In May 2023, India completed 14 months of ramping up discounted Russian crude oil imports. According to an exclusive report by the Indian Express, in this period, India saved at least USD 7.17 billion in foreign exchange. Data shows that the total oil import during this period was worth USD 186.45 billion. If India had paid the average price of all other suppliers combined to Russian suppliers, the total cost of crude oil imports would have been USD 193.82 billion. Notably, Russia started supplying discounted crude oil to India after Western countries imposed sanctions in the backdrop of Russia’s military action on Ukraine.
India is the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil. Only 15 per cent of the crude oil needs are fulfilled by the Indian suppliers. The remaining 85 per cent of the oil is imported from different suppliers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Russia. Before the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, Russia was a marginal player in India’s oil trade. In just 14 months, it has become the largest supplier for India.
As per the data available, India imported crude oil worth around USD 40 billion from Russia in these 14 months. The average price of Russian crude for Indian refineries was USD 79.75 per barrel. Compared to non-Russian suppliers, the price was around USD 14.5 lower per barrel. That means oil imported from Russia was around 15.3 per cent cheaper compared to other supplying nations.
Major beneficiaries in the overall foreign trade were five refineries named Indian Oil Corporation, Reliance Industries, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Nayara Energy. Till May 2023, 2.06 billion barrels or 280.41 million tonnes of crude oil were imported from Russia. That makes around 24.2 per cent of the total imports. Russia has left behind large suppliers Iraq and Saudi Arabia that now provide 21 per cent and 16.4 per cent of the total oil needs of India.
After Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the largest suppliers include the UAE (fourth largest), the United States (fifth largest), and Kuwait (sixth largest). Russia has provided an average of 10 per cent lower price per barrel in the case of Iraq, 11.7 per cent in the case of the US, 15.4 per cent in the case of Kuwait, 19 per cent in the case of Saudi Arabia, and 22.1 per cent in the case of UAE.
The Indian Express report suggested that the effective discount is not as high as initially anticipated. The higher cost of freight and insurance for Russian crude could be the reason behind the lesser effective discount. The cost of both freight and insurance has skyrocketed in the background of the sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries.
India’s interest top priority
In the last 14 months, western countries have repeatedly pressured India to stop buying oil from Russia as according to them it would help Russia in the war against Ukraine. However, the government of India refused to bend to the demands saying the interest of the people of India is the top priority. Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar has bluntly defended India’s stand on buying Russian crude oil. He has clearly said that for the Government of India, the interest of the people of India is the top priority. He criticised the West for putting pressure on India to reduce trade with Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In May this year, replying to the remarks of the European Union Foreign Policy chief called for action against Indian refined products from Russian crude. Union minister S Jaishankar advised him to look at EU Council regulations that say Russian crude transformed substantially in a third country is not treated as Russian crude as per their own regulations.
In September 2022, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the overall oil import basket from Russia increased from 2 per cent to 13 per cent. Praising PM Modi she said, “”I respect the PM for his courage to get it (crude oil) from Russia because they are willing to give on discount… our entire import had 2 per cent of Russian component, it was ramped up to 12-13 per cent within a couple of months.” She added, “Sanctions, sanctions but countries are finding their own way to get that Russian crude, gas…I give credit to the statesmanship of the Prime Minister to make sure globally that we did keep our relationship with all countries but he yet managed to get the Russian fuel which is what Japan is doing today.”
Social media is rife with rumours that the Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Mann Singh Pannu has died after he met with an accident. It is claimed that the leader of the banned terror outfit Sikh for Justice allegedly died in California in the USA.
One social media user MJ was among the first to post on Twitter that Pannu died in a road accident in the USA. After that, several others started posting the same claim.
Big Breaking News:
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu dies in a road accident in the USA: Sources
He was hiding since 3 Khalistani terrorists – Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Avatar Singh Khanda & Paramjit Singh Panjwar – die in the last 60 days.
According to Dainik Bhaskar, Pannu met with a fatal car accident on US Highway 101. However, the report has not been officially confirmed from any side. Pannu was reportedly underground for quite some time now.
Bhaskar reported that to hide his location, he had also switched off his mobile phone. After the suspicious death of Khalistani terrorists Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan, Avtar Singh Khanda in London, and Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, Pannu feared for his life and was in hiding.
Recently, after the killing of Khalistan terrorists, Pannu released a video blaming the officials of the Indian Embassy in Canada and America. That was his last threatening video.
Breaking: Unconfirmed reports that Khalistani terrorist Pannu has died in a road accident in US. Confirmation awaited. pic.twitter.com/9Jodhcs8bE
Many social media users have shared these speculative and unconfirmed reports
Taking to Twitter, Retired Maj Gen Harsha Kakar claimed that if the rumours about the death of Khalistani terrorist Pannu is true then it will be a major setback to the secessionist movement.
He wrote, “Awaiting confirmation. If true major setback for the Khalistani movement. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu dies in a road accident in the USA. He was hiding since 3 other terrorists – Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Avatar Singh Khanda & Paramjit Singh Panjwar – die in the last 60 days.”
Awaiting confirmation. If true major setback for Khalistani movement Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu dies in road accident in USA. He was hiding since 3 other terrorists – Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Avatar Singh Khanda & Paramjit Singh Panjwar – die in the last 60 days.
— Maj Gen Harsha Kakar (@kakar_harsha) July 5, 2023
Similarly, there are several social media handles talking about this rumoured fatal car accident involving the Khalistani terrorist.
A few days ago i had highlighted in detail about #Pannu and his #SFJ Sikhs for Justice and their role in terror activities and how they are backed by Pakistan. Now we are hearing rumours about his death however I suspect he maybe on vigil currently and these may just rumours… https://t.co/q6YX7dWKbW
One social media user highlighted that several sympathisers of the Khalistani terrorist have claimed that Pannu is still alive and is under ‘US protection’.
— Gayatri ????(BharatKiBeti) (@changu311) July 5, 2023
However, the popular Twitter handle The Hawk Eye, and various other users have busted this claim. They have also shared a news article to bust this claim and highlight that the purported image is of a 2019 event rather than a recent one.
