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Barack Obama, who should be declared a war criminal, pontificates to India about human rights: Here is his track record

OpIndia Staff
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Barack Obama, who should be declared a war criminal, pontificates to India about human rights: Here is his track record

On Thursday (June 22), former US President Barack Obama courted controversy by virtue-signalling India about its ‘human rights’ record.

Obama, who has a notorious record as a potential war criminal, suggested that the Indian Prime Minister must be told by the Biden administration about protecting the ‘Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India.’ He also hinted at another ‘partition’ if India, under the Modi government, did not mend its ways.

The former US President made the contentious remarks during an interview with CNN news host Christiane Amanpour, just hours before PM Modi made his historic address at the joint session of the US Congress.

He said, “If President (Joe Biden) meets with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, the protection of Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India is something worth mentioning.”

Barack Obama also claimed, “If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, then, part of the conversation would be that if you do not protect the rights of minorities, then there is a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart…That would be contrary to the interests of India”

The former US President, who is now mouthing platitudes about protecting the interests of Muslims in India, has been single-handedly responsible for the death of 100s of innocent people in Muslim-majority countries.

Human rights record of ‘war monger’ Barack Obama

Barack Obama scripted history in 2008 by being the first African-American man to become the President of the United States. In 2016, he also created another record of being the only President to take the country to war during the entirety of his 8-year term.

As per a report by the ‘Bureau of Investigative Journalism’, Obama oversaw more drone strikes (54) in his first year than George W Bush did in his entire term. Prior to his Presidency, he would talk about ending ‘dumb wars’ but did the opposite when he came to power.

Barack Obama, who holds the distinction of being a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, reportedly launched airstrikes in at least seven Muslim-majority countries of Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Pakistan.

He sanctioned the use of a whopping 563 drone strikes and killed 3797 people in this process. In one instance, a CIA drone strike targeted a funeral in Pakistan, which led to the death of 41 civilians in Pakistan.

Data via the Bureau of Investigative Journalism

More than 89 civilians in the same country were killed by the Obama administration over the course of 128 targeted drone strikes. The US President was aware that the drone strikes were far from accurate and were increasingly leading to the death of civilians.

But this did not stop him from continuing with such attacks in Somalia (2010) and Yemen (2011). Reportedly, 21 children and 12 women (five of them being pregnant)were killed by the Obama administration’s first strike in Yemen, with the aim of targeting Al-Qaeda.

It also came to light that in 2016 alone, the US government under Obama carried out at least 26,171 bombings, which translates to 72 bombings every day on civilians in other countries.

Mass civilian casualties were also reported in Afghanistan. An average of 582 people were killed annually in Afghanistan by the US, its allies and the Afghan government in Kabul between 2007 to 2016.

The Obama administration has also been accused of conducting ‘double-tap drone strikes’, which means that the site of a drone strike is attacked again. This is despite knowing the fact that such follow-up strikes lead to the death of first responders, which is against the guidelines laid down by the 1948 Geneva Conventions.

Obama administration warmed up to Muslim brotherhood, oversaw the rise of ISIS

During the tenure of Barack Obama, the US government warmed up to the radical Islamist outfit ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ in Egypt during the Arab Spring. It was a complete departure from the approach undertaken by previous US administrations.

According to author Hany Ghoraba, Barack Obama believed that he could separate the terror outfit ‘Al-Qaeda’ and Muslim Brotherhood. “Empowering the Muslim Brotherhood would, according to Obama, weaken Al-Qaeda in a decision that can be considered as one of the severest cases of political naiveté in modern times,” he noted.

“The core fault of the Obama administration was its adoption of a false rhetoric, presented for years by Islamist activists and later liberal Western politicians and pundits, that there is a distinction between the Muslim Brotherhood and Al-Qaeda,” Ghoraba pointed out.

The Arab Spring led to significant political changes in several countries, including the ousting of long-standing autocratic leaders. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm, namely, the Freedom and Justice Party, emerged as a major political force.

In 2011, the Obama administration thought it was a great idea to engage with the Muslim brotherhood-led- government, mistaking it to be a ‘new democratic force’ and looking past its radical Islamism, dangerous ideology and its mistreatment of religious minorities.

Later when protests erupted against the government in Eqypt, the Obama administration quickly took a U-turn and called for the removal of the Muslim Brotherhood-backed-Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Documents now reveal that the US government funded anti-Morsi activities.

The Presidential tenure of Barack Obama was also marked by the rise of the dreaded terrorist organisation, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria aka ISIS.

