avslists@mercury.aichem.arizona.edu (LISTS) (06/25/91)
The India News Network Dige Mon, 24 Jun 91 Volume 1 : Issue 210
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Today's Topics:
PV Narsimarao warns fo Unpopular Economic Measures
RG Assassination Update
Situation in Kashmir
Some news from India (Indian Express+Deccan Herald)
Thirteen People Killed In Bihar by Leftist Radicals
Travel Advisory For India
Cabinet Announcement
Cabinet Duties Assigned
SOURCES: SOC.CULTURE.INDIAN and Network Member Contributions
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Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 09:36:48 PDT
Subject: PV Narsimarao warns fo Unpopular Economic Measures
Copyright, 1991. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- India's new Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao
warned Saturday that his government will have to adopt unpopular measures
to control a looming economic crisis.
"We have to take some very tough decisions," Rao said in a broadcast on
state-owned television one day after taking office. "We have to take
decisions that will not be popular. There are no soft options left."
The country has accumulated debts of $63 billion and does not have
enough foreign exchange to pay for more than one month's imports. Inflation
has reached double digits, and the government is seeking a loan from the
International Monetary Fund.
No concrete decisions were announced, but newspapers have predicted the
government will have to cut subsidies to the agricultural sector and
devalue the currency.
"Hard decisions will have to be implemented to manage the balance of
payments situation and to curb inflation," Rao said. "The dialogue with
multilateral financial institutions, in particular the IMF, will be
continued."
He said the decisions would not affect the government's anti-poverty
programs and the momentum of growth.
The first meeting of the 54-member Cabinet was held Saturday but the
ministers' portfolios were not allocated. United News of India said the
portfolios would be announced on Sunday or Monday.
Rao and his Cabinet were sworn in by President Ramaswamy Venkataraman
Friday. Usually, the portfolios for ministers are announced within a few
hours of their being sworn in. There was no immediate explanation for the
delay.
Meanwhile, the governor of Punjab state resigned Saturday because he was
not consulted about the postponement of elections in the province, the
United News agency said.
Elections in Punjab were scheduled to be held Saturday, but were
postponed hours before Rao and his colleagues were sworn in. The Election
Commission postponed balloting until September because of a wave of
violence by Sikh separatists.
Sikh militants have been fighting for independence in the northern state
since 1982. At least 22 candidates for the state legislature and three to
parliamentary districts in the region were killed by the militants.
Rao's Congress Party won a plurality of Parliament seats during last
week's elections, but not a majority. The party and its allies won 239 of
the 511 seats. Another five seats are yet to be announced, but they are
unlikely to go to Congress.
Rao was chosen as a compromise candidate to head the Congress Party
after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated while campaigning
in southern India in May.
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Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 09:36:48 PDT
From: BAJ DTN 381-2851 <bajwa@asd.enet.dec.com>
Subject: Situation in Kashmir
Copyright, 1991. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By QAISER MIRZA
Associated Press Writer
SRINAGAR, India (AP) -- Paramilitary troops marched into four
neighborhoods Sunday and fired into the air, keeping thousands of Kashmiris
from leaving their homes to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha,
witnesses said.
There were no reports of casualties or injuries, but gunfire was
repeatedly heard in neighborhoods that are home to about 150,000 people.
Kashmir Governor Girish Saxena said the Border Security Force troops may
have been looking for Kashmiri militants. Saxena said he would ask the
police chief to pull them out as soon as possible.
About 2,000 angry Kashmiris thronged the house of an Associated Press
reported to complain about the seige.
Federal troops are stationed in the Kashmir Valley to put down a revolt
by Muslim separatists, who accuse the Hindu-dominated federal government of
discrimination.
The Idgah, an area in Srinagar where tens of thousands of Muslims
traditionally gather for the holiday, was deserted. Many mosques also were
empty.
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Abraham's readiness to
follow God's command to sacrifice his son Isaac. It is celebrated with
ritual sacrifice of sheep and goats, with the meat shared among friends and
relatives.
On Sunday, dozens of grim-faced sheep and goat vendors sat in the
streets without customers.
Maulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmiri Muslims, said
Sunday was "the first time that Muslims have been stopped from saying
prayers and giving sacrifice. ... This is an interference in our religious
affairs."
About two-thirds of Jammu-Kashmir's population is Muslim. It is the only
one of India's 25 states with a Muslim majority. Nationwide, Muslims make
up 12 percent of India's 844 million people. Hindus account for 82 percent.
