INDIA COUNTRY BRIEF 111130

Basic Political Developments

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid the continuing standoff between the government and the opposition over the Cabinet decision allowing foreign equity in retail.Some members of the ruling Congress as also of the TDP were seen waving placards demanding creation of a separate Telangana state.

After a series of meetings all day between the senior most members of the Congress, Finance Minister Pranab Mukheree called LK Advani about the stand-off over the government's decision to allow 51 per cent foreign ownership of retail stores that carry different brands.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday promised that his government was determined to ensure that peace dividends reach to people in all fields of life during a rally in north Kashmir’s Rafiabad area.

National Economic Trends Nearly half the farmer households in India, with a high percentage of them in Andhra

Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Punjab are facing the burden of loans, according to a report. A total of 43.42 million farmer households constituting 48.6 per cent are reported to be indebted to either formal or informal or both sources of credit, as per the report on the "Indebtedness of Farmer Households".

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday said the Indian economy is likely to grow at around 7.3 percent in the current fiscal, compared to 8.5 percent in 2010-11, as the GDP growth slumped to a two-year low of 6.9 percent for the quarter ended Sep 30.

Strengthening the indications of an economic slowdown, India's GDP grew by just 6.9 per cent in the second quarter this fiscal in comparison to 8.4 per cent expansion in the same period last year due to poor performance of the manufacturing, agriculture and mining sectors.

Business, Energy or Environmental regulations or discussions

Growth of eight infrastructure industries slowed down to 0.1 per cent in October this year, from 7.2 per cent expansion witnessed in the same month last year.The eight industries -- crude oil, petroleum refinery products, natural gas, fertilisers, coal, electricity, cement and finished steel-- have a weight of 37.90 per cent in the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Activity in the Oil and Gas sector (including regulatory) State-owned oil companies today hiked jet fuel price by a steep 3.7 per cent, the third

increase in rates in a month.The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, at Delhi was raised by Rs 2,312 per kilolitre (kl), or 3.7 per cent, to Rs 64,622 per kl with effect from midnight tonight, an official of Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer said.

Oil marketing companies review meet today; no change likely in prices of diesel, LPG and kerosene. The continued economic acrimony in the eurozone and the continued slowdown of the U.S, economy has softened the international crude oil prices, raising hopes of another petrol price cut by the oil marketing companies (OMCs) when the matter comes up for review on November 30.

Militant Activity/Terrorism (Particularly in Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida, Chennai, Coimbatore)

Delhi Police on Wednesday claimed to have busted a major module of the homegrown Indian Mujahideen terror outfit by arresting six of its suspected activists, including a Pakistani national, for their alleged involvement in three attacks last year.

The Centre today offered talks with Maoists and insurgents in the north east with a condition that they should suspend violence. "Violence does not pay and violence will not pay. The State will not bend before anyone who uses violence as an instrument of policy to achieve political demands.

Government on Wednesday said mercy petitions of 20 death row convicts, including Afzal Guru, are under various stages of consideration and that the Constitution does not specify any time limit within which a decision should be taken.

One person was killed and two others were injured when a powerful bomb exploded at an exhibition on its concluding day today in East Imphal district in Manipur, three days ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit.

Labor/Social Unrest

A section of traders will shut their shops in Delhi tomorrow as part of an all India bandh called to protest against the government's decision to allow FDI in retail sector. According to a release by Confederation of All India Traders' Delhi unit president Narender Madan, a large number of traders will participate in the all India bandh.

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Basic Political DevelopmentsParliament paralysed: Crisis over FDI enters 7th dayAgenciesNew Delhi, November 30, 2011First Published: 12:26 IST(30/11/2011)

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul at a party function in Delhi.Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid the continuing standoff between the government and the opposition over the Cabinet decision allowing foreign equity in retail.

Some members of the ruling Congress as also of the TDP were seen waving placards demanding creation of a separate Telangana state. Members of Trinamool Congress, a key partner in the government, were also seen waving placards and raising slogans on rollback of the decision to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail and 100% FDI in single brand retail. TDP, CPI-M and Shiv Sena members rushed to the Well of the Lok Sabha while others continued their protests from the aisles. The Speaker's repeated pleas of 'Let us run the House' failed to restore order as members continued their protests.

Apparently sensing the mood, the speaker adjourned the proceedings till noon. The House was later adjourned for the day and will meet again on Thursday.

