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AAP’s Kejriwal backs ban on firecrackers ahead of Diwali, here’s how AAP burst firecrackers to celebrate his bail, has been avoiding stubble burning issue in Punjab

Siddhi Somani
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AAP’s Kejriwal backs ban on firecrackers ahead of Diwali, here’s how AAP burst firecrackers to celebrate his bail, has been avoiding stubble burning issue in Punjab

On Wednesday, 30th October, ahead of the Diwali festival, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal 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 emphasized 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..” he said while addressing the media on Wednesday.

Kejriwal’s statement came a day after Bharatiya Janata Party politician Dinesh Sharma criticized the Delhi government’s blanket ban on firecrackers, questioning why it is restricted to during Hindu festivals and not during Christmas or New Year.

“We stand by the measures that are implemented for curbing pollution. There are many ways to curb it, but why are there only bans on Hindu festivals? The Delhi government will put a complete ban on crackers on Diwali and restrict the use of colors on Holi. What objection do you have to Hindu festivals?” Sharma was quoted as asking. 

Earlier in September, the Delhi government issued an immediate ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers within the city, effective until January 1st.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai made the declaration, urging residents to support the government’s efforts to reduce air pollution. “In view of the increasing pollution in winter, a ban has been imposed on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers from today till January 1,” Rai said. “The Delhi government has issued instructions regarding the ban, and we request the cooperation of all Delhiites,” he added.

AAP workers burning firecrackers after ban

The deteriorating air quality in the national capital has become a concern in the past few years for which the Hindu festival of Diwali is solely blamed by politicians and mainstream media. The AAP authorities claim that firecrackers burst on Diwali cause maximum air pollution resulting in deteriorating air quality. However, the hypocrisy of the party was exposed recently after AAP workers themselves burst firecrackers in September as they celebrated the bail granted to their chief Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy scam case. This is days after Rai had announced a ban on firecrackers ahead of Diwali.

Later Delhi Police took suo moto cognizance of the event and booked several unknown AAP workers for bursting firecrackers outside the residence of Kejriwal and violating the rules of the Delhi government’s ban on fireworks. 

“Some unknown people have caused air pollution by bursting firecrackers near 6 Flag staff road, Civil Lines, Delhi which is very harmful to the health of residents and other general public,” the complaint in the FIR read. The unknown AAP workers who burst firecrackers were then charged with an offense under section 223(B) of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). 

Moreover, it is important to note that the hazardous air of Delhi for which the AAP government has always selectively ignored the issue of stubble burning from neighboring states, primarily Punjab in recent years, which is the primary reason behind the hazardous air in Delhi. The government has imposed year-after-year bans on the sale and production of the firecrackers. However, the air quality in Delhi has had no effect.

Stubble burning: Punjab vs Haryana

Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat from the last week of September to November. Almost everyone has agreed that stubble burning by farmers in the nearby states, mainly in Punjab and Haryana, has been the primary reason behind deteriorating air quality in Delhi. However, the AAP government having power in Punjab as well as Delhi has hardly done anything to solve the issue. Instead, they find it easy to blame the Hindu festival and the bursting of firecrackers for the pollution.

As reported earlier, Punjab has in the past made the use of the Super Straw Management System (SMS) with the harvesters mandatory to prevent stubble burning. These machines, which can be attached to existing combines, cut the stubble and spread it uniformly in the field, eliminating the need for burning them. However, the implementation of this machine has not been strict as all farmers can’t afford it, given the hefty costs. Moreover, there are not enough such machines in use at present to cover the entire area before the planting of wheat. Therefore, farmers, even to date, burn the stubble despite it being made illegal as per law and imposition of fines for violating the law.

On the other hand, Haryana last year reported a 30 percent dip in incidents of stubble burning and has always come up with smart solutions to address the problem of stubble burning in the state. It has issued money to the farmers for crop residue and also has given them the option to convert the stubble into compressed biogas. Due to the efforts of the Haryana government, the issue of stubble burning is gradually being addressed, and farmers are receiving additional income of 4-6 thousand rupees per acre. The stubble is also purchased by the state which converts it into animal fodder and other products.

