JAN 23,2011

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O HERALD O S

Severe reprimand for Rath in Sukna case Lt Gen P K Rath, was given a sentence of severe reprimand and two-year loss of seniority by an Army Court Martial. Rath will also have to undergo 15 years of loss of service for pensionary benefits for being guilty in the Sukna land scam.

“To take rank and precedence as if appointment as substantiating Lt Gen bore date May 24, 2010, forfeiture of 15 years service for pensionary benefits and severely reprimand”, General Court Martial Presiding Officer Lt Gen I J Singh said in his verdict. – (PTI) (Report on pg 7)

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CM green-lights CBI probe in drug nexus

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 22

In a bid to partly diffuse the Opposition onslaught on the eve of the Assembly session, the Government of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, is likely to send its recommendation for a CBI inquiry to the Centre into the nexus between drug dealers and the police and even their active involvement in the drug trade, very early next week.

The Chief Secretary S K Srivastava confirmed to the Herald that the file on the issue had been moved by his office since

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he is also the Home Secretary.

The Chief Ministers consent is only a formality, sources said.

The Chief Minister and the Home Minister have spoken in this regard today and a decision has been made.

It is learnt that the decision is a fallout of intense pressure on the Home Minister after a recent sting operation showing PSI Gudlar trying to sell drugs to two women. Other stories of the former SP ANC Veenu Bansal giving a free hand to Gudlar has compounded matters.

The Home Minister’s decision

to allow a CBI inquiry is far from ‘bold’. Political circles see this as an effort to buy more time and stall pressure from within his party MLAs to drop him from the Cabinet or remove him from the Home Department.

Inspite of the AICC General Secretary Hariprasd’s assertions that there was no drug police nexus related complaint or any against the Home Minister, the ground relaities are different.

Apart from the opposition, someCongress MLA’s have decided to take him on in the assembly.

The CBI inquiry will also be a face saver for Ravi Naik against repeated charges and allegations of his son Roy Naik being involved with drug dealers in the trade and running of the drug business.

The Congress, however, will not make an official announcement of its decision to recommend the CBI probe before the session and announce it on the floor of the House.

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postal Reg. no. Goa 101

pRiCE Rs. 3.00 (air surcharge Rs 2.00) pages 14 + 8

FINAL WHISTLE FoR oCToPUS PAUL

The memorial of Paul the Octopus the Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen, western Germany. The tentacled tipster was honoured with a “Paul Corner” at his former home 3 months after his death, containing his ashes and a “huge memorial”.

K’TAKA ROW HOTS UP The story of IDC & it’s sinister ‘plots’ Yeddy says won’t quit; prima facie case: Gov PTI BANGALORE, JAN 22

A combative B S Yeddyurappa today ruled out his resignation over the grant of sanction for his prosecution by Governor H R Bhardwaj, as BJP enforced a bandh in Karnataka against his action following which a criminal complaint was filed against the Chief Minister.

Coming under attack from BJP, the Governor justified his action saying there was a “prima facie” case against the chief minister in the petition filed by two lawyers in alleged land scams and corruption charges.

The Governor’s action also fuelled a political slugfest between the Congress and BJP. Stung by the Governor’s action which raised the political

temperature, BJP YEDDY activists took to the streets during the day-long bandh called by the ruling party but it passed off peacefully barring some minor incidents of stone pelting.

Yeddyurappa joined by party President Gadkari and other leaders launched a no-holds barred attack against Bhardwaj,

Wanted elsewhere, guests here

From Battlo to Shambu, militants get enough shelter and time in Goa VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, JAN 22

This is how criminals surrender in Goa. Local ishtyle. In 2008, Orrisa’s most wanted criminal Raja alias Sandip Acharya called up from a coin phone box near Magsons Super Centre, Campal to police headquarters informing that he wanted to surrender.

So what did the Goa police tell him? You are welcome. Please take a bus to the Panjim police station and meet us. Normally, it is the police who rush on getting such information.

Raja incidentally was wanted in 35-odd serious killings including the killing of marathon kid Budhia’s coach Biranchi Das. The Goa Police has no idea who Raja was and they didn’t care.

Even a Google search would have helped.

Goa’s high profile tourists continue to arrive almost on an annual basis. Battlo, Shambu Beck and now the Manipurbased militants. Even David Headley, one of the main kingpins of the 26/11 attack in Mumbai came to Goa for a bit of sun SUNDAY and snooping. The Goa police didn’t have a clue.

The first ever major arrest of a terrorist in Goa was of Tariq Ahmed alias Battlo. The police record shows he was arrested at the Margao railway station when he was getting down from the train.

A big haul of RDX, handgrenades and detonators were seized from him. Battoo, a fair tall man in his mid-30s, was with Tahreek-ul-Mujahideen, a militant organization.

The investigation of the case itself was loophole-ridden. The Chief Minister announced his “arrest” a good seven days before he was actually arrested.

The question mark was raised on whether Battlo was really ar-

FREE RUN IN GoA The Anti-Terrorist Squad of Goa police is yet to be formed l

l Advisories on Goa as a destination under threat have become routine. l Checks on tenants are not made by landlords or the police

The beat system of policing has all but collapsed l

rested at the railway station or picked up earlier and his arrest shown later. Importantly, he lived in South Goa for a good four months before he was picked up.

Margao’s fast SPECIAL track court acquitted him and by the time Goa police could challenge his acquittal, he had already crossed the State borders. Now, he is beyond State police’s reach.

North Goa Sessions Court issued summons on him which was routed through Kashmir police but he has till date failed to appear.

Even the warrants issued against him have not helped to get him back for the case retrial. Sources say that the Bombay High Court at Goa is likely to issue proclamation against Battlo.

And on May 6, 2010, Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal and his team, who were actually supposed to track down (Continued on page 9)

accusing him of being a “political agent” of UPA working on the directives of the Congress trying to destablise his Government.

Congress on its part said the Governor had the authority and his action was within the law.

“Why should I quit”, Yeddyurappa shot back at a press conference.

V/S HR

Six Padma nominees from Goa HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, JAN 22

Six Goans, including late Shreeram Kamat whose last work was an encyclopaedia, figure among 1302 nominations received by the Government for the Padma awards to be announced on the eve of the Republic Day. Former Solicitor General of India and leading lawyer Dr Manohar Usgaonkar in public affairs category, Vinayak Vishnu Khedekar in arts, industrialist Anil Counto and social workers Gangaram Morajkar and Ramkrishna Naik are the other nominees.

JUSTICE FoR

CIPRIANo oN PAGES 3 & 4

The Goa Industrial Development Corporation in its ‘Citizen’s Charter’ invites companies to set up business to boost industrialization in the State. But over the years, like much else in Goa, the process of allotment of land has been reportedly riddled with irregularities.

TEAM HERALD, after studying various documents of the IDC sourced through the Right To Information, investigates one such case as a example of the rot in the system PANJIM: Some scams are not measured by numbers. But by mindsets. This is a story of one such scam and it is ongoing and running. It is a story of how the Goa Industrial Development Corporation, with a mandate to encourage professional entrepreneurship, has prima facie, been allotting prime plots to individuals and companies with any due diligence. Herald’s investigations have revealed that some cases and notably a specific one, a plot of land, valued at Rs 2.63 crore was issued to an individual and then transferred to another company which had a paid up capital of a mere Rs 1 lakh. And to top it all, this company, along with 12 others applied for a transfer of this plot to another international company, on the last day before any IDC banned further transfer of plots.

This investigation is about obvious irregularities and therefore calls for a through probe of allotment of plots in all 23 industrial estates in Goa. The focus is not so much on the companies but on IDC and its way of allotting plots. That is the subject of scrutiny.

The silver lining has been the constitution of a task force on August 24, 2010, by the Industries Department, headed by the Chief Minister, and the Industries Secretary and consisting of eminent and forceful names of Goan industry. The task force has looked into underutilized plots and will point out irregularities in the allotment of plots.

Babujee, some explanations please

1) The Herald reporter called Santosh Kust Desai, (on 9822185480) under the guise a businessman from Maharashtra wanting a plot urgently and needed the help of the Chairman (Babu Kavlekar). Desai replied that he knew the minister and would speak with him tomorrow and it could be done.

Was Desai allotted land, without a project report and funding because he was close to Babu Kavlekar, MLA Quepem and Chairman of IDC? 2) How was the same plot allotted to 2 parties? If so, was it a transfer to Mehul Developers? If yes, at what rate was the land given to Mehul?

3) Did IDC look into the source of Mehul Developers (Continued on page 9)

Mehul Developers version

The Herald contacted Rajan Jindal, one of the directors of Mehul Developers Private Limited. Asked why the company did not actually do business after acquiring the plot he said, ‘The business environment was not conducive. We didn’t know too many people and nothing seemed to be taking off ”. Asked at what rate they paid for the plot they got at Verna Industrial Estate he said “I do not know.

We are a big company. We have no interest in Goa now and have moved out of there completely”.

Herald now asks IDC: If Mehul Developers have pulled out of Goa, then who owns plot U03 and why has the field manager of IDC changed its status from “Vacant” to “Under Construction”.

While this HERALD INVESTIGATIoN h i s s t a t e d task force is business of nearing completion and we all Warehousing and Logistics. await its report, the case of Plot 3) C-582, Mehul Developers number U03 measuring 35,000 Private Limited, Lower Ground sqm in Verna Industrial Estate Floor (basement), Defence Phase IV. Before we go further, Colony, New Delhi-110024 — let us introduce the main pro- business unknown. Company tagonists of this case. mentioned as “Under Forma1) The IDC headed by its tion”, but was already formed a Chairman and Quepem MLA year earlier (according to docuCandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar. ments with the Herald).

2) Santosh Kust Desai, House FOCUS 1: The plot was allotNumber 209, Moll Fatorpa, ted to Santosh Kust Desai on Quepem, Goa applied and was August 3, 2006 to set up a wareallotted plot number U03 for house. At this point of time San-

tosh Desai did not submit a project report, financial sanction for plant and machinery or his PAN card. Like all other allotments on that day, there was no plot number mentioned. The ‘salient features’ of the project mentioned the project cost at Rs 3.50 crore and investment of plant and machinery of Rs 20 lakh. The unit was not registered.

This bags the question. How were the project, plant and machinery costs arrived at when no project report was submitted?

FOCUS 2: Then comes the curious turn. In the BOD meeting 294 of the Goa IDC, held on February 15, 2007, the plot number is allotted. Agenda no 14 of the minutes of the meeting mentions that plot U03 being allotted to Desai. However, another resolution passed by the Board (number 38/2007) reads “Resolved unanimously that the proposal to approve the allotment of utility plot U03 admeasuring 35,000 sqm in VIE Phase IV to M/s Mehul Developers Pvt Ltd for their IT/ITES project, subject to compliance of our usual terms and conditions and is hereby approved”.

Please note. The same plot allotted to Santosh Kust Desai of Quepem is allotted to Mehul Developers of Delhi, a company “not yet formed” according to IDC. Documents sourced by Herald reveal that even this wasn’t true. According to the Registrar of Companies Delhi, the (Continued on page 9)

OHERALDO

Pg2 GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

Whistle-blowing divas make aNc, atala go off tune

GOA

criMe beaT Frenchman nabbed with drugs at Chapora

CALANGUTE, JAN 22 (HC) -- In yet another drug seizure in the State, a French national was nabbed with drugs worth Rs 2.26 lakh at Chapora on Friday night.

Anjuna police arrested Tierre Jorges Jean Acquarone (42) was arrested at Chapora and seized 1.26 gms of charas, 10 gms MDMA (pills) and 11 gms of brown sugar from him.

According to police reports, the police received a tip off on a deal between Acquarone and his potential customers at Ozrant, Chapora.

An Anjuna police team, led by Police Inspector Manjunath Dessai, PSIs Anant Gaonkar and Sinari, laid a trap for the French national at Ozrant and nabbed him.

The value of the seized drugs is 1.26 gms charas (Rs 1.26 lakh), 10gms MDMA powder (Rs 45,000), 11 gms brown sugar (Rs 55,000) besides cash of Rs 22,540.

“This is the second such huge seizure of drugs in and around Anjuna in a month,” PI Dessai told Herald. Further investigations are in progress.

Trio held for overstaying

CALANGUTE, JAN 22 (HC) -- Two Iraqis and a Swiss were arrested

by Anjuna Police on Saturday on charges of overstaying in the country.

According to Anjuna Police, two Iraqi Nationals, Shagsayegh Reza Nazri (32) and her brother Armen Reza Nazri (22), were found without valid documents like passport and visa. Both were residing at Kuddos Vaddo in Arpora.

A Swiss national, Pfeiffor Rozer (44), was also arrested by Anjuna Police at Vagator on similar charges.

The three accused have been booked under the Foreigner’s Act and have been remanded to judicial custody. PSI Videsh Pilgaonkar is investigating the case.

1 held for drilling machines theft

LUCKY FARMHOUSE

AYALA

BY VIBHA VERMA PANJIM, JAN 22

To slightly twist the popular Jhonny Wakelin song on boxer Mohamamd Ali- ( “He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee)

ten about them in the recent past because of their connections with drug kingpins Dudu and Atala, their role and operations are the stuff of a blockbuster in the making.

pulling off operations, involving the buying and selling of drugs, which have completely exposed the inner rot in the Goa police, the ladies do have a single case or charge against them.

ZARINA AND DUDU

was frequently visiting her and she had evidence to prove it.

The status of Lucky Farmhouse is not known. Lucky, whose website www.lucky.nu, created flutters and was being

WeeKeNd looK bacK

ATALA

these three women have floated like butterflies to lure men they preying and have stung them like bees, in covert video operations.

While enough has been writ-

Importantly, the lines between their innocence and involvement in the drug operations of their men may sometimes blur, but in spite of

First up Lucky Farmhouse.

The biggest blow to the Congress led government in the state when she claimed that ‘Roy Naik, the Home Ministers son

regularly updated is silent since September 2010. She last posted her own strikingly beautiful pictures. And then fell silent The Goa police probably had

no interest in her beauty but monitored her website. There was a time when Lucky posted the picture of her gmail inbox which showed mails from police officials.Lucky then decided to do some “stinging”. She recorded her then boyfriend Atala- with whom she was falling out- talking about his involvement with several Goa police officers who were then arrested.

Farmhouse, did make an offer to record her statement, but the Goa police, probably not knowing what she may come up with held back.

The government sanction the visit of a team t Sweden but the trip never took place. Fade out Lucky.

Fade in Ayala Driham and Zarina, one the sister and the other the girl friend of Dudu.

Stung by the arrest of Dudu by the ANC, the women hit back. Their cameras did more damage than a gun ever could.

A sting operation against the cops of the Anti-Narcotics Cell, who they befriended fololed. And the rest, as we all know is now history. What was stunning is that Israeli media organisation, whose identity remains unknown, had literally camped in Goa for over a month and meticulously planned the sting. All the three divas, have one thing in common. The love for the good life. Lucky farmhouse, anyway was a model and lived life queen size. Zarina and Ayala too partied big time in Goa, as our pictures show with Dudu and others known to be closely involved in drug running.

But they have surely managed to spoil the party of the Goa police.

sand extraction: The environmental effects This is the concluding part of our series on the impact of sand extraction.

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BY SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM JAN 22

and extraction, apart from the illegalities involved and the strain that it has on the department of mining, has severe environmental repercussions. Extraction has changed the geology of the terrain at several places throughout the state.

When you look at the limitations and processes of sand mining, the potential harm it can cause gets a little clearer. According to NIO sources, sand extraction is responsible for increase in salinity of water in Mandovi, Chapora and Tirakhol Rivers. Extraction at the mouth of the river allows the saline water from the ocean to rush into the river basin.

Apart from that, the sidewalls of the river bank collapse if miners start extracting deeper into the basin, which, not surprisingly, is a common occurrence. The Mining Department officials state that

Labourers transporting sand in a canoe at Keri.

extraction is not allowed within 25 metres of the bank. But at the same time, they admit that there is no machinery in place to cross check whether licensing rules are adhered to.

A study by Goa’s environmental experts states that although sand extraction is a profitable

business, which also provides sustenance to local community, its impact is seen on the environment due to overexploitation of sand.

Experts have warned that sand mining operations may incur profound ecological changes that could affect the

PORVORIM, JAN 22 (HC) -- Porvorim police have arrested Ankush Vasant Chari of Salvador -do-Mundo on charges of stealing drilling machines at Porvorim.

A contractor, Laximan Rathod, had filed a police complaint on Saturday stating that burglars had broken into his room at a construction site at Sapna Gardens in Porvorim and had decamped with two drilling machines worth Rs 20,000.

The burglary had taken place sometime between the night of January 15 and morning of January 16.

Rathod initially checked with his staff if they had taken these drilling machines. On Saturday morning, he received a phone call from a friend at Ribandar stating that somebody had approached him to sell the stolen drilling machines.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

entire ecosystem. An excerpt from the study reads thus, “It can affect local ecology physically, biologically and chemically.

Since mining is done to a depth of up to 6mm and within 10m from the high tide line, operations have the potential to cause severe sea erosion.

Sand dunes have been decimated in many areas and the adverse effects of sand mining will also affect the fishing communities in many places due to coastal erosion. There is an abundance of natural erosion happening on shores throughout the world, including Goa and sand extraction only makes the problem worse.

The salinisation of well and ground water too, makes for a grim picture. There is also the obstruction of the free flow of water during the monsoon, which will lead to flooding, amongst other things.

There have to be measures put into place to curb, for one, the illegal extraction of sand, as well as regulate the legal extraction so as not to damage the ecosystem of the geology of specific areas. The government has to seek help from interested organizations to look for alternative building materials, since the construction boom in Goa doesn’t look like its going to die down any time soon. All said and done, Goa will suffer greatly in the future, if sand extraction isn’t managed well.

Are tourists coming to Goa for the surf and pleasure surge, taking time off to fix their teeth, check their kidneys and get a quick ECG. Some might, but most tourists go to a hospital only if they have an accident or suddenly fall ill. Medical Tourism, already a big hit in South East Asia, hasn’t quite improved bottom lines of Goa’s tourism or medical industry.

BINDIYA CHARI, in a 2-part series to be carried across two Sunday’s finds out that holiday and medical healing don’t quite mix

does leisure meet laparoscopy in Goa - Not quite PANJIM, JAN 21

In the streets of Calangute, throw a stone. It will land either at a restaurant or a bar or on the doorstep of a dental clinic-promising set teeth, healthy gums and activity less future.

Welcome to the land of medical nirvana by the coast. High speciality hospital, chains are offering health and hotels, treatment and tourism and leisure and laparoscopy and dining and dental care in the same breath.

However there is very little official about it. Like many things else, dedicated lip service has been made to promote “medical tourism” in Goa. But it’s remained just that Lip service. Former Tourism Minister Dr Wilfred D Souza has spoken of the government being serious about Medical Tourism.

Other ministers have always nodded in approval whenever asked. But body language always belied reality.

Essentially and clearly, Medical Tourism has become a hyped tool for travel companies to get tourists to India to get to their pink of health, to prevent very red business bottomlines. If the sea isn’t a draw, the throw away prices for medical care (compared to the west) are used as a bait.

However the industry feels that Medical Tourism in spite of

Medical TourisM - NoT HealTHy - ParT 1

some efforts to boost business by the travel trade hasn’t really become a separate thriving service industry. Of the 3.5 lakh foreign tourists who come to Goa, the number coming to get treated in any form is in the thousands.

Inflow of foreign tourists driven by scenic beauty, beaches and tranquillity rather than desire to avail of medical treatment, feels Swapnil Naik, Director of Tourism “Foreign tourists come to Goa basically to enjoy,” says Naik.

Apollo Victor Hospital (AVH) in Margao which is considered to be a pioneer in the State offering special packages to foreign tourists in medical field cater to 500-600 tourists per season. But this season, they expect the number to go up to 1000. “We are

booked till March 31 for thousand foreign patients,” tells Varun Albuquerque of AVG. Still the numbers do not scream out loud enough to say that medical tourism has arrived.

Vrundavan Hospital & Research Centre (VHRC)’s Director Dr Digambar Naik says, “There have been no efforts on the part of the government to promote Medical Tourism even as Goa’s chances of benefiting from MT are high.

But high speciality hospitals are setting up in Goa, though not specifically to promote medical tourism. In the last ten years Goa has seen players such as Apollo Victor (AVH) and NUSI-Wockhardt opening up besides VHRC expanding its activities in the Calangute. Overall, the State has witnessed

increased investment in the private health sector in the State.

Private chains are making their independent efforts though to get patients from abroad. AVH has set up offices in few European countries to market its products but networks through operators in UK. Mr Victor Albuquerque of Apollo Victor says “ Goa has potential but it needs infrastructure.

Where would patients go to recuperate? Singapore, Thailand and other South Asian countries have excellent facilities” he adds.

Dr Shekhar Salkar, President of Indian Medical Association (IMA) - adds “ More speciality and super specialities are needed if to want to yield higher dividend in medical tourism. Problems of garbage and sewerage treatment have to be dealt with effectively,” he feels.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

PI kicked Cipriano to see if he was conscious: witness UGWF wants erring cops dismissed HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 22

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 22

Call it shockingly shocking or a human rights violation. Kenneth Silveira, who spoke fearlessly to Herald giving an account of what he had seen at the Panjim Police Station on January 8 between 10.45 am to 12.45 pm spoke yet again about the police brutality on Cipriano.

Addressing media persons at a briefing called by Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco, Silveira, a businessman, recalling the incidents of January 8 at the Panjim PS, said he saw PSI Vijay Chodankar and PI Sandesh Chodankar taking turns to see if Cipriano was conscious by kicking his lifeless body lying on the ground.

Silveira said he was arrested under Section 151 of Cr Pc (preventive arrest) and was kept in the same room where Cipriano was lying unconscious. “Soon after the PSI and PI had checked on unconscious Cipriano to see whether there were movements I heard an ambulance siren, probably a 108 van,” he recalled.

He said after the arrival of the ambulance, Cipriano was

The United Goans Welfare Front has demanded suspension of the police personnel involved in the custodial death of Cypriano Fernandes and terminate the erring cops for misusing police power.

Demanding prosecution of the policemen as per law, the UGWF requested Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to look into the police misuse and abuse of power against citizens, saying that Goa Police personnel have miserably failed to perform and are indulging in various illegal activities due to a collapsed police organisation.

The NGO pointed out that police personnel play double standard while initiating law against common citizens, by first registering FIR followed by investigations.

“For the police personnel, preliminary investigations come first and then the case is swept under the carpet”, the NGO said, and demanded transfers of police officers every two years of police officers who have been serving in one police station for years under one pretext or other.

UGWF General Secretary Socorro D’Souza has said he NGO has served a notice on the Chief Secretary, Special Home Secretary and Inspector General of Police to withhold any promotions of police officers, PI Santosh Desai, PSI Navlesh Desai and PI Rajendra Prabhudessai in connection with the alleged conspiracy along with SP Shekar Prabhudessai to implicate the activists in a false case and the resultant police excesses.

