Following the BJP’s defeat in Ayodhya in the Lok Sabha elections, some major decisions are being taken by the district administration and the authorities in Lucknow. The DM released a white paper on the demolition drive on the 11th of June. The Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Council scrapped plans to build a flyover worth Rs 264.26 crore in Ayodhya. The proposed flyover would have connected Ayodhya and Gorakhpur. The decision was made during a board meeting led by Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) Nitin Ramesh Gokarna on Wednesday (12th June).
Now an underpass will be constructed in its place. Pertinently, temples in Ayodhya will not be demolished as part of new housing development schemes and such temples would be accommodated at the same place. It is pertinent to note here that the demolition of several temples along with shops and houses for development work had caused widespread discontent among the local people. The large-scale demolition action was also said to be a factor in the BJP’s defeat in Ayodhya.
Underpass not flyover: Authorities change plan just days after approving a proposal for the construction of flyover
On May 31, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Council approved the construction of a six-kilometre flyover on the Gorakhpur-Ayodhya road. NHAI made the construction proposal available to Housing Development. The council had provided administrative and budgetary approval. NHAI requested Rs 264.26 crore from Housing Development for the construction, but the plan has subsequently been cancelled.
Dr. Neeraj Shukla, Commissioner and Secretary for Additional Housing, stated that if a flyover is constructed, the work of Housing Development will not be possible, and therefore an underpass will be constructed instead.
The board has decided to build three new underpasses on the Ayodhya-Gorakhpur Highway. A 50-meter-wide underpass will be built to cross the 36-meter and 45-meter-wide road. Its height will be 5.50 metres. Two such underpasses will be constructed. A 20-meter-wide, 4-meter-high subway will be built to traverse an 18-meter-wide road.
No more temple demolition for development work
It has been reported that the Housing and Development Board (Awas Vikas Parishad) is acquiring 176.5941 hectares of land in Ayodhya’s Shahnawazpur Majha, Shahnawazpur Uphaar, Kudha Keshavpur Majha, and Kudha Keshavpur Uphaar villages. Many old temples are also included in the area designated for this plan. During the board meeting, it was decided that all temples established prior to Section 28 would be accommodated on-site. Accommodations will not interfere with approved road and service layouts. However, if a temple hinders road alignment or essential services, it will be relocated according to established procedures.
The Housing Development Board decided plan of action after consulting local people
Notably, the Housing and Development Board has excluded areas of the initiative that are classified as densely populated. The scheme identifies six such densely populated areas. Three compact areas have been identified as impeding the intended road and services. They will be evaluated based on the Public Works Department’s current circle rate and construction cost, which will be paid. The old and dilapidated boundary walls that impede development work will be demolished. These will be adjusted by charging a non-improvement fee. Moreover, the Board has solicited public feedback on the project and received 695 objections. After hearing the objections raised, the board decided to make 4.35343 hectares of land of 6 dense population and 4 compact areas acquisition-free.
Notably, after the Supreme Court verdict cleared the way for the construction of Ram Mandir at the rightful birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, a myriad of development projects including those related to the railway station, airport and road widening. Earlier, the administration demolished several houses and shops belonging to residents leading to the displacement of numerous families. It was alleged that several locals were not paid fair compensation for their demolished/acquired properties or alternative arrangements, exacerbating their plight and sense of injustice.
Opposition parties capitalised on the discontent, portraying the BJP as insensitive to the needs and well-being of the local population. They highlighted the BJP’s failure to balance development with the preservation of livelihoods. This is also seen as a major factor why the reason why even Ram Mandir’s inauguration could not essentially translate into BJP candidate Lallu Singh’s victory.
The recent decision taken by the authorities, however, indicates a much-needed change in approach. Alongside financial compensation, providing temporary housing, and support for restarting businesses to affected locals can also help the ruling BJP regain public trust. Notably, the Housing and Development Board’s decision to refrain from demolishing temples as well as take the public into confidence before initiating the construction work is a good step to avoid unilateral decisions that lead to public dissatisfaction. This balanced approach will be crucial for the BJP to regain its footing and ensure sustainable support before the 2027 assembly elections and the next general elections as well.
As many as 50 people have been detained in connection with the recent terrorist attack on a pilgrims’ bus in the Kanda area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi, officials said on Thursday.
Earlier on June 9, nine people died after terrorists opened fire on a bus after which the bus fell into a gorge in Reasi.
“District Police Reasi have detained 50 individuals in connection with the recent terrorist attack on a pilgrims’ bus in the Kanda area of Police Station Pouni. The incident, which occurred on 09.06.2024, resulted in several casualties and left the community in shock and grief,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma said.
The SSP stated that the detentions were made after an investigation led by the Kanda Area Police Station.
“The detentions were made following an intensive investigation led by the police at the Kanda Area Police Station, Pouni. Significant leads have been uncovered, aiding in the identification and capture of those who may potentially involved in orchestrating the attack,” she added.
The SSP also revealed that the search operations were extended to Arnas and Mahore to uncover more evidence and apprehend any terrorists in hiding.
“To ensure a comprehensive probe, search operations have been expanded to encompass the far-flung areas of Arnas and Mahore. These operations aim to uncover further evidence and apprehend terrorists who may be hiding in these remote regions,” she said.
Reasi SSP urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
“The law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area,” she said.
Jammu and Kashmir region has been witnessing a surge in violence with three significant attacks: the Reasi terror attack, the Kathua terror attack, and the Doda terror attack.
