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Malikappuram: Why the audience in Kerala and the world showered so much love on the movie on Lord Ayyappa

Sharmi Adhikary
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Malikappuram: Why the audience in Kerala and the world showered so much love on the movie on Lord Ayyappa

When Sabarimala came into the eye of a storm a few years ago due to the fracas over permitting temple entry to women of menstruating years, I doubt whether most of those who grabbed the opportunity to gain some attention by opining on the subject even bothered to delve into the history that predates the place, the traditions and customs involved in the worshipping of Swami Ayyappa in Kerala. All those who strongly opposed the age-old beliefs followed in the place perhaps didn’t even know the whys and hows of it. Or what makes thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple to pay their respect to their God. In the noise on the issue, not much was said about the devotion or love that defies legal reasoning.

In fact, the pro-left and Islamic lobbies in the Kerala film industry saw it as an opportune moment to defame the faith behind Sabarimala further. In 2021, Jeo Baby’s immensely successful The Great Indian Kitchen tried to prove how men who are devoted to Swami Ayyappa are misogynistic and patriarchal at home. They insensitively abuse their wives for their selfish sexual needs. The agenda wasn’t exactly subtle in the ‘feminist’ drama targeted to malign Sabarimala in particular and religious Hindu men in general.

The recently released Thattassery Koottam, directed by Anoop, wasn’t that vicious, but casually commented how a Hindu lad, though a Sabarimala volunteer, has a glad eye and is a foul-mouthed lothario. He lazily shirks family duties as well. While it is not our place to comment on the legalities regarding the Sabarimala case it is amusing how the Malayalam film industry has never really broached the topic objectively. There are hardly any movies showcasing the faith that drives people to Lord Ayyappa or delve into why women do not mind waiting for their time to come to meet him. How the restraint is woven into the very fabric of the faith.

There seems to be a shift in the narrative though. The epilogue of Vishnu Mohan’s surprise hit Meppadiyan released last year showed the protagonist take a pilgrimage to Sabarimala after sorting out issues in his life when he is duped by Islamic property sharks. This was a rare montage depicting the lead flaunting his Hindu identity unapologetically. The actor Unni Mukundan seems to have taken off from that well-written work to deep dive into exploring not just Sabarimala in his latest blockbuster Malikappuram but also other concepts of Sanatan Dharma. No wonder, after the unprecedented success of SS Rajamouli’s RRR and Rishabh Shetty’s Kantara, the audience in Kerala first, and then the world, showered love and laurels on the film that celebrates Hindu iconographies proudly, without any monkey balancing. After being thoroughly bored with movies that repeatedly indulged in anti-Hindu agenda peddling, families went back to the theatres to enjoy something that invoked the true essence of Swami Ayyappa in their minds.

Vishnu Sasi Shankar’s movie might seem like a simple story with two child protagonists, but the thought-provoking writing by Abhilash Pillai drives home certain significant points about Sanatan Dharma, beliefs, customs and ultimately the core values of a family system that urban Indians seemed to be gradually losing connect with. For instance, Kallu’s strong urge to meet Lord Ayyappa is not divorced from the story telling sessions she enjoys with her muthassi. Stories from ancient Upanishads, Puranas and Hindu religious texts were always told by grandparents to their grandchildren earlier when the joint family system formed the basis of a Bharatiya social setup. These carried forward folklore traditions. Kallu too, hears tales of wonder and valour from her grandma and father that instill in her a heartfelt desire to travel to Sabarimala. Guided by her deep faith and devout instinct, the eight-year-old requests ‘her Ayyappa’ to take her to meet the Lord.

The story is a celebration of the strength in beliefs. So strong and real it is that while leading the children, Mukundan’s character, in response to Piyoosh’s doubts, refers to the jungle as his ‘sthalam’ and then casually brushes away the boy’s fear of a roaming elephant by calling it ‘our Ganesha’. It is quite telling how not just Kallu but the audience also envisages Mukundan as Swami Ayyappa then, as he dozes off in a seated stance, lulled by the distant melody of Yesudas’s ethereal rendition of Harivarasanam.

