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As China bans women from modelling for lingerie, male models wear push-up bras and corsets on live-stream shopping events

OpIndia Staff
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As China bans women from modelling for lingerie, male models wear push-up bras and corsets on live-stream shopping events

To promote China’s live-stream lingerie industry, male models are showing off ladies’ undergarments in the country. Following China’s restriction on women modelling for lingerie online, live-stream fashion companies are substituting male models for female ones.

Multiple companies have been shut down for violating the law in China prohibiting the online spread of ‘obscene’ material. Therefore, the companies have started to live stream films of men wearing push-up bras, form-fitting corsets, and lace-trimmed nightgowns, since they are unwilling to lose out on potential revenue.

According to Statista, China’s live-stream retail market is expected to be worth over $700 billion in 2023.

“Personally, I don’t think we have much of a choice. We will employ our male coworkers to model the designs since our female coworkers are unable to do so”, according to Xu, the owner of a live stream company, who spoke to Jiupai News as reported by the New York Post.

Last December, a male model dressed in a silk robe appeared for Xu’s business. The caption of the video reads, “The light and luxurious boudoir of the wife and adults,” and was posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

More than 2,000 people liked the video while many commented on the same. Online users quickly voiced their opinions about the gender-bending move. One person said that if it were a female model, the live stream would be shut down every two minutes. “It’s not like this hasn’t happened before, and it still denies a lot of women job opportunities,” the user said. “the male wears it better than the girl,” observed another.

A Twitter user who goes by the username @xiaojingcanxue tweeted, “In China, women are not allowed to wear underwear in the live broadcast room. Otherwise, the live broadcast room will be immediately and permanently banned for allegedly spreading obscenity. So what should I do if I have to bring goods and sell women’s underwear in the live broadcast room? It’s very simple, find a man to wear it.”

Notably, China saw a huge increase in live-stream shopping in 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to some of that rise. Traditional stores began to close down as more people were compelled to shop at home, and companies shifted their operations online.

In live-stream shopping, models and influencers display products being sold on a live stream, similar to television shopping. But in live-stream shopping, the customers can interact with the presenters, ask questions about the product. Live stream shopping events usually include discounts, promotions and giveaways, making them hugely popular. Such live shopping shows are commonly hosted both on social media platforms such as Facebook Live and Instagram, as well as on e-commerce sites like Alibaba’s Taobao app and Amazon Live from Amazon.

Fashion products are the most popular products sold on live stream events in China, followed by food and household items. These shows are generally hosted by models, influencers and celebrities.

It is pertinent to note that n 2021, the Chinese government outlawed ‘effeminate’ men on TV and ordered broadcasters to promote “revolutionary culture,” intensifying a push to impose strict morality and tighter government control over industry and society. A “national rejuvenation” with stricter Communist Party control over commerce, education, culture, and religion was advocated by President Xi Jinping.

Smriti Irani gives lessons in management to IIM Udaipur students and faculty, the day Rahul Gandhi was spewing anti-India canards in Cambridge

OpIndia Staff
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Smriti Irani gives lessons in management to IIM Udaipur students and faculty, the day Rahul Gandhi was spewing anti-India canards in Cambridge

At the time when Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi was busy peddling his usual anti-India diatribe during a presentation at Cambridge University, Union Minister of minority affairs Smriti Irani donned the hat of a professor as she took sessions on Human Resource Management for MBA students at IIM Udaipur.

She was invited to IIM Udaipur as a guest faculty by Prof Kunal Kumar, a full-time faculty member at the varsity.

On February 28, Smriti Irani presented a Research on “The Necessity and Pitfalls of Ranking Management Institutions: The NIRF Experience”. The research has Smriti Irani as the lead author, Prof Kunal Kumar (IIM Udaipur) and Prof Sushanta Mishra (IIM Bangalore) as co-authors.

Irani delved into the significance of a National Ranking framework that caters to India’s vast diversity, including regional and linguistic diversity. The framework aims to reward institutions that support socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. During her presentation, Irani elucidated the framework’s purpose, objectives, and current challenges, making the seminar both informative and nuanced.

