Asserting there was no place for confrontation in a healthy democracy, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the centre would extend all cooperation to states to contain violence, but the latter also must take the initiative as law and order is a state subject.

"There is no place for confrontation in a healthy democracy. We need everybody's cooperation to take the nation forward.

"We need to understand the reality that political clash or political violence can in no way encroach upon the space of good governance and development," said Rajnath Singh, also a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

He said there can be no bigger challenge before the government than any sort of clash taking place anywhere in the country.

"If there is any sort of clash in any part of the country, I understand there can be no bigger challenge before the government," he said.

The Home Minister said the centre would extend all cooperation to the states in in containing any sort of violence.

"But the state governments will also have to take initiative, because law and order is a state subject."

On a query regarding repeated allegations from West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government that the BJP was trying to divide people on the basis of religion, the Minister said his party wanted to run the country on the basis of justice and humanity.

"I normally don't reply to any question on caste, creed and religion. I think our BJP does not want to run the country on the basis of caste, creed and religion. We want to run the country on the basis of humanity and justice," he added.
 

Haryana has achieved over 100 per cent fly-ash utilization to address the problem of pollution caused by it at coal based thermal power plants.

As per the report of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the state has achieved fly ash utilization level of more than 100 per cent while the performance of Haryana Power Generation Corporation limited (HPGCL) in fly utilization has been excellent during the year 2015-16.

The data of fly ash generation and utilization for the said period received from 71 Power Utilities across the country, the HPGCL has top the list by achieving the fly ash utilization level of 164.40 per cent.

According to the tally, HPGCL's three Thermal Power Stations with installation capacity 3167.80 megawatt (MW) having fly ash generation of 2.4470 million tonne has achieved over 160 per cent target, highest among the power utilities in the country.

Surinder Singh Mittal of HPGCL said that the Power utility has been praised by the CEA in its report for achieving over 100 percent utilization of fly ash.

Mittal said that at presently, three coal based thermal power plants are running in the state at Yamunanagar, Panipat and Hisar.

These thermal power plants are selling fly ash to various cement factories in the state including the Ultratech cement and Shree cement, Mittal added.

Mittla further said that the Indian coal is of low grade having high ash content of the order of 30-40 per cent generating large quantity of fly ash at coal or lignite based thermal power stations.

With the management of fly ash has been a matter of concern in view of requirement of large area of land for its disposal because of its potential of causing pollution of air and water, the Ministry of Environment & Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to address the above concerns, has issued various notifications on fly ash utilization prescribing therein the targets for fly ash utilization for coal power based thermal power stations with an aim to achieve 100 per cent utilization in a phased manner.

The CEA has been monitoring since 1996 the status of fly ash generation and its utilization in the country.

During the year 2014-15, thermal power stations in Haryana had managed to achieve merely 65 per cent of fly ash management, one of the lowest in the country.

When the country is celebrating his Jayanti the statue of Dr Bheemrao Ambedkar was desecrated  in village Gesupur Sumali of Kithore area . Enraged by this Dalits came out in protest and  demanded installation of a new statute .

A complaint against four people of the village has been lodged by the police and a case would be registered after investigations. Heavy force has been deployed in the village to control any unforeseen situation .

Besides the arresting of the named persons the villagers are also demanding immediate replacement of the desecrated statue.

Police and administrative officials tried to pacify the  village who were threatening to launch a stir. The protest continued for several hours giving the officials a tough time.

Every year, residents of the Dalit dominated village garland the statute of Dr Ambedkar and organize programme on the occasion of  his birth anniversary on April 14.

On Friday morning the villagers found that the statute was damaged and the face was painted black. The statue was cleaned and the officials garlanded the statue. 

The return of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli to lead the host team against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match brought thousands of his die-hard cricket fans to the Chinnaswamy stadium here in droves on a hot Friday afternoon.

Kohli missed this campaign's first three league ties, including two away at Hyderabad on April 5 and Indore on April 10 and one here on April 8, as he was recovering from the right shoulder injury he suffered in the Third Test against Australia at Ranchi on March 16.

