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From support for zamindars to ‘protest will help overthrow Modi govt’: A saga of clueless people at farmer protest

OpIndia Staff
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From support for zamindars to ‘protest will help overthrow Modi govt’: A saga of clueless people at farmer protest

Even as protesting farmers throng outside Delhi blocking highways and causing huge inconvenience to the public, various videos have emerged exposing how some protestors neither have a clue about the intent of the farmer protestors nor have any idea about the three farms bills that are passed by Modi government.

A series of interview of the protestors by the team of ‘Know the Nation’ reveals how these protestors have no agenda whatsoever, instead they are being allegedly brainwashed to believe that the farm laws are inherently against farmers.

Here are the series of interviews of protestors conducted by Know the nation

Clueless people at farmer protests

A protesting farmer, who was seen at the protest, had no clue at all about the reasons for the protest. When asked, “What are you protesting against?”, a protestor said, “We’re here to protest against the three black laws!”.

As the reporter asked, “Which laws?”, the protestor says, “That I do not know. I came here for employment, let farmers & labourers see to it..”

Farmer or clueless labourer?

Suryadev Bharadwaj, who openly claimed of not being a farmer, said that he came to support the farmers. He said he is jobless but is receiving a salary from his company.

The protestors said that labourers are going hungry, despite receiving salaries. He also added COVID-19 is a myth.

CPIM members hijack protest

A CPIM member hijacking the protest said, Modi government is known not to retract from its decisions.

The member of All India Kisan Sabha member, a front of Communist Party of India (CPIM) claims they are carrying six months worth of food supplies for a sustained agitation in Delhi.

Clueless Labourers joining protests

Another labourer, claiming to be a son of farmer says his company is closed, so he joined the protests.

“But isn’t this a farmers’ protest?” asks the reporters. To which, the protestor says, “We are like sons of farmers!”

When asked about the his opposition to the farm laws, the person did not have a straight answer.

Protester has no idea about MSP

Balli from Punjab, one of the protestors at the outskirts of Delhi was also staging a protest against Modi government. He says Ambani-Adani snatched his lands. According to Balli, the government has privatized crop rates, so it was why he was protesting.

Another clueless protester

The reporter asks another protestor regarding his presence at the protest site. The protestor responds saying he was there to support his fellow farmer brothers. When asked why was he protesting, he says he does not exactly know why they are protesting.

Clueless Kisan Ekta Sangh leader:

Another young man claiming to be a member of Kisan Ekta Sangh student’s wing leader revealed that he was supporting the protest as it will help throw out the Modi government in power.

When asked to name the farm bills that were passed, he failed to do so and started deflecting the topic.

Agenda: Farmers or something else?

An elderly man was at the protest site to protest against the bills passed by the government during COVID-19 pandemic.

Support for zamindars

A protestor from Delhi said whatever PM Modi is doing is not good. He asked Modi government what will the Zamindars get from the farm bills.

“The bill is alright, but Modi Ji is not good,” he said adding that he had come to protests to meet their relatives who came from Punjab.

Clueless Akali Dal member

Samshar singh, Pradhan of Akali Dal, says he was here to provide food & medicine. Clueless Singh claims the farm bills are against farmers as MSP already in place, Mandis are open and free trade already exists.

Support for Zamindars in Punjab

A protestor from Punjab claims that ‘Zamindars in Punjab’ are very upset with the new farm laws and will come in large numbers to protest.

He added that the farmers are planning to head towards Ramlila ground and are carrying ration, LPG to sustain protests for six months.

Another Clueless protester

Another clueless Akali Dal member says the law is against the farmers. However, when asked about what are the changes he sought in farm bills, he surprisingly says that he did not want any amendments in farm laws but wanted it completely repealed.

Clueless AAP leader at farmer protest

Aam Aadmi Party leaders too made their presence felt during the protest. An AAP worker says the farm laws are anti-farmer. She also disclosed that she is here to support Arvind Kejriwal and that the protest will last for six months.

AAP leader with no clue about farmer demands and cause for agitation

Another Aam Aadmi Party leader was also caught with no knowledge on the farm bills.

