Krishna’s visit to Islamabad would help promote regional peace: Rehman

Peshawar, May 19 (ANI): The proposed visit of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to Islamabad and talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on July 15 would certainly help both countries establish and promote peace in the region, Pakistan National Assembly’s Kashmir Committee chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said.

Interacting with reporters in Swabi, Rehman said meaningful dialogue was in the interest of both neighbouring nations.

“We will welcome Krishna in Pakistan as meaningful dialogues are in the interests of both the neighbours,” The Dawn quoted Rehman, as saying.

Earlier, during his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Rehman demanded the participation of the Kashmiri leadership in any upcoming India-Pakistan talks.

It is pertinent to mention here that Qureshi has already said that all issues would be discussed with Krishna, and Islamabad would not hesitate to present its stated positions on all issues bedevilling bilateral ties.

He has also made it clear that people should not expect any ‘miracle’ from the upcoming meeting.

“Don’t expect miracles overnight. It is an uphill task. The two foreign secretaries will meet on the sidelines of the SAARC conference to do the ground work for the foreign ministers meeting which will take place on July 15. I will be visiting New Delhi after the Islamabad meeting at a mutually convenient date for the next round of talks,” Qureshi had said earlier. (ANI)

Call for including Kashmiri leadership in Indo-Pak talks

Islamabad, May 18 (ANI): Welcoming the resumption of talks between India and Pakistan, Kashmir Committee chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that the Kashmir issue and the Kashmiri leadership should also feature in upcoming deliberations.

During a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal here, Rehman demanded the participation of the Kashmiri leadership in any upcoming India-Pakistan talks, The News reports.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna is likely to visit Islamabad on July 15 for talks with his Pakistan counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Qureshi has already said that all issues would be discussed with Krishna, and Islamabad would not hesitate to present its stated positions on all issues bedevilling bilateral ties.

He has also made it clear that people should not expect any ‘miracle’ from the upcoming meeting.

“Don’t expect miracles overnight. It is an uphill task. The two foreign secretaries will meet on the sidelines of the SAARC conference to do the ground work for the foreign ministers meeting which will take place on July 15. I will be visiting New Delhi after the Islamabad meeting at a mutually convenient date for the next round of talks,” Qureshi had said earlier. (ANI)

Pak’s latest flip-flop, says it never demanded Kasab’s extradition

Islamabad, May 7 (ANI): In yet another flip-flop, Pakistan has denied asking India to handover the lone November 2008 Mumbai attacker Ajmal Amir Kasab to it.

Talking to reporters after a special anti-terror court in Mumbai awarded death sentence to Kasab, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said Islamabad had never asked for his extradition.

When asked about Kasab’s death penalty, Basit said Pakistan maintains that it was important to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice.

“Pakistan has strongly condemned the horrific attack. It’s important that the culprits are brought to justice,” The Daily Times quoted Basit, as saying.

“We would appreciate that our legal experts go through the detailed judgement,” he added.

It is worth mentioning here that days ago Pakistan had handed over six dossiers to India regarding developments made in the 26/11 probe and sought the extradition of Kasab, and Fahim Ansari, an Indian accused of conducting recce of places targeted by terrorists.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik had also said India should give Pakistan access to Kasab to facilitate the trial of seven terrorists arrested in the country in connection with the Mumbai attacks.

“Kasab’s statement is of paramount importance in the Mumbai attack case… it is an important document for the court and we need it,” Malik had said earlier.

During a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Sharat Sabharwal last month, Malik had stressed that Kasab should be extradited to Pakistan after his trial in India is over, as his statement would prove to be of great importance in the prosecution of the seven suspects, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. (ANI)

Talks with Pakistan are not ruled out: Krishna

Onboard special aircraft: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Monday said a bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan cannot be ruled out during the XVIth SAARC Summit to be held in Thimphu, Bhutan.

“I am not ruling it out,” Krishna said when asked if the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, would meet with his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Krishna also said that Islamabad’s request for handing over 26/11 gunman Ajmal Kasab could not be entertained till the trial is completed.

The verdict against Kasab by a special court in Mumbai is expected on May 3.

