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Bigg Boss type reality show for US citizenship? US contemplating a reality show where immigrants will compete to become US citizens

OpIndia Staff
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Bigg Boss type reality show for US citizenship? US contemplating a reality show where immigrants will compete to become US citizens

The United States has a tendency to come up with some of the most bizarre ideas. In a curious blend of bureaucracy and showbiz, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently reviewing a pitch for a reality television show where immigrants would compete for a chance at American citizenship.

The proposal was first designed during the Obama years by Canadian-born producer Rob Worsoff, who is known for his work on Duck Dynasty. The proposal has once again found its way to the DHS desk. According to Worsoff, the idea is meant to be a hopeful celebration of becoming a US citizen and not a cruel elimination game. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, he said, “This isn’t The Hunger Games for immigrants.”

Notably, the idea has popped up again at a time when President Donald Trump has initiated a ruthless crackdown on illegal immigrants living in the US. Many student activists, some even from India, have also come under fire for their campus activism.

Contestants, competitions, and citizenship

The show is currently in its early conceptual stages. According to media reports, it would feature immigrants already in the legal system participating in contests ranging from history quizzes related to the US, gold rush simulations, and automobile reassembly tasks. Reportedly, one of the episodes envisions teams rebuilding the chassis of a Model T on a Detroit assembly line, while another has contestants racing to retrieve gold from a simulated mine.

The contestants would travel across the US via train, and the journey would start from Ellis Island. Possible names of celebrities to host the show include popular household stars such as Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, and Mila Kunis. In every episode, one seat on the train would be symbolically removed, adding a competitive element to the journey. Worsoff, however, clarified that if a contestant is eliminated, there will be no punitive consequences. He said, “This is not, ‘Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat.’”

DHS confirms proposal is under review

Spokesperson for DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed that the show is “in the very beginning stages” of the department’s internal review process. She added, “Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.” The department receives hundreds of television pitches every year, including crime documentaries and docu-series like To Catch a Smuggler.

According to Worsoff, he has received initial positive feedback from the department and discussions with potential networks are already underway. He added that, so far, there have been no discussions with Secretary Kristi Noem and he was unaware if she had personally reviewed the idea.

The Bigg Boss-style show, originally called Big Brother in the US, to gain citizenship may sound bizarre to many, but for the US, it is possibly “normal”.

Congress upset with Shashi Tharoor’s name in Indian MPs delegation list- Jairam Ramesh says selecting Tharoor is dishonest as Congress gave 4 other names

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Congress upset with Shashi Tharoor’s name in Indian MPs delegation list- Jairam Ramesh says selecting Tharoor is dishonest as Congress gave 4 other names

Asserting that the Congress is “not going to change” the names of four MPs for the government’s proposed delegations to foreign countries to explain India’s stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said that this is “dishonest on the government’s part.”

This comes after the government named Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in the list of 7 MPs who would represent India at world forums, where they would brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor.

“We were asked for names. We expected that the names we had given would be included. We hoped that the names given by the party would be included. But when we saw the press release of PIB, we were surprised. I cannot say what will happen now. Asking four names, giving four names, and announcing another name is dishonest on the government’s part. It is possible that’ Mr Rijiju had talked to Rahul ji and Kharge even after the government had made up their mind, but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. But what happened is dishonest. We are not going to change these four names,” Jairam Ramesh said.

“Yesterday (Tuesday) at 12.30 pm, Rahul ji wrote a letter to Kiren Rijiju and wrote ‘Dear Shri Kiren Rijiju, I am writing in follow-up of a conversation with me and Kharge ji regarding the delegation for the Foreign Countries after discussing with Kharge ji I am sending you four names Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Raja Barar and Naseer Hussain’,” Ramesh said, giving the details of the letter written to Kiren Rijiju by LoP Rahul Gandhi.

Jairam Ramesh asserted that all the people who are in Congress belong to Congress; and that there is a “huge difference between being in Congress and being of Congress.”

He further said that the Congress party extended their support in everything, but today, when the names were announced, the party was “surprised.”

“From April 22nd till now we were demanding that an all party meeting be called, 2 meetings were held but it was a formality, PM did not come, Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha wrote a letter for a special session should be called, there should be a detailed discussion, the purpose was that we should put our collective resolve in front of the country and the world, PM did not give any answer to this, suddenly we heard that an all party delegation will go, this shows that the narrative of the government has changed, we also welcomed this step, we said that whatever help we have to give in this diplomatic propaganda, we will do it, but the way the minister behaved, names were asked and today he announced it himself, this is not honesty, a game is being played,” Jairam Ramesh alleged.

