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Terror targeted through social media sites? Censorship and propaganda reach a new level on Reddit India

richa
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Terror targeted through social media sites? Censorship and propaganda reach a new level on Reddit India

Reddit Inc. is an American social media company and is among the top social media networks across the world. After Facebook and Twitter, Reddit has over the years attracted the most number of users and is around the 3rd to 5th most used social networking sites in terms of unique visitors, and enjoys significant userbase in India too. Reddit India, a forum within Reddit designed to discuss all topics related to India has always been a strange place. For a discussion board that was supposedly created to discuss India, one could often read straight up abuse of India and her culture. Much of the blame has been assigned to the moderators of r/India and in particular their track record of censorship.

As early Redditors would remember, Reddit India was mysteriously created the same person who created Reddit Pakistan – u/qgyh2. (Source: r/India in 2012, r/Pakistan in 2012 – The first name in the moderator list was the creator of the sub) However, this person mysteriously disappeared around 8 months back, only to be replaced by much more sinister set of moderators on r/India. And around 2 months back, Reddit had an investment of over $200 mn, from none other than the Chinese censorship major – Tencent. Things have not quite been the same, since then.

Recently a whole host of readers have taken to other forums to publicly complain about the anti-India and pro-Pakistan narratives being dished out on r/India.

One of the readers u/h0ysala had noticed a discussion where a map that was posted was incorrect with what was officially denoted as boundaries by India’s MEA. On letting other readers know that the boundaries were incorrect, u/h0ysala was simply banned with a message “We dont want Bhakts!”

u/h0ysala gets banned for posting the correct map!

In another post, a reader complains that the moderators of r/India have deleted all the content that exposed how anarchy was prevalent in West Bengal!

Just today, yet another reader u/HR12India got mercilessly attacked and banned by the moderators of r/India. Why? Because he had commented something that praised India on another sub! For which the moderators of r/India told them they have the right to not allow anyone who speaks in favour of India!

User banned by r/India

That was it. No warning, no discussion, speaking good things about India meant you were not welcome to post in r/India.

At this rate, one really wonders what is the purpose of r/India, and why it is called r/India if speaking about India’s success was not welcome there!

The purpose however is not that hard to see; for users who have been on reddit for some time only know too well how the moderators of r/India have suppressed pro-India content and instead have blatantly promoted pro-Pakistan content, anti-Hindu propaganda. Many have feared this sub is controlled by either Pakistan agents, or given Tencent’s control of Reddit, Chinese agents. Seeing the propaganda spread on r/India, both don’t seem far fetched.

For example, another user claims that Prime Minster of India Shri Narendra Modi was behind the cowardly Pulwama attacks were over 40 brave Indian Jawaans were martyred by Pakistan based terrorists. In a post titled “Say whatever you want. But I believe that Modi is behind all this“, he makes his wild allegations. This post was never removed or censored by the moderators. Instead it is still up, despite the fact that the person who posted this makes no logical arguments whatsoever, nor provides any facts to back up his claim.

One of the persons replying to this post, u/Daliya_La_ma says “Modi may or may not be behind it but Modi is the biggest beneficiary of this rise in tension and possible subsequent conflict.” Many have suspected this user of being a Pakistan sympathiser. He certainly fits the bill – his account was created only around a month back on14th Jan 2019, right around the time the Chinese company Tencent invested millions into reddit. 

Another user u/xinamongolic replies on the same post that “I have no doubt about it. It all looks organised.” On checking this user’s profile, his account was only created on 9th February 2019 and almost all of his posts are biased against India. Another comment of this same user “xinamongolic” says “Not politicians, but Terrorists and Goondas who spew hatred and create Riots and Murders, as in the BJP party. They are happy this cuz happened, that’s what they needed to boost in the polls.”

Surprisingly, this comment has around 20 upvotes, which indicates somehow 20 people like this comment.

Almost all of this user xinomongolic comments are filled with generic hate and very little substance. In another place he says “Why not? Is there a strict rule that BJP cannot go at any lengths to win elections? They Riot, Murders, use EVM machines, Hate speeches, polarisation and whatever shit you can imagine BJP are Masters in it.”