Pointing out that Kasab’s trial was at an advanced stage in India, Krishna said it was going on in full steam.

“We have to complete our legal formalities first and then we can examine Pakistan’s request for the same,” he said, adding,”the matter will be examined in consultation with other ministries and departments.”

Pakistan has asked that three Indian officials, including two magistrates and an investigator, to be allowed to travel to Pakistan to testify that they had recorded Kasab’s statement so that authorities could proceed further and make the case stronger.

on Sunday, Pakistan handed over six dossiers to India regarding developments made in the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks probe and sought the extradition of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman, and Fahim Ansari, an Indian accused of conducting recce of places targeted by terrorists.

The dossiers were handed over to India’s Deputy Indian High Commissioner, Rahul Kulshreshth, by the Foreign Office (FO) officials here.

The dossiers comprise answers to questions raised by New Delhi in connection with the ghastly attacks. Pakistan has also sought more information regarding the incident from India through the dossiers, The News reports

While India has been pressing Pakistan to prosecute the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) founder leader Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, who is considered as the mastermind of the 26/11 carnage, Islamabad says New Delhi has not provided enough evidence against the Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief.

Earlier, while talking to media persons following his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: “India has only provided leads against him (Saeed) and not sufficient evidences.”

He said Pakistan has taken stern action against Saeed and his organisation, the JuD, and sealed its offices and bank accounts.

JuD’s website and various publications have also been banned, he added.

Malik said authorities are keeping a close vigil on the JuD, the front face of the banned terror outfit the LeT, but added that action can not be taken unless there is evidence about its involvement in questionable activities.

He also said that India should to give Pakistan access to Kasab to facilitate the trial of seven terrorists arrested in the country in connection with the Mumbai attacks.

” Kasab’s statement is of paramount importance in the Mumbai attack case… it is an important document for the court and we need it,” Malik said.

According to sources privy to the meeting between Malik and Sabharwal, the Interior Minister stressed that Kasab should be extradited to Pakistan after his trial in India is over, as his statement would prove to be of great importance in the prosecution of the seven suspects, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. By Ravi Shankar (ANI)

Talks with Pakistan are not ruled out: Krishna

Onboard special aircraft: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Monday said a bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan cannot be ruled out during the XVIth SAARC Summit to be held in Thimphu, Bhutan.

“I am not ruling it out,” Krishna said when asked if the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, would meet with his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Krishna also said that Islamabad’s request for handing over 26/11 gunman Ajmal Kasab could not be entertained till the trial is completed.

The verdict against Kasab by a special court in Mumbai is expected on May 3.

Pointing out that Kasab”s trial was at an advanced stage in India, Krishna said it was going on in full steam.

“We have to complete our legal formalities first and then we can examine Pakistan”s request for the same,” he said, adding,”the matter will be examined in consultation with other ministries and departments.”

Pakistan has asked that three Indian officials, including two magistrates and an investigator, to be allowed to travel to Pakistan to testify that they had recorded Kasab”s statement so that authorities could proceed further and make the case stronger.

on Sunday, Pakistan handed over six dossiers to India regarding developments made in the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks probe and sought the extradition of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman, and Fahim Ansari, an Indian accused of conducting recce of places targeted by terrorists.

The dossiers were handed over to India”s Deputy Indian High Commissioner, Rahul Kulshreshth, by the Foreign Office (FO) officials here.

The dossiers comprise answers to questions raised by New Delhi in connection with the ghastly attacks. Pakistan has also sought more information regarding the incident from India through the dossiers, The News reports

While India has been pressing Pakistan to prosecute the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) founder leader Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, who is considered as the mastermind of the 26/11 carnage, Islamabad says New Delhi has not provided enough evidence against the Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief.

Earlier, while talking to media persons following his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: “India has only provided leads against him (Saeed) and not sufficient evidences.”

He said Pakistan has taken stern action against Saeed and his organisation, the JuD, and sealed its offices and bank accounts.

JuD’s website and various publications have also been banned, he added.

Malik said authorities are keeping a close vigil on the JuD, the front face of the banned terror outfit the LeT, but added that action can not be taken unless there is evidence about its involvement in questionable activities.