However, in contrast, AAP ruled Punjab has not been able to curtail stubble-burning incidents.

Conclusion: AAP must stop hypocrisy

As reported in January this year, the air quality of Delhi slipped to a ‘severe’ condition even after the state imposed a ban on firecrackers weeks before Diwali 2023. Gopal Rai while imposing the ban had said that people should avoid bursting crackers on the Hindu festival as it would make it difficult for everyone to breathe. Even while wishing people on the occasion of Diwali from his X handle, he urged people to take a ‘pledge’ not to burst firecrackers.

Notably, the government has been giving a clean chit to the stubble burning in AAP-ruled Punjab which is majorly responsible for Delhi’s poor air quality.

The emphasis on banning firecrackers and attributing pollution entirely to Diwali appears to be political laziness and an inability to impose constructive policy changes. Instead of blaming a 1-day festival, the govt needs to emphasize a more comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of pollution. Further, the hypocritical government also needs to adopt the ban on firecrackers themselves before urging the people to stop bursting them given ‘concerns’ over air pollution.

MVA candidate and Swara Bhaskar’s husband, Fahad Ahmad, tearless-cries and whines inconsolably after his nomination is accepted: Read why

OpIndia Staff
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MVA candidate and Swara Bhaskar’s husband, Fahad Ahmad, tearless-cries and whines inconsolably after his nomination is accepted: Read why

Fahad Ahmad, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate from Anushakti Nagar constituency for the Maharashtra Assembly election, and Swara Bhaskar husband, was seen weeping inconsolably after filing his nomination for the assembly election. Fahad Ahmad is the candidate from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction.

In a video posted by news channel Aaj Tak, the reporter asks Fahah Ahmad to explain how the day went and what happened in the run up to filing his nomination.

No sooner had the journalist asked the question, did Ahmad start weeping inconsolably.

During his tear-less crying, Fahad, in a forced shaky voice said that he did not know how the news reached the media and that it was a deliberate attempt by certain people.

After saying this, he started tearless-weeping, saying that since “this news” was spread, everyone started praying for him. “Unki dua kabool ho gayi hai”, he said.

He further said that he has now sacrificed his entire life for the constituency. He said that he will work for all those who prayed to Allah and he will forever be indebted to them. “It is because of their prayers that my form has been accepted today”, he said.

The journalist then asks Ahmad what really happened, since the news was that his affidavit had been rejected twice.

As he continued to tearless-cry and whine, Ahmad said that this was fake news and that no affidavit of his was rejected and that the law says that a candidate can file any number of affidavits and whichever affidavit is accurate, it would be accepted.

He thanked the officials who he claimed “were being pressured” and “worked on the Babasaheb Ambedkar constitution” to ensure his affidavit was accepted.

“Babasaheb Ambedkar has shown his power today”, said Ahmad. He further said that all his education and experience would be used for the upliftment of the people of his constituency. Fahad Ahmad is a graduate of AMU and holds a master’s in philosophy from TISS.

Many took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to claim that Fahad Ahmad’s whining was mere drama.

Some claimed that instead of Swara Bhaskar, Fahad Ahmad should have a career in acting.

A few days ago, actor Swara Bhaskar’s husband Fahad Ahmad joined the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) on Sunday and was fielded from the Anushakti Nagar seat against Sana Malik of NCP (Ajit Pawar).

While addressing a press conference here, NCP-SCP leader Jayant Patil said, “Fahad Ahmad is a well-educated young Muslim youth and has worked as an activist across the country. People want us to give a chance to such leaders. He was in the Samajwadi Party earlier but we had talks with SP and he came to our party. We gave him a ticket from our party from the Anushakti Nagar constituency.”

Speaking on his candidature from the Anushakti Nagar seat in the Maharashtra polls, Fahad said that he is thankful to NCP chief Sharad Pawar for asking SP chief Akhilesh Yadav that they want to announce his name as a candidate from NCP-SCP.

“Sharad Pawar is also a socialist leader and I am thankful to him that he has asked Akhilesh Yadav if they want to announce my name as a candidate from NCP-SCP,” he said.

Fahad Ahmad was the state president of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, a youth wing of the Samajwadi Party Maharashtra Pradesh.