In the Rajya Sabha, BJP, BSP, JD-U and AIADMK members were on their feet shouting slogans against the decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retailing even before Chairman Hamid Ansari took his seat. "FDI vapas lo, vapas lo," they shouted as Speaker Hamid Ansari took up the first listed question.

Parliament has not transacted any significant business since the winter session began on November 22.

In a related development, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee met Congress MPs after calling on party president Sonia Gandhi to discuss the standoff over the decision to allow foreign equity in retail.

The government's known troubleshooter held a brief meeting with Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence before meeting party MPs to allay their apprehensions on the decision to allow 51% foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail and 100% in single brand retail, sources said.

Congress sources said Mukherjee strongly defended the government's decision and asked party MPs not to oppose it because it was taken in the interest of the nation.

The meeting assumes significance in the wake of opposition to the move from within the party.

FDI battle: Advani rejects Pranab's offer, impasse continues

Sandeep Phukan and Rahul Shrivastava, Updated: November 30, 2011 19:57 IST http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/fdi-battle-advani-rejects-pranab-s-offer-impasse-continues-154191

New Delhi: After a series of meetings all day between the senior most members of the Congress, Finance Minister Pranab Mukheree called LK Advani about the stand-off over the government's decision to allow 51 per cent foreign ownership of retail stores that carry different brands. What the BJP wants is for the government to prove - via a vote in Parliament - that its new policy is supported by a majority of MPs. It's the text of what would be debated and voted upon that is problematic. Mr Mukherjee offered a one-line adjournment motion on the government's new policy. Mr Advani rejected the offer because his party wants a strongly-worded motion that asks for the government's decision to be reversed. Mr Mukherjee's one-sentence offer made no such reference to "a rollback."

The policy is being fought aggressively by a united opposition. Parliament remains in a state of paralysis - again, both houses were adjourned by noon. The BJP says it wants a debate and a vote on a motion of its choice - its draft is non-negotiable, Mr Advani reportedly told Mr Mukherjee.

The Congress today backed the Prime Minister and said there is no question of changing its stand to allow Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in the retail sector. "The PM has made it clear that it is a well thought-out decision and the party supports it," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma told NDTV, "There is no question of a rollback."

The confidence can be attributed to the fact that its two indispensable political partners - the DMK and Mamata Banerjee's TMC - seem open to persuasion. Both parties have 18 Lok Sabha MPs each. Both had earlier asked that the government to withdraw its decision on allowing Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in retail.

But the PM has been reaching out to allies with phone calls, and the results are positive. Earlier today, the DMK conveyed that it will not vote against the government in Parliament. The Congress is now working on winning a similar commitment from Ms Banerjee, who is the chief minister of West Bengal. "I have spoken to Mamata and addressed her concerns," Anand Sharma said.

The PM, Sonia Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders met this morning and again this evening. The half-way mark in the Lok Sabha is 273. With the TMC and the DMK, the government manages 282 votes. Without either of those parties, it drops to 264 votes - which means it loses the confidence of the House on the issue of FDI in retail. The government would then have to withdraw its reforms in FDI; the loss of moral authority would be hugely damaging.

The opposition says there should be no Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in retail because it will adversely impact lakhs of small traders and farmers. And it wants the Congress to prove that it has the numbers to back its new policy. The Commerce Minister today countered, "The BJP cannot accuse us of not having full-fledged discussion in Parliament on the issue. This was discussed and deliberated for over 40 minutes on August 3 in Parliament."

Murli Manohar Joshi of the BJP has challenged the benefits listed by the government of its reforms in retail. "Is there no inflation in places where Wal-Mart exists?" Mr Joshi asked, reacting to statements from ministers about how FDI will check inflation. "The government's statement that these reforms will help employ lakhs of people is absolutely baseless," he added.

It's not just the policy - but how it's been introduced and handled - that has upset the opposition. The Cabinet cleared the reforms at a meeting last week. The Prime Minister did not attend an all-party meet called yesterday by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Instead, he was seen at a conference of youth leaders organized by Rahul Gandhi where Dr Manmohan Singh defended his reforms in retail. "The PM doesn't come for the all-party meet... he is not coming to the House. He offers his response at a meeting called by Rahul Gandhi... this is total disregard of Parliament," said Venkaiah Naidu of the BJP.