He also said that India should to give Pakistan access to Kasab to facilitate the trial of seven terrorists arrested in the country in connection with the Mumbai attacks.

“ Kasab’s statement is of paramount importance in the Mumbai attack case… it is an important document for the court and we need it,” Malik said.

According to sources privy to the meeting between Malik and Sabharwal, the Interior Minister stressed that Kasab should be extradited to Pakistan after his trial in India is over, as his statement would prove to be of great importance in the prosecution of the seven suspects, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. (ANI)

Indian envoy says Malaysia is an important gateway to his country

Kuala Lumpur, Apr.24 (ANI): Indian High Commissioner Vijay K. Gokhale believes that Malaysia is an important gateway for his country within the ASEAN.

The Star quoted Gokhale as saying that there were many things in common between both countries, including the education system.

Gokhale said India wanted to enhance its relations with Malaysia by organising more cultural activities. (ANI)

Newlyweds Shoaib-Sania arrive in Karachi

Karachi, April 22 (IANS) Carrying placards reading ‘Welcome to Pakistan’s daughter-in-law’, hundreds of fans gathered outside the Jinnah International Airport as newlyweds Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza arrived here Thursday.

The couple were welcomed by Sindh Sports Minister Mohammad Ali Shah and other government officials.

‘It feels great to have arrived here in Pakistan,’ Online news agency quoted Sania as saying on her first visit to this southern port city.

Shoaib said the couple will stay in Pakistan for one week.

They will fly to Islamabad, where they would be treated as state guests, to arrange Sania’s visa for Sialkot, Shoaib’s hometown, where a reception is planned for April 25.

They are expected to meet top officials in Islamabad, including Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal.

Sania’s mother is accompanying the couple. It is expected that the Indian guests will start arriving in Pakistan in the next day or two to attend the Valima reception.

Another reception will be held in Lahore two days later, family sources said. Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is also expected to hold a reception in the couple’s honour later this month.

Malaysian travellers want India to study ‘no-entry’ visa rule

Kuala Lumpur, Apr 19 (ANI): The Indian Government is studying appeals from frequent Malaysian visitors and interested groups for the two-month “no-entry” visa ruling imposed here in January to be revoked.

The ruling, which bars tourist visa holders from re-entering India within two months of the last visit, has drawn flak from Malaysians who have been visiting friends and relatives in India without restrictions in the past.

“It is a fact that they have expressed dismay over this restriction. I explained that we are implementing a policy which has been enforced globally and that we are obliged to do so here,” said new Indian High Commissioner Vijay Gokhale.

“I promised to reflect their concerns to New Delhi, which I have,” he told The Star, adding that he had met with various groups of Malaysians to gather their views on the issue.

The Indian Government tightened its rules on long-term tourist visas, saying that the rules were meant to prevent the misuse of such visas by terrorists.

Malaysian tourists have been enjoying six-month multiple-entry visas, with many making use of the privilege for holidays.

With the new ruling, they will only be able to visit India twice within the visa-period.

Businessman T. Indran, a frequent traveller to Chennai, urged India to review the restriction due to the large number of Malaysian Indians who visit India. (ANI)

Malaysian travellers want India to study ‘no-entry’ visa rule

Kuala Lumpur, Apr 19 (ANI): The Indian Government is studying appeals from frequent Malaysian visitors and interested groups for the two-month “no-entry” visa ruling imposed here in January to be revoked.

The ruling, which bars tourist visa holders from re-entering India within two months of the last visit, has drawn flak from Malaysians who have been visiting friends and relatives in India without restrictions in the past.

“It is a fact that they have expressed dismay over this restriction. I explained that we are implementing a policy which has been enforced globally and that we are obliged to do so here,” said new Indian High Commissioner Vijay Gokhale.

“I promised to reflect their concerns to New Delhi, which I have,” he told The Star, adding that he had met with various groups of Malaysians to gather their views on the issue.

The Indian Government tightened its rules on long-term tourist visas, saying that the rules were meant to prevent the misuse of such visas by terrorists.

Malaysian tourists have been enjoying six-month multiple-entry visas, with many making use of the privilege for holidays.

With the new ruling, they will only be able to visit India twice within the visa-period.