At this point, another reader u/PB49 replies to him that “You are out of touch with reality if you believe this shit lmao”, which again suspiciously downvoted.

This kind of polarised comments along with suspicious voting patterns leave many regular users of reddit bewildered.

In yet another blatant attempt at censorship, a recent post by u/kashmiriiprincess about the Freedom in the World 2019 report by Freedom House was censored within 15 minutes. The reason? The report showed that India had a better ranking than Pakistan (duh) and surprisingly, even Indian state of Kashmir had a higher ranking than the whole of Pakistan.

Thankfully, we managed to obtain a screenshot of the post:

Report censored within 15 minutes

Its extremely suspicious why the moderators of an Indian forum would remove a post that showcased India has better freedom ratings than Pakistan. Unless of course, the moderator’s priorities lies elsewhere.

Considering all the shady and dubious censorship and propaganda, we can see that at one end, we have people posting positive comments about India who seem to get censored and banned.

At other end, comments that have no basis or facts, seems to get promoted highly if they are against India. Baseless allegations are not removed. All of this, on a forum called r/India.

In fact, many users have brought this suspicious manipulation to the attention of the CEO of Reddit Inc, Steve Huffman.

Very recently, just 5 days back, one user brought to Steve’s attention in graphic detail all the moderation abuse, censorship and propaganda on r/India, including incidents of political bias and apprehensions of Pakistani or Chinese takeover over the moderator accounts. His post got over 100+ upvotes, thus symbolising a large portion of reddit users who agreed with what was said here. Steve’s response? He doesn’t even acknowledge the post!

On the same post, yet another user brought this to Steve’s attention, again to no avail. This was yet again not even acknowledged! Despite the fact that Steve had replied to several comments on the page, he choose to not even acknowledge the pertinent questions relating to moderation abuse on r/India, asked by 2 different users.

At this point, it would not be out of order to conclude that the Reddit CEO is both well aware complicit in this systematic abuse of moderation and publishing of select narratives on a sub that is designed to discuss all aspects of India. As to why this is happening, the truth remains elusive. Best guesses include both Pakistani or Chinese take over, in an attempt to manipulate Indian social media users with elections right around the corner.

Most readers of reddit and citizens of India would, at this point,  request the Indian authorities and law enforcement agencies to take a note of this systematic abuse on such a prominent social media network. Recently, Twitter was hauled in front of the Parliamentary Committee to answer charges of shadow banning selective content, while exhibiting a complete lack of transparency. A similar approach would be appreciated for Reddit Inc as well.

Simultaneously, agencies such as CBI, NIA and State Government cyber crime task forces could also take cognizance of the narratives being stitched together on this site that are patently anti-Indian in nature. In fact it would be pertinent to investigate the accounts posting constant hate and terrorism related content on reddit, to identify if they have any ties with known terror organisations. Over the past week, several anti-social comments have been left across social media by people harbouring terror thoughts against India, and state police across the country have been cracking down on these crimes under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 as well as Sections 120(B), 123, 504, 505 and 507 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

A solution to the reddit problem would help in bringing much needed transparency in one of the top social networks that Indians use today.

Disclaimer: This is the first part of several articles that expose a systematic link between moderators of r/India and anti-national agents and miscreants. The writer is a user of reddit, and was banned from r/India for stating that “India has better space program than several other countries”. The opaque moderation and false narratives being promoted on r/India are documented in detail on r/IndiaDiscussion. The writer suggests other subs such as r/IndiaNews and r/IndiaSpeaks which have much more transparent moderation structure including audit logs of moderator actions.

Legal Note: Reddit being a company registered in United States Of America notifies that it is not bound by laws of India. The writer strongly disagrees with this, as the Information Technology Act and Rules of India mandate every social media company operating in India to follow Indian laws. Reddit is also legally bound to reveal information of perpetrators of crime through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between India and the United States of America, and Letters Rogatory can be facilitated via the Central Agencies Section of the Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice of the Government of India. The moderators of r/India have also created a twitter account @RedditIndia which is bound by the laws of India and is required to facilitate disclosure of information sought by any Indian investigative agency.

