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US authorizes departure of govt employees from Ukraine amid escalating tensions, says it won’t be able to evacuate American citizens if Russia attacks Ukraine

OpIndia Staff
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US authorizes departure of govt employees from Ukraine amid escalating tensions, says it won’t be able to evacuate American citizens if Russia attacks Ukraine

On January 24 (local time), the United States government authorized the departure of the US government employees and ordered that thefamily members of US government employees at the US Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine leave the country amid escalating tensions. The authorized departure gives the govt employees an option to leave the country if they want to, however, their family members must leave Ukraine.

In the official statement issued by the Department of State, it was mentioned the decision was taken due to the “continued Russian efforts to destabilize the country and undermine the security of Ukrainian citizens and others visiting or residing in Ukraine.” It further added the US State Department had elevated travel advisory for Ukraine to level four, which means the US citizens must not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of significant Russian military action. Earlier, the advisory was at Level 4 due to Covid-19.

The US Embassy in Ukraine would continue to function, and Kristina Kvien, in charge at the embassy, would remain in Ukraine. The department further added it was working on finding a diplomatic solution to Russia’s “troubling build-up of forces in and around Ukraine.”

Notably, the US had delivered the first of several shipments of $200 million security assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces that was approved by President Biden in December. The statement added, “While the United States continues to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy, if Russia chooses escalation and massive consequences due to significant military action against Ukraine, the current unpredictable security conditions, particularly along Ukraine’s borders, in Russia-occupied Crimea, and Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine could deteriorate with little notice.”

‘US govt will not be in a position to evacuate US citizens’ – President Biden

One of the significant portions of the statement was the fact that the US government clearly told its citizens that in case Russia moves ahead with the military action against Ukraine, it would not be in a position to evacuate American citizens. It said, “As President Biden has said, military action by Russia could come at any time, and the United States government will not be in a position to evacuate American citizens in such a contingency, so US citizens currently present in Ukraine should plan accordingly, including by availing themselves of commercial options should they choose to leave the country.”

Russia completed military build-up at Ukraine border

On January 19, it was reported that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time as it had completed military build-up at the Ukrainian border. Russia also has started reducing the number of people in ints embassy in Ukraine, giving a possible hint of invasion. Reportedly, families of Russian diplomats left Ukraine on buses in the past few days, and the diplomats are told to be prepared to leave when instructed.

The Ukrainian military report further has revealed that the Russian troops have made their permanent camps in the Central and Eastern part of the country and that it supports around 35,000 rebels in eastern Ukraine. However, Russia denied the claims and agreed to set up additional radio and satellite traffic units near the Ukrainian border and tripled the reconnaissance flights.

Russia-Ukraine conflict

Since 2014, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, has been facing a conflict with Russian-backed separatists. These separatists are holding control of several territories in Ukraine with the help of Moscow.

In 2013, then-President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, decided to reject a deal for greater economic integration with European Union. His decision led to a series of protests and conflicts that led to a violent crackdown by the security forces. However, the administration’s decision to forcefully stop the protesters backfired and the number of protesters increased exponentially on the streets. As a result, President Yanukovych had to flee the country in February 2014.

In March 2014, Russian troops took control of the Crimean region in Ukraine. Crimea is located in the south of the Ukrainian region of Kherson. After Russia took control over the Crimean region, a local referendum was done where the Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation. After the referendum, it was formally annexed in Russia.

In July 2014, the situation in Ukraine took the shape of an international crisis when a Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukrainian airspace. There were 298 people on board, including the staff and pilot. No one survived the incident. The incident caused tension between Russia and its western counterparts, including the United States and the European Union.

Since the conflict started, it has been alleged that Russia has been targeting Ukraine with cyber attacks. In December 2015, it was reported that around 225,000 people lost power due to a cyber attack. In December 2016, another blackout happened in Kyiv due to an alleged cyber attack.