He further reminded that in 1971, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent the delegation and said that “in the month of May, the delegation was sent. She called Jai Prakash Narayan and said, ‘you should go’. Indira ji herself went to Russia from 27 to 29 September.”

“Indira ji went to Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, America between 27 October to 12 November in 1971. Indira ji told then US President Richard Nixon that ‘I will do whatever is in India’s interest’,” the Congress leader added.

The leader demanded an all-party meeting and a session of Parliament and asked the government stand on Pakistan.

“Even today, we demand that an all-party meeting be called, a session of Parliament be called, and the resolution passed on 22 February 1994 be repeated. A discussion should be held on the government’s stance on Pakistan and what is relationship with America. Why is the PM running away from the all-party meeting? Why is he running away from the Parliament?” Jairam Ramesh questioned.

Earlier today, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the Indian National Congress (INC) has submitted names of four MPs for the government’s proposed delegations to foreign countries to explain India’s stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Curiously, the name of Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor was missing from the list that Jairam Ramesh says the Congress submitted to the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, named Tharoor in the list of 7 MPs who would represent India at world forums where they would brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor. Tharoor has also accepted the government’s proposal.

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

Mian Shehbaz, you can mimic Modi—but where will you find his courage? Adampur and Pasrur revealed a new India, as Pakistan watched in defeat

रुपम
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Mian Shehbaz, you can mimic Modi—but where will you find his courage? Adampur and Pasrur revealed a new India, as Pakistan watched in defeat

There is only a year’s age difference between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif. But the impact that Narendra Modi creates with his presence is unmatched by Sharif. This difference was evident during Narendra Modi’s visit to the Indian Air Force’s Adampur airbase and Sharif’s visit to Sialkot’s Pasrur army cantonment imitating Modi.

PM Modi visited Adampur Airbase, showed S-400 and MIG 29

Pakistan ran a propaganda that in response to ‘Operation Sindoor’ it has destroyed the Adampur airbase of the Indian Air Force located in Punjab. Besides, a rumour was also spread that Pakistan has also damaged the air defence system S-400 deployed at this base. Notably, that Pakistan had also tried to target this airbase during the wars of 1965, 1971 and 1999, but failed.

PM Modi among the soldiers at Adampur Airbase on 13 May 2025, Mig-29 seen standing on the runway behind (Photo courtesy: X/@narendramodi)
PM Modi at Adampur Airbase on May 13, 2025, S-400 seen in the background (Photo courtesy: pib.gov.in)

After the ceasefire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Adampur airbase and demolished all the propaganda of Pakistan in front of the world. During this time, the world also saw the S-400, which Pakistan claimed to have damaged. The MIG-29 was also seen on the runway, which was claimed to be destroyed. During this time, the gestures, enthusiasm and conversation of everyone from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the soldiers were telling the story of the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’. Along with this, they were also exposing the lies of Pakistan.

Shahbaz Sharif went to the army camp and showed the tank

Imitating PM Modi, Shahbaz Sharif also visited the Pasrur army cantonment in Sialkot, located in his country’s Punjab province. But he could not muster the courage to visit any of the airbases that were destroyed by the Indian Army under ‘Operation Sindoor’, bringing Pakistan to its knees.

Pakistan, which harboured the illusion of being the ‘king of the skies’ based on AI generated pictures, could not display anything during this visit to show the world the capability of its army. The most ridiculous thing was that the Pakistani Prime Minister got himself photographed climbing on a tank to give a message about the battle in which fighter planes, missiles, drones , UAVs , air defense systems were used.

Niether India nor Pakistan used tanks in this military escalation. It is beyond comprehension why Pakistan displayed it as a symbol? Does this mean that after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has nothing left other than tanks, to send a message of its military capability to the world?

PM Modi’s direct message, Sharif’s clichéd remarks

We will take revenge from India – this has been the catchphrase of Pakistan’s politics and army since its birth. Despite defeat in the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971, 1999 and the partition of the country, Pakistan could not move beyond this one line. Many generations of Pakistan were destroyed talking about taking revenge, after that whether it was surgical strike or air strike or ‘Operation Sindoor’, India continuously attacked Pakistan in its own territory, but it could not move beyond this one line.

