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Watch: Journalists start fighting among themselves to get their hands on the colour canister thrown in parliament

OpIndia Staff
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Watch: Journalists start fighting among themselves to get their hands on the colour canister thrown in parliament

The Delhi Police on Wednesday (13th December) detained two persons for protesting with colour smoke bombs outside the Parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan. Two other persons were also detained by the Police who jumped into the Lok Sabha well from the visitors’ gallery while the proceedings were going on and released some yellow-coloured smoke from canisters after jumping into the well. While the incidents highlighted massive security breaches in the Parliament, the media individuals created a separate fuss while reporting about the incident.

Several TV journalists gathered in the Parliament premises to report on the detention of the two persons who protested using the colour smoke bombs outside the Parliament. However, they engaged in a brawl as they intended to showcase the evidence, the remains of the colour bombs that the detainees used during the protest. The video of the on-camera fight among the TV journalists is making rounds over social media with netizens questioning the morals and values of the journalists.

In the video, journalist of TV9 Bharatvarsh could be seen showing the remains of the colour bomb on the media screen while other journalists including a senior editor of CNN News18, Pallavi Ghosh could be seen snatching the remains to showcase on their respective media screens. “Bahut dikha diye. 5 min ho gaye (you’ve shown this a lot. It’s been 5 mins. Now hand it over),” the other media journalists could be heard saying in the video.

The other journalists also displayed media unprofessionalism as they could also be seen blocking the exclusive live video streaming of TV9 Bharatvarsh for exclusively showing the remains of the color bomb. The video since then has been widely shared on social media with netizens calling media individuals ‘shameless’ and ‘clowns’.

“Indian Journalists are fighting for the smoke canisters that were used. Shameless!” said one of the netizens while sharing the video clip in which the media journalist could be seen fighting like naive.

“Security becomes secondary issue, Indian media is fighting for smoke canisters,” another one said sharing the video.

Meanwhile, one of the netizens also attacked the government over media coverage and said that those supporting PM Modi had shown the standard of journalism. “Pallavi ji, don’t do this! Godi Media showing to the world their standard of journalism- fighting over a piece of evidence on Live TV! Is there any depth of shamelessness that Godi media journalists still haven’t explored?” the user said.

The incident is said to have happened at 1 PM during the zero hour in the Lok Sabha, just before the lunch break. Two persons, a man and a woman used colour bombs to protest outside the Parliament. The duo were detained by the Delhi Police after the former raised the slogans of “Jai Bheem,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jay,” and “Manipur ko insaaf do.”

While at present it is not known who is behind this attack, it is notable that Khalistani separatist and Sikhs for Justice leader  Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had recently threatened to attack the Indian parliament on or before 13th December. In a message released last week, he alleged that an attempt by Indian authorities was made to assassinate him, however, the grand scheme fell through. He had warned that by no later than 13 December he would reply by launching an assault on the Indian Parliament and shake its foundation.

As TV reporters shamelessly fight for smoke canister thrown in Parliament, here are a few things we should all be worried about after witnessing the circus

Editorial Desk
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As TV reporters shamelessly fight for smoke canister thrown in Parliament, here are a few things we should all be worried about after witnessing the circus

On the 13th of December 2023, there was a serious security breach in the Parliament of India. Two individuals hurled a smoke canister from the viewer gallery. They then jumped to the floor of the house and were trying to make their way towards the speaker when were overpowered by parliamentarians. Thereafter they were detained by the police and taken for interrogation. Just as the security breach took place, there were two individuals outside the parliament protesting with similar colour smoke canisters.

According to preliminary information from the Delhi Police, there is no terror angle to the incidents, however, the police are taking the breach seriously. According to reports, the intruder inside the parliament was chanting slogans about “Kaala Kanoon” and the protestors outside the Parliament were chanting slogans like Jai Bhim, Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi, Manipur ko Insaf do, etc.

While the country was shocked by the serious security breach and the ramifications of the lapse, Indian media was conducting their very own circus. A video emerged where TV journalists were seen fighting like animals over the smoke canister that was hurled by the protestors. In the video put out by TV9, their journalist was showing the smoke canister on camera. While he was doing his segment, other journalists started trying to snatch the canister saying that he had used it enough and should hand over the canister to other journalists. When the other journalists started trying to snatch the canister, the TV9 journalist was seen almost sprinting with it, trying to get a few more seconds with the canister – for the sake of the hard-hitting coverage of the unfolding incident at the Parliament.

