Capt Amarinder, 9 ministers take oath in Punjab Assmebly WHY AAP LOST IN PUNJAB?

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1 LEAKED VIDEO SHOWS SANJAY SINGH LAUGHING AT BHAGWANT MANN AFTER ELECTIONS; SINGH CLARIFIES A LEAKED VIDEO OF AAP LEADERS SHOWS CELEBRATING THEIR VICTORY IN PUNJAB ELECTIONS HAS GONE VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA. THE VIDEO SHOWS SENIOR LEADER SANJAY SINGH, AND OTHER PARTY MEMBERS SINGING. SINGH IS EVEN HEARD SAYING THAT THE PARTY IS 'CROSSING 100 SEATS' AND READY TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT. THE LEADERS EVEN CALLED BHAGWANT MANN AND TOLD HIM HE SEEMED TO BE LEADING BY 50,000 VOTES IN THE JALALABAD CONSTITUENCY. LAUGHING AND CHEERING, THE LEADERS ASK MANN, 'ARE YOU A CHIEF MINISTERIAL CONTENDER NOW?' I DETAILS ON PAGE 4 How did BJP win in Muslim stronghold in UP without fielding any Muslim candidate? UP - With the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Muslim representation in India's most populous state has plummeted from 17.1% in 2012 to 5.9%. This is equivalent to Muslim representation about a quarter of a century ago, in 1993, following the Babri Masjid riots of 1992 (5.9%) and less than two percentage points higher than recorded in 1991 (4.1%) - its lowest point - according to an IndiaSpend analysis of data from the Election Commission of India and The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy (Gilles Verniers, Uttar Pradesh State Assembly Legislators' dataset), a think tank. UP has 38.4 million Muslims % of its 200 million people - the most of any state and third, by proportion, after Assam and Kerala. Of 24 Muslim members of legislative assembly (MLAs) who won in 2017, more than half, or 14, had won from the same constituencies before. A sixth of Muslim MLAs have represented their constituencies for the last 15 years at least. None are women (9.9% of new MLAs). Muslim under-representation comes with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - the national ruling party - recording a sweeping victory across UP without fielding any Muslim candidate. The Muslim vote is a determining factor in 34 of 80 Lok Sabha constituencies and in 130 of 403 assembly constituencies, according to political scientist Gilles Verniers in this 2014 report for The Hindu Centre For Politics and Public Policy, a think tank. While the BJP's popularity, in terms of seats, has increased six-fold - from 47 seats of 403 in 2012 to 312 now - Muslim representation has dropped nearly 65%, from 68 seats in 2012 to 24 now, data from the Election Commission of India show. A split in the Muslim votes and confusion on the ability of candidates to take on the BJP are key reasons for the disastrous performance of both the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. This was true especially in western Uttar Pradesh, where the minority community is dominant in many districts. In more than two dozen seats, the division of Muslim votes benefited the saffron party - even in communally polarised areas of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli, the minority community did not make up its mind about the winning candidate. In Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Bijnor, Sardhana in Meerut, Khalilabad in Gorakhpur, Tanda in Ambedkar Nagar, Gainsari and Shrawasti seats in Shrawasti district, and Moradabad, the Muslim- dominated pockets of western U.P. have hence turned saffron. Nowhere is this more obvious than Meerapur, the Assembly constituency in Muzaffarnagar, which was the epicentre of the 2013 communal riots. Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath with Yudhvir Jaswal, Group Editor and CEO of YMedia during an interview on Omni TV. I DETAILS ON PAGE 4 WHY AAP LOST IN PUNJAB? BY JAIDEEP SARIN CHANDIGARH: The stupendous victory of the Congress in the just-concluded assembly polls in Punjab may be credited to a variety of factors, but unintended help also came from the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine and new political entrant AAP. More than the anti-incumbency of the 10-year rule of the Akali Dal- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine, it was the virtual hatred towards the Badal family on issues of corruption, drugs, mis-governance and mafia rule, and the law-defying writ of the 'Halqa' (area)-in-charges that the Akalis promoted, which led to the decimation of the alliance. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is believed to have cut into Akali Dal votes, too, ended up helping the Congress indirectly instead of consolidating its own position. This election was different for Punjab because the AAP had made it a triangular affair on a number of seats. I DETAILS ON PAGE 6 Gangster Birinderjeet Justin Bhangu, 29, shot dead in Surrey SURREY - Birinderjeet Justin Bhangu, 29, of Surrey who was shot dead on Monday (March 13) just before 2:30pm in the parking lot of Surrey's Comfort Inn Hotel in the 8200-block of 166th Street, was known to police. Evidence collected by police suggests this was a targeted homicide. Police said that a dark coloured Nissan Pathfinder fled the crime scene. The vehicle has not yet been recovered by police. Cpl. Cpl. Meghan Foster of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said on Tuesday: "Anyone who may have information about Bhangu's murder is asked to contact police. This blatant act of violence was committed in a busy area of the community, and fortunately no one else was hurt." Bhangu was located by Surrey RCMP in a parked vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the case and is working in partnership with the Surrey RCMP and the BC Coroner's Service. From the evidence gathered so far, the homicide appears to be targeted. PHOOLKA IS AAP'S OPPOSITION LEADER IN PUNJAB ASSEMBLY CHANDIGARH - HS Phoolka of the AAP will be the leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly while Sukhpal Khaira will be the chief whip. Dr Baljinder Kaur, head of the women wing of AAP and Talwandi Sabo MLA proposed Phoolka's name. Phoolka later proposed Khaira's name as the chief whip of the party. Bains brothers also participated in the meeting. The decision was taken at the political affairs committee meeting at party chief Arvind Kejriwal's residence in Delhi today on the basis of opinion conveyed by the 22 newly-elected MLAs of the AAP-Lok Insaf Party alliance. All 22 MLAs who constitute the Opposition had been asked to submit their views in writing in one week to the alliance, Phoolka said. "PAC affirmed the opinion of the newly-elected MLAs who had met earlier. The decision was unanimous," said Phoolka who is likely to take oath along with his colleagues on Monday. Capt Amarinder, 9 ministers take oath in Punjab Assmebly CHANDIGARH - Capt Amarinder Singh, who led the Congress to victory in Punjab after a gap of 10 years, will take oath as the state's 26th Chief Minister here on Thursday morning. The oath-taking ceremony will be attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Capt Amarinder, who turned 75 on March 11, the day state assembly results were declared is likely to induct nine ministers initially, party sources said, adding that the cabinet would be expanded later. The state can have a maximum of 18 ministers. The Congress has 77 MLAs in the assembly. I DETAILS ON PAGE 4 CIRCULATED THROUGH : TORONTO, MARKHAM, SCARBOROUGH, RICHMOND HILL, VAUGHAN, WOODBRIDGE, ETOBICOKE, NORTH YORK, MALTON, REXDALE, BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, OAKVILLE, HAMILTON, MILTON, STONEY CREEK, BURLINGTON

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4 4 MidWeek special report TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 Capt Amarinder, 9 ministers take oath in Punjab Assmebly CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 Singh and members of his cabinet will be administered oath by Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore at the Raj Bhawan. As per sources, Brahm Mohindra, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Manpreet Singh Badal, Sadhu Singh Dharmsot, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Rana Gurjit Singh and Charanjit Singh Channi will be inducted as Cabinet ministers. Aruna Chaudhary and Razia Sultana will take oath as ministers of state with independent charge, sources added. Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who switched over from BJP to Congress (Amritsar East) and Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa (Fatehgarh Churian) hail from the Majha region, where the Congress put up an extremely good show. From the Doaba region, Rana Gurjit Singh (Kapurthala) will be inducted in the Cabinet. From the Malwa region, where Congress got 40 seats out of 69, Manpreet Singh Badal (Bathinda Urban), estranged nephew of outgoing CM Parkash Singh Badal, Brahm Mohindra (Patiala Rural) will be inducted as ministers, sources said. Among women, Razia Sultana (Malerkotla) and Aruna Choudhary (Dinanagar SC) will be inducted as ministers of state. Among Dalit leaders, Charanjit Singh Channi (Chamkaur Sahib SC) and Sadhu Singh Dharmsot (Nabha SC) will get ministerial berths, sources added. The Chief Minister-designate has decided to go in for a simple swearing-in ceremony as an austerity measure. "There will be nothing ostentatious about the oath-taking programme at the Raj Bhawan on Thursday morning, when Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office to Capt Amarinder Singh as the new chief minister of the state," Punjab Congress had said yesterday. Singh had also met Rahul Gandhi yesterday and extended an invitation to him. He has urged all the newly elected MLAs to also keep their personal invitations to the bare minimum. Singh has made it clear that in the light of the state's fiscal situation, he did not want any unnecessary or wasteful expenditure to be incurred on the swearing-in ceremony. The oath-taking ceremony of CM is traditionally held