His closed eyes and content demeanour calms as well as reassures those witnessing the imagery. It is these buildups in the journey of Kallu to her destination that makes Malikappuram such a relevant, satisfying and exciting tale. Because unless the Lord is ready to meet the devotee, there is nothing that can drive the difficult journey. In a spectacularly shot sequence where Kallu walks up the 18 celestial steps, it is this very truth depicted about a devotee’s extreme faith that ultimately steers him towards the Almighty. The chaos around a faithful is silenced as utmost reverence bridges the distance between the man and the God he loves and believes in. What a splendid moment captured in cinema by Vishnu Narayanan, for posterity!

Offering a nuanced approach to the revered subject of Sabarimala, Malikappuram also explores the concept of Tat Tvam Asi, the profound philosophy embedded in Sanatan Dharma through the words of Swami Haneef (a masterstroke in casting that highlights its power to welcome all believers in its fascinating fold) as he disentangles the reasons why his colleague rescues and helps the children. Therein lies the attraction of this languid but sensitively written film showcasing the gravity of a devotion that makes pilgrims throng to Sabarimala frequently to pay their obeisance to Swami Ayyappa. God appears in the form of humans before those who have absolute faith in divinity. You are what you seek, remarks Swami Haneef.

The narrative is not devoid of characters who make us question the very tenet of human values and strength. For instance, while it isn’t clear whether Ajayan ends his life to evade monetary hassles or due to the humiliation he faces in the hands of a ruthless loan shark, there is no denying that his decision reeks of weak personality. Similarly, crooks like Mahi tend to bring disrepute to holy places. However, the bad is balanced by good. That is the sacred beauty of Bharat—a land of punya, tolerance and harmony. The evil in humans must be destroyed by the divine in them. That is our Dharma, and this order in peace and chaos is what takes one closer to Swami Ayyappa one step at a time.

Kerala govt issues notice to Asianet anchor for criticising a CPI(M) organised bandh, while party accuses Modi govt of harming press freedom

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala govt issues notice to Asianet anchor for criticising a CPI(M) organised bandh, while party accuses Modi govt of harming press freedom

A prominent journalist and host of the Asianet TV channel Vinu V. John has long been the target of animosity from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala. In a new development, the incident from 2022, where the anchor condemned the Bandh (strike), has landed him in trouble yet again.

On February 20, the inspector of Cantonment Police Station issued a fresh summon ordering the anchor to appear before him on February 23. He is also directed to adhere to the litany of conditions dictated in the notification.

John talked to the news agency IANS and informed that he will comply with it.

Background of the issue

The incident took place on March 28, 2022 when John was anchoring the news bulletin at Malayalam TV news channel, Asianet News. A patient who was being transported in an auto rickshaw had to suffer harassment and delays because of the bandh called by the Communist party.

The auto driver, a person named Yasir Muthoor, was assaulted by the Communist goons in Malappuram for daring to defy the bandh and trying to take a patient to the hospital. Anchor Vinu John had criticised the CPM for the attack on the man.

John, who works with Asianet News, had questioned CPIM Rajya Sabha MP Elamaram Kareem, who sought to trivialise the assault by his party goons. It must be mentioned that the ‘failed’ Bharat Bandh was observed by the Communist party between March 28 and March 29 in 2022.

The anchor expressed his anger over the issue and questioned, “If anyone did such a thing to Elamaram Kareem (trade unionist and a member of CPI-M), what would have happened,” in his debate show, drawing the fury of the ruling party.

Kerala saw a bandh (shutdown) organized by 22 central trade unions on March 28-29, when protesters physically took over the state’s streets as residents fled for cover. There were reports of altercations in certain locations as people attempted to open their shops during the bandh.

Following John’s statement, Kareem, who is CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member, declared that he will file a grievance with the police commissioner as well as the Rajya Sabha chair. On April 28 of that year, a case was brought against the former, and a FIR was registered under several sections of the Indian Criminal Code (IPC).

The Peroorkada Area Committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) called for demonstrations against John and his isolation. Furthermore, the unit plastered posters at his residence.

A few days afterwards, trade union workers from all political parties, aside from the BJP, marched to the news station to express their outrage at John’s remark.

CPM pretends to advocate free media, criticises even an Income Tax survey as a political vendetta of the Modi govt

This action by the state government is viewed as an effort to stifle and punish media for expressing their right to free speech.