As Kohli walked into the middle to open the innings with Chris Gayle after Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma chose to field first despite winning the toss, fans cheered him loudly and chants of "Kohli, Kohli" reverberated across the packed stands.

"It's heartening to see Kohli play again, as his absence in the first three games made a difference to the team. He has been in great form and led India successfully in all the three formats of the game over the year with brilliant batting and captaincy," recalled Vinay Kumar, a sales executive, in the pavilion enclosure.

True to his form and much to the delight of his fans, Kohli did not disappoint them, as he settled down early to play an anchoring innings and made 62 in 47 balls with five fours and two mighty sixes before he was out in the 16th over when the score was 110 for 1.

Ahead of the crucial game, after RCB lost both the away games to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs on April 5 and to Kings XI Punjab by eight wickets on April 10, Kohli said he was excited to resume playing, as he badly missed the game for nearly a month after a year-long hectic cricketing schedule in domestic and overseas series.

"Though I have been with the team at the nets since the season began, I was missing the game very much. The break has helped me to become fit to play again. I am sure my return will strengthen the batting lineup, as AB (de Villiers) has also joined the team in the last game after missing the first two due to back pain," said Kohli.

China on Friday warned its ally North Korea against carrying out a nuclear test, saying such a “dangerous and irresponsible” move could lead to a breakout of conflict at any moment amid soaring tensions with the US.

Conflict over North Korea could break out “at any moment”, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, warning there would be “no winner” in any war as tensions soar with the US.

“There has been heightened tension between the United States, the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The precarious situation deserves our attention and concern,” Wang said without directly referring to strong retaliation threatened by US President Donald Trump if North Korea resorted to nuclear test.

“We urge all parties to refrain from inflammatory or threatening statements and deeds to prevent the situation on the Korean Peninsula from becoming irreversible,” Wang told reporters following talks with French Foreign Minister Jean- Marc Ayrault.

Later, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said North Korea should not carry out nuclear test.

“UNSC resolution stated clearly that DPRK (North Korea) should give up all nuclear and missile related programmes. Stop relevant programmes. It is very clear,” he said when asked about reports that Pyongyang is bracing to carry out its sixth nuclear test.

“It will be very dangerous and irresponsible”, he said, adding that the situation in the Korean peninsula is sensitive and complex.

“We have been calling all relevant parties keep calm and exercise restraint instead of taking action that may escalate tension,” Geng said.

China's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs Wu Dawe today went to Pyongyang after visiting South Korea and Japan for talks with the North Korean leadership.

Chinese officials said Trump's retaliation against nuclear test by North Korea could become a certainty after he ordered recent airstrikes against Syria and authorised to use the 'Mother of all Bombs' against IS militants in Afghanistan.

US has already sent aircraft carrier-led strike group to the Korean peninsula to step up pressure against North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un to refrain from developing a nuclear- tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching mainland US.

Speculation is rife that Kim Jong-un may order sixth nuclear test coinciding with his country's founder Kim Il Sung tomorrow.

Meanwhile, state broadcaster CCTV said Air China flights between Beijing and Pyongyang will be suspended from Monday.

Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal have greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Bohag or Rongali Bihu and Assamese New Year.

Conveying his warm greetings on the joyous occasion of Rongali Bihu, Governor Purohit in a message said "Let this Bihu, which also marks the advent of Assamese New Year, be a harbinger of a new dawn of warm and harmonious relationship and peace, prosperity and progress in the state."

Chief Minister Sonowal, in a message, extended his Rongali Bihu greetings to the people of the state and wished the festival bring lasting peace and prosperity to the state and strengthen mutual bonding among the people.

The chief minister hoped Rongali Bihu would bring happiness and merriment to the lives of the people and inspire them to commit themselves to the cause of the state with renewed vigour to establish Assam as one of the best states in the country.

Saying the celebrations of Rongali Bihu would bring the people of Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, plains and hills closer, Sonowal expressed optimism that the festival symbolising Assamese cultural identity, would strengthen the age old friendship and camaraderie among people cutting across ethnicity, caste, creed and religion.

