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No holiday on Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Shivratri, 6 days for Eid: Bihar govt orders Urdu language schools to have Friday off

OpIndia Staff
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No holiday on Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Shivratri, 6 days for Eid: Bihar govt orders Urdu language schools to have Friday off

The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar has sparked another controversy regarding holidays in government schools. The RJD-JDU coalition government has reportedly reduced the number of Hindu festivals and increased the number of Muslim festivals in government schools for the academic year 2024.

A press release by the Bihar Education Department reads that while making the 2024 holiday calendar, the required criteria of 220 days of teaching as per the Right To Education Act (RTE) is fulfilled.

In the new calendar, the number of days for summer vacations has been increased from 20 to 30. Holidays for Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha (Bakrid) have also been increased to three days each at the cost of Hindu holidays including Hartalika Teej and Jitiya which have been cancelled.

Revered Hindu festivals including Makar Sankranti, Rakshabandhan, Saraswati Puja, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Bhaidooj, and Shivratri have not even been included in the holiday calendar.

Moreover, only four Hindu festivals have been factored in which include Diwali (1), Durga Puja (3), Chhath Puja (3), and Holi (2). The total holidays on Hindu festivals account for nine days.

Whereas six so-called Muslim festivals have been included in the holiday calendar including shab-e-barat (1), Eid-ul-Fitr (3), Eid-ul-Zoha (3), Muharram (2), Chehallum (1) and Prophet Mohammad’s birthday (1). Islamic festivals account for 11 days.

What’s more is that Urdu language schools can have the weekly holiday on Friday instead of the gazetted Sunday holiday.

Bihar govt notification on school holidays

Union Minister Giriraj Singh took to X, formerly Twitter, taking a jibe at the Nitish Kumar government. “Islamic Republic of Bihar. Nitish and Lalu government extended holidays for Muslim festivals in schools, ended holidays for Hindu festivals,” he wrote.

Moreover, he said that the decision is a part of “Ghazwa-e-Hindi”. A similar post was shared by BJP Bihar X handle with the text, “Islamic Republic of Bihar”.

Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey also took a dig at Nitish calling him the “tushtikaran ke sardar (Warlord of appeasement)” and “Bihar ke kursi kumar (chair prince of Bihar)”.

“Once again the anti-Hindu face of the uncle-nephew government came to the fore. On one hand, holidays for Muslim festivals are being extended in schools, while holidays for Hindu festivals are being abolished. Shame on the government that hates Sanatan for vote bank,” Choubey wrote.

The controversial move is a repeat of a similar decision that was taken by the Bihar government to cut down Hindu holidays between September to December from 23 to 11 days.

Back then, the Rakshabandhan holiday was scrapped, the number of holidays for Durga Puja was reduced from six to three and nine holidays for Diwali to Chhatth were reduced to four.

However, amid severe backlash, the government had to withdraw the decision only to bring it back now.

The controversy comes just a day after Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav while addressing an extremely backward caste community in Darbhanga mocked UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s attire and slammed him for “showing off” his Hindu faith.

He said that ringing bells (during Hindu prayers), donning a tilak (a Hindu symbol worn on the forehead) and saffron robes “is not true devotion, they not bring food to the table, they are only for show off”.

Meghna Gulzar admits Deepika Padukone’s controversial visit to JNU affected Chhapaak

OpIndia Staff
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Meghna Gulzar admits Deepika Padukone’s controversial visit to JNU affected Chhapaak

On 27th November (Monday), the Director of the film Chhapaak, Meghna Gulzar admitted that Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone’s controversial visit to JNU just three days before the film’s theatrical release badly impacted the fate of their movie. 

Speaking at the Express Adda, she stated that Deepika’s controversial visit to JNU took the conversation away from the subject of the movie. 

While referring to Deepika’s JNU visit in 2020, Meghna Gulzar said, “I am sure that the answer is pretty obvious. Yes, of course, it made a dent on the film. Because the conversation went from acid violence, which I intended the film to amplify, to somewhere else. So, of course, it impacted the film. There is no denying that.”

