Regional

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANSlife) A train journey is perfect for anyone looking for a fascinating way to experience southern India. Such trips make a wonderful way to get closer to the rich culture and heritage. Although trains are usually associated with cities, Sripad Vaidya, Co-founder & COO, Confirmtkt handpicked five destinations with wide-reaching scenic beauty that one can marvel at when travelling by train.



Kollam - Sengottai

The train journey from Kollam to Sengottai will be a fulfilling experience for travellers who like to explore offbeat places. The railway line connects the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu through these two junction points. Passengers witness several lush green forests, clean & swiftly flowing rivers, and hills throughout the ride. Along the way, they pass a heritage bridge and a national highway built above and below the tracks. Train journey ensures travellers get to see Kerala's natural beauty, making it the most picturesque trip ever.

Ooty to Coonoor

People who want to enjoy train travelling near the hilly areas of the south must not miss Ooty to Coonoor train journey. Both of these destinations are popular among visitors for their picture-perfect scenic beauty.


These two hill stations are located in Tamil Nadu and are connected via a special toy train. The tracks connecting Ooty to Coonoor are part of Nilgiri Mountain railways, which have been honoured by UNESCO due to their impeccable uniqueness and raw beauty. The best part of the train journey is it takes passengers through the tea plantations of Ooty and mountains covered with greenery.

Chennai to Rameshwaram

This train journey is one-of-a-kind in its own way. Aside from giving a nature trip, it also takes people through a mythological journey. The railway connecting Chennai to Rameshwaram runs over Pamban Bridge, famous as India's first bridge. Natives believe that Pamban Bridge was built by Lord Rama while searching for Goddess Sita, who Ravana abducted. The bridge links the Mandapam region in India with Rameswaram and Pamban Island. Though the rail ride is only 2.2 Km long, its surroundings and religious background make it one of the best life experiences.

Kanyakumari to Trivandrum

The train ride between these two destinations in south India is like a slideshow of the rich plantation practices of the country. In this two-hour-long train journey, travellers pass through many luxuriant plantations of green tea, coconut groves and farms of a variety of spices. Take the train ride via Island Express; it covers the natural splendours of the path and gives the opportunity to experience the local life of the south up close.

Best train services for South Indian trips

Aside from regular railway expresses, one can sweeten their journey to the south by booking a ride with some renowned train services. These are:

. Golden Chariot
. Golden Chariot Southern Splendour
. Maharajas' Express Southern Jewels
. Maharajas' Express Southern Sojourn
. Deccan Odyssey Jewels of Deccan.

These trains put the luxury of the passenger as their top priority. The trip package offers private and comfortable accommodation, porterage services, an onboard butler, meals, drinks and snacks free of cost. Travellers also enjoy off-train excursions, WiFi, and even a lounge and bar are part of these luxurious trains' facilities. On some routes, guests can smell the spicy aromas of India and see the mystical waterfalls, lush plantations, and wildlife. Once on the journey, one will truly feel like they have discovered an entirely new continent. Hence, it's time to experience the splendour of south India's train journeys yourself rather than searching for them on the internet.

(N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in)

--IANS
lh/tb/

Surat, Sep 16 (IANS) A restaurateur was arrested on the charges of serving beef to his customers in place of meat and 60 kg of cow meat was seized from his restaurant Delhi Dastarkhwan in Gujarat's Surat.

Lalgate police station head constable Yajendra Dadubhai said that on September 11, he had received a complaint that beef is being stored and served in Delhi Dastarkhwan restaurant, after which he, along with his team, searched the premises of the restaurant and found six packets of meat, each weighing ten kg.

Surat police sent the seized meat to FSL which confirmed it was cow meat, post which it arrested Sarfaraz Mohammad Wazirkhan late Thursday night.

Police are searching for Ansar, who had supplied the beef.

Slaughter of cow and progeny is strictly prohibited in Gujarat.

A case is registered under various sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and IPC sections.

--IANS/
har/svn/

Chandigarh, Sep 16 (IANS) Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on Friday arrested two shooters belonging to jailed gangster Jagdeep Singh, alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, for the killing of another gangster.

