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Economic Times | 13 May, 2023 | 08:41AM IST
Jalandhar Bypoll News Updates LIVE: Counting begins in Jalandhar amid tight security arrangements
Counting of votes began Saturday morning for the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll that witnessed a four-corner battle among the BJP, Congress, SAD and the ruling AAP. Counting began at 8 am, officials said.
A tight security arrangement has been put in place in and around the counting centres set up at the office of the Director Land Records and Sports College Complex in Kapurthala Road.
Prominent among the 19 candidates in the fray are the AAP's Sushil Rinku, Congress' Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary, BJP's Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, and the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi.
The bypoll, held on May 10, recorded a voter turnout of 54.70 per cent, the officials said. It was well below the 63.04 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The Jalandhar seat had fallen vacant following the death of Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary in January.
The AAP fielded former MLA Rinku, who joined the party after quitting the Congress, while Atwal moved to the BJP from the SAD. Backed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the SAD fielded Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, its two-time MLA from Banga, whereas the Congress nominated Chaudhary's wife Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary.
The ruling AAP is hoping to mark its presence in the Lok Sabha by registering a victory in the bypoll. A win will be a boost for the party, which had faced a drubbing in the Lok Sabha bypoll in Sangrur, just three months after it stormed to power in Punjab in March 2022.
Khan was at the IHC for hours after he decided to stay within the court's premises till he got a written verdict of his bail as he feared that the police might arrest him again once he got out.
"Get ready for peaceful protest. I am illegally detained for the last 3 hours despite my bail being approved," said Khan before leaving the IHC premise in a video release posted by the PTI Twitter handle.
He said that the court has granted him the bail and there is no case against him still he is held back, adding that powerful persons are behaving in an unconstitutional way and are not listening to the court's order.
Khan, who is on his way to Lahore, has said Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IG) Akbar Nasir tried his best to retain him at the capital's high court.
"They did not let us leave for three hours, saying that it's dangerous outside," the former prime minister said in a video message from a vehicle in which he is travelling to Punjab's capital.
He added that he told the IG that "we will tell the entire Pakistan that you are kidnapping [me], retaining [me] forcefully".
The PTI chief said the Islamabad police chief let him go under this "pressure".
Moreover, he continued, "When we came out, the roads were empty. There was no danger of any kind."
He said he was expected to reach Lahore in the next three hours.
Khan was arrested from the IHC premises by paramilitary forces on Tuesday (May 9), which triggered violent protests across the country. But the Supreme Court nullified his arrest and ordered authorities concerned to release him.
A tight security arrangement has been put in place in and around the counting centres set up at the office of the Director Land Records and Sports College Complex in Kapurthala Road.
Prominent among the 19 candidates in the fray are the AAP's Sushil Rinku, Congress' Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary, BJP's Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, and the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi.
The bypoll, held on May 10, recorded a voter turnout of 54.70 per cent, the officials said. It was well below the 63.04 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The Jalandhar seat had fallen vacant following the death of Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary in January.
The AAP fielded former MLA Rinku, who joined the party after quitting the Congress, while Atwal moved to the BJP from the SAD. Backed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the SAD fielded Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, its two-time MLA from Banga, whereas the Congress nominated Chaudhary's wife Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary.
The ruling AAP is hoping to mark its presence in the Lok Sabha by registering a victory in the bypoll. A win will be a boost for the party, which had faced a drubbing in the Lok Sabha bypoll in Sangrur, just three months after it stormed to power in Punjab in March 2022.
Khan was at the IHC for hours after he decided to stay within the court's premises till he got a written verdict of his bail as he feared that the police might arrest him again once he got out.
"Get ready for peaceful protest. I am illegally detained for the last 3 hours despite my bail being approved," said Khan before leaving the IHC premise in a video release posted by the PTI Twitter handle.
He said that the court has granted him the bail and there is no case against him still he is held back, adding that powerful persons are behaving in an unconstitutional way and are not listening to the court's order.
Khan, who is on his way to Lahore, has said Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IG) Akbar Nasir tried his best to retain him at the capital's high court.