Released in January 2020, Chhapaak was a biopic film based on the life of Laxmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor and activist for other acid attack victims. Deepika had also made her debut in production with Chhapaak. The film was made on a budget of Rs 50 crore but it only grossed Rs 55.44 crore at the box office.

Deepika’s controversial JNU visit in 2020

Notably, Deepika Padukone participated in a protest held by Left-wing students at Jawaharlal Nehru University on 7th January 2020, just three days before the release of the film Chhapaak. The left-wing students had come under attack by masked goons, in which the JNUSU president was also injured. Altough left-wing student unions had claimed that they were attacked by ABVP students, the latter denied those allegations. 

Strikingly, a large number of ABVP students were also attacked by left-wing groups and the latter were preventing students from registering for the winter semester.

During her JNU visit, Deepika was seen standing behind JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh, who was later booked by police for leading a mob that had vandalised the server room of JNU. Though she didn’t address the protestors, her visit in response to the protest against the 2020 JNU attack and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act created a social media uproar. 

Several hashtags like #BoycottChhapaak and #BlockDeepika and others trended on Twitter and other social media portals. Several users calling to boycott her film highlighted the incidents that transpired at JNU and how she displayed a biased stance through her visit. 

The violence in the JNU campus against which the left-wing students staged a protest, in which Deepika Padukone participated, was the culmination of several days of conflict between left-wing groups and students wanting to continue studying. The left-wing groups had been calling for a boycott of class and protesting against fee hikes. 

As part of their ‘protest’, they had physically prevented students from registering for the next semester. They also had damaged the server room and disabled internet services on the campus and prevented students from registering online. 

A large group of left-wing students had also assaulted students wanting to register and ABVP members, and as a result, several ABVP leaders in JNU were admitted to AIIMS. 

Cochin University stampede: Kerala Human Rights Commission registers case of security breach, seeks report from Uni

ANI
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Cochin University stampede: Kerala Human Rights Commission registers case of security breach, seeks report from Uni

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has asked the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) administration to file a report within two weeks after investigating the circumstances under which the tech fest stampede took place, which left four students dead and around 60 students injured.

In this regard, the commission has registered a case and also asked to check the security breach angle.

Commission member VK Beena Kumari sent a notice to the Superintendent of Police (Rural), Aluva, and the CUSAT Registrar.
The action is based on a complaint alleging security lapses in the university, according to officials.

The complaint alleged that there was only one door to enter the hall. Having only one door in the 2,500-seating auditorium was a mistake. There was no police security.

Human rights activist Guinness, Madasami also demanded that precautions be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Earlier, CUSAT Vice-Chancellor Dr PG Sankaran on Monday said that a three-member committee has been formed to investigate the tech fest stampede incident.

“Today we chaired a meeting on this incident. We formed a 3-member committee to investigate the incident. They will look into the aspects of the incident. They will also give suggestions that we can follow in the future,” VC Sankaran said while speaking to ANI.
CUSAT Vice-Chancellor further stated that a safety audit will be conducted on campus.

“We have also decided to take care of all the medical expenses of the injured people. We will also have decided to conduct a safety audit. Guidelines will be formed to avoid such incidents in the future. The current Principal of the School of Engineering Dr Deepak Kumar Sahu will be replaced by Dr Shobha Cyrus, she will take charge from tomorrow,” he said. 

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

‘Hamas must be destroyed, education system in Gaza has to be changed’: Elon Musk after his Israel visit

ANI
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‘Hamas must be destroyed, education system in Gaza has to be changed’: Elon Musk after his Israel visit

In a live chat on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that there is “no choice” other than to destroy the Hamas terror group in order to bring about a better future for Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.

During the live chat, Musk said that he would like to rebuild Gaza after the current war. Musk also remarked that civilian casualties are “unavoidable” and that Israel is trying to avoid them in its war against Hamas.

“You need to pair firmness with taking out the terrorists and those intent on murder, and at the same time help those that remain, which is what happened in Germany and Japan,” he added, according to The Times of Israel.

The Tesla CEO also underlined and agreed with Netanyahu that Hamas has genocidal intentions towards the Jewish people.

