Home Blog Page 2401

Punjab police surrenders in front of Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh: Minutes after he issued threats, police cancel FIR against aide Lovepreet Toofan

In a bizarre sequence of events in Ajnala during the ‘peaceful protests’ led by pro-Khalistan self-proclaimed religious leader Amritpal Singh, the Punjab Police has decided to surrender by canceling the FIR against close aide of Singh, Lovepreet Toofan and release him by tomorrow. The Police said that enough evidence had been obtained proving the innocence of Toofan, who was arrested on February 18 in a kidnapping and assault case.

“As per the evidence presented before us, Lovepreet Toofan will be discharged. SIT constituted to investigate the case,” said SSP Amritsar to ANI. “They have given enough proof that he (detained Lovepreet Toofan) is innocent. SIT has taken cognizance of it. These people will peacefully disperse now and the law will take its own course,” Commissioner of Police Amritsar added.

The news was also confirmed by Shiromani Akali Dal leader in Amritsar, Harpal Singh Blair, who said that no ‘false case’ should have been registered in the first place. “We came to talk to Admin that FIR has been registered against Lovepreet Toofan. It also included Amritpal Singh’s name. No false case should’ve been registered. Admin accepted Lovepreet wasn’t involved, so they’ll release him tomorrow and cancel the FIR,” Blair stated.

The supporters of Amritpal Singh and Lovepreet Toofan gathered in Ajnala today and conducted ‘peaceful’ protests using lathis, swords, and guns. The protesters attacked the Police with sticks and also broke the police barricades. The protesters took over the police station as they demanded the cancellation of the FIR and the release of Toofan.

Singh’s followers had congregated in the morning to hold a demonstration at Ajnala police station concerning an FIR lodged against Amritpal and associates. To stop them from arriving at the station, Police had barricaded the area with additional forces from five districts. This came a day after Amritpal Singh had called his supporters to come in large numbers to the Police Station at 11 AM, where he would appear and demand the cancellation of the FIR.

Amritpal Singh is the president of Waris Punjab De, an organization that was started by pro-Khalistani actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu who died in a road accident last year.

Notably, the complaint against Amritpal Singh and his associates was filed by Varinder Singh, a resident of Chamkaur Sahib. The complainant accused Amritpal and his gang of abducting and attacking him when he came to Ajnala for a spiritual event. Amritpal denied the accusations and claimed that the case was registered against him and his followers on the complaint of a “mentally unstable” person who had made derogatory statements against his jatha.

In a statement to the media, Singh said that FIR was registered against him with a political motive. “If they do not cancel the case in one hour, the administration will be responsible for whatever happens next,” he added. Furthermore, he threatened to display his strength if the FIR is not withdrawn.

He also denied the claims that his supporters attacked the Police. He said that false news is being circulated that police personnel was injured during the protest. “The truth is that he was injured after he took a fall. In fact, 10-12 of our people were hurt. Within 24 hrs, Toofan should be released. We won’t even wait for 24 hrs,” he said.

Singh also threatened Home Minister Amit Shah and said that he would be taken down from his position if he creates barriers in the path of the Khalistani movement. “Amit Shah had said that he won’t let the Khalistan movement rise. I had said that the same was done by Indira Gandhi and if you do the same then you’d have to face consequences. If the Home Minister says the same to those demanding ‘Hindu Rashtra’, then I’ll see if he remains Home Minister,” he threatened.

Earlier on February 21, Singh had issued a veiled threat to Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the latter will have to face a similar fate as that of Indira Gandhi. “Indira tried to suppress, what happened? Now Amit Shah can fulfill his wish and see”, he said.

The organization Waris Punjab De was established by Deep Sidhu, an actor-turned-activist. He gained popularity among pro-Khalistani elements during farmer protests. Sidhu died in a road accident in February 2022. Amritpal Singh was declared head of Waris Punjab De following Sidhu’s death. At that time, Singh was in Dubai. In September 2022, he returned to India and officially took charge of the organization. Since that day, he has been preaching Sikhism in Punjab and connecting with the youth. Armed guards accompany him everywhere, and there is a striking resemblance between how he preaches and how Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale preached Sikhism during his initial days as a Sikh leader.