It's not just the opposition or allies that are upset with the government. Praveen Singh Aron who represents Bareilly has become the second MP from Uttar Pradesh - a crucial state which votes soon - who has written to the PM asking him to reconsider the new policy on FDI in retail.

Peace dividends will have to reach people of J-K: OmarHT Correspondent, Hindustan Timeshttp://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Srinagar/Peace-dividends-will-have-to-reach-people-of-J-K-Omar/Article1-776082.aspxChief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday promised that his government was determined to ensure that peace dividends reach to people in all fields of life during a rally in north Kashmir’s Rafiabad area.

“My government has taken various measures on law and order front to inculcate sense of belonging in people and make them all-encompassing in the process of restoration of peace and development…My endeavours in this direction would continue,” said Abdullah in his speech.

Announcing that the government has enhanced the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police in the maintenance of law and order, Omar said “removal of bunkers and reduction in the security forces were other important steps taken by the government during last three years.”

Taking a dig at his political opponents, Omar said “they (political parties) only fed the people by the hollow slogan of ‘healing touch’ but did nothing on ground and even opposed the rehabilitation resolution”.

“We framed the Rehabilitation Policy for the return of youth from across the Line of Control, implemented the same and provided opportunity to peace loving youth to be part of the civil society,” said Omar.

The government, Omar said, will continue to take every step aimed at permanent restoration of peace and stability in the state along with economic betterment.

“My government aims at transforming the Jammu and Kashmir into a model state in the country where justice, equitable development, rule of law and peace with development will rule the roost,” he said.

The chief minister said the tranquil situation during this year has had positive effect on economic welfare measures initiated by the government.

“While we were able to hold successful panchayat elections and subsequent transfer of powers to these democratic institutions to empower people and help holistic and area specific progress, the fruits of development programmes reached to the people across the state,” said the chief minister.

National Economic Trends

Nearly half of farmer households in India face loan burdenhttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/nearly-half-of-farmer-households-in-india-face-loan-burden/articleshow/10931329.cmsNEW DELHI: Nearly half the farmer households in India, with a high percentage of them in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Punjab are facing the burden of loans, according to a report.

A total of 43.42 million farmer households constituting 48.6 per cent are reported to be indebted to either formal or informal or both sources of credit, as per the report on the "Indebtedness of Farmer Households" (NSSO report 498 of NSS 59th Round).

Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha yesterday that farmers take loan for the purpose of capital or current expenditure in farm business combined with successive crop failures.

Besides, he said, they have to take loans for meeting requirements related to health, marriages and other social obligations.

Giving state-wise break-up from the report, Rawat said the maximum percentage is in Andhra Pradesh (82 per cent). It is followed by Tamil Nadu (74.5 per cent), Punjab (65.4 per cent), Kerala (64.4 per cent) and Karnataka (61.6 per cent).

Other states with high percentage of indebted farmers include Maharashtra (54.8 per cent), Haryana (53.1 per cent), Rajasthan (52.4 per cent), Gujarat (51.9 per cent) and West Bengal (50.1 per cent).

Highly populated states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand had lower percentage at 40.3 per cent, 33 per cent and 20.9 per cent respectively.

It has been widely reported recently that loan burden, particularly at high rate of interest from private lenders, has been a major reason driving farmers to suicide in different parts of the country.

GDP growth may slow to 7.3 percent in 2011-12: PranabBy Indo Asian News Service | IANS – 4 hours ago.. .http://in.news.yahoo.com/gdp-growth-may-slow-7-3-percent-2011-100612947.html.

New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday said the Indian economy is likely to grow at around 7.3 percent in the current fiscal, compared to 8.5 percent in 2010-11, as the GDP growth slumped to a two-year low of 6.9 percent for the quarter ended Sep 30. 'Taking into account the two quarters together, it now appears that it (growth) will be around 7.3 percent,' Mukherjee told reporters here while reacting to the second quarter growth numbers. India's economic growth slumped to 6.9 percent in July-September 2011, the slowest in over two years, due to poor performance of the manufacturing and mining sectors.

The economy had grown 8.4 percent during the corresponding quarter of last year and 7.7 percent in the first quarter of the current fiscal.

The gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first six months of the current financial year slowed to 7.3 percent from 8.6 percent during the same period of last fiscal, official data showed Wednesday.

