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UP: Jibran and his friends kidnap a minor Hindu girl in Unnao; the victim’s family claim she was held in a madrasa, flees home after death threats

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Jibran and his friends kidnap a minor Hindu girl in Unnao; the victim’s family claim she was held in a madrasa, flees home after death threats

A shocking incident has come to light in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, where a 16-year-old Hindu girl was kidnapped from a village in the Achalganj police station area. Her family members charged that a Muslim youth named Jibran, along with his associates forcibly took her away from the house. He even threatened that the entire family would be shot if they were seen in the hamlet. On the night of 12th September, the accused reached the victim’s house with a dozen of his companions. They assaulted the family, pressured them and abducted her.

Her father unveiled that the accused warned that the entire family would be murdered if they complained to the police or were spotted in the area again. Afterwards, they left the house out of fear and took shelter somewhere else. According to the teenager’s father, the culprit forced him to leave his thumb impression on a blank paper and claimed that she was twenty years old when in reality his daughter was only sixteen. He revealed that two men in police uniform accompanied the offenders. He and his wife then notified their son in Delhi who promptly returned to Unnao and lodged a police complaint.

The minor’s brother went to the Achalganj police station four days after the incident and filed a written complaint after which a case was opened. The authorities began their investigation. They registered a case under kidnapping and invoked serious sections. Four people have been taken into custody, however, concerns are being raised about the police’s response, as no concrete clue has been found till now and the girl has not been recovered. The family charged the authorities with negligence and attempts to protect the perpetrator in the matter.

They added that their daughter was kept hidden in a madrasa but they have no further information about her from there either. The underage girl’s brother mentioned that similar incidents have previously happened in the village as well where such bullies from the Muslim community have targeted other girls. He unveiled that Jibran and his aides have tried to trap girls in the village in love jihad and force them into marriage. He expressed that his sister is being pushed into the same.

His parents feel helpless and are afraid for their daughter. They appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to find their daughter and hand her over to them as soon as possible. “Our daughter has been forcibly abducted, we appeal to the chief minister to deliver justice,” they begged and added that numerous such instances where men of a particular community forcibly take away Hindu girls and convert them have come to light in the village earlier. There is an atmosphere of fear and anger in the village about the occurrence. The locals also accused the police of not taking the issue seriously, however, the police alleged that they are making every effort and the girl will be recovered soon.

Meanwhile, Circle Officer Bighapur Rishikant Shukla stated that a matter of a minor girl who was forcibly abducted from her home has surfaced. A case has been submitted against the accused under sections 292/24, 191, 333, 137 and 2 and four suspects have been apprehended and questioned. He claimed that measures are underway to arrest others involved in this case and they are also looking for the girl. The primary suspect has reportedly been identified as Rizwan, in other reports.

The Uttar Pradesh government has passed strict laws to prevent love jihad and forced religious conversion. It has made a provision for life imprisonment in such cases and has also doubled the amount of fine. However, such occurrences continue to spike despite the tough measures which has led to a feeling of fear and insecurity among the people.

While Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei lectures India over ‘Islamic Ummah’, his own country has been apathetic to millions of Afghan refugees

Shraddha Pandey
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While Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei lectures India over ‘Islamic Ummah’, his own country has been apathetic to millions of Afghan refugees

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran recently invoked Islamic Ummah to peddle the false narrative of victimhood of Muslims in India. Clubbing India with Gaza while claiming to lend his voice to the sufferings of Muslims around the world, Khamenei urged for unity within the “Islamic Ummah”.  However, while urging unity among the Muslim Ummah, Khamenei forgot to introspect as to how he is treating his co-religionists— Afghan refugees—in Iran.

Calling India and some other countries ‘Enemies of Islam’, Khamenei said: “The enemies of Islam have always tried to make us indifferent about our shared identity as an Islamic Ummah. We cannot consider ourselves to be Muslims if we are oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in #Myanmar, #Gaza, #India, or any other place.”

Source: X

Khamenei’s audacity to lecture India where the Muslim population has skyrocketed over the decades, with access to all welfare schemes and freedoms other communities enjoy, is amusing. On one hand, he advocates for Khamenei he blames the ‘enemies of Islam’ for the lack of unity within the Islamic Ummah on the other, he himself behaves like the ‘enemy of Islam’ and the ‘Ummah’.