In the notice, the activists said they will be forced to file appropriate legal proceedings against the State if any promotions of these police officers are during the pendency of the criminal petition. taken and a labourer who was also detained in the same room was asked to clean the froth from Cipriano’s mouth that was on the ground, he mentioned.

Silveira, who was patted

Hindu body wants IBN Lokmat editor’s apology HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 21

Gomantak Mandir and Dharamki Sanstha Mahasangh (GMDSM) has taken umbrage to the statement made by national new channel IBN Lokmat Editor Nikhil Wagle on the Hindu deity desecrations issue in the State.

Addressing a press conference today evening, the Sanstha, an umbrella organisation of all temple committees in Goa has demanded public apology from the Editor by January 26 failing which they will launch Statelevel agitation.

Virendra Marathe, Editor of Santhan Sanstha’s mouthpiece Sanathan Prabhat said that Wagle has hurt feelings and tried to disturb the social peace by claiming that the State does not have a single case on Hindu deity desecration.

“This is an insult to all Hindus in Goa. We demand public apology from Wagle or else we will come on the streets,” he said.

The members including Sanathan Sanstha, Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and others will also hold a meeting in the temple town of Ponda to condemn Wagle’s statement.

The editor who anchored the show ‘Ajacha Sawal’ on Friday claimed that idol desecration never occurred in Goa. GMDSM State convener Jayesh Thali said that more than 50 idol desecrations were reported in Goa in the last six years, details of which were also released in the last Assembly Session.

“The fact is more than 50 idols have been desecrated in the last six years. Knowing the seriousness of the issue, Goa Government formed a SIT to nab the culprits. Despite this, idol desecration incidents continued in the State which prompted all organisations in Goa to come together and form a committee,” Thali said adding that Goa has around 70 percent of temples and remaining ‘ghumtis’.

for speaking without fear, said he had received some two calls from a male to keep his mouth shut over Cipriano and made an offer of Rs 50 lakh. He said he tried calling that number again but couldn’t get through.

The witness alleged the Panjim police had detained him illegally in the harassment case.

Finally, I was released at 5.30 pm from the police station, he said.

Mickky demands 2nd autopsy report in Cipriano death HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 22

Making a strong demand for dismissal of police personnel involved in the Cipriano death case, Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco and his close aide Lyndon Monteiro on Saturday demanded a second post-mortem

report in the Cipriano death case.

Addressing a press conference Monteiro said he was making a charge that a minister from the present Cabinet had pressurised the doctor concerned to give a wrong post-mortem report.

...says will support BJP on drug nexus issue

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 23

Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco on Saturday maintained he would support the Bharatiya Janata Party if they demand for a CBI inquiry into the policedrug peddler nexus during the Winter Session of the State Assembly.

Answering a question pertaining to the drug nexus, Pacheco first said he would individually support the BJP and then maintained his party (NCP) will also back BJP if the issue came up in the Assembly. Not only BJP, anyone who is against the drug nexus we will lend our support, he asserted.

Ridiculing Goa In-charge of Congress, B K Hariprasad for giving a clean chit to Home Minister Ravi Naik over the

drug issue in Goa, Pacheco demanded all those involved, including the Home Minister and his son, have to be arrested and probed.

He questioned what proof does Hariprasad needs on the drug-nexus issue. “Aren’t the sting operations shown time and again by the electronic media and reports by the print media evidence enough?” he questioned further.

Pacheco, who said he was speaking as a frustrated citizen and not a politician, asserted neither the Congress high command nor a single member of the Cabinet has uttered a single word in the matter.

He ridiculed further, “The Digambar Kamat-led Government has become extremely insensitive towards the law and order problem in the State.

Looking at new criminals in khaki dress on Goa’s horizon one can say a new trend is being set, he chided.

Pacheco said time has come for al like-minded Goans to come under one umbrella and fight for the interest of the people of the State. Many NGOs, institutions, parties are with us on this issue and the Government will soon realise it is not working as per laws, he stated.

Monteiro said there should be an FIR filed in the matter and investigations should work towards getting the call details of the minister to ascertain how many times he had called and tried to put pressure to give a wrong report. In the same vein the Panjim police personnel involved in the death should be treated as murderers and arrested, he asserted.

Why can’t the CM order for a second post-mortem in the death? he questioned and recalled, “He was spotted in the Hospicio Hospital premises during the second post-mortem in the Nadia Torrado death case.

Till date the second report is kept in reserve and the law has proved we were not involved in Nadia’s death.”

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 4

GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

JUSTICE FOR CIPRIANO I

t is absolutely disgusting to hear that the police can take matters into their own hands and punish people as they want. What is there a justice system for? Surely this poor man did not deserve to be tortured or to die? How come Cipriano was treated in this way, while others who commit crimes of such grave nature such as murder, rape, drug dealing or accepting bribes etc go free and are protected by those in authority?

Who can the public turn to protect them if we cannot trust those we have voted for and those who are there to ensure a fair system? It is about time that Goans rise up and fight all that is wrong in Goa, otherwise it will never end. We need to fight now for a better life for the future generations.

Maureen D’Souza

T

his is a horrendous and chilling account, especially when he is by no means a terrorist or enemy of the state, especially for a crime of allegedly threatening someone under the influence of liquor. Isn’t that supposedly a non-cognizable offence?

Even though an enquiry is set up, we want the facts to come out transparently, that it be free and fair and away from any interference of anyone high and mighty. Those who have prima facie done this ghastly act should be, with fair play and without any delay, be placed under arrest or at least suspended.

The Supreme Court Bench, with regard to Maoists in Andhra Pradesh, said that “we cannot allow the Republic killing its own children.” That is a timely observation.

T

he old adage, ‘the survival of the fittest’ is rampant in Goa. The so-called fittest are the people with power, money and authority. They are the ones controlling the system of law and order in Goa. It has been evident in the many past cases.

Justice has to be done to Cipriano and the culprits have to be brought to book. If the people of Goa do not wake up from their slumber, we are not far away from hearing another court verdict, to the tune of, “No one killed Cipriano”.

Roshan Thomas

T

he death of Cipriano in police custody is an eye opener and every Goan, including our politicians, need to come out and ask for those responsible for this barbaric act to be penalised.

When people like us working in the UAE come down for a holiday and perhaps need to seek help from the police for whatever reason, they threaten us for no apparent reason. The Panjim Police is not an exception.

I

t is very strange that we Goans get together to fight a number of worthy issues that affect Goa and the Goan society, but remain silent on matters concerning the voiceless, the poor and the helpless, who do not have the finances, the tenacity, the knowledge and the information to fight back the injustice meted out to them. Hence, the laxity, laziness and casual attitude of the police in treating serious issues lightly, including those involving loss of life.

The police should be made aware that civil society will not henceforth remain a silent spectator to their inhuman behaviour and to their shoddy investigations, which have led many criminals to escape punishment and continue with their nefarious activities.

Jose Maria Miranda

T

his is really a cold blooded murder by the Panjim police.

After reading the full story from his arrest until his death, I can say in full confidence that the Panjim Police are fully responsible for his death, specially those three who arrested him from Porvorim and brutally tortured him inside the private hired vehicle until reaching the police station I hereby would like to make a request to the higher authorities to firstly arrest those three police personnel’s, suspend them from their present duties and take strong action against them for this brutal act they did with Cipriano.

F

Onasis Santana

W

hatever character Cipriano might have been as a person, the law does not permit criminals in uniform to murder him. But can we blame the police alone? The Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik is responsible for cops turning criminals. Instead of acting in a firm manner he gave a free hand to the crime branch to protect the criminals in police uniform.

Can the Home Minister or DGP answer a simple question? Why was it that a healthy person, who was to resume duties on cruise ship very soon, die within two days after been arrested by the cops?

How is it that a person who has no history of getting fits suddenly dies of fits and convulsions? And most important who gave the right for cops to apply for bail while he was fighting for life due to injuries caused by them?

How can the magistrate grant bail without seeing the arrested person personally? These are questions that need answering.

Firstly, we are touched and humbled.

Touched by the belief that you had in your newspaper, to do what needs to be done, to protect the dignity and liberty of ourselves and our children against police oppression.

Humbled to know that no matter how strong and powerful a newspaper is, it gets its strength only and only from its readers. Every word and every letter written in support of the Justice for Cipriano campaign is a telling blow to the combined strength of the police force of Goa. Each letter will serve as a deterrent to any man in uniform which rises to harm either an innocent, or even a criminal in custody.

Our only regret is that we couldn’t carry all the letters in print today, or carry them in full. But in a mass movement, each hand and each voice represents the mass.

From the time I made my plea in my open edit last Saturday, our inbox has been full. Some came by hand.

Some called to pledge their support and others who met our team in cafes and sidewalks gave quiet but firm assurances.

Your message was clear. Do not let police torture go unpunished. We followed a simple policy. Do not lose sight of the cold hard facts of the case. Report them as they are and let the truth unfold.

And the truth, dear readers will not fully emerge from autopsy or visera reports. It may not even emerge from the magisterial inquiry, though we pray that an honest job has been done of it. The complete truth , sadly lies with the police officers who arrested Cipriano and were with him on the night of January 7 and 8. They and they alone know the truth. And our job is to get it out of them.

As we have mentioned, even the Supreme Court does not have faith in the impartiality of the police force. In a judgment in the case of State of MP and Shyamsunder Trivedi and others the court held

A

ny investigation into the custodial death by a high ranking police official will just be public eyewash, with an emphasis on protecting the dept from embarrassment.

No one is above the law and the law applies to all.

The govt is only buying time to settle the matter to dust.

Without further delay the govt must appoint a respected HC judge to investigate the death of Cipriano or the whole custodial death investigation should be handed over to the CBI and the guilty jackals in uniform should be brought to justice, irrespective of their political clout.

We appreciate the bold move that Herald has taken to bring these atrocities out in the open. As a regular reader and son of the soil, we hope that you will continue this endeavor in the future.

Vasco Fernandes

T

his is not the first time of such deaths, there have been several such incidents before and the police get away without any punishment every time.

Somewhere down the line, someone should stand up and mete out justice to the culprits. Just because a lady files a complaint it does not mean that the police force should beat and torture a simple common man to death.

Cometo Gomendes

W

I

hat does the government and the police think of themselves? How can the police be allowed to use the law to beat people to death in jail. Are the police justified in killing imprisoned innocents or even criminals? I remember that a few years ago we had another custodial death case when Abdul Gaffar was beaten to death at the Margao police station.

I myself have witnessed police brutality at the Panjim police station one night at about 9 pm. A few policemen were mercilessly beating up someone in jail. It was horrifying.

Anthony

ersonally, I am thankful to Herald for exposing the governmental hypocrisy that exists. I don’t know the past of the murdered victim Cipriano but can only say that those responsible for his murder in the police station should be considered and treated as murderers.

No human being has the right to kill anyone. A case of murder should be slapped on the irresponsible police officials. If a case is registered by someone there are courts and judges to decide the required course of action, in terms of punishment.

Julius Carvalho

t is beyond any ones imagination what has happened. I do not condemn the entire police force in Goa as there are many among the force who themselves will hang down their heads in shame.

The handful that are could be labeled rotten eggs in the basket need to be sorted out before the entire force is corrupted by these evil men.

Today Goa is no longer what it was in the 1970s and 1980s.

The corrupt politicians are mainly to be blamed and so also the corrupt hierarchy in the police force who will only deal with the poor common man while letting criminals and drug traders go scot free.

This is all done either because of political interference or because of money changing hands.

John Fernandes

Rosario

P

C

ongratulations to Herald for a detailed investigative report on the issue and we only hope the issue will be kept alive in the public domain till justice is done. It has raised the participatory process of loyal readers. Our sensibilities are hardened due to these occurrences at regular intervals, short public memories and purposeful indifferent attitude and apathy of our law enforcement authorities. The inhuman treatment, brutality, death and cover up of this young lad in police custody is most disgusting.

Considering there was aberration of behavior due to purported alcoholic inebriation, did it deserve this action of killing? Why did they act so swiftly in this case, which in any way could have been tackled humanly? The process employed by the police was far and excessive. It appears to be threat perception without any physical abuse visible.

There is provision for action of death in police custody by Magisterial Inquiry. The public can express their indignation, offer moral and financial support, but the authorities must live up to the expectations of their duties without fear and favour

Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim

T

Stop the state from perverting the truth

Cajetan Fernandes, NRI

irstly let me condemn this act of brutality on Cipriano, which comes not so long after one of our local MLAs and his son were brutally attacked by the same people. It’s a shame and an embarrassment to the people of Goa that our very own brothers and sisters are tortured and killed by the so called ‘keepers of the law’.

Are the members of our police force even aware that in 1997 India became a signatory of the United Nations Convention against Torture? I bet you they have never even heard of such a thing! We should demand a thorough judicial probe into this incident.

T

he death of Cipriano at the hands of the very people who are supposed to protect us cannot be accepted in a civilized society. It is imperative that the men in uniform are highly disciplined and tolerant, but it is unfortunate, that of late, the indiscipline among the police has tarnished the image of Goa to such an extent that as a Goan I feel humiliated.

With the sort of political environment prevalent in our state it is not surprising that a few people thought that they were above the law. The time has come for us to stand up and fight for justice.

Edit

I

Shawn Martins

Rahul Desai

Miguel Saldanha

Paganini Fernandes, Ilhas

think now its time to put our foot down as we are been taken for a ride by politicians, bureaucrats, police, government servants, basically everyone. I think its time to be united and make our voice heard. I personally feel that those responsible for his killing be brought to book, especially the officers on duty that night.

But let us also remember that we cannot blame the entire police department for this killing. I feel it’s not right to blame the entire department, as there are good and honest officers who will feel that there is no use being honest and good.

This is one incident that we should stand up for and fight tooth and nail so that the guilty people are punished. Once your paper takes the lead in campaigning against corruption and wrongdoing almost every self-respecting Goan will be with you. Please bring issues like this to light and keep us informed like you have always been doing over the years.

The people will always be with Herald for a better Goa. We must continue this fight till our objective is achieved. It is only when people are united that politicians will fall in place and so will the system.

We cannot afford to keep quiet now. This requires immediate action. The Police officials should be taught that they are not above the law. They are here to enforce the law. But, in no way are they the law. They should be reminded their duty and responsibilities.

“Rarely in cases of police torture or custodial death, direct ocular evidence of the complicity of the police personnel would be available. Generally speaking, it would be police officials alone who can only explain the circumstances in which a person in their custody had died. Bound as they are by the ties of brotherhood, it is not unknown that the police personnel prefer to remain silent and more often than not even pervert the truth to save their colleagues” Let us now do what we need to do. To stop the police from perverting the truth. Let us wait for the magisterial inquiry to be complete and the action the state takes. The Chief Minister has promised Herald that action will be taken against policemen, if there is enough evidence. He has also said that prima facie, there is evidence.

We have to, irrespective of which way the decision flows have to ask tough questions. How did a health man have manifestations of all his diseases in the one night that he was in police custody. If there was internal hemorrhage of his organs, what could have precipitated it. And to top it all, can one ignore the first statement made by the very woman who filed a complaint against him that she saw the police beat up Cipriano on the way to the police station.

Meanwhile forces are at work. To threaten witnesses to change their statements. To doctor reports. To soften charges. This always happens. Our fight is not just for Justice for Cipriano. It is a fight for ourselves. For the society which we live in and where our children are growing up.

If each of you feel that this is not what we should leave behind for our children then join this fight with even greater force.

God bless us all Sujay Gupta Editor-Weekend

I

n the case of Cipriano Fernandes, when there is prima facie evidence that the police have committed a grave offense of assault and consequent death in their custody why is it these law-violators are kept at large for more than seven days?

Is it because they are above the law and the department wants to wriggle out of the entire episode? The credibility of the entire police force is at the lowest ebb with no remorse seen in the death of Cipriano.

The CM and Governor appear to have risen from their deep slumber, but nothing good will come of it anyway judging from their past records. A public movement of citizens at this juncture must happen to put things in order for fear of repetition of uglier incidents in the future.

Joaquim D’Souza

T

here is a proverb - If the hedge starts grazing, who will guard the farm? If police personnel resort to such a cruel way of handling people for such a trivial dispute where should our people look for justice?

Eugene D’silva, Majorda

I

t is very difficult to know whom to trust anymore. The CM needs to step up and bring the guilty people to justice because we, as the public, are now beginning to get scared.

Who do we deal with? When will some atrocity be committed against us? We all know that the cops and bureaucrats are controlled by the politicians. There has to be some transparency in this while affair.

Rosario Rodrigues

I

t is such a shame to read this online, about the acts of police brutality on the aam aadmi. This is a clear human rights violation and I would like to extend my support for a Goan brother’s family to fight for justice.

We have to stand up now, before everything in Goa that we hold dear will be lost or destroyed. I hope the Herald, along with everyone who can, will fight for Cipriano and his family.

Sebastian D’Costa

I

t is really shocking to hear that cops, ministers and other government servants who are suppose to protect and serve the people are turning into thieves and murderers. The government has totally failed in all aspects of administration.

I hope there will be some immediate changes happening soon or else we may have to resort to carrying our own weapons for protection.

Bobby, Cayman Islands

his custodial death only exposes the low levels of dedication of the police force and the home ministry to enforcing law and order in Goa. How can a common citizen step in the police station to get justice? How can citizens and tourist feel safe anymore?

Goa is losing its charm as a tourist state and I slowly getting to be the crime capital of India. Our govt needs to wake up and shape up before it’s too late.

Dixon Vaz

W

e applaud the editor and Herald for standing up for Goan rights. The death of Cipriano at the hands of the Panjim police is not the first and won’t be the last. They take the law into their own hands and many of the victims or their families have not been able to approach anyone due to fear or rejection.

It’s very sad to have heard about the death of Cipriano and my heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. Action should be taken against the police, the Home Minister and the ruling government for this loss of an innocent life. We take great pride as Goans abroad and promise to lend our support to the cause of Cipriano and any cause henceforth.

Menino Leitao

T

he police have no constitutional right to torture any individual who has committed a mistake or behaved badly.

In the case of Cipriano, they had no cause to use force to such an extent so as to inflict such physical abuse that would induce death.

When a complaint is received the police should actually take their time, check the complaint and the complainant and try to resolve the issue amicably. I have here many of my Goans in Dubai who had very bad experience with Goan police when they visited their place when on holiday.

Fransisco Fernandes, Dubai

I

was shocked to hear the news of Cipriano’s sad demise due to police brutality. I am carefully following the story and would like to see justice done. When cops kill people in custody instead of doing the job that they’re supposed to do, i.e. protecting our citizens, how can we rely on them to keep the peace in our current society?

Jose Antonio Baptista

T

he death of Cipriano Fernandes in police custody is very serious. The very institution of security is posing a threat for the lives of Goans. The government must investigate this case and other similar ones meticulously. We cannot afford to cow down and be silent lest one day we too become victims of a similar conspiracy. Is it a custodial death or a custodial murder?

JJ Rodrigues

T

his is not the way to handle a person. The job of the police is to protect every single being, be it a victim or the accused. Police have no right to touch another human being. A judge, who has spent years studying and gathering experience, is the person who doles out sentences. It’s not the responsibility of the police who have little or no education and who are in this position after paying a lot of money to get a job.

It should be made clear that physical abuse by police will not be tolerated. In the USA, even a serial killer is handled with utmost respect by the police until they are judged guilty in court.

Aldrin Rodrigues

I

t is very well known that these very men in uniform who are supposed to protect us are involved in serious crimes and have hardened criminals as friends. Why are the politicians involved in the investigation? Perhaps only to destroy evidence and protect their criminal police friends?

In today’s advanced world an autopsy will surely bring out the facts, however will the doctors involved in the postmortem come out with the truth if the investigations are headed by the very same people who murdered this man and the corrupt politicians?

Mike Carvalho

T

he police have done it yet again and there will be more such deaths like this until something is done and it has to be done fast. The guilty cops must be punished severely so that it sets a precedent for others.

The cops are entrusted the duty of maintaining law and order and not to break the order. It is indeed shameful to write more about this subject as this incident has brought more disgrace to the Goa Police and the Government of Goa. We want an independent enquiry to be conducted immediately and all the findings and action taken. All reports must be made public to ensure transparency.

Allen Rodrigues

T

his insane and cruel act needs to be condemned strongly by every sane and peace loving human being of Goa. It also exposes the bankruptcy of respect for human life and utter disregard to the rule of law, by our police personnel in charge of protecting and enforcing laws. Under no condition should they have resorted to such dastardly and violent criminal acts.

I hope that more NGOs and other social and political organizations come forward and lend support to the cause, to take this whole matter to its logical conclusion.

Antonio Diniz, Fatorda

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 5 GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

Tension runs high in Calangute as Nigerians, locals clash HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 22

Tension ran high following clashes between some Nigerians and locals of Arpora and Calangute at a restaurant in Calangute that left two persons injured on Saturday.

According to reports, the clashes broke out following a minor collision between a rickshaw and a Maruti Swift car, which was being driven by a Nigerian.

The mishap had taken place near the Luckees Restaurant, which incidentally is being run by some Nigerians along the borders of Calangute and NagoaArpora.

The matter was initially settled between the two motorists, but some misunderstanding took place and the incident took a violent turn, prompting a free-for-all between the two groups.

The Nigerians at the restaurant pelted soda bottles at the locals, who retaliated by breaking the window panes of the Maruti car and damaging property at the restaurant.

The rickshaw owner and a local were injured in the clashes.

The locals outnumbered some Nigerians, who were later rounded up by Calangute Police, while those Nigerians actually

A group of locals from Arpora and Calangute stand outside the Calangute Police Station.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

involved in the fight fled for their lives through the paddy fields.

The locals ran after them, but the Nigerians disappeared in the bushes.

Both the parties later went to the Calangute Police station and some were sent for a medical examination.

Locals of Arpora gathered in large numbers at the Calangute Police station to demand the release of the locals detained by the Calangute Police.

Speaking to Herald, a group of locals said the Nigerians have been very active since the transfer of PI Nolasco Raposo. There have also been reports that some Nigerians have been allegedly involved in accidents at nights in the close vicinity of the Luckees Restaurant.

Narvekar wants CBI or judicial probe in ‘PPP’ HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 22

In yet another criticism of his Congress party-led State government, Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar has demanded a CBI or a judicial probe in Goa’s infamous ‘PPP’ — Police-Pedlar Partnership.

…says will not allow privatisation of District Hospital HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 22

Accusing the State government of taking the people of North Goa for granted, Aldona ML A Dayanand Narvekar has vowed that he would not allow the privatisation of the District Hospital at Mapusa. “ The government released a small advertisement in an English daily (not Herald) on January 4 inviting quotations from private parties to run the hospital. The very fact that this advertisement was not released in other dailies indicates that there is some hidden agenda and selfish motive of somebody in privatising this hospital,” said Narvekar, while speaking to reporters in Mapusa on Friday evening.