Even after climbing on the tank, Shahbaz Sharif, who was tired, could not go beyond the dialogue ‘You have taken revenge for the 1971 war in this war’. When the Prime Minister of a country, in whose territory India entered and destroyed everything from terrorist hideouts to airbases, made its air defence system and weapons blunt, whose drones and missiles were shot down by the Indian Army like kites, boasts of taking revenge, then confidence is neither visible in his gestures nor in his words. This was also reflected in this address of Sharif. Trust cannot be created from the dead confidence of a defeated army. Therefore, it is not surprising to see the Pakistani soldiers looking lethargic in the videos of Sharif’s visit.

In contrast to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech was a proclamation of ‘New India’. His every word was in praise of Operation Sindoor and the valour of the Indian Army. His gestures and the slogans of Bharat Mata during his speech were telling the level of morale and self-confidence of India.

He said;

India’s Laxman Rekha against terrorism is now very clear. If there is any terror attack again, India will give a strong and befitting reply. We have seen this during the surgical strike, during the air strike, and now Operation Sindoor is India’s new normal. India has now decided three principles. First – If there is a terrorist attack on India, we will respond in our own way, on our own terms, at our own time. Second – India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third – We will not see the government that patronizes terrorism and the masters of terrorism as separate. The world is also moving forward by understanding this new form of India, this new system.

Sharif copied PM Modi, but could not follow that line

Like every word of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech, the message of his visit to Adampur is also clear. Adampur is a symbol of a strong India, which can postpone its military action on the request of a terrorist nation. But which also has the courage to give a befitting reply to terrorist activity or military audacity on its own terms and in its own way. It shows that it is in favour of peace, but also knows very well how to destroy the enemy.

On the other hand, Shahbaz Sharif’s words are as old, worn out and confused as Pakistan. The messages of his visit are as energy-less as the condition of the Pakistani army.

(This article is a translation of the original article published at OpIndia Hindi.)

Donald Trump again claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire, says he used trade to settle scores and make peace

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Donald Trump again claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire, says he used trade to settle scores and make peace

US President Donald Trump has once again taken credit for the understanding reached between India and Pakistan on the cessation of hositilities. Speaking to Fox News’s Bret Baier the US President claimed that he had used trade as a tool to make peace between India and Pakistan as the nuclear powered neighbours were on the brink of the conflict that was poised to become much more dangerous.

Baier questioned Trump asked about his “foreign policy successes” saying, “You had a couple of foreign policy successes even right before this trip. You picked up the phone and called two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, and you got them to step back from the brink. That was a success as you got on the plane heading over here.”

To this Trump called the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan to be, “A bigger success than I’ll ever be given credit for.”

He elaborated, “Those are major nuclear powers… and they were angry. The next phase was probably tit for tat. It was getting deeper and more missiles. Everyone was stronger, to a point where the next one was going to be the N-word (Nuclear)”.

Speaking about a potential nuclear conflict between the neighbours, Trump said, “It’s the N-word. That’s a very nasty word in a lot of ways. The N-word used in a nuclear sense, that’s the worst thing that can happen, and I think they were very close. The hatred was great. I said, we’re going to talk about trade. We’re going to do a lot of trade… I’m using trade to settle scores and to make peace.”, he told Baier.

The cessation of hostilities Trump referred to followed heightened tensions after Operation Sindoor, launched by India in the early hours of May 7. The operation targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), in retaliation for the May 5 terror attack in Pahalgam. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on the cessation of hostilities on May 10.

Trump had already welcomed the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, saying that millions of people could have died if the peace had not been worked out. The US President was making a reference to a potential nuclear fallout between the two nations.

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

From US taking over Gaza to relocating all Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt to now sending them all to Libya: Donald Trump’s ‘out of the box’ ideas to resolve Gaza conflict

OpIndia Staff
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From US taking over Gaza to relocating all Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt to now sending them all to Libya: Donald Trump’s ‘out of the box’ ideas to resolve Gaza conflict

The Trump administration is reportedly exploring possibilities to permanently relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya. According to an exclusive report by NBC News, the proposal is still in the early stages. According to NBC, if the plan progresses further, the United States will discuss the possibilities with Libya’s leadership and may unfreeze billions of dollars in Libyan funds in exchange for hosting Palestinians.