These rumours are finding traction and gaining support from the fact that several other Khalistani terrorists have died in the recent past, particularly in the last six months.
Rumours denied
However, Sukhi Chahal, the founder and editor of Khalsa Times, has denied the rumour, calling it fake news. He tweeted, “Regarding the news about the alleged car accident in my neighborhood in California and the death of SFJ Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, I would like to emphasize that the information is FAKE & FALSE. I kindly urge everyone to refrain from spreading this misinformation.”
Regarding the news about the alleged car accident in my neighborhood in California and the death of SFJ Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, I would like to emphasize that the information is FAKE & FALSE. I kindly urge everyone to refrain from spreading this misinformation. pic.twitter.com/aOy1MeLRRr
— Sukhi Chahal ll ਸੁੱਖੀ ਚਾਹਲ (@realSukhiChahal) July 5, 2023
Another person named Abhinandan Mishra also said that Pannun is alive, claiming that his contact numbers are busy, and not switched off as claimed.
Will be surprised if Gurpatwant singh Pannun is not alive. His contact numbers are busy, unlike reports in media, he was very much active for the past few days. I had spoken to him recently twice. So better not to fall for Twitter gossips.
Abhinandan Mishra further denied the reports of Pannun going underground, claiming that Gurpatwant Mann Singh Pannu was very active in the last few days, and that he spoke to the SFJ founder twice in recent times. “So better not to fall for Twitter gossips,” he added.
Khalistani terrorists dying in mysterious circumstances
Popular social media handle Rishi Bagree shared a list of Khalistani terrorists who have died in the past six months.
High Profile Khalistani terrorist died in last 6 months
On the 18th of June, Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey by two unidentified assailants. He was a wanted terrorist by the Indian Government.
In November 2014, an arrest warrant was issued through Interpol’s National Central Bureau in New Delhi, in which Nijjar was described as a mastermind/active member of the Khalistani terrorist organisation Khalistan Tiger Force. He was accused of having involvement in the 2997 Srinagar Cinema bombing in Punjab in 2007. Another notice was issued by Interpol against him in 2016 in which he was accused of being a mastermind and key conspirator of several terrorist activities in India.
Previously, on the 15th of June 2023, Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) Avtar Singh Khanda died in a London hospital. Security agencies have stated that he was the main handler of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh who is currently under arrest.
Further, he was the mastermind behind the attack on Indian High Commission in London where he pulled down the Indian national flag and attempted to hoist the Khalistan flag. He was later arrested after the March 19 incident.
Medical reports show that he was suffering from blood cancer. Khalistani sympathisers have claimed that he was poisoned and initial reports also indicated poisoning as the cause of the death. However, the medical reports do not mention anything regarding it.
A month earlier, on the 6th of May, Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh Panjwar was gunned down by two unidentified men in Johar town in Lahore city of Pakistan. As per reports, he was a wanted terrorist and the leader of the banned Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). He was also known by his alias Malik Sardar Singh.
Further, he was reportedly involved in illegal arms training for terrorists in Pakistan and helping them infiltrate India to target economic installations and VIPs. He had also been at the helm of the drug trade, circulating fake Indian currency notes and inciting minorities against the Government of India.
Reports add that the Khalistani Commando Force (KCF) headed by Panjwar was eyeing to reactivate sleeper cells and form a nexus of ex-terrorists with other anti-India elements.
Thiruvananthapuram-based online Malayalam news portal “Marunadan Malayalee” has become the new target for the Left government in Kerala. CM Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government’s crackdown on the media has prompted sharp criticism right from local media bodies to politicians.
Hitting out at the Kerala govt, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “As much as we have been criticising Congress & various State Governments of using the law to silence media, I think it is important for the people of the country to look at what Pinarayi Vijayan is doing in Kerala…His CPM Govt has been beset with scam after scam ranging from gold smuggling to camera purchases for traffic. And having his own office and his own staff and family involved, it has been cracking down on media repeatedly and has been using threats of intimidation to silence media.”
What is the case?
Online news portal Marunadan Malayalee, which also has a YouTube channel by the same name, is owned and operated by Shajan Skariah since 2008. On 24 May 2023, Skariah published a news report on YouTube alleging mismanagement of the Sports Hostel under CPI(M) MLA PV Sreenijin.
Following this, a defamation case was filed by the MLA against Skariah along with an additional case under ST/SC Act which led to a widespread crackdown on the news portal and its employees including Shajan Skariah. The case was registered under sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and section 120 of the Kerala Police Act.
Sreenijin alleged that Skaria intentionally humiliated him by making “false allegations and accusations through a video uploaded in Marunadan Malayali.”
Skariah is known for his open criticism of the CPI(M) regime. A spate of targeted attacks has since been made on Marunadan Malayalee and its employees over the past month.
The Kerala police have raided the offices of Marunadan Malayalee and even searched the residences of its employees and partners. Several gadgets including laptops, cameras, memory cards, and even personal mobile phones of the staff have been seized in raids across various locations including in the capital city Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.
Several gadgets were seized by the Kerala police in raids at Marunadan Malayalee offices across Kerala (Source: Republic Media Network)
This comes after the Kerala High Court struck down Shajan Skariah’s appeal against the rejection of anticipatory bail by a Special Court under the case filed by Kunnathunad MLA Sreenijin with the Elamakkara police. Despite the submission by Skariah that there was no mention of Sreenijin’s caste in the news report, the Court in reference to Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act observed that “referring to the caste name of the victim is not necessary to attract the offence.”
With no respite from both the Special Court as well as the Kerala HC, Skariah moved Supreme Court on 30th June.
In a video posted on the YouTube channel, Skaria said the police action showed that politicians and criminals had ganged up against the portal and wanted to shut it down. “Police have raided offices across the state as if they were looking for a terrorist,” he said. He added that “raids were held not only at the houses of journalists, but even at the premises of their relatives and friends”. Skaria said 22 computers, four laptops and four cameras had been seized by the police.
The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has hit out at the Left govt. KUWJ President MV Vineetha said that it is completely unheard of to investigate workers when the case is against the owner.