“The Crime Branch has still not filed a chargesheet against the police officers indicted in the drug issue,” said Narvekar, while speaking at a press conference organised by the Goa Democratic Front in Mapusa on Friday evening.

“Further the High Court has also passed the strictures against the shoddy investigation of the drug case.”

“There are doubts in the minds of the people whether the Special Investigating Team appointed by the government will be able to conduct the investigations properly or not,” said Narvekar.

“Hence, the government should immediately handover the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation or conduct a Judicial enquiry into the PPP, which has earned bad name for the state of Goa,” he added.

Taking a dig at mining operations in the State, Narvekar said mining has destroyed paddy fields and water resources.

“Over 60% of the mines have gone below the water table. This is a serious matter but the gov-

Awareness camp at Ponda PANJIM (HND): The Ponda Taluka Legal Services Committee will organise an awareness camp on ‘Availability of Health Care Services’ on January 26 at 10.30 am at Matruchhaya, Dhavli, Ponda and on February 5 at Shree Saraswati HS, Kavlem, Ponda, at 10.30 am.

ernment is not at all bothered about the same,” said Narvekar.

“Proposals for seven new mining leases in Bardez and 23 new mining leases in Bicholim are pending before the government for approval. There is likelihood that the government may clear these proposals before assembly election to please mining lobby,” said Narvekar.

The Goa Democratic Front has organised a public meeting at Mapusa Taxi stand on March 29 to decide the future course of action.

“Goa Democratic Front has already held meetings in several villages and invitations have been sent to all panchayats and the NGOs of the Bardez taluka.

More than 3000 people are expected to attend this meeting,” said Narvekar.

"The owners of the Luckees Restaurant should never have leased out their premises to the Nigerians in the first place," said a local from Calangute.

While other locals blamed Goans themselves for the sorry state affairs in Goa, a police official was heard telling others in the police station: "A day will come when we will have to literally fight another battle to maintain our Goan identity."

"Why do we blame them today? The restaurant was given to them by our fellow Goans.

We Goans are ready to do anything for the sake of money and this will make our lives miserable one day," said the official.

The locals will at the police station till late saturday evening and dispersed from the site after police complaints were filed in the matter.

Incidentally, some local politicians were also seen at the Calangute police station to intervene in the matter.

Demolition notice to illegal dwellings in Nerul village HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 22

The Nerul Village Panchayat has directed Pratibha L Kudchadkar to demolish illegal construction in Survey No 23/1 at Nerul within 15 days of the receipt of its notice-cum-order issued under sub-section 4 of section 66 of the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. The 15-day period of the notice ends on January 25.

The order-cum-notice of the secretary states that Kudchadkar has failed to give any reply to the panchayat on the illegal constructions. He said after the 15day period ends the illegal constructions would be demolished and the expenditure towards the same will be recovered from the law breaker as if it were a tax imposed under the panchayat act.

Speaking on the illegal construction, village sarpanch Sanjay Kalangutkar said the illegal constructions have no legal sanctity from the panchayat as not a single permission or NOC has been issued by it. Villagers to have raked up the issue several times and opposed it in the gram sabha, he mentioned.

The Bardez Block Development Officer Shivprasad Naik who inspected the constructions yesterday said if the panchayat asks him for a demolition squad

he would be duty bound to give

the same to it.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 6

GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

GSIC calls for probe into manipulation of resolution

DRAG to hold candlelight dharna on Jan 25

were no proposer and seconder for the resolution, while the secretary had stated otherwise. The secretary maintained four panchas voted for the proposal and the same was proposed and seconded.

The GSIC observed the name of the proposer and seconder were missing in a handwritten copy furnished earlier. So, there is a discrepancy which has not been explained properly by the secretary, who cites oversight for the mistake, it notes.

It has now directed the Director of Panchayats to inquire whether addition of names of proposer and seconder were done without following the process of law and fix responsibility. If found guilty, initiate action by filing FIR or penalise as per law, it directs further.

The inquiry, the GSIC order states, has to be completed within three months and report compliance. The three-month period for the inquiry to be completed is upto March 17, 2011.

Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) will hold a candle light dharna of disabled persons on January 25 from 6 pm onwards at the residence of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at Altinho, Panjim, to highlight the neglect of the disabled by the State Government.

A 25 point charter of demands of the disabled which includes many issues pending for a long time will be submitted to the Chief Minister during the dharna.

DRAG had written to the Chief Minister on January 12 requesting for an appointment with him so that the charter of demands could be submitted but there has been no response from the Chief Minister till date, despite several representations to the CM during the last 3 years. As the CM has not given an audience to the members of the Association even once to air their grievances, DRAG has been forced to call the candle light dharna of the disabled on the eve of Republic Day in front of the Chief Minister Kamat’s Altinho residence.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 22

Goa State Information Commission has directed the Director of Panchayats to probe whether the Sodiem-Siolim Panchayat Secretary is party to manipulating a resolution that was furnished to an applicant under the Right to Information Act. Dominic D’Souza of Tropa Vaddo, Siolim, had complained to the GSIC charging the panchayat secretary of manipulating information of the resolution for regularising a metal fabrication workshop of deputy sarpanch Leao Dias. He complained the secretary had furnished him false information thus violating the provisions of the RTI Act. The GSIC order states the mistakes cited by the secretary in the resolution, which he claims to have later rectified, could not be taken lightly as the mandate of the RTI Act was to furnish information correct to the core.

It stated if the secretary had realised his mistake it was his

n The GSIC order states the mistakes cited by the secretary in the resolution, which he claims to have later rectified, could not be taken lightly as the mandate of the RTI Act was to furnish information correct to the core. duty to inform the complainant immediately. The issue cannot be brushed aside and the same needs to be investigated properly so that there is no interference with records in future, the order notes.

The complainant states there

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 22

Work on Kalsa Canal in full swing at Kankumbi.

Roadside garbage posing threat to motorists in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JAN 22

Photo by Vishant Vaze

Eric elected president of Saligao Communidade HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JAN 22

Stray cattle feast on garbage dumped along the bypass from Dumane to Karmalghat.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

the absence of any regular panchayat-owned dumping site.

“In fact, when applicants are granted permission to operate seasonal establishments along the coast, there is a specific clause that the applicants should make provision to dispose off their waste and garbage without

disturbing the atmosphere in any manner,” said a source at the Agonda panchayat.

Garbage dumped by the roadside has attracted stray cattle to these sites and a number of minor mishaps have taken place with motorists bumping into the stray cattle.

Govt accepts AICTE 6th pay recommendations HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 22

Teaching Faculty of AICTE governed institutes in Goa have reason to cheer. After a long anxious wait the Government has accepted and implemented the recommendations of the AICTE sixth pay scale. Beneficiaries of this include the teaching faculty of Goa Engineering College, Goa college of Architecture, Goa College of Pharmacy, Government Polytechnic Panjim, Bicholim, Curchorem, Agnel Polytechnic and Institute of Ship Building.

Faculties of these institutes were in a jubilant mood and gathered in large numbers on Saturday morning at the residence of Chief Minister Digamber Kamat to express their gratitude to the Chief Minister for having implemented the sixth pay scales. Later the staff also assembled at the residence of the Minister of Education Atanasio Monsorrate and ex-

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 22

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, JAN 22

A major crack on the bridge at Ta r i p a n t o - S a n g u e m h a s prompted two Sanguem councillors to demand the complete halt of heavy traffic along the bridge.

"The narrow bridge which was reportedly constructed during Portuguese regime has become weak and the bridge literally shakes whenever heavy vehicles pass over the bridge. This has scared locals in the area," informed Sanguem Councillor Deepak Marathe.

Councillor Changuna Salgaonkar claimed that the bridge is the only link for the people from Taripanto and other wards to reach to the town area.

The bridge is also extensively used by the locals, more particularly school children, to go to their schools.

"If the bridge collapses, residents of Taripanto and other wards will face grave problems in reaching the town," said Salgaonkar.

Marathe told Herald that

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JAN 22

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JAN 22

Dumping of waste along the roadside has attracted stray cattle in many parts of Canacona taluka, posing a serious threat to motorists.

Heaps of roadside garbage can be seen at various spots along the highway, right from Polem to Karmalghat.

There are allegations that many tourism stakeholders operating along the taluka’s coast in areas at Polem, Galgibaga, Agonda and Khola have been dumping waste by the roadside under the cover of darkness.

“Many people recklessly engage in dumping of garbage along the roadside, ponds and rivulets, thereby polluting these areas,” said Shekhar Pagui, who is himself involved in the tourism trade at Agonda coast.

When contacted, almost all local bodies in these areas expressed their inability to provide garbage collection facilities in

Court grants NRI bail but…

A crack towards the Sanguem end of the Taripanto bridge.

Photos by Alfred Fernandes

some truck owners plying at the neighbouring mines and plants prefer using the Taripanto bridge, as it reduces the distance considerably to reach to the Sanguem town for the onward journey to Sanvordem.

"This clandestine use of the bridge during day and at night has left the bridge seriously weak," opined Marathe.

Marathe and Salgaonkar have called on the PWD to immediately display a signboard on ei-

ther side of the bridge, banning entry to heavy vehicles.

The bridge towards the Sanguem end has now developed a crack and the councillors feared that the bridge could collapse at any moment.

The two councillors claimed that since there already exists another road, there is no need for truck operators to use the Taripanto bridge, which passes through thickly populated areas.

Inter-religious vigil at Carambolim church

Karnataka continuing with Kalsa Bhandura canal work Despite the petition filed by the State government in the Supreme Court regarding the Mhadai dispute, the hearing of which is in February, the Karnataka Nirawari Nigam (KNN) of Karnataka government is continuing with the work on Kalsa Bhandura canal.

According to sources, the KNN has not kept any stone unturned in the massive excavation of Kalsa-Bhandura canal proceeding from Ambyacho Vhal to Kankumbi which connects Malprabha River, leading the entire Kankumbi village to face acute water crisis in the future.

Villagers have requested the Karnataka government to stop the work as early as possible and find an amicable solution.

SMC councillors want Taripanto bridge closed for heavy traffic

Administrator of Communidade North Goa N M Gad administered the oath of office to Eric Remedios as president of Saligao communidade.

Gad administered the oath in his office at Mapusa on Friday in the presence of Saligao communidade Attorney John Coelho.

Speaking to media, Gad said there are 410 voters in Saligao communidade. On December 6, 2009, a meeting was called to elect the new committee.

He further informed that 41 candidates had filed their nomination to various posts of committee of Saligao communidade, but as there was no quorum for the meeting, the election could not take place.

“Since the term of earlier committee had already expired, I had submitted my report to the government to take necessary action. On the basis of recommendation of the government, Eric Remedios, John Coelho and Austin Fernandes were appointed as president, attorney and treasurer of Saligao communidade,” said Gad. Meanwhile, Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar said the term for any committee elected for communidade is three years.

Two held for dumping waste at Saligao HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 22

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat seen with the teaching staff of various AICTE governed institutes, who had gathered at his residence at Altinho, Panjim.

pressed their profound gratitude for the positive backing and support given by the Minister of Education.

The Government has accepted the recommendation of AICTE and among the many benefits extended to the staff are enhanced pay scales and retire-

ment age to sixty two for all teaching Faculty. Implementation of the sixth pay scales will attract and retain experienced talent from the industry and also further boost the commitment of the staff to strengthen and enhance the quality of technical education in the state.

Calangute Police arrested two persons on charges of dumping concrete debris and waste near the Science Centre, opposite Minor Seminary at Pilerne-Saligao on Tuesday at about 10 am.

Calangute Police arrested Kalidas Patekar (Saligao) and Narpath Singh (Rajasthan) under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

Police informed that Director of Science Michael M D’Souza noticed the duo dumping the debris and alerted the police.

A police team led by DySP P L Mapari rushed to the site and arrested the duo. Police is investigating the case.

The Parish Priest of Carambolim, Fr Conceicao D’Silva, with the Parish Council and Parish Youth of Carambolim, will organise All Goa Inter Religious Night Vigil on January 25 at 7.30 pm at Carambolim Church Ground.

At 6 pm, Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for intercessory prayers in the Church Hall.

Thomas Fernandes, leader of the intercessory group, Carambolim will lead the people for the success of the Night Vigil till 2am. The Night Vigil will begin with Biblical Rosary led

by Ida Fernandes. At 8 pm, Rev Dr Rosario Oliviera, Judicial Vicir of the Archdioceses of Goa, will light the traditional lamp and will open the Night Vigil with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Later Parish Priest of Raia, Fr Cipriano D’Silva, on behalf of the Catholics will speak on the t h e m e ‘ B k J o s e Va z a c h e a Pavlamni Cholun Sogllea Dhormachea Monxeam Modem Ekchar Ghoddun Jezuchim Sakxidaram Zaum-ia’. Later, President

of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Premanand Lotlikar, will speak on behalf of the Hindus and finally, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Fatorda, M K Shaik will speak on behalf of the Muslims. The three main speakers will also stress on the communal harmony of the three major religions of Goa which has been existing for last 500 years.

Principal of Rosary College, Navelim, Rev Dr Prof Simon Diniz, will summarise all the three talks.

At 9.30 pm, Damu Lotlikar from Margao and Ditoza Falcao from Betalbatim will speak how the Lord has touched them by doing charismatic retreat and how their lives has changed today and how God has blessed them abundantly.

From 10.30 pm to 12.30 am, Mario Fernandes and his Music Ministry will conduct Praise and Worship. From 12.30 am to 1.30 am, Francis Lobo and his dramatic troupe from Vasco will stage a play based on the life of Fr Joseph Vaz how 300 years back he tried to unite Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and

Engine Room Simulator inaugurated at IMS HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JAN 22

Chief Managing Director of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) Rear Admiral Vineet Bakhshi recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Engine Room Simulator for Operation Level at Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), ISBT Complex, Bogda-Mormugao.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by IMS Chairman and industrialist Dattaraj Salgaocar, former IMS chairman Ashok Chowgule, Director of IMS and IMS faculty.

“The Engine Room Simulator for Operation Level is the first such facility in Goa for IMS students, as earlier students from the State had to pursue such training in Mumbai or Kolkata,” said Deputy Director of IMS M C Asthana.

“Six students can be trained at a time in engine room simulator, which is primary level of training, while Engine Room Simulator for Management Level is second level of course, as these both level of training are very important for students during their maritime course,” added Asthana.

“The need was felt in Goa, as students were forced to go to other states to pursue these training,” added Asthana.

The IMS training degree and diploma holders in shipbuilding and mechanical engineering to become a marine engineer under the international convention STCW 95 is approved by the Director General of Shipping.

The institute has the reputation as one of the topmost marine engineering training institutes in Goa, while the newly installed room simulator would further upgrade the infrastructure of IMS.

ZP member assures all help to Arpora residents HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 22

Saligao ZP member Michael Lobo has assured residents of Arpora and women self help groups of all his support and solve their grievances on priority basis.

Lobo recently made the assurances while addressing the villagers and women of Ximvaddo, Sankwadi, Tambudki, Mainathbhati and Diwanbhati at the grievance meet at Arpora.

Lobo divulged various schemes available under the Zilla Panchayat, Rural Development Agency, Social Welfare Department, which give immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 to widows, etc, to the needy people.

Lobo assured his wholehearted co-operation in availing such benefits to the needy people.

Addressing the gathering, Gorakh Mandrekar said there

are number of schemes to help the self-help groups and urged upon the women to make the best of such schemes.

Mandrekar promised all support and help including expertise and demonstrate different skills for the benefit of the selfhelp groups.

The grievance meeting was organised by the BJP’s Calangute Block and was largely attended by the womenfolk from Arpora.

Former Calangute ZP member Anthony Menezes also attended the meeting.

Earlier, welcoming the womenfolk for the meeting, Mahila Morcha President Kamla Nigudkar explained the objectives of the meeting.

Nigudkar said it was her earnest desire to meet the women of Arpora and attend to their grievances. Ranjana Mandrekar proposed the vote of thanks.

Catholics into one family of God on the Island of Srilanka. He was a forerunner for communal harmony in Sri Lanka and India.

From 2 am to 4 am, Fr Conceicao D’Silva, Agnes Fernandes, Dioghino D’Costa will conduct the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and pray for communal harmony among the three major communities in Goa. Later, Fr Conceicao D’Silva will pray over patients of cancer, AIDS, paralysis, childless couples, etc.

At 4 am, Director of Biblical Centre Old Goa, Fr Manuel Gomes, will be the main celebrant for the corn celebrated mass where he will preach on the theme ‘Bk Jose Vazachea Pavlamni Cholun Sogllea Dhormachea Monxeam Modem Ekchar Ghoddun Jezuchim Sakxidaram Zaum-ia’. At 6 am, priests will be available for confession till 12 am.

There will be direct bus services from near Vasco Church, St Estevam Church, Loutolim Church, Fatima Convent Margao, Panjim Bus Stand, Curtorim, Sanvordem Bus Stand, etc.

North Goa Additional Session Judge today granted bail to Ranjit Varghese whose arrest and extradition to United States to face trial was sought by American Consulate, following an order from American Court.

The Court has granted bail with conditions that the NRI appears before the Anjuna police for the purpose of investigation, deposits passport and does not leave the State. He is also asked to give his permanent address to the Court as well the police.

The NRI’s bail plea was earlier rejected by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Mapusa.

Varghese was wanted in a case related to abducting his sevenyear-old son from his ex-American girlfriend Marcela Oleson.

She won the custody of the child in a US Court. In Goa, she obtained an order from the JMFC which held that in view of the order of the Maryland Court in US granting custody of the minor child to the mother, Anjuna police should assist her to get the custody of the child.

But Varghese hid the child before the police could find him.

They were later traced and Varghese was arrested in December 19, 2010 on basis of red corner notice issued by the Washington Interpol.

Since then Varghese, a Bangalore native was in judicial custody.

In the fresh bail plea, Advocate Swapnil Nashnolkar appearing for the NRI told the Court that Varghese along with his son came to Goa in August 2010 with due consent of the child’s mother.

The application also stated that Varghese, who owns a restaurant in Anjuna has not committed any offence punishable in US or India. The lawyer had argued that Anjuna police failed to initiate any extradition proceedings against Varghese and therefore this was a fit case for granting bail to him.

Poets meet at Panjim

PANJIM (HND): Institute Menezes Braganza will organise a Multilingual Poet meet on January 25, at Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industry Hall, Opp Azad Maidan, Panjim at 4.30 pm. Nagesh Karmali, Poet and Freedom Fighter from Goa will preside over the Kavi Sammelan.

upcoming events Inter-school quiz at Panjim PANJIM (HND): Rotary Club of Panjim Mid-Town in association with Nestle will organise the 2nd All Goa Inter School Quiz competition on February 5 at Maquinez Palace, Old GMC Complex, Behind Inox, Panjim, from 8.30 am to 1 pm. Schools may depute two students for the quiz. Entry form which has been posted to the schools should be duly filled and e mailed by January 29 to Rtn Nazareth Vaz on nazareth.vaz@gmail.com, (Mob 9823096258), or to Wilson Vaz on wilsonvaz@yahoo.com (Mob 9860828555). Spot registration will also be entertained.

Cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 6000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 will be awarded to the winners along with winner shield (for School) and individual trophies.

Expo for women entrepreneurs PANJIM (HND): Annual four-day exhibition ‘ASTURI’ of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Women’s Wing, will be organised for women by women from February 10 to 13 at Azad Maidan, Panjim, from 10 am to 8 pm. The exhibition is organised with the aim to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and widen market opportunities. The specially created stalls are offered at subsidized rates exclusively for women to display their products manufactured or traded by them. The GCCI Women’s Wing will have a talents evening for children, cookery contest, fancy dress competition for ladies and other entertainment programmes every evening. For booking of stalls call GCCI on 2424252 or email goachamber@gmail.com.

Feast of Livra Febres PANJIM(HND): The feast of Our Lady of Livra Febres will be celebrated on January 23 at Consua. On the feast day, the low masses will be held at 6 am, 7:15 am, 8:30 am and the concelebrated mass will be held at 10 am. Archbishop Blasco Colaco will be the main celebrant. In the evening, Tiatr ‘Dev Borem Korum Maim’ will be staged by Pascoal Rodrigues, says a press release.

Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria PANJIM (HND): The feast of our lady of Candelaria will be celebrated on February 2. The fama (maddi) will be held on January 23 at 5 pm followed by Pomburpa Spring Festival at 6.30 pm. The Novena Services will begin from January 24.

Silent adoration will be at 6.30 am followed by mass Adoration, Rosary, Mass and salve at 4.30 pm. On the feast day, the masses will be at 6.30 am, 8.30 am and concelebrated feast mass at 10 am. There will be drama festival on all three days, on February 2, ‘God Father’ by Comedian Agostinho, on February 3, ‘Passarem’ by Alfi from Divar, on February 4, ‘Nith’ by Camilo de Pomburpa. Pomburpa fare will be open for 5 days.

POWER SHUTDOWN JAN 22

MAPUSA: January between 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Morod Tr 1, Tr II, Poshak, HDFC Bank, Morod, Grand Morod, Honda showroom, GFA, Agriculture section, Green glade, Almeida Residency, Paulo garage, ITI, Shetyewaddo, Priyaga, Luzco, Peddem, Bilwan, GP Complex, Prabhu Estate, Gaunsawaddo and surrounding areas.

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OHERALDO

INDIA

GOA, SUNDAY,23 JANUARY, 2011

opinionated There is a way out

By Anand Madgavkar The most asked question, with a air of resignation, as if to suggest “there isn’t a way” is the question … ‘Is there a way out’ of the huge mess we find ourselves in, vis-à-vis the politicians, the inefficiency, the corruption, the lawlessness which we don’t want, and the many other services that should be available to us, as ordinary citizens of this state?

To answer the question, we must first ask the question “Why” are we in this mess? The easiest answer is to point fingers at everyone else, except ourselves. First let us accept the fact that it is we, the people, who have stopped asking for things to be done correctly. But we have to exercise this right as we are tax payers and this percolates down to the very last rung of society.

Even the beggar is part of this. The fact remains that everything we eat or drink, taxed.

And that is how the government gets all the money that they are supposed to utilise to give us our basic needs … law and order, protection, basic needs like roads, electricity, water, garbage treatment, sewage, transportation, health care and umpteen other departments that employ thousands of people to serve the common man/woman. We all pay our taxes and therefore, all of us are entitled to the service.

But we have stopped demanding our rights. We have somewhere, down the line, changed the equation so that it would seem that government funds come from some magical source that politicians use to get funds, and politicians are our new maharajas … undisputed kings/queens, for their tenure, who can arbitrarily decide whatever they want to do. And we have to be grateful to them, that they rule over us, and this attitude percolates down to every government department.

This brings us to what can we now do to correct the situation and put things right. Electing a new person or retaining the same old crook doesn’t seem to be working, since all turn out to be irresponsible, and do not attend to our needs.