Chhattisgarh HC upholds divorce granted to Hindu man from Christian wife who used to abuse Hindu customs, deities: Details

Nupur J Sharma
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Chhattisgarh HC upholds divorce granted to Hindu man from Christian wife who used to abuse Hindu customs, deities: Details

In a landmark judgement, the Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that a husband is entitled to divorce on grounds of mental cruelty if his religious beliefs are repeatedly mocked by the spouse while upholding the divorce granted by the family court to a Hindu husband from his Christian wife.

Neha and Vikas Chandra married in February 2016. The marriage was consecrated per Hindu rituals. However, thereafter, Neha, who was a Christian, persistently mocked and denigrated the religious sentiments of the Hindu husband. She would abuse Hindu deities and denigrate his faith.

While they married as per Hindu rituals, the wife continued to attend Church and refused to participate in any religious ceremonies along with her husband, Vikas. Soon after the marriage per Hindu customs, she started abusing the Hindu faith and returned to Bilaspur, her maternal home, after living with Vikas in Delhi briefly.

Her behaviour finally led to Vikas approaching the family court and seeking a divorce from the Christian wife.

The High Court judgement upholding the divorce granted by the family court comes as a result of a plea filed by Neha.

The court observed that there is an expectation of a religious Hindu husband that the wife would participate in religious activities along with him, since in Hinduism, any religious yagya is incomplete without the participation of the wife. Neha’s behaviour of not only refusing to participate in religious activity but also abusing Hindu deities and hurting his religious sentiments amounts to mental cruelty.

It is pertinent to note that Vikas Chandra and Neha were married according to Hindu rituals. When the marriage was conducted per Hindu rituals, there was presumably an assumption on the part of the Hindu husband that the Christian wife was willing to embrace Hinduism and would not mock and denigrate the faith after the wedding. There appears to be a strong case of deception involved where soon after marriage, the Christian wife started mocking his faith and abusing Hindu deities, leading to divorce.

Court in Russia hits Google with mind-boggling fine of 2 Undecillion Rubles, a number with 36 zeros, for banning Russian media outlets

OpIndia Staff
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Court in Russia hits Google with mind-boggling fine of 2 Undecillion Rubles, a number with 36 zeros, for banning Russian media outlets

A court in Russia has ordered Google to pay an astronomical amount of money for blocking several media outlets. As per reports, the court on Monday fined Google 2 undecillion Rubles, or around 20 decillion USD.

Notably, 1 undecillion has 36 zeros after 1, while 1 decillion has 33 zeros after 1. This means, Google has been asked to pay USD 20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. This amount not only exceeds Google parent Alphabet’s market value, but it also exceeds the total GDP of the entire world, estimated to be around $100 trillion.

The ruling came after a four-year-long court battle against Google after it banned several Russian media outlets. This included the YouTube channel of the nationalist channel Tsargrad in response to US sanctions against its owner. “Google was called by a Russian court to administrative liability under Art. 13.41 of the Administrative Offenses Code for removing channels on the YouTube platform. The court ordered the company to restore these channels,” said Ivan Morozov, lawyer of TASS.

If the stunning amount is not enough, the order states that if the fine is not paid within nine months, it will double every day after that. Moreover, there is no maximum limit, and it will keep doubling every day after nine months. Google will not be allowed to re-enter the Russian market only if pays the penalty.

The court arrived at the figure by accumulating the payable fine starting from 2020, when several Russian media outlets moved court against Google for blocking them.

It is unlikely that Google will pay the fine. The company already ended its Russian operations in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After Google’s Russian subsidiary faced several lawsuits over banning Russian outlets, it went bankrupt in 2022.

It is interesting to note that the origin of the word Google lies in another large number, Googol. 1 Googol has 100 zeros after 1. Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin intended to name to company Googol, but due to a typo, they ended up registering it as Google.

