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Washington, Jan 28 (IANS) The United States' State Department is “evaluating next steps” in regard to Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India that was upheld last week by the country’s Supreme Court, clearing the way for him to finally face justice for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Rana is of Pakistani descent like David Coleman Headley, who is serving a long prison sentence in an US jail after pleading guilty for his complicity in the 2008 terrorist attacks in a deal with American authorities that protects him from extradition.

“In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating next steps in this case,” a spokesperson for the agency said in response to an IANS request for information on the next steps following the court order and when is he likely to be despatched to India.

“We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice,” the spokesperson added.

The US has indeed been supportive of Indian efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attacks that left 167 people dead, including six Americans, and hundred wounded.

It has pushed Pakistan, where the terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Toiba were based and where they had been trained by the country’s Intelligence service, to punish the perpetrators.

The US also helped India’s case before the UN Security Council for designating Masood Azhar, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, an international terrorist, leading a group of permanent members to stymie Chinese attempts to block the effort.

For now, however, it seems unclear how soon Rana will be on a plane to India.

Rana was arrested by the US police in October 2009, just two weeks after Headley’s arrest, on three counts: Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in India, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, according to a US court document.

Rana was convicted in June 9, 2011 by a jury of the terrorism conspiracy-charge related to Denmark and providing material support to Lashkar, but he was acquitted of the terrorism conspiracy related to the Mumbai attacks.

He was sentenced by the district court in 2013 to 14 years in prison. But after serving half of the sentence he applied for and was granted compassionate release in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

India had been moving, in the meantime, against him. On August 28, 2018, a Mumbai court in August 2018 issued a warrant for Rana’s arrest on charges related to the attacks, including, according to a US court document, (1) conspiracy to (a) wage war, (b) commit murder, (c) commit forgery for the purpose of cheating, (d) use as genuine a forged document or electronic record, and (e) commit a terrorist attack; (2) waging war; (3) murder; and (4) committing a terrorist act (2). India subsequently requested Rana’s extradition.

The day after Rana was granted compassionate release, the US Department of Justice filed a complaint for his provisional arrest in response to an extradition request from India.

A US court that deals with extradition cases rejected his claims in May 2023 and certified his extradition, dismissing his claims, according to the court document, (1) his extradition to India was barred under the Non Bis in Idem provision of the Extradition Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of India (the Treaty) and (2) India’s evidence against Rana failed to establish probable cause that Rana committed the offenses for which the certification of extradition was sought.

Basically, Rana had argued, he cannot be extradited to face charges on which he had been acquitted in the US.

Every court has rejected Rana’s claims and he may have exhausted his legal options.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids in the Tamil Nadu districts of Mayiladuthurai and Chennai on Tuesday. The operation commenced at 3.30 a.m. and targeted 20 locations.

Of these 15 locations are in Mayiladuthurai and five in Chennai, with teams from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu participating. The Tamil Nadu Police were also assisting in the raids.

According to police sources, the raids focused on areas associated with the banned Islamic fundamentalist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). The NIA has previously conducted similar operations in Tamil Nadu, targeting areas such as Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, and others. These raids primarily focused on former members of the outlawed PFI, which was banned by the Central government in 2022.

The latest operation is reportedly linked to the investigation into the 2019 murder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Ramalingam in Thanjavur. Ramalingam was allegedly killed by PFI members on February 5, 2019, for opposing forced religious conversions among underprivileged communities.

The NIA had earlier filed a charge sheet against 18 individuals in connection with this case. In an earlier operation on September 24, 2024, the NIA raided 12 locations in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Pudukottai. These raids were connected to the recruitment activities of the banned terror organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), which aims to establish an Islamic state governed by its founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani’s constitution.

The NIA took over the HUT case from Tamil Nadu Police and arrested an HUT activist, Aziz Ahamed (also known as Jaleel Aziz Ahmed), at Bengaluru International Airport on August 31, 2024, as he attempted to flee the country.

Aziz’s arrest was seen as a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on HUT’s activities in India. Earlier, on August 1, 2024, Tamil Nadu Police arrested six individuals associated with HUT based on intelligence inputs. Among them were engineering graduate Hameed Hussain, his father, and his brother, who were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects following raids in Chennai and North Tambaram.

