MILAN: A DHL cargo plane skidded off a runway at Bergamos Orio al Serio airport early Friday, its nose busting through a perimeter fence and onto a provincial highway. Officials said no one was injured. The airport near Milan, a hub for low-cost airlines and cargo traffic, was closed for about 2 and a half hours, forcing the cancellation of 15 flights and creating delays during the busy summer travel period. Some flights were rerouted to Milans Malpensa airport. Television images showed the planes nose partially blocking a roadway, flanked by emergency vehicles, while a crane was moved into position to remove it. Italian aviation officials said the Boeing 737-400 overshot the runway on landing from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport just after 4 a.m. The pilot and first officer were not injured. The cause was under investigation. A witness, who lives 300 meters (yards) from the airport and was on his balcony at the time, said a few cars were driving along the road that runs next to the airport, but managed to stop in time. "It could have been a tragedy," Ezio Carissoni was quoted by the news agency ANSA as saying.AP
Plane skids runway at Italy's Bergamo airport
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Kerala Congress (M) goes out of UDF I Video
Charalkunnu:Ending the speculation that has been existing for the past several days regarding Kerala Congress (M) quitting the UDF, KC((M)supremoK M Mani on Sunday announced the partys decision to leave the front. Announcing the partys exit from the UDF, Mani said that the decision was taken as the Congress partytried to weaken his party. “KC(M) will sit as a separate block in the Assembly and will function as aresponsible opposition,” Mani said. Mani announced the decision at a news conference heldafter the party leadership camp at Charalkunnu. “The UDF has been weakened as the political decency required in coalition politicswas not shown. I hope that the stand taken by KC(M)will help other UDF constituents to conduct a self-enquiry,” he said. "Bar bribery case is only one of the reasonsbehind the decision to leave UDF. There are several other reasons too," he said. “The Congress conspired against us. Some Congressleaders tried to weakenthe party.A separate battalion worked to achieve this goal," Mani said. Mani said that the decision was taken as the partys patience was tested to the maximum. However, he said that the party is not considering a change in the stand regarding the understanding reached with other parties at the regional level. "The present situation in local body institutions will continue.The party will extend an issue- based support to UPA in the parliament. Though the party has left the UDF, it will not join the LDF or the NDA," he said. Rejecting KC(M)s allegations that the Congress hadtried to weaken it, KPCC President, V M Sudheeran said theparty had in fact had only worked to strengthening it. Referring to the equidistance line adopted by Mani, hesaid it was only opportunism and asserted that KC-M had beenreduced to a party on which people have lost faith. On the other hand, Chennithala said none would be allowedto threaten the Congress. "If anyone feels that they can threaten us, and getthings done, they will have to face the consequences. Do notbe under the impression that the Congress era is over. Theparty will arise like a Phoenix from the ashes," he said.
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'KC(M) leaving the UDF exposes its opportunist politics'
Thiruvananthapuram:Kerala Pradesh CongressCommittee today dubbed Kerala Congress (M)s decision to quitUDF as "opportunist.""KC-Ms decision to quit UDF is opportunist politics asthey left without any valid and just reason," KPCC PresidentV M Sudheeran told reporters. "It is not equidistance policy, but opportunist politics,"Sudheeran said, attacking KC(M) supremo Mani. He rejected Manis charge that a section in Congress hadtried to weaken and "insult KC-M and its leaders.""Congress party leaders worked for the victory of KC-M candidates in the last polls and only wanted to strengthenthat party...it is painful that they left the Front," he said. "Congress also would not allow anybody to isolate andattack any Congress leader," Sudheeran said, apparentlyreferring to KC-M charge that a conspiracy by a section inthe Congress led by Ramesh Chennithala, was behind the barbribery scam. "All decisions in the bar bribery scam were taken based ongeneral consensus arrived by Congress leaders," he said.Congress also did not denounce Mani over the scam andprotected him even after it suffered setback, Sudheeran said. Referring to the KC-M leaders remark that they have been"insulted" by Congress, Sudheeran said Mani did not lodge acomplaint with the Front about any issue before or after theassembly polls. Asked whether Congress would take back KC-M to its foldif the party returns, Sudheeran said "that question has norelevance at the present juncture." PTI
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Administrative committee of temple to move SC for probe into theft
Thiruvananthapuram: The administrative committee ofthe famous Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple here has decided to move the Supreme Court, seeking acomprehensive probe into media reports of theft of jewellery and diamonds worth lakhs or rupees from Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the committee, headed by a district sessions judge, following media reports about police registering a case in this regard, an official release said here today. It said temple officials had not informed the committee about the theft of jewellery and diamonds from Sreekovil. The temple is now under the administration of a committee appointed by the Supreme Court as a case has been pending in the court over issues related to management of the temple, earlier managed by the erstwhile Travancore Royal Family. The temple shot to international fame aftertreasure worth crores of rupees were found in secret vaults of the temple basement four years ago. PTI
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‘One without Pls’ - Minister asks a roadside tea vendor!
