shells and pellets.

Clashes also erupted in Vessu village of Qazigund in Anantnag district after the funeral prayers of Basit Ahangar who died of multiple pellet injuries and a head wound, yesterday evening. Witnesses said thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of Ahangar, a college student, this afternoon. Youth took to streets and staged massive demonstrations and forces tried to disperse the protesters, triggering clashes in which several people sustained injuries.

Reports of clashes also came in from Kaimoh and adjoining villages of Khudwani, Redwani and Rampora in Kulgam district.  Six people reportedly sustained injuries there. Elsewhere, protests erupted in Dooru, Kokernag, Verinag, Pahlalgam and Sangam in Anantnag district; Charsoo, Gusoo, Tahab, Ruhmoo, Wuchbugh and Kakpora in Pulwama district and Kulgam villages including Bugam, Bolsu, Mohamadpora, Yaripora, Frisal and Kujar.

TRAL

At least 60 persons were injured in south Kashmir's Tral in clashes with forces. Witnesses said forces fired pellets and teargas shells inside the revered shrine of Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) in Tral town when hundreds of people clashed throughout the day to claim the venue where they were supposed to organize a pro-freedom rally.

Witnesses said scores of women fainted inside the shrine due to tear-smoke while locals also accused forces of breaking windowpanes and beating inmates. Earlier, the house of Tral legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Shah was attacked with stones by protesters during clashes, PTI reported. Witnesses said people from different villages of Tral defied the curfew to move towards local Eidgah.

NORTH KASHMIR

A 17-year-old boy was seriously injured in forces’ action in Sonawani area of Wadoora Sopore. Four others also sustained injuries. The boy identified as Musaib Majeed Nagoo, according to reports, sustained serious head injury and was referred to a Srinagar hospital where his condition was stated as critical.

Witnesses said after Musaib was hit on his head, forces dragged him and beat him up. “It wasn’t clear whether a tear-gas shell or pellets hit him. It seemed as if teargas shell had hit his head. It was after hectic efforts of local youth that Musaib was saved from the clutches of forces and right away shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar,” they said.

He was operated upon and later put on ventilator, the boy’s father, Abdul Majeed told Greater Kashmir. “His condition is critical,” he said.

Reports from Baramulla said strict restrictions remained in force across its town.  All the Bridges connecting Old Town with Civil Lines areas remained closed throughout the day. Meanwhile, police raided the house of local Tehreek-e-Hurriyat activist, Bashir Ahmad Sofi, at Khawja Bagh Baramulla. However, Sofi has already sold the house to his brother and is not staying with them, according to his family.

“Despite informing police that he has already sold his house to his brother, police entered inside our house and ransacked it. Several electronic gadgets including laptop were broken by cops while windowpanes of the house were also smashed,” said his brother.

Residents of Nowpora, Wagoora held a protest demonstration this morning against police raids in the area. According to locals, forces on Saturday morning raided the area and resorted to heavy teargas shelling “without any provocation.”

Meanwhile, night curfew was imposed in different “sensitive” areas of Kupwara district on Sunday evening, official sources said. Police asked shopkeepers not to open their shops and advised them “not to come out of their homes from 6 pm to 6 am.”

On the joint resistance leadership’s call for Kunan-Poshpora Chalo, thousands of people— raising pro-freedom slogans—marched towards the area on Sunday. They included women, men and children from different adjoining areas like Gushi, Bohipora, Karihama, Pazipora, Batergam and Trehgam. This procession was telephonically addressed by Hurriyat (G) spokesman, Ayaz Akbar Bhat.

Meanwhile, another programme was organized at Pohru-Pith village in Langate area where people from adjoining villages of Langate and Handwara assembled. In Markaz-i-Jamia Masjid, a ‘Milat Conference’ was organized which was attended by thousands of people.  Clashes erupted in Papchan area of Bandipora with youth and forces fighting pitched-battles for hours together. Youth hurled rocks at forces who responded with teargas shelling.

Reports said peaceful protest was held in Main Chowk Bandipora while stone-pelting was reported from Potshai, Aloosa, Pazalpora, and Ajar areas. Reports said Tehreek-e-Hurriyat district president Rayees Ahmed Mir was detained by police. Mir, according to locals, was on the run for a long time.

