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Chhattisgarh: Missionaries use auto with saffron flag to enter village to convert people, flee after local youths and Bajrang Dal protest

OpIndia Staff
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Chhattisgarh: Missionaries use auto with saffron flag to enter village to convert people, flee after local youths and Bajrang Dal protest

In a village close to Raipur in Chhattisgarh, locals protested after some missionaries were found using devious tactics to enter villages to promote their conversion camapaigns. The main target of such rampant conversion attempts is the tribal areas, where the unsuspecting people are being tricked into becoming Christians.

Christian preachers reportedly arrived at Raipur’s Pathari hamlet in an autorickshaw with a saffron flag and started distributing pamphlets. Material related to Jesus was disseminated in various residences. Young men from the area and Bajrang Dal workers became active as soon as they learned about the development. They strongly opposed the missionaries after which the latter absconded from there. Rashtriya Bajrang Dal has submitted a memorandum to the collector and demanded strict action against the culprits as well as regarding the attempts of religious conversion across the state.

According to the information, this incident transpired a few days prior when a group of people reached Pathari village in an auto. A saffron flag was fluttering on their auto, due to which people did not object. These missionaries went to houses and preached about the glory of Jesus Christ and handed out pamphlets. The village’s youths came to know about this when they reached their home, however, the missionaries absconded as soon as they sensed resistance from the former. They reported this incident to the local police station, although no named complaint could be lodged against anyone.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party government is planning to introduce a law that will punish those who convert others by coercion, inducement or deceit. According to the legislation, religious conversion must be reported to the District Magistrate first so that its voluntariness can be verified. The judicial system will impose penalties on the offenders in these cases.

Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal has also objected to a religious program to be held on 1st November. The memorandum stated that the program is being organised by the pastors through “The Indian Pentecostal Church of God 18 Convention” in Hebron Nagar Sasaholi in Tilda. They charged that it was a concealed effort to manipulate people into embracing Christianity. The Hindu outfit has urged the administration not to allow this event. It further warned that they would take action to prevent it if permission was granted.

Indian troops start patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh following the India-China disengagement

ANI
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Indian troops start patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh following the India-China disengagement

Following disengagement between India and China, Indian troops started patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh on Friday.

This development comes after India and China agreed to disengage and start coordinated patrols as per their perception of the Line of Actual Control in the Demchok and Depsang sectors.

Patrolling by Indian troops in the Demchok sector in Eastern Ladakh has started today. Patrolling in the Depsang sector is expected to start soon, Indian Army Sources said. The coordinated patrolling would mean that both sides will know about the schedules of patrols or both sides.

Earlier on Thursday, Armies of both countries exchanged sweets at various border points in the Ladakh sector on the occasion of Diwali.

Indian and Chinese Army exchange of sweets took place at Hot Springs, Karakoram Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, KongkLa and Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in Ladakh.

Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa welcomed the disengagement between the Indian and Chinese armies along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

“Those of us who live near the border know what war feels like. We desire peace along the border. We welcome the agreement between the two countries, but we want to see it implemented on the ground. Tensions along the border should be reduced through diplomatic means,” said MP Hanifa.

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stressed that restoring trust along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) would be a gradual process to return to the April 2020 status quo. He highlighted the steps of disengagement, de-escalation, and buffer zone management as crucial for easing tensions between the two nations. He further explained that the process would take place in phases, with each step aimed at reducing tensions.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said that it was natural for India and China to have differences as neighbouring countries but the important thing is how to handle and solve these differences.

India and China have recently agreed on patrol arrangements along the LAC at the India-China border. The border standoff began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020, triggered by Chinese military actions. This incident led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Faridabad: Muslim mob attacks Hindu family for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, molests young girl, victim family puts up ‘house for sale’ poster

OpIndia Staff
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Faridabad: Muslim mob attacks Hindu family for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, molests young girl, victim family puts up ‘house for sale’ poster

In Faridabad, Haryana, a Hindu family was reportedly attacked by Muslims over the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. The incident occurred in the Anandpur locality, where family members, including children and women, were allegedly assaulted by a Muslim mob led by two men, Raj and Ashiq. They also molested the daughter of the family, tore her clothes, and tried to sexually assault her. As a result, the victim family has decided to leave the area, offering to sell their house.