One of the major contributing factors was the withdrawal of the US troops, failed negotiations with the Iraqi government and lack of residual US military presence in the country. The security vacuum left in Iraq gave opportunities for radical Islamist groups to expand.

Conclusion

Barack Obama has been at the helm of building secret drone bases in the Middle East and Africa and increasing the deployment of warships and troops in the Western Pacific and Eastern Europe.

He has been accused by his first three Defense Secretaries at the Pentagon of micro-manging the military from the White House. Through the killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Barack Obama ensured that Libya plunged into complete chaos.

Later, the oil-rich nation became a magnet for terrorist groups. Despite his active war-mongering and mass killing of civilians in the name of drone attacks against terror groups, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. With the left media acting as his PR agent, Obama has been able to keep up with the false image of being a ‘great ex-President.’

At the time of PM Modi’s visit to the US on the invite of the incumbent President Joe Biden, Barack Obama is pontificating the Modi administration about human rights and peddling the distorted narrative of ‘Muslims being in danger in India.’

PM Modi’s Egypt tour to begin tomorrow: He will visit the Al Hakim mosque in Cairo and Heliopolis War Grave cemetery

ANI
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PM Modi’s Egypt tour to begin tomorrow: He will visit the Al Hakim mosque in Cairo and Heliopolis War Grave cemetery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the 11th-century Al-Hakim Mosque here during his two-day visit to Egypt beginning on Saturday.

PM Modi’s visit to the mosque is scheduled as the first event on the last day of his two-day program in Egypt’s sprawling capital Cairo.

The Prime Minister will spend nearly half an hour at the Al-Hakim Mosque-a historic and prominent mosque in Cairo named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (985-1021), the 16th Fatimid caliph.

The mosque was originally built by Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah’s father, Caliph Al-‘Aziz Billah, towards the end of the 10th century, in the year 990, and was later completed by Al-Hakim in the year 1013.

The mosque is also known as Al-Anwar, meaning “the Illuminated”, similar in style to the name of the earlier Al-Azhar Mosque founded by the Fatimids. It is the second-largest mosque in the city of Cairo, and the fourth oldest.

The mosque is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, on the east side of al-Mu’izz Street, just south of Bab al-Futuh (one of the northern city gates of Fatimid Cairo).

The Al-Hakim Mosque is a significant example of Fatimid architecture and history in Cairo. The rectangular mosque covers an area of 13,560-metre square out of which 5000 square metres is the large courtyard or sahn at the centre. The remaining area is divided into the four covered halls on each side of the mosque, with the Bayt al salat, or sanctuary area and prayer hall towards the qibla wall, being the largest at 4,000 square metres and consisting of five bays.

The mosque has two distinctive minarets on its north and west corners, which were modified by Al-Hakim himself in 1010 by adding a square salient around them. They are the oldest surviving minarets in the city. The mosque also has the distinction of being the oldest mosque in the world to have two minarets erected together at the time of its initial construction.

The mosque has eleven gates, of which the most important is the central one on the main facade, made of stone. The gate has a prominent portico with carved niches and squares on its tip, similar to the Mahdiyah Mosque in Tunisia.
The mosque also has pointed arches supported by rectangular columns in the courtyard and the prayer hall, reminiscent of the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo.

The mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah is an important cultural site for the Dawoodi Bohra community in Cairo. The latest renovation project was the second such initiative undertaken by the Dawoodi Bohra community after the first renovation and restoration project that was completed nearly forty years ago.

The renovations were undertaken as part of a large-scale plan by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to boost tourism to Cairo’s Islamic sites. The work was co-funded by the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Work on the mosque began in 2017 and included repairs to water damage and cracks in the walls. Wooden fixtures, including the mosque’s doors, its pulpit and the signature decorative wooden tiles that line the base of its ceilings, were bolstered.

The ornate chandeliers of the mosque, one of Cairo’s most prominent Fatimid sites, were also restored. Security cameras were installed as well as more efficient electrical wiring to service both the indoor areas and the large courtyard that the mosque is known for.

Intricate restorations were also undertaken on the mosque’s facades and marble floors.

The al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque, a nearly 1000-year-old structure in the heart of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, was reopened on the 27th of February this year following extensive renovations that took six years to complete.
PM Modi will make a State visit to Egypt on June 24 and 25.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, “It is worth mentioning here that this will be Prime Minister’s first visit to Egypt and I might also mention that this would be the first official bilateral visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Egypt since 1997.”