Earlier, Sitaram Yechury, party’s general secretary, released an official statement in defence of BBC. He attacked the central government for conducting income tax surveys in the offices of the controversial British news agency.

The leftist party, which hails itself as a supporter of media freedom in the country, has chosen to take a very different course when it came to criticism directed against them.

Modi govt to invite bids for auction of Lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir by June: report

OpIndia Staff
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Modi govt to invite bids for auction of Lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir by June: report

Days after the Geological Survey of India (GSI) discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central government is set to invite bids for the auction of the country’s first Lithium reserve. 

According to a Mint report, the bids will be invited by the centre in the first quarter of June this year. 

This comes after the Geological Survey of India, for the first time found Lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir earlier this month.

Citing a government official, Mint reported that like any other government auction, this will also be open to all, with one key condition: “The government will mandate that lithium is refined only in India and not sent abroad for processing.”

It is pertinent to note that India does not have a Lithium refining facility. The Modi government, on the other hand, has already set a target of having EV sales account for 30% of private automobiles, 70% of commercial vehicles, and 80% of two- and three-wheelers by 2030, citing an urgent need to decarbonize the transportation sector.

Back in 2021, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stated that India would be able to reduce its consumption of crude oil by 156 million tonnes, or Rs 3.5 lakh crore, if electric vehicle penetration reached 40% in the two-wheeler and car segment and close to 100% in the case of buses by 2030.

UNFC classification

Notably, the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC), a three-dimensional approach that takes geological, feasibility, and economic considerations into account, is used to analyze the assessment of the mineral concession. The four stages of the geological axis are reconnaissance (G4), prospecting (G3), general exploration (G2), and detailed exploration (G1).

According to UNFC, the G3 category or inferred resource is described as amounts associated with a recognized deposit that can be approximated with a low degree of confidence. Resources that can be approximated in terms of quantity, grade, or quantity based on geological evidence, sparse sampling, and reasonably presumed, but unconfirmed, geological and grade continuity is referred to as inferred resources.

Lithium- ‘White Gold’

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal that has earned the moniker “white gold” due to its great demand in the global energy markets. Lithium serves a variety of purposes and is an essential part of the electrochemical cells used in the batteries for electric vehicles, laptops, smartphones, and other electronic gadgets.

The discovery of a lithium resource in Jammu and Kashmir can help India meet its goals of decreasing emissions and reaching net zero by 2070. This can be achieved by providing Lithium, a vital component for electric car batteries.

It is worth noting that while “reserves” are a subset of resources that are economically viable to extract, “resources” refers to an approximate quantity of a geological commodity in discovered and undiscovered deposits.

According to International Energy Agency (IEA), the world could face a Lithium shortage by the year 2025. Amidst a significant rise in demand for electric vehicles, India can play a crucial role by addressing the global shortages. 

As per a World Economic Forum (WEF) report, Lithium supply is constrained not just by rising demand but also by resources concentrated in a few regions and the fact that more than half of current production takes place in regions with significant water stress. Notably, the “Lithium Triangle” countries of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile hold an estimated 60% of global lithium reserves.

According to a report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), India would have a battery storage capacity of 27,000 Megawatts by 2029–30. If India manages to deal with the challenges ahead, this discovery of the Lithium reserve can prove to be a game-changer for India.

‘Gautam Navlakha is a part of the ISI nexus’: NIA opposes bail plea of the Bhima Koregaon violence accused

Gopal Tiwari
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‘Gautam Navlakha is a part of the ISI nexus’: NIA opposes bail plea of the Bhima Koregaon violence accused

On 22nd February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the bail plea filed by the urban naxal Gautam Navlakha in the Bombay High Court saying that the accused had connections with a Pakistani ISI agent arrested in the US. The court will hear the next arguments on this bail petition on 27th February 2023.

NIA contended, “Gautam Navlakha was introduced to a Pakistani ISI General for his recruitment by Ghulam Nabi Fai on the direction of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), showing his nexus and complicity with Ghulam Nabi Fai and Pakistani ISI.” Further the NIA has also submitted that “Ghulam Nabi Fai was arrested by the FBI in July 2011 for accepting funds from ISI and Pakistan Government, but failed to report the origin of those funds, as required by US law.”