Calcutta High Court denies to curb animal sacrifice in Goddess Kali temple, says practices in East India differ from those in North India

OpIndia Staff
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Calcutta High Court denies to curb animal sacrifice in Goddess Kali temple, says practices in East India differ from those in North India

The Calcutta High Court’s vacation bench declined to ban animal sacrifice during “Kali Puja” at the Bolla Kali temple in Kolkata. According to the court’s observation, religious customs in eastern India differ from those in northern India. Therefore, prohibiting these actions would not be right and many groups might view these as “essential religious practices.” A division bench of Justices Vishwajit Basu and Ajay Kumar Gupta was hearing a petition filed by the All India Krishi Go Sevak Sangh. The plea sought immediate relief to stop the animal sacrifice to be held on 1st November (Friday).

The bench, however, did not deem it appropriate to issue an interim order without holding a full hearing. The court stated that it believed that animal sacrifice is not a necessary religious practice, while also pointing out that there is a lot of difference in what is an essential ritual in North India and East India. “It is a matter of controversy whether the mythological characters were actually vegetarian or non-vegetarian,” the bench declared.

The organization sought immediate direction from the court to the Animal Welfare Board of India to stop ‘illegal animal sacrifice done in the most gruesome and barbaric manner’ in various temples of the state. The group’s lawyer responded that they currently want a ban at a specific South Dinajpur temple when asked if they intended for a restriction in all the temples. “One thing is clear, if the ultimate goal is to make the eastern part of India vegetarian, then it cannot happen. The Advocate General cannot live without fish every day,” the panel stated.

Afterwards, the Advocate General who was representing the state voiced that he was a strict non-vegetarian. “You need not challenge the validity of Section 28 (of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960) because the practice of sacrifice does not form an essential religious practice of Kali Puja or any other puja, so far as the citizens of the eastern part of India follow. Food habits differ,” noted Justice Basu.

Justice Basu was referring to the section that reads, “Nothing contained in this Act shall make it a crime to kill any animal in the manner required by the religion of any community.” The High Court bench then listed the matter for further hearing and declined to provide relief. The court referred the case to Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam’s bench, which is already considering many similar pleas.

The group had also asked a division bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam last year to prohibit the killing of 10,000 goats and buffaloes during “Bolla Kali Puja.” The court had refused interim relief to stop animal sacrifice. However, it agreed to consider the larger matter of the legality of animal sacrifice in West Bengal.

Bolla village is located on the Balurghat-Malda highway, 20 kilometres from Balurghat town. The village has a historic temple where devotees worship Goddess Kali. The main Kali Puja is held on the Friday after Raas Purnima. A large number of devotees from various parts of the South Dinajpur district gather at the temple during the event and offer prayers. A three-day fair is organized during this period.

Ayodhya is celebrating the first Diwali after the consecration of Ram temple, know why it is being called “Mahaparva”

OpIndia Staff
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Ayodhya is celebrating the first Diwali after the consecration of Ram temple, know why it is being called “Mahaparva”

500 years of continuous struggle of Hindus to reclaim the birthplace of Lord Ram culminated with Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya making this Diwali even more special for Hindus across the world, especially for the city of Ayodhya. Substantial preparations are underway at the administrative level for the security and facilities of the devotees. In addition to the state police, central forces are also stationed there.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared it a grand festival and invited everyone to join in and the people of Ayodhya have also shown great enthusiasm to celebrate Diwali in a grand manner to welcome their King Bhagwan Ram. All of the key administrative authorities have camped in Ayodhya and the police are holding regular meetings. Every nook and corner of the holy city is continuously monitored. 

The Ayodhya police have informed the media that enhanced vigilance is being maintained at Nayaghat, Ram Ki Paidi, Ramkatha Park, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, Saryu River Ghat, and Aarti Sthal, among other places. Paramilitary troops are patrolling on foot alongside the police. On this day, various tableaux linked to the life of Lord Ram are seen in the holy city.

Approximately 10,000 security officers from various districts in Uttar Pradesh have been deployed to ensure the safety of this great Deepawali event. These police and security officials are equipped with cutting-edge weapons and security equipment for checks, among other things. The administration maintains that there is insurmountable security in Ayodhya.

This time, a goal has been set to illuminate 28 lakh lamps in Ayodhya. These earthen lanterns will be lit along the banks of Saryu. These lamps have been decorated since Wednesday morning (30th October). In addition, the entire Ayodhya Dham has been given a magnificent appearance. Similar preparations for Deepotsav are ongoing in the rural areas surrounding Ayodhya Dham.

