A member of the Progressive Party of Maldives Senate Zahid Rameez stirred a major controversy on social media after he made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Lakshadweep. Afterwards, many people including government ministers from the island nation were rattled by the latter’s visit to the tropical archipelago and made shockingly racist and disparaging remarks about Indians without any provocation.
Social media users, including well-known figures from Bollywood and sports, spoke against the blatant bigotry. Popular actress Kangana Ranaut in one such statement called out the stereotypical racism directed towards Indians. In reference to the faith practised by the majority of people in Laksdweep, she shared that Zahid Rameez has a “Muslim phobia” despite sharing the same religion as them. She pointed out, “Lakshadweep consists of 98 per cent of the Muslim population. This prominent public figure from the Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.”
The celebrity highlighted, “Lakshadweep’s entire population is hardly 60 thousand people which means it’s almost untouched, unexplored and unexploited natural island. For most people tourism is not just filthy luxury, it is rather an exploration of nature, alignment with the source and above all experiencing and enjoying the raw, untouched beauty of virgin beaches. Shame on you for being so crass and vulgarly racist.”
Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.… pic.twitter.com/hLbQvD5RYD
Zahid Rameez termed the concept of Laskdweep tourism as “delusional” while drawing an unflattering comparison with the Maldives. He asked, “How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.” The statement triggered a lot of angry reactions from the netizens.
Meanwhile, the Maldives government suspended three of its ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid for their insulting remarks on India’s Prime Minister. “All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately,” informed Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel.
The Maldivian government clarified its position over Mariyam Shiuna’s words regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakshwadeep visit in a statement released earlier on 7th January. Following an unexpected spike in cancellations of Indian tourists, the government declared that it would not hold back from taking legal action against anybody who expresses such “derogatory remarks.” Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Mariyam Shiuna recently labelled PM Modi as a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel” after he uploaded images from his trip to the Lakshadweep Islands. However, she deleted it after a massive uproar.
Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives also denounced the demeaning comments made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi by certain leaders in his nation. He further requested that the administration of Mohamed Muizzu, the current president disassociate itself from these assertions and assure India that they do not represent government policy.
Notably, On 4th January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Lakshadweep and posted photos of himself snorkelling and exploring the archipelago. After the photos went viral, many people commented that the location was better than the Maldives for tourists and made comparisons between them. Political figures in the Maldives responded by ridiculing the visit and uttering disrespectful statements about him, the country and Indians. Indian internet users responded strongly to this and the hashtag “#BoycottMaldives” started trending on social media.
On 6th January, the Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, instructed authorities to arrest the Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in the case related to the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials. The WB Governor expressed concern over the matter and said the TMC leader might have “crossed the border”. Reports suggest that he has instructed the authorities to immediately arrest Sheikh and investigate his alleged connections with terrorists.
The statement from Raj Bhavan read, “On receipt of a complaint in the Peace Room of Raj Bhavan that Sahajahan Sheikh is supported by some political leaders with the connivance of some police officers, Hon’ble Governor instructed the Police chief to arrest the culprit forthwith and report compliance.” The Governor further emphasised the need to track down Sheikh’s location and take necessary action.
The statement further noted that the complaint received by Raj Bhavan pointed out that Sheikh “may have crossed the border” and “may have liaison with the terrorists” that should be investigated immediately.
Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bengal also alleged that there might be involvement of cross-border elements and Rohingyas in the mob attack on ED officials. In a statement, BJP’s state president, Sukanta Majumdar, said, “We have been alleging that cross-border elements and Rohingyas were involved in Friday’s attack on ED officials. We support what the governor has said. If Sahajahan is arrested, it will unveil a big nexus between those involved in corruption and terror.”
Following the Governor’s instructions, TMC criticised him for the remarks. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “We don’t know what is the basis of his remarks. According to the Constitution, the governor works in consultation with the state government. So how can he make such remarks without any concrete report or evidence? He is not here to run a parallel government.”
ED officials booked by WB police
On 6th January, West Bengal police registered an FIR against Enforcement Directorate officials who were attacked during a raid at the house of Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in North 24 Parganas. The raid was being conducted by the central agency in connection to a ration distribution scam.
The FIR was registered under Sections 441, 379, and 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on the complaint filed by the caretaker of Shahjahan’s house. Reports suggest that the FIR was registered against them for attempting to “break in without warrant”.