Kollamkode: On Sunday, Santhamani had a surprise visitor at her tea stall on the border village of Govindapuram in Palakkad district. Kerala Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar and entourage had made a brief half at this tea shop while on the way to Chinnar. Santhamani could not believe her eyes when the state Minister's vehicle stopped in front of her small tea shop.As the Minister alighted from the car and ordered a 'without' (a sugarless tea) while taking a plastic chair to sit, locals flocked to the tea stall. Meanwhile, CI N S Saleesh, who was the Minister's classmate at Kerala Varma college and was conducting a vehicle check in the area, rushed to the tea stall to have a chat with him. Sunil Kumar, during his 20-minutes halt at the tea stall, had a friendly conversation with the local people. He also enquired about the farming practices and crops at Muthalamada. Additional private secretary Anil Kumar was also accompanying the minister.
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Meet Velmani, Attappadi hamlet’s first professional Ayurveda doctor
Cherpu (Thrissur): One year from today, Vendavatti tribal hamlet in Attappadi will get its first Ayurveda doctor when Velmani completes her medical course. 23-year-old Velmani's life story is more inspirational than empathetic. Velmani was the eldest among the four children of Nanjamoopan. At the age of five, Velmani was admitted to Lurde Nilayam orphanage at Pootharakkal as her parents could not afford to send her to school. Her primary education was in Ammadam school. While studying in Class VI, she was shifted to Sanjeevani Balikasadanam at Urakam. She did her high school education at Cherpu CNN Girls High School and plus two at Irinjalakuda Government Girls School after which she got admission for BAMS at Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College at Kattakada. Velmani has completed four-and-a-half-years of course and is planning to do one-year internship. Attappadi, which is known for traditional Ayurveda ottamooli (single ingredient) treatment, has huge scope in Ayurveda sector. Velmani wants to find a job after internship and wish to serve the poor as much as she can.
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Shoot me if you want, not my Dalit brothers: Modi
Hyderabad: In an impassioned outreach to Dalits against the backdrop of the Una flogging incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today decried the attempts to politicise the issue and said he is ready to get "shot and attacked" in place of his Dalit "brothers". He also stressed that society should not be allowed to be divided on the basis of caste and community. "If you want to attack, attack me, not my Dalit brothers. If you want to shoot, shoot me, not my Dalit brothers, stop politics over Dalits. This game should stop," Modi said in an aggressive way, while addressing a public meeting of polling booth workers of BJP at a "Maha Sammelan" at Lal Bahadur Stadium here. His comments come at a time when the NDA government is facing flak over incidents of violence against Dalits and Muslims by cow vigilantes in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The Parliament also witnessed stormy scenes over the issue. BSP chief Mayawati demanding that Modi should break his silence on the issue and accused him of being apathetic to the concerns of the community. Without naming opposition parties, Modi said, "I know why a storm is being created against us these days. Because, these people believed they are the owners of Dalit vote. Dalit community is in their pocket". "They fear that if Dalits understood the welfare measures initiated for them by the BJP-led government, this party (BJP) cannot be removed (from power) for 50 years, and it would end their divisive politics," he added. Noting that unity of society is the mainstream and main strength of the countrys development, the Prime Minister said sometimes some incidents (atrocities against Dalits) surface which make our heads hang in shame. "What is the reason? Why are Dalits being attacked?," he asked and added that it is the responsibility of everybody to protect, and give security and respect to Dalits, oppressed and exploited. PTI
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As ‘Nendran’ prices skyrocket, it’s party time for banana thieves
Kunjithanni: With Onam season drawing near, raw banana prices are shooting up in the state, so too the number of banana thieves! Raw bananas are used to make a number of dishes and fries in Kerala and is in high demand during the Onam festival. Now, with the prices going up, the bananas have become a savoury deal for the local thieves. However, this menace has left the farmers, who were looking up to a bright season, in a lurch. Banana thefts has become rampant in Muthuvankudy and Etty City areas. Banana fruit stalks are being cut and sent out from the plantation areas during night. The farmers have urged the police to strengthen night patrolling in the area.