‘Congress and JDS are dynastic parties, give a chance to Yediyurappa for a corruption-free govt’: Home Minister Amit Shah in Karnataka

0

Sounding poll bugle in Karnataka which goes to Assembly polls later this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the people to give a chance to former chief minister BS Yediyurappa for forming a corruption-free government.
He said that Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) are dynastic parties and such parties can never work for the welfare of the people.

Addressing a “Vijay Sankalp Samavesh” in Karnataka’s Bellary, the Home Minister said, “BJP is fighting for a complete majority in Karnataka. The people of Karnataka are resolved to make lotus bloom again. On one side it’s Modi Ji’s BJP and on other side, it’s Rahul Baba’s tukde tukde gang Congress.”

Shah at ‘Vijay Sankalp Samavesh’ said that Congress and JDS will never be able to benefit common people and work for the upliftment of those in poverty.

“Give a chance to Yediyurappa and we will give you a corruption-free government. Congress and JDS are dynastic parties and such parties can never work for the welfare of the people. Every vote polled for JDS will benefit the Congress party, and every vote polled for Congress will benefit Siddaramaiah and his ATM government in Delhi,” he said.

He took potshots at the internal fight and differences in Congress. Shah said, “There is only one position of CM. Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are fighting each other for it. This fighting will not help the people of the state. If the welfare of Karnataka is to be done, then only the BJP government has to be formed in the state, only then the state will develop.”

Slamming the Opposition who said that abrogation of Article 370 will lead to a bloodbath, the Home Minister said, “Rahul Gandhi claimed, on abrogation of Article 370, that it could lead to a bloodbath. However, no one dared to even pelt a stone.”

He further said that the Modi government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI).

“However, when Congress ruled, 1,700 cases against the PFI were withdrawn,” he added. The Karnataka elections are likely to be held in April-May 2023.

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

Indore: Pharma college principal struggling for life on the ventilator after rogue student sets her on fire by pouring petrol

0

In a shocking incident on Monday, a principal of a pharmacy college in Indore was set alive on fire by a student on the campus. The accused student has been identified as Ashutosh Shrivastav and the principal has been identified as Professor Vimukta Sharma (64). The principal who was burned is in critical condition with 90% burns and is fighting for her life on a ventilator at the hospital.

According to the reports, the accused student is a notorious troublemaker on the premises of the BM College of Pharmacy in Indore. He was recently released on bail after being arrested for attacking a faculty member last year. On Monday, Ashutosh poured petrol on Vimukta Sharma and set her on fire with a cigarette lighter in front of the college staff. The student also suffered burns in the incident, but he fled from the scene in a two-wheeler.

He drove to a gorge nearby to commit suicide, but he was saved and then arrested by the Police.

SP Rural Bhagwat Singh Virde confirmed that the principal was attacked at around 4 pm while she was on her way home after college. She was stopped and approached by the accused when she was plucking some leaves from a medicinal plant. The accused reportedly wanted his mark sheet and the duo began arguing over the same.

“Ashutosh had failed in two subjects in his seventh and eighth semester of Bpharma in 2022 After clearing these subjects, he was troubling his teachers for his mark sheet. On Monday, he went to the college, carrying petrol. On seeing the principal outside, he threw petrol on her and set her on fire. He also suffered burns on his chest and hands,” said Virde.

The fire was put out and she was taken to an Indore hospital by some faculty members and a security officer. Ashutosh meanwhile rode his bike about 10 kilometers to Tincha Falls, jumped the safety barricades, and started walking near the gorge’s brink. When locals noticed this, they contacted 100.

In order to reach Ashutosh, Constable Dheer Singh hurried to the scene, removed his khaki shirt while walking, and put on a T-shirt. “He said that he would also jump off with him and asked him why he wanted to kill himself. While engaging him in talks, the constable swiftly pulled him by the belt and dragged him away. He was taken to hospital where he is being treated,” said Virde. 