As the nation had important questions that the media should have been focussing on – like how this security breach took place, who were the intruders, what were they chanting, why they did what they did, what was the police doing and how visitors entered the parliament with canisters and why were the Delhi Police so lackadaisical in arrested the protestors outside the Parliament, almost looking like they were taking them for a walk, these elements in the media seemed far more interested in ridiculous sensationalism and showing visuals of the canister.

While we watched this circus unfold, there are several important aspects that people need to be extremely worried about.

First and foremost, one has to wonder about the priorities of the media and what they choose to cover when important events unfold. As mentioned, there are very important questions that need to be answered as this security breach unfolds. The Parliament is not just a building but a symbol of the democracy of India and the seat of power. Any attack on the Parliament is an attack on democracy and the sovereignty of India itself.

While these events unfolded, the journalists on the ground should have been far more focused on bringing crucial details to the people of the nation. And while several journalists were doing so, some were indulging in cheap sensationalism.

This, however, comes as no surprise. One is reminded of the time when Rajdeep Sardesai was talking about the 2001 Parliament Attack – the terrorist attack that incidentally took place on this day 22 years ago.

In 2018, a video had gone viral where Rajdeep Sardesai admitted that journalists were vultures. Sardesai in the video recounted the December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament where he and his crew were preparing for a picnic owing to a slow news day. Preparing for a feast in the garden near the Parliament, he and his team entered the Parliament at around 11 am. Within minutes of the team entering the Parliament, he says they heard gunshots. The Parliament was attacked. He then recalled that when his colleague asked him to leave, he directed him to suggest the guard to close the gates. He explained with a wide grin that he did so so that no other channel crew could enter. Those days there were fewer channels and Sardesai was excited at the prospect of doing an exclusive story.

He then says how the exclusive story of the parliament attack made the team forget the wine and kababs they were planning to picnic on. “It was a great day. We are like vultures. We feed on these moments.” he added.

If one truly thinks about it, the current TV journalists are merely following the standards set by veteran vultures like Rajdeep Sardesai.

While the conduct of the media was abysmal, what is far more concerning is the conduct of the Delhi Police and security agencies. When a security breach like this has taken place, one would imagine that the police and law enforcement agencies would ask the media to stand back – after all, 26/11 was a classic case of how the media could potentially jeopardise any rescue operation and investigation when such incidents take place. During the Mumbai Attack, the police allowed unbridled access to the media, resulting in journalists like Barkha Dutt potentially giving away crucial information on hostages from ISI handlers who were closely monitoring the media.

Taking a lesson from the past, the police should have summarily kept the media away. That canister itself could be crucial evidence that the police need, instead, the media was yet again given unbridled access to play with the canister as if were some sort of a prop in a drama.

On the 22nd anniversary of the ghastly 2001 Parliament attack, the parliament was under severe threat. There were Khalistani and other terror organisations which had issued threats against the Parliament. While now the police are claiming that the smoke was not harmful, while the breach was ongoing, the police had to function under the assumption that it could be a deadly terror attack which could have dire ramifications. Despite that, the media was given unbridled access knowing fully well that such media has a history of creating a circus during serious incidents.

Several other questions are being raised against the police as the Parliament’s security was breached. Visitors to the Parliament are frisked at every stage and there are now questions being asked as to how the security could have been so wanting that two individuals with smoke canisters could enter the Parliament. Per protocol, those who have passes to view the Parliament proceedings are not allowed to carry a paper inside the Parliament. Legitimate concerns are now being raised as to how, amid such tight security, two individuals could enter with these canisters.

“Jai Bhim, Manipur ko Insaf do”: What were the slogans raised by protestors outside the Parliament as they hurled smoke canisters

OpIndia Staff
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“Jai Bhim, Manipur ko Insaf do”: What were the slogans raised by protestors outside the Parliament as they hurled smoke canisters

At around 1 pm on Wednesday (13th December), two men jumped in to the Lok Sabha from the visitor’s gallery while proceedings were underway.

As per reports, the two accused jumped from the visitor’s gallery and one of them began to head towards the well by jumping over the benches.