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Delayed and unused- The Pollachi rail line stays a pain
Palakkad: The Pollachi railway track that was upgraded into broad gauge spending crores of rupees has not yielded any benefit for the passengers. It has been eight months since the railway traffic on this route extending from Palakkad to Pazhani, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Velankanni, Ervadi, Thiruchendur and Chennai commenced. The trouble is that the train services have either not been restored or the available ones are not serving the passengers well enough. The Pollachi track which was part of the Madurai division was alloted to the Palakkad division in 2007. It was closed down for gauge upgradation in 2008 and the work took 7 years to complete. Finally the track was reopened on November 16, 2015 and hopes soared with the passengers getting hopeful of shifting their travel to trains as the Rs.15 ticket would have saved them more than half the amount they were spending otherwise. While the morning trains were set at 4:30 AM till Madurai- Thiruchendur and at 8:05 AM till Pollachi, the evening rains were at 5:30 PM and 8:35 PM. The return trains are at 4:30 AM and 10:15 AM and then at 7:30 AM and 8:45 AM. These trains running as temporary services operate out of the town station instead of the Olavakkode Junction station forcing passengers to pay for an auto fare as well. The renovation on the signal system at the Junction station was completed two months ago and there has been no move to restore services from there. The Rameshwaram train and the passenger trains that used to service the route in the morning and evenings have also not yet been restored. The railway policy to not allow any new stops or new trains is being cited as a reason for the trouble. The railway needs to give an assurance to regularize the trains on the Pollachi route. The pilgrimage route to Pazhani and Madurai are also lying neglected. The services need to be restored to begin from the junction station and the cancelled trains must be restored. At the same time the peoples representatives must try to make the proposed Mangalore- Rameshwaram express a reality and further try to persuade the railways to make an exemption in their policy.
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Dipa Karmakar qualifies for vault finals, creates history
Rio de Janeiro: Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar scripted history as she became the first Indian to make the cut for the individual vault finals in her debut Olympic Games after finishing 8th in the qualifying round here. The Tripura-girl, who is the countrys first woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics, managed to perform her much-appreciated Produnova vault cleanly to secure 14.850 points after two attempts. It was a nervous wait for the Indian after that. She had ended sixth after the third of five sub-divisions. She dropped to 8th eventually when Canadian Shallon Olsens terrific effort of 14.950 rejigged the overall standings. But that was just about enough to secure her a place in the finals scheduled for August 14 as the top-8 made the cut for the medal round. Dipa secured 7.000 on difficulty and 8.1 on execution in her first attempt. Her score for difficulty was a tad lower at 6.000 in the second attempt. She landed low on her Produnova vault in the first attempt, while her second vault was a Tsuk double full twist with step to the side. Three-time world all-round champion Simone Biles topped the charts with a sensational score of 16.050. The American scored a brilliant 9.700 on execution in both her attempts. North Koreas Jong Un Hong was a distant second after securing 15.683 followed by Switzerlands Giulia Steingruber (15.266). In the other routines, Dipa secured 11.666 for her effort on the uneven bars, scoring low on difficulty but decent on execution. Later, Dipa scored 12.866 for her performance on the balance beam. The floor exercise fetched Dipa a score of 12.033, which also included a 0.300 penalty. Dipa, the first Indian woman gymnast to win a Commonwealth Games medal, stood 47th in the all-round standings with a combined score of 51.665. The eight gymnasts with the highest individual scores in each apparatus move on to compete for an individual event title in that apparatus. The 24 men and 24 women with the highest combined individual totals move on to the all-around finals. (PTI)
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Rio Olympics: India continue wait for first medal
Rio de Janeiro: Gymnast Dipa Karmakar turned out to be the standout performer as medals continued to elude India for the second successive day at the 31st Rio Olympics with shooter Heena Sidhu and the womens archery team failing to impress. Dipa created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to enter the Olympic finals at the Rio Olympic Centre here on Sunday. The 22-year-old qualified for the final round in the individual vault final of artistic gymnastics after finishing eighth on the vault standings. Deepa will compete in the final on August 14. Sidhu missed out of the race to the womens 10 metres Air Pistol finals event, trap shooters Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Kynan Chenai finished 17th and 19th respectively on the first day of the competitions to keep themselves