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Impeachment for UCC, but silence on corruption: Opposition’s selective morality over justices Yadav and Verma exposed

श्रवण शुक्ल
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Impeachment for UCC, but silence on corruption: Opposition’s selective morality over justices Yadav and Verma exposed

A political storm has erupted over the alleged double standards of opposition MPs in handling judicial matters, as contrasting responses to cases involving two High Court judges—Justice Shekhar Yadav and Justice Yashwant Verma—have drawn widespread public attention and criticism.

Opposition MPs have strongly demanded the impeachment of Justice Shekhar Yadav following his alleged communal remarks during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event in December 2024. Justice Yadav was reported to have said, “This is Hindustan, and the country will run according to the majority,” while also supporting the Uniform Civil Code and criticizing certain Muslim community practices.

A total of 54 Rajya Sabha MPs, including members from the Congress, TMC, AAP, RJD, and other parties, signed an impeachment notice against him. However, discrepancies surfaced in the notice, with nine mismatched signatures and one MP’s signature appearing twice. Despite this, prominent leaders like Kapil Sibal have continued to push the demand, even threatening to approach the Supreme Court if the Vice President does not act on the notice.

In stark contrast, the same leaders have remained silent in the case of Justice Yashwant Verma, who faces serious allegations of corruption. In March 2025, a fire at his government residence in Delhi led firefighters to discover a large cache of burnt currency notes in a private storeroom accessible only to his family.

A Supreme Court committee comprising three judges submitted a 64-page report confirming the presence of the notes and claimed that Justice Verma and his private secretary attempted to influence fire officials to suppress the incident.

Despite the severity of the allegations, Justice Verma has neither resigned nor been assigned judicial work. The Supreme Court has recommended his dismissal, and impeachment proceedings are expected to begin soon. Nevertheless, opposition MPs, particularly Kapil Sibal, have defended him. Sibal praised Justice Verma as “one of the finest judges in the country” and accused the government of attempting to dismantle the collegium system.

Critics argue that this discrepancy in responses reflects the opposition’s selective approach driven by political convenience rather than principle. While the issue involving Justice Yadav has been framed as a communal concern, the silence over Justice Verma’s alleged corruption suggests a lack of consistent commitment to judicial integrity, observers say.

Social media users have also highlighted the apparent hypocrisy. “When a judge makes a communal remark, impeachment is demanded; but when cash is found at a judge’s home, he’s called the best,” one user wrote on X. Another remarked, “The opposition doesn’t mind corruption, they just need an issue to attack the government.”

Analysts believe that such selective outrage undermines the credibility of opposition parties and raises questions about their real priorities. “If political leaders genuinely want to uphold the judiciary’s independence and fight corruption, they must adopt a consistent stance across all cases, regardless of ideology,” a former judge noted.

As Parliament prepares to address both cases, the contrast in political reactions continues to fuel debate over ethics, impartiality, and the true motivations behind calls for judicial accountability.

India pushes to renegotiate Ganga water treaty as renewal nears: All you need to know about the treaty with Bangladesh

Anurag
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India pushes to renegotiate Ganga water treaty as renewal nears: All you need to know about the treaty with Bangladesh

India is pushing to revisit the landmark Ganga water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh amidst shifting political currents and rising pressure on the river’s resources. Notably, following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Soon after, India indicated that it wants to renegotiate the Ganga treaty due to increased domestic water needs.

The Ganga accord, which governs dry season flows of the river to downstream Bangladesh, is set to expire in 2026. It must be renewed by mutual consent if Bangladesh wants to continue receiving water uninterruptedly. However, Indian officials have reportedly told Dhaka that a new deal should reflect India’s growing development requirements.

Currently, the treaty spans a 30-year term. However, Indian officials want it to span only 10–15 years. India’s stance on the treaty has made Bangladesh anxious, especially at a time when India has already suspended the treaty with Pakistan. These recent developments have put a spotlight on the water needs of both India and Bangladesh, governed by a three-decade-old treaty.

Historical backdrop to the Ganga treaty

The Ganga River is the lifeblood of people in India and Bangladesh. Sharing its waters has been a sensitive issue for both countries. Tensions over water distribution date back to the 1950s, when India began constructing the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal to divert water towards Kolkata. It alarmed then East Pakistan downstream.