at the Raj Bhawan, the outgoing chief minister Parkash Singh Badal had chosen different venues for taking oath as CM in 2007 and 2012 when SAD-BJP formed the government. The swearing-in ceremony of Badal, who was sworn-in as the CM for the fourth time in 2007, had taken place at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium at Mohali. In 2012, the ceremony was held at historic Chhapar Chiri Banda Bahadur Memorial, about 25 km from here. This is the second time that Singh would be taking the oath as chief minister having served in that capacity in Riding on strong anti-incumbency, Congress stormed to power in Punjab after a gap of 10 years by winning 77 seats in the 117-assembly seats of the Vidhan Sabha. The SAD-BJP combine won 18, AAP fighting its maiden assembly polls in Punjab won 20 while 2 seats went to newly floated outfit and AAP ally Lok Insaaf Party. Haqqani: My 'connection' helped Obama administration trace bin Laden; Khawaja Asif demands probe: PPP calls Haqqani a traitor ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has demanded a parliamentary commission to investigate the claims of former ambassador Husain Haqqani that his connections made possible for the US to eliminate Osama Bin Laden in May In an op-ed in Washington Post, Haqqani wrote that his connections with the Obama Administration eventually enabled the United States to discover and eliminate bin Laden without depending on Pakistan's intelligence service or military, which were suspected of sympathy toward militants. Speaking in the National Assembly, the defence minister said former envoy has affected national security and it should be investigated by a parliamentary body. Former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani and ex-president Zardari have been named by him, and the PPP cannot distance itself just by declaring Haqqani a traitor, he added. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) stalwart and the opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed on Monday called former Pakistan ambassador to Washington Hussain Haqqani a traitor, a day after the former envoy sparked controversy with a Washington Post article in which he said he had facilitated presence of CIA operatives in Pakistan by acting under the authorization of PPP government. Khursheed Shah said Haqqani's statement was not worthy of being debated in parliament. "This man is issuing statement in an effort to gain attention of new US administration," said he, reffering to Haqqani, a former member of the PPP. Khursheed Shah said people who are born on Pakistani soil and then commits treason after going to US should not be accorded much importance. The storm came in Pakistani politics when Pakistan's former ambassador in the US, Husain Haqqani, who once was considered as the blue-eyed boy of the country's security establishment, now hardly misses any chance to embarrass them. Since Memogate scandal, during Mr Zardari government, he is now a persona non grata. In his latest article, he claimed that his 'connection' helped the Obama administration to trace al-qaeda chief, Osama bin Laden. In a way, he called himself more loyal than Shakil Afridi. One wonders whether he got the 'reward money' or Afridi. Whether his claim is a myth or reality, but the timing of this article is nothing but to stress the Trump administration to get tough with Pakistan. His latest claim has also put the PPP and Mr Asif Zardari in a difficult position. Merely by keeping distance from his statement would not be enough, but the former president needs to clarify the role of Husain Haqqani, during his tenure as ambassador. It is important to trace Pakistan's role in the fight against al-qaeda since 9/11, and if it could be instrumental in tracing al-qaeda's No 3, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, the alleged mastermind of 9/11, No 4, Ramzi bin al-shibh and top six others, brother of Bali bomber, why it did not help in tracing No 1, i.e. OBL. Earlier, in the 1990s, Pakistan also played its role in tracing Ramzi Yusuf and Aimal Kansi, both arrested in joint FBI-ISI operations. After hearing such claims, one wonders his role behind the famous controversial article of former president, Asif Ali Zardari in which he praised Abbottabad operation within 24 hours. It was surprising because the former president was also the Commander-in-Chief, and the question was not about the presence of OBL, but how without any permission or information, a foreign force violated territorial independence of another country. In the past, there had been joint operations to trace al-qaed's top operatives. But the arrest of Khalid Sheikh Mohammad and Ramzi Shibh was excursively carried out by Pakistan's law-enforcement agencies. This writer is witness to Shibh's arrest from an apartment in Defense House Society, Phase-11, Karachi. He, along with two others, was arrested after four hours of encounter on Sept 2, 2002 as they were allegedly planning an attack on the US Consulate in Karachi on the first anniversary of 9/11. Sources said that a night before his arrest, a raid was also conducted to arrest Khalid Sheikh Mohammad from a flat in Khalid Bin Walid Road, but he allegedly escaped the arrest. However, some of his family members were detained. He was later arrested from a house of a religious party leader in Rawalpindi. US Navy SEALs operation that allegedly killed OBL on May 2 did raise a lot of questions on Pakistan's intelligence failure and its response to territorial violation, but one wonders what kind of help someone like Husain Haqqani could have provided other than allowing the CIA undercover agents with visa facilities and that too in alleged connivance with Zardari's administration. ANDREA HORWATH SLAMS LIBERAL PLAN OF REDUCING HYDRO BILLS BY SHAZIA MALIK BRAMPTON - NDP Ontario leader Andrea Horwath alleged the Hydro plan by the Liberals to cut rates by 25 per cent at the federal level is not well devised. She said during an interview on Omni TV with Yudhvir Jaswal, Group Editor and CEO of YMedia recently. During this interview she alleged that hydro rates are constantly going up and due to this, residents in the province are facing problems. She also questioned the Liberal plan of privatizing the Hydro One organization. When asked the hydro bills are being slashed by 25%, Horwath said it is of no use because if the car loan is spread out over seven years instead of five, the car does not belong to you. It still remains on lease. About PC leader Patrick Brown, Horwath was of the view that he is new in provincial politics and does not know what to do. She also added even the PC party has no plan to tackle the issue of hydro bills. She said only NDP has a plan to save about $7 billion on hydro bills. What is the use of reducing hydro rates if during peak hours or time-of-use pricing remains high and reduced only at night time which does not help people, especially the seniors. Horwath said if NDP comes in power, it will axe peak pricing and the money thus generated will be passed on to people. When asked as a leader though survey show she is very popular and her personal approval ratings amongst all the other provincial leaders are high, why the NDP as a party does not seem to be getting any seats at the provincial level? Horwath said may be people have forgotten the NDP rule in the province as it was a long time back but the true test of party approval is not surveys, it is the actual voting day when people decide who to vote for. Currently PC leader Patrick Brown stands at the second position and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne only has 14 per cent to 16 per cent support. Horwath is at the top of the ladder. Provincial elections in Ontario will be held in June next year. LEAKED VIDEO SHOWS AAP 'CELEBRATING' PUNJAB WIN, SANJAY SINGH CLARIFIES IT'S FROM FEB 4 NEW DELHI (PTI) A leaked video of leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party 'celebrating' its supposed 'victory' in the elections in Punjab is doing the rounds of social media. The video shows senior leader Sanjay Singh, and other party members singing and toasting AAP's victory in elections. Singh is even heard saying that the party is 'crossing 100 seats' and ready to form the government. At one point, he says '11 March ka live dekh rahe hai (We are watching March 11's live.)' The leaders even call Bhagwant Mann and tell him that after the end of 11th round of counting, he is seen to be leading by 50,000 votes in the Jalalabad constituency. Laughing and cheering, the leaders ask Mann, 'Are you a chief ministerial contender now?' The reality on the evening of March 11, the day of the results, was however starkly different. The AAP had suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Congress notching wins in just 20 constituencies out of the state's 117. The Congress cruised to power with wins in 77 seats and the incumbent SAD-BJP alliance ending third with 18 seats. The result was also disappointing for Mann who was defeated by deputy chief minister and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal by nearly 20,000 votes. Sanjay Singh reacted to the video, that was telecast on Aaj Tak as well, on Twitter clarifying that the video was old and taken on February 4 after polling ended. "This is not a Talibani party. We have the freedom to laugh and joke," he said in a tweet. On the day of the results, the party prepared for the victory by putting up a giant dais with a screen near Arvind Kejriwal's residence. However, as the Election Commission leads pointed to a AAP defeat, party workers quickly dispersed and celebrations were called off. The AAP, which contested elections in Goa too, could not win a single seat as its chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes himself was defeated. The state threw up a fractured verdict with the Congress emerging as the single largest party closely followed by the BJP.