Just last week, the Iranian authorities said that over 2 million Afghan refugees [all Muslims] will be deported from Iran. In an interview, Iranian police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said that measures are being undertaken to deport ‘illegal foreigners’ which implies migrants from Afghanistan. While these Afghans must have arrived in Iran hoping that Iran is another home for them since they are all one ‘Islamic Ummah’, however, Khamenei’s administration instead of considering them their own, dismissed the Afghan refugees as “illegal foreigners”.

Moreover, in May this year, Iran’s Interior Ministry announced that they have deported over 1.3 million irregular migrants had been deported to Afghanistan in the last 12 months. Given the similarities in culture and language, numerous undocumented Afghan refugees have blended into the local population and offer cheap labour. Totally, ignoring the duty as a champion of Muslim Ummah, the Iranian authorities and citizens deem Afghan refugees as a “burden” on the local labour market.

In addition to this, even the activists and journalists who raise concerns over the deplorable condition of Afghan refugees in Iran are hated and targeted by the Iranians. One such women’s rights activist and journalist, Jila Baniyaghoob said: “I constantly receive hateful messages and even death threats. They want to silence me [for extending solidarity to Afghan migrants].”

There have also been incidents wherein the Iranians attacked the Afghan refugees, especially after a massive influx of Afghan nationals to Iran after the Taliban’s violent takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The UNHCR estimates say that there are over 4.5 million Afghan refugees in Iran, the local authorities estimate their numbers to be over 6 to 8 million.

In July this year, banners were put up in Tehran calling on Afghan refugees to leave Iran after a local Iranian man was allegedly stabbed to death by his Afghan neighbour. In the same month, the houses of Afghan refugees in Khur city were set on fire after an Afghan refugee allegedly killed an Iranian man. Speaking to DW, Nazar Mohammad Nazari, an Afgan refugee said: “Tempers are flaring. a few months ago, Iranians and Afghans got into a fight after a wedding and one Iranian was killed. Afterwards, there were arbitrary attacks on Afghan individuals. I didn’t feel safe anymore”, adding that he had hoped for a better life in Iran.

According to a report by the Danish Refugee Council, roughly 485,000 Afghans were deported from Iran in 2022. In 2023, this figure is expected to rise to at least 651,000 Afghans, a 36% increase. “Since January 2024, IOM has already recorded close to 400,000 Afghans who crossed the border back to Afghanistan, in a context of shrinking protection space in its neighbouring country,” the DRC report reads.

Khamenei’s concern for the Muslim Ummah is farcical. While on social media, he laments the alleged ‘mistreatment’ of Muslims in India, his government is planning on building a 74-kilometre-long concrete wall, 4 meters (13 feet) high and topped with barbed wire. For what? To prevent Afghan Muslim refugees from entering Iran.

As the Indian Foreign Ministry rightly said: “Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making any observations about others”, Iran should fix its own house and refrain from straining ties with a key strategic ally like India over imaginary mistreatment of Muslims in India.

While Khamenei criticises India, his own administration has deported a massive number of Afghan refugees. These refugees, who fled an even more Islamic, stringent Sharia-compliant Taliban rule, suffered severe circumstances after being driven back into Afghanistan by Iran, in a clear contradiction to Khamenei’s idea of Muslim unity. The blatant contradiction in Khamenei’s lectures to India and Iran’s conduct against Afghan Muslims reflects the selective application of the concept of “Ummah”. Rather than protecting vulnerable Afghan Muslims within their borders, Iran’s actions indicate a nationalistic, rather than religious, approach to policy; however, when India does the same, Khamenei labels India as an ‘enemy of Islam,’ intending to stoke communal tensions in the Hindu majority nation.

In the broader geopolitical context, India and Iran usually have strong ties, such as through partnerships like the Chabahar port, tensions have risen as Khamenei uses religious rhetoric to bolster his position as the leader of the Ummah among Muslims around the world while remaining oblivious to the mistreatment of Afghan Muslims in Iran.

While Iran, in no manner has any authority to comment on India’s internal matters, its apathy towards Afghan Muslims who escaped their Taliban-ruled nation to Iran in the search of a better life, it loses even the ‘moral’ authority to lecture India.