Police revealed that Hameed Hussain was the mastermind behind the recruitment efforts for HUT and had been actively sharing videos on social media advocating for an Islamic Caliphate. He also criticised the democratic process in some of his videos, according to authorities. The NIA continues its investigation into these networks, focusing on their recruitment strategies and attempts to undermine national security through radicalisation efforts.

--IANS

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Imphal, Jan 27 (IANS) Opposition Congress in Manipur on Monday filed disqualification petitions before the Speaker's Tribunal of the Assembly against four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs for extending support to the BJP-led government, despite the party withdrawing its support to the saffron party in November last year.

Manipur Congress Vice-President Hareshwar Goswami, a retired bureaucrat, filed four different disqualification petitions against the NPP MLAs at the Speaker's Tribunal of the Assembly.

Speaking to the media, Goswami's lead counsel, N. Bupenda Meitei, said that his client (the petitioner), filed the disqualification petitions against four NPP MLAs for extending support to the BJP-led government in the state.

"The four MLAs attend a meeting of the ruling MLAs in November.

The meeting was convened by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, despite NPP National President (Conrad K. Sangma) and his party (NPP), had withdrawn support to the BJP government in Manipur," said Meitei, also an advocate in Manipur High Court.

Citing the Meghachandra case in the Supreme Court for deciding pending disqualification petitions within three months of the date of filing of the disqualification petitions, he expressed confidence that the Speaker would dispose of the disqualification petitions expeditiously.

The 4 NPP MLAs are Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh, Thongam Shanti Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi, and Janghemlung Panmei. '

The NPP, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma, had on November 17 last year withdrawn support to the BJP-led government in Manipur, claiming that CM Biren Singh-led Manipur government "completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy" in the violence-ravaged state.

The NPP had seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly.

The withdrawal by the NPP, however, did not have any impact on Chief Minister Biren Singh-led Manipur government as the BJP has 37 MLAs' support in the 60-member Assembly and is also supported by five MLAs of Naga People's Front (NPF) and three Independents.

NPP MLA N. Kayisii, also the party's Manipur unit President, died on January 18 after a prolonged illness, leaving six-party legislators in the House at present.

However, after the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, 10 tribal, including seven BJP and two Kuki People's Alliance legislators, have been boycotting the Assembly sessions and demanding a separate administration or Union Territory for the tribals in the state.

Of the 10 tribal MLAs, two are Ministers -- Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen (lone woman Minister) –- are also not coming to the state capital due to security reasons and not attending the Cabinet meeting.

The ruling BJP and the Chief Minister did not yet take any action against the party's seven tribal MLAs.

--IANS

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Imphal/Aizawl, Jan 27 (IANS) The United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday reiterated its opposition to the border fencing along the India-Myanmar border.

In Mizoram, an apex student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), on Monday wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Central government to reconsider its decision to 'scrap' the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and erection of fencing the India-Myanmar border.

UNC President N.G. Lorho once again issued directives to all its units and subordinate organisations to initiate stringent steps to prevent the border fencing activities at their respective jurisdiction in unison without fear and favour.

"No activities in regards to the purported construction of border fencing along the imaginary artificial India-Mayanmar border would be allowed in the Naga ancestral homeland. Esteemed units and subordinate bodies of the Council of the impacted areas are requested to initiate stringent steps to prevent the fencing activities at their respective jurisdiction in unison without fear and favour," the UNC directive said.

It added that the Naga population in Manipur is called to remain steadfast to "fight against such sinister design of the colonial power to alienate the Nagas from their lands by the sinister move of the government -- constructing walls and fencing along the "imaginary" India-Myanmar border.

Nagaland and Mizoram governments and a large number of political parties in the two states have been opposing both border fencing and the FMR.

People belonging to different tribal communities living on either side of the India and Myanmar borders, and the Nagaland and Mizoram governments have been demanding to continue the old FMR regime.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently adopted a new scheme to issue a pass to the border residents of both India and Myanmar living within 10 km on either side of the frontier to regulate cross-border movements.

The new scheme would replace the previously suspended FMR, which earlier allowed citizens residing close to both sides of the India-Myanmar border to move 16 km into each other's territory without a passport or visa.

Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km) -- share a 1,643-km unfenced border with Myanmar.

The entire 1,643-km porous India-Myanmar border, known for the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, will be fenced at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore.

In Mizoram, the apex student body, MZP sent its letter to the Union Home Minister through state Governor General (retired) V.K Singh.

The MZP letter said the FMR with Myanmar has played a vital role in preserving and fostering the Mizo way of life as well as cultural ties between ethnic Mizos of the two countries by facilitating cross-border contact, economic activities, sharing of resources and participation in each other's cultural, religious ceremonies and community events.

"The proposed termination of the FMR and the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border threaten to sever these bonds, depriving the Mizo community's cultural rights and access to essential resources.

This decision of the fencing and scrapping of FMR disregards the geographical, historical, and economic interconnectedness of our communities, which have long transcended political boundaries," the letter said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Amid the rising cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra's Pune, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday deputed a seven-member team to support public health interventions and management in the state.

Pune has so far reported 111 cases of GBS -- a potentially paralysing nerve disorder.

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said on Monday that 17 patients diagnosed with GBS have been put on ventilators.

The Centre's high-level team consists of multi-disciplinary experts who aim to support the state health authorities in instituting public health interventions and management given the spurt in suspected and confirmed cases of GBS.

"The Central team to Maharashtra comprises of seven experts drawn from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, and National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune," the Health Ministry said.

This is in addition to three experts from NIV, Pune, who were already supporting the local authorities.

The team will work closely with the State Health Departments to take stock of on-ground situation and recommend necessary public health interventions.

The Union Health Ministry informed of taking proactive steps by monitoring the situation and coordinating with the state.

Meanwhile, the State Health Department in an advisory shared that one can prevent GBS up to a certain extent by taking general precautions such as drinking boiled water/bottled water, washing fruits, and vegetables thoroughly before eating, properly cooking poultry and meat; avoiding raw or undercooked food, especially salads, eggs, kebabs or seafood.

It also suggested keeping raw and cooked foods separate, disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat, as well as adopting general hygiene measures like frequent handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), R. Alice Vaz, held a high-level meeting on Monday to review the preparedness for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5.

The meeting’s objective was to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.

The focus was on key aspects such as law and order, security arrangements, voter awareness, and election expenditure monitoring.

Senior officials, including District Election Officers (DOs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Returning Officers (ROs), Police Observers, Expenditure Observers, and General Observers were all present in the meeting.

Senior officers from the Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), NDMC, and Cantonment Boards were also in attendance.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) representatives and State Police Nodal Officers provided additional insights for effective coordination.

The deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to manage sensitive zones across the city was one of the major points which were discussed. Strategies were finalised for areas requiring heightened security to ensure the safety of voters and maintain peace during the election period. The meeting also stressed the importance of monitoring election expenditures.

Expenditure observers were tasked with overseeing campaign spending to ensure adherence to guidelines and maintain fairness throughout the election process.

MCD reported significant progress in its defacement removal campaign, having already cleared over 13 lakh posters, banners, and hoardings across the city. This is part of efforts to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and reduce election-related defacement.

Voter education and awareness were also discussed in detail, with Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities being reviewed.

Returning Officers presented their voter awareness plans, which were appreciated for their potential to encourage informed voter participation.

The distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) is a top priority. Polling officials have already started reaching out to households to distribute these slips, which provide vital information about polling stations and the voter’s registration details. The goal is to ensure 100 per cent distribution of VIS by January 31.

Moreover, preparations for polling stations were discussed, with an emphasis on ensuring Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at all sites, including ramps, accessible toilets, parking, and adequate lighting.

To enhance transparency, 100 per cent webcasting will be implemented at polling stations to monitor the election process. Proper training of polling personnel and arrangements for counting centres were also highlighted to ensure a smooth, efficient, and transparent election day.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 27 (IANS) There has been a slight change in the scheduled visit by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat to West Bengal next month.

His scheduled arrival to Kolkata has been postponed and at the same time the number of days of his scheduled stay in West Bengal has also been curtailed.

Sources aware of the development said that initially his scheduled arrival to Kolkata was on February 7, which has now been postponed to February 11.

At the same time, sources added, his scheduled stay in the state has been curtailed to just four days from the original itinerary of ten days.