SRINAGAR  

Reports said forces foiled a pro-freedom rally at Al-Noor Colony Safakadal in old Srinagar after Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani addressed it telephonically. Witnesses said thousands of people including women and children had gathered to participate in the rally and as soon as Geelani finished his address, forces fired pellets and teargas shells at the venue, resulting in injuries to at least 30 people including four women and three children.  The residents alleged that forces also seized the tent and audio system. The forces’ action triggered massive clashes in the area.

Reports said despite restrictions in place in old city areas, clashes erupted at Nawa Kadal, Nawabazar, Rajouri Kadal, Bohri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Kawdara, Barthana, Qamarwari where forces fired dozens of pellets and tear-gas shells to disperse the protestors. Reports said at least 20 youth sustained injuries at Rainawari when forces foiled people’s attempt of offer ‘Asr’ prayer on road. The injured were removed to SMHS hospital, they said. Reports said clashes took place at Zampa Kadal, Watal Kadal, Chattabal, Bemina, 90-feet road, Lawaypora, Parimpora, Palpora and Eidgah areas where at least six youth sustained pellet injuries.  Six other youth also sustained pellet and teargas shell injuries during clashes at Lasjan, Padshahibagh, Nowgam, Chanapora and Natipora areas.
Meanwhile, two photojournalists were also hit by pellets while covering an event in Naidyar area of Rainawari in Srinagar. They were identified as Zuhaib Maqbool and Muzamil Mattoo.
Late evening reports said violent clashes took place at Zojilankar area of Rainawari. A massive pro-freedom rally was taken out at Gojwara after Maghrib prayers which was however, intercepted at Khanyar by forces who fired teargas shells and pellets, resulting in injuries to five youth.

CENTRAL KASHMIR

Two persons were injured after paramilitary CRPF men fired pellets in Aripanthan village of Budgam district, witnesses said. They were hit by pellets when CRPF men allegedly fired at a group of people buying sugar at a local ration depot, they said. The injured were identified as Arif and Abid and shifted to PHCs at Aripanthan and Beerwah.

“It was an unprovoked firing. We were standing outside the ration depot, waiting for our turn when CRPF vehicles passed through the area and fired a volley of pellets,” said a local resident.
Following the firing, people pelted stones at the CRPF vehicles, he said.

A major pro-freedom rally was held at Kralpora Budgam in which thousands of people participated. The rally, however, remained peaceful.

Reports from Ganderbal district said strict restrictions remained in place at Cherwan Kangan till afternoon. Locals there are demanding release of youth detained by police. A youth was detained from Droktong in Kangan area.

POLICE VERSION

According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, 10 incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Awantipora and Sopore. “At these places, mobs assembled on the roads and attempted to disturb the normal traffic and movement of people by pelting stones on vehicles and later on at police and security force deployments. There was no curfew in the valley except  some areas of Srinagar falling under the Police Stations of Khanyar, Safakadal, Nowhatta, Rainawari and M. R Gunj,” the statement read. “In Shopian, a mob attacked and set ablaze mini secretariat Shopian. The fire was brought under control, however, the structure suffered partial damage.”

“In Tral a huge mob pelted stones on the police and security forces. Some of the miscreants when chased away entered in a Ziyarat and again started pelting stones from the compound of the Ziyarat. Police is cautiously handling the situation,” the statement claimed.

(With additional reporting from Altaf Baba, Ghulam Muhammad, Zahid Maqbool,  Eijaz-ul Haq Bhat, Sheikh Nazir and M A Dar) Greater Kashmir

அன்னை தெரேசாவின் அரசியல் ரகசியம்

அன்னை தெரேசாவின் அரசியல் ரகசியம்

1

http://documents.theblackvault.com/documents/motherteresa.pdf

அன்னை தெராசாவின் அரசியல் ரகசியம்

2

Hell's Angel (1994)

'Mother Teresa' Hell's Angel

Hell's Angel (1994)

Mother Teresa Saint Or Sinner

ரேகனோடு திரேசா

Mother Teresa to become saint amid criticism over miracles and missionaries

Critics challenge her approach to suffering, views on abortion, and ‘superstitious, black magic’ canonisation

Friday 2 September 2016 14.35 BST Last modified on Friday 2 September 2016 22.00 BST

Half a million people are expected to attend the canonisation of Mother Teresa at the Vatican on Sunday, in a ceremony transmitted live to her adopted home of Kolkata and Catholic audiences worldwide.