Celebrations for the festivities of Bohag or Rongali Bihu heralding the Assamese New Year began on Thursday with Uruka followed by 'Goru Bihu' (Cow Bihu) on Friday, when the cattle in the houses were taken to rivers and water bodies for a ritualistic bath and their ropes changed, wishing them to be healthy and robust for working in the fields in the coming year.

On Saturday, on the first day of Vaisaki month and the Assamese New Year, 'Manuh Bihu' (Peoples' Bihu) will be celebrated with people visiting their relatives and friends and the young paying obeisance to the elders by offering handwoven 'Bihuwaan' (scarf), partaking local dishes like 'pitha' (rice pancakes), narikolor laru (coconut laddus) etc.

Though primarily an agricultural festival celebrated jointly by all communities, religions, ethnicities and languages, performances of Bihu dance is the hallmark of the festivities celebrating spring and the blooming of new flowers and growth of rice plants.

In both rural and urban areas, community stages are set up where cultural functions and dance performances by different communities are held for a week beginning from Friday.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Friday demanded a national level law to ban cow slaughter, saying failure of the government to frame such a law gave rise to ugly incidents involving cow vigilantes.

"The incidents are the outcome of the government s failure to enact a law against cow slaughter being done illegally," Pravin Togadia, International Working President of VHP, told a press conference here.

He said that some "ugly incients" had taken place in parts of the country involving cow vigilantes, but argued that those incidents took place when cow vigilantes were striving to protect cows.

Referring to the recent incident in Alwar, Togadia said that the Rajasthan government had already imposed a ban on cow slaughter, but it was being flouted.

Togadia said that he had videographed cow smuggling to the neighboring country from Kishangunj district of Bihar during his recent visit.

On conversion, Togadia said that quality education, health and employment were the issues needed to be addressed to tackle it.

Togadia sarcastically praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for helping awaken the Hindus who were in a state of slumber in the state.

"Mamatadi is doing a good maketing management on behalf of the Hindu community in Bengal who were slumbering and the approach of the state government helped the Hindus to awaken," he said.

To mark  the126th birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani Friday distributed benefits under welfare schemes of the Ministry, to beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes from various parts of the country.

In a special programme held here, she interacted through video-conferencing with handloom weavers, handicraft artisans, silk reelers and skill development trainees at various locations in five states, apart from the beneficiaries who were present at the function.

Saying that  Dr Ambedkar dreamed of an India where every Indian would be able to contribute to nation building by honest efforts and education, Irani appreciated everyone associated with the textiles sector, for their contribution in the economic empowerment of people such as these.

An MoU was signed on the occasion, between Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles and National Schedule Castes Finance and Development Corporation, Ministry of Social Justice and  Empowerment.  Irani said the MoU is a great example of collaboration within the government.

The youngsters in the Delhi Daredevils — be it Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant — have delivered but they are under no pressure to perform, leg- spinner Amit Mishra said on Friday.

Samson struck his maiden IPL ton in a successful outing against Rising Pune Supergiant while Pant scored a half- century in a losing cause against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Asked if the youngsters feel the pressure to cement their place in the side, Mishra said it was not the case.

“We are giving the youngsters opportunities. There is no pressure on them. Rahul (Dravid) as mentor and coach has given them freedom. They are in a good space,” Mishra said on the eve of clash against Kings XI Punjab.

Mishra said since it is still early days in the League, there is scope for experimentation but Daredevils will soon sort out its eleven for the business end of the tournament.

“At this juncture a bit of experimentation can be done. We will soon sort out our XI. In about 7-8 matches we will know our XI,” he said.

The leg-spinner, who broke the back of Pune middle-order with his three-wicket burst, did not divulge on the combination for tomorrow's game.

He said Sheryas Iyer is practising with the team and is available but his place in the side will be decided in team meeting.

He also did not comment if they will persist with openers —    Aditya Tare and Sam Billings — or try out a new combination.

Mishra contended that their attack is better than many teams in the League and their batting is second to none.

“We did a decent job last year and I am sure we will do better than the last time. We have a lot of all-rounders and our bowling has depth. Attack is the strategy. I am happy to have bowled the way I did (against RPS). We have a better bowling attack. The last two matches have gone well, I will try to do my best,” he said.