NBC quotes several unnamed individuals familiar with the matter, including two with direct knowledge and a former US official. Israel has also reportedly been kept in the loop regarding these deliberations. However, speaking to NBC, a spokesperson for the Trump administration denied the report. They said, “These reports are untrue. The situation on the ground is untenable for such a plan.”

The suggestion reported is one in a series of controversial proposals by Donald Trump to “resolve” the so-called Gaza crisis. Earlier this year, Trump proposed that the US should “take over” Gaza and rebuild it as the “Riviera of the Middle East”. At that time as well, Trump had suggested relocating the population elsewhere. Previously, he had floated the idea of sending Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan.

According to some experts, the plan to relocate Palestinians to Libya is unrealistic and dangerous. Libya is currently embroiled in conflict between two rival governments: one in Tripoli under Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and the other in Benghazi led by Khalifa Haftar. The State Department continues to advise against travel to Libya due to instability, terrorism, and civil unrest.

Furthermore, to fulfil Trump’s desire to move a million people from Gaza to Libya would require a massive logistical undertaking. There is no functional airport in Gaza, meaning such a large-scale evacuation would require first moving people to Cairo or elsewhere. It would take around 1,100 flights of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, to transport that many people. If waterways or land transport are considered, they too are riddled with challenges.

Reportedly, Hamas has rejected the idea. The terrorist outfit’s official, Basem Naim, said, “Palestinians are very rooted in their homeland. They are exclusively the only party who have the right to decide what to do and what not to do.”

Even American lawmakers have criticised Trump’s idea of relocation. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, though an ally, called the idea “problematic at many, many levels”. Arab nations too have shown little interest in the permanent resettlement of the people of Gaza.

Interestingly, NBC’s report claimed that another option being considered is Syria, under new leadership following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Trump has moved to re-establish ties with Syria, lifting sanctions and meeting its new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Following the terrorist attack of 7th October 2023 on Israel that led to military action against Hamas, around 50,000 people have been killed. Thousands more have reportedly been injured or are missing amid Israel Hamas War. At such a time, Trump’s “out of the box” idea of relocating Gaza’s people is being seen as detached from reality.

How ISRO played a key role during Operation Sindoor and gave India a decisive edge over Pakistan

OpIndia Staff
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How ISRO played a key role during Operation Sindoor and gave India a decisive edge over Pakistan

India demonstrated its extraordinary military prowess during Operation Sindoor marking a remarkable shift in India’s policy towards Pakistan and terrorism. With a range of potent indigenous weapons, an impenetrable air defence system and the unwavering determination of the armed forces, India took the entire world, including Pakistan by surprise. In this historic military operation, the Indian Armed Forces were also assisted by Indian satellites.

While domestically developed weapons systems like Akashteer Air Defence system, MRSAM, UAS, L-70 Anti aircraft guns broke the back of Pakistan, they were ably assisted by India’s Space research Organisation ISRO.

Satellites worked actively for the safety of Indians

Addressing the 5th Convocation ceremony of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal on 11th May, ISRO Chief V N Narayan said that during Operation Sindoor, at least 10 satellites were actively working to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens. “At least 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country,” he said.

“You all know about our neighbours. If we have to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km seashore areas. We have to monitor the entire Northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we can’t achieve that,” he added. The ISRO Chief said that all the Indian satellites worked with perfect accuracy.

Narayan said, “All the satellites worked with perfect accuracy. When we began, our camera resolution was between 36 and 72 cm. But India, as a developing nation, now has a camera on the Moon called the On-Orbiter High Resolution Camera, which is the world’s best resolution device. We also have other cameras which can show 26 cm resolution.”

“Whatever satellites we send are always connected to the benefit of our people, which also includes safety and security. At least 50 satellites are serving in television broadcast, telecommunications, safety and security areas,” the ISRO chief asserted.

Indian satellites provided precise trajectory of Pakistani drones

“The Indian air defence system stood tall and provided the perfect shield amid a barrage of drones and missiles fired from Pakistan during the recent military conflict and Indian satellites assisted the armed forces, providing them with the precise trajectory of air-borne weapons,” the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Friday (16th May).

The precise trajectory of incoming projectiles shared by ISRO helped Indian Air Defence Systems to shoot down the incoming drones and missiles.

Notably, Pakistan sent hundreds of drones accompanied by its Chinese missiles towards India but Indian Air Defence systems, led by the indigenous Akashteer, were up to the task and shot them down. Now it has come to light that ISRO was working seamlessly with them to ensure Indian success.