Musk, the founder of SpaceX and the owner of X, does, however, stated that he would like to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction following the ongoing conflict and that the region’s rehabilitation is a critical first step in averting further hostilities.

“If you want security, peace and a better life for Gazans, then you need to destroy Hamas. You first have to get rid of the poisonous regime as was done in Germany and Japan,” Netanyahu said in his chat with Musk, to which the Tesla CEO responded by saying, “There’s no choice.”

Recalling the atrocities committed by Hamas, Netanyahu said, “…That’s what Hamas is— children were murdered in front of their parents, and parents were murdered in front of their children. They beheaded women and men.”

“It’s tragic, and we try to minimise it…on behalf of civilians amid the ongoing war. They (Hamas) are not in army, or on ground…They are implanting themselves in residential areas, in schools, in hospitals…,” Netanyahu added as he discussed the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel with Musk.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and @ElonMusk held a meeting today, following their tour of Kfar Aza this morning,” the Prime Minister office of Israel said in a post on X.

“The PM showed Musk sections of the film that was prepared by the IDF Spokesperson and which shows the horrors of the massacre perpetrated by Hamas on October 7,” it added.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties. (ANI)

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

‘Attempt to instigate sentiments of Muslims’: Jamiat-e-Ulema threatens action against burqa-clad women for participating in a fashion show

OpIndia Staff
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‘Attempt to instigate sentiments of Muslims’: Jamiat-e-Ulema threatens action against burqa-clad women for participating in a fashion show

The video of a ‘burqa-clad fashion show’ doing rounds on the internet has created an uproar with Muslim clerics issuing threats against the college administration. The event was reportedly held at Muzaffarnagar’s Shri Ram College and it was led by Muslim students. 

According to the event organisers, it was a platform for Muslim women to show their creative side. However, when the videos of the incident went viral, it angered the local unit of Jamiat-e-Ulema. The Muslim organisation objected to the fashion show by burqa-clad women. It claimed that the event was an attempt to instigate the sentiments of Muslims and the event showed burqa as an “item for fashion display“.

In viral videos, burqa-clad participants can be seen walking the ramp in black glasses, and high heels with loud music playing in the backdrop. 

One of the participating students, Alina explained that they wanted to showcase that the burqa could also be fashionable and not just a garment to be worn at home. According to Alina, she couldn’t take part in the kind of fashion show where short dresses are worn, so she wanted to do something for the women of the Muslim community.

As per media reports, a teacher at Muzaffarnagar’s Shri Ram College, Dr Manoj supported the students’ initiative. He claimed that the hijab or burqa can boost confidence among Muslim women and that there are growing opportunities in fashion related to these garments globally.

He told reporters, “They are very hardworking students. One of them thought that they should do something creative for Muslim women and show that even hijabs can be fashionable.” 

However, the district convener of Jamiat-e-Ulema, Maulana Mukarram Qasmi expressed strong disapproval of the event. He said that the burqa is not an item for fashion display and that such an act targets a specific religion, potentially hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community.

Warning the administration not to allow such events in the future, he added that if similar events occur in the future, legal action might be pursued. 

According to the Jamiat-e-Ulema, this fashion show in which burqa-clad women participated hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. It said, “If you are doing a fashion show then do it but do not target any one religion.”

Ireland: Probe launched against MMA fighter Connor McGregor over ‘hate speech’ after he criticised the govt for Dublin stabbing: Report

OpIndia Staff
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Ireland: Probe launched against MMA fighter Connor McGregor over ‘hate speech’ after he criticised the govt for Dublin stabbing: Report

An investigation has been launched by the Ireland government against UFC fighter Connor McGregor for alleged “online hate speech”. This comes after the MMA fighter criticised the Irish government for its policies following the Dublin attacks.

At least four people including three children were attacked on 23rd November by an Algerian Muslim – who was “naturalised” as an Irish citizen – outside a school in Dublin.

Riots broke out in the Irish capital later that day with angry protesters attacking everything that came in their way at the Dublin City Centre. Irish social media users were also furious venting their anger and criticism across platforms.

