Aussie police command wobbled by sexual harassment claims

Sydney, Sep. 15 (ANI): Female police officers at an Australian police command have alleged that they were sexually harassed and intimidated by their male counterparts apart from being told that their place was in the home.

According to a complaint filed by a senior female constable at the Goulburn Local Area Command, five of her male colleagues sent sexually explicit emails to her and asked her to join a threesome.

Another three officers at the same command’s Bowral station have told their local MP they were “demeaned” due to pregnancy or because they were mothers, the Daily Telegraph reports.

The alleged harassment of the senior constable and sergeant began two years ago.

During one sleazy exchange in the police station, a senior colleague told the female constable that a threesome was “every man’s dream” and then suggested she “have a go” with the girlfriend of another officer.

The policewomen have also alleged that a local man was assaulted during an arrest in the middle of 2007 and that it was never investigated, despite his family attempting to make a complaint.

The senior constable said the arresting officer told her: “That guy’s a piece of s…, he was carrying on like a f…..t and mouthing off, he got what he deserved, we flogged him, he got pile-driven into the ground head first.”

A police spokesman said the women were the subject of a 181D action and faced a loss of confidence of the Commissioner.

“Their reward for a combined 37 years of dedicated front-line service is to be subjected to systematic bullying by male officers because of their gender and because they had the courage to stand up and complain about their treatment,” Hodgkinson said.
The two women have paid dearly for their service, with the senior constable needing surgery to fuse her spine last year and the sergeant suffering a broken back on duty. (ANI)

Demonstration in Shopian over death of property dealer

Shopian (J-K), Sep 10 (ANI): Hundreds of residents on Wednesday took to the streets in Shopian town, 60 km from Srinagar, after a missing local was found dead.

Frenzied locals raised anti-India slogans during the funeral procession of Mohammad Hussain Zargar, a prominent member of the local ‘Majlis-e-Mushawarat’ (council for discussion), the organisation that spearheaded protests to seek justice for the rape and murder of two Muslim women.

The body of Zargar, a 42-year-old property dealer, was discovered on Tuesday He was missing since Saturday and residents alleged he had died under mysterious circumstances.

Government offices and schools remained closed and business activity came to a standstill in the town on Wednesday after Majlis-e-Mushawarat gave a shutdown call demanding a probe into Zargar’s death.

“Nothing can be said at this time. The post-mortem report is not out, when the report is out only then we can clear about that what has happened. Let’s wait for report then we will talk about it and thereafter investigations also take place, things become clear then we will come out with a positive response on the case, well,” said Muhammad Shafi Khan, spokesman for the majlis. (ANI)

Seven terrorists killed by Pak security forces in Malakand

Rawalpindi, Sep 9 (ANI): The Pakistani security forces continued on Wednesday the search and clearance operations in Swat and Malakand during in which seven terrorists were killed.

According to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces conducted search operation in Charai near Malam Jabba and during exchange of fire with terrorists a soldier died and two others were injured. Also, seven terrorists were killed.

At least 11 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces in Sarsanai, shadhand Banda and Bar Shaur, The News reported.

Local Jirga handed over a terrorist to security forces in Bar Kabulgram near Martung.

In Bajaur Agency, the security forces conducted search operation in Nawaga Bazaar and apprehended local terrorists commander along with five accomplices.

A wanted terrorist Kalam Khan voluntarily surrendered in Khar.

The security forces continued the relief activities, as at least 10 trucks of mix rations have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Bajaur. Also, as many as 294,841 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand. (ANI)

Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival celebrated by Lepchas of Sikkim

Gangtok (Sikkim), Sep 9(ANI): Hundreds of people came together in Gangtok recently to celebrate Tendong Lho Rum Faat, which is a festival of the indigenous tribe of Sikkim “The Lepchas”.

During the festival, Lepchas offer prayers and worship Mount Tendong; the Kanchenjunga mountain range, that they believe saved them from destruction by floods.

“This festival is more than worshipping the mountain. It shows a strong connection and affinities of Lepchas with Nature. This is not something recent. They have been carrying on this, the worshipping of Nature since time immemorial,” said Sheba Sasm, a local.

