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Archives for April 2017

Ullal explosive recovery case: Three convicted, four acquitted after 9 years

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prison

Mangaluru: The Sessions’ Court in the city on Monday convicted three and acquitted seven with regard to a suspected case of terrorist activity reported in 2008; the quantum of punishment will be pronounced on April 12.

Sayeed Mohammed, Ahmed Bava and Fakir Ahmed have been convicted in the case. Meanwhile, three other accused, Riyaz Bhatkal, Iqbal and Mudassir are said to be absconding.

Moulana Shabbir was acquitted on Monday; he was in judicial custody since 2009 and was said to be an aide of Riyaz Bhatkal.

Javed Ali and Mohammed Ali were arrested from Ullal during a joint operation by the Karnataka Anti-Naxal Force, Dakshina Kannada district police and the Mumbai police on October 3, 2008.

(Agencies)

TN farmers strip outside Prime Minister Office

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Tamil Nadu farmers strip

New Delhi: Farmers from Tamil Nadu, who were protesting in Jantar Mantar from past few days, had stripped outside the Prime Minister’s office in North Block, New Delhi. They were protesting against farmer suicides, and demand relief package from central government.

The incident happened on Monday morning, when the representatives of the farmers agitation were taken to PMO on the promise to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, they did not get to meet him and had to hand over the memorandum to a official.

As they were escorted outside the PMO office in a police jeep, one of the farmer jumped outside the van and stripped on the road by shouting slogans against the government. Soon, two other farmers joined him and started rolling on the road.

(Agencies)

Govt comes under Oppn fire over Tarun Vijay’s racist remarks

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tarun-vijay

New Delhi: The Opposition in the Lok Sabha today sought stringent action against BJP leader Tarun Vijay for his purported racial remarks, even as the government assured there would be no discrimination based on caste or colour.

Seeking to soothe the frayed nerves, senior Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Ananth Kumar said the individual has already apologised and the country is secular. With noisy protests by Opposition members who also demanded lodging of an FIR against him on the issue, the House proceedings were adjourned thrice — once during the Question Hour and twice during the Zero Hour.

Attacking the ruling party over the remarks, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge wondered whether the people from South India were not Indian citizens. “I want to know whether we are Indians or not… Are we not citizens (of India),” Kharge said during Zero Hour.

Wanting to know what action would be taken against Vijay who is “not an ordinary person”, the Congress leader said he was a former Rajya Sabha member and has also written many books on BJP philosophy.

His remarks are a “threat” to the unity of the country and “you want to divide this country”, Kharge said, adding that if such things go on, then states would start asserting for independence.

This “shows your mentality”, he said as he sought to compare them to the likes of Hitler and condemned the remarks. “FIR should be lodged against him (Tarun Vijay). He has talked about breaking the nation. It is anti-national,” Kharge said.

Asserting that “Bharat is a secular country,” Singh in response said there would be no discrimination based on caste, creed, colour and religion. “The individual has already said that his remarks are indefensible”, Singh said quoting Vijay.

Since the individual has already apologised, there is no need to raise any more questions about it, the Home Minister said, adding he would not mention the name. As the protests continued even after Singh’s statement, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said “this (House) is not a court.”

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar sought to soothe the agitating members saying, “We are all one. The country is one”. After the House met again at 1245 hours, Kumar said the Home Minister has already given the reply and an apology has been tendered by Vijay.

BJP is of the view that “we all are Indians. There is no difference on the basis of colour. We all are one. Congress should not create differences. We are all together”. “Khargeji please don’t try to create differences… One India. Great India,” he emphasised.

Earlier during Question Hour, Kumar urged the Opposition to allow Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to respond to the question posed to her in Question Hour, saying she was a minister “from the South”. Dissatisfied with the Minister’s response, Opposition members, including from the Congress and the Left, trooped into the Well shouting slogans.