India with a population of more than 20 crore Muslims does not need lectures from Islamic countries like Iran wherein forget non-Muslims even Muslim women don’t have any rights. Iran with a population of over 8 crore has been purging secular, modern, and dissenting Muslims, particularly women in the name of moral policing for ‘unIslamic practices’ like freedom to not wear a Hijab which triggered the anti-Hijab protests in the spirit of reclaiming Zan, Zendagi, Azadi.

Hindus targeted whenever there is instability in Bangladesh: Indian-origin MP raises plight of Bangladeshi Hindus in Canadian Parliament

OpIndia Staff
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Hindus targeted whenever there is instability in Bangladesh: Indian-origin MP raises plight of Bangladeshi Hindus in Canadian Parliament

On Monday, September 16, Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya expressed concern over the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Addressing the Canadian Parliament, the Hindu lawmaker highlighted the plight of religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, in Bangladesh. He emphasised that whenever there is instability in Bangladesh, Hindus, and other religious minorities have had to face the brunt of it. He also drew the House of Commons’ attention toward the declining population of religious minorities in Bangladesh ever since it attained independence in 1971.  

Canadian MP Arya said, “I am deeply concerned by violence targeting religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians in Bangladesh. Every time there is instability in Bangladesh, religious minorities, particularly Hindus, face the brunt.” 

Highlighting the declining population of religious minorities in Bangladesh, he added, “The share of religious minorities in the population of Bangladesh has significantly decreased since it achieved its independence in 1971. From 23.1%, including about 20% Hindus, it has now come down to just about 9.6%, including about 8.5% Hindus.” 

He further stated that Canadian Hindus who have family members in Bangladesh are worried about the safety and security of their families, their temples, and properties.

Arya informed the Canadian Parliament that Canadians who have family members in Bangladesh, have planned a rally in front of the Canadian Parliament on 23rd September. He added that families of Canadian Buddhists and Christians who have ties to Bangladesh will also participate in the rally. 

Hindu Canadian MP, Chandra Arya is of Indian origin. He originally hails from Tumakuru district in Karnataka. He represents the electoral district of Nepean in Ontario in Canada’s House of Commons. He is known for raising Hindu causes in the Canadian Parliament as well as speaking against the Khalistani radicalism in Canada. He has often faced threats from Khalistani terrorists for condemning attacks on Hindu temples. 

Once Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened him to leave the country for condemning the attacks on Hindu temples and raising Hindu causes. However, the MP has continued to raise his voice against Khalistani extremism. 

Additionally, he once gained attention when his video went viral in which he addressed the Canadian Parliament in his native language, Kannada. 

Ongoing religious persecution of Hindus and attacks on their property, livelihood, and temples

There have been at least 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops, and businesses since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. OpIndia had reported how a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal was almost lynched by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city. We previously exposed how Muslim students forced more than 60 Hindu teachers, professors, and government officials to resign from their positions.

Human rights activist and exiled Bangladeshi blogger, Asad Noor, has recently revealed that the minority community is now being coerced into joining ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’. On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

Furthermore, the Interim Government of Bangladesh recently issued a Talibanised decree in which it asked Hindus to turn off their puja rituals, prayers, and sound systems at least 5 minutes before and during the Namaz and Azan. 


‘Reputation built over 50 years is being destroyed’: Senior advocate Kapil Sibal objects to the live streaming of SC proceedings in RG Kar Hospital case

OpIndia Staff
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‘Reputation built over 50 years is being destroyed’: Senior advocate Kapil Sibal objects to the live streaming of SC proceedings in RG Kar Hospital case

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is representing the West Bengal government, objected to the live streaming of the SC proceedings in the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. Sibal claimed reputation built over 5 decades would be destroyed by the live streaming of the case.

Urging the Supreme Court to stop the live feed, Sibal complained that it has tarnished the reputation of lawyers and has resulted in threats to them.

Sibal stated that despite not representing the accused, they are still receiving threats. He informed the court that female lawyers in his chamber have been subjected to rape threats.

“Livestreaming cases with such emotional implications can have serious consequences…we have a 50-year reputation at stake! We are not representing the accused! Where was I laughing? This is unjust! These threats are now affecting the women in my chamber,” Sibal told the court.

In response, the CJI DY Chandrachud-led bench emphasised the public interest aspect, maintaining that the court operates openly. The CJI assured that the court would address any threats but refused to halt the livestreaming of the case.