"They did not let us leave for three hours, saying that it's dangerous outside," the former prime minister said in a video message from a vehicle in which he is travelling to Punjab's capital.
He added that he told the IG that "we will tell the entire Pakistan that you are kidnapping [me], retaining [me] forcefully".
The PTI chief said the Islamabad police chief let him go under this "pressure".
Moreover, he continued, "When we came out, the roads were empty. There was no danger of any kind."
He said he was expected to reach Lahore in the next three hours.
Khan was arrested from the IHC premises by paramilitary forces on Tuesday (May 9), which triggered violent protests across the country. But the Supreme Court nullified his arrest and ordered authorities concerned to release him.
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Meghalaya: Counting of votes for Sohiong by-poll underway
Counting of votes is underway for the Sohiong by-election in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills, a senior official said on Saturday.
The counting exercise began at 8 am amid tight security, he said.
The by-poll was necessitated following the death of UDP candidate HDR Lyngdoh ahead of the assembly elections held in the rest of the state on February 27.
The National People's Party (NPP) is aiming at increasing its seat tally in the 60-member assembly to 29 with a victory in the by-election.
Six candidates are in the fray - Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah of the UDP, Samlin Malngiang of the NPP, S Osborne Kharjana of the Congress, Sandondor Ryntathiang of the HSPDP, Sereph E Kharbuki of the BJP and Stodingstar Thabah of the TMC.
Polling in Sohiong took place on May 10 with over 91.8 per cent of the over 34,000 voters exercising their franchise.
The counting exercise began at 8 am amid tight security, he said.
The by-poll was necessitated following the death of UDP candidate HDR Lyngdoh ahead of the assembly elections held in the rest of the state on February 27.
The National People's Party (NPP) is aiming at increasing its seat tally in the 60-member assembly to 29 with a victory in the by-election.
Six candidates are in the fray - Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah of the UDP, Samlin Malngiang of the NPP, S Osborne Kharjana of the Congress, Sandondor Ryntathiang of the HSPDP, Sereph E Kharbuki of the BJP and Stodingstar Thabah of the TMC.
Polling in Sohiong took place on May 10 with over 91.8 per cent of the over 34,000 voters exercising their franchise.
Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll: Counting begins amid tight security arrangements
Counting of votes began Saturday morning for the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll that witnessed a four-corner battle among the BJP, Congress, SAD and the ruling AAP. Counting began at 8 am, officials said.
A tight security arrangement has been put in place in and around the counting centres set up at the office of the Director Land Records and Sports College Complex in Kapurthala Road.
Prominent among the 19 candidates in the fray are the AAP's Sushil Rinku, Congress' Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary, BJP's Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, and the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi.
The bypoll, held on May 10, recorded a voter turnout of 54.70 per cent, the officials said. It was well below the 63.04 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
A tight security arrangement has been put in place in and around the counting centres set up at the office of the Director Land Records and Sports College Complex in Kapurthala Road.
Prominent among the 19 candidates in the fray are the AAP's Sushil Rinku, Congress' Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary, BJP's Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, and the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi.
The bypoll, held on May 10, recorded a voter turnout of 54.70 per cent, the officials said. It was well below the 63.04 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
G7 finance chiefs to warn of global uncertainty as US debt crisis looms
Finance leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations are expected to warn of more global economic uncertainty as they wrap up a three-day meet on Saturday overshadowed by a U.S. debt ceiling stalemate and fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The gathering in the Japanese city of Niigata came as worries over a U.S. default fuelled uncertainty over the global outlook, already clouded by stubbornly high inflation and U.S. bank failures.
"The global economy has shown resilience against multiple shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and associated inflationary pressures," the leaders will say in a final draft of a communique seen by Reuters.
"We need to remain vigilant and stay agile and flexible in our macroeconomic policy amid heightened uncertainty about the global economic outlook."
The communique is unlikely to mention the U.S. debt ceiling stalemate, which hits markets at a time when borrowing costs are rising because of aggressive monetary tightening by U.S. and European central banks.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Friday she would meet senior Wall Street bankers next week about the possibility that Washington could default on its debt for the first time since 1789.
