Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was aiming to win a gold medal for India at the Paris Olympics, faced a shocking disqualification from her event just hours before the final. She was 100 grams over the weight limit for the 50-kg wrestling category. This news has devastated millions of Indians, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian Olympic Association to explore all possible avenues to appeal the disqualification.
PM Modi personally contacted IOA President PT Usha to get firsthand information and discuss potential solutions. He instructed PT Usha to exhaust all options to support Ms. Phogat’s case, including filing a strong protest against the disqualification if necessary.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong… pic.twitter.com/qlGivfAXqL
Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated wrestler and Olympic medal hopeful, was a strong contender in the 50-kg category. Her disqualification has caused widespread disappointment, but PM Modi’s swift intervention has renewed hopes for a possible reversal.
In a major setback to India’s wrestling medal prospects, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event earlier today.
PM Modi also tweeted to console the wrestler, praising her resilience and calling her a champion among champions.
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister said.
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
She was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match. According to a statement from the Indian Olympic contingent, Ms. Phogat exceeded the 50 kg weight limit and was disqualified.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to overhaul the legislations governing the functioning of Waqf boards, is likely to be introduced in the Parliament today (7th August), as been widely reported in the media. The proposed bill renames the Waqf Act (1995) as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. The draft wants to establish separate boards of Auqaf for Bohras and Aghakhanis. It also proposes broad-based representation for Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis and other backward classes among Muslim communities as well as including a few non-Muslims.
The govt says that demand has been coming for a long time from the Muslim community and that there were several instances where illegal land was occupied by the Waqf Board and the Muslims didn't have any option…: @mohitbhatt90… pic.twitter.com/rS8Y5I6RTn
Notably, as per reports, the government is slated to table two bills named the Waqf (Amendment) bill 2024 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) bill 2024. The Waqf act 1995 was last amended in 2013. The draft legislation is slated to face opposition from the I.N.D.I. alliance parties and Muslim organisations.
IUML MPs Mr Basheer, Dr Samadani and Mr Kani have opposed the introduction of 2 BILLS 1. THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 2. THE MUSSALMAN WAKF (REPEAL) BILL, 2024
The MPs say the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is in: 1.Violation of Article 25, 26, 27 and 28 freedom of religion…
The proposed legislation has reportedly omitted the controversial section 40 of the act which relates to the powers of the Waqf board to decide if a property is Waqf property.
Very well researched waqf amendment bill 2024 has been prepared the central govt. I thank the government for understanding the issue and bringing legislative changes to it. This bill will solve the issue and stop the illegal activities under the garb of waqf.
The draft legislation aims to overcome the shortcomings and enhance the efficiency of the administration and management of the waqf properties as it has been felt that the 1995 act didn’t prove effective in improving the administration of the auqaf.
It also wants to ensure that the establishment of waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women. Other provisions in the proposed bill include transferring the functions of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or any other officer who will not be below the rank of Deputy Collector duly nominated by the Collector for the survey of waqf properties. With this proposal, the bill will effectively curtail the power of the waqf board.
Additionally, it wants to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database as well as provide for a detailed procedure for mutation as per revenue laws and ensure that notice is duly given to all concerned parties before recording any property as Waqf property.
It also proposes reforms in the Tribunal structure and allows appeals against the Tribunal orders before the High Court within a specified period of ninety days.
It has also omitted several sections like 107, 108 and 108A. It wants to make the Limitation Act, 1963, applicable to any action under the Act and the latter omissions relate to special provisions as to evacuee waqf properties and Act to have an overriding effect.
As per the New Indian express, the major changes in the proposed amendment bill includes –
In the draft legislation, Clause 3 wants to amend section 3 relating to definitions to amend and substitute some definitions to provide new definitions like Aghakhani waqf, Bohra waqf, Collector, Government Organisation and Government property among others.