'Had it been 10 years ago, this would have elated me, but today I cannot have that satisfaction because we reached the higher trajectory of growth, from there we are slipping,' Mukherjee said.

The finance minister said the government would do its best to improve the situation. 'Nonetheless, we shall have to try to face the situation and to see what best we can do at this given situation,' he said.

According to the data released by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, the growth during July-September was the lowest since the 6.3 percent expansion in the April-June quarter in 2009. Mukherjee said the overall GDP growth has slowed in the last two quarters mainly because of poor performance of the mining and manufacturing sectors.

Growth of the manufacturing sector slumped to 2.7 percent for the quarter ended Sep 30, 2011, as compared to 7.8 percent during the like quarter of the last fiscal. The mining sector growth slowed to 3.2 percent during the quarter under review from 8 percent during the corresponding quarter of 2010-11.

The finance minister said turbulence in the global economy, especially in the eurozone, and slowdown in industrial output has negatively impacted the GDP growth.

Mukherjee said the government was committed to maintaining fiscal balance and discipline in spite of high inflation and growth slowdown.

'We are monitoring our resource mobilisation efforts as well as our expenditure. We will not hesitate to take the required corrective measures to remain on the path of fiscal prudence so that the short-to-medium term growth prospects are not undermined,' he said.

Slowdown: India's GDP growth falls to 6.9%Last updated on: November 30, 2011 12:34 ISThttp://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indias-gdp-growth-falls/20111130.htm

Strengthening the indications of an economic slowdown, India's GDP grew by just 6.9 per cent in the second quarter this fiscal in comparison to 8.4 per cent expansion in the same period last year due to poor performance of the manufacturing, agriculture and mining sectors.

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first half (April-September) of FY2011-12 also moderated to 7.3 per cent from 8.6 per cent in the first six months of the previous fiscal, as per the latest data released by the government on Wednesday.

Business, Energy or Environmental regulations or discussions

Eight core sector industries grow 0.1% http://www.financialexpress.com/news/eight-core-sector-industries-grow-0.1/882431/New Delhi: Growth of eight infrastructure industries slowed down to 0.1 per cent in October this year, from 7.2 per cent expansion witnessed in the same month last year. The eight industries -- crude oil, petroleum refinery products, natural gas, fertilisers, coal, electricity, cement and finished steel-- have a weight of 37.90 per cent in the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Barring electricity, cement and steel, all the remaining segments registered negative growth in October 2011. Electricity and steel output grew by 4.9 per cent and 3.8 per cent in October against 8.5 per cent and 13.4 per cent respectively in the same month last year, according to the provisional data released today. No growth was recorded in cement production in October, while the same was 18.5 per cent in the year-ago month. Coal and crude oil production contracted by 9 per cent and 0.9 per cent respectively in the month under the review against 0.7

Activity in the Oil and Gas sector (including regulatory)

Oil companies hike jet fuel price by 3.7% http://www.financialexpress.com/news/oil-companies-hike-jet-fuel-price-by-3.7/882434/0

New Delhi: State-owned oil companies today hiked jet fuel price by a steep 3.7 per cent, the third increase in rates in a month. The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, at Delhi was raised by Rs 2,312 per kilolitre (kl), or 3.7 per cent, to Rs 64,622 per kl with effect from midnight tonight, an official of Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer said. The increase comes on back of a 2 per cent (Rs 1,195 per kl) hike effected from November 16. Prior to that rates had been raised by a massive 3.8 per cent or Rs 2,845 per kl from November 1. But for a one-off marginal reduction in mid-October, ATF prices have been on the climb since September as falling rupee made imports costlier. The official said Rupee has averaged closer to 52 per dollar this fortnight, 4 per cent weaker than the 49.72 in the preceding two weeks. Jet fuel was priced at Rs 56,260 kl in September.

ATF in Mumbai will cost Rs 65,650 per kl from tomorrow as against current rate of Rs 63,228.40 per kl, an increase of Rs 2,422 per kl. Jet fuel makes up for 40 per cent of an airlines' operating cost and the steep hike in prices will raise burden on the cash-strapped airlines. No immediate comment was available from airlines on the impact of the price hike on passenger fares. The three fuel retailers revise jet fuel prices on the 1st and 16th of every month, based on the average international price in the preceding fortnight.