The two-hour mass in St Peter’s Square, led by Pope Francis almost 19 years after she died, will transform the diminutive nun who became a global icon for her work with the poor into Saint Teresa of Kolkata. But it will also reignite deep criticism of the order she founded, the Missionaries of Charity, which according to detractors focused on the elevation, rather than the relief, of suffering.

Pilgrims will venerate her relics and have the opportunity to buy 1.5m commemorative 95c postage stamps, released on Friday, that celebrate her “great strength, simplicity and extraordinary humility … [and] tireless dedication”, according to an accompanying brochure.

In the lead-up to Sunday’s mass, images of Mother Teresa have been publicly displayed in and around the Vatican. A series of seminars, feasts, musical events and prayer sessions held for visiting pilgrims have emphasised the parallels between her life’s work and Pope Francis’s central message of social justice and humility. British pop star Rita Ora is due to perform at the Vatican ahead of the canonisation ceremony. 

In Kolkata, three months of commemorations are planned, including book launches, art shows, a stadium mass and the installation last week of a lifesize bronze statue of the nun.

The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, paid tribute to Mother Teresa in a radio broadcast, saying “she devoted her whole life to the poor”. He added: “When such a person is conferred with sainthood, it is natural for Indians to feel proud.”

In a letter to the Vatican, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said every Indian, not just the country’s 20 million Catholics, took “immense pride and joy” in the canonisation of a “woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy and grace”.

Critics however have protested against Modi’s decision to send a 100-strong delegation, led by foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, to Sunday’s mass. An online petition said: “It boggles the mind that the foreign minister of a country whose constitution exhorts its citizens to have scientific temper would approve of a canonisation based on ‘miracles’.”

Hindu nationalists have claimed that Mother Teresa was a “soul harvester” who proselytised among the poor, and that she and her followers surreptitiously baptised the dying without their knowledge.

Aroup Chatterjee, a doctor, grew up in Kolkata and now works in the UK. He is one of Mother Teresa’s most vocal critics. “Many rogues have become Catholic saints,” he said. “What bothers me is that the world makes such a song and dance about a superstitious, black magic ceremony.”


He added: “It’s obvious that people are duped, they have a herd mentality. But the media has a responsibility not to collude with it.”

He has described 

Mother Teresa as “a medieval creature of darkness” and a “bogus and fantastic figure” who went unchallenged by the world’s media.

According to his 2003 book, Mother Teresa: The Final Verdict, based on the testimonies of scores of people who worked with the Missionaries of Charity, the medical care given to sick and dying people was negligible. Syringes were reused without sterilisation, pain relief was non-existent or inadequate, and conditions were unhygienic. Meanwhile, Mother Teresa spent much of her time travelling around the world in a private plane to meet political leaders.

Similar criticisms were made by the late writer Christopher Hitchens in his book, The Missionary Position. 

Mother Teresa was a “religious fundamentalist, a political operative, a primitive sermoniser, and an accomplice of worldly secular powers”.

The focus of the nun’s work, he said, was “not the honest relief of suffering but the promulgation of a cult based on death and suffering and subjection”.

Among those cited by Hitchens was Susan Shields, a former worker with the Missionaries of Charity, who claimed that vast sums of money accrued in bank accounts but very little was spent on medical expertise or making the lives of the sick and dying more comfortable.

Robin Fox, the editor of the Lancet, wrote in 1994 about the “haphazard” approach to care by nuns and volunteers, and the lack of medically trained personnel in the order’s homes.

 Mother Teresa may deserve to be made a saint. But why now?
Paul Vallely

Three years ago, a study by academics at the University of Montreal concluded that the Vatican had ignored Mother Teresa’s “rather dubious way of caring for the sick, her questionable political contacts, her suspicious management of the enormous sums of money she received, and her overly dogmatic views regarding … abortion, contraception and divorce.”

