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How Justin Trudeau hounded a small, independent news platform even as he waxes eloquent about freedom of speech and expression

Dibakar Dutta
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How Justin Trudeau hounded a small, independent news platform even as he waxes eloquent about freedom of speech and expression

Rebel News, a Canada-based independent news outfit, has been under the scanner of the Justin Trudeau-led-government for its critical stories about the Canadian Prime Minister and his policies.

Prior to the 2019 federal election in Canada, Rebel News’ founder Ezra Levant wrote a 137-page long book titled ‘The Libranos: What the Media Won’t Tell You about Justin Trudeau’s Corruption.’

The book detailed allegations of corruption in the Liberal Party, led by Justin Trudeau. The cover picture of the book even had a picture of the Canadian Prime Minister and his Ministers in the trademark style of the American TV series ‘Sopranos’.

Lawn sign promoting ‘The Libranos’ book by Ezra Levant

In order to spread the word about his book amid the 2019 federal election in Canada, the Rebel News founder adopted a ‘guerrilla marketing campaign.‘ Ezra Levant distributed lawn signs with the cover of ‘The Libranos.’

After his book received an overwhelming response in Canada, the Trudeau government used the election apparatus of the country to hound him. The Commissioner of Canada Elections ruled that the use of lawn signs by Ezra Levant to promote his political book somehow amounted to ‘third-party election advertising.’

The founder of Rebel News was even quizzed for not registering his media company with the Canadian government as a ‘third party election advertiser.’

According to the National Post, the Canada Elections Act makes it mandatory for third parties to register and declare election advertising on spending a certain minimal amount.

The Commissioner of Canada Election thus claimed that Rebel News violated election norms and fined them $3000. Ezra Levant rubbished the decision and pointed out, “It’s not a political campaign plan; it’s a journalistic campaign plan. Our competitors aren’t the Liberals. Our competitors are the Media Party.”

He added, “That enraged Trudeau — especially when it became a best seller. So Elections Canada assigned more than a dozen staff to investigate me and prosecute me. They’ve been hounding me for four years. They have already fined me thousands of dollars. And I’ve had to spend $100,000 in legal fees.

The founder of Rebel News emphasised that although several books were published about Justin Trudeau at that time, it was only his book and advertising strategy that faced the wrath of the Commissioner of Canada Election.

On September 21 this year, Ezra Levant filed an appeal before the federal court against the fine levied on him for supposed ‘illegal third party election advertising.’

Counsel for Rebel News, Aaron Rosenberg, argued, “(We are) one of the few media outlets that is meaningfully scrutinizing public figures in Canada, especially the prime minister. We’re talking about a prominent Canadian author (Levant) who has shaped political discourse in this country.”

The matter came up for hearing before Justice Cecily Strickland. She noted, “The publication of the book is not really the issue, it’s the promotion of the book by way of the lawn signs.” After hearing both sides on September 21, 2023, the federal court judge reserved her decision in the case.

Justin Trudeau and his disdain for Rebel News

This is however not the first time that Justin Trudeau hounded Rebel News through government agencies. In April 2022, the Canadian government denied ‘journalism licence’ to Rebel News, claiming that only 1% of its content is news.

In September 2021, the independent news outlet was also denied accreditation for covering 2021 federal election debates but it managed to get a ruling in its favour from a federal court.

Justin Trudeau has been upfront about his disdain for Rebel News. On being asked about his attempts to censor the news outfit, he justified, “The reality is, organizations – organizations like yours – that continue to spread misinformation and disinformation on the science around vaccines…”

He blamed Rebel News for fuelling mass protests by truckers against his government. “Frankly your – I won’t call it a media organization – your group of individuals need to take accountability for some of the polarization that we’re seeing in this country,” the Canadian Prime Minister brazened it out.

Canadian Prime Minister and his hypocrisy around ‘free speech’

Justin Trudeau has been the blue-eyed hero of the global left-liberal ecosystem for supposedly championing the cause of ‘free speech’ and ‘press freedom.’