Madhya Pradesh: Miffed by Kamal Nath govt’s attitude, over 25 Congress MLAs form group against their own government

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Miffed by Kamal Nath govt’s attitude, over 25 Congress MLAs form group against their own government

Difficult times lie ahead for Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Kamal Nath, as almost 25 MLAs from his own party have formed a group to voice their displeasure in the ruling Congress government in Madhya Pradesh.

The MLAs who have formed a club against Kamal Nath and his government are displeased because of the Congress government’s attitude and functioning.

According to reports, the MLAs are riffed mainly because they feel that the government have been transferring officers from their constituency without prior consultation or intimation. The high-headedness of Kamal Nath led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has managed to incite its own MLAs who have reportedly started lobbying against their own government.

The association formed by these riled MLAs mostly include MLAs who have won assembly elections for the first time. It also includes few members from the BSP who had agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Hiralal Alawa, the first time elected Congress minister from Manawar constituency in Malwa region, Madhya Pradesh, who is a part of the 25 member club lobbying against the government, also expressed his displeasure in the Madhya Pradesh’s Congress government.

According to a report in NDTV.com, the MLAs have also approached Kamal Nath with their issues, but they feel their problems have been ignored by the government.

Madhya Pradesh’ administration has not been a smooth sail for the Congress bigwig. Kamal Nath has landed himself in several controversies soon after he took charge of Madhya Pradesh. He created a massive political stir by proclaiming that a years-old tradition of reciting Vande Mataram at the state secretariat be abolished, but however, after facing strong protests by the BJP for the same, retracted the order. Soon after, he created another miff by declaring to cancel the pensions to those people who were detained during the Emergency under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Rules (DIR).

He almost immediately managed to agitate farmers in Damoh district where they were forced to take the street to protest over unsold paddy. Several promises made to the farmers prior to the elections by the Congress government were seen disappearing in thin air forcing multiple farmers to commit suicide in the state due to the debt burden. In December, farmers were lathicharged even as severe mismanagement of urea rocked the state.

There are also allegations of a scam brewing in the state as it was recently reported that Rs 120 crores of non-existent farm loans were ‘waived off’ in Madhya Pradesh.

Fact Check: Was PM Narendra Modi doing a photoshoot in Uttarakhand after the Pulwama terror attack?

OpIndia Staff
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Fact Check: Was PM Narendra Modi doing a photoshoot in Uttarakhand after the Pulwama terror attack?

One week after the horrific terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, today Rahul Gandhi posted a tweet claiming that PM Narendra Modi was participating in a photo shoot 3 hours after the attack. The Congress president also posted photos of Modi’s visit to Corbett National park on 14th February, and one of the photos shows Modi getting photographed by a cameraman.


The same allegation was raised by Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also, who had claimed yesterday that while the terror attack happened at 3:10 PM on 14th February, Narendra Modi was enjoying a boat ride with a camera crew of Discovery channel. After that, the allegation has been repeated by pro-congress users on social media, including some prominent journalists.

But was Modi actually doing a photo shoot three hours after the Pulwama attack as claimed by Rahul Gandhi? Let’s examine the veracity of the claim.

The terror took place at around 3:10 PM, which means Modi should be getting photographed after 6 PM. If we look at the photo of Modi getting photographed, we can see that it is daytime, as the blue sunny sky can be seen in the background. But the time of sunset at the Jim Corbett National park was 6:02 PM on February 14, as per the time and date website. This means the area should have been dark if it was 3 hours after the attack. But as clearly Modi was there before sunset, it was not 3 hours after the attack.

