FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI Iran strikes eight US bases in Gulf NATION ‘States opposing Centre’s new Rural Employment Scheme’ ‘Made in India label represents reputation’ Page 10 BRIEFLY India dismisses Pak’s charges over Karachi attack: New Delhi: India on Sunday dismissed Pakistan's charges against it over a recent attack on security forces in Karachi, calling it "baseless". New Delhi has asked Islamabad to look inwards and take "credible action" against the terror infrastructure on its territory. India's reaction came after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that the attack on the Pakistan Rangers Camp in Karachi on Saturday was carried out by terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed group. In response to media queries regarding allegations made by Pakistan, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen Pakistani reports making baseless allegations against India regarding the recent incident in Karachi. We categorically reject them." Monday, 29 June 2026 SPORTS WORLD BUSINESS | Page 9 Messi creates more history as Argentina finish group stage unbeaten Page 12 Page 5 PM Modi strengthens India’s Bengal to tighten maritime footprint in Seychelles noose on rioters STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 June F raming the Indian Ocean as a shared space for security, sustainability and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday outlined an ambitious roadmap for the next phase of India-Seychelles relations, announcing deeper cooperation in digital connectivity, healthcare, clean energy, maritime security and capacity building while declaring that New Delhi's vision is to transform the region into an "Ocean of Opportunity." Addressing a joint press conference with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie following bilateral talks at the State House, Modi said the relationship between the two countries had evolved over five decades from friendship to a comprehensive strategic partnership rooted in trust, development and shared interests. "My visit comes at a historic moment, as Seychelles celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence, and our two countries also commemorate the 50th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations," Modi said. "Over these fifty years, we have transformed friendship into trust, trust into cooperation, and cooperation into the welfare of our people." The Prime Minister's visit also carried symbolic significance as he received the "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award, Seychelles' highest honour for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Accepting the award, Modi dedicated it to countries working to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations. "It is a matter of great joy for me and for the 1.4 billion people of India to be honoured with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' award. I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all nations that are fighting the challenge of climate change and regard environmental protection as their responsibility toward future generations," he said. Projecting the Indian Ocean as central to India's regional vision, Modi said the sea had for centuries connected India and Seychelles through trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts. "We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This belief forms the foundation of our MAHASAGAR Vision," he said. Security cooperation also remained high on the agenda, with Modi asserting that "the defense and security of India and Seychelles are inseparable" and reaffirming continued collaboration in safeguarding the maritime domain. Modi further said the partnership between the two countries would continue to be guided by equality and mutual respect rather than size or power. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 28 June In an effort to hold those involved in violent protests, riots, political demonstrations and acts of vandalism financially accountable, the Suvendu Adhikari government is set to introduce a stricter legal framework that would allow authorities to recover compensation directly from accused persons for damage caused to public and private property. The proposed changes would also permit the recovery of dues with interest and empower the administration to collect unpaid amounts through mechanisms similar to land revenue recovery. The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which is scheduled to be tabled in the Assembly on Monday, if passed, would provide for the establishment of an independent Claims Commission to determine the extent of losses caused during incidents of violence, identify those responsible and fix compensation liabilities. According to the proposed legislation, compensation claims may be raised in cases involving arson, vandalism, sabotage, unlawful assembly, riots, mob violence, protests and incidents leading to public disorder that result in damage to public or private property. The ambit of the law would include roads, bridges, government offices, buses, trams, hospitals, educational institutions and civic properties, along with shops, homes, factories, business establishments and other privately owned assets. The bill further proposes that financial liability would not be restricted only to those directly involved in acts of destruction. Individuals accused of organising, instigating, funding, supporting or providing shelter to those involved in such incidents could also be held liable for compensation. The proposed Claims Commission would be granted powers similar to a civil court, including summoning witnesses, calling for records, examining government documents, inspecting sites and engaging experts to assess damage. While determining compensation amounts, the commission would consider market value of the property, nature of damage, repair costs, evidence linking accused persons to the incident, photographs, videos, police reports and other relevant materials.