So what can we do? Here is a suggestion. It is workable, if followed, which will take a lot of effort and doing, but then, we are doing it for ourselves and for our generations to follow.

Take the smallest election unit where you stay, like your village ward, or in many cases in villages, where the voting population would be around a 1,000 people or so, or 400 houses. This is small enough for the basic needs of the ward residents.

Carry out a survey with each household. Put down your problems, needs, suggestions, solutions and any other common objectives of the area. Form a ward committee of say, ten dedicated people, irrespective of political leanings of your ward, where these capable citizens can deliberate on the data collected and draw up a sort of wish list, of what needs to be done, in the ward. Have a meeting of all those who wish to attend, and get a common consensus on the document, after discussions.

The next time election is around, approach each candidate who stands for election and get his/her commitment to fulfill the needs of your ward. Let people vote for whoever they think, will do the job best.

After elections, call upon the elected candidate in a group, and tell him/her to commence on fulfilling these needs as promised. If necessary, gather a huge amount people from your ward and assemble at the house of the elected member, and demand a time table to do the works. Take him/her along and go to all the concerned government departments, to the concerned ministers and follow up, till the works are taken up, as per your needs, and maintained and completed to your satisfaction. Keep a check on the quality of work done and make sure timely repairs/maintenance, is done. Yes, it will be an all time job, which if shared, will not take all that much time from every one. Yes, it will take persistent effort on part on the citizens, but then, at least there is a good chance it will work, which is better than just talking about it all the time.

Wake up, stand up, demand your rights and keep at it, till you get them and continue to be active, so that it becomes a way of life. That is the only way we get what we owe by those, whom we elect to power and others who are employed to do our work. Undoubtedly, all this comes from the money we shell out for our needs, by way of taxes.

IAS officer booked for passing info PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 22

D elhi Police today filed a chargesheet in a court here against senior IAS officer Ravi Inder Singh, accused of passing sensitive information of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to unauthorised persons in return for personal gains.

The chargesheet, running into 2,343 pages, was filed in the court of Special Judge Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal who took it into the records and fixed January 29, the next date of hearing, for taking it on cognizance.

Police, which have recently got the nod to file the chargesheet against the IAS officer and co-accused Vineet Kumar (CMD of Kolkata-based

Temptation Food Pvt Ltd), sought their prosecution under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and bribing a government official.

The chargesheet contained the transcripts of the recorded conversations of Singh and coaccused Kumar, police said.

The voice samples of the accused duo, taken during the probe, have matched with that of taped conversations at the f o r e n s i c l a b o r a t o r y, t h e chargesheet said.

Police, in the chargesheet, have named 45 people as prosecution witnesses to prove their charges against the accused.

APPOINTMENTS

Army official loses seniority in Sukna case verdict PTI SHILLONG, JAN 22

Lt Gen P K Rath, the senior-most serving officer to be convicted for corruption, was today given a sentence of severe reprimand and two-year loss of seniority by an Army Court Martial before which he broke down while the verdict was being pronounced.

Rath will also have to undergo 15 years of loss of service for pensionary benefits for being guilty in the Sukna land scam.

“To take rank and precedence as if appointment as substantiating Lt Gen bore dated May 24, 2010, forfeiture of 15 years service for pensionary benefits and severely reprimand,” General Court Martial (GCM) Presiding Officer Lt Gen I J Singh said in his verdict.

The two-year loss of seniority would mean that the officer who took the three-star rank in May 2008, would be now considered as being promoted as Lt Gen from May 2010 only. He has one more year of service left.

Rath was found guilty by the court yesterday on three counts but four other charges including 'intent to defraud' were dropped.

Rath broke down in the court while the judgement was being pronounced.

Expressing gratitude to the GCM for dropping the defraud charges, he said, “This has removed the stigma which has been haunting me ever since the chargesheet was filed in the case.”

The order is subject to confirmation by the Defence Ministry.

Rath, former deputy chief of Army Staff-designate, was found guilty of issuing a 'No-objection certificate' in the capacity of 33 Corps Commander to a private realtor for constructing educational institutions on a piece of land adjacent to the Sukna military station in West Bengal.

The other two charges for which he was found guilty are signing of MoU with Geetanjali Trust for construction of the ed-

My son may not get bail: Sen’s mother PTI KALYANI (WB), JAN 22

The mother of physician Binayak Sen, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Chhattisgarh for sedition, today alleged there is a conspiracy by a section of powerful people to foil any possibility of her son getting bail.

“I fear my son will not be granted bail by the Chhattisgarh

High Court on January 24 as some powerful people are a hatching conspiracy to influence the judiciary,” 84-year-old ailing Anashua Sen said here.

“I'll, however, fight for his release till the last drop of my blood and up to my last breath.

If nothing positive comes out, I'll move the Supreme Court and write to the president and the prime minister," she said.

APPOINTMENTS

ucational institute and for not informing his superiors in the Eastern Command about the proposed agreement.

The four charges of 'intent to defraud' against the officer were dropped by the GCM. In his order Lt Gen I J Singh said, "after carefully considering the case and the statements of the witnesses, it has been found that there is no evidence that the accused could have gained anything or cause injury to anyone."

“He has never told any officer to keep the matter as secret. Efforts were made to safeguard the interests of the army by ensuring that security is not compromised, and reservations in the proposed educational institution for the students and family of the army men,” Singh said, adding there was "no deceit or secrecy in the signing of the MoU." Holding Rath guilty for not informing the superior authorities about the change in decision, Singh said, “But it was his

duty to inform and seek approval of the headquarters eastern command. His action is prejudicial to good order and military discipline.”

The sentence of 15 years loss of service for pensionary benefits to Rath would mean a substantial decrease of 35-40 per cent in pension.

“Though the pension would be for the rank of Lt Gen only but it will be calculated for 25 years of service and not 40 years,” Rath's counsel Major S S Pandey said here.

Rath had been designated as Deputy Chief of Army Staff but when the scandal came to light in 2008, his appointment was cancelled and since then he has been attached to different army formations for disciplinary proceedings.

An Army Court of Inquiry had found Rath guilty of wrongdoing along with Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash, the then military secretary to the Army Chief, Lt Gen Ramesh Halgali, the then 11 Corps Commander and Maj Gen

APPOINTMENTS

P K Sen. Subsequently, the Court Martial was ordered against Rath and Prakash while administrative action was directed against the two other officers.

Prakash, the senior most of the four, is also facing disciplinary action in the case and his Summary of Evidence (SoE) has been completed in the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata.

Halgali is presently serving as the director General (Military Training) in the Army headquarters in New Delhi.

APPOINTMENTS

HE RA LD

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NEWS

GOA, SUNDAY JANUARY 23, 2011

Oppn parties seek SP’s suspension PTI LUCKNOW, JAN 22

Opposition parties today demanded immediate suspension of Banda SP Anil Das who, they alleged, played a role in threatening the 17-year-old girl raped by a Bahujan Samaj Party MLA, and charged the Mayawati government with shielding the police officer.

They claimed there was sufficient evidence of the SP's role in threatening and intimidating the victim by exerting pressure on her to withdraw the case against Banda MLA Purshottam Naresh Dwivedi who allagedly raped her.

“Though junior police officials and the jailor have been suspended, the official who was directing them to intimidate the victim for saving his political boss is so far appearing to be coming out of the case scot free," Congress spokesman Subodh Srivasatava told PTI. He alleged that the state government had shown similar attitude in the case of 12-year-old Divya, a student in Kanpur who died after being sexually assaulted, by saving DIG Prem Prakash.

Srivastava said continuance of the police chief in the district was not good for the security of the girl who faced a threat from supporters of the accused MLA who has made clear his intention of taking revenge from his detractors.

Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary alleged that the government did not want

to offend senior police officials and wanted to take credit by punishing junior level officials.

“Perhaps, these senior level officials are in the know of secrets of this government and any punishment could become counter productive,” Chaudhary said.

BJP spokesman Vijay Pathak said even if junior level officials of the district were involved in threatening the victim, senior officials like the district magistrate and superintendent of police cannot shun their responsibility.

He said anger in the local people was growing over the government's apathetic attitude and the SP should have been suspended earlier itself.

The SP visited the jail against the rules and stayed there for over five hours continuously threatening the girl, Pathak said.

CAG to decide on appearing before court PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 22

The CAG today said that it will decide on appearing before the local court which has issued summons to him to appear as witness on a complaint filed by Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy in the 2G spectrum case.

“We have not received the document. After we receive we will decide how to go about it”, the spokesperson of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said when asked whether CAG would appear alongwith another official as witness in the court.

Special CBI Judge Pradip Chaddah last evening sought presence of the CAG Vinod Rai and official, R P Singh, in the court on February 5 to depose as witnesses in the 2G spectrum case.

Sources indicate that summons are of technical nature and it is likely that CAG might depute an advocate to testify the auditor’s report on 2G spectrum which was signed by Rai and Singh.

The order came on a private complaint by Swamy seeking registration of a criminal case against former Telecom Minister A Raja for his alleged role in the scam, which, according to the CAG, caused a presumptive loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer.

OHERALDO

Pg 9

INDIA

GOA, SUNDAY, 23 3ANUARY, 2011

Address rights issue of J&K people, says UN rapporteur UNI NEW DELHI, JAN 22

United Nations Rapporteur on situation of Human Rights Defenders Margaret Sekaggya today called for addressing “the issue of people” in Jammu and Kashmir and repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Sekaggya, who was on a 10day visit to India and toured Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Gujarat, West Bengal and Orissa to study the human rights situation in these states, said the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should be about people and what they feel.

“The issue in Jammu and Kashmir should be about people and what people feel...It is important to address the issue of people...,” she said while speaking to some journalists here.

She said during a visit to the state, she had met political leaders, lawyers, students and common people who were looking for their “disappeared” children.

To a question on whether she had visited the Kashmiri Pandits who have been living in refugee camps in Jammu and elsewhere for the past 21 years as they complete their two decades in exile after being driven out by Kashmiri terrorists from their homes in the Valley, Sekaggya said she was there just for halfa-day and did not have time.

She had also met the interlocutors appointed by the Centre and discussed the situation with them, and hoped for “good progress'”.

She evaded a direct question about state-sponsored human rights violations in the Valley, (reference to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism), and said some of the violations were by state and some by violent groups.

She said she did not know whether there were state-sponsored human rights violations. ''...but these are there...,” she added.

Sekaggya called for repeal of the AFSPA and PSA and review

BJP flayed for attacking Governor’s decision PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 22

Home Minister P Chidambaram today criticised BJP for its attack on Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj granting sanction to prosecute the chief minister and said the governor’s decision was in accordance with the law.

In a signed statement, he asked the Karnataka Government and BJP to maintain law and order, saying the party’s move to take to the streets against the governor’s decision is not acceptable.

“It is not the first time that a Governor has given his sanction to prosecute a chief minister or a minister of the state government. The law in this respect is clear and well-settled,” he said.

The Home Minister said he was “disappointed” that the BJP has raised the decibel level and has taken to the streets which was “not correct” and was “totally unacceptable”.

“The Government of Karnataka is obliged to maintain law and order in the state, not

to standby when law and order is disrupted by party cadres or there are acts of violence,” he said.

Bhardwaj had yesterday sanctioned prosecution of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in alleged land scams.

The BJP had hit back at the Governor calling the decision constitutionally improper and politically motivated.

Taking a dig at BJP, Chidambaram said he was glad to note that the party no longer says that “the alleged transgressions of law in Karnataka are only immoral and not illegal.”

“Surely, the BJP knows the legal position. The BJP also knows that any person aggrieved by the order of the Governor can seek legal remedies.

Hence, it is my sincere hope that the BJP will advise its state unit to abide by the law and will advise the Government of Karnataka to discharge its constitutional obligation to maintain law and order,” he said.

From Page 1 The story of IDC... company (registration number 151328) was incorporated on July 27, 2006, seven months before IDC allotted it 35,000 sqm. Mehul had a paid up capital of a mere Rs 1 lakh and was allotted property worth Rs 2.5 crore.

Further questions need to be asked. The rate of land was fixed at Rs 650 per sqm. If it was a transfer, the rate went up to Rs 750 per sqm. Since the resolution does not mention transfer, how could the same plot be allotted to two companies? And if it was transfer then did Mehul pay Rs 750 per sqm amounting to Rs 2.63 crore? And if it did, where did the funding come from since its capital was Rs 1 lakh. But that is not all. The company was then registered with the Software Technology Park authority of Goa, showing the same Goa address (plot number U03, Verna Industrial Estate Phase IV) with its listed business as “UK Telecom, Mortgage, International Communication and date sorting. What is very surprising is that its Delhi address shown here is C-250 Defence Colony (which is listed as the residence of one of its Directors Yogesh Gupta, and not C-582 Defence Colony as per its address filed with the ROC Delhi.

FOCUS 3: The GIDC decided to ban transfer of plots after September 30, 2008. In the 24 hours between September 29 and 30, 12 applications for transfer of land were received by IDC which crucially included Mehul Developers who wanted to transfer their land to multi-national Bosch limited.

When contacted, Blaise Costa Bir, a member of the task force and a prominent member of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Yes, we are aware of this case. We will be looking into all aspects and point out wherever irregularities have occurred in all industrial estates in Goa. This particular case is on top of our minds and we will discuss this in our very next meeting”.

The question now. Why did Mehul Developers want to transfer land and forgo their telecom and IT project, and did precious little from the time of it’s allotment? The IDC needs to come clean and clarify. The Herald gives it seven days.

Babujee...

funding?

4) Has the entire plot allotment exercise in Industrial estates become a tool for influential people and companies to buy land and then sell/transfer at higher prices, and by flouting IDC guidelines and rules

Wanted elsewhere... narcotics, were very busy. The arrest of scores of migrant labourers from Bhoma, Old Goa and Mapusa area hit the headlines the next day.

The wanted Mauvadi Trishu Manch (MTM) naxalite head Shambu Beck was arrested on a tip-off by Orissa police. The labourer-like looking Beck was in Goa for long and was wanted in several criminal activities back home.

Beck was happily living in lesser known Bhoma locality on Ponda-Panjim highway and got jobs in private firms as cover. No background checks were done by his employers.

The year 2011 itself began with the arrest of four Manipurbased militants including a high-profile woman. The arrest came after a tip off from Manipur police.

Ironically, the arrest came almost a month after State was on high alert. The militants had no real tension though. In fact, during the time of their arrest, they were all having a meal of fish curry and rice at a Cavelossim beach village.

of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the functioning of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Acknowledging the security challenges faced by India, she said she was deeply concerned about the “arbitrary application” of security laws at the national and state levels in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

Most notably were the PSA, the AFSPA, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act which directly affected the work of human rights defenders.

“The Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Acts should be repealed and application of other security laws which adversely affect the work and safety of human rights defenders, should be reviewed,” Sekaggya said.

In a set of 30 recommendations in the preliminary report, Sekaggya has said the Supreme Court's judgement on police reforms should be fully implemented in line with international

standards, particularly at the State level.

In a statement while speaking with some journalists on the conclusion of her visit, she said the NHRC and the existing State HRCs was an important avenue where human rights defenders could seek redress However, all the defenders she had met during her visit voiced disappointment and mistrust in the functioning of these institutions.

“Their (HR defenders') main concern lies in the fact that investigations into their cases are conducted by the police which in many cases are the perpetrators of the alleged violations,” she said.

The other recommendations are: -- Chief minister and chief secretaries of States should publicly acknowledge importance and legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders.

-- Functioning of NHRC be reviewed to strengthen it by broadening the selection criteria for appointment of chairperson,

Gulzar nearly creates stampede at festival PTI

JAIPUR, JAN 22

Eminent song-writer Gulzar, who was scheduled to speak on lyrics in cinema at the ongoing literature festival here, had difficulty reaching the venue thanks to the crowd, which also included former chief minister Vasundhara Raje and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

The organisers first tried to change the venue but had to pacify the huge crowd by apologising and promising another session with the lyricist.

Raje and Chopra sneaked into the crowd later, which completely ignored them, but they managed to find a stool to sit.

But many were not so lucky. One cot could not bear the burden of listeners and broke. Many people opted to stand or sit on the ground even as an equally large crowd waited to get accommodated.

Convener Sanjoy finally decided to close the entry but cautioned the minder not to deny entry to the other two speakers - Javed Akhtar and Prasoon Joshi, who managed to reach the venue only after a delay of 20 minutes. Gulzar, however, seemed a bit reluctant to do another session but finally conceded.

Gulzar has been a regular at the literature festival and it is not surprising that he manages to pull the maximum crowd even though he is not in the best of his mood sometimes.

His first session, even though it clashed with that of Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, was packed with people.

The Oscar-winning lyricist amused the audience with little anecdotes on the birth of songs

in Hindi cinema before Akhtar could join him and later apologised to his contemporary by saying,” 'Maaf kijiyega, main inhe behla raha tha (forgive me, I was just entertaining them).

diversifying composition of the Commission, extending the oneyear limitation clause, establishing an independent committee incharge of investigating complaints and elevating the status of human rights defenders focal point by appointing a Commissioner.

-- Protection of Human Rights Act should be amended.

-- Security forces should be clearly instructed to respect the work and the rights and fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders.

-- Sensitisation training to security forces on the role and activities of Human Rights defenders with technical advice from relevant UN entities, NGOs and other partners.

-- Prompt and impartial investigations on violations committed against human rights defenders and perpetrators prosecuted.

-- Full implementation of

laws and policies which guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms be ensured.

-- A law on the protection of human rights defenders be developed in consultation with civil society and UN entities.

Son beats father to death

An elderly man was beaten to death, allegedly by his son, at Pakaria village in Palamu district of Jharkhand last night.

Police said Dhanu Bhuiyan (58) was thrashed with stone, allegedly by his son Vinod Bhuniya (32) following a tiff last night.

The body, dumped in a well by the assailant, was later fished out by police.

Police said quoting neighbours that altercation began last night over the sale of family plots and Vinod suddenly picked up a stone and began thrashing his father in a fit of pique. Vinod has been arrested. (PTI)

OHERALDO

Pg 10 GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

Pope weighs in as Berlusconi sex scandal deepens AGENCIES ROME, JAN 22

Prosecutors investigating Silvio Berlusconi were today told that he would not answer their questions as a witness came forward with new, apparently damaging evidence against him.

The evidence came from Nadia Macri, a prostitute who went to a police station in Milan to give a statement. Late on Thursday, she told a television interviewer she had been with Karima el-Mahroug, the teenager at the centre of the Berlusconi affair, at a party in the Italian prime minister’s mansion that became an orgy.

Macri said that on 24 April last year the then 17-year-old Mahroug, known as Ruby Rubacuori (Ruby the Heartstealer), was dancing topless and a bit drunk round a pole in a specially equipped room at Berlusconi’s home outside Milan. In a remark which may have been aimed at Italy’s beleaguered prime minister, Pope Benedict XVI told an audience of police officers that public officials must “rediscover their spiritual and moral roots”.

An opposition politician close to the Vatican, Pier Ferdinando Casini of the Christian Democratic Union of the Centre (UDC), cast doubt on that interpreta-

tion, saying: “A true Catholic listens to the pope and never uses him for his own ends.”

But the pope’s remarks echoed comments on Thursday by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who urged public figures to be “committed to a more robust morality, a sense of justice and lawfulness”.

Berlusconi reportedly told his weekly cabinet meeting the cardinal’s comments were too vague and generic to have been intended for him.

Berlusconi is formally under investigation on suspicion of paying a juvenile prostitute and then abusing his authority to cover up the fact. Ruby, a Moroccan runaway, was arrested by police in Milan last May. But instead of being returned to care, she was handed over to a woman claimed to have recruited many of the female guests for Berlusconi’s parties.

The police released Ruby following a call from the prime minister’s office claiming that she was a grand-daughter of the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak.

Berlusconi and Ruby have denied having sex, and none of the evidence published so far offers cast-iron proof that she was rewarded for sexual services.

Macri’s eyewitness evidence

could, therefore, be crucial.

Another guest has said she was told by Ruby that she had sex with the prime minister.

And documents submitted to parliament on Monday show police intercepted a text message from her boyfriend in which he referred to her “hardcore scenes with the pr … with the person”.

Berlusconi had been asked to give his side of the story by Monday. But a letter from his lawyers said he would not do so because they contend that the Milan prosecutors’ department has no jurisdiction over the case.

Berlusconi’s mansion is in another judicial catchment area, as is the house of a police official to whom the call from the prime minister’s office was diverted last May. According to Macri’s account, she and Ruby both received €5,000 (£4,250) from Berlusconi for attending his party.

She said that after sharing a swimming pool with an allegedly nude prime minister and five or six other girls, she watched as he headed for a room used for massages.

“After a bit, he said: ‘Next one.

Next one.’ And every five minutes we opened the door and had sexual relations. One at a time.”

4 shot dead in Albania clashes AFP TIRANA, JAN 22

Four people have been killed and dozens injured in extensive anti-government clashes outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana, the Albanian capital.

State health officials confirmed the four had died from gunshot wounds during the clashes between opposition supporters and riot police.

About 30 civilians and 25 policemen and national guard officers were also hurt, the officials said.

The violence follows months of tension between the government of Sali Berisha, the prime minister, and opposition Socialists.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Karolina Risto, chief editor at Albania’s Vision Plus TV, said: “Albania is finally calm now after more than six hours of violent clashes.

“Four people are reported dead, all of them young men among the demonstrations in Albania’s capital.

“The whole purpose of this gathering is because the opposition is accusing the government of stealing their votes in the last election.”

Berisha called the protests an opposition attempt to foment a Tunisia-style uprising.

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi gets web access AGENCIES YANGON, JAN 22

Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has finally had Internet access installed at home after her years of isolation were brought to an end two months ago, an aide said on Friday.

Her security chief Win Htein said that the opposition leader was “glad” to be able to go online at her lakeside mansion in Yangon and would use the technology to contact her network of supporters.

“But she cannot use the Internet now as she is not feeling well and is coughing,” he said.

It is believed that the Nobel laureate has

never before surfed the web.

Suu Kyi, who was locked up for seven straight years with no telephone or Internet until November, has expressed an interest in using the micro-blogging site Twitter or the social network Facebook to reach young people.

She applied to a private company for Internet access soon after she was released, but the request was transferred to Yatanarpon Teleport, a firm run by the country’s military authorities.

Citizens of Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962, must obtain the authorities’ permission to be able to go online at home and there is a thriving black

market for facilities under assumed identities.

Suu Kyi applied officially under her own name for web access because she wants to use email, Win Htein said.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders describes Myanmar’s legislation on Internet use, the Electronic Act, as among the world’s most repressive, with online dissidents facing lengthy prison terms.

In November, the group described Yatanarpon Teleport’s e-mail service, Ymail, and instant messaging, Ytalk, provided as alternatives to Google’s Gmail and Gtalk, as attempts “to make it even easier for the authorities to monitor online communications”.