Mother Teresa was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910 in what is now Macedonia. She became a nun at the age of 18, and in 1946 received what she described as a “call within a call” to work and live among the poor. Two years later she moved to Kolkata where she was based for the rest of her life.

In 1950, she established the Missionaries of Charity with 12 followers. Today, the order has 5,600 members, and hundreds of thousands of lay volunteers, and runs orphanages, schools, homes for the sick and dying, shelters for the homeless, health clinics and other services in 139 countries.

In 1979, Mother Teresa – by then a globally recognised figure – was awarded the Nobel peace prize. She said she did not deserve the award but accepted it “in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society.”

In her acceptance speech, she focused on abortion, a trademark theme. “Peace is threatened by abortion,” she said. “Today, abortion is the worst evil and the greatest enemy of peace … because if a mother can kill her own child, what will prevent us from killing ourselves, or one another? Nothing.”

After several years of ill health, Mother Teresa died on 5 September 1997 aged 87, and was given a state funeral by the Indian government. Demands for her canonisation began almost immediately.

Two years after her death, the Vatican began the process of beatification, the first stage of becoming a saint. In 2002, the Vatican recognised the “miracle cure” of an Indian woman who had prayed to Mother Teresa about her cancer, though the woman’s husband and doctors said the cancer had been treated with drugs.

Last year, Pope Francis recognised a second miracle attributed to Mother Teresa, clearing the way for her canonisation.

Michael Safi in Delhi contributed to this report

Five steps to sainthood

Mother Teresa will be the 640th saint canonised since 1963, reflecting a huge increase in the number of saints created by modern popes. In the previous 375 years, only 218 saints were canonised.

1) The process of becoming a saint cannot usually begin until five years after the person’s death. Historically, saints have been canonised many years after their death – St Bede had to wait 1,164 years – but recently the process has accelerated. This condition was waived for Mother Teresa.

2) Next, evidence and witness testimony on the person’s life and deeds is gathered by their bishop. If there is sufficient evidence, the bishop asks the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints to open a case. The candidate may now be called a “Servant of God”.

3) If, after scrutiny, the Congregation approves the case, it is passed to the pope who may declare the candidate to have lived a life of “heroic virtue”. The candidate may then be called “Venerable”.

4) A miracle is required to be recognised to pave the way for beatification. It must have taken place after the candidate has died, showing they are in heaven and have the power of intercession. Only martyrs – those who have died for their faith – can skip this stage. The candidate becomes “Blessed”.

5) For canonisation, a second miracle must be recognised. After a special mass, the pope chants a prayer in Latin that declares the person a saint.

Mother Teresa Documents Classified Top Secret

Mother Teresa – Documents Classified Top Secret

03 May, 2015 / in Controversies, Government

Mother Teresa Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, MC, commonly known as Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), was a Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary who lived most of her life in India. She was born in today’s Macedonia, with her family being of Albanian descent originating in Kosovo.

She was a worldwide figure that will be remembered for her amazing work on a global scale. She was the recipient of numerous honors including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. In 2003, she was beatified as “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta”. 

A second miracle credited to her intercession is required before she can be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.


However, when I first requested records on Mother Teresa, I never expected that the information would be classified. Below, you will find the signed letter given to me by the NSA, that shows that all information on Mother Teresa is classified TOP SECRET.

What could they be hiding?

National Security Agency Documents

 NSA Denial letter on Mother Teresa documents, plus a 2 page excerpt on famous women of history [ 4 Pages, 0.7MB ]

Millions strike in India over reforms

"This strike is against the central government, this strike is for the cause of the working people," 

Ramen Pandey of the Indian National Trade Union Congress told the AFP news agency.

Millions strike in India over reforms

BBC- 2 September 2016

A "strike" placard is fixed onto the padlocked gate of a public sector bank during a nationwide strike called by 10 major trade unions over wages and economic reforms, in Chennai on September 2, 2016.Image copyright AFP

Tens of millions of workers in India are on a day-long strike demanding higher wages and to protest against the government's economic reforms.