Another cut in petrol price likely as global crude prices soften Sujay Mehdudia

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2672227.ece

Oil marketing companies review meet today; no change likely in prices of diesel, LPG and kerosene The continued economic acrimony in the eurozone and the continued slowdown of the U.S, economy has softened the international crude oil prices, raising hopes of another petrol price cut by the oil marketing companies (OMCs) when the matter comes up for review on November 30.

With the Indian basket averaging around $107 per barrel, the petrol prices are likely to be cut by another one rupee, the second reduction this month. The OMCs on November 16 cut the fuel prices by Rs. 2.22 per litre. Petrol now costs Rs. 66.42 in Delhi.

“The oil prices are to come up for fortnightly review on November 30 and another reduction can be expected,” a senior OMC official said.

The prices of international crude oil have averaged $107 per barrel for the Indian basket during the second half of November as against $115.85 per barrel averaged during the first fortnight that formed the basis for the Rs. 2.22 per litre cut.

However, officials rued that some of the gains made by the drop in international prices have been taken away by the appreciating rupee, which has averaged above Rs. 52 to a U.S. dollar as against Rs.49.30 to a dollar in the first fortnight of November.

The government authorised the OMCs to revise petrol prices, which was decontrolled in June last year. “The reduction in oil price warrants a cut of around one rupee per litre in the petrol price including taking into account the tax incidence.”

This would be the second reduction in petrol price since January 2009 when rates were cut by Rs. 5 per litre.

Before that, the then Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora made oil firms slash the petrol price by an equal proportion in December 2008.

However, no change is likely in the prices of diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene, which continue to be subsidised heavily.

Militant Activity/Terrorism (Particularly in Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida, Chennai, Coimbatore)

Six Indian Mujahideen suspects held for terror attacks

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/six-indian-mujahideen-suspects-held-for-terror-attacks/articleshow/10933088.cmsNEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Wednesday claimed to have busted a major module of the homegrown Indian Mujahideen terror outfit by arresting six of its suspected activists, including a Pakistani national, for their alleged involvement in three attacks last year.

Two AK-47 assault rifles, a pistol and some explosives have been recovered from these Indian Mujahideen suspects, arrested last week.

Confirming the arrests, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said police were probing their possible involvement in the Feb 13 Pune German Bakery blast, April 17 Chinnaswami Stadium blasts in Bangalore and the Sep 19 Jama Masjid shooting and blast in 2010.

"Six suspected terrorists have been apprehended. One of them is a Pakistani... The investigation is still under way," Chidambaram told reporters here.

A Delhi Police spokesperson said 50 AK-47 cartridges, one 9mm pistol with 14 cartridges, five kilograms of explosives, five detonators, Rs.2 lakh in fake Indian currency notes, and some "incriminating materials" have been recovered from the arrested men.

Mohammed Qateel Siddiqi, 27, of Darbhanga in Bihar was arrested in the capital Nov 22. He was allegedly carrying the pistol with live cartridges, two fake passports and Rs.2 lakh in fake Indian currency notes, police said.

A forged identity card of the National Cadet Corps and a fake driving licence in the name of Vivek Mishra were also recovered from him.

Siddiqi allegedly told police that he was working for Ahmad Siddi Bappa alias Asif Bhatkal of Karnataka, who headed the module.

Bappa is also known as Imran and is wanted for allegedly masterminding the Pune German Bakery bombing that killed 17 people. Police said he recruited Siddiqi in the Indian Mujahideen in 2008.

Siddiqi's interrogation led the police to arrest Gauhar Aziz Khomani, 31, of Darbhanga in Bihar from Delhi Nov 23.

Khomani, who was presently living in Delhi, was allegedly providing logistical and financial support to the module. He came to Delhi in 2007 and got in touch with Bappa and joined the Indian Mujahideen in 2008.

Searches were conducted in Madhubani of Bihar that led to the arrests of Gayur Ahmad Jamali, 21, and Mohammed Adhil alias Ajamal, 40, of Karachi in Pakistan.

The Pakistani national was at present residing in Madhubani, the spokesperson said. He came to India in August last year.

Two more members of the Indian Mujahideen, Mohammed Irshad Khan, 52, and Abdur Rahman, 19, were arrested on Nov 27 from Chennai. They too are Bihar residents. But Khan had been living in Delhi and Rahman in Chennai.

Rahman met Bappa about four months ago when he joined the Indian Mujahideen. He used to provide hideouts and other support to the module members, according to police. Police said Khan became a "close" associate of Bappa after he joined the module in 2009.

