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Social media platforms stop ads, tighten crackdown on Russia after it invades Ukraine: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Social media platforms stop ads, tighten crackdown on Russia after it invades Ukraine: Details

On Thursday (February 24), Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine, months after deploying over 1 lakh security forces at the border. Following this, social media giants initiated action against Russian State-owned media.

In a tweet on Saturday (February 26), Twitter informed, “We’re temporarily pausing advertisements in Ukraine and Russia to ensure critical public safety information is elevated and ads don’t detract from it.” It had also paused certain tweet recommendations for people in war-torn Ukraine and Russia to prevent the dissemination of abusive content.

Screengrab of the tweet by Twitter Safety

The micro-blogging site had also restricted the use of its services for ‘some people in Russia’ to ensure that the users are safe. “Our top priority is keeping people on Twitter safe. We’re actively monitoring for risks associated with the conflict in Ukraine, including identifying and disrupting attempts to amplify false and misleading information,” it emphasised.

Screengrab of the tweet by Twitter Safety

Facebook stops Russia from monetising State-owned news content

Head of Security Policy at Meta, Nathaniel Gleicher, announced on Saturday (February 26) that Facebook will stop Russia’s State-controlled media from running ads or monetising their content.

“We are now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on our platform anywhere in the world. We also continue to apply labels to additional Russian state media. These changes have already begun rolling out and will continue into the weekend,” he tweeted.

Screengrab of the tweet by Facebook’s Head of Security policy

“We are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and will keep sharing steps we’re taking to protect people on our platform,” he further added.

YouTube stops monetisation of Russia Today and other State-owned media outlets

On Saturday (February 26), Youtube announced that it will stop Russian State-owned media channels from monetising their content on the video streaming platform. The popular news outlet, Russia Today (RT), has thus been barred from making money through advertisements.

The decision came in the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and sanctions imposed by the European Union. Youtube has referred to the ongoing conflict as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ and reiterated that it will pause the monetisation capabilities of Russian State-owned media outlets.

At the same time, channels such as RT have been banned in Ukraine, following a request by their government. Spokesperson Farshad Sadloo said that Russian government propaganda will also feature less in recommendations.

“We intend to help Russians and the world to know the truth. I’ve contacted YouTube to block the propagandist Russian channels — such as Russia 24, TASS, RIA Novosti. If they are afraid of speaking the truth, so we should stop this flow of poisonous lies,” tweeted Ukranian Minister (Digital Transformation).

Earlier, users and lawmakers called on the social media giant to stop the Russian government from peddling misinformation and profiteering from Youtube. Reportedly, the Russian government made $7 million-$32 million from 26 Youtube channels between 2016 and December 2018.

Twitter refused to remove accounts of Islamist group Taliban

In August last year, Facebook had banned the Taliban and all content supporting it since it is considered a terrorist organisation under US Law. WhatsApp, a part of Facebook Inc, had also shut down a complaints helpline set up by the Taliban after it took control over Afghanistan. Similarly, video sharing platform YouTube had also said that it would ban accounts operated by the Taliban.

However, Twitter had refused to follow other social media platforms such as Facebook, and YouTube in prohibiting the Islamist group from using its platform. It had refused to suspend the accounts of the leaders associated with the Taliban. “Twitter’s top priority is keeping people safe, and we remain vigilant,” the social media giant had claimed.

“When your govt has not cooperated with us, why should we cooperate with you?” Ukraine puts Indian students in hostage-like situation at Poland border

OpIndia Staff
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“When your govt has not cooperated with us, why should we cooperate with you?” Ukraine puts Indian students in hostage-like situation at Poland border

While over 450 students have been evacuated from war-torn Ukraine, the latest reports suggest Ukraine has allegedly put Indian students in a hostage-like situation at the Poland border. A report in the Times of India quoted family members of stranded Indian students at the Poland border, saying that the Ukrainian Immigration Officials turned them back when they tried to enter Poland.

They said, “When your government has not cooperated with us, why should we cooperate with you.” Notably, the passport and travel documents of many students have been destroyed or lost during the chaos.

India had earlier abstained from voting at the UNSC resolution condemning Russia’s action agains Ukraine.

Ukrainian Ambassador had subtly and diplomatically threatened India using students as ‘leverage’

Earlier, Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukrainian Ambassador to United Nations, had issued a subtle and diplomatic threat to India by saying that countries which abstained from voting should have thought before making a decision. Without naming India, the UAE or China, the three abstaining countries, the Ukrainian Ambassador at UNSC said, “It is exactly the safety of your nationals in Ukraine that you should be the first to vote to stop the war to save your nationals in Ukraine, and not to think that you should vote or not vote.”

