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Mamata Banerjee tells women to beat up BJP workers with utensils, calls herself Royal Bengal Tiger: Details

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Mamata Banerjee tells women to beat up BJP workers with utensils, calls herself Royal Bengal Tiger: Details

Mamata Banerjee has declared herself a Royal Bengal Tiger while campaigning in Nandigram ahead of voting for the constituency on the 1st of April. She also advised women to beat up BJP workers and said that she will respond like a lion.

She further claimed, without evidence, that she was attacked by goons from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Mamata Banerjee injured herself in Burulia recently in an incident that was ruled to be an accident in a report by the Election Commission itself.

That, however, has not prevented Mamata from accusing the BJP of attacking her. “No one from Nandigram attacked me but you brought goons from UP, Bihar. We want a free and fair election. If they come, women should beat them up with utensils,” she said.

The West Bengal Chief Minister also appeared to threaten people while leaving. She said, “Cool Cool Trinamool, vote paabe Jora phool (Jora flower, TMC’s symbol, will get the vote)” but then proceeded to add, “Tarpor dekhe nebo, thik aachhey? Maathay jeno thake (We will take care of them after the vote, okay? Remember that)”.

The context of the words are unclear but it is clear that she is speaking of taking care of BJP workers after the vote.

Mamata Banerjee has been extremely eccentric remarks of late. Recently, she claimed that Prime Minister Modi had gone to Bangladesh to campaign for West Bengal assembly elections and therefore, his visa should be cancelled.

She also claimed that the visit violated the model of code conduct while implying that there is nothing wrong if a Bangladeshi actor campaigns for Trinamool Congress during elections.

Panic in TMC camp? After raising the EVM bogey, TMC delegation urges EC not to deploy centre forces from BJP ruled states in Bengal

OpIndia Staff
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Panic in TMC camp? After raising the EVM bogey, TMC delegation urges EC not to deploy centre forces from BJP ruled states in Bengal

Just after the first phase of polling in West Bengal, TMC seems to be getting jittery about its prospects in the state. After raising the EVM bogey, a delegation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have now met Election Commission and urged them not to deploy armed police forces from UP, MP, Bihar, and any other BJP/NDA ruled state.

TMC said in its plea that Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Cabinet Minister of Bihar Syed Sehnawaz Hussain and other BJP leaders are star campaigners in West Bengal elections and MP Police and UP Police report to CM Chouhan and CM Yogi, respectively. Therefore, to ensure no partisan activity during the elections, armed forces from these states or any state where BJP/NDA is in power should not be deployed in West Bengal on election duty.

This bizarre request from TMC comes after the first phase of polling where BJP is set to do remarkably well. According to Amit Shah, BJP is set to win 26 out of 30 seats in the first phase of polling where Jhargram and Jangalmahal voted. The increased panic in the TMC camp seems to be a direct consequence of them losing grip over power in the state.

If pollsters are to be believed, BJP is set to comfortably form the government in the state, wresting power away from Mamata Banerjee led TMC.

It is pertinent to remember that merely a few hours after the voters began to exercise their ballot in the first phase, the jittery Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) had started peddling the ‘EVM hacked’ bogey.

The ruling TMC party, which is, this time, fighting for its survival in the state, took to Twitter to raise the false bogey of ‘EVM malfunctioning’. It said the voters in the Kanthi Dakshin assembly seat have been making a shocking claim that “they voted for TMC but VVPAT showed them the BJP symbol”. It asked the Election commission to immediately look into the matter. “THIS IS SERIOUS! THIS IS UNPARDONABLE!” exclaimed ruling TMC.

Preventive custody of anti-social elements in Purba Medinipur

The residents of Purba Medinipur will cast their votes in the second phase of Assembly Elections in West Bengal. TMC has alleged that BJP workers indulged in large scale violence during the first phase of elections that led to grave injuries to many people. They also alleged that BJP workers were involved in several instances of booth capturing, rigging and jamming. Thus, EC should issue an order to take any such anti-social elements into preventive custody.