Similar decorations are also visible at the train station, bus stop, and airport. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust has announced that Ayodhya will be decorated with indigenous goods. Saffron flags cover the entire city of Ayodhya. On this occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will crown Lord Ram in Ram Katha Park. Deepotsav will commence once this program is completed.

CM Yogi welcomed the crowd on this occasion and encouraged people to attend this historic event. He stated that after 500 years, thousands of lamps will be lit in Shri Ramlalla’s grand and divine temple in Dharmdhara Ayodhya Dham, which is built on his sacred birthplace.

“Never seen a Diwali like this”: Mahant Ajay Das

Speaking to OpIndia, Ayodhya’s Mahant Ajay Das said that he is about 50 years old and has lived in Ayodhya since childhood. Ajay Das said he had never witnessed such a Diwali before.

According to Mahant Ajay Das, Ayodhya, which previously had a low influx of devotees, is now crowded with people from all over the country, as well as foreign visitors. Ajay Das gives the credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the magnificent transformation of the “Dharmkshetra”.

The devotees of Lord Rama are more enthusiastic and aware than ever before

OpIndia met with an officer from the security forces stationed in Ayodhya. On the condition of anonymity, he stated that the devotees who come now are more enthusiastic and aware than before. We were told that security procedures were normally reinforced every Diwali, but they are currently on high alert and taking extra precautions.

According to the official, the number of lamps and devotees in Ayodhya exceeds previous records every year. He claimed that devotees visiting Ayodhya are disciplined and observe the rules. He believes that Lord Ram devotees’ minds have become more socially aware and this consciousness is attracting devotees to Ayodhya.

Trade boom in Ayodhya  

OpIndia spoke to Vimalendra Srivastava alias Pattu, a businessman from Ayodhya. Pattu has a house near Teedi Bazaar, where he used to run a tent house shop. He told us that in the erstwhile scenario of Ayodhya, he had suffered losses of lakhs of rupees in the tent business. After this, he left this business and started a vegetarian food business.

Vimalendra Srivastava told us that now the atmosphere of Ayodhya has completely changed. There is an unending influx of devotees here now. Because of this, his food and beverage business is doing very well. According to Vimalendra, earlier he incurred losses instead of profits by investing a large capital, but now he is getting good profits even with less capital. He thanked Lord Ram for this.

West Bengal: Doctor Noor Alam rapes a woman after injecting her with a sedative, blackmails her with obscene video; victim attempts suicide

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Doctor Noor Alam rapes a woman after injecting her with a sedative, blackmails her with obscene video; victim attempts suicide

On Tuesday, 29th October, a private doctor identified as Noor Alam was arrested by the North 24 Parganas District Police in West Bengal as he repeatedly raped and threatened a female patient. According to reports, the female patient had approached him for treatment. He injected her with anaesthesia and raped her. During the assault, he also took obscene photographs of the victim and threatened to make them viral, using this to repeatedly rape her. The victim informed police that Alam also attempted to extort Rs 4 lakh from her.

According to media reports, the incident occurred in Hasnabad. The woman, who lived alone, had been unwell for some time while her husband worked abroad. Some time ago, she went to Dr Noor Alam for treatment. After examining her, he suggested she receive an injection for immediate relief. Although she was initially reluctant, Alam persuaded her by promising a quick recovery.

Alam made the victim lie on a bed and injected her. Once injected, the victim lost consciousness. While she was unconscious, Alam raped her and made an obscene video of the act. When she regained consciousness, she found her clothes dishevelled and suspected she had been assaulted. Noor Alam showed her the video, beginning a cycle of blackmail. He threatened to make the video and photos viral if she spoke to anyone, using her fear to rape her multiple times.

During this period, Alam also demanded Rs 4 lakh from the victim, threatening to make the obscene video viral if she failed to pay. Distressed by the rape, blackmail, and threats, the victim fell into depression and even attempted suicide but was unsuccessful. Neighbours informed her husband about her suicide attempt over the phone.