Indian Embassy had advised students to coordinate before leaving

On February 26, the Indian Embassy had asked Indians, including students living in Ukraine, to stay put where they were and leave for borders only after coordinating with the Indian Embassy. The advisory read, “All Indian Citizens in Ukraine are advised to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with Government of India officials at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the Emergency numbers of Embassy of India, Kyiv.”

It further read that the situation at various border checkpoints was sensitive, and the Embassy was working continuously with Indian Embassies in neighbouring countries to coordinate evacuation. However, it added, “Embassy is finding it increasingly difficult to help the crossing of those Indian nationals who reach border checkpoints without prior Intimation.”

The Wire, in a report, has quoted a student named Sahil stuck at Poland border saying, “Ukraine Border Guard is not allowing Indians to exit Ukraine. Poland Border Guard is being very helpful. But to no avail.”

Russia-Ukraine crisis

On February 24, Russia announced military action against Ukraine. The war-hit Ukraine has around 20,000 Indian nationals living there. The Indian government had issued advisories urging Indians to leave Ukraine multiple times before the war broke down between the two nations. The Indian embassies in Ukraine and bordering countries are coordinating to evacuate the Indian nationals as soon as possible. However, the Ukrainian officials are turning the Indians away, making it a hostage-like situation.

BJP President JP Nadda’s Twitter account restored after hackers take control, post appeal to donate crypto for Ukraine

OpIndia Staff
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BJP President JP Nadda’s Twitter account restored after hackers take control, post appeal to donate crypto for Ukraine

On February 27, the hackers took control of Bharatiya Janata Party’s President JP Nadda’s Twitter account. They posted a tweet seeking support for Ukraine via cryptocurrency. The tweet from the hackers read, “Stand with the people of Ukraine. Now accepting cryptocurrency donations. Bitcoins and Ethereum.”

Now-deleted tweet posted by hackers. Source: Twitter (image edited to blank out link posted by hackers)

The tweet had a message in Hindi and addresses to Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets. The tweet was posted at 9:52 AM. Within 10 minutes, another tweet was posted suggesting the account was hacked, and people should support Russia.

Now-deleted post by hackers. Source: Twitter

Soon after the second tweet, both tweets were deleted as it seems that JP Nadda’s team took back control of the account.

Government accounts were hacked previously

This is not the first time social media accounts of Indian leaders or agencies got hacked. Earlier, Sansad TV’s YouTube account was hacked on February 15. The account was temporarily terminated by YouTube and later restored.

In January this year, the Twitter account of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was hacked. The account was restored within minutes. Last year in December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Twitter account was hacked, and the hackers published a tweet alleging India officially adopted bitcoin as legal tender.

By the time this report was published, no official statement was released by JP Nadda’s office.

Godhra Carnage: When Islamist mob returned to kill more Hindus three hours after burning alive 59 passengers on 27 February 2002

Nirwa Mehta
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Godhra Carnage: When Islamist mob returned to kill more Hindus three hours after burning alive 59 passengers on 27 February 2002

27 February 2002: Remember the date. It was the day 59 Hindus returning from Ayodhya after performing karseva (voluntary labour) for the bhavya Ram Mandir.

A disputed structure often referred to as ‘Babri Masjid’ stood on the land where once a temple dedicated to Shri Ram was there. Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya and that was his janmabhoomi (birthplace). On 6 December 1992, the structure was demolished by Hindus. That led to largescale communal violence. As revenge, on 12 March 1993, serial bomb blasts took place in Mumbai. The Babri demolition has been a bone of contention and cause of communal discord for decades now.

It is a no brainer, hence that when 59 people, including women and children were burnt live on 27 February 2002 inside a train by a riotous Muslim mob, it was because they were returning from Ayodhya. A place where they wanted to build Ram Mandir. A place where ‘Babri Masjid’ stood. Those burnt alive were all Hindus.

Justice Nanavati Committee report [pdf] talks about how the Godhra carnage took place. Right after the Godhra platform and boundary, there is a road and a locality named ‘Signal Falia’. “It extends upto the culvert and goes further towards A cabin. It is a locality mainly inhabited by Ghanchi Muslims,” the report mentions. When the train had arrived, a lot of unauthorised vendors, mainly Ghanchi Muslims, would come on platform and sell snacks, cold drinks, bidis, etc.

The report further states that the train arrived at the platform at 7:43 AM as it was running about 5 hours late and there was a halt of about 5 minutes. In its evidence portion, the report cites media reports from 28th February 2002, the day after carnage, where leading mainstream media had reported that a mob has set Hindus on fire. They mentioned how Hindus were returning from karseva and how the mob set the train coaches on fire with petrol.