Tunisia’s interim PM promises free polls AGENCIES TUNIS, JAN 22

Tunisia’s interim prime minister said Friday that his country would hold its first free democratic elections since gaining independence, vowing to leave politics after those elections.

“We want to make the next elections the first transparent and legitimate elections since independence,” Tunisian Interim Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi said Friday on staterun Tunis TV. “After this transitional period -- with all honesty -- I will leave any political role I have even if I was selected or appointed,” he said. “I will leave political life and retire.”

Tunisia’s ruling party is shunned Ghannouchi’s remarks came in an interview with two independent journalists on Thursday that Tunis TV aired on Friday.

Ghannouchi spoke of coming political reforms that he said would “scrap all undemocratic laws including laws involving political parties, the elections, and the anti-terrorism law that was abused by the former regime.”

“I lived like all Tunisians, in pain and fear,” under former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali -- who was ousted in a rebellion a week ago -- Ghannouchi said.

Ghannouchi resigned from his ruling party this week and was

W

hite lions came into the limelight 1970 after the publication of Chris McBride's book, The White Lions of Timbavati.

Contrary to popular belief, white lions are not albino lions. Instead, the white color is caused by a recessive gene known as chinchilla or

R

ed wolves are one of only two species of wolves in the world, the other species being the larger Gray Wolf.

In 1973, Red wolves were declared an endangered species, and soon after, in 1980, the United State Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officially declared the Red Wolf extinct in the wild.

H o w e v e r, before all hope was lost, the

While this coloration does not disadvantage them in any physical way, their blonde, near white color proves to be a disadvantage in the wild - as they do not blend in with nature, as seamlessly as their tawny cousins. This has led scientists to speculate that the white lion is a remnant of the ice age, during which time they must have flourished.

It is widely believed that the USFWS was able to capture 17 red wolves. This had been done prior to 1980, and as a

The Red Wolf

result, an extensive breeding program was put into place in over 38 zoos and nature centers. The result has been happy, as the numbers have come back to around 265 individual wolves as of August

survival of the white lion in the wild is improbable, at best, which is why most of the surviving ones are in zoos., although there are efforts being made to reintroduce them to their natural habitat.

In 2003, the Global White Lion Protection Trust (WLT) initiated the first ever reintroduction of white lions to their natural endemic range - the Greater Timbavati region in South Africa. Those lions have been hunting and breeding successfully without human intervention, rekindling hopes of resurrecting the species.

2005.

In 1987, the first Red wolf was reintroduced into the wilds of North Carolina, and it is estimated that there are over 100 Red wolves in the wild now.

There are another 165 or so in the captive breeding programs.

Reasons for the red wolf's decline included hunting, poisoning and trapping (because it was perceived as a threat to livestock, and possibly to people) and habitat disruption.

AFP TUNIS, JAN 22

Thousands rallied in Tunisia today after the main trade union called for a new government of “national salvation,” as the prime minister promised the first democratic elections since independence.

Demonstrators in Tunis were joined by dozens of members of the police, discredited because of the bloody crackdown on protests against president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali that ultimately led to his ouster on January 14.

Officers said they were on the side of the protestors and demanded higher pay.

Some of the officers briefly blocked a car carrying interim president Foued Mebazaa, the appointed interim Prime Minister by the interim President Fouad Mebazaa.

Tunisia’s new government is interrogating 33 people from Ben Ali’s entourage, a top official said Friday, while 1,200 others who have “spread terror among the population and carried out unacceptable acts” have been arrested, according to state media.

speaker of parliament, but it was later allowed to pass.

Public assemblies of more than three people are officially banned under a state of emergency that remains in place along with a night-time curfew.

Mebazaa has promised a “total break” with the old regime and the government has unveiled key reforms such as the release of all political prisoners and the legalisation of political parties, but daily protests have continued.

Many Tunisians are angry at the inclusion of old regime figures like Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi in the new government and want the break-up of the former ruling party, which has dominated Tunisia for decades.

Tunisia’s Interior Minister Ahmed Friaa announced the arrests in a news conference, saying that “33 members of families close to the former president have been brought to justice and are now being interrogated.”

“These people’s jewels and huge sums of money in their possession have been seized,” the country’s official TAP news

AGENCIES MALI, JAN 22

West African leaders are holding a summit in Mali Saturday to work on resolving the presidential deadlock in Ivory Coast.

Members of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, have demanded that incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo resign and have threatened to use force if he does not step down.

Gbagbo has ignored demands to yield power to Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner of Ivory Coast’s run-off election in November.

A dog stands on the bank of the Yenisei River in front of moored boats covered with heavy hoarfrost and snow as the air temperature dropped to minus 26 degrees Celsius outside the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk.

Pakistan anti-terror court adjourns 26/11 case to Feb 4

Critically Endangered Species color inhibitor. The white gene can be found in the offspring even if a white lion mates with a tawny lion.

Thousands rally against Tunisia’s new leaders

agency reported, citing Friaa, a holdover from the previous government.

In the interview that aired Friday, Ghannouchi said, “We have frozen their bank accounts and properties in the country,” referring to assets belonging to families close to the former president.

“A judge was appointed to determine how to deal with their wealth,” Ghannouchi said.

He said that the Tunisian government is trying to freeze money belonging to relatives of the former president and said that the money would eventually be returned to the Tunisian people.

Former presidential guard director Ali Seriati is among those being interrogated, Friaa said.

Friaa also confirmed earlier reports that Imed Trabelsi, the nephew of the ousted president, is among those being interrogated.

The identities of those being questioned will not be released until “they are judged,” TAP reported.

Some of the 1,200 people arrested by the new government have been released, Friaa said, while 382 others face charges such as carrying illegal firearms, looting and committing violence.

Friaa described those who’d been killed in Tunisia’s recent uprising as “martyrs of the Revolution,” according to TAP.

West African leaders meet on Ivory Coast pres crisis

Natural World

The White Lion Only 300 left

WORLD

PTI ISLAMABAD, JAN 22

Laurent Gbagbo

On Friday, South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma said efforts to end the Ivory Coast crisis by demanding that one of the two candidates resign are not working. He said it is up to ECOWAS to decide what to do.

Zuma made his remarks after meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, an African Union mediator on Ivory Coast.

Also Friday, the United Nations denounced an order by Gbagbo for police and army officials to search all UN vehicles.

Ouattara is in a hotel in Abidjan where he is protected by UN peacekeepers.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court today adjourned to February four the trial of LeT’s Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and six other suspects in the Mumbai attack case after prosecutors sought more time in the wake of a related petition before a High Court which is yet to decide the matter.

Prosecutors sought more time from judge Rana Nisar Ahmed of the Rawalpindi-based antiterrorism court so that the Lahore High Court could decide on the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA’s) petition seeking a direction for Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the Mumbai attacks, and Fahim Ansari to be declared proclaimed offenders or fugitives, sources said.

Ansari was accused of surveying the places to be targeted during the 26/11 terror strikes and passing maps to his Pakistani handlers.

Judge Ahmed listed the matter for February 4 and there were no further proceedings in the trial, which is being held at the high-security Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.

Official sources in Lahore said the High Court had listed the FIA petition for hearing on February 2.

The FIA filed the petition in the Lahore High Court to challenge the anti-terrorism court’s decision not to declare Kasab and Ansari as fugitives.

Legal experts said the move would add to the complexity of the trial of the seven Pakistani suspects, including Lakhvi.

They earlier said proceedings

in the anti-terrorism court were unlikely to move forward till the case in the High Court is settled.

The FIA’s petition asks the High Court to declare Kasab and Ansari as proclaimed offenders, to issue non-bailable warrants for them and to de-link their case from that of the seven Pakistani suspects.

Kasab has already been sentenced to death by a special court in Mumbai for his role in the attacks that killed 166 people. Ansari was acquitted by the same court but continues to be in custody for other cases.

The FIA contended in its petition that Kasab and Ansari should be declared proclaimed offenders as they were in the custody of Indian authorities and could not be brought to Pakistan.

Hezbollah picks up allies in parliament Clerics who AGENCIES BEIRUT, JAN 22

The Shiite movement Hezbollah received a major boost Friday in its efforts to form a new government in Lebanon when a potential kingmaker swung his support behind the group and its allies.

The decision by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt could mean that Hezbollah has the support it needs in Lebanon’s parliament to nominate the next prime minister and formally end the rule of a Western-backed government here.

Jumblatt would not say how many lawmakers from his coalition would vote with Hezbollah and its allies. Before Friday, Hezbollah needed eight more seats to form a majority, and Jumblatt’s bloc controls 11.

The Shiite movement, whose militia is the nation’s strongest military force, withdrew from the government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri last week in protest over his refusal to renounce a UN tribunal that was investigating the 2005 killing of

his father, a former prime minister, and was expected to indict Hezbollah members. Hariri’s government collapsed with the move, although he has stayed on as a caretaker prime minister.

Jumblatt, who had once supported the UN inquiry, called it a “threat to national unity and national security” during a news conference Friday. He said his party “will stand firm in support of . . . the resistance,” a reference to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s decision to bring down Hariri’s unity government was risky and could still backfire.

Even with Jumblatt’s announcement, Hezbollah is by no means assured of being able to nominate the head of the next government when President Michel Suleiman launches formal talks scheduled for Monday. Nor is it clear that a Hezbollah-led alliance is ready to rule; the group may find the task less appealing than its current role in the opposition.

Since the unity government collapsed, Lebanon has become further polarized between

Hariri, a Sunni who is backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah, which is supported by Syria and Iran.

If prolonged political paralysis or violence ensue, Hezbollah may shoulder the blame, analysts say.

Hezbollah also walks a fine line as it tries to discredit the probable indictment of some of its members in the death of former prime minister Rafiq alHariri. Hezbollah strongly denies involvement in the killing and has questioned the credibility of the UN tribunal, which it calls a tool of the Americans and the Israelis. Hezbollah wants to stop Lebanon’s cooperation with the inquiry without appearing to use force or alienating the Sunni Arab world.

“Hezbollah, in particular, couldn’t afford to do nothing, but it also knows the cost of doing too much,” said Robert Malley, the regional director for the International Crisis Group.

“They are hoping by incrementally increasing the pressure” to gain the concessions they want.

motivated Taseer killer granted bail PTI ISLAMABAD, JAN 22

Two clerics accused of motivating the police guard who assassinated Governor Salmaan Taseer have been granted prearrest bail by a Pakistani antiterrorism court.

Mufti Hanif Qureshi and Qari Imtiaz Shah, both Rawalpindibased clerics, were granted bail against surety bonds of Rs 200,000 each by the court on Thursday.

Police will now be unable to question the suspects till January 25 though they are wanted to ascertain their links with Mumtaz Qadri, the Elite Force personnel who killed Taseer. However, the court has directed the clerics to cooperate with police.

The lawyer claimed the clerics were not involved in motivating Qadri. The FIR registered for Taseer’s murder did not name the clerics, the lawyer told the court.

Pg 11

SPORTS

GOA, Sunday, 23 January, 2011

Goa’s warrior Angela, steps into Silver Jubilee

Born to be warrior – Angela Naik.

Photo: Mumtaz Y Shaikh

minute I think about my babies (students) who too are participating and unless they grab a medal, my happiness is incomplete and I’m not at peace.”

Angela has tried her hands and legs in any and every discipline possible and has been successful in most of them. She has been a champion during her school days in football, handball, boxing, judo (National player), cricket, hockey and athletics. The fighter wasn’t all for taekwondo from the start. It was karate that ruled her mind then, in 1979 when her coach, Tristian Fernandes (who’s now in Dubai) taught her the knowhow about karate (building up the will power, defense, attack etc).

Angela, in fact, is grateful to two people - Tristian, her karate coach who always motivated and asked her to think far ahead and Surendra Rajput, her judo coach. The lessons in judo and karate have definitely helped

her in her taekwondo career.

For those who do not know, Angela is a 3rd dan black belt in karate, 1st dan in aikido (form of a martial art, it’s a locking technique wherein the body joints are conditioned to lock), brown belt in judo and has even learnt kung fu (Chinese martial art), budo (Japanese martial art) and nunchuks (type of Japanese martial art weapon).

Well, now the question arises when she was so good in other forms than why only taekwondo? “In 1984, while I was watching the National Games on the TV, I saw the girls performing taekwondo, which I came across for the first time and I saw them winning medals. On that day, I asked myself, if they can than why can’t I win medals for my State and my country?" recollects Angela.

Her entry into taekwondo was in 1986, when she learnt the basics of the game from

AWARDS AND HONOURS

see Angela in the future, this is what Angela had to say, “I aim to go miles ahead. In fact I’ve even told the TFI president that I want to achieve my numero uno spot once again in India (women). Till there’s life in my body I’ll do anything for taekwondo.”

“The one thing that keeps me going, is the thought that being a female I could and can fight it out. Discipline, dedication and determination has been my success mantra.”

The warrior’s memorable moments have been when she won four gold at 3rd National Games

in Pune in 1994 and in 1997 at 4th National Games in Bangalore when she claimed the first gold for Goa, that too on the last day of the championship.

Angela’s message: “Parents must encourage and push their children especially girls to take up taekwondo not just for participating in the State, National and international level but more importantly for self defense.”

Well, her next move is the Commonwealth in Chennai from January 28 to 31 where Goa’s Poomsae team will be participating and she’s hopeful for a gold once again.

Autocross finals at Navelim today 24 lined up for The 500m track which adheres to FMSCI parameters under Ibhamin Thakker consists of a combination of tricky turns and chicanes, which will test the skill of the driver and the endurance of the cars.

PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao will preside. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will be the chief guest. Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, Vijay Sardessai, V M Prabhudesai SAG’s ED will be the guests of honour.

A participant at “Need For Speed Autocross Challenge 2011” at Navelim on Saturday.

Photo: Third Eye HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JAN 22

Vaibhav Marathe (Ponda), Rishabh Kavlekar (Margao), Jay Kamat (Panjim), Jonas Fernandes (Vasco), Suraj Sawaikar (Ponda), Nikhil Revodkar (Ponda), Akshata

Mamledar (Porvorim, ladies class) will be the ones to be watched at FMSCI recognised “Need For Speed Autocross Challenge 2011” organized by Salcete Youth Association at Esmeralda Barreto track, Navelim

on Sunday from 2.30 p.m.

The SYA is headed by Rio Barretto with Debhav Mangaonkar, Salman Sheikh, Charles Fernandes, Sarvesh Naik and Alex Fernandes being among the working force.

Padma awards FROM OUR DELHI BUREAU0 NEW DELHI, JAN 22

Tennis ace Vijay Amritraj, cricketer Salim Azizuddin Durrani from Gujarat, Maharashtra's athelete Joginder Singh Bedi, shooter Tajaswini Sawant and wrestlers Harishchandra Madhavrao Birajdar and late Khashaba Dadahaeb Jadhav are

among 24 sports persons figuring in the long list of 1302 nomi n a t i o n s re c e i v e d b y t h e government for the Padma awards to be announced on the eve of the Republic Day. Other players figuring in the list are: West Bengal's chess player Dibyendu Barua, Parvin Bahal (UP), Ajeet Bajaj (skiing Delhi), Bhogeshwar Baruah (athletes - Assam), Dipankar Bhattacharjee (badminton – Assam), Manoranjan Bhattacharjee (football - W. Bengal), Rajeep Singh Gill (Punjab), Klavoor Gopinath (volleyball - Kerala), Barkha Kishor Kedia (swimming - Mahararashtra), Jyoti Sunita Kullu (hockey - Punjab), Veerbadran Kurtraleeshwaram (swimming TN), Shital Mahajan (para jumping - Maharashtra), Yasin Merchant (snooker - M'rashtra), Lt Col Rajesh Pattu (riding - Rajasthan), Gurbachan Randhava (athletics - Delhi), Sufyan Mohsin Shaikh (swimming - Gujarat), Harbinder Singh (hockey - Delhi), Jagdish Singh (boxing - Haryana), late Eknath Dhondu Solkar (cricket - Maharashtra), Padmini Thomas (athletics - Kerala), Prabodh Tirkey (hockey - Orissa) and K Yethiraj Venkatesh (Karnataka).

Who finally makes it to the list of 120 to be unveiled on January 25 is a closely guarded secret.

NOW SHOWING TE RV AL

• Jivabadada Kerkar award for best taekwondo player (1995-96).

• Yashodamini Puraskar for best sportswoman (2009).

• Sports Journalists SJAG Geno award.

• Adjudged best international referee (Kyrougi) in Vishakapatnam by Pauladqar, president of Iran Taekwondo Federation.

• 1st Goan taekwondo (woman) international player.

• 1st Indian lady to hold 5th Dan. • India No.1 taekwondo player in women category for seven years.

• Secured 10 gold medals, four silver and a bronze in 12 Nationals and National Games.

• Till date has participated in six international championships (four in Kyrougi and two in Poomsae).

• In Poomsae she was placed 9th in individual event and 12th in pair event at the 4th World Championship in Cairo (Egypt).

• Secured 10th position overall and 11th in mixed pair event at world championship in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

• Has answered 7th Dan.

IN

She is one among those few who has turned her passion into profession. When she made her debut in taekwondo in 1986, she never thought that one day she’ll rule the taekwondo court.

But hats-off to her gumption, sheer determination and hard work which has made her the audacious lady that she is today.

That’s Angela Rajan Naik.

An international taekwondo player, trainer, international referee and a homemaker, Angela is certainly a name to be reckoned with in the Indian and particularly in Goan taekwondo circuit.

In taekwondo competition there are those who stand out from the rest, those whom everyone wants to see and almost be like. Any sport, for that matter, has this type of persons.

Angela from Borda, Margao is one such personality who’s truly inspirational, especially for women. The sight of seeing her perform, reminds of what is possible and that we are only using a small percentage of our true power.

Well, Angela has inherited the fighting spirit not just in her performance but also in real life from her mother.

Angela’s name has been and is echoing throughout the State with her latest feat at the 1st Poomsae National Championship in Bangalore, where she claimed two gold medals (one in individual and the other in team championship) for Goa. When asked, what’s the feeling like when she claims medals, Angels replied, “I really feel ecstatic but, that’s only for that moment because the very next

Theophile Lowe, SAG coach and later, she self trained and kept updating with the help of books and CD’s in Poomsae.

Carlos, Oscar and Angela have played a vital role in the upbringing of taekwondo in the State.

The warrior got her first National medal (bronze) in 1988 in Orissa in her very first attempt, followed by a silver medal in 1989 at the National championship. She did her first taekwondo (kyorugi) international in 1990 in Taiwan where she lost in the quarter-finals to Australia. At the same championship, the warrior got a chance to meet her martial art hero Jackie Chang who she looked up to. Angela puts in 4-5 hours of practice everyday.

Angela successfully completes 25 years journey in taekwondo this year. Not that her odyssey was an easy one, she too had her share of ups and downs in the field, but knew how to face them. Her strength has always been her belief in herself. She wanted to outdo boys and she did it. She has indeed lived life like a warrior, doing everything our society wouldn’t let girls do at that time.

Arya (6 years) and Rushad (10 years), Angela’s kids are following their mom’s footsteps; as Rushad is already a gold medalist in Poomsae at the National level and Arya qualified for the finals of the same. She in fact is a silver medalist at the interschool level. Though her husband Rajan is not from taekwondo background he has always supported her in all her moves.

When asked where we can

NO

BY MUMTAZ YAKUB SHAIKH MARGAO, JAN 22

Samrat - Ashok Talkie Town - Panjim

Samrat

DHOBI GHAT (HINDI PARTLY ENGLISH) (A) : 10.00am, 12.15pm, 2.30pm, 5.45pm, 8.00pm, 10.30pm

Ashok

YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA (U/A) : 10.20am, 1.20pm, 7.00pm SEASON OF THE WITCH (A) : 4.30pm, 10.00pm

Vishant Talkie Town - Margao YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA (U/A) : 10.00am, 4.10pm, 10.30pm SEASON OF THE WITCH (A) : 1.00pm, 7.00pm

• Programming is subject to last minute change*

• Morning show starting @ Rs. 50/-

Staff members required for Samrat - Ashok Talkie Town, Panjim

pg 12_Layout 1 1/23/2011 12:19 AM Page 1

Pg 12 GOA, Sunday, 23 January, 2011

SPORTS

Kayne wins it for Churchil AGENCIES PUNE, JAN 22

Substitute New Zealand striker Kayne Vincent sent Pune FC crashing to their third straight defeat as Churchill Bros won 10 in a round XI I-League football

R E S U LT S Pune FC 0 Churchill 1 Man-of-the match: Kayne Vincent (Churchill Bros)

E Bengal 1 HAL 0 Man-of-the match: Mehtab Hussain (E Bengal)

Mumbai 1 ONGC 0 Man-of-the match: Ebi Sukore (Mumbai FC)

Viva Kerala 1 Chirag 1 Man-of-the match: Bello Rasaq (Viva Kerala) championship at Balewadi Stadium here on Saturday.

P une created maximum chances, but failed to put forth any goal. No doubt they were the better side on the day in terms of creating scoring chances but yet again were undone by some poor finishing.

Churchill struck in the 65th minute when Vincent lashed on a half chance created by Zakeer Mundampara to unleash a rasping grounder that caught Subrata Paul stranded at one corner.

Pune found some inspiration after the return of Subrata and the Indian top goalkeeper was immediately in action averting an initial threatening move from Churchill but his half hearted clearance hit the back of fellow defender Selwyn Fernandes but thankfully for him ricocheted back to him.

Churchill’s Brazilian medio Amaury Gentil Nunes turned the heat on Pune defence with impressive play. His first action was a neat slide to snatch a ball

and followed it with accurate long shot that teased Subrata before rolling over the bar in the 12th minute. Three minutes later his 40-yard strike struck the crossbar and Subrata recovered well to deny Liberian born Australian striker Boima Karpeh a low header on the rebound.

Vincent replaced Boro as Churchill strengthened the forward line.

Edmar replaced defender Lamine Tamba in the 71st minute as desperate Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira went for one last attempt but Churchill defence bolstered by the return of Gouramangi Singh was too hot to handle for the hosts.

E Bengal 11 9-2-0 29 points Churchill 11 6-4-1 22 points Mumbai 11 6-2-3 20 points Chirag 11 3-6-2 15 points HAL 11 3-2-6 11 points Pune 11 1-5-5 8 points V Kerala 11 1-5-5 8 points ONGC 11 1-4-6 7 points

Controversial goal keeps E Bengal on winning track UNI KOLKATA, JAN 22

A disputed goal earned East Bengal a vital 1-0 win against HAL and kept the red-and- gold atop the table with 29 points at end of the 11th round of I-League at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here Saturday.

The winner for the home side came in the 35th minute via a left footer from Orji Penn, but the opponents HAL players were not satisfied with the decision and protested against the goal.

Penn's shot hit the upper post and dropped inside the goalline and then rebounded back, which had become an apple of discord between the HAL players and the referee. However, the referee set aside the protest and stuck to his decision after consultation with the lineman.