5 TUESDAY, AUGUST MARCH 28, 14, special report MidWeek 5 'Hindu caste coalition helped BJP more than Muslim division in UP' BY ASIM KHAN New Delhi, (IANS) The BJP's success in consolidating Hindu votes of various castes has rendered any division of Muslim votes redundant and helped Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead it to an unprecedented landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh, according to some Muslim leaders. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won 312 seats, including some of the Muslimdominated seats such as Deoband, Chandpur, Moradabad Nagar, Noorpur, Naanpara and Nakur where analysts feel that Muslim votes got divided between Muslim candidates of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Muslim candidates, however, managed to win seats like Meerut, Kairana, Najibabad, Moradabad Rural, Sambhal, Rampur and Suar-Tanda. A number of Muslim leaders IANS spoke with conceded that a few seats did fall into the BJP lap because of the division of Muslim votes. But given the scale of victory the BJP got, it would not have mattered much had Muslims rallied behind any single party. Kamal Farooqui, a former member of Samajwadi Party, said the "division of the Muslim votes per se" is somewhat an "abstract concept". "Contrary to general perception, Muslims do not vote en masse for any party. The BJP projects Muslims as a monolith to consolidate the Hindu votes. The fact is Muslims vote just like normal voters on issues which concern them," Farooqui told IANS. "It is simply not possible that all the Muslims in Uttar Pradesh vote for any one party. Muslim votes do matter but they seldom go to a single candidate en masse in any constituency." Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, National President of Welfare Party of India, said the BJP's strategy had "successfully rendered the Muslim factor (in elections) ineffective." Ilyas said the BJP "succeeded in getting votes of Hindu backward castes minus Yadavs and Scheduled Castes minus Jatavs. "This new type of social engineering is being seen after the emergence of Narendra Modi and (BJP President) Amit Shah on the scene," he said. Former Rajya Sabha member Mohammed Adeeb said Modi and Shah were selling the promise of Hindu rashtra under the garb of 'achhe din' which actually helps the BJP turn Hindu votes into a single more effective whole. "Although the Narendra Modi government does not have any visible achievement in its last three years, still people voted for Modi. "In Modi, they see this hope of Hindu rashtra which he is propagating as the 'achche din'," Adeeb said. Agreed Navaid Hamid, Chairman, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, an umbrella body of several Muslim organisations. "We are moving towards a majoritarian democracy where nationalism is blended with Hindutva," Hamid said. Kejriwal has lost mental balance, should go for 'vipassana': Harsimrat NEW DELHI (PTI) Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has advised Arvind Kejriwal to go for 'vipassana' instead of casting aspersions on the reliability of EVMs. Harsimrat, the wife of SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal, also said the Delhi chief minister may have "lost" his mental balance following AAP's poor show in Punjab. "He (Kejriwal) has lost his mental balance so he is saying things like this. He did not say anything when AAP had won 67 seats in Delhi," she told reporters outside Parliament. She said the people of Punjab have thrown out the AAP and it would be better if Kejriwal focuses his energy to manage the party's affairs in Delhi. "He should do vipassana," she said. The SAD had got a drubbing in the Punjab polls, winning just 15 seats in the 117-strong assembly, while its ally BJP won three. The AAP finished a distant second behind the runaway Congress, winning just 20 seats. Kejriwal has alleged that EVM tampering may have led to the transfer of around per cent of AAP votes to the SAD- BJP combine. Harsimrat Kaur Badal blames BJP for Punjab poll loss CHANDIGARH - The blame game has begun within the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party combine after the Punjab poll debacle, with Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal firing the first salvo on Tuesday. Talking to party workers in Mansa, the Akali leader listed the BJP's poor performance in urban areas as a reason for the defeat of the alliance, which had been in power in the state for the past 10 years. The blame game has begun within the Shiromani Akali Dal- Bharatiya Janata Party combine after the Punjab poll debacle, with Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal firing the first salvo on Tuesday. Talking to party workers in Mansa, the Akali leader listed the BJP's poor performance in urban areas as a reason for the defeat of the alliance, which had been in power in the state for the past 10 years.

6 special report 6 MidWeek TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 WHY AAP LOST IN PUNJAB? WINNERS OF PUNJAB ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2017 CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 Even the Akali Dal and Congress, till the very end, were wary of how the AAP would fare in the polls. In retrospect, the AAP made several mistakes, starting with the insistence of its central leadership to remote-control the Punjab campaign with leaders from other states and the lack of faith it showed in the local leadership. That apart, not being able to project a chief ministerial face, the breakdown of talks with cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, questions over choice of candidates and infighting built up, over the past few months, into a situation in which the party found itself trapped. While the Congress won an impressive 77 seats in the 117-member assembly, it was the Malwa belt which helped it romp home to power in style. The Congress won 40 out of the 69 seats in the Malwa belt -- the region south of river Sutlej and considered agriculturally fertile. The AAP was considered the strongest in the Malwa belt, since it had won four Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 parliamentary elections and had led in 34 assembly seats in the region at that time, but it could manage to win only 18 seats in the assembly polls. Two more seats in the belt were won by AAP ally, the Lok Insaaf Party. The Akali Dal, for which the Malwa belt was a traditional stronghold, managed to get only eight seats. Its ally BJP got only one seat in the belt. But that did not undermine the Congress performance in the other two regions of Punjab -- Majha (north of river Beas) and Doaba (the area between the Beas and Sutlej rivers). The Congress virtually swept the entire Majha belt, comprising the Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Pathankot districts, winning 22 of the 25 seats there. In the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, where former Deputy Chief Minister and Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal focused in the past four years by carrying out massive renovation of the area near the Golden Temple, virtually transforming the complex, and bringing in development projects like flyovers, the Akali Dal and its ally drew a blank. All five seats in Amritsar city went to the Congress with impressive margins. While the lowest winning margin was over 14,000 votes, the highest was over 42,000 votes. The Congress romped home as well in the byelection to the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, with a huge margin of nearly two lakh votes. Having been out of power for a decade, the Congress win is not only important for the party in Punjab but also holds out hope for it nationally. If the central leadership internalises the message that regional leaders like Amarinder Singh need to be encouraged and given a free hand, the party can hope to put up a fight in other states. MINISTER DUCLOS AND MP SIDHU TALK BUDGET 2017 IN BRAMPTON ONTARIO - Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development joined with Member of Parliament for Brampton South, Sonia Sidhu, to provide updates to media on the federal government's work so far and also looking ahead at Budget 2017 next week. The Minister responsible for such important files as poverty reduction, affordable housing, social benefits, Employment Insurance (EI), CPP, and a number of other major policy areas was at the Four Corners Branch of the Brampton Library at 1 PM for an open discussion on a wide range of topics. "Our discussion today zoned in on what we have been focused on since day 1 as a government - helping the middle class, and those working to join it," said MP Sonia Sidhu. "Minister Duclos is at the centre of many key policies of our government towards making Canada more compassionate, inclusive, and prosperous for all. We were fortunate to welcome him to answer questions in Brampton South today." MP Sidhu lauded Minister Duclos' work on the design and implementation of the Canada Child Benefit remarking that, according to data from the Department of Economic and Social Development, with approximately 23.5 thousand children in Brampton South with an average monthly payment of $680 to each family - this totals $9,268,000 being sent to low-to-middle income families in Brampton South in 2016 to help with the cost of raising kids. Minister Duclos outlined how middle class confidence spurs economic growth for all Canadians. He pushed for cooperation between all governments on inclusive and clean growth heading into Budget Our government continues to focus on its plan to strengthen the middle class and improve growth, a plan that is about taking bold action that will allow Canada's economy to prosper over the long term. The Minister spoke to media for 1 hour, and answered an array of questions about homelessness, the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy, benefits for seniors, and the National Housing Strategy. MP Sidhu closed by thanking the Minister and saying to him, "Canada is a more compassionate and inclusive place because of your work - and that's something I'm very proud of We look forward to having you back again soon." Ryerson University to expand campus to Brampton BRAMPTON - Ryerson University is planning on expanding its campus to the city of Brampton. Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, confirmed on Tuesday that Ryerson - in partnership with Sheridan College - is the sole university to have submitted a formal expression of interest in expanding to Brampton. The province also received an expression of interest from Wilfrid Laurier University, in partnership with Conestoga College, to expand to Milton. "We have a pretty exciting vision of what both of these places will be," Matthews said. "Now, we're reviewing the proposals and we'll soon get to work with those partners to make these a reality." The province will contribute $180-million towards the two new university sites. CONSTITUENCY Sujanpur Bhoa Pathankot Gurdaspur Dina Nagar Qadian Batala Sri Hargobindpur Fatehgarh Churian Dera Baba Nanak Ajnala Raja Sansi Majitha Jandiala Amritsar West Amritsar Central Amritsar East Amritsar South Attari Tarn Taran Khem Karan Patti Khadoor Sahib Baba Bakala Bholath Kapurthala Sultanpur Lodhi Phagwara Phillaur Nakodar Shahkot Kartarpur Jalandhar West Jalandhar Central Jalandhar North Jalandhar Cantt. Adampur Mukerian Dasuya Urmar Sham Chaurasi Hoshiarpur Chabbewal Garhshankar Banga Nawan Shahr Balachaur Anandpur Sahib Rupnagar Chamkaur Sahib Kharar S.A.S.Nagar Bassi Pathana Fatehgarh Sahib Amloh Khanna Samrala Sahnewal Ludhiana East Ludhiana South Atam Nagar Ludhiana Central Ludhiana West Ludhiana North Gill Payal Dakha Raikot Jagraon Nihal Singh Wala Bhagha Purana Moga Dharamkot Zira Firozpur City Firozpur Rural Guru Har Sahai Jalalabad Fazilka Abohar Balluana Lambi Gidderbaha Malout Muktsar Faridkot Kotkapura CANDIDATE (PARTY) Dinesh Singh (BJP) Joginder Pal (INC) Amit (INC) Barindermeet Singh Pahra (INC) Aruna Chaudhary (INC) Fatehjang Singh Bajwa (INC) Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal (SAD) Balwinder Singh (INC) Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa (INC) Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa (INC) Harpartap Singh (INC) Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria (INC) Bikram Singh Majithia (SAD) Sukhwinder Singh Danny Bandala (INC) Raj Kumar Verka (INC) Om Parkash Soni (INC) Navjot Singh Sidhu (INC) Inderbir Singh Bolaria (INC) Tarsem Singh D.C. (INC) Dr. Dharambir Agnihotri (INC) Sukhpal Singh Bhullar (INC) Harminder Singh Gill (INC) Ramanjeet Singh Sahota Sikki (INC) Santokh Singh (INC) Sukhpal Singh (AAP) Rana Gurjit Singh (INC) Navtej Singh Cheema (INC) Som Parkash (BJP) Baldev Singh Khaira (SAD) Gurpratap Singh Wadala (SAD) Ajit Singh Kohar (SAD) Ch. Surinder Singh (INC) Sushil Kumar Rinku (INC) Rajinder Beri (INC) Avtar Singh Junior (INC) Pargat Singh Powar (INC) Pawan Kumar Tinu (SAD) Rajnish Kumar Babbi (INC) Arun Dogra (INC) Sangat Singh Gilzian (INC) Pawan Kumar Adia (INC) Sunder Sham Arora (INC) Dr. Raj Kumar (INC) Jai Krishan (AAP) Sukhwinder Kumar (SAD) Angad Singh (INC) Darshan Lal (INC) Kanwar Pal Singh (INC) Amarjit Singh (AAP) Charanjit Singh Channi (INC) Kanwar Sandhu (AAP) Balbir Singh Sidhu (INC) Gurpreet Singh (INC) Kuljit Singh Nagra (INC) Randeep Singh (INC) Gurkirat Singh Kotli (INC) Amrik Singh Dhillon (INC) Sharanjit Singh Dhillon (SAD) Sanjeev Talwar (INC) Balvinder Singh Bains (LIP) Simarjeet Singh Bains (LIP) Surinder Kumar Dawar (INC) Bharat Bhushan (Ashu) (INC) Rakesh Pandey (INC) Kuldeep Singh Vaid(Bulara) (INC) Lakhvir Singh Lakha (INC) Harvinder Singh Phoolka (AAP) Jagtar Singh Jagga Hissowal (AAP) Saravjit Kaur Manuke (AAP) Manjit Singh (AAP) Darshan Singh Brar (INC) Harjot Kamal Singh (INC) Sukhjit Singh (INC) Kulbir Singh (INC) Parminder Singh Pinki (INC) Satkar Kaur (INC) Gurmeet Singh Sodhi (INC) Sukhbir Singh Badal (SAD) Davinder Singh Ghubaya (INC) Arun Narang (BJP) Nathu Ram (INC) Parkash Singh (SAD) Amrinder Singh Alias Raja Warring (INC) Ajaib Singh Bhatti (INC) Kanwarjit Singh (SAD) Kusaldeep Singh Kiki Dhillon (INC) Kultar Singh Sandhwan (AAP) PCHS's 15th Annual International Women's Day Gala BRAMPTON - Pchs successfully hosted its 15th Annual International Women's Day Gala on March 10, 2017 at the Pearson Convention Center in Brampton. The theme of this year's Gala was 'Women Inspiring Change' and guests were encouraged to show solidarity by wearing purple.' Attended by over 500 guests including politicians, local businesses, stakeholders and community members and media, the event has become one of the highlights in the South Asian social calendar. The night featured an awards ceremony to honour 5 female leaders who are making a difference in the community. The honourees included Aruna Papp, Mary Isso, Karanjot Sidhu, Daniya Dhillon, Komal Preet Sandhu and her daughter Shabdleen Sandhu. These are the women who have excelled in various domains of life. The Keynote Speaker, Justice Sonia Vandana Khemani, Ontario Court of Justice captured the sheer determination and celebrated the contribution of women towards social change and development. As the emcees for the night,rick Matharu of 'Rick's Good Eats' and his wife Harjot Ghuman- Matharu from Fulkari Radio, brought excitement and energy to the event. The night showcased elaborate cultural entertainment including Bollywood dance, Bhangra and empowering poetry. Pchs is proud to share that it achieved its $100,000 fundraising goal through generous contributions by business partners, stakeholders and community members.

7 TUESDAY, AUGUST MARCH 28, 14, community MidWeek 7 MPP AMRIT MANGAT WITH MISSISSAUGA MUSLIM COMMUNITY FOR DONATING $ TO TRILLIUM HEALTH SERVICES. FIVE WAYS TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY DURING MARCH BREAK MISSISSAUGA - March Break is just around the corner, but don't worry if you still need plans for the kids. We've got five, fun activities to keep the kids busy for the week. Make the most of this holiday and try out these family-friendly options in Mississauga. REGISTER FOR A CAMP Register for one of the many different March Break camps that the City offers. From art camps and junior camps to sport camps, there are several different themes to choose from where your child is sure to enjoy a week of fun and adventure. If your kids want more variety of art and creative camps, make sure to check out the Creative Camp: Art Break or the Creative Camp: Dance & Play All Day March Break options. Space is limited so please register early. ENJOY A BOOK, MOVIE OR DROP-IN PROGRAM Keep warm and dry this winter by visiting one of the city's libraries. Sign up for one of the March Break drop-in programs like a magic show, LEGO"TM" club or a science workshop. You can also pick up a book or movie to kick back and enjoy with the kids at home. GO FOR A FUN SWIM Make a splash with the kids! Pack up your swimsuits, goggles and towels, and head out to one of the city's community centres to enjoy a fun swim. River Grove Community Centre has a two-story triple loop, red water slide that's sure to be your kid's favourite. PICK AN INDOOR RINK Grab your hat and mitts, lace up your skates and get the whole family together to enjoy a few laps at one of the city's many indoor skating rinks. MAPLE MAGIC AT THE BRADLEY MUSEUM Any maple syrup fans out there? Mississauga's favourite maple tradition is back for March Break. Visit the Bradley Museum for Maple Magic. Children can learn how to tap a tree and follow the sap lines to the Bradley House kitchen. They'll be able to feast their eyes on magical maple treats. With games, nature walks and family activities, there's no better way to soak up some Canadian heritage. MAYOR CROMBIE HOSTS IWD YOUNG WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT BREAKFAST MISSISSAUGA - Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie welcomed local female students to City Hall on the occasion of International Women's Day Young Women's Empowerment Breakfast recently. She said: "In March, we celebrate International Women's Day 2017 and this year's theme is Be Bold for Change. As we prepare to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, Canadians need bold leadership to shape our country's promising future. Mississauga's remarkable young women are up to the job." In recognition of Canada 150 and IWD 2017, the Mayor's Office hosted its first ever IWD Young Women's Empowerment Breakfast featuring special guest the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Her Honour is the third woman to serve as The Queen's representative in Ontario. Local teachers and administration were asked to choose students to attend. Nearly 70 female students from 30 Mississauga secondary schools took part in this mentoring opportunity. As part of the breakfast, students also participated in breakout discussions to answer the following question: what bold actions can young women take to shape Canada's next 50 years? Students discussed their ideas and recommendations with Councillors, trustees and senior staff from the City of Mississauga, local school boards, post-secondary institutions and Trillium Health Partners, who were all in attendance. ONTARIO STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIP WITH VERMONT ONTARIO - Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement about her productive first meeting with Vermont Governor Phil Scott in Toronto: "Vermont and Ontario have a strong relationship grounded in our shared priorities and the belief that when we work together, it benefits communities and people in both our regions. Today, Governor Scott and I talked about opportunities for collaboration in trade, innovation and postsecondary education. "The US is Ontario's largest trade partner and Canada is Vermont's largest trade partner. Vermont exchanged more than $3.7 billion in goods with Canada last year, supporting almost 19,000 jobs in the state. Expanding our trade and investment opportunities will support economic growth and job creation on both sides of the border. Innovation keeps us competitive and ensures we continue to grow our economies. The Governor and I are committed to exploring ways we can work together to support the American and Canadian entrepreneurs and innovators who are developing the next generation of breakthroughs. "We also discussed our strong support for postsecondary education in both our regions. A number of Ontario universities and colleges already have bilateral or consortial agreements with postsecondary institutions throughout the U.S. These valuable collaborations encourage joint research and support both faculty and students. Ontario is committed to maintaining strong relationships with U.S. states. It is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. Today's meeting with Governor Scott reaffirmed Ontario's ties with Vermont and opened the door to new partnerships." Road Safety Plan reinstated MISSISSAUGA - The Mississauga City Council has approved reinstatement of the Road Safety Advisory Committee. "Road safety is a priority. We need to ensure our citizens travel safely whether as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian," said Pat Saito, Councillor Ward 9. "No fatality is acceptable but engineering alone cannot solve the problems on our roads. By reinstating the Road Safety Committee to support the work of our Traffic staff, we can implement more educational programs and involve our citizens in making our roads safer for all." The next step is to define the committee's terms of reference. According to the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR),Mississauga has the second lowest, yearly average collision rate of 9.91 per a population of 1,000 between 2008 and Compared to other Ontario municipalities, Mississauga also has the lowest yearly average fatal/injury collision rate of 2.48 per a population of 1,000. Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works said: "Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, our Road Safety Program takes detailed measures to improve road safety in Mississauga and reduce the risk of people getting injured." To date, the City has already implemented: * traffic calming measures * traffic data collection and analysis * education campaigns * awareness programs * and enforcement Future initiatives include lowering speed limits, automated speed enforcement and pedestrian crossovers. In addition, Wright explained road safety is at the centre of the City's first Transportation Master Plan - Mississauga Moves; a city-wide strategy and action plan for Mississauga's transportation system. Lower Hydro Bills for Households and Small Businesses Across Ontario ONTARIO - Premier Kathleen Wynne was in Guelph today to highlight how Ontario is lowering electricity bills by 25 per cent on average for households and small businesses, as part of a significant system restructuring that will address long-standing policy challenges and ensure greater fairness. Premier Wynne visited two small businesses in Guelph that will benefit from Ontario's Fair Hydro Plan. Starting this summer, small businesses that receive a timeof-use bill similar to residential customers will be eligible for the 25 per cent cut. As a result, this plan is expected to help up to half a million small businesses and farms. People with low incomes and those living in eligible rural communities will receive even greater reductions to their electricity bills. As part of this plan, rate increases over the next four years would be held to the rate of inflation for everyone. These measures include the eight per cent rebate introduced in January, and build on previously announced initiatives to deliver broad-based rate relief on all electricity bills. Taken together, these changes will deliver the single-largest reduction to electricity rates in Ontario's history. "Launching a small business takes courage, passion and hard work. It also requires a supportive environment that encourages growth - and that's where government plays an important role. Our plan will take some of the pressure off households and small businesses by lowering electricity bills by 25 per cent on average. It's the smart thing to do for Ontario's economy and the fairer way forward for families." - Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario. "Ratepayers across Ontario have been loud and clear - we need to do more to help reduce costs. The government has listened and Ontario's Fair Hydro Plan would reduce costs now and ensure an affordable and reliable electricity system. These new measures would have a significant impact on your monthly hydro bill and would help the most vulnerable." - Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy. Global first partnership sparks transit innovation in Brampton BRAMPTON - City Council has approved the purchase of up to 10 battery-electric buses and four high powered overhead on-street electric charging stations. The Pan-Ontario Electric Bus Demonstration & Integration Trial is a unique partnership model that is the first of its kind; involving multiple levels of government, bus manufacturers, system integrators and funding partners collaborating in an unprecedented way on breakthrough technology to improve the environment. Project partners include the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), suppliers of the fully electric buses Nova Bus and New Flyer, and charging station manufacturers ABB and Siemens. The new 100 per cent battery electric buses will be launched on two existing conventional routes in Brampton, routes 23 Sandalwood and 26 Mount Pleasant, with new overhead charging stations at the Mount Pleasant Village terminal, the Queen Street/ Highway 50 Züm station, and the Sandalwood Transit Facility. The fully electric buses could hit Brampton's streets as early as spring Total capital costs for the project are anticipated at $13.6 million. These costs are expected to be offset through funding from other levels of government. This investment demonstrates the City's commitment to a connected, innovative, inclusive and bold Brampton. The partnership will result in a better understanding of battery electric bus technology and will prepare Brampton Transit to meet the future growth demands of the City, reduce fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Mayor Linda Jeffrey said: "As a fast-growing Canadian city undergoing major urban intensification, Brampton's public transit users expect and deserve leading-edge technology and superior services. We are excited that Brampton is the host for the electric bus pilot project that is based on an innovative partnership model.

8 8 MidWeek opinion TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 BJP LANDSLIDE HUMBLES RIVALS, ALLIES IN KASHMIR BY SHEIKH QAYOOM JAMMU, (IANS) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ruffled many a feather by saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide in Uttar Pradesh had shattered the opposition hopes of unseating him soon. Abdullah was in fact making a rational analysis that suited his own National Conference. He tweeted that with the political balance tilting in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the opposition should forget the Lok Sabha election of 2019 and aim at the 2024 general election to take power in New Delhi. His views have ruffled the Congress, Abdullah's former ally. But the predicament of a regional leader who cast his lot with the Congress when his party formed a coalition in Jammu and Kashmir after the 2008 assembly election has simply been overlooked by the Congress. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti felicitated the BJP for its landslide win in Uttar Pradesh by saying it was an endorsement of Prime Minister Modi's agenda of development and progress. She was, however, quick to assert her party's regional niche by asking Modi to start the peace process so that a permanent solution to the problems faced by the people in the state was found. Mufti also said the people's endorsement of Modi's developmental agenda had proved right the decision of her father, the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, to ally with an ideologically divergent party like the BJP. Coalition compulsions for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have come to fore many times during the last two years it has ruled the state with the BJP. On issues like the establishment of separate colonies for migrant Pandits, Sainik Colonies, West Pakistan refugees and even rationalisation of state administrative cadres like the KAS and KPS, the BJP and the PDP have found themselves on two sides of the river. As the BJP gets stronger, the PDP will have to put together its regional act fast since most of its political ground in the Muslim-majority Valley has been eroded due to the unrest of A silver lining to the dark cloud for the PDP is that its falling scores with Kashmiris have not benefitted the National Conference so far. But in Jammu and Kashmir elections as elsewhere in the country, voters rarely vote parties to power as strongly as they do to throw them out of it. The impact of the BJP victory will definitely help its rank and MidWeek Published By Asian World Today Inc. 1310, Midway Blvd, Unit # 31, Mississauga Ontario L5T 2K5 Direct Line Tel: Fax: For Advertising yudhvir@southasiandaily.com ads@midweektoronto.com file in the Hindu-majority Jammu region. The anger in the Jammu region against the BJP will at worst now zero on its ministers, not the party high command. For the PDP, the same is not true in the Valley. The biggest challenge the PDP now faces is to regain its lost ground by retaining the two Lok Sabha seats of Anantnag and Srinagar which go to the polls on April 9 and 12 respectively. The seats fell vacant after Mufti vacated the Anantnag seat by taking over as Chief Minister and Tariq Hameed Karra resigned the Srinagar seat after parting ways with the PDP. If the PDP wins both seats, it would have walked away with a political jackpot. But if it loses both or one of the two seats, it will stand humbled before its BJP ally. FOR UP MINISTERS AN OVERWHELMING THUMPS DOWN BY MOHIT DUBEY Power does not necessarily ensure electrical victory - and so it proved for ministers of Chief Minister Akhlesh Yadav's government, with YUDHVIR JASWAL CHIEF EDITOR & CEO yudhvir@southasiandaily.com SHAZIA MALIK ASSOCIATE EDITOR DR. PUSHPINDER BRAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER GURPREET SINGH LOONA MEDIA COORDINATOR SUNIL VERMA GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT NAVEEN SHARMA INDIA MARKETING HEAD ALI - NICE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHERS BASHIR NASIR PHOTOGRAPHERS THAPLIYAL & RAI LAW OFFICE LEGAL ADVISOR Newspaper Published in English every Tuesday Radio SOUTHASIAN PULSE Prime Time Mon to Fri - 10:00 AM to 12 Noon on 770AM Drive Time Mon to Fri - 3:00 PM to 4 PM on 770AM LISTEN TO SOUTH ASIAN PULSE RADIO ON YOUR MOBILE Local Number Toronto: Local Number Montreal: To Listen in US: Television SOUTHASIAN 360TV Rogers basic Cable Channel 10 Every Thursday from 9:30-10:30pm Friday from 8-9pm Saturday from 5-6pm Online ONLY News Portal for Southasian-Canadians Cricket CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL CRICKET (CPC) 6th Annual CPC Inter-City Cricket Cup Starting June Months of Non-stop cricket action Events Annual Midweek Southasian Awards people overwhelmingly rejecting them in the just-concluded assembly elections. A whopping 31 of the 45 ministers bit the dust at the hustings, and where they did win, the victories were hardly convincing as most made it across the finishing line by slender margins Of those who lost, 15 were cabinet ministers, a dozen were state ministers with independent-charge, and the remaining ministers of state. Major faces of the Samajwadi Party (SP) government who lost the elections included Akhilesh's close aide Arvind Singh "Gope", Shiv Pratap Yadav, Shivakant Ojha and Brahma Shankar Tripathi. Gope's loss is being seen as a big jolt personally for Akhilesh, who had even taken on his father Mulayam Singh Yadav and uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav when Gope was denied a ticket, in middle of the power struggle in the ruling party ahead of the elections. Another major upset for the Akhilesh camp was the defeat of Harvard professor Abhishek Mishra, who lost from Lucknow (North). Another close aide of the Chief Minister, he was seen as the urbane and educated face of the SP after he won in 2012 from the same seat. First made a state minister and then elevated to cabinet rank, Mishra, whose father is a former IAS officer, was convincingly beaten by Neeraj Bora of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) this time around. The good work he did in the constituency -- like constructing