Muslim outfits to move SC seeking relaxation in girls’ marriageable age
Kozhikode: A group of Muslim outfits in Kerala will move the Supreme Court seeking relaxation in minimum marriageable age requirement of girls hailing from the minority community. Sources said here on Saturday, a decision to approach to the apex court in this connection was taken at a recent meeting of nine Muslims organizations, including the Indian Union Muslim League, second largest partner in the Congress-led United Democratic Front government in the State. The meet had observed that determination of marriageable age of Muslim girls was an onslaught on the Muslim Personal Law, the sources said. They had also constituted a forum –the Muslim Protection Samithy– headed by Samastha State Secretary Kottumala Bapu Musaliyar as Chairman and IUML leader M C Mayin Haji as General Convenor to take up the issue, the sources said. Apart from the IUML and Samastha Kerala Jam’iyyathul Ulama, others who attended the meet were representatives of Juma-ath-e Islami, Dakshnia Kerala Juma Iyyathul Ulama, both the factions of Mujahideen and Muslim Education Society (MES). (UNI)
Tension run high on Indo-Bangla border
Malda: Tension ran high on the Indo-Bangla border on Saturday following the recovery of the bodies of a truck driver and his helper from Punjab. Additional Superintendent of Police, Malda, Shyam Singh said while the driver’s body was found at Chikamasjid on the Indian side of the international border, the helper’s body was in the truck. The vehicle was carrying onions. The incident took place at Mohodipur under Englishbazar police station of Malda district. The ASP said around 250 goods-laden trucks had piled up on the Indian side since yesterday evening. The drivers were awaiting clearance from the Customs which does not allow them to cross the border after 1600 hrs. The duo was probably killed by extortionists last night, Mr Singh said. Meanwhile, 50 more trucks arrived since morning. The Exporters’ Association was not allowing any truck to move in protest against the killing, causing a revenue loss of Rs 100 crores since on Friday. (UNI)
Intl Coastal Cleanup day in Port City
Visakhapatnam: The International Coastal Clean-up(ICC) Day was observed by the Eastern Naval Command(ENC) Head Quarters here along with citizens of Greater Vizag at the RK Beach. ENC release here today said the massive cleanup drive was held all along the beach and water fronts in the Port City. The Naval community at Visakhapatnam represented by over 2000 personnel comprising officers, men, ladies and children from various units of Eastern Naval Command along with 1500 citizens of Vizag from prominent clubs like Consumer Protection Council, Lion’s Club of Visakhapatnam, Rotary Club of Visakhapatnam, NSS Wing of Andhra University(AU), Friends Beach Walker’s Association, Papa Home, Century Club, Y’s Men Club, HSL Scout crew, Oxford School, Human Rights Association(HRA) and children from Navy Children School undertook the cleanup drive in the right earnest. (Agencies)
Student loses hand in ragging
Nagpur: A Government Medical College student lost her hand during severe ragging on Friday, police said here on Saturday. Radhika Ashok Kankirad, third year student, was being ragged by her senior girl students since the last three years. She complained to the dean. But since no action was taken against the seniors, the torture under the name of ragging went on and in the tussle her right hand got fractured. Her seniors also warned her to keep silent and allegedly bit her ear, they said. Radhika lodged a complaint against the students with city Kotwali police station. Further investigations are on,they added. (UNI)
Emergency cell constituted at Airport
Kochi: An emergency cell has been constituted at the International airport at nearby Nedumbassery to ensure that operations are not affected in case there is flooding if the shutters of the Idukki dam are opened. Lot of pumps, generators and sand bags have been procured to divert and drain water in case there is waterlogging, airport sources said. Consultations are also being held with Dam safety officials. Following heavy rains during the South West Monsoon, the taxiway had got flooded which had led to the cancellation of several flights. To avoid such a situation, the emergency cell had been formed, the sources said. The giant Idukki dam’s maximum storage level is 2,403 feet. The water level has already touched 2402 feet. People living in low lying areas of the river in Ernakulam district have already been asked to exercise caution. (PTI)