So, when did actually Modi arrive at the national park? The prime minister was scheduled to address a rally in Rudrapur in Uttarakhand at 3 PM on 14th February. For that, he had arrived at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport on schedule at about 7 am, from where he was supposed to travel ahead by helicopter. But due to bad weather, the helicopter could not take off, so Modi had waited there for about three hours. His chopper took off at 11:15 AM for Kalagarh, and from there went to Dhikala zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve by road. He had reached the Tiger reserve at around 12 noon and attended a meeting of Global Tiger Reserve. After the meeting, he crossed the Ramganga river on a boat to reach the Dhikala zone of the forest at around 1 PM, because shortly after that his arrival was reported by media.

As per media reports, Modi spent only about 30 minutes in the forest area, from where he went to Khinanauli forest rest house. Therefore, the PM had completed his forest visit almost an hour before the attack in Pulwama, during which time some photographers took few snaps of him. At the guest house, he discussed tiger conservation efforts with the officials and later addressed the rally in Rudrapur by phone as the weather did not improve. The speech was carried live by DD News, and from Youtube metadata analysis of the live video, it can be seen that the telecast of the speech started at 5:17 PM. This means, 2 hours after the attack, Modi was addressing the rally by phone, so as to not disappoint the thousands of people who were waiting there for 5-6 hours to hear him, and was not doing a photo shoot.

The photographs of Modi’s visit to the Corbett National part was already published by media around 2 PM, which means the photos were actually taken before 2 PM. And as Modi spent only about half an hour in the forest area, this means he had already returned from his forest visit before verified information about the attack may have reached him. Therefore, the allegation that PM Modi was doing a photo shoot in the forest after the Pulwama attack is a lie, which adds to the never-ending list of lies being propagated by Rahul Gandhi.

Rajnath Singh hints at further action against Pakistan after Pulwama attack? Says ‘people’s expectation will have fulfillment’

OpIndia Staff
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Rajnath Singh hints at further action against Pakistan after Pulwama attack? Says ‘people’s expectation will have fulfillment’

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday assured the citizens of the country that “time will come” when people’s sentiments and expectations will have “fulfilment” while hinting at avenging the death of 44 CRPF soldiers in the Pulwama terror attack.

According to the reports, Union Home Minister speaking at the inauguration of the “Waste to Wonder” Park under the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said, there was still no mood for anyone to participate in any programme with enthusiasm. However, Rajnath Singh did not reveal any details on how the government is planning to avenge the deaths of security personnel.

“But, I am very assured and I want to assure you that time will come when people’s sentiments today, their desires, their expectations… those expectations will have fulfilment,” Singh said.

Recently, Home Minister Singh had visited Srinagar to review meetings with senior security officials to make the ground-level assessment and review further operational actions. Rajnath Singh had also lent his shoulder to the mortal remains of soldiers martyred in Pulwama attack.

Rajnath Singh has also been carefully reviewing the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir along with the NSA Ajit Doval and other officers. The home minister has directed the officials to ensure that all possible steps are taken to hunt down terrorists currently operating in the Kashmir Valley.

After the Pulwama terror attack, India took a number of steps to ensure it hits Pakistan diplomatically and financially. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said yesterday that India would ensure that no water under Indus Water Treaty that is meant to be used by India would go to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has launched a diplomatic offensive against the terrorist state of Pakistan. India has successfully managed to garner enough international support to isolate Pakistan. In a big victory to India, the UNSC adopted a resolution unanimously by including China condemning the Pulwama attack and underlining the need to hold those responsible accountable. The resolution contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries, including the naming of JeM and bring perpetrators to justice.

A terrorist belonging to Pakistani Army backed Islamic terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad, identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed an SUV laden with over 300 kg of explosives into the CRPF bus carrying about 40 personnel. The collision exploded the bus and the vehicle, causing the deaths of more than 40 CRPF soldiers.

More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Kashmir Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 70 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora in south Kashmir around 3.15 pm on Thursday.

Uttar Pradesh: Two suspected terrorists hailing from Kashmir, with links to Jaish-e-Mohammad arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Two suspected terrorists hailing from Kashmir, with links to Jaish-e-Mohammad arrested

Jihadi literature, live cartridges and weapons were seized from Shahnawaz and Aqib, two suspected terrorists arrested by the ATS wing of Uttar Pradesh Police in Saharanpur.