The man was donning a blue jacket and was seen removing his shoes. He then starts to look around as if trying to find a way out when members of Parliament began to surround him.

Immediately, a yellow smoke began to emanate and fill in the hall. As per reports, the two accused who breached the Parliament security were chanting the slogans “Kala kanoon wapis lo”, “Tanashahi nahin chalegi”.

A similar scene was unfolding outside the Parliament premises at the same time. Two other protestors including a woman and man were staging a demonstration releasing yellow and pink smoke from cans. The entire incident invovles a total four accused at least.

The woman protester outside was heard raising slogans including, “Tanashahi nahin chalega,” “Manipur ko insaaf do, “Samvidhaan bachao”, “Mahilayon par atyachar nahin chalega,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Tanashahi band karo,” “Jai Bheem Jai Bharat,” “Vande Mataram”.

Meanwhile the protesting man was heard chanting, “Bharat Mata ki Jai”. Several videos of the attack inside the Parliament and the demonstration outside are making rounds on social media.

The woman protester has been identified as a Neelam Kaur (42) and Amol Shinde (25). Meanwhile, one of the accused who jumped inside the Lok Sabha is reportedly being identified as a Sagar.

In another video, a journalist can be seen questioning Neelam while she is being taken by the police. In response, the woman accused can be heard saying, “Our Indian government and the atrocities being committed against us…when we talk about our rights…we are lathicharged and jailed and totured. So we did not have any other way.”

When asked which organisation they belong to, she said, “We are not from any organisation, we are common people. we are students, because we are employed, our parents work so hard, labourers, farmers, small businessmen but no one is heard. They try to supress our voice but this tyranny will not be tolerated. End the tanashahi (tyranny). Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

What happened inside the Parliament

The incident took place at 1 PM during the zero hour in the Lok Sabha, just before the lunch break. When Khagen Murmu, BJP MP from West Bengal, was raising some points regarding his constituency, suddenly a commotion was heard in the background. When the Sansad TV switched to the view of the entire hall, a man could be seen who has already jumped from the gallery and was on the benches.

He then started to proceed towards the front of the hall, jumping from bench to bench. People were in the Lok Sabah were heard shouting ‘pakdo, pakdo’ (catch him), before the speaker hurriedly adjourned the house. The live stream was cut immediately after that.

However, media reports said that another man jumped into the Lok Sabha, and both of them were carrying canisters, from which they sprayed some yellow-coloured substance.

While some reports said it was gas, others said it was smoke. According to LS Speaker Om Birla, the smoke as per preliminary inquiry was not harmful.

The security breach in Lok Sabha happened on the anniversary 2001 Parliament attack during which armed terrorists stormed the Parliament building.

Is Farooq Abdullah angry because Kashmir is no longer violent and dangerous? How the calm after the SC verdict has rattled the Gupkar gang

Anurag
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Is Farooq Abdullah angry because Kashmir is no longer violent and dangerous? How the calm after the SC verdict has rattled the Gupkar gang

On 12th December, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah lashed out at the central government following the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Bill and Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill. He was seemingly irked following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370. Speaking to ANI, he asserted that tourism in the valley is possible because terrorists do not attack them. He said, “You should be thankful that they are not doing it”, asserting if terrorists start attacking tourists, the tourism in the valley will be finished.

Earlier, Abdullah had said in a furious tone that Jammu Kashmir could “go to hell”. When an ANI reporter questioned why he said so, Abdullah said, “You people are irritating me. No one is doing anything for the ‘heaven’ and taking it to ‘hell’.” He cited the famous quote about Kashmir, “If there is heaven on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is this.” and questioned what the government has done for the valley. “You are not conducting any elections happening in all other states. What crime have we committed? Now come to statehood. Tell me one state since independence that was converted to UT from a state. UTs become a state, not the other way around. You have made the state hell.”

He added, “You say that terrorism has ended. Has it ended? Are our soldiers and officers not dying? Are people not dying? You talk about tourism. They [terrorists] have not attacked tourists yet. If they attack only one tourist, tourism will come down to zero. You should be thankful that they are not doing it [attacking tourists]. Our everything depends on it. We do not have any factory. They said they would bring factories. Which factories have been established? Someone from UAE is building a mall here. A mall. We already have a mall. We are citizens of this country. This is our country. But there is no justice for us. What should I do?”