As per reports, the minor son of Durga Prasad was bursting firecrackers outside their house in Subhash Colony. Enraged at this, some Muslims led by Raj and Ashiq from the neighbourhood arrived and asked him to stop bursting firecrackers. This led to an argument with the family, after which the mob attacked them.

They pelted stones and bricks on the house, and family retreated inside and locked the door. But the mob barged into the house by smashing the main door and assaulted the family members. They hit the family members including women with sticks.  Even after this, the mob was not satisfied, and they molested the kid’s elder sister, tore her cloths, touched her inappropriately, and attempted to rape her. They scratched her body with nails, causing injuries.

As per eyewitnesses, around 50-60 people were part of the mob that attacked the Hindu family. They first pelted stones on the house, then entered the house by breaking the door and assaulted the family members.

The entire incident has been captured on CCTV camera in the locality.  In the footage, many people are seen pelting stones at Durga Prasad’s house and trying to break the door. The footage also shows the attack on the woman and children.

The victim family’s daughter lodged a complaint with the police station, and a case has been registered and an investigation started. However, the police refused to make any statement to media.

The family and other Hindus in the area said that such attacks by Muslims on Hindu families in the locality has become a regular affair. Durga Prasad said that they now can’t do Bhajan Kirtan dur to opposition form Muslims. He said that the area has become like Kashmir, and Hindus have become minority. As a result of persistent attacks, many Hindu families have already left the place and settled elsewhere. They say that despite complaints, police have not taken any action on such attacks.

Durga Prasad’s family also has decided to move out, and they have put a signage saying ‘house for sale’ outside their home.

Karnataka: Fears of Waqf board occupying Hindu temples and houses lead to clashes between two sides in Kadakol, several houses vandalised and 5 people injured

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Fears of Waqf board occupying Hindu temples and houses lead to clashes between two sides in Kadakol, several houses vandalised and 5 people injured

Hindus in a village in Karnataka’s Haveri district fear that the Waqf might seize their temples and houses. They charged that some local Muslims submitted a petition to district officials claiming waqf land in the village which led to chaos and stone pelting between the members of the two communities. According to media reports, tension spread in Kadakol village of Haveri district late on 30th October when local Hindus asserted that the Muslims had filed a petition to declare the premises of Lord Hanuman temple, Goddess Durga temple and the land around it as Waqf property. They asked the Muslims about the same which led to the conflict.

The disagreement initially started with a local Muslim leader Mohammad Rafi in the village as the worried Hindus confronted him but it soon escalated to throwing stones and his house was also attacked in the unrest. The Savanur taluk’s Kadakol village is currently peaceful, per the police. Five people have been injured and an individual who was hurt during the violence was transported to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi for treatment and is out of danger now.

A parked motorcycle was also set ablaze on fire and houses were looted. A few vehicles were also vandalized and the window panes of some houses were broken. According to a police officer, the violence started because of concerns that the homes of the Hindus were being listed in account records as Waqf properties.

Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar and Haveri Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh rushed to the area and stabilized the situation. Senior officials are camped in the hamlet where tensions persist. According to Anshu Kumar, around 200 police officers and four Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons have been dispatched to the area. Police will take action against those who break the law, he added, informing that 32 persons, mostly Hindus have been taken into custody for interrogation and further investigation. Things are under control but Hindus continue to live in apprehension of the Waqf.

Locals fear that their homes would be listed in the records as Waqf properties, which could result in their eviction. According to them, there has been resistance to updating the Waqf property accounts inside the village panchayat boundaries. They added that ZP CEO Akshay Sridhar issued an order on 27th September in response to Waqf minister BZ Zameer Ahmed’s directive from a 3rd September meeting.

Assistant commissioners and tahsildars have been instructed to “verify all property documents listed by the district waqf board and send a report to the office. This means not all these belong to the board,” said Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh. On the other hand, Zameer Ahmed is now on the back foot and is blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He referred to the incident as sad and alleged that the saffron party had been deceiving farmers throughout the state and was planning a conspiracy involving waqf holdings.