Since December 1989, when the militants began an offensive, about 2,500
people have been killed in clashes. There have been many charges of
brutality against the federal troops.
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Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 10:39:03 HST
From: "P K Gopakumar (Hardware/BLR) Now in SMF2 @ 916-889-4925" <gopa_p1@verifone.com>
Subject: Some news from India.
NEWS FROM INDIA:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Balki reports from Bangalore:
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
RECOUNT ON MONDAY
CHITRADURGA, JUNE 21 - A recount of votes polled in Davangere Lok Sabha
Constituency will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday in Govt. Arts College and
Govt. Science College here.
CONTEST FROM DHARWAD(S), PVN URGED
HUBLI, JUNE 21 -The CONG(I) legislator representing the Hanagal Constituency
Mr. Manohar Tahasildar, has invited Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao
to contest from Dharwad South Parliamentary Constituency.
NYAMAGOUDA, TARADEVI FAIL TO SHOW UP
NEW DELHI, JUNE 21 - Two MPs from Karanataka were along the ministers who
could not make it in time for the swearing-in this morning.
Ms. D.K. Taradevi, sweating profusely, rushed to the Ashoka Hall of
Rashtrapati Bhavan, but it was over then.
Another person, whose name was called out twice, but did not show up
was Bagalkot MP Siddu Nyamagouda, who defeated Janata Dal titan R.K. Hegde.
PRANAB MAY BE NPC DY. CHAIRMAN
NEW DELHI, JUNE 21 - Former Finance Minister P.Mukherjee is likely to be
appointed Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
Informed sources said his appointment was expected to be announced
soon along with the reconstitution of the commission.
RACE BEGINS FOR CM'S POST IN M'RASHTRA
BOMBAY, JUNE 21 - The imminent inclusion of Mr. Sharad Pawar in the Union
Cabinet has led to discussions in political circles on who would succeed
him as the CM of Maharashtra.
NEW UP GOVT FOR FRESH DIAOLOGUE ON TEMPLE
NEW DELHI, JUNE 21 - The first-ever BJP Government in UP would give top
priority to the vexed Ram Janmaboomi - Babri Masjid issue by initiating
a fresh dialogue with muslim leaders to find a nagotiated settlement.
Mr.Kalyan Singh, who is head the BJP Government in the state,told
PTI in an interview that he was confident that the new State Government
would find an amicable solution to the issue.
BOON PHASE LIKELY FOR STOCK MARKETS
BOMBAY, JUNE 21 - The stock market is likely to witness a boom following
the swearing-in of the new Union Cabinet today. Investers who have so long
adopted a policy of wait and watch have once again stepped into the market.
Cash scrips have started looking up. Market operators are cautious in
predicting the future of the market because of speculation as to who would
be the Finance Minster. It was earlier expected that former Finance Minister
Pranab Mukerjee would be given the portfolio.
WEST INDIES TURN THE HEAT ON ENGLAND
SCORE-BOARD
West Indies Ist Innings : P.V. Simmons 33; Haynes 60; Richardson 57;
Hooper 111; Richards 63; Logie b Defrietas 5; Marshall lbw Pringle 25;
Ambrose c&b Malcom 5; Walsh c Atherton b Pringle 10; Allen (not out) 1;
Extras 29; Total 419.
England Ist Innings : Total ( for 5 wkts ) 110.
Gooch 37; Atherton 5; Hick 0; Lamb 1; Ramprakash 24; Smith(not out) 23;
Russel(not out) 16.
DECCAN HERALD - JUNE 23
=======================
SACRIFICES IMMERATIVE FOR SOLVING CRISES, SAYS PM
NEW DELHI, JUNE 22 - Prime Minister P.V.N. Rao today asked the people
to prepared for "sacrifices" to restore the health of the economy and
said the Government would tackle with determination the dangers posed
to the country by problems in Punjab, Kashmir and Assam.
Spelling out priorities of his Govt, the Prime Minister, in his
first nationwide telecast, announced the setting up of a composite
rapid action force to quell communal riots and establishment of special
courts to try communal offences.
FULL-FLEDGED BUDGET IN JULY
NEW DELHI, JUNE 22 - The new government will present a full-fledge budget
in july, Dr. Manamohan Singh, who is tipped to be the Finance Minster,
said here today.
PVN MINISTRY : WIDESPREAD HEARTBURN
NEW DELHI, JUNE 22 - Even a day after inducting 54 persons in his Council
of Ministers, PM Narasimha Rao was unable to allot specfic jobs to them
after discontent reportedly surfaced over the choice of portfolios.