Irani, in her inaugural speech, spoke about various government initiatives directed towards women’s empowerment and appreciating the multi-tasking facet of women.

On March 1, 2023, the Union Minister took three back-to-back sessions in Core Course “Human Resource Management” for MBA students. Each session lasted for 75 minutes. The topic of the discussion was ‘Job Analysis’.

Union Minister Smriti Irani at IIM Udaipur

“Smriti Irani engaged the MBA class through Case Method wherein she discussed the Harvard Business School’s case “ClubMed.” She based the class on four Ds – Do, Discuss, Debate, and Deliberate. The class ended with the students doing the Job Analysis of a Minister,” the official statement read.

The IIM faculty praised Smiriti Irani’s teaching style and said “the classes were insightful, inspirational, and very well received by the students”.

Union Minister Smriti Irani at IIM Udaipur

Several students who got the opportunity to interact and attend her lecture recounted their experiences, praising Smriti Irani’s all-encompassing, knowledgeable, insightful, and humble teaching style.

It’s interesting to note that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was required to speak to MBA students at Cambridge Judge Business School on the topic of “Learning to Listen in the 21st Century” roughly at the same time as the Union Minister being invited to give a lecture to MBA students at IIM Udaipur.

Irani spent some productive time genuinely imparting knowledge to the students of IIM Udaipur. In sharp contrast, to what the Union Minister did, Rahul Gandhi used the opportunity to peddle his usual anti-India propaganda and blatant lies, as he does in India during his political speeches.

Hathras, BJ Yatra, Pulwama, Pegasus and more: Rahul Gandhi’s Cambridge talk to MBA students was all about blatant lies, false claims and anti-India propaganda

While delivering a lecture to the MBA students of Cambridge University, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi spoke on topics like the Hathras case, the Pulwama attack and the Pegasus row to peddle his anti-India propaganda. He launched one of his usual attacks on the Modi government and said that it was undermining the democracy of India. While delivering a presentation at Cambridge University, Rahul Gandhi lied that the Israeli spyware Pegasus was being used to monitor his phone.

Rahul Gandhi, who walks with dozen of commandoes, party leaders and supporters surrounding him, claimed that he walked very safely in Kashmir, even through the stretch in Pulwama where a “car bomb” killed 40 soldiers, and he saw two “militants” there. He went ahead to claim that the militants saw him but could not harm him, because he was promoting the idea of non-violence and peace.

He even compared the BJY to Gandhi’s Dandi March, drawing equivalence with the freedom struggle against the British, painting himself as carrying the legacy of Gandhi (they are not related), of fighting against tyranny.

While travelling in container trucks modified into ultra-luxury residences on wheels, equipped with all luxury amenities, and under VIP security, he went on to describe how the yatra was about facing difficulties and challenges.

BJP lashes out at Rahul Gandhi over Cambridge lecture

After a video of Rahul Gandhi’s lecture was shared on social media, the BJP slammed the Congress leader for his ‘praise’ of China and opined that Rahul Gandhi’s speech at Cambridge was nothing but a brazen attempt to denigrate our country on foreign soil in the guise of targeting PM Modi.

BJP leader Amit Malviya also shared a clip of Rahul Gandhi’s lecture, saying “Rahul Gandhi, in a brazen manner, justifies China’s authoritarianism, says Chinese value societal harmony – individual liberty is not central to their idea…They don’t want things to go out of control which is legitimate…as legitimate as individual liberty is for the US.”

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma hit out at the Gandhi scion by saying, “Rahul even admits he is fascinated by China and Communist party members have shaped his thoughts. Such rich praise for the Chinese is understandable. Gandhi family is trying to pay off its debts for the donations they took from them!”

Indian communists who cried for an imaginary ‘attack’ on foreign BBC literally attack Indian media house Asianet in Kerala

OpIndia Staff
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Indian communists who cried for an imaginary ‘attack’ on foreign BBC literally attack Indian media house Asianet in Kerala

Members of the Students Federation of India (SFI) invaded the Asianet News office in Ernakulam, Kerala, at approximately 7:30 pm on Friday evening in a flagrant act of hooliganism. A group of roughly 30 SFI members entered the Asianet News regional headquarters, forced their way past security guards, and interfered in press operations by yelling slogans and also threatening the staff members and journalists. 