Borderline dog whistling

Abdullah’s remarks about terrorists not attacking tourists, leading to the possibility of having a tourism industry in the valley, are dangerously bordering on dog whistling. In a way, he hinted at a potential strategy for terrorists to target the flourishing tourism industry in Jammu and Kasmir.

Abdullah, who was irked by the Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370 and passage of bills in both houses, tried to oversimplify the complex situation in Kashmir. His statement should be condemned as it can potentially send a wrong message. By insinuating that the absence of terrorist attacks is the reason for flourishing tourism, he failed to acknowledge the collective efforts that the government of India and the UT government made to foster a peaceful environment in the valley.

It has to be noted that such statements by prominent leaders like Farooq Abdullah can be interpreted as an inadvertent signal to those who have vested interests in promoting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorist groups have a habit of exploiting any perceived weakness or opportunity, which the comments passed by Abdullah provided.

Leaders in the valley and the rest of the country need to promote a narrative highlighting Kashmir’s resilience. The people of Kashmir are working towards sustained peace, and statements like those Abdullah made have the potential to nullify such efforts. It is essential to focus on the positive aspects of the region, including rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes, so that, for the time being, tourism can keep supporting the state’s economy. At the same time, other projects were established in Jammu and Kashmir.

What changed in the past ten years? They asked, and HM Shah replied

In both houses, the opposition asked Home Minister Amit Shah what changed in the valley. In his reply, HM Shah pointed out the number of tourists touched the 2 crore mark in 2023. Furthermore, over 100 films were shot in the valley. There has been no theatre operating in Jammu and Kashmir since 1991. The first theatre opened after a gap of three decades in 2021. Since then, more theatres have opened and over 100 applications are under review from banks to open and operate theatres in the valley.

The number of devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and devotees participating in Shri Amarnath Yatra has increased exponentially over the years. HM Shah added that nursing colleges, medical colleges, and other educational institutes have opened in the state after the abrogation of Article 370. Furthermore, the number of medical seats has increased, and a record number of athletes have registered in the state.

Speaking about terrorist activities, HM Shah said the total incidents of terrorist activities during UPA time were 7,217. However, since the BJP came to power, the number of such incidents reduced to 2,197. During UPA time, 2,829 security personnel and civilians lost their lives. Compared to that, such deaths were reduced to 891 civilians and security personnel. 2,654 incidents of organised stone pelting happened during UPA.

Furthermore, since the Abrogation of Article 370, zero stone-pelting incidents have been reported in the region. 112 civilians died during stone pelting during UPA, but zero such deaths have been reported since the abrogation of Article 370, as no incidents of stone pelting took place. 6,235 civilians were injured in such incidents during UPA, but zero such injuries have been reported since the abrogation of Article 370. In 2010, 70 ceasefire violations were reported, but in 2023, only six such incidents were reported. Similarly, incidents of infiltration attempts clocked to 479 compared to recent reports of 48. In 2010, 18 terrorists reportedly left Kashmir. However, in 2023, 281 terrorists reportedly left Kashmir.

HM Shah noted that the central government adopted a Zero Terrorism Plan in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been in action for the last three years. Furthermore, he said that by 2026, he hopes that the plan will achieve its aim to finish terrorism in the valley.

The Gupkar Gang

Not to forget, Abdullah is the chairperson of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), also known as the Gupkar Gang. It was formed to restore the erstwhile state’s special status or Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Gupkar Gang was formed in October 2020 when six parties joined to restore Articles 370 and 35A and the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M), Peoples Movement (PM) and Awami National Conference (ANC) were the first to ally. In November, Congress also joined the gang.

Gupkar Gang’s three leaders joined in January 2023 in a nationwide political rally. Farooq’s son and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, and PDP chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi‘s Bharat Jodo Yatra in January last week when the Yatra reached its destination in Kashmir.