Mob of 800-1000 attacked with intention to kill, said ED
In a statement, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that its team, along with CRPF and journalists, was attacked, and their vehicles were targeted in Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. In its statement, the probe agency said that a violent mob comprising 800-1000 people attacked the ED team with CRPF to cause death. It added that the attackers were carrying sticks and stones. The probe agency added that the mob is suspected to be instigated by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates. It further informed that three of its officials had been injured in the mob attack and admitted to hospital for treatment. In addition to injuring the on-duty ED officials, the violent mob also stole their laptops, mobile phones, wallets, cash and other belongings.
Public Distribution System Scam
On 26th October, ED raided the residence of West Bengal Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in Kolkata in connection to a corruption case related to ration distribution. Mallick is a senior TMC leader serving as the forest minister of Bengal. Previously, he held the food minister portfolio. In response to the raid, CM Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the central agency and accused the BJP-led government at the centre of using such actions as part of a “broader strategy” ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
On 6th January, Gaya DIU officials of Bihar Police went to arrest a wanted criminal identified as Mohammed Sham Kareem from Fida Hussain Road in Jehanabad. When they stopped the criminal, an agitated mob attacked them and rescued the criminal from police custody. One of the persons who were involved in the mob was arrested later by Nagar Thana Police. Kareem is wanted in several cases of theft and dacoit, and he has been absconding for the last year. One police official reportedly got injured during the confrontation.
Nagar Thana Chief Inspector Nikhil Kumar said they have initiated an inquiry into the matter. Reports suggest that the police had triangulated Kareem’s location based on cell towers at Fida Hussain Road. The accused had come to attend a family function. The DIU officials reached the area in civilian clothes. Somehow, the local police could not go to the DIU officials, which led to a confrontation between DIU officials and the mob. Though the local police controlled the situation, Kareem managed to escape by then.
Videos of the incident were shared on social media. Reports suggest that the police officials who were in civil uniform were seen folding hands to save themselves from the mob.
Jahanabad SDPO said that the mob allegedly got confused as the police officials were in civil clothes and attacked them. During the confrontation, the criminal managed to escape.
Amid outrage on social media over the derogatory remarks made by Mariyam Shiuna about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Mohamed Muizzu-led-Maldives government has suspended her from the position of Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts on Sunday (7th January).
As per a report by Atoll Times, the government has also suspended Ministers Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid . Earlier in the day, the Indian government raised strong objections with the Maldivian government against the remarks made by Mariyam Shiuna.
Following the backlash, the Government of Maldives issued a token statement of condemnation. It read, “The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives…Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”
On 4th January, PM Narendra Modi shared some pictures of his recent visit to Lakshadweep as he exhorted people to explore the scenic island in what could be seen as a push to his ‘vocal for local’ slogan, and an effort to give a boost to tourism in the island.
Following PM Modi’s tweet posting stunning vistas from the Lakshadweep Islands, several social media users in India called for Indians to visit the place over foreign destinations, including the Maldives, which shares similar geographical characteristics as the Lakshadweep Islands.
That touched off bitter reactions from Maldivian counterparts, including governmental functionaries and prominent citizens, many of whom resorted to making churlish remarks against India, Indians, and the Indian PM.
Screengrab of the tweet by Mariyam Shiuna
Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands.
“What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna tweeted. The post was deleted after backlash on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Indian social media users slammed the Maldives government officials, including Shiuna, for their crass remarks against the Indian Prime Minister.
It is worth noting that PM Modi did not mention the Maldives anywhere in his tweets.
In a shocking case of moral policing, a Hindu boy and his Muslim sister were brutally assaulted by a group of Muslim youths on Saturday (6th January), in Belagavi, Karnataka. The cousins, residents of Yamnapur on the outskirts of Belagavi city, were at the Fort Lake premises. They had come to register for the Yuva Nidhi scheme. A lunch break at the cyber centre in Belagavi led them to wait at the lake, where the assault occurred.
This boy is identified as Sachin Lamani (age 18) and his cousin is identified as Muskan Patel (age 22). Sachin Lamani is a Dalit Hindu. His aunt, father’s sister, married a Muslim man, and therefore his cousin is Muslim. The police have registered a case under the SC/ST Atrocities Act.
The victims, who were mistaken for a couple by the attackers, were targeted due to their different religious identities. The brother and sister, in an attempt to clarify their relationship, faced violence when the group refused to believe they were cousins. “A group of accused rushed towards us and attacked us. They asked us who you are and how you are related to each other and dragged us to a nearby room,” the boy recounted.