Shortly after the murder, McGregor took to X, formerly Twitter, and wrote, “Do not let any Irish property be took over unannounced. Evaporate said property. It’s a war.” The veteran fighter posted again, “Ireland, we are at war.” He called for action and reform in subsequent posts and criticised the government.

Moreover, 24 hours after the Dublin riots, Connor McGregor said that he does not condone the riots but added a challenge for the Leo Varadkar government.

McGregor announced that change needs to be ushered in and fast and that he is in the “process of arranging”, announcing a possible leap into politics.

He wrote, “I do not condone last nights riots. I do not condone any attacks on our first responders in their line of duty. I do not condone looting and the damaging of shops. Last nights scenes achieved nothing toward fixing the issues we face. I do understand frustrations however, and I do understand a move must be made to ensure the change we need is ushered in. And fast! I am in the process of arranging. Believe me I am way more tactical and I have backing. There will be change in Ireland, mark my words. The change needed. In the last month, innocent children stabbed leaving school. Ashling Murphy murdered. Two Sligo men decapitated. This is NOT Ireland’s future! If they do not act soon with their plan of action to ensure Ireland’s safety, I will.”

The Irish fighter has dared the government to “make change or make way”. He also hit out at the Irish government for the murder of Ashling Murphy, an Irish citizen who was brutally murdered by a Slovak national.

On 24th November, the Irish PM announced the passage of two legislations including permit to authorities to use facial recognition technology to probe the riots and to prosecute those deemed to promote hate speech online.

“It’s clear to anyone who may have doubted it that our current laws addressing incitement to hatred are inadequate for the social media era,” he said.

Varadkar has been facing a lot of flak online for failing to secure Irish citizens from the harm posed by immigrants in view of recent incidents and for curbing free speech of Irish people instead.

Elon Musk too joined in on the criticism. Resharing a post by a X user, he wrote, “Language being proposed as law in Ireland means this could literally happen to you for having a meme on your phone.”

Connor McGregor has been an outspoken critic of the current “progressive centre” government led by Fine Gael party. He has come down heavily on the pro-immigration policies of the government and has promised bring a solution to the problem.

PM Modi’s pics at Sri Venkateswara Temple sparks outrage: How posing before Sheshnaag is a decades-old practice and he is not the only one to do so

OpIndia Staff
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PM Modi’s pics at Sri Venkateswara Temple sparks outrage: How posing before Sheshnaag is a decades-old practice and he is not the only one to do so

On Monday, November 27, PM Modi visited the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirumala and ‘prayed for the good health, well-being and prosperity of 140 crore Indians.”

PM Modi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share pictures from his visit to the hallowed temple.

In yet another tweet, he shared pictures from his visit to the temple.

One of the pictures, however, created quite a flutter on X, with social media platforms, where users remain perpetually outraged or carry on with the pursuit of finding new reasons to outrage, filled with posts attacking the Prime Minister and creating a negative perception about him in public. A picture posted by the official Twitter handle of BJP with the caption expressing salutations to Lord Venkateswara and an image of PM Modi triggered outrage on social media.

In the picture that sparked outrage on social media, PM Modi is seen standing in front of the Sheshnaag of the presiding deity at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, with malicious claims ranging from Prime Minister insulting the deity by showing his back to Lord Venkateswara to PM Modi indulging in narcissism by posing for a picture in front of the deity. 

A raft of social media users, including members of the Congress IT cell and those loyal to the Congress party, jumped the bandwagon for what has been catnip for them for over two decades now: maligning Narendra Modi by making presumptuous assumptions and rallying negative sentiments against him.

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Many others wondered if PM Modi was God to be posing in front of the deity.

Others remarked that it was disrespectful and blasphemous to pose in front of God.

Is PM Modi the only one to pose in front of Sheshnaag of Lord Venkateswara?

As it turns out, PM Modi is not the only one to pose in front of Sheshnaag as social media outrage over the picture would have us believe. Several notable personalities, ranging from different walks of life have posed at the very same place where PM Modi posed for a picture.