During Question Hour also, the Opposition members raised slogans in the Well. The Opposition members were heard shouting, ‘Modi sarkar jawab do-jawab do (Modi government should respond)’, ‘Desh ka vibhajan nahin chalega (Won’t allow division of country)’ and ‘We want FIR (against Vijay)’.

With the din continuing during the Zero Hour, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for over 20 minutes till 1245 hours. The House was again adjourned till 1350 hours as the protests continued. There was also a brief adjournment of the House over the issue for 10 minutes till 1120 hours during the Question Hour.

(PTI)

BJP’s Raja Singh threatens to behead those opposing Ram Temple at Ayodhya, FIR filed

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raja singh

Hyderabad: BJP MLA from Hyderabad’s Goshamal constituency Raja Singh has threatened to behead those opposing construction of Ram Temple at Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya.

ANI tweeted Raja Singh as saying, “To those who warn of dire consequences if Ram Mandir built. We were waiting for you to say this so we can behead you.”

Raja Singh is the BJP whip for the Telangana Legislative Assembly. Raja Singh has been in controversy in the past. Raja Singh faces several charges and has been arrested on a few occasions.

A FIR has been filed against the BJP MLA at the Dabirpura police station.

Raja Singh’s remark comes a day after Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said that she was ready to go to jail for Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Uma Bharti had yesterday said, “Ram temple is a matter of belief for me and I have immense pride in it…If I have to go to jail for it I will go, if I have to hang myself for it I will do it.”

(Agencies)

Indian ‘spy’ Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death in Pakistan

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Kulbhushan Jadhav

Islamabad: A Pakistani army court today sentenced alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death for “for his involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against Pakistan”, the military announced.

“The spy has been tried through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under Pakistan Army Act and awarded death sentence,” the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa “has confirmed his death sentence awarded by FGCM,” it added.

Jadhav was “arrested” on March 3 last year by Pakistan security officials in Balochistan after he entered from Iran. He has been accused by Pakistan of planning “subversive activities” in the country.

India has acknowledged Jadhav as a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government.

(Agencies)

Dulquer Salmaan’s Comrade In America

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Dulquer Salmaan

Dulquer Salmaan’s Comrade In America

After a long wait, the 1st ever official teaser of Comrade In America (CIA), the upcoming Dulquer Salmaan movie, is out. “Here it is guys !! We have given this film our everything ! Cannot wait for you all to watch the final version. For now here is a little teaser ! #ComradeInAmerica #CIA [sic],” Dulquer posted on his social media page. The 32 – second teaser video introduces Aji John, the character played by Dulquer Salmaan in the movie. Blended with Gopi Sunder’s brilliant background score, the teaser features an interesting conversation between Aji, a strong communist follower, and a police officer, played by Maheshinte Prathikaaram fame Sujith Shankar. Within few minutes of the release, the teaser has already created a storm on the Internet. Touted to be an intense love story, the movie is about Aji Johan’s journey to the USA in search of his lady love. Debutant Karthika Muraleedharan plays the female lead along with Soubin Shahir, John Vijay, Jinu Joseph, Siddique and many others in the supporting cast. Jointly produced by director Amal Neerad & Anwar Rasheed, for the banners Amal Neerad Productions & Anwar Rasheed Entertainment, this upcoming action based love story CIA is written by Shibin Francis. The movie is expected to hit the screens on 5th May, 2017.

Rashmika Mandanna Making Waves In Kannada Cinema

The professional kick on upward trend for Kirik Party first half heroine Rashmika Mandanna is on the rise. Very quickly this sweet looking heroine Rashmika got an offer in power star Puneeth Rajakumar film Anjani Puthra. She is shooting for the film as of now. With such a big offer in A Harsha direction, Rashmika has got offer opposite Golden star Ganesh in Chamak. In adjacent state Telugu film of Naga Shourya this pretty actress is likely to act as heroine. In addition to that Telugu move by this heroine the biggest in the pipeline is for “stylish star” Allu Arjun film, the name of Rashmika Mandanna is heard. Allu Arjun starring film in debutant Vakkantham Vamshi, Rashmika has given look test. Arjun Sarja ala Arjun Tamil action king is also in pivotal role. Sridhar Lagadapathi is producer of the film and Rashmika Mandanna Telugu film is likely to be Naa Peru Soorya.