The SFI is the Communist Party of India’s (Marxist) student branch. Asianet News is accused by CPI (M) of ‘manufacturing’ news regarding the alleged sexual assault of over ten girl students at a school in northern Kerala, as part of its program last year on the drug issue in the state.

The SFI members tied a derogatory banner in front of the Asianet News headquarters before the Kerala police arrived. The banner said, “this institution is a disgrace to the culture of Kerala”.

After a complaint made by Asianet News resident editor Abhilash G. Nair, the Palarivattam police have initiated an investigation. Around 30 members of the SFI have been charged under IPC sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), and 149  (forming an illegal assembly for the prosecution of a common object of murder). The allegation has been backed by the CCTV video showing the SFI workers entering the Asianet office by outnumbering the security guards.

The Press Club of India took cognizance of the incident and urged the Kerala government to conduct an investigation into the incident. Condemning the incident, it said, “We express concern and lodge our protest over SFI activists reportedly entering the Asianet News office in Ernakulam and intimidating the staff. These strong-arm tactics have no place in a democracy. The Kerala government should probe this incident swiftly.”

Several other media associations and organizations like Thiruvananthapuram Press Club and KUWJ District Committee also condemned the incident and have decided to launch protest programs on March 4 (today). “Criminals should not be allowed to thrive under cover of organizations,” said Thiruvananthapuram Press Club President M Radhakrishnan and Secretary K N Sanu demanding arrest of the activists.

Leaders of the opposition meanwhile asserted that there was a high-level conspiracy behind the violence. VD Satheesan, the leader of the opposition, denounced the SFI activists’ attack on the Asianet News headquarters in Kochi. Satheesan stated that these behaviors were unheard of in Kerala and are comparable to what occurs in authoritarian states.

Satheesan said that it was fascist to break into the media office with a threatening tone while on the other side, they spoke about press freedom but only used violence against the media.

Earlier, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had condemned the IT raids on the Mumbai and Delhi offices of the UK-based media outlet BBC. The CPI (M) said that the raids on the BBC offices were infringement on press freedom and it was objectionable and that it could embarrass the country on the international stage. The government had conducted raids on the complaints of tax evasion by the BBC.

Also, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had questioned the Prime Minister over the raids. “First ban BBC documentaries. No JPC/enquiry into Adani exposures. Now IT raids on BBC offices! India: ‘Mother of democracy’?” Yechury had asked on Twitter.

Notably, several SFI activists showcased the BBC documentary on the Gujarat riots which had been banned by the Indian government. Now isn’t SFI which is the student wing of the CPI (M) barging into a media house, an infringement on press freedom, and objectionable?

BTS’ Jungkook vibes to ‘Naatu Naatu’, Indian Twitter implodes

OpIndia Staff
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BTS’ Jungkook vibes to ‘Naatu Naatu’, Indian Twitter implodes

BTS’ lead vocalist, Jeon Jungkook, is the latest global celebrity to join Naatu Naatu bandwagon. He went live on Weverse on Friday and grooved to the viral song from S. S. Rajamouli’s equally superhit movie RRR.

The ‘RRR’ team posted the clip, thanking the singer for the shoutout.

South India’s music company, Lahari Music called it ‘heartwarming.’

Media company CONSEQUENCE, termed it ‘week’s most important pop culture crossover.’

Popularly known as the golden maknae (the best and the youngest), he played the track and asked his fans, “Do you guys know this song? This is from a recent movie called ‘RRR’.”

Moreover, Jungkook revealed, that he is familiar with the hook-step performed by the lead actors, Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr, in the film.

As soon as it happened, the ‘euphoria’ singer began trending on Twitter, leaving Indian army (BTS fans) thrilled and overjoyed.

An Indian fan expressed her delight at the unforeseen turn of events.

Another one called him adorable for ‘vibing cutely’ to the song.

A netizen even claimed to ‘win at life’ because of the unexpected development.

