AP politicians worried by Naxal threat Sunday, January 30, 2005 | Editor
The withdrawal of Naxals from the peace talks and the gunning down of Telugu Desam MLA in Anantapur has Chandrababu Naidu and other TDP leaders worried.
Naidu has now apparently asked for a renewal of the offer of NSG cover made to him in 2003.
When L K Advani made the offer of NSG protection soon after Naidu survived an assassination attempt on him by Naxals in October 2003, the then Chief Minister had declined.
Security concerns
Now Naidu thinks his life is at a greater risk. And he apparently does not trust the police in Congress-ruled Andhra Pradesh, with the job.
The request letter was apparently sent by the Telugu Desam to the Home Ministry soon after the Naxals withdrew from the peace talks on January 17.
But what has increased their fears is the manner in which their MLA Paritala Ravi despite having 10 gunmen, was killed.
The party is pointing fingers at the police alleging it helped the assassins.
"We have no faith. The police are under the control of the IG and the government. Where is the safety for our leaders under state security?" said Yerran Naidu, Leader, TDP.
Naidu still moves around in a convoy of six cars, which includes a jammer to detect landmines.
But he no longer gets the green channel which means traffic is not stopped for him.
"How many more lives will go? We don't have any security. No one is safe," said Chandrababu Naidu, former chief minister, Andhra Pradesh.
Living in fear
The state government says Naidu is already the most protected person in Andhra Pradesh.
"Chandrababu Naidu has not less than one hundred security personnel to protect him. My department says he has more security than me," said YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh.
Rajasekhara Reddy himself did not agree to the police proposal to increase his security cover after the Naxals declared all-out war after pulling out of the peace talks.
In these times of fear, politicians in Andhra Pradesh are keeping their fingers crossed while securitymen keep their fingers perennially on the trigger. -NDTV
Republic Day celebrations scaled down in Andhra Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor
The colourful tableaux were missing from the main Republic Day parade here as the Andhra Pradesh government scaled down celebrations in the wake of the tsunami disaster.
The tableaux highlighting the state's culture and various schemes of the state government form part of the parade every year but this time the tableaux were not included.
Governor Sushil Kumar Shinde, who reviewed the ceremonial parade at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the disaster and appealed to people to come forward to help those affected.
The tsunami disaster, which hit India's eastern coast Dec 26, had claimed 104 lives in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, his cabinet colleagues, assembly Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy, Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Justice Devender Gupta, Chief Secretary Mohan Kanda, Director General of Police Swaranjit Sen, officials of the army, air force and navy were among those who witnessed the celebrations.
Seventeen contingents of the Indian Army, Air Force, paramilitary forces, state police, home guards and the National Cadet Corps took part in the colourful march past, held under tight security.
Addressing the first Republic Day parade after he took over as governor in November last year, Shinde listed out the measures taken by the Congress government during the last nine months to improve the condition of farmers and disadvantaged sections of society.
Shinde said in tune with its commitment to uplift the poor, the government would distribute 100,000 acres of land among the poor and the disadvantaged Wednesday. "This is the first time in the country that land distribution has been taken up on such a scale," he said.
The governor claimed that the government's thrust on agriculture, which was neglected in the last few years, was paying off. "This sector is now turning around," he said.
Shinde said the government had allocated one third of the state's budget for irrigation and agriculture. He also listed steps taken to pay compensation to the families of farmers who committed suicide, supply free electricity to agricultural connections and waive electricity arrears of the farm sector.
He also urged Maoist guerrillas to give up their weapons, but said the government would continue its peace talks with the rebels.
"Weapons have no place in a democracy. Nothing can be achieved through guns and history has proved this."
Shinde said the state government initiated peace talks with the Maoists last year in a bid to persuade them to join the mainstream. "The government wants to continue the talks."
The governor's appeal came in the wake of resumption of violence this month after an eight month-long ceasefire.
Elsewhere in the state, the 56th Republic Day was celebrated with fervour. Patriotic songs blared from loudspeakers and the tricolour fluttered on almost every street in Hyderabad and all other towns.
Unfurling of the national flag by ministers and other dignitaries, public meetings and rallies marked the day.
[Indo-Asian News Service]
Sania puts up fight, loses to Serena Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
India's Sania Mirza put up a gallant fight against tennis ace Serena Williams before losing 1-6, 4-6 in the third round of the Australian Open here Friday.
Sania was the first Indian woman to enter the third round of a Grand Slam event.
