Goa CM implores against communally sensitive comments
Panaji: No one should make statements which can disturb the communal harmony in Goa said Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, even as the VHP on Friday commented that it would make efforts to re-convert Goan Christians to Hinduism. Parsekar, however, said that no action could be taken against the Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson because free speech was a fundamental right. “I feel as chief minister that nobody should make any statement that would disturb or affect the communal harmony?” Parsekar told IANS late Friday. Earlier, ahead of VHP’s golden jubilee function in the state, Dada Bedak, secretary in-charge of the Satsang (spiritual discourse) division, had told IANS that the senior leaders would discuss issues like re-conversion and love jihad and how to approach them in next 50 years. (IANS)
Woman principal attempts to kill self in Madhya Pradesh
Panna: A woman principal, posted at the Central School in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district, on Saturday attempted to commit suicide by consuming phenyl over alleged sexual harassment by the District Collector. The victim, who has been admitted to the District Hospital, told media that she had to go to Collector RK Mishra for official reasons on several occasions. However, the Collector used to call her to his residence and molest her. The principal, who basically hails from Jamshedpur and stays alone in Panna, said she had complained the matter to Superintendent of Police IP Arjaria but he did not listen. She alleged that the Collector used to harass her by threatening her that he would scuttle her transfer efforts and harm her family members. (UNI)
Scientists are India’s pride: PM
New Delhi: Referring to them as India’s pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday praised the dedication, determination and untiring efforts of scientists on National Science Day. “National Science Day is an occasion to remember the dedication, determination and untiring efforts of our scientists. They are India’s pride,” said the prime minister. Modi took to Twitter and said that the government is fully committed to encouraging research, innovation and excellence in science, particularly among young minds. “Science and technology will determine India’s future, just as it has played a crucial role in bringing our nation to where we are today.” Modi also saluted the brilliance and long-lasting contribution of Sir C.V. Raman to the field of science. (IANS)
Troops kill two ultras in J&K
Srinagar: Two Hizbul Mujhaideen militants were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. “Based on specific intelligence about presence of terrorists in Ratsuna area of Tral, a joint operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles units of Army and the Special Operations Group (of Police) resulting in the killing of two hardcore terrorists,” a Defence Spokesman said here on Saturday. The operation was launched last night and ended in wee hours on Saturday. The security forces recovered two AK-47 rifles, six AK magazines and 90 rounds of AK ammunition from the scene of the encounter. The slain militants have been identified as Shabir Mir and Idris Ahmad Shah, both local residents of Tral area. They were affiliated to Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, the spokesman said. (PTI)