While the attack by the Muslim mob where 59 Hindus were burnt alive became the subject of several conspiracy theories peddled by the likes of Mukul Sinha, simply to save the riotous mob, even 20 years on, there are details of the carnage that are less spoken about. For example, while activists, NGOs and “secular” politicians tried to whitewash the burning alive of 59 Hindus, the less talked about aspect of what happened in 2002 is the fact that there was a second attack on Sabarmati Express only a few hours after the Hindus were burnt alive – the Muslim mob had come back to inflict more damage than they already had.

The second attack on Sabarmati Express no one talks about

After the first attack on the train that took place at 7:43 AM, administration got into action to make sure law and order and peace is maintained. 

The Nanavati-Mehta Commission then talks about the second attack that took place on the Hindus in the train by a 2,000-2,500 strong Muslim mob. 

RPF Commandant Pandey had rushed to Godhra and he said that when he reached near the train he had heard announcements made from the nearby mosque through a loud speaker. They were: “Kafiro ko mar dalo, Islam Khatre me Hai.” Soon, a mob of 1,000 people armed with swords and sticks arrived from Signal Falia side. He asked the mob to back off, but when they didn’t relent, he ordered his RPF men to open fire. Vikramsinh had fired 16 rounds from his carbine. H.C. Jhala had fired two rounds. Sub-Inspector Mr. Varma had fired 1 round from his pistol. Some rounds were fired by other policemen too. 

DY SP Simpi too had seen the mob of 2,000-2,500 people ready to attack the train again near the Ali Masjid. “At that time he had also heard announcements like “Islam Khatreme Hai, Maro, Kapo” coming from loud speakers of the Ali Masjid. He has stated that he can give the names of the injured policemen after seeing the record,” the committee report says.

PI Mehbubbeg Mirza, then a PI at CID, Vadodara, left for Godhra at 9:30 AM. He reported to Dy S.P. Simpi at about 11:20 and he asked to make the passengers sit in the train. While he was doing so, a mob of about 2500 to 3000 persons had come from the Signal Falia side. Persons therein were shouting ‘Chhod Do, Mar Dalo, Kat Dalo”. 

They were also throwing stones, he said. “He has stated that the mob which was seen coming from the Signal Falia side was trying to come near the train. When it was warned it was about 50 to 100 feet away from the train,” he had said. While PI Mirza had not heard the announcement from the mosque, he heard the people in the mob chanting similar slogans. 

Nanavati-Mehta Commission report thus states, “The Commission does not find any good reason for rejecting their evidence. It is of the view that the evidence given by these witnesses is quite reliable and deserves to be accepted. It clearly establishes that the attack by the mobs on the train between 11.00 a.m. and 11.45 a.m. did take place as stated by the witnesses. This incident though it had happened after burning of coach S/6 is relevant as it is connected with what happened earlier between 8.00 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.”

History forgotten will be repeated

When people speak about this, it is almost always about the ‘riots’. No one mentions the burning alive of 59 karsevaks. No one talks about how an Islamist mob got so violent that announcements were made from a masjid to kill the Hindus, the ones returning from Ayodhya. And when the carnage sometimes is still being talked about, very few are aware about the second attack that almost happened before the train with the karsevaks that managed to save themselves left the station.

That it was found by the Nanavati-Shah Commission, too, never made it to mainstream narrative.

Hindu lives, it seems, have always been expendable.

Here is a partial list of those Hindus who were burnt alive in the carnage. We are still trying to find the full list of the ones who perished that day, but let us not forget them.