Mishra said the vast experience that their skipper Zaheer Khan has is helping all the players.

“Zaheer has been captaining the side well. He has loads of experience. He has played with many Indian captains in the Indian team and he is quick to point out to all, what is required and at what time. It is helping both the batsmen and the bowlers,” he said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday defended the Delhi government bearing the legal expenses of the defamation case slapped against him by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and questioned the BJP's motive behind raising the issue ahead of the recent Delhi assembly by-poll and the capital's civic polls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been up in arms against Kejriwal over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's decision to pay out Rs.3.4 crore to noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani as fee for fighting the defamation case against the chief minister.

But Kejriwal maintained the matter was governmental and not personal, unlike the BJP claim.

"The rampant corruption in Delhi cricket administration is well known and as the Chief Minister, I ordered an inquiry. I said many influential people were involved in it and took one or two names," Kejriwal told NDTV. 

"The defamation case resulted because of the inquiry which I had ordered as the Chief Minister. So, how can that be my personal matter?"

"If as the chief minister, I am endeavouring to clean up the Delhi cricket administration and have to hire legal experts, then it is the government which will pay for that," he said and questioned the BJP's motive behind raising the issue.

"Jethmalani has been appearing in the case for the last one and a half years, so why are they raising this issue just days before the polls?" said Kejriwal.

Delhi's three municipal corporations go to the poll on April 23, while the BJP won the Delhi assembly by-election from the Rajouri Garden, the result of which was declared on Thursday.
 

A law on the practice of 'triple talaq' among Muslims would be formulated only after there is a consensus among the stakeholders, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here on Friday.

“Triple talaq is a serious issue. Non-serious players should not destroy the positive, constructive debate over it. Reforms should start from within the community, not from outside,” Naqvi, who was in the city to attend a programme at the Haj House said.

He said suggestions on 'triple talaq' were pouring in from different sections of the society and discussions were underway with all the stakeholders.

“Some people are supporting while some are opposing. It is all part of a healthy democracy. As far as the government is concerned, we will wait for a consensus before forming any law on triple talaq. It (the law) will not be sudden. The process is on,” Naqvi said.

“Whatever the government does, will be done within the framework of the Constitution, but a consensus on triple talaq remains a priority for us,” he added.

The Centre had, earlier this week, told the Supreme Court that the practices of 'triple talaq', 'nikah halala' and polygamy had an adverse impact on the social status and dignity of Muslim women and denied them the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

In a fresh written submission filed before the apex court, the government has reiterated its earlier stand that these practices render Muslim women “unequal and vulnerable” as compared to the men in the community as well as women from other communities.

Questioning the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said there are many ways to tamper with the EVMs and the Election Commission (EC) is helping the BJP win elections.

"There are many ways of tampering EVMs. I am an engineer from IIT … I can tell you 10 ways how EVMs can be tampered. The EC is doing it intentionally… Why are they brushing the allegations under the carpet? The EC is pulling out all stops to help the BJP win," Kejriwal said in an interview with NDTV.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal said: "There are solid evidences how EVMs give vote to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) only, that's why we are raising the issue."

Explaining how EVMs can be tampered with, Kejriwal said: "The chips, which are made by two different companies, can be manipulated at source…a bug or a Trojan Horse (a virus/a malicious computer programme used to hack a computer) can be inserted in the chips at the point of origin."

"I am going to see now what kind of EVMs they are going to use… They are bringing back EVMs from junkyards. Earlier the EC said they won't accept EVMs older than 2006 and now they are bringing these machines in polls."

He also said that if EVMs are not fixed, "our democracy won't survive".

Asked whether he would take up the "open challenge" by the EC to hack its EVMs, Kejriwal said: "Just wait and watch. See what happens in next 10 days."

Opposition parties have been questioning the integrity of the EVMs ever since the results of the assembly elections to five states were declared on March 11.

At least three Pakistani soldiers and 10 hardcore Taliban terrorists were killed on Friday when security forces raided their hideout in the Punjab province, resulting in an intense shootout.