Central ministers and leaders from other States are bringing ‘outsiders’ to West Bengal – Subrata Mukherjee

During a press conference after meeting with Election Commission, TMC leader Subrata Mukherjee alleged that the central ministers and leaders from other states are bringing ‘outsiders’ to West Bengal in the name of security.

‘Suvendu Adhikari is harbouring criminals in Nandigram’ – alleged TMC

In a letter to EC, TMC has alleged that BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, a contesting election in Nandigram against Mamata Banerjee, has harboured criminals who are non-residents of Nandigram.

They mentioned five locations in their letter, including hotels, lodges and houses of BJP leaders at Nandakumar High Road, EN Public School in Paloimore, lodges and guest houses in Chandipur, Kali Podo Se’s home, Haripur, Ram Chowk and other locations. They said that local police had been informed about the locations.

Assembly Elections in West Bengal

Phase 1 of the Assembly elections in West Bengal were held on March 27. The next phase of voting will take place on April 1. In the second phase, all eyes will be on Nandigram, where CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting the election against Suvendu Adhikari, who left TMC and joined BJP in December 2020. The elections in West Bengal were divided in eight phases. Results will be announced on May 2.

Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 becomes law after Presidential assent: Read how it alters the power equation in Delhi

OpIndia Staff
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Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 becomes law after Presidential assent: Read how it alters the power equation in Delhi

The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday gave assent to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, which enhances the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and limits the elected government’s power in Delhi.

The centre had passed the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha on last Monday and later in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The centre had introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Parliament to amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, that provided a framework for the functioning of the Legislative Assembly and the government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.  

The new law seeks to amend certain powers and responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly and the Lieutenant Governor.

What is the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991?

Delhi is a Union Territory with a legislature, and it came into being in 1991 under Article 239AA of the Constitution inserted by the Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991.

Subsequently, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, was enacted by the centre to supplement the provisions of the Constitution concerning the Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers for the territory of Delhi. As per the existing Act, the Legislative Assembly has the power to make laws in all matters except public order, police and land.

The act also outlined the powers of the Assembly, the discretionary powers enjoyed by the L-G, and the duties of the CM with respect to the need to furnish information to the L-G.

However, several flaws in the GNCTD Act, 1991, hindered the smooth functioning between the Delhi government and the L-G. In the previous act, there was no structural mechanism to ensure the time-bound implementation of the rules. Also, the law did not have clarity about what proposal or matters need to be taken up with the L-G before issuing any directive.

The earlier provisions also gave rise to conflict between the elected government in Delhi and the L-G often, resulting in governance deficit in Delhi.

LG-Delhi Government conflict:

The conflict between the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi government has time-and-again given rise to a constitutional crisis in Delhi. The lack of clarity in the 1991 act had resulted in the ambiguous interpretation of the provisions of division of powers between the L-G and the Delhi government.

To make it more complex, a five-judge Supreme Court Bench, in 2018, had held that the L-G’s concurrence is not required on issues other than police, public order and land, thus giving more powers to the elected government. The apex court had also added that decisions of the Council of Ministers will, however, have to be communicated to the L-G.

In its judgement, the apex court said that L-G was bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers. However, in the same verdict, the Supreme Court also pointed out that the elected government must keep in mind that Delhi is not a state.

Following the judgement, the elected government in Delhi altogether stopped sending files on executive matters to the L-G before the implementation of any decision.

To rectify the flaw and to give effect to the interpretation made by the Supreme Court in the issue, the Centre introduced new amendments to the GNCTD Act, 1991.

What are the provisions under the new law?

The GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2021 seeks to end the ambiguity regarding the time-bound implementation of the laws and the confusion surrounding matters where LG consultation was necessary. The new law will amend Sections 21, 24, 33 and 44 of the 1991 Act.

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, the amendment will give effect to the interpretation made by the Supreme Court, that seeks, inter alia, “to clarify the expression “Government”, which in the context of legislation to be passed by the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, shall mean the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi”.

“The said bill will promote harmonious relations between the legislature and the executive, and further define the responsibilities of the elected government and the L-G, in line with the constitutional scheme of governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, as interpreted by the Supreme Court,” the statement of objects said.