The ISRO Chief reached Chennai on Thursday (15th May) for the launch of the PSLV C-61 rocket, ISRO’s 101st mission, which is set to take place on 18th May.

Two members of ISIS sleeper cell arrested from Mumbai Airport, were absconders in Pune IED case

ANI
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Two members of ISIS sleeper cell arrested from Mumbai Airport, were absconders in Pune IED case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two absconders, identified as members of a sleeper module of the banned ISIS terror organisation, in a 2023 case related to the fabrication and testing of IEDs in Pune, Maharashtra, as per the release.

The two men, identified as Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh alia Diaperwala and Talha Khan, were intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration at the Mumbai International Airport T2 when they tried to return to India from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been hiding out. The NIA team then took them into custody and arrested them.

According to the release, both accused had been on the run for over two years and were declared proclaimed offenders. The NIA Special Court in Mumbai issued non-bailable warrants against them, and cash rewards of Rs 3 lakh each were also announced for information leading to their arrest.

The case RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM relates to a criminal conspiracy by these men, along with eight other ISIS Pune sleeper module members already arrested and in judicial custody. They had conspired to commit terrorist acts with the aim of disturbing India’s peace and communal harmony by waging a war against the Government of India in furtherance of the ISIS agenda to establish Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror.

These two men, already chargesheeted along with the other arrested accused, had been engaged in assembling IEDs from a house rented by Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh in Kondhwa, Pune. During the 2022-2023 period, they had also organised and participated in a bomb making and training workshop, besides carrying out a controlled explosion to test an IED fabricated by them, at these premises.

NIA, which has been actively investigating the activities of ISIS in India in a bid to foil its violent and nefarious anti-India terrorist plans, had previously chargesheeted all the 10 accused in the case under various sections of UA (P) Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and IPC.

In addition to Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, the others arrested in the case are Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam.

Investigations in the case are continuing. 

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

Hindu man denied water by Pakistanis in Dubai after suspension of Indus Water Treaty, brought back to India after his health worsens

OpIndia Staff
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Hindu man denied water by Pakistanis in Dubai after suspension of Indus Water Treaty, brought back to India after his health worsens

On 15th May, Udham Singh Nagar Police, Uttarakhand, shared the story of a Hindu man named Vishal from Kichha, who faced mistreatment by Pakistani co-workers in Dubai following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Pakistani co-workers denied him access to water as a form of revenge for India’s action against Pakistan.

According to media reports, Vishal had recently gone to Dubai via an agent named Sameer from Kashipur. He faced discrimination by Pakistani co-workers living with him. They told him that since India had stopped Pakistan’s water, he too would be denied water.

Because of the continuous harassment, Vishal’s health deteriorated and he began pleading with his family in India to help him return. His physical and mental condition worsened due to constant bullying and lack of access to basic necessities. However, despite several attempts, his family failed to bring him back home.

On 8th May, they approached the police at the Bansphodan outpost in Kashipur. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra heard their plea and intervened. The police contacted the agent Sameer, who had helped Vishal to go to Dubai for work. The police gathered details of Vishal and others living with him. The fellow residents in Dubai helped Vishal get in touch with his family. Police further helped in obtaining his passport and arranged a return ticket for Vishal. He was brought back to India safely.

On 15th May, Vishal and his family visited the SSP office to express their gratitude. Vishal recounted how the Pakistani co-workers repeatedly told him that he did not deserve water because India had stopped Pakistan’s supply.

Pahalgam terrorist attack and its aftermath

On 22nd April 2025, terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 innocent Hindus in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In retaliation to Pahalgam terrorist attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, cutting off water flowing to Pakistan. Subsequently, a series of calibrated military strikes were launched. Initially, India struck several terror-linked base camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan.

However, when Pakistan retaliated using its armed forces, India struck its key airbases, spooking Pakistan to the point that it rushed to the US for intervention. On 12th May, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan spoke on the phone and decided to halt the military action. Though US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the ceasefire, India categorically denied the involvement of any third country and noted that Operation Sindoor, the codename given to the military strikes, is still on. Currently, the military action has been paused, maintaining a watchful stance on regional stability.

Hindu youth arrested on allegations of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad in Bangladesh: Here is a list of Hindus implicated in ‘blasphemy’ cases in just one year

Dibakar Dutta
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Hindu youth arrested on allegations of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad in Bangladesh: Here is a list of Hindus implicated in ‘blasphemy’ cases in just one year

On Wednesday (14th May), a Hindu youth named Bikash Dhar Deepta was arrested on allegations of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad. The incident occured in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila in Sylhet Division of Bangladesh.