Flow of Ganga from India to Bangladesh through Farakka Barrage.

After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the two nations attempted interim solutions. In 1972, India and Bangladesh formed a Joint Rivers Commission (JRC). A short-term water-sharing agreement was reached in 1977. The five-year pact (1978–82) guaranteed Bangladesh a minimum flow. However, when it lapsed, the countries managed only ad-hoc memoranda until 1985.

There was no formal agreement on sharing water resources between India and Bangladesh for around a decade. During those years, India often diverted Ganga waters unilaterally in the dry seasons, putting strains on the relations with Bangladesh. By the mid-1990s, both sides recognised a long-term treaty was needed to resolve the Farakka Barrage dispute and ensure fair division of the Ganga’s flow.

Signing of the 1996 Ganga waters pact

India and Bangladesh held negotiations that went on for a long time. Finally, on 12th December 1996, the then Prime Minister of India, H. D. Deve Gowda, and the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, signed a water-sharing deal. The accord was hailed as a breakthrough that ended decades of tensions between the two nations over the river.

Bangladesh saw the treaty as a crucial requirement for securing dry-season water for its farmers and ecosystems. On the other hand, India saw it as a way to maintain cooperation with a friendly neighbour and address West Bengal’s needs for irrigation and for flushing silt from Kolkata’s port.

Interestingly, the deal came at a time of warming ties. The newly formed Hasina government in Dhaka was interested in having a good relationship with India, and India’s United Front government was flexible in ensuring good relations with the eastern neighbour. The 1996 treaty was to last 30 years, through 2026, with the possibility of renewal by mutual consent. It was the first comprehensive water-sharing agreement between the two countries since Bangladesh gained independence.

Key provisions of the water-sharing deal

The Ganga water treaty laid out a formula for dividing the river’s flow at Farakka during the crucial dry season, which runs between 1st January and 31st May. Using historical flow data from 1949 to 1988 as a baseline, it allocated water based on measured availability in 10-day blocks.

To understand it in simpler terms, when the Ganga’s flow is low, India and Bangladesh split it equally. However, when the flow is higher, India gets a fixed share.

The flow is considered low at Farakka when it is 70,000 cusecs or less. In this case, both countries receive 50 per cent of the water.

When the flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, it is considered to be medium, and Bangladesh gets 35,000 cusecs while India gets the remainder.

However, when the river flow exceeds 75,000 cusecs, India is entitled to 40,000 cusecs and the rest of the water goes to Bangladesh.

The treaty ensures each country gets a minimum of 35,000 cusecs of Ganga water in alternating periods during the direst part of the season, that is, between 11th March and 10th May. These guaranteed allotments in late spring are aimed at preventing extreme shortages of water, especially at the time of highest irrigation demand.

However, there is no absolute minimum flow guarantee if the Ganga’s volume falls abnormally low. Instead, Article II of the treaty says that if the flow drops below 50,000 cusecs in any 10-day period, the two governments will immediately consult and “make adjustments on an emergency basis according to principles of equity and no harm to either party”. This clause to consult was a compromise that reflects the variability of the river, rather than promising water that might not exist. In case extreme shortfalls occur, both countries agreed to negotiate over division of water.

The treaty was built on the existing Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission to administer the arrangement. A Joint Committee of technical officials from both sides was tasked with monitoring daily flows, exchanging data, and ensuring the schedule is implemented properly.

The Joint Committee typically meets three times a year to supervise compliance and address any operational concerns. If there are disagreements, they are to be resolved diplomatically through the JRC or by mutual agreement on other means. There are no provisions for third-party involvement in the discussion, unlike some other international water pacts.

Three decades of cooperation and contention

Almost 30 years have passed since the treaty was signed. It has largely kept the peace over a contentious resource. Both India and Bangladesh have abided by the seasonal water-sharing schedules to a considerable extent. They regularly exchange flow data to ensure transparency. Officials from both sides often cite the treaty as an example of neighbourly cooperation.

However, on several occasions, Bangladesh has voiced frustrations, especially during years when water flow was considerably low. Dhaka has argued that the treaty’s formula is based on 20th-century flow averages and does not guarantee the country’s rightful share in practice.