Perhaps for the first time in the history of independent India, the
Cabinet met this evening without any Minister having a portfolio. The PM
presided over the meeting.
KARUNAKARAN TO HEAD UDF GOVT IN KERALA
THIRUVANANTHPURAM, JUNE 22 - Mr. K. Karunakaran was Unanimously chosen as
leader, of the Congress(I) Legislature Party here today. Mr. Oommen Chandy
was chosen the deputy leader of the party.
RAW DEAL FOR MAHARASHTRA IN CABINET : PAWAR
BOMBAY, JUNE 25. - Maharashtra CM Sharad Pawar said today his state got
a raw deal in the constitution of the Union Council of Ministers but would
join the Cabinet.
Addressing a press conference Mr.Pawar experessed the confidence
that the party High Command would take due note of it (raw deal) and mete
out justice.
SMITH PULLS ENGLAND OUT OF TROUBLE
LONDON, JUNE 23 - A pugnacious undefeated 148 by Robin Smith broke West
Indies's stronghold on the second Test at Lord's today.
SCORE-BOARD
West Indies Ist Innings : 419.
England Ist Innings : 354.
WORLD POWERLIFTING FOR WOMEN FROM TODAY
NEW DELHI, JUNE 22 - The US start as strong favourites to retain the title,
for the consecutive eighth time, in the World Women's powerlifting Champion-
ships starting at the Siri Fort Auditorium here tomorrow .
INDIAN EXPRESS - JUNE 23
========================
RAO'S PANACEA : PVN Rao's 10-point panacea for the country's ills:
1. Union budget to be presented in a month.
2. Diologue with Multilateral Financial Institutions, particularly the
international monetary fund.
3. Open door for direct foreign investment.
4. Timebound scheme to streamline industrial policies and programes, with
a special role for NRIs.
5. Expansion of irrigation and dryland agriculture and remunerative prices
for farm produce.
6. More financial assistance for rural housing.
7. Expansion of the public distribution system to cover rural areas and
target the poor.
8. Special courts to try communal offences.
9. Rapid action forces for communal riots.
10. Statutory status for the minority commission.
US INDIANS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST PAK
NEW YORK, JUNE 22 - Indians in the US have decided to launch a media campaign
against Pak underscoring Islamabads covert assistants to militants in Punjab
and Kashmir and at the same time projecting the Indian viewpoint on the two
sensitive states.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 09:36:48 PDT
From: BAJ DTN 381-2851 <bajwa@asd.enet.dec.com>
Subject: Thirteen People Killed In Bihar by Leftist Radicals
Copyright, 1991. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- At least 13 people were slain in eastern Bihar
state in what police believe might have been retaliation for three killings
last week, United News of India said Sunday.
Six people were killed Saturday in the village of Deochanda and seven
the same day in the village of Bahuara, the news agency quoted state police
chief D.N. Sahay as saying Sunday.
The report did not say how the killings occurred, but it described most
of the victims as belonging to the untouchable lower caste.
Police theorize that the killings were meant to avenge the slayings
Friday of three people in the district 495 miles east of New Delhi, the
news agnecy said.
Leftist radicals of the Liberation Group are suspected in those killings
and most of its ranks are made up of poor landless peasants. The rebels
have been fighting for 20 years in Bihar, one of India's poorest states
where most farmland is owned by rich landlords.
Earlier this year, at least 15 people were killed in Bihar when another
leftist group clashed with a gang of mercenaries working for the landlords.
Bihar is riven by caste and class divisions, and traditionally many
lower-caste peasants have worked for little or no money on the land owned
by powerful upper-caste farmers.
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Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 09:36:48 PDT
From: BAJ DTN 381-2851 <bajwa@asd.enet.dec.com>
Subject: Travel Advisory For India
Copyright, 1991. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON (A) -- The State Department warned Americans today to defer
travel to the valley of Kashmir until further notice because of recent
terrorist activity in the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir.
The travel advisory cited the recent kidnapping of five foreigners in
Kashmir and increased violence in the state of Punjab connected with the
coming election.
"All Americans should avoid unnecessary travel there as well," the
statement said.
Additionally, American travelers were urged to "exercise caution" in
Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Ranjasthan, northern Madhya, Pradesh, Bihar and
Andhra Pradesh.
Travelers in Agra, Varanasi, Indore, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad also were
told to contact the U.S. embassy or nearest consulate.