PM Modi during his first Egypt tour will also visit Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War.

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

West Bengal Panchayat Polls: Unopposed wins by TMC see a massive decline despite violence during nominations

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal Panchayat Polls: Unopposed wins by TMC see a massive decline despite violence during nominations

West Bengal Panchayat polls witnessed a significant decline for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) as they secure just under 10% of seats without facing any opposition, marking a sharp drop from the 34% uncontested wins they achieved in the previous election. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations concluded on June 20, 2023, with the elections scheduled to take place on July 8. The results will be declared on July 11.

With a sharp drop from the 34% of seats won without contest in the previous election, the TMC could only secure below 10% of the seats uncontested this time. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) experienced a significant decline in unopposed victories, indicating a weakening hold on power.

As per the figures provided by the State Election Commission, the TMC secured approximately 7000 seats (9.47%) out of the total 73,887 without any opposition. Out of these, they won 6,238 (9.7%) out of total 63,229 gram panchayat seats, 759 (7.8%) out of 9,730 panchayat samiti seats, and eight out of 928 (0.86%) zila parishad seats without facing any rivals.

In contrast, the opposition parties were able to secure only a handful of seats, with the majority going uncontested to the TMC. The ruling party’s uncontested victories were primarily concentrated in districts like Birbhum, Bankura, Murshidabad, and South 24 Parganas, which have been marred by clashes and violence in recent times.

During the 2018 panchayat elections, the TMC had won a much larger share of uncontested seats, including 16814 (34.5%) of the gram panchayat seats, 3059 (33.2%) of the panchayat samiti seats, and 203 (24.6%) of the zila parishad seats.

In the district of Birbhum, where the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dominance over all panchayats, both Lok Sabha seats, and 10 out of the 11 assembly constituencies, the party managed to secure only one out of the 52 zilla parishad seats. TMC leaders have stated that their candidates emerged victorious without any opposition in over 800-odd gram panchayat seats and approximately 120 panchayat samiti seats.

A senior TMC leader attempted to explain the increase in opposition nominations for zila parishads by suggesting that the party had encouraged a peaceful filing process at the district magistrate offices, allowing more opposition candidates to come forward. However, opposition parties dismissed these claims, arguing that their ability to file a higher number of nominations reflected the diminishing organizational control of the TMC.

Critics of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused her of presiding over a lawless rule, allowing a deteriorating law and order situation and the unchecked hooliganism of TMC workers. They pointed out instances where opposition candidates were prevented from filing nominations in Diamond Harbour, allegedly using the state machinery to stifle their participation.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty asserted that despite facing such obstacles, the opposition parties managed to submit nominations in most areas, suggesting that the TMC was apprehensive about an impending defeat.

Anubrata Mondal, the president of TMC in Birbhum district, is currently incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar jail due to his involvement in a cattle smuggling case under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Despite this setback, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) remains the sole party contesting all 2859 gram panchayat seats and all 490 panchayat samiti seats in Birbhum. In comparison, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC’s closest rival, is only contesting 1284 seats in gram panchayats and 297 seats in panchayat samiti. Based on the available figures, the TMC has thus won approximately 920 seats in Birbhum.

In the district of North 24 Parganas, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is the sole party contesting in all 4535 Grampanchayat seats. On the other hand, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have fielded approximately 2,200 candidates each. The Congress, however, has chosen to contest in only 466 seats. Notably, in the regions of Purulia and West Midnapore districts, where the BJP performed well in 2018, the number of BJP candidates is considerably higher compared to other opposition parties.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar has remarked on the sharp decline from 34% to 9.5% in the unopposed wins of the TMC in the panchayat elections. He said, “This 9.5% figure would have been 4.5 % if we could file nominations and there was no violence. TMC has destroyed democracy.”

These developments raise questions about the effectiveness of Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and the state’s democratic processes. Critics argue that the diminishing number of uncontested wins reflects a waning grip on power and the erosion of the TMC’s dominance in West Bengal.

MP High Court directs state govt to ensure shelter homes are not misused for giving religious education

OpIndia Staff
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MP High Court directs state govt to ensure shelter homes are not misused for giving religious education

On Monday, June 19, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the state government to take steps to ensure that no religious education is provided to children who reside in shelter homes registered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The single bench of Justice Vishal Dhagat further ordered that only modern and secular education be imparted to the children. 

The Court ruled that the term “education” as defined in Section 53(1)(iii) does not include “religious education.” Therefore, shelter home administrators should provide secular education to children. It was observed that education means modern education that will enable them to earn a living later in life.