Both -- Mandeep, alias Manna Tuffan, and Manpreet, alias Mani Rayia -- were allegedly involved in the murder of gangster Ranbir Singh, alias Rana Kandowalia.

Kandowalia, who was facing dozens of cases of murder and attempt to murder, was gunned down outside a private hospital in Amritsar in August last year. The Bhagwanpuria group had taken the responsibility for the murder.

--IANS
vg/dpb

Amaravati, Sep 15 (IANS) Defending his three capital formula, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday said the government would go ahead with the decentralisation of administration.

Virtually ruling out development of Amaravati as the only state capital, he told the Assembly that building capital city Amaravati would be like a dream-chasing as this would cost Rs 30 lakh crore and take at least 100 years.

He was replying to a short discussion in the house on Decentralisation-Administrative Reforms.

The discussion assumed significance in view of the second Maha Padyatra launched by farmers and other locals of 29 villages of Amaravati region demanding implementation of the High Court order for development of Amaravati.

Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the long foot march as a drama and said it was aimed at fomenting regional hatred by provoking people of other regions.

He alleged that those involved in irregularities in land transactions in Amaravati and those who want to protect their lands and other interests were behind the protest for the last 1,000 days.

On the demand for development of Amaravati as the only capital, he remarked that the state was not restricted to just 8 square km radius or 50,000 acre land parcel.

Claiming that he is not against this region (south coastal Andhra), Jagan, as the leader is popularly known, said he wants to develop it at par with other regions and this was the reason the government decided to make Amaravati one of the three capitals.

As per the three-capital formula mooted by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government Visakhapatnam in north coastal Andhra will be developed as administrative capital, Kurnool in Rayalaseema region as judicial capital, and Amaravati in south coastal Andhra as legislative capital.

Jagan stated that Rs 1.05 lakh crore would be required for developing just the basic infrastructure like roads, drains and power supply in Amaravati. On the other hand, spending just Rs 10,000 crore on Visakhapatnam would be sufficient as basic infrastructure is readily available there, he said.

Explaining why he believes development of Amaravati is like dream-chasing, the Chief Minister said the state was not even in position to spend Rs 1,000 crore or Rs 2,000 crore per annum on capital works.

He said at this rate, it will take 100 years to build the capital city and because of inflation, the cost will go up to Rs 20 lakh crore or Rs 30 lakh crore. He remarked that a state, whose 80 per cent population is still living on white ration cards, can never mobilise such a huge amount of money.

Hitting out at his predecessor N. Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan said the previous government could not go beyond graphics.

He said those who cheated people through false hopes in the name of Amaravati development should be booked under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

He also dismissed the argument that Amaravati can be developed as a capital city through a self-financing model and pointed out that only 4,997 acres of land was available for sale.

The Chief Minister recalled that in February 2019, the Chandrababu Naidu government issued an order that 5,020 acres of land is available for commercial monetisation. "Now, we have to sell each acre for Rs 20 crore to raise Rs one lakh crore, required only for creation of basic infrastructure. How could it be a self-financing project when the land did not command such a price," he asked.

Earlier, the debate saw heated exchange between members of ruling YSRCP and opposition TDP.

Pandemonium over certain allegations made by the YSRCP over insider trading in Amaravati lands and the protest by the TDP led to suspension of the opposition legislators.

Speaker Tammineni Seetharam suspended 16 members of the TDP when they trooped towards his podium demanding an opportunity for party leader P. Keshav to speak.

Earlier, responding to allegations made against him, Keshav threw a challenge that if the ruling party proved them he would resign and give the lands to the ruling party leaders.

--IANS
ms/vd

Bengaluru, Sep 15 (IANS) The ruling BJP in Karnataka had the last laugh on Thursday as the controversial anti-conversion Bill got smooth passage in the Legislative Council amid a walkout by principal opposition Congress party.

The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill 2021 was tabled by home minister Araga Jnanendra and passed by voice vote after prolonged debate. The opposition Congress party which has been vociferously opposing the Bill, walked out of the Council ahead of the voice vote.