The first incident was reported on June 9, when terrorists targeted a bus in Reasi, causing it to plunge into a gorge, resulting in the deaths of at least nine pilgrims and injuring 42 others.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
The recently concluded Lok Sabha election has been full of unexpected outcomes for political parties and the general public alike. The Congress party only managed to obtain 99 seats even after ten years in opposition while the Bharatiya Janata Party was also dealt a serious blow when its share of seats was trimmed to 240. However, despite this performance, the saffron party and its National Democratic Alliance successfully formed governments in Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim and the former was able to secure a complete majority on its own in Arunachal Pradesh and for the first time ever in Odisha after the assembly results of the four states were declared on 3rd and 4th June.
Interestingly, these results have also revealed the polar opposites of political discourse in the country. The Biju Janata Dal didn’t get a single seat in the general election whereas the BJP won 20 seats and one seat went to the Congress in Odisha. The party also garnered only 51 seats compared to the BJP’s 78 in the assembly election. Naveen Patnaik is no longer at the helm of affairs in Odisha after 24 years but the former chief minister was nothing but gracious in the defeat as he gave his best wishes to the new government.
The beauty of democracy and an example of political grace and maturity was on display when CM designate Mohan Majhi of the BJP went to meet former CM Naveen Patnaik and the former CM, a giant of Indian politics who served 5 terms as Odisha CM, stood smiling at his doorstep to welcome his successor from a party that has just defeated his own party in elections.
Odisha CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi meets Former CM Odisha Naveen Patnaik at ahead of taking oath in Naveen Niwas, Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/efeB7WhTa4
Naveen Patnaik not only wholeheartedly welcomed his successor in the state, he has been posting congratulatory messages on Twitter for the new NDA government for its success and even went a step ahead to specially congratulate Odisha politicians who got posts in the Union Cabinet.
Naveen Patnaik on X
When former CM Naveen Patnaik arrived at the oath-taking ceremony of new CM Mohan Majhi, the top brass of the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, and JP Nadda reciprocated the grace by giving a warm welcome to him as he shared the stage with them.
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Outgoing CM Naveen Patnaik arrives at Janta Maidan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of CM-designate Mohan Charan Majhi. pic.twitter.com/oBjGXseYYy
In neighbouring state Bengal, it is a whole different story
Naveen Patnaik’s maturity and grace automatically triggers comparisons to another CM. Mamata Banerjee’s TMC fared a lot better than the BJD in the elections. Patnaik lost his state government while Mamata enjoys a comfortable majority and even won significantly more Lok Sabha seats than the BJP in her state.
However, the Bengal CM has been bitter and angry. She knows very well that the NDA won the majority mandate fare and square, but the truth has not stopped her from vomiting bitter political barbs against PM Modi and the BJP.
Instead of displaying political grace expected from a veteran politician like her, she has been all anger and hostility.
Her political gimmicks come out as churlish and juvenile. She claimed, “I am happy that the Prime Minister did not get the majority figure. The Prime Minister has lost credibility, he should resign immediately because he had said that this time they would cross 400 seats. Even after causing so many atrocities and spending so much money, this arrogance of Modi ji and Amit Shah, INDIA has won and Modi has lost. They have even lost in Ayodhya.”
Rather than acknowledging the mandate that granted the BJP-led NDA a complete majority to establish the government, she appeared to be conveniently suffering from selective amnesia and forgot that her coalition partner Congress had formed governments in 2004 and 2009 despite receiving only 145 and 206 seats, respectively.
Notably, in 2024, the BJP outperformed the opposition and scored more than the entire I.N.D.I. Alliance. Mamata Banerjee even switched off all her lights and sat in darkness during the entire swearing-in ceremony of Modi Cabinet 3.0. The information was posted by alleged journalist turned All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sagrika Ghose on social media.
To all those celebrating the “swearing in” of @narendramodi, a message from India’s only woman chief minister @MamataOfficial . She switched off all her lights and sat in darkness during the entire so called “ceremony” for a “prime minister” who has resoundingly lost the mandate…
The TMC had won 29 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats compared to 22 in 2019 and reduced the saffron party to 12 from the 18 seats it gained in 2019. The chief minister, however, was more interested in acting belligerently toward the BJP than she was in applauding her party’s phenomenal performance.
Electoral violence: West Bengal vs Odisha
The first significant violent incident during the Odisha elections was reported in Ganjam shortly after the first round of voting on 13th May which involved attacks on the BJP’s Berhampur Lok Sabha candidate, hours after the poll concluded. A BJP worker was fatally hacked by BJD members two days later while participating in a poster campaign in the same district. Notably, there have been some sporadic instances of violence during the polling stages that followed. Reports have surfaced of voters in parts of the state taking the brunt when they defy the directives of candidates.
However, the election has been largely peaceful in Lord Jagannath’s state. As it should be in every functioning democracy, the parties contest the elections peacefully and then congratulate the winner. Despite 25 years of rule by the BJD, power was handed over to BJP without fuss, or violence. Naveen Patnaik exited gracefully, extending warm congratulations to the victors, without any bitterness. No BJD leader has blamed EVMs, security forces, or the ECI. Nobody sat in darkness.
BJP or BJD don’t whine or complain about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or come up with outrageous allegations to undermine the people’s verdict and discredit India’s electoral process only because they didn’t become victorious.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be expressed about TMC-ruled West Bengal where every election from the panchayat to the assembly and Lok Sabha is fought like a bloody war that claims the lives, property and even the dignity of those who are in opposition in the state. Riots and rape are used as tools of the state apparatus. Many of BJP workers have left their homes and villages in West Bengal after the Lok Sabha election, invoking the distressing memories of the state’s 2021 assembly and 2023 panchayat polls.