As is often the case with such ‘liberal leaders’, the Canadian Prime Minister’s crusade in support of freedom of speech is based on political convenience. In December 2020, Trudeau was lauded after he extended his support to the anti-farm law protests in India and interfered in the country’s internal affairs.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t start also by recognizing the news coming out of India about the protests by farmers. The situation is concerning. And we all are very worried about family and friends; I know that’s a reality for many of you,” Trudeau had said back then.

“Let me remind you, Canada will always be ready to defend the right to peaceful protest. We believe in the importance of dialogue and that’s why we reached out to multiple means directly to Indian authorities to highlight our concerns,” Trudeau had remarked.

With vote bank politics in mind, Justin Trudeau had also been downplaying the rising menace of Khalistani extremism in Canada under the pretext of ‘free speech’.

However, he was quick to curb the protest by Canadian truckers against his ‘undemocratic’ Covid-19 policies. “They don’t have the right to blockade our economy, or our democracy, or our fellow citizens’ daily lives. It has to stop,” the Canadian Prime Minister had said in February 2022.

His nefarious attempts to stifle Rebel News and disrupt democratic protests against his government by Canadian truckers show that his free speech advocacy is rather selective.

Poland seeks extradition of Nazi soldier who was honoured in Canadian Parliament, wants him to face prosecution for war crimes

OpIndia Staff
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Poland seeks extradition of Nazi soldier who was honoured in Canadian Parliament, wants him to face prosecution for war crimes

On Tuesday (26 September), Poland upped its ante against Canada for honouring the Nazi soldier, Yaroslav Hunka, and giving him a standing ovation in their Parliament on 22 September. Notably, the Polish ambassador to Canada lambasted the Canadian government for missing out on mentioning the Polish people in their apologies and asserted that neither Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nor the Parliament speaker Anthony Rota has done enough on this issue. 

He emphasised that the Nazi soldier should be prosecuted for the war crimes his unit committed against the Jewish and Polish communities.  

Additionally, the Polish Minister of Education and Science Przemysław Czamek wrote a letter to Karol Nawrockl, President of the Institute of National Remembrance – Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation, Warsaw. 

Taking to X, the Polish Minister shared the letter and conveyed that he has taken steps to possibly extradite the Nazi soldier to Poland. 

In the post, he said, “In view of the scandalous events in the Canadian Parliament, which involved honouring, in the presence of President Zelenskiy, a member of the criminal Nazi SS Galizien formation, I have taken steps towards the possible extradition of this man to Poland.” 

In his letter to the Commission’s President, the Polish Education Minister narrated the entire episode that transpired in the Canadian Parliament on 22 September. 

It added, “I am appealing to the President to urgently examine the documents whether Yaroslaw Hunka is wanted for crimes against the Polish Nation and Poles of Jewish origin. The features of such crimes constitute the basis for requesting his extradition to Canada.” 

Polish Ambassador seeks apology from Canadian Prime Minister and asserts that the Nazi soldier should be prosecuted

On Monday (25 September), Polish Ambassador to Canada Witold Dzielski told Canadian media CTV National News that the act of honouring the Nazi soldier Yaroslav Hunka was “deeply hurtful”. 

He added that statements by both Rota (Canadian parliament Speaker) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau don’t go far enough. It is to be noted that following the outrage, Canadian Parliament speaker Anthony Rota apologised for celebrating a Nazi collaborator. 

He said, “Days after members of Parliament gave a standing ovation to a man who fought for a Nazi division in the Second World War, House Speaker Anthony Rota has issued a public apology – but it doesn’t go far enough to address atrocities this division performed on Polish citizens during the war.” 

He criticised the Canadian government for leaving out Poland from their apology statements. He said, “It’s wrong that Poland has been left out of these apologies considering the Nazi division in question committed mass killings of Polish citizens.”

