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Pro-Palestine protestors assault police officials, damage security fences outside White House

OpIndia Staff
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Pro-Palestine protestors assault police officials, damage security fences outside White House

On Saturday (13th January), thousands of pro-Palestine protestors and rioters congregated outside the White House and vandalised the security fences in addition to hurling objects at the police. In the protest visuals going viral online the unruly protestors were seen shaking the gates and attempting to forcibly enter the White House premises in Washington D.C.

The “March4Gaza” protesters shouted “Ceasefire Now” and “Free, Free Palestine,” and many waved Palestinian flags. “Yemen, Yemen, make us proud, Turn another ship around,” slogans were also raised during the protest, which took place just hours after strikes were conducted against the Houthis in Yemen in response to their recent offensive targeting 27 commercial ships including one of US in the Red Sea. 

Pro-Palestine demonstrators in the United States capital brandished signs challenging President Joe Biden’s viability as a presidential candidate due to his sturdy backing for Israel in the over 100-day conflict against Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. “No votes for Genocide Joe,” “Biden has blood on his hands,” and “Let Gaza live” were among the placards seen during the protest. A massive Palestinian flag was unfurled across the centre of the square by demonstrators. Several protestors were seen wearing keffiyehs, traditional black and white Palestinian scarves.

Pro-Palestine protestor raise Palestinian flag during protest on 13th January (Image source: USAToday)

Protestors attacked police officials

In a press release issued Saturday night, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith condemned protesters for their illegal behaviour. “The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely. However, violence, destructive behavior, and criminal activities are not tolerated,” Smith’s statement reads.

The statement further mentions that some of the police officers were assaulted by the protestors in Lafayette Park.

“While a majority of today’s demonstration remained peaceful, there were instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park, including items being thrown at our officers. We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions. I extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to the members of the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as our local, state, and federal partners, for doing their part to protect our community today and every day,” the Metropolitan Police Department Chief’s statement added.

To no surprise, however, the police have not made any arrests so far despite the “illegal” behaviour of the protestors. However, a knife-yielding protestor was taken into custody.

Taking to X, the US Secret Service spokesperson issued a statement saying that part of its fencing around the White House suffered “temporary damage.”

“During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13, a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage. The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams. As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed. The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings,” the statement reads.

Pro-Palestinian group behind the protest

The anti-Israel protest was part of a global day of action that included protest marches in London, Paris, Rome, and Dublin. Notably, the pro-Palestine protest was organised by the “Act Now to Stop War and End Racism” coalition, which is calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, an end to US military funding for Israel, and Israel to be held accountable for what organisers call war crimes and violations of international law. The group arranged bus transportation for protesters from various states on Saturday.

According to an X post by the ANSWER Coalition, around 400,000 people joined the protest on Saturday. “Watch a time lapse video showing the enormous size of the historic National #March4Gaza! Organizers estimate that 400,000 attended. Initiated by the American Muslim Task Force for Palestine with ANSWER as a National Partner, the action demanded: end the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza!” the pro-Palestinian group posted.

A press release issued by the ANSWER Coalition dated 3rd January stated that it is the “national partner” of the “mass action initiated by the American Muslim Task Force for Palestine.” The release further listed out information regarding buses to reach the protest site in Washington. The Coalition accused the Biden administration of having “full participation in the genocide of Palestinian people.”

It is pertinent to recall that back in November last year, ANSWER Coalition had organised a similar anti-Israel protest. On 4th November 2023, the pro-Palestinian protestors gathered outside the White House in Washington D.C. and vandalised the gates. They defaced the White House gates with red paint before attempting to scale the fence around the President’s residence.