Dada Makes A Grand Comeback

Kichcha Sudeep is attending the audio, trailer and also launches teaser as he invited by his colleagues. In one of the trailer release event he had even told that he is not very busy. A film from the team of Gombegala Love – hero Arjun & director Santosh “Dada Is Back” starring Parthibhan in prominent role. The trailer is catching everyone’s fancy. Kichcha Sudeep speaking after the trailer release said that “Dada Is back referring to Dr Vishnuvardhana, with such a name the film would get legendary actor blessings also he felt. Chickpet MLA RV Devaraj, RV Yuvaraj, Kanakapura R Srinivas, Big Boss 4 fame Pratham were present at the trailer launch. The word “Hukum” is very prominent in this film. The contents of the film only in the trailer and not deviated says director Santosh. This is a Pakka Mass entertainer. Some of the contents on Rowdy life dealt in this film are not found in any of the films observes the director. Shravya is female lead for Arun in this film. Sharat Lohitashva, Dattanna are also in the cast.

Shubra Is A No Problem Heroine

The tall & the lanky heroine Shubra Ayyappa was seen in Vajrakaya and the song sung by Tamil actor Dhanush “No Problem….! this model turned actress participated with Dr Shivarajakumar. Shubra was not seen after that in any Kannada cinema. She is now seen in John Seena of director Simple Suni team. Utpal & Vidhyuth Chandra are in the title roles in this film. Shubra has 2 different shades in this film. One is beautiful and the other is deglamorised role. Shubra has clip for her teeth & thick glasses. Shubra is very happy for the acting opportunity tucked in this film of director Suni. Vidhyuth of 6.3 feet tall actor is hero for Shubra Ayyappa. For Utpal it is Priyanka of Ganapa film fame. After release of Operation Alamella, John Seena is heading for release.

Mammootty’s Movie The Great Father All Set To Satisfy Everyone

Prithviraj happens to be one of the producer’s of ‘The Great Father’ starring Mammootty in the lead role. The actor who has pinned high hopes on the movie, took to his social networking page to assure the audiences that the film, will satisfy audiences of all age groups. The movie which is scripted & directed by debutant Haneef Adeni, hit the theatres this week, and has opened to positive responses. With the hype, the movie has created, film trade analysts expect the movie to do great business at the Box – Office turnstiles. In the action thriller, Mammootty essays the role of David Ninan while Sneha essays the role of Michelle David, wife of Megastar’s character in the movie. Child artiste Anikha stars as the couple’s daughter Sara David. The Great Father’ revolves around a father – daughter bonding. Bankrolled by August Cinema,The Great Father also has Arya in a significant role.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar Signed

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar who made her Bollywood debut with the Mammootty starrer entertainer Kasba, has signed her next Mollywood movie. Titled Aakasha Mittayee, the upcoming movie is the remake of Samuthirakani’s Tamil directorial Appa. This upcoming family drama will also be directed by Samuthirakani and will feature Jayaram and Varalaxmi as a married couple. The movie, which also has Kalabhavan Shajohn in a pivotal role, started rolling on Sat in Kochi. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar The actress will start shooting for the movie from 1st Apr, 2017.

Nivin Pauly’s Kayamkulam Kochunni shelved!!!!!

Nivin Pauly’s upcoming movie Kayamkulam Kochunni, directed by Roshan Andrews, was announced back in Aug, 2016. As director Roshan Andrews & scenarist duo Bobby -Sanjay have been maintaining silence about the project, now it seems the movie has been dropped. As the Premam actor is currently occupied with several other projects, it is heard that Kayamkulam Kochunni has been temporarily shelved. The upcoming historical drama was supposed to feature Nivin Pauly in the titular role along with several prominent stars from Kollywood & Bollywood. Meanwhile, Nivin Pauly has some other most – awaited projects in his kitty, including a few Tamil projects.

