Troops moved into Govandi in northeast Bombay at 11 p.m., after widespread violence erupted in the city and five people were killed in police firing. Around midnight, violence was reported from more than a dozen other locations in the city, and the military was put on standby. Despite the uneasy calm that prevailed in Bhiwandi, riots continued unabated in Bombay and Thane, leaving 81 people dead.
India and Pakistan have taken an “important” step in building closer ties, deciding to allow group travel between the two countries and liberalizing visa rules for certain categories. The Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan, Mr. M. Rasgotra and Mr. Niaz A. Naik signed a protocol on group tourism and exchanged letters on amendments to visa rules. The two leaders said they hoped these agreements would lead to understanding on other issues.
By-election voting
The first by-election was held in 20 parliamentary constituencies across 12 states, and despite the intense heat, a surprising number of voters turned out. However, the otherwise peaceful polls were marked by violent clashes in several constituencies including Asifnagar in Andhra Pradesh, Belgachia in West Bengal and Taurus in Haryana. Voting was held peacefully in three constituencies in Bihar and two in Uttar Pradesh.
protests in the philippines
Four people, including an army cadet, were killed and 18 others injured in violent protests sparked by allegations of voter fraud in Cebu City, a city in the central Philippines, police said. The election commission temporarily suspended vote counting after about 50,000 demonstrators marched on the state Capitol, throwing rocks and petrol bombs, and clashing with security forces. The governor’s office said the cadet was fatally wounded by bullets apparently fired by protesters.
© Indian Express Private Limited
Originally uploaded at: May 21, 2024, 06:30 IST