-Economic and Political Weekly The government’s response to the protests led by the youth against the gang rape incident in New Delhi, in the form of an ordinance has not met the aspirations of the many protestors and the woman rights’ organisations. It can in fact be accused of being vindictive, having ignored the thoroughgoing recommendations of the government appointed justice Verma committee's report. Albeena Shakil (albeenashakil@gmail.com) is a women rights’ activist...

-The Times of India KORAPUT: In a further blow to the Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) of Narayanpatna, 101 tribals have deserted the outfit. They approached the administration on Tuesday with a desire to join the mainstream. As many as 300 tribals have abandoned the CMAS between January 11 and February 8. In the latest incident, at least 17, 26 and 68 villagers of Mankidi, Jokopani and Tolo Renga respectively trekked...

-The Hindu Miscreants opposing panchayat polls torch houses, schools; ethnic clashes trigger exodus Guwahati: At least 12 persons including three women were killed — 10 persons in police firing and two in ethnic clashes between Rabha and non-Rabha groups in Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) areas in southern Assam’s Goalpara district on Tuesday. The clashes have triggered huge exodus of people from the affected and nearby villages. Fleeing villagers have taken shelter in...

-Yahoo.com   According to eyewitnesses, there were more than 4,000 people on the 150-metre long bridge over Platform No. 6, and many of them were leaning on the railing.   ALLAHABAD: At least 36 people died and scores of others injured on Sunday evening when a stampede broke out at the Allahabad Junction teeming with pilgrims returning from the Mahakumbh here. The incident occurred around 7 pm, allegedly when a railing leading to a...

-Outlook Starting with Kasab, now with Afzal Guru, the country is going to witness a spate of executions. We give a call to the nation to break this spiral of executions.' The tearing hurry with which Afzal Guru was hanged, accompanied by the flouting of all established norms by not giving his family their legal right to meet him before taking him to the gallows, clearly indicates that there were political...