Further, the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2021 seeks to give primacy to Delhi’s lieutenant governor (L-G) over the elected government in Delhi. In other words, it seeks to clarify that the “government” in Delhi means the “Lieutenant Governor”.

The new law states that the Delhi assembly continues to make laws on all subjects in the state list and concurrent list except public order, police and land. Under the new law, the Delhi government will now have to seek the lieutenant governor’s opinion before any executive action after the passage of the bill.

The new law says, “When a bill has been passed by the legislative assembly, it shall be presented to the lieutenant governor and the lieutenant governor shall declare either that he assents to the bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the bill for the consideration of the president.”

The amended law gives discretionary powers to the L-G even in matters where the Legislative Assembly of Delhi is empowered to make laws. The GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2021 also ensures that the L-G is “necessarily granted an opportunity” to give her or his opinion before any decision taken by the Council of Ministers (or the Delhi Cabinet) is implemented.

Most importantly, the new law also bars the Assembly or its committees from making rules to take up matters concerning day-to-day administration, or to conduct inquiries in relation to administrative decisions.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray tells Chief Secretary to prepare for lockdown amidst rising Covid cases in the state

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray tells Chief Secretary to prepare for lockdown amidst rising Covid cases in the state

On March 28, Maharashtra clocked 40,414 new Covid-19 cases. The alarming situation in the state pushed Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to ask Sitaram Kunte, Chief Secretary, to immediately prepare a plan for a lockdown as a last resort to control the situation.

Thackeray showed concern over the rising number during the meeting and said, “The government was trying hard to keep the economy afloat amid the pandemic. However, several factors are not being considered seriously.” Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope was also present at the meeting.

CM said that the health of the people is the government’s top priority. “Hence, the chief secretary should plan a lockdown strategy to ensure that the supply of essential commodities, including food grain and medicines, and health services, are not hampered. This is what we have to do if people are not following the (Covid) norms,” he added.

Maharashtra lockdown plan: Businesses not following 50% attendance norm

During the meeting, CM Thackeray said that the state had restricted business establishments to allow only 50% of the employees to come to the office. However, the norm is not being followed in private establishments. He further added that citizens are not following the precautions. Thus, the state has to take the necessary steps. He said that citizens are not wearing masks, marriage halls are packed beyond the permitted number of guests, and social distancing norms are not being followed.

Death of Covid patients due to lack of oxygen

As per reports, at least seven patients have died in Nagpur (4) and Dhule (3) due to an alleged shortage of oxygen in hospitals. The hospitals in Nagpur are in desperate need of critical supplies, especially medical oxygen, as the demand has increased five-fold due to a surge in critical patients. Following the death of three patients, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the hospital and initiated an inquiry. The other twenty patients have been shifted to other hospitals.

Alarming spike in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra

In the last 15 days, the number of cases has risen at an alarming pace in the state of Maharashtra. Over 3.9 lakh people were tested positive during that period. Mumbai clocked 6,933 cases in a single day on Sunday, making it the highest ever tally recorded in the state.

Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of the task force to curb the rising number, said that lockdown would be the last resort. He said, “Lockdown is the last resort, but we have to consider it because the healthcare infrastructure is crumbling. There are no beds available in the private sector and public-sector beds, too, are filling fast.”

Maharashtra stands at the top as the most-affected state in the country. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, nearly 27,13,875 cases have been reported from the state, with more than 3,25,901 active cases. The state has reported 54,181 Covid-19 deaths. On Sunday, 40,414 cases were reported in Maharashtra. 108 people died due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the last 24 hours.

Mehbooba Mufti says she was denied a passport because CID deems her ‘detrimental to the security of India’

OpIndia Staff
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Mehbooba Mufti says she was denied a passport because CID deems her ‘detrimental to the security of India’

On March 29, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she had been denied a passport by the government of India, citing national security. In the tweet, she said, “Passport Office refused to issue my passport based on CID’s report citing it as ‘detrimental to the security of India. This is the level of normalcy achieved in Kashmir since Aug 2019 that an ex-Chief Minister holding a passport is a threat to the sovereignty of a mighty nation.”

