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Jharkhand: Arju Mansoori, brother of Armaan Khan who killed Mamata, issues death threats to her sister and another Hindu girl in Ramgarh

OpIndia Staff
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Jharkhand: Arju Mansoori, brother of Armaan Khan who killed Mamata, issues death threats to her sister and another Hindu girl in Ramgarh

In a recent and shocking love jihad case, a Muslim man named Arju Mansoori was arrested for threatening a Hindu woman, Jaya. Not only that, but he did the same to another Hindu girl after being released from prison on parole.

Notably, he is the brother of Armaan Khan alias Rocky who had trapped a married Hindu woman Mamata in a relationship. When she refused to leave her husband and run off with him, he beat her to death in January of this year. Jaya is Mamata’s sister.

The fresh incident happened on May 31 in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, when Arju Mansoori entered the victim’s residence with a few other people. He forced her to get into a relationship with him, but after she refused he pulled a knife to threaten her. The people who were around gathered after hearing the girl’s voice found the perpetrator and turned him over to the police.

The victim stated in the police complaint that Arju Mansoori entered her home on the night of May 31. He was accompanied by eight additional individuals. He grabbed her by the throat, took a knife out, and began circling it around her body. “Befriend me or I’ll murder you,” he warned. The girl added that following the occurrence, she screamed in terror and rushed outdoors.

After hearing the noise, nearby people assembled and captured him. Afterwards, the instance was reported to the police. The members of the Hindu organisations also arrived at the location during this time.

Bharatiya Janta Party leader and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi has slammed the incumbent Hemant Soren government of the state regarding this development. “The love jihadis in Jharkhand have grown so fearless that they no longer fear the authorities or being apprehended even after completing their sentences. Armaan Khan brutally murdered Mamta in Ramgarh last January 14 in the name of love jihad. Following Mamta’s death, Arju Khan, Armaan’s brother, began making threats to Mamta’s sister,” he posted.

He further remarked, “Arju was taken into custody in the aforementioned case after considerable pressure. Following his release from prison, Arju Khan attempted to kill a girl last night by breaking into her home with eight other criminals and coercing her to get into a relationship with him.”

Tagging Director General of Police DGP Jharkhand he asked, “Who provides protection to such persons in this grave matter? Those who don’t think twice about carrying out similar crimes again.” He then tagged Jharjhand police and wrote, “Such occurrences have increased throughout the state at an unprecedented rate. The incident in Giridih has not even settled down and now this brazen audacity in Ramgarh.”

On May 28, a 15-year-old girl was gang-raped in Jharkhand’s Giridih district and dumped into a well. She was pulled from there the next morning but passed away on the way to the hospital. One Kaif Ansari has been placed into police custody regarding this case.

“Chief Minister, even if you believe that The Kerala Story is only a fictitious movie, the fact that such a conspiracy is taking place on a wide scale in Jharkhand should convince you to act in accordance with your Rajdharma (duty) and put an end to these plots,” he voiced.

On January 14, Mamta was murdered by Armaan Khan while her daughter, age 3, was at home. Later, his brother Arju Mansoori misbehaved with the deceased’s older sister Jaya and made death threats to her. The police subsequently arrested him in response to Jaya’s charges.

Odisha triple train accident: Kavach was not available on the route, rescue operation completed & restoration work started, informs Railways spokesperson

ANI
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Odisha triple train accident: Kavach was not available on the route, rescue operation completed & restoration work started, informs Railways spokesperson

The rescue operation in the horrific train accident in Odisha’s Balasore has been completed and the restoration work has been started, railways spokesperson Amitabh Sharma informed on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI, the Executive Director, Information Publication Railway Board Amitabh Sharma said, “The rescue operation has been completed, now we are starting the restoration work. 238 people have died and more than 600 are injured. Kawach was not available on this route”. He said that so far more than 100 people have claimed ex-gratia payments. He also said that several trains have been cancelled and diverted in wake of the incident.

“As of now, more than 100 people have claimed ex-gratia payments. Counters for the same have been set up at three places-Balasore, Soro and Bahanaga Bazar,” he said.