The security forces launched a joint raid against terrorists affiliated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their facilitators near Choti Zerin, 15 kilometres South of Dera Ghazi Khan district, Pakistan military said.

Ten hardcore terrorists were killed during exchange of fire in which three soldiers also lost their lives, a military statement said.

Two soldiers were also injured in the shooting, it said.

The operation is still going on to flush out more terrorists involved in heinous crimes, ransom and terror activities, the statement said.

Pakistan Army has launched combing operations across the country, including Punjab province, killing hundreds of militants.

Pakistan Army recently claimed to have killed more than 100 suspected terrorists in retaliation to an Islamic State suicide bombing at a crowded Sufi shrine in Sindh province that claimed 88 lives.

A day after the selfie craze inside a running train led to the deaths of several youths, the Eastern Railway authorities on Friday appealed to passengers to be careful and issued guidelines.

A railway spokesman said they have already launched campaigns in print, television and social media to make passengers aware of the risks of using phones while travelling.

In a horrific turn of events, a youth fell from a running train between Bali and Liluah railway stations while trying to click a selfie on Thursday night. 

Four of his friends were hit by another train while rushing towards the accident spot.

According to eyewitnesses, the four friends got down at Bali station and started running through the railway track when a speeding train knocked them down, killing three on the spot and severely injuring the fourth.

"We have launched campaigns in various media platforms urging people not to use a phone or listen to music while crossing the railway tracks and not to click photographs while travelling," Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railways Rabi Mahapatra said on Friday.

Stating that photography is "strictly prohibited" inside the railway station premises and trains without prior permission, he warned passengers of strict action if the rules are not followed.

"Photography inside the railway stations and the carriages is always strictly prohibited as these are considered restricted areas. However, with the emergence of phone cameras people often indulge in taking selfies in these places," Mahapatra explained.

"We have detained and fined several passengers in the past for breaking the rule. Our RPF officials are instructed to monitor the passengers and catch anyone clicking photographs inside the train compartment. Anyone breaking the rule would be penalised," he added.

In today’s glitzy world of glam, high fashion and cosmetic beauty, natural beauty with no make-up is a thing of rarity. Most girls and women, even in far off rural areas, are exposed to beauty products and cosmetics. And, celebrities with their diva looks often leave the world in awe with their spectacular beauty and glamorous look. The credit, however, doesn’t go to makeup always. Some are naturally flawless in appearance and look so even when their makeup is removed. But some need cosmetics for a complete makeover from the girl or boy next-door look to a diva or star look. Although makeup can give you an amazing transformation, it is good to give the skin some makeup free days for it to breathe deep. And, the natural look can be real beautiful. 

Well, who doesn't want to look naturally beautiful? True, it is hard to think of celebrities and stars without make-up. Naturally beautiful boost self-esteem. The same applies to celebs too. Hard to believe but right! Many of them are accepting the ‘No makeup trend’ gladly. And surprisingly, ‘No Makeup Movement’ is taking over the social media. People in the glam world are discouraging makeup in their personal and public life. In fact, they are going bold by revealing their skin, body and flaws. They have discovered the power of their bare facts, the no makeup look. It’s a big revolution.

No makeup selfies are becoming popular after the famous singer Alicia was photographed without a make-over for the release of her new song “In Common”. Although the cosmetic market is growing, many other celebs can be seen glowing in raw looks. They look catchy. They have started eschewing makeup and loving the way they look in real.

Wow! Famous Mumbai-based choreographer Terence Lewis has also chosen to look natural without makeup in his latest TV show ‘Nach Baliye 8’. In his new bold avatar, he is seen sporting jazzy hairstyle and jumpy looks without makeup. Singer Miranda Lambert also explored the no makeup look for the Annual World’s Most Beautiful Issue. Her only addiction is her moisturiser, sunscreen, mascara and lip gloss which she wears even if she is off. In many of her music videos, she is often seen wearing no make-up.

Many Bollywood actresses, including Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra have also posed for pics without makeup. They look pretty cool, graceful and more accepting of their real selves.