He added, “They asked why a Hindu and a Muslim were sitting together. I told them she wasn’t a Muslim but my own aunt’s daughter. They took both of our phones. They snatched away Rs 7,000.”
He further said, “When we went to apply for the scheme, they asked us to come after an hour as it was lunchtime. So, we went to sit by Killa Lake. The miscreants were drunk when they came to us. They took a rod and thrashed us.”
The attackers, armed with pipes and rods, beat the siblings mercilessly for hours, causing severe injuries. The assailants also tried to strangulate Sachin by his neck. During the assault, the boy contacted the police by calling 112. Acting swiftly, the Belagavi city police traced their location and rescued them. Both victims are now receiving critical care in the Intensive Care Unit of the district hospital.
City Police Commissioner SN Sidram informed, “We have arrested eight people in connection with the case on Sunday. An FIR has been registered against 17 people. The investigation is on.”
This incident has sparked outrage and concern over the rise of moral policing incidents in the city, particularly those driven by religious biases. The swift action by the police in arresting the primary suspects has been noted, but the incident raises significant questions about the safety of citizens in public spaces.
Animal movie has gained widespread popularity and minted massive amounts at the box office, however, not without its share of detractors. Now, the makers of the venture have responded firmly to the harsh statement made by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar. The official social media account of the film called out the hypocrisy of Akhtar and mentioned that the scenes that are being deemed controversial would have gained acceptance among the critics if they were performed by females instead of males.
It charged that if a writer of Javed Akhtar’s calibre cannot comprehend a lover’s treachery between the male and female protagonists then everything about his art is blatantly false and added, “Let love be free from the politics of gender. Let’s just call them lovers. Lover cheated and lied. Lover said lick my shoe. Period,” referring to the movie sequences.
Writer of your calibre cannot understand the betrayal of a lover (Between Zoya & Ranvijay) then all your art form is big FALSE ? & If a woman (betrayed and fooled by a man in the name of love) would have said "lick my shoe" then you guys would have celebrated it by calling it…
Notably, Javed Akhtar stated that the economic success of movies featuring objectionable themes is a “dangerous” trend, seemingly aiming at Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s multilingual project Animal. He spoke out against the status of cinema at the start of this week at the 9th Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. However, he never directly took the movie’s name.
The 78-year-old Javed Akhtar mentioned, “The image of a hero should be created with an awareness of what is right and how it should be. Today’s writers need to think because confusion has increased among them. The reason for this is that society is in confusion. Society does not decide what is right and what is wrong, but it is reflected in cinema. There was a time when the poor were good and the rich were bad. But today, we only have one thought in our head, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati.’ So we can’t make the rich look bad now since we ourselves want to be rich.”
Akhtar added, “I believe it’s a testing time for the young filmmakers today as to what kind of characters they want to create that the society will applaud. For instance, if there’s a film in which a man asks a woman to lick his shoe or if a man says it’s okay to slap a woman, and if the film is a super duper hit, then that’s very dangerous,” discussing the volatile exchange between Ranbir Kapoor and Tripti Dimri’s characters in Animal.
Javed Akhtar noted, ‘Nowadays, I feel that more responsibility is on the audiences than filmmakers. The audiences have to decide what movies they like and what they don’t like. It is entirely up to the audience to decide what to reject. The ball is currently in the audience’s court. Even today, there are as many filmmakers making good movies. The fate of cinema depends on how long you stand with them.”
With around Rs 900 crore in global revenue, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna and Tripti Dimri among others became one of the biggest Indian hits of 2023 despite criticism. There is a lot of excitement among fans for the OTT release of the film and rumours in the media say that Netflix will air it no later than end of this month.
On January 22, 2024, India will witness a historic event that marks a significant milestone in its civilisational history – the consecration ceremony of the Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. This event, unfolding after five centuries of persistent struggle and devotion, symbolises not just the spiritual awakening but also the realisation of a collective aspiration of millions. The Ram Mandir, a beacon of faith and perseverance, is set to redefine India’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
Historical Background
The story of the Ram Mandir is a saga of devotion, struggle, sacrifice, and resilience that stretches back over 492 years. The temple believed to have been demolished by the Mughal tyrant Babar in 1528, has been at the centre of a historical and spiritual quest for centuries. This quest, deeply embedded in the hearts of millions, has seen countless devotees laying down their lives for the cause.