in the hunt for a medal. But the Indian hockey eves put up a brave face as it came back from a two-goal deficit to hold Japan 2-2 in its opening pool encounter. After a patchy seventh place finish on Saturday, the Indian archery team comprising Deepika Kumari, L. Bombayla Devi and Laxmirani Majhi raised hopes by reaching the quarter-finals only to crash out after losing to Russia. The Indians, who clinched a silver in the 2015 World Championships, turned in an inconsistent show to lose 23-25 in the shoot-off after both teams were locked 4-4 on points, having won two sets each at the Olympic shooting centre. Deepika Kumari got a bit riled when a journalist asked her that had she hit the perfect score of ten, the Indian team could have won. "You should come and see at the spot. We want to hit a ten every time," she said. Manjhi in particular was not in the best of form and registered poor scores at crucial junctures that ultimately cost the Indians the match. Indias head coach Dharmendra Tiwari said that strong gusts of wind at least twice before the Indian teams turn may have been a strong factor in the loss. "The girls have not practiced much against strong winds, and in archery that plays a very important role," Tiwari told IANS after the match. But Rajiv Mehta, Secretary-General of the Indian Olympic Association said that overall performance of Indian contestants had been patchy so far. "The girls did well in between but they could not meet up to the expectation in the end. Theres no point in blaming any particular factor for the loss," Mehta said. IANS
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BJP to submit 'Vision Kerala' to the PM
Kochi: The state unit of the BJP is busy readying a comprehensive development agenda for the state Vision Kerala, to be handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits Kerala for the National Convention on September 24. The document will have suggestions referred from the brainstorming sessions from the three different regions of Kerala, the latest of which was held at Ernakulam here. Earlier, a similar seminar had taken place at Thiruvananthapuram too. For Ernakulam, further enhancement of the existing infrastructure was suggested. Measures to stall the moral downfall in the educational sector, resource enhancement, water transport, community colleges, community farms, Ayurveda, nano-technology and IT were key areas where the development debate was anchored. The seminar spearheaded by the state president Kummanam Rajasekharan also opined that the custom of stand-alone development programs and short term planning is what decelerated the developmental momentum of the state. Kummanam also added that after the upcoming seminar at Calicut, there will be sessions at the district levels too. He also mentioned that these suggestions will not rest on a piece of paper as a manifesto but will become an action plan soon. Party leader C V Ananda Bose added that the report will be submitted to the CM and the PM, not forgetting to mention that the development plan can work only on a co-operative basis between the centre and the state.
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222 days remain for Kannur airport to take wings
Kannur: It looks like chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has decided on the date of inauguration for the Kannur international airport project. March 17, 2017. It means only 222 days remain for the airport to take wings. The date was decided at the meeting convened to assess the ongoing works progressing at the airport project. The priority works that need to be completed before the due date was discussed at the meet. An agreement has been reached to extend the runway to 4000 metres and land takeover has been approved. The govt has to acquire extra 150 acres of land for this. The collector has disclosed that it would be better to acquire land now itself. The maximum price that is offered now for 1 acre of land is Rs 1.13 lakhs. If more time is taken to acquire the land, then the price too may shoot up. Hence it was decided to takeover extra land immediately so that the present price of land may be offered. The district collector has been entrusted with the task of acquiring land and the govt has to take a final decision. The meeting also discussed immediate widening of all 6 roads leading to the airport. The lighting of runway will be done for 900 metres and modification in design accordingly. KIAL MD will conduct discussions on this with the concerned companies. The meeting also took into consideration ways to clear the drainage flowing into the surrounding areas. A proper drainage system will be completed by November. To prevent soil erosion, grass meadows would be set up and all works relating to this would be completed by September. KIAL MD V Tulasidas said works on two canals will be taken up in association with the Minor Irrigation Department. Tulasidas informed that vetivar plants or Ramacham saplings would be planted on the premises of the airport project for water conservation. Compensation would be offered to those houses that suffered damages due to the airport project. Ministers E P Jayarajan, K K Shylaja, K K Ragesh MP, collector P Balakiran, KIAL MD D P Tulasidas, municipal council chairman K Bhaskaran Master, former MD A P Jayarajan, local body presidents participated in the meeting.