Earlier, the Supreme Court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a new report in the Kolkata rape-murder case, as the agency expressed doubts about the forensic report. Today, the CBI provided a confidential update on the investigation’s progress to the Supreme Court. In addition to investigating the rape and murder, the CBI is also probing the former RG Kar principal, Sandip Ghosh, and others regarding the crime and alleged financial irregularities at the hospital during their tenure.

In the previous hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, mentioned plans to send samples for further analysis to AIIMS Delhi and other forensic labs, noting that the chain of custody of the samples had become a critical question.

“We have a forensic report, and it’s acknowledged that when the girl was found at 9:30 AM, her jeans and undergarments were removed and lying nearby… she was semi-nude with visible injury marks. Samples were taken and sent to the CFSL in West Bengal, but the results prompted the CBI to send them to AIIMS and another lab,” SG Mehta stated.

The CBI also highlighted the findings of the Central Forensic Science Lab (CFSL) report in Kolkata without revealing many details. In a prior hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the absence of an autopsy challan.

After reviewing the latest CBI report, the court refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation, stressing that revealing details could hinder the process. The court affirmed that the CBI’s efforts aim to uncover the truth.

Madhya Pradesh: On Eid-e-Milad, Islamists pelt stones at Hindu temple, throw firecrackers in Hindu houses, raise Palestine flags, 2 FIRs filed

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: On Eid-e-Milad, Islamists pelt stones at Hindu temple, throw firecrackers in Hindu houses, raise Palestine flags, 2 FIRs filed

On Monday, 16th September, Madhya Pradesh Police registered 2 FIRs against Islamist miscreants for attacking Hindu temples and homes in several districts on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad processions. As per the local reports, Islamists conducted processions in the districts of Sheopur, Balaghat, Mandsaur, Mandla, and Ratlam.

They raised Islamic slogans while the procession passed through the Sitaram Temple in Sheopur and also threw firecrackers into the homes of the Hindu residents. In Mandla, they also waved Palestinian flags.

Mandla Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha confirmed that based on the complaints, a youth identified as Fardeen had been arrested for raising Palestine flags. “Based on complaints about waving a flag resembling the Palestine flag, the accused youth has been taken into custody and further legal steps are being taken,” he said.

In Mandsaur, a similar incident took place as the Islamists raised unfavorable slogans while the Eid procession passed through Lord Balaji Temple. They also pelted stones at the temple injuring one of the persons associated with the temple.

The incident caused communal tension in the district resulting in the early shutdown of the busy markets. Several Hindus further gathered on the premises of the temple protesting against the stone-pelting that caused severe injury to one. The police meanwhile took cognizance of the event and tried to control the enraged mob.

Several videos of the incident are making rounds on social media. Meanwhile, in Ratlam and Balaghat, the Islamists also happened to raise Palestine flags. As per the local reports, they yelled Islamic slogans hailed Palestine, and also pelted stones at Hindu temples. The Balaghat police have arrested an individual identified as Shaquib.

Aditya Mishra, Rajgarh’s Superintendent of Police, admitted receiving a complaint about purported pro-Palestine slogans being raised during an Eid-e-Milad procession. Police examined the CCTV camera footage but found no proof, he said, adding that an investigation is ongoing.

‘Most of these are silent supporters of Hindus genocide’: Netizens slam BCCI for organising bilateral series with Bangladesh amid anti-Hindu violence

OpIndia Staff
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‘Most of these are silent supporters of Hindus genocide’: Netizens slam BCCI for organising bilateral series with Bangladesh amid anti-Hindu violence

Indian social media users are furious at the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) for allowing a bilateral Test and T20 series with Bangladesh on Indian soil, despite the ongoing anti-Hindu violence in the Islamic country.

The matter reached a crescendo on Sunday (15th September) when the Bangladesh men’s cricket team received a warm welcome at Chennai, ahead of the 1st Test match against India.

Several netizens expressed their frustration over the hospitality meted out to Bangladeshi cricketers when Hindu minorities are being killed. “We are seriously welcoming these Bangladeshi cricketers like honourable guests? Most of these are silent supporters of Hindu genocide in Bangladesh,” tweeted popular X user ‘Mr Sinha’.