This comes after Priyank Kanungo, chairman of the National Child Rights Protection Commission (NCPCR) raided a children’s home named Asha Kiran Institute. During the raid, it was found that the Hindu children were forced to offer Christian religious prayers, read Bible and visit Church. It was also alleged that the Hindu students were not allowed to visit temples or celebrate Diwali. They were reportedly not allowed to follow the Hindu way of worship. 

Following the raid, the NCPCR chairman lodged a complaint on May 30 against the authorities of the shelter home in question. Subsequently, an FIR was registered against Jerald Alameda and Leeji Joseph under sections Section 7 of the JJ Act and Sections 3 and 5 of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021.

To challenge the registration of FIR, accused Jerald Alameda and Leeji Joseph contended that under the provision of Section 54 of the JJ Act, the inspecting team should comprise three members, including a woman and a medical officer. 

It was further argued that even if the children were found with Bible or were made to chant Christian prayers, it cannot be concluded as religious conversion. The applicants contended that under section 75 of the JJ Act, no criminal offence was committed.

This argument, however, was met by the State’s counter that acts committed by the applicants Almeeja and Joseph are covered under a section of the MP Freedom of Religion Act. 

Furthermore, it was alleged that this is a case of mass conversion since more than two children in the Child Care Home are coerced into reading the Bible, going to church, and praying adding that the infraction is serious in nature.

As there is no complaint filed by the person who was converted, the person who was wronged, the person against whom an attempt was made to convert, or their relatives, the Court held that the police did not have jurisdiction to inquire or investigate an offence committed under Section 3 of the MP Freedom of Religion Act. In addition to this, the anticipatory bail applications of the applicants were allowed.

Assam floods: 2.61 lakh people across 196 villages in Bajali district affected

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Assam floods: 2.61 lakh people across 196 villages in Bajali district affected

 The flood situation in the Bajali district of Assam is still grim, as nearly 2.61 lakh people in 196 villages have been affected by the flood.

The flood waters of the Pahumara River have submerged several villages in the Pathsala area.

The flood waters submerged Swahid Madan Rauta Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital in Pathsala, and the hospital authority shifted all patients from the hospital to other hospitals on Friday.

On the other hand, the flood waters of the Pahumara River have breached a large portion of the embankment at Medhikuchi village and washed away several houses.

The affected villagers are now taking shelter on roads, embankments, and highlands. According to reports, the flood waters have submerged 297.30 hectares of cropland in Bajali district.

On the other hand, the flood water damaged a bridge in the Kumarikata area of Tamulpur, Assam.

In the Kokrajhar district of Assam, the flood waters of the Madati River washed away a wooden bridge in the Gossaigaon area on Thursday.

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

PM Modi got 15 standing ovations during his address to US Congress: Read about each of those 15 moments and what the PM said

Shraddha Pandey
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PM Modi got 15 standing ovations during his address to US Congress: Read about each of those 15 moments and what the PM said

On Thursday, June 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his historic address to the US Joint Congress. During his speech, many moments earned him applause and a standing ovation several times from the US Congress members and Vice President Kamala Harris. PM Modi in his speech got candid about various themes that were met with 15 standing ovations and 79 rounds of applause. 

Here is the list of moments during PM Modi’s speech that received 15 standing ovations 

PM Modi was welcomed with a standing ovation right before he began his speech as Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy invited PM Modi to address the joint Congressional session.

US Congress bestows PM Modi with a standing ovation over his “another AI” remark

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi talked about the friendship between India and the United States and how despite a lot has changed over the years but the thing has remained the same which is the commitment to deepen the Indo-US friendship. Demonstrating his excellent oratory skills and ability to connect with people, PM correlated the advancements in the arena of AI (Artificial Intelligence), with the developments in another AI—America and India. His unique phraseology was met with a standing ovation and applause.

“In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI—Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there have been even more momentous developments in another AI—America and India,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi’s “Bond between two great democracies” wins hearts at Joint US Congressional session

PM Modi complimented the US Congress for uniting to celebrate the bond between two great democracies, India and the US. He made these remarks while lauding Speaker Kevin McCarthy for undertaking a tough job, as PM Modi being a citizen of India can relate to “battles of passion, persuasion and policy.”