The gathering in the Japanese city of Niigata came as worries over a U.S. default fuelled uncertainty over the global outlook, already clouded by stubbornly high inflation and U.S. bank failures.
"The global economy has shown resilience against multiple shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and associated inflationary pressures," the leaders will say in a final draft of a communique seen by Reuters.
"We need to remain vigilant and stay agile and flexible in our macroeconomic policy amid heightened uncertainty about the global economic outlook."
The communique is unlikely to mention the U.S. debt ceiling stalemate, which hits markets at a time when borrowing costs are rising because of aggressive monetary tightening by U.S. and European central banks.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Friday she would meet senior Wall Street bankers next week about the possibility that Washington could default on its debt for the first time since 1789.
SKICC Srinagar all set to receive, welcome G20 delegates
Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar, popularly known as SKICC, is currently abuzz with a large number of activities as it prepares to host the upcoming G20 summit from May 22 to 24.
This international summit, which will be held on the banks of the scenic Dal Lake, is expected to give a significant boost to tourism in the region.
The Tourism Working Group of G20 countries will be present at the summit to discuss the promotion of tourism at a global level.
"This is a great opportunity for Kashmir to showcase its natural beauty and tourism potential to the world. The Tourism Working Group of G20 countries is coming to Kashmir to discuss ways to promote tourism at a global level. This will happen when the G20 meeting ends successfully," Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary, Tourism, said.
This international summit, which will be held on the banks of the scenic Dal Lake, is expected to give a significant boost to tourism in the region.
The Tourism Working Group of G20 countries will be present at the summit to discuss the promotion of tourism at a global level.
"This is a great opportunity for Kashmir to showcase its natural beauty and tourism potential to the world. The Tourism Working Group of G20 countries is coming to Kashmir to discuss ways to promote tourism at a global level. This will happen when the G20 meeting ends successfully," Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary, Tourism, said.
An infiltration bid by terrorists was foiled in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, early morning today: Army sources
There was an exchange of fire between terrorists and own troops. Pakistan side tried to fly a quadcopter over the incident site but on being fired at by the Indian side it quickly withdrew.
Two Naxalites surrendered after getting impressed by the action of security forces against Naxalites and the rehabilitation cum surrender policy of the Bihar govt
Both of them were involved in many cases in the past. We have also asked Jharkhand Police for their criminal history: SSP Ashish Bharti, Gaya.
China ups ante ahead of G7 summit, sails naval flotilla around Japan
Ahead of the G7 Summit in Japan, Chinese warships sailed around Japan in a display of military power, reported CNN.
Chinese naval flotilla led by a powerful destroyer has been on a 12-day circumnavigation of Japan's main islands and it comes as leaders of the Group of Seven prepare to meet in Japan beginning May 19.
Japan's Defense Ministry on Thursday released a map showing the Type 055 guided missile destroyer Lhasa, one of the People's Liberation Army Navy's most powerful warships, leading a four-ship flotilla that also included a smaller destroyer, a frigate and a supply ship on the clockwise circumnavigation.
Chinese naval flotilla led by a powerful destroyer has been on a 12-day circumnavigation of Japan's main islands and it comes as leaders of the Group of Seven prepare to meet in Japan beginning May 19.
Japan's Defense Ministry on Thursday released a map showing the Type 055 guided missile destroyer Lhasa, one of the People's Liberation Army Navy's most powerful warships, leading a four-ship flotilla that also included a smaller destroyer, a frigate and a supply ship on the clockwise circumnavigation.
Executive fired from TikTok's Chinese owner says Beijing had access to app data in termination suit
A former executive fired from TikTok's parent company ByteDance made a raft of accusations against the tech giant Friday, including that it stole content from competitors like Instagram and Snapchat, and served as a "propaganda tool" for the Chinese government by suppressing or promoting content favourable to the country's interests.