Businessman T. Indran, a frequent traveller to Chennai, urged India to review the restriction due to the large number of Malaysian Indians who visit India. (ANI)

Indians celebrate Holi in Trinidad and Tobago

PORT-OF-SPAIN: Indians in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated Holi, rejoicing the performance of a folk dance troupe from Mathura and splashing coloured powder on each other’s face.

From early morning, thousands of Hindus came out in their vehicles decorated with banners and flags to greet the community members on the occasion.

Performance by the artists of Charuka Dance Academy of Mathura, Uttar Prades, was one of the main attractions at the celebration hosted by Indian high commissioner Malay Mishra.

Scores of Indian expatriates working here attended the function which was organised by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation, Caroni.

Winston Dookeran, leader of the Congress of the People (COP), in a message, said that Holi, also known as “Phagwa”, has become a national festival as it provides “a sense of spiritual empowerment and social mobility”.

“Phagwa has a message of hope, truth, humility and a spirit of humanitarianism for all mankind,” Dookeran said.

Satnarayan Maharaj, secretary general of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha(SDMS), said that Holi plays a vital role in the propagation of Indian culture across the world.

Indian toddler Gurshan Singh’s father has no idea about his tragic death

Melbourne, Mar 6(ANI): Murdered three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh’s father has said that he has no idea what happened to his son.

Gurshan’s body was found near Melbourne Airport on Thursday night, about 30 kilometers from where the toddler disappeared from a house in Lalor six hours earlier.

As the homicide detectives are continuing to investigate his disappearance and death, Harjit Singh Channa said his little boy was a sweet child whose loss had plunged the family into grief.

His parents have also made a statement at the Victoria crime squad”s office about what they knew of the tragic events.

“I don”t know what happened yesterday. My wife was bathing. The other lady in the house she was washing the clothes. She did not hear any sound and thought, ”Where is the baby?”” The Herald Sun quoted Channa, as saying.

Channa spoke lovingly of his little boy, who had been ill before his death.

“My child has gone missing. We are in grief. Very good, my son. Very sweet, my son. He always asked questions, ”What is this? What is this?”” he added.

The last known evidence of Gurshan being alive came from a housemate, who said he was screaming after Channa left the house to visit a nearby library.

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Steve Clark said police had interviewed many witnesses, but were “desperate” to hear from more.

“There”s a range of further forensic tests that need to be conducted and we”re awaiting those results,” Clark said.

Meanwhile, Victorian Premier John Brumby said the best detectives and forensic investigators were working on the case, and that, if needed, Commonwealth resources would be called upon.

Brumby said he had assured the Indian high commissioner and the Indian community that no stone would be left unturned in the murder inquiry.

“Every single police resource will be devoted to this matter until it is resolved,” Brumby said. (ANI)

Don’t jump to conclusions about Indian boy’s death: Rudd, Brumby

Melbourne, Mar 5(ANI): Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby have urged people not to jump to conclusions over the death of three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh Kaurchanna in Melbourne.

Gurshan’s body was found dumped by the side of a road in Melbourne”s suburbs six hours after he disappeared from a relative”s home in Lalor on Thursday.

Prime Minister Rudd said if it was murder, people need to pause and introspect about its implications on society.

Brumby, who was informed of the murder, said he found the case “deeply and personally distressing”, and urged the public not to jump to conclusions in linking the death with recent attacks on Indian nationals.

“There are no visible signs of the cause of death at this stage … but I think it”s very important that no one jumps to conclusions,” News.com.au quoted Brumby, as saying.

“The most important thing is that we find the cause of death and bring those responsible to justice and I can only repeat from the point of view of the Government and the police force in Victoria, every single resource is being devoted to this effort,” he added.

Brumby said he had spoken to Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh and advised her that “no stone will be left unturned” in the murder investigation.

“I do want to assure the community that every possible step is being taken to solve this crime,” Brumby said.

“What has occurred is an unthinkable tragedy, as I”ve said it is deeply, deeply distressing, it is always a terrible thing whenever the life of any child is lost but for one so young I know that all Victorians and all Australians would find this so distressing,” he added.

He further said his thoughts went out to Gurshan’s family and friends.