The Legal Battle and Archaeological Evidence
The legal battle for the Ram Mandir, tracing back to 1855, intensified with the discovery of Lord Ram idols inside the disputed structure in 1949. This led to a series of legal proceedings and the movement gaining momentum in the late 1980s. The late 1980s saw the movement gather unprecedented momentum thanks to the efforts of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Ram Rath Yatra of Lal Krishna Advani culminating in a yet intense series of legal proceedings. On 9th November 1989, Kameshwar Chaupal of Bihar played a pivotal role in the historic foundation stone-laying ceremony by placing the inaugural stone at the site.
The disputed structure at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi site was built by Mughal tyrant Babar. Image Source: Outlook India
Groundbreaking Archaeological Evidence for Ram Mandir
In a significant turn of events, the Allahabad High Court ordered a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey in 2003. This advanced survey, using radar waves for sub-surface imaging, revealed the existence of a structure beneath the Babri Mosque. To validate these findings, the High Court commissioned an excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI’s report confirmed the remnants of a North Indian-style temple beneath the disputed site, adding a crucial archaeological dimension to the legal case.
The Allahabad High Court Verdict
In September 2010, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court addressed the long-standing dispute over the Ayodhya site. This crucial judgment acknowledged the demolition of the original temple, a significant point in the historical and legal narrative of the Ram Mandir. In an attempt to resolve the complex web of civil suits tied to the land, the court proposed a three-way division of the contested site. This unprecedented decision aimed to allocate separate sections to the three main parties involved in the dispute.
A pictorial representation of the Allahabad High Court’s verdict. Image Source: IAS Parliament
Despite the court’s efforts to provide a balanced resolution, the verdict did not receive unanimous acceptance. Each party involved, holding firm to their respective claims and religious convictions, found the judgment unsatisfactory. This unanimous discontent led to a swift progression of appeals to the Supreme Court, seeking a more conclusive and acceptable solution to this centuries-old conflict.
Mediation Efforts
In a bid to resolve the dispute amicably, the Supreme Court, in March 2019, proposed mediation, forming a committee including Retired Supreme Court Justice Kalifulla, Senior Advocate of Madras High Court Sriram Panchu and spiritual Guru of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. However, by July, it became clear that mediation would not yield the desired outcome.
The mediation panel proposed by the Supreme Court. Image Source: Newsmobile
The Supreme Court verdict
On 6th August 2019, the Supreme Court embarked on a definitive phase in the Ayodhya case, initiating daily hearings. Presided over by the Chief Justice, a five-judge bench meticulously reviewed the appeals. This judicial endeavour, spanning 40 days and encompassing 170 hours of arguments, concluded on 16th October 2019. Among the many legal luminaries who contributed to this cause, the unmatched dedication of father-son duo Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain stands out. They have also been instrumental in other significant legal battles related to Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist holy sites.
The pivotal moment arrived on 9th November 2019. The Supreme Court’s full bench, in a unanimous decision, affirmed the 1993 acquisition of the disputed 14,000 acres, including its surroundings, as the legitimate property of Lord Ram. This landmark verdict paved the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir, as the court directed the government to establish a dedicated trust. This trust was tasked with overseeing the temple’s development on the entire 70-acre land, thereby bringing a historic resolution to the centuries-old dispute.
Formation of the trust and foundation stone laying ceremony
This decision led to the formation of the ‘Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra’ trust on 5th February 2020, to oversee the temple’s construction. The Bhoomi Pujan, held on 5th August 2020, saw dignitaries like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat lay the foundation stone, marking the beginning of a new era. Sacred waters and soil from the country’s holy rivers and pilgrimage sites were dedicated to the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Ram Mandir. Image Source: Hindustan Times
Architectural and Structural Details of the Ram Mandir
The Ram Mandir, a marvel of traditional Indian architecture, stands as a testament to the timeless Nagar style. With its grand dimensions, the temple spans a length of 380 feet from east to west, a width of 250 feet, and reaches a majestic height of 161 feet. This awe-inspiring structure is spread across three levels, each floor standing 20 feet tall. The temple’s robust design is supported by a total of 392 intricately carved pillars and is accessible through 44 ornate doors, blending strength with splendour.