Zameer Ahmed claimed that he too comes from a farmer’s family and respects their rights. He assured that Waqf wouldn’t take over any farmer’s land. On 4th October Waqf notices were delivered to farmers in Honwad village in Tikota taluk of Vijayapura district. All 1200 acres (1500 acres per some reports) of the land were claimed by the Waqf Board and the dispute is only growing more intense. Waqf has staked a claim on the land of the Haveri district court as well.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Waqf is attempting to drive people out of their homes. “The Zilla Panchayat CEO of Haveri has passed an order to take over Hanuman Temple and Durgavva Temple. Yesterday Waqf Board members went there to take over the position and naturally people resisted. The police on arrival at the scene lodged an FIR (First Information Report) against the local Hindus who have resided there for over 60-70 years. They want to take over Hanuman Temple,” he highlighted.

The BJP also accused the Congress of promoting the occupation perpetrated by Waqf for Muslim appeasement. Haveri MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai have demanded that Waqf notices sent to farmers should be withdrawn immediately. According to him, the state’s waqf law is being applied wrongly, with agricultural areas being mistakenly designated as waqf properties while ignoring the current revenue laws.

He emphasized that when it comes to land matters, tax law records ought to be regarded as conclusive. “These records are being overlooked in favour of Waqf Tribunal decisions. While previous court interventions protected the affected parties’ rights, currently, a simple application can result in farmland being designated as waqf property, causing distress among farmers,” while talking to the media on 31st October in Shiggaon and even called the Congress government as “irresponsible.” He pointed out that tension in Savanur taluk villages like Kadakol is the result of the state government’s interference with the peaceful coexistence of rural communities. He charged that after taking power, the Congress party had engaged in appeasement measures.

Notably, in a similar instance, the Haveri District Waqf Board claimed ownership over the district’s 19-acre Hindu cemetery in Tadas village of Shiggaon taluk as well as the Haveri District Court buildings, which are situated on 20 acres of property. The new claim was made years after S Abdul Nazeer, a high court judge who also served as the administrative justice of the Haveri district court, intervened to settle the conflicts at the Waqf Tribunal in Belagavi.

Shiv Sena (UBT) complains to EC over Diwali celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, BJP says Uddhav causing disgrace to Balasaheb’s legacy

OpIndia Staff
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Shiv Sena (UBT) complains to EC over Diwali celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, BJP says Uddhav causing disgrace to Balasaheb’s legacy

On Thursday, 31st October, the Shiv Sena (UBT) issued a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by organizing the “Deepotsav” in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area of Maharashtra during the ongoing Diwali festival.

The SS-UBT stated that the full Deepotsav expenditures shall be included in the election spending of the MNS nominee from the Mahim constituency, Amit Thackeray, the son of party head Raj Thackeray.

It is crucial to note that the MNS has been celebrating Deepotsav every year, but the Shiv Sena is protesting against the same this year because the MCC is in place owing to the upcoming Assembly elections on November 20th. 

“The model code of conduct is applicable in the entire state. The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, however, has given its consent to MNS to celebrate Deepotsav at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, which is under the civic body’s jurisdiction. The MNS has displayed the party banners installed gates and put up lanterns in the area. This is a clear violation of the MCC,” SS-UBT Deputy Secretary Sachin Parasnaik said in an official statement issued on Thursday.

Parasnaik noted that Amit Thackeray, the MNS candidate, was present during Deepotsav’s inauguration. He argued that the event’s expenses should be counted as part of Thackeray’s election expenditures for the Mahim assembly seat, which would be in line with established regulations.

Parasnaik further called for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict action against officials who allegedly illegally allowed political campaigning in public spaces. The Shiv Sena-UBT has fielded Mahesh Sawant in Mahim, from where Amit Thackeray, Shiv Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar, and others are also contesting.