The allegations were made in a complaint Friday by Yintao Yu, the head of engineering for ByteDance's US operations from August 2017 to November 2018, as part of a wrongful termination lawsuit filed earlier this month in San Francisco Superior Court. Yu claims he was fired for disclosing "wrongful conduct" he saw at the company.
The allegations were made in a complaint Friday by Yintao Yu, the head of engineering for ByteDance's US operations from August 2017 to November 2018, as part of a wrongful termination lawsuit filed earlier this month in San Francisco Superior Court. Yu claims he was fired for disclosing "wrongful conduct" he saw at the company.
Pakistan MoS urges Taliban to address banned outfit TTP resurgence
Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Friday urged the Taliban to address the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) resurgence, reported Tolo News.
She said that the engagement with the interim government in Afghanistan is "preconditioned" on the issue of TTP.
"The engagement with the Afghan interim government which is currently in Afghanistan is preconditioned on this issue (TTP). They have told us that they believe the blood of Pakistanis should not be poured but this has only been at a level of speech. They should prove some of the things because we have the ability to counter the TTP," she said.
Since the talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in November last year, the outfit has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan.
She said that the engagement with the interim government in Afghanistan is "preconditioned" on the issue of TTP.
"The engagement with the Afghan interim government which is currently in Afghanistan is preconditioned on this issue (TTP). They have told us that they believe the blood of Pakistanis should not be poured but this has only been at a level of speech. They should prove some of the things because we have the ability to counter the TTP," she said.
Since the talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in November last year, the outfit has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan.
Imran Khan returns to Lahore's Zaman Park residence after two days of detention
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan returned to his residence in Lahore's Zaman Park in the wee hours on Saturday after two days of detention, reported Geo News.
He was greeted all the way to Lahore by PTI supporters. Imran took a road route to reach his Lahore residence, marking his return after a tumultuous period.
During his journey to Lahore, the former premier revealed that the Inspector General of Islamabad police made extensive efforts to prevent him from leaving for Lahore. For a duration of three hours, he kept him waiting, claiming that it was highly perilous to venture outside, reported Geo News.
"By persuading him that we would inform the entire Pakistani nation about his act of kidnapping and forcefully detaining us, we managed to secure our release," Khan stated. "Under pressure, he eventually permitted our departure," he added.
"After finally setting out, we discovered that the roads were devoid of any traffic and that the perceived danger was non-existent," he remarked.
After being granted bail, Khan remained within the premises of the IHC for several hours, waiting for the written order to avoid potential re-arrest by the police upon his departure.
He was greeted all the way to Lahore by PTI supporters. Imran took a road route to reach his Lahore residence, marking his return after a tumultuous period.
During his journey to Lahore, the former premier revealed that the Inspector General of Islamabad police made extensive efforts to prevent him from leaving for Lahore. For a duration of three hours, he kept him waiting, claiming that it was highly perilous to venture outside, reported Geo News.
"By persuading him that we would inform the entire Pakistani nation about his act of kidnapping and forcefully detaining us, we managed to secure our release," Khan stated. "Under pressure, he eventually permitted our departure," he added.
"After finally setting out, we discovered that the roads were devoid of any traffic and that the perceived danger was non-existent," he remarked.
After being granted bail, Khan remained within the premises of the IHC for several hours, waiting for the written order to avoid potential re-arrest by the police upon his departure.
Four killed in terrorist attack on FC Camp in Balochistan
Two terrorists and two soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on a Frontier Constabulary (FC) camp in Balochistan's Muslim Bagh town, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday, reported Dawn.
The military's media wing said that a "group of terrorists attacked an FC camp in the Muslim Bagh area in northern Balochistan".
The statement said that an operation by the security forces was "underway to capture the terrorists who have been cornered into a building complex" while a heavy exchange of fire was also taking place, reported Dawn.
The ISPR further said, "Commander 12 Corps is supervising the security forces operations being conducted at Muslim Bagh area in Balochistan where terrorists have been cornered."
Since the talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in November last year, the outfit has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan.
Over the past few months, the law and order situation in the country has worsened, with terrorist groups executing attacks with near impunity across the country, reported Dawn.