Clause 9 of the Bill will amend the section 9 of the act that relates to the establishment and constitution of the Central Waqf Council. This will provide a broad-based composition and make provisions for including two members from the non-Muslim community.
Clause 10 of the Bill proposes to amend section 13 which relates to incorporation. It wants to provide the establishment of a separate Board of Auqaf for Bohras and Agha Khanis, if deemed necessary.
Modi in Action Mode!
The Waqf Bill is very Comprehensive and will be a Big Jolt to Muslims!
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) August 7, 2024
Excerpts from THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024:
Section 3C: Wrongful declaration of waqf.
“Any Government property identified or declared as waqf property, before or after the commencement of this Act, shall not be deemed to be a waqf property.”
Similarly, Clause 11 will amend section 14 that relates to the composition of the Board. This will make the composition of the State Waqf Board broad-based as it would make provisions for two members from the non-Muslim community.
Clause 5 will substitute section 4 that was related to the preliminary survey of waqf and it would replace the Collector in place of the Survey Officers. This will confer powers upon the Collector to survey in accordance with the procedure in revenue laws of the State.
Clause 15 proposes to amend section 23 that relates to the appointment of Chief Executive Officer and his term of office and other conditions of service. After the amendment, the Chief Executive Officer will be not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the State Government and it will omit the requirement of him being a Muslim.
Clause 41 will omit sections like 107, 108 and 108A relating to Act 36 of 1963.
Clause 42 will insert new section 108B that will be related to the power of the central government to make rules.
Clause 43 will amend section 109 which relates to the power to make rules.
Clause 44 seeks to amend section 110 that relates to the powers of the board to make regulations.
Amid the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, a violent mob lynched actor Shanto Khan and his father producer-director Selim Khan on 5th August. The latter was also the Chairman of Lakshmipur Model Union Parishad of Chandpur Sadar Upazila. They attempted to escape the area by going to the Farrukhabad market in the Balia Union. They were ambushed by individuals there but were able to flee by using their pistols to fire shots and disperse the crowd. They later encountered another group in the Bagara market region and were brutally beaten after which the pair succumbed to their wounds.
“We have come to know about their death. We could not go there because of the safety of our lives,” according to officer-in-charge of Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Md Sheikh Mohsin Alam. “In Chandpur, Selim Khan, chairman of Lakshmipur Union Parishad, and his son Shanto Khan, an actor, were beaten to death. As the news of Hasina’s resignation spread, Selim and his son fled his village and went to Farakkabad Bazar of Balia Union. When people tried to stop them, they managed to flee by opening fire. When they reached the nearby Bagarabazar area, an angry mob caught and killed them. Chandpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohsin Alam confirmed the matter,” reported Daily Star.
Selim Khan was the owner and director of Shapla Media, which has made several well-known movies, including “Shahenshah” and “Bidrohi,” that starred Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan, among others. He even directed the movie “Tungi Parar Miya Bhai,” which was inspired by many events, including the early years, adolescence and youth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of the nation and the father of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His son Shanto Khan’s acting career began with the venture and he went on to appear in multiple projects produced by his father. Selim Khan had about ten films at various stages of production, featuring many well-known Tollywood actors.
Selim Khan was accused of corruption and collecting sand illegally from the Padma-Meghna river at the Chandpur maritime border. He was also imprisoned for the same. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated legal proceedings against Shanto Khan in July of this year regarding acquisition of illegal wealth. This is the first known murder in the nation of an actor who portrayed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on screen.
On that fatal afternoon, Selim Khan had even spoken with Arindam Das, the Tollywood executive producer with whom he had collaborated on his projects in Kolkata. “I had spoken to Selim bhai on Monday. Just a few hours later, Shamim Ahmed Rony, director of ‘Commando’ called me from the United States, inquiring if I had received any news. He said his hands were trembling after hearing a distressing news about Selim bhai. When I checked, what I discovered left me numb.”