Journalist Ajeet Bharti wrote, “Shameless BCCI! From dancing in front of Pakistani team for money to this, a new low.”

Hindu spiritual leader Radharamn Das tweeted, “The BCCI has shown utter disregard for protesting Hindus worldwide. Just look at how BCCI and ICC welcomed Bangladeshi cricketers to India today, while Hindus are being ethnically cleansed in Bangladesh. Shame on you.”

Entrepreneur ad author Arun Krishnan informed that he would refrain from watching the India Vs Bangladesh series, given the persecution of Hindus in the Islamic country.

“Shame on you BCCI . I, like millions of self-respecting Hindus will not be watching this series. And shame on our cricketing fraternity that they could take the knee for some BLM but can’t protest for their co-religionists being butchered in Bangladesh!” he tweeted.

“You are a disgrace. Hope no self respecting Hindu buys a ticket,” posted nationalist Twitter handle ‘Kreately.’

Popular X user Kanishka highlighted the short-term memory of the Hindu community. She wrote, “Welcoming a Terrorist nation “Bangladesh” for a cricket match in India is shameful. We, Hindus had learnt from our history.

Media portal ‘Hindu Post’ said, “Unless Hindus develop a modicum of self-respect and spine, the size of Bharat’s economy is meaningless. We couldn’t cancel a cricket series with #Bangladesh in solidarity with persecuted and suffering Bangladeshi Hindus? Not just that – we roll out the red carpet for the Bangladesh team, to rub more salt in the wounds of Hindus!”

It also called out Indian cricketers over the stoic silence on the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. Hindu Post added, “Why can’t a single Hindu cricketer from Bharat ever speak up for Hindus? In fact, only Danish Kaneria has shown the guts to clearly call for Bharat to not visit Pakistan for next year’s Champions Trophy, in light of Pakistan’s horrific treatment of its Hindu minority!”

Muslim majority Bangladesh after the coup went for Genocide of Hindus in #Bangladesh. V/S Hindu majority India after the start of the Genocide is hosting the cricket team of Bangladesh.

“Shame on Us! Shame on BCCI We are welcoming those to Play Cricket with us, people who are killing our Hindu Brothers and Sisters Daily 50% of these players are supporters of Hindu Genocide in Bharat,” wrote ‘The Jaipur Dialogues.’

Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh

There have been at least 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops and businesses since the ouster of Sheikha Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

OpIndia had reported how a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal was almost lynched by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city.

We previously exposed how Muslim students have forced as many as 60 Hindu teachers, professors and government officials to resign from their positions.

Human rights activist and exiled Bangladeshi blogger, Asad Noor, has recently revealed that the minority community is now being coerced into joining ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’.

On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

US Press Club slams Congress supporters for attack on journalist at Rahul Gandhi event, calls it a violation of First Amendment rights

OpIndia Staff
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US Press Club slams Congress supporters for attack on journalist at Rahul Gandhi event, calls it a violation of First Amendment rights

On 16th September (local time), the National Press Club (NPC) of Washington DC issued a statement indicating that the attack on India Today reporter Rohit Sharma might have violated his First Amendment rights. Sharma, who is a member of the NPC, was attacked by Congress supporters after he asked Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) chairperson Sam Pitroda about Rahul Gandhi’s stance on Hindus in Bangladesh.

The NPC, in its statement, raised concerns over the incident in the Dallas area. Emily Wilkins, President of the NPC, stated that the incident occurred when Sharma was conducting an interview with Pitroda, Chair of the IOC, at a hotel near Dallas Airport.

The press release noted that, according to reports from India Today and conversations between Sharma and an NPC Board member, Sharma was awaiting the arrival of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was scheduled to start his U.S. tour. During the interview, several members of the IOC and Gandhi’s advance staff were present. When Sharma posed his last question, some attendees objected and interrupted the interview by shouting at him, pushing him, and seizing his phone. The group, which included members of Rahul Gandhi’s staff, allegedly deleted files from Sharma’s phone before returning it.

Pitroda was escorted to the airport to meet Gandhi but later apologised to Sharma, noting he had no objections to the question posed and was in the process of answering when the disruption occurred. Wilkins emphasised that security staff must recognise that reporters working in the USA are protected by the First Amendment, regardless of the nationalities involved. She stressed that the actions of the security team—including confiscating Sharma’s phone and deleting content—were unauthorised and inappropriate. Interestingly, later in the week, Rahul Gandhi addressed a similar question at a National Press Club Newsmakers event in Washington.