R Kiran Babu, general secretary of KUWJ, said, “The Union’s position is that if there is a case against Marunadan Malayalee and its owner Shajan Skariah, it should be investigated and if he is guilty, he should be punished but implicating workers of the organization is deplorable and undermines the dignity of Kerala Police.”
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar pointed out the “hypocrisy” of the non-NDA political parties including the ruling Left govt in Kerala. “I think YouTube channels in this age of technology, in this age of digital…to try and silence a YouTube channel because the channel is asking some uncomfortable questions about the (Kerala) govt’s conduct, is raising a mirror to the govt about its own conduct vis a vis gold smuggling and other very questionable scams. And being intolerant of that kind of journalism and using the police to silence journalists and the platform in my opinion is what the Left is now leading the Opposition parties in.”
Furthermore, CPI(M) MLA PV Anwar reportedly threatened a senior reporter of Marunadan Malayalee on Facebook. His Facebook account is full of bullish posts against the channel and its employees. The MLA in his recent posts has been issuing open threats and abuses to the media.
MLA from Nilambur LA constituency, PV Anwar celebrated on social media the report of an attack on Shajan Skariah at the Gatwick airport in London last month.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said attempts to silence the media that criticises the Left is the reason the latter has lost ground in the country. “It is one of the reasons why all Marxist and left govts have been dispatched from all over the country… Tripura, Bengal everywhere they have been dispatched. But in Kerala, they continue to practice this politics of intolerance, politics of intimidation and threat against our media and our journalistic community. And it is absolutely unconscionable, it is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy like ours,” he said.
#WATCH | Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "As much as we have been criticising Congress & various State Governments of using the law to silence media, I think it is important for the people of the country to look at what Pinarayi Vijayan is doing in Kerala…His CPM Govt… pic.twitter.com/ytHmIIZNwz
Talking about the raids on Marunadan Malayalee, he said, “this recent example of using the Police to raid the offices & homes of a journalist to silence a YouTube channel when the matter is in Court and when the person has appealed to the Court, to use this type of blatant intimidation by a CM who criticises our Govt for banning BBC’s documentaries and talks about free speech – in our country if there is hypocrisy and double standards about freedom of speech & there is continuing politics of threat & intimidation, it is represented by the Left and Marxist Govt in Kerala.”
He recalled how the Opposition made a hue and cry after the ban on the BBC’s propaganda documentary on PM Modi. “To use this type of blatant intimidation by a CM who criticises our Govt for banning BBC’s documentaries and talks about free speech. In our country if there is hypocrisy and double standards about freedom of speech & if there is continuing politics of threat & intimidation, it is represented by the Left and Marxist Govt in Kerala.”
Former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar also spoke out in support of the media saying freedom of the press is under attack in Kerala.
Left’s intolerance towards freedom of the press
In November 2022, the Marxist govt was reportedly mulling amendments to certain Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to increase State control over the media. The law department of Kerala ha prepared a Bill to this effect. Mathrubhumi had reported that the government plans to amend Section 292 of the IPC and introduce a new sub-section 292A to penalise the publishing of content ‘intended to defame someone.’
In 2016, merely months after coming to power, the media had been blocked from entering the courts in Kerala for nearly 2 weeks. More than 100 lawyers had reportedly moved the court on behalf of a cop who was suspended for preventing mediapersons from entering a Kozhikode court premises.
In June this year, a journalist was booked on a complaint filed by the SFI over a “forged result released by the government-run Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam”. The CPI(M) had openly backed the action against the woman scribe. CPI(M) State secretary MV Govindan blatantly issued threats saying, “If they continue to engage in an anti-government, anti-SFI campaign claiming to be media, they will continue to face cases.”
Two days after Akhila Nandakumar was booked, a news anchor reportedly received a call from the police asking him to appear and make a statement against news he reported about three years ago.
The Left in Kerala has come under fire more so in recent days for its dictatorial aggression against the media. From senior editors to employees, the Vijayan government, which gives sermons to the BJP on press freedom, has curbed the same in its own state for the longest time.
“These are the same people who talk about freedom of speech, who don’t hesitate to support misinformation and lies against our Prime Minister and our government in the name of free speech. But when it comes to scrutiny of their govt, scams being raised and questions being raised about their govt and their governance, they have suddenly become intolerant and suddenly they become freedom of speech opponents. So this double standard, this hypocrisy must be visible, must be known to the people of India. And this type of intolerance should never be accepted and tolerated not by the people of Kerala, not by the people of India,” Chandrasekhar said.
Ajit Pawar addressed a meeting of MLAs and party workers supporting him for the first time after joining the NDA government and taking oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. During this speech at the meeting in Mumbai, he relentlessly criticised his uncle and Nationalist Congress Party’s founder president Sharad Pawar. He asked Sharad Pawar, ‘You are 83 years old now, when will you retire?’ He defended his decision to join the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) govt in Maharashtra, stating that he has done nothing wrong.
Both factions of the NCP had called meetings today and issued whips to the MLAs to attend the meeting. Ajit Pawar called the meeting at MET College in Bandra, while Sharad Pawar held the meeting at Yashvantrao Chavhan Centre. Reportedly, 31 MLAs attended the Ajit Pawar camp, and the Sharad Pawar meeting was attended by only 10 NCP MLAs.
Ajit Pawar took a swipe at Sharad Pawar urging him to step down and give a chance to the new generation stating that even leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retire at the age of 75. He also blamed Sharad Pawar for losing out on the chance to have a chief minister of Maharashtra despite having the support of a majority of MLAs in the year 2014.
‘Sharad Pawar is my idol’, said Ajit Pawar
Interestingly, Ajit Pawar said that despite breaking up, Sharad Pawar is still his idol. In the banner behind the stage, Sharad Pawar’s picture was the largest in size.
Ajit Pawar said, “I don’t understand why I’m made a villain in front of people. What’s wrong with me? What wrong have I done? All these things are happening. But Sharad Pawar is my idol. But you tell me, isn’t it true that if a person joins the Maharashtra government, he retires at the age of 58? If they are IAS, IPS, etc., they retire at the age of 60. If you are in politics, you retire at the age of 75 in the BJP. Murli Manohar Joshi and LK Advani are such examples.”