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Firm on decision, will stand alone: Mani
Kottayam: Kerala Congress (M) chairman K M Mani affirmed that the decision to part ways with the UDF will not change under any kind of mediation. Mani said he would not go back on the decision to sit as a separate block in the Kerala Assembly. “The Kerala Congress left UDF and is ready to face any challenges. The party has proved its strength alone earlier. The party has created history by standing alone even before,” Mani said. The decision to leave the UDF was taken independently. And that is why, we fear none. Even if anyone mediates, it would do no benefit, Mani said. We are friendly with the Muslim League and the party is ready for talks. But we remain firm on our stand, Mani replied when asked if they are willing to yield in the mediation talks led by Muslim League.
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Kannur prison inmates complain against restrictions; probe ordered
Kannur: The inmates of the Kannur Central Prison have come up with complaints against the jail officials. They submitted the complaints in the box placed at the District Sessions Court. Jail DGP Anil Kant has sought a report on the matter after an inquiry. Following this, IG Gopakumar paid a surprise visit to the jail on Saturday. There were five complaints, including one that alleged that prisoners were locked up in the cell. The District Judge has handed them over to the Jail DGP. The IG was asked to conduct an inquiry considering the grave nature of the complaints. The DGP directed him to also conduct a complete inspection at the Central Prison. When the IG visited the jail, Superintendent Ashok Kumar Aruvikkara was not there. Instead of meeting officials, he heard complaints directly from the prisoners and also inspected blocks. One of the complaints says that the prisoners who skipped the duties assigned to them were locked up. Usually, they are only denied their pay. Dangerous criminals, those who need special observation, etc. are locked up in their cells. However, the jail officials explained that restrictions were imposed after drug abuse among the prisoners increased. Those who have no duties are not allowed to go out of their blocks. Most of them have been punished in narcotic cases. It has been found that they sell ganja among other inmates. They have even found a way for ganja deals. Some inmates would shout that there was a fight going on to divert the attention of the officials. When the staff are gone, they would throw the ganja across walls to other blocks. The inmates have even brought illicit liquor to the jail this way, following which the restrictions were imposed. The officials alleged that the prisoners were trying to sabotage the curbs.
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Congress not to provoke or reconcile with KC-M
Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress leadership in the state today ruled out an immediate reconciliation with the Kerala Congress faction led by K M Mani, which severed ties with the Congress-led UDF in the state. The state leadership has arrived at a consensus about the stance to be taken in the matter. It has been decided that the Congress will not make statements or take actions to provoke its long-time ally, which has decided to quit the front amidst allegations of in-house conspiracy over the bar bribery scam involving Mani. However, the Congress has decided to strongly counter any allegations which will be made by KC-M against it. The Congress leaders will hold a meeting today to assess the current political situation after Mani's walk out. The meeting will discuss the party's policy in dealing with the Mani faction in all institutions including the local government bodies. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala will address a press conference on the matter at around noon. During the Kerala Congress-M (KC-M) meeting at Charalkunnu over the weekend, Mani had raised serious criticisms against Congress leaders including Chennithala. Mani has decided to maintain equidistance from CPM and Congress. Meanwhile, some Congress members expressed reservation against the leadership's decision to share administrative powers in local government institutions. If the leadership gives in to this suggestion, there is a possibility of administrative rejig at several local bodies.
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One more missing from Kasargod, IS link suspected
Kasargod: One more person has been reported missing from Kasargod district in the state even as an investigation is on to ascertain the whereabouts of several Keralites who are suspected to have left the country to join the terror group Islamic State. The relatives of Abdulla (20), a native of Adoor in Kasargod, has filed a man missing complaint with the police. He left his home a year back, saying he was going to Trikkaripur for religious studies. Though he visited his home in December, he left for Ernakulam a day later. The relatives said they had not heard from him since then. They also noted that he had links with the people who disappeared from Trikkaripur. Adoor CI has handed over the investigation in the matter to District police chief. The case will be probed along with other missing cases suspected to have IS links. Meanwhile, the investigators took Yasmin Ahmed, the 29-year old woman from Bihar, to the house of her second husband Abdul Rashid Abdulla here for evidence collection. Abdul Rashid is among those reported missing from the district.
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Police atrocity on motorist: Complaints Authority chief seeks action
Kollam: Police Complaints Authority Chairman Justice Narayana Kurup said Monday that action should be taken against the police personnel who reportedly hit a motorist with his wireless handset for not wearing helmet. Justice Narayana Kurup made the remarks after visiting Santhosh Felix, who is being treated at a hospital after suffering severe brain injury in the incident which took place on Saturday in Kollam. He also met the doctors who are treating Santhosh. Justice Narayana Kurup also urged the state government to bear the expenses of his treatment. Doctors are now working to remove a blood clot formed on Santhosh's brain. There is a fracture on his skull. Santhosh has suffered hearing loss in the left ear. He is on liquid food. Following the incident, Mash Das of the Kollam AR camp was suspended. However, the police are yet to record the victim's statement. City Police Commissioner Sateesh Bino has ordered departmental inquiry against him. Santhoshs relatives have lodged a complaint with the Commissioner.