Banks, government offices and factories are shut, while public transport is also disrupted in parts of the country.

The government says the reforms are needed to bolster the economy.

But trade unions say the government has not addressed the demands of the workers in banking, telecommunication and manufacturing industries.

They also oppose a government directive to state-run pension funds to put more money into stock markets.

'Vile conspiracy'

Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, told the BBC that more than 150 million workers in different industries were on strike.

But there has been no independent corroboration of the numbers given by the unions.

Mr Sen's union has accused the government of a "vile conspiracy... to privatise the public sector and invite foreign capital in some parts of industry".

Indian government and bank employees shout slogans as they participates in a protest during a nationwide strike called by trade unions in Mumbai, India, Friday, Sept. 02, 2016.Image copyright AP

An Indian labourer rests on luggage push carts parked in a market street during a nationwide strike called by 10 major trade unions over wages and economic reforms, in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad on September 2, 2016.Image copyright AFP

Indian passengers wait for a bus on street during nationwide general strike called by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and all trade unions in Calcutta, eastern India, 02 September 2016.Image copyright EPA

A man walks past closed Reserve Bank of India during nationwide general strike called by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and all trade unions in Calcutta, eastern India, 02 September 2016.Image copyright EPA

Banks, shops and schools shut down in parts of the country, including in the southern Karnataka and Kerala states, where public transport was also disrupted, according to reports.

News channels showed flag-waving protesters squatting on railway tracks in the states of Orissa and West Bengal.

More than 20 protesters were arrested after they damaged two government buses in West Bengal, senior police official Anuj Sharma told AFP.

Ten major unions called the strike after talks with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley broke down, with leaders rejecting his offer to raise the minimum wage for unskilled workers, reports said.
"This strike is against the central government, this strike is for the cause of the working people," Ramen Pandey of the Indian National Trade Union Congress told the AFP news agency.

Stranded Indian passengers wait for transport at a railway station during the All India strike in Bangalore, India, 02 September 2016.Image copyright EPA

"Our strike will be 100% successful... we will prove that this strike is the world's largest ever."

Since taking charge in May 2014, PM Narendra Modi's BJP government has initiated economic reforms and is trying to ease labour laws to attract foreign investment and make it easier to do business in the country.

The government also plans to sell its stake in state-owned companies, which are incurring heavy loses.

Source: BBC
--------------------------------

சென்னையில் கழகத்தின் வேலை நிறுத்த ஆதரவு சுவரொட்டி முழக்கங்கள்

அனைத்திந்திய தொழிலாளர் பொது வேலை நிறுத்தம் வெல்க!

All India Strike 2nd September 2016 Demands

Urgent measures for containing price-rise through universalisation of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.

Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.

Minimum wages of not less than Rs 18,000 per month with provisions of indexation.

Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as regular workers for same and similar work.

Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

Universal social security cover for all workers.

Assured enhanced pension not less than Rs.3,000 p.m. for the entire working population.

Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.

Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/State PSUs.

Against FDI in Railways, Insurance and Defence.

வேலை நிறுத்த ஆதரவு கழக சுவரொட்டி

வேலை நிறுத்த ஆதரவு ENB சுவரொட்டி

KASHMIR DAY 53: 100 more injured

DAY 53: 100 more injured

Pellets rain on protestors at Eidgah, 2 minors among 30 injured; Forces foil many freedom rallies in South, North Kashmir; Police enforce evening curbs in Srinagar to foil resistance camp’s relaxation; 4 Ganderbal youth booked under PSA, shifted to Jammu jails; Sudden curfew imposed in Baramulla at 4 pm; PSA slapped on aged Jamaat leader in Sopore


ABID BASHIR/KHALID GUL
Srinagar/ Anantnag, Publish Date: Aug 31 2016 1:25AM | Updated Date: Aug 31 2016 1:25AM
DAY 53: 100 more injured

Photo: Mir Wasim/GK

Over 100 protestors including two minors and a few women were injured in day-long protests and clashes across Kashmir on Tuesday. In South Kashmir, forces resorted to pellet firing on people who had assembled at various places to join pro-freedom rallies, resulting in injuries to over 50 people, witnesses and reports said.