Reports mention that the boy has suffered 11% burn injuries. He is claiming that he was trying to burn himself and his principal got severely burnt accidentally, but the Police refused to buy this statement. “He is giving different statements. Had he planned to commit suicide, the principal wouldn’t have suffered 90% burns,” Virde added.

The accused reportedly informed police that he committed the act because he was upset that the administration hadn’t given him his mark sheet. According to college officials, his parents were alerted three months ago that his mark sheet was available, but he didn’t know because he hadn’t spoken to them during that time.

According to the TOI report, Ashutosh claimed to have a job offer letter for a medical representative position from a pharmaceutical plant in Chennai, but he required his mark sheet to join the position. He confessed to the Police that the criminal case against him caused his work to be put on hold. He had stabbed professor Vijay Patel last year, the police said, and had spent some time in jail before being released on bond. After being released from prison, he worked as a delivery guy for a food app.

The Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) has condemned the incident and has issued a statement saying that such actions are unacceptable. “Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of individuals and communities, and they deserve respect, appreciation, and protection.

Violence is never an acceptable response to any disagreement or conflict, no matter how significant the issue at hand may be. APTI urges all members of the community to engage in respectful and peaceful dialogue to resolve any differences or concerns.

We stand in solidarity with the affected professor and call for a thorough investigation into the incident. We also urge the authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the institution,” APTI stated in a release.

IAS Vs IPS in Karnataka: Rohini Sindhuri serves defamation notice to IPS D Roopa, demands Rs. 1 crore and unconditional apology

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer D. Roopa Moudgil received a notice from Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Rohini Sindhuri for publishing “false and defamatory posts” against her. The IAS officer threatened the IPS officer with legal action if she did not give a written, unequivocal apology.

Their dispute began when Moudgil claimed that Sindhuri had posted her “compromising photos” on social media and forwarded them to senior officials. Sending her images to senior IAS officers, according to the former, was a violation of the service behaviour norms. The latter was also the target of 19 accusations from Moudgil, including many for corruption, in her Facebook post.

As a result of Moudgil’s comments, Sindhuri has now served her with a legal notice and asked for both an “unconditional apology in writing” and Rs. 1 crore in damages “for the loss of reputation and mental agony.”

“The comments/statements/allegations made by you have put our client and her family members to untold mental agony. It has ruined her image in her professional, personal and social life. She is spending sleepless nights as her moral uprightness, character and conduct have become the topic of discussion amongst one and all known to her and in the administrative/bureaucratic circle in particular,” the notice read.

It continued, “Though the damage caused to the image and reputation of our client cannot be measured and compensated in terms of currency, our client, however, restricts the same to a notional figure of Rs. 1,00,00,000/- (Rupees One Crore Only). You have made yourself liable to pay to our client the sum of Rs. 1,00,00,000/-(Rupees One Crore only) as damages.”

“If you fail to comply with the above demands, our client would be constrained to institute appropriate Criminal proceedings against you by filing an appropriate complaint before the jurisdictional Magistrate for an offence which is made penal under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code,” it warned.

In a recent Facebook post, Moudgil stated that she and her husband are together, and “fighting to keep the family intact.” She also urged the media to continue to highlight the corruption allegations she has raised against Sindhuri.

Both the officers belong to the Karnataka cadre. Basavaraj Bommai, the chief minister of the state, was compelled to intervene as a result of the nasty conflict. After their complaints to the chief secretary, the two female officers were transferred without posting on February 21.

Pawan Khera offers to apologise, claims insult to PM Modi was unintentional as he got ‘confused’: What happened in court as CJI granted interim bail

On Thursday, February 23, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud agreed to hear at 3 PM a petition filed in connection with the arrest of Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera today by Assam police at the Delhi airport as he was trying to board an IndiGo airlines flight. The Supreme Court bench presided by CJI Chandrachud granted interim bail to Pawan Khera.

CJI Chandrachud said that Pawan Khera will be released on interim bail by the magistrate in order to protect him till the day he applied for regular bail before the jurisdictional court and the next hearing would be slated for February 28.