[IANS]
Mass Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor
Telugu film ‘Mass’ is a commendable maiden effort by director Raghava Lawrence, who has managed to infuse life and verve into the narrative, despite the storyline being weak and clichéd.
Starring Nagarjuna and Jyotika in the leading roles, ‘Mass’ has all the ingredients that go into the making of a successful formula film: fierce fight scenes, dance numbers and romance.
‘Mass’ has brought success to Nagarjuna, who had been passing through a lean patch over the last few years. It also marks an image makeover for the actor, who has succeeded in recasting his image by portraying a tough character.
The film tells the story of a man Ganesh (Nagarjuna) who has vowed to rid the city of Visakhapatnam of the underworld dons. A man on his own private mission, Ganesh has given ultimatum to the two leading dons who are responsible for killing his close friend and who unfortunately are also the family of his sole beloved Anjali (Jyotika).
Story may not be a strong point of ‘Mass’. Nevertheless, the movie has struck a chord in the people's hearts. Racy, punch-packed action films by and large hit the bull's eye, from the box office standpoint, in Tollywood. That way, ‘Mass’ has managed to generate mass enthusiasm. No wonder, hit-starved Nagarjuna is all smiles.
Maoist killed in encounter Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
ANANTAPUR: A Maoist belonging to the Penna Ahobilam squad was killed in an encounter with police in Jarutlarampuram village under Vajrakaroor mandal on Wednesday.
The Maoists gunned down two persons in separate incidents in Mukundapuram and Kalagalla villages under Garladinne and Kuderu mandals of the district on Tuesday morning and on Wednesday night.
Following these killings, the police began combing the area, when they came across six Maoists in Jarutlarampuram. On seeing the police, the Maoists hurl bombs at them and started firing as they fled.
The police retaliated and there was an exchange of fire between the police and the Maoists for some time, when Sheksanapalli Nagaraju of Penna Ahobilam squad was killed, while the rest escaped.
Even as the police are still searching for those who are at large, rumours are rife that four Maoists were killed in encounters with the police at different places –– Penakacharla near Garladinne, Kathrimala forest and an area near Pamidi –– .
Police officials were not available to confirm the incident.
Meanwhile, the police are on full alert in view of the bandh called by Maoists and Janashakti on Thursday in protest against what they call ‘fake encounters’.
Security was beefed up in Maoist-infested areas and railway stations and SP Praveen Kumar was seen personally visiting some problem areas to monitor security arrangements.
Security was also stepped up near the police stations and night bus services of RTC to Maoist-infested areas were cancelled.
Rally against cow slaughter Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
GUNTUR: A rally was conducted in the city on Wednesday protesting against cow slaughter. Activists from Go Samrakshaka Samgham (GSS), AP Jeeva Rakshaka Sangham, People for Animals, Blue Cross of Guntur and other organisations participated in the rally.
Meanwhile, animal welfare awareness rally, started at Kakinada on January 14 as part of Animal Welfare Fortnight also reached the city. Later submitting a memorandum to the district authorities they urged to protect large number of cows illegally detained in the city at various places to kill them on the Bakrid day. They pleaded to register bind over cases against such people.
GSS convenor Chandra Sekhar said Constitution has banned the cow slaughter and State Government also brought legislation in 1977. Even Qhuran or islamic religious preachers have not advocated cow slaughter, he said.
Hyderabad cheers for Sania Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Tennis lovers in Hyderabad are rejoicing after Sania Mirza made it to the third round of the Australian Open.
Sania's younger sister Anam is all excited about here sister's achievement at the Australian Open.
"I spoke to her today. She was very happy and excited. She is very excited to play Serena,'' Anam said.
Proud coach
Sharing the thrill is Sania's former coach Narendranath, who is now busy coaching the Sanias of the future.
"She is a big match player and she loves the whole atmosphere of a big match. She will play well and she might surprise a few people,'' he said.
For those used to watching the player practice whenever she is in Hyderabad, Sania will always remain an inspiration.
Young idol
"In Andhra Pradesh the girls are doing better than boys. Their idol is Sania Mirza,'' said Raja Narasimha Rao of the state Tennis Association.
Hyderabad has a party every time Sania shines on the world stage.
Whether it was the girls doubles title at Wimbledon, or several medals at the Afro-Asian Games, Sania's feats have always been cheered by the city.
It is clear that though Sania may be short on experience in dealing with Serena, she certainly won't be short on support from Hyderabad, and the rest of the country.
Andhra govt congratulates Sania Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Andhra Pradesh government today congratulated tennis star Sania Mirza for entering the third round in the Australian Open Grand Slam at Melbourne.