Reports said forces fired pellets on protestors at Waniyar, Eidgah in old Srinagar when people alleg¬edly tried to attack a police post there. In the forces’ action, two minors were among 30 injured.

The J&K government has already lifted curfew from entire Kashmir, barring areas falling under two police stations in old Srinagar. Curfew was lifted on Monday after 51 days. However, night restrictions continued across Srinagar, witnesses said.

70 people including two cops have been killed in 52-day-long widespread pro¬tests triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen com¬mander Burhan Wani on July 8, while over 7500 are injured with 500 of them sus¬taining serious pellet inju¬ries in their eyes, in action by police, paramilitary forces and army.


SOUTH KASHMIR

At least 50 people were injured after forces continued to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies and also went berserk at several places—barging into houses—in South Kash¬mir areas on Tuesday. Amid complete shutdown, several all-women protest rallies were held at various places on  the call of joint resistance leadership.

20 people sustained injuries after forces tried to foil a pro-freedom rally in Wathoo village in Shopian district. Witnesses said early in the morning, forces vandalized the venue where the rally was scheduled and beat up vol¬unteers who were making the necessary arrangements.

“They also fired teargas shells and pellets on people who tried to resist their move, causing injuries to at least 20 pro-testers,” they said. Despite the forces’ action, local residents said, the rally went on.
Forces also tried to foil another rally in Panzath village of Qazigund in Anantnag district. “The forces after setting ablaze tents resorted to intense tear-gas shelling and pellet firing,” witnesses said, adding: “At least 10 people sustained injuries in the police action.” The rally was however held later wherein religious clerics from various sects and local pro-freedom leaders including Tehreek-I-Hurriyat (TeH) district president (Anantnag), Mir Hafizullah spoke. People of Mehmoodabad and adjoining Nathipora villages in Dooru area of Anantnag alleged that forces ran amok in the areas, damaging property and ‘terrorizing’ people.

“There were no clashes or protests in the village. However, forces barged into houses and ransacked household goods and broke windowpanes,” locals alleged. People later hit the streets in protest, triggering violent clashes that resulted in injuries to 10 people including an elderly lady.
“A 55-year-old lady, identified as Sara Begum, received pellet injuries in head and chest and was being treated at Sub- District Hospital (SDH) Dooru,” reports said.

They said 60-year-old Ghulam Hassan Bhat was also detained by police. Locals alleged that forces without any provocation have been “terrorizing” people for the past few days. Six people were injured after forced conducted noctur¬nal raids in Srandoo village of Kulgam, beating up inmates while trying to arrest youth. “As people came out to protest, forces lobbed shells and fired pellets, injuring few persons. A youth who sustained critical injury was referred to a Srinagar hospital.”
Four people were injured in clashes that erupted between forces and protesters in Bathipora-Chogalpora village of Kulgam. Reports of ransacking of houses and beating up of inmates were received from Arigam village of Pulwama.

Meanwhile, Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) led all-women ral¬lies in different areas of South Kashmir.
In Kulgam, an all-women rally was held at Mohamadpora village wherein—amid pro-freedom slogans—the speakers appealed women to remain resilient in the ongoing resistance struggle. Similar rallies were held in Srigufwara village of Bijbehara which saw participation of many women. The DeM also organized rallies in Tral town and Darsaroo village of Tral.

Meanwhile, complete shutdown as observed in entire South Kashmir. However, police and paramilitary forces were man¬ning the streets in all towns including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Pampore and Bijbehara, while army was deployed at several places along Srinagar-Jammu Highway, witnesses said.

Curfew was lifted from Pulwama town on Tuesday. Mean¬while, a video journalist, who works with News 24 channel identified as Aijaz Ahmed Dar was injured while covering protests in Wathoo village of Shopian, witnesses said. Forces fired pellets at the protestors while pellets also hit Aijaz while he was performing his professional duties, they said.

SRINAGAR

At least 30 people including two minors sustained pellet injuries at Waniyar, Eidgah, Nowpora, Sekidafar areas of Sri¬nagar when youth tried to attack a police post Waniyar. Wit¬nesses said two minors, Amir and Tasi—both aged 7 years— were also injured in the police action. The injured, according to witnesses, were shifted to SMHS hospital.