Farmers groups threatens to block access to Delhi

Amidst all the chaos, the farmers protesting against the Modi government over new farm laws have rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposal for a discussion on their grievances. 

The protesting farmers who are blocking roads at the outskirts of Delhi said that they have rejected the offer claiming that the talks proposed by Amit Shah were conditional. The farmers, however, insisted that the Union Home Minister should visit the farmers and hold talks ‘without any conditions.’ 

The President of Bharat Kisan Union (Krantikari) has also threatened the Modi government saying that they will block the five entry points to Delhi and continue their ‘protest’.

“We’ve decided that we’ll never go to Burari Park as we got proof that it’s an open jail. Delhi Police told Uttarakhand Farmer Association President that they’ll take them to Jantar Mantar but instead locked them at Burari Park”, said Surjeet S Phul, President, BKU Krantikari (Punjab).

It is pertinent to note that earlier, the Home Minister in a goodwill gesture had said the government was willing to talk on “every problem and demand”. He also urged the farmers to move their protest to a designated spot near Burari in the national capital. The government’s decision to hold talks with farmers came after the so-called farmers began to block the highways causing inconvenience to citizens. 

SFJ ads appear on YouTube offering $10m support for farmers, in return, wants Sikhs to join ‘Khalistan movement’: Details

OpIndia Staff
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SFJ ads appear on YouTube offering $10m support for farmers, in return, wants Sikhs to join ‘Khalistan movement’: Details

Amid ongoing farmers’ protests in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, it is evident that Khalistani supporters have hijacked the protests and are furthering their own nefarious agenda. The infamous Islamic organization, Popular Front of India, known for its connections with Islamic extremists, has extended support for the protesters. Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has announced support for the protests as well. Now, ads have started appearing on YouTube and other social media platforms urging people to join the Khalistani movement.

SFJ offers $10 million grant for protesters, asks to join Khalistan Movement in return

Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, founder of SFJ has announced financial support of $10 million for the farmers who have faced any loss while travelling to Delhi. In a recently uploaded video, Pannu asked the farmers to send SFJ details of the losses they have faced, and his organization will reimburse the amount.

In return, Pannu asked to join the Khalistan Movement. He is trying to buy votes for the ‘referendum’ his organization has announced to free Punjab from India and form Khalistan, a nation for Sikhs. Khalistani forces are getting a lot of support from Pakistan.

In the video, Pannu said, “Sikhs For Justice has announced $1 million for the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. The funds will be given to those who got injured or faced any losses while travelling to Delhi.” He asked the farmers to make calls to Sikhs for Justice on November 30, the day on which Sikhs will celebrate the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

“On November 30, register your vote for Punjab referendum. This is a fight between Hind and Punjab. Khalistan is the only way out. These black laws that are taking away your lands can only be countered with freedom. The day Punjab gets free, no one will be able to take over any farmer’s land in Punjab,” he further added.

The Khalistan and SFJ tentacles in the farmers’ protest

It is important to note that the Khalistan organisation SFJ, funded by Pakistan, had earlier declared a grant of $1 million for farmers in Punjab and Haryana in lieu of their support for Khalistan.

On 23rd September, it was reported that the SFJ had attempted to capitalise on the ongoing protests by farmers and had declared that it would distribute $1 million among farmers who had defaulted on agricultural loans.

“From October 1 to October 8, any farmer — irrespective of his faith — can register 25 votes for the Khalistan Referendum 2020 and get a grant of Rs 5,000 as assistance to repay their agricultural loans,” SJF said. The security agencies have since received inputs on the latest offer by SFJ.

Claiming that the Indian government’s new farms laws as a “colonial agenda to ultimately turn the farmers landless”, SFJ General Counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had tried to incite the farmers of Punjab by saying that the Modi government wanted to enslave the farmers of Punjab and Haryana by turning them into destitute. The SFJ had included farmers of Haryana also because they consider Haryana as part of Khalistan.

Earlier in September itself, the banned pro-Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had announced a door-to-door campaign for registration of voters supporting its separatist agenda called ‘Referendum 2020’. 

The anti-terrorist agencies had then alerted the law-enforcement agencies in the states after the announcement. However, the Punjab government led by the Congress seems to have taken the Khalistan threat lightly resulting in Khalistan groups taking advantage of current farmer protests. 