Former CJI N V Ramana also visited the temple and got his picture clicked at the concerned place. Here’s his picture:-

Similarly, former vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu also posed for a picture at the same spot.

The photos above show various individuals taking pictures at the same location inside the Lord Venkateswara temple as Prime Minister Modi. The controversy surrounding Modi’s recent visit and the uproar over his photo can be seen as, at best, misinformed, and at worst, a deliberate attempt to criticize and portray him negatively.

Contrary to claims made by the outrage mill, PM Modi did not violate the sanctity of the temple and its presiding deity by posing for a photograph before the Sheshnaag, and the place where he stood is a common place for devotees to click their pictures to the revered temple.

Even the official X account of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the trust that oversees the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, also clarified after outrage swept over PM Modi’s pictures from the temple.

“Honoring dignitaries after darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy in front of Sesha Vahanam at Ranganayakula Mandapam is a decades-old practice,” said TTD Chairman.

United Kingdom detects the first human case of influenza strain similar to the pig virus

OpIndia Staff
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United Kingdom detects the first human case of influenza strain similar to the pig virus

On 27th November (Monday), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) informed that it had detected a single confirmed human case of influenza A(H1N2)v, the UK government’s official press release said. According to the official statement, Influenza A(H1N2)v is similar to flu viruses that are currently circulating in pigs in the United Kingdom. 

According to the release, the individual concerned had experienced a mild illness and has fully recovered. Now, the health agencies are tracing the close contacts of the concerned individual. 

This was the first detection of this strain of flu in a human in the UK. However, the source of this infection has not yet been ascertained and health experts are investigating the matter. The UK’s Health agency is working closely with partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and assess the risk to human health, the release added. 

The first human case of this strain of influenza virus was detected as part of routine national flu surveillance. It was undertaken by the UKHSA and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). The infected individual was tested by their GP after experiencing respiratory symptoms. 

As per the health release, Influenza A(H1N2)v virus was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and characterised using genome sequencing.

Incident Director at UKHSA, Meera Chand said, “It is thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs.”

Further, Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss highlighted that some viruses found in animals can transmit to humans which is why it is important to focus on animal healthcare. The official said, “We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare, and biosecurity are so important.” 

Influenza Virus and notorious ‘Swine Flu’

Influenza A(H1) viruses are endemic in swine populations in most regions of the world. But when an influenza virus, normally circulating in swine, is detected in a person, it is referred to as a ‘variant influenza virus’. The major subtypes of swine influenza A viruses present in pigs but have infected humans are H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. 

These infected cases mostly take place after direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments. Since 2005, around 50 human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v have been reported globally however none of them relates genetically to this strain, and this Influenza A(H1N2)v was not previously detected in humans in the UK. 

As per initial information, the infection in a human detected in the UK is a distinct clade (1b.1.1). This strand is different from recent human cases of influenza A(H1N2) detected elsewhere in the world. However, the strain is similar to viruses present in UK swine. 

In 2009, a human pandemic was triggered by an influenza virus, specifically the influenza A H1N1(pdm09), often called ‘swine flu.’ This virus carried genetic material from viruses present in pigs, birds, and humans during the 1990s and 2000s. Influenza A H1N1(pdm09) now circulates seasonally among humans and is no longer labeled as swine flu. It differs from the viruses currently active in pig populations.

‘Nefarious attempts to link us to Uttarkashi tunnel collapse’: Adani Group slams malicious claims linking them with Silkyara tunnel construction

OpIndia Staff
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‘Nefarious attempts to link us to Uttarkashi tunnel collapse’: Adani Group slams malicious claims linking them with Silkyara tunnel construction

On Monday (27th November), the Adani Group denied any connection between the company and the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. According to the group, there have been “nefarious attempts” by some elements to connect it to the collapse of the tunnel under construction, which led to the trapping of 41 workers since November 12.

“We strongly condemn these attempts and those behind them. We clarify with utmost emphasis that the Adani Group or any of its subsidiaries has no direct or indirect involvement of any kind in the tunnel’s construction,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson makes it clear that the group has no ownership or equity in the company that is building the tunnel. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), a state-run organization, is building the tunnel on the Char Dham route. “At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the trapped workers and their families,” the statement read.