Actor and Lok Sabha MP Deepak Adhikari, known by his stage name Dev, talked to the media in Delhi and expressed, “I had been to Bangladesh several times and floored by the hospitality of the people there. The news of deaths is upsetting. I hope this phase will end and Bangladesh will be back on tracks soon.” Actor-turned-politician Bonny Sengupta conveyed, “This is shocking. I had completed one of his Bangladeshi productions titled ‘Production No. 1’.” Shanto Khan’s passing had a profound impact on actor Kaushani Mukhopadhyay, who co-starred with him in the Bangladeshi movie Piya Re. “I can’t believe he is no more. Shanto was very respectful and had ambitions to make a significant impact in the industry,” she recalled.
The violence that has engulfed Bangladesh over the last two months in the name of anti-quota protests has only intensified recently due to which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and departed from the nation. The country would now be run by an “interim government” imposed by the army.
On 4th August, a Nihang Sikh attacked an MNREGA worker at a Gurdwara in Butari Village, Amritsar, who went there to have tea at Langar. The injured worker has been identified as Nishan Singh, a resident of Butari village. The victim filed a complaint to the police based on which an FIR has been registered against the accused Happy Nihang and an investigation is underway.
Nishan Singh filed a complaint at Khilchiyan police station. He said that he is an MNREGA worker and went to have tea at Bhindar Gurdwara at around 11 AM on 4th August. When he asked Granthi Happy Singh if there was tea that he could take, Happy started arguing with him. During the argument, Happy Singh picked up his sword and attacked Nishan Singh.
The accused attacked Nishan Singh four times on his hands and feet. Nishan Singh’s nephew heard his screams and rushed to his aid. He somehow managed to free Nishan Singh and rushed him to Civil Hospital Baba Bakala where he is undergoing treatment. The condition of Singh is said to be critical.
The family members of the victim sought strict action against the accused and alleged that Happy Singh was an addict.
According to a TV9 Punjabi report, the victim’s family has accused police of taking the matter lightly as they saw Nihang Sikh Happy Singh roaming in the village freely despite an FIR against him. The report stated that the cops are refusing to talk to the media over the matter. A police officer said that the accused is absconding and a case has been registered.
OpIndia tried contacting the police but could not connect.
Nihang Sikhs attacks increased exponentially
On 31st July, it was reported that Nihang Sikhs killed businessman and injured his family members over monetary dispute. On 23rd July, a man near Harmandir Sahib was attacked by Nihang Sikhs claiming he was consuming tobacco. On 8th July, Nihang Sikhs halted the shooting of a TV series in Mohali claiming sacrilege. On 5th July, Nihang Sikhs attacked the chief of Shiv Sena in Punjab, Sandeep Thapar in broad daylight. On 15th January, Nihang Sikhs allegedly killed a youth at a Gurdwara in Phagwara claiming sacrilege. On 22nd November 2023, Nihang Sikhs opened fire at police officers in Sultanpur Lodhi of district Kapurthala. A list of such recent attacks can be checked here.
On Wednesday, 7th August, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas named its Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as its new commander following the death of his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh in a purported Israeli strike in Tehran. Sinwar is another high-profile name that Israel is watching. Sinwar is thought to be the mastermind of the October 7th strikes on Israel, and he has been hiding in Gaza since the conflict began, evading repeated Israeli attempts to eliminate him.
“The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the selection of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the head of the political bureau of the movement, succeeding the martyr Commander Ismail Haniyeh, may Allah have mercy on him,” the Islamic Resistance Movement stated in its official statement.
Yahya Sinwar telah ditetapkan sebagai Ketua Biro Politik Hamas, menggantikan Ismail Haniyah. Padahal, Sinwar ada di Gaza, di medan tempur. Artinya: tidak ada lagi negosiasi, semua keputusan ada di medan perang. pic.twitter.com/7Z2tU0oiPW
Soon after the new leader was named, terrorists in Gaza unleashed a barrage of missiles against Israeli troops in the conflict-torn area. Reports mention that Sinwar’s selection is particularly significant because he will represent the Hamas group at the peace talks, which have been ongoing for months to end the war and free 115 Israeli and foreign prisoners currently held in Gaza.