The Court also issued notice to the States of UP and Assam, which had registered FIRs against him, on the writ petition filed by Khera seeking consolidation of the FIRs. Also, the order included an assurance from Khera’s lawyer, Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, that he will offer an unconditional apology for his statement.

Senior advocate and former Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi reached Supreme Court with an appeal against the arrest. The Supreme Court hearing of the matter began at 3 pm today.

Defending party leader Pawan Khera, Singhvi said to the Supreme Court today that it was a word play and that he personally should have refrained from using it. Singhvi claimed it was a slip of the tongue adding that he has already apologized for his mistake.

“I genuinely got confused that whether it is Gautamdas or Damodardas”.. he also apologised and said this was a mistake… Please protect him from arrest,” Singhvi said. The ASG said that the statement was not unintentional but was made in full consciousness.

“Please see the demeanour of the statement made.. it will be clear it is intentional or not intentional.. please see the video”, ASG said while passing the phone to the bench to watch the video in question. Singhvi, at this point said, “such vilification is not justifiable.. but there has to be proportionality in the offences being charged”.

Singhvi was alluding to the criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that prompted the BJP to call for Pawan Khera’s arrest.

The SC bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice MR Shah and Justice PS Narasimha hearing the matter inquired about where the FIR against Khera has been registered, to this Khera’s counsel Singhvi informed the bench that multiple FIRs have been filed. First at Varanasi, then Assam and Lucknow adding that offences under Section 153A, 153B, 295, 505 of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked against Khera.

Aishwarya Bhati, an additional solicitor general, stated that the arrest had been recorded and that steps were being taken to bring Khera before the magistrate. The ASG suggested Khera use the standard remedies provided by the CrPC rather than addressing the Supreme Court directly in accordance with Article 32 of the Constitution.

The court was shown a video of the press conference when Khera demanded a JPC on the Adani issue and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Gautamdas.”

The CJI questioned the ASG, “You tell us prima facie how 153A and 295A are made.” The ASG stated that the gestures and the laughter that followed Khera’s statement were in a “derogatory way”. “This statement is made with the intent so that public discourse is taken away and it incites public disaffection. It is against a duly elected Prime Minister of the country. it is deliberate and calculative”, ASG responded to the Bench.

According to Singhvi, there is no need for an arrest as the maximum term for the offenses is 3 to 5 years in sentence and that the arrest under the given sections were deliberate harassment. ASG pointed out that he was smiling while making the offending statements and that the statements were calculated.

The bench held that prima facie, the spoken statements do not amount to the sections invoked in the case and released Pawan Khera on interim bail until the next date of the hearing.

“In order to protect the petitioner until he applies for regular bail before the jurisdictional court in relation to all FIRs, we direct till next date of listing the petitioner shall be released on interim bail by Delhi court this evening,” the Court ordered.

“We are inclined to entertain the plea confined to issue whether FIR should be clubbed or not. Such course of action has been adopted in Arnab Ranjan Goswami case. We also accept that, taken on their face value, the spoken words do not lead to the sections invoked in the FIR. Hence, we order – issue notice on the prayer to transfer and club all FIRs registered against Khera. Notice to Assam and State of UP,” the order said. 

Notably, at 11:30 pm on Monday, Indian National Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera made the remarks against the Prime Minister at a press conference in Delhi. PM Modi’s full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi. Pawan Khera, while accusing Narendra Modi of favouring businessman Gautam Adani, called him Narendra Gautamdas Modi. He further said that his full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi but his actions are like Gautamdas (literally meaning a servant of Gautam). Cases were registered by BJP leaders against the Congress spokesperson in Lucknow and Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh.

Supporters of Amritpal Singh protest with swords, attack Police in Amritsar: How it is a stark reminder of the rise of Bhindranwale

On February 23, tension gripped Ajnala, Amritsar, as the supporters of pro-Khalistani self-proclaimed religious leader Amritpal Singh surrounded the Police station in massive numbers. Notably, Singh is the president of Waris Punjab De, an organisation that was started by pro-Khalistani actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu who died in a road accident last year.