According to United Nations, till April 2021, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has claimed over 13,000 lives since 2014. Around 24,000 people have been injured in the conflicts.

‘You are supporting terrorists’: Saudi netizens slam Rana Ayyub after she attacked ‘bloodthirsty Saudis’ for air-strike in Yemen

OpIndia Staff
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‘You are supporting terrorists’: Saudi netizens slam Rana Ayyub after she attacked ‘bloodthirsty Saudis’ for air-strike in Yemen

If getting slammed by Indians for fake news and supporting terrorists was not enough, Rana Ayyub is now being blasted by Saudis for one of her tweets. Yesterday, the controversial journalist had posted a tweet slamming Saudi Arabia for launching a military operation against Yemen. She is now attacked on Twitter by Saudi netizens in response to that, accusing her of supporting terrorism.

“Yemen is bleeding and there is nobody to stop the bloodthirsty Saudis,” Rana Ayyub had tweeted on Saturday, saying that as a Muslim she is ashamed that “these savages are guardians of the holy mosque”.

Her comments came after Saudi led air-strikes on a temporary prison run by Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The strikes were intensified after a deadly drone attack on UAE, a member of the Saudi led alliance, by the Houthis. The group has been launching missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis control a large territory in northern Yemen, and the Saudi-led coalition is supporting the internationally recognised Yemen govt to fight the group. As the coalition is supporting the Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi government in Yemen, Saudi citizens were shocked to see that the Indian journalist was slamming them for the same.

After Rana Ayyub posted the tweet, several Saudi netizens responded to her saying that their govt is supporting a recognised government, while Ayyub was supporting a Islamist terror group trying to overthrow that government.

Saudi engineer Gassan called it fake news, and said that Saudi Arabia has launched military operations in Yemen as part of a coalition of over ten countries in response to a direct request from the legitimate government of Yemen. “We supporting legitimate and you supporting terrorists”, he added.

One Twitter user Abu Sultan called her a “fu**ing liar”, saying all she “said are bullshit”. The user noted that this why Ayyub has disabled replied to her tweets.

Another Saudi netizen said that she is among the “media elitist Hypocrites who support Terrorist Houthis who use child soldiers and are the main root cause of suffering in Yemen.” He said that why Saudi Arabia is working to end the tyrannical reign of the Houthis, she is supporting the terror group.

One user from Greece said that Rana Ayyub is supporting terrorists like the Houthis who use child soldiers, kill, abuse Yemeni and attack other countries with drones almost everyday.

One user went a bit off-track, and slammed Rana Ayyub for not covering her hair and face despite being a Muslim.

Rana Ayyub was also slammed by netizens from India and many other countries for her support to the Houthi group. People commented that she is speaking against the attack on the group, she was silent when several innocents including two Indians were killed in the drone attack in Abu Dhabi by the terror group.

Tennis Australia stands firm to its decision to ban clothes and banners supporting missing Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai

OpIndia Staff
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Tennis Australia stands firm to its decision to ban clothes and banners supporting missing Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai

Tennis Australia defended its decision of asking Australian Open spectators to take off T-shirts with a message in support of Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai. During the ongoing Australian Open, police and security authorities had forced two spectators to remove a T-shirt with the words “Where is Peng Shuai?” that they were wearing. A poster bearing the same statement was also seized.

In a video that had gone viral on social media, a pro-democracy campaigner from Hong Kong Max Mok and a fellow spectator were asked to remove their T-Shirts with pro-Peng Shuai graffiti. The T-shirts had a photo of Peng on the front below the word “Wanted”, while the back of the T-shirt had “Where is Peng Shuai?” printed on it. The cops had explained to them that the material violated Tennis Australia’s ban on political statements at the tournament. “I’m not saying you can’t have those views, but Tennis Australia sets the rules here,” a police officer had told them.

At the end of the video, a police officer adds, “The Australian Open does have a rule that there can’t be any political slogans.”