Sinwar is believed to be a hardcore extremist leader who sees Hamas as his everything. Sinwar, 61, was born in a refugee camp located near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis and was appointed as Hamas’ leader in Gaza in 2017, after gathering an undesirable image among Palestinians as a ruthless enforcer and an unrelenting hater of Israel. He spent nearly half of his adulthood in Israeli prisons, including a 1988 conviction for murdering four Palestinians whom he claimed of cooperating with Israel.
This was even confirmed by his disowned son, Mosab Hassan Yousef. After Hamas attacked Israel, Yousef’s video went viral over the internet in which he could be heard saying that Sinwar had once mercilessly killed someone with a sink while he was in prison on the suspicion of collaborating with Israel. “This guy Sinwar, is hardcore. He beheaded someone in prison for suspicion of collaborating with Israel using the sink of the bathroom. Merciless. This is the guy who is in charge of Hamas in Gaza today,” Yousef had said. He also stated that Sinwar was under the ground under Al-Shifa hospital after Hamas had attacked Israel.
Mosab Hassan Yousef, Son of Senior Hamas Leader in the West Bank: Hamas Leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar Once Beheaded a Man Using a Bathroom Sink, Now He Hides Under Al-Shifa Hospital and Uses Patients as Human Shields #Hamas#Palestinians@MosabHasanYOSEFpic.twitter.com/dZ54rcsvUK
Notably, Sinwar’s household was among the few thousand Palestinian Arabs that were forced to leave during the conflicts that preceded Israel’s establishment, thus he carried strong feelings against Israel and joined Hamas as soon as it was founded in 1987. He was condemned to consecutive life sentences on charges of arranging the kidnapping and murder of two Israeli soldiers, as well as the murder of four Palestinians.
The newly appointed Hamas leader is also believed to have played a significant role in orchestrating the 7th October attack on Israel. After being released from Israeli jail in a prisoner swap in 2011, Sinwar believed that capturing Israeli troops was a tried-and-true strategy for freeing Palestinian prisoners in Israel. In December 2022, the terrorist commander warned a Gaza gathering that the Palestinian party Hamas would launch a storm of fighters and rockets against Israel, in a speech to supporters replete with crowd-pleasing exaggeration.
“We will come to you, God willing, in a roaring flood. We will come to you with endless rockets, we will come to you in a limitless flood of soldiers, we will come to you with millions of our people, like the repeating tide,” he was quoted as saying.
A few months later, hundreds of Hamas terrorists burst through Israeli security and penetrated the southern portion of the nation, killing 1,200 people, kidnapping 250 captives, and shattering Israel’s image as an unbeatable foe. Sinwar and then military leader Mohammed Deif had already devised covert plans for the October 7th attack, the worst day in Israel’s 75-year history.
Sinwar made no public appearances following the October 7th attacks, but he did direct military operations alongside Deif and another commander. He oversaw discussions for prisoner-hostage swaps, presumably from underground bunkers in Gaza. According to liberated hostages, some of the abducted Israelis saw Sinwar in the tunnels in the days following the bombings.
For Israel, this selection reaffirms Hamas as a foe determined to its demise and is likely to reinforce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance that Israel must continue its war in Gaza to the end. The killing of Haniyeh marked a significant turning point in the ceasefire discussions, which had been stagnant for months. Now, the discussions do not seem to go well when Israel has to deal with one of its biggest foes, Sinwar.
Students of High School, Manthala in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir have been protesting against teacher Arif Iqbal who has been insulting the Hindu religion in front of the pupils for a long time. He repeatedly made disparaging statements about Hinduism, insulting their religious feelings and mentally harassing the latter. The accused even told a student that he would pay Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 to their father and would sacrifice the youngster. While more investigation is ongoing, the alleged teacher has been suspended.