Some studies reportedly revealed that the actual water deliveries were short of those promised. Between 1997 and 2016, in 94 out of 300 ten-day periods, Bangladesh reportedly received less water at its Hardinge Bridge point than was recorded upstream at Farakka. Bangladesh claimed that it did not always get the full amount due.

Bangladesh even accused India of sometimes withholding water at the peak of Bangladesh’s needs, that is, during March and April, and then compensating by releasing more water later. While this technically meets the treaty terms, it was claimed to have undermined Bangladesh during the planting season.

Environmental and regional groups in Bangladesh also point to ecological harm. They claimed that the treaty focuses on water allocation at Farakka but ignores downstream impacts. For example, reduced dry-season flows in the Ganga, which is called the Padma in Bangladesh, have been linked to increased river salinity and the degradation of wetlands in southwest Bangladesh.

However, from the Indian perspective, the treaty has at times been viewed as overly generous to Bangladesh. Politicians in West Bengal have complained that their own farmers and cities face water shortages while India honours its commitments downstream.

The West Bengal government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has even objected to the process of renewing the treaty, calling it “unilateral” and demanding greater say in any new allocation. Indian officials have noted that the 1996 arrangement forced a change in how the Farakka Barrage operates. It was originally designed to divert 40,000 cusecs into a canal to sustain Kolkata’s busy port.

However, it now must release much of that water to Bangladesh during the dry months. This has reportedly led to siltation and lower navigability in Kolkata’s harbour, as well as cooling water shortages at the power plant in Farakka. India needs to acknowledge the issue and determine how long it needs to oblige the needs of its neighbour while keeping Indian citizens’ needs at par.

Ironically, even within India there are divergent complaints. Officials in Bihar, upriver from Farakka, have occasionally blamed the barrage for too much water during monsoons. The Farakka Barrage’s gates, when opened in the flood season, have been accused of worsening silting and floods in Bihar’s Ganga basin.

These internal contradictions show that there is a need to rethink the treaty to ensure there is a balance in water sharing between Indian states and Bangladesh.

Renewal and renegotiation in a changing climate

As the date of expiration of the 1996 treaty draws closer, India and Bangladesh have been preparing to negotiate a fresh agreement. In late 2023, the Government of India formed a committee, including representatives from West Bengal and Bihar, to assess domestic water needs from the Ganga.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has repeatedly emphasised that any reduction in its water share would result in a catastrophic situation in the country, as it depends on the Ganga for agriculture, fisheries, and drinking supply during the dry months. During Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Delhi in June 2024, her last before being ousted from office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that talks on treaty renewal would begin, emphasising the importance of bilateral relations.

In March 2025, technical teams from both sides met in Kolkata to jointly measure flows at Farakka and kick-start expert-level discussions on a new accord. One of the major factors that will shape the upcoming renegotiation is climate change. Scientists have warned that the flow of the Ganga is becoming more erratic, with longer droughts and intense rains.

A 2019 study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development projected that climate shifts could significantly alter the volumes of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers in the coming decades. It could potentially cause an abrupt decrease in water flow during the dry season after 2050. In the coming decades, such changes in flow would affect millions of people downstream.

Both sides have acknowledged that any new treaty must be more climate-resilient and should incorporate adaptive water-sharing rules for extreme conditions. Experts suggest that the revised treaty should include improved data sharing, joint flood management strategies, and flexibility in allocation schedules that can adjust to real-time water flow.

Not to forget, political undercurrents will also have an effect on the upcoming negotiations for a new treaty between India and Bangladesh. Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim government. India has hinted that it prefers to conclude major agreements with an elected government in Dhaka for greater legitimacy.

Furthermore, the interim government under Mohammad Yunus has developed close relations with China, which has prompted India to be more cautious. Nonetheless, both countries have strong incentives to renew cooperation over the Ganga. The treaty’s terms will decide the future of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh for decades to come. Letting the treaty lapse in 2025 could usher in uncertainty and distrust between the two nations.