"All the members of the Indian Mujahideen terrorist module were subjected to intensive interrogation. Their interrogation revealed that this module is involved in the Pune blast, the

Bangalore Chinnaswami Stadium blast and the Jama Masjid shootout and blast," the spokesperson said.

Chidambaram's word: Kishenji encounter genuinePress Trust Of Indiahttp://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Chidambaram-s-word-Kishenji-encounter-genuine/Article1-776044.aspx

Maoist sympathizer condemns Kishenji's deathThe Centre today offered talks with Maoists and insurgents in the north east with a condition that they should suspend violence. "Violence does not pay and violence will not pay. The State will not bend before anyone who uses violence as an instrument of policy to achieve political demands.

"That is why we tell them suspend violence and come for talks and when you come for talks, you will be treated with dignity and honour. And we can resolve your political demands through talks," home minister P Chidambaram told a press conference on a day he completed three years in the ministry.

He was replying to questions on the bomb blast in Manipur on Wednesday and about talks with different insurgents groups in the north east.

"Yes, it applies to maoists also. I have made this statement several times before and I make it again today as I complete three years. Even maoists should suspend violence. We are not asking for more at this stage. Just say there will be no violence and my offer stands," Chidambaram said.

"After consulting chief ministers of the states concerned, within 72 hours we will get back to them to fix the dates and venue for starting talks. But they must suspend violence," he said.

Rejecting allegations of fake encounter, Chidambaram said there were "no doubts" that maoist leader Kishenji was killed in a gun battle with security forces in West Bengal last week.

"Reports indicates that he was killed in a gun battle that started on November 22 and concluded on November 23. We have no doubts about the encounter. He was killed in an encounter," he said.

In accordance with the National Human Rights Commission guidelines, the state government has set up an inquiry by CID into the death of Kishenji alias Koteshwar Rao, Chidambaram said.

To a question whether there was any specific report to the Home Ministry about the encounter, he said, "Yes, director general of Central Reserve Police Force, who visited the place, briefed me personally.

"He has spoken to the team that was engaging with the maoists. He has spoken to West Bengal police officers and we have spoken to the senior police officers of West Bengal government and

on that basis I have made the statement... We have no doubts about the encounter," Chidambaram said.

In the wake of killing of Kishenji, the police in the left wing extremists affected areas have been asked to remain on alert, he said.

On the bomb blast in Imphal, Chidambaram said "Manipur is on high alert. In the run up to the Prime Minister's visit, it remains on high alert.

"The information is IED was handed over to a person and before he could place it, it went off. He was severely injured. Four others have received minor injuries. The police have been able to speak to the person who is believed to have carried the IED and they have taken statement".

He said we have anticipated that there will be trouble in Manipur and therefore very stringent measures have been taken.

Kept hanging: Govt says no deadline on Afzal pleaPress Trust Of IndiaNew Delhi, November 30, 2011First Published: 15:14 IST(30/11/2011)http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Kept-hanging-Govt-says-no-deadline-on-Afzal-plea/Article1-776012.aspxGovernment on Wednesday said mercy petitions of 20 death row convicts, including Afzal Guru, are under various stages of consideration and that the Constitution does not specify any time limit within which a decision should be taken.

"The cases of the mercy petitions were examined and submitted/resubmitted to the President's Secretariat expeditiously. 13 mercy petition cases have been decided by the President since November 2009," Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran informed Rajya Sabha.

"The power under Article 72 of the Constitution does not contain any limitation of time in which power shall be exercised," he said in a written reply.

The 20 cases include that of Afzal Guru, who was given death sentence for the 2001 Parliament attack case. Two cases were under examination of the Home Ministry. While in one case some additional information has been sought from Bihar government, in another case, comments from Delhi government have been sought.

Bomb blast in Manipur ahead of PM's visit; 1 dead, 2 hurt

Published: Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011, 11:43 IST | Updated: Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011, 14:55 http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bomb-blast-in-manipur-ahead-of-pm-s-visit-1-dead-2-hurt_1619320

One person was killed and two others were injured when a powerful bomb exploded at an exhibition on its concluding day today in East Imphal district in Manipur, three days ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit.

The explosion occurred when a rickshaw puller, who was paid to carry the bomb by militants was placing it near the gate of the exhibition which was participated by foreigners, official sources said.