An individual who was also protesting along with the students stated, “Was he a teacher or on a mission from Tablighi Jamaat? He was frustrating children while extolling the virtues of his faith. He even forced female students in the tenth grade to rub their noses in his spit. The youngsters endured his atrocities for many days. On Friday, someone whistled either from outside or within the classroom, and he violently attacked every student. He beat them like animals.”
He added, “The teacher even thrashed the young girls. Their earrings fell off and some of them fainted due to the brutality. Afterwards, their parents arrived and all of them were given assurances. A large demonstration took place then just like today. They want the teacher to be arrested which is a genuine demand.” Another person declared, “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists want to infiltrate and take Jammu and Kashmir back to the 1990s. We have seen that time. We have born the lifeless bodies of our loved ones.”
Meanwhile, Arif Iqbal has been ousted from his position by the office of the chief education officer, Doda, which highlighted that an initial inquiry established that he beat up children and made disparaging statements about the Hindu religion. The order read, “Whereas, in light of the complaint received regarding the conduct of Sh. Arif Iqbal, Teacher, High School Manthla, Zone Bhaderwah, and based on the preliminary investigation, it has been found that Mr Arif Iqbal used derogatory remarks against the Hindu religion and physically assaulted students.”
The parents of the victims reported these actions and a First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Station House Officer (SHO) Bhaderwah under F.I.R No. 128/2024 U/S 115(2), under section 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It further mentioned, “Whereas, due to the severity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, it is hereby ordered that Sh. Arif Iqbal, Teacher, High School Manthla, Zone Bhaderwah, is placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending further investigation and during the suspension period he shall remain attached in this office.”
Arif Iqbal has been instructed not to leave the station without permission while the issue is being looked into and he must continue to be accessible to help with the probe. The order noted, “During the period of his suspension, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per the rules in force. This order is issued in the interest of maintaining discipline and upholding the dignity of the educational institution.”
A committee comprised of Principal Higher Secondary School (HSS) Ghurakha, Principal HSS Bhalra and Principal HSS Gowari has been formed. It added, “The Enquiry Committee will conduct an in-depth inquiry into the alleged act of violation by the suspendee and shall furnish their report to this office within a stipulation of 21 days positively with specific recommendations.”
In a shocking development, Hindus have been banned from worshipping at a cave in Meghalaya that houses an ancient Shivalinga. Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong, a traditional village institution, has banned Hindu worship at Mawjymbuin Cave located in Mawsynram village in Khasi Hills. The ban has found support from churches and ministers in the government, while Hindu organisations are protesting against it. Mawjymbuin Cave has a natural stone formation of Shiva Lingam which is revered by Hindus.
On 6th August, Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), held a press conference to mark their protest against Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong’s decision to ban Hindu worship in Mawjymbuin Cave. The decision to ban Hindu prayers has triggered protests by Hindu groups not only in Meghalaya but also in Assam.
Source: KSP
The decision to impose a ban came after reports suggested that Hindu devotees were planning to establish a place of worship at the cave. On 1st August, Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong’s executive committee announced that no group would be allowed to develop a place of worship at the cave. The decision came after the Hindu Yatra Pilgrimage group announced their plan to use the site for worship on 10th August and 11th August.
The group had initially requested permission from the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, RM Kurbah, which was refused. Then, they approached the Dorbar Shnong for permission. Dorbar Shnong expressed surprise at the fact that they were being bypassed initially by going directly to the DC.
Contrary to Hindu groups, local student groups Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills District and KSU Lawbah Border Area Circle have supported the decision to ban Hindu prayers at the site. Though the Hindu groups have opposed the ban, Assistant Rangbah Shanong of Mawsynram, Hiamdor Rapsang, said in a statement that the decision was not against the Hindu faith but the aim was to prevent turning a tourist attraction into a public worship place.