Mufti also posted a snapshot of the letter sent by the Passport Office, Srinagar. In the letter, it was mentioned that the request was denied based on the Police Verification Report (PVR) received from the Additional Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir CID. The PVR was returned to the passport office with the remark “Not Recommended Passport Case”.

Letter issued by Passport Office (Image: Twitter/AzaanJavaid)

The passport was denied by the CID under Section 6 (2) (c) of the Passport Act, 1967. Section 6 of the Passport Act deals with the refusal of passport and travel documents. The sub-section (2) clause (c) states that the passport authority shall refuse to make an endorsement for visiting any country if the departure of the applicant from India may, or is likely to, be detrimental to the security of India.

Under Section 11 of the Passport Act, 1967, Mufti can appeal to the Passport Office, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, against the refusal of issuance of passport by the Passport Office, Jammu and Kashmir within 30 days of the receipt of the letter.

J&K Police had informed the High Court about the ‘adverse report’ by CID

On March 25, while hearing a petition filed by Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu and Kashmir High Court, the court was informed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police that the issuance of the passport was opposed based on the ‘adverse report’ received from CID. The report submitted in the High Court by the Police stated that Mufti cannot be issued a passport because the CID sees security issues.

As per reports, Mufti had applied for a fresh passport on December 11, 2020. Her previous passport had expired on May 31 last year. Speaking on the issue, Police officials said that “an adverse report” has been filed against her by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), but refused to elaborate, saying the matter would be taken up before the high court.

Mufti was released from detention in October 2020

On October 13 last year, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti was released from detention. She was detained with several other political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 when Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced the abrogation of Article 370.

Prashant Kishore vows to quit job as ‘election strategist’ if BJP crosses 100 seats in Bengal. Here is what he said

OpIndia Staff
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Prashant Kishore vows to quit job as ‘election strategist’ if BJP crosses 100 seats in Bengal. Here is what he said

Amidst the ongoing Vidhan Sabha elections in West Bengal, election strategist Prashant Kishor has vowed to quit his profession if BJP gets more than 100 seats.

In an interview with the Indian Express, Kishor said, “Around November-December last year, there was a lot of hype being created around the BJP, that they are going to sweep the state, get 200 seats etc. So, it was important for us to say publicly that this is not true… There is no way that in December the BJP was in a position to be winning 200 seats.”

He said that he stood by his earlier assessment that BJP can not cross the double-digit mark. “And, in our assessment, they would struggle to enter triple digits, and I stand by that remark. If they do, I will cease to exist as a political aide to anyone. I must quit this space, and quitting this space does not mean Twitter; I won’t do this work ever,” he announced.

Prashant Kishor also claimed that BJP has a 5-pronged strategy for the West Bengal State Legislative elections. According to him, the strategy includes polarisation, discrediting Mamata Banerjee, collapsing the Trinamool Congress, PM Modi’s popularity and the vote of Scheduled Castes.

Prashant Kishore earlier announced to quit Twitter if BJP crossed 100 seats

Prashant Kishor, the election strategist to Mamata Banerjee, claimed in December last year that the BJP will get less than 100 seats. He had announced that he would quit Twitter if the BJP crossed the double-figure mark. He had also challenged BJP leaders to announce that they would relinquish their positions if they failed to get 200 seats.

On December 21, 2020, he tweeted, “For all the hype AMPLIFIED by a section of supportive media, in reality, BJP will struggle to CROSS DOUBLE DIGITS in WestBengal. PS: Please save this tweet and if BJP does any better I must quit this space!” His announcement came, following BJP heavyweight leader Amit Shah’s visit to West Bengal and the defection of 9 TMC MLAs and one MP.



Biden admin floats ‘vaccine passports’ in the USA as the idea gains steam worldwide: All you need to know

OpIndia Staff
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Biden admin floats ‘vaccine passports’ in the USA as the idea gains steam worldwide: All you need to know

The United States under the Joe Biden administration is developing a system for Americans to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, colloquially referred to as a “vaccine passports”. The “vaccine passport” will potentially serve as proof of vaccination for people as they engage in various activities due to more businesses opening up.

According to a senior Biden admin official, multiple agencies are involved in the planning of this system. The planning is coordinated by the White House, with the system is set to play a huge in multiple aspects of people’s lives, including the workforce.