The protesting mob had raised anti-semitic slogans like “From river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. Moreover, the protestors also raised “Allahu Akbar”, “Fu*k Joe Biden” slogans while accusing the US president of supporting the alleged genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

12.5% of kids didn’t go to school when we came to power: Nitish Kumar takes a veiled dig at former Lalu-Rabri governments in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav

OpIndia Staff
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12.5% of kids didn’t go to school when we came to power: Nitish Kumar takes a veiled dig at former Lalu-Rabri governments in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav

I.N.D.I. Alliance is exhibiting indicators of trouble. The relationship between Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal has reportedly soured after Lalan Singh resigned as JD(U) president and Chief Nitish Kumar took hold of the reigns of the party. Now, the chief minister of Bihar made a remark during the virtual meeting of the I.N.D.I.A bloc at an event held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on 13th January which could strengthen the charges of a rift while he handed over the appointment letters to the teachers recruited by the Bihar Public Service Commission.

More than 26000 teachers participated in the program in which he targeted the previous Lalu-Rabri governments in the state by pointing out that more than 12.5% of children were not enrolled in school when he took over the state administration in 2005. He said that his government then started to recruit significant numbers of Tola Sewaks and Talimi Markaz (Shiksha Sewaks or teachers). He attributed these numbers to a state government poll of students in school.

Shiksha Sewaks educate the Dalits, Mahadalits and other members of the minority community about the policies of the state government. Addressing them and Tola Sewaks he stated, “We will expect you to go to schools and expand your services as you are being paid by the state government just like teachers.” His statement emphasised the shortcomings of the former RJD administration under the Yadav family. Interestingly, Tejashwi Yadav, the deputy chief minister was also present on the stage at the time.

JDU has already opened a front against its coalition partner RJD in regard to seat sharing in the state. Ahead of the next Lok Sabha election, the former is refusing to budge from its position of contesting on seventeen seats. Congress wants ten seats while left parties seek nine which has left RJD with only four seats which has created a dilemma for the latter since it needs to balance its interests with those of its alliance members. Meanwhile, credit for the teacher recruitment was only accorded to Nitish Kumar in a poster which announced, “Rojgar ka Matlab Nitish Sarkar (employment means Nitish Kumar).” The move is now being interpreted politically.

The Congress had previously suggested that Nitish Kumar be appointed I.N.D.I. Alliance’s convenor during a virtual meeting of the opposition, however, he refused the offer citing a lack of consensus among the parties about his nomination for the post after which Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge was picked to fill the role. He didn’t visit the Yadav residence to meet the former chief minister and wife of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi on her birthday on 1st January or even wished her through social media which further fueled rumours of a fracture in the coalition.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is going to host Dahi-chura bhoj (meal) at his house on the 14th and 15th of January on the occasion of Makar Sankranti after a long gap of four years. All the leaders of the opposition bloc are expected to attend it. On the other hand, it is unclear if Nitish Kumar would be present at the event or not. The two sides didn’t even exchange pleasantries in public on New Year. The possibility of upheaval in the politics of Bihar cannot be discounted after these signals.

Use ‘Khalistani shield’ for asylum in US – investigation into Nicaragua-bound plane reveals how anti-India rhetoric is used to illegally enter Western countries

OpIndia Staff
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Use ‘Khalistani shield’ for asylum in US – investigation into Nicaragua-bound plane reveals how anti-India rhetoric is used to illegally enter Western countries

On 27th December 2023, a Nicaragua-bound flight carrying Indians returned to India after being grounded in France on suspicion of human trafficking. Two weeks into the investigation by the Gujarat police, it has been revealed that the flyers from Punjab were categorically asked to identify themselves as pro-Khalistani activists and seek asylum in the United States in case they get apprehended at the border.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajkumar, Gujarat Police’s ADGP, CID (Crime and Railways), said in a statement, “There were nearly 200 persons from Punjab on that flight while 66 were from Gujarat. We learnt that these trips are mainly for Punjabis. If some seats remain vacant on the flight after accommodating them, the Delhi agents ask Gujarat-based agents to arrange people ready to pay to enter the US illegally through their set-up.”