Support to ban from student organisations
Student union leaders have issued a joint statement stating they would come out in support of the ban in the form of protests if needed. The statement read, “We will not accept any attempt to use force to establish the place of worship despite opposition from the Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong.” They emphasised the “need to preserve the natural form” of the cave.
Rulling coalition supports the decision to ban Hindu prayers
The ruling National People’s Party endorsed the resolution adopted by the Mawsynram village council to prevent Hindu religious rituals at the Mawjymbuin cave. Party spokesperson HM Shangpliang said, “Every NPP member is with the dorbar in this matter.” He added that the cave cannot be converted into a place of worship.
Meghalaya’s tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh supported the decision to ban worship at the site and highlighted the status of the cave as a tourist attraction that is visited by people of all faiths. He emphasised that if the cave is turned into a place of worship for any community, it would adversely affect tourism. “The decision is logical and reasonable as the cave is a major tourist attraction. Allowing a particular religion to set up a place of worship can harm tourism in the area,” the minister told reporters. “People from across the globe visit Mawjymbuin. A secular country like India cannot promote a place of worship in any tourist destination,” he further added.
The Meghalaya govt is keen to develop the site as a tourist place, not a religious place, the ruling coalition said.
Hindu organisations threaten to protest against the ban on Hindu worship
Responding to the ban, the Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP), a Hindu organisation from Assam, threatened to block roads leading to Meghalaya from Assam if the ban was not lifted. In a press conference, KSP President Sanjay Ranjan Borah said that the organisation has demanded that the Meghalaya government should revoke the ban and make arrangements for Hindu worship during the sacred month of Shravan.
He said, “We need the answer from the Meghalaya state authority. Else, the Meghalaya government will face sincere protest here in Assam; there may be situations like blockage of the roads to Meghalaya via Jorabat (Guwahati); Paikan (Goalpara) and all other roads,” Borah said. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office to intervene in the matter.
Political and Religious Tensions
Speaking to the media, Borah accused social organisations and Christian missionaries in Meghalaya of hatching a conspiracy to defame and destroy the Hindu faith and culture. He said, “Why cannot the Mawjymbuin Cave be a place of tourism after being a divine worshipping place of Hindus? It’s not a matter of tourism; it is a matter of conspiracy of Christian Missionaries to defame and destroy the Hindu faith and culture in the state of Meghalaya.”
OpIndia talked to Borah to understand the matter further. In a statement, he said, “Mawjymbuin Cave” – consists of a naturally formed “Shiv Ling”; had been a place of worship and sadhana of Hindus lived in Meghalaya. Even, a large number of devotes of Lord Shiva visited the place to perform their Hindu Rituals every year; especially in the month of Shravan. But, in a recent update it has been noticed that a major section of people belong to the Christian Community and some so-called social organizations of Meghalaya ruled by the Christian Missionaries; imposed a Ban on Hindu Worship over there. Is this a Joke?”
He mentioned how Hindu temples in other states are major tourist attractions and questioned why Mayjymbuin Cave cannot be the same. He said, “In Assam, Maa Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu Devine Worshiping Place; Like Mahakaaleswar in Ujjain (MP) and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. All these places are significant places of tourism for the respective states. Then, why cannot the “Mawjymbuin Cave” be a place of Tourism after being a divine worshipping place of Hindus? I think that; it’s not a matter of Tourism; it is a matter of conspiracy of Christian Missionaries to defame and destroy the Hindu Faith and Culture in the State of Meghalaya; and accordingly devalue the constitution of India.”
Mawjymbuin caves
In recent years, Mawjymbuin caves in Mawsynram in Khasi Hills have emerged as a tourist and religious hotspot in Meghalaya. The cave is famous for the naturally formed ‘Shivalinga’, which is made of stalagmite. This stalagmite in the Mawjymbuin cave resembles the ‘Shivalinga’ of Amarnath cave. The giant natural Shivling inside the cave has turned the spot into a sacred shrine for Hindus.