Statement issued by NPC

“According to a recent article in India Today and confirmed in conversations between Mr, Sharma and an NPC Board member, Sharma was at a hotel near the Dallas Airport awaiting the arrival of Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader in India, who was beginning a U.S. tour. While he waited, Sharma interviewed the Chair of the India Overseas Congress (IOC), Sam Pitroda. The two had met in the past and the interview was done in a professional manner with agreed to recording.

“Several members of the IOC were listening to the interview as well as several members of Mr. Gandhi’s advance staff. On the last question, members of the audience objected to the subject of the question and stopped the interview by shouting at Sharma and pushing him while taking his phone. The group, which included Gandhi’s staff, deleted files from Sharma’s phone and kept it from him.

“Pitroda, who had been whisked to the airport to meet Gandhi, later apologized to Sharma. He had no objection to Sharma’s question and was in the process of answering when the audience erupted. Later in the week, Rahul Gandhi answered a similar question at a Press Club Newsmakers event in Washington.

“Security staff must be aware that reporters working in the U.S. are protected by the First Amendment, regardless of the nationality of the interview subject, reporter or security teams. This was an on-the-record interview with ground rules set between Mr. Sharma and Mr. Pitroda. The security team had no role related to the content or duration of the interview. They had no right or standing to take Sharma’s phone from him or delete content.”

What happened in Dallas, did not stay in Dallas

Last week, journalist Rohit Sharma from India Today was assaulted by Congress workers in Dallas, Texas, during Rahul Gandhi’s US visit. Sharma, covering Gandhi’s trip, asked Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, if Gandhi would raise the issue of Hindus killed in Bangladesh by Islamists following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Before Pitroda could respond, Congress supporters deemed the question ‘controversial,’ assaulted Sharma, and forcibly deleted the interview from his phone. Despite Pitroda suggesting a re-recording, it never happened. The incident highlights Congress’s intolerance towards questioning and the harassment of journalists. The incident that took place in Dallas, did not stay in Dallas and it was reported by Rohit via a report in India Today where he narrated his ordeal. Congress was heavily criticised for attacking a journalist that too on foreign land.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a dig at Congress over the incident. He accused them of “engaging in brutality”. Speaking at an event in election-bound Doda, Kashmir, PM Modi also mocked Rahul Gandhi’s “Mohabbat ki dukaan” slogan, questioning the harsh treatment of the journalist in the US. “They (Congress) claim to be running Mohabbat ki dukaan. But a journalist of our country was subjected to cruelty in the USA by Congress. A son of India was insulted in the USA. Those who claim to be champions of freedom of speech indulged in brutality,” Modi said on Saturday in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Modi stated that how the journalist was treated diminished India’s standing on American soil. He also remarked that the Congress is unfit to use the term “Constitution,” seeking to flip the narrative on the party, which has frequently accused the BJP of undermining the Constitution. Prime Minister Modi emphasised the media’s role as a vital pillar of democracy, questioning whether locking a journalist in a room upholds democratic values. He asked, “Is assaulting an Indian journalist on American soil enhancing India’s reputation?” He added, “The word ‘Constitution’ doesn’t suit you,” directly criticizing the Congress.

Notably, Editors Guild of India, that is famous for issuing “quick” statements to criticise the government, has kept silent over assault of Sharma by Congress goons in the US.

What is the National Press Club?

The National Press Club was founded in 1908. According to its website, it is the world’s leading professional organisation for journalists. The club has 300 members representing nearly every major news organisation. NPC is among the leading voices for press freedom in the United States and worldwide.

Hindu organisations stop Christian conversion in Nepal: Send back Indians taken to Nepal for conversion, smear faces with black paint and beat up pastor

OpIndia Staff
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Hindu organisations stop Christian conversion in Nepal: Send back Indians taken to Nepal for conversion, smear faces with black paint and beat up pastor

On 14th September 2024, activists from the Nepali branches of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, along with local residents, received information that around 100 people from Thuthibari town in Maharajganj were being brought to Nepal for conversion by a Christian group. The Hindu activists swung into action immediately and stopped the convoy of two buses that had been arranged to take them to Nepal.