It requires strength to come out of your biggest insecurities and accept your flaws. Have enough courage to reveal yourself. Top celebrities can be a good inspiration. Go clean and clear. Be naturally beautiful. No mask. Just you! Be the inspiration.

The Indian men's hockey team will not take part in the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia for the second year in a row, citing the presence of Pakistan in the event to be held in October.

Hockey India said since Sultan of Johor Cup is an invitational tournament it would continue its stand of not taking part in any series against Pakistan until it tenders an unconditional apology for the 2014 Champions Trophy controversy.

Sultan of Johor Cup is an Under-21 tournament and India won the title in 2015. It is not a global event held under the aegis of world governing body FIH or any continental body.

In January, HI announced its decision not to play any tournament against Pakistan until they submit an unconditional written apology for lewd and unprofessional behaviour of the Pakistan team during the FIH Champions Trophy in India in 2014.

The matter did not end there. Ahead of the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) alleged that India did not want Pakistan to take part in the tournament. India had outrightly rejected the claim. Eventually, Pakistan did not take part in the Junior World Cup.

“Though Hockey India and its players had let go of the hurtful incident in 2014, it was the recent allegations by PHF (during the Junior World Cup) that has resulted in India pulling out of this tournament.

“By not fielding the Indian team at the Sultan of Johor Cup, we have stood our ground to not take part in any series against Pakistan until they submit an unconditional apology for what happened in 2014,” said Hockey India spokesperson R P Singh.

“Since the Sultan of Johor Cup is not a mandatory tournament, Hockey India has decided that it will withdraw from the tournament. We had not brought up the bad behaviour on part of Pakistan during the FIH Champions Trophy in 2014 for a very long time.

“It is actually PHF who bring it up again and levy baseless allegations against Hockey India to hide their own incompetency. It is about time PHF takes responsibility for its incapability,” he added.

New CIA Director Mike Pompeo has termed whistle-blower collective WikiLeaks, whose leaking of classified documents have embarrassed the US, a "non-state hostile intelligence" agency which is often helped by Russia.

In his first public address as the Central Intelligence Agency chief, Pompeo said "it is time to call out WikiLeaks for what it really is: a non-state hostile intelligence service often abetted by state actors like Russia." 

He said US intelligence services had found that Russian state-owned television network RT actively collaborated with the website.

Pompeo, a former Republican Congressmen who once applauded disclosures by WikiLeaks, said the intelligence community at CIA finds the celebration of entities like WikiLeaks "both perplexing and deeply troubling".

"WikiLeaks walks like a hostile intelligence service and talks like a hostile intelligence service," he said.

But his harshest words were directed at its founder Julian Assange, and at former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who had leaked classified documents from the National Security Agency in 2013. "(They) seek to use that information to make a name for themselves" and "care nothing about the lives they put at risk or the damage they cause to national security".

Pompeo said Assange claims to harbour an overwhelming admiration for both America and the idea of America. "But I assure you that this man knows nothing of America and our ideals." 

"We know this because Assange and his ilk make common cause with dictators today. Yes, they try unsuccessfully to cloak themselves and their actions in the language of liberty and privacy; in reality, however, they champion nothing but their own celebrity," Pompeo said.

"When Snowden absconded to the comfortable clutches of Russian intelligence, his treachery directly harmed a wide range of US intelligence and military operations. Despite what he claims, he is no whistle blower. True whistleblowers use the well-established and discreet processes in place to voice grievances; they do not put American lives at risk," he said.

Pompeo said Assange's actions have attracted a devoted following among some of the most determined enemies.

Following a recent WikiLeaks disclosure, an al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula member posted a comment online "thanking WikiLeaks for providing a means to fight America in a way that AQAP had not previously envisioned," the CIA Director claimed.

"That Assange is the darling of terrorists is nothing short of reprehensible," he said.

Assange, an Australian citizen, has been living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. He received political asylum from the South American country after skipping bail to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted in connection with a rape case.

And Snowden lives at an undisclosed location in Russia after initially traveling to Hong Kong following his disclosure of the documents. Russia granted him asylum soon after.