“I am delighted to see you come together today, to celebrate the bond between the world’s two great democracies – India and the United States. I am happy to help out whenever you need a strong bipartisan consensus. There will be and there must be a contest of ideas at home. But, we must also come together as one when we speak for our nation. And, you have shown that you can do it. Congratulations!,” PM Modi said which was followed by applause and a standing ovation.

PM Modi acknowledges American Indians and US Vice President Kamala Harris 

As PM Modi lauded the United States for embracing people from around the world and making them a part of the shared American dream, PM Modi acknowledged Americans with their roots in India, making a special reference to MVP Kamala Harris. 

“There are millions here, who have roots in India. Some of them sit proudly in this chamber. There is one behind me, who has made history!,” the Indian Prime Minister said. 

PM Modi receives a standing ovation as he pays tribute to MK Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday talked about the Indian and American personalities who have over the years inspired the people of the two countries. His tribute to Martin Luther King Junior, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and Congressman John Lewis was met with a standing ovation and appreciation from the US Congress members.

“Over two centuries, we have inspired each other through the lives of great Americans and Indians. We pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Junior. We also remember many others who worked for liberty, equality, and justice. Today, I also wish to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of them – Congressman John Lewis,” PM Modi said.

US Congress applauds the Indian Prime Minister for his remarks on India’s diversity 

PM Modi during his one-hour-long speech spoke about India’s political, cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity and the unity among Indians despite the prevalent diversity, 

“We have two thousand five hundred political parties. Yes, you heard that right- two thousand five hundred. About twenty different parties govern various states of India. We have twenty-two official languages and thousands of dialects, and yet, we speak in one voice. Every hundred miles, our cuisine changes. From Dosa to Aloo Parantha and from Srikhand to Sandesh. We enjoy all of these. We are home to all faiths in the world, and we celebrate all of them. In India, diversity is a natural way of life,” PM remarked.

PM Modi commends the US as the country becomes “one of the most important defence partners”

As India and the US signed several significant defence deals including GE Aerospace-HAL MoU for the production of F414 jet engines and a deal for the production of MQ9B reaper drones for the Indian armed forces, PM Modi delved into how once strangers in defence cooperation, the two countries have now become significant defence partners. 

“we were strangers in defence cooperation at the turn of the century. Now, the United States has become one of our most important defence partners,” PM Modi asserted.

US Congress members give multiple rounds of applause and standing ovation to PM Modi as he talks about respecting territorial integrity, stopping bloodshed, and advocacy for a free and open Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Modi during his speech addressed the Ukraine War as he said that the war involves big powers resulting in severe outcomes. The PM stressed that the global order is reliant on the UN charter, and respect for territorial integrity. He also reiterated his much-appreciated “not an era of war” remark. 

“The global order is based on the respect for the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. As I have said directly and publicly, this is not an era of war. But, it is one of dialogue and diplomacy,” Modi said.

PM Modi got another standing ovation as he added “And, we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering.”

This was followed by yet another standing ovation as PM Modi stressed that the stability of Indo-pacific has become a major concern. He advocated for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

“We share a vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, connected by secure seas, defined by international law, free from domination, and anchored in ASEAN centrality. A region where all nations, small and large, are free and fearless in their choices, where progress is not suffocated by impossible burdens of debt, where connectivity is not leveraged for strategic purposes, where all nations are lifted by the high tide of shared prosperity,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi bats for full membership of G20 to African Union

Known for for championing the cause of the Global South PM Modi took the opportunity on Thursday to support the African Union over the full membership in the G20 grouping. 

“Giving a voice to the Global South is the way forward. That is why I firmly believe that the African Union be given full membership of G20,” Modi said.

“Democracies matter and deliver”

PM Modi reiterated the importance of democracy as he said, “Together, we shall demonstrate that democracies matter and democracies deliver. I count on your continued support to the India-US partnership.”

PM Modi’s conclusive remarks during his Thursday speech were met with a huge round of applause and a standing ovation as he recalled his 2016 remark regarding the momentous future of India and the United States as he said, “When I was here in 2016, I had said that “our relationship is primed for a momentous future”. That future is today. 

The final standing ovation for the Indian Prime Minister came as he concluded his historic speech and thanked the US House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy, VP Kamala Harris, and the Congress members.

With his speech on Thursday, Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the United States Congress twice. Chants of ‘Modi Modi,’ ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai,’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ greeted the Indian Prime Minister. Following his address, US legislators were spotted queuing to meet PM Modi, click selfies, and get his autograph.