Abdullah once batted for Chinese rule

One year after the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah claimed that the people of Kashmir “do not feel or want to be Indian”. He added that they would prefer to be ruled by China instead of India. Interestingly, the same Abdullah is now crying that he is an Indian and India is his country. Abdullah stated during a talk show on The Wire’s YouTube channel. He called the abrogation of Article 370 the “last nail in the coffin of India”. The same Abdullah is now claiming tourism is possible in Kashmir because terrorists do not attack tourists. It is interesting to see how the language of these leaders changes with time and how they insert dog whistling while projecting themselves as Kashmir’s messiah.

Love Jihad in Indore: Ashraf pretends to be Ashu to befriend a Hindu girl, rapes and forces her to convert to Islam

OpIndia Staff
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Love Jihad in Indore: Ashraf pretends to be Ashu to befriend a Hindu girl, rapes and forces her to convert to Islam

An incident of love jihad has come to light in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore where an auto-dealer named Ashraf Mansoori masqueraded as Ashu to trap a 23-year-old Hindu girl into a relationship with him. He then sexually assaulted her while feigning marriage, however, when she asked him to fulfil his promise he forced her to embrace Islam.

A formal complaint has been filed under multiple laws, such as the atrocity act, rape and molestation against the accused at the behest of members of Hindu organisations. However, he managed to escape during a police raid conducted to capture him on the evening of 12th December.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Of Police (DCP) Zone-4 Abhinay Vishwakarma informed that a 23-year-old Pipliya Kuma resident became friends with the perpetrator who is from Ashraf Mansuri Bijalpur on the Hello app. He claimed to be Ashu while hiding his true identity and started chatting with her in the years 2018 and 2019. He conveyed his wish to meet one month later and drove toward the Khajrana Bypass.

He identified himself as a Hindu and had intercourse with the victim in the four-wheeler under the pretence of tying the know with her. He used to bring a different vehicle to meet her every time. She, however, learned after around eight months that his name was Ashraf Mansoori and not Ashu. She wanted to distance herself from him, but he threatened to slit his wrist and jump from the roof. Furthermore, he blackmailed her to visit him and also took her to a woman’s residence located in Navlakha.

The offender got into an argument with the girl four months ago and declared, “You have to convert to Islam,” and compelled her to become a Muslim. On 8th December, they had another altercation. The distressed young woman went to his house and met his father Usmaan and brother Burkaan who mistreated her and told her to shut her mouth in exchange for Rs 20 to 25 thousand. He pushed and shoved her as well as did obscene activities to harass her.

She reached the police station and registered a case with the assistance of Hindu activists on 8th December. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, Rape and Atrocities Act. According to TI Shailendra Singh Jadaun, the culprit is an auto salesman. Police searched his house to nab him, however, he absconded and evaded arrest.

After facing social media outrage, Urdu portal ‘Rekhta’ takes down book glorifying Islamist Ilmuddin, who killed Mahashay Rajpal in 1929 over ‘blasphemy’

OpIndia Staff
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After facing social media outrage, Urdu portal ‘Rekhta’ takes down book glorifying Islamist Ilmuddin, who killed Mahashay Rajpal in 1929 over ‘blasphemy’

On Monday (11th December), the Urdu portal ‘Rekhta’ took down the book glorifying Islamist Ilmuddin, who killed Mahashay Rajpal in 1929 over ‘blasphemy’. Rekhta removed the book after facing social media outrage. Rekhta portal had displayed a book in its e-books list titled ‘Sawaneh Umri Ghazi Ilmuddin Shaheed’, which means ‘a biography of martyr Ilmuddin’.

This book is written by Mohammad Afzal Hashmi. The 102-page Urdu book was originally published in 1930 by Munshi Azizuddin Tajiran-E-Kutub, Lahore.

Though the cover page of the book was visible in related searches, the book was removed by Rekhta from its website. Image source: Rekhta Website

The Urdu literary web portal Rekhta operated by Sanjiv Saraf’s non-profit organisation Rekhta Foundation was promoting the biography of an Islamist killer who had killed a Hindu man for alleged ‘blasphemy’ against the Prophet Muhammad. Now, this book has been removed from the website after an outrage on social media.

The current edition of this book with Rekhta was made available by Jamia Hamdard in Delhi. The information surfaced as the annual three-day festival of the Urdu-promoting organisation – Jashn-E-Rekhta – was organised from 8th December to 10th December at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Besides Mushaira and other talks in the Jashn-E-Rekhta program, the Rekhta Foundation also has various counters for selling books and other merchandise where many Urdu books were for sale.