Ajit Pawar further said, “A new generation is coming forward in later years. You can happily bless them. If I am wrong, tell me, Ajit, you’re wrong. Let’s admit the mistake and fix it and move on. For whom else are we all working? Is it our fault that we weren’t born to someone special? Friends, today our senior leader went to visit the Samadhi of Yashwantrao Chavan. Yashwantrao is our ideal. I also made a mistake and I did express my repentance at his Samadhi in the past. I felt bad for my own behaviour at that time. Now, if you’re 82 or 83, are you ever going to stop or retire? In terms of age, we want you to be a centenarian.”
‘Why did he resign if he wanted to continue?’
Ajit Pawar further stated, “I was told that he (Sharad Pawar) was resigning, and will be looking after the institutions and NGOs. Then he told us that there’s a committee, and all of you head that committee. We also agreed to sit and then asked Supriya to become the national president. Who knows what happened in the next two days? He later withdrew his resignation. If you wanted to withdraw your resignation, why did you resign in the first place? Let us know if we are capable enough or not. Even though at the end of the list, my name surely comes up in the major leaders who are seen as prominent leaders of the party, right? So why am I not blessed by our senior leader then? When the farmer turns 60, his 25-year-old boy is told that now he should look at the farm and his parents will give him advice.”
‘I also spoke to Supriya’
Ajit Pawar said, “I also spoke to Supriya. Supriya, we belong to one family, one household. Say something. Supriya said that he is stubborn. What exactly is this stubbornness? We have a lot of respect for Sharad Pawar. Now, some MLAs are called. If they don’t meet, their wives are called, emotionally charged. I don’t take names, but the senior leader asked an MLA why he is coming here with us. He folded his hands and said we have made a promise to Dada (Ajit Pawar).”
Ajit Pawar praised Narendra Modi
Ajit Pawar said that many of his MLAs were urging him to take a bold step. He said, “Often, all these MLAs would say do something, we didn’t know about 2019. If you take any steps now, we will support you. Today, Narendra Modi’s charisma is in the country. In the 2014 elections, the BJP came to power from Kanyakumari to Kashmir because people voted for them by looking at Narendra Modi alone. In 2019, he again won an absolute majority for his party.”
Ajit Pawar briefly revised the political history of the state and country
Recalling how Sharad Pawar defected from the Vasantdada Patil government of Maharashtra in 1978 and became the chief minister at the age of 38, Ajit Pawar said, “Why did such a time come on the NCP and on us today? I am also trained under the guidance of Saheb (Sharad Pawar). In 1978, our senior leader formed the government by defecting from the Vasantdada Patil government and he formed the government of Purogami Lokshahi Dal which is Pulod (Progressive Democratic Party). Sharad Pawar was 38 years old at that time. Since then, Maharashtra has been watching Saheb’s politics. Pulod’s government also had the Jan Sangh, which is now the BJP.”
Ajit Pawar added, “I will not go too far back. Our senior leader (Sharad Pawar) started in 1962. Some people were not even born in the time that followed. But time does not stop. He was elected in 1967. He became minister of state in 1972. He became a minister in 1975. In 1978, an occasion came when Vasantdada Patil’s government collapsed and our senior leader formed the government. At the age of 38, Saheb (Sharad Pawar) became the Chief Minister. Since then, this Maharashtra has been supporting them. We came into political life and we all supported him whatsoever.”
‘People need a charismatic leader.’
Ajit Pawar underlined the need for a charismatic leader in Indian politics and gave examples of Indira Gandhi and Jaiprakash Narayan. He said, “Gone are the times of 1978. In the 1980s, there was a wave of Indira Gandhi, for the second time in Indian politics. Jan Sangh was also involved in Pulod, which is now the BJP. Uttamrao Patil and Hashu Patel were in that cabinet. That government was gone in 1980. At that time Indiraji had said that if everyone comes to the Congress, then the government will be kept intact. But that didn’t happen, so in 1980, the government was gone and elections were held. Indiraji was elected. Indiraji became the Prime Minister.”
Ajit Pawar added, “If you look at history, you will know that your country needs charismatic leadership. People listened to Jayaprakash Narayan and elected the Janata Party. Where is the Janata Party today? It was at the national level in 1977. You won’t get that party even if you search for it. Why is it so? Because the party did not have a leader with charisma.”
Ajit Pawar also recalled the political monkey balancing of Sharad Pawar in the 80s and 90s
Ajit Pawar further recalled the political moves of Sharad Pawar. He said, “In the years that followed, in 1985, he again floated parties such as the Samantar Congress and the Samajwadi Congress. Even then, he was supported by us. In 1985, we sat in the opposition. Remember that everyone has time. We can do a great job between the ages of 25 and 75. There is a determination to do something for the community when you are at that age.”
Ajit Pawar also recalled how Sharad Pawar first lost a chance to become the Prime Minister and later lost to BJP-Shiv Sena when he was the incumbent chief minister during the 1995 elections of the Maharashtra state assembly. He added, “I don’t know what happened while all this was happening. But the people and workers were told that in 1986, the Samajwadi Congress merged with the Congress. For two years after that, our senior leader did not get any posts. In 1988, when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, he was given the chief minister’s post. A re-election was held in 1990 and a majority could not be achieved. Then in 1991, I could go to Lok Sabha, and Praful Patel could go to Lok Sabha. At that time, we lost Rajivji in an unfortunate incident. Then a wave came and Narasimha Rao became the Prime Minister. At that time Saheb (Sharad Pawar) had to become a defence minister. Sudhakarrao Naik was given the responsibility of the chief minister. Then in 1993, when the bomb blasts took place, Narasimha Rao sent Saheb (Sharad Pawar) back to Maharashtra. In 1995, the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance came to power. We have also seen the time when Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane were chief ministers.”