To mark the day, quiz, debate and flute competitions were also organised.

Norzang Lepcha, the organiser, said that through the festivals they want to educate youngsters about to try and respect nature as well as to save it.

“Through these festivals and seminars what we are trying to inject in the minds of young generations is to save the nature and to plant more trees, so that the temperature can be maintained. We can come to the natural level of temperature,” Lepcha said.

The festival falls on the 3rd lunar month each year. By Tashi Pradhan(ANI)

Manipur protests continue against alleged fake encounter

Imphal (Manipur), Sep 7(ANI): People in Manipur are getting tired of protests against an alleged fake encounter in which a former militant and a pregnant woman were killed by police commandos on July 23.

The strike, called by civil rights organizations, call for an immediate punishment of those who are guilty.

“On behalf of the people, we want immediate peace and an end to the ongoing violence in the state, only then I believe the situation will return to normal,” said Phajabi Devi, a local protestor.

Following the strike, markets, educational institutions, banks, business establishments and entertainment houses remained closed, which has caused immense inconvenience to locals.

“The people are facing immense difficulties because of increasing violence in the state. There have been so many killings even in the past. We as mothers are unable to take it any more. We cannot live like this,” said Chaobi Devi, a local.

“Due to the violence and curfew in the state, education has been severely affected. We the people are really suffering. We are daily wage earners and because of the situation, a lot of our time has been wasted,” said Ibecha Devi, another local.

The Manipur government had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and as protests continue curfew are imposed in disturbed areas to prevent any untoward incident. (ANI)

Sharifs soften stance against Musharraf trial under Saudi pressure

Islamabad, Sep 7 (ANI): The Sharif brothers and top leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are believed to have softened their demand for the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf owing to international pressure by his guarantors, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Well-placed party sources said that the PML-N central leadership would take the party hierarchy into confidence about the pressure for softening their anti-Musharraf stance and to chalk out the party’s new plan of action to prepare it for next elections at party’s scheduled CEC meeting in Murree on Monday.

Sources attach great importance to Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia in next few days where apart from performing Umrah he is expected to meet the Saudi high-ups in the backdrop of Musharraf’s recent visit to the Kingdom and his meeting with the King Abdullah.

The Nation quoted sources as saying that Saudi authorities have already conveyed to the Sharifs to take soft stance on Musharraf’s trial as the Kingdom regards him needy for help and cooperation as they were while out of power.

The meeting, sources further said, would discuss and evolve a comprehensive strategy to hold party’s elections but after pushing it through an intense process of restructuring and reorganization at grass root level in all parts of the country.

The CEC meeting would decide about the election timeframe either by the end of this year or early next year.

The meeting would also take host of political issues for consideration including PML-N, PPP relations, law and order situation in Balochistan, fate of Local Bodies and implementation of Charter of Democracy by the PPP-led coalition government, they added. (ANI)

Manipur police personnel behind Imphal bomb attack

Imphal (Manipur), Sep 6 (ANI): In an astonishing revelation, the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) was involved in a bomb attack at a private hospital in Imphal, leaving Manipuris flabbergasted.

It is reported that militants gave Rs 5000 to an IRB rifleman to set off a grenade at the Chamber of Commerce Hospital at Thangal Bazaar in Imphal that left three persons injured.

The rifleman was identified as T. Munal, and has been apprehended by the police.

“There will be a strict control room exclusively for the commandos, so that the control room will have details about their duties and there will be a general diary which will give record of what all activities they are doing. With this sort of things and a little more check, I think with that we should be able to weed out those black sheep,” said Y. Joykumar Singh, The Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur.

T. Munal was posted at the Battalion headquarters at Khuman Lampak in Imphal and was allegedly involved in several other attacks carried out in the state.

Munal has disclosed that a cadre of KCP (MC) militant outfit had given him the hand grenade.

The incident has shocked the people in the state. They condemned the act.

“Security forces protect us but if they do such things, the people of Manipur will be no more. We condemn the act,” said Zathlingthang, a local.

“They are here to protect the people and a rifleman committing such crime is condemnable act. The people of the state are suffering because of such crimes,” added Khomi, another local.