Dzielski added, “It’s important that allies working together need to have their facts right. In some of the commentary from the leaders, from the Canadian leaders, including the recent comment on the side of Prime Minister Trudeau, the Poles were omitted from the equation.” 

He also took to X to demand an apology from the Justin Trudeau-led-government saying, “I expect an apology.”

Going ahead, the Polish ambassador argued that the Nazi soldier should be prosecuted. Regarding this, he said, “This is a person (Hunka) who participated in an organisation that was targeting Poles, was committing mass murders of Poles, not only the military personnel but also civilians. For me, such people should not be present in public life and probably should be prosecuted.”

He also reiterated that the Canadian side should get its facts right. Demanding an apology from the Canadian side, he reminded Ottawa that during the Second World War, six million Poles were murdered. Six million Poles died. Half of that group, three million, were Polish Jews. 

Regarding Yaroslav Hunka – the Nazi soldier honoured in the Canadian parliament – and his Nazi unit (SS Galicia), the Polish ambassador noted that members of this division were involved in the mass murder of Jews, Poles, and Ukrainians during World War Two. 

According to him, this division, or members of this division, were involved in the massacre of almost 1000 Polish civilians in the village of Huta Pieniacka in the Galicia region in Ukraine.

He asserted that the fact that Canada is missing out on Polish people from the apology and tragic history is deeply hurtful. 

He said, “For the Polish communities in Poland and Canada, which is one million people, this is omitting Poles, omitting Poland, and that tragic history is deeply hurtful.” 

Ram Mandir’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ to be held on January 22, 2024, in Ayodhya: Ram Mandir construction committee chairperson Nripendra Mishra

OpIndia Staff
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Ram Mandir’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ to be held on January 22, 2024, in Ayodhya: Ram Mandir construction committee chairperson Nripendra Mishra

On Tuesday (September 26), Ram Mandir construction committee chairperson Nripendra Mishra asserted that the construction of the ground floor of the three-story Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be completed by the end of December this year. Mishra also announced that the consecration (Pran Pratishtha) ceremony is expected to take place on January 22 next year.

In an interview with PTI, Mishra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in an event related to the “pran pratishtha” on any day between January 20 to 24 next year. However, he added that the Prime Minister’s Office has yet to communicate the final date.

According to the Chief Priest of Ram Mandir, Acharya Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj, the rituals will be held from January 15 to January 24. A letter was written to the PMO on their behalf, and a reply has also been received. Now, it has been decided that Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Ayodhya on the 22nd of January and will take part in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Prominent seers, eminent personalities, and scores of devotees have been invited to this consecration ceremony.

Nripendra Mishra added that currently, work is underway to design a device that will be installed at the peak of the Mandir. The device will reflect the sun’s rays on the forehead of the deity in the sanctum sanctorum on the day of Ram Navami every year. He continued that it is being made in Bengaluru, and its design is being supervised by scientists. Notably, the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, and an institute in Pune have jointly created a computerised program for this. 

The Mandir trust has decided to commence the consecration of Ram Lalla after Makar Sankranti on January 14, and it will be followed by the 10-day ritual of ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (blessing) of Ram Lalla. 

Earlier, in June, Ram Mandir trust member Mishra had stated that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would likely be opened for devotees on the 24th of January next year after the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla.

He said, ‘It was planned to complete the construction of the ground floor of the Mandir by December 2023 and the work will be completed within the stipulated time.’ 

He added that the Mandir is being constructed with a view that its structure will last for at least 1,000 years. He emphasised that ‘Pran Pratishtha’ would be undertaken in consultation with knowledgeable saints and seers.

Mishra highlighted that a committee has been formed under the leadership of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. It is working on the details of the planned function. 

He noted that when the ceremony would take place on January 22 next year, it is expected that there would be a huge crowd. He added that the Trust has urged devotees to watch it (through television broadcast) from their homes and villages.