The military's media wing said that a "group of terrorists attacked an FC camp in the Muslim Bagh area in northern Balochistan".
The statement said that an operation by the security forces was "underway to capture the terrorists who have been cornered into a building complex" while a heavy exchange of fire was also taking place, reported Dawn.
The ISPR further said, "Commander 12 Corps is supervising the security forces operations being conducted at Muslim Bagh area in Balochistan where terrorists have been cornered."
Since the talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in November last year, the outfit has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan.
Over the past few months, the law and order situation in the country has worsened, with terrorist groups executing attacks with near impunity across the country, reported Dawn.
Pakistan Army denies imposing martial law in country amid reports of disunity
Amid reports of disunity among the ranks of the Pakistan army, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday refuted allegations of imposition of martial law in the country, reported Geo News.
"I want to say very clearly that General Asim Munir and the army's leadership wholeheartedly support democracy and will continue to do so. The imposition of martial law is out of the question," said Chaudhry.
This comes after an almost four-day political turmoil erupted due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's arrest, in which army's installations were also targeted, reported Geo News.
"The army chief and the army's senior leadership completely believe in democracy," the military's top spokesperson said.
There are reports coming in from Pakistan that several Brigadier, Colonel and Major level officers of the Pakistan Army have been sacked because they refused to open fire at PTI protestors and Imran Khan supporters.
"I want to say very clearly that General Asim Munir and the army's leadership wholeheartedly support democracy and will continue to do so. The imposition of martial law is out of the question," said Chaudhry.
This comes after an almost four-day political turmoil erupted due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's arrest, in which army's installations were also targeted, reported Geo News.
"The army chief and the army's senior leadership completely believe in democracy," the military's top spokesperson said.
There are reports coming in from Pakistan that several Brigadier, Colonel and Major level officers of the Pakistan Army have been sacked because they refused to open fire at PTI protestors and Imran Khan supporters.
Manipur violence: UAVs, Army helicopters being used for aerial surveillance
The Indian Army has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters to keep an eye on sensitive areas across Manipur as authorities work to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state.
Indian Army's Spear Corps on Friday shared about the ongoing efforts and about the deployment of UAVs and helicopters for Aerial Surveillance.
"Approximately 130 columns on the ground, UAVs and helicopters for Aerial Surveillance working relentlessly to restore normalcy. The escorted move of the remaining approx 6000 persons is underway. Round-the-clock aerial surveillance continues," Indian Army said in a tweet while sharing a video captured through a UAV during aerial surveillance.
Army's Eastern Command officials said that Lieutenant General RP Kalita met with prominent local community leaders at Manipur's Mantripukhri to defuse tensions.
Indian Army's Spear Corps on Friday shared about the ongoing efforts and about the deployment of UAVs and helicopters for Aerial Surveillance.
"Approximately 130 columns on the ground, UAVs and helicopters for Aerial Surveillance working relentlessly to restore normalcy. The escorted move of the remaining approx 6000 persons is underway. Round-the-clock aerial surveillance continues," Indian Army said in a tweet while sharing a video captured through a UAV during aerial surveillance.
Army's Eastern Command officials said that Lieutenant General RP Kalita met with prominent local community leaders at Manipur's Mantripukhri to defuse tensions.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority restores internet services across country
After a three-day suspension, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Friday confirmed that it had started restoring internet services across the country, reported Dawn.
The PTA said in its statement that access to social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and YouTube was also being restored in the country.
The telecom regulator suspended mobile broadband services across the country on May 9 on the interior ministry's directives.
Enraged PTI supporters resorted to violence attacking military and government buildings in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
The step was taken by the authorities to control the spread of chaos, while access to major social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube was also blocked since then.
The PTA said in its statement that access to social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and YouTube was also being restored in the country.
The telecom regulator suspended mobile broadband services across the country on May 9 on the interior ministry's directives.
Enraged PTI supporters resorted to violence attacking military and government buildings in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
The step was taken by the authorities to control the spread of chaos, while access to major social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube was also blocked since then.