Meanwhile, reacting to the involvement of state police personnel in the incident, Union Home Secretary G.K Pillai, who was on a visit to assess the overall law and order situation in the state, urged the state government to bring transparency in the recruitment of constables.

“If constables come into the police force on merit, you will get a much better, more efficient police force. Complain has come that some of the people who have been recruited did not undergo adequate screening of some of them. Screening would be done by the Manipur police to remove all the undesirable elements from the state police forces,” Pillai said. (ANI)

Further unrest in west China’s Urumqi region following syringe attacks

Urumqi (China), Sep 3(ANI): Following a spate of ethnically motivated syringe attacks in China’s Xinjiang province, renewed mass demonstrations and violence was reported in the region on Thursday.

Thousands of people gathered at the residential quarter of Xiaoximen, at Renmin Cinema and Beiyuanchun farmers’ produce wholesale market and demanded security assurance from authorities, Xinhua reports.

Local Police had detained 15 people and arrested four in connection with the attacks, but it did not say what ethnic group they belonged to.

In recent weeks, ethnic-fueled violence has plagued the city, following the riots that occurred between Uyghurs, who are predominantly Muslim, and ethnic Han Chinese, the majority group in China.

Unconfirmed reports of deaths in those riots range from 200 to many more. (ANI)

Mela Patt fair celebrated in Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir

Bhaderwah (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 28(ANI): Colourful folk dances marked the annual three-day fair ‘Mela Patt’ celebrations in Bhaderwah sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.

The festival, which concluded on Thursday, is celebrated every year after it was started by Raja Nagpal, the 16th century ruler of the then small principality of Bhaderkashi, now known as Bhaderwah.

The festival begins on Naag Panchami, festival dedicated to honour the snake God.

According to folklore, Mughal emperor Akbar wanted to make Raja Nagpal bow to him, but Nagpal would not bow before anyone except his Lord Vasuki Naag. The emperor summoned Nagpal and ordered to sever his head. But, when king’s men tried to cut his head a serpent came out from his turban.

Impressed by Nagpal’s spiritual powers, Akbar awarded him with a golden pot with precious stones and costly velvet robes embroidered with gold and silver as a token of his devotion to Vasuki Naag.

Every year during the festival the devotees take out a procession of the gifts presented to Nagpal.

“The pot you see was gifted by emperor Akbar to Raja Nagpal and every year it is taken out for display to the locals,” said Hari Krishan, a local.

The festival sees enthusiasts from across north-India, as they believe that their wishes will come true if they pray earnestly.

“Not only people from Jammu and Kashmir, but from people across north India come to see the festival. There is a saying that if someone asks for a wish it comes true,” said Naresh Gupta, another local.

People danced to the sweet and melodious tunes of the traditional ‘Dhaku’ dance, a unique folk dance of the area, a regular feature during the Mela. By Tahir Nadeem Khan (ANI)

Tribals lament lack of adequate medical facilities in Orissa

Dasmantpur (Orissa), Aug 27(ANI): Tribals living in Orissa’s Dasmantpur village are deprived of basic amenities and health facilities leading to several health hazards.

Locals say that the Central Government had made development plans for education, health and communication, but they are yet to see development in this regard.

The plight of the residents of the village has become manifold with the onset of monsoon, as tribals are facing the wrath of epidemics like cholera and diarrhoea.

“We are not getting the facilities provided by the government, as they get diverted en route. People here consume mango kernel during rainy season, so chances of suffering from Cholera increases,” said Subas Patika, another local.

“They cannot reach the medical centres, as there is no proper road connectivity. The river en route also swells up during rainy season. Education facilities are also very poor here,” he added.asmantpur village was in news for the last few years for the number of deaths due to cholera and diarrhoea like epidemics after floods.

“We are facing water problems. There is a tube well, but worms fall from it, in the morning. So people don’t use it for drinking. Our village doesn’t even have proper road connectivity.

The Anganwadi (government sponsored centre to help poor) does provide us some medicines,” said Keshab Chandru, a local. (ANI)

Natives of Kyonsa in Sikkim to promote pillow fighting, pole climbing

Kyonsa (Sikkim), Aug 27(ANI): The local residents of Kyonsa region in Sikkim gathered in huge numbers on Thursday to take part in an event to promote their age-old rural game of bamboo pole climbing and pillow fighting.