Amitabh Sharma added, “As of now 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted and 10 short-terminated.”

Odisha Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told ANI that the priority of the officials is to provide proper treatment to the patients.

“Our priority is treatment. Doctors are ready. CM has directed us to keep everything ready in hospitals,” he said.

Several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, on the way to Howrah, derailed and fell on adjacent tracks. The 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express coming from the opposite direction on the parallel track rammed into the derailed coaches.

Some 12 Coromandel Express coaches derailed and hit the stationary goods train on the third track.

According to the officials, the accident took place around 7 pm on Friday.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation.

“A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry,” Vaishnaw said on Saturday.

He added, “Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration”.

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

Man named Imran tries to attack BJP minister Ganesh Joshi while shouting “Ya Khuda” in Dehradun, thrashed by locals

OpIndia Staff
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Man named Imran tries to attack BJP minister Ganesh Joshi while shouting “Ya Khuda” in Dehradun, thrashed by locals

On Friday (June 2), a man attacked BJP leader and state cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi in the Garhi Cantt area in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The video of a man named Imran attacking the minister and being thrashed by the minister’s supporters has gone viral online. The BJP leader on Friday was conducting a “Jansampark campaign” when a person raising some religious slogans reportedly tried to attack him.

According to media reports, Imran attempted to steal goods from nearby shops and injured one person with a knife before attacking the BJP leader. He assaulted several shopkeepers in Dakra Bazar.

According to a Hindustan report, the eyewitnesses of the incident said that the attacker Imran also shouted religious slogans. While passing by, the minister noticed a gathering assembled near Dakra Bazar and stopped there. As he moved ahead to understand what the matter was, Imran threw a black cap towards Minister Ganesh Joshi and grabbed his clothes. Following this, the people present at the spot surrounded him and beat him up. Meanwhile, the police arrived at the spot and arrested the attacker. 

It is being said that attacker Imran who is a resident of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh is mentally unstable. He had come to Dehradun two days ago.

Meanwhile, Cantt police station inspector Sampooranand Gerola said that the person has been arrested and is being questioned. Meanwhile, his parents have also been called from Bijnor to Dehradun. 

Imran raised “Ya Khuda” slogans 

Speaking to OpIndia, cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi said that Imran had shouted “Ya Khuda” slogans while attacking him. He claimed that prior to the attack on him, Imran not only assaulted several people but also waved a knife in public. Joshi added that the locals and his security personnel are on high alert following the knife attack in Delhi.

Minister Ganesh Joshi dismissed the allegations made by several media outlets that he kept silent during Imran’s thrashing as “baseless”. The minister stated that he was the one who called the police and turned over the perpetrator. Later, Imran’s family members met with Minister Joshi and told him that Imran is mentally unstable. According to the minister, Imran’s family members said that they used to tie him up in a room, but on the day of the incident, he somehow managed to escape.

PM Narendra Modi convenes high-level meeting to review the situation after triple train accident in Odisha

ANI
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PM Narendra Modi convenes high-level meeting to review the situation after triple train accident in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called a high-level meeting with railway officials on Saturday to take stock of the situation after at least 238 people were killed in an accident involving three trains in Odisha on Friday night.

According to government sources, the meeting will be held today. As per latest estimates by the South Eastern Railway, the death toll in the train accident involving two express trains — Bengaluru-Howrah Express and Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express — and a goods train in Balasore has risen to 238.

Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro, the South Eastern Railway said.

Prime Minister Modi had on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the ex-gratia amount will be allotted from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of the dead.

Several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, on the way to Howrah, derailed and fell on an adjacent track. The 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express coming from the opposite direction on a parallel track rammed into the derailed coaches. Some Coromandel Express coaches derailed and hit the stationary goods train on the third track.

According to Railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma, the accident took place around 7 pm on Friday.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation. He has ordered a detailed high-level inquiry om the incident.

The rail safety commissioner will also conduct an independent inquiry, Vaishnaw said on Saturday.

“Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration,” the union railway minister said.