Although the controversial Bill had earlier been cleared by the Legislative Assembly in December 2021, the ruling BJP opted for the Ordinance route in May this year, as it did not have the numbers to steer it through the 75-member Legislative Council. However, with the BJP enjoying a majority in the Upper House after the Council elections in July this year, it decided to table the contentious Bill on Thursday.

Karnataka's version of the Bill is seen as more stringent than in other BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Home minister Araga Jnanendra said conversions are becoming rampant through unfair means.

The Bill aims to protect one's right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means.

The Bill includes provisions for compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh to be paid by the accused to those who were forced to convert. In cases of mass conversion, punishment ranges from 3-10 year imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs one lakh.

--IANS
pvn/uk

Panaji, Sep 15 (IANS) Alleging that the ruling BJP paid Rs 30 to 40 crores to Congress MLAs to defect, Congress Goa in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday questioned why Income Tax, and Enforcement Directorate is not looking into the BJP's "misuse of money power".

Addressing a press conference in the party office here, Rao, who arrived in the coastal state after 8 Congress MLAs merged into BJP on Wednesday, said that the conspiracy was hatched by the BJP in collusion with former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and former Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo.

"We had named both of them earlier too, though Lobo was CLP (Congress Legislature Party) leader and Kamat was a former Chief Minister. We named them because they were the mastermind behind this whole episode of splitting the CLP.

"These eight MLAs have not gone for development of constituencies or for Goa. They have gone for power, money and (avoid) threats of agency for whatever wrong they have done," he said.

"Around Rs 30 to 40 crores have been given to them. Some of them will become ministers now. Who is funding BJP to purchase MLAs, why IT and ED is not looking into these issues, when BJP is misusing money power," Rao questioned.

The Congress leader said that the BJP's intension is to have no opposition in country. "For that they are targeting the Congress. Their number one enemy is Congress. The BJP has engineered this defection using immense money power, agencies and political pressure," he said.

"BJP is destroying democratic fabric of this country. Bharat Jodo Yatra is to fight such menace like politics of hate, politics of using money, using all institutions to grab power at any cost," he added.

Noting that the Congress had filed disqualification petitions against Lobo and Kamat before the Assembly Speaker, he said: "That is not been heard, it is another matter. But today, truth has come out, that for selfish reasons, for sake of power, sake of money or for whatever other reasons, these MLAs who have benefitted from Congress party, who held positions in Congress, have defected for personal selfish reasons."

Rao said that it is very sad day for democracy and for politics of Goa also.

"Unfortunate development for Congress party also. During last election we had specifically told people of Goa that we will ensure that our elected MLAs will not defect and when we selected our candidates, all of them voluntarily had said that they will not betray Congress, whatever may happen. They have not only betrayed people of Goa but have also betrayed god," he said recalling oath taken before god by these leaders.

--IANS
sbk/vd

Imphal, Sep 15 (IANS) Twelve cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party-People's War Group and one of the Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup laid down their arms before Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh here on Thursday.

The surrendered extremists deposited arms, explosives, and other equipment, which include two "lathode" (missile launcher) guns, three 9 mm pistols, three IEDs, two detonators and two radio sets.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Chief Minister said many cadres from different militant outfits have joined the mainstream in recent years.

Appealing to all the underground outfits to hold talks with the government to resolve their issues, he said that the army, para-military and other security forces have been playing a great role in restoring the law and order situation in Manipur for the past many years.

The Chief Minister tweeted: "With peace prevailing in the state under the guidance of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, various cadres from different militant outfits have joined the mainstream. I appeal to all the underground outfits to come to a dialogue table and peaceful resolution".

Defence spokesman Lt Col A.S. Walia, in a statement, said: "Families of the surrendered insurgents also expressed their gratitude to the security forces for safely bringing their loved ones back to the family."

--IANS
sc/vd

Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) With the aim of providing a platform to young female cricketers in its home state of Rajasthan, Royals Sports Group-owned IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals today announced the launch of a women's T20 competition in partnership with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

The competition - Rajasthan Royals Women's Cup 2022 - will be held from September 16th to 19th in the city of Jodhpur, with the trials scheduled for 16th September 16 followed by six league matches along with the final from September 17- 19.