Tennis Australia expressed concern about Peng’s safety but stated that supporters at the Australian Open were not authorized to make political comments with their clothes. “Under our ticket conditions of entry, we do not allow commercial or political clothing, banners, or placards,” stated a Tennis Australia representative.

Peng Shuai and her disappearance

According to reports, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai went missing after accusing former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex at his house. 35-year-old Peng is a doubles champion at Wimbledon and the French Open. She wrote a lengthy message on the Chinese social media site Weibo in November 2021. According to screenshots of a now-deleted social media post dated November 2, she has not been seen in public since making the charges against Zhang Gaoli. After removing Peng Shuai’s initial post within 30 minutes, Chinese censors erased any references to the claims from the internet. Peng Shuai’s Weibo account, which has over 500,000 followers, had also vanished.

Her disappearance sparked widespread anxiety for her safety. The United Nations, the White House, athletes, and campaigners have all spoken out about the disappearance.

The revelation of Peng Shuai’s disappearance came only months before China is set to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in February. However, the Chinese official media has supposedly revealed an email in which Shuai, a tennis star, retracted her claims and stated that she is alright.

PM Modi unveils the Holographic statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth Anniversary at the India Gate

OpIndia Staff
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PM Modi unveils the Holographic statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth Anniversary at the India Gate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled the holographic statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the India Gate marking the 125th Birth Anniversary of the Illustrious freedom fighter today. The Iconic canopy at the India Gate which once hosted a statue of King George V until 1968, will be hosting the one-of-a-kind holographic statue of Netaji projected by a 4K projector. The hologram will later be replaced by a 28-ft-high permanent jade black statue of Subhas Chandra Bose made in Granite.

The decision to install the Netaji’s statue was announced by PM Modi on Twitter, saying it is a ‘gesture of India’s indebtedness to him’. Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister paid tributes to the leader in the Central Hall of the Parliament. The event in the evening was graced by the Prime Minister, HM Amit Shah, MoHUA Minister Hardeep Singh Puri among other cabinet ministers, veterans and officials from the armed forces.

The PM in his speech while referring to Netaji as ‘the brave son of mother India’ emphasised that it was Netaji has instilled in us the belief for free India. He added that Netaji, once in front of the British had said, “Mein Svatantra ki Bheekh nahi loonga, mein isse hasil karunga” (I’ll not accept freedom as a beggar, rather I’ll achieve it). Talking about the occasion, the PM said ‘The moment is historic and so is this place which very close to the Parliament and also close to the National War Memorial.” PM Modi said the statue is a fitting tribute to Netaji, who established the first Independent government on the soil of India. Soon this hologram statue will be replaced by a granite statue and it will remind us of our National duties and will continue to inspire generations galore.”

Emphasizing the Importance of Disaster Management, The Prime Minister distributed the ‘Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar’ for four consecutive years (2019 to 2022) to people who have made excellent contributions by participating in managing disasters like floods, droughts and cyclones which hit the country over the years. Talking about the erstwhile condition of disaster management in the country, Modi lamented, “Many wouldn’t know that earlier Agriculture department used to look after disaster management. Things started changing after Gujarat’s 2001 earthquake. Gujarat became the first state to pass the Disaster Management Act. Soon after in 2005, the Govt. of India constituted the NDRF in 2005.”

On the occasion of Parakram Diwas, which marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Bose, the PM recalled the tragedies of cyclones in eastern and western coastal states, earthquakes and floods which stormed the country during the Pandemic. He lauded the efforts of the NDRF and the SDRFs who saved the people stuck in dangerous situations while putting their own lives at stake. “Today is the day to salute their efforts” he added.