Earlier, this book was available on the Rekhta website. Image Source: Rekhta Website

Rekhta also keeps many old books in digital format on its website. This biography of Islamist Ilmuddin was one such book. It was contributed by Jamia Hamdard. It means that the Delhi-based university had provided the hard copy of the old publication using which the e-book was made. Rekhta has now removed the extremist material from its website.

Who was this Ilmuddin?

Ilmuddin killed author and publisher Mahashay Rajpal on 6th April 1929 in Lahore. Ilmuddin – a carpenter – was 19 years old at that time. stabbed Mahashay Rajpal in his chest eight times while he was seated on the outer verandah of his shop. Mahashay Rajpal did not survive the attack. The reason for this murder was alleged blasphemy. It was no different than what we see as death threats and beheading threats like ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ for alleged blasphemy or alleged insult of the Islamic prophet in contemporary times.

Who was Mahashay Rajpal and why was he killed?

Mahashay Rajpal published a book named Rangeela Rasool. He was killed for publishing this so-called satire on Prophet Muhammad. Mahashay Rajpal’s book came in response to two provoking books by Muslims.

In fact, in 1923, Muslims published two books. One was named ‘Krishna, your Gita will have to be burnt’. In this, Muslims made indecent and obscene comments about Lord Krishna. The other book was ‘The Maharshi of the Nineteenth Century’. The book contained derogatory remarks on Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj.

In 1924, the British banned the book. Several cases were registered against the book under Section 153 A of the IPC. In 1927, Mahashay Rajpal was let off by evidence that what was written in the book was based on facts, so it cannot be said that it increased hatred between the two groups.

When the court pronounced the verdict regarding this book, the Muslims were even more enraged and shaken. They started rioting and there was a demand to behead Mahashay Rajpal. The slogans described how the killing of Mahashay Rajpal is allowed in Islamic Sharia. After receiving death threats for years and surviving two attacks, Mahashay Rajpal was killed by Ilmuddin in 1929.

Rekhta has a history of pro-Islamic anti-Hindu rhetoric under the garb of promoting Urdu literature

Rekhta portal and its annual event named the Jashn-E-Rekhta have a legacy of controversies on issues against Hindu interests. In February 2017, progressive Muslim commentator, renowned columnist and famous television personality late Tarek Fatah was abused and heckled at the Urdu poetry festival Jashn-E-Rekhta held at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts. Fatah, who attended the festival as an audience member, was hit with sticks on his back and feet. Slogans like “Modi ka kutta, Tarek Fatah” and “Death to Tarek Fatah” were raised by the protesters.

In 2020, Rekhta also tried to paint the Hindu festival of Diwali in an Islamic colour by calling it a kind of Eid. Rekhta tried to give an Urdu dictionary to Diwali and some popular words related to it through a poster and on this pretext it adopted an Islamic religious agenda.

The words Rekhta gave in this poster were Diwali, gifts, celebrations, holidays, etc. The list of words associated with Diwali also included ‘air pollution’. Cleverly, Rekhta launched this poster in the market during Diwali days and along with describing Diwali as Eid, ‘air pollution’ was also added to the word associated with it. Rekhta’s intention was not to wish a happy Diwali. Instead, it was a blatant attempt at the Islamization of the Hindu festival.

‘BJP made me CM for 18 years, time for me to give back to party’: Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan

OpIndia Staff
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‘BJP made me CM for 18 years, time for me to give back to party’: Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan

On Tuesday, a day after the announcement of the new Madhya Pradesh CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the departing Chief Minister, expressed his gratitude to the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and emphasised that the time has come for him to reciprocate to the party.

“An ordinary worker was made the CM for 18 years by the BJP. The party gave me everything. Now, it is time for me to give something to the BJP,” former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while talking to reporters.

Speaking at a press conference held at the official Chief Minister’s residence a day before the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate Mohan Yadav, Mr Chouhan expressed that the upcoming government, led by Mr Yadav, will be dedicated to the development of the State. He added, “I will continue to extend my support to him.”

“I want to express with humility that I would prefer to die than (go to Delhi) and seek something for myself; it’s not my way,” Chouhan stated, as quoted by news agency PTI.