1.  Nilimaben Prakashbhai Chaudagar, Ramol, Amdavad

2.  Jyotiben Bharatbhai Panchal, Maninagar, Amdavad

3.  Premaben Naranbhai Dabhi,Gita Mandir, Amdavad

4.  Jiviben Parambhai Dabhi,Gita Mandir, Amdavad

5.  Devkalaben Hariprasad Joshi,Chandlodiya, Amdavad

6.  Zaverbhai Jadavbhai Prajapati,Vastral Amdavad

7.  Mittalben Bharatbhai Prajapati, Maninagar, Amdavad

8.  Nitaben Harshadbhai Panchal, New Ranip, Amdavad

9.  Harshadbhai Hargovindbhai Panchal, New Ranip, Amdavad

10. Pratikshaben Harshadbhai Panchal, New Ranip, Amdavad

11. Niruben Navinchandra Brahmbhatt, Sanket society, Vadnagar

12. Chayaben Harshadbhai Panchal, New Ranip, Amdavad

13. Chiragbhai Ishwarbhai Patel, Vaghodiya, Vadodara

14. Sudhaben Girishchandra Rawal, Chandlodiya, Amdavad

15. Malaben Sharadbhai Mhatre, Ambavadi, Amdavad

16. Arvindaben Kantilal Shukla, Ramol, Amdavad

17. Umakant Govindbhai Makwana, Nava Naroda, Amdavad

18. Sadashiv Vithalbhai Jadhav, Sureliya Estate road, Amdavad

19. Maniben Dahyabhai Dave, Nava Naroda, Amdavad

20. Jesalkumar Manshukhbhai Soni, Vastral, Amdavad

21. Manshukhbhai Kanjibhai Soni, Vastral, Amdavad

22. Ratiben Shivpati Prasad, Municipal quarters, Vijay mills, Naroda, Amdavad

23. Jamnaprashad Ramashray Tiwari, Municipal quarters, Vijay mills, Naroda, Amdavad

24.Satish Ramanlal Vyas, Odhav, Amdavad

25. Shantaben Jashbhai Patel, Roon, Anand

26. Indiraben Banshibhai Patel, Roon, Anand

27. Rajeshbhai Sardarji Vaghela, Khokhra, Ahdavad

28. Shilaben Mafatbhai Patel, Roon, Anand

29. Manjulaben Kirtibhai Patel, Roon, Anand

30. Champaben Manubhai Patel, Roon, Anand

31. Diwaliben Raojibhai Patel, Matar, KHeda

32.Lalitaben Karansibhai Patel, Kadi, Mehsana

33. Manguben Hirjibhai Patel, Kadi, Mehsana

34. Prahladbhai Jayantbhai Patel, Ambika township, Patan

35. Bhimjibhai Karsanbhai Patel, Khedbrahma, Sabarkantha

36. Lakhubhai Hirajibhai Patel, Kubhadharol Kampa, Vadali, Sabarkantha

37. Vithalbhai Parshottambhai Patel, Dungerji ni Chali, Khokhra, Amdavad

38. Shailesh Ranchodbhai Panchal, Sankalp Park Society, Surendranagar

39. Amrutbhai Joitaram Patel, Gamanpura, Mehsana

40. Narendra Narayanbhai Patel, Vanpardi, Mandal, Amdavad

41. Ramanbhai Gangarambhai Patel, Nugar, Mehsana

The burnt coaches, S6 and S7 were separated by 11:30 AM and the train was reassembled. The train, with the passengers who were alive, left Godhra finally at 12:40 PM.

Remember these names so that the history is not repeated.

Haryana girl refuses to leave Ukraine, says will take care of landlord’s kids as he joins army to fight Russian invasion: Report

OpIndia Staff
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Haryana girl refuses to leave Ukraine, says will take care of landlord’s kids as he joins army to fight Russian invasion: Report

A girl from Haryana, who is studying medicine in Ukraine, has reportedly refused to leave the war-torn country as she wants to take care of her landlord’s young kids.

A Facebook user named Savita Jakhar has penned an incredible story of a 17-year-old girl from Haryana who gave up her chance to get evacuated from Ukraine just to look after the three young kids of her landlord, who joined the Ukrainian forces to fight against advancing Russian troops.

According to a report by Tribune, the girl is identified as Neha, the daughter of an Indian Army soldier who lost his life a couple of years ago. Apparently, she got admitted to a medical college in Ukraine.

In her post, Savita said that Neha, one of her close friends’ daughters, is trapped in Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict. She said that the girl did not find any space in the hostel as she went to study medicine in Ukraine. So she rented a room with a loving family with three children, Jakhar said in her post.

However, a day before yesterday, the father of children joined the army to fight the Russians, while the mother and her three children were sent to a bunker. The 17-year-old Haryana girl insisted that she travel with the family instead of returning to India.

“My friend tried hard to contact the embassy to get him out of there, but the girl does not want to come back, leaving those three children and their mother alone in such difficult times. Despite millions of efforts of mother, the girl is stubborn to stay there till the end of the war. I’m wondering what is encouraging that child to stand with that family in such difficult times?” wrote Savita in her post.

Speaking to The Tribune, Savita said that Neha’s family members and acquaintances are trying to persuade her to return to India, however, she has plainly and firmly refused to do so.

“We keep on hearing blasts outside, but we are fine so far,” she reportedly said to her family friend recently.

Savita, who belongs to Jhanswa village in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, is now a French national presently based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Operation Ganga: India evacuates 710 students from Ukraine

The Indian government successfully evacuated 710 Indian students from war-torn Ukraine through the Romanian border. Despite multiple advisories by the government to Indians to leave Ukraine in the lead-up to the full-scale invasion by Russia, about 18,000 students are still stranded in the Eastern European country.