During the month of Shravan, hordes of Hindu pilgrims across the country visit the cave as part of the Kanwar Yatra. Lakhs of devotees clad in saffron attire walk barefoot to reach the cave and pay obeisance to the Shivalinga during the yatra.
The violence in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina has been unrelenting, especially against the Hindu minority of the Islamic nation. There have been several instances reported of Hindus coming under attack by Islamist mobs. Hindu houses have been burnt, some have been lynched and the unabated violence has engulfed several Hindu Temples in the country.
OpIndia spoke to a few Bangladeshi Hindus who told us that the dire situation is only getting worse for Hindus. Speaking to OpIndia, the Hindus in Bangladesh said that Jamaat-e-Islami members have been making a list of Hindu businesses and Hindu houses since the fall of Sheikh Hasina.
“They have made a list of the Hindu houses and Hindu businesses. There are some local Muslims who are trying the help us, but there are thousands trying to kill us”, the man said.
The Hindus who spoke to OpIndia said that the violence has been unabated throughout the night with Hindus hiding in fear.
It is pertinent to note that the World Hindu Federation, Bangladesh chapter has also released a list of incidents of violence where they have listen at least 3 abductions of Hindu women.
The Hindus, on the condition of anonymity due to security concerns also said that many are unable to move to safer locations because the Jamaat-e-Islami groups and others Islamists are roaming the streets with guns, making it impossible for them to move to safer locations.
Further, the mobile network and internet is being shut off intermittently so it is difficult for them to communicate with one another.
“It seems like they are doing everything they can to ensure Hindus don’t come together as a community to protect one another”. he said.
“The violence has not stopped. But because of these constraints, only a fraction of the instances are coming out in the open”, he added.
With over 2,200 people, mostly those linked to Jamaat-e-Islami being given bail after the fall of Sheikh Hasina, the situation is feared to get worse for the Hindu minority of Bangladesh.
“In some areas, the violence is now slowing down. But it also seems like a calm before the storm. The violence is unabated in rural areas even now”, he said.
The fact that Jamaat-e-Islami was making a list of Hindu houses and businesses was also corroborated in a report by BBC.
Speaking to a local Hindu, the BBC reported that the Hindu man’s mother, who runs a local school, received a phone call from her business partner, saying that people were making lists of properties to attack. The partner then said, “Your name is not on the list. But please be careful.”
On 5th August, it came to light that Jihadis attacked Hindus’ houses, shops and temples in Bangladesh in the guise of protests against the Sheikh Hasina government. Despite the resignation by Hasina from the Prime Minister’s post, the protests continued and so did the attack on Hindus. Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar has also expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier, OpIndia reported about the list of several attacks released by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and attacks reported by The Daily Star, a Bangladeshi newspaper. Several videos and photos of attacks on Hindus surfaced on social media.
On Tuesday, 6th August, the Madhya Pradesh High Court overturned a decision by the MP Waqf Board that claimed the Burhanpur Fort as Waqf ownership. The Waqf Board claimed that the Tomb of Shah Shuja, the Tomb of Nadir Shah, Bibi Sahib’s Masjid, and the palace located in the Fort of Burhanpur were Waqf property.
In 2013, the Waqf Board requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to evacuate the sites, claiming ownership of them. However, the ASI filed a writ petition with the high court, contending that the property, located in Emagird village, Burhanpur, and spanning around 4.448 hectares, was already protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.
The ASI stated that these sites, which had been under their protection for decades, could not be reclassified as Waqf property without losing their status as protected monuments.
Significant Courtroom Decision:
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has nullified an order by the MP Waqf Board, which declared the Tomb of Shah Shuja, Tomb of Nadir Shah, Bibi Sahib’s Masjid, and the palace within the Burhanpur Fort as Waqf property.