NIA further said, “It is established that, accused Gautan Navlakha had written a letter to the Hon’ble Judge of the US Court, trying Ghulam Fai’s case for clemency. Accused Gautam Navlakha had also submitted letters to Hon’ble US Court on behalf of Fai.”

While arguing against the bail plea by the urban naxl accused in the Elgaar Parishad case, NIA has quoted the ISI connection of the accused as said in the charge sheet against Gautam Navlakha in October 2020.

The National Investigation Agency in its charge sheet claimed that accused Gautam Navlakha had links with Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency ISI and he had sought mercy for ISI agent Ghulam Nabi Fai, who is convicted in the United States for terror funding.

The charge-sheet further mentions that Navlakha was introduced to the Pakistani ISI General Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai on the instructions of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was in touch with the ISI agent over phone and email.

Gautam Navlakha sought clemency for Pakistani ISI agent in US court

Navlakha had reportedly visited the United States thrice in the period between 2010-2011 and written to a US district court judge seeking clemency for Fai, who was arrested by the FBI in 2011 on the charges of accepting funds to the tunes of several million from the ISI and the Pakistan government.

Citing the US court order from 2012, the NIA charge-sheet read: “Ghulam Nabi Fai was arrested by the FBI in July 2011 for accepting funds from ISI and Pakistan Government, but failed to report the origin of those funds, as required by US law. It is established that, accused Gautam Navlakha had written a letter to the Hon’ble Judge of the US court trying Ghulam Fai’s case for clemency. Accused Gautam Navlakha has also submitted letters to Hon’ble US court on behalf of Fai.”

Elgar Parishad-Bhima Koregaon case

The Elgar Parishad-Bhima Koregaon case pertains to an event organised at Shaniwar Wada called Elgar Parishad on December 31, 2017. The following day, i.e January 1, 2018, large scale violence broke out at Bhima Koregaon, where lakhs of Dalits had gathered to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, won by the British Army—comprising mostly soldiers from Dalit community—against the Peshwas in 1818.

An FIR was filed in connection with the violence on January 8 after which Pune Police kickstarted a probe into it. According to the police, arrested ‘activists’ claiming that the event was organised as a part of alleged Maoist activity and the accused were members of the proscribed group.

‘Young and energetic’ journalist reaches the wrong terminal of Mumbai airport, blames Modi. Here is how to check your terminal

Nirwa Mehta
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‘Young and energetic’ journalist reaches the wrong terminal of Mumbai airport, blames Modi. Here is how to check your terminal

One Ujjwal Trivedi, who identifies himself as a ‘young and energetic’ journalist, on Wednesday, took to Twitter to share his woes about inadvertently reaching the wrong terminal at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mumbai International Airport and proceeded to question PM Modi and India’s development story.

Trivedi said he was taking an early morning flight from Mumbai to Bangaluru and he reached ‘Mumbai International Airport’ because his ‘boarding pass’ said so. However, upon reaching, he was informed by the CISF there that he had reached the wrong terminal and his flight will depart from the domestic terminal. At this point, Trivedi gets flabbergasted and after a lot of hurdles manages to reach the domestic terminal because he was ‘young and energetic’.

However, he put up a word of caution for PM Modi and the ministry of civil aviation to be clearer in communication especially when we are moving ahead by leaps and bounds and even hosting events such as G20 summits. He said that his ticket clearly said that his flight was from the international airport, when in fact, it was taking off from the domestic terminal.

To prove his point, he shared a screenshot of what he referred to as his ‘boarding pass’.

Ujjwal Trivedi’s ticket

However, if one notices properly, the above is an itinerary, that is details of his tickets. Here is a full screenshot of his ticket retrieved from the Akasa Air website with help of PNR which can be seen in the above screenshot.

Ujjwal Trivedi’s ticket

As one can see in the above screenshot, his ticket has details that his flight departs from Mumbai T1 – which is the domestic terminal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Terminal 2 at the airport is used for international flights, however, a small number of domestic flights also operate from there.

Mumbai only has one airport that serves commercial flights, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. However, it has terminals, T1 and T2, for domestic and international flights. This is usually the case for all international airports. For example, Ahmedabad has Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. However, the same airport premises has a domestic terminal and an international terminal. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has three terminals, T1, T2 and T3.