As per reports, the first batch of 470 Indian students boarded a bus from the city of Chernivtsi to the Porubne-Siret border. Officials belonging to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) thereafter facilitated their travel from the Siret in Suceava County to the Romanian city of Bucharest for their onward journey to India.

The Government of India has launched “Operation Ganga” to bring back stranded students from Ukraine. The second flight from Bucharest has taken off for Delhi carrying 250 Indian nationals, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

The first evacuation flight of Air India, AIC 1944, touched down at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on Saturday night. The aircraft had taken off from the Henri Coanda International Airport, Bucharest, Romania, brought home 219 passengers, mostly students from India.

The second flight from Bucharest has taken off for Delhi with 250 Indian nationals. According to the Minister of External Affairs, the second flight is expected to reach India on Sunday morning. A third flight carrying 240 Indian nationals has taken off from Budapest for Delhi, Dr Jaishankar added.

Fact Check: Old image of a food truck from Canada passed off as Sikhs offering Langar in Ukraine

OpIndia Staff
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Fact Check: Old image of a food truck from Canada passed off as Sikhs offering Langar in Ukraine

Amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a picture of a food truck operated by Sikhs has been doing the rounds on the internet. The claim that is being bandied about with the picture is that Sikhs are operating a ‘Langar’ and serving food to the embattled people in Ukraine in the midst of a war. 

Ukraine crisis
Source: Twitter

In the picture, a food truck could be seen, along with people who are eating food. On the food truck it is written: “Guru Nanak’s Langar, Good Bye Hunger.” 

The picture has gone viral on social media platforms, with a large number of netizens, including notable ones, sharing it to highlight how Sikhs are helping feed Ukrainians at a time when their country is under attack from the Russian forces. 

Anti-rape activist Yogita Bhayana shared the picture to claim the food truck is being operated in Ukraine. 

Ukraine crisis
Source: Twitter

Similarly, several other social media users took to Twitter to claim that Sikhs have started a ‘Langar’ in war-ravaged Ukraine. 

Ukraine crisis
Source: Twitter
Ukraine crisis
Source: Twitter
Ukraine crisis
Source: Twitter

The image went instantly viral on social media websites at a time when the situation on ground in Ukraine is precarious, with people fleeing towards safer locations in the wake of the Russian invasion.

Is the picture of a food truck operated by Sikhs from Ukraine?

Contrary to the claims made by social media that Sikhs are operating a ‘Langar’ through a food truck in Ukraine, it is, in reality, an old picture from Canada that is being passed off as recent. 

The picture is of Canada’s first free food truck, launched more than three years ago, in August 2018. The picture was shared by a social media user @WeTheSikhs on 6 August 2018.

“Canada’s first Free Food Truck – Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s LANGAR – Goodbye Hunger. Everybody is welcome here regardless of Faith, Gender, Age, Caste or Status,” the tweet by We The Sikhs said.

Russia launches ‘military operations’ against Ukraine

On Thursday (February 24), Russian President Vladimir Putin announced limited military operations against Ukraine. In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the special operation to be conducted in East Ukraine.

Putin had added explicitly that Moscow did not plan on occupying Ukraine. He said the military action he announced would seek to “demilitarise” and “denazify” Ukraine and came in response to threats from Ukraine.

According to Ukraine’s border guard agency, the Russian military entered the country from neighbouring Belarus. The Russian forces crossed Belarus to enter Ukraine from the North, said Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Northern border forces in Ukraine have come under attack by Russian troops.

On Friday, a day after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine, the President of the Eastern European country, Volodymyr Zelensky, informed on Friday (February 25) that a total of 137 people (including civilians) were killed in Russian military strikes.

From playing the piano with his d**k to standing up to Russians: Meet former comedian and current Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

OpIndia Staff
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From playing the piano with his d**k to standing up to Russians: Meet former comedian and current Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Seen in olive-green military gear, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an appearance on social media on Friday to claim a Russian attack on the capital Kyiv has been repulsed. Through a series of social media posts, the 44-year-old Ukrainian president vowed to stay and fight the Russians, thus boosting the morale of Ukrainians.

“I am here. We will not lay down any weapons. We will defend our state because our weapons are our truth,” he declared, as he rejected allegations that he has surrendered or fled.

In 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, one of the country’s most popular TV comedians, surprised the world by becoming Ukraine’s President. In his inaugural speech, Zelenskyy had made a similar speech saying, “We are not the ones who have started this war. But we are the ones who have to finish it.”

After occupying the office, the actor-comedian-turned-president promised a ceasefire in Donbas – a territory is occupied by pro-Russian groups. Almost three years after being in office, Zelenskyy is still fighting his own people in the name of fighting separatism in Eastern Ukraine.