There must be a balance between India’s developmental demands and Bangladesh’s existential need for water. It is not possible for India to continue with terms that were decided in the 1996 deal. Water sharing between any two countries has always required deft diplomacy, scientific management, and a spirit of compromise. The waters of the Ganga have kept flowing peacefully for 30 years. The next version of the Ganga water treaty will thus be more than a dry legal document. It will be a litmus test of the two nations’ ability to share a lifeline river while keeping India’s changed requirements a priority. As a fast-growing economy, India cannot afford to lose a major chunk of water that has the potential to change the future of its people.

Bangladesh: Muslim mob ambushes Durga temple, threatens Hindu devotees to vacate land or face demolition

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Muslim mob ambushes Durga temple, threatens Hindu devotees to vacate land or face demolition

On Monday (23rd June) night, a Muslim mob laid siege to a Hindu temple in Khilkhet neighbourhood in Dhaka city of Bangladesh and threatened devotees to vacate the land or face demolition.

According to reports, the extremists gathered outside the ‘Sri Sri Durga Mandir’ and gave an ultimatum to the Hindu devotees to remove the temple by 12 pm on Tuesday (24th June).

They vowed to demolish the Hindu temple if the minority Hindu community did not bow down to their diktat. The development was confirmed by a Hindu devotee named Suman Sudha.

Forced by circumstances, the local Hindu leaders approached the Khilket police.

While speaking about the matter, Inspector Mohammed Ashiqur Rehman said, “We have learnt about the incident. Our senior officials are trying to resolve the matter (by Tuesday).”

“Some Muslims went there and created a tense situation,” he conceded. Rehman later tried to downplay the ultimatum to uproot the Hindu temple as a result of ‘heated argument.’

He said, “We are looking into the whole matter so that no unpleasant situation is created.”

Recent cases of temple encroachment from bangladesh

On 21st June, a Muslim man named Abdul Ali attempted to encroach upon the 1400-year-old Shiv Chandi Mandir, which is situated on Lalmai Hills in the Comilla district of Bangladesh.

Ali built a makeshift tin house on the land of the Hindu temple and declared it as his ‘ancestral property.’ When a female devotee of the Shiv Chandi Mandir objected to the illegal encroachment, she was attacked by Ali and his men.

The victim was identified as Chandana Rahut. In the meantime, Abdul Ali claimed, “My father purchased this land. But in the records, it is recorded in the name of the temple. I have filed a case to correct the record.”

Dipak Saha, the President of the Shiv Chandi Mandir Committee, rubbished his claims and stated, “600 acres of land on the west side of the entrance gate is recorded in the name of the temple. Recently, we built a rest house on the land for the devotees. But on Saturday, he (Abdul Ali) encroached upon our land and built a house here.”

On 17th June, the Hindu community staged protest against attempts to encroach upon temple land and targeted attack on the President of the temple committee in Khagra Madhya Durgapur in Naogaon district of Bangladesh.

According to a Hindu protester, a local extremist named Maqsad and his radical supporters came to the area where two temples (Sanyas Mandir and Radha Govindo Mandir) are situated.

Maqsad and his men declared that the land on which the temples are built, along with the adjoining areas, belong to them.

The extremists got into a scuffle with the Hindu residents and threatened to kill if anyone dared to offer prayers at the temples. The Hindus present there put up an united front, forcing the extremists to flee the area.

On 16th June, the supporters of Maqsad attacked Atul Chandra Sarkar, the president of the Hindu temple committee, and injured him severely.

Israel promising “strong response” to ceasefire violations, Iran saying its hand is on the trigger: While Donald Trump is busy taking credit for peace, West Asia remains as tense as ever

OpIndia Staff
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Israel promising “strong response” to ceasefire violations, Iran saying its hand is on the trigger: While Donald Trump is busy taking credit for peace, West Asia remains as tense as ever

On Monday, June 23 (local time), the United States President Donald Trump announced “a complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran. The announcement came just hours after Tehran launched a missile attack at the American air base in Qatar in response to the US raids on 3 Iranian nuclear sites, a day earlier.

However, shortly after that, Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and said that he has ordered Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to “respond forcefully” to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran, reported The Times of Israel. He conveyed that Iran had violated the ceasefire by firing missiles, prompting him to order the military to attack Tehran.

Katz’s statement comes after Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Israel after a ceasefire was supposed to come into effect. Both missiles were intercepted. IDF Chief of Staff Lt General Eyal Zamir, in an ongoing assessment, said, “In light of the grave violation of the ceasefire by the Iranian regime, we will strike with force.”