Another wrote, that it might end by boosting the song’s popularity and keep it ahead in the race for Oscars.

Jungkook live recorded over fifteen million views.

RRR has become a worldwide phenomenon, and Naatu Naatu has been a favourite at recent international award ceremonies. It recently won the best original song award at Golden Globes, in January, this year. The song is nominated in the same category in Oscars, which is scheduled to take place on March 12, 2023.

China prevents Pakistan from going fully bankrupt, approves rollover of $1.3 billion loan by returning repaid amounts

OpIndia Staff
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China prevents Pakistan from going fully bankrupt, approves rollover of $1.3 billion loan by returning repaid amounts

As Pakistan was on the verge of going bankrupt under massive international debt, China has come to its rescue, with more debt. As Pakistan has not been able to secure the latest instalment of a bailout package from the IMF due to differences, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China approved an extension of a $1.3 billion loan for the country. This, according to Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, would assist the country to maintain its declining foreign exchange reserves.

According to the reports, the facility will be made available to Pakistan in three timely instalments, the first of which amounting to $500 million has already been received by the Central Bank of Pakistan. Pakistan had already repaid the loan taken from ICBC in recent months, and now the Chinese bank is returning the money to Pakistan, rolling over the loan for a further period.

The news was confirmed by the Pakistan Finance Minister who tweeted, “Formalities completed and Chinese Bank, ICBC approved rollover of US $1.3 billion facility which has been repaid by Pakistan to ICBC in recent months. Facility will be disbursed in 3 instalments, first one of US $500 million has been received by SBP. It will increase forex reserves!”

China has previously loaned Pakistan $700 million to assist strengthen its foreign exchange reserves. This means, according to Dar, Pakistan is effectively borrowing back the $2 billion it has paid to China in debt repayments for previously approved loans. Essentially, those closed loans have been reopened with China returning the repayments, extending the loan tenure.

The money is essential for the South Asian economy, which is experiencing a balance of payments crisis as its central bank’s foreign exchange reserves have shrunk to levels that can only barely cover three weeks of imports. The minister said that in order to bridge its funding shortfall this fiscal year, which ends in June, Pakistan will require $5 billion of external funding.

Reports mention that Pakistan will get escalated external funding only once Islamabad enters into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which the minister claimed should be completed by next week.

Since early last month, the lender has been in talks with Pakistan to resolve its ninth review. If the agreement is accepted by its board, it would release a $1 billion instalment of the $6.5 billion bailout that was agreed upon in 2019.

Pakistan’s economy continues to struggle as it continues to borrow money to pay off the debts it had taken earlier. Due to this vicious cycle of debt and partial payments, the economy has been spiralling out of control, and a financial catastrophe has been brewing for some time.

It was reported earlier that Pakistan only has around $4.1 billion in foreign exchange after it repaid $328 million guaranteed debt to China which the country had taken to set up power plants.

The easing of Pakistan’s crippling debt is Islamabad’s top priority, given the plight of the economy there and the political unrest in the highly radicalised Islamic Republic. Islamabad has now contacted Washington to persuade the Bretton Woods organisation to be lenient on the Islamic Republic as it requires PM Sharif to increase energy bills and impose more taxes to raise money. This is because Islamabad has to accept very strict IMF conditions for further loans to Pakistan. Such drastic measures would be politically damaging for the current Pakistani leadership and give Imran Khan a chance to return during the next election.

While Pakistan has requested a bailout package from the IMF, the IMF has not taken a decision on the matter yet. It is being said that if the country fails to secure assistance from IMF, it will default on loan payments.

“We will, God willing, take this country out of this quagmire,” Dar stated dismissing concerns of a default risk.

West Bengal Congress spokesperson Kaustav Bagchi arrested for remarks against CM Mamata Banerjee

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal Congress spokesperson Kaustav Bagchi arrested for remarks against CM Mamata Banerjee

On Saturday morning, Kolkata police took into custody Koustav Bagchi, a Congress leader and advocate in West Bengal, for supposedly criticizing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s “personal attack” on Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the state Congress president. Bagchi serves as one of the Congress spokespersons in the region.