Suvendu Adhikari, BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly in a letter to Governor C V Ananda Bose mentioned that 10,000 party workers and their families are seeking refuge at BJP party offices and safehouses following post-election violence that the Trinamool Congress instigated on 4th June. He asked the governor to go to different locations in the state, including ten districts where BJP members have been the victims of twenty such assaults. He also highlighted that the central forces are not being employed to control the deteriorating situation.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on June 12th issued an interim order extending the stay of central forces stationed in the state. The West Bengal administration was severely criticized by a division bench of Justices Harish Tandon and Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, who maintained that there is “no place for violence in the democratic polity.” The interim order conveyed, “The election ensures the majority opinion of the citizen of the country and its faith and allegiance to a political party to administer and maintain the various facets of the people for their betterment and development, which goes without saying that there is no space for any violence in a democratic polity.”
Furthermore, the TMC allegedly went so far as to target localities that did not vote for them. Trash was reportedly dumped outside “Sunrise Heights,” a housing complex in Central Kolkata’s Beleghata neighbourhood after its 543 residents voted in favour of the BJP. The party leaders were bragging about the same on social media as they referred to the abhorrent act as a “non-violent means of revenge.” This is how the party which regularly cries about saving the Constitution and democracy respects the rights of fellow Indians.
West Bengal: The state which runs red with the blood of the opposition
The most persistent pattern in West Bengal politics is electoral violence. TMC members unleashed havoc on the streets as BJP workers had to flee to neighbouring Assam to save their lives following the results of the 2021 West Bengal assembly election. They spared no effort to intimidate their political opponents. They attacked prominent BJP leaders including the convoy of party president JP Nadda and Kailash Vijayvargiya, then party’s state-unit chief Dilip Ghosh during the election campaign and terrorised the poor BJP workers after the results were out and TMC won for the third consecutive time. Their triumphs seem to give them the incentive to act more aggressively.
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who was a cabinet minister at the time, between 300 and 400 BJP workers left Bengal with their families to escape the violence brought on by TMC workers after the election. He clarified that the BJP workers made their way to Dhubri in Assam after being subjected to “brazen persecution & violence.” The Calcutta High Court ordered a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the unrest. It also emphasised the need to uphold law and order during elections and chastised the state administration for its failure to prevent violence and safeguard the citizens.
The CBI found that the violence was indeed politically motivated as TMC members were named as accused in several First Information Reports. Notably, in 2022, a report disclosed that the BJP workers were afraid to return to the state, even after a year.
Similar occurrences transpired during the 2019 Lok Sabha election when even the Election Commission took the unprecedented step of cutting short election campaigning for the seventh phase of the polls in West Bengal due to widespread violence in the state. BJP leader Arjun Singh was even shot at by TMC members as sporadic instances of bloodshed surfaced in different regions of the state. Crude bombs were found in many areas while threats, intimidations, bomb attacks, acts of vandalism, arson and proxy voting were also recorded.
West Bengal, home of Mamata Banerjee, has come to be associated with widespread political violence. Election after election, members of the ruling regime resort to unbridled violence to silence the opposition and their voices, whether it be during the panchayat election in 2018, the Legislative Assembly election in 2021 or the local body polls in 2022.
A comprehensive analysis by the home ministry detailing political violence in West Bengal unveiled 693 occurrences and 11 deaths during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as 23 deaths on election day and the night before in the 2018 panchayat elections. 852 incidences of political violence were reported between 1st June and 31st December 2019, even after the parliamentary poll. According to the report, voting was not conducted for 3,059 panchayat samiti seats, 16,814 gram panchayat seats and 203 zila parishad seats during the May 2018 panchayat elections since the opposition “could not field candidates.”
“Violence in these areas was aimed to prevent BJP from deploying its polling agents and restricting voter turnout at the polling booths,” the report noted, stressing that the majority of incidents during the panchayat polls occurred in districts where the BJP has made inroads.
The substandard political discourse of TMC
Mamata Banerjee has been making objectionable remarks to damage political discourse in her attempts to disparage her opponents, particularly the BJP. She has gone beyond the bounds of public decorum, from referring to JP Nadda as “Chadda Madda Fadda Bhadda Nadda” to insisting on cooking and feeding PM Modi, a vegetarian, rice and fish. “We will give laddoos made of clay with stones in them to break his teeth,” she announced in 2019 in an apparent reference to PM Modi’s remarks to Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, where he said the TMC supremo sends him special Bengali sweets.
Conclusion
Mamata Banerjee who was the strongest voice against the left and wanted to put an end to their violent means of politics has proven to be just as dangerous to the peace of the state. Under her government, no election is free of unrest, regardless of its result. On the other hand, Odisha peacefully welcomed a new government, with top leaders being graceful and respectful to each other, and the public watching the power of their vote take shape without any fear on their minds.
Recently, a 50-year-old petrodollar pact between Saudi Arabia and the United States expired and Saudi Arabia has opted not to renew it. The shift of base currency is going to have longlasting implications for the global economy. The decision made by Saudi Arabia marks a significant departure from the longstanding financial arrangement between the two nations that was established back in 1974. Notably, this particular arrangement to recycle petrodollars positioned the US dollar as the primary currency for international oil transactions, which is now bound to change.
The Historical Agreement
The original petrodollar agreement was signed on 8th June 1974 by US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Prince Fand Ibn Abdel Aziz of Saudi Arabia. It was a period marked by the aftermath of the Arab oil embargo and a notable spike in international oil prices. The agreement, which was later known as the petrodollar system, was aimed to establish a stabilised global oil market and ensure a steady flow of oil from Saudi Arabia to the United States. In return, the United States agreed to help Saudi Arabia with military enhancements and economic cooperation.
Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia agreed to price its oil exports exclusively in U.S. dollars and invest its surplus oil revenues in US Treasury bonds, and it was promised US military, security, and economic development assistance in return. This system replaced gold as the standard of value which enabled the US to maintain dominance over international trade and allowed the US govt to control the world’s energy market. Although the agreement was signed by the Saudi govt, almost all OPEC countries use the US Dollar to sell their oil in the international market.
When the pact was signed, The New York Times reported it as a “milestone pact” and highlighted its role in fostering closer economic ties between the two nations. The report pointed out that it would stabilise the oil market. The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, as detailed in a report by the Comptroller General of the United States, was a central element of this agreement.
This particular commission has the aim to foster closer political and economic ties between the two nations. Not to forget, the US allies were also dependent on Saudi oil. It facilitated the flow of goods, services and technology from the US to Saudi Arabia in exchange for Saudi oil sold exclusively in US dollars. This arrangement not only secured the US’s energy needs but also reinforced the dollar’s position as the dominant global currency.
Evolution and impact of the petrodollar system
Over the years, the global economic dynamics were highly influenced by the petrodollar system. It created a constant demand for US dollars as the currency was required for oil transactions. The value of the US dollar increased significantly, and it reinforced the currency’s status as the primary reserve currency of the world. It allowed the US to run larger trade deficits and maintain lower interest rates than would otherwise be possible.
According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 1979, the mechanisms of the US-Saudi agreement included the establishment of the two joint commissions focused on economic cooperation and military needs. The agreement ensured that Saudi Arabia would reinvest its oil revenues in US assets. It further tied the economic fortunes of the two nations together and enhanced US economic influence worldwide.
A paradigm shift in global finance
As Saudi Arabia has decided not to renew the petrodollar agreement, the country now has the flexibility to conduct sales of its largest asset in multiple currencies. It includes the Chinese RMB, Euros, Yen, and Yuan, which will expand in the future. It reflects a broader strategy of the Middle Eastern country to diversify its economic alliances and reduce reliance on the US dollar. This move can be seen as a potential catalyst for a significant shift in the global financial markets as it will push the countries to shift away from the US dollar as the primary reserve currency.
So far, the US dollar has served as the base for determining the value of different international currencies which would now change in coming years. Katja Hamilton of BizCommunity highlights that this shift could open new avenues for global economic transactions. He pointed out that digital currencies like Bitcoin are also being considered for future use in oil trading, a step that will change the economic structure of the world currencies at an unprecedented level. The diversification of currency usage aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic vision, which includes integrating into the global economy through varied financial instruments and digital innovations.
Recent developments and prospects
It has to be noted that Saudi Arabia has been actively exploring digital currency avenues in recent times. The nation recently joined Project mBridge which is an initiative led by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) that explores a multi-central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform. The main aim of the project is to facilitate instant cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions. The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernise its financial avenues and opt for digital transformation.
Notably, the CBDC platform is mainly controlled by the Chinese central bank. Saudi Arabia has signed a local currency swap agreement with China that indicates a strategic pivot towards stronger financial ties with Asia. The agreement between Saudi Arabia and China allows for smoother bilateral trade and investment flows without needing US dollars as base currency for transactions.
Broader implications
The expiration of the petrodollar agreement between Saudi Arabia and the US is going to have extensive implications for the global economy as the former’s subsequent financial manoeuvres will open doors for a paradigm shift. The US has long benefited from the status of the dollar as the dominant global currency. The position of the currency provided the US with significant economic advantages. However, Saudi Arabia and other countries are now exploring alternatives resulting in reducing the hold that the US has on other countries’ economies. With this shift, the global financial landscape could witness a shift towards a more multipolar currency system.
The move came at a time of broader geopolitical realignment. The nations are seeking a balance between economic dependencies and aim at strengthening regional partnerships. With a singular base currency for trade, it is not easy for the countries to do business without the US’s interference. The potential decline in the dollar’s dominance could lead to increased volatility in currency markets and a re-evaluation of financial strategies by central banks and multinational corporations worldwide.
Domestic currency trade is increasing worldwide. In July 2023, it was reported that banks in 22 countries including Russia, UK, Germay, Israel and others opened special Vostro accounts in Indian banks to trade in Indian rupee. With Saudi shifting away from dollar, it will give a push to other countries including India to make the much needed shift.
As Delhi continues to face a water crisis, the AAP govt continues to blame other states for the same. After alleging that neighbouring states were not sending adequate water to Delhi, it has now alleged that water tankers from neighbouring states are stealing water from pipes carrying water to Delhi. This allegation came after the Supreme Court of India slammed the AAP govt for not controlling the water tanker mafia.
On Thursday (13th June), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court alleging that the tanker mafias were entering the city of Delhi from the Haryana side. It claimed that these mafias were stealing the water from the canals and selling it to the poor in exchange of a hefty amount.
The Aam Aadmi Party also claimed that it was unable to take action against the water mafia due to jurisdictional concerns. However, it stated that it was making every effort to control water leaks.
“As regards any news reports or references of an alleged ‘tanker mafia’, such illicit pilferage of water is taking place prior to the water reaching the CLC or DSB. In other words, the tanker mafia is operational on the Haryana side of the Yamuna river and the Petitioner lacks jurisdiction to act against the same,” the affidavit mentioned.
“It is for Haryana to explain what steps it is taking to preserve the full supply of water to Delhi between the point of release and the point of receipt. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has prepared a comprehensive blueprint for augmenting water supplies in the NCT of Delhi. This plan has been prepared keeping in mind the water scarcity faced by Delhi every year and the sharp rise in population in the city,” it mentioned.