"We congratulate Sania for achieving this rare distinction and being the only woman from India to win in the second round of the Grand Slam tournament," state sports authority (SAAP) chairperson Sumita Dwara said in a release today.
The 18-year-old Hyderabad girl defeated Petra Mandula of Hungary in straight sets 6-2 6-1 and will take on former world No 1 Serena Williams in the third round.
Sania, who broke into 200 ranking before getting the wild card, defeated Cindy Watson (Aus) 3-6 6-3 6-0 in the first round and improved her ranking to under 130 after the win.
At the felicitation function on getting wild card in the Grand Slam tournament, sania had said that her ambition was to round off the year (2005) with a ranking of under 100 and take the Australian Open match by match. (PTI)
CPI (Maoist) committed 6 murders in 2005: DGP Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor
Hyderabad: State Director General of Police Swaranjit Sen said on Wednesday that during the first eighteen days of 2005, the CPI (Maoist) activists had committed six murders, triggered one blast and were responsible for five incidents of arson and seven exchanges of fire.
Talking to reporters in Hyderabad, Sen said that last year, from May 14 till the end of the year, Maoists had been responsible for 1,405 violent incidents, including four murders, nine attempt to murders and six blasts.
On Tuesday alone, the Maoists had committed two murders in Anantapur. They had been interfering in small disputes in the villages, instigating the group favourable to them against the other and committing murders, he said.
During the talks process, they had conducted public meetings at various places and had tried to instigate people to revolt against the state, he explained.
Sen said that from the documents seized after exchange of fire, it was evident that the CPI (Maoist) of Warangal-Khammam Division Committee, led by DVK Swamy, had collected Rs 83,45,934 from different people towards party fund. Of this, they had spent Rs 23,10,000 on weapons.
"Similarly, they have prepared mines with about 20 quintals of gelatine and are planning to plant them. Why should they procure gelatin in such huge quantities during the talks period if they are really interested in peace talks?" he said.
Sen said the Maoists had decided to kill a reporter of a daily newspaper, certain political leaders, people's representatives, police officers, constables and important persons in Prakasham district.
The documents also revealed that they had collected Rs 27,65,000 from various people in Nallamala area, he explained.
The State Police Chief said that with a view to kill police personnel, the naxalites were making use of the latest communication equipment to know about police movements. They were using wireless scanners to overhear the conversation of police forces and to get information about their movements.
Sen said that from exchanges of fire in Warangal, Karimnagar, Prakasham and Mahbubnagar, the police had recovered a huge quantity of SBBL guns, country made pistols, claymore mines, hand grenades, detonators, lap top computer, colour printer, electrical generator, hand sets, service revolvers, 303 riffles, DBBL guns, air rifles and tapanchas. People would make the naxalites realise that the non-violent path is the most righteous one, he added.
Mass Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor
Nagarjuna's much-hyped action film has opened to a terrific response all over Andhra Pradesh. The typical mass entertainer, despite a few loopholes, has launched Lawrence as a commercial filmmaker.
7G Rainbow Colony Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor
This is one of the major hits of this season. Despite being made by the new team of actor Ravikrishna and director Selvaraghavan, the realistic love story has crossed the 50-day mark and is racing towards 100 days.
Vijayendra Varma Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor
After collections of over Rs.20 million ($457,000) on the first day, this patriotic film has lost ground, disappointing Balakrishna's fans. The clichéd second half, which contrasts strikingly with the interesting first part, must be the reason. Koti's music has proved to be the saving grace.
Prema Chadarangam Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor
The dubbed version of "Chellame" has received critical acclaim and it could pick up with big promotion. Reema's performance and glamour and Harris Jayaraja's score hold interest in this tale of an obsessed lover.
Anand Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor
"Anand": Sekar's love story withstands heavy competition to rake in the moolah. By 100 days, it is expected to make over Rs.40 million, giving 300 percent profit to investors.
Indo-Asian News Service
Sunil Shetty in Nagarjuna's Telugu film? Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor
After shaking a leg down south in Priyadarshan's film, Sunil Shetty is said to be flooded with offers from some of the top filmmakers in the region but is in no hurry to take up any of them apart from a handful few for his friends.
One of the films for which he has given a nod is a Telugu film to be directed by Nagarjuna, reports Bollywood Trade.
On the business front, too, he seems to be racing ahead. His concept of Bollywood tourism, which made headlines a month ago, has now got an official nod from the government.