Interestingly, while all of this was happened, the farmers protest was started in the same month of September. Now, pro-Khalistan, pro-Pakistan and pro-Imran Khan slogans have been raised during the farmers’ protest.

Questions over YouTube ads of SFJ

Netizens have noticed the video running as an advertisement on YouTube that is against the Google Advertiser Policies. As per Google’s policy, “Ads that potentially profit from or exploit a sensitive event with significant social, cultural, or political impact, such as civil emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and related activities, conflict, or mass acts of violence” are not allowed.

Also, under Dangerous or derogatory content, Google has clearly stated that “content made by or in support of terrorist groups” is not allowed as an advertisement on any platform, including YouTube. Sikhs For Justice is an unlawful organization under the UAPA, 1967. In 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs had banned SFJ for its anti-national activities. In July this year, the government of India had blocked 40 websites associated with the organization.

While YouTube has shown a propensity to ban channels for far less, it has inexplicably allowed for this terrorist message to be advertised on its platform with impunity. Seemingly, YouTube has decided that policies do not apply to the wicked.

The law has nothing to do with the land

These extremists are spreading rumors that the recently passed laws will take away farmers’ lands. Deep Sidhu, the Khalistani supporter actor-turned-leader, was also heard making such baseless claims. In reality, the laws give protection to the farmers in several ways from getting mistreated by private companies or traders. As per the reports, some farmers have already benefitted from the new laws as it helped them extract delayed payments from the traders.

President of farmer organisation says they will block all five entry points to Delhi because Burari park is an ‘open jail’: Details

OpIndia Staff
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President of farmer organisation says they will block all five entry points to Delhi because Burari park is an ‘open jail’: Details

The farmers protesting against the Modi government over new farm laws have rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposal for a discussion on their grievances. 

According to the reports, the protesting farmers who are blocking roads at the outskirts of Delhi said that they have rejected the offer claiming that the talks proposed by Amit Shah were conditional. The farmers, however, insisted that the Union Home Minister should visit the farmers and hold talks ‘without any conditions.’ 

The farmers contend that the government is imposing conditions on the talks. AAP founding member and chief of political outfit Swaraj India Yogendra Yadav speaking on behalf of agitating farmers said that farmers have now taken the decision to turn down the offer and will continue to sit on the borders of Delhi.

Farmers’ organisations have expressed reservations about the offer. Jagjit Singh, Bharatiya Kisan Union’s Punjab President, said, “He should have offered talks with an open heart without any condition”.

Now, the President of Bharat Kisan Union (Krantikari) has said that they will block the 5 entry points to Delhi and continue their ‘protest’.

“We’ve decided that we’ll never go to Burari Park as we got proof that it’s an open jail. Delhi Police told Uttarakhand Farmer Association President that they’ll take them to Jantar Mantar but instead locked them at Burari Park”, said Surjeet S Phul, President, BKU Krantikari (Punjab).

He further said, “Instead of going to open jail in Burari, we’ve decided that we will gherao Delhi by blocking 5 main entry points to Delhi. We’ve got 4 months ration with us, so nothing to worry. Our Operations Committee will decide everything”.

It is pertinent to note that earlier, the Home Minister in a goodwill gesture had said the government was willing to talk on “every problem and demand”. He also urged the farmers to move their protest to a designated spot near Burari in the national capital. The government’s decision to hold talks with farmers came after the so-called farmers began to block the highways causing inconvenience to citizens. 

The Home Minister had appealed to all unions on Friday evening and had also personally called three farmer leaders – Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan), Jagjit Singh Dallewal, president of BKU ( Sidhupur) and Balbir Singh Rajewal, President of BKU (Rajewal). However, it seems that the farmer organisation are in no mood to engage with the government’s goodwill gesture and have instead decided to gherao Delhi.

A year after quitting Congress over ‘petty politics’, Urmila set to join Shiv Sena, to be nominated as MLC

OpIndia Staff
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A year after quitting Congress over ‘petty politics’, Urmila set to join Shiv Sena, to be nominated as MLC

Bollywood actress-turned-politician Urmila is all set to join the Shiv Sena this week, a year after she resigned from the Congress party.