The Waqf Board, on the other hand, contended that it had appropriately declared the property as Waqf and hence had the jurisdiction to force the ASI to remove the premises. It further contended that the ASI should have sought the Waqf Tribunal rather than filing a writ petition.
In its July 26 assessment, Justice GS Ahluwalia’s bench noted that the properties had been officially designated as ancient monuments as far back as 1913 and 1925 through notifications issued under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, of 1904. It added that there was nothing documented to show that they had ever been released from the Chief Commissioner’s custody as provided under Section 11 of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
It stated that the Waqf Board predicated its ownership claim on a notification issued under Section 5(2) of the Waqf Act of 1995 when the Act came into functioning. However, the Board failed to submit the entire notification to the court. Although no parties challenged the notification, the Board was unable to identify any legal provision that would render the notification issued under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 null and void unless the property was released by the Central Government or the Commissioner.
The court upheld the ASI’s stance by citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Karnataka Board of Wakf vs. Government of India (2004), which ruled that properties listed on the Register of Ancient Protected Monuments are unquestionably owned and maintained by the Government of India.
As a result, the court determined that the notification referred to by the Board was incorrect. It stated that once a property was declared an ancient monument and protected monument, it could not be said to be an existing Waqf property on the date of the Waqf Act, 1995; thus, even if a notification had been sent declaring it to be a Waqf property, it would not consequently nullify the notifications issued under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
“An erroneous notification issued in respect of property which is not an existing Waqf property on the date of commencement of Waqf Act, would not make it a Waqf property thereby giving jurisdiction to the Waqf Board to seek eviction of the Central Government from ancient and protected monuments,” the high court held.
Justice GS Ahluwalia further remarked, “Why not claim the Taj Mahal as Waqf property? Tomorrow you might say the entire India is Waqf property. It won’t work like this that you’ll issue notifications and the property will be yours.” The court ruled that the CEO of the MP Waqf Board committed significant illegality by considering the monument’s waqf property and ordering the ASI to remove it.
The protests against the government in Bangladesh have descended into violence against the Hindu community. Numerous Hindu temples, homes, and other places that belonged to the Hindu community have been targeted for destruction. Countless Hindus have been victimized by the rampaging Islamists so far. Amid the turmoil, a video depicting Islamists breaking new benchmarks for savagery and hatred towards Hindus has gone viral.
In the video, Islamists can be seen encircling a dead victim lying on the ground. There’s a pool of blood beneath the deceased man’s broken head, and his hands are bound in handcuffs. Many men are gathered around him. With the aid of a stick, one man, whose face cannot be seen in the video, strips the deceased person naked and checks the victim’s private part for circumcision. Shouting ‘Hindu, Hindu’ over the corpse, the crowd hovering over the dead body laughs, realizing that the man is a Hindu because he is not circumcised.
Notably, the video in question is being taken down from all social media platforms, therefore we are not sharing it here.
Screengrab from the viral video
Hindus singled out and targeted by Islamists in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, political turmoil ensued over reservations for government jobs. The Islamists seized the opportunity to launch an unbridled attack on the minority Hindus in the country.
On 5th August, it came to light that Jihadis attacked Hindus’ houses, shops and temples in Bangladesh in the guise of protests against the Sheikh Hasina government. Despite the resignation by Hasina from the Prime Minister’s post, the protests continued and so did the attack on Hindus. Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar has also expressed concerns over attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier, OpIndia reported about the list of 54 attacks released by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and attacks reported by The Daily Star, a Bangladeshi newspaper. Several videos and photos of attacks on Hindus surfaced on social media.
As the day passed by, more details of the attacks with photos and videos surfaced. Apart from the 54 attacks reported earlier, yesterday (August 6, Tuesday), OpIndia detailed 7 more incidents of targeted violence against Hindus in Bangladesh after the coup against Sheikh Hasina.