Meanwhile, VHP has identified over one thousand major temples in the country where live streaming will be done during the inauguration ceremony of Ram Mandir. In the last week of January 2024, ‘Ramlalla Pran Pratishta Mahotsav‘ will take place in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Ramlalla will be placed in the temple on the ground floor, which is expected to be ready by the end of this year. Around 5 lakh devotees are expected to visit Ayodhya for the festivities.

G20 New Delhi outcomes have great significance for the international community: Jaishankar at UNGA

ANI
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G20 New Delhi outcomes have great significance for the international community: Jaishankar at UNGA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the outcomes at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi earlier this month have great significance for the international community and the African Union became a permanent member of the forum at India’s initiative.

Addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly,  Jaishankar said India began its G20 presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit, recognising that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable.

He said the world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil.

“At this juncture, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility India took up the presidency of G20. Our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ sought to focus on the key concerns of the many just the narrow interests of the few,” he said.

The minister said that the African Union becoming a member of G20 should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary.

“Recognising that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable, we began presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit. This enabled us to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 Agenda. As a consequence, issues that deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community,” he said. 

“It was also noteworthy that at India’s initiative, the African Union was a permanent member of the G20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary,” he added.

Jaishankar began his address with “Namaste from Bharat!”.

“Our fullest support to this UNGA’s theme of rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity. This is an occasion to take stock of our achievements and challenges even while sharing our aspirations and goals. Indeed, in regard to both, there is much that India has to share,” he said.

The G20 Summit was held in New Delhi earlier this month. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration was adopted on September 9 with leaders forging a consensus.

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

Vadodara’s MS University in controversy again: Video of 3 Muslim youths offering namaz in public near Shiv Mandir in Commerce Dept goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Vadodara’s MS University in controversy again: Video of 3 Muslim youths offering namaz in public near Shiv Mandir in Commerce Dept goes viral

The row over students offering namaz at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara has not completely calmed down yet and another video from the Commerce Department of the university went viral on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. In the viral video, three Muslim youths can be seen offering Namaz in an open area near a Shiv Mandir.

In the video, said to be shot inside the Commerce Department of the university, three Muslim youths wearing white namaz caps could be seen praying near the Shiv Mandir.

After the video went viral, there was an outrage over the same, compelling authorities to launch a probe. A preliminary probe revealed that these three students were reportedly studying at the Commerce Department at the University.

High-level committee will investigate and take the decision: PRO of Vadodara’s MS University

In an interview with the media, MS University Campus PRO Lakulish Trivedi stated, “The University has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the matter. The committee will convene, investigate, and arrive at its decision later.”

MS University in Vadodara not new to Namaz controversy

Vodadora’s MS University has been embroiled in a similar controversy several times in the past. In January this year, a video went viral wherein a young woman was seen offering namaz in the botany section of the university’s science department.

Following this, a strong protest was registered with the faculty dean by the senate members, who demanded that the faculty dean take strict action against this behaviour. Hindu organisations had also registered their protest on this issue.

Prior to this, on December 25 and 26 2022, two videos of Muslims offering namaz at Vadodara’s Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) went viral on social media platforms. As per reports, a video of a couple offering namaz at university premises went viral on Sunday, and the next day a video of two students offering namaz went viral.

The students were found offering namaz outside the Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya at the University premises. The students were reportedly studying at the Commerce Department at the University and came to appear for the exam. They were found offering namaz at the university premises, and some students recorded the video.

The Hindu organisations recited Hanuman Chalisa at the premises in retaliation. On the other hand, some Hindu activists also went to the Vice Chancellor’s office and raised slogans demanding a probe into the matter.

Speaking to OpIndia, ABVP said that the University had assured action in the matter. 

The video of the couple offering Namaz went viral

A video of a couple offering Namaz at the campus just a day before the incident went viral. They were also found offering prayers outside the Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya.

Notably, as they were not students at the University so were assumed to be parents or guardians of students at the University.

Pakistan Army to take over 1 million acres of govt land to cultivate food: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan Army to take over 1 million acres of govt land to cultivate food: Reports

The Pakistani army, which has controlled the nation for nearly half of its independent history, is accustomed to serving as both the country’s protector and its governing body.

