Scientists successfully test-fired the inter-continental surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-V on Sunday, with a strike range of over 5,000 km and capability of delivering a nuclear warhead with high precision, from a base off Odisha coast. The missile had its maiden launch last year.
“A symbol of DRDO’s technological excellence and India’s strength, Agni-V missile took off majestically at about 8:50 am from the launch complex of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheelar's Island,” a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official said.
Describing the second trial of Agni-V as fully successful the official said the missile flew on a predefined path and reached its destination with expected precision.
The political fallout of the violence has begun to emerge. Sompal Shastri, former Union Minister and Samajwadi Party candidate from Baghpat, has refused to contest the 2014 elections, saying he has lost the moral right to do so. Shastri had defeated Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in the past.
Akhilesh had to face people’s ire when he went to Kawwal, the worst-hit Muslim-dominated village. He also met Salim, father of Shahnawaz, who was killed on August 27 for allegedly harassing a girl.Waving black flags, villagers shouted wapas jao. They also complained that the Chief Minister met some outsiders and did not meet the victims.
“I went to both the villages and met the families of Shahnawaz as well as Sachin and Gaurav. There is grief and we understand that... I appeal for calm,” the Chief Minister told newspersons. “We will give Government jobs to those who have lost members of their family. We will also rebuild homes that have been burnt down,” Akhilesh promised.
“My Government is committed to punish the guilty and they would not be spared at any cost,” he said, while admitting that the lapse on part of the district officials was also a reason behind the violence.
Appealing to the people to maintain peace and brotherhood, Akhilesh said elder people in the area should lead and hold meetings to revive peace in the area. This visit of Akhilesh seems important as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to visit Muzaffarnagar on Monday. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi may accompany the PM.