The statement urged caution, as well, in travel near the border with
Pakistan in view of continuing tensions between that country and India over
Kashmir.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 09:36:48 PDT
From: BAJ DTN 381-2851 <bajwa@asd.enet.dec.com>
Subject: Cabinet Announcement
UPn 06/24 0009 New Indian prime minister announces Cabinet
NEW DELHI, India (UPI) -- New Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao
announced his Cabinet, assigning former aides of assassinated former Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi to most key posts.
Rao, announcing a list of 14 Cabinet members and 40 deputy and junior
ministers Sunday, also placed himself in charge of two major ministries,
those of Defense and Industry.
But one of those portfolios is expected to go to Sharad Pawar, the
powerful chief minister of Maharastra and Rao's one-time rival in the
Congress (I) Party for the post of prime minister.
The External Affairs portfolio went to Madhavsinh Solanki, formerly
planning minister under Gandhi. A lawyer and journalist, Solanki, 64, also
served for more than 10 years as chief minister of the western state of
Gujarat.
Rao named another former Gandhi aide, S.B. Chavan, to the post of Home
Minister. Chavan held has several top government positions since 1980,
including those of defense minister and finance minister.
The prime minister chose Manmohan Singh, 59, a former economics
professor and governor of the Reserve Bank of India, to head the Finance
Ministry. Soft-spoken and unassuming, Singh is known as a sound and
pragmatic economist. He will be making his debut in the Cabinet.
Rao has promised to revive most of the policies of Gandhi, who was
assassinated in a bomb blast May 21, but in his first major speech as prime
minister on Saturday he also vowed to impose "fiscal discipline" on the
country in an attempt to revitalize the economy.
The Cabinet members were sworn in Friday, but portfolios were only
announced Sunday following some reported disputes over key posts.
Arjun Singh, one of Gandhi's closest former aides and who had been
expected to receive the Home Ministry portfolio, was named minister of
Human Resources Development.
A total of 28 ministers were named to the Cabinet for the first time, 11
of them from south India, reflecting the growing strength of the Congress
(I) Party in the southern states and loss of influence in the politically
dominant north.
Congress won the largest number of seats in the recent three-phase
elections, the most violent polls in India's parliamentary history, but
fell short of an absolute majority and must seek support from small parties
or independents in order to govern.
Rao, who turns 70 this week, was chosen last week to succeed Gandhi as
parliamentary leader of the Congress (I) Party.
He was sworn in Friday as India's ninth prime minister and the third
head of government in just 19 months following two unstable coalition
administrations.
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Date: Mon, 24 Jun 91 09:36:48 PDT
From: BAJ DTN 381-2851 <bajwa@asd.enet.dec.com>
Subject: Cabinet Duties Assigned
Copyright, 1991. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By RAJU GOPALAKRISHNAN
Associated Press Writer
NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- India's new prime minister on Sunday assigned
duties for his Cabinet, which has drawn criticism from disgruntled members
of his governing Congress Party.
P.V. Narasimha Rao kept the post of defense minister for himself and
assigned the Interior Ministry to S.B. Chavan, who served in the cabinets
of assassinated Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and his mother, Indira.
Respected economist Manmohan Singh, the only Cabinet member who is not a
Congress Party member, was appointed to head the Finance Ministry. His
assignment was seen as a move to handle India's growing financial crisis.
The public announcement of Cabinet posts, however, did not stop
criticism of Rao's choices for its 54 members. Many Congress Party
lawmakers were angry at being left out of the team, news reports said.
The Hindustan Times, a respected national daily, said Sunday that as
many as 20 newly Congress lawmakers might refuse to take their seats when
Parliament convenes. No date has so far been given for the convening of
Parliament.
Sharad Pawar, an influential Bombay-based parliamentarian who last week
challenged Rao for the post of prime minister, said Saturday that his state
received inadequate representation in the Cabinet, Press Trust of India
reported.
Although there are no know negotiations between Pawar and Congress Party
bosses, most analysts say Pawar had demanded to be interior minister in
exchange for letting Rao lead the party.
Chavan's appointment as interior minister could result in factional
fighting within the government involving Pawar, analysts said.
"I don't expect things to come to a head very soon but Pawar will
mobilize a counter force, taking advantage of the mistakes Rao is bound to
make," said analyst Sen Gupta. "The prime minister is in feeble health and
he can't have a full grip of affairs."
With 225 seats and another 16 seats won by small party allies in the
general elections, Congress is still 15 seats short of a majority in
Parliament and needs all the votes it can get to establish and maintain a
government.
It has until July 21 to gain a majority and will need outside support
from other parties or independents.
End of article
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