Many business groups, including airlines and travel sectors, were lobbying the Biden administration in order to get the ball rolling on developing some sort of vaccine credentials. The business groups believe that vaccine credentials, more commonly known as a “vaccine passport”, straight from the U.S. Federal Government will nip any confusing regional vaccine certifications in the bud.

Some U.S. officials see the “vaccine passport” as a look into the world of the future, where international travel, public entertainment, and other social events will all be contingent upon getting vaccinated and having proper documentation. However, this raises a moral and ethical dilemma concerning the lack of inclusion of unvaccinated people, whether it be because of poverty or other reasons.

There are already some forms of private “vaccine passports” in existence. The International Air Transport Association, a trade group comprising of global airlines, is testing their own version called “Travel Pass”. The American tech giant IBM also utilizes its own version, which allows people from New York to download proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. It is a mobile app that uses a secure QR code that can either be printed out or stored in smartphones.

The initiative to develop “vaccine passports” is not a U.S.-only phenomenon, with the European Union coming out in favor of it. On 17 March 2021, the European Commission proposed the creation of a “Digital Green Certificate” which will serve as an instrument to facilitate safe and free movement within the EU in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are some fears that this “vaccine passport” can later be used not just as an instrument of facilitating travel, but also to regulate day-to-day work like engaging in commerce, admission to various businesses, etc.

In light of the development of the U.S. “vaccine passport”, which will potentially be used by businesses and corporations to serve as a certificate to allow or disallow people to their services, the concern regarding vaccine passports is not unwarranted. There are concerns of disadvantaged people losing their ability to functionally interact with a society which stresses upon proof of vaccination. However, it remains to be seen exactly what effect will a government backed, all encompassing vaccine passport have in terms of restricting the access of people to goods and services.

TMC operative shares fake ABP West Bengal election poll, gets called out by ABP News

OpIndia Staff
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TMC operative shares fake ABP West Bengal election poll, gets called out by ABP News

In an embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a fake ABP News poll tweeted by a digital marketer working for the TMC was debunked today.

Pritam Seal, a TMC operative, posted an image of a fraudulent ABP News poll assigning 23-26 seats to incumbent Mamata Banerjee’s TMC in the first phase of the 2021 Bengal elections. The fake survey was debunked by ABP News’s Head of Digital Content Strategy, Mr. Tushar Banerjee.

Referring to the fake survey in his tweet, Mr. Banerjee wrote, “This is fake. Please delete and refrain from misrepresenting us. Our exit poll will only come on the 29th of April, as allowed by EC.” In spite of this damning clarification, the TMC operative did not delete his highly misleading survey immediately. He deleted it much later.

We could not verify whether Seal is a member of the TMC or merely a digital marketer working for the party.

In a press conference on Sunday, Home Minister Amit Shah said that BJP will form government in West Bengal by winning more than 200 seats in the ongoing assembly elections in the state.

“After discussions with booth level workers and party leaders, I can say out of 30 seats in West Bengal we will win more than 26 seats. We have got clear indications that BJP will win more than 37 seats out of 47 seats in Assam,” said Shah. 

Assam: Congress lodges complaint with police and EC against BJP, local newspapers for ‘misleading’ ads predicting BJP’s win

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Congress lodges complaint with police and EC against BJP, local newspapers for ‘misleading’ ads predicting BJP’s win

The Congress Party’s do or die battle for existence is underway in Assam and the party is trying its hardest to keep BJP at bay. In a recent development, Congress has filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP chief JP Nadda, state president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and eight leading local newspapers for ‘camouflaging an advertisement as news’, predicting BJP’s win in all the seats in Upper Assam that went to polls in the first phase on March 27.

The FIR was lodged with the Dispur police on Sunday night for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), provisions of Section 126A of the Representation of People Act, 1951 and the ECI’s directives issued on March 26, APCC Legal Department Chairman Niran Borah said.

The party alleged that this was BJP’s pre-planned conspiracy to deceive voters in the second and third phases of polls. “The CM, BJP national president, state chief and other members of the party have knowingly issued advertisements camouflaged as headlines on front pages of various newspapers claiming that the BJP will win all the constituencies of Upper Assam,” Borah claimed.