Who is Zelenskyy and How did he become Ukraine President?

Perhaps, no one in the world would have predicted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a popular TV comedian starring in a satirical TV show, would stand up to Russians someday in the future. Interestingly, Zelenskyy speaks Russian and is a Jew, a minority community in Ukraine.

For Zelenskyy, it all began with a satirical TV show – “Servant of the People”, in which he played a character named Vasily Goloborodko, a mid-30s high school teacher who wakes up one morning to realise that he has been elected the country’s president. Through his show, Zelenskyy and his comedy troupe satirised the issue of corruption in Ukraine and depicted what Ukraine could look like when it evolves into a democracy.

In one of his shows, Zelenskyy was seen playing the piano with his penis for over five minutes.

Zelenskyy’s fictional character – a high school teacher who suddenly becomes the president of the country and fights corruption, resonated with the masses. Incidentally, the show was released a year after the massive protests in 2014, which led to the ouster of former President Viktor Yanukovych.

The pro-Russian Yanukovych government was overthrown after refusing to sign a deal with the European Union. As the Russians feared losing its influence in Ukraine, Russia annexed Crimea, prompting pro-Russian supporters to rebel in eastern Ukraine.

During the crisis period in Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s show “Servant of the People” catalysed the people of Ukraine against the corrupt government. As a result, he became a household hero in Ukraine, landing him in the president’s seat. Zelenskyy’s campaign was focused on ending corruption.

Zelenskyy during one of his shows in Ukraine/ Image Source: New York Post

Zelenskyy won the presidential election in a landslide victory. It is alleged that Zelenskyy’s campaign was sponsored by one of Ukraine’s wealthiest and most corrupt oligarchs – Igor Kolomoisky. Considered a puppet of the oligarch Kolomoisky, Zelenskyy tried turning his image as a crusader against oligarchs. To gain support from the Ukrainians, Zelenskyy also transformed his image from being a native Russian-speaker brought up in pro-Russian eastern Ukraine into more of a nationalist.

At present, Zelensky is now at the centre of a new war in Europe and Russia’s number one enemy. Yet, in a short period, Zelenskyy has proven to be a man of mettle as he has now taken the fight to the mighty Russian President Vladimir Putin. At a time when the western countries, the self-proclaimed champions of the free world and the champions of democracy, turn their back on the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy has stood by fellow countrymen to fight the Russians, who are just 30 kilometres outside Kyiv.

No one knows the future of Ukraine yet. What happens to Zelenskyy’s fate once the Russians capture the cities of Ukraine is also uncertain. But, the actor-comedian-politician Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now emerged as a hope for the Ukrainians, who have now rallied around him to fight the most decisive battles of their lives.

On the second anniversary of the Delhi anti-Hindu Riots, here is how this time, the violence was not merely a Hindu-Muslim strife

Guest Author
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On the second anniversary of the Delhi anti-Hindu Riots, here is how this time, the violence was not merely a Hindu-Muslim strife

India has had a long history of Hindu-Muslim violence since colonial times. They have already fought thousands of battles over religious matters which have been characterized as “institutionalized communal violence” by political scientists. But what kind of violence broke out during the Delhi 2020 riots? What was the nature and structure of Delhi violence? It was certainly different from the previous incidents of violence. Two years since the horrifying riots that convulsed the national capital, the nature and character of Delhi violence have still not been properly analysed and defined by political scientists.

Delhi violence should be studied from a different political perspective to explore the changing contours of communal violence. It was not simply Hindu-Muslim communal violence but it was violence that had several rounds of political conspiracies. It had many objectives: First, it was violence perpetrated by a separatist group in the national capital against the political sovereignty of our country and to defame the country during the visit of the US President. Second, it was violence that was organized by a Muslim minority group to butcher the Hindu community to uphold political-religious dominance and finally, Delhi violence was planned to retain power in Delhi Assembly. All these objectives manifested in the violent protests that led up to the anti-Hindu Delhi riots in February 2020. That is how Delhi violence has to be studied in a methodological way. The article intends to examine the nature and structure of Delhi violence. 

Criticial examination of the nature and the structure of the Delhi Riots 2020

The riot broke out in Northeast Delhi as a part of the anti-CAA protests. In the violence, more than 53 people lost their lives, more than 200 people were left injured and 400 people were displaced. Houses, shops and temples were burnt down and attacked by Muslim mobs. A man named Shahrukh openly threatened common people and police personnel. He was arrested later from the Shamli district of UP. Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal lost his life while trying to control the protestors.  

Section 144 was imposed in several riot-hit areas but prohibitory orders did little to restrain the engulfing violence. Who were the attackers and who provoked the Muslim community?