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also issued a threat to Iran and declared, “Iran trembles,” on social media. Nonetheless, Iran refuted Israel’s claim that it launched a missile. Its ISNA news agency, denied allegations that the country had launched missiles against Israel following the implementation of the ceasefire.

Iran’s top security council also issued a warning, saying that Iranian security forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any Israeli transgressions, as it fired multiple missile volleys toward Israel, killing at least four people in the southern city of Beersheba, earlier on the morning of 24th June.

Meanwhile, the IDF Home Front Command said people in northern Israel can exit bomb shelters after the latest missile attack from Iran. Earlier, sirens were heard in Northern Israel amid a new ballistic missile attack from Iran. People who were present in the areas where sirens were heard have been asked to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.

The statement follows Israel’s announcement that it has agreed to US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire with Iran. Israel thanked Trump and the US for “their defensive support and for their participation in removing the Iranian nuclear threat.”

In a statement, Israel Prime Minister’s Office said, “In light of having achieved the objectives of the operation, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel agrees to the President’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire. Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire.”

“Israel thanks President Trump and the United States for their support in defense and their participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat,” he added.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also stated that if Israel halted its assaults by 4:00 a.m. (Tehran time), Iran will stop its retaliatory strikes.

Earlier, President Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire,” in what would bring about an end to the conflict just hours after Tehran targeted American Air bases in the Middle East. In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump said Israel and Iran would likely exchange final blows over the next six hours before the deal would come into place on 24th June.

“Iran will start the ceasefire and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the ceasefire and, upon the 24th Hour, an official end to the 12-Day War,” he stated. However, Israel had warned Iran that if it violated the agreement, it would strike back with all its might.

Notably, a similar incident took place during the recent India-Pakistan conflict when Islamabad breached the ceasefire within hours, which Trump was claiming credit for, despite India’s continuous dismissal of his claim that he brokered the ceasefire.

(With inputs from ANI)

Kanwar committees to get funds directly through Direct Benefit Transfer: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

ANI
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Kanwar committees to get funds directly through Direct Benefit Transfer: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

As the national capital gears up for the upcoming Kanwar yatra, the Delhi cabinet has decided that Kanwar committees will be getting funds directly from the Delhi government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday.

CM Gupta also slammed the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for alleged corruption in giving funds for the yatra, claiming that there had been numerous complaints from the committees about facilities not being ready for them.

“In the name of giving services to all the Kanwar Yatris, the previous government has made this work the spot of corruption. Only 2-3 people used to take the tender for the whole of Delhi. Committees of Kanwar Yatris told us that till the last day, tents were not put up… We have decided that all the Kanwar committees will get funds through direct benefit transfer from the Delhi government,” CM Gupta said during a press conference here.

Earlier, on June 17, the Chief Minister had convened a high-level review meeting to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra 2025, focusing on planning, arrangements, and facilities for the devotees during the yatra.

In a post on X, the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that the meeting was held with the focus to ensure a seamless and respectful experience for the lakhs of Shiv bhakts expected to participate.

Gupta directed that every devotee should receive respect, facilities, and security, emphasising that the event is not only a festival of faith but also an opportunity for service and dedication.

“The Chief Minister directed that it should be ensured that every Shiv devotee gets respect, facilities and security. She said that Kanwar Yatra is not only a festival of faith but also an opportunity for service and dedication. The Delhi government will ensure its organisation with devotion, arrangements and sensitivity,” the CMO’s statement read.

Following the meeting, the Delhi CM detailed the setup of Kanwar camps across Delhi, with a focus on improving the infrastructure and services compared to previous years under the AAP government. She noted that the camps are scheduled to operate from July until Sawan Shivratri.

In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu beliefs, Parshuram, a devotee of Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s avatar, participated in the initial procession. Devotees across the country perform worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva. 