Himachal Pradesh: Hindus protest in Chamba over Manohar Lal’s brutal murder, give ultimatum of 30 days to jihadis to leave the state

OpIndia Staff
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Himachal Pradesh: Hindus protest in Chamba over Manohar Lal’s brutal murder, give ultimatum of 30 days to jihadis to leave the state

On Thursday, 23rd June 2023, Hindus in Chamba in Himachal Pradesh held a massive protest over Manohar Lal’s brutal murder. Members of various Hindu organisations came to the streets and staged protests and gave an ultimatum of 30 days to jihadis in the state to leave the place.

Under the banner of Sanghani Massacre Sangharsh Samiti, office-bearers of Bajrang Dal, VHP, Hindu Jagran Manch, Brahmin Pratinidhi Sabha, Sippy Kalyan Sabha, Valmiki Sabha, Vyapar Mandal Chamba participated in the rally. They demanded the formation of a fast-track court to hear Manohar Lal’s murder case and demanded capital punishment for the killers. The angry crowd raised slogans against the administration and the police.

There was a scuffle between the Rashtriya Devbhoomi Party chief, workers and the police force over the forceful removal of barricades put up near Chauhra Dam. There was also an argument between the two sides. But, citing Section 144, the police did not allow them to go further. The angry activists raised slogans against the district administration and the police. The activists remained in Chauhara till 5 in the evening, insisting on going to Sanghani.

Kamal Gautam, a Hindu leader who was leading the protest, said that it was a brutal murder and a direct attack on the Hindu community in Himachal Pradesh which is not tolerable. He added, “It was not a normal murder. So we demand the probe in this entire incident from the central agencies, including NIA or any other agency to cover the conspiracy behind the killing of Manohar Lal.”

On June 22, Rashtriya Devbhoomi Party chief Rumit Thakur posted on social media that he would meet the victim’s family by breaking Section 144 because the names of those involved in the murder of Manohar Lal are not yet made public. He reached Tunnuhatti with his workers at around 11:30 am on Thursday. But the police force intercepted their way and did not allow them to go ahead.

In a video of the protests that went viral on social media, a protest leader was seen addressing the crowd. He said, “Today, in this historic protest, I have come here to appeal to all the Hindus in Himachal Pradesh. We give an ultimatum of 30 days to the people with this jihadi mindset who are roaming in Himachal Pradesh. You have a time period of 30 days. You can leave Himachal Pradesh in 30 days. If you don’t, then only you will be responsible for what happens after that. Hindu community will take the drive in its hands.”

According to Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgn of Samba, the protesters have submitted a memorandum, which he has received and intends to send to the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. He mentioned that the demonstrators were seeking evidence from the central agencies and clarified that this request would be forwarded to the Governor of Himachal Pradesh for consideration.

On June 6, a Hindu youth Manohar Lal went missing while returning home from his cowshed on the hilltop. He allegedly proceeded to meet his lover, a Muslim girl. The girl’s family allegedly beat him with sticks and then sliced up his body and put it into a drain when he died. While patrolling in the region on June 9, four soldiers from the Indian Reserve Battalion discovered the body. Some media reports suggest that the chopped body was found in a sack after locals noticed it and informed the police.

Hindu organisations learned about the incident and demanded strict action against the accused. A case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other relevant sections has been filed against the accused. 

Paris: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif walks the red carpet after snatching an umbrella from a female officer, leaving her drenched in rain

OpIndia Staff
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Paris: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif walks the red carpet after snatching an umbrella from a female officer, leaving her drenched in rain

While PM Modi received 15 standing ovations and 79 applause during his address to joining US Congress as part of his historic US visit, neighbouring Pakistan and its PM are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Paris in France yesterday to attend the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was seen snatching an umbrella from the hands of a female staff amid a downpour at the Paris Summit. The video was proudly shared by the Pak PMO.

The Pakistan Prime Minister was at the Summit to seek a bailout package from the IMF.

In the now-viral video, it can be seen that after Sharif arrives at the venue, a female protocol officer with an umbrella protects him from rain and starts to walk with him on the red carpet. Sharif attempts to grab the umbrella but retracts his hand. Moments later, he tries for the second time and grabs the umbrella from the staff who is surprised at the action and retrieves her hand hurriedly.

An oblivious Sharif then walks the red carpet alone leaving the woman behind, unbothered that she is completely drenched in the rain. However, she maintains her composure and walks behind the prime minister towards the venue.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism on social media.