Attackers were mainly outsiders stationed in schools to execute the violence. Many of them were goons, while others were students purportedly from JNU and Jamia. Former JNU student Umar Khalid was also one of the key accused in the case, who is charged with conspiring to incite violence in the region. Several goons, including Umar Khalid, had been arrested and a judicial proceeding is going on against them. The ‘Urban Naxals’ from academic institutions like JNU and Jamia had prepared the plot to instigate violence against the Hindu community. The Northeast Delhi violence was a clear manifestation of planned genocide against Hindus living in the Muslim-dominated areas.

The Delhi High Court had already declared a well-thought-out conspiracy designed to stoke violence in the national capital. While denying the bail application of one of the accused, namely, Mohammad Ibrahim, Justice Subramanium Prasad strongly said, “The Delhi riots of 2020 were a conspiracy, planned and executed. They evidently did not take place in a spur of the moment.”

Further, the court said in the video footage submitted by the prosecution, “The systematic disconnection and destruction of the CCTV cameras also confirms the existence of a pre-planned and pre-meditated conspiracy to disturb law and order in the city. This is also evident from the fact that innumerable rioters ruthlessly descended with sticks, dandas, bats etc. upon a hopelessly outnumbered cohort of police officials.” In addition, Justice Prasad said, “Individual liberty cannot be used to threaten the fabric of civilised society. Ibrahim was seen on CCTV clips threatening the crowds with a sword.” Ibrahim was accused of killing the head constable Ratan Lal on February 24. Ibrahim had admitted in the court that “he was carrying the sword only to protect himself and his family”.

How the Delhi Riots 2020 signified a new trend in Hindu-Muslim violence

The structure and nature of Delhi violence point towards a new trend in Hindu-Muslim violence. It was the first time that Left-Wing professors from prestigious universities plotted the violence and played an active role in the Hindu genocide. Schools were used by Muslim mobs to target Hindu temples and belongingness. It was a political conspiracy to not only challenge the political sovereignty of India but also to defame the nation in a global society. The open gun culture was another important feature of the violence. The minority community, by taking part in this Hindu genocide, demonstrated their readiness to use violence in order to subjugate the majority Hindu community.

The politically vested interest groups who have miserably failed to defeat prime minister Modi in elections had planned genocide of Hindus in the national capital. They did not even think for a while that India is also their motherland and how can they break the unity and sovereignty her. These attitudes of the separatist groups give birth to the changing contours of communal violence in contemporary India.

(Kamalakanta Roul teaches political science at the University of Delhi. He can be contacted at [email protected])

Maharashtra police file FIR against IPS officer Rashmi Shukla who tried to investigate police transfer racket in 2020

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra police file FIR against IPS officer Rashmi Shukla who tried to investigate police transfer racket in 2020

As part of its efforts to hunt down IPS officer Rashmi Shukla, who exposed the transfer racket in 2020, the Maharashtra government led by Uddhav Thackeray, has booked the former Pune commissioner for her alleged role in the illegal phone tapping of state Congress president Nana Patole. As per Maharashtra government orders, the FIR against Rashmi Shukla was filed at Bund Garden police station in Pune. The case has been registered under Section 26 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the officials said.

Shukla, a former Pune police commissioner, is currently on central deputation as assistant director-general of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Hyderabad.

The FIR was filed based on a complaint filed by Patole last year wherein he had alleged that his phone was tapped during 2016-2017 on the pretext that it belonged to one Amjad Khan involved in “narcotics smuggling”. Patole had also alleged that the phones of Union minister Roasaheb Danve’s personal assistant, then BJP MP Sanjay Kakade and other elected representatives were tapped. “I was a Member of Parliament in 2016-17 and there was no reason to tap my phone. This is an attempt to destroy political careers,” he had said.

Devendra Fadnavis makes explosive revelation, claims Uddhav Thackeray overlooked police transfer posting racket in state

Last year in March, OpIndia reported how Devendra Fadnavis had made a startling revelation that Uddhav Thackeray ignored a report on transfer posting racket in the state police.

During a press conference on March 23, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis alleged that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray chose not to act on a report exposing a racket related to the transfer of police officials which was bought to his notice. He further said that CM Thackeray decided to keep mum just to save his government.

He revealed how the Maharashtra Government had placed more focus on punishing the whistleblower Rashmi Shukla who may have provided data to the former chief minister than disproving his allegations.

Rashmi Shukla, Commissioner of Intelligence Department, her letter and her suspicious of nexus between politicians and the police in transfer scam

In August 2020, Rashmi Shukla, Commissioner at the State Intelligence Department, had written a letter to Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, Director General of Police, informing him of the alleged transfer racket.

