PM's I-Day speech insult to inflation-hit people: CPI(M)

New Delhi (PTI): Livid at the UPA government for seeking solace in higher inflation figures in other countries, its former ally CPI(M) on Saturday said such comments were tantamount to adding insult to injury of people, already suffering the steepest price rise in 13 years।

In a statement here, the party's politburo charged the government with "utter failure" to provide any relief to the people। "The Prime Minister's comments on price rise and inflation in his Independence Day address adds salt to the wounds."

"The government can ill afford to seek solace in relatively higher inflation figures of some other developing countries," the party said, reiterating its demands for banning futures trading in essential commodities, restoring food quotas for states and cutting duties on petrol and diesel to bring down fuel prices।

Even though the wholesale price index did not reflect the actual burden on consumers, it was a matter of "grave concern" that the rate had hit a high of 12।44 per cent as of August 2, the highest in 13 years.

The party said the retail price of wheat has gone up by over 60 per cent, that of rice by about 50 per cent and edible oil by over 40 per cent, compared with the 2004 prices। The higher procurement of wheat has had "no impact" on its prices in the open market, it observed.

"Instead of adopting such measures to provide relief to the common people, the UPA government seems hell bent on pushing through the same neo-liberal policies which are responsible for the inflationary crisis being witnessed today," the CPI(M) said.

Akhil, Jitender to get Rs 25 lakh reward

Chandigarh, 16 2008 : They are yet to win a medal but boxers Akhil Kumar and Jitender have earned a cash reward Rs 25 lakh from the state government here for reaching the quarterfinals of their respective weight categories at the Beijing Olympics।

Lavishing praise on Akhil, Jitender Vijender for reaching fine performance, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the medal-winning boxers among the three would be made Deputy Superintendent of Police।

Jitender and Akhail have advanced to the quarter finals of 51kg and 54kg category resepctively and are just one win away from a medal।

The Chief Minister congratulated both these boxers and urged all the participating players hailing from Haryana to concentrate on their performance and give their best to clinch medals।

He said the State Government would appreciate their efforts and suitably reward their achievements।

The Haryana Government has already announced to give Rs two crore as a reward for state athletes who would win gold medals at Olympics।

The silver medallists would get Rs one crore and bronze winners would be given Rs 50 lakh.

Shiv Sena organises Raksha Bandhan between Hindus, Muslims in Thane

THANE AGUST 16, 2008 : Thane, Raksha Bandhan this year get a secular flavour with Shivsainiks taking the initiative for it। Muslim women from the Mahagiri area of Thane will be tying rakhis to Hindu residents from the area and vice versa.

Shiv Mudra Prabodhini, a Thane-based organisation has organised Hindu Muslim Rakshabandhan Sohala on Saturday। Almost 100 citizens from the Hindu and Muslim communities are expected to gather at the Anjuman Khairul Urdu Medium High School, in Mahagiri where the programme has been organised.

Sameer Chavan, the organiser, who is also a Shiv Sena volunteer, said, “While the country is facing terrorist attacks and communal clashes, we think efforts to bond these two communities are required. Raksha Bandhan has given us the opportunity to form relationships with other communities. In future, we will have similar events in Bhiwandi and Malegaon, too.” Arun Dhere, Thane Police commissioner and Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde will also be part of the programme.

Ahmedabad serial blasts case cracked?

NEW DELHI AGUST 16, 2008 : Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Saturday claimed that they have cracked the Ahmedabad serial blasts case।

According to Times Now sources, eight people have been arrested in connection with the same।

The men, who have been identified as SIMI activists, were arrested at in Azamgharh in Uttar Pradesh and Abdul Wasir is allegedly the mastermind of the sixteen blasts that rocked the city। The activists are reportedly from Kerela, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Sources added that these activists had meetings in Vadodara, Mumbai and Ahmedabad before the blasts। It also added that meetings in Ahmedabad was held at activist Yunus's residence.

The explosives, which was used in the serial blasts, were procured outside the state and were reportedly assembled at Ahmedabad।

Earlier, the investigators tracked the IP address of the terror e-mail to Navi Mumbai, an e-mail sent across to television channels prior to the blasts. Following which, the agencies have been active making various arrests and releasing sketches of different suspects, involved with the terror strike.