“Today is about mourning the death of a child, a three-year-old child, and the loss of a three-year-old child so young is a terrible, terrible tragedy, which I find personally distressing,” he said.

A local council worker found Gurshan’s body, 30 kilometers from where he was last seen at a relative”s home in Lalor.

Victoria Police said that an autopsy of Gurshan has not been determined, and his body had no injury signs.

Homicide detectives are leading the investigation, which has been classified as a suspicious death. (ANI)

Pak rejects India’s sixth dossier, wants more proof against Saeed in 26/11 case

Islamabad, Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan on Saturday rejected the sixth dossier received from India, saying that the contents provided in it were not enough to arrest or prosecute Hafiz Saeed, the main accused in the 26/11/2008 Mumbai terror attacks in a court of law and asked New Delhi to provide more evidence in connection with the case.

Addressing a news conference here after meeting Indian High Commissioner Sharad Sabharwal, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: “We want more evidence from India so that the case can be made solid and tangible.”

“We have submitted all information available to us, but we want more information to make our case solid,” said Malik, adding that in the absence of enough evidence, the court would exonerate Saeed for lack of authentic proof.

“We need forensic experts’ testimony on various evidences,” Malik said, adding: “We are fighting terror in Pakistan. We have been sincere in fighting it.”

“We have made progress in 26/11 probe despite sketchy information provided by India,” Malik also said.

Saying that legal proceedings against Saeed were on, Malik revealed details of the Pakistan Government’s efforts made so far.

He said that so far 101 witnesses had deposed, 126 items had been seized as incriminating evidence, and 25 hideouts had been identified. Bank accounts connected to the case have also been traced and identified, and the boats used have been discovered, he added.

Sources in the Indian Government said that Rehman’s rejection of the sixth dossier clearly indicated that Pakistan is not serious about taking the 26/11 probe to its logical conclusion, and reiterated their demand for the arrest and prosecution of all masterminds and accused in the case.

Earlier, during his meeting with High Commissioner Sabharwal, Malik reportedly discussed the progress being made by Pakistan in the 26/11 probe..

Malik said that if there is conclusive evidence before the establishment, charges would be framed against the seven accused.

Earlier, an anti-terrorism court here, which is conducting the trial of seven suspects linked with the Mumbai terror attacks of November 2008, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, on Saturday adjourned the hearing of the case till September 26.

No other details of the proceedings were available due to a strict media blackout imposed by Judge Baqir Ali Rana, who is conducting the trial inside the high-security Adiala Jail in the garrison city of Rawalpindi due to security reasons.

The hearings are being conducted in-camera and Rana has issued a gag order, citing national security concerns as well as the security of the accused and witnesses.

It is still not clear whether the seven accused have been formally indicted, though authorities have prepared two chargesheets against them.

Lawyers representing the accused said they had been directed by the judge to strictly adhere to the gag order and not to discuss the proceedings with the media.

Five LeT operatives Lakhvi, communications expert Zarar Shah, Abu al-Qama, Hamad Amin Sadiq and Shahid Jamil Riaz being tried by the anti-terrorism court.

They have been accused of providing training, financial support, accommodation, equipment and communications gear to the 10 terrorists who attacked Mumbai last year.

No details are available of the charges against the two other suspects, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed has said the two cases filed against his client are very weak and not sustainable in any court of law.

Saeed’s lawyer A K Dongar said the charges against his client were ridiculous. Dogar was referring to the two cases filed by Faisalabad Police – one relating to his sermon at the Royalton Hotel in Faisalabad’s Canal Road on August 27, and second for a speech at an Iftar dinner at Peoples Colony, Jaranwala Road Faisalabad on August 26, where he urged people to launch a holy war against those who’ve suppressed their rights.

“I have gone through both the FIRs against Saeed thoroughly. The charges against my client are very weak. He has expressed his views like any other Pakistani,” claimed Dogar.

According to the TIMES NOW television channel, two cases were registered against Saeed and one against his close aide Abu Jandal at police stations in Faisalabad, some 100 kilometers from Lahore.

On Friday, Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Islamabad must question Saeed, notwithstanding the fact that two cases had been filed against him that were not related to that tragic event.