Her husband immediately returned home and learned of her ordeal. He filed a written complaint with the police. Based on his complaint, a case was registered against Dr Noor Alam, who was arrested by the West Bengal police on 29th October 2024. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Disengagement by India and China in Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok completed, coordinated patrolling to start soon

ANI
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Disengagement by India and China in Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok completed, coordinated patrolling to start soon

The disengagement process between India and China in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh was completed today, Indian Army sources said on Wednesday.

Following the disengagement, both sides will soon start the coordinated patrolling in their respective areas: sources added.

“Disengagement between India and China in Desaang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh is completed. Coordinated patrolling is set to start by both sides soon. Ground commanders will continue to hold talks. Exchange of sweets on Diwali is set to happen tomorrow,” said Army sources.

India has been working towards resolving this long-standing dispute to restore the pre-April 2020 situation, prior to the onset of Chinese aggression in the area.

On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that frontier troops of both nations are engaged in “relevant work” in line with the agreement reached on border issues.

During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that this work is progressing “smoothly.”

When asked whether India and China had commenced troop withdrawals from friction points, Lin Jian said, “In accordance with the recent resolutions on border issues, the Chinese and Indian frontier troops are engaged in relevant work, progressing smoothly at present.”

On October 21, India announced an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, ending the over four-year military standoff.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia, where both leaders welcomed the agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

The meeting followed an announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the new patrolling arrangements along the LAC in the India-China border areas.

The border standoff between India and China, which began in 2020 in eastern Ladakh along the LAC, was triggered by Chinese military actions and led to a prolonged strain on bilateral 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)

Uttar Pradesh: 17 years old national level taekwondo player Anurag Yadav beheaded in Jaunpur over land dispute

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: 17 years old national level taekwondo player Anurag Yadav beheaded in Jaunpur over land dispute

On Wednesday, 30th October, Anurag Yadav, also known as Chhotu, a 17-year-old national-level Taekwondo athlete from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, was tragically murdered, with his head severed from his body. The killing is reportedly linked to a land dispute in Kabiruddinpur village which falls under the jurisdiction of Gaurabadshahpur police station. The accused persons are believed to have used a sword to murder the minor athlete.

As per the reports, Anurag, a student at Raj College, was an accomplished Taekwondo player and had won a bronze medal in the Indo-Nepal International Taekwondo Competition in Chandauli and a silver medal at the Open Nationals in Noida.

Anurag was bursting his teeth this morning outside his house in Kabruddinpur village of Gaurabadshahpur police station area. Suddenly, a youth from the neighbourhood arrived with a sword and attacked the youth. Anurag tried to flee and ran some distance, but the attacker chased him and hit his neck with the sharp sword. The blow was so powerful that the head was separated from the body. The killer then fled from the scene.

His severed dead body was discovered in a field approximately 500 meters from his home, sparking widespread panic and outrage in the area. His mother was inconsolable after the incident, and kept crying for a long time hugging the severed head of her son.

The incident took place in the home village of Zafarabad MLA Jagdish Narayan Rai. Police arrived at the scene immediately after informed and initiated an investigation into the murder. Jaunpur District Magistrate Dineshchandra and Superintendent of Police Ajay Pal Sharma also visited the site and met with the family of the deceased minor athlete.

As per the local reports, the DM directed ADM Ram Akshbar Chauhan to investigate the land dispute and submit a report within three days. Police teams from three stations were present at the scene. SP Ajay Pal Sharma meanwhile confirmed that the teenager was murdered due to a land dispute, and several suspects have been detained for questioning.

“The incident stems from a land dispute that has been ongoing between two parties for approximately 40-45 years. In this dispute, individuals named Ramesh and Lalta attacked and killed members of the opposing party. Currently, the DM and I are present at the site, and an investigation is being conducted. Some accused have been detained, and they are being interrogated, with further legal actions underway,” he said.

Shortly after the incident, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the Yogi Adityanath administration. “A complex, contradictory relationship exists between the government and crime today. On one hand, they appear intertwined, yet as the government becomes weaker and more inactive, criminals seem to grow more powerful and active,” he said in a tweet.