What’s next for Fahadh Faasil!!!!

While his latest release Take Off has been receiving unanimous positive responses from fans & critics alike, Fahadh Faasil will have a fully packed year ahead. As per the latest update, the acting powerhouse will team up with Anwar Rasheed for an upcoming project which is likely to kick – start later this year. Meanwhile, the actor has several other projects in his kitty. His upcoming campus entertainer Role Models & Dileesh Pothen’s Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum are on the verge of completion. Fahadh will also be teaming up with Mamta Mohandas for a forest adventure thriller, Carbon, which will start rolling in Aug – Sept this year. The versatile actor is also busy with his Tamil debut Velaikaaran, teaming up with Nayanthara & Sivakarthikeyan.

Gauthami Nair To Tie The Knots

Gauthami Nair, who made her acting debut with the Dulquer Salmaan starrer movie Second Show (2012), is all set to enter into a wedlock. Reportedly, she will get married in the month of May this year. Though her fiance’s details are yet to be disclosed, it is rumoured that her beau is also from Mollywood industry. The actress is expected to announce her wedding news soon!!!!! Gauthami, is still known for her notable role as Lakshmi in the superhit Fahadh Faasil starrer film, Diamond Necklace. The actress had also won the Filmfare Award for supporting actress for her performance in the movie. Gauthami who has appeared in several other Mollywood films, was last seen in the 2016 movie Campus Diary.

MOHANLAL TO DO A FILM WITH NIVIN PAULY!!!

Mohanlal & Nivin Pauly, it seems, have been approached to play the lead roles in an upcoming project. It is heard that the movie will be produced by K K Rajagopal, who had earlier associated with Mohanlal for the 2010 release Shikkar. However, there is no official announcement on the project yet. Earlier on, Nivin Pauly was indeed approached to play an important role in Mohanlal’s movie Geethanjali, but the actor had turned down the offer due to date clashes. As both the stars are undisputed kings of the Box – Office turnstiles down south if the movie materializes it will be a SURE hit on the Box – Office turnstiles.

DULQUER SALMAAN’S NEW LOOK LEAKED!!!

Dulquer Salmaan who is basking in the success of his latest release Jomonte Suviseshangal has recently joined the sets of Soubin Sahir’s debut directorial Parava, in which the actor is playing a cameo role. Interestingly, the actor sports a never seen before avatar for the film. His new look leaked online and has gone viral in no time. In the pictures, the actor is spotted with no moustache, but with a thick beard in his latest get -up. The actor will be seen in the role of a native of Mattancherry in this film. Parava marks to be 2nd time association of Dulquer Salman & Soubin Sahir after blockbusters Charlie & Kali. Parava mainly features Shane Nigam, Zain Sainuddeen & Arjun Ashokan in & pivotal roles. The shoot of the film is currently progressing in Mattancherry, Kochi.

MANJU REPLACES VIDYA

After Vidya Balan opted out of Aami, the biopic of poet & writer Madhavi Kutty, many actresses’ names have been coming up including Parvathy & Tabu. And now, it looks like the long wait has come to an end to find the women who have the facial features of Aami. Director Kamal has confirmed that actress Manju Warrier will be playing the most challenging role of Aami in the movie. To get into the character of a middle – aged Madhavi Kutty, Manju Warrier will be gaining a few kilos too. Apart from Manju Warrier, the film also has Murali Gopy, Anoop Menon & Prithviraj in important roles. The movie’s shoot will begin on 20th Mar, 2017 at Ottapalam.

PRITHVIRAJ MAKES A HUMBLE REQUEST!!!