Ajit Pawar also recalled how NCP leaders worked as young and new ministers
Ajit Pawar further said, “In 1999, we were told that Sonia Gandhi was a foreigner. A foreigner cannot be the Prime Minister of the country. On this note, NCP was formed. In 1999, Chhagan Bhujbal took the initiative to support our senior leader and you also supported him. When elections were held four months later, Chhagan Bhujbal took over the field. You may remember this history. In the years that followed, I, R. R. Patil, Sunil Tatkare and Jayant Patil were all young. We also had some dreams. We wanted to build Maharashtra in our own way. Even in Vilasrao Deshmukh’s cabinet, we worked very hard. At that time, I was given the charge of Krishna basin development and we took responsibility. Maharashtra knows that I have a grip on the administration. I did not indulge in caste politics. Whenever any worker came, he took the stand of getting his work done. We did it all so that the state can move forward. Maharashtra should be known as the number one state in the country. It’s my dream.”
Ajit Pawar also recalled how NCP skipped an opportunity for the CM post
Ajit Pawar said, “In 2004, we had 71 MLAs and the Congress had 69 MLAs. I didn’t have a very important place in the party at that time. At that time, Sonia Gandhi had told Vilasrao Deshmukh that the NCP should get the chief minister’s post. Vilasrao asked us who would be the chief minister among you. At that time, Chhagan Bhujbal, and R. R. Patil’s names were being discussed. But when the opportunity came, we took four more portfolios and we did not take the chief minister’s post. If I had got that opportunity, I firmly say that by now you would have seen the chief minister of the NCP in the state.”
He added, “We respect elders. We also know that when elected, people expect our MLAs to do development work, and that is the way we have been working. With everyone else, we have to move forward with changing times. We came down from 71. Ashok Chavan was the chief minister at that time. The Congress had more seats then. The reality is that in 2004, there were fewer MPs, yet we did not go beyond four, eight, or seven MPs in any elections. I sincerely felt that our party should grow. The number of MPs and MLAs should increase. New workers and new women activists should come forward. After 25 years, a new generation comes forward, after 50 years the second generation comes, and after 75 years the third generation comes. It’s a cycle.”
Ajit Pawar revealed that there was a secret plan for the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance in 2014.
Ajit Pawar said, “In 2014, when the BJP was not in power, BJP leaders said that the formula was 16 seats for NCP, 16 for Shiv Sena and 16 for BJP. However, the BJP withdrew. The BJP came to central power in 2014. After that BJP came to power in the state. The coordination that should have been there has not happened. We had to sit in opposition. But we didn’t grow well is the fact. BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and NCP have a huge majority in the house now.”
What happened in 2014?
Ajit Pawar said, “In 2014, Praful Bhai spoke to Sharad Pawar. Later, Praful Bhai announced that we support the BJP from the outside. We remained silent. Why? Because the senior leader decided that. Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister. We were told that ‘Everyone should go to Wankhede Stadium for the swearing-in ceremony. Narendra Modi knows me. They have talked to us.’ If we didn’t want to go with BJP, why did the senior leader send us there? Why were we sent to the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet?”
What happened in 2017?
Ajit Pawar said, “Discussions were held at Varsha Bungalow in 2017. There were four people, including me, Sunil Tatkare, Jayant Patil and one more. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Devendra Fadnavis, Vinod Tawde and Chandrakant Patil from BJP were in front of us in those discussions. The departments and the districts for allotment of guardian ministerships were all decided. I’m not lying. If I lie, I will not say that I come from the Pawar clan. We got a message. Sunil Tatkare was called to Delhi. Their seniors (BJP leaders in Delhi) said they would not leave the Shiv Sena alone, that party has been our ally for 25 years. They said the Shiv Sena will also remain in the alliance. Our superior leaders didn’t approve of that. He said, Shiv Sena will not work for us. Shiv Sena is casteist communal party. Now, I don’t understand how come our senior leader was all fine with a casteist communal party like Shiv Sena in 2019.”
What happened in 2019?
Ajit Pawar said, “The results were declared in 2019. Our senior leaders, Praful Patel, senior BJP leaders, me, Devendra Fadnavis, and an industrialist all discussed in detail sitting at the house of that big industrialist. There were five meetings in all. Devendra and I were told by our senior leaders not to speak out about anything. So why would I speak anywhere? Then there was a sudden change and he said that he wanted to go with Shiv Sena. Tell me, in 2017, he said that he did not want to go with Shiv Sena because it was a casteist communal party. So, what miracle happened that the Shiv Sena became an ally two years later? How did the BJP – with which he wanted to go in 2014 – become a casteist communal party all of a sudden?”
Ajit Pawar’s way ahead
Clarifying his future plans, Ajit Pawar said, “Our status of national level party has been revoked. We want to get it back. I have done all this with the help of all of you. The NCP’s highest number of 71 is 2004, which we will cross anyhow in the 2024 elections. We will contest around 90 seats in the 2024 elections. We will campaign across Maharashtra. I still request our seniors to bless us.”
He added, “We are told that the public meetings of Sharad Pawar Saheb are going to start now. The first meeting will be held in Dilip Walse Patil’s Ambegaon. What wrong did Dilip Walse Patil do? He built the party network in the constituency. I can also talk a little bit, if not like you. I can also give a speech. People listen to me as well. If he starts touring tomorrow, I too will have to hold a meeting there after seven days. I have to answer. If I shut up, people will say I’m lying. But friends, I’m not lying.”
He concluded by saying, “I request our senior leader to have some rest. Don’t be so stubborn. I’ve spoken a little today. But if the public meetings start tomorrow, I will have to tell people the facts. That time should not come to any household, any family. I still respect everyone. I’ll keep doing it tomorrow. But somewhere the seniors have to stop. Seniors should just bless us. If we are wrong, show us our mistakes. We will improve and will not repeat those mistakes.”
The split in the NCP has become a topic of discussion in the state. The repercussions were felt in state politics. On the one hand, the Ajit Pawar group and on the other hand, the Sharad Pawar group held a meeting at the same time. Speaking at the meeting, Ajit Pawar clarified his detailed stand. Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal directly targeted Sharad Pawar and strongly objected to his various stands in the past.