The locals shouted and cheered as the participants climbed bamboo poles and battered each other in pillow fights – reviving a practice that is slowly dying in the face of modern sports like soccer and volleyball.

“Our main aim is to preserve this old system of sports. Nowadays, we mainly focus on sports like football, archery and volleyball but our aim is to keep this traditional style of sports alive in our rural areas and entertain the public on such an occasion,” said Sonam Bhutia, General Secretary of Kyonsa Samaj Organizing Committee.

Sonam further said this was also a way of preserving their identity and by promoting this form of sport in the rural areas, the youth will learn more about their own traditions and not be swayed by modern sports such as football.

“Such rural sports encourage us and bring out the best in the all the villages who come from different areas. Here people come and gather for an occasion like this one. In this way we can preserve our age old sports which our earlier generations have been playing from a very long time,” said Anand Lepcha, a local.

The event was also marked by some spectacular dance performances. (ANI)

Indian origin scientist’s supercomputer can perform 28.16 trillion calculations per second

Washington, August 22 (ANI): A scientist of Indian origin has created a new supercomputer, called Cystorm, which can carry out 28.16 trillion calculations per second.

Cystorm, a Sun Microsystems machine, was developed by Srinivas Aluru from the Iowa State University.

The 3,200 computer processor cores that power Cystorm makes it perform 28.16 trillion calculations per second, which is five times the peak of CyBlue, an IBM Blue Gene/L supercomputer that’s been on campus since early 2006 and uses 2,048 processors to do 5.7 trillion calculations per second.

According to Aluru, the Ross Martin Mehl and Marylyne Munas Mehl Professor of Computer Engineering and the leader of the Cystorm project, the new machine also scores high on a more realistic test of a supercomputer’s actual performance: 15.44 trillion calculations per second compared to CyBlue’s 4.7 trillion per second.

That measure makes Cystorm 3.3 times more powerful than CyBlue.

“Cystorm is going to be very good for data-intensive research projects,” Aluru said. “The capabilities of Cystorm will help Iowa State researchers do new, pioneering research in their fields,” he added.

The supercomputer is targeted for work in materials science, power systems and systems biology.

Aluru said that materials scientists will use the supercomputer to analyze data from the university’s Local Electrode Atom Probe microscope, an instrument that can gather data and produce images at the atomic scale of billionths of a meter.

Systems biologists will use the supercomputer to build gene networks that will help researchers understand how thousands of genes interact with each other.

Power systems researchers will use the supercomputer to study the security, reliability and efficiency of the energy infrastructure of the US.

Computer engineers will use the supercomputer to build a software infrastructure that helps users make decisions by identifying relevant information sources.

“These research efforts will lead to significant advances in the penetration of high performance computing technology,” said a summary of the Cystorm project. (ANI)

Shiv Sena protests vegetable price rise in Mumbai

Mumbai, July 4 (ANI): Shiv Sena activists staged a protest here against the rise of vegetable on Friday.

They alleged that the rise in fuel prices had had a cascading effect on the prices of vegetables and other essential commodities.

Raising slogans against the price hike, they demanded that the government roll back the fuel price hike.

“Two months back the prices of coriander leaves were Rupees 35 but now it has shot up to Rupees 70. It is an essential material for cooking material making it difficult for us to buy. This price hike is because of the Congress government and in future if the prices don’t come down then along with the locals we will stage further such protests,” said Kishori, Shiv Sena activist.

“The prices of potatoes and onions were around Rupees eight but now it has gone up to Rupees 16. How can we afford buying vegetables at such a high rate?” said Mahananda, a local.

Despite price increase, oil firms are likely to suffer a revenue loss of 560 billion rupees this fiscal. (ANI)

20 K pound Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiled in Leicester

Leicester (UK), June 27 (ANI): A large statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in this southeastern English city on Friday by British Home Secretary Alan Johnson amid tight security after internet protesters warned it could be defaced.

Around 1,000 people, including a large number ethnic Indians, turned up to watch the unveiling by Johnson and Hindu spiritual leader Swami Satyamitrananda of Hardwar.