Various flights operate from various terminals in such airports with multiple terminals. When one books a ticket from a particular airport with multiple terminals, the terminal number is mentioned on the boarding pass. One obtains a boarding pass by carrying out web check-in and getting a copy of the same, or by approaching the check-in counter at the airport. The departure terminal number is also displayed on various flight booking sites and the airline’s website/app. Generally, the assigned terminal for a flight does not change.

Ujjwal Trivedi mistook the two different terminals at the Mumbai airport to be different airports. But actually, they are separate terminals located in the same airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mumbai International Airport. When international flights from an airport, it is called an international airport, it does not mean it serves only international flights. While different terminals provide customer services to different airlines and flights, the operational part remains centralised. All flights still use the same runways, controlled by the same ATC tower using the same radar and other services. In fact, most airports also have separate cargo terminals, but they are still parts of the same airport.

Indigo boarding pass

This is what the boarding pass looks like. As one can see, it has details of the departure of flight, from which terminal at the departure airport to which terminal at the destination airport. In the above case, the flight took off rm Terminal 1 (T1) of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and arrived at Terminal 1 (T1) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. However, both these terminals are ‘domestic’ terminals, i.e., usually, domestic flights take off from there. But, they are both part of the same international airports.

The ticket, as well as the boarding pass, have clear details of the terminals from which the flight will depart, and on which terminal the passenger will arrive at the destination airport. This is standard international practice and caveat emptor. Let the buyer beware. It is not PM Modi or Civil Aviation ministry’s job to educated ‘young and energetic’ journalists to see where to find details of their terminal on their ticket.

In case of airports such as Delhi, the airport runs a shuttle service connecting the two terminals. Delhi airport’s terminal 2 and terminal 3 are also connected such that one can walk between to terminals. Similarly, Ahmedabad airport also has a walkway connectivity between two terminals.

Surat: Woman commits suicide, audio of conversation with her father blaming in-laws goes viral on social media

OpIndia Staff
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Surat: Woman commits suicide, audio of conversation with her father blaming in-laws goes viral on social media

A 29-year-old woman, Monica Vekaria of the Varaccha area, Greater Surat, Gujarat, committed suicide recently. Her father has filed a complaint against her in-laws for abetment of suicide. As per reports, Surat police have made few arrests in the matter. Now, an audio of the conversation between Monica and her father has gone viral on social media. In the phone call, the woman accused the family of her in-laws for forcing her to take the ultimate decision.

The conversation between the daughter and father took place shortly before her death. During the conversation, Monica said that though she wanted to live, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law mistreated her. She also alleged they might kill her.

Excerpts of the conversation between the two:

Monica: Dad, where are you?

Father: I am here in the office.

Monica: I feel like I want to live, but my uncle, my mother-in-law, and Jasmine are mistreating me.

Father: Why are you saying this?

Monica: I want to live, but it seems like they will kill me, put something in my food….My mother-in-law threatens that my girl is mamlatdar.

Father: Even if she says, what are you doing?

Monica: I feel terrified.

Father: Whatever happens, you have to stay there quietly. Refrain from getting confused.

Monica: So disconnect the phone now.

Father: Stop calling so much.

In the audio, Monica was crying and saying she wanted to live, but her mother-in-law, sister-in-law and Jasmine misbehaved with her. “I want to live, but it feels like someone will kill me or put something in my food. My mother-in-law threatens me. I feel terrified,” she told her father. To which her father said she need not worry. He also insisted that she has to live with her in-laws quietly.

As per reports, Monica got married six years ago. She lived with her husband, Tanish Vekaria, in Israel for a few years. Recently, they came to India for his brother’s wedding. Her family alleged that her in-laws were consistently harassing her. They also alleged her husband had an extramarital affair, and they forced her to divorce him. The family alleged their daughter was poisoned.

The girl’s father said, “From her conversation, it seems my daughter has been tortured for some time now. However, she lived there with understanding. She did not take it seriously initially, but from her statement, it appeared she was being tortured for a few days. Even before her death, she spoke to me. Finally, my daughter has been killed.”