According to reports, the victim is 23 years old and a student of Economics at the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. He was produced before a local court on Friday (16th May).

A group of Muslims had alleged that Bikash Dhar Deepta made ‘objectional remarks’ about the last Prophet of Islam on Facebook on 11th May. Soon after, they hounded him and created chaos and unrest in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila.

The police booked the Hindu youth under the Cyber Security Act on the complaint of one Abdul Kadir Ratan.

In a statement, Moulvibazar Model Police Station OC Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman stated, “Based on the complaint, Bikash Dhar Deepta has been arrested and brought under the law. The police are investigating the incident seriously and legal action will be taken.”

A large contingent of police have been deployed in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila to prevent any law and order situation.

In November 2024, OpIndia reported how the High Court of Bangladesh recommended strengthening the Cyber Security Act to make ‘blasphemy’ punishable by life imprisonment and death penalty in the country.

Muslims attack Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under pretext of blasphemy

This is not the first time that such an incident has come to light.

In April this year, a frenzied Muslim mob attempted to lynch a 40-year-old Hindu man named Akhil Chandra Mondal after accusing him of ‘insulting’ Islam and mocking Prophet Muhammad. The incident occurred in the Tangail district of Bangladesh.

In February 2025, a Muslim mob comprising members of the radical ‘Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’ and ‘Tawhidi Janata‘ hounded a Hindu man named Supta Saha Anik after accusing him of making ‘objectionable remarks’ about Islam.

The mob organised a protest rally in Kalmakanda upazila in the Netrakona district of Bangladesh after Jumma Namaz. They also demanded the immediate arrest of the Hindu man for supposedly insulting Prophet Muhammad and gave an ultimatum of 48 hours.

As expected, the violent Muslim mob raised genocidal slogans and vowed to make ‘ultimate sacrifie’ in order to avenge the supposed dishonour to Islam.

In January this year, a Hindu man named Pranta Talukder was abducted and tortured by a Muslim mob in the Chittagong city of Bangladesh. He was thrashed mercilessly and left severely injured over allegations of committing blasphemy.

In December 2024, Muslims carried out arson attack on 130 Hindu houses and 20 temples after accusing a young boy named Akash Das of making blasphemous comments on Facebook.

In October 2024, a frenzied Muslim mob laid siege to the Kadirdi Degree College in Boalmari in the Faridpur district of Bangladesh after accusing a Hindu boy named Hridoy Pal of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad.

In September last year, a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal was almost lynched by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city.

Later that month, another frenzied Muslim mob laid siege to the Patiya police station in Chittagong district of Bangladesh, demanding that the cops hand over a Hindu boy accused of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad.

The mob, comprising mostly local madrassa students, also attacked an army vehicle after seeing a young boy in civilian clothes and mistaking him for the Hindu victim. A 22-year-old Hindu youth named Partha Biswas Pintu was arrested on charges of committing ‘blasphemy’.

In May 2024, a Hindu student named Utsab Kumar Gian, studying at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Bangladesh, was thrashed by a Muslim mob on accusations of blasphemy.

Shashi Tharoor says he is honoured to lead India’s all-party delegation to present nation’s point of view, says he won’t be found wanting

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Shashi Tharoor says he is honoured to lead India’s all-party delegation to present nation’s point of view, says he won’t be found wanting

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he is “honoured” by the invitation of the government to lead an all-party delegation, and added that when national interest is involved, he will “not be found wanting.”

“I am honoured by the invitation of the government of India to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals, to present our nation’s point of view on recent events. When national interest is involved, and my services are required, I will not be found wanting. Jai Hind!” Shashi Tharoor posted on X.

A seven-member all-party delegation is set to visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month in the context of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against cross-border terrorism.

The following Members of Parliament will lead the seven delegations: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde.

In a post on X, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that India stands united, and seven all-party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations
“In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences,” Rijiju posted on X.

The All-Party Delegations will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.

Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation.

The tour is expected to last 10 days, commencing on May 23. The parliamentarians’ groups are likely to visit several key world capitals, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Japan.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. India’s precision strikes in Pakistan and PoJK on May 7 killed over 100 terrorists.

(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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