The two-day Summit for a New Global Financing Pact is being organised by France in Paris on 22 and 23 June, where over 40 heads of states and governments, over 30 organisations, and hundreds of NGOs and private sector entities are participating. The summit aims to lay the groundwork for a renewed financial system suited to the common challenges of the 21st century, such as fighting inequalities and climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief on Thursday on the sidelines of the event, in an attempt to secure the release of the remaining $1.1 billion in IMF program funds amid the ongoing economic crisis in the country. Sharif expressed hope that funds allocated under the IMF’s program would be released as soon as possible, however, no comments have been met by IMF yet.

At the summit, the World Bank said that it will ease financing for countries hit by natural disasters.

Meanwhile, on June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Washington DC amid strong winds and rainfall. The Prime Minister completed all necessary protocols even as he was drenched in rain.

PM Modi and President Biden in a joint statement slammed Pakistan for cross-border terrorism, use of terror proxies and called for action against JeM and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Ro Khanna, who supported Rahul Gandhi and is part of the Pakistan Caucus, now praises PM Modi, says he delivered a ‘very powerful speech’

OpIndia Staff
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Ro Khanna, who supported Rahul Gandhi and is part of the Pakistan Caucus, now praises PM Modi, says he delivered a ‘very powerful speech’

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his address to a joint sitting of the US Congress, US House Representative Ro Khanna who has been close to Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and who is also part of the Pakistan Congressional Caucus, showered praises for the Prime Minister saying that the speech delivered by PM Modi was a strong speech.

“I think the Prime Minister gave a very strong speech,” he said also adding that the address was well received by the US Congress. He asserted that PM Modi reaffirmed the US and India’s collaboration in business, technology, and defence, as well as the very significant statement that India respects all world religions.

Other US Congress leaders also praised PM Modi and said that the leader tried to endure friendship and partnership between India and the United State. “It was a wonderful speech. The important part of the speech was the enduring friendship and partnership between India and the United States; it was a good reminder for Congress and American people,” said US Congressmen Greg Stanton.

Also Dan Crenshaw said, “I was just strongly impressed. He gave a great speech…It was uplifting. It was very relevant to the issues and conflicts that the world is currently facing. I think everyone, Republicans, and Democrats could learn from it and could take a lot from it.”

The US Congressmen gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi a standing ovation and loud applause as he wrapped up his speech to the joint session. Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, praised the address and stated, “It was a fantastic speech talking about the unity between US & India.”

“I think more than anything, he talked about the future. It was a very moving speech, it was great to have all the American Indians in that gallery who were so passionate about this man. I am very glad to see that we are now selling weapons to India to help her defend herself from aggressive behaviour from communist China or terrorist organisations,” he added.

PM Modi highlighted India’s unity in diversity during the address

On Thursday, PM Modi highlighted India’s unity in diversity, at the historic address to the joint sitting of the US Congress. “India is the home to all faiths in the world and we celebrate all of them. In India, diversity is a natural way of life, today the world wants to know more and more about India,” said PM Modi.

Further speaking about Indian diversity, he said, “We have over 2500 political parties…About 20 different parties govern various states of India. We have 22 official languages and thousands of dialects, yet we speak in one voice. Every 100 miles our cuisine changes, from dosa to aloo paratha.”

He asserted that the entire world is becoming more and more interested in finding out about India. On Thursday, he arrived in the US House of Representatives, where he gave a speech to the US Congress. PM Modi said that it is always a great honour to address the US Congress. The members at the House could be seen cheering and applauding PM Modi.

“It is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. For this honour, I extend my deepest gratitude to the 1.4 billion people of India. I see that nearly half of you were here in 2016. I can also see the enthusiasm of the old friends and the new friends in the other half,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Standing here seven Junes ago, when Hamilton swept all the awards, I said that the hesitations of history were behind us. Now, when our era is at a crossroads, I am here to speak about our calling for this century,” he added.

Ro Khanna extended support to Rahul Gandhi when he was disqualified

Notably, Ro Khanna is a US politician who had extended support to, Rahul Gandhi. Recently, after Congress scion Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a criminal defamation case, Khanna issued a tweet saying, “The expulsion of Rahul Gandhi from parliament is a deep betrayal of Gandhian philosophy and India’s deepest values.”

He also said that his grandfather sacrificed years in jail for democracy. “Narendra Modi, you have the power to reverse this decision for the sake of Indian democracy,” he had said.

Although Khanna is of Indian origin by lineage, he was born in Philadelphia city of Pennsylvania. He has been actively involved in US politics as a Democratic Party leader since 2016. Indians in March this year mocked Khanna for supporting Gandhi and meddling in India’s internal affairs without fully understanding the political context.