Monica’s family has filed a complaint against seven members of her in-laws’ family at Surat Police Station. An FIR under the section relevant to the abetment of suicide has been registered, and so far, three accused have been arrested. The remaining four are absconding. Police have initiated a process to bring her husband, India, who is currently living in Israel.

Nitish Kumar capable of leading Bihar as CM even in 2030: JD(U)

OpIndia Staff
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Nitish Kumar capable of leading Bihar as CM even in 2030: JD(U)

On February 22, senior party leader KC Tyagi stated that Nitish Kumar could be the CM candidate even in the 2030 Assembly election. The statement came a day after JD (U) National President Lalan Singh declared that the chief ministerial candidate for the grand alliance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election would be decided at that time.

Tyagi said, “Nitish’s health is fine, and his political career is also rising. JD(U) means Nitish, and he is fulfilling his responsibilities well as there is no challenge to his leadership.”

Following Lalan Singh’s remarks, Tyagi stated that JD(U) president played a vital role in joining the grand alliance. His statement should not be misunderstood. Speaking on the performance of JD(U) in the elections and Upendra Kushwaha’s resignation from the party, Tyagi stated JD(U) won 118 seats in the 2010 state assembly elections and formed government independently. He said, “I do not believe that the party’s support base broadens or shrinks due to the inclusion or exclusion of any leader. Nitish’s image and capability are not in doubt.”

Notably, Kushwaha resigned from the party and accused Nitish of mortgaging the party in the hands of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD by projecting deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav as his political successor. Later, Kushwaja formed Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD).

After joining hands with the ‘great alliance’ to form government in Bihar, CM Nitish Kumar has shown special affection for deputy CM Yadav. He has stated the RJD leader would take care of the state in the future. He also stated in 2025, Tejashwi would lead the grand alliance in state assembly elections. His statement irked several leaders in the party and led to Kushwaha’s resignation on February 20.

Before quitting, Kushwaha called on JD(U) president Singh to convene a national executive meeting to clarify if any deal was made before the party joined the grand alliance to form a government in the state. Notably, there are speculations that Nitish Kumar is planning to enter national politics in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and form an alliance with the opposition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If it happens, Tejashwi Yadav will probably become the Chief Minister of the state.

Pakistan: 17-year-old Hindu girl in Sindh kidnapped and converted to Islam; police claim she converted of her own will

ANI
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Pakistan: 17-year-old Hindu girl in Sindh kidnapped and converted to Islam; police claim she converted of her own will

A 17-year-old Hindu girl in Pakistan’s Sindh was kidnapped and converted to Islam.

The minor is a resident of Naukot, Mirpur Khas district in Sindh province in Pakistan. According to her family, the girl was kidnapped on February 15 from Naukot market where she had gone with her younger brother to purchase vegetables.

Her younger brother said the girl was being taunted by one Rouf, a resident of Umerkot and his two friends. On February 15, when the siblings reached Naukot market, Rouf along with his friends forcefully took the girl away with them.

The girl’s father Ramesh Bheel said that the Naukot Police only made entries in the records of missing persons and had not registered the FIR against Rouf and his friends.

Bheel said that the police personnel stressed that she must have left with Rouf of her own will and he should wait another week before a kidnapping case can be registered against the accused.

On February 19, Naukot Police called the father and gave him a copy of the certificate dated February 18 which mentioned that the girl had embraced Islam of her own free will. Police said the girl’s name has also been changed after the conversion.

According to Inspector, Naukot Police Station, “the girl in a telephone call confirmed her acceptance of Islam and said she desires to reside with Rouf’s family in SamandKhala, Umarkot.”

The girl’s father now fears that he may not meet her daughter anymore as she would be married to her kidnapper when she turns major in three months.

Abduction, forcible conversion to Islam and marriage of Hindu girls, mostly minors to Muslims, continue unabated in various areas of Pakistan, particularly in Sindh without invoking any concern and attention of the administration, human rights organisations, mainstream media and social media platforms in Pakistan.

Australian Sikh Association demands AUD 40000 back from UK’s Khalsa Aid, says money was never used for charity work in India

OpIndia Staff
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Australian Sikh Association demands AUD 40000 back from UK’s Khalsa Aid, says money was never used for charity work in India

A letter, seeking the return of funds to the tune of AUD $40000 (INR 22.64 lakhs) from Khalsa Aid, has been doing the rounds of the internet.