According to the reports, Urmila Matondkar will join Shiv Sena on Monday. Reportedly, the Shiv Sena has decided to nominate her for the state legislative council. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi will be nominating the 46-year-old actress name along with 11 others.

In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Urmila Matondkar had joined the party and had contested the elections on a Congress ticket. However, she had lost the elections. Five months later she resigned from the party citing petty politics as the reason.

In her statement, Urmila Matondkar had said, “My political and social sensibilities refuse to allow vested interests in the party to use me as a means to fight petty in-house politics instead of working on a bigger goal in Mumbai Congress.”

Urmila Matondkar had contested the Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North seat as a Congress candidate and had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of BJP leader Gopal Shetty.

‘Haven’t you seen how they cry, do ‘haye tauba’: Here is what Amit Shah said, responding to Owaisi’s comment about illegal Rohingyas

OpIndia Staff
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‘Haven’t you seen how they cry, do ‘haye tauba’: Here is what Amit Shah said, responding to Owaisi’s comment about illegal Rohingyas

Home Minister Amit Shah is in Hyderabad for Greater Hyderabad Municipal Election (GHMC) campaigning. While answering some questions, Home Minister Amit Shah replied to the allegations made by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. HM Amit Shah said when he takes action or talk about sending Rohingyas and Bangladeshis back, leaders like Owaisi stand against him in Lok Sabha.

The journalist had asked Amit Shah to respond to Owaisi’s comment where he had asked what the government is doing about the situation if they say that thousands of illegal Rohingya Muslims have infiltrated and settled in India.

HM Shah said, “Bhai jab main karyawahi karta hun to yeh haye tauba karte hain parliament mein. Dekha nahi hai aapne? Kitni badi awaz mein rote hain. Ek baar likh kar mujhe de dein Bangladeshiyon aur Rohingyaon ko nikalna hai baad mein main karta hun zara. Likh kar de dene ke liye bol dijiye unko. Sirf chunav mein baat karne se nahi hota hai. Jab nikalne ke liye parliament mein behes hoti hai kaun inka paksh leta hai? Desh ki janta jaanti hai sabne live television par dekha hai.”

Translated, it means:

“When I try to take action these people make rukus in the parliament. Haven’t you seen? How they cry? Ask them to give me in writing that Bangladeshis and Rohingyas have to be evicted. Ask them to give in writing. Talking about this issue only during elections will not help. When there is a discussion over the issue in parliament who takes their side? The people of the country have seen on live television.”

What Asaduddin Owaisi had said about Rohingya Muslims, questioning Amit Shah

On November 23, Owaisi had said, “If there’re 30,000 Rohingyas in electoral list, what is Home Minister Amit Shah doing? Is he sleeping? Isn’t this his job to see how are 30-40 thousand Rohingyas listed?”

He had challenged BJP that if the party is honest, they should give him 1,000 such names within a day.

Clearly, Amit Shah has responded to the statement by Owaisi who questioned the government over their actions while defending Rohingya muslims and their illegal settlements in India.

The infiltration of Rohingya Muslims in India and the Indian government’s stand 

India has seen massive infiltration by Rohingya Muslims from Rakhine. The government of India has maintained a tough stand against the infiltration. After the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted by the Modi government, Home Minister Amit Shah had vociferously responded to Muslim leaders and said that Rohingya Muslims pose a security threat and would not be allowed to settle in India.

It is important to remember here that India is not a party to the 1951 Convention on Refugees and neither the 1967 Protocol. Therefore, no international convention is binding on India. Even if we take into account the international conventions, the Rohingyas are clearly bypassing a safe haven in the form of Bangladesh to reach India for the purpose of gaining material benefits. Thus it makes them economic migrants when they enter India and not persecuted minorities. Furthermore, Rohingyas have been rejected by Thailand along with Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which are Islamic countries. Rohingyas have also massacred Hindus in the Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has continued to maintain a strong stance against Rohingyas. Not too long ago, it was reported that 1300 Rohingyas had fled to Bangladesh from India fearing deportation to Myanmar. Rohingyas have also been regularly apprehended by local law enforcement. Union Ministers have also said that they pose a security threat to the country.