Singh’s followers had congregated in the morning to hold a demonstration at Ajnala police station concerning an FIR lodged against Amritpal and associates. To impede them from arriving at the station, Police barricaded the area with additional forces from five districts. Yesterday, Amritpal Singh had called his supporters to come in large numbers to the Police Station at 11 AM, where he was scheduled to appear and demand the cancellation of the FIR.

The supporters of Amritpal Singh opposed the arrest of Amritpal’s close aide Lovepreet Toofan.

In the now-viral videos of the incident, a large number of Singh’s followers can be seen attacking the Police with swords and breaking barricades. As per reports, they managed to take over the police station as the police present to control the situation were overwhelmed.

A few days ago, a complaint was filed by Varinder Singh, a resident of Chamkaur Sahib, accusing Amritpal and his gang of abducting and attacking him when he was present in Ajnala for a spiritual event. Amritpal denied the accusations and claimed that the case was registered against him and his followers on the complaint of a “mentally unstable” person who had made derogatory statements against his jatha.

In a statement to the media, Singh said FIR was registered against him with a political motive. “If they do not cancel the case in one hour, the administration will be responsible for whatever happens next,” he added. Furthermore, he threatened to show strength.

Amritpal Singh’s rise has a striking similarity to Bhindranwale

In December last year, OpIndia published a report that compares the rise of Amripal Singh to that of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The way Amritpal gained popularity soon after taking over Waris Punjab De was similar to how Bhindranwale gained popularity after preaching in the late 1980s.

Bhindranwale drew crowds with the call against drugs and so-called social evils with a demand for a separate Sikh nation. Amritpal Singh is following in his footsteps and doing exactly the same.

Not to forget, when Khalistanis killed Lala Jagat Narain in September 1981, an arrest warrant was issued against Bhindranwale. The Punjab Police got information that Bhindranwale was in Haryana. When they reached the Gurudwara where he was staying, the Police got into a clash with his supporters. Notably, by the time the Police reached, Bhindranwale had already escaped.

Three senior police officers negotiated with Bhindranwale, who then agreed to surrender to the Police on September 20, 1981, at 1 PM. However, he added a condition that he and other religious leaders would address his followers before the arrest. The Police hesitated but agreed to the demand. Before the arrest, Bhindranwale gave a fierce speech attacking the Punjab Police and the state and central government. He “urged” his followers to remain calm.

Recently, Amritpal Singh issued a death threat to Home Minister Amit Shah and insinuated if his group is stopped, HM Shah might face the same fate as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Pakistani actresses Anum Fayyaz and Zarnish Khan quit Lollywood for Islam; Zarnish deletes all posts from Instagram after performing Umrah in Mecca

0

A select group of women from both sides of the border has quit the entertainment industry to pursue their religion (especially Islam). The most recent additions to this ensemble are two Pakistani actors, Anum Fayyaz and Zarnish Khan. Indians might not be aware of their work, or existence, but they are quite popular faces of the Pakistani film industry, Lollywood.

Anum recently took to social media to announce her departure from the entertainment industry. She posted a message calling her decision ‘difficult.’ “I have decided to leave the industry and follow more of an Islamic lifestyle,” the post read.

A number of Pakistani celebrities praised her decision and offered their support shortly after the post went viral. Anum is popular for her roles in Pakistani dramas, including ‘Ahmed Habib Ki Betiyan,’ ‘Meri Maa,’ and ‘Ishq Ibadat.’

Zarnish is yet to make any such announcement, however, she removed all of her prior images and reels from Instagram after performing Umrah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, indicating her exit from the glamour world. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the Ḥajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The actress’ Instagram now has only Islamic posts.

Zarnish uploaded images on Instagram from her religious pilgrimage.  The star shared her journey on Instagram, describing how it changed her life in significant ways.

She has been a part of several hit dramas like ‘Aye Zindagi, ‘Susraal Mera,’ ‘Sehra Main Safar,’ ‘Laaj,’ among others.

In 2019, Bollywood actress Zaira Wasim, who hails from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, disassociated herself from the field of acting, saying “she was not happy with the line of work as it interfered with her faith and religion.” Many netizens saw her decision as a submission to the Islamic extremists in the valley, who have long opposed art and music.