So far, the investigating agency has booked 14 agents on the charges of human trafficking for attempting to send 66 Gujaratis to the US illegally using the Mexico border. SP Rajkumar said, “The agents instructed the passengers from Punjab to identify themselves as Khalistanis and seek asylum in the US if they were caught at the border. The story will be different for other passengers. In the US, the government allows asylum seekers to work on humanitarian grounds.” So far, no arrests have been made in the case. The police said that a lookout notice would soon be issued against all the accused agents in the matter.

Reports suggest that most agents were from Gujarat and some from Dubai, Mumbai and Delhi. During the investigation, the police found that the agents promised the passengers that they would help them to enter the US illegally. They were supposed to head for the US after reaching Nicaragua, a Latin American country. The agents charged the passengers Rs 60 lakh to 80 lakh.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the agents booked in the matter worked closely with the agents living in the US, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dubai and Delhi. They had already sent several persons to Nicaragua on three separate trips in December alone. The passengers were told that the agents’ associate would take them to the US border in Mexico from Nicaragua and then help them cross the border. The agents had booked flight tickets for the passengers.

The passengers apprehended in France had reached Dubai on valid tourist visas from different cities, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi, between 10th and 20th December. Later, they took a private plane at the Fujairah International Airport on 21st December that was supposed to reach Nicaragua. The chartered plane was owned by the Romanian charter company Legend Airlines. It landed at Vatry near Paris on 21st December due to a technical fault. At the airport, French police intervened, and an investigation revealed that the agents from Delhi made the flight bookings. Furthermore, lawyers were kept on hold in case anything went wrong.

Anti-India rhetoric used to enter Western countries

There have been several reports where illegal immigrants from India, especially from Punjab, have used a “Khalistani shield” to seek asylum in Western countries. Notably, Sangrur’s Member of Parliament (MP) and Shiromali Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief openly admitted in an interview that he provided letters to asylum seekers for permanent residency in other countries. He claimed to have issued 50,000 such letters for approx Rs 35,000 per letter. “Did not charge family members of martyrs or poor families,” he claimed. While several pro-Khalistani Indians evaded Indian agencies and took shelter in countries like Canada, the US, Australia and others, some people use fake documents to seek asylum in those countries, claiming to be pro-Khalistani activists. They claim that they need asylum to protect themselves against persecution in India.

Seat share aspirations in Bengal akin to aiming for the stars: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee mocks Congress, infighting between I.N.DI.Alliance partners continue

Gopal Tiwari
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Seat share aspirations in Bengal akin to aiming for the stars: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee mocks Congress, infighting between I.N.DI.Alliance partners continue

The infighting between the parties in the I.N.D.I. Alliance over the seat sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is underway. On Saturday (13th January), TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee mocked Congress for its poor performance in Assam’s North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council election results.

He said that Congress aspiring to get more seat share in West Bengal is like aiming for stars when that party could not save its so-called stronghold in neighbouring state Assam.

Abhishek Banerjee posted from his X handle, “Despite contesting NCHAC elections for the first time the Assam unit of the TMC managed a higher vote share than INC – the primary opposition. One might say their seat share aspirations in Bengal are akin to aiming for the stars when they couldn’t quite grasp the ground in their backyard!”

In a chart attached to this post, Abhishek Banerjee showed how Congress lost all the 22 seats it fought in the NCHAC elections with a vote share of 8.87 per cent in the contested seats; while TMC lost all the 11 seats it fought in the same elections with a vote share of 12.40 per cent. Notably, the BJP won 19 out of 22 seats in this election with a vote share of more than 55 per cent.

On 7th January, the I.N.D.I. alliance fixed their seat-sharing formula for Bihar. JDU and RJD will fight for 17 seats each. Congress will contest 4 seats in Bihar while 2 seats are given to left parties. The seat-sharing formula of the opposition alliance in other states has not worked out yet. In big states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, the Congress is expecting more seats than the regional parties as it considers itself a national challenger to the BJP.