The all-important goal was scored by Penn capitalising on a sidepass from Robin Singh after Naoba Singh and Obzay Tolgay played one touch football to push East Bengal in the scoring zone.

Viva Kerala hold Chirag PTI KANNUR, JAN 22

Hosts Viva Kerala, came from behind to hold Chirag United, Kolkata to a 1-1 draw in a round match in I-League, at Nehru Municipal stadium here Saturday.

Chirag forged ahead in the 48th minute through Mo hammed Hafeeq and Viva's star striker P K Anilkumar brought

parity in the 79th minute.

After a barren first half, the Kolkata outfit struck the lead through Rafeeq. Viva goalkeeper Sharath, advanced to thwart Rafeeq from scoring, but Rafeeq banged home with a long ranger.

Viva struck the all-important goal through Anilkumar in the 79th minute, the spadework being done

by Felix Chimaokuwu.

Mumbai edge past ONGC AGENCIES KHOLAPUR, JAN 22

Ebi Sukore Theophlius’s 35th minute classy goal gave Mumbai FC a well-deserving 1-0 win after

I-League: Salgaocar SC v. JCT Mills, Nehru Stadium, FatordaMargao, 3.45 p.m.

GFA First Division: Corps of Signals v. Raia SC, Navelim 3MTR ground, 4 p.m.

GFA Second Division: Agasaim Youth Club v. Young Boys of Tonca, Taleigao ground, 4 p.m.

2nd All-Goa Loutulim Panchayat Cup finals: Maina SC v.

Sporting Club of Davorlim, Montir ground, Loutulim, 4.15 p.m.

1st All-Goa floodlit tennisball cricket: organised by Rudreshwar SCC of Muddi, Chorao, Vottan ground, near Pomburpa ferry, 8 p.m.

All-Goa Romeo memorial football finals: Saligao United v. Maina SC, Curtorim, Santa Cruz ground, 4.30 p.m.

All-Goa floodlit volleyball finals: Goa Police v. Crown Club, Crown Club court, Santa Cruz, 8 p.m.

Telaulim Youth Club Navelim inter-ward soccer: Ratwaddo Boys v. Telaulim Youth Club B, Panchayat ground, Telaulim, 4.45 p.m.

Assolna Seamen Cup soccer finals: Sao Jose de Areal SC v.

Navelim SC, GPS ground, Assolna, 4.30 p.m.

Chandor Seamen Cup soccer: Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club v.

Chicalim Youth Club, Chandor ground, 4.30 p.m.

Arlem soccer finals: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v. Verna SC, Raia panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

Fr Agnelo football finals: Fr Agnelo YSC Paroda v. Mandopa SC, Av edem-Paroda ground, 4.30 p.m.

Exhibition soccer: Fatorda Married XI v. Fatorda Bachelor XI, Don Bosco Oratory ground, Fatorda, 4.30 p.m.

it survived a second half scare from ONGC at Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium here on Saturday.

Ebi collected a smart pass from Nicolas Rodrigues near the center line and made a swift run from the right cutting in a few defenders and forcing ONGC goalkeeper Rajat Ghoshdastidar to rush forward. Ebi got the clear sight at the goal and though Rajat tried to cramp Ebi for space, the latter taped the ball in the empty net.

After the change of ends ONGC showed much more urgency and made frequent attacks to pressurise the Mumbai FC defence. They got two clear opportunities but their forwards were guilty of squandering the opportunities.

Calangute pip St Rock HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JAN 22

Calangute Association scored a hard fought solitary goal victory over St Rock's Sports Club in GFA’s First Division League match at Poriat ground, Calangute on Saturday.

Both teams began match on a promising note but their forwards failed to find the net at half time.

Changing over, Calangute dominated and enjoyed the upper-hand but their forwards stumbled on a couple of occasions.

Calangute’s Sadab Shaikh failed to hit the target many a times while Richard Costa was guilty of wasting a golden opportunity by failing to tap the ball in an open net.

Pedro Gonsalves however made amends for the misses by slotting home the penalty in the 76th minute. The penalty was awarded following a hard tackle on Standford Cardozo by a St Rock defender.

Both teams had to play with a man short as St Rock’s keeper Dulio was red carded.

So too was Stanley of Calangute.

Pg 13

SPORTS

GOA, Sunday, 23 January, 2011

We can beat JCT: Bencherifa HERALD CORESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 22

Salgaocar Sports Club Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa sounded positive and hopeful of securing full three points in his team’s 11th round clash against JCT in I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday at 3.45 p.m.

For Salgaocar, it’s all about catching up with table-toppers East Bengal in the league ladder.

Salgaocar are with 21 points, behind East Bengal and know another slip up against JCT could make them difficult in chasing the title.

In fact the boys enjoyed their morning training session with coach Bencherifa putting them through their paces.

Salgaocar coach Bencherifa is upbeat about the encounter. “I am happy with the way my boys are shaping up. Defeating Churchill Brothers and Dempo Sports Club in the previous matches has proved that we are capable of beating any side on a particular day.”

Bencherifa went on to add, “The spirit in the team is good and I hope they carry the same

tempo on Sunday. It is never easy playing against JCT. Still I am confident they will give a good account of themselves.”

The coach has injury worries.

Ghanaian striker Yakubu Yusif is nursing injuries while midfielder Anthony Barbosa suffered an injury during the practice session on Saturday and the final decision will be taken tomorrow whether to field him or not.

However the coach has good news. His Nigerian striker Ekene Ikena has fully recovered from his injury and is expected to be fielded.

“We toiled hard to reach the second position and our main aim is to win the remaining matches in the first leg,” Bencherifa stated.

Bencherifa will bank on Tomba Singh, Rocus Lamare and Francis Fernandes to take control of the midfield and will once again look on his strikers Japan import Ryuji Sueoka and Marcus Mascarenhas to fire on all the cylinders.

JCT will sorely miss the services of their striker Balwant Singh, who has been ruled out owing to injuries and defender

Dempo look for victory HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JAN 22

Dempo Sports Club will be looking to register a win against Air India in their away match of eleventh round I-League away match on Sunday.

Dempo will be bolstered by the return of India number two goalkeeper Subashish Roy Chowdhury.

Dempo coach Mauricio Afonso had a heart-to-heart talk with the players and conducted a fruitful training session on Sat-

urday morning.

With promising striker Joaquim Abranches and Anthony Pereira unavailable and Ranty Martins misfiring, striking has been Dempo’s most obvious problem.

Yet, Afonso is not fretting.

“We were very ordinary in the last match against arch-rivals Salgaocar which caused heartburns to the Dempo fans. The boys know the importance of the match against Air India. I told them what we must do, but most importantly they should go and enjoy the game,” Afonso concluded.

Randeep Singh suspended due to a yellow card booking.

However, coach Parminder Singh is still hoping that his team will come good on Sunday.

“We have come with only two foreigners – Nurain Kareem and Keke and I am aware that Salgaocar are a good side and are in a strong position. We set our own goals and though we know

we have a difficult task having drawn our previous match against AIFF, we will fight for a win,” concluded Singh.

FIXTURES Salgaocar v. JCT M Bagan v. AIFF XI Air India v. Dempo

pg 14:Layout 1 1/23/2011 12:13 AM Page 1

Pg14

Goa’s warrior Angela, steps into Silver Jubilee Pg 11

GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef Anand held

by Grischuk World champion Viswanathan Anand had to settle for a draw against Alexander Grischuk of Russia in the sixth round of the 'A' group of Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands.

Anand's draw turned out to be a gain for American Hikaru Nakamura as he upstaged Erwin L'Ami of Holland to join the Indian ace at the top of the leaderboard with 4.5 points at the near half way stage of the category-20 14-player event. Anand went for his once-pet English attack against Grischuk's Najdorf but the Russian was well armed even though he was not expecting the opening.

After a few rudimentary exchanges, Anand did not achieve much and decided against taking any undue risk. The game was drawn in just 23 moves.

Nadal survives Tomic scare l Murray,

Clijsters, Zvonareva cruise

Berbatov’s trick keeps United atop REUTERS LONDON, JAN 22

Dimitar Berbatov scored his third hat-trick of the season as leaders Manchester United maintained their unbeaten Premier League record with a 5-0 drubbing of Birmingham City on Saturday.

Arsenal moved into second place, above Manchester City who face Aston Villa in an late evening kickoff, with a 3-0 win over Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick for Arsenal but missed out on four goals when he skied a second-half penalty over the bar.

Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur lost ground on the leaders after drawing 1-1 at Newcastle United where Fabricio Colocinni scored for the home side and Aaron Lennon equalised in stoppage time.

West Ham United looked as though they had climbed out of the relegation zone, leading 21 at Everton going into stoppage time, before Marouane Fellaini equalised for the hosts.

Liverpool gave Kenny Dalglish his first win since he returned as manager with a 3-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the early kickoff.

Manchester United lead the standings with 48 points from their 22 matches, followed by Arsenal on 46 from 23, Manchester City 45 from 23 and Chelsea 38 from 22.

Rafael Nadal serves during his second round men's singles match against Ryan Sweeting. (Right) Mahesh Bhupathi serves past partner and compatriot Leander Paes during their second round men's doubles match against Feliciano Lopez and Juan Monaco.

REUTERS MELBOURNE, JAN 22

Rafa Nadal’s quest to win four consecutive Grand Slam titles survived a feisty third-round challenge from teenager Bernard Tomic as record crowds flocked to the Australian Open in the hope of local success on Saturday.

Although never a real scare, the threat from the Australian 18-year-old during a 6-2 7-5 63 win was such that the Spanish world number one admitted he will have to improve, especially with his main rivals in ominous form.

Andy Murray and Robin Soderling, potential semi-final opponents for Nadal, galloped into the second week. Murray, runner-up to Roger Federer last y e a r, d i s m a n t l e d S p a i n’ s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-1 6-1 6-2 while Soderling trounced Czech qualifier Jan Hernych 6-3 6-1 6-4.

Tomic’s expected defeat ended home hopes in the singles after fifth seed Samantha

Stosur was beaten by Czech Petra Kvitova 7-6 6-3—a defeat she was at a loss to explain.

Nadal, bidding to become only the third player to hold all the majors at once, was forced out of his comfort zone by Tomic.

Playing with the freedom of a man with nothing to lose and roared on by a partisan crowd, the 199th-ranked teenager rattled the Spaniard at the start of the second set, firing rasping forehand winners about the court to take a 4-0 lead.

The scowl on Nadal’s face deepened as he mixed up his game to regain the lost ground, darting to the net more frequently and peeling sweatdrenched off his torso at the changeovers.

“He’s good, no?,” said Nadal, who will face Croatian Marin Cilic in the next round. “I have to play better if I want to reach the quarter-finals. It was a difficult match. Even if I didn’t play my best tennis, for me to win

in three sets … is a very positive result for me.”

While Tomic was an extremely long-shot for the men’s title, his compatriot Stosur was considered a genuine contender to end Australia’s 33-year wait for a singles champion here.

The fifth seed was unable to meet the weight of expectation that had helped draw 77,121 people to Melbourne Park, however, and crumpled under the pressure after leading the first set tiebreaker 5-3.

“I think I’ve played a lot better (than last year), handled myself a lot better and everything else, but I lost a round earlier,” said the French Open finalist. “What do you do? That’s sport, I guess.”

Stosur picked Kim Clijsters to win the title and the three-times U.S. Open champion continued to glide through the women’s draw, beating French birthday girl Alize Cornet 7-6 6-3.

Series victory will boost WC campaign: Smith

PTI CENTURION, JAN 22

South African captain Graeme Smith has set his eyes on the cricket World Cup next month and said that an ODI series victory over India here tomorrow would boost his side’s morale in the quadrennial showpiece event in the subcontinent.

"Obviously we'd love to finish the series strong tomorrow and freshen up for World Cup, which is going to be six weeks of having to be in your best. The World Cup is an opportunity that I want to give one good go with the guys and see if we can -- we will love to win the World Cup," he said ahead of tomorrow's series deciding fifth and final ODI here.

"No team holds the advantage tomorrow. It's about who performs better on the day. Obviously, I would love to say that I back us to do well, but you have to go out tomorrow and do the same things well and just perform. Normally, a slightly batting wicket than we have played on in the series so far. So we need to adapt to that," he said.

Talking about the positives his team has drawn in the series which is locked 2-2, he said, "We have learnt some important lessons in this series in terms of being slightly more street smart.

And I think that's important for us going into the World Cup. These games are pressure games for us, it was important for us to come back and do well."

Smith said all-rounder Jacques Kallis and Imran Tahir will give his side ample options in the World Cup. "We have got a lot of options.

We have got Jacques back, obviously his all-round capabilities offer us other options. And we still got Imran who is available in our squad, and we are going to use him when we feel ready.”

"As I say we have got enough options to pick from. It's nice to have guys like Robin Peterson and Johan (Botha) performing well with the bat. If you have got guys performing well at 8 or 9, it lengthens your batting line-up," he said.

The Proteas captain said since the World Cup squad has been out, the players are free of tension.

Match starts at 1.30 p.m.

My record speaks: Bhutia n If someone wants to question my integrity, just flip through the record books about my international record and the number of awards I have received.

--- Emotional Bhutia’s reaction on Chowdhury’s allegations.

PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 22

Bhaichung Bhutia is hurt at the scornful comments made by former national team manager Pradip Chowdhury but the Indian football captain doesn't want to engage in a mud-slinging game.

However, in a show of solidarity, his teammates rallied behind the Sikkimese striker scotching reports that has appeared in some quarters about senior players not liking his way of functioning during India's

Asian Cup campaign.

"I don't want to dignify someone's (Chowdhury) unnecessary comments. If someone wants to question my commitment towards the national team and the game, I can only talk about my on-field achievements," the Indian captain told PTI today.

"If someone wants to question my integrity, just flip through the record books about my international record and the number of awards I have received," an emotional Bhaichung

said about the allegations that he along with national coach Bob Houghton indulged in politics within the team.

When asked about Chowdhury's allegations that he stayed with the team at AIFF's expense despite being injured, the skipper shot back, "That's the tragic part. I have paid for the expense of my rehabilitation from my own pocket. I flew down to Chennai on my own."

"Questioning our team spirit and unity is absolutely rubbish.

We have great team unity and we hope people don't try and break our team spirit as we are like one big family. We will always stick together and try to do our best as we have done in the Asian Cup," the skipper stated.

Meanwhile, most of Bhaichung's teammates came out in his support vehemently denying any rift in the team through Football Players Association of India (FPAI) website.

Goalkeeper Subrata Paul who has been the standout performer for India at the Asian Cup said, "the strongest point of our team is team unity. We have been together for about

two years......and we are like a family. Bhaichung and coach Bob Houghton who has always shown faith in me have my full support," Paul was quoted as saying by FPAI website.

Sunil Chhetri, who scored two goals in the tournament is annoyed at reports of politics and lack of unity in the team.

"It is annoying and upsetting that we are receiving comments about team spirit after our performance in the Asian Cup. We don't deserve this treatment after giving our heart and soul for our country," Chhetri said.

"There is 100 per cent unity in our squad. The team is united under our captain and our coach. We will stand united irrespective of what people may say. All of us are looking forward to playing under him in the future as well," senior player Renedy Singh stated.

Other players like Mahesh Gawli, Gourmangi Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Clifford Miranda, Climax Lawrence all spoke in unison about the unity in the team and rubbished the allegations made by the former manager.

Women’s second seed Vera Zvonareva reached the fourth round with a 6-3 7-6 win over Lucie Safarova, keeping her on track for a maiden grand slam title.

Murray and Soderling are both yet to drop a set as they raced towards a quarter-final showdown.

Murray faces Juergen Melzer next after the Austrian went through against former runnerup Marcos Baghdatis who retired with a finger injury in the fourth set.

Two men’s seeds toppled early. Tenth-ranked Mikhail Youzhny crashed out 6-4 7-5 46 6-4 to Canadian qualifier Milos Raonic and 2008 runner-up JoWilfried Tsonga lost 3-6 6-3 36 6-1 6-1 to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Cilic, a semi-finalist last year, set up his date with Nadal by beating American John Isner 46 6-2 6-7 7-6 9-7.

Kiwis hammer Pak to end losing streak AGENCIES WELLINGTON, JAN 22

New Zealand ended an 11-match losing streak in emphatic fashion on Saturday, crushing Pakistan by nine wickets in their first oneday international at Westpac Stadium.

New Zealand's opening combination of Jesse Ryder (55) and Martin Guptill (40 not out) made a mockery of the troubles Pakistan's batsmen had with the drop-in pitch as New Zealand raced to 125 for one in 17.2 overs.

Ryder and Guptill brought up the first 50 runs inside six overs and were then forced to take the scheduled tea break after New Zealand had earlier bowled the visitors out for 124 in 37.3 overs.

SPORTS Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

No love lost as Lee-Hash square off REUTERS MELBOURNE, JAN 22

Mahindra unveils MotoGP team Taking a cue from Vijay Mallya’s Force India team in Formula One, the Mahindra Group on Friday launched its two-wheeler racing team of foreign riders to make their debut in the MotoGP, the road racing world championship for two wheelers, in March in Qatar. The two riders in the 125cc class who would represent "Mahindra Racing" in the first season are 18-yearold Marcel Schrotter, a former German and European 125cc champion, and Britain's Danny Webb who made his debut in the world motorcycle championship five years ago when only 16.

We can beat JCT: Bencherifa Pg 13

Kayne wins it for Churchill Pg 12

Doubles players angrily squared up to each other at the Australian Open on Saturday, with Indian pair Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes going eyeballto-eyeball with their opponents at the net.

Bhupathi and Paes accused Spain’s Feliciano Lopez and the Argentine Juan Monaco of ‘bodyline’ tactics by drilling serves directly at them in a fiery encounter.

“It was heat of the moment,” Bhupathi told reporters, playing down a potentially nasty confrontation as the players came to the net to shake hands after the match.

“It’s hot out there, we’re trying to beat each other. A few unnecessary things were said.

We just got into each other.

“Tried to raise the atmosphere,” Bhupathi added after the third seeds had won their second round match 7-6 6-4.

“The crowd loved it.”

Bhupathi said Lopez and Monaco got hot under the collar about the Indians constantly yelling ‘Vamos!’ (Come on! in Spanish) to fire themselves up.

“They really had no reason to be as upset as they were,” he said. “I don’t think they have a patent on that word.”

Paes was equally bemused by the verbal sparring, a rarity in tennis.

“The Melbourne sun kind of gets all of us a bit tired. We get stuck into it a little bit,” he shrugged.

“It’s not such a big deal. Tennis is not a contact sport. A few things happen. We can sort ourselves out.”

Both Indian players insisted they were not guilty of ‘sledging’—a cricket term for trashtalking your opponent in an attempt to get under their skin.

“I’ve been using ‘Vamos!’ for

about 16 or 17 years,” said Paes.

“Whether it’s ‘Vamos!’ or ‘Allez!’ we’re Indian. Nobody has a patent.”

Bhupathi accused his opponents of deliberating trying to hurt Paes.

OHERALDO GOA, SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY, 2011

Iran nuclear talks limp towards stalemate REUTERS ISTANBUL, JAN 22

World powers began a final day of talks with Iran on its nuclear program on Saturday with little sign of any headway that could rescue the Istanbul meeting from failure.

Progress on the first day was thin, with Iran insisting on preconditions, including the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium. It blamed the big powers -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany -for the impasse.

“The outcome of these talks should pave the ground for the next talks ... Unfortunately the other party has no clear and convincing agenda for talks and they just want to hold talks,” said Abolfazl Zohrevand, an aide to Iran’s chief negotiator Saeed Jalili.

“Today we want some tangible ways to be found for active cooperation in various fields.”

The West suspects Iran plans to develop nuclear weapons while Tehran says its atomic energy program is peaceful. The standoff has dragged on for eight years.

A Western diplomat at the talks said the powers hoped for signs that Iran wanted to engage seriously this time, rather than set unacceptable preconditions.

“Iran’s ‘preconditions’ -- asking us to accept Iran having a full fuel cycle and lift sanctions upfront before any progress -were summarily rejected,” he said.

“Today, we’ll see if they are ready to get serious.”

Negotiators went into the Istanbul meeting with low expectations of a breakthrough in a meeting that is a follow-up to one held in Geneva last month, which was the first time the two sides had met in more than a year.

n A Western diplomat at the talks said the powers hoped for signs that Iran wanted to engage seriously this time, rather than set unacceptable preconditions.

The six powers, whose delegations were led by European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, had braced for a possible collapse in talks which ran late into the night on Friday.

“The differences are still there,” said another Western diplomat at the meeting. “But I think the Iranians were a bit taken aback by the unity of the six.”

The talks were due to finish by midday on Saturday, following a meeting between Iran and

the Vienna Group, which includes the United States, France and Russia, and a plenary session.

Iran has ignored UN Security Council resolutions demanding it suspend enrichment, with trade and other benefits offered in return, and refused to grant unfettered access for UN nuclear inspectors.

Uranium enriched to a low degree yields fuel for electricity or, if refined to a high level, the fissile core of a nuclear bomb.

The talks were due to finish

by Saturday afternoon, following a meeting between Iran and the Vienna Group, which includes the United States, France and Russia, and a plenary session.

Iran has ignored UN Security Council resolutions demanding it suspend enrichment, with trade and other benefits offered in return, and refused to grant unfettered access for UN nuclear

inspectors.

Uranium enriched to a low degree yields fuel for electricity or, if refined to a high level, the fissile core of a nuclear bomb.

Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West has escalated in the past year, with the United Nations imposing new sanctions and Western states rejecting a revised proposal for Iran to swap some of its fuel abroad as too little, too late.

Ashton outlined a possible revised offer for a nuclear fuel swap that would entail Iran handing over a large chunk of its stockpile of low enriched uranium. No offer was made as Iran’s preconditions included the suspension of economic sanctions, a Western diplomat said.

The powers want to prevent Tehran from accumulating enough for a nuclear weapon while negotiations proceed on a broader solution to the crisis.

WORLD

US bombs wipe Afghan village off map: report PTI LONDON, JAN 22

Tarok Kolache, a village in the Arghandad River Valley in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, has been completely erased from the map after an offensive by the US army against the Taliban, the British media reported today.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, after two attempts at clearing the village led to casualties on both sides, Lt Col David Flynn, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force 1320th, gave the order to pulverise the village.

The daily published photographs of before and after the bombing that showed the complete destruction of the village.

His men were “terrified to go back into the pomegranate orchards to continue clearing (the

area); it seemed like certain death”, writes West Point graduate Paula Broadwell on the Foreign Policy blog.

Instead of continuing to clear the tiny village, the commander approved a mine-clearing line charge, which hammered a route into the centre of Tarok Kolache using rocket-propelled explosives, the report said.

The destruction escalated, however, with “49,200lbs of ordnance” dropped on the village via air strikes and groundlaunched rockets, which saw it swiftly blown off the face of the earth.