“When an individual is self-centred, their focus is on personal interests. However, the BJP is a mission, and every worker has a role to play. I am committed to undertaking any task assigned to me,” asserted the 64-year-old leader on Tuesday.

He also lavished praises on the BJP workers as well as the welfare schemes of the state government and Centre, like the ‘Ladli Behna’ Yojana in Madhya Pradesh.

On December 11, Mr Mohan Yadav was chosen by the BJP as the leader of its legislative party to assume the role of the next Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. The party’s government is set to include two deputy Chief Ministers, namely Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda. Additionally, former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is slated to become the Assembly Speaker.

On Wednesday, Mr Mohan Yadav took oath as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in the presence of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among others. 

Security breach in Parliament: Two men jump into Lok Sabha from visitors’ gallery and release yellow smoke, detained

OpIndia Staff
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Security breach in Parliament: Two men jump into Lok Sabha from visitors’ gallery and release yellow smoke, detained

In a massive security breach in the Parliament, two men jumped into the Lok Sabha well from the visitors’ gallery while the proceedings were going on today, 13 December. The two men released some yellow-coloured smoke from canisters after jumping into the well. The invasion of the parliament took place on the anniversary of the parliament attack in 2001.

Two more people carrying smoke cans were detained outside the parliament.

The incident took place at 1 PM during the zero hour in the Lok Sabha, just before the lunch break. When Khagen Murmu, BJP MP from West Bengal, was raising some points regarding his constituency, suddenly a commotion was heard in the background. When the Sansad TV switched to the view of the entire hall, a man could be seen who has already jumped from the gallery and was on the benches.

He then started to proceed towards the front of the hall, jumping from bench to bench. People were in the Lok Sabah were heard shouting ‘pakdo, pakdo’ (catch him), before the speaker hurriedly adjourned the house. The live stream was cut immediately after that.

However, media reports said that another man jumped into the Lok Sabha, and both of them were carrying canisters, from which they sprayed some yellow-coloured substance. While some reports said it was gas, others said it was smoke. It is not known if it was some kind of poisonous gas. However, some reports cla

They were also shouting some slogans before they were detained by the security personnel. The security breach in Lok Sabha happened on the anniversary 2001 Parliament attack during which armed terrorists stormed the Parliament building. 

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament after the incident, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001.”

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, “Suddenly two young men around 20 years old jumped into the House from the visitor’s gallery and had canisters in their hand. These canisters were emitting yellow smoke. One of them was attempting to run towards the Speaker’s chair. They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on 13th December, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001.”

He said that they were young men in 20s or 30s wearing jeans. The arrested men were taken to the Parliament Street Police Station by the police.

Two other people, also carrying coloured smoke canisters, were detained outside the parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan. The canisters they were carrying exploded and released red and yellow smoke.

While at present it is not known who is behind this attack, it is notable that Khalistani separatist and Sikhs for Justice leader  Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had recently threatened to attack the Indian parliament on or before 13th December. In a message released last week, he alleged that an attempt by Indian authorities was made to assassinate him, however, the grand scheme fell through. He had warned that by no later than 13 December he would reply by launching an assault on the Indian Parliament and shake its foundation.

Terror conspiracy case: NIA raids half a dozen locations in Bengaluru days after massive crackdown on ISIS terrorists

ANI
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Terror conspiracy case: NIA raids half a dozen locations in Bengaluru days after massive crackdown on ISIS terrorists

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches in over half a dozen locations in Bengaluru in a terror conspiracy case.

Multiple NIA teams raided various locations in Bengaluru in close coordination with the state police force based on specific inputs.

The raids are still underway at the premises of suspects who have terror links and are operating at the direction of their foreign handlers. Besides, the suspects had been actively involved in various terrorist activities.

The move comes days after the NIA, in a massive crackdown on ISIS, arrested 15 operatives of the banned terror outfit on December 9 during multiple and widespread raids across Maharashtra and Karnataka.

In the case, the NIA teams swooped down on as many as 44 locations in Padgha-Borivali, Thane, Mira Road, Pune in Maharashtra, and Bengaluru in Karnataka and apprehended the 15 accused for promoting terror and terror-related acts and activities of the proscribed organisation.