During the confrontation, locals smeared black paint on the faces of those who came for conversion and beat up the pastor who had organised the conversion.

Reports suggest that the majority of the people taken for conversion were women and children, many of whom were from Dalit and Backward Classes. The accused pastor has been identified as Amos, who invited them to a church in Khairahani, Nepal, for conversion. The buses bearing Nepalese registration were parked at Maheshpur bus stand in Nepal, where the individuals had gathered to board the buses.

However, before they could board, local activists reached the location and protested against the planned conversions. The local residents misbehaved with those who had come from India to get converted and smeared their faces with black paint. Pastor Amos was beaten up by the locals for arranging the conversion programme. Following the protests, those who came from India were driven away and dropped off at the Indian border.

Local police were informed about the incident. The police recorded the names and addresses of the people involved, and they were released after being issued a warning against such programmes. Local administrative officials were also called to the spot. The police and local administration intervened to calm the situation and helped send the Indians back.

In a post on X, the Maharajganj police stated that the incident did not occur within their jurisdiction but in Nepal. The police are in touch with the Nepalese police regarding the matter. They appealed to the public not to spread misinformation that the incident took place in Maharajganj.

Notably, this is not the first time such cases of conversion have come up in this area. On 31st August 2024, two pastors from Kerala were caught in the Nepalese border region where they were attempting to carry out conversions at a local church. They were handed over to the police by the locals.

Missionaries converting Hindus in Nepal at a concerning pace

Christian conversion in Nepal are happening at a concerning pace. In January 2023, OpIndia reported that the Christian population has possibly increased by 68% in Nepal in less than a decade, thanks to Christian missionaries, especially from South Korea. A report by BBC titled ‘Christian missionaries target birthplace of Buddha in Nepal’ explained how South Korea, in particular, has been sending a tsunami of evangelists to Nepal. As per the report, Nepal had 3,76,000 Christians in 2011 (census numbers), which has increased to approx 5,45,000 now, a jump of 68%. As per the latest census, the number stood at 5,12,313 which is fairly close to the estimate.

PM Modi’s hometown and birthplace Vadnagar has a rich archaeological heritage: Details

ANI
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PM Modi’s hometown and birthplace Vadnagar has a rich archaeological heritage: Details

Vadnagar (Gujarat) [India], September 16 (ANI): Vadnagar, a quaint town nestled in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, has gained global recognition as the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, its historical significance and cultural richness extend far beyond this association.

This ancient city, once a bustling trading centre, boasts a captivating past with its ancient temples, serene lakes, and historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into India’s diverse heritage.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Vadnagar is Sri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This magnificent temple, known for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty, is a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. The temple’s peaceful ambience and spiritual significance make it a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.

Shastri Rawal Niranjanbhai, priest at Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, said, “The archaeology department has stated that this temple is around 2200 years old. In 2016, Modi put Vadnagar as a tourism area. 19 crores were sanctioned to this temple and it was developed. Development work has been underway in phases since then. Hatak means gold. Hatkeshwar is the one who gives wealth, success and fame.”

A serene oasis amidst the bustling town is the historic Sharmishtha Lake, which offers a tranquil escape. Surrounded by lush greenery, the lake is a perfect spot for visitors.

Just near the lake is a captivating theme park dedicated to Indian musicals that offers a unique experience. The lake’s tranquil waters and the theme park offer a serene atmosphere that is ideal for relaxation.

A visitor said he has witnessed significant development in the town in recent years.

“We are witnessing significant development here. It’s coming into an electrified route and main line. There is also a government proposal to integrate Vadnagar with Taranga Hills, Ambaji and Abu Road. So with that, tourism will surge here,” said Vinay Dixit, a visitor.

Just a few metres away from the lake, a towering triumphal arch, ‘Kirti Toran’, stands as a symbol of Vadnagar’s historical significance and is a must-visit attraction for tourists.

This stunning structure, dating back to the 12th century, was built during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty.

The arch is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and royal figures, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of its time.

In the early 2000s, the Gujarat state archaeology department unearthed a significant piece of history–the ruins of a Buddhist monastery in Vadnagar. This discovery marked the town as a pivotal centre for Buddhism.

However, the journey to uncover Vadnagar’s Buddhist heritage began in 1992 with the finding of a Bodhisattva idol, subsequently leading to the revelation of a trove of artefacts from both the town and its surroundings.