The Ajit Pawar faction has also approached the election commission, asserting its claim for the party name and symbol. In response, Sharad Pawar, along with his supporters, has declared that the party symbol will remain under their control. Today, a significant development unfolded as at least 28 MLAs from the NCP appeared on stage alongside Ajit Pawar, intensifying the dispute over the allegiance of the party’s 53 Maharashtra MLAs.
On Wednesday, 5th of July, the administration took another major action against the accused Pravesh Shukla, who was earlier arrested for urinating on a tribal youth.
The administration has been acting swiftly after the state government assured that the accused would receive exemplary punishment in the case to set a deterrence.
Today, 5 July, state officials in large numbers reached his village. Afterward, the administration bulldozed his illegally constructed structure on encroached land in the Kubri region. Reportedly, the administration has demolished the encroached part of his house.
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) July 5, 2023
Accused Pravesh was earlier arrested at around 2 o’clock on the intervening night of the 4th and 5th of July. After the arrest, he was interrogated by the officials at the police station.
The DIG said that the video is 6 days old. However, after the video surfaced, there was widespread condemnation, calling for strict action for the perverted act atrocity.
Later, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra stated that bulldozer action would be taken against the accused if there is anything illegal. Subsequently, the encroached portion of his house was demolished by the administration.
BJP denies that the accused had links with the party, and forms a committee
On social media, the accused Pravesh is being claimed as a close supporter of local MLA Kedarnath Shukla, but the MLA himself has denied this.
Kedarnath Shukla said, “He (the culprit in the video) is neither my representative nor an associate. He is not connected to BJP in any way. I am demanding strict action against the culprit. When we visit our constituency, so many people click photos with us. But he is not attached to us in any way. He has shamed humanity and strict action should be taken against him.”
Additionally, as per Navbharat Times, BJP has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter and submit a report. BJP state president VD Sharma constituted an inquiry committee. Ramlal Routel, chairman of the State Kol Tribal Development Authority, has been made the chairman of the committee. The other members of the committee are MLA Sharad Kol, MLA Amar Singh, and State Vice President Kantadev Singh.
The incident came to light on 4th July when a video went viral in which a man was seen urinating on a poor man. The victim was identified as a tribal youth named Pale Kol. Soon, it drew massive outrage and criticism from social media users.
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the media and stated that the accused will not be spared at any cost.
#WATCH उसने मानवता को कलंकित किया है। ऐसे अपराध के लिए कठोरतम सजा, कठोरतम शब्द भी कम है। मैंने निर्देश दिए हैं कि कठोरतम सजा दी जाए कड़ी से कड़ी कार्रवाई की जाए, ऐसी कार्रवाई जो उदाहरण बने…अपराधी को कोई जाति नहीं होती, कोई धर्म नहीं होता और ना कोई पार्टी होती है अपराधी केवल… pic.twitter.com/TnBrKPaNbC
Madhya Pradesh CM said, “The accused has tarnished humanity. He has committed a very inhuman act. An offence for which the harshest punishment is imposed. Even the harshest words fall short of it. But I have instructed that the strictest punishment should be given and the strictest action should be taken. There should be an action that becomes an example.”
When asked about the purported affiliation of the accused with the Bharatiya Janata Party, CM Chouhan stated, “We will not spare him at any cost. The criminal has no caste, no religion, and no party. The culprit is only a criminal, and he must face punishment.”
मेरे संज्ञान में सीधी जिले का एक वायरल वीडियो आया है…
मैंने प्रशासन को निर्देश दिए हैं कि अपराधी को गिरफ्तार कर कड़ी से कड़ी कार्रवाई कर एनएसए भी लगाया जाए।
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) July 4, 2023
Along with the administrative action, the accused was booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on the directions of the Madhya Pradesh CM Chouhan.
Additionally, the accused has been booked under Sections 294 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
On the 4th of July, Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami suspended 51 workers in the alleged ‘Langar Scam’. The suspended workers are accused of siphoning Rs 1 crore while running langar (community kitchen) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) July 4, 2023
The suspended staffers include managers, supervisors, storekeepers, and gurudwara inspectors who were involved in langar service. As per the information, they were mandated at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee Langar Hall.
The scam was exposed by the SGPC flying squad, an investigation wing. They found out that the alleged scam continued for more than three years from April 2019 to December 2022.
— Harjinder Singh Dhami (@SGPCPresident) July 1, 2023
Notably, the Gurudwara Committee has set up a tendering process to sell leftover food, including stale ‘chapattis’, rice, and vegetables to industrial units that convert it into cattle feed. It is alleged that the suspended workers didn’t deposit the full amount received after selling the leftover food and they also tampered with the accounts to hide the financial irregularity.
Responding to the suspension order, SGPC President Dhami said, “Irrelagurities or negligence will not be tolerated in Gurudwara management. The sentiments of people are attached to gurudwaras and respecting those religious sentiments is the prime responsibility of gurudwara employees.”
Additionally, the committee also announced new appointments. Bhagwant Singh Dhangera was appointed as the general manager of the Golden Temple. Additional manager Nishan Singh has been given the responsibility of managing sarais (inns).
ਸ. ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਧੰਗੇੜਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਜਨਰਲ ਮੈਨੇਜਰ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ Bhagwant Singh Dhangera appointed General Manager of Sri Darbar Sahib ਇਸੇ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਸ. ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਧੰਗੇੜਾ ਨੂੰ ਸੱਚਖੰਡ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਜਨਰਲ ਮੈਨੇਜਰ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਸਮੇਂ ਉਹ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਸਬ-ਆਫ਼ਿਸ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ… pic.twitter.com/HwPS5JVnEG
— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) July 4, 2023
The action comes days after the accounts division of the SGPC detected administrative irregularities in running ‘langar’ and an embezzlement of Rs 1 crore in the langar.
Earlier, the Committee suspended two storekeepers from the community kitchen. It was alleged that they didn’t deposit the money received after selling stale food in the Gurudwara committee’s account.