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

Mark Carney calls Kanishka bombing the deadliest attack, but his words ring hollow as Canada continues to harbour all kinds of terrorists

Shraddha Pandey
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Mark Carney calls Kanishka bombing the deadliest attack, but his words ring hollow as Canada continues to harbour all kinds of terrorists

“Canada unequivocally stands against terrorism”. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, said this on 23rd June 2025, as he called the 1985 Air India Flight 182 Kanishka bombing the deadliest attack in Canadian history. PM Carney stated that the Air India Kanishka bombing must never be forgotten by the people of Canada. However, Carney himself forgot or rather deliberately skipped mentioning that it was the Khalistani terrorists who attacked and killed 329 people, including 268 Canadian nationals.

“Forty years ago, innocent civilians, including 268 Canadians, were killed in the bombing of Air India Flight 182. This terrorist attack remains the deadliest attack in our country’s history – one we must never forget. As we mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember the victims of the Air India bombing and all others who have lost their lives to terrorism,” PM Carney said.

“Canada will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. Canada’s new government unequivocally stands against terrorism, and we will deliver on our mandate of change to keep communities safe,” Carney added.

On the 23rd of June 1985, Air India Flight 182 was blown up by the Canada-based Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa near Cork, resulting in the deaths of all 329 passengers on board.

Recently, Canada’s premier intelligence agency, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), for the first time, officially acknowledged that Khalistani extremists are using Canadian soil to promote, fundraise, and plan violence in India.

This came right after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney “agreed to take calibrated steps to restore stability to the relationship” and decided to restore High Commissioners to each other’s capitals.

Since assuming office in March 2025, Mark Carney has adopted a pragmatic and economy-focused approach in resetting Indo-Canada relations. Unlike former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who mindlessly blamed Indian government for plotting Nijjar’s killing to appease his Khalistani votebank, PM Carney has been careful about relations with India.

Carney’s invitation to PM Modi for the G7 Summit was a gesture reflecting the Canadian government’s renewed approach towards India. Despite the previous Trudeau government’s slandering and villainising of the Indian government, PM Modi accepted the G7 invite, demonstrating India’s intent to start afresh as the Canadian government under a new leader mends its ways.

Canadian government wants to fight terrorism, but without acknowledging its Khalistani source: How Canada continues to harbour all sorts of terrorists

While Canada under PM Carney has adopted a positive approach towards India, discontinuing the hostilities fostered by former PM Trudeau to appease Khalistani vote bank, Canada is still very far away from acknowledging its terrorist problem. Even before Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada in 2015, the country has had a past of fostering and shielding Khalistani elements. Justin Trudeau’s father and former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau had shielded Kanishka bombing mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar by refusing his extradition to India. Khalistanis have long been using Canadian soil to push their secessionist agenda under various governments. However, none had surrendered before Khalistanis the way Justin Trudeau did.

Notably, while pro-Khalistan Sikhs are a minority in Canada, they hold significant political influence and thus, not only Liberal Party leaders but even Conservatives try not to upset these anti-India elements.

Perhaps that is the reason why even Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre did not make a mention of Khalistani terrorists in his social media posts remembering the victims of Kanishka bombing. Poilievre talked about “defeating” terrorism, however, he could not muster courage to name the Khalistani terrorists who continue to infest Canadian streets with their anti-India protests and eulogise Kanishka bombing mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar.

“Today we remember the 329 innocent lives lost in the Air India Flight 182 bombing—most of them Canadians. It remains the worst mass murder in our history. On the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember these souls and resolve to fight terrorism at home and abroad, in all its forms. Canada’s Conservatives will always be committed to defeating terrorism, protecting the innocent and upholding freedom,” Poilievre said.

In the last few years, Khalistani separatists in Canada vandalised Hindu temples in Surrey, Georgetown, Toronto, Brampton, Vancouver and other areas of Canada, while the police little to nothing to stop this. Khalistani terrorists often deface walls of Hindu temples with Hinduphobic and anti-India slogans.

Khalistani terrorists raising anti-India slogans, staging mock assassination enactments of former Indian PM Indira Gandhi, current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, desecrating Indian flags, raising anti-Hindu slogans and attacking Indian diplomats has been a outrageous ‘normal’ in Canada. The Canadian government and law enforcement authorities allow Khalistani terrorists to operate with impunity all in the name of freedom of expression and right to protest.

From farcical referendums on Khalistan to parades depicting the 1984 assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, Canada allowed perpetual disrespect of former and current Indian prime ministers, Indian diplomats, and the Hindu community.