The Delhi government further stated that it respectfully welcomed the appointment of an independent committee by the Supreme Court to monitor and ensure its effective implementation.
This comes a day after the Supreme Court slammed the AAP government over the role of the tanker mafia in the national capital’s water crisis. The court said that if the Delhi government can’t take action then the court can ask the Delhi police to intervene. The Delhi Minister Atishi accused senior officials of colluding with the mafia to reduce the number of DJB tankers and demanded an investigation.
Following the Supreme Court’s observations, the Lieutenant Governor Secretariat wrote to the Delhi Police Commissioner, requesting that he take action against the tanker mafia involved in the theft of water from the Munak canal, which transports water from Haryana.
Seeking a compliance report within a week, the LG instructed the police commissioner to maintain strict vigilance along the canal to avoid water theft by the tanker mafia and other illicit activities.
The national capital has been dealing with a water crisis, with the Delhi administration blaming Haryana for failing to release its share of water. Notably, Haryana on the other hand maintains that it has been releasing water to the city as decided in the 1994 MoU.
As reported, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva earlier held the AAP government responsible for the ongoing water crisis indicating that the government was stealing water from the Munak canal and providing the same via tankers to the locals in exchange for money.
“The tanker mafia, run by AAP MLAs and Ministers, steals water from the Munak canal in exchange for which they earn money. This is the main reason for the lack of water in Delhi,” the BJP leader was quoted as saying.
Several parts of Delhi have been affected by a lack of water due to the city’s current heatwave. Slums, resettlement colonies, and villages are particularly hard-struck, forcing residents to purchase water tanks or rely on Delhi Jal Board (DJB) tankers.
In the latest update to the situation, the Delhi Police has begun monitoring the Munak Canal area to track the tanker mafia’s activities. A senior officer stated that police teams have set up pickets and begun patrolling the 15-kilometer stretch of the canal on the Haryana border that supplies water to the national capital. The canal enters Delhi from Bawana and flows to the Haiderpur Treatment Plant.
Teams from Bawana, Narela Industrial Area, Shahbad Dairy, and Samai Pur Badali police stations have been charged with patrolling the Munak Canal and its surroundings.
In a recent statement, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina made a shocking claim that a plot is being hatched to carve out “a Christian state like East Timor,” from parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar and that she will not let it happen. “Like East Timor…they will carve out a Christian country, taking parts of Bangladesh (Chattogram) and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal,” Hasina said.
She claimed that a “white man” who visited with her prior to the Bangladesh elections in January of this year assured her that there would be “no problems” if she permitted them to establish an airbase on Bangladeshi soil.
Last year, the US also extended support to the Islamist Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Jihadist ally Jamaat-e-Islami during its protests against the PM Hasina-led government. The US and other Western countries expected the Awami League government to step down and hand over power to a caretaker regime, and release all jailed BNP and Jamaat leaders to ensure ‘free and fair’ elections. However, India and China, despite their own disputes, backed Sheikh Hasina in dealing with US pressure resulting in her return to power for the fifth time.
Since there have been reports of the United States attempting to meddle in the elections in Bangladesh by imposing sanctions on Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and some officials alongside placing visa restrictions on Bangladeshi officials, it is being speculated that the airbase offer was made by the US.
The USA’s interference in Bangladesh is not confined to influencing elections. It has emerged that Sheikh Hasina was hinting at the attempts to carve out an independent nation of the Zo-Christian people.
Speaking to Swarajya, several leaders of the ruling Awami League have confirmed that PM Hasina was talking about a conspiracy to create a Christian nation “Zogam” for Zo people. It is said to be on the lines of “Zalengam” [land of freedom], a proposed Kuki State. This separate nation would comprise large parts of Sagaing Division and the Chin state of Myanmar, the Indian state of Mizoram, and Kuki-inhabited areas of Manipur, and the Bandarban district and adjoining areas of Bangladesh’s Chittagong division.
Except for Mizoram, the other regions have been grappling with the militancy of Kuki-Chin terror groups.
Map of proposed Zo state ‘Zalengam’ comprising areas of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Mizoram (Image source: Swarajya)
Who are Zo people and what is Zalengam?
Notably, the Zo people, also known as Zomi, Chin-Kuki-Mizo, are an ethnic group inhabiting the hilly regions of India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Their historical origins trace back to the Chin Hills of Myanmar and the adjoining areas of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland in India. Over centuries, they migrated and settled across these regions, forming distinct yet related communities.
During the British colonial period, the Zo people came into significant contact with Christian missionaries. The early 20th century saw a widespread conversion to Christianity, which resulted in profound changes to their socio-cultural fabric.
After the independence of India and Myanmar, the Zo people found themselves divided by national boundaries. In India, the Zo people were recognized as Scheduled Tribes, which provided certain constitutional safeguards. In Myanmar, several militant groups including Chin National Front’s armed wing Chin National Army, Chinland Defence Force (CDF), and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) is engaged in an armed conflict against the Myanmar junta. In Bangladesh, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) has been carrying out killings and loot in the Chittagong Hilly Tracts (CHT).
Meanwhile, in India, as Swarajya reported, “Kuki militants under the banners of the Kuki National Army (KNA), Kuki National Front (KNF), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) have been carrying out killings, kidnappings, and extortions in Manipur, and are closely involved in the ongoing ethnic strife in the north-eastern state.”