Prithviraj’s horror thriller, Ezra hit the big screens this week and has opened to positive responses. Ezra has been raved about for its unusual plot & spine chilling narrative style! However, few sections of the social media are engaged in finding weird pleasure by revealing the plot & suspense of the movie. Reportedly, few netizens are disclosing the suspense element of the movie through What’s app & Facebook posts. Reacting to this, Prithviraj made a humble request to audiences to stop doing this low minded act. The actor took to his official social media page to put forward his request – “A big thank you and a humble request! There are numerous forwards floating around FB, WhatsApp and other platforms revealing the plot and the suspense of #EZRA. I fail to understand the motivation behind this want to spoil the experience for people yet to watch the movie. As an actor proud to have taken a step to try something truly different in Malayalam, I would be greatly obliged if this is stopped and discouraged. And THANK YOU…….for presenting EZRA with one among the biggest ever openings for a film in Kerala and for all the support and appreciation. Cheers!” wrote Prithviraj.

THE GREAT FATHER TEASER OUT

After a long wait, the 1st ever teaser of Mammootty’s most awaited movie The Great father is out! The teaser was screened along with Prithviraj’s Ezra, which hit the big screens this week. The 20 seconds long video gives a glimpse about Mammootty’s character David Ninan, who is also a smoker, in the Haneef Adeni directorial. The intriguing teaser hit the cyber space exactly at 11.11 am and has already created waves on social media. “#TheGreatFather intro teaser..YouTube release at 11:11 am! Also catch David on the big screen with #EZRA! #Mammukka #M_Swag [sic],” wrote Prithviraj, who has co – produced The Great Father, on his social media page. The Great Father marks to be the reunion of Mammootty & Sneha after 6 years. The actress essays the role Michelle David, wife of Megastar’s character in the movie. Child artiste Anikha stars as the couple’s daughter Sara David. The movie also has Kollywood star Arya in a significant role. Bankrolled by August Cinema, co – owned by Prithviraj, Arya, Santhosh Sivan & Shaji Natesan, The Great Father is expected to hit the screens in Mar, 2017. Stay tuned!!!

FAHADH & VINAYAKAN ARE CLASSMATES!!!

Fahadh Faasil who was last seen in Maheshinte Prathikaaram, is all busy with director Rafi’s upcoming movie, Role Model. The movie will have actor Vinayakan, in the role of Fahadh’s class mate. As Vinayakan has garnered a huge fan base in Kerala with his power packed performance (PPP) in Kamattipaadam, expectations from the movie are sky high. Touted to be a campus movie, Role Model has Namitha Pramod in the female lead. The comedy entertainer marks the 1st time ever association of Fahadh, Namitha & Vinayakan. Coming from a power packed combination of actors, we can expect something BIG!. The comedy entertainer emphasizes on how friendships play an important role in shaping a person in the different phases of his life. The movie also stars Vinay Forrt, Sharafudheen, Seetha and many others in significant roles.

GANGA KI BETI – EK JALPARI Grand Musical Muhurat Held

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GANGA KI BETI - EK JALPARI

GANGA KI BETI – EK JALPARI Grand Musical Muhurat Held

A grand musical muhurat of Mita Productions’ GANGA KI BETI – EK JALPARI was performed at Krishna Recording Studio, Goregaon (W), Mumbai, on 22nd March. The muhurat song was rendered in the voice of Rakesh Mishra, penned by Pyarelal Yadav ‘Kavi’ & composed by music composer Aman Shlok. On this occasion well known financier & industrialist Suresh Lulla, and many film personalities like director Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Pushpa Verma, Uday Shrivastava, Rajan Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, Samarjeet (PRO), designer Ajaye Kumar and others were presented. The film is being produced by Dr. Amit Kumar, written & directed by Kumar Vikal. co – produced by Sajjan Kumar, lyrics by Bhim Singh & Santosh Puri, action by Dilip Yadav & editing by Nakul Prasad. It stars, Rakesh Mishra, Gunjan Pant, Sachit Kumar, Shivangi Shahi, Isha Sarkar, Jiddi, Shakeela Mazid, Anand Mohan, Sajjan Kumar, Mukul Tomar, K. K. Goswami & Brijesh Tripathi.