BJP hits back

The BJP took cognizance of the event and slammed Shiv Sena UBT for approaching the ECI during the Hindu festival. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Park, a historical place in Mumbai a testimony to the legacy of Swargiya Balasaheb Thackeray’s historical speeches on Hindutva. Such a downfall to the legacy being tainted by his own son as UBT has gone to Election Commission complaining over Diwali Celebrations at Shivaji Park Are Hindu Festivals hurting Aurangzeb Fan Club?” the party asked.

MNS also reacted to the SS-UBT’s protest over the Diwali celebration. “We have been holding the Deepotsav here for many years. This has no connection with Amit Thackeray’s campaign. Shiv Sena (UBT) is objecting to a Hindu festival as it has stopped following the Hindu ideology. They must now officially change their religion,” MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said.

Shiv Sena UBT further blatantly cornered the BJP over Hindutva policy. “Using Hindutva for dirty politics is what you do. It is clear that the opposition is not to celebrate ‘Diwali’ but to its political use. But by continuously telling lies and spreading a ‘Fake Narrative’, even now you have shown your ‘Chunavi Hindutva’! You also used Ram Mandir for the election. The temple was inaugurated before it was even completed and Lord Ramchandra was taken to the half-built structure. The result was the same, Shriram also showed you your place. Ayodhya, where Sri Ram lived, became BJP-free! Now Maharashtra will also be ‘BJP free’!” the party said.

Bhushan Gagrani, Mumbai’s district election officer and municipal commissioner, has stated meanwhile that the expenses of the Shivaji Park festival will be considered into election expenditure. 

The Shiv Sena-UBT’s decision to approach the poll panel coincided with the BJP and Shiv Sena supremo and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision to provide MahaYuti support to Amit Thackeray in the Mahim constituency.

Sada Sarvankar, the Shiv Sena nominee and sitting MLA has resisted withdrawing his nomination. Sarvankar pleaded with Raj Thackeray “not to do injustice to him but to extend his support” on Wednesday.

Bangladesh targets Hindus with ‘sedition’ after they organise massive protest rally against attack by Muslims: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh targets Hindus with ‘sedition’ after they organise massive protest rally against attack by Muslims: Here is what happened

Days after the Hindu community carried out a massive protest rally in the historic Lal Dighi ground in Chittagong city of Bangladesh, the police booked 19 members of the ‘Sanatan Jagaran Mancha (SJM)’ on Wednesday (30th October).

The rally was organised on 25th October this year to protest against the Islamist onslaught on Hindus. A police complaint was filed by one Firoz Khan against SJM spokesperson Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari, ISKCON priest Lilraj Das Brahmachari and others.

Khan accused the Hindus of ‘disrespecting’ the national flag of Bangladesh by allegedly placing a saffron Hindu flag atop it in the New Market intersection of Chittagong. The Kotwali police station registered a First Information Report (FIR) and booked the Hindu leaders.

Cases were also filed against other members of the Hindu community. They include Ajay Dutta, Gopal Das Tipu, Kathak Das, Amit Dhar, Roni Das, Rajiv Das, Krishna Kumar Dutt, Jiku Chowdhury, Newton Dey, Tushar Chakraborty, Mithun Dey, Rupon Dhar, Rimon Dutt, Sukant Das and Biswajit Gupta.

The police also gave in to the diktat of the local Muslims and arrested two Hindus, namely, Rajesh Chowdhury and Hriday Das, on charges of ‘sedition.’ The local administration also removed the saffron flag from the New Market intersection of Chittagong.

The Hindus, who have voiced their angst against the targeting of their temples, shops and businesses, are now accused of ‘rejecting the integrity of the state’, ‘undermining the country’s sovereignty and creating unrest’, and ‘destabilising the state by displaying religious flag above national flag’.

Following the motivated FIR and arrest of two Hindus, the community organised a protest march at the Cheragi Pahar intersection of Chittagong. The Sanatan Jagaran Mancha has also announced demonstrations in 65 districts of Bangladesh on Friday (1st November).