Reports said protests erupted in various Srinagar areas including Nawakadal, Khanyar, Noorbagh, Qamarwari, Safa Kadal, Khanyar and others. At Sekidafar, locals alleged forces broke windowpanes of their houses.

Reports of evening protests also poured in from Laway¬pora, HMT, Habba Kadal, Chottabazar, and Gurubazar areas. Meanwhile, inhabitants of Khwaja Bazar area in old Srinagar alleged that forces posted in the locality went “berserk” this evening, and ransacked scores of residential houses.

NORTH KASHMIR

The residents of Baramulla town were surprised this eve¬ning after police re-imposed curfew here at around 4.30 pm.

According to reports, the police reportedly anticipated that traders might resume their business activity after 6 pm (as per resistance leadership’s call) and therefore preferred to impose curfew much earlier. The town has been witnessing strict curfew after 6 pm since the joint resistance camp issued its protest calendar, according to which, people have been asked to resume their business activity after 6 pm.

Meanwhile, a massive pro-freedom march was carried out this evening from Jamia Masjid in Old Town till Azad Gunj Chowk. The rally was held peacefully.

Reports said a complete shutdown was observed in Sopore while peaceful protests were reported from Muslim Peer, Batpora, Arampora and Main Chowk areas. At least 16 people were injured when clashes broke out between forces and pro¬testors after cops picked up some youth in Bandipora district. Scores of people assembled near Kaloosa Bridge to stage pro¬tests against the detentions, but police lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets to disperse the protesters, resulting in injury to at least 16 persons, including two women. The injured were referred to Sub-District Hospital Bandipora. Doctors at the SDH confirmed that 16 injured persons including two women were received “with minor injuries.”

“They were discharged after being provided the necessary medical aid,” they said.
Mild stone-pelting also took place at Watapora area of the district. Police fired teargas shells to disperse the protestors. However no injury was reported.

Meanwhile peaceful protest rallies were also held in Putus¬hai, Onagam and Panzigam villages of the district. Massive protest rallies was also held by residents of Ajas and Saidu¬nara villages of Bandipora against Army’s alleged highhand¬edness on Monday. Witnesses said residents while raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans accused Army’s 13 RR unit camped at Manasbal along with police “unleased terror” in some villages. Women also participated in the protest rallies. Witnesses said angry protestors also burnt effigy of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Peaceful protests were also held in main town Bandipora in the evening that culminated near Gulshan Chowk.

Reports from Kupwara said protests were held in Bramri, Shalpora, Drugmulla against damage to residential houses allegedly by forces. Protests also erupted in Kulangam, and Bohipora, Chotipora, Langate, Kralgund and Yaroo villages of the district.

Meanwhile, reports said that Jammu and Kashmir police has booked senior Jammat-Islami leader Muhammad Yousuf Sheikh of Sopore under PSA and lodged him in central jail Kupwara. Sheikh, the resident of Iqbal Nagar Sopore, as per dossier prepared by Sopore police, besides being an active member of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat has been “leading unruly and violent mobs at least on three occasions in Sopore during the present crisis.” “He has been propagating anti-India senti¬ments and instigating youths against the State,” the dossier alleges.

CENTRAL KASHMIR

Four more youth were booked under PSA in Ganderbal dis¬trict and shifted to Udhampur and KotBalwal jails in Jammu province. They were identified as Tariq Ahmad Sofi (34 ) son of Muhammad Maqbool of Saloora Ganderbal; Nasir Ahmad Wani (28) son of Ghulam Muhammad of Kachhan Ganderbal; Feroz Ahmad Ganai (20) son of Ghulam Muhammad of Baroosa Lar and Tariq Ahmad Malik (32) son of Ghulam Ahmad of Kangan town .

Official sources at DC office Ganderbal told Greater Kash¬mir that two more cases were dropped and returned on health and age grounds.