However, regional parties like Samajwadi Party, RLD, and TMC are not ready to give Congress the space it expects. These parties are even citing vote shares in assembly as well as local body polls to support their stand. Even while citing data from the local body elections, they forget that the BJP is already getting the majority of votes which makes the difference between the vote shares of the other parties practically meaningless.

Earlier on 4th January, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claimed that Mamata Banerjee did not want an alliance with the Congress party and that his party could fight in the coming Lok Sabha election on its own. Trinamool Congress has offered 2 Lok Sabha seats to its I.N.D.I.A. bloc ally Congress party in West Bengal. Notably, it will be a slight climb down from the TMC side after earlier stating that they want to fight on all 42 seats in Bengal.

Monkeys in saffron robes: Karnataka Congress General Secretary mocks Ram Bhakts on Facebook, deletes post after backlash from Hindus

OpIndia Staff
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Monkeys in saffron robes: Karnataka Congress General Secretary mocks Ram Bhakts on Facebook, deletes post after backlash from Hindus

On Sunday (13th January), a screenshot of a Facebook post by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee’s spokesperson, Sathya Prakash E, went viral on social media in which he attempted to mock Ram Bhakts using an AI-generated image.

In the image, monkeys were sitting in a plane wearing saffron robes. Sathya Prakash E wrote, “Ram Bhakts off to Ayodhya”. The post was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user Theintrepid_. Following the backlash, Sathya deleted the post from FB but did not post any apology for the same.

The Intrepid also shared the link to the deleted post. Though the link generated a thumbnail when we published the report, the post was not found on Facebook.

Source: X/Facebook

Sathya Prakash E’s post received severe backlash on social media. Hindu devotees of Bhagwan Ram criticised Congress for the comments made by their spokesperson.

X user Vijay Patel wrote, “Meet Karnataka Congress General Secretary and Spokesperson Sathya Prakash. He is mocking the devotees of Shree Ram. I don’t know why Congress’s DNA is anti-Hindu.”

X user Rupa Murthy wrote, “Spokesperson, Karnataka Congress Pradesh Committee, posting about Ayodhya and Bhagwan Ram. This is much anti-Hindu Congress is!”

X user Yo Yo Funny Singh wrote, “He’s the official Spokesperson of Anti-Hindu Congress Party in Karnataka. FYI: Kannadigas have always believed that Lord Hanuman was born at Anjaneya Hill near Hampi, Karnataka.”

X user Adv Ashutosh J Dubey wrote, “He holds the position of general secretary in the Karnataka Congress. Just look at the deep hatred they have towards Hindus.”

Congress recently refused to attend the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony scheduled for 22nd January 2024. Furthermore, the grand old party has accused Bharatiya Janata Party of using Bhagwan Ram for “political gain”. It appears that the Congress forgot that its leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi, went on a Temple Run just before elections multiple times to woo Hindu voters.

Milind Deora resigns from the Congress, ends 55-year ties of his family with the party to join Shiv Sena

OpIndia Staff
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Milind Deora resigns from the Congress, ends 55-year ties of his family with the party to join Shiv Sena

On Sunday (14th January), Congress leader Milind Deora resigned from the Congress party. He shared this information from his X handle.

He said that he was ending the 55-year relationship of his family with the old party and also expressed gratefulness to those who worked with him in the party. As per reports, he will join the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) later in the day.

Milind Deora tweeted, “Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of Congress, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years.”

Milind Deora, the son of once Congress stalwart late Murli Deora, emerged victorious in the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency during the 2004 and 2009 elections. However, in the subsequent polls of 2014 and 2019, he lost against Arvind Sawant, a leader associated with Shiv Sena (Undivided).

During those elections, Deora emphasised that his family had represented the constituency for five decades and highlighted that his electoral success was not driven by any particular political “wave.”