When the news of the alleged scam first broke out, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised question marks on the management of the Gurudwara Committee. Taking to Twitter he wrote in Punjabi, “If I say it, then you will say that I said so. It will lead to exposing our own fault. Rest will be cleared by the president about this scam.” (translated version)
Responding to CM Mann’s criticism and allegations in the langar scam case, SGPC President Dhami said, “I am not going to get into details. Our flying department has done an inquiry into the matter. Once they submit their report, we will take appropriate action. I want to ask CM, what kind of new politics you have started? Does Shiromani Committee is obliged to ask you before taking any steps? Are you going to give directions to us? “
— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) July 3, 2023
He further added, “We do not shy away from taking any action. Once the report is submitted, we will take required action”.
The ongoing feud between SGPC and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
Earlier on the 18th of June, Punjab CM Mann announced that the state government would alter the Sikh Gurudwara Act, of 1925 to ensure free transmission rights of Gurbani from the Golden Temple.
Previously, the PTC network had the authorisation to broadcast Gurbani from Harmandir Sahib by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest board for Sikhs. It is important to note that the PTC network is owned by the influential Badal family of the former chief minister of Punjab and union minister Prakash Singh Badal.
The announcement by Punjab CM claimed to target the network’s monopoly and create a level playing field for all television networks. The Shiromani Akali Dal, the SGPC, and the Badal family all came out strongly against the CM’s proposal. The announcement infuriated SGPC Dhami who took to Twitter to express his disagreement.
— Harjinder Singh Dhami (@SGPCPresident) June 18, 2023
Tagging Punjab CM Mann, Dhami stated, “Sir, do not try to interfere with the religious affairs of the Sikhs. Sikh affairs are related to the sentiments and concerns of the Sangat (Sikh community) in which governments have no right to interfere directly. You are talking about adding a new section by amending the Sikh Gurudwara Act 1925.”
The Sikh Gurudwaras Act of 1925, which Punjab CM Mann proposed to amend, was legislated in British India. It legally defined Sikh identity and brought Sikh gurudwaras under the control of an elected body of orthodox Sikhs.
The Mohamedan Education Society of Kolhapur and the assets it owned, worth Rs. 3,500 crores, have been taken over by the State Waqf Board. The said society was established by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj in the year 1906 and is also known as ‘The King Edward Mohamedan Education Society’ or the ‘Muslim Boarding’.
On June 23, the waqf board sent directives to the trustee of the organization, stating that after carefully examining the paperwork, it had determined that the institution was a waqf institution and that its assets belonged to the waqf. However, the Mohamedan Education Society’s officeholders assert that the organization is not governed by the waqf board.
According to the Times of India report, Waqf properties are essentially donated properties used for a variety of purposes. The Muslim Boarding has also received a registration certificate and registration number from the Waqf board. The organization had previously been authorized by the state charity commissioner.
“I was convinced of the documentary evidence submitted before me that showed that the properties under the Mohamedan Education Society are actually waqf properties, and they need to be governed as per the Waqf Act,1995. The evidence also includes the charters (sanads) issued by Shahu Maharaj. The strict restrictions on the sale and purchase of waqf properties are imposed by law,” Waqf’s chief executive officer M B Tashildar was quoted as saying.
The charters (sanads) that Shahu Maharaj issued are also included in the proof. The law imposes severe limitations on the sale and acquisition of waqf properties.
A committee overseen by a chairman conducts daily business for the Muslim Boarding. Activities related to religion and education are under the institution’s supervision. The authorities claim that these institutions are reluctant to register with the Waqf board because of its stringent rules.
The Waqf board has also sent a letter to the trustees of the Muslim Boarding requesting a list of its members, financial records, and other information. It even notified the state charity commissioner’s office about the change in registration and asserted that it would now have ownership rights to the assets, the TOI report stated.
However, the Mohamedan Education Society’s officeholders assert that the organization is not governed by the waqf board. They also say that it should remain independent because Shahu Maharaj founded it with educational goals in mind.
The vice-chairman of the organization, Adil Faras, stated, “As per natural law, the waqf board should have issued a notice to the society about the change it has made. We have received no such notice. We will take the stand over the issue once the chairman and administrator of the society return from their haj pilgrimage.”
India has declined to ratify the paragraph endorsing the Belt and Roads Initiative (BRI), a favourite project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in the New Delhi declaration issued at the conclusion of the leaders’ summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). A similar formulation was used in the Samarkand declaration in 2022 when India refused to sign off on the paragraph.
India was the only participant who didn’t support the initiative. Other countries including Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan reiterated their endorsement of the Belt and Roads Initiative in the statement released at the conclusion of the conference which was hosted by India. The event was virtually attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other SCO leaders.
“Reaffirming their support for China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) initiative, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan note the ongoing work to jointly implement this project, including efforts to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and BRI,” the statement by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. Pakistan is a major beneficiary of the initiative.
Originally announced as “Silk Road Economic Belt”, the Belt and Road Initiative is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government to invest in more than 150 countries and international organizations. Through this, China invests in ports, skyscrapers, railroads, roads, bridges, airports, dams, power stations, and railroad tunnels in the countries that have signed up for the scheme.
It mentioned, “They spoke in favour of implementing the Roadmap for a gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements by the interested Member States.”
The Delhi declaration utilises similar language to the Samarkand declaration on the subject of terrorism but substituted the word “chauvinism” for “ultranationalism” this time.
“The member states consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, paying special attention to preventing the spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, ideas of fascism and chauvinism,” it further continued.
India had already turned down Xi Jinping’s main initiative for connectivity and trade. The country has not modified its position on the BRI since the previous SCO meetings, making it the only nation in the group to oppose the initiative.
“The member states intend to broaden and deepen cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development and to improve the well-being and living standards of the people in the SCO region. They consider it important to ensure the implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030 adopted by interested Member States, other joint programmes and projects aimed at promoting cooperation in such priority areas,” the declaration noted.
The SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030, which “interested member states” had adopted, as well as projects aimed at fostering cooperation in a number of areas, including the digital economy, finance, energy, and food security, as well as the modernisation of current international rail and road routes, were also cited as being important in the declaration.
Earlier, in his opening remarks at the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it is crucial to protect the fundamental tenets of the SCO charter, particularly the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states while working to increase connectivity.