SANNATA Shivangi Shahi Signed

TV serial actress Shivangi Shahi has been signed in Amrapali Films’ SANNATA. The film is being produced by B. N. Pandit & Udai Singh Tomar, written & directed by Kumar Vikal, music by Aman Shlok, lyrics by Pyarelal Yadav, Santosh Puri & Bhim Singh & cinematography by Ganesh Kumar & Shyam Sunder. It stars Lakshya Kumar, Sachit Kumar, Ritesh Roy, Anamika Singh, Karan Sood, Shivendra Jha et al.

PARDESI DAROGA Going On The. Floors Next Month

Fool Ganga Entertainment’s PARDESI DAROGA is going on the floors in Bihar with start to finish shooting schedule next month. The film is being produced by Hare Ram Paswan, directed by Rajesh Balak, written by Bhirug Vrinda, lyrics by Durgawati, Rajesh Raju & Bhirug Vrinda, choreography by Sanjay Suman, action by Rohit Mukhiya & cinematography by Shiva Chaudhary. It stars Harish Kumar, Aditi Singh, Kundan Kumar, Pradeep Yadav, Ravi Roy, Jaswant Kumar et al.

GAON KE LAL Released On 24th Mar, 2017 In Bihar & Jharkhand

Jainub Art Movies’ GAON KE LAL was finally released on 24th Mar, in Bihar & Jharkhand at many cinemas. The film is being produced by Er. A. N. Tripathi & M. A. Siwani, directed by Jagdish Singh, story by A. N. Tripathi, screenplay & dialogues by Santram, music by Vijay Nanda, lyrics by Subhash Yadav, Vishwanath Rajpuri & Durgesh Tiwari, action by Pradip Khadka, editing by Kamal Sahgal choreography by Santosh Sarvadarshi & cinematography by D. K. Sharma & associate director is Santram. It stars Satyendra Singh, Priya Kapoor, Bipin Singh, Santosh Shrivastav, Judy Michael, Babloo Singh, Tyagi, Vedprakash Dube, Jay Tilak, Reena Mishra, Nazar, Neelam Pandey & Seema Singh.

TJAAN HAMAAR Censored

Koyal Films’ JAAN HAMAAR” has been passed by CBFC with “U / A” certificate without any cuts. The film is being produced & directed by Kashinath Jaiswal, written & lyrics by Mritunjay Shrivastav, music by Raja Bhattacharya, action by Baban, choreography by Kailash Sharma cinematography by Shahbaaz Khan “Pappu”. & creative director is Paras N. Singh. It stars Shahbaz Khan, Kalpana Shah, Ali Khan, Poonam Verma, Vandana Singh, Seema Singh & debutante Prem Singh.

Moushmi – Padmini – Dheeraj – Sanu – Salma To Get 2nd Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award

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ekta jain & moushmi chatterjee(1)

Sunny Shah, Founder of International Human Rights Council has planned 2nd edition of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award on 11th Apr, 2017 at Juhu.

In this awards ceremony awards will be given to Lawyers, Doctors, Ministers, Income Tax Officers, Sports Person, Architectures, Actors from films & Small Screen Serials, Environmenalistst, Fashion Industry, Retailers & journalists from Print Media & Electroni Channels. International Human Rights Council has now more than 21,000 members from all over India who look after social work .This year they are planning to do something for Transgenders.

Actresses Moushmi Chatterjee, Yogesh Lakhani of Bright Outdoor Media, Salma Agha, Padmini Kolhapure, Dheeraj Kumar, Navin Prabhakar, Himesh Reshammiya, Kumar Sanu, Balwinder Sandhu Ex – cricketer, Radhe Maa, Sanchiti Sakat, Sonal Sonkavde, IRS IT Department, Mukesh Rishi, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi Transgender activist and many more will receive the award.