Pawan Khera arrested from Delhi airport, gets interim bail from SC after urgent hearing within hours

On 23rd February 2023, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera was arrested by the Assam police at the Delhi airport after he was deplaned by IndiGo airlines. He was going to Raipur in Chhattisgarh with other Congress leaders to attend a party meeting. Almost 50 congress leaders protested at the terminal of the Delhi airport and raised slogans against PM Modi. One of the slogans said “Modi teri kabar khudegi” which means “Modi you will be buried”.

Pawan Khera was apprehended at the airport by Assam Police, who arrived with an FIR. FIRs are registered against the Congress leader for his indecent remarks against PM Modi and his father, as per reports.

Pawan Khera was stopped from boarding the plane as the Assam police had requested to stop him. Dozens of Congress leaders walked off the plane and protested on the tarmac at Delhi Airport, chanting slogans and holding a protest directly close to the jet.

This came after Himanta Biswa Sarma had said, “Make no mistake- pathetic remarks by courtier Pawan Khera on PM’s father have blessings of the top levels of Congress, which is full of entitlement and disdain against a person of humble origins being PM. India will not forget or forgive these horrible remarks of Congressmen.”

At 11:30 pm on Monday, Indian National Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera made the remarks against the Prime Minister at a press conference in Delhi. PM Modi’s full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi. Pawan Khera, while accusing Narendra Modi of favouring businessman Gautam Adani, called him Narendra Gautamdas Modi. He further said that his full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi but his actions are like Gautamdas (literally meaning a servant of Gautam). Cases were registered by BJP leaders against the Congress spokesperson in Lucknow and Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh.

According to a report by NDTV, IndiGo Airline said, “A passenger was deplaned by the police at the Delhi airport from Raipur-bound flight 6E 204. Some other passengers have also decided to deboard on their own accord. We are following the advice of the concerned authorities. The flight is delayed as of now and we regret the inconvenience caused to other passengers.”

During the protests before getting arrested, Pawan Khera said, “I was told that there is an issue with my baggage, though I only had hand baggage. They told me you can’t fly. Then they said the DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) will meet you. I have been waiting for a long time. There is no sign of law and order.”

Congress leader KC Venugopal tweeted, “Modi government is acting like a bunch of goons by deplaning Pawan Khera from the Delhi-Raipur flight and preventing him from joining the AICC Plenary. Using a flimsy FIR to restrict his movement and silence him is a shameful, unacceptable act. The entire party stands with Pawan ji.”

As per latest reports, senior advocate and former Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi has reached Supreme Court with an appeal against the arrest. The SC will hear the issue at 3 pm.

As per the latest reports, the Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Pawan Khera. The Supreme Court has also issued notice to Assam Police & UP Police on Congress leader Pawan Khera’s plea seeking clubbing of FIRs.

‘Kash hamein Modi mil jaye’: Pakistani man wishes Narendra Modi was Pakistan’s Prime Minister

A video clip has gone viral on social media in which a Pakistani man is heard showering praises on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and slamming the Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif over the latter’s failure on controlling the skyrocketing inflation in the crisis-hit country. In the viral clip, the Pakistani man said that Pakistan would have been in a better state had Narendra Modi been the Prime Minister of Pakistan. 

The viral clip is taken from a longer video posted by a Pakistani YouTuber Sana Amjad, who asked the Pakistani man seen in the clip about the slogan ‘Pakistan Se Zinda Bhaago, Chahe India Jaao’ (run away from Pakistan for your life, even to India) that is being raised on the streets of Pakistan. 

Responding to this, the Pakistani local expressed his displeasure over being born in Pakistan. He lamented over India’s partition in 1947 saying that ‘had the entire Hind (India) and Pak been one country he and other Pakistanis would have been able to buy essential commodities at fair costs’. He adds that Pakistan does not need anyone among the Pakistani politicians but Prime Minister Narendra Modi who could bring the wrong people of our country on the right path. 