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

Partnership between our two countries continues to grow: US Congress invites PM Modi to address joint session

OpIndia Staff
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Partnership between our two countries continues to grow: US Congress invites PM Modi to address joint session

On Thursday (June 1), the members of the US House of Representatives and the Senate invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint session of the US Congress on June 22. PM Modi will be visiting the United States between June 21 and June 24 this year.

“On behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, it is our honour to invite you (Prime Minister Modi) to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22, 2023,” top congressional leaders wrote to PM Modi.

They further emphasised,”Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow. During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India’s future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face.”

The letter was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

“Your historic address to a Joint Meeting of Congress seven years ago left a lasting impact and greatly deepened the friendship between the United States and India…We look forward to paving the way for greater collaboration between our countries in the years to come,” it added.

“Once again, we would be honoured to have you join us for a Joint Meeting of Congress to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a brighter future for our countries and for the world,” the letter read.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shared a copy of the letter on Twitter and said, “It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia @narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face.”

PM Modi invited for State dinner by US President and First Lady

It must be mentioned that PM Modi addressed the US Congress for the first time during his State visit in 2016. In May this year, the White House issued a statement inviting PM Modi to a State dinner, hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

“The visit will strengthen the two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy, and space,” the statement read.

Train collision leaves 233 dead, 900 injured: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaches Balasore, Odisha, high-level inquiry to be conducted

ANI
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Train collision leaves 233 dead, 900 injured: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaches Balasore, Odisha, high-level inquiry to be conducted

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday reached the accident spot in Odisha’s Balasore and took stock of the situation and assured to conduct a detailed high-level inquiry on the mishap. 

“A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry,” Vaishnaw said. “Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration,” he said. 

After the collision between the passenger train and a freight train in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday, at least 233 people were dead and 900 injured, Odisha chief secretary Pradeep Jena confirmed on Saturday. 

Notably, 10-12 coaches of the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express derailed and fell on an adjacent track in the path of another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah near Balasore in Odisha late last night. 

Speaking on the accident he called it tragic and said, “It’s a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and State govt are conducting the rescue operation. The best possible healthcare facilities will be provided.” 

He further said, “Compensation was announced on Friday. A high-level committee has also been formed to inquire about it.” 
In the morning Vaishnaw reached the accident spot and took stock of the situation at the accident site in Balasore where a search and rescue operation is underway. 

Vaishnaw also ordered a high-level probe into the derailment on Friday night. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development, Dharmendra Pradhan also cut short his visit to Kolkata in West Bengal and left for Balasore in Odisha where several coaches of a passenger train derailed after colliding with a goods carriage. 

The Odisha government has declared a day of mourning on Saturday after the train derailment. 

The Konkan Railway officials informed that the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express’s flagging-off ceremony has been cancelled due to the tragic accident in Odisha. 

Several coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Bahanaga station in Odisha’s Balasore after hitting a goods train. According to Railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma, the accident took place around 7 pm on Friday. 

“Around 7 pm, 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Baleswar and fell on the opposite track. After some time, another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah dashed into those derailed coaches resulting in the derailment of its 3-4 coaches,” Sharma told 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)

‘Preventing Hindus from worshipping deities is a continuing wrong’: Read what Allahabad HC said dismissing Gyanvapi mosque’s plea

OpIndia Staff
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‘Preventing Hindus from worshipping deities is a continuing wrong’: Read what Allahabad HC said dismissing Gyanvapi mosque’s plea

On 31st May 2023, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the revision petition of the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee in connection with the Gyanvapi case of Varanasi. The Anjuman Intezamia had challenged the maintainability of a plea by five Hindu women worshippers filed in Varanasi Court seeking the right to worship inside the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi. The Varanasi District Court is hearing the case, and the High Court has ruled that the case will continue.

The mosque management committee filed a revision plea against the order of the Varanasi District and Sessions Judge, which had rejected their application challenging the maintainability of the suit brought forth by five Hindu women.

The five women applicants have contended that they should be allowed to perform regular Darshan and worship of Shringar Gauri and other deities in the Gyanvapi complex. The Muslim side had objected to the maintainability of the suit. On 12th September 2023, the Varanasi court held this suit to be maintainable. The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee challenged the maintainability of the suit in the High Court. The High Court has now dismissed the plea clearing the way for hearing the case ahead.