In October last year, Seven Rohingya Muslims who were lodged in jail since 2012 for illegally entering India were sent to Myanmar border for deportation. The government has also decided to deport 23 more Rohingyas, who have been staying at various detention camps in Assam after they were caught staying illegally in the state. Thus, at a time when the government has made its stance on Rohingyas clear, that illegal immigrants posing a serious threat to the country are being normalised through football is indeed a cause for grave concern.

Indian man proposes to his Australian girlfriend during Ind vs Aus cricket match, here is what happened next

OpIndia Staff
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Indian man proposes to his Australian girlfriend during Ind vs Aus cricket match, here is what happened next

On Sunday, during the 2nd ODI between India and Australia, an unsual sight took the audience by surpirse. During the 20th over, an Indian man in the crowd decided to propose to his Australian girlfriend in between the match. He bent on his knees, pulled out a ring and asked her for marriage. The beautiful moment was captured on camera and the crowd went gaga over the spectacular event.

While the crowd cheered and applauded, the girl was seen nodding in affirmation. The duo kissed and the waved to the camera and the overzealous crowd. “Well! Here we go… Please say Yes! Please say yes! That’s the confirmation. It is always a risky play, isn’t it?” a commentator exclaimed.

Netizens appreciate the idea behind the proposal

Netizens were also in awe of the romantic gesture of the Indian man towards his girlfriend. Twitter user Suchita Sharma wrote, “Aww this is so cute and romantic. Love has no boundaries. She said Yes.”

Another user (@purpplebella) tweeted, “Wow… It is so romantic.. I want my future partner to do this for me.”

Twitter user Shraddha wrote, “This is honest to God the most beautiful thing ever”

Netizens use ‘cricketing references’ to applaud the gesture

Although dismayed by the bowling performance of India in the said match, netizens appreciate the proposal of the man using cricketing references. Twitter user Suryam KV tweeted, “I think the guy knows the match outcome already, so why to waste time when your gf is next to you..Let’s make SCG more interesting..”

Other Twitter users pull his leg with ‘only Indian winning today’, ‘India winning over Australia’ and ‘player of the match’ titles.

Visa jokes continue

Several Twitter users also jokingly hinted that the man’s visa is to Australia is permanently secured. “Today during a match… one more Indian successfully get a permanent residency in Australia,” one Kashif Baig remarked. Another Twitter user (@JaydenCFC04) wrote, “My man secured his Australia visa now.”

While India’s performance has been below par, netizens found happiness in the unusual proposal that became the highlight of the match.

Oh, and India lost the match to Australia.

NIA refutes claims about ‘activist’ Stan Swamy’s straw and sipper seized by agency. Read details

OpIndia Staff
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NIA refutes claims about ‘activist’ Stan Swamy’s straw and sipper seized by agency. Read details

Amidst the controversy surrounding the alleged denial of sipper and straw to 83-year-old ‘activist’ Stan Swamy, the National Investigative Agency (NIA) has rubbished the allegations on Sunday. An accused in the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case, Swamy was arrested on October 8 for furthering the nefarious agenda on the banned outfit CPI (Maoist).

In a statement, the central investigative agency stated that Stan Swamy had falsely claimed in an application before the NIA court that his straw and sipper have been withheld by the NIA. The accused had earlier claimed that he had trouble eating and drinking without a sipper and straw due to Parkinson’s disease.

NIA informed, “NIA duly filed its reply in the Court on the scheduled date i.e. 26/11/2020 stating therein that NIA had conducted his personal search in presence of independent witnesses and no such straw and sipper were found. The Hon’ble Court rejected Swamy’s application and has issued necessary direction to the jail authorities on 26th November 2020 to provide him straw and sipper.”

NIA stated that when Stan Swamy’s personal search was undertaken in presence of two independent witnesses no such straw or sipper was found on him as claimed by him.