It is believed that Shahnawaz worked as a recruiter and was responsible for recruiting terrorists for the Jaish-e-Mohammad. Shahnawaz and Aqib hail from Kulgam and Pulwama in Kashmir respectively. The UP Police will be seeking transit remand for the two and undertake further investigation.

Following the ghastly terror attack on the CRPF personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir on February 14, the security agencies have cracked down upon the terrorists. Yesterday, as per a report by MyNation, seven Kashmiris, who sold shawls and dry fruits in Delhi were picked up by the IB after noticing their involvement in suspicious activities. As per agencies, some of them may be working as informants for the terrorists.

Earlier this week, two terrorists, believed to be the masterminds behind the Pulwama attack were neutralised by security forces in Kashmir, about 15 km from the site of the suicide attack. In the encounter, 4 Army personnel, including an Army major have been martyred in the encounter. 2 civilians, who were used by the terrorists as human shields were also killed. Later, 23 men with alleged links with Jaish-e-Mohammad were detained by the security forces.

Caravan counting caste of martyrs was not just shoddy journalism, it was to help Jihad. Here is how

K Bhattacharjee
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Caravan counting caste of martyrs was not just shoddy journalism, it was to help Jihad. Here is how

Yesterday, we had reported on the morbid report by Ajaz Ashraf of The Caravan where had conducted a ‘caste analysis’ of our martyred soldiers. In his report, the author mentioned calling the families of the deceased to inquire about their caste.

There are certain extremely troubling aspects to the morbid saga. In the 21st century, wars are not fought merely with guns and missiles, propaganda is also a powerful weapon in the arsenal of those who can wield it.

There has been a surge of nationalistic sentiments across the country as people have united behind the Indian Army and the government irrespective of caste, class, creed, region or language. A patriotic fervour has gripped the nation and people are baying for the blood of those who organized the heinous terror attack.

For an enemy nation, it is a troubling development. As long as Indians remain divided, we are weak. As long as our polity is in a state of chaos, it will keep producing weak governments which are incapable of taking decisive actions. Should Indians unite behind the Army and the government unequivocally, however, and that government is run by a party that has a majority on its own in the Parliament, it won’t be conducive to the interests of an enemy state.

Therefore, in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, what could enemy nations do to sow seeds of division within the country? Of course, exploit India’s fault lines and subject even the Indian Armed Forces to those fault lines. In this light, Ajaz Ashraf’s article not only is sheer and utter morbidity, but it also comes across directly as enemy propaganda at a time when the clouds of war are rumbling in the sky.

It’s not paranoia to assume that Pakistan has cultivated some assets in Indian media. There are certainly Pakistani agents working in Indian mainstream media today. Former Navy Chief Admiral D.K. Joshi in a now deleted interview with NDTV had hinted at it. During the interview, which was the first since he resigned from service following a fire incident aboard INS Sindhurakshak citing “moral responsibility”. He talked about a reporter who “invented the coup theory” and was a “darling of the foreign vendors, and to show his importance he would author articles like the reporter is in country abc at the invitation of xyz”.

Such things have happened throughout history and we would be far too naive if we imagine ourselves to be so special that history will make an exception for us and gift us a mainstream media where all journalists and all outlets are aligned to our interests. Ashraf’s report, regardless of his motivations, plays right into the hands of Pakistan. And that is a cause for significant concern.

What is most concerning about Ashraf’s report is that the argument could be very well made that a Muslim slaughtered a disproportionate number of Dalits because he considered them ‘cow-piss drinkers’. However, he does not toe that line. Instead, he blames the Upper Castes for the death of the soldiers while completely ignoring the religion of the terrorist. Such people also tell us the Muslim community is facing immense oppression from fascistic ‘Brahmanical oppression’. Therefore, in a heinous terrorist attack committed by a devoted Muslim, the Upper Caste become the villains who oppressed Muslims into becoming terrorists and manipulates Dalits into sacrificing their lives. Such tactics are straight out of the enemy playbook.