The seven and a half feet tall bronze statue is placed on five-and-a-half-foot plinth.

Sculpted by Gautam Pal and shipped from Kolkata, it was placed on Belgrave Road, a thriving Indian business and shopping area in the heart of Leicester, a city known as Little India for its population of 280,000 ethnic Indians – the second largest Indian settlement in Britain after London.

Local MP Keith Vaz, one of the main drivers of the project – Indian Consul General Jordana Pavel, Leicester Lord Mayor Roger Blackmoore, the city’s second MP Peter Salisbury, several noted businessmen and councilors and members of the charity Samanvaya Parivar, attended the unveling of the 20,000 pound statue.

Women broke into spontaneous singing of ‘Raghupati Raghav’ and ‘Vaishnava Jana to’ – two of Gandhi’s favourite Hindi hymns – as the statue was unveiled before milling crowds.

Johnson said the Gandhi statue would offer ‘comfort, reassurance and serenity to people in Leicester and around the world.’

“Inclusiveness and diversity were the cornerstones of Gandhi’s beliefs long before these words became fashionable,” added Vaz.

The statue was paid for by the charity Samanvaya Parivar.

Some locals who said authorities should honour Leicester football hero Gary Lineker instead of Gandhi opposed the statue, sculpted in the famous Dandi salt march pose.

But the former England captain declared he supported Gandhi for reasons of diversity. (ANI)

Indian fans mourn Michel Jackson’s death

New Delhi/ Mumbai, June 26 (ANI): Indian fans of Michael Jackson have expressed grief and shock at the sudden death of the Pop star whose musical genius overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals.

As the news bulletins, radio airwaves and social networking sites remained flooded with tributes for a man called the “King of Pop” and “natural heir to Elvis”, Bollywood actor Govinda recalled that Michael Jackson used to be his favourite during college days.

“I want to say that when we were in college we used to hear a lot about Michael Jackson and used to appreciate him a lot. And we used to talk about him that he is a great star and he reached to that height. We heard a lot about his surgeries and he has always been in news. But all I can say is that god give his soul peace,” said Govinda.

Jacko’s fans in New Delhi expressed grief and shock over his death.

“Michael Jackson death has really shocked his fans across the world. I think he was this century’s greatest singer and dancer. He was also aiming for a return… comeback but I guess that wont happen now. I really feel saddened because of his death,” said Malvin, a local.

“Michael Jackson had fans not only in America but also all over the world. And his death that too at an early age is very-very shocking,” said Akshay Kapoor, another local.

The 50-year-old, whose towering musical legacy was tarnished by often-bizarre behaviour and sex scandals, was pronounced dead on Thursday after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest.

The self-styled “King of Pop,” whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” leaves behind a mountain of debt and an unfulfilled series of comeback concerts set for London in July. Many hoped the shows would rake in millions and erase his financial troubles.

Jackson dominated the charts in the 1980s and sold an estimated 750 million records, a figure that is likely to rise with the expected posthumous re-release of his hits. “Thriller”, which came out in 1982, remains the best-selling album of all time.

Jackson also won 13 Grammy Awards, made boundary-breaking music videos and his slick dance moves were imitated by legions of fans, and fellow pop stars, around the world.

But his preference for the company of children, high-pitched voice, numerous plastic surgeries and life as a virtual recluse earned him many critics and the nickname “Wacko Jacko.” (ANI)

Lord David Puttnam says 3D Olympics could be shown ‘every day’ in cinemas

London, June 22 (ANI): Lord David Puttnam has said that digital technology could make it possible to show the 2012 Olympics in 3D in cinemas across Britain.

While speaking at the Edinburgh Film Festival, the former film producer said that the London Olympics could be shown “every single day in 3D on every screen in the country.”

Known for producing such films as ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Local Hero’, he also claimed that 3D sport could be a “real game changer” that could put cinemas “at the heart of digital Britain”.

Puttnam was speaking in the wake of Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report, which laid out the government’s strategy for broadband and digital content.

“Digital technologies, including broadband, have the potential to transform the role of cinemas,” the BBC quoted him as saying.

He added: “The film industry, and film culture in general, have a fantastic opportunity to play a pioneering role.”