At the heart of the temple, in the basement sanctum sanctorum, is the revered idol of Shri Ram Lalla, depicting the childhood form of Lord Shri Ram. Rising above, on the first floor, the temple will house a Shri Ram Darbar, a sacred space dedicated to Lord Ram and his divine assembly. Surrounding these central areas are five distinct Mandaps or Halls – the Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, and areas designated for Prarthna (prayer) and Kirtan (devotional song), each reflecting a unique aspect of the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
You all must be curious about how the Shri Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya will look once its complete.
To give you a preview of this divine project, we have tried to present it through a 3D video.
— Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) February 13, 2022
In addition to its spiritual grandeur, the temple is designed with inclusivity in mind. Visitors will enter from the east, ascending a series of 32 stairs leading through the Singh Dwar, a gateway that symbolizes strength and valour. Recognizing the needs of differently-abled and elderly devotees, the temple’s design includes ramps and lifts, ensuring accessibility for all. The entire structure is encircled by a formidable rectangular compound wall, extending 732 meters in length and 14 feet in width, which not only adds to the temple’s magnificence but also provides a sense of serenity and containment.
More About the Shri Ram Mandir
The Shri Ram Mandir, a symbol of India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, extends its reverence beyond the main temple structure, encompassing a series of auxiliary temples and significant elements. At each of the four corners of the expansive compound, devotees can find temples dedicated to a pantheon of revered deities: Lord Surya, Goddess Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. These temples not only enhance the spiritual ambience but also represent the inclusive nature of Hindu worship.
Adding to the sanctity of the site, the northern and southern arms of the temple complex host two more significant temples. In the north lies a temple dedicated to Maa Annapurna, symbolising nourishment and sustenance, while the southern arm is graced by a temple honouring Lord Hanuman, epitomizing devotion and strength. Near the temple complex, the historic Sita Well (Sita koop), dating back to ancient times, serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Ramayana.
अयोध्या में निर्माणाधीन श्रीराम जन्मभूमि मंदिर की विशेषताएं:
1. मंदिर परम्परागत नागर शैली में बनाया जा रहा है।
2. मंदिर की लंबाई (पूर्व से पश्चिम) 380 फीट, चौड़ाई 250 फीट तथा ऊंचाई 161 फीट रहेगी।
3. मंदिर तीन मंजिला रहेगा। प्रत्येक मंजिल की ऊंचाई 20 फीट रहेगी। मंदिर में कुल… pic.twitter.com/BdKNdATqF6
— Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) January 4, 2024
The temple complex also plans to house temples dedicated to a host of revered figures from the Ramayana and Hindu mythology. These include temples for Sage Valmiki, Sage Vashishtha, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Agastya, King Nishad, Mata Shabari, and Ahilya, the wife of Sage Gautama. Each of these temples will not only offer spaces for worship but also serve as a testament to the diverse characters that enrich the epic of Ramayana.
In the southwestern part of the complex, an ancient temple of Lord Shiva has been meticulously restored on Navratna Kuber Tila, accompanied by an installation of Jatayu, symbolizing devotion and sacrifice. Remarkably, the entire temple complex adheres to ancient Vedic construction principles, with no iron used in the main temple and no concrete on the ground, preserving the sanctity and traditional authenticity of the structure. Below ground, the sanctum sanctorum boasts a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), skillfully crafted to resemble artificial rock, ensuring both the stability and the aesthetic integrity of this monumental structure.
Pictures taken this morning at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir site.
— Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) December 24, 2023
A 21-foot-high granite plinth, constructed for moisture protection, reinforces the temple’s resilience. The temple complex is not just a spiritual haven but also a model of modern amenities and environmental consciousness. It includes a sewage treatment plant, a water treatment facility, and an independent power station to ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency. A Pilgrims Facility Centre is equipped to handle the belongings of 25,000 pilgrims, offering lockers and medical facilities.
Additional conveniences like bathing areas, washrooms, washbasins, and open taps are provided in the Block facilities for the comfort of visitors. Emphasizing environmental and water conservation, 70% of the 70-acre area is dedicated to green spaces, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary ecological awareness.
Conclusion
The Shri Ram Mandir, with its intricate design, spiritual depth, and homage to various deities and sages, stands not just as a temple but as a complex embodying the vast tapestry of Hindu mythology and spiritual practice. This architectural masterpiece, with its harmonious blend of spiritual symbolism, cultural heritage, and inclusive design, stands not just as a place of worship, but as a beacon of India’s ancient architectural prowess and its enduring spiritual ethos.