In Mizoram, the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), as well as the state unit of the Congress party endorse the unification demand made by the Mizoram-based Zo Reunification Organisation (ZRO), whose main objective is the unification of all Zo-inhabited areas in the three countries. It has been reported that church bodies, particularly the US-based Baptist Church is instigating this “Zo-unification” demand. These church bodies are reported to be closely linked to the US’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Moreover, in June last year, the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) submitted a memorandum to the United Nations and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking their intervention to carve out separate Kuki state from the hilly regions of conflict-hit Manipur. The memorandum said, “To grant Kuki statehood under Article No.3 of the Indian Constitution for self-governance free from the control and discrimination in all aspects by the majority community. In case of any hesitancy from the part of the Government of India for the creation of Kuki State…..Your kind intervention is a must for the declaration of Kuki Country…”
Despite the Manipur conflict being India’s internal matter, WKZIC’s move was seen as a blatant attempt at giving the foreign entities an opportunity to question India’s territorial integrity. It was seen how US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti although deemed the Manipur issue as India’s internal matter, offered to ‘assist’ India if asked.
Thus, it is a matter of concern for not just Bangladesh and Myanmar but also for India when Sheikh Hasina says that attempts are ongoing to carve out separate Christian nations comprising the portions of territories of these countries.
How will a Christian nation right in the middle of India-Bangladesh and Myanmar territory serve USA’s interests?
Carving out a separate Christian nation in South Asia serves the interests of the US since a Buddhist Myanmar is heavily under the influence of China. The hostility in US-China relations is widely known. Its latest example was seen when US President Biden announced heavy tariffs on Chinese products. On the other hand, the US’s exertion of influence in the internal matters of a Muslim-majority Bangladesh has miffed the Bangladeshi people. Meanwhile, India, though a strategic ally to the US, under the Modi government does not allow any sort of foreign influence in its internal matters, and prioritises its national interests.
Thus, establishing an “easy-to-control” (read poor, and desperate) Christian nation in this strategically important region could provide the US with enhanced geopolitical leverage over South and Southeast Asia. Besides, the territories inhabited by the Chin-Kuki-Zo people are rich in natural resources including minerals, narcotics, oil and gas. A new Christian nation aligned with US interests would help its ambition of establishing military bases a reality, which Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina, India under Narendra Modi and Myanmar junta influenced by China would never allow.
Notably, the establishment of military bases in the so-called “Zalengam” would also bolster the US presence near China and provide a strategic counterbalance to Chinese influence. The US’s alleged attempts, however, could exacerbate ethnic and religious tensions in an already volatile region, leading to prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises and also resulting in a diplomatic fallout with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India.
Speaking to Swarajya, a retired Major General who has served in Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) said, “The US is thus frustrated over failing to acquire a firm ally in South Asia. A Christian country which looks up to it will fit into the USA’s long-term plans to play a decisive role in South Asia perfectly.”
Kuki-Chin groups joining forces with Islamic terror organisations
Meanwhile, an Indian intelligence officer has said that the Kuki-Chin groups are strengthening themselves militarily for a ‘final push’— an intense offensive against the security forces in Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. It has also been said that these Kuki-Chin groups are joining forces with the Islamic terrorist group Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya. Last year, it was reported that Jama’atul Ansar terrorists were training under the supervision of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in their camps in CHT.
In Manipur, the Kuki-Chin groups have built a narrative that a peaceful co-existence with Meiteis in the state is not possible. An Intelligence Bureau officer told Swarajya that “Kuki-Chins have got tens of thousands of Chins from neighbouring Myanmar to illegally enter Manipur and settle down in the state, thus boosting the Kuki-Chin population of the state exponentially.” As their population has now increased dramatically, they are demanding a separate nation.
The Kuki groups deliberately created situations that would result in the exodus of Kukis from Imphal Valley to foment a divide with the Meiteis. Initially, they plan to demand a separate state and then demand a merger with Mizoram. Notably, these militant groups earn money through the cultivation of opium and trafficking drugs, including synthetic drugs, from Myanmar and Manipur through Mizoram and Bangladesh.
The revenue generated from these activities is then used to buy weapons and peddling false victimhood on social media and other forums building a narrative that they are being persecuted by the Hindu Meiteis in Manipur, the Buddhist regime in Myanmar and Islamists in Bangladesh. The sole motive behind this is to justify their demand for Zalengam.
Thus, Sheikh Hasina’s statement should not be taken lightly, particularly by India since Manipur is still far from achieving peace in the state. The Indian security forces and intelligence must effectively counter the separatist groups and puncture the sinister designs of foreign entities to harm India’s territorial integrity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and other senior officials, the Government of India sources said.
The Prime Minister was given a full overview of the security-related situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi was also apprised of the counter-terror efforts being undertaken.
During the meeting, PM Modi emphasized the importance of deploying the full spectrum of India’s counter-terror capabilities.
He also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the deployment of security forces and counter-terror operations, it added.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take stock of the situation and was briefed on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration.
This recent encounter follows a series of terror attacks in the Jammu and Kashmir region over the past few days.
Jammu and Kashmir region has been witnessing a surge in violence with three significant attacks: the Reasi terror attack, the Kathua terror attack, and the Doda terror attack.
The first incident was reported on June 9, when terrorists targeted a bus in Reasi, causing it to plunge into a gorge, resulting in the deaths of at least nine pilgrims and injuring 42 others.
Earlier, a constable of the Special Operations Group (SOG) sustained injuries in an encounter in Doda district, said the Jammu and Kashmir police.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
A day before the schedule date of release, the Supreme Court of India today halted the release of the movie Hamare Baarah. The court ordered on 13 June that the movie will not be allowed to release until a case pending before the Bombay High Court on its release is disposed. The movie scheduled to release on 14 June is being opposed by Muslim groups alleging that it is derogatory towards their religion.
A vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order responding to a plea that challenged the Bombay HC’s decision to permit the release of the movie. The bench ruled, “Until disposal of the petition before the High Court, screening of the movie in question shall remain suspended”.
Notably, the bench also commented that the movie’s teaser contains objectionable content. Justice Mehta said, “Today morning we have seen the teaser. It is as such with all those objectionable materials. The teaser is available on YouTube.”
Then Justice Nath added, “The teaser is so offensive that the High Court granted an interim order.”
The original plea against the movie was filed with Bombay HC by petitioner Azhar Basha Tamboli. The movie was originally scheduled to release on 7 June. The plea was filed against Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking to revoke the certification granted to the film “Hamare Baarah” and halting its release.
The petitioner alleged that the film was in contravention of the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the rules and guidelines associated with it. He claimed that the trailer was derogatory to the Islamic faith and married Muslim women in India, and the film’s release would violate Articles 19(2) and Article 25 of the Constitution.
However, the CBFC defended its decision to grant the certificate to the movie saying all necessary procedures were followed. The Board said that the objectionable scenes and dialogues were deleted and the trailers of the film released on YouTube and BookMyShow were not certified trailers.
The High Court then postponed the release date from 7 June to 14 June and appointed a review committee to watch the movie. However, when the 3-member committee failed to give a verdict and sought more time, the Bombay High Court on 7 June allowed the release of the movie after the makers agreed to delete some controversial dialogues.
Allowing the release, the high court said, “One individual in a country of 130 crore citizens can not bring such a petition which can stall a film release without granting any guarantee whatsoever for costs incurred by filmmakers in such a case.”
During the hearing at the Supreme Court, the advocate of the respondents objected to the plea saying that it was based on the trailer which has already been deleted from the movie. He also said that the makers have the right to release the movie as it has the CBFC certificate.
But the Supreme Court bench still prevented the release of the movie, saying that the case pending with the High Court should be resolved first. The bench declined the request of the filmmakers to direct the High Court to dispose of the case within 1 week.
On 12th June, the Calcutta High Court issued an interim order extending the tenure of Central Forces deployed in Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal given post-poll violence rampant in the state. Notably, West Bengal has a history of post-poll violence and in the last few elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (workers) have become a prime target of ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons.
A division bench comprising Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya came down heavily on the West Bengal government and said there is “no place for violence in the democratic polity”.
The court was hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Priyanka Tibrewal. They have sought judicial intervention given the widespread post-poll violence allegedly initiated by TMC goons against the members, supporters and workers of the BJP. The court highlighted the paramount importance of law and order in the electoral process and extended the stay of Central Forces in the state until 21st June 2024.
In the interim order, the court said, “The election ensures the majority opinion of the citizen of the country and its faith and allegiance to a political party to administer and maintain the various facets of the people for their betterment and development, which goes without saying that there is no space for any violence in a democratic polity.”
The court noted the serious nature of allegations levelled in the PILs and emphasised that there was a necessity to maintain security and peace in the state. The court also referred to a coordinate bench decision that established an email system for registering complaints linked to post-poll violence. The court noted that a significant number of complaints were received that there was a need for serious intervention.
During the hearing, the petitioners argued that the safety and security of many individuals were jeopardized after the election. Those who held opposing political views to that of the ruling party faced homelessness and fear for their lives. The Advocate General for the State questioned the locus standi of the petitioners. On the other hand, the Additional Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the central government acknowledged the reports of violence and assured the court that the Central Government was ready to extend the forces’ tenure if the court directed to do so.
The court in the interim order extended the tenure of the Central Forces in the state till 21st June 2024 to ensure the safety and security of the residents of the state given the post-poll violence.
Courts came down heavily on Mamata Govt over rampant post-poll violence multiple times
Post 2021 Assembly Elections
After the 2021 Assembly Elections, there was rampant violence across West Bengal. BJP supporters were assaulted and attacked. The Calcutta High Court ordered a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the post-poll violence. The court reprimanded the state administration for failing to curb the violence and protect citizens, emphasising the importance of maintaining law and order during elections.
A five-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal, Justice IP Mukerji, Justice Harish Tandon, Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Subrata Talukdar pronounced the judgement in a batch of petitions alleging Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government’s inaction over the brutal acts of violence unleashed by members of ruling Trinamool Congress in the aftermath of assembly elections.
In its scathing order, the Calcutta High Court ordered that the High Court will monitor the CBI investigation into the post-poll violence in the state. “The Committee, NHRC, any other Commission or Authority, and the State shall immediately hand over entire record of the cases entrusted to the CBI for investigation. It is made clear that it shall be a Court-monitored investigation. Any obstruction in the course of investigation by anyone shall be viewed seriously”, the Calcutta High Court observed.
The High Court directed that a Special Investigation Team, under the monitoring of the Court, should investigate the other criminal cases related to post-poll violence. IPS officers Suman Bala Sahoo, Soumen Mitra and Ranbir Kumar of the West Bengal cadre have been made the members of the SIT. The working of SIT will be monitored by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, the High Court said.
The court noted that in over 60% of the cases, no FIR was filed by the police. The Court has also ordered the West Bengal government to grant compensation for the victims of the post-poll violence immediately. In a major embarrassment to Mamata Banerjee-led government, the High Court rejected the allegations of bias against the National Human Rights Commission, a team of which had submitted a fact-finding report to the court as per its directions.
“The allegation of bias against the Committee is not material because this court has considered not only the report of the Committee but other materials as well and arguments of learned Counsel based thereon”, Justice IP Mukerji observed in his judgment.