Justice JJ Munir, the only judge on the bench, noted that both Hindu devotees and the Mosque Management at Gyanvapi mutually agreed that the regular worship, including the pooja and darshan of deities like Maa Shringar Gauri, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman, was a customary practice on the disputed property before the year 1990.

Justice JJ Munir said in his order, “The restriction of that right to a single day, in the opinion of this Court, is a continuing wrong within the meaning of Section 22 of the Act of 1963 (the Limitation Act).”

In its order dated May 31, 2023, the court emphasized that the right to worship the deities cannot be equated with the right to office or property, as the latter entails a definitive loss at the time of ousting, whereas the former involves ongoing consequences of the injury.

The court said, “The denial of the right to worship the object of it, that is the Deity, is a continuing wrong, that happens every day and every minute it is denied.”

In its judgment, the high court emphasized that the Hindu women’s suit does not seek to alter the property’s character. Rather, it asserts the ongoing right of daily pooja and darshan of the deities within the old temple located on the suit property. This right was traditionally exercised by Hindus without any hindrance until the year 1990.

The court further observed that the temporal restriction of allowing pooja once a year was imposed in 1993 by the State government and the district administration due to administrative exigencies.

The court said, “The right was not restricted to a single day upon an objection or resistance by the revisionist. The right of the devotees of Maa Shringar Gauri, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and the other Deities in the suit property, according to the pleadings in the plaint, is an existing right, which the plaintiffs, as such devotees, seek to enforce throughout the year for themselves.”

The court also noted its failure to comprehend how allowing the pooja and darshan of Hindu deities on a daily or weekly basis, which posed no threat to the character of the mosque, could result in the conversion or alteration of the mosque’s character.

Therefore, emphasizing that the suit at hand is specifically focused on enforcing the plaintiffs’ right to worship in accordance with established traditions, the court determined that the extent to which this right can be established remains relevant for the current lawsuit and should be determined during the trial.

Notably, a single-judge bench of the high court has reserved its judgment in the consolidated five petitions related to the land dispute at Gyanvapi. The primary issue addressed in these petitions revolves around the survey of the Gyanvapi complex conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Amit Shah directs Home Ministry and NDMA to develop comprehensive software on disaster management by March 2024

ANI
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Amit Shah directs Home Ministry and NDMA to develop comprehensive software on disaster management by March 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Disaster Management Authority to develop a comprehensive software by March 2024, in which scientific data will be made available to all the early warning agencies immediately for dissemination to the disaster management agencies.

Shah’s direction came while he was chairing a high-level meeting here in the national capital to review overall preparedness for flood management in the context of the upcoming monsoon. He said that foreign expert agencies should also be roped in for developing this software and added that in the ‘Aapda Mitra’ scheme of the Government, traditional divers in villages should also be imparted disaster rescue training.

The Home Minister also reviewed the long-term measures for the formulation of a comprehensive and overarching policy to mitigate the perennial flood problems of the country during the meeting.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are being made in the field of disaster management to help minimize the loss of lives and livelihoods during disasters.

He said that five days rain and flood forecast currently being given by the India Meteorological Department and CWC is to be expanded to seven day forecast by the next monsoon season so that flood management can be further improved.

Union Home Minister directed the officials to continue to strengthen coordination between the Central and State agencies to have a permanent system for forecasting of floods and rises in water levels in major catchment zones and areas of the country.

He instructed that during the current flood season, the present and forecasted river levels must be monitored on an hourly basis and appropriate measures including monitoring of embankments, evacuation, temporary shelters etc. should be taken by all concerned stakeholders to respond to impending floods.

The Home Minister also advised specialized institutions like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) to continue to upgrade their technologies for more accurate weather and flood forecasts.

He directed for timely dissemination of IMD warnings on lightning strikes to the public through SMS, TV, FM Radio and other mediums. Shri Amit Shah said that maximum publicity should be given to various mobile apps related to weather forecasting like ‘Umang’, ‘Rain Alarm’ and ‘Damini’, developed by the IMD, so that their benefits reach the targeted population. ‘Damini’ app triggers warning about lightning strikes three hours in advance which can help reduce losses to life and property.