The Canopy where Netaji Bose statue is replacing King George V statue

Talking about the steps taken to empower the NDRF, PM Narendra Modi added, “Along with Relief, Rescue and Rehabilitation we have moved towards Reform in the practices of disaster control. We are strengthening the NDRF and it is spreading its wings to many regions in the country. We have employed the use of space technologies, methods of planning and management while dealing with the arena in a holistic approach.” He further added, “I’ve been told that the NDMA’s ‘Aapda Mitra’ scheme is inviting a lot of positive response while people are willing to help when a disaster is struck.” He also added that people no longer want to be ‘victims’ but ‘volunteers’ in the disaster management process.

The PM concluded his speech saying, “I am confident that with our Parakram (valour) & Jan Bhagidari (People’s participation), we will be able to build India of Netaji’s dreams”.

The installation of Netaji’s statue marks yet another change to Central Vista avenue, which has been redeveloped under the Central Vista project. The canopy where the statue is installed is located at the centre of the India Gate Hexagon complex, with the National War memorial located to the east of it and the India Gate to the west. After a wait for decades, the war memorial was finally constructed by the Modi government and it was inaugurated in 2019.

According to govt sources, work on the permanent stone statue will start in the next few weeks and it could take at least five to six months to complete the same. The statue made of black granite from Telangana is expected to be installed by August this year. Talking about the statue, a govt official had said, “This will be a realistic sculpture made of a single-piece granite stone. The stone has been selected considering the strong character of Netaji.” The official added that the culture ministry had started the project two months ago and the groundwork has been completed.

Taliban Delegation reaches Norway for talks with the western world on ‘Human Rights’ and ‘International assistance’

OpIndia Staff
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Taliban Delegation reaches Norway for talks with the western world on ‘Human Rights’ and ‘International assistance’

In the midst of Afghanistan’s deteriorating humanitarian crisis, a Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi began three days of discussions with Western government officials and Afghan civil society groups in Oslo in Norway on Sunday. The Taliban delegation was invited by the Norwegian govt to hold talks on various issues.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it has invited representatives of the Taliban to Oslo for a visit from January 23 to 25. However, the govt clarified that it does not imply recognition of the Taliban govt in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt said, “It does not in any way imply any recognition of the coup that took place. We will make strong demands on the Taliban, but we do not know if they will implement them afterwards.”

According to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, “the Taliban will meet representatives of Norwegian authorities and officials from a number of Ally nations” for dialogue on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and human rights. The ministry did not confirm who would be there, but Norwegian daily VG said that Britain, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States would be among the allies.

Reportedly, discussions on girls’ education and women’s rights will be top of the agenda in the discussions. Taliban has greatly curtailed the rights of women in Afghanistan, and Norwegian govt will demand to restore them.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said they are making moves to meet the requests of western nations. He said, “The Islamic Emirate has taken steps to meet the demands of the Western world and we hope to strengthen our relations through diplomatic ways with all countries, including the European countries and the West in general, and to transform the atmosphere of war, which we had previously, into a peaceful situation.”

The Taliban delegation arrived in Oslo on a private jet reportedly paid for by the govt of Norway. They were also joined by Anas Haqqani, the leader of the Sunni Islamist terrorist organization Haqqani Network. However, citizens in Osolo protested against the visit, and questioned why their govt invited an organisation that is blacklisted by the USA.

Following a stalemate on the battlefront, the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan in August as the US and foreign troops initiated their final departure from the country. The trip marks the first time that Taliban leaders are meeting other governments in Europe since the group took control of the nation in August. They had already visited Russia, Iran, Qatar, Pakistan, China, and Turkmenistan.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated considerably since August. International assistance has come to a halt, and the US has blocked the Afghan central bank’s assets worth $9.5 billion (£7 billion). Muttaqi is anticipated to emphasize the Taliban’s demand that the US and other Western countries release the frozen funds during the talks.

According to a statement released by the US State Department, a US delegation led by Special Representative for Afghanistan Tom West will discuss the formation of a representative political system, responses to urgent humanitarian and economic crises, security and counterterrorism concerns, and human rights, particularly education for girls and women.

According to the United Nations, starvation presently scares 23 million Afghans, or 55 percent of the population, and the government needs $4.4 billion from donor countries this year to solve the food crisis.