As per the latest schedule, Bhagwat will arrive in Kolkata on February 11 and on the same day he will reach Burdwan in East Burdwan district where he will hold a series of meetings with focus on districts located in central Bengal.

In this session in Burdwan, Bhagwat is expected to focus on the RSS’ activities in the tribal dominated pockets in different central Bengal districts.

Sources said after completing the sessions at Burdwan, the RSS chief will come back to Kolkata on the very same night and for the next three days he will be holding a series of meetings with other top RSS functionaries in the state, focussing on the Sangh’s activities in different districts in the southern sector of West Bengal.

On February 13, sources added, there will be a scheduled meeting between Bhagwat and representatives of the civil society in West Bengal.

The tour of the RSS chief in the state is happening at a stage when there is already an air of tension between the Sangh and the ruling Trinamool Congress with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier this month having criticised Bhagwat for the latter’s comments describing January 22, the date of Ram Mandir’s inauguration at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, as the “real independence day” of the country.

The Chief Minister even went to the extent of describing the comments by Bhagwat in the matter as “anti-national” in nature.

“I do not know why he made such a statement. But in my opinion this is an anti-national statement. I condemn such a comment and demand the withdrawal of such a statement,” the Chief Minister said earlier this month.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Bill is set to convene on Monday at 11 a.m. to carry out a clause-by-clause discussion of the proposed legislation.

The meeting comes with both the ruling party and opposition members proposing 444 amendments to the 44 clauses of the Bill, signalling a heated debate ahead.

JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal, speaking to IANS, stated, "In the Waqf Board meeting, the clause-by-clause amendments made by the government will be discussed. The discussion will be completed today."

Highlighting the extensive consultations, he added, "The JPC has engaged with all stakeholders and states over the past six months. Now, the proposed amendments in the Bill by the parliamentarians will be discussed, whether in favour or against."

Pal emphasised that if a consensus is not reached, the committee will resort to voting.

"We will come to a conclusion, and the clause will be cleared," he assured, further stating that the JPC report would be submitted on time without delays, taking into account all stakeholder objections.

Key points of contention in the Waqf Bill include the structure of the Waqf Board and provisions for specific sects, such as the Aga Khanis and Shias.

Opposition members have strongly opposed the proposal for separate Waqf boards for these groups, creating significant discord within the committee.

The meeting is expected to be contentious, particularly after Friday's session witnessed the suspension of 10 opposition MPs for a day. These members accused Pal of being biased in his conduct during the meeting.

Among those suspended were TMC's Kalyan Banerjee, Nasir Hussain and Md Jawed of Congress, DMK's A Raja and M Abdullah, and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi.

With tensions running high, the meeting could see riotous scenes as the JPC works against a deadline to submit its report by the end of the upcoming budget session.

--IANS

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Tel Aviv, Jan 26 (IANS) Israel recorded 439 traffic fatalities in 2024, a 21.6 per cent rise compared to the 361 deaths registered in 2023, according to a statement issued by the Israel Bureau of Statistics on Sunday.

The bureau noted that the number of fatalities last year was the highest since 2006, when 439 people were killed in traffic accidents in Israel, Xinhua news agency reported.

The number of fatal accidents in the country rose by 19.8 per cent year-on-year, from 338 in 2023 to 405 in 2024.

The main causes of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities or serious injuries in 2024 were failure to yield to pedestrians, ignoring traffic lights, lane crossing, and excessive speed, Israel's National Road Safety Authority revealed in a press release in early January.

Israel recorded 351 road deaths in 2022, 1.7 per cent above the pre-Covid-19 period. The traffic volumes resumed at the 2019 level. The most significant increase was recorded among the powered two wheeler users, mainly due to their use as a means of transport.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mobility and road crashes, the data for 2020 and 2021 represent a poor reference point for benchmarking.

Israel recorded 351 road deaths in 2022, an increase of 1.7 per cent compared with the average for 2017-19. The traffic volumes in 2022 resumed to the level of 2019.

In 2024, Israeli former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was injured in the central city of Ramle Friday when his official car flipped over in an accident.

Ben-Gvir's daughter, one of his bodyguards and the driver of the other vehicle were all lightly injured.

--IANS

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