The letter, dated 25th August 2020, states, “Upon the receipt of numerous complaints alleging that a network of ‘brokers’ had emerged, particularly individuals with firmly ingrained political connections, are engaged in arranging desired postings for police officers in exchange for massive monetary compensation.”

Rashmi Shukla emphasised that the matter should be brought before the attention of CM Uddhav Thackeray as it would severely undermine the credibility of the ruling dispensation. A day later, DHP Jaiswal acknowledged the receipt of the letter. He too recommended that the matter be brought before Uddhav Thackeray and a comprehensive enquiry into the allegations.

After deserting local allies in Afghanistan, Joe Biden administration abandons American citizens in war-torn Ukraine

OpIndia Staff
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After deserting local allies in Afghanistan, Joe Biden administration abandons American citizens in war-torn Ukraine

On Friday (February 25), the Embassy of the United States in Ukraine issued a travel advisory to stranded American citizens and informed them that the Biden administration cannot aid in their repatriation to the US from the war-torn country.

It stated, “The U.S. government will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas. U.S. citizens may seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passport, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighbouring countries.”

The development comes at a time when more than 198 people have been killed in Ukraine, following the Russian declaration of a full-scale invasion.

Screengrab of the travel advisory by US embassy in Ukraine

Given that the United States government has no plans to evacuate its citizens, the US embassy has called upon stranded Americans to depart immediately from Ukraine using commercial or privately owned ground transportation services. As the Ukrainian airspace has been closed for commercial flights, at present air travel is not possible.

“U.S. citizens remaining in Ukraine should carefully monitor government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place,” the travel advisory read. They also asked the US citizens in Ukraine to contact US embassies and consulates in neighbouring countries for various consular services, including requests for repartriation loan, passport and visa services.

The US embassy in Ukraine further added, “Those remaining in Ukraine should exercise increased caution due to the potential for active combat, crime, and civil unrest.”  

‘Project Dynamo’ comes to the rescue

In the absence of governmental support, a Florida-based private volunteer group named Project Dynamo evacuated 23 or 24 US citizens/ legal US permanent residents from Ukraine.

James Judge, the spokesperson for Project Dynamo, informed that about two dozen legal US permanent residents and US citizens met at a pre-determined location and left Kyiv for a US embassy in a neighbouring country. He added, “The evacuation began minutes after our team on the ground physically felt the nearby explosions in Kyiv.”

He informed that the US authorities were notified about their evacuation mission in Ukraine but denied doing so at the behest of the government. “Project Dynamo, an all-volunteer, nonprofit group consisting mainly of U.S. military veterans, was founded last August to gain safe passage from Afghanistan for Americans after the Taliban seized power there,” reported Reuters.

The volunteer group evacuated more than 100 Americans from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. It is estimated that there were 6600 Americans in Ukraine when Russia began military deployment at the border in October last year. However, State Department spokesman Ned Price informed that their total strength, as of date, in the war-torn country remains unknown.

Joe Biden administration had earlier deserted Afghan allies

President Joe Biden has faced flake from the lawmakers for ‘completing’ the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, although some American citizens and Afghan allies remained stuck in the war-hit country last year. Many ‘abandoned’ US spies and allies were forced to join hands with the radical Islamist outfit ISIS.

An Afghan interpreter who saved Joe Biden in Afghanistan 13 years ago, pleaded with the US president to rescue him and his family. “Hello Mr President, Save me and my family,” begged Mohammed who chose to not give out his full name while speaking with Wall Street Journal.

After the Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan, it came to light that the United States had left its allies in Afghanistan vulnerable to attack by the Islamist outfit. As per an exclusive report by Politico, the Biden administration had handed out a list of American citizens, Afghan allies, and green card holders to the Taliban so as to allow their evacuation from the Hamid Karzai International airport in Kabul.

Republican Congressman and former Afghan veteran Jim Banks informed, “We now know that due to the negligence of this administration, the Taliban has access to $85 billion worth of American military equipment. That includes 75,000 vehicles, over 200 airplanes, and helicopters, over 600,000 small arms, and light weapons. The Taliban now has more black hawk helicopters than 85% of the countries in the world.”

“They just don’t have weapons. They also have night-vision goggles, body armour, medical supplies…The Taliban now has biometric devices which have the fingerprints, eye scans, and the biographical information of the Afghans who helped us over the last 20 years…This administration has no plans to get the military equipment and supplies back,” he concluded.

Caretaker president of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, had expressed disappointment at the manner in which western countries had conducted themselves. Despite being well aware that the Taliban has a history of killing US allies, the Biden administration did not care about putting their life in jeopardy.

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