Chidambaram said the authorities should avail the opportunity of questioning Saeed on the 26/11 episode also, once he is arrested.

“…I am told that it’s (FIRs agaisnt Hafiz Saeed) not related to the 26/11 attacks. Even if they apprehending him on some other charge, and use the opportunity to question him on his involvement in 26/11 attacks, that would be a significant progress in the case. I hope that they question him on 26/22 too,” Chidambaram told TIMES NOW after his US visit.

Insisting that Saeed should be tried for his involvement in the 26/11 terror attack, Chidambaram said: “There is no trial there. The trial has not started there. In fact, my complaint has been even before I visited the US, that we don’t have a date set for the trial and to best of the my knowledge, the first witness has not been examined.

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna also asserted that the main agenda of his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in New York would be to pressurise Islamabad in taking action against perpetrators of last year’s Mumbai terror attack.

Krishna said this while speaking to media persons at Turkmen capital Ashgabat during his visit to that country on Friday.

“I cannot spell out what exactly I can expect from such meetings. But this much I can assure that my attempt would be to impress upon the Pakistan foreign minister the desirability of taking action against the brains behind the Mumbai attack,” said Krishna.

The Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan and diplomats of the two nuclear-armed rivals are scheduled to meet in New York next week on the sidelines of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly. (ANI)

India demands stern action against Melbourne race attack perpetrators

New Delhi, Sept 16 (ANI): The Indian Government on Wednesday called on the Australian Government to take stern action against the perpetrators of alleged racial assaults on Indians in Melbourne, Victoria.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said in a statement that the matter of the recurring attacks on Indians in Australia had been taken up with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith by Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh.

“As we take note of the assurances given, including from the highest levels of the government and provincial authorities of Australia, it is our earnest hope that the concerned authorities would take all necessary steps towards the safety and security of Indians in that country,” said Prakash in a statement.

“The Indian Consul General in Melbourne is in contact with authorities in Victoria including the police authorities,” he added.

“We hope that the latest incident is investigated with care and the culprits are dealt with, according to the laws of the land. It would also help, if various measures being contemplated by the Australian side, in addition to those already announced, are put in place at the earliest, to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents in the future,” Prakash said.

Officials of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, are also in touch with family members of the victims.

Two Indian nationals and two other persons of Indian origin were assaulted by a group of individuals at Melbourne late in the evening on September 12.

One of the Indian nationals, Sukhdip Singh sustained serious injuries and is presently undergoing treatment.

“We are informed that the police arrested four individuals who have since been released pending further investigations,” Prakash said. (ANI)

India demands stern action against perpetrators of Melbourne attackers

New Delhi, Sept 16 (ANI): The Indian Government on Wednesday called on the Australian Government to take stern action against the perpetrators of alleged racial assaults on Indians in Melbourne, Victoria.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said in a statement that the matter of the recurring attacks on Indians in Australia had been taken up with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith by Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh.

“As we take note of the assurances given, including from the highest levels of the government and provincial authorities of Australia, it is our earnest hope that the concerned authorities would take all necessary steps towards the safety and security of Indians in that country,” said Prakash in a statement.

“The Indian Consul General in Melbourne is in contact with authorities in Victoria including the police authorities,” he added.

“We hope that the latest incident is investigated with care and the culprits are dealt with, according to the laws of the land. It would also help, if various measures being contemplated by the Australian side, in addition to those already announced, are put in place at the earliest, to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents in the future,” Prakash said.

Officials of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, are also in touch with family members of the victims.

Two Indian nationals and two other persons of Indian origin were assaulted by a group of individuals at Melbourne late in the evening on September 12.

One of the Indian nationals, Sukhdip Singh sustained serious injuries and is presently undergoing treatment.

“We are informed that the police arrested four individuals who have since been released pending further investigations,” Prakash said. (ANI)

Indian HC meets Pakistan Foreign Secretary in Islamabad

Islamabad, Sep 11 (ANI): Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal on Friday called on Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir at the Foreign Office to discuss the agenda for foreign secretary level talks in New York.