Not to forget, former PM Justin Trudeau mindlessly accused the Indian government of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who used fraudulent tactics to obtain Canadian citizenship and his citizenship status remains doubtful years after his killing. The same Khalistani terrorist who was not only involved in running terrorist camps but also visited Pakistan, was on the no-fly list in Canada, had contacts with Khalistani terrorists and was involved in anti-India activities. However, instead of expatriating him to India, which designates him as a Khalistani terrorist, the Canadian government provided him safe haven and after his killing, Nijjar was remembered with a minute of silence in Canadian Parliament.

It, however, was not shocking as in September 2023, the Canadian House of Commons gave a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka, a World War II veteran, without disclosing the fact that Hunka was a member of a SS unit established in 1943 by the Nazis for handling Jewish Holocaust operations.

In addition to siding with the Nazis, Canada has also been a safe haven for Islamic terrorists. Back in the 1990s, Canada housed Algerian terrorist Ahmed Ressam, who later executed the foiled plot to bomb Los Angeles International Airport in late December 1999. Ressam sought political asylum in Canada, claiming that a fake terrorism case was brought up against him and he was subjected to torture in Algeria. Ressam not only managed to stay in Canada but also went to Afghanistan to complete his terror training, and return to Canada via Pakistan, South Korea, and Los Angeles, and plan to blow up the Los Angeles Airport. Fortunately, he was arrested while on his way to execute the bomb blast.

Notaby, Canada has refused to cooperate with Indian law enforcement agencies for decades and continues to harbour Khalistani terrorists. The inability of Canadian authorities to properly deal with Khalistani elements and recent attacks on Indian diplomats, senior officials, and leaders have brought the India-Canada relationship to its lowest point. Every effort by the Indian government to seek Canada’s cooperation in tackling the Khalistani menace, was responded with the filmy excuses including safeguarding the “human rights” of the criminals wanted by India. Canada had also refused to extradite Hardeep Singh Nijjar despite India providing ample evidence indicating his anti-India activities.

There are hundreds of Khalistani elements operating in Canada, posing a serious threat not only to India’s sovereignty but also to law and order in Canada. Instead of curbing these elements, Canada consistently shields them just for the sake of votes.

Multiple Khalistani terrorists outfits are active in Canada and operating with impunity since neither government and police, nor the political opposition dares to call out Khalistani terrorists nor its enablers in the country.

Babbar Khalsa is one of the oldest and most organised Khalistani terrorist groups. Babbar Khalsa is banned in India under the UAPA law. Funded by Pakistan’s ISI, Babbar Khalsa started operating from Canadian soil in 1981. This organisation was behind the bombing of Air India’s Kanishka plane in 1985, killing more than 300 people. Apart from this, this organisation had assassinated the Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Despite there being undeniable evidence of Babbar Khalsa’s presence in Canada, the Canadian authorities have not imposed a ban on this Khalistani terror outfit.

Similarly, Khalistani terrorists belonging to the International Sikh Youth Federation (banned in India under UAPA) is also active in Canada, Germany and USA. This organisation was earlier run by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s nephew, Lakhbir Singh Rode. Rode died in Pakistan in 2023. Currently, his son Bhagat Brar is involved in its operations. He is a businessman in Canada but keeps visiting Pakistan to seek support for Khalistani activities. He is also kept on a no-fly list by Canada. Another terrorist, Manveer Singh Duhda, is currently living in Canada and gives money to ISYF and increases its terrorist activities.

There are numerous such Khalistani outfits active in Canada, including Khalistan Zindabad Force, Sikh Liberatin Front, Khalistan Commando Force, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s Sikhs For Justice, and Khalistan Tiger Force among others. All these Khalistani terror outfits have been involved in multiple terror attacks and anti-India conspiracies, however, the Canadian authorities provided a safe haven to them.

While Justin Trudeau has been notorious for mollycoddling Khalistani terrorists and allowing their anti-India and anti-Hindu activities on Canadian soil unchecked for his political gains, even under the watch of current Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Khalistani terrorists are carrying out anti-India activities with having little to no repurcussions to face.