The results of the battery were adjudged to have left “NO CIVCAS” - no civilians killed.

But with Tarok Kolache bombarded with close to 25 tons of explosives, assuming some collateral damage does not seem unjustified, the paper said.

US hopes Lanka will punish those responsible for ‘war crimes’ PTI WASHINGTON, JAN 22

A Japanese H-2B rocket carrying HTV2 transporter, also called Konotori 2, an unmanned cargo transporter to the International Space Station, blasts off into space from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan on Saturday.

UN official lays stress on more life-saving efforts

Three killed in Pak blast

‘‘In 2011, OCHA’s structure, in the field and at headquarters, will be more adaptable to the evolving nature of crises,’’ she said, noting that 2010 had been an unprecedented year with more than 250 natural disasters.

Established by the General Assembly in 1991 as the Department of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure a more effective and coherent response to emergencies by coordinating the actions of UN agencies and national and international organizations, OCHA has seen its caseload balloon over the past 20 years, culminating in the 2010 record.

From the devastating earthquake in Haiti, which killed 2,20,000 people and made 1.5

At least three persons, including two soldiers, were killed and seven others injured when a roadside bomb went off in the restive Orakzai tribal region of northwest Pakistan today.

The blast occurred in Ibrahim Zai village of Orakzai tribal agency when a vehicle was passing by, officials said.

Three persons, including two soldiers, were killed in the attack, they said. The injured -- a soldier and six tribesmen -- were taken to a nearby hospital.

Security forces cordoned off the area after the blast and launched a search operation.

No group claimed responsibility for the blast in the region, where hundreds of people have died in sectarian clashes.

UNI UNITED NATIONS, JAN 22

Valerie Amos, the head of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has announced that it is important to save more lives across the world at a much quicker pace.

The call was given by Ms Amos amid a situation in which climate change is presaging natural disasters, aid workers are facing mounting attacks in conflict zones and the economic crisis putting a tight squeeze on resources. ‘‘In a changing world there can be no organizational status quo,’’ she told Member States at a meeting held yesterday at UN headquarters in New York.

million others homeless, to unprecedented flooding in Pakistan barrelling down from the northern mountains to the flatter and agricultural south to affect over 20 million people, from Cook Islands in the Pacific, battered by tropical storms, to post-flood coordination in Albania, OCHA was on hand and on the ground.

Ms Amos stressed the need to learn the lessons of Haiti and Pakistan where delays, logistics and other issues prevented the initial operations from moving as effectively as desired, and she warned of the mounting complexities confronting humanitarian operations in the future, noting that climate change is playing its part.

PTI PESHAWAR, JAN 22

The US has expressed hope that Sri Lanka would continue to make efforts to bring to book those who violated the international humanitarian law during the LTTE war, saying that accountability for alleged crimes is an essential component of national reconciliation in that country.

“We have made strong public statements and are supporting what Sri Lanka is doing. It’s a process that is still ongoing,” State Department spokesman P J Crowley said at his daily news conference yesterday.

“We clearly believe that those who have violated international humanitarian law must be held accountable, and we believe that accountability for alleged crimes is an essential component of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka,” he said in response to a question.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently on a private visit to the United States.

“There is a Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission that has been receiving testimony from hundreds of people. I think its mandate has been extended to June of this year, at which time it will make a report to President Rajapaksa,”

Crowley said.

“We would hope that Sri Lanka would continue this effort and take advantage of expertise that exists, for example, within the United Nations and the Secretary General’s Panel for Experts that has volunteered to provide assistance to Sri Lanka as it continues this effort,” Crowley said.

The US will continue to encourage Sri Lanka to have a full accounting of what happened during and at the end of this conflict. “We think it’s very, very important to Sri Lanka’s future, and we will not hesitate to speak out as this process continues,” he said.

Asked why no US official is planning to meet Rajapaksa during his private visit here, Crowley said Washington has had no trouble communicating its views to the government of Sri Lanka.

“We’re going to wait and see how this process unfolds, and if it falls short, we will not hesitate to say so,” he said.

Crowley’s remarks came when asked if the US feels so strongly that Rajapaksa’s government should drop its opposition to the UN involvement in the Commission, why it is not seeking a meeting with him.

Nepal Maoists hand over guerrilla Army to govt AGENCIES KATHMANDU, JAN 22

Five years after they signed a peace accord and ended their decade-old armed insurrection, Nepal’s Maoist party Saturday began the process of formally handing over their guerrilla Army to the control of the government, marking a new phase in peace negotiations in the troubled Himalayan nation.

In the presence of ministers, the chiefs of the Nepal Army and state security agencies as well as diplomats and UN representatives, Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda signed a joint agreement with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal at the camp of the Peo-

n The Maoist leadership said it was entering the new phase with bias towards none and only with the thought of serving the people in their hearts. ple’s Liberation Army in Shaktikhor in southern Chitwan dist r i c t , a g re e i n g t h a t f ro m Saturday, the PLA came under the control of a special committee formed for the integration and rehabilitation of the guerrilla Army.

There are nearly 20,000 PLA combatants living in 28 camps nationwide. Till last week, they were under the supervision of the UN’s political agency.

However, with the UN Mission in Nepal exiting Jan 15 midnight, the supervision was taken over by the special committee that is headed by the prime minister.

Nepal reminded the PLA that those who opt to join the state security agencies would no longer have any political affiliation.

The Maoist leadership said it was entering the new phase with bias towards none and only with the thought of serving the people in their hearts.

Outside analysts have not been able to assess the impact of the bombing on civilians due to security concerns.

Erica Gaston, an Open Society Institute researcher based in Afghanistan, said the erasure of Tarok Kolache was exactly the type of behaviour that would deal a body blow to Afghan acceptance of the presence of international force.

According to Broadwell’s post on Foreign Policy, Gen Petraeus has approved USD 1 million worth of reconstruction projects but also told his commanders in the south of Afghanistan to “take a similar approach to what 1-320th was doing on a grander scale as it applies to the districts north of Arghandab”.

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The Palestinian Freedom Struggle:

Not my Problem in Goa?

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES here are various regions all over the globe where people become refugees in their very own land. The Palestinian freedom struggle is one such heartrending story that every human being should be aware of and even probably form an ‘All India Opinion’ on the same which could help our leaders take a stand at international meets. Yet, when I asked people on a social networking site as to what their opinion was about the same, interestingly, most felt we needed to concentrate on the problems plaguing Goa. They felt we had more than enough to take care of. Others felt it was not safe to comment on political issues. Some wanted to know what was my interest in the subject. What could I say? And to think I always thought being a journalist should suffice as a reply.

Alas, this definitely comes across as a selfish, close-minded attitude; a trait that is seen often in Goans, of late. First of all, as human beings we need to stand up for the oppression of another human being. But to get to these Goans who feel it is not their problem - how many have bothered to traverse back to the pre-Portuguese days to see the impact the Arab world had on the western coast (Goa included) of India? It was the Arabs who actually laid down the trade route of India engendering in a lucrative spices trade. The Arabs also gave us expertise in shipping, shipbuilding and our brilliant Navy was steered by them. Our Kadamba kings appointed Arab leaders in the Navy. No one vocally screamed “communal harmony” or “religious harmony” during those times as our actions spoke louder. It was a peaceful association with the Arab merchants as we imbibed their cuisine, architecture, music and what not, without them imposing anything on us. No one was compelled to change anything of ourselves and definitely not our religion. Even our horses, a vital component of the then cavalry, came from the Arab world. We were a wealthy coast, in fact the richest in Asia, till the Portuguese attacked and plundered and stole our every riches. And more importantly, our very freedom!

Who supported the freedom struggle in Goa? The Arabs (formed a non-allied group) were instrumental in cutting off all sea routes to the brutal Portuguese which helped in the success of Operation Vijay in 1961. And finally we gained liberation. Otherwise like the poor Kashmiris have to live with PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) perhaps we would have been living in PoG (Portuguese occupied Goa). And yet we say violation of human rights to the Palestinians doesn’t concern us?

Now let us get to another vital fact. It was the Arab countries who employed and still employ thousands of our Goans in their countries, many of who are still working on their soil. These Goans made pots of money in their countries and are still living on the same, whether back in Goa or having capitalised on the same and migrated to more affluent countries. Still we say their causes don’t concern us?

Let us dwell on our present relations with the Arab world: Where do we get our supply of natural gas and petrol from? A vital need for a booming economy! And today, it is the Asian economy that is booming vis-à-vis other economies of the world which are cooling. No country can plan economic growth without power. What if, in us

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The Arab world made you the richest port in Asia during pre-Portuguese days. They supported you during your freedom struggle. They are constantly supplying you with the very vital natural gas and petrol. And yet, you say violation on human rights of the Palestinians is not your concern? As GOA’S HEARTBEAT completes one year of celebrating the pulse of Goa, Herald delves into an international story, yet one that should be close to every human heart not supporting their freedom struggle, they stop exporting oil to countries supporting Israel (because with changing global politics we have suddenly become subservient to Uncle Sam. In the past, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, India had heavily funded the Palestinians in fighting for their rights)? We are an energy starved Asian economy depending on the Arab world. And you say what happens to them should not bother us?

Ironically, these very people are concerned about the every happening of our past colonial rulers. They applaud every successful event and decry any injustice meted out to them. They even go around sporting Portuguese flags on their belongings. Okay, under their rule we formed bonds and marriages took place, so yes, we have relatives and friends. But don’t be ignorant and go gaga about what the Portuguese did for you.

If you are having a problem with your government and are burdened with the problems in Goa today, it is your fault and yours only. You have the choice to elect the right leaders. But what do you do? You elect these corrupt goons just so that you receive some materialistic favours in return. How selfish! Instead, you should elect leaders and hold them accountable for good governance. Don’t sit and weep that you were better off during Portuguese times.

One day Goans themselves might end up like the Palestinians in their own land at the rate our numbers are diminishing. And wonder what you would say if the Arab world shunned you and said, “It doesn’t concern us!”

When India is interested in and is keeping track of the Palestinian struggle, how can we Goans say it doesn’t bother us? Aren’t we not Indian? Or perhaps we are still going around claiming to be foreigners. Are we this ignorant or is it sheer false pride that stems out of insecurity?

THE GOAN BRAVEHEARTS WHO SPOKE OUT: Wendell Rodricks: “While Israel has a right to have a state, so too do the Palestinians have a right to their own land. And if they are being deprived of this, it is a shame in the 21st Century. As for us Goans, it is a shame to be colloquial about this issue. How can we not be bothered? This is a human rights issue. What is happening in Palestine can happen in Goa tomorrow with us Goans soon becoming a minority. Even if we don’t act or react, we need to be aware what is happening outside Goa in our country and also internationally. Because what happens out surely does have a ripple effect on us. For example, during Christmas and New Year, look at the security situation in our state; and this stems not from terrorism but from the fact that the Middle East peace issue has not be resolved.”

Mac Vaz: “Because of the might of the Jewish lobby which

controls all states and financial institutions in America, even public opinion and well-intentioned Obamas will be unable to do justice to the Palestinian people. It’s sad that Israel only understands the language of Osama and not of Obama.

On one hand they want the Palestinians on the negotiating table and on the other hand they strategically continue to build Zionist settlements on Palestinian land in midst of their living spaces which cripples their everyday life on every front.

It is sad that in today’s world only Hezbullah and Iran are the only states who are standing up for the Palestinian people. Unfortunately like on the Tibetan issues, India in the recent past is taking a politically correct neutral stance which is not in tune with the stance we took against the apartheid regime in the 70s and 80s.”

ards US stand on human

Vishal Pai Cadode: “As reg that people in glass ts violation, I can just say

righ stones at others. As for us houses should not throw ryone of us in part of this being concerned, yes, eve cerned about injustices con be to e hav earth and we your immediate vicinity. happening, even if not in in any part of the globe Because if there is unrest same, we too will be sethe to due and any collapse verely impacted.”

Manohar Parrikar: “Goans cannot say that we

need not be concerned about what is happening.

Firstly, as human beings, we should have concern for every person in the world. What if war breaks out between Israel and the Arab world? Our petrol prices will skyrocket. So, won’t we be impacted? So, every one of us needs to be concerned about what is happening in occupied Palestine, though it is very difficult to comment or who is right or wrong.

So, what should we as individuals do? Build up a national opinion. So, that India can take this opinion of ours, as a people, for discussion at the international forums. And our one aim should be to resolve the issue whereby there will be peace.”

Dr Nandkumar Kamat: “How can we Goans not be concerned about the Palestinian freedom struggle? We have a long history of trade with the Arabs during pre-Portuguese days. They (not Israel) have also supported us during our freedom struggle. And we depend on the Arab world for the all important ‘power’, without which we cannot plan economic growth. It is in the interests of all of us that Israel and the Arabs find a resolution for peace soon.

In fact, India should take forth a proposal and offer Goa as a destination for this peace discussion. They should welcome the leaders of both groups to have a Middle East peace international summit in Goa; it will be a landmark international event for Goa. I foresee that in two years, we will have a resolution on the issue because this will be priority on Obama’s political agenda, all the more now with Iran building their nuclear weapon.”

The Story often Untold...

Encroachment of Palestinian land

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nfortunately, the world is fed stories by the biased mainstream media and the Arabs remain a misunderstood lot. For the Palestinians in occupied Palestine, their everyday life is burdened with restricted movement in the form of check points where they have to spend hours before moving on to work, studies, a medical emergency, or to attend just about any other event in life. And these checkpoints are not located on the border of the West Bank, instead right in the midst of Palestinian localities.

Then there are other disabling structures called roadblocks.

Again these are placed anywhere in the midst of their villages and little towns. Reason: these roadblocks are meant to curb terrorism. Now, how much of this is actually about security and how much about bullying and control?

This disables the Palestinian economy as daily trucks of goods have to be transported at the roadblock from one truck to a truck acquired from the opposite side of the roadblock, which engenders in hours of wasted time and tedious manual labour. And often, the perishable goods go bad before reaching the cities. Which means the populace purchases the Israeli goods which are flooding the markets and supported by the Israeli Government. These check posts and roadblocks ensure that Palestinians cannot have a steady job, good education, emergency health services, all in all, a crippling life on all aspects.

Then we have the famous Wall: A 25 foot high concrete with heavy duty electric wire and barbed wire. It costs approximately 3.5 million per pile to construct and is built with the assistance of US funds at a rate of $3.5 million dollars a mile. It is a bigger and better, more high tech version of the wall between East and West Berlin that fell at the end of the cold war. There is almost a hundred miles of it as it dissects and bisects the country as the Israelis build another settlement on an Arab hillside. This wall is being built to separate the

two communities from warring. I really wonder: is peace brought about through separation and segregation? And funnily, this wall is not being built on the land bordering the living areas of these two communities, instead it is being built where the entire eastern third of the West Bank is being chopped up; right in the midst of Palestinian residential localities.

It is being built is such a manner where cities or houses get imprisoned with the wall skirting close to it; an example is the city of Qalquilya. This has resulted in Palestinians losing their agricultural lands inherited from their ancestors, their olive trees being uprooted, often their houses being bulldozed to make place for the wall etc.

And yes, Palestinians indulge in suicide bombings, and other violence like stone-throwing. And they are captured by the Israel army and tortured in their prisons.

According to a survey conducted

by Ana Baltzer from the International Women’s Peace Service, more than 40 percent of the Palestinian male population (of the Palestine occupied territory) is being tortured in prisons right now. But what about the thousands who everyday are indulging in non-violent methods of assertion? Who writes about them?

Who highlights the group of Palestinians who gather to pray on their confiscated lands one last time? Or the groups of women who formed their little support group doing embroidery or pottery for the survival of themselves and their families? Or the farmers daily trying their best to explain to the Israeli soldiers that the trees being uprooted are from their ancestral lands? Or youth painting messages on ‘The Wall’ to stop the building of the wall and fuelling of hatred. Alas! No one highlights their peaceful methods of assertion and resilience. Let us ask ourselves, are we so selfish and inefficient that it doesn’t concern us as to who is going to stop the steady building of this wall? Who is going to stop the hatred? - CV

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ presentation of the dishes and some even HERALD FEATURES try to copy the same garnishing when they Roseferns, Tiatrist and tiatr director prepare meals at home.

First of all, I would like to congratulate Herald and the magazine Fr Feroz Fernandes, Editor of Vavraddeancho Goa’s Heartbeat. The magazine has given tiatrists wide publicity Ixtt and has motivated us to come forward with better tiatrs. In the In today’s world, getting the young to read history of the newspaper, it feels like the magazine has given tiatrists is very challenging with social networks like our much deserved place with proper coverage of tiatrs and tiatr facebook and twitter. One element of Goa’s related festivals, activities and workshops. Even the write-ups are Heartbeat is that the to the point and very precise. I hope the magazine will next give young are interested in the page 3 which covers enough space to junior and upcoming artists of the Konkani stage. Time flies by when you are having fun. more of events rather than parties. Herald caters Carlos Gonsalves, Drummer and founder of Talking Drums band But the Goa’s Heartbeat team didn’t just to the majority of the population which knows This is one of the best magazines I have come across. It speaks the have a good time but had a ball bringing what is happening and where. My advice will truth and paints the picture as it is. The magazine has been very supto keep growing and get the young to interact out interesting stories and attention be portive to musical events and provides information about upcoming with the paper by introducing a facebook page activities. I’d like to congratulate Goa’s Heartbeat for being the first grabbing photographs. Since its Goa’s or a vote count on interesting events that take to give news to the people of Goa including tourists who attend Heartbeat’s first anniversary, we spoke place around the world. programmes after reading the paper. As the jingle goes, ‘Herald with to a few readers who appreciated the Miriam Koshy Sukhija, Curator Gallery Gitanyour coffee, Herald with your tea...’ everyone is picking the magazine magazine and gave in their views jali too. My message to Goa’s Heartbeat is to spread the news and spread Goa’s Heartbeat is a nice way to know what Goa has to offer in terms good music. Like Herald, Goa’s Heartbeat has become a habit. of the traditions, activities, programmes and workshops. People go Dr M Pinheiro, Principal of V M Salgaocar College of Law through the paper and register and attend workshops. The readers are informed about the various Goa’s Heartbeat is quite interesting and exciting, especially for the students. The magazine is very activities happening around the state. innovative and good for the youth to express themselves. The magazine gives a better perspective Assavri Kulkarni, Applied artist and advertising photographer and is a true mirror of facts. Just as the name says, Goa’s Heartbeat is the pulse of the state.

First of all, a very Happy Birthday to Goa’s Heartbeat. I would love to see the magazine grow from Chef Urbano do Rego, Taj Holiday Village, Sinquerim one year to a hundred years of qualitative news and entertainment stories. The articles are written Goa’s Heartbeat touches upon various aspects of life. Everyone has something to read about. Even and compiled so beautifully that I would advise the magazine to bring out editions in the form of a the cuisine is beautifully explained and food festivals are covered. People are interested to see the booklet of previously written articles.

Goa’s Appreciation

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Sunday, 23 Jan 2011

Lex Novitas:

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Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

Snaden Shawn and Troupe to groove at ‘Dance Goa Dance Jhalak 2011’ HERALD FEATURES t is that time of the year when Snaden Shawn brings forth his students and presents Dance Goa Dance Jhalak. This programme will give the audience a chance to witness 15 different dance styles at a single event.

‘Dance Goa Dance Jhalak 2011’ will be held on January 23, 2011 at 6:30pm at Kala Academy.

The dance styles like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, hip-hop, contemporary, Bollywood, freestyle, Afro-Jazz, Jazz, Indo-Jazz,

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Encouraging Ideas and Innovations

HERALD FEATURES aw is a subject that has an impact on every person’s life.

This is what the V M Salgaoncar College of Law aims to prove every year with their annual college festival ‘Lex Novitas’. The 3-day festival was inaugurated by the speaker of the Goa assembly, Pratapsing Raoji Rane. Also present was industrialist Shivanand V Salgaoncar, the President of the Devi Sharvani Education Society. The traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony was followed by the singing of the invocation song by the students of the college. The vice chancellor of the Goa University, Dileep Deobagkar and the Dean of the Lisbon University of Law, Eduardo Vera Cruz and his wife Martha Santiago were other important persons present.

The chief guest, Pratapsing Rane in his inaugural address spoke about the importance of law in any society, saying, “The

L

Waltz, Argentine tango, b-boying, popping and Indian contemporary will be showcased.

His students from the age group of 3 to 50 years of age are performing with professional training from the Snaden Shawn Dance Academy. The tickets are available at Salt and Peppers and Forrest, Panjim and Tape rollers, Mapusa.

Parenting

entire process of legal administration is meant to make our life better.” He also said that the law and economy of any place go hand in hand, and after electoral reforms, he said its is time to have a judicial reform, to ensure a speedy deliverance of justice.

Shivanand Salgaoncar speaking at the event said that he loves to go to a college as it transports him thirty years back, to a time when “a person can be an idealist and always have a positive frame of mind.” He also requested the students of the college, who will be future lawyers, to avoid “asking for adjournments” and help shorten the litigation process. About the event, Salgaocar said, “let this competition bring out the best in you, through the exchange of ideas and the assimilation of cultures.”

‘Lex Novitas’, which translates as ‘innovations in law’ is an annual festival which garners the participation of colleges from all over the country. The law students would be tested in various areas of law and litigation in the 3 competitions.

The first, ‘Moot Court’, wherein the group would be presented with a case and asked to solve it; the second, ‘Getting Yes’, which would test negotiation skills; and the third, ‘Lend a Lawyer’, that would test the participants counselling skills.

ONE YEAR’S HEARTBEATS IN PICTURES Photos by AJN Rodrigues, Dolcy D’Cruz, Samson Dias, Chiquitita D’Sousa, Shammiulla Sayyed, Janice Rodrigues, Rozario Estibeiro, Samir Umarye, Christina Viegas

Can you beat that? Aged women did the jig at the Dhalo festival

A small community of artisans in Mapusa are involved in the small time business of idol making for more than 80 years

Singing senstion Lorna, performed live after two decades

A golden traditional moment for Goa: Wendell Rodricks launched his line of Kunbi design saris

In solemn worship: Shabd-e-barat

Clarisa D’Cruz sang the Veronica song while simultaneously unfolding a picture of the Christ at the stations of the cross at Salvador do Mundo

Principal Dr B A Gomes, currently Principal of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim being awarded the first ever Best Principal Award

A young boy enjoys at San Joao

Who else but Kiran Bedi to rock at the Festival of Ideas

l lady r: A rura of e w o P n Wome ed in the slog engross cashew apples crushing

Hosting the national flag for 28 years: Jose Pereira

Smiling Sparsha Despandeupon winning the Miss Goa Pageant 2010

A rare and unusual pumpkin weighing around 15 kg was traced in the field of Eddie Gonsalves from Dugrem, Agasaim

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Sunday, 23 Jan 2011

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WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘A Drop of Fifty Years’, an installation by Dr Subodh Kerkar will be on display till January 23 at the Red Gallery, Municipal Garden, Panjim. Works of other artist will be on display too. Call 2421311.

Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Women, organised by GCCI, Women’s Wing and EDC will be held on January 28 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at EDC House, Panjim. Call 2424252.

‘Red Gallery’, the public art project of Portuguese artist, Patricia Geraldes, organised by Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts and will be held till January 23 at Municipal Garden, Panjim.

Mini Handicrafts Exhibition, organised by the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) will be held from January 27 to 30 at Our Lady Mount Carmel Church Ground, Arambol. Participation is open to artisans. Registration closes on January 25. Call 9822140583.

Daily River Trips, organised by Goa Kayaking are underway till January 26.

Call 9422056037 or 2541715.

Visit www.goakayaking.com. Email goakayaking @gmail.com.

An interaction between representatives of India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) and Goan artists will be held on January 27 at 6pm at Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim. Visit www.indiaifa.org. E-mail info@sgcfa.org. Call 2421311.

A coconut craft design development workshop, organised by GHRSSIDC in collaboration with South Asia Foundation will be held from January 31 to February 14. Registration closes on January 28. Call 2228157, 2225328 or 09822140583.

‘A Journey through Multiple Roads’, a photography exhibition by the photographer Venkat Damara at the Alliance Française, Panjim will be open to public viewing till January 30.

Call 2420049.

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HOROSCOPE An Inter-school Drama Competition, organised by Kala Academy and Natyashala Charity Trust, Mumbai will be held on January 24 from 9.30am to 2pm at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Singing Competition (solo) of patriotic songs is organised for senior citizens and high school students on January 25 at 5pm at Senior Citizens Recreation Centre Pedda, Margao. Call 2700886.

An invitation for the ALTlab photography residency, a 2-month residency programme in Goa from February 15 to April 15 is sent out to Indian artists by the Goa Center for Alternative photography (Goa-CAP) with the support of India Foundation for the Arts (IFA).

Registration closes on January 25.

Visit www.goa-cap.com or www.alternativephotography.com. Em a i l altlab.residency@gmail.com. Call 09822087276 or 09730103604.

Colour Mixing: a 3-day workshop by Elena Fedosenko will be held at Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts from January 27 to January 29, 2011 from 4pm to 6pm. Last day for registration is January 25, 2011.

‘Vande Mataram – a Tribute to Mother India’, a musical concert organised by Vaishnavi Creations, Margao will be held on January 25 at 6pm at Lohia Maidan, Margao.

‘Asturi’ , an exhibition for woman by woman organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Women’s Wing will be held from February 10 to 13 from 10amto 8pm at Azad Maidan, Panjim. Registration is open. E-mail goachamber @gmail.com. Call 2424252.

‘Goa Police Reforms Bill’ will be the topic of a seminar organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association in collaboration with Council for Social Justice and Peace. It will be held on January 29 from 10am to 12pm at Institute Piedade Hall II, Panjim.

Call 2422821 or 9822166876.

Don't worry about potential snags. Just let go and enjoy roller21 Mar - 19 Apr t h e coaster ride.

Now is the time for you to get started on something new and big -- maybe a new business partnership? Whatever it is, you should find that things go swimmingly for you if you start today.

Taurus Get your ideas out -- write them down, draw them up and let 20 Apr - 20 May the world see t h e m ! Yo u ' r e having a fun, relaxed time of it today, and should find that your presence does wonders for your people. It's a great day for you to step up and ensure that everyone who matters is heard.

You will enjoy Gemini progress on all fronts today -- be sure not to rest on your laurels.

21 May - 20 Jun Today is busier than ever for you -- and you are having a blast! It's a great day to move through work projects with great speed, clean house or get a date with that new person. You can have it all!

Keep your eye on the ball to day. Don ' t waste time fighting things 22 Jun - 23 Jul you can't change. Your home, always important to you, is highlighted today. Spend extra time there, come up with new ways to ensure harmony and see if your roommates or family are up for a big dinner together.

Self-improvement can be fun; think positively about re24 Jul - 23 Aug stricting yourself today. Try to reach out today -- your social energy is useless if you don't bother to use it! It's a good day for crafting new messages or meeting new people, but you have to make the first move, for sure.

There's no excuse for not pursuing your goals today. Ask 23 Aug - 22 Sep for help if you need it. A big talk needs to happen today, and you are almost certainly the only one willing to broach the subject. The good news is that it doesn't have to be uncomfortable -- if you make it about shared values.

If you want to be inspired today, pay attention to your 23 Sept - 22 Oct senses and follow your gut.

Make sure that your life is beautiful today. Every aspect needs to work well with every other aspect, and your amazing energy can help to ensure it all flows. This, in turn, makes you more efficient and fulfilled.

Scorpio The ability to see things as they really are will prove to be 23 Oct - 22 Nov i n v a l u a b l e today. You find it harder to get a handle on that idea -- or that one person -- you need to understand. It's a sign that you need to back off for now, as deeper wisdom takes lots more time.

Sagittarius Critical busi-

Capricorn S t e p b a c k t o d a y. L e t things keep humming 22 Dec - 20 Jan a r o u n d y o u and then step back in later. Even if you feel somewhat behind on your regular work, today is perfect for starting new things. If you need to launch that project sooner or later, now is really the best time -- go for it!

Aquarius Be proud of past accomplishments, because confidence gives 21 Jan - 19 Feb you the energy you need. You stumble into some cultural phenomenon from far away that makes you happy inside -- and might kindle a desire to explore more. It could be a festival or an odd fact you discover online, but dig deeper.

You've been working hard and you deserve a break.

20 Feb - 20 Mar Take time and relax today.

Lend your assistance to those who need it most today -- it could be homeless children or wounded veterans, but your energy is best spent in the service of others. The karma gives you an angelic glow!

Aries

Libra

ness demands your full attention today. Focus on 23 Nov - 20 Dec t h e t a s k a t hand. You are feeling much more in tune with the big picture today -whether that means at work, in the community or even spiritually. Use this new insight to make plans for the near future.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

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Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? The only strictly-marine herbivorous mammal

spelunk Pronunciation spi-luhngk Function Verb Meaning : to explore caves, especially as a hobby Example Sentence Morgan spelunks in his free time; he finds it the best way to leave the chaos of city life behind.

LAFFS

The dugong is a fascinating marine mammal that can grow up to 3 metres long, weigh over 400kgs and live for more than 70 years. It is often referred to as a ‘sea cow’ as it is the only marine mammal that is a herbivore and lives almost entirely on seagrass. The dugong is more closely related to elephants than it is to dolphins or whales. Dugongs have a rotund body shape and are light brown, while the young calves are pale brown. They have a flattened fluked tail like a dolphin but unlike dolphins, they have no fin on their upper back. They also have paddle-like flippers and a distinctive head shape. Their mouths are large, and the upper lip is covered in bristles which are used to find and nibble seagrass. Their nostrils are near the front of the head, which enables them to breathe with most of their body beneath the surface.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice.”

– Otto von Bismarck DAILY GROOK BOARD FLOORED

by Francis Rodrigues with expressions fake as a speech meanders, trying to stay awake are the bored members!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Four furious friends fought for the phone Sunday 33° C | 19° C Dawn 06:43

Sunrise 07:06

Clear Sunset Dark 18:28 18:51

Moon rise 22:04 - Moon set 09:33 High 01:03

TIDES Low High Low 07:13 13:12 19:08

High —

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

21:00 Anjaana Anjaani

08:10 10:10 12:15 14:25 16:45 19:10 23:00

09:00 11:00 13:15 16:15 18:45 21:00 23:30

Behind Enemy Lines New in Town Barbershop 2 Law Abiding Citizen Live and Let Die Crank 2 The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Last Mimzy Barb Wire Watchmen Thunderbolt Nights in Rodanthe My Sister's Keeper Bloodsport

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

No Entry Dil Vil Pyar Vyar Arjun Pandit Devdas Dangerous Minds

08:25 Mee-Shee 10:25 Hostage 12:45 Hardwired

09:00 13:00 14:30 16:00 18:00 19:00 23:00

Main Hoon Na Gulaal Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?

Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Phas Gaye Re Obama Gulaal

Lage Raho Munna Bhai Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa C.I.D C.I.D : Finale C.I.D Gallantry Awards Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa

09:30 Khana Khazana

As I was going to Saint Ives, I crossed the path of seven wives.

Every wife had seven sacks, every sack had seven cats, every cat had seven kittens. Kittens, cats, sacks, wives, how many were going to Saint Ives?

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Dates

14:45 16:40 18:55 21:00 23:05

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 23:10

Resident Evil Dungeons & Dragons The Foreigner The Art of War III Big Stan

Partner Crook Sooryavansham Kranti - Power of Unity Koyla

12:00 Shahenshah 16:30 Journey Bombay to Goa 20:00 Coolie

10:00 Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii 13:00 Krrish 18:00 Hero No. 1

13:00 17:00 17:30 20:00 21:00 23:30

Riddle Me This

10:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 12:00 Dance India Dance Doubles 15:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:00 Dance India Dance Doubles 19:30 Kahani Ab Tak 20:00 Zee Rishtey Awards 2010 23:30 Kahani Ab Tak

10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 13:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 15:00 Ring Wrong Ring 15:30 Ring Wrong Ring 16:00 Ring Wrong Ring 16:30 Gili Gili Gappa 17:00 Gili Gili Gappa 17:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 18:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta

Imran Khan 12:30 Superstar Superlives : Imran Khan 13:00 Superstar Superlives : Deepika Padukone 13:30 Superstar Superlives : Deepika Padukone 14:00 Business of Bollywood 14:30 Let'z Go! 15:00 My Desi Top 20 16:00 Superstar Supersongs 16:30 Shortcut Movies 17:00 Let'z Go! 18:00 Let'z Go! 18:30 Business of Bollywood 19:00 Planet Bollywood 19:30 Bollywood This Week 20:00 Ring a Star 20:30 Gorbatschow Face off 21:00 Club Mix 22:00 Tequila Nights

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00

Chuck Chuck Got to Dance Wipeout Wipeout India's Minute to Win It Got to Dance

17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Top 20 Countdown Wipeout Wipeout India's Minute to Win It Got to Dance Coach Carter

IDIOT BOX Chashma 19:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 19:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 20:00 Kabhi Kabhie

10:00 11:25 12:00 12:30 13:00 16:30 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:00 21:00

Laugh India Laugh Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Superstar Buzz Rang De Basanti Geet Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Geet Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Phas Gaye Re Obama

11:30 Let'z Go! 11:55 Red Carpet 12:00 Superstar Superlives :

10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00

Warehouse 13 The Bachelorette Two And A Half Men Two And A Half Men The Simpsons The Simpsons Friends Friends Koffee With Karan Burn Notice Burn Notice The Bachelorette The Bachelorette How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother Koffee With Karan Warehouse 13

05:30 13:30 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 23:00

Australian Open 2011 Australian Open 2011 Game Glitch Sport Express Australian Open 2011 H/ls Australian Open 2011 Australian Open 2011 H/ls

10:30 History of the Cricket World Cup 11:30 Venue Talk 13:58 Sportscenter Weekend 14:00 History of the Cricket World Cup 15:00 History of the Cricket World Cup 15:58 Sportscenter Weekend 16:00 Venue Talk 16:30 Venue Talk 18:00 Barclays Premier League 20:00 Full Time 20:30 Scorecast Sunday 21:00 Super Sunday 21:25 Barclays Premier League 23:30 Venue Talk

09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 13:00 13:30 14:30 18:30 19:25 21:30 22:00 22:30

WWE: Superstars ICC Cricket World Winning Post NBA FIFA: Futbol Mundial UEFA Champions League H/ls European Tour WWE: NXT Italian Serie A FIFA: Futbol Mundial ICC Cricket World WWE: NXT

08:48 2011 Commonwealth Bank Series 16:30 Cricket Extra 17:00 The Contenders 19:00 Epic Encounters 20:00 Epic Encounters 21:00 Epic Encounters 22:00 2011 Commonwealth Bank Series H/ls 23:00 Epic Encounters

10:00 A Traveller's Guide to the Planets 11:00 Super Factories 12:00 Nat Geo Women's Hour 12:30 Nat Geo Women's Hour 13:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

14:00 Lion Ranger 15:00 Men in Wild Week 16:00 Huge Moves 17:00 Big Cats Week 18:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

19:00 Best of The Decade 20:00 A Traveller's Guide to the Planets 21:00 Jailed Abroad 22:00 Nat Geo Specials

06:00 Art of living 06:30 Holy Hymn Singing 07:00 Amazing Dance Fusion 07:30 Tiny Tots 08:00 English News 09:00 Santa Cruz Mando 09:30 Treasure Attic 10:00 Sanz Sangoddachi 10:30 Concert of Classical Music 11:00 Tattoo Programme 11:30 Pilar Care for Mother Earth 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 13:00 English News 14:00 Clown Festival 14:30 Konkani Movie 15:30 HCN Fine Tunes 16:00 Sunday Mass 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 18:00 English News 19:00 Santa Cruz Mando 19:30 Amche Bakibab 20:00 English News 21:00 Trendsetters 21:30 HCN Fine Tunes 22:00 Tattoo Programme 22:30 Pilar Care for Mother Earth 23:00 Sunday Mass 00:00 Treasure Attic 00:30 Tiny Tots 01:00 Santa Cruz Mando 01:30 Sanz Sangoddachi 02:00 Art of Living Note: Subject to change

SUDOKU 765

Instructions for Sudoku 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

SUDOKU SOL 764

HERALD CROSSWORD - 765 Across 1- Get ready to drive; 6- Composition in verse; 10- Grounded fleet; 14- Actress Verdugo; 15- Italian resort; 16- Singer Amos; 17- More wan; 18- King of comedy; 19Sleep like ___; 20- Hot time in Paris; 21- Instrument for measuring earthquake intensity; 24- Most strange; 26- Trumpet relative; 27Fall mo.; 28- Postpone; 30Demonstrate; 33- Fuel oil; 35Conger; 38- Sofa; 40- Mantric syllables; 41- Decline; 43- RR stop; 44- More bohemian; 47- Bound; 48- ___ a time; 49- "Respect for Acting" author Hagen; 51- Equally old; 54- Wreck; 58- Conjurer; 61Comedian Philips; 62- Monetary unit of Cambodia; 63- I smell ___!; Flowery verse; 59- Black-and-white treat; 6064- Clan; 66- Circle at bottom, point at top; 67- Ac- Church center; 65- Jockey Turcotte; tress Campbell; 68- Misplaces; 69- Warts and all; 70- Digits of the foot; 71- Diary bit; SOLUTION - 764 Down 1- Conical native American tent; 2- Delight; 3- Conger catcher; 4- Article in Le Monde; 5- 3.26 light years; 6- Braid; 7- Lubricates; 8- Dutch cheese; 9Eyeglass for one eye; 10- Like some nights; 11Gannet; 12- Literary device; 13- Vision; 22- Cornerstone abbr.; 23- Scores; 25- Caucus state; 28- Relinquish; 29- "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto); 30- Radical '60s org.; 31- Strike; 32- Eggs; 34- Bit; 35- Needle hole; 36- Bambi's aunt; 37Chop off; 39- Grannies; 42- Exclamation to express sorrow; 45- Trustful; 46- Jamaican exports; 48- Undeveloped seeds; 50- Gossip; 51- About; 52Mixed bags; 53- Nicholas Gage book; 54- Locations; 55- Robbery; 56- Brown earth pigment; 57-

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Fashion

K

areena Kapoor gets her third international brand, snatched up away right from Priyanka Chopra’s kitty.

“At first, the brand wanted Priyanka as their ambassador. But after conducting a survey, the results showed Kareena as the clear choice. A well known face in the international brand circuit, Kareena had no competition,” said a source close to Kareena.

“At 14 brands, Kareena is way ahead of the others. The brand is looking for iconic, inspirational and youth centric elements, which combine nicely in Kareena’s personality,” the source added.

Currently busy with her next film, Atul Agnihotri’s Bodyguard with Salman Khan and various other endorsements, Bebo still managed to make time for this particular shoot.

A special skilled team is flying down from London to shoot the ad with her.”

The Golmaal 3 star will also perform at an award function on Januar y 29, reaching just a day before.

Tourism

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Sunday, 23 Jan 2011

Kareena beats Priyanka in Endorsement Race

Travel

Parenting

Pg4

Katy Perry loves to Skip

K

aty Perry’s personal trainer has revealed his client loves to skip as part of her 25-minute work-outs, which she does five times a week. The 26year-old singer enjoys five 25-minute workouts every week with personal trainer Harley Pasternak, who says her brief workouts are better for keeping her trim in the long term.

Harley said: “It’s an intense workout that lasts 25 minutes. Working out more often for shorter periods is better than three times a week for longer.”

“Katy loves jumping rope, so that’s what we do for cardio. It’s convenient, dance-like and expressive and efficient, time-wise.”

Harley has also put Katy on a strict diet, where she eats five small meals a day, though once a week she can indulge in her favourite treats such as pizza and chocolate.

Harley explained: “She eats two meals and three snacks a day, consisting of healthy fats, lean protein, fibre and a non-sugar drink.”

“Her favourite meal from recipes I’ve created is French toast – slices of bread dipped in egg white, skimmed milk and a little sugar, grilled and topped with low-fat ricotta cheese and berries.”

Mahie does a Double Take

M

ahie Gill, of Dev D fame, will be seen in a double-role for the first time in Anand Mishra’s Pappu Ki Love Story. All set to have a ‘double dhamaal’ with actors Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak, Mahie reveals that all leads in the movie will be playing double roles.

The announcement begs to ask the question – Is the movie along the lines of Seeta Aur Geeta? “No,” says the actress, “It is quite the opposite. It is a unique concept and a very different script. I play two different characters. One is the actual girl and the other is a fictional person from a book.

This is my first time on such a project and naturally I’m very excited!” Mahie shares her experience working with Naseeruddin Shah in Ribhu Dasgupta’s Michael and labels it as a learning period.

“We have finished shooting the film and it was amazing.

It’s like working with someone who is a school of acting.

It gives me great pleasure to know that directors have confidence to bring difficult and varied scripts to me. I don’t like to play the same character all over again, so anything that is different is always welcome,” she said.

After her guest appearance in Dabangg, she keeps getting offers to do item songs and cameos.

She said, “I am open to anything that’s rewarding. I had done a really good item song in Sanjay Dutt’s Knockout, but it got cut. Even though my role in Dabangg wasn’t that big, Salman promised to cast me in one of his films. He’s so encouraging and supportive. Even though he’s busy, whenever we meet he always talks about working together.”

Jim Carrey goes for Younger Indian Model

H

ollywood funnyman Jim Carrey is dating Indian model Aanchal Joseph, who at 24, is half his age. Joseph, who was born in New Delhi and moved to the US at the age of 6 with her parents, was one of the contestants on the reality show America’s Next Top Model in 2007.

The dusky beauty has now been spotted hand-in-hand with the Ace Ventura star while leaving a New York theatre. The 49-year-old actor smiled for the cameras as he and Joseph left after watching Laura Linney’s new play Time Stands Still.

Joseph dressed for the date in a pink mini dress, heels and black cardigan while Carrey was dressed in a formal suit with a long trenchcoat.

Joseph appeared on the seventh season of America’s Next Top Model, hosted by Tyra Banks.

Despite being eliminated seventh in the competition, she is currently pursuing a modelling career in New York. She has modeled in Miami and Morocco, booked magazine editorials in Zoom, French Vogue with Bruce Weber, Elle Singapore, Night, and Artemis. In addition to that she has booked campaigns for SOFI Swimwear and Eva Danielle NYC as well as doing shows for Funkshion Miami Fashion Week. She is represented by Manny Roman and is signed with Mars Model Management and Roman Management.

Kids prefer iPad or Smartphone to New Bike

Positive Emotions key to Good Health in Old Age

P

ositive emotions can keep stress, pain and illness at bay. There are several ways in which a positive attitude can protect against poor health later in life.

For example, happier people might take a proactive approach to ageing by regularly exercising and budgeting time for a good night’s sleep.

Alternately, these people may avoid unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking and risky sex, according to a Cornell University (US) statement. The benefits of these healthy lifestyle choices may become more important in older adults as their bodies become more susceptible to diseases.

An optimistic outlook has also been shown to combat stress – a known risk factor for a lot of diseases.

Studies have found that people with stronger positive emotions have lower levels of chemicals associated with inflammation related to stress.

Anthony Ong, developmental psychologist at Cornell, who led the study, said: “We all age. It is how we age, however, that determines the quality of our lives.”

A

new study has revealed that kids today would rather learn how to operate a computer than to learn how to ride a bike or how to swim. Software maker AVG Technologies conducted a survey amongst 2,200 women and found that 14 per cent of kids aged 4 to 5 could tie their shoes-compared to 21 per cent who knew how to use a smartphone or iPad application.

Among kids aged 2 to 5, 52 per cent knew how to ride a bike, while 58 per cent could play a computer game and 69 per cent could operate a computer mouse. 20 per cent knew how to swim, but 25 per cent could open a Web browser.

“Children’s behaviour has changed, and that’s mainly because the way we use the technology is so different. It changes everything,” stated J R Smith, AVG’s CEO. However, the survey raises serious doubts about children’s safety online.

“I think parents need to be increasingly vigilant because there are so many media and so many different avenues for accessing media,” said Dr Vic Strasburger at the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine.

But while some parents agree that technology usage should be limited they also believe that embracing technology is part of being successful in today’s world.

“The implication is that parents are ignoring basic skills in favour of letting kids play games,” said Liz Gumbinner, publisher and editor-in-chief of Cool Mom Tech and Cool Mom Picks.

But, “I don’t think it’s an either or. And, increasingly, computer skills are essential for navigating the world we live in.”

The idea is to strike a balance between the two.

Don’t stop Talking with Your Chat Pal Yes, Chatting can be as Effective as Brain-training

I

f you are one of those lucky ones to have friends to chat with regularly, we mean verbally and not virtually of course, make sure you go all out and work towards keeping that chatting alive. Because, holding even a simple chat could be just as effective as playing popular brain-training games that have spawned a multi-million pound industry.

Researchers from the University of Zurich in Switzerland compared 36 studies on memory exercises conducted between 1970 and 2007.

They found some studies suggested both healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment could remember words better after some memory training. However, other research found this improvement was matched by those asked to hold a discussion about art.

The finding that social interaction could be just as effective at keeping memory loss at bay comes after ‘Age Concern’ warned that more than a million people aged over 65 feel trapped and isolated in their own homes.

The charity warned solitary lifestyles were a “silent epidemic” sweeping the nation.

A researcher said most, although not all, people experience a cognitive decline in old age.

This can include memory loss and inability to plan, pay close attention or perform tasks as quickly as before.

Courtesy: Agencies Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 6658512, 6658500, 2224202, 2228083. Fax: 2222475. Email: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com.