A total of six teams will be taking part in the inaugural edition of the RR Women's Cup, representing the six major cities of Rajasthan - Jaipur Warriors, Jodhpur Gladiators, Udaipur Thunderbolts, Ajmer Blazers, Kota Mavericks and Bikaner Strikers. Each team will have a pool of 25 players at its disposal, with 15 players each shortlisted from the trials to be held at the Spartans Cricket Academy Ground, Uchiyarda on September 16 and overseen by Royals' Head of High Performance Operations Romi Bhinder.

The six league matches will be conducted at the Spartans Cricket Academy Ground, Uchiyarda in Jodhpur on 17th and 18th September, followed by the Final on September 19. The league matches on both days will have start timings of 7 AM, 10:30 AM and 2 PM respectively, with Rajasthan Royals' explosive all-rounder Riyan Parag and local hero Shubham Garhwal set to be present for the Final. All matches will be livestreamed on Indian cricket streaming platform CricHeroes.

Commenting on the purpose of the competition, Rajasthan Royals CEO, Jake Lush McCrum said, "Transforming society through cricket is our overarching purpose as a franchise, and with the RR Women's Cup 2022, we are delighted to be bringing such an exciting opportunity to the talented girls of our home state with the support of the Rajasthan Cricket Association. With as many as 150 players from across the state expected to participate in the tournament, we are sure to witness some intense battles on the field and also identify potential talents that could be part of the state and national team, as well the Women's IPL in the future."

Royals' Head of High Performance Operations Romi Bhinder along with delegates of the Rajasthan Cricket Association will also be providing guidance and support to all the players during and post the tournament for their continued development.

--IANS
inj

Bharuch (Gujarat), Sep 15 (IANS) Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) chief Chhotu Vasava announced on Thursday that BTP will field candidates in all the 27 tribal reserve seats in the Gujarat Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year.

"Not a single political party is interested in the welfare and development of either the tribes or the tribal areas. So we have decided to give effective representation to the tribal community, which is possible only if like-minded tribals get elected and fight for tribals' rights. BJP will field candidates in all the 27 reserved tribal seats, from Danta (North) to Umargam (South)," Vasava told IANS.

Refuting rumours that he took the decision after meeting BJP leaders to cut opposition votes, Vasava said, "I have not travelled to Gandhinagar for more than a month now, nor has any BJP leader approached me with any such suggestion. I fail to understand how such rumours surface."

Explaining why the party's alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) didn't work, Vasava said, "AAP was offering our cadres posts in their party... Such an alliances cannot work for long."

He also clarified that his party was never in talks with the Congress for seat-sharing.

--IANS
har/arm

Toronto, Sep 15 (IANS) As the so-called Khalistan referendum by the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on September 18 nears, Toronto's most prominent BAPS Swaminarayan Temple was vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti on Wednesday.

The graffiti by the miscreants read 'Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad'.

Posters have come up in the city of Brampton in Toronto suburbs, which is home to the biggest concentration of Indian community in Canada, calling for people to vote in the referendum. But there is hardly any support for the referendum among the local Sikh community.

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has demanded strict action against the culprits for desecration at the BAPS temple.

"We strongly condemn the defacing of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators," a tweet read.

Expressing her outrage, Brampton South MP Sonia Sidhu tweeted, "I am distraught by the act of vandalism that has taken place at the #BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto.

"We live in a multicultural and multi-faith community where everyone deserves to feel safe. Those responsible should be located to face the consequences of their actions."

Calling the act of vandalism disgusting, Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota said, "All faiths have the right to practice in Canada without intimidation or fear. The criminals behind this act should be punished."

Chandra Arya, a prominent Hindu MP in the House of Commons, also tweeted to express his shock at the act of vandalism.

"Vandalism of Toronto BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir by Canadian Khalistani extremists should be condemned by all. This is not just an isolated event. Canadian Hindu temples have been targeted in the recent past by these kinds of hate crimes. Hindu Canadians are legitimately concerned," Arya tweeted.

--IANS
gurmukh/arm