Mark Carney became the Prime Minister of Canada in March this year. While it was expected that the new Prime Minister will curb if not completely discontinue his predecessor’s Khalistani appeasement politics, not much has changed on ground.

Ahead of the G7 summit in Canada earlier in June this year, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited, Khalistanis carried out protests and peddled anti-India propaganda. Khalistanis were seen using kids to desecrate the Indian tricolour and make them kick the portraits of PM Narendra Modi.

From the visuals, it became clear that the children were being encouraged to defile the Indian flag and the portrait of the Indian Prime Minister by Khalistanis standing away from the frame. A total of 6 children were involved in the disturbing action. Even on the 40th anniversary of Kanishka bombing, Khalistanis disrupted an event at the memorial site in Vancouver, where families of the 1985 Khalistani attack’s victims had gathered.

In Canada, Khalistani terrorists who posed as separatist leaders were welcomed by a sympathetic political and social environment. They used “human rights” and “self-determination” narratives to advance their agenda in the country. India has attempted to extradite several dangerous Khalistani terrorists from Canada. Irrespective of the party in power, Canada has never fulfilled these extradition requests as seen in the case of Kanishka bombing mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar among others.

From the masterminds of Kanishka bombing, Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorists, Islamists to all sorts of terrorists and anti-India as well as anti-Hindu elements found a safe haven in Canada over the last few decades. And yet, the Canadian government, on one hand, talks about never forgetting Canada’s deadliest terror attack, on the other, does not even mention who the attackers were, why they killed innocent civilians, most of whom were Canadians.

40 years have passed, but Canada never asked why Khalistani extremists from India masquerading as oppressed, suppressed and depressed asylum seekers got entry into Canada, got citizenships, formed anti-India groupings, used Canadian soil for their nefarious anti-India and Hinduphobic agenda and yet remained away from justice.

While Khalistanis are a small minority among the Canadian Sikhs, Sikh donors have consistently favoured the Liberal Party over the past decade, which has encouraged Liberal politicians to adopt positions that align with the interests of the Sikh community, including controversial issues tied to Khalistan.

It is essential to note that Khalistani extremists are not only indulging in anti-India and anti-Hindu activities but are also invovled in other crimes including visa frauds, drugs trafficking, shooting, gang-related violence, among others.

Khalistanis operate as a consolidated votebank, and in Canada, both the Liberal Party and the Conservatives do not want to upset this vote bank, even at the cost of upsetting a powerful ally like India and creating a massive law and order challenge in their own country. It is this political compulsion that stops Canadian politicians from even mentioning Khalistani terrorists while condemning a terror attack carried out by Khalistanis.

Iran’s missing Uranium: 400 Kg of the material, enough for 10 Nukes, unaccounted, say reports

OpIndia Staff
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Iran’s missing Uranium: 400 Kg of the material, enough for 10 Nukes, unaccounted, say reports

International nuclear watchdog agencies are faced with a crisis following the disappearance of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium from Iran’s nuclear program. The United States warns that the material could yield up to 10 nuclear weapons. The vanishing act was reported just days after unprecedented U.S. airstrikes, conducted with critical Israeli intelligence support, targeted Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites.

Operation Midnight Hammer and the uranium disappearance

The U.S. military operation, codenamed Midnight Hammer, deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers on an 18-hour non-stop flight from Missouri to drop six GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs each weighing 13,000 kg on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. Israeli intelligence had provided satellite imagery showing 16 cargo trucks lined outside Fordow’s mountain-entombed complex days before the strike, indicating a “frantic effort” to move equipment or materials. Post-attack images confirmed the trucks had vanished, fueling suspicions of a pre-emptive relocation. U.S. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the uranium’s absence, stating America would “work in the coming weeks” to address the missing fuel, while Israeli officials confirmed to The New York Times that Iran had transferred both equipment and uranium stockpiles.

Intelligence conflicts and strategic implications

Despite President Trump’s declaration that the strikes “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, defense officials offered more tempered assessments, citing “severe damage” rather than total destruction. Israeli intelligence analysts emphasized that Iran’s relocation of the 60%-enriched uranium, just below weapons-grade 90%, means Tehran retains a critical bargaining chip. As Israeli intelligence expert Ronen Solomon noted, possessing the uranium without functional centrifuges is “like having fuel without a car,