“I wish Pakistan and India were never partitioned. Then, we would buy vegetables for PKR 20 per kg, chicken for PKR 150 per kg, and petrol for PKR 50 per liter. It is regrettable that Allah got us an Islamic nation but you see Modi is way better. You see how he is sincere towards his people, wish we could have Modi. We do not need Benazir (Bhutto), Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, or Parvez Mussharraf, we need Modi, who would bring our people on the right track. Modi has taken his country’s economy ahead making it the fifth-biggest economy in the world,” the Pakistani local said.

“I’m ready to live under Modi’s leadership in Pakistan. Modi is a great man. He is not a bad person. You see today t tomatoes and chicken are available to Indians at affordable prices. You begin hating the nation you were born in when you can’t arrange bread (roti) for your kids at night,” he added.

Moreover, he also slammed the Pakistani media for feeding hatred against India to the Pakistani people saying that had the Pakistani media told the people of Pakistan that India is not an enemy but a friend, the prices of vegetables, chicken, and other essential commodities would fall. 

Furthermore, the Pakistani youth also asserted that there is no comparison between India and Pakistan as India is way too big. “We have no comparison with India, India is big brother, way too big than Pakistan. We should accept that we are smaller than them, there is nothing wrong with that, and we need to give our false ego. We compare ourselves with India in everything but we need to first come to their level. ”

This comes after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently said that Pakistan has already defaulted, amid growing fears that the cash-strapped country could go bankrupt, and has blamed the establishment, bureaucracy, and politicians for the current economic catastrophe.

Pakistan-IMF meeting over bail-out fails

The talks for a much-needed bailout package between International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan failed earlier this month, posing a serious question about the country’s ability to repay international loans. Pakistan is in talks with the IMF on a $1.1 billion funding round, which is part of a $6.5 billion bailout package signed in 2019. While an IMF team was in Pakistan to discuss the deal, the talks collapsed as they failed to reach a staff-level agreement within the stipulated time. Following this, Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling coalition decided to significantly increase tax rates to meet with IMF’s conditions.

Hindi films are too vulgar: Bangladeshi actor protests release of Bollywood movie Pathaan in the country

Following an eight-year wait, a Hindi film will finally be released in Bangladesh. Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, will be the first Hindi film to be released in Bangladesh after an 8-year-long wait. Yet, even before its release, the film is receiving criticism in the country, notably from Dipjol, a veteran actor in the Bangla film industry.

Opposing the release, the actor said that Hindi films have obscene scenes and songs that don’t fit the culture of Bangladesh.

The actor shared his displeasure over Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information’s decision to allow the release of Hindi films in the country. He stated that the Bangladeshi film industry is striving to produce high-quality films to appeal to all audiences. He further claimed that importing Hindi films would have a significant negative impact on the local film industry.

He said that the move will affect local cinema and that Hindi films are not in line with the country’s ‘social culture’.

According to a report in The Daily Star, the actor said, “We are trying to make quality movies to impress the audience. If Hindi films are imported then our movies will be severely affected. In the past few months, some of our movies have done extremely well in the theatres which has helped people to come to the cinema hall. Our audience wants to see movies that represent our tradition with their families.” 

The actor also said that Bollywood films have vulgar scenes and hence, they should not be screened in Bangladesh. “Their movies have many vulgar songs and scenes. They do not go with our social culture. We present a more clean and family-oriented entertainment to our audience. We try to give moral lessons to our audience in the form of entertainment,” said Dipjol.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, the spy action film Pathaan follows the story of an exiled RAW field operative, played by Shah Rukh Khan, who is tasked with bringing down Jim, a former RAW agent-turned-rogue terrorist played by actor John Abraham. Deepika Padukone essays the role of a Pakistani ISI agent, Rubina, who helps Shah Rukh Khan in his mission.

Even prior to its release, the film had struck controversy twice over its songs. In Besharam Rang, actress Deepika Padukone was seen wearing a Saffron bikini that hurt religious sentiments. On the other hand, Jhoome Jo Pathaan was mocked as music directors Vishal Shekhar reused their old composition instead of coming up with a new one.