Union External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Pakistan counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in their meeting in New York are expected to discuss issues of bilateral interest, including the resumption of a composite dialogue process between the two countries and progress by Pakistan on bringing the Mumbai culprits to justice as per India’s demands, The Dawn reports.

In the meeting Bashir handed over a written proposal for secretary level talks to Sabharwal.

Bashir also said that Pakistan is ready to hold talks with India in order to resolve issues of dispute and also wants to find peaceful solution of all outstanding issues in line with the Sharm-El-Sheikh joint-declaration. (ANI)

ISI chief attends Indian High Commission’s Iftaar party in Islamabad

Islamabad, Sep.11 (ANI): The Iftaar dinner hosted by the Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabarwal here had an unusual guest, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Shuja Pasha, which has rumour mills suggesting that there is some behind the curtain talks going on between India and the intelligence agency.

Pasha stayed in the party, which was hosted at the maximum-security five-star Serena hotel, for 45 minutes, and shared the table with Sabharwal.

This is probably the first time that a head of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, with a known dislike for India, has attended a function hosted by any Indian diplomat in Islamabad.

Pasha’s interaction with the Indian diplomats come three months after his meeting with the Indian defence advisors posted at the Islamabad High Commission.asha’s presence amazed many as he arrived in the function donning a black sherwani over a white shalwar and not his usual army dress.

Many did not even notice his presence until it was brought to their attention, Geo TV reported.

Delegates present in the party saw it as a ‘good gesture’ and a ‘positive change’.

“It’s a huge gesture by him. A very positive development,” said former ISI Director-General, Lieutenant General Asad Durrani.

“It is very symbolic. It means things are improving between the two countries, and there are people who want it to improve in spite of all the tough talk going on,” said a former Army official Lieutenant General Talat Masood.

Some noted journalists, who were also present at the party, asked Pasha whether things will improve between the two neighbour countries, to which the ISI chief replied: “Yes, I think they certainly will.”

One of the media persons said he is not sure about that happening in the near future.

“You seem to be giving a fatwa,” Pasha responded. (ANI)

SC asks Indian embassy to ensure safety of students in Australia

New Delhi, Sep 4 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Indian High Commissioner and Consulate General in Australia ensure the safety of Indian students and to prevent them from falling prey to fake educational institutions in that country.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice K.G.Balakrishnan expressed concern over Indian students falling prey to fake Universities.

Attorney General G. E. Vahanvati informed the court that the Government has laid down guidelines to aid the student community in Australia.

Cases of Indian students being duped by fake universities in Australia came to light when a petition was filed seeking an apex court direction to the Union Government to take action.

Vahanavati said the Ministry of External Affairs has published the measures to be taken by students before they go abroad for study on its website.

The court then disposed the petition. (ANI)

Indo-Pak talks must resume to strengthen ties : Sharif

Islamabad, Aug.20 (ANI): Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the leaderships of both India and Pakistan to resume bilateral dialogue and enhance people to people contact to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.

During his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Sharif said both countries should adopt a positive attitude towards each other instead of just leveling allegations.

Sharif said issues like Kashmir, which has been lingering for years, should be resolved amicably to ensure peace and prosperity of the region.

He stressed that Indo-Pak trade links should be increased, The Daily Times reports.

Earlier, Sabharwal conveyed Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh’s best wishes to Sharif, saying the Indian Government and people wanted friendly ties with Pakistan.

He also praised Sharif for his efforts to promote sustainable peace in the region. (ANI)

India agrees to quota for Malay Indians keen on investing in country

Kuala Lumpur, July 11 (ANI): Accepting a request by the Malaysian Indian Business Association (MIBA), the Indian government has decided to set aside a quota for Malay Indians, who want to invest in India.

The Star Online quoted Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Ashok Kantha, as saying that MIBA had become the bridge between India and the Malay Indian community.

Kantha was interacting with reporters after attending a dinner organised by the MIBA President P. Sivakumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Sivakumar said the quota was necessary, as Malaysian investors had failed to secure highly lucrative contracts in the construction and other important sectors in India.

Therefore, he said, Malay Indian investors should obtain Indian government’s Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) identification cards to secure contracts.

Sivakumar added that the Indian government had also agreed to increase the number of scholarship to Malaysian youngsters. (ANI)