Article essentially issued a warning to the lower caste Hindus – if you don’t want to get killed in Jihad, stop feeling one with the upper-caste Hindus. It will further be used to talk about mythical Dalit-Muslim unity that is another pet project of the enemy.

In India, many politicians try it for personal political ambitions. However, Dalit-Muslim unity has long been the dream project of those who wish to dent the territorial integrity of India. Our ‘secular’ political poster-boys have been long playing it right into enemy hands by fueling this propaganda. It does not work on the ground of course. Because Dalits suffer the brunt of Islamic fanaticism suffers the most. However, a portrait is painted where it’s the ‘Evil Brahmin’ who oppresses the Muslims into becoming radicalized who then attacks oppressed Dalits.

It is not a coincidence that propagators of Dalit-Muslim unity maintain a stoic silence over the many occasions when fanatic Muslims have attacked Dalit homes, abducted Dalit girls for Love Jihad and their religious processions. It’s all part of the plan. However, it’s time that we, as a country, start asking whether such propaganda is run merely for electoral gains or if they are actually in cohorts with our enemies.

Some questions have to be asked about Ajaz Ashraf as well. It’s well known that the Pakistanis have many many sympathizers and foot soldiers in our country. It’s unfortunate but it’s also true that an overwhelming majority of them belong to a particular community, the same community that Ashraf is a part of. People have started asking questions and are now speculating whether Ashraf has been radicalized as well and is in league with the Pakistani establishment, due to his religion, as so many from Jammu and Kashmir are. Such speculations, unfortunately, cannot be brushed aside as bigotry. It is certainly a very distinct possibility. Since Ashraf appears to argue that Nationalism has a caste element to it, then there’s no reason why it cannot be argued that anti-national sentiments and behaviour have a religious angle to them.

In Pakistani circles, caste divisions in our country are often spoken about. A 13-member committee of the Senate did recommend the then Nawaz Sharif government in 2016 to exploit caste divisions within the country in the aftermath of the surgical strikes. It is also often said that should India attack them, they will exploit the existing fault-lines within our country to sow the seeds of partition. They certainly appear to be confident that they will at least be able to destabilize the country by exploiting caste divisions in our society. In such light, Ashraf’s report appears even more damning and comes across as a weapon right up Pakistan’s sleeve which they talk of using at times of War, like circumstances are currently.

Pakistan’s professed concern for Dalits is merely a stick to beat Hindus with. It’s for the same reason that they shelter, encourage and arm Khalistanis against India. It’s part of their larger war against Hinduism. We should all remember what happened to Jogendra Nath Mandal and his life should serve as a caution. He was instrumental in influencing Dalits to ally with the Muslim League. During the communal violence in the Independence era, Mandal claimed that Upper Caste Hindus in the Congress party was using Dalits as pawns in their war with the Muslim League. He eventually succeeded in helping annexe Dalit dominated regions in Bengal to Pakistan.

The consequence of Mandal’s antics was that Dalits faced inhuman oppression in Pakistan. He served as the first Minister of Law and Labour of the Islamic state while the people he convinced to ally with the Muslim League suffered a million indignities at the hands of the Muslim majority. Eventually, in 1950, he resigned as Minister citing the anti-Hindu bias of the Pakistani administration and returned to India. The Dalits he led astray were not so lucky and they could not escape as easily as Mandal did.

Thus, demonizing Upper Castes to manipulate Dalits into allying with the Islamic cause has been a tested tactic of the Pakistani disposition. It appears that they are trying it now as well. Dalit leaders like Mevani, if they are truly concerned about the affairs of their community, would do well to learn that lessons that Mandal’s legacy teaches. Ashraf, whether due to enticement by the Pakistani establishment or due to his own personal religious motivations, has made it clear that he is party to the war against Hinduism.