“The chief minister is afraid, that is my political win,” Bagchi said on Saturday.

Following a press conference held by Bagchi on Friday to refute Banerjee’s comment on Chowdhury after the Congress’s victory in the Sagardighi bypoll, an FIR was lodged against Bagchi at the Burtolla police station.

In response to the chief minister’s personal attack on Chowdhury, in which she referenced his daughter’s death on Thursday, Bagchi called a press conference on Friday. During the conference, he cited Dipak Ghosh’s book, a critical commentary on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a former TMC MLA and IAS officer. “If the TMC persists in making personal attacks, we will also use this book to counterattack the chief minister personally,” he declared.

Several sections of the Indian Penal Code were invoked in the FIR, including charges of criminal conspiracy, provocation with intent to cause a riot, and intentional insult.

The arrest of Bagchi was denounced by opposition parties in the state, with Chowdhury stating, “It demonstrates that the chief minister is fearful of opposition… She is behaving like a dictator. We will take any measures necessary to secure Bagchi’s release.”

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty expressed his disapproval of the incident, stating, “Is this what we call democracy? We are at a loss for words to condemn this attack. This government is autocratic in nature.”

On the other hand, TMC leader Partha Bhowmik stated, “He (Bagchi) should apologise to the chief minister.”

A group of advocates and Congress supporters gathered outside the Burtolla police station, with advocate Sabyasachi Banerjee vowing to “fight this arrest.”

Cow killers rot in hell, govt should ban cow slaughter and declare it ‘protected national animal’: Justice Shamim Ahmed of Allahabad HC

OpIndia Staff
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Cow killers rot in hell, govt should ban cow slaughter and declare it ‘protected national animal’: Justice Shamim Ahmed of Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court recently called for the cow to be declared a protected national animal and urged the Central Government to take proactive action to eliminate cow slaughter in the country.

The court made the comments while hearing a petition filed by an accused who was charged under the Uttar Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prevention Act. The plea was dismissed by Justice Shamim Ahmed’s single bench. Police had detained Mohammad Abdul Khaliq for carrying beef, and he was booked under Section 3/5/8 of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.

While making the observations, Justice Shamim Ahmed stated that India is a secular country and that all religions must be respected, adding that in Hinduism cows are believed to be the representative of God and thus the animal should be protected and venerated. 

The bench noted that cow veneration dates back to the Vedic period and that anyone who kills cows or permits others to slaughter them is said to rot in hell for a time as long as there is hair on their body.

Moreover, the bench stated that “Cow’s horns represent the gods, her face the sun and moon, and her shoulders Agni, the god of fire. Her legs represent the four Vedas. Her source of milk represents the four Purusharth or objectives, which are dharma or righteousness, artha or material wealth, kama or desire, and moksha or salvation. The cow is also described as  Nanda, Sunanda, Surabhi, Susheela, and Sumana.”

“The cow has also been associated with various deities, notably Lord Shiva (whose steed is Nandi, a bull) Lord Indra (closely associated with Kamadhenu, the wise-granting cow), Lord Krishna (a cowherd in his youth), and goddesses in general (because of the maternal attributes of many of them). The cow is the most sacred of all the animals of Hinduism. It is known as Kamadhenu, or the divine cow, and the giver of all desires,” the court further said.

The judgement notes, “with the rise of the ideal of Ahimsa (“noninjury”), the absence of the desire to harm living creatures, the cow came to symbolize a life of nonviolent generosity. In addition, because her products supplied nourishment, the cow was associated with motherhood and Mother Earth and legislation against cow killing persisted into the 20th century in many princely states.”

Stressing the importance of cows in Hinduism, Justice Ahmed cited references from the Puranas, Mahabharata and Manu Smriti as well, saying that slaughter of milk- producing cows was increasingly prohibited in ancient India.

From the Mahabharata, the Court cited Bhishma’s observation that the cow serves as a surrogate mother by giving humans milk adding that the cow is the mother of the world. The Court further noted that Lord Rama received a gift of numerous cows and that the Puranas claim that nothing is more sacred than the gift of cows.