As India awaits the temple’s consecration, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and pride. This temple is not just a structure of faith but a symbol of India’s resilience and devotion. It stands as a testament to India’s ability to reclaim and celebrate its ancient civilisational identity, potentially heralding a new era where India re-embraces its role as ‘Vishwaguru.’
On Saturday (6th January), Bihar Police initiated an investigation against Bihar’s Jai Prakash University (JPU) professor Khursheed Alam after his anti-national Facebook posts sparked outrage. A complaint has been lodged against the accused assistant professor at JPU’s Narayan College in Siwan. The professor had called for a “separate homeland for Indian Muslims”.
As reported earlier, the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members submitted a memorandum to the varsity’s Vice Chancellor Dr Ranjit Kumar seeking Khursheed Alam’s dismissal and appropriate action. Now the professor has resigned. In his Facebook post, he claimed that a ‘mob’ in Goreakothi thrashed and abused him adding that he was “forced” to resign. Further, Alam accused the JPU university authorities of harassing him.
Notably, Khursheed Alam’s resignation came after he was issued a show-cause notice yesterday asking him to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him over his contentious social media posts.
Speaking to TOI, JPU’s Ranjit Kumar said, “Posting such matters on social media platforms is totally wrong. It seems he is not in a good state of mind. Anyway, we have written to the SP, DM, and the Raj Bhavan to take suitable action against him.”
Siwan SP Shailesh Kumar Sinha told TOI that Khursheed Alam only expressed his opinion through his social media posts. “He (Alam) expressed his opinion through these posts. Anyway, police have made anentry of the complaint and begun an investigation,” SP Sinha said.
Making a baseless assertion, Alam told TOI that the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared in its manifesto to make India a Hindu Rashtra. Moreover, he accused the judiciary of giving judgements against the Muslim minority.
During a media interaction, Khursheed Alam said that his posts were directed against the ‘Hindu nationalist government’ in power. He further justified his Facebook posts in which he raised the slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ saying that “there is nothing wrong in it” and doing so would foster good relations with hostile neighbours. When asked to delete his anti-national posts, Alam continued to brazen it out and said that there is no question of deleting those posts. He asserted that if a Pakistani raises Vande Mataram slogans and an Indian raises Pakistan Zindabad slogans what is wrong in it?
Khursheed Alam raised the Pakistan Zindabad slogan, however, this time he also raised the Hindustan Zindabad slogan. However, when asked to say Bharat Mata Ki Jai, he refused to do so saying that it is a “Brahaminical idea” and that he is opposed to it.
Notably, as the matter escalated on Saturday, Alam took to his Facebook account to ‘apologise’ as he wrote, “I have never tried or intended to hurt anybody’s sentiments through this post.If it hurted any one, I seriously apologize for it.”
As reported earlier, an outrage erupted after Khursheed Alam made anti-national posts on Facebook demanding a ‘separate’ nation for Indian Muslims adjoining Pakistan and Bangladesh.
All screenshots via Facebook
On Tuesday (2nd January), Khursheed Alam wrote on Facebook appealing to the governments of neighbouring Islamic countries Bangladesh and Pakistan that Indian Muslims want a separate nation for themselves. He wrote, “I am appealing both the governments that the Indian Muslims want a separate homeland adjoining Pakistan and Bangladesh.” In other Facebook posts, Khursheed Alam expressed his respect for the national anthems of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
On Sunday (7th January), India officially raised objections to the derogatory remarks made by a sitting Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As per a report by WION, the Indian government raised the matter with the incumbent Muizzu government in Maldives. The incident has sparked a diplomatic row between India and the island nation of Maldives.
Breaking: India raises derogatory remarks made by Maldives minister Shiuna with Muizzu Govt. https://t.co/4Gj0roY353
Following the backlash, the Government of Maldives issued a token statement of condemnation. It read,
“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives…Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”
Government of Maldives issues statement – "The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of… pic.twitter.com/RQfKDb2wYF
On 4th January, PM Narendra Modi shared some pictures of his recent visit to Lakshadweep as he exhorted people to explore the scenic island in what could be seen as a push to his ‘vocal for local’ slogan, and an effort to give a boost to tourism in the island.