Born on 4th December 1976 in Mumbai, Milind Deora is the son of the late Murli Deora, a prominent Congress leader and former Union Minister. Milind Deora has been active in politics since a young age and has represented the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency.

He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and held the position in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2014. Additionally, he has been a Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in the UPA-II government.

Notably, the Deora family is considered a close ally of the Gandhi family and Murli Deora was leading among the Gandhi family loyalists. Murli Deora was elected as a Member of Parliament multiple times and represented the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency.

He held several key positions within the Indian National Congress and also worked as the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in the UPA governments. Murli Deora passed away on 24th November 2014 in Mumbai.

Hindu Americans organise rally of 350 cars in New Jersey, raise ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans ahead of consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir

ANI
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Hindu Americans organise rally of 350 cars in New Jersey, raise ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans ahead of consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir

Amid the euphoria and growing anticipation in India around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, later this month, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of America organised an Epic Tesla Musical light show in Maryland state.

Videos captured by ANI showed people from the Hindu community holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram and raising ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Ram Lakshman Janki, Jai Shri Hanuman Ki’ slogans.

The Tesla car light show was synchronised to the tunes of Jai Shri Ram and was organised by VHP, US chapter. More than 150 cars, parked strategically in the ‘Ram’ formation, participated in the light show. Indian Americans from Washington, Virginia and Maryland beamed bright and colourful from Tesla bars.

The cars gathered at Sri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple in Maryland, which is situated on a street named the ‘Ayodhya Way’. Tesla’s vehicles have the unique ability to put on synchronised light shows with other Teslas, which can be a particularly entertaining feature in large groups.

The Tesla light show organised by the Hindu community had 150 vehicles. All cars owned by the indian American community participated as they flashed and pulsed to the song of Jai shri Ram The light show is part of the celebration of the Rama Mandir opening in Ayodhya.

Teslas of all colours synchronised various colours from their headlights and taillights, all together displaying a colourful array. Several rows of cars parked in a huge parking lot saw all of them go from moments of complete darkness to varying brightness levels.

Because the vehicles were synchronised, they demonstrated interesting light patterns, like a few moments where only taillights were being used split-seconds apart to create the appearance of laser-like motion from aerial views. For creating this custom light show required a technical hand, as it was created by a young devotee.

“The show featuring all the 150 cars was performed using a software loaded via a USB flash drive. Each light is programmed differently to represent the devotion and enthusiasm towards Sri Ram Bhagawan ahead of the Ayodhya Mandir inauguration,” Satvik Gudipati, a young programmer from Maryland, told ANI.

Prashant, a resident from Virginia, said, “Its really inspiring to be here and be part of this tesla light show. Since 1992, I have been hearing that Ram Mandir will be built. However, it’s only now that it is close to becoming a reality. Shri Ram is arriving to take his thrown at his birthplace. I can now proudly say that Ram Mandir is set to be opened for devotees in Ayodhya.”

Meanwhile, Mahendra Sapa, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America Washington DC chapter President said, “As we joyously celebrate the inauguration of the Grand Mandir of Bhagwan Shri Ram, we reflect on over 20 generations of patience, perseverance, and sacrifices that led to this momentous occasion. This new Diwali holds a special significance as we honor the souls of countless karsevaks who made the ultimate sacrifice to bring us justice, including the Kothary Brothers.”

“The Mandir stands as a symbol of faith and a tribute to the enduring spirit of our community. In this historic moment, we express gratitude to all contributors for realizing this cherished dream,” he added. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Indians in the United States organised a car rally in Edison, New Jersey.

More than 350 cars participated in the rally. Visuals accessed by ANI showed people from the Hindu community holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram and several cars lining up on the streets.

Amid ongoing events and celebrations across the globe ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, giant billboards of Lord Ram and the majestic shrine in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh have gone up in more than 10 states, thousands of miles away in the United States.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), US chapter, in association with Hindus from across the US, have put up more than 40 billboards in 10 states and more, displaying the message around the the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22.