This year’s Navy tableau for Republic Day parade to depict the Naval Uprising of 1946

OpIndia Staff
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This year’s Navy tableau for Republic Day parade to depict the Naval Uprising of 1946

This year, The Indian Navy’s tableau is all set to depict the 1946 Naval revolt which rocked the shackles of the British Empire, a year before the Independence. The tableau which will feature one of the unsung episodes in the history of India’s freedom struggle will be led by Lieutenant Commander Aanchal Sharma with a marching contingent.

The presentation by the Indian Navy will be part of the 25 tableaux presented by various states, ministries and government departments at the Republic Day Parade on January 26. The tableau is based on the navy’s theme of ‘Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive’. Talking about the specifics, Lieutenant Mayank Bhagour said the forward part of the tableau depicts “The naval uprising of 1946, an event which contributed in India’s struggle for Independence while The rear section of the tableau illustrates the ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Indian Navy, particularly for the period 1983 to 2021.” According to the statement released by the Navy, The theme of the tableau resonance with the ongoing ‘Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations and highlights the Navy’s contribution to the Indian freedom struggle.

Apart from the tableau, a naval contingent comprising of 96 men, three platoon commanders led by Lieutenant Commander Aanchal Sharma, an observer officer posted at the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 314 will be part of the Republic Day celebrations. Interestingly, The 72-men band, whose rehearsal videos are adding to the buzz on social media for tuning popular songs also makes a presence at the Parade.

The Naval Revolt of 1946 which shook the base of the British Empire

The Royal Indian Naval Revolt was triggered in Bombay over the quality of food being served to the soldiers in February 1946. However, in no time it quickly escalated into a concerted mutiny with sailors taking full control of ships and shore establishments. The sailors of the Royal Indian Navy, with a nationalistic uproar, stopped obeying the demands of their British officers. News of the coordinated effort spread across the city of Bombay and students, industrial workers including many government employees went on a strike to support the Naval mutineers.

Following the development, February 20, 1946, the unrest spread across the major harbour hotspots in the country. The sailors in Calcutta and Karachi also joined the revolt. At its peak, the Naval revolt involved, 78 ships, twenty shore establishments and around 20,000 sailors in the Royal Indian Navy. However, while the naval revolt got no support from the erstwhile political leadership of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, it also lacked serious leadership from within. The episode ended peacefully with their mutineers finally surrendering to the British Administration. However, it soon sent shock waves all over that loyalty of the Indian Soldier could no longer be banked, upon which the British Raj had rested. Soon after this, the realization within the Raj to unwind its powers from the Indian subcontinent happened. The episode is thus said to have contributed much into what culminated a year after, the complete Independence of India in August 1947.

Arunachal Pradesh’s missing teenager in possession of Chinese Army, Rahul Gandhi attacks government even after return process initiated

OpIndia Staff
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Arunachal Pradesh’s missing teenager in possession of Chinese Army, Rahul Gandhi attacks government even after return process initiated

The missing teenager from Arunachal Pradesh has been traced. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said on Sunday that an Indian boy who went missing by crossing the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh has been found. The Chinese PLA has informed the Indian Army about this. It has also been said that the missing boy will be sent back to India after proper formalities. According to ANI, PRO Defence, Tezpur Lt Col Harshvardhan Pandey has informed this.

The Indian Army is verifying the Chinese claim and trying to find out if the boy is the same one who was reported missing. The army had on Thursday 20th January 2022 sought the help of the PLA to locate the missing boy identified as Miram Taron and return him as per established protocol.

Chinese army accused of abduction

The Indian Army had stated earlier that when they received information about Taron, they immediately contacted the PLA through an established hotline system and informed that a man, who was collecting herbs and hunting, has lost his way and could not return. It was alleged that the boy was kidnapped by the Chinese PLA.

Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao alleged in a tweet on Wednesday that the Chinese PLA has abducted 17-year-old Miram Touren of Jido village. Taron’s friend Johnny Yaying managed to escape and informed the authorities about the kidnapping by the PLA. Gao said the incident happened near the point from where the Tsangpo river enters India in Arunachal Pradesh. Tsangpo is called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam.

Tapir Gao had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and others to ensure the early release of the kidnapped boy. Accordingly, the process to bring him back is initiated. The Indian Army will first confirm his identity for the same.

Rahul Gandhi attacks government

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has attacked the government even after the army has initiated the process to bring the teenager back. Rahul Gandhi has posted in a tweet ‘Sarkar ho to farz nibhao, Miram Taron ko wapas laao’ which means ‘if you are the government, then you abide by your duty and bring back Miram Taron’.

Congress party demands to ban the movie ‘Why I killed Gandhi’ in Maharashtra, Cine Workers Association seek nationwide ban

OpIndia Staff
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Congress party demands to ban the movie ‘Why I killed Gandhi’ in Maharashtra, Cine Workers Association seek nationwide ban

Days after NCP MP Amol Kolhe was slammed by his own party leaders for playing the role of Nathuram Godse in the upcoming movie ‘Why I killed Gandhi’, now the Congress party has demanded a ban on the movie. Maharashtra State Congress President Nana Patole has said that the Congress party will not allow the movie to be released in Maharashtra. On Sunday, he also said that the Maharashtra Congress will request the CM Uddhav Thackeray not to allow this movie’s release in Maharashtra.

The film is set to release on Limelight OTT on 30th January which happens to be the death anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi and is also observed as Martyr’s day. Former SHiv Sena leader and NCP MP Amol Kolhe has played the role of Nathuram Godse in the film.

The Congress leader Nana Patole has said, “If you portray Gandhiji’s murderer as a hero, it is not acceptable. Our country is known for Gandhiji and his ideology. He is celebrated worldwide. Congress will oppose it. We will request Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray not to allow the film to be released in Maharashtra.”

AICWA write to PM Modi demanding complete ban on the film

In the meanwhile, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded a complete ban on the movie ‘Why I killed Gandhi’, and have asked PM Modi to ban it. In a letter to the PM, AICWA has said that “the film glorifies Nathuram Godse the traitor and killer of the Father of the Nation.”

In the letter to PM Modi, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wrote, “All Indian Cine Workers Association demands a complete ban on the movie Why I Killed Gandhi which is to be released on OTT Platform in India on January 30, 2022, as this movie glorifies Nathuram Godse the traitor and killer of the father of nation Mahatma Gandhiji. Gandhiji is someone who is admired by the entire INDIA and the world, Gandhiji’s Ideology is a symbol of Love and Sacrifice for each and every Indian.”

The letter further mentions that the actor playing Nathuram Godse in the film is a member of the parliament and has taken the oath of the constitution. It says, “Nathuram Godse is (the Traitor and Assassin of Gandhiji) doesn’t deserve an inch of respect by anyone in this country, the actor who played the role of Nathuram Godse (the traitor and the killer of Gandhiji) is a sitting MP in Lok Sabha and is under the oath of Indian Constitution, if this movie releases the entire nation will be shocked and devastated by the display of the heinous crime which occurred on January 30, 1948.”

The association in its letter has added that “On behalf of the entire nation and all the movie associations, we are demanding that ‘Why I Killed Gandhi’ has to be Banned from the release on the OTT platform.”

NCP MP Amol Kolhe playing Nathuram Godse’s role in the film

Earlier, NCP MP Amol Kolhe was slammed by his party colleagues for playing the role of Godse in the movie. The controversy arose when the trailer of the film was released and Amol Kolhe was criticized by senior members of his party for enacting this role. Amol Kolhe has made it clear that he does not support Nathuram Godse’s thought or act but he had taken this role as a challenge for the actor within him. However, party leader Sharad Pawar had supported him in this case.