This is after several people on social media attempted to establish links between Navayuga Engineering Company Limited, which is responsible for carrying out the tunnel’s construction, and Adani.

“Collapsed Uttarakhand tunnel was built by Navayuga Engineering, an incorporated partner of Adani Enterprise,” said one of the users linking the report published by the Wire.

Another one said, “As soon as Navyug Eng. Pvt. Ltd & its owner Adani were exposed, all people who had pitched tents in Silkyara, Uttarkashi, ran away. Adani is actually responsible for the Silkyara Tunnel accident. Modi is a partner.”

Even, YouTuber Abhisar Sharma who was recently raided by Delhi Police in the Newsclick scandal claimed that Adani and the Navayuga company had business links that led to the construction of the tunnel in Uttarkashi. Sharma, while basing his opinion on the Wire, said in the video clearly that Navayuga company was acquired by Adani who is looking after the construction of the tunnel at present.

The Wire in its report published on 18th November claimed that Adani had links to the Navayuga, a Hyderabad-based multi-crore company. “The Adani group had been eyeing the Krishnapatnam Port Company in Andhra Pradesh for several years. However, it had gone to a company of the Navayuga group during the TDP era. With Jagan Reddy then taking on the firm, Adani tried its luck once more and successfully acquired it.”

“In July 2020, the Competition Commission of India under the Union Ministry of Finance gave its consent to the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones to buy out a 75% stake in that port from Navayuga. The remaining 25% was taken over in 2021,” the report claimed.

However, Adani released a media statement on 27th November and stated that it had nothing to do with the construction of the tunnel in Uttarkashi. The Uttarkashi tunnel is being built by the Hyderabad-based Navayuga Engineering Company Limited as a component of the Char Dham project. The company has no apparent affiliation with the Adani Group. 

Notably, Gautam Adani has faced several attacks from the leftist liberal cabal in recent months which all began due to the Hinderburg’s report. In January 2023, Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of stock price manipulation and fraud. The report also alleged that the group invested millions of dollars in its own companies’ publicly traded stocks through offshore structures. The Adani Group denied the charges, calling them “meritless”.

In spite of Adani denying the report and issuing clarification in the case, several left-leaning media houses and political parties like the Congress continued to attack Adani in an attempt to target Modi. Congress and the Left ecosystem went into overdrive to attack the Adani Group without providing an objective analysis of the Hindenburg Research report.

In the given case, leftists including left-leaning media portals have begun targeting Adani over the tunnel construction when the businessman has nothing to do with the company that is responsible for the construction of the tunnel in Uttarkashi.

‘Welcome to Chinland’: Armed Myanmar rebel groups install board of New Republic after capturing border towns near Indian border

OpIndia Staff
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‘Welcome to Chinland’: Armed Myanmar rebel groups install board of New Republic after capturing border towns near Indian border

Since ‘Operation 1027’, which was launched on 27th October in the northern Shan State, the armed Ethnic rebel forces have been extending their gains in northern Myanmar. As per Myanmar media reports, the rebels control dozens of military positions and strategic towns important for trade with India and China.

Notably, ‘Operation 1027’ was launched by the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” comprising three ethnic groups, namely the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA).

Security nightmare for India: Rebel forces erect board of ‘Chinland’, a new Republic at India-Myanmar border

Earlier this week, clashes broke out between the junta’s Infantry Battalion 304 and an alliance of fighters led by the Chin National Army (CNA) in the small town of Lailenpi, located in northwestern Matupi Township. The CNA is the armed wing of the Chin National Front (CNF). 

On Friday (24th November), the armed resistance groups seized another town in Chin State. A week earlier, they had captured the commercial town of Rikhawdar on the India-Myanmar border from the control of the Myanmar junta. 

Following the capturing of the military’s main base in Lailenpi, located some five miles from the Myanmar-India border, the anti-junta armed groups posted a video clip in which they could be seen raising the CNF flag at the captured base.