The billboards have gone up in Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, among other states. Additionally, Arizona and the State of Missouri are set to join this visual celebration starting Monday, January 15, according to the VHP, American chapter.

“The resounding message conveyed by these billboards is that Hindu Americans are elated and joyously participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony,” Amitabh VW Mittal, general secretary, Hindu Parishad of America, told ANI.

“The Hindu community in New Jersey is brimming with joy, eagerly anticipating the upcoming Car Rally, Exhibition, Curtain Raiser, Billboards across New York New Jersey, and the grand celebration slated for the 21st night. The enthusiasm is palpable, with members from Mandirs across NJ eagerly looking forward to this once-in-a-generation event,” Teja A Shah, joint general secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, told ANI.

To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu American community across the US has organised several car rallies and has planned many more events in the run-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin informed that all temples in Mauritius will organise Ramayan Chanting and celebrate on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

“The Hindu community in New Jersey is brimming with joy, eagerly anticipating the upcoming Car Rally, Exhibition, Curtain Raiser, Billboards across New York New Jersey, and the grand celebration slated for the 21st night. The enthusiasm is palpable, with members from Mandirs across NJ eagerly looking forward to this once-in-a-generation event,” Teja A Shah, joint general secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, told ANI.

To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu American community across the US has organised several car rallies and has planned many more events in the run-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.Meanwhile, President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin informed that all temples in Mauritius will organise Ramayan Chanting and celebrate on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

He said, “In Mauritius, all our Hindu brothers and sisters are in a different mood nowadays. As from the Sankranti, on January 15, all our mandirs in Mauritius are doing the Ramayan chanting. And especially on the 22nd, we are having the same as we used to celebrate Diwali. In Mauritius, we are celebrating two Diwali.”

He added, “The first Diwali is on January 22, and the second Diwali is on October 31. We will do it the same as we all know: after 14 years of Vanwas (exile), Prabhu Shri Ram is coming to Ayodhya. So this time, not after 14 years, Prabhu Ram is coming after 500 years.”

President Ghoorbin also shared that a day before the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a cultural programme will be held and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will attend the event as a chief guest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22.

A host of leaders and dignitaries from all walks of life have been invited to the grand temple opening in Ayodhya. According to temple officials, the ceremony will be held over seven days starting January 16.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said Ramayan is a bridge across geographies and teaches people about the complexities of human relationships and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Speaking at an event at the US Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’, the Indian envoy said, “Ramayan and its shared heritage across the Indo-Pacific. The lessons and tales from Ramayan are passed down from generations, and it is hard to say exactly when one learns them. It’s as if one was born with them. The epic gives insights into the complexities of human relationships, governance and spirituality, dharma or duty, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The Ramayan has something to teach us about each of these themes, among many other things.”

“The Ramayan is also a bridge across geographies. Stories from the epic are well known in many countries across Indo Pacific, from Cambodia to Indonesia, from Thailand to Laos. The epic has been reimagined, retold, included in the artistic, literary, and religious traditions of various societies incorporating their unique cultural nuances. I have been personally witness to this influence of Ramayan across boundaries,” Ambassador Sandhu added.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Canada: Police warn citizens against posting CCTV videos of package thefts as it violates the privacy of thieves, can attract defamation charges

Paurush Gupta
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Canada: Police warn citizens against posting CCTV videos of package thefts as it violates the privacy of thieves, can attract defamation charges

In a bizarre order, the police in Canada warned its citizens against posting CCTV footage of incidents of ‘package theft’ as it violates the privacy of the suspected thieves. In a stern warning, Police in the Canadian province of Quebec said that people can’t post videos of thefts online because Canada has a presumption of innocence, and posting such videos could be a violation of private life.