The armed force is now preparing to don a new hat in an effort to rescue the nation from its prolonged financial crisis. According to a report in Nikkie Asia, Pakistan’s army is seizing vast tracts of land held by the government in order to cultivate food for the country’s impoverished people. The action has raised worries about the military’s “pervasive presence” in a nation dealing with economic collapse, though.

The plan calls for the army to purchase up to one million acres (405,000 hectares) of land in the Punjab province of Pakistan. That is almost three times as big as Delhi. Better crop yields and water savings have been promised by the plan’s supporters. In light of declining foreign exchange reserves and rising commodity prices, Pakistan urgently needs this.

According to documents, the soldiers would be given leases for up to 30 years to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and crops like wheat, cotton, and sugar cane. Amounting 20% of the revenue made from the sale of the crops will be set aside for agricultural research and development. Reports state that the rest will be divided equally between the army and state government.

The plan calls for the army to purchase up to one million acres (405,000 hectares) of land in the Punjab province of Pakistan. That is almost three times as big as Delhi. Better crop yields and water savings have been promised by the plan’s supporters. In light of declining foreign exchange reserves and rising commodity prices, Pakistan urgently needs this.

According to documents, the soldiers would be given leases for up to 30 years to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and crops like wheat, cotton, and sugar cane. Amounting 20% of the revenue made from the sale of the crops will be set aside for agricultural research and development. Reports state that the rest will be divided equally between the army and state government.

However, the plan of action is also dealing with difficulties and criticism from numerous sources. Many people are worried that the military, which is already a strong institution, could make enormous profits from the effort to improve food security and further impoverish Pakistan’s 25 million rural landless people.

The uncertainty around the blueprint has further increased the worries. There are still many questions about the blueprint, including when the farms will be completely functional. Reports mention that the majority of the land is located in the Cholistan Desert, an area that is dry and prone to water shortages. According to the research, there may be another 110,000 acres of land available for transfer in nearby regions.

Notably, the Lahore High Court had already ordered a halt to the land transfer, but that ruling was overturned in July by another panel. It is also unclear whether some of the land handed to the army was previously farmed or held by small proprietors.

Fongrow, a member of the Fauji Foundation investment group run by retired Pakistani military commanders, downplayed the concern. According to Fongrow’s manager, the majority of the property being allotted is “barren.” As a result, there is little risk of farmers being relocated. But this begs the question of how an under-equipped army will convert a desert into fruitful agricultural land.

Furthermore, the paper stated that previous experiences with army farms have aroused concerns, with numerous instances of military owners exploiting impoverished farmers. According to a lawyer, the Pakistani government’s policy documents imply a different method of tackling food shortages.

The government believes that investing in small farmers and providing them with the required skills can increase food security. Instead, the military, which already has enormous power in Pakistan, is being handed further authority in order to promote “national development and strategic interests.”

Ask Pakistan for Khalistan, that is where Raja Ranjit Singh’s capital Lahore is: Canadian journalist Terry Milewski

OpIndia Staff
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Ask Pakistan for Khalistan, that is where Raja Ranjit Singh’s capital Lahore is: Canadian journalist Terry Milewski

Amidst the deteriorating diplomatic ties between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, Canadian journalist Terry Milewski lambasted the demand for Khalistan. Milewski also asserted that Pakistan has been driving the Khalistani boogie.  

In his recent interview, the Canadian journalist categorically asked why don’t Khalistanis demand a share of the more than 200-year-old Sikh Empire lying on the Pakistani side? He asserted that Lahore was the Capital of the Sikh Empire and it was the seat of power of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. 

Terry Milewski is a renowned Canadian journalist working with the CBC TV news. He has done extensive research on Khalistan. He is the author of the book titled ‘Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Global Khalistan Project’. Reiterating his stance, in a recent interview he asserted that the demand of Khalistanis is wrong.