Coming to modern times from ancient times, the court said that a movement to protect cows arose in the country in 19th and 20th century with demands to ban cow slaughter in the country. Urging the central govt to outlaw cow slaughter, the court mentioned in bold letters in the judgement, “This Court also hope and trust that the Central Government may take appropriate decision to ban cow slaughtering in the country and to declare the same as ‘protected national animal’.”

Coming to the case, the court said that the materials and evidence presented in the case indicate that an offence was committed, and therefore dismissed the petition of the accused to quash the case filed against him under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visit Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and perform ‘Bhasma Aarti’, pictures of the visit go viral

OpIndia Staff
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Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visit Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and perform ‘Bhasma Aarti’, pictures of the visit go viral

On Saturday, before the fourth Test match against Australia, Virat Kohli, the cricketer, and his wife Anushka Sharma paid a visit to the renowned Baba Mahakaleshwar Temple located in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh.

During their visit, Anushka and Virat took part in the ‘Bhasma Aarti,’ a well-known ritual at the temple, which is conducted during the Brahma Muhurta, between 4 and 5:30 in the morning, where ashes are offered as a form of worship.

The pictures of the couple’s visit, notably the duo sitting outside the sanctum sanctorum, have gone viral on the internet.

The video of the duo’s visit to the hallowed temple is also doing the rounds on social media.

Following the Bhasma Aarti, the couple proceeded to the inner sanctum of the temple, where they performed Jalabhishek, a Hindu ritual of pouring water over the deity as a form of worship.

Virat was dressed in a dhoti, while Anushka chose to wear a light peach-coloured saree, adhering to the traditional guidelines for performing the puja.

Following the consecration during worship, they spend a period of time on the temple grounds.

Earlier this year, the couple had made a spiritual trip to Rishikesh. They had visited the Swami Dayanand Giri Ashram, pictures of which had gone viral on social media.

Days before their Rishikesh visit, the couple, accompanied by their daughter Vamika, sought blessings at an ashram in Vrindavan.

On Friday, Australia made a remarkable resurgence in the third Test match against India, defeating them by 9 wickets at the Holkar Stadium. This victory has narrowed the deficit to 1-2 in the four-Test series and secured their place in the World Test Championship final.

Kohli has been the fulcrum of the Indian batting order and has played a pivotal role in India’s domination in the home series ever since he debuted in 2008. He has amassed 10,829 runs in 200 matches so far, at a staggering average of 58.22. He has scored 34 centuries and 51 half-centuries at home, with the best score of 254*.

Kohli will now be eyeing the fourth test match which is to be played in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. India needs to win the match to ensure its place in the WTC finals, failing which it will be dependent on the result of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand test series.

On the other hand, Anushka will be seen essaying the role of the iconic Indian pace bowler Jhulan Goswami in the much-talked-about film ‘Chakda Xpress’. The final release date of the film is still awaited. For the first time in her career, the actor from ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will play the role of a cricketer. The film ‘Chakda Xpress’ will be produced by Karnesh Sharma, Anushka’s brother, through their home production company Clean Slate Filmz.

Bangladesh: Islamists attack Ahmadiyya community, torch houses, vandalise properties. Here is what we know so far

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Islamists attack Ahmadiyya community, torch houses, vandalise properties. Here is what we know so far

On Friday (March 3), Islamists attacked the minority Ahmadiyya community after the latter announced plans to hold a 3-day religious program (Jalsa Salana). The incident took place in Ahmednagar village in the Panchagarh district in the Rangpur Division of Bangladesh.

A mob of 500 Islamists gathered at the Chowrangi roundabout after offering Jumma Namaz at the local mosques. When the local police tried to stop them from agitating, they responded by attacking the cops with bricks and stones.

The police personnel retaliated by firing tear gas shells. The Islamists also set a traffic police post on fire in Dhakkamara and ransacked vehicles belonging to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Thereafter, they laid siege at the homes of Ahmadiyyas. Islamists vandalised and looted the properties of the minority community and then set their houses on fire. The attack, which began at around 2 pm, continued till late in the evening (around 8:30 pm).