5 reasons why the UNSC statement condemning Pulwama attack is a significant diplomatic win for India

Editorial Desk
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5 reasons why the UNSC statement condemning Pulwama attack is a significant diplomatic win for India

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has issued a strong statement condemning Pakistan sponsored Pulwama terror attack where 40 soldiers lost their lives. On 14th February 2019, a suicide bomber, for whom JeM has claimed responsibility, rammed into a convoy travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, perpetrating one of the worst terrorist attacks in recent memory. The UNSC statement has come a week after the audacious attack by Pakistan, for which, Pakistan has been expecting retaliatory action from India.

The UNSC in its statement condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir while naming Jaish-e-Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group. It also urged other countries to comply with India and other relevant authorities in the investigation into the dastardly terror attack.

While to the layman, the statement might seem hyperbolic, here are 5 reasons why the UNSC statement was a significant diplomatic win for India.

1. Trumping China

Several reports have indicated that China had vehemently contested the language used in the UNSC statement. In fact, according to media reports, sources have confirmed that the UNSC statement was issued a week after the attack only because China had vehemently objected to the language suggested by India being used. In an ever-shrinking world, and with the China-Pakistan proclivity increasing, for India’s language suggestion to prevail is a significant diplomatic win in the UNSC in its own right.

One would recall that Prime Minister Modi’s attempts to find India a seat at the prestigious United Nations Security Council has also been repeatedly thwarted by China.

2. The mention of terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad

Jaish-e-Mohammad, the Islamic terror organisation based in Pakistan has carried out some of the most dastardly attack in India including the attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot in January 2016 and the attack on Parliament in December 2001.

India has tried to get Masood Azhar declared as global terrorist multiple times and each time, that attempt was thwarted by China. After the Pathankot airbase terror attack by JeM, India had also attempted to get Masood Azhar declared as a global terrorist by UNSC 1267 committee. In 2016, China blocked India’s attempt at UNSC on March 2016 and then in October 2016 citing ‘technical hold’. A day before the technical hold ended, China used its veto power to block the proposal banning Azhar in December 2016.

In January 2017, US, France and UK had proposed Azhar being deemed as a global terrorist, however, China, again on the behest of Pakistan had cited ‘technical hold’ and blocked that attempt. Each of the 5 members of the UNSC, including China, gets the power of veto.

The proclivity of Pakistan is China is based on a mutually destructive understanding where Pakistan stands up for China in Non-Aligned Movement (where Beijing has a scanty representation) and in return, Pakistan gets China’s veto power in the UNSC.

Despite the history, India managed to get UNSC to disregard China’s objections and accept India’s language suggestions of adding Jaish-e-Mohammad in the statement condemning the Pulwama attack.

3. UNSC statement mentions ‘Jammu and Kashmir’

Pakistan has always insisted that the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir be referred to as “India administered Jammu and Kashmir” by the world community and especially, by organisations like the UNSC. In this statement too, one of China’s contention, other than their protest against JeM being mentioned by name, was Jammu and Kashmir not being referred to as “Administered Kashmir”.

India, rightly so, has maintained that Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Pakistan is illegally occupying a part of it in the form of ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir’. With the UNSC referring to the state as Jammu and Kashmir despite China’s protest is certainly a diplomatic win for India.

4. The indirect reference to Pakistan and presumably, China

The UNSC statement read, “all states must, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard”.

This could very well be an indirect reference to Pakistan where the UNSC is asking the terror state to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities. In fact, with China actively protecting JeM and its chief Masood Azhar, the comment could may as well also be applicable to China.

5. China, despite its protest, voted for the UNSC resolution

China, like all other members of the UNSC, has the power to veto a decision taken by the UNSC. Despite protests against the mention of JeM and the UNSC not referring to the Indian state of Kashmir as “India-administered Kashmir”, eventually, the interests of India prevailed and China too had to vote in favour of the resolution.

In all, the UNSC statement is a diplomatic coup for India where, we daresay, India might have got a step closer to Masood Azhar being declared as a global terrorist.