Complying with the direction of the Union Home Minister given during last flood review meeting held on June 2, 2022, this app has now been made available in 15 languages for easy dissemination of information.

Union Home Minister directed that there should be coherence in community awareness programmes being run by different agencies and it should be integrated to have the maximum effect since the community is the first responder.

In the meeting, presentations were made by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC), MoRTH, DoWR and GR, Railway Board, DG, NDRF and Director, NRSC (ISRO). They also briefed about the action to be taken or being taken on the directions given by the Union Home Minister in the flood review meeting, last year and the future plan of action for the current monsoon season.

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

Triple train crash in Odisha involving Coromandel Express, Howrah Yesvantpur Express & a goods train leaves several dead and injured: What happened

OpIndia Staff
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Triple train crash in Odisha involving Coromandel Express, Howrah Yesvantpur Express & a goods train leaves several dead and injured: What happened

A passenger train crashed into the already derailed coaches of another passenger train near Bahanaga station in the Balasore district of Odisha on the evening on 2nd June 2023. In the evening, the Coromandel Express train met with an accident near Bahanaga station in the Balasore district of Odisha. The Express train derailed after it rammed into a goods train. Reportedly, several had died and hundreds have been injured.

This caused the coaches of the train to fall on the adjacent track. Minutes later, the Yesvantpur SuperFast Express running on the track arrived at the spot and rammed into the derailed coaches of the Coromandel Express train.

The Coromandel Express train runs between Chennai Central and Shalimar in Howrah. The train left Shalimar station at around 3.15 pm, and reached Balasore at 6:30 PM. But the Express train collided with a stationary goods train near Bahanaga station in Balasore, Odisha. And that it was hit by the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast train.

Reportedly, casualty numbers from the Coromandel Express were more as it was packed to capacity and many passengers were standing near the doors.

According to the Kharagpur Divisional Railway Manager, the Shalimar-Howrah Coromandel Express derailed at Bahanaga station around 6:51 pm, while the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast train derailed at the same location around 6:55 pm. 

According to Amitabh Sharma, a Railway Spokesperson, “10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed at Bahanaga station near Balasore and fell on the opposite track. “After some time, another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah dashed into those derailed coaches resulting in the derailment of its 3-4 coaches.”

Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said that it was a violent and tragic accident involving three trains, two passenger trains and a goods train.

A large number of people were trapped in the coaches, and the rescue operation is going on. The injured passengers have been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, various medical colleges, and govt and private hospitals in the nearby area.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for accident victims who died, Rs 2 lakhs for those who suffered serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries. He has already rushed to the crash site. He said that Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, and NDRF, state govt teams and airforce also have been mobilised.

In addition, ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured passengers have been announced from the PMNRF by the PMO.

Several videos and images from the crash site that appeared on social media showed locals climbing atop the derailed bogies in an attempt to rescue trapped passengers.

On receiving information, local police and railway officials rushed to the spot and rescue operations are being carried out with the help of locals. Due to the night darkness, the rescue operation of the passengers has become very challenging. People are helping in the rescue teams with torchlights.

The office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said that teams have been sent to the site of the accident for a search and rescue operation. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik deputed minister Pramila Mallik, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the senior officers of the SRC along with fire services to supervise the rescue operation. Balasore District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde has been directed to reach the spot to make all necessary arrangements.

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team stationed at Balasore has been rushed to the spot for relief and rescue operations. An NDRF team reached the site from Balasore station, and later another team was sent from Centralised Traffic Control (CTC). West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced sending a 5-6 member team to help in the operations.

Four units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), three units of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and 60 ambulances were rushed to the site.

The Coromandel Express originally ran between Horwah and Chennai Central. But but in January 2022, its terminal in the West Bengal was shifted to Shalimar in Howrah. It is one of the earliest Superfast trains in the Indian Railways.