On 25th October, the Hindu community put forth 8 demands and sought their immediate implementation:-

  1. Speedy trial in cases of atrocities on minorities, adequate compensation and rehabilitation of the victims.
  2. Enactment of Minority Protection Act.
  3. Formation of Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  4. Upgradation of Hindu Welfare Trusts to Hindu Foundations.
  5. Implementation of the ‘Property Recovery and Preservation Act and Transfer of Entrusted Property Act’ should be properly implemented.
  6. Construction of places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allotment of prayer rooms in every hostel
  7. Modernisation of Board of Sanskrit and Pali Education.
  8. Mandatory 5 days holiday on Durga Puja.

Donald Trump vows to protect Hindu Americans from radical Left’s anti-religion agenda, condemns anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

ANI
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Donald Trump vows to protect Hindu Americans from radical Left’s anti-religion agenda, condemns anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

Ahead of the upcoming presidential elections, former US President Donald Trump vowed to safeguard the interests of Hindu Americans, protecting them from the “anti-religion agenda of the radical left.”

In a bid to strengthen ties with India, Trump also expressed his desire to boost partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as a “good friend.”

Sharing a post on X, Trump wrote, “We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi.”

The former President also condemned the violence against the Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.”

Notably, Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post of Prime Minister on August 5 and fled to India in a military aircraft, following mounting protests against the contentious government job quota system that had sparked widespread anti-government demonstrations. Following Hasina’s resignation, a caretaker government was formed in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Trump also criticised President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and said that they have ignored Hindus globally and in the United States. He said, “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength!”

Trump’s criticism also extended to other areas, including economic policies. He said, “Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before–and we will Make America Great Again.”

He also extended his Diwali wishes and said, “Also, Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil!”


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Muslim man pretends to be Hindu and marries woman in temple, forces her to convert to Islam after that, wants to sacrifice their son, woman seeks protection: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Muslim man pretends to be Hindu and marries woman in temple, forces her to convert to Islam after that, wants to sacrifice their son, woman seeks protection: Details

A Hindu woman from Bengaluru has approached the police seeking protection for herself and her son, saying that her husband, Sadam, wants to sacrifice their 3-year-old child for a black magic ritual. In the shocking case that has emerged, the woman alleged that the RK Puram police had refused to register her complaint when she approached them on the 27th of September 2024. She again sought protection from the police on the 28th of October, saying that her 3-year-old and she were facing harassment, threats, and pressure to convert to Islam.

As it turns out, the woman had met Sadam in 2020. At that time, Sadam had pretended to be a Hindu man named Aadhi Eshwar. Since Sadam was keen to marry her, in November 2020, the woman and Sadam married as per Hindu rituals. At this time, the woman still believed that Sadam was a Hindu.

After marriage, however, Sadam forced the woman to remarry him as per Islamic rituals. He had promised the woman that it would bring them good fortune. In 2020, Sadam took her to an undisclosed location, pressured her to convert to Islam, gave her a new Muslim name and even forced her to sign Islamic marriage documents. The conversion did not stop the abuse. After the Nikah, the abuse by Sadam only intensified. The woman constantly faced physical assault and abuse while she was pregnant as well.

In 2021, the woman gave birth to their son. After their son was born, Sadam repeatedly told her that he wanted to sacrifice their son for a ritual that would bring them money. The ritual involves dangerous practices the woman said, adding that Sadam even wanted to harm her and her mother for the ritual.

After the abuse intensified, fearing for her and her son’s life, she moved to Tumakuru. Sadam and his friend, Langda Nayaz, in whose presence the Islamic marriage was conducted, followed her to her new house, trespassed and attempted to abduct her son on the 13th of September 2024.

“I request police to initiate prompt action against Sadam and Nayaz. I fear for my safety, as well as for my son and mother. I urgently request police protection. If any harm befalls us, I hold Sadam entirely responsible,” she said.

According to KR Puram police, the woman vacated her house in KR Puram in 2021. She stayed in Tumakuru and is now residing near Nelamangala. “We took her complaint as a petition in Sept and asked her to lodge a complaint with police in whose jurisdiction her present residence is. We asked her to provide her husband’s number for inquiry, but the number she provided is not connecting. She has not come back again to the station. We didn’t even know that she has approached the commissioner of police’s office. Based on our senior officers’ instructions, we will take further necessary steps. According to her, Sadam works as a welder,” police added.

