PM visits riot-hit Assam, calls for healing touch

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Prime Minister's visit to violence hit Assam is highlighted on the front pages of most papers. The Hindu writes in its front page lead, "PM visits riot-hit Assam, calls for healing touch".

The Samajwadi Party or SP's swift reaction to Urdu journalist Shahid Siddiqui's interview with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is widely noticed. "SP disowns Siddiqui for interview" reports the Pioneer. The Indian Express writes "Post Modi interview, SP disowns Siddiqui - he alleges SP-BJP deal".

Home Minister P Chidambram's comments on a possible role for Rahul Gandhi are keenly noticed. The Indian Express quotes him as saying "Rahul will do very well in govt, Congress".

Even as social activist Anna Hazare begins an indefinite fast against corruption today, most papers report about how his supporters protested outside the Prime Minister's residence. "100 Anna supporters detained outside PM's residence" informs the Tribune.

The papers signal that the differences between the HRD Ministry and certain IIT's over the common entrance test for all engineering institutes may be resolved for now. "IIT Kanpur backtracks, to take part in JEE 2013" reports the Times of India.

And finally, all the papers carry pictures of the opening extravaganza of the London Olympics calling it 'utterly British". But what catches the attention of all the papers is the presence of a woman in a red track top and blue jeans who marched along with the Indian official contingent. Highlighting her in a photograph, the Hindustan Times wonders "Who's that girl?"