Following PM Modi’s tweet posting stunning vistas from the Lakshadweep Islands, several social media users in India called for Indians to visit the place over foreign destinations, including the Maldives, which shares similar geographical characteristics as the Lakshadweep Islands.
That touched off bitter reactions from Maldivian counterparts, including governmental functionaries and prominent citizens, many of whom resorted to making churlish remarks against India, Indians, and the Indian PM.
Screengrab of the tweet by Mariyam Shiuna
Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands.
“What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna tweeted. The post was deleted after backlash on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Indian social media users slammed the Maldives government officials, including Shiuna, for their crass remarks against the Indian Prime Minister.
It is worth noting that PM Modi did not mention the Maldives anywhere in his tweets.
On 6th December (Saturday), Madhya Pradesh Police stated that all the 26 girls who were feared to have gone ‘missing’ from an illegally run children’s home in Bhopal were safe. They were found at their respective homes. According to the state police, all the 26 ‘missing’ girls were found living at their homes and the scare was because of a lack of paperwork maintained by the illegally run Shelter Home.
Bhopal district superintendent of police, Pramod Kumar Sinha said, “Preliminary investigation has suggested that the ‘missing’ 26 girl children have in fact returned to their respective homes when they did not feel comfortable in the shelter home.” He, however, added that statements of these children are being taken and action will be taken in the case based on their statements.
Additionally, on Saturday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asserted that tough action will be taken in this case of illegally run Child Shelter house. Assuring that all girls are safe, he said, “The missing girls from the children’s home have been verified. All the daughters are safe. They have been identified. Not a single culprit will be spared in this matter.”
Notably, the reports of 26 girls missing from an illegally run Child Shelter home came to light on Thursday (4th December). The illegal Missionary run-shelter home was busted during a surprise inspection by National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairman Priyank Kanungo when he visited the Aanchal Girls’ Hostel in the Parwalia area on the outskirts of Bhopal. During the inspection, Kanungo found that there were entries of 68 girls in its register, but 26 of them were ‘missing’.
कल मध्यप्रदेश की राजधानी भोपाल के तारासेवनिया में राज्य बाल आयोग अध्यक्ष व सदस्यों के साथ संयुक्त रूप से एक मिशनरी द्वारा संचालित अवैध बाल गृह का निरीक्षण किया। यहाँ की संचालक NGO हाल तक सरकारी एजेन्सी की तरह चाइल्ड लाइन पार्ट्नर के रूप में कार्यरत रही है,एवं इसने सरकारी… pic.twitter.com/yVlWt04c90
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) January 5, 2024
He said, “Most of the more than 40 girls aged between 6 and 18 are Hindus.” According to NCPCR Chairman Kanungo, a missionary who was managing the children’s home rescued some children from the streets and was running the shelter home without any license. He added that the rescued children were kept secretly in the house and were made to “practice Christianity”.
However, it has been revealed that the girls are safe in their respective houses and it was the shelter house that failed to keep records. According to the officials, all 41 remaining girls have been shifted to registered shelters.
The authorities take stern actions against officials
Taking stern action in this case, the authorities have suspended three officials of the Women and Child Development (WCD) department for negligence. Two other officials have been served show-cause notices. Officials said that shelter director Anil Mathew has been booked under the Juvenile Justice Act following a complaint filed by a WCD official.
Asserting that the shelter was running illegally, Bhopal SP (rural) Pramod Kumar Sinha said that the home wasn’t registered and the orphans were kept there without permission from the Child Welfare Committee.
The suspended officials have been identified as WCD officials Komal Upadhyaya, Brijendra Pratap Singh, and Manjusha Raj. Deputy director Ramgopal Yadav and district programme officer Sunil Solanki have been served show cause notice.
SP Sinha said that as per the complaint, the shelter was found to be located in an agricultural field in an isolated area.
According to the FIR, Anil Mathew who earlier ran Railway ChildLine had registered many orphans through outreach programmes in various areas without obtaining permission from the CWC. Further, there were no CCTV cameras on the premises and instead of only female guards as specified in rules for girls’ shelter homes, it had two men among four security guards deployed on night duty.
Furthermore, Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh on Saturday added that an investigation into foreign funding-related issues and other aspects, including religious conversions at the children’s home was also being conducted. He added that strict action would be taken against whoever was found guilty in the matter.
The FIR in the case was registered at Parwaliya Sadak Police Station in Bhopal under sections of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Director Anil Mathew is booked as an accused in the case.