There will also be some musical performance by Yash Wadali, Sanchiti Sakat et. Income Tax Commissioner Subachan Ram & Rajkumar Badole, Minister of social justice will be guest of Honour for the awards function.

US launches cruise missiles on Syrian airbase

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Syrian army denounces ‘aggression’ after US launches nearly 60 missile strikes following suspected gas attack in Idlib.

The US blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's chemical attack [AP]

The US blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week’s chemical attack [AP]

by Al Jazeera

The United States on Friday fired dozens of cruise missiles at a government-controlled airbase in Syria, in retaliation for a suspected chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held town that killed scores of civilians.

The Pentagon said 59 Tomahawk missiles hit Shayrat airfield in Homs province, from where US officials believe the Syrian jets that dropped the chemicals in Khan Sheikhoun this week had taken off.

At least six people were killed in the strikes in the early hours of Friday, according to the Syrian army, which denounced the US “aggression” as a violation of international law.

In a statement carried by the state-run SANA news agency and read on television, the military said the US strikes were done on a “pretext” of the Khan Sheikhoun attack, without the full facts being disclosed.

It also said the missile strikes, which inflicted heavy damage on the base, made the US a partner of “terrorist groups”.

The strikes, launched from two warships in the Mediterranean Sea, targeted the base’s airstrips, hangars, control tower and ammunition areas, officials said.

It was the first direct military action the US has taken against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in the six-year war.

“There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the chemical weapons convention and ignored the urging of the UN Security Council,” US President Donald Trump said.

Syria’s opposition National Coalition hailed the US strike, saying it puts an end to an age of “impunity” and should be just the beginning.

Russia, a key military ally of the Assad government, strongly condemned the strikes, saying Washington’s action would “inflict major damage on US-Russia ties”, according to Russian news agencies.

At least 86 people, including 27 children, were killed after a suspected poison gas attack on Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The attack drew widespread international condemnation and public revulsion, prompting the United Nations to pledge it would investigate it as a possible war crime.

The Syrian govenment denied carrying out the raid.

Russia has blamed the opposition, saying a government shell hit a building where rebels were producing chemical weapons. The rebels deny this.

Bangladesh PM Hasina embarks on four-day India visit

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Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday embarked on a four-day visit to India which will see signing of at least 25 bilateral agreements including in key areas of civil nuclear cooperation and defence.

During her visit, which comes after a gap of seven years, Hasina will hold wide-ranging talks with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi Saturday during which India is also set to announce a line of credit of USD 500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.

“The upcoming visit is expected to further expand the cordial and cooperative relationship between India and Bangladesh and build on the strong ties of friendship and trust between the two leaders,” a joint statement issued by the two countries said earlier.

Hasina will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee and meet opposition leader Sonia Gandhi. She will visit Ajmer on Sunday and will meet Indian business leaders on Monday.

She will also join a function at Manekshaw Centre to honour Indian Armed Forces members who embraced martyrdom in Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971.

Diplomatic quarters of both sides expected that the reciprocal visit of the Bangladesh premier would take the Dhaka-New Delhi “historic relations” to a new height unveiling newer dimensions of cooperation in various sectors including trade and commerce, economy and connectivity.

It will be Hasina’s first bilateral visit to India in her current term as prime minister.

Ramping up cooperation in defence and security will be a major focus area of the talks between Modi and Hasina and apart from an MoU to provide USD 500 million credit, another pact is likely to be inked to formalise regular defence engagements.

Issues like combating terrorism, containing radicalism and enhancing security cooperation between the two countries are likely to figure prominently besides stalemate over the Teesta pact during talks between Modi and Hasina.

Liberation War Affairs minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Law Minister Anisul Haque, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, the Premier’s Economic Affairs Advisor Moshiour Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam are accompanying Hasina for the visit.

(PTI)

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