Los Angeles Dodgers wins World Series defeating NY Yankees, fans celebrate by burning bus, looting stores, clashing with cops

OpIndia Staff
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Los Angeles Dodgers wins World Series defeating NY Yankees, fans celebrate by burning bus, looting stores, clashing with cops

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 Baseball World Series Championship by defeating New York Yankees 7-6 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. Following the eighth win of the championship by the team, Los Angeles erupted in celebrations on Wednesday night. But soon the celebration turned into chaos, as some Dodgers fans resorted to vandalism.

Some of the fans set a bus on fire, while others clashed with police on the streets. Some others chose to loot shops to celebrate the win. Responding to a tweet on the looting in LA downtown, the Los Angele Police Department said that it is aware of the looting during celebrations, and arrests have been made.

In another tweet, LAPD said that several businesses have been looted. Some of the thugs broke into a Nike store and stole boxes of merchandise. Videos of people coming out of the store with several boxed in hands have appeared on social media. Some people also attacked police by throwing fireworks and other projectiles.

Apart from widescale looting, some goons surrounded a bus and set in on fire. As per police, some members of the celebration crowd vandalised the bus, and then set some of the seats ablaze. Fortunately, the female driver of the metro bus and the five passengers were able to evacuate safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

One eyewitness said that the driver was still inside when the bus was set on fire. After she got out, the mob started throwing fireworks inside the bus, while cheering and dancing.

Apart from these, the goons took over the streets to perform stunts using their vehicles.

At least a dozen people have been arrested in connection with the incidents.

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar defends Hindus’ right to burst crackers, Maulana Tauqeer Raza opposes it and says Diwali is not a festival of firecrackers

OpIndia Staff
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Bageshwar Dham Sarkar defends Hindus’ right to burst crackers, Maulana Tauqeer Raza opposes it and says Diwali is not a festival of firecrackers

On Wednesday, 30th October, ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali, Hindu spiritual leader Bageshwar Dham Sarkar (also known as Dhirendra Krishna Shastri) slammed all those who call to avoid bursting of firecrackers during the Hindu festivals. He said that people have gotten used to the habit of blaming Hindu festivals for pollution.

“During Diwali, they say that bursting firecrackers cause air pollution. During Holi, they show fake concern for water. But these people forget to teach the same lesson during New Year. Why this bias and hatred towards Hindu festivals?” Bageshwar Dham Sarkar said.

The statement issued by Bageshwar Dham Sarkar has been backed by several people who emphasised the importance of upholding cultural practices during the festival. People said that the ‘liberals’ who are concerned about pollution during Hindu festivals should also show worries during Bakrid or New Year.

Several other Hindus also backed the statement by Pandit Dhirendra Shastriji saying that no one has right to blame and defame Hindu festivals like this.

However, controversy erupted when Muslim cleric Tauqeer Raza commented on the firecracker issue and said that the extensive use of firecrackers was a waste of money. Criticising Shastri for his comments, Raza said that Diwali is the festival of lights and not firecrackers.

Acting as an expert on Hindu festival Diwali, Tauqeer Raza said, “If anyone has to take the help of firecrackers to express their happiness during festivals, that cannot be called as happiness. I am not asking for a complete ban on firecrackers but people must definitely restrict its use. The environment must be taken care of. I weddings even we Muslims burst firecrackers but the same are banned during Ulema.”

It is important to note that AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also  backed the ban on firecrackers in Delhi and claimed that the decision had nothing to do with religion. He said that both, the Supreme Court and the High Court, had emphasised a ban on firecrackers due to pollution concerns.

“..Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers, we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not firecrackers. It is not as if we are doing a favor to anybody. Whatever pollution will happen, our children will suffer from it, so there is no Hindu-Muslim in this. Everyone’s life is important..” Kejriwal said while addressing the media on Wednesday.

Notably, Kejriwal had no problems with his party members bursting crackers all over Delhi to celebrate his return from Tihar Jail, but he has issued an appeal to Hindus not to burst crackers during Diwali.

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