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No valid reason for Mani quitting Front: Chennithala I Video
Thiruvananthapuram: UDF chairman Ramesh Chennithala at a press meet convened here on Monday said Mani had left the UDF without any valid reasons. “K M Mani parting ways with the Front at a time when it is faced with challenges is not right,” Chennithala added. Chennithala said this is the time when people expect the Front to stand united as the governance is going against the people both at the Centre and in the state. At a time when the Front has to face the challenges unitedly, the KC-M parted ways and that would blemish people's expectations. Chennithala reiterated that the Congress has always taken a positive approach towards the Kerala Congress and that Mani is an important and respected person in the Front. Chennithala sees no reason why the party quit the front ending 34 years of alliance. “I fail to understand why Mani Sir had left the Front.” Congress not to provoke or reconcile with KC-M The Kerala Congress (M) had at no point of time come out with any kind of accusations against the Congress. If it had aired its grieveances, then the party would have tried to resolve them through talks. The Congress takes an unbiased approach towards all its allies in the Front, Chennithala said. Though Chennithala defended Mani in all respect, he maintained that the party would not remain a mute spectator and give back if fingers are pointed towards the Front. Firm on decision, will stand alone: Mani
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93 die as explosion rips through hospital in Pakistan
Islamabad: A deafening blast ripped through scores of mourners in a Quetta hospital on Monday killing 93 people, mainly lawyers, in this years bloodiest terror attack in Pakistan, officials said. Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Baloch blamed a suicide bomber for the carnage that took place when a large number of lawyers had gathered at the Civil Hospital with the body of a lawyer shot dead hours earlier. The hospital superintendent confirmed the toll, ARY News channel reported. Two legs of a body found at the site were likely to be that of the suicide bomber, it said. Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri blamed the Indian intelligence agency RAW, saying it was responsible for incidents of terror in Quetta. His comments about the RAW came even before the police could say who was responsible for the horrific attack. The massive explosion occurred when nearly 100 lawyers and some journalists reached the Civil Hospital with the body of Bilal Anwar Kasi, president of the Balochistan Bar Association who was killed earlier. Police officer Zahoor Ahmed Afridi said most of the dead were lawyers. Several lawyers, including Baz Mohammad Kakar, the former president of the Balochistan Bar Association, were injured, Dawn reported. Gunfire was heard shortly after the explosion. Shahzad Khan, a cameraman with Aaj TV, was also killed in the explosion while the cameraman for Dawn News was severely injured, Dawn said. A stampede broke out after the bombing, causing chaos at the hospital, witnesses said. Smoke filled the corridors of the emergency ward. Video footage showed lawyers rushing with stretchers to help the wounded. Samaa TV said bodies were strewn on the floor, some still smoking, "amid pools of blood and shattered glass". Shocked and dozed survivors wept and comforted one another, journalists at the site said. Many of the dead wore black suits and ties. Officials said as jammers were activated immediately after the blast, it became difficult to contact officials at the site. Police surrounded the hospital and an emergency was declared in all Quetta hospitals. Senior military officers also rushed to the hospital. "This was a security lapse and I am having this personally investigated," Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who left Islamabad for Quetta, condemned the killings and expressed his "deep grief and anguish over the loss of precious human lives". "No one will be allowed to disturb the peace in the province that has been restored thanks to the countless sacrifices by the security forces, police and the people of Balochistan," he said in a statement. Former Chief Minister Abdul Malik called it the "blackest day" in the history of Balochistan. It was the worst terrorist attack in Pakistan this year since the March 27 bombing at Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Lahore that left 75 people dead. Lawyers have been targeted several times in recent months in Balochistan. One lawyer, Jahanzeb Alvi, was shot dead on August 3. Bilal Kasi, who himself was shot dead on Monday, had condemned Alvis murder and announced a two-day boycott of courts. The principal of University of Balochistans law college, Barrister Amanullah Achakzai, was also shot dead by unknown assailants in June. Balochistan has experienced violence and targeted killings for more than a decade. Pakistans largest province by area, Balochistan is home to a low-level insurgency by Baloch separatists. Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. IANS
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