Speaking with Myanmar Now, CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni said, “We seized the base and took control of the town of Lailenpi.” He added that this victory was achieved after three days of attacks on the junta outpost. 

Referring to smaller resistance forces allied with the CNA, the CNF spokesperson added, “We can say that this base also provides security for their tactical command. The location of the Lailenpi base is very important for coordinating between the CNA and local defence forces.” 

As per media reports, the local Chin resistance forces control the majority of the routes in the Chin state cutting down the supply lines and troop movements of the Military junta. This has forced the junta to rely more on airstrikes. As per Salai Htet Ni, during the three-day battle, the junta launched close to 15 airstrikes.

Days after the rebel groups seized control of Rikhawdar and Lailenpi in Chin State, the anti-junta armed groups have also taken control of Khampat, Sagaing Region, another town on the India-Myanmar border.  

In retaliation to the advance of the rebel forces, Myanmar Army, on 14th November, carried out air strikes on Khawmavi and Rihkhawdar villages bordering India. This forced more than 5000 people from Myanmar to cross the Indian border and find refuge in Mizoram. 

Further, this large influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar had been a cause of concern for the Security forces in Mizoram. However, it has increased alarmingly as media reports have noted that the Chinaland Council of the Chin Defense Joint Forces, part of Ethnic groups fighting for democracy in Myanmar, has captured the Tiau-Khawmawi gate of the India-Myanmar border point.

As per Dainik Bhaskar report, it is for the first time that the Rebels have hoisted a banner of ‘new Republic’ near the Indian border. As per reports, the ethnic rebel groups have captured border towns near Mizoram and installed a board stating, “Welcome to Chinland”. 

The Chin rebel group has hoisted the flag of Chin forces along with the ‘Welcome to Chinland’ board. Additionally, the Chin rebel forces have launched a new public administration for the captured area in Rikhawdar Township on the India-Myanmar Border. 

They have also asked 800, out of thousands of Myanmar nationals who entered into the Indian state of Mizoram, to return home safely.  

A local media outlet affiliated with the rebel group said that MNDAA (part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance) in an offensive captured the Kyin San Kyawt border gate which is a major trading point along the Myanmar-China border.

China’s angle in the Civil-war like Conflict

On Sunday (26th November), the Kokang news reported, “MNDAA also reported they seized one more border trade gate, which is called Kyin San Kyawt, in Mongko area, Muse district this morning.”

The report added that the alliance had also taken other positions in the border trade zone after the assault began on Friday. The MNDAA had also raised its flag at the border trade zone at Kyin San Kyawt, a security source told AFP.

This trading point is important because it allows machinery, electrical appliances, agricultural tractors and consumer items to enter the country.

A spokesperson for the MNDAA, Kyaw Naing said, “We are continuing our attacks in northern Shan State.” 

The Civil-war like conflict is taking place as pro-democracy groups have formed a parallel government and they are also allied with some insurgent groups. They have been fighting to oust the Military Junta in Myanmar. For this, they have also launched a “Road to Naypyitaw” campaign which is aimed at taking control of the capital.

China has been rattled by the ongoing conflict and advances of the pro-democracy rebel groups and its security and migration influx implications for it. As per media reports, it began military exercises along its border with Myanmar on Saturday. Additionally, it also urged its citizens to leave the northern part of that country.

Reportedly, more than 80,000 people have fled Myanmar’s northern Shan state because of the ongoing clashes. Some of these displaced Myanmar nationals have also entered China.

Regarding the ongoing developments, Beijing’s Southern Theatre Command said it launched “combat training activities” along the border with Myanmar to “test the ability of troops… to control and close borders and to strike with firepower” and remains “ready to respond to all kinds of emergencies”. 

China announced to conduct military exercises one day after a convoy of trucks carrying goods into Myanmar went up in flames. The Myanmar state media claimed that the act was a result of an insurgent attack. However, the attack on a goods truck near the Chinese border forced the Chinese envoy to meet top officials in Myanmar’s capital for talks on border stability. The rebels have rejected reports of carrying out such an attack stating that they would not take any action that is detrimental to the citizens of Myanmar.

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