Shops and goods belonging to Ahmadiyyas were also destroyed. Two journalists, Kamruzzaman Tutul (SA TV’s Panchagarh Correspondent) and Shamsuddin Chowdhury Kalam (Daily Karatoa) were also injured during the attack.

Islamists also burnt tires, blocked the Korotoa Bridge by setting up bamboo sticks, and disrupted the traffic. “Many Ahmadiyya families have fled the area,” informed local journalist Abdul Rahim.

Police officer Abdul Latif Mia informed that the Fire Service and Civil Defence helped douse the fire. Over 30 people including policemen were injured during the violence. Two people, namely, Zahid Hasan and Ariful Haque, died during the incident.

As such, a large contingent of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAF) were deployed in the area to bring the law and order situation under control.

Following the incident, the Panchagarh district administration directed the Ahmadiyya community to postpone their religious gathering. The development was confirmed by Mahmud Ahmed Sumon, ‘Jalsa Salana’ organiser.

Islamists clash with cops in Panchagarh, image via BDNews24

While speaking about the matter, Ahmad Tabsir Chowdhury said, “About 100 houses in the village were torched and vandalised by religious bigots.” He accused the Panchagarh district administration of negligence and not doing enough to protect the Ahmadiyya community.

Tabsir is the media cell coordinator (Panchagarh) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Bangladesh. He informed that three houses of Ahmadiyyas were set on fire while 6 others were vandalised on Thursday (March 2) as well.

While attacks on Ahmadiyyas are commonplace in Pakistan, the minority sect is now being regarded as ‘non-Muslims’ even in Bangladesh. Several Islamist groups in Bangladesh had even called for a ban on the activities/ religious programs of Ahmadiyyas.

As such, it comes as no surprise why Islamists were agitated after learning about the three-day Jalsa Salana of the minority sect. Despite tightened security, law enforcement could not protect the Ahmadiyyas from being attacked by the extremists.

Bihar government to send a four-member team to Tamil Nadu to probe reports of attacks on Bihari migrants

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar government to send a four-member team to Tamil Nadu to probe reports of attacks on Bihari migrants

The Bihar administration has made the decision to send a four-member team to Tamil Nadu on Saturday in order to investigate the reports of attacks on Biharis in the South Indian state. The team will also try to support workers who are attempting to return to their home state. The team will submit a report after evaluating the situation.

Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, issued a directive to this effect on Friday, in response to demands by the BJP for his intervention.

A team from Bihar would travel to Tamil Nadu, as per the leader of the opposition in Bihar, Vijay Kumar Sinha, who also mentioned that the CM promised to discuss the issue with the Tamil Nadu administration.

Following reports of attacks on Bihari migrant labourers in Tamil Nadu, BJP staged a walkout from the assembly on Friday. They demanded that a team of House members be sent there to verify these reports.

CM Nitish Kumar gave the order to Chief Secretary Amir Subhani and director general of police (DGP) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti to deploy a special team to the southern state to investigate the situation.

D. Balamurugan, secretary of rural development, P. Kanan, IPS (IG CID), Shree Alok, special secretary of labour, and an IPS officer make up the four-person panel.

Nitish Kumar had earlier tweeted his concern over the incident.

In an earlier discussion in the Bihar Assembly, deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav informed that senior Bihar officials are communicating with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu.

He declared that the videos were of previous instances in Tiruppur and Coimbatore, and weren’t of any latest incident, quoting the Tamil Nadu DGP.

In a statement on March 2, that contended migrant labourers from Bihar were not being targeted in the state, DGP Sylendra Babu of Tamil Nadu had previously disputed the veracity of the reports of the attacks.

Tamil Nadu labour minister, C. V. Ganesan also dismissed the accusations and said, “There is no truth in the reports.”

“The peaceful society and industrial growth of Tamil Nadu are well-known. Action is being taken to stop the canards from propagating,” he added in a statement, noting that the state had long employed people from other regions.

Migrant labourers from various states are happily coexisting in Tamil Nadu, according to the minister. He stated, that the allegations made on social media that workers from north India are being attacked by locals are unfounded.

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