Congress approaches EC with a complaint against BJP and local newspapers

Moreover, Congress has also approached the Election Commission demanding action against BJP for using local dailies to mislead and brainwash voters. It alleged that BJP carried a misleading advertisement in multiple dailies, suggesting its victory in these constituencies.

In a letter to the Assam chief electoral officer Nitin Khade, Niran Borah, who is the chairman of the Congress’ legal department alleged: “… The advertisement has been published in the form of a news report for canvassing in favour of BJP to influence and deceive the public/voters for the remaining two phases of polls across the state.”

Congress has demanded strict action against the saffron party, as well as the 8 locals newspapers in question. It demanded that the circulation of these said news items/advertisement be stopped for publication in all forms of electronic media, social media, etc. This it said was important for holding a free and fair election in the state.

The state BJP’s chief spokesperson, Rupam Goswami, said the advertisement merely reflected the party’s confidence, based on ground reports. “Why is Congress so worried? All ads are passed after approval from poll panel officials entrusted with vetting advertisements,” Goswami said.

Traditionally a Congress stronghold, BJP came to power for the first time in Assam with a thumping mandate in the year 2016. BJP’s overwhelming success in the last Assembly elections left the Congress party reeling in shock. Now, with the 2021 Assembly elections underway, the desperate Congress is leaving no stone unturned to break its anti-incumbency jinx.

The Assam Assembly elections 2021 is being held in three phases, from March 27 to April 6. The  first phase of Assam election concluded on March 27, 2021, with 72.14 per cent turnout. The counting of votes for the Assam assembly election will be done on May 2 2021 (Sunday).

Pakistan: 100-year-old Hindu temple attacked in Rawalpindi, where only recently, temple bells had been sounded after 74 long years

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: 100-year-old Hindu temple attacked in Rawalpindi, where only recently, temple bells had been sounded after 74 long years

On March 27, an over 100-year-old Hindu temple was attacked in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, by a group of unidentified people. As per the police complaint, the incident took place at the Purana Qila area of the city. Around 10 to 15 people stormed into the temple premises at around 7:30 PM. They damaged the main door and another door at the upper storey.

The temple was undergoing renovation from last month, and on March 26, the temple bells rang for the first time in 74 years in front of the potrait of Maa Durga. Rawalpindi Police has registered a case against unidentified miscreants for the incident.

According to Pakistani daily Dawn, the complaint was registered at Banni Police Station by Syed Raza Abbas Zaidi, security officer of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Northern Zone. In his complaint, he said that the construction and renovation work on the temple had been going for the last month. He further added that 10 to 15 people stormed the temple at around 7:30 and damaged the temple premises. Legal action against the miscreants was sought in the complaint.

Temple was infested with encroachments

Before the construction and renovation work could have begun, the administration had to remove encroachments in the premises. As per reports, the encroachment mafia had occupied the surrounding of the temple and established kiosks and shops. There were people living inside the temple premises for years. The district administration had removed the encroachments with the help of the Police.

On March 24, some encroachments were found in front of the temple that was removed. Earlier, the encroachment mafia had occupied the surroundings of the temple for a long time by constructing shops and kiosks. The district administration assisted by the Police recently removed all encroachments.

Security increased at the administrator of the temple

Om Prakash, the administrator of the temple, confirmed that attack on the temple. He said as soon as he received the information about the incident, he reached the temple with Police personnel. The Police brought the situation under control. The Police have increased security at the temple and Om Prakash’s house.

Attacks on Hindu places of worship in Pakistan

The attacks on Hindu places of worship are common in Pakistan. There are around 75 Lakh Hindus in Pakistan. In December 2020, a Hindu temple was attacked by a mob in the Karak’s Teri district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, causing severe damage to the structure.

In November 2020, an old Hindu temple was demolished in Karachi, Pakistan. Idols were thrown out of the temple. In August 2020, a pre-partition Hanuman temple was demolished in Lyari district, Pakistan. As per the reports, a builder who had earlier promised that the temple would not be touched demolished it while taking advantage of the Covid lockdown.

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