From deep archaeological excavations at Vadnagar, a consortium of scientists from IIT Kharagpur, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and many other concerned institutions have also found evidence of a human settlement in the town that is as old as 800 BCE.

Presently, work is underway at the site with utmost care to create an experiential museum. Emeritus Professor Anindya Sarkar from IIT Kharagpur said the museum will chronicle the town’s evolution over 2,500 years, exploring seven distinct cultural periods.

“During these excavations, something like seven cultural layers were found and each of these cultural layers was characterised by their different kinds of cultural elements, like for example, potteries, coins. When we joined the excavation in Vadnagar, we wanted to know the chronology of Vadnagar and how old the city is. And the oldest period, which we define as Period One, gives us a date of something like 800 BCE, which means 2800 years old. And that surprised us very much,” Sarkar added.

Going ahead, a charming addition to Vadnagar’s cityscape, the Museum Clock Tower & Art Gallery stands tall as a symbol of the town’s progress. Visitors can explore the museum to learn more about Vadnagar’s past and its significance in the broader context of Indian history.

The museum houses different sections on the religions, rulers and legends associated with Vadnagar, along with a section on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s childhood.

Payal Prajapati, Museum Guide, said, “In this art gallery, it has been depicted that all religions existed here–Jainism, Buddhism and Vaishnav traditions. There was also the rule of the Solanki dynasty. There were several invasions as well, and it led to seven layers. It has all been put on display here. The ‘symbolic’ Malhar Raag music of legendary Tana-Riri is also played here. There are two projectors here to tell the history of Vadnagar and also on PM Modi’s childhood.”

Hence, beyond its association with PM Modi, Vadnagar is a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance.

Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Vadnagar is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. 


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

‘F*ck Modi, Modi is terr*rist, Hindustan Murdabad’: Extremists deface BAPS Mandir in New York, third attack on Hindu temple in US in recent years

OpIndia Staff
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‘F*ck Modi, Modi is terr*rist, Hindustan Murdabad’: Extremists deface BAPS Mandir in New York, third attack on Hindu temple in US in recent years

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir located in Melville hamlet in the New York State of the United States was vandalised by extremists on Monday (16th September) night.

In visuals that have surfaced on social media, it could be seen that the sacred Hindu temple was desecrated with disturbing slogans of ‘Fuck Modi’, ‘Modi is Terrorist’ and ‘Hindustan Murdabad.’

A noticeable gap was maintained between the words ‘Hindu’ and ‘stan’, thereby implying the ‘breasts of the Hindu’. In a statement, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha condemned the attack on the Hindu place of worship.

“We also offer our deepest prayers for those who perpetrated this crime to be released of their hatred and to see our common humanity,” it said.

The temple authority further informed, “Upon learning of the hateful vandalism, the local authorities were called, and BAPS is working fully with the authorities to support their investigation into this hate crime.”

The Consulate General of India in New York also issued a statement, condemning the targeting of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

“The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act,” read a tweet by the official ‘India in New York’ X handle.

Attacks on Hindu Mandirs in US

In January this year, the Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward city in California state of the United States was desecrated with pro-Khalistani slogans. The temple was spray-painted with slogans such as ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and ‘Modi is terrorist.’ 

In a statement, the temple administration said, “Jai Mata Di Bhakto’s. With deep regret, we would like to inform you (that) the Temple has been vandalized last week. We have informed the police and they have classified it as a hate crime.

“A few other Hindu Temple’s in the area have also been vandalized (most likely by the same culprits). We pray for those who wish harm and hatred on others that Mata Rani cleans their souls and gives them happiness and eradicates hate from their hearts,” it added.

On 22nd December 2023, the Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark city of California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan, anti-Modi and anti-India slogans. The outer wall of the temple was defaced with slogans such as “Khalistan”, “Shaheed [Martyr] Bhindrawale”, “F$%k Modi Jindabad” and “Modi Is Terrorist”.

Similar attacks have taken place in the past, both in the United States and its neighbouring Canada, wherein Hindu temples have been attacked, vandalised and defaced with derogatory graffiti.

India has already voiced alarm over the increasing activities of Khalistani terrorists and has asked countries to cracked down on groups and people attempting to incite separatism in India.

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