(Image Credit – Amazon)

Highlighting historical context, he highlighted that the separate Sikh state which these fringe but violent extremists demand draws some resemblance with the Sikh Empire which was established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and his seat was in Lahore, Pakistan. 

During the ghastly partition of India, Punjab was also divided into two parts and a major part went to Pakistan. He noted that the capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh –Lahore and the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev are in Pakistan. 

He inquires what kind of Sikh state do these fringe but violent extremists want to create without including the regions of the Sikh Empire lying on the Pakistani side. 

(Excerpt from Terry Milewski interview with the Indian Express)

Terry Milewski stresses that not raising the demand for a share of the Sikh Empire from Pakistan raises questions. He states that these things are the core of Sikh culture and if they have such a demand, so why don’t they ask it from Pakistan?

(Image Credit – Indian Express)

Strikingly, the friendly attitude of Khalistanis towards Pakistan itself raises questions. Going further, Terry Milewski asserts that there is no doubt that Pakistan has a major role in Khalistani organisations. 

According to Milewski, if something like Khalistan comes into existence then it is certain that it will not be friendly to India and will be inclined towards Pakistan. Pakistan is behind this and this is the reason why these organisations do not claim Pakistani Punjab. Khalistan Tiger Force was founded by Jagtar Singh Tara who is active in Pakistan. Apart from that, many Khalistani have also taken shelter in Pakistan.

In an earlier interview with the Indian Express, Milewski delved deeper to explain the role of Pakistan in planting and assisting the Khalistani boogie. 

Emphasising the Khalistani-Pakistani tango, he stated, “There is no other country on the face of the earth where Sikh separatists have been able to train, get weapons, have a safe haven, and do cross border attacks into Indian Punjab and elsewhere in India. There’s only Pakistan which has supported the movement since the very start.” 

Terry Milewski traces the genesis of Pakistan’s active involvement in the Khalistani boogie back in 1971 when India carved out an Independent country named Bangladesh from Pakistan. 

Regarding Pakistani role in helping Khalistanis, he added that the principal role played by Pakistan has been in providing a base or a safe haven for wanted terrorists. 

According to Terry Milewski, when Talwinder Singh Parmar carried out the Air India bombing in 1985, he fled Canada to avoid getting arrested. Notably, Parmar was a Canadian citizen, as were the other members of his gang who were responsible for the bombing. 

Interestingly, the father of current Canadian Prime Minister Justin, Pierre Trudeau had shielded Kanishka bombing mastermind Talwinder Parmar despite the Indira Gandhi-led Indian government making his extradition request in 1982. 

Later, Parmar fled to Pakistan, where he was operating a gun-running operation. He was introduced to his weapons dealer by an ISI agent who was an Islamic jihadist, with whom the Khalistanis formed an alliance for strategic reasons. 

On the role of China, Terry Milewski said, “Guess who the Khalistani separatists are pledging allegiance to? ‘Sikhs for Justice’ for instance, which is the lobby group that is campaigning around the world for a referendum on Sikh independence, officially pledged in writing their allegiance to, firstly, Pakistan and secondly to China.” 

He added, “The Khalistan movement is not about popular support… it’s about geopolitics. China could well tolerate, subsidise and assist in various ways the Khalistan movement on the basis that it is making trouble for their enemies in India.” 

Kanpur: Man’s private parts bitten by his girlfriend’s friend for refusing her sexual advances

OpIndia Staff
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Kanpur: Man’s private parts bitten by his girlfriend’s friend for refusing her sexual advances

In a shocking incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, a woman bit the private parts of her friend’s boyfriend for refusing her sexual advances. The incident occurred in Kanpur’s Chaubepur area.

According to reports, on Sunday, 24 September, the man, who was married, went to have sex with his girlfriend at her house. The girlfriend, who was also married to another man, invited a friend of her’s to join them. The man did not know about this.

