Lolab (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb. 13: Abdul Hamid Chara has become the first Muslim soldier in Kashmir to be (posthumously) awarded the country's third highest gallantry award, the 'Shaurya Chakra', for his courageous effort in eliminating two terrorists in an operation.

Rich tributes were paid at a function in honour of this braveheart on Monday.

Chara, a resident of Dardpura Lolab, about 125 kilometers from Srinagar, was enrolled into 162 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army in 2004 and was deployed with the Markul (Divar) company of the 18 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion on June 12, 2007.

New Delhi, Feb 12: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) saw its first delegation arrive here today to participate in the inaugural "IONS Seminar 2008."

The 12-member Saudi delegation, headed by Vice Admiral Prince Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, was received by Rear Admiral BR Rao, Chief Hydrographer of the Indian Navy.

The Singapore delegation, which also arrived today, was headed by Rear Admiral CHEW Men Leong, Chief of the Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, was received by Rear Admiral HCS Bisht.

Lucknow

Lucknow, Feb.

Lolab (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb.

Nasik, Feb 12: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists indulged in acts of violence in Nasik today, few hours after the party had announced that their chief, Raj Thackeray, would not seek anticipatory bail ahead of his impending arrest.

MNS workers destroyed shops owned by North Indians in Nasik. Police detained at least 26 MNS workers.

Earlier, a party spokesman said Thackeray had decided not to seek anticipatory bail.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have beefed up security at Thackeray’s residence after a case was registered against him for disturbing harmony in the city.