Hindu refugees from Pakistan face hardships in India, say this is nothing compared to the ordeal in Pakistan, hope more care from India

Gopal Tiwari
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Hindu refugees from Pakistan face hardships in India, say this is nothing compared to the ordeal in Pakistan, hope more care from India

On Tuesday 16th May 2023, IAS Tina Dabi – District Collector and Magistrate of Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan – ordered the demolition of temporary houses of the Hindu refugees from Pakistan who were living near Jaisalmer. Similarly, houses of Hindu refugees from Pakistan were bulldozed in the Jodhpur district too. The refugees in both districts were forced to relocate to different places.

This bulldozing action was followed by various media carrying out ground reports at both sites. It was the first time that the mainstream Indian media went into the depths of the problems faced by these migrant Hindus in Pakistan and the apathy they are receiving from the Indian systems and people. The disheartening stories of these Hindus are not only a reflection of the treatment religious minorities get in an Islamic state but also an eye-opener about the extent of help Hindus need to extend towards these brothers and sisters who call India their motherland.

Many of these migrant Hindus who were persecuted in Pakistan are from the Sindh region in Pakistan. They come from various Hindu communities like Bheel, Mali, Meghwal, etc. They speak Sindhi-mixed Hindi. Their journey of persecution starts from their days in Pakistan.

Hindus in Pakistan are the most endangered minorities in the world. Unlike Muslims – the so-called minorities – in India, these Hindus in Pakistan never enjoyed any normal life let alone special rights and privileges. After United India was partitioned on the basis of religious identity, the complete population transfer did not take place and these Hindus stayed back in Pakistan. The sharp decline in the population percentage of Hindus in Pakistan after the partition and the demographic changes realised in Pakistan by the forceful conversions is a well-known fact.

Despite all kinds of social challenges and oppression, there are Hindus in Pakistan constituting around 1% of the population of the fanatic Islamic country. They did not leave their places for so many years. But over the years, the Hindu community in Pakistan faced so many hardships due to which they were forced to flee to India citing various reasons.

Many Hindus in Pakistan work as servants of Muslim landlords. This service is taken generation after generation. Also, as told by the refugees in the recent ground reports, the females from these servant families would be called by Muslim masters anytime. Moreover, these Hindus never get fair payment for their laborious work.

Having a girl child is no less than a life threat for a Hindu family in Pakistan. Hindus in Pakistan stop the education of their girl child at the age of 8 or 10. So many dreams and aspirations die an unnoticed death. Even after that, there is a constant threat that Muslims may come anytime to their homes and take away the daughters only to marry them to a man twice or thrice their age.

The Hindus usually leave Pakistan on the pretext of going to holy places like Haridwar. They face difficulties in getting visas. The authorities don’t clear their visas all at a time. They restrict a few members of the family citing some reasons so that the ones going to India remain under perpetual anxiety of their loved ones and come back only to go through the hardships again.

Many Hindu refugees who came to Haridwar later went to Rajasthan as the early settlers from Pakistan were already situated there. Some other Hindu migrants from Pakistan are there in the Delhi refugee camps. The Hindus settled in Rajasthan made raw houses of the stone remains of a mining field and also made a small temple in their locality. All those houses along with the temple were demolished in the recent bulldozer action. though the government has promised to allot plots to them elsewhere, the ignorance of common Indian Hindus about these Hindus from Pakistan is only adding to their pains. All they are happy about is that at least their children especially girls are free to play and go around. They are not forced to wear any hijab.

Hindu refugees from Pakistan also face different types of discrimination in some places in India. Sometimes they are taken to the police as suspected terrorists the moment they tell that they came from Pakistan. Some of them also faced untouchability issues in some refugee camps. These Hindus were discriminated against as Kafirs in Pakistan. Now, in India, they are discriminated against as Pakistanis.

Dr Omendra Ratnu’s organisation ‘Nimittamekam’ is working hard for the welfare of these refugees. but their efforts need wide support from the Hindu community in India. Hindus in India – being continuously challenged by adamant Muslim minorities in general and Islamists in particular – need to recognize this as their own problem because the life of these Hindus and the hardships they faced is a live example of the treatment non-Muslims get in a Muslim-dominated society.

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