Dated November 20, 2022, the letter accused the pro-Khalistani ‘charity’ organisation of not having a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence to collect foreign funds. It bore the signature of one Albel Singh Kang, the company secretary of the Australian Sikh Association (ASA).

Addressed to the management of ‘Khalsa Aid UK’, the letter said, “Australian Sikh Association had donated AUD $40000 for flood relief in Punjab’s Mand Area to Khalsa Aid UK.”

Screengrab of the letter by ASA

It emphasised, “But it has been brought to the Australian Sikh Association’s attention that Khalsa Aid UK has never applied for FCRA to send funds to Punjab from the UK.”

While accusing the pro-Khalistani outfit of not sending money for relief work, the letter added, “Nor has Khalsa Aid UK sent any money from the UK to India. All the photos that we see of Sangar’s efforts in India are from funs collected locally in India.”

Albel Singh Kang sought the return of funds from Khalsa Aid UK, saying that he believed that the donation was not used for flood relief work. “Please do not point to your audited charity statements on Charity Commission in UK, we know how understaffed these agencies are,” he highlighted.

While slamming the ‘charity’ outfit, the letter concluded, “Please also do not lobby community members to represent you on your behalf. Australian Sikh Association will collaborate directly with Sangat and Gundwara Sahib in Mand Area to provide belated flood relief.”

Khalsa AID had received AUD $40k from Glennwood Gurdwara Sahib

Opindia found a post on the timeline of the verified Facebook page of ‘Khalsa Aid International’ wherein it was seen thanking the ASA and the Glennwood Gurdwara Sahib for their charitable donation.

The post dated October 26, 2019, read, “Punjab Floods…Sydney Sangat from Glennwood Gurdwara Sahib donated generous amount of AUD $40000 towards Panjab flood relief. Our thanks to all Sangat and Management Committee of Glenwood Gurdwara Sahib / Australian Sikh Association. Thank you”

The post was also accompanied by pictures of Gurdwara officials handing over a large cheque to the ‘Khalsa Aid UK’ volunteers.

Opindia however could not trace the source of the letter, bearing the letterhead of ASA. As such, we have written a letter to the Gurdwara officials seeking their comments on the same. The article will be updated once we receive their reply.

‘Sign of weak and coward people’: Manish Sisodia after home ministry sanctioned prosecution against him in snooping case

OpIndia Staff
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‘Sign of weak and coward people’: Manish Sisodia after home ministry sanctioned prosecution against him in snooping case

In the Delhi Feedback Unit (FBU) snooping case, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) authorized the prosecution of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Corruption Act on 17 February. The request for prosecution sanction from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been approved by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who then passed it to the MHA.

Sisodia called the action ‘cowardly,’ adding that fabricating evidence to hurt opponents is a sign of weakness and cowards. “Many more allegations will be made against the Aam Aadmi Party as it grows,” tweeted the deputy chief minister of Delhi.

According to the CBI report, the alleged surveillance team was led by Manish Sisodia. “Till now, CBI, ED (Enforcement Directorate) and Delhi Police have registered 163 cases against us. However, BJP has not been able to prove even a single case. About 134 of these cases have been dismissed by the courts and in the rest of the cases also, the BJP-led Centre has been unable to provide any evidence. These cases are politically motivated,” AAP government has said earlier, refuting the charges.

Following AAP’s victory in Delhi in 2015, the Feedback Unit was established within the vigilance division, to inform the government about updates on various activities in different departments so that the government functions smoothly. However, it has been alleged in the CBI report that the unit was instead used to spy on political opponents. Reportedly, the unit snooped on union ministers, opposition political parties, MPs, the Lieutenant Governor’s office, media houses, leading businessmen and even judges of courts. The CBI had sought sanction to register FIR against Sisodia in the case.

The Aam Aadmi Party has denied the allegations calling the allegations politically motivated. Tha party said that there is no evidence to support the allegations.

Notably, the AAP leader Manish Sisodia is already on CBI’s radar in the liquor policy case where cartelization and monopolies were taking place in the liquor trade under the Delhi government’s new liquor policy.

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