Gujarat: Father sexually abuses his own 12-year-old daughter in Devbhoomi Dwarka, forces her to do nikah

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Father sexually abuses his own 12-year-old daughter in Devbhoomi Dwarka, forces her to do nikah

One Fakirmamad Hussain Sumbhaliya of Vadinagar village in Devbhoomi Dwarka is accused of sexually abusing his own daughter and even forcing her to do nikah (Islamic marriage ceremony) with her. A report by News18 in an inebriated condition, Sumbhaliya molested his own 12-year-old daughter and even insisted that he does nikah with her.

As per the report, the man had spoken about doing marriage to his minor daughter in the past too. He had reportedly also molested her on occasions. His wife and mother of his daughter has filed a police complaint at Vadinar police station. A case has been registered under sections 8, 12 and 18 of the POCSO Act and section 354 (k) (1), 506 (2) of the IPC. Fakirmamad has since been arrested by the police and further investigation is on.

According the Neelam Goswami, Khambhaliya DYSP, as quoted by News18, the incident has sent shockwaves in the entire Dwarka Devbhoomi region. She said that the further investigation is on in the case.

Madras HC directs police to focus on probing suicide of M Lavanya and not harass the man who recorded her dying declaration

OpIndia Staff
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Madras HC directs police to focus on probing suicide of M Lavanya and not harass the man who recorded her dying declaration

On Saturday (January 22), the Madras High Court directed the police to investigate the circumstances that led to the suicide of 17-year-old girl M Lavanya in Thanjavur and stop harassing the man, who had recorded the victim’s dying declaration. The girl had committed suicide alleging that she was being harassed by her missionary school for not converting to Christianity.

As per reports, the matter came up before a Bench of Justice GR Swaminathan. During the hearing, the girl’s father S Muruganantham informed the court that the cops were trying to implicate the man, who had recorded the dying declaration of the class 12 student, for revealing the identity of the minor girl. He also demanded a CB-CID investigation into the death of his daughter.

S Muruganantham pointed out that the Thanjavur police was trying to protect the perpetrators who had tortured his daughter to convert to Christianity. In his petition, he highlighted how the minor girl was made to clean toilets, utensils and cook food by hostel warden Sagayamary for refusing to give in to their demands.

The Madras High Court passed an interim order restraining the police from harassing the man. The court directed the cops to ‘conduct themselves appropriately’ after the girl’s father approached had submitted before it. The Court had also asked the Thanjavur principal district judge to record the statement of the girl’s father and mother on Sunday (January 23) under Section 164 of the CRPC. It directed the judge to submit a sealed copy of their statement to the High Court in a sealed cover.

It must be mentioned that the court had directed officials on Friday (January 21) to conduct a post-mortem and videotape the medical procedure. The Bench of Justice GR Swaminathan noted that the autopsy was performed by 2 doctors at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. Given that there was no indication of ‘foul play’, the Madras High Court directed that the victim’s body be handed over to the family for performing the last rights.

The Background of the Thanjavur suicide case

OpIndia had earlier reported how a student of standard 12th in Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School in Thirukattupali in Thanjavur in Tamilnadu was coerced into converting to Christianity. As she had refused to accept Christianity, the school authorities had prevented her from leaving the hostel during the Pongal holidays, and instead forced her to clean the entire premises including toilets. Due to the constant harassment, the 17-year-old took her life by consuming pesticides used in the school garden.

A video of the victim’s call for help was published on social media where she was seen in an unconscious situation talking about her torture. The video, originally in Tamil (translated by The Commune) said, “They (school) had asked my parents in my presence if they can convert me to Christianity and help her for further studies. Since I didn’t accept, they kept scolding me.” She had named one Rachael Mary, who allegedly tortured her.

While taking cognisance of the incident, Hindu organisations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Munnani and political outfit Indu Makkal Katchi had raised voices demanding justice for the girl and preventing predatory proselytization of Hindus.

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