The rickshaw puller was killed, while two women visitors were injured, the sources said.

They said the unsuspecting rickshaw puller was paid Rs 20 by militants believed to belong to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) to place the bomb at the gate of the exhibition and was drinking tea when it went off.

A faction of the KCP had called a 72-hour general strike in Manipur, which would end tomorrow at 6 AM, in protest against the prolonged economic blockade on national highways.

No individual or group has, however, claimed responsibility for the incident.

The exhibition was participated by over 400 delegates including from Thailand and African countries. Centre offers talks with Maoists, NE insurgentsNovember 30, 2011 17:13 ISThttp://www.rediff.com/news/report/centre-offers-talks-with-maoists-ne-insurgents/20111130.htmThe Centre on Wednesday offered talks with Maoists and insurgents in the north east with a condition that they should suspend violence.

"Violence does not pay and violence will not pay. The state will not bend before anyone who uses violence as an instrument of policy to achieve political demands. That is why we tell them suspend violence and come for talks and when you come for talks, you will be treated with dignity and honour. And we can resolve your political demands through talks," Home Minister P Chidambaram [ Images ] told a press conference on a day he completed three years in the ministry.

He was replying to questions on the bomb blast in Manipur on Wednesday and about talks with different insurgents groups in the north east. "Yes, it applies to Maoists also. I have made this statement several times before and I make it again today as I complete three years. Even Maoists should suspend violence. We are not asking for more at this stage. Just say there will be no violence and my offer stands," Chidambaram said. "After consulting chief ministers of the states concerned, within 72 hours we will get back to them to fix the dates and venue for starting talks. But they must suspend violence," he said.

Rejecting allegations of fake encounter, Chidambaram said there were "no doubts" that maoist leader Kishenji was killed in a gun battle with security forces in West Bengal [ Images ] last week. "Reports indicates that he was killed in a gun battle that started on November 22 and concluded on November 23. We have no doubts about the encounter. He was killed in an encounter," he said. In accordance with the National Human Rights Commissionguidelines, the state government has set up an inquiry by CID into the death of Kishenji alias Koteshwar Rao, Chidambaram said. To a question whether there was any specific report to the home ministry about the encounter, he said "Yes, Director General of Central Reserve Police Force, who visited the place, briefed me personally.""He has spoken to the team that was engaging with the Maoists. He has spoken to West Bengal police officers and we have spoken to the senior police officers of West Bengal government and on that basis I have made the statement... We have no doubts about the encounter," Chidambaram said. In the wake of killing of Kishenji, the police in the left wing extremists affected areas have been asked to remain on alert, he said. On the bomb blast in Imphal, Chidambaram said "Manipur is on high alert. In the run up to the Prime Minister's visit, it remains on high alert. "The information is IED was handed over to a person and before he could place it, it went off. He was severely injured. Four others have received minor injuries. The police have been able to speak to the person who is believed to have carried the IED and they have taken statement".

He said we have anticipated that there will be trouble in Manipur and therefore very stringent measures have been taken.

Labor/Social UnrestFDI in India: Several Delhi markets to remain closed tomorrowhttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/FDI-in-India-Several-Delhi-markets-to-remain-closed-tomorrow/articleshow/10933129.cmsNEW DELHI: A section of traders will shut their shops here tomorrow as part of an all India bandh called to protest against the government's decision to allow FDI in retail sector.

According to a release by Confederation of All India Traders' Delhi unit president Narender Madan, a large number of traders will participate in the all India bandh.

He said wholesale and retail markets in Walled City, Sadar Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, Kashmere Gate, Tilak Nagar, Rohini, Krishna Nagar among others will remain closed.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said over 10,000 trade organisations across the country are expected to participate in the Bharat Vyapar Bandh.

Khandelwal said the decision on FDI will create an uneven playing field in the country which will tilt towards MNCs and prove to be a nightmare for traders and consumers.

Noting that there was no need for foreign investment in the sector, he said, "The government should withdraw the permission of FDI in retails."

He said that India retail sector was being run successfully by the indigenous capital at the rate of 15 per cent and contributing near 10 per cent of GDP, so no FDI was required.

"The foreign retailers can open in big cities, but they will source from mandis across rural India and small towns. With their money and power over time they can corner the supply of produce and dominate the outsources side," he said.