The NIA informed that since the accused was placed under judicial custody at Taloja prison near Navi Mumbai, the matter rested between him and the jail authorities who fall under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra State Administration. “The reports claiming that NIA recovered straw and sipper from accused Stan Swamy and sought 20 days’ time from the court to respond to Stan Swamy’’s plea to allow him a straw and sipper in Taloja Central Jail, are false, incorrect and mischievous as NIA neither recovered any straw and sipper from the accused nor sought 20 days time to file a reply in said application,” it emphasised.

Taloja prison dismisses ‘baseless’ claims

Meanwhile, a senior official from Taloja prison has dismissed the ‘baseless’ claims that Stan Swamy was not being provided with a sipper and straw. The official stated, “Not just sipper and straw, we are providing him other facilities too like a wheelchair, walking stick, walker, and two attendants were also provided to him. We know he is a patient, he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Why would we not provide him (with) things which he requires.”

Arrest of Stan Swamy and his role in Bhima Koregaon violence

According to the NIA, Stan Swamy was a key conspirator in the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case of 2017, which witnessed violence, stone-pelting, and arson at Shaniwar Wada in Pune. He was arrested on October 8 and produced before the Special Court in Mumbai the following day. Interestingly, he was never put under police custody and was instead remanded to judicial custody at Taloja Central jail. The NIA had informed that all legal formalities, including medical examination, were undertaken.

As per the Central investigative agency, Stan Swamy is a ‘hard-core CPI (Maoist) activist’ who had received funds from other Maoists for furthering the activities of the banned outfit. He is also the convenor of PPSC. “Incriminating documents related to communications for furthering the activities of the banned terrorist organisation CPI (Maoist) were seized from his possession,” the NIA emphasised.

Usual suspects spread propaganda

When Stan Swamy first made the allegations of denial of ‘straw and sipper’ by NIA, the usual suspects came forward to propagate the fake news further.

The fact that NIA did not have the alleged ‘straw and sipper’ as owned by Stan Swamy was propagated as if NIA was denying him access to the straw.

Senior Congress leaders, too, had joined in in spreading the falsehood.

As stated, Stan Swamy is in judicial custody which falls under Maharashtra administration. But then, why let facts get in the way of propaganda.

With facts placed by the NIA, the accused is now left clutching at the straws.

France, Germany, UK and all other countries we should boycott for using water cannon and tear gas

Abhishek Banerjee
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France, Germany, UK and all other countries we should boycott for using water cannon and tear gas

The recent protests around Delhi have brought to the forefront a terrible example of human rights abuse that has been happening in India for generations. Used by pretty much every police force in every state ever.

Media on use of water cannons

Oh dear. We don’t want a fascist govt in India that wages “war” on citizens, do we?

Did I say tear gas and water cannon have been used in every state for generations? No, no. I meant only after 2014 in BJP ruled states. I am talking about this. See what I mean?

Kerala using water cannons

Anyway. Just because the CPI(M) govt in Kerala used water cannon on protesters in Aug 2020 does not mean that CPI(M)’s Sitaram Yechury cannot be part of a joint statement that say use of water cannon is like waging war.

Nevertheless, it is good that we finally have a national liberal consensus against waging war on citizens by means of water cannon and tear gas. As a newly woke nation, we also have a moral responsibility to oppose other countries that carry out such atrocities. I have compiled here a brief list of such fascist regimes with which we might like to start.

(1) Switzerland (Jan 2020)

Switzerland cops using water cannons

According to NDTV, Swiss police used tear gas and water cannons on protesters against the World Economic Forum in Zurich this year. Water cannon in the harsh January cold? I demand an immediate severing of diplomatic ties with Switzerland. And India should boycott the World Economic Forum from now on.

(2) Germany (Nov 2020)

According to Bloomberg, German police in Berlin used water cannons on protesters barely two weeks ago. (Warning: Graphic images)

German Police using water cannons on protesters

And with that, Germany’s backsliding into Nazism has officially begun. I propose that the world serve an ultimatum to German Chancellor Angela Merkel right now. This time, let’s stop Germany before they invade Poland, presumably with water cannons.

(3) Italy (May 2016)

According to BBC, Italy used water cannon against housing activists in Rome in May 2016. (Warning: Graphic images)

Roman police using water cannons on protesters

Oh dear. Both Germany and Italy. I don’t like the sound of that. This time, the big powers of Europe, like France and UK, should declare war on the Axis powers before things go totally out of hand.