When the friend arrived, the couple was in a compromised position. A report by Navbharat Times claims that the friend began to forcefully make sexual advances towards the man. When he refused, she bit his private parts.

A report by News9Live claims that both, the girlfriend and her friend, forced the man to have sex with them. The Free Press Journal and Zee News reported that the girlfriend bit the private parts of her boyfriend for refusing to have sex with her friend.

Upon hearing his screams, residents rushed to the house. The man, reportedly bleeding profusely, managed to escape and was admitted to Chaubeypur CHC from where he was referred to a medical facility in Kanpur.

The man’s wife made a complaint to the police. Meanwhile, his girlfriend was reportedly living separately from her husband. Embarrassed by the fiasco, the man has refused to file any complaint in the matter.

‘Do not stir up trouble’: China threatens as Philippines removes ‘floating barriers’ placed by China in the contested waters of South China Sea

OpIndia Staff
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‘Do not stir up trouble’: China threatens as Philippines removes ‘floating barriers’ placed by China in the contested waters of South China Sea

On Tuesday, September 26, China issued a warning to the Philippines asking the island country of Southeast Asia to not ‘stir up trouble.’ The threat came after the Philippine Coast Guard said it removed the floating barrier that was allegedly deployed by China in the contested waters of the South China Sea.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that Beijing “firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights and interests of the Huangyan island”, referring to the shoal by its Chinese name.

“We advise the Philippines not to provoke or stir up trouble,” Wang added.

In a move that could probably escalate tensions between the two Asian countries over territorial claims in the area, the Philippine Coast Guard had on Monday, September 25, removed the floating barrier which prevented Filipinos from fishing within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It asserted that it has complied with a presidential order to remove a floating barrier placed by China’s coast guard.

The Philippine Coast Guard asserted that it has complied with a presidential order to remove a floating barrier placed by China’s coast guards in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

Philippine officials condemned the installation of the 300-meter (980-foot) -long barrier at the entrance to the lagoon at Scarborough Shoal as a violation of international law and the Southeast Asian nation’s sovereignty.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano declared, “The Philippines is well within its rights to eliminate any barrier at Bajo de Masinloc, as it encroaches upon our maritime rights.” Notably, Bajo de Masinloc is the Philippines’ indigenous name for the reef.

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard posted a video on X, formally Twitter, showing a diver cutting what seems to be the barrier rope. Another video showed a man on a motorboat attempting to lift what looks to be a portion of the barrier.

Coming down heavily on China for the installation of the ‘floating barriers’ in the contested waters of the South China Sea, PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, in a statement on social media platform X wrote, “Philippine Coast Guard Successfully Removes Hazardous Floating Barrier in Compliance with Presidential Instruction In compliance with the instruction of the President, the Chairman, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Sec. Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the Southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM).

“The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory. The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law.”

“It also infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty over BDM. The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal. The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters,” PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela wrote.

China has not commented publicly on the issue

China accused by the Philippines of harming coral reefs

Earlier this week, the PCG released images of devastated and bleached coral reefs in the South China Sea, accusing China of widespread devastation in the region. According to CNN, a PCG spokeswoman stated that the existence of such crushed corals indicates a “possible act of “dumping,” suggesting that the same corals were processed and cleaned before being returned to the bottom.

Chinese ship throws ‘military grade’ laser, fires water canons at Philippines Coast Guard vessel

Following Beijing’s repeated provocations against Filipino boats, the Philippines and China are particularly embroiled in the confrontation over the disputed territory.

In February this year, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused a China Coast Guard ship of pointing a “military grade” laser at some of its crew, temporarily blinding them.

The Chinese Coast Guard allegedly deployed a water cannon to prevent a Filipino supply boat from transporting troops, food, water, and fuel to the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed waters last month.

Chinese ships had obstructed and shadowed naval vessels providing food and supplies to Filipino sailors on the ship in the shoal, which had been encircled for years by Chinese coast guard ships and a swarm of Chinese fishing boats.

