FRIDAY 02 JUNE 2023 Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC www.thestatesman.com KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR DANNY MASTERSON CONVICTED OF RAPE, FACES 30 YRS TO LIFE K'TAKA GOVT LIKELY TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ON 5 GUARANTEES P4 WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. POSSIBILITY OF VERY LIGHT RAIN/ THUNDERSHOWERS ACCOMPANIED WITH GUSTY WINDS (SPEED 30-40 KMPH) AT ONE OR TWO PLACES. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 35 AND 22 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 000.2 Mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 98% TEMPERATURE Max: 32.7°C (-7) SUN RISES 05:24 hrs MOON RISES 17:32 hrs Min: 20.6°C (-6) SUN SETS 19:15 hrs MOON SETS 04:21 hrs THUMBNAILS Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stands beside the statue of legendary footballer Gostho Paul during a protest rally in support of the wrestlers' protesting against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Kolkata on Thursday.  ANI IAF trainer aircraft crashes in K'taka, pilots eject safely: A lightweight Kiran trainer aircraft crashed into an open field at Bhogapura in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district on Thursday. The pilots managed to eject from the aircraft and landed saf- ely using parachutes. According to authorities, the trainer aircraft had taken off from the HAL airport of Pg4 Bengaluru in the morning. Ordinance issue: Kejriwal meets Stalin SNS & AGENCIES CHENNAI, 1 JUNE Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann on Thursday met Tamil Nadu CM M.K Stalin here to seek support against the Ordinance promulgated by the Central government seeking control over administrative services in the national capital. The two AAP leaders met Mr Stalin at his residence in Alwarpet here. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and DMK parliamentary party leader and former Union Minister, T.R. Baalu were also present during the deliberations. Mr Kejriwal is on a nationwide tour to enlist support from the opposition parties against the new ordinance. (PG5) P11 P5 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI/IMPHAL, 1 JUNE Modi tells Nepal PM ties would be taken to ‘Himalayan heights’ rime Minister Narendra Modi today assured his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of India's commitment to making a “super hit” the partnership between their two nations and taking it to “Himalayan heights”. India and Nepal would resolve all matters, including the boundary issue, in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, Mr Modi promised 'Prachanda' as the two leaders virtually participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of various projects and witnessed the signing of seven accords to boost cross-border connectivity and flow of people, goods and energy between the two countries. "I remember nine years ago in 2014, I made my first visit to Nepal. At that time I had given a "HIT" (Highways, I-ways, and Transway) formula for IndiaNepal relations... I had said that we will establish such contacts between India-Nepal that our borders do not become barriers between us," Mr Modi pointed out at a joint media interaction with 'Prachanda' after talks between the P Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka 'Prachanda' during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House on Thursday.  ANI two leaders. The two leaders virtually inaugurated integrated check posts at Rupaidiha in India and Nepalgunj in Nepal. They also flagged off a cargo train from Bathnaha in Bihar to Nepal's customs yard and discussed various matters of mutual interest, including energy, trade, commerce, and air routes, among others. To further strengthen cultural and religious ties, Mr Modi said he and 'Prachanda' decided that projects related to the Ramayana circuit should be expedited. On his part, the Nepalese PM, who is on his first foreign visit after returning to the office in December 2022, urged India to bilaterally resolve the lingering border issues between the nations. "I urge PM Modi to resolve the border issues with bilateral talks," he said. His comments were in the context of territorial disputes between the two countries over the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh tri-junction area, over which both nations claim ownership. 'Prachanda' said: “Nepal welcomes India’s positive indication of air entry routes for bilateral flights, which is operationally feasible for ATR aircraft. We request approval of an additional high-altitude entry route from Mahen- dranagar at an early date.” He also urged Mr Modi to buy more power from Nepal after the two countries signed a long-term power agreement. A project development agreement for the construction of the Pukhot-Karnali Hydropower Project and an agreement for the construction of the Lower Arun hydropower project under Indian investment was also signed. The two leaders jointly unveiled the e-plaque of the Kurtha-Bijalpura section of the cross-border Railway link. Both leaders jointly flagged off the Indian Railway cargo train from Bathnaha in Bihar to Nepal Custom yard. They also inaugurated the integrated checkposts at Rupaidiha in India and Nepalgunj in Nepal, built with India's assistance. The two leaders also unveiled the integrated check posts at Sanauli in India and Bhairahawa in Nepal. PM Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Dahal jointly set into motion the GorakhpurNew Butwal substation 400 KV cross-border transmission line. The two leaders laid the foundation stone of Phase II of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj Oil Pipeline between India and Nepal. Wrestlers row: Khaps to meet Prez, seek justice SNS & AGENCIES MUZAFFARNAGAR, 1 JUNE The Mahapanchayat of Khaps that met in Muzaffarnagar on Thursday has decided to meet President Droupadi Murmu if need be and seek justice for the protesting wrestlers demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on charges of sexual harassment. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesman Rakesh Tikait said further strategy on the issue of wrestlers' protest will be worked out at a meeting in Kurukshetra in Haryana on Friday. Speaking at the Sarvkhap panchayat organized in Soram area of Muzaffarnagar on Thursday, Mr Tikait said that there is no need for the wrestlers to be in despair. " We will fight and win the battle. The battle of the wrestlers will be fought strongly with the support of the entire soci- Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) President Naresh Tikait holds a 'Mahapanchayat' to discuss the wrestlers' ongoing protest at Shaoram Village, in Muzaffarnagar on Thursday. ANI ety,” he said. It was announced in the Panchayat that the struggle will continue till the wrestlers get justice. Khap representatives of different states attended this panchayat in support of the wrestlers. On Tuesday, BKU chief Naresh Tikait had convinced the wrestlers not to throw their medals into the Ganga and had promised to ensure they get justice from the government. With BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India President Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh is also holding a big meeting of saints and sadhus in Ayodhya on 5 June in his support, Mr Tikait said: "If any protest is held in favor of the accused, then we will also bring out a yatra with tractors. Meetings will be held across the country in support for the wrestlers.” Alleging that the government has instigated the dispute between Gurjar and Thakur communities in Saharanpur, he said the people of both the societies should unite. “Understand the trick of the government. Warriors do not belong to any community, warriors belong to all societies,” he added. The wrestlers have been on the warpath since January, demanding action against WFI chief Singh, whom they accused of sexually harassing seven athletes. Mr Singh has asserted that would accept any punishment if the allegations against him are proven. "If a single allegation against me is proven, I will hang myself. If you (wrestlers) have any evidence, present it to the court, and I am ready to accept any punishment," he said. P12 Judicial Commission to probe Manipur violence, says Shah ‘We will make India, Nepal ties superhit’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JUNE Min. 53% PSG BOSS CONFIRMS MESSI'S DEPARTURE IN EARLY-JUNE PUNJAB GOVERNOR SAYS C.M. SHOULD REMOVE MINISTER Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that a judicial commission will be set up under the chairmanship of a retired Chief Justice of the High Court to investigate the recent Manipur violence. Mr Shah told a news conference that a peace committee would also be constituted under the chairmanship of the Governor of Manipur, in which representatives of all sections would be included. Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Thursday appointed senior IPS officer Rajiv Singh, belonging to the neighbouring Tripura cadre, as Director General of Police (DGP) replacing incumbent state police chief P. Doungel. Winding up his four-day tour of the State, the Home Minister appealed to people of Manipur not to pay heed to rumours and maintain peace. An amount of Rs 5 lakh each will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence under the relief and rehabilitation package of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. The amount will be given through direct benefit transfer (DBT) in their bank accounts, he said. He said that for better and non-partisan coordination among all agencies which are working to maintain security in Manipur, an InterAgency Unified Command Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a Press conference, in Imphal, Manipur on Thursday.  ANI will be set up under the chairmanship of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh. The Home Minister said that six cases, including five identified cases from all registered cases and one case of general conspiracy will be investigated by a special team of the CBI. The cause of the violence will be investigated without any bias and discrimination and strict action will be taken to punish the guilty to prevent such incidents, he said. The Home Minister said that to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Manipur, the Government of India has sent 30,000 MT of rice over and above the prescribed quota. Apart from this, arrangements have also been made for the supply of gas cylinders, petrol and vegetables. He said that supply of essential commodities to Manipur from the rest of the country would also be ensured by setting up a temporary platform at Khongsang railway station. Mr Shah said that temporary helicopter facility is being started from Churachandpur, Moreh and Kangpokpi, which will provide transport facility to airport and remote places. He said that out of the eight medical teams formed by the Government of India, three teams have reached Manipur and five teams will get there soon. Mr Shah said that to ensure that competitive examinations and the education system continue without any interruptions for the students of Manipur, officials of the Central Ministry of Education, along with the officials of the Manipur Education Department, are preparing a concrete plan to arrange online education, examinations and distance education. Mr Shah said that to ensure smooth functioning of all the arrangements in Manipur, Joint Secretarylevel officers of the Union Home Ministry and five Director level officers of different ministries will be present in the state. AT REST Shikaras anchored on the banks of Dal Lake, in Srinagar on Thursday.  