Ro Khanna presented a distorted version of Hindutva

Also, in August 2019, Ro Khanna courted controversy for presenting a distorted version of Hindutva to his American followers. He had tweeted, “Important article. It’s the duty of every American politician of Hindu faith to stand for pluralism, reject Hindutva, and speak for equal rights for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhist & Christians. That is the vision of India my grandfather Amarnath Vidyalankar fought for.”

Ro Khanna joined Congressional Pakistan Caucus in 2019

Further in the year 2019, Ro Khanna joined the Pakistan Congressional Caucus, becoming the first Indian-American to do so. This move had raised eyebrows in the Indian-American community, while he was welcomed by the Pakistanis, including Pakistan’s ambassador to the US. Notably, Ro Khann is also a member of the India Caucus in the Congress and is currently the Vice-Chair of the same. He is set to become the next chair of the Congressional Caucus on India.

In September 2019, around 230 Indian-American organisations in the US wrote a letter to Ro Khanna, urging him to withdraw from the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. “Membership in (the Congressional Pakistan) Caucus is contrary to both American principles and our geostrategic interests in the Indian Subcontinent and the broader South Asian region,” the letter read. It also raised concerns about Ro Khanna’s social media interaction with an anti-Hindu activist, Pieter Friedrich.

“We further urge you to write directly to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and meet with (Pakistan) Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan to address Pakistan’s ongoing use of terrorism to destabilise the region and its rampant and severe human rights violations,” the letter emphasised.

However, Ro Khanna refused to withdraw from the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. “I think it all stems from a naivete that they don’t understand politics. But it is really irrelevant in my district and that’s where my first priority is,” he defended his decision.

“I certainly will never bow my convictions because of a special interest lobby…I have no tolerance for right-wing nationalists who are affiliated with Donald Trump…They are maybe 2 to 3 per cent in an echo chamber in this district…But they will see that our values, our district, is pluralistic.” Khanna had said.

Posters put up outside the Patna BJP office as Opposition leaders’ meeting is underway: Here is why BJP branded Rahul Gandhi as ‘real life’ Devdas

ANI
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Posters put up outside the Patna BJP office as Opposition leaders’ meeting is underway: Here is why BJP branded Rahul Gandhi as ‘real life’ Devdas

Ahead of the Opposition meeting in Bihar’s Patna, posters mocking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as ‘real-life Devdas’ was put up outside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office here. 

“Mamata Didi ne kaha Bengal Chod Do, Kejriwal ne kaha Dilli aur Punjab chod do, Lalu-Nitish ne kaha Bihar chod do, Akhilesh ne kaha Uttar Pradesh chod do, Stalin ne kaha Tamil Nadu chod do, woh din dur nahi jab sab mil kahenge, Congressi (Rahul) rajneeti chod do. (Mamata didi asked to leave Bengal, Kejriwal asked to leave Delhi and Punjab. Lalu and Nitish asked to leave Bihar. Akhilesh said to leave Uttar Pradesh. Stalin said to leave Tamil Nadu….that day is not far when everyone will ask Congress (Rahul) to leave politics),” the poster stated which had Shah Rukh Khan, the reel Devdas, and Rahul Gandhi, the ‘real Devdas’.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday arrived in Bihar’s Patna to attend the Opposition leaders’ meeting hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with an aim to arrive at a consensus to forge a united Opposition front to take on the BJP. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, Kharge said that the opposition parties’ agenda is to remove the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre and they all would fight together. 

“We all want to fight together against BJP and our agenda is to remove the BJP government,” Kharge said while talking to the media as he left for the opposition meeting in Bihar’s Patna. 

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad asked who would be the Prime Ministerial candidate from the Opposition for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.”Nitish Kumar 2024 ke liye baaraat saja rahe hai Patna mai, baaraat me to dulha bhi hota hai, pr is baaraat ka dulha kon hai? (Nitish Kumar is preparing the wedding procession for the 2024 elections in Patna, but who is the groom (PM contender). Everyone is calling themselves a PM contender,” he said. 

The opposition unity meeting will be hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with the aim to arrive at a consensus to forge a united Opposition front to take on the BJP. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, Kharge said that the opposition parties’ agenda is to remove the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre and they all would fight together 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would attend the opposition unity meeting in Patna on Friday along with party leader Rahul Gandhi. 
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti were among the leaders who reached Patna ahead of the meeting.

(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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