(4) France (Dec 2018)

According to BBC, France also used tear gas and water cannon on protesters.

French police using water cannons on protesters

It is officially time to panic. They’ve taken over France. Let us hope at least the UK will come through, like last time.

(5) United Kingdom (March 2012)

In Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, the police also use tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters. (Warning: Graphic images)

Northern Ireland police using water cannons to disperse protesters

This is clearly the right time for India to break off diplomatic relations and impose economic sanctions on the UK. Along with France and Germany. Whatever the economic cost, we cannot deal with nations that have no regard for human rights.

(6) Israel (Jul 2020)

Israel police using water cannons

This was barely a few months ago. Israeli police used water cannons against anti-corruption protesters in Jerusalem. Can India still afford to have Israel as a technological and military partner? The moral hazards are tremendous.

(7) The Netherlands (Jun 2020)

According to Euronews, Dutch police used water cannons in June this year. (Warning: Graphic images)

The Netherlands

And the tide of fascism in Europe rises further. Any regime left in Europe which is not at “war” with its citizens?

(8) Belgium (Nov 2018)

Sadly not. According to the New York Times, Belgian police used tear gas and water cannon on protesters in Nov 2018.

Water cannons used by Belgian Police on protesters

It now looks like we have to break diplomatic ties and impose economic sanctions on the whole of Europe.

(9) Brazil (Nov 2016)

According to German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Brazil used tear gas and water cannon on protesters in Nov 2016.

Brazil Police using water cannons on protesters

On hearing ‘Brazil,’ a lot of people think of soccer, beaches, parties and fun. But few people know that Brazil is a fascist police state.

So, what options does India have, now that we have a moral obligation to cut ties with all of Europe and most of South America? I suggest that India move the UN for a comprehensive ban on water cannon usage, on the lines of the existing ban on biological and chemical weapons.

In fact, what is stopping water from being listed as a bio weapon or as a chemical weapon? Almost all living organisms contain water. And water is definitely a chemical. Water is a compound made of hydrogen (a flammable and explosive gas) as well as oxygen (which is part of all fires). Indeed, the chemical name for water is dihydrogen monoxide or DHMO. That sounds terrifying.

Let us take a stand against water cannons. Or, as they should rightly be called, DHMO weapons. We owe this to all of humanity.

Farmers’ organisations blocking roads at outskirts of Delhi reject Home Minister Amit Shah’s goodwill gesture of talks

OpIndia Staff
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Farmers’ organisations blocking roads at outskirts of Delhi reject Home Minister Amit Shah’s goodwill gesture of talks

The farmers protesting against the Modi government over new farm laws have rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposal for a discussion on their grievances.

According to the reports, the protesting farmers who are blocking roads at the outskirts of Delhi said that they have rejected the offer claiming that the talks proposed by Amit Shah were conditional. The farmers, however, insisted that the Union Home Minister should visit the farmers and hold talks ‘without any conditions.’

The farmers contend that the government is imposing conditions on the talks. AAP founding member and chief of political outfit Swaraj India Yogendra Yadav speaking on behalf of agitating farmers said that farmers have now taken the decision to turn down the offer and will continue to sit on the borders of Delhi.

Farmers’ organisations have expressed reservations about the offer. Jagjit Singh, Bharatiya Kisan Union’s Punjab President, said, “He should have offered talks with an open heart without any condition”.

Home Minister calls farmers for talks, farmer orgs reject

Earlier, the Home Minister in a goodwill gesture had said the government was willing to talk on “every problem and demand”. He also urged the farmers to move their protest to a designated spot near Burari in the national capital. The government’s decision to hold talks with farmers came after the so-called farmers began to block the highways causing inconvenience to citizens.

The Home Minister had appealed to all unions on Friday evening and had also personally called three farmer leaders – Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan), Jagjit Singh Dallewal, president of BKU ( Sidhupur) and Balbir Singh Rajewal, President of BKU (Rajewal).

Speaking to the media, Ugrahan said that the Union Home Minister called him at around 12.20 pm on Friday and appealed to them not to seal the borders of Delhi and instead go to Nirankari Bhawan, Burari.