In the meantime, according to state news agency Xinhua, Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s position on advancing BRI and spoke of “high-quality Belt and Road cooperation” with the regional cooperation ventures and development strategies of various nations.
He remarked, “Efforts should be made to further promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, speed up the development of port infrastructure and regional and international logistic corridors, and ensure stable and smooth functioning of regional industrial and supply chains. Ten years ago, I proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, and on its tenth anniversary, China will hold the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.”
Although connectivity is crucial, India has asserted that the integrity of the territory and sovereignty of other nations must also be respected. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra proclaimed, “Prime Minister clearly said in his remarks that connectivity is important for SCO member states. But connectivity has to be respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity. India’s position on the BRI has been clear,” while addressing the briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs on 4th July.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other group leaders attended the conference that Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over.
The SCO has seen a lot of activity and productive member-state cooperation under India’s presidency. Fourteen ministerial-level meetings were among the 134 meetings and events that the latter held. The country is still dedicated to contributing positively and constructively to the group and is anticipating a successful SCO Summit as the conclusion of its Chairmanship. India will continue to hold the rotating presidency through September of this year.
On the 5th of July afternoon, a firing incident was reported within the premises of Tis Hazari Court in Delhi. The firing incident took place at around 1.35 PM near the court premises which falls under the Subzi Mandi Police Station.
The Delhi Police officials stated that two different groups of lawyers, including office bearers, allegedly fired shots in the air. They added that the incident occurred due to an argument among lawyers over some issue. However, no injuries have been reported so far. A video of the incident has emerged, where a man can be seen holding a pistol and firing a round upwards. He is surrounded by several people, presumably lawyers, and noises of a commotion can be heard.
Some other men in the uniform of lawyers can be seen pelting stones and other such projectiles at the other group, which is not in the video.
Delhi | A firing incident reported at Tis Hazari Court premises, no injuries reported. Police say that this happened after an argument among lawyers.
The officials said, “Police are present at the spot”. The Police said that the situation is normal and legal action has been initiated in this matter.
Sagar Singh Kalsi, DCP North, also confirmed the firing incident. Kalsi said, “A firing incident took place around 1.35 pm on Wednesday in Tis Hazari court. When police reached the spot, it was learned that two different groups of lawyers, including office bearers, had allegedly shot in the air and no one was injured.”
Chairman of the Delhi Bar Council, KK Manan condemned the firing incident within the court premises. He said, “Detailed inquiry into the matter will be undertaken. It will be inquired if the weapons were licensed or not. Even if the weapons were licensed, no lawyer or anyone else can use them like this inside or around court premises.”
— सक्सेना साहब एलजी (@PrabhashkarSax1) July 5, 2023
Past incidences of firing within Court premises
Earlier this year in April, two people were injured in a firing incident at Delhi’s Rohini court complex. Media reports stated that a bullet was fired from the service weapon of a Nagaland Police constable. The Nagaland Police constable was stationed outside the court gate. When a scuffle broke out between two advocates, to pacify things a bullet was fired from his service weapon which hit the ground.
On 9 December 2022, a man was injured in a low-intensity explosion that occurred in the Rohini district court complex.
Similarly, On the 24th of September, 2021, a jailed gangster Jitendra Gogi was shot dead inside the Rohini courtroom. Reportedly, the two attackers belonged to a rival gang and they impersonated lawyers to gain access.
While Pakistan’s economy is in shambles, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a nationwide protest on July 7, Friday (Jummah) against the recent burning of the Quran in Sweden. Pakistan will observe the upcoming Friday (July 7) as “Yaum-i-Taqaddus Quran” and will convene a joint parliamentary session a day earlier.
The decision was made during a meeting presided over by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the problem of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden.
In the said meeting it was decided that nationwide protests would be held to condemn the Quran-burning incident. Sharif urged the Pakistani people, including all political parties, to join the protest.
Moreover, in the Joint Parliamentary session to be held on July 6, the MPs will discuss developing a national policy on the subject and represent public opinion through the parliamentary process. In addition, a resolution will also be passed to denounce the burning of the Quran.
Sharif stated that Muslims are united by their belief in the sacredness of the Holy Quran. Errant minds, according to the Prime Minister, were devising a sinister plan to fan the flames of Islamophobia.
The Pakistani Prime Minister also stated that countries and leaders who believe in peace and coexistence must contain violent forces infested with Islamophobia and religious biases.
This comes after a man identified as Salwan Momika burned a copy of the Quran in front of Stockholm’s Central Mosque while under police protection on June 28.
The foreign minister of Turkey, Hakan Fidan, had denounced the incident and said it was wrong to permit anti-Islamic demonstrations in the guise of freedom of expression. “To condone such atrocious acts is to be complicit,” he charged.
Prior to Eid-Al-Adha, on June 28, the Swedish Police gave one Salwan Momika permission to burn the Quran at a demonstration outside the largest mosque in Stockholm after a Swedish court struck down the police’s ban on Quran-burning demonstrations.
Two other requests, one by a private citizen and the other by an organisation, for similar activities that include Quran burning were turned down by police in February outside the Turkish and Iraqi embassies in Stockholm. The appeals court concluded in June that the protests should have been permitted. It ruled, “The order and security problems that the police had cited had not been clearly connected to the planned event or its immediate vicinity.”
Before this, Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan burnt a copy of the Quran next to the Turkish embassy in the country’s capital prompting Turkey to halt discussions with Sweden about its NATO membership in late January.
Notably, the Lahore-based ISI-backed Sunni terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) declared on Sunday, July 2 that it would attack Christians and churches in Pakistan in retaliation to the Quran burning in Sweden.
While Pakistan is fuming over the desecration of the Quran in Sweden, in its own land the self-proclaimed ‘Riyasat-e-Medina’ does not even allow the Ahmadis, a minority Islamic sect to practice to celebrate Islamic festivals. Pakistan is quick to stage protests, and issue condemnations over incidents of ‘Islamophobia’, however, it exhibits deliberate incompetence in protecting the rights and dignity of religious minorities, particularly Hindus and Christians, as several cases of non-Muslim girls being abducted and converted to Islam are reported regularly from there.
