Salem-News.com India articles Page 32

S&P Warns Sri Lanka of Credit Downgrade

The rupee has depreciated almost 20 percent since November 2011 with the worst fall happening since February.

(COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Xinhua) - Sri Lanka, already struggling under high fuel prices, could be in for a credit downgrade along with its neighbor India if prices continue to increase and subsidies are not reduced, a credit agency report said here on Monday.

"In India and Sri Lanka, we expect fuel and related subsidies to markedly worsen fiscal and external deficits unless subsidy levels fall," Standard and Poor's said in a report, adding "In the absence of offsetting positive developments, these sovereigns could see negative rating actions as a result."

Baloch Human Rights Council Strongly Condemns the Barbaric Killing of Khalil Dale by the So-Called `Pakistani Taliban`

Statement from Baloch Human Rights Council

(LONDON) - It is a well known fact that this terrorist outfit is directly controlled and managed by the Pakistani military agencies. Khalil Dale was a true humanitarian who was helping our people in and around Quetta.

Because of his humane and kind nature he was very popular with the local people.

Diaspora Cannot Ignore Realities and Transparency

The majority of the diaspora supporting the LTTE split into many groups, simplifying the aggressor’s task.

(PARIS, France) - I humbly feel that if we don’t share our views openly and honestly, there is no use talking about unity.

We Tamils from the North East or Eelam Tamils have had many rises and falls – the non violent struggle, the armed struggle in self-defence...

Attack on Mosque at Dambulla by Buddhist Thugs in Yellow Robes

Buddhist Chief Incumbent refers local Muslim residents to 'crows'.

(DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka) - Sumangala Thera says the only way to win one’s demands in Sri Lanka right now is to engage in protest campaigns.

Sri Lanka's Muslim Congress, which is against relocating the mosque, had the power to change the government’s stand on the issue.

Oh, Douglas Devananda!
Where is Your Adventurous Sailing to India!!

Days have passed and a week has gone and the much publicised adventure still remains a mission to be accomplished by the claimants.

(LONDON) - There was huge publicity on the claim by the paramilitary leader and the government minister Douglas Devananda that he will be storming Tamil Nadu with 5,000 Tamil fishermen from Jaffna.

He said the goal was to protest against poaching by the Indian fishermen in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka.

The Cluster Bombs in Sri Lanka`s Paradise

'But the Tigers are terrorists, don't you know...'
Yes, and the people who govern the country are murderers.

(LONDON) - Ah! They have found some cluster bombs in Paradise and no one is responsible. No surprises here.

Naturally the army will blame the rebel Tigers but hey, the rebel Tigers are dead so they cannot answer for themselves.

Balochistan: The Third Kind of Man

The first type of man goes to his death silent, the second goes kicking and screaming...
This is the story of defiance and resistance.

(SALEM) - When I write about Balochistan, I visualize people who are brave and rugged and timeless.

Those who survive in nations or cultures oppressed and occupied, develop the ability to maintain resilience and dignity, it is almost unrivaled.

`Any Indian Citizen Can Detain Douglas Devananda if he Trespasses Into Indian Waters`

Devananda, leader of Eelam People’s Democratic Party and an ally of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was involved in a neighbourhood brawl in Chennai and once opened fire at a crowd.

(CHENNAI, India Weekend Leader) - Sri Lankan Minister Douglas Devananda’s reported threat to cross into Indian territorial waters with 5000 Sri Lankan fishermen has once again raked up the demand for arrest of the minister in Tamil Nadu.

This is where he is wanted in connection with a 1986 murder case.

Sushma`s Team Puts the Focus on What Rajapaksa Needs To Do

All that is required is to checklist the items on a timescale to monitor progress made; but the question is, who will do it -- President Rajapaksa's government? Tamil polity? India? UNHCR?

(CHENNAI, India) - There is no change in Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa's game plan in dealing with Indian leaders -- agree with what they say and carry on as before.

Thus, we can expect the 'un-reconciled' reconciliation process in the island-nation to drag on further, says Col R Hariharan.

Lankan Tamils` Hunger-Strike Enters Eighth Day

India is holding prisoners over accusations of LTTE involvement.

(CHENGALPATTU, India) - The hunger-strike by 10 Sri Lankan Tamils demanding their release from the special camp at Chengalpattu entered the eighth day on Monday.

Five more had joined the fasting on Friday. The protesters are asking to be released since they are being held sans legal grounds for several months under the passport act.