The farmer leaders said that even he understood that blocking the borders is causing inconvenience to masses, but they not ready to move to Burari.

The farmers now want to hold the protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

The farmers’ decision came after a meeting this morning, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his monthly radio address ‘Mann ki Baat’, had clarified on the farm laws, saying the agricultural reforms have “unshackled” the farmers and given them “new rights and opportunities”.

Mann Ki Baat: Canada to return ancient Maa Annapurna idol stolen from Varanasi temple 100 years back, says PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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Mann Ki Baat: Canada to return ancient Maa Annapurna idol stolen from Varanasi temple 100 years back, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in the 71st edition of the programme.

In his address, PM Modi mentioned that Canada will be returning a very ancient idol of Devi Annapurna. PM Modi said that the idol was stolen from a temple of Varanasi and smuggled out of the country about 100 years ago somewhere around 1913. Expressing his gratitude to the Government of Canada, PM Modi said that the Mata Annapoorna has a very special relationship with Kashi. Now the coming back of her idol is pleasing for all of us, he added.

Stressing on the global mafia that steals and deals with international heritage, PM Modi said, “Just like the idol of Mata Annapurna, a lot of our invaluable heritage has suffered at the hands of international gangs. These gangs sell them at a very high price in the international market”.

Prime Minister added how it is now tough to smuggle as they are being subjected to heavy restrictions. He said India has also increased her efforts for their return and because of such efforts, India has been successful in bringing back lots of such idols and artefacts in the past few years.

“There is a coincidence attached with the return of the idol of Mata Annapurna. A few days back we celebrated World Heritage week which provides culture enthusiasts an opportunity to look back into the past,” Prime Minister Modi mentioned in his speech.

Revisit the past and to know about the history: PM Modi

Emphasising on the rich Indian culture and traditions, Prime Minister in his monthly address to the nation said that the World Heritage Week provides a wonderful opportunity to the lovers of culture to revisit the past and to know about the history of these important milestones.

“In spite of these times of corona, this time, we saw people celebrate this Heritage week in an innovative manner. Culture helps a lot during the crisis, plays a major role in handling it. Even with the help of technology, culture works as an emotional recharge,” the PM added.

Speaking on th glory of Indian culture and the Shastras, PM Modi pointed out to the fellow countrymen how India’s culture and knowledge have always been a centre of attraction for the entire world. Many people came to India to discover and study them and stayed back for ever, whereas some of them returned to their respective countries as carriers of this culture, PM Modi observed.  

“The culture and scriptures of India have always been a centre of attraction for the whole world and people who came to visit our country returned to theirs as ambassadors of Indian culture,” PM Modi said.

He also narrated how he recently got to know about the work of Jonas Masetti, who gives lessons on Vedanta and Geeta to people in Brazil.

“I got to know about the work of Jonas Masetti, who is also known as ‘Vishvanath’. Jonas gives lessons on Vedanta and Geeta in Brazil. He runs an organisation called ‘Vishvavidya’ which is located in hills of Petrópolis about an hour’s driver from Rio De Janeiro,” PM Modi said.

“After completing mechanical engineering, Jonas worked for his stock market company. Later he was attracted towards Indian culture, especially towards Vedanta. He studied Vendanta in India and spent 4 years at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Coimbatore. I congratulate Jonas for his efforts, ” PM Modi added.

PM Modi lauds New Zealand MP Gaurav Sharma

Addressing his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded New Zealand MP Gaurav Sharma for recently taking oath in Sanskrit and said that his action, filled the hearts of Indians with pride.

“Recently, a New Zealand MP Gaurav Sharma took oath in Sanskrit. The spread of our language, which is one of the oldest in the world, fills our heart with pride. I want to congratulate him through this platform and wish him good luck for his tenure,” the PM said.

Newly elected New Zealand MP Gaurav Sharma took his oath of office in Sanskrit. However, he was also targeted and accused of using the language of “religious oppression” and “caste superiority”. New Zealand journalist Michael Field  also claimed Sanskrit is a “mark of Hindutva”, a “mark of fundamentalism”.

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