Post 2023 Panchayat Elections
In June 2023, Calcutta High Court lambasted the Mamata Government for the large-scale violence that the state has been witnessing since the time the filing of poll nominations has begun for the Three-tier Panchayati Raj System in West Bengal, slated to be held on July 8.
Calcutta High Court judge Amrita Sinha tore into the ruling dispensation for turning a blind eye as the state grapples with continued violence and chaos. Expressing anger over continuing incidents of violence and clashes, she observed that the election should be stopped if the process involves so much violence, unrest and bloodshed and loss of lives. “The condition is such that in a Panchayat Election, there is so much unrest, violence and bloodshed. It’s a shame. What is the picture which is going out?” Justice Amrita Singh lambasted, adding that umpteen matter of rape, threats, violence and murder has come up for hearing in her court.
Political violence in West Bengal
Large-scale political violence has become synonymous with Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal. Year after year, whether it is during the Panchayat elections in 2018 or the Legislative Assembly elections in 2021 or the 2022 civic body polls, members of the ruling regime unleash unbridled violence to silence the opposition and dissenting voices.
What it says about the ‘liberal’ establishment
The repeated interventions by the courts in West Bengal post-poll violence cases show that there is a broader issue with the way so-called “liberal” establishments rule states. The consistent failure of the Mamata Banerjee-led government to prevent and control post-poll violence has raised serious questions over the commitment of the state government to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The incidents of violence have become frequent post-polls which is an indication that the state is okay with the political thuggery and there is no accountability whatsoever. The so-called secular-liberal establishment of West Bengal and the likes often champion human rights and democratic values. They falter when it comes to the implementation of these ideas within their jurisdictions. The deepening gap between rhetoric and reality undermines public trust and erodes the foundational principles of democracy.
Moreover, if the judiciary has to step in then there have to be systematic issues with the way the state manages law and order. The law enforcement agencies’ failure to control the violence shows there is some political pressure that stops them from fulfilling their duties towards the state residents. Merely because there are ideological differences between the supporters of the ruling party and the opposition, that does not give right to the former to attack, assault and force the latter to flee their homes.
There is a need to look into the deeper flaws of the “liberal” governments that sing songs of their commitments towards human rights and law & order but fail to execute them on the ground.
In Moradabad District of Uttar Pradesh state, a woman has accused YouTuber and quack ‘sex doctor’ Abdullah Pathan of gang rape. The victim is originally from Gorakhpur district. She has accused Abdullah Pathan of calling her on the pretext of a job and raping her after giving her drugs. During this ordeal, the victim was also forced to have an abortion by blackmailing her by making an obscene video of the victim. Along with Abdullah, his brother Abdul Malik is also named in this case. The police have started investigation by registering an FIR against Abdullah Pathan on Monday (10th June 2024).
The case is from Kundarki police station area of Moradabad. A woman has filed a complaint against Abdullah Pathan and his brother along with another unknown person. In the complaint, the victim told that in the year 2021, she got acquainted with Abdullah Pathan through social media. After some time, Abdullah lured the woman from Gorakhpur to give her a job of 15 to 20 thousand rupees at his dispensary in Moradabad. He assured the victim that many women already work at his clinic.
Abdullah had said that the accommodation and food would be free in the job offer given by him. The victim, convinced by Abdullah’s words, reached Moradabad from Gorakhpur in July 2021. There, the accused kept the victim in a rented room. After making her work for 4 months in the clinic, Abdullah sent the woman back to her home, saying that he would call her again soon. In January 2023, Abdullah Pathan himself went to Gorakhpur and brought the girl with him to Moradabad. This time he kept the girl in one of his own houses in Kundarki area.
It is alleged that in this house, Abdullah Pathan raped the victim by giving her drugs in January 2023. During the sexual assault, he made obscene videos of the girl. Threatening to make the video viral in the girl’s village, Abdullah started raping the victim every day. When the victim became pregnant due to the rape, he got the child aborted in December 2023. On Thursday (June 6), Abdullah’s brother Abdul Malik came to the victim’s room with an unknown person. He pressured the girl to have physical relations with the person who came with him.
The woman said in her complaint that when she refused, Abdul Malik and the person accompanying him raped her in turns. During this, Abdul Malik put a gun on the woman’s head and threatened to kill her if she made any noise. Later, when the victim told Abdullah Pathan about his brother’s act, he was not affected. He told the victim about his high connections and advised her to forget everything. Along with this, Abdullah also threatened to make the obscene video viral if she opens her mouth.
प्रकरण के सम्बन्ध में थाना कुन्दरकी पर मुकदमा पंजीकृत है, अन्य विधिक कार्यवाही प्रचलित है ।
Eventually, the victim’s patience broke. She decided to teach the accused a lesson at any cost. On the woman’s complaint, the police have registered an FIR against Abdullah Pathan, his brother Abdul Malik, and another unknown person. This FIR has been registered under sections 376-D, 313 and 506 of the IPC. In the complaint, the victim has accused one of Abdullah Pathan’s brothers of pressurising the Kundarki police station. OpIndia has a copy of the complaint. Moradabad police said that legal action is being taken in the matter.
Abdullah Pathan claims to have met Great Khali and also gone on a date with Sunny Leone. He has also expressed his desire to fight in WWE. Abdullah also posts fitness-related blogs on YouTube. He has a good number of followers on YouTube and Facebook. Abdullah is also accused of cheating many people in the name of selling masculine strength medicine. On October 16, 2023, a team of the State Health Department raided Abdullah Pathan’s alleged hospital in Moradabad district. After this raid, the hospital of Abdullah, who called himself a ‘sex doctor’, was sealed.