CBI launches preliminary investigation into Mayawati-era UPPSC scam

OpIndia Staff
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CBI launches preliminary investigation into Mayawati-era UPPSC scam

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has landed in fresh troubles, as the Central Bureau of Investigation has initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the conduct of Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission exam, during her stint as Chief Minister. The investigation has been set up by the incumbent state government of UP as per direction by the Central government.

UPPSC is a state agency in Uttar Pradesh, to look after Civil Services Examination for an entry-level appointment, to state’s civil services.

The preliminary investigation will look into serious allegations against the unidentified government officials, including that of UPPSC. They are suspected to have appointed candidates for 250 additional private secretaries, who were allegedly not eligible for the post. It is also alleged that some of the candidates appointed as additional private secretaries, did not even fulfill the basic minimum eligibility. As per allegations, even mark-sheets of were altered, to favour some candidates.

The favoured candidates are said to be close to the government officials and also to elected representatives of the then BSP-led UP government. After examing documents and conducting interrogation with alleged officials, CBI will lodge an FIR in the case.

The Enforcement Directorate, last month, had conducted raids at multiple locations in Lucknow in connection with the Rs. 1400 crores Memorial Scam under the Mayawati government between 2002 and 2007. Now, the CBI-launching a preliminary investigation into UPPSC scam is bound to land her in more troubles.

This has come on the heels of the declaration of seat-sharing formula between BSP and SP. While the name of the candidates from constituency has not been announced, it has been ascertained that what seat will be given to which party. BSP will fight on 38 seats, SP in 37 and Ajit Singh’s Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest on three seats.

Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury summoned in defamation case for alleging RSS was involved in Gauri Lankesh murder

OpIndia Staff
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Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury summoned in defamation case for alleging RSS was involved in Gauri Lankesh murder

Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury have been issued summons by a Mumbai court in relation to the defamation case filed by an RSS worker. The complaint is regarding the allegations made by Rahul Gandhi and Sitaram Yechury blaming the RSS for Gauri Lankesh murder in September 2017.


The next hearing is scheduled for 25th March when both are asked to remain present in person. Following journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder on 5th September 2017, Rahul Gandhi had said, “anyone who speaks against the ideology of the BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.”

Sitaram Yechury, too, who was part of the Rally for Resistance which was held following Gauri Lankesh’s murder, had spoken out against the RSS, pointing out that Sardar Patel had banned the RSS.

Dhrutman Joshi, an advocate and RSS worker, had filed a defamation case against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Sitaram Yechury for their remarks alleging that their statements had defamed the organisation in the eyes of the public.

2019 Passport Index: India’s ranking improves to 67, jumps 10 places in 4 years

OpIndia Staff
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2019 Passport Index: India’s ranking improves to 67, jumps 10 places in 4 years

The Indian passport continues to strengthen on the global index as evident from the latest 2019 Passport Index, in which the ranking of Indian passport has increased 10 places over the past five years from 77 in 2015 to 67 in 2019.

The 2019 Passport Index ranks the passports of 199 countries based on their Visa-Free scores and their ranking on the UNDP human development index. India has improved one place in last one year as it was placed in 68th position in 2018.

The improve in the rankings suggest that more countries are opening up to Indian tourists and recognising their spending power. 25 countries now allow visa-free entry to the Indian passport holders and 39 more nations offer visa-on-arrival.

The main reason behind the increasing acceptance of Indian tourists is that the Indian government has opened its arms to foreign tourists over the last five years. The tourism ministry now provides e-tourist visa facilities to 166 countries, up from 46 nations in 2014, following a series of amendments in the country’s e-visa regime to make the process more tourist-friendly and double foreign tourist arrival figures by 2021.

The UAE passport is ranked the highest in the index with it allowing hassle-free travel to 167 countries ahead of Germany in the second position while the USA and France share the third spot with 10 other countries.

Lately, India has seen a steady growth in various governance indicators and has achieved a considerable rise in the ranks issued by global governance institutions. Recently, India had jumped 65 ranks in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings in just 4 years. India now stands at 77th according to the latest Ease of Doing Business Ranking, making it one of the top improvers in governance initiatives across the world.

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