Huge amounts of unaccounted cash, firearms, sharp-edged weapons, incriminating documents, smartphones and other digital devices were seized during the raids, conducted as part of the NIA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and demolish the attempts of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to carry out violent acts of terror and take innocent lives.

NIA investigations have further revealed in the case that the accused, all members of the ISIS Maharashtra module, were operating from Padgha-Borivali, where they had hatched the conspiracy to spread terror and carry out acts of violence across India. Pursuing the path of violent Jihad, Khilafat, and ISIS the accused had aimed to disturb the peace and communal harmony of the country and to wage a war against the government of India.

Initial investigations have revealed that the arrested accused had self-declared the village of Padgha in rural Thane as a ‘liberated zone’ and as ‘Al-Sham’. They were motivating impressionable Muslim youth to relocate to Padgha from their place of residence to strengthen the Padgha base.

Saqib Nachan, the main accused and the leader and head of the ISIS module was also administering the ‘bayath’ (oath of allegiance to the Khalifa of ISIS ) to the persons joining the proscribed organisation.

ISIS is a Global Terror Organisation (GTG), also known as Islamic State (IS), Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), Daish, Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), ISIS Wilayat Khorasan, Islamic State of Iraq and Sham Khorasan (ISIS-K). The outfit has been spreading its terror network in India by putting in place localised ISIS modules and cells in various states of the country.

NIA has, in recent months, also conducted large-scale raids and busted different ISIS modules by arresting several terror operatives in the ISIS terror conspiracy case in a bid to scuttle the organisation’s heinous and violent anti-India agenda.

As part of its efforts towards that end, the agency registered a case against the ISIS Maharashtra module earlier this year and has, since then, undertaken strong and concerted actions to destroy the various ISIS modules and networks operating across the country.

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

US seeks extradition of Nikhil Gupta, in custody in Czech Republic, for the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

OpIndia Staff
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US seeks extradition of Nikhil Gupta, in custody in Czech Republic, for the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

The arrest and temporary detention of the 52-year-old Nikhil Gupta who was allegedly involved in the conspiracy to assassinate pro-Khalistan radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have been verified by the Czech Ministry of Justice, reported India Today. The United States which has accused the Indian national of being involved in a “murder for hire” operation aimed at the chief of the banned Sikhs For Justice outfit demanded to initiate the action.

According to US investigators, the accused planned to kill the Khalistani terrorist in their country with the help of an unidentified Indian government employee. He was taken into custody in the Czech Republic by the country’s law enforcement officials in June 2023.

A representative for the Czech Ministry of Justice Vladimir Repka revealed that Nikhil Gupta was captured at the US government’s request after which it made an extradition request. The US authorities have detailed the charges against him including conspiracy to “murder for hire.” They submitted the extradition request in August 2023 citing the aforementioned accusation.

The Prague Municipal Public Prosecution Office moved to deem Nikhil Gupta’s extradition admissible after conducting preliminary inquiries. The ruling, however, is not yet legally enforceable. He was indicted by the US Justice Department on 20th November for his suspected role in the murder plot.

“An Indian government employee, working together with others, including Gupta, in India and elsewhere, directed a plot to assassinate on US soil an attorney and political activist who is a US citizen of Indian origin residing in New York City,” claimed a statement released by the US officials. He had allegedly given an assassin $100,000 to carry out the murder with a $15,000 down payment already received on 9 June of this year. However, the person he reached out to recruit the hitman was a confidential informant for US law enforcement.

Nikhil Gupta is being prosecuted with murder for hire, a crime which carries a potential 10-year sentence. According to the Justice Department, an Indian government employee known as CC-1 was in charge of the murder plot from India. Nikhil Gupta is also believed to be involved in the global trafficking of drugs and firearms. Furthermore, he allegedly attempted to hire a hitman who was an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent.

New Delhi responded to the accusation and asserted that it was against government policy and was concerned that one of its officials was associated with the conspiracy. Afterwards, the Indian government formed a high-level inquiry committee to probe into “all the relevant aspects of the matter.”

Notably, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has repeatedly threatened India with terrorist actions including blowing up an Air India flight as well as attacking the Indian parliament as a retaliation for the alleged plan of the Indian government to eliminate him. He described himself as a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, however, no action has been taken against him by either nation despite his regular terror threats and assaults on Indians including diplomats living on their soil by his followers and supporters.

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