flyovers and some road works -- did not help as the strong pro-bjp wave swept him away. Ravidas Mehrotra, the state's Health Minister and an SP veteran, lost to the BJP candidate in Lucknow (Central). Known for his street-fighting image where he would take up causes of the downtrodden and the marginalised, Mehrotra lost largely as Maroof Khan of the Congress refused to withdraw from the race despite his party's alliance with the SP. Tejnarayan aka Pawan Pandey, a minister of state, who represented Faizabad and was expelled from the party by Shivpal Singh Yadav after he slapped an acolyte of Mulayam Singh Yadav but was retained in the ministry by Akhilesh as an expression of solidarity, also lost from Ayodhya, a prestigious seat. Other cabinet ministers who lost the elections include Ziyauddin Rizvi (Sikandarpur), Avdhesh Prasad (Milkipur), Vinod Kumar "Pandit Singh" (Tarabganj), Gayatri Prajapati (Amethi), Ram Moorti Verma (Akbarpur), Shankh Lal Majhi (Jalalpur), Kamaal Akhtar (Hasanpur), Riyaz Ahmad (Pilibhit) and Shahid Manzoor (Kithaur). Prominent state ministers who lost include Arun Kori, Fareed Mehfooz Kidwai, Mool Chandra Chauhan, Madan Chauhan, Surendra Patel, Kailash Chaurasia and Herman Verma. There was, however, some good news for the beleaguered SP leadership as ministers like Mohd Adam Khan, Ram Govind Chowdhary, Parasnath Yadav, Yaseer Shah, Mehboob Ali, Raja Bhaiyya, Manoj Kumar Pandey, Nitin Agarwal, Omkar Singh Yadav and Shailendra Yadav "Lalai" were re-elected despite the BJP tsunami. Political observers here are of the opinion that once these ministers got the "red beacon" light fitted on their vehicles they completely lost touch with ground realities and remained largely unaware of the strong antiincumbency against the ruling party. "Mulayam Singh Yadav himself had chided the Chief Minister publicly many times on how his ministers were busy minting money and not caring for the people... with such messages, the bad show of Akhilesh's ministers was a foregone conclusion," said a senior party leader. All Rights Reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be printed without the written consent of the publisher. DISCLAIMER: Asian World Today Inc. assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for any and all liability from their claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement he may see unfit for publication. The opinions expressed in Midweek may not be those of the publisher. DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE THE PERSONAL OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS.THE INFORMATION, FACTS OR OPINIONS APPEARING IN THE ARTICLES DO NOT REFLECT VIEWS OF MIDWEEK AND ITS MANAGEMENT AND SO THE PAPER DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE SAME.

9 TUESDAY, AUGUST MARCH 28, 14, canada MidWeek 9 PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU WITH HIS FEMALE COLLEAGUES AT THE PMO CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY. TRUDEAU PLEDGES $650M ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement on the occasion of International Women's Day: "Today, we join people all over the globe to celebrate the remarkable achievements that women have made everywhere, and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality worldwide: "This year, Canada's theme for International Women's Day is #EqualityMatters, which reminds us that society is better - more prosperous, peaceful, secure, and cohesive - when women's rights are respected, when women are valued and empowered, and when they lead the way in our communities. "While we have taken significant steps toward gender equality, we know that much more work needs to be done. Women around the world continue to receive lower pay and fewer promotions. They are denied legal control over their bodies and reproductive health. They face much higher rates of harassment and verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. In impoverished communities, women are the least likely to have access to healthcare, the last ones to eat, and the most vulnerable to the hardships brought on by disease. "That is why we will continue to place gender equality and rights, and the empowerment of women and girls, at the heart of our international development work. These efforts received a considerable boost this morning with the announcement that Canada will provide $650 million in funding to address gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights in the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities. "Today, I remind Canadians that we all have a role to play in the fight for gender equality, and that we all benefit from a more gender equal world. Women and men, girls and boys, we must all step up and speak out, because half of the population cannot solve a problem that affects us all. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage all Canadians to join us in celebrating International Women's Day, as we renew our commitment to a more positive, just, and equal world." Morneau to announce Budget 2017 on March 22 OTTAWA - The Government of Canada continues its plan to help middle class families and grow the economy by making smart investments in the things that matter most: good, well-paying jobs, healthy living, strong communities and better opportunities for our kids and grandkids. Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered this message today in the House of Commons, where he announced that the Government's federal budget will be tabled on March 22. The Government of Canada is committed to growing the middle class, and positioning Canada for success in the new, more innovative economy of tomorrow. Budget 2017 will continue the Government's focus on the middle class and those working hard to join it. Business Growth Fund launched to target investing $1b over 10 years TORONTO - Finance Minister Bill Morneau has issued the following statement at an event in Toronto where several Canadian financial institutions announced the launch of the Canadian Business Growth Fund: "The Government of Canada welcomes the announcement by Canada's leading financial institutions to establish a business growth fund that will help ambitious Canadian companies get the capital they need to grow and succeed globally. This will help them create good, well-paying middle class jobs, and will grow Canada's economy over the long term. "I want to thank all of the participating institutions for their leadership in seizing upon this recent recommendation by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth, and for their hard work in turning good advice into a concrete reality." Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Bardish Chagger added: "By working together to invest in Canadian entrepreneurs, our major financial institutions are investing not only in Canada's economy but in our country's people. Financial recognition, healthcare support for victims of the 1974 grenade explosion OTTAWA - On July 30, 1974, at the CFB Valcartier cadet camp, more than 130 cadets were assembled in a barrack block under supervision of adult instructors when a live grenade exploded, killing six cadets and injuring dozens more. This tragedy forever changed the lives of the victims and their families. In May 2014, the Minister of National Defence approved the request for the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to open and conduct an investigation into the incident. In July 2015, the Minister of National Defence committed to ensuring that affected individuals would have access to health care and compensation, where appropriate. Canada's unemployment rate drops to 6.6% OTTAWA- Canada's unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 per cent last month, its lowest level in more than two years, as fewer people were looking for work, Statistics Canada said. Several economists were quick to hail the numbers as a sign that Canada's economy is on the mend, though at least one questioned the survey's findings of a massive swing toward full-time employment at the expense of part-time jobs. The decline of 0.2 percentage points from the previous month brought the rate down to a number not seen since January The agency's February employment survey indicated the national labour market added 15,300 jobs overall last month, higher than analyst expectations. Economists had projected a gain of 2,500 jobs and the unemployment rate to stay at 6.8 per cent, according to Thomson Reuters. The Statistics Canada report found most of the February job gains came from full-time work, offset by a decline in the number of people working part-time. It said an estimated 105,000 people found full-time employment last month while part-time positions dropped by nearly 90,000. That was in contrast to the January labour market survey, which showed a surge in part-time work. While the monthly employment numbers are typically volatile, Statistics Canada said that, in the 12 months to February, Canada saw a net gain of 288,000 jobs with most of the increase coming in the last six months of General Accounting & Bookkeeping Life, Critical illness, Disability & Travel Insurance, RRSP, RESP & TFSA

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12 12 MidWeek india TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 ELECTION RESULTS IN FIVE STATES 2017 EC must address Mayawati's allegation of EVM tampering: U'khand Cong DEHRADUN, (PTI) Uttarakhand Congress today asked the Election Commission of India to address BSP chief Mayawati's allegation that the EVMs have been tampered with in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. The suspicion raised by Mayawati about possible tampering of EVMs questions the credibility of the poll panel which it must address, outgoing Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat and state Congress chief Kishore Upadhyay said during a joint press conference here. BSP chief Mayawati had yesterday alleged that the EVMs were tampered with in such a way that whichever button was pressed, the vote went to the BJP. "The Election Commission must address the doubts being cast on its credibility. I hope the Commission will soon do something about it," said Rawat, who has lost in both the seats he contested. Upadhyay said he will tour the state along with Rawat to boost the morale of Congress workers. "The party will play the role of a constructive opposition and cooperate with the state government," he said. BJP scored a massive victory in Uttarakhand winning 56 of the 70 seats in the state to storm to power, reducing the Congress to minuscule minority in the state Assembly with a poor tally of 11 seats. NOW KEJRIWAL DOUBTS RELIABILITY OF EVMS, WANTS BALLOT PAPERS IN MCD POLLS NEW DELHI, (PTI) After BSP supremo Mayawati, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal doubted reliability of electronic voting machines as he sought use of ballot papers in next month's municipal polls in the national capital. Following a directive from Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Secretary M M Kutty, in a letter to the State Election Commission, asked it to hold the municipal elections through ballot papers. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also threw his weight behind Kejriwal as he asked the chief minister to take steps to ensure that EVMs are not used in the elections which will be held on April 22. "The chief minister has directed the chief secretary to ask the state election office to hold MCD elections through ballot papers," a source in the CM's office said. The move comes close on the heels of Mayawati questioning the "reliability" of electronic voting machines (EVMs). She had alleged that they were tampered with in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, where her party suffered a debacle. Earlier, Maken asked Kejriwal to shun EVMs in the corporation polls. "Many are doubting EVMs-Not prejudiced-nor casting aspersions on results; I to hold MCD elections through Ballot Papers," he had tweeted. AAP's Jarnail Singh, who lost to former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi, also demanded use of ballots in the elections ahead. "Although we accept defeat, we have serious doubts over the results in Punjab. There are several villages in the Lambi constituency where we have received less votes than the number of volunteers we have there. "For the first time, voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) was used in Punjab. When we asked the Returning Officer to tally the number of votes to the VVPATs, he declined to do so," Singh said. AAP sources said there were 33 assembly constituencies in Punjab where VVPAT was used, and that it would ask the poll panel to verify them again with the number of votes received. They said the party had been "gathering evidence" before it could officially take up the matter with the poll panel. Where a paper trail audit or VVPAT is used, the counting agent can call for a count of the paper slips in the drop box attached to the voting machine, but the final count is taken by the Returning Officer. Congress accuses BJP of 'murdering democracy' in Goa NEW DELHI, (PTI) The Congress today accused the BJP of "murdering" democracy in Goa and dubbed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as "villain" after the saffron party stole march on it. Winning 17 seats, the Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the Goa Assembly polls, which threw up a hung verdict. However, the BJP, which was relegated to the second position with 13 seats, has staked claim to form government in the state with support of other parties. "We were in a position to form government in Goa after people favoured us and were in the process of doing so. But what the BJP did there is unthinkable and murder of democracy. Parrikar is the villain behind what has transpired," Congress secretary Shantaram Naik told PTI. Naik said the developments took place while the Congress MLAs were busy electing their legislature leader. "Even (Union Minister) Shripad Naik had yesterday said they (BJP) will not form government (in Goa) due to inadequate numbers. But what has happened is unthinkable in democracy, we condemn it," he said. Parrikar today staked claim to form the next government in the state with the support from three members, each of Goa Forward Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomkantak Party, two Independents and lone NCP MLA, taking the tally of the coalition to 22. With this, the BJP has cobbled up the requisite number needed to reach the magic figure in the 40-member House.

13 TUESDAY, AUGUST MARCH 28, 14, india MidWeek 13 Congress MLA, from Sangrur, Vijay Inder Singla met with Amarinder Singh after his victory at Moti Bagh Palace in Patiala on Sunday. Parrikar appointed as new Goa Chief Minister PANAJI, (IANS) Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday appointed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as the new Chief Minister of Goa. Parrikar has been asked to prove majority on the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly "15 days after administration of oath of office and secrecy", a letter issued by Secretary to the Governor Rupesh Kumar Thakur said. The letter said that Parrikar had submitted evidence of support of 21 MLAs before the Governor. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has 13 MLAs, is supported by three legislators each of the Goa Forward Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and two Independent legislators. According to Union Minister for Roads, Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, Parrikar will resign as Defence Minister before he takes oath of office as Goa Chief Minister. Modi to soon look for new ministers NEW DELHI, (IANS) With the BJP naming Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as the new Goa Chief Minister and some other Union ministers being hinted as front-runners for the top job in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi might soon be needing new members in his ministerial council. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday announced that Parrikar will be Chief Minister in a BJP-led government in Goa. "The Defence Minister will resign before he takes oath as the new Goa Chief Minister," Gadkari told reporters in Panaji after Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, led by Parrikar, met Goa Governor Mridula Sinha to stake claim to forming the new government in the coastal state. There are also speculations that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Communications Minister Manoj Sinha and Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma were being considered for the chief ministerial post in Uttar Pradesh. If one of them is chosen to head the new government in Uttar Pradesh, then it will cause another vacancy in the Union Council of Ministers. Modi govt subverting democracy in Manipur: Congress NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Congress today cried foul as the BJP was set to form the government in Manipur with the support from three small NDA constituents, a Congress MLA and the lone Trinamool Congress legislator, taking its tally to 32. "As per the Constitution and norms, the single largest party is always invited to form the government. The Modi government through the Governors, who are acting as its stooges, is subverting the law and democracy," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said here. "Federalism and the rule of law being murdered in broad daylight by the Modi Government," he alleged. He also alleged the BJP was misusing the CISF and airport authorities to detain and abduct an Independent MLA travelling with an outgoing Congress minister from Imphal to Kolkata. "The BJP is now misusing CISF and airport authorities to detain and abduct Independent MLA (Jiribam seat) Ashab Uddin at Imphal airport," he said, adding that the legislator was travelling with outgoing minister Abdul Nasir. SC questions Mallya on assets, transfer of $40m to kids NEW DELHI, (PTI) Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is presently in the United Kingdom, was today posed searching questions by the Supreme Court which asked him about the "truthfulness" of his disclosure of assets and transfer of USD 40 millions to his children. A bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit put for the queries during the day-long hearing after which it reserved the orders on two pleas of lending banks seeking contempt action and a direction to him to deposit USD 40 million received from offshore firm Diageo respectively. "You answer us whether you have disclosed your assets truthfully? Did you violate the Karnataka High Court order (restraining Mallaya from transferring and alienating assets) by transferring USD 40 million," the bench asked senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, representing Mallya. At the outset, the bench also posed several queries to the consortium of lending banks led by State Bank of India and asked it whether any criminal proceedings have been initiated against Mallya. "Was any security taken at the time of giving the loan? Was the security adequate? If not, then why the loan was advanced without sufficient security. Is it not a case of misrepresentation with regard to security?," the bench asked. India bought defence equipment worth 2.42 lakh crore in four years: Government NEW DELHI, (IANS) The government on Friday told the Lok Sabha that over Rs 2.42 lakh crore were spent on purchase of defence equipment from fiscal to fiscal. Expenditure on purchase of defence equipment for the three armed forces was Rs 66,821 crore in fiscal, Rs 65,583 crore in , Rs 62,341 crore in and Rs 47,494 for the ongoing fiscal, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the lower house. In reply to another question, the Minister said the government has "approved a Defence Innovation Fund (DIF) with initial funding by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The fund aims at creation of ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence, by engaging research and development institutes/academia and industry including start-ups and provide them the funding to carry out innovative development which has the potential for future commercialisation," he added. MARCH 2017