Police said they were arrested on charges of different offenc¬es including stone-pelting, creating violence and creating law and order in their respective areas under sections 307, 323, 147, 148, 149, 336, 332 and 427 of RPC. FIRs vide No 141,158\2016 stands registered against Nasir at police station Ganderbal while FIR vide NOs 70,74, 80 and 84 stand registered against Malik at police station Kangan. Similarly, FIRs (15, 37 and 40) are registered against Feroz at police station Kheerbhwaani and FIRs (158 and 141) against Sofi at Ganderbal police station.

Wani and Malik were shifted to Udhampur while Sofi and Ganai to Kotbalwal Jail. The number of persons booked under PSA in Ganderbal district has reached eight.

Earlier this month, four youth from Kondbal, Saloora, Beehama and Fatehpora localities of the district were arrested and after being booked under PSA were shifted to Kathua and Udhampur jails of Jammu province.

Locals staged protests against arrest of local youths identi¬fied as Feroz Ahmad Ganai and Muzafar Ahmad Kumar, at Baroosa, Lar. Protests broke out at Wussan against arrest of local youth. Complete shutdown was observed in entire Ganderbal district. Meanwhile the condition of girl injured at Fatehpora clashes day before yesterday is stable at a Srinagar hospital. Meanwhile, three persons sustained during clashes at Ompura, Budgam.

Reports said protests and stone-pelting started at Ompura where forces fired dozens of tear-shells and pellets to disperse protestors.

POLICE STATEMENT

According to a statement issued by Zonal Police Headquar¬ters Kashmir, curfew has been lifted from entire Kashmir, except two Police Stations of Nowhatta and M R Gunj in Sri¬nagar. “Greater movement of private, passenger vehicular traffic and people was observed in major areas of Kashmir including Srinagar city today,” the statement claimed.

It said barring few minor stone-pelting incidents, the over¬all situation “remained peaceful and under control throughout the Valley till filing of this report.”

“The stone pelting incidents were reported from Batamaloo and Bag-e-Mehtab in Srinagar, Chankipora and Main Chowk, Sopore, Mehmoodabad in Dooru and Kaloosa in Bandipora where miscreants in their attempts to disturb the situation pelted stones on police and security force deployments,” the statement said.

(With additional reporting Altaf Baba ,Sheikh Nazir, Ghulam Muhammad and M A Dar)

நாடு தழுவிய இந்திய தொழிற் சங்க வேலை நிறுத்தம்

Central trade unions to give strike call for 
Sept 2

PTI | Mar 29, 2016, 09.30 PM IST

New Delhi, Mar 29 () Central trade unions will tomorrow announce one-day nationwide strike on September 2 to protest against government's unilateral labour reforms and "anti-workers" policies.

However, the RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has decided to opt out of the proposed strike on September 2.

"The central trade unions have reached a consensus to go on a day-long nationwide general strike on September 2, 2016 to protest against government's unilateral labour reforms and anti-worker policies," a source said.

The source, however, said, "BMS will not participate in the strike and thus will not sign the joint declaration to be unveiled at the National Convention of Central Trade Unions tomorrow."

The unions had gone on a strike on September 2 last year also to protest against the amendments in labour laws by the Centre as well as state governments, saying their 12-point charter of demands was not paid heed.

The leaders of the central trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, UTUC and LPF would participate in their national convention tomorrow.

Unions have been opposing certain proposed labour law amendments which allow hire and fire, make it tougher to make labour unions and dilute existing social security net available to the workers at different fora.

Under the proposed Industrial Relations Code Bill 2015, the employers with up to 300 workers would not require government permission for retrenchment, lay off and closure.

Similarly, there is small factories bill which seek to exempt units with less than 40 workers from 14 labour laws. These units will be able to buy provident fund and health insurance products for their workers from open market. Thus they would not be requried to subscribe to social security schemes run by EPFO and ESIC.

Last year, the government had formed an inter-ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to hold "threadbare discussions" with representatives of unions on their 10-point charter of demands and other issues raised for recommending measures to address those issues.

However, after few rounds of meeting with the trade unions to resolve issues, the panel has not discussed any issue with them after September 2 strike last year.

The ten unions to meet tomorrow, claim a combined membership of 15 crore workers in public as well as private sector enterprises including banks and insurance companies. KKS MKJ

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