Dispute between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea

Notably, China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over almost all of the 1.3 million square miles South China Sea, as well as most of the islands within it. That includes the Spratlys, an archipelago consisting of 100 small islands and reefs also claimed in full or part by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. 

The Philippines calls the area the West Philippine Sea and in 1999 intentionally grounded a navy transport ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, on Second Thomas Shoal, which is still manned by Filipino marines to enforce Manila’s claim to the area. 

Beijing has been trying for years to prevent the Philippine Navy’s resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal and has displayed new tactics over the past few months. 

Except for the small wooden boats chartered by the Navy, the CCG has been preventing Philippine military and law enforcement vessels from entering the shoal. 

The Philippines in response to China’s claims, dragged it to the International Court of Justice, where it won the case, but China refused to adhere to the verdict.

Other countries with which China has disputes over the South China Sea

The prominent countries with whom China is involved in severe disputes apart from India are Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Japan. Vietnam maintains its territorial claim over regions of the South China Sea and the Macclesfield Bank, Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. China has also enforced a unilateral ban on fishing in these regions, much to the angst of Vietnam.

Japan’s dispute with China involves the Senkaku Islands in the South China Sea and the Ryukyu Islands and the Air Defence Identification Zone and Exclusive Economic Zone in the East China Sea. In the aftermath of the clash at Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese soldiers, Japan initiated a legal process to change the status of the Senkaku Islands, angering China.

Indonesia claims territorial control over parts of the South China Sea. Three years ago, the Indonesian government renamed parts of the disputed region to North Natuna Sea to underscore its claim. China claims fishing rights near the islands in the Natuna Sea/Exclusive Economic Zone of Indonesia, a claim that the latter rejects on the basis of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

China’s dispute with Malaysia also involves the South China Sea. Malaysia has a presence on three islands that China claims as its own, leading to disputes. Brunei also claims parts of the South China Sea as part of its continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone.

BJP presents 400-page ‘Charge sheet’ against Congress govt in Chhattisgarh

ANI
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BJP presents 400-page ‘Charge sheet’ against Congress govt in Chhattisgarh

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra, in a scathing attack on the Congress-led Chhattisgarh government, has released a 400-page allegation diary named ‘Kathghare mein Congress’.

Sambit Patra in a press conference said, “As you all know there are elections in 5 states. Like always congress is beating drums of false promises. Today we will show them the mirror. I am carrying this allegation binder of 400 pages. There are 316 promises that Rahul Gandhi has made which the Congress government has not fulfilled in Chhattisgarh.”

“PM Modi started a scheme for farmers to get Rs 6000 per year – ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana’. Lakhs of farmers have been registered from Chhattisgarh but their verification has not been done by the state government, that is why lakhs of farmers are deprived of this scheme today,” Patra added.

“Modi ji wants to give and the farmers want to take but the Congress ensures that the money does not reach them. This is a government of scams,” he further said.

Patra further mentioned scams under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh mentioning the cess collected during Covid.

“Scams worth crores have taken place under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh. Mining mafia and criminals are given free run under Congress government in the state. Where is the cess collected during the COVID? No action has been taken in several rape cases under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh,” Sambit Patra said.

“I want to ask Rahul Gandhi where is the cess collected during the COVID pandemic. No action has been taken in several rape cases under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh. Mining mafia and criminals are given free run under Congress government in the state,” he added.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also mentioned the central schemes which did not reach the public. “Regarding PM Aawas Yojana, it has to be said with great sadness that there are 16 lakh residents who have been deprived of this scheme by the ‘Thagesh government.’ Congress is working hand in glove with Naxalities. You remember what work Modi ji has done to eliminate Naxalites,” he said.

“They blocked Central schemes in Chhattisgarh. Congress stood against anti-conversion law. They have betrayed the people of Chhattisgarh. The anti-conversion law brought by BJP was not aimed at destroying the society, its objective was to preserve our tribal people, their culture, their thoughts, their values,” Patra added.

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