‘Huge disagreement’ on tariff war in Trump administration, but he went ahead: Chief of staff Wiles

Raipur, Nov 22 (IANS) The Congress party has initiated a probe against its office-bearer in the Chhattisgarh Youth Congress unit for making a pro-Naxal post on social media. The party high command has set up a two-member committee to probe the matter and take stern action against the office bearer, Preeti Manjhi.

Meanwhile, the Indian Youth Congress has put the organisational position of its National Joint Secretary, Preeti Manjhi, “on hold” with immediate effect after she posted the controversial message on social media, appearing to express support for dreaded Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, the mastermind behind several high-profile attacks in Chhattisgarh.

The Chhattisgarh unit of the Youth Congress described the post as “not merely a social media mistake but a grave issue concerning national security, peace, and democratic values.”

Speaking to IANS, Amit Singh Pathania, Chhattisgarh in-charge Youth Congress, said the national leadership has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to probe the matter, and Manjhi’s organisational responsibilities stand “on hold” pending the outcome.

Reportedly, she had used the words “Lal Salam” for Hidma. Hidma was recently neutralised along with his fellow insurgents in a gun battle with security forces. He was carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore and was responsible for several killings and massacres in Chhattisgarh.

The Congress party has warned of “strict disciplinary action” based on the committee’s findings.

Pathania called Hidma “a dreaded, ruthless murderer with a cannibalistic mentality” who has brutally killed innocent tribals, civilians, government employees, and security personnel over the years.

“This does not pertain to a mere social media post, but it is a serious issue about the nation’s security, peace and democratic values, and Congress has no space for such mentality,” he said, adding,” In no case can Congress support even an iota of violence.”

“Showing any sympathy or support to such a barbaric individual is not only insensitive but an insult to humanity and democratic values,” Pathania said.

He emphasised that the Youth Congress remains firmly opposed to Naxalism, which it considers the biggest threat to peace in Chhattisgarh and the country.

In a statement, the Youth Congress also invoked the painful memory of the 2013 Jheeram Valley (Chhattisgarh) massacre, in which top Congress leaders, including former state president Nand Kumar Patel and Mahendra Karma, were killed in a Maoist ambush.

“That incident remains an unhealing wound for the party. Any sympathy for killers like Hidma is utterly unacceptable,” the Youth Congress said.

–IANS

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Amaravati, Dec 4 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday that more than 50 per cent of the MoUs signed at the recent CII Partnership Summit are already moving into the approval stage, and directed officials to ensure that foundation stones for these projects are laid within 45 days.

He was addressing the 13th State Level Investment Board (SIPB) at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The SIPB approved investments worth Rs. 20,444 crore, with a potential for more than 56,000 jobs.

Six companies that signed agreements at the Partnership Summit at Visakhapatnam also received approvals. The Chief Minister reviewed all agreements signed at the summit.

He stated that leading companies are choosing Andhra Pradesh because of the government’s speed of doing business.

“We are providing water, electricity, land, and all necessary support. Transparency is bringing new projects to the state. Earlier disruptions damaged investor confidence, even in countries like Singapore. We have rebuilt AP’s image, which is why the recent summit received such a strong response,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that within just 20 days of the Visakhapatnam Partnership Conference, agreements worth Rs. 7.69 crore have already moved into implementation. Districts have been identified, and land allocation has begun.

He instructed officials to register the remaining MoUs quickly and ensure all projects are grounded within 45 days.

“We must lay the foundation stones for 75 MSME parks before the upcoming World Economic Forum Summit in Davos. The CS should review MoU grounding every week. I will review SIPB decisions and MoUs personally. District collectors must also monitor progress,” he said.

He directed officials to a policy for grounding industries and to place it before the Cabinet. A monitoring mechanism should include the Chief Minister, Cabinet Sub-Committee, Chief Secretary, ministers, and senior officials. Land acquisition must be smooth, and both those giving land and those receiving it should be satisfied, he said.

The Chief Minister said all approved industries must be set up within the planned timelines, and officials must monitor them regularly. He emphasised that Andhra Pradesh is moving toward a knowledge-based economy and that government departments must strengthen their use of technology.

He added that a highly skilled workforce is essential to drive innovation, and the youth must be trained to meet future needs.

He further directed the establishment of a Logistics University, Civil Aviation University, and Green Energy University. An advisory body for Quantum Valley will handle mentoring, monitoring, and venture capital, while the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub will mentor startups.

He also proposed that the six towers of Quantum Valley be strategically allocated, with two dedicated to quantum algorithms, two to artificial intelligence, and the remaining two to other emerging technologies, ensuring a balanced focus on innovation and research.

He further instructed that AI basics be taught in schools from Class 7 onward, with a team formed in collaboration with Microsoft and Google.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) Sixteen armed miscreants were apprehended with a huge cache of weapons in Manipur during intelligence-based operations conducted by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles formation under Spear Corps, the Army said on Sunday.

The operations were conducted from February 14 to 15, in coordination with Manipur Police, in Churachandpur, Thoubal, Tengnoupal and Imphal East districts, using drones and explosive detection dogs, said Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) in a post on social media.

The operations resulted in the apprehension of 16 cadres of hill and valley-based groups of Manipur and the recovery of nine weapons, comprising automatics, assault rifles, pistols, Single Barrel Rifles, IEDs, grenades, ammunition and war-like stores.

The apprehended individuals and the recovered items were handed over to Manipur Police, the Army said.

On Saturday, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla appreciated the role played by the forces in safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining peace and harmony and ensuring the security of the citizens of the state.

Addressing the annual investiture ceremony for the ‘Governor’s Unit Citation 2025′ at the Raj Bhavan, the Governor said that the security forces’ valour, professionalism and commitment to duty have earned them the admiration and gratitude of the people.

Governor Bhalla appreciated the services rendered by the brave men and women in uniform in protecting the security, maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of the citizens.

He said that Saturday’s event serves as a tribute to the unwavering dedication, courage and exemplary service displayed by the units of the forces in their duty to the nation and the people of Manipur.

“We recognise and honour those units that have demonstrated outstanding bravery, selfless service, and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. Whether it is counter-insurgency operations, humanitarian efforts, disaster response, or ensuring internal security, these units have displayed exceptional dedication and commitment to their duty,” said Governor Bhalla, also a former Union Home Secretary.

“As we present the Governor’s Unit Citation today, let it be a symbol of our deep appreciation and recognition of the sacrifices made by our forces,” he added.

–IANS

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