It is important to note that citizens in Western nations often suffer from package theft. Unlike in many nations including India, delivery vans in many Western nations drop the packages outside the houses rather than delivering them in person to the customers, as pointed out in Canadian media reports. In many cases, miscreants steal these parcels before the actual customers retrieve them. Such thieves often follow delivery vans, and when they see that a package has not been picked up and there is nobody in the house, they steal the packages.

On Saturday (13th January), CTV News Montreal video journalist Olivia O’Malley reported, “Montreal West is known for its large porches, but around the holidays, those porches are a big target for thieves or ‘porch pirates’”. 

Montreal West councilor responsible for public security Lauren Small-Pennefather said, “It’s something we deal with on a daily basis.”  

Speaking with CTV, Small-Pennefather said, “You have people that are following the vehicles, and when they see a parcel that’s dropped off, they then go and take the parcel if nobody comes to the door to retrieve the parcel.” 

However, the province’s local police force, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) warned the residents against posting surveillance footage of someone stealing their packages because it could violate the “private life” of the alleged package thieves.

SQ communications officer Lt. Benoit Richard said, “If you get some proof that somebody might have stolen something, call the police, give that proof to the police. We’ll do the investigation, bring that person to justice, and file some charges.”

Issuing a stern warning, he added, “You cannot post the images yourself because you have to remember, in Canada, we have a presumption of innocence and posting that picture could be a violation of private life.” 

According to CTV, following the warning, people could face potential defamation charges for posting security footage of the alleged act of package theft. 

In an email sent to Fox News Digital, the Sûreté du Québec cited articles 35 and 36 of the Civil Code of Québec. The articles state, “every person has a right to the respect of his reputation and privacy,” and that “the privacy of a person may not be invaded without the consent of the person or without the invasion being authorized by law.”

The police also said individuals who post pictures of a person without consent could face a variety of civil or criminal proceedings depending on the situation, as reported by Fox News. 

However, the official’s warning remarks triggered a backlash and disbelief among Canadian citizens who objected to the warning that they could face legal trouble for posting home security footage of their packages being stolen. 

Canadian journalist Ezra Levant accused the police of prioritising criminals over victims. Levant wrote, “It’s 2024, so of course the police care more about criminals than victims of crime.” 

Conservative commentator Chris Tomlinson argued, “The Quebec police are saying this because it embarrasses them in how much theft occurs without consequence. Report it to them, and they’ll file it away and pretend it never happened.”

Author and host of YouTube’s The Factual Feminist, Christina Hoff Sommers fumed, “The world has gone mad.”

‘They were sinners and hatched conspiracies to stop Ram Mandir from being built’: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Congress

ANI
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‘They were sinners and hatched conspiracies to stop Ram Mandir from being built’: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Congress

Launching a blistering attack on Congress, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that the grand old party has committed sins all its life, they made many conspiracies to ensure that the Ram Temple is not built.

Speaking to the media, Himanta said “Congress committed sins all its life, they made many conspiracies to ensure that Ram Temple is not built. Babar is dearer to them, and Congress feels good about going to Babar. But it doesn’t feel good to come near Ram. They were a sinner and will remain a sinner.”

“The decision to invite them was wrong and only those who have faith in Lord Ram should have been invited. Among Lord Ram and Babur, the Gandhi family will offer obeisance to Babur first,” he added.

Further, responding to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar denying the post of Convenor in the INDIA bloc, Assam CM said that Entertainment news will continue to come from the opposition alliance.

“Nitish at one time said he wanted to be convenor, now he is saying he doesn’t want to become one, you will get this entertainment news from the alliance,” he added.

Assam CM also slammed Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and said “What justice will the person who does injustice to Ram do to India? “

Earlier, Assam’s Housing and Urban Affairs and Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal criticized the Congress party after its leaders declined to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Singhal expressed his disapproval, stating that the Congress has lost its sense, and opposing Lord Ram is tantamount to opposing India, Bharat, Bhartiya culture, tradition, and spirituality.