ANI Cong to take part in meeting of Disqualification from Parliament has Opp parties in Patna on 12 June given huge opportunity to work: Rahul SNS & AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 1 JUNE Congress will take part in the proposed meeting of opposition parties in Patna on 12 June, party leader Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday. “We will definitely attend the meeting (Opposition) on June 12 (in Patna). Who will attend (from Congress) is yet to be discussed,” Jairam Ramesh told ANI. “We had appealed to advance the date of the Patna meeting which is scheduled for June 12 but the organizers are probably unable to extend it. Rahul Gandhi is out (on visit abroad) and the party president also has many programmes. If they are not able to go then someone else will go. This is certain. This is not the only meeting of the Opposition. Senior leaders will also attend the next meeting,” he said. Bihar chief minister Nitish Cong will demand JPC issue again in Monsoon session STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE The Congress Party will demand constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the alleged financial irregularities by the Adani Group of Companies once again in the coming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Talking to newspersons, party spokesperson and general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday: “Earlier also we had demanded JPC probe in the Adani issue in the Parliament. Mow when the Monsoon Session will be con- ducted in the new Parliament, we will be demanding the same thing, that is JPC probe." The Congress Party’s demand for the JPC had stalled proceedings in the two Houses of Parliament repeatedly during the Budget Session. The Government had rejected the demand, stating that regulatory authorities were seized of the issue and probing the whole matter. The Congress party on Thursday launched a book related to the 100 questions which it had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi since February this year on the Adani issue. Kumar, who has been holding meetings for bringing together Opposition parties against Bharatiya Janata Party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is expected to chair the NEW DELHI, 1 JUNE Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who has been holding meetings for bringing together Opposition parties against the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is expected to chair the meeting of Opposition parties on 12 June meeting of Opposition parties on 12 June. A JD-U leader said that parties that the like-minded parties will discuss their future strategy on 12 June. “There will be a grand meeting in Bihar of Opposition parties under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, which will send a message to the whole country. Change in the country will start from Bihar only. You will see that parties with the same views will stand together," he said. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JUNE Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said his disqualification from Parliament has given him a “huge opportunity” to work. Mr Gandhi, who is on a visit to the USA, made the remarks at Stanford University in California on Wednesday. Referring to his disqualification from Lok Sabha as a Member of Parliament (MP), the Congress leader said, "I don't think when I joined politics in 2004, I ever imagined what I see going on in our country. It was way outside the way I imagined. To be the first person to be given the first maximum sentence on defamation and maximum sentence to get disqualified. I didn't imagine that something like this was possible." “But then I think it's actually given me a huge opportunity, a much bigger opportunity I would have in Parliament. Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students at Stanford University Campus in California on Thursday. ANI That is the way politics works,” he said. Mr Gandhi was disqualified as an MP on 23 March this year, a day after he was convicted in a defamation case over his ‘Modi surname’ remarks made during the 2019 election campaign, by a Surat court. In his Stanford address, the Congress leader said the Opposition in India is struggling and the drama started months ago. Hitting out at the government, Mr Gandhi said: “I think the drama started really about six months ago. We were struggling, how the entire opposition is struggling in India. Huge financial dominance, institutional capture, we were struggling to fight for the democratic rights in the country.” “Then we decided... None of the system worked... democracy isn't about opposition, it's about sacred institutions that support the Opposition. Those institutions by the capture certainly want to change the role it is supposed to play. So we decided to do something quite strange,” Mr Gandhi said, adding that then he along with his party leaders just decided to walk across the country (in the form of the Bharat Jodo Yatra). “And we never imagined for a second what would happen when we walked across the country. What would happen not just politically, but in terms of the type of response we got, what would happen to us when we walked across our country. “We started with 125 people ... and it fundamentally transformed the way we think about our country, our people, and politics. “Lot of people asked me what are the lessons learnt from it. And for a long time I couldn't find an answer... I have picked up so much information about the country and what needs to be done. It was a beautiful experience of my life," he said, talking about the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which began from Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari on 7 September last year and concluded in Srinagar on 30 January after covering a distance of almost 4,000 km.