Puttnam’s keynote address was held on the fifth day of the 63rd Edinburgh Film Festival, which runs until 28 June. (ANI)

Civic body employees’ strike disrupts normal life in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, June 19 (ANI): Normal life has been badly disrupted following an indefinite strike by civic body employees, causing acute water shortage and leading to growing garbage dumps in various parts of Uttarakhand.
Tourists and local residents are bearing the brunt of the ongoing strike as there is acute water shortage and accumulation of garbage dumps in the city.

“We are facing lot of problems. Water comes in the morning and that too for one hour. After one hour it stops coming and the water pressure is also very less. We don’t get any water to drink. There is growing garbage dump and no cleanliness. Also, there is power shortage. What should we do in such condition?” said Sushma, a local resident in Dehradun.

Even the supply of drinking water bottles in the market has run out due to heavy demand.

On Thursday, striking employees gathered at Gandhi Park in Dehradun city and raised anti-government slogans.

The agitating employees demanded implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations and pledged to continue the strike until their demands were met.

“Our demands are first, that there should be no disparity in the payments or salaries of employees and recommendations of sixth pay commission should be implemented. Second, daily wage workers and PTC workers should be regularised. Third, pension and other allowances of all civic body workers should be at par with the state employees. Fourth, appointment should be made for all vacant posts that are vacant for past several years,” said Bhupindar, State President of Local Bodies Association.

The employees belonged to Uttarakhand civic bodies Dehradun Municipal Corporation, Jal Sansthan, and Panchayats. (ANI)

Karunanidhi’s son appointed Tamil Nadu’s Deputy CM

Chennai, May 29 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s son, M K Stalin, was on Friday appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

State Governor S.S. Barnala announced the appointment on Karunanidhi’s recommendation.

The appointment was announced after his brother M K Azhagiri was sworn-in into the Union Cabinet on Thursday.

Stalin became the Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration after the 2006 Assembly elections. He also served as Treasurer and Youth Wing President of the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK).

Stalin has been elected four times to the Tamil Nadu Assembly since 1989 from the Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai. (ANI)

At least 100 human skulls, bones and skeletons found in Aligarh

Aligarh, May 24 (ANI): Panic prevailed at the Aligarh railway colony when at least 100 human skulls, several bones and two skeletons were recovered from a pond near the mortuary.

“Children while playing generally come here to get their ball. A child came here and saw a skull. He got scared and ran away. We then came here and saw that behind the jail there is not one but thousands of skulls here. Digging is being done and at least 200-300 skulls have been recovered. Let’s see how many more will be found. I believe the number can even reach 2000-3000,” said Amit Shrivastav, a local.

The skulls and bones surfaced as the pond dried up due to excessive heat.

Police officials are yet to make a final statement as the investigation is still on..

“We want all the investigation process to be completed and all the experts to analyse it, then only we can reach some conclusion,” said Asim Arun, a police officer. (ANI)

Sakewa festival offers tribute to Mother Earth in Sikkim

Sikkim, May 24 (ANI): Assam Linzey in Sikkim celebrated Sakewa, a festival to offer tribute to Mother Earth on Saturday. Sakewa is held as a community prayer and during this festival sweets and food grains are offered to Lord Kubera, who is the God of food and wealth.

Assam Linzey mostly comprises of Rai community, who have celebrated this festival since ancient times and following the recognition of their language by the state government and declaration of Sakewa as a state holiday, the festival is now organized on a grand level

“The main motive behind this festival is to pray to earth on which mankind was created. Today we people pray for the progress and peace of mankind. We pray for the safety of mankind,” said AK Rai, one of the organizing members of the Sakewa festival.

The festival has become synonymous to brotherhood among different communities as member from other sects also participate in the celebration.

“All of the communities here celebrate this festival. Rai participate in our festivals and we participate in theirs. We show an example of strength by celebrating this festival together,” said Tulsi Sharma, a local from other community.

During Sakewa, women perform a folk dance called Sakewa Sili as their prayer to earth wishing good cultivation. The Rais are mainly cultivators who consider themselves as the off springs of Paruhang (the Rai God) who is believed to have dwelled in the Himalayas. (ANI)