New Zealand: SFJ’s Khalistan referendum on India’s radar, former MP Kanwaljit Bakshi says only a ‘tiny and vocal minority’ supporting it

OpIndia Staff
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New Zealand: SFJ’s Khalistan referendum on India’s radar, former MP Kanwaljit Bakshi says only a ‘tiny and vocal minority’ supporting it

New Zealand’s former National MP, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, has voiced concerns regarding the upcoming Khalistan referendum in Auckland. Bakshi, the country’s first India-born lawmaker, was an MP from 2008 to 2020. The so-called referendum referred to here is the one being organised by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in various countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Pannun is the founder of the Khalistani terrorist organisation Sikh for Justice (SFJ). In his statement against the referendum, Bakshi warned the government that such an event might impact relations between India and New Zealand.

Bakshi cited India’s firm stance on territorial integrity and said, “The proposed referendum on Khalistan will likely hurt New Zealand-India relations, particularly given India’s apparent position on the issue of its territorial integrity.” Notably, Bakshi is an influential figure within the Sikh community in the country. He emphasised that the proposed referendum is not representative of the broader Sikh population in New Zealand.

He said, “For most Sikhs here, the Khalistan issue holds minor to no significance. The Sikh community primarily focuses on building successful lives in New Zealand while maintaining cultural and religious ties with India.” Bakshi pointed out that the push for the referendum is limited to a “tiny and vocal minority” influenced by external forces.

Indian community groups express disapproval

Apart from Bakshi, associations within the Indian community in New Zealand have expressed disapproval of the referendum. The New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA), established in 1926, has joined Bakshi in expressing disapproval of the so-called referendum to create a separate nation for Sikhs by breaking Punjab away from India. NZICA’s president, Narendra Bhana, expressed his frustration over police inaction during a recent car rally led by Avtar Singh Pannun, president of SFJ. The rally took place on 19th October.

Former president of NZICA, Rupinder Virk, also condemned extremism and disrespect towards the Indian national flag, which occurred at the rally. Notably, during the rally, hate speeches were given by pro-Khalistani elements, and the national flag of India was desecrated, drawing widespread criticism within the Indian community living in the country.

Bhana added that the event had an effect on the Indian New Zealanders and called it “an insult to a national symbol and deeply offensive to the Indian community in New Zealand.” Police reportedly informed Bhana that intervention is limited to instances involving property damage or physical harm.

New Zealand’s stance on sovereignty

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) of New Zealand has acknowledged awareness of the event. The ministry reiterated its commitment to respecting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In an official statement, an MFAT spokesperson noted, “New Zealand recognises India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” However, the spokesperson added that it is important to uphold the right to “lawful and peaceful demonstrations.”

NZICA reportedly filed a formal complaint to Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and the minister assured them he would meet the association to address their concerns.

Expert perspective on international implications

Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, David Capie, indicated that the proposed “referendum” would likely attract scrutiny from New Delhi. He added, “If we saw unrest or any sign that pro-Khalistan groups had any sort of official blessing, then Indian officials would doubtless raise the issue with New Zealand counterparts.”

The so-called Khalistan referendum is scheduled for 17 November.

India-Canada relations marred with diplomatic tensions due to Khalistani elements

It should be noted that India has a firm stance against pro-Khalistani elements targeting India on foreign soil. Since September 2023, diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been marred by tensions, as Canada accused India of killing a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in June 2023, probably in a gang war in Surrey, Canada, has become the focal point of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Following the baseless allegations levelled by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, against India in September 2023, diplomats were expelled from both sides. Recently, Canada’s RCMP accused Indian agents, including high-level diplomats such as the High Commissioner of India to Canada, Sanjeev Kumar, and Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, of being involved in criminal activities on Canadian soil. They claimed that India is taking support from a criminal group operated by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to target Khalistani elements in Canada. They also claimed that Indian diplomats were gathering intelligence on pro-Khalistani elements.

Following the recent allegations, India recalled its diplomats. Canada claimed to expel those diplomats. In retaliation, India also expelled six Canadian diplomats and asked them to leave the country.

Due to the presence of pro-Khalistani elements, tensions have erupted between India and Western countries, including the US, the UK, and Australia. New Zealand is a new name added to the list.

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