Modi for Bimstec cooperation in anti-terror operations, natural disasters
Kathmandu, Aug 30 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought cooperation among all seven Bimstec member-nations in anti-terror operations as well as during natural disasters in the region.
Addressing the 4th summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), Modi said that there was no nation which was not affected by terrorism, adding that India was also facing problems like drug trafficking and transnational crimes.
"India is ready to host a conference on these issues," he said.
"This region is linked with the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, and time and again it faces natural disasters like floods, cyclones and earthquakes. In this context, we should extend cooperation in humanitarian efforts for disaster relief. We have to cooperate and coordinate with each other," Modi said.
Kerala and Nagaland states in India have been affected by floods, while Myanmar is grappling with a similar situation after a dam breach. Several deaths have been reported in Nepal due to landslides.
Modi also invited all member-states to attend the International Buddhist Conclave in India in August 2020.
The Prime Minister added that India was committed to connecting its national knowledge network through digital connectivity with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
He also promised to set up a centre for Bay of Bengal studies in the Nalanda University in Bihar to conduct research focused on Bimstec region.
"We not only have diplomatic relations with all seven Bimstec countries, but are strongly connected by civilisation, history, art, language, cuisine and a shared culture," he added.
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Gurupura: Bus-lorry collide near Bellibettu, drivers critically injured
6 Lakh in cash recovered during rescue operation
Bajpe: A private bus and a lorry collided head-on near Bellibettu bus stand on Wednesday, leaving both drivers seriously injured.
According to sources, the private bus was travelling from Mangaluru to Karkala and a lorry was heading towards Mangaluru.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the front portions of both the bus and the lorry completely crushed.
According to locals, the drivers of both vehicles were trapped inside the mangled vehicles and had to be rescued by cutting parts of the damaged vehicles using a gas cutter. Passengers travelling in the bus sustained minor injuries.
The injured drivers were shifted to a private hospital in the city for treatment. Personnel from the Bajpe police station visited the spot, conducted an inspection, and registered a case.
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that during the rescue operation, a local resident, Rafiq Gurupura, found around Rs 6 lakh in cash while cutting open parts of the bus.
The amount was subsequently handed over to the Bajpe police. The rescue operation was carried out by locals including Rafiq, Shivarama, Raoof, Fazil and others.