14 14 MidWeek world TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 Residents are seen making their way through a flooded road in Selat, Indonesia that is hit hard by recent floodings. Uri attack 'suspects' return to Pakistan after charges could not be proved ISLAMABAD, (IANS) Two Pakistani youths who were initially suspected of being involved in the terror attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, and freed two days ago after charges against them could not be proved, crossed the border into Pakistan on Friday. Faisal Hussain Awan and Ahsan Khursheed were initially suspected of being involved in the September 2016 attack which left 19 Indian soldiers dead. India has blamed Pakistani militant group Jaish-e-Mohamed for the assault. Indian border authorities handed over Awan and Khursheed to the Pakistan Army at the Wagah-Attari border. They were on Friday received at the Wagah border crossing by their families, Dawn online reported. The two youths, who are reported to be Class 10 students, were arrested in a joint operation by India's Border Security Force and the Army at Angoor Post in Uri town a few days after the September 18 Uri attack. They were suspected to have acted as "guides" for the militants. They were brought to the National Investigation Agency headquarters for interrogation. The NIA last week clarified that the two had run away from home to avoid studies and filed a closure report in the case. The probe agency on Wednesday handed them over to the Indian Army. US calls for transparent process for NGOs in India WASHINGTON, (IANS) The US State Department has expressed concern over the closure of a US-based Christian charity, Compassion International, in India and sought "fairer process" for foreign NGOs in the country. "NGOs do valuable work overseas. Certainly these countries and governments have their own reasons for the laws they pass, but we believe it should be transparent and clear why they're shutting down these organisations," US State Department's acting spokesperson Mark Toner said in a press briefing recently. Toner said that the US will raise the matter with the Indian government. "I'm not going to necessarily speak to the substance of our diplomatic conversations with India, but I think we're concerned When we see a group like Compassion International, which we believe is working and doing important work in India and is closed down, that it's a matter of concern, but certainly we'll raise that with the Indian Government," he said. Last December, India's Home Ministry said it is unlikely to reconsider its decision banning the Compassion International from funding Indian NGOs notwithstanding consistent appeals by the US authorities, according to reports. Toner said that one of the good things about the US' strong bilateral relations with India is that "we can talk about these kinds of issues." Muslims main victims of terrorism: Italian President ROME, (IANS/AKI) While threats have targeted Italy, especially its capital, Rome, the victims of most terrorist attacks are Muslims, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said. "Threats have been made against Italy, particularly Rome. "But we often forget that most of the victims of these cruel attacks around the world are Muslims," Mattarella told fortnightly Italian Jesuit magazine "Civilta Cattolica". 5,000 civilians freed from Boko Haram's grip: Cameroon For this reason it is mistaken to reduce terrorism in our times to "a war of religion", he said. Mattarella praised the anti-terror role being played by Italian police and intelligence services. "They are working with great ability and commitment. "Their preventive action is unknown to the public, unseen and untold but it is the most important and precious," he said. YAOUNDE, (AFP) Cameroon said its troops had rescued 5,000 civilian "hostages" held by Boko Haram Islamists in a cross-border operation that left scores of jihadists dead. Cameroonian troops carried out "a vast operation all along the Cameroon-Nigeria border and in Nigeria" from February 27 to March 7, government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary said in a statement seen by AFP Wednesday. The operation, dubbed Thunder 2, "led to the liberation of more than 5,000 people taken hostage by the terrorists", he said, referring to Boko Haram. "The freed hostages -- most of them women, children and elderly people -- were taken to a camp for displaced people in Banki, Nigeria," he added. "More than 60 terrorists" were killed, he said, adding that "21 suspects were arrested". Boko Haram, which wants to establish a caliphate in northern Nigeria, has been waging an insurgency since Though it was born in Nigeria, the Islamic State-affiliated group has also carried out frequent attacks on "soft" targets in neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger, prompting them to form a regional force to fight back. Some 200,000 Cameroonians from the Far North region near Nigeria have fled their villages in fear of the violence carried out by Boko Haram militants. The UN Security Council earlier this month vowed to turn the spotlight on a "neglected crisis" affecting 21 million people in the Lake Chad region that straddles Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Donald Trump's 2005 tax return revealed, he paid 24% on $150 million LONDON (REUTERS) President Donald Trump paid $38 million in taxes on more than $150 million in income in 2005, the White House said on Tuesday, responding to an MSNBC report that the network had obtained two pages of the returns. MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said she received the documents from journalist David Cay Johnston, who said on her show that he received them in the mail. The returns, which MSNBC posted on its website, showed Trump paid an effective federal tax rate of 25 percent in 2005 after writing off $100 million in losses. The White House said in a statement that Trump took into account "large scale depreciation for construction." Trump has repeatedly refused to release his tax returns, drawing criticism throughout his campaign last year and speculation from his political rivals he was hiding something. A New York Times report in October said Trump, a New York real estate developer, declared a $916 million loss on his 1995 income tax returns. The newspaper said the large tax deduction could have allowed him to avoid paying federal income taxes for up to 18 years. But the returns posted by MSNBC on Tuesday showed that he did pay taxes in The returns do not indicate whether he paid taxes in other years or how much he might have paid. The Washington Post reported last year that Trump paid no federal income taxes for at least two years in the late 1970s. The White House said in a statement on Tuesday that Trump, as head of the Trump Organization, had a responsibility "to pay no more tax than legally required." Forced conversion crime in Islam: Pak PM in Holi message KARACHI, (PTI) Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that forcible conversion and destruction of worship places of other religions is a crime in Islam and in Pakistan as he greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Holi. Addressing a function to celebrate Holi with Hindus here, he insisted that it was not anyone's job to decide who will go to hell or heaven, but to make Pakistan a heaven on earth. In his inclusive message to minorities in Pakistan, the prime minister said "no one can force others to adopt a certain religion. Islam gives importance to every human being regardless of his caste, creed or religion and I say it clearly that forcing anyone to convert his religion is a crime and it is our duty to protect the worship places of the minorities in Pakistan," Sharif told the gathering. Leading members of the Hindu community and minority lawmakers attended the function where the prime minister insisted that in Pakistan the fight was between terrorists and those who wanted to see the country progress and develop into an Asian tiger. "There is no fight in Pakistan over religion. If there is any fight it is with these terrorists and miscreants who use religion to mislead people and kill innocent people and don t want to see this country develop or prosper," he said. Sharif admitted that in the past some miscreants had attempted to create divisions on the basis of religion but insisted that Pakistan was created where everyone was free to practice his religion and go to his worship place. "Pakistan didn't come into existence to be against any religion. It is wrong to consider any religion inferior. I want to see a Pakistan where there are equal opportunities for every person of any religion to progress and make a good life for himself and his family. And there is peace and protection for everyone," the prime minister said. The Hindu community has constantly complained about their people in the rural areas being forced to convert to Islam and their women being kidnapped and forcibly converted. Russia: WikiLeaks dump shows CIA disguise capability MOSCOW, (AP) Russia's foreign minister says the WikiLeaks dump of purported US intelligence has highlighted the CIA's reported capability to imitate an electronic trace usually left behind by hackers from other nations. Sergey Lavrov said today that while Russia has been accused of leaving its "fingerprints" after hacks on the US, documents released by WikiLeaks show that "the CIA could get access to such 'fingerprints' and then use them." The US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking Hillary Clinton's campaign to help Donald Trump win the US elections. Lavrov reaffirmed a strong denial of Russia's involvement in any hacking attacks. Commenting on the WikiLeaks' trove, he added that Russia needs to take the CIA's hacking capabilities into account. He said he leaves his cellphone behind when he conducts sensitive talks. India accuses UN Human Rights chief of silence on Pakistan's state-sponsored terror UNITED NATIONS, (IANS) India on Thursday accused UN Human Rights Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein of being "silent" on Pakistan's state sponsorship of terror - in an unusually strong and open criticism of the official. "The central problem in Jammu and Kashmir is cross-border terrorism, and hence, we are a little surprised that the High Commissioner was silent regarding Pakistan that uses terrorism as an instrument of state policy," Ajit Kumar, India's Permanent Representative to the UN office in Geneva, told the UN Human Rights Council meeting in the Swiss city. Kumar also took issue with Zeid for using the phrase "Indian- Administered Kashmir", which, he said was "artificial" while referring to the Indian state. He was responding to Zeid, who had spoken of his office's "difficulty in obtaining access" to Jammu and Kashmir. While presenting his annual report to the annual meeting of the Human Rights Council on Wednesday, Zeid mentioned "both sides of the Line of Control in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir" among areas where the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) could not get access. US lawmaker introduces bill to declare Pakistan 'state sponsor of terrorism' WASHINGTON, (IANS) A US lawmaker has introduced a bill in Congress to declare Pakistan a "state sponsor of terrorism" and sought a "radical reset" in ties between the two countries. "Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the United States for years," Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, said as he introduced the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Act (HR 1449) in the US House of Representatives recently. "From harbouring Osama bin Laden to its cozy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the war on terror. And it's not America's. It is time we stop paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a State Sponsor of Terrorism," he said. The bill requires President Donald Trump to issue a report within 90 days detailing whether Pakistan has provided support for international terrorism. Thirty days after that, the Secretary of State is required to a submit a follow-up report containing either a determination that Pakistan is a "state sponsor of terrorism" or a detailed justification as to why it does not meet the legal criteria for such a designation. "For years and, we would say, for decades, the US has acquiesced in a toxic relationship with Pakistan, putting up with this nominal ally whose military and security leaders play a lethal double game.

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