“Nobody can survive in the country by opposing Lord Ram. People have seen the results. They still have not realized that the place of Prabhu Ram is in the hearts of the Indian people. The day they realize, they will realize that they are mistaken. Still, there is time; they should realize their mistake and should participate in the event,” Ashok Singhal said while speaking to ANI.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha: Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of Sarayu River given a grand look by Yogi government

ANI
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Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha: Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of Sarayu River given a grand look by Yogi government

The Yogi government has completed various restoration and development projects worth Rs. 105.65 crore to enhance the beauty of Ram Ki Paidi and give it a new and grand form. The Ram Ki Paidi not only has great historical and mythological significance for being connected to ancient Ayodhya but also plays a crucial role in the glory of ‘Navya Ayodhya’.

Notably, Ram Ki Paidi, despite its historical significance, faced neglect for years and struggled for existence during previous governments. However, its development and beautification carried out by the double-engine government marked a new chapter in the glory of Ayodhya.

“It is believed that Lord Ram used to go through this Paidi to take bath in Sarayu river. Once, when Lakshmana expressed his desire to visit all the pilgrimage sites, Lord Ram stood on the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya and said that anyone who took bath at that place in the river before sunrise would receive the same merit as visiting all the pilgrimage sites,” the Chief Minister’s office said.

It is said that the place on the banks of the Sarayu River where Lord Ram made this statement is known as Ram Ki Paidi. This is why taking a bath here on the full moon day is considered of special significance, and those who bathe here receive the merit of visiting all the pilgrimage sites.

“Before 2017, Ram Ki Paidi was neglected with no significant developments worth the name carried out. The last major restoration work took place in 1985. However, when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a resolution to restore Ayodhya to its ancient glory, Ram Ki Paidi underwent a remarkable and divine transformation,” the CM’s office added.

Not only that, but the ancient temples of Ayodhya, including the Nageshwar Nath Temple, Chandrahari Temple, Vishnu Hari Temple, and Sarayu Temple, have also witnessed a substantial increase in the number of devotees.

Swami Krishna Kantacharya, the Chairman of the Shri Chandrahari Mahadev Temple Trust, highlighted that the Yogi government has not only beautified Ram Ki Paidi, but has also paid attention to its divine form as mentioned in the scriptures. According to him, no other Chief Ministers could have accomplished the restoration and transformation of Ram Ki Paidi and Ayodhya in such a magnificent way as CM Yogi has done.

Certain initiatives have made Ram Ki Paidi special, which include Pump House Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the pump house at Ram Ki Paidi at a cost of Rs 24.81 crore helped in maintaining the water level in the artificial channel and channel reconstruction.

“With an expenditure of Rs 56.03 crores, the reconstruction of Part B of the channel process has been completed. Several barrages have been constructed in the entire channel to help maintain the water level. Additionally, the construction and restoration of concrete ghats have been completed,” the press release said.

Initiatives also include mural art painting. “The walls at Ram Ki Paidi are also being decorated through mural art, in which people are pleasantly surprised to see the charming depiction of mythological events and characters, including the events of the Ramayana,” the release said.

A light and sound show has also been initiated. A large projector screen has been installed between Bharat and Shatrughn Ghats, allowing thousands of people to enjoy a grand light and laser show.

Apart from that, large electronic displays have been placed at various locations on the ghats, showcasing the Ramayana composed by Ramanand. Additionally, these displays are used for spreading awareness about devotional songs and government schemes.

There is also a special cultural space on the ghat which serves as an open-air theatre. Various cultural programmes will also be staged here between January 15 and January 22, the CMO said.

Ram Ki Paidi has been lit with a Victorian vintage-themed arch and LED lamps using solar panels, which gives a spectacular look to the entire pavement, including the ghat. Apart from this, facade lighting has also been done on the ghat, which provides a modern touch.

A grand fountain has also been installed in the Saryu channel of Ram Ki Paidi through a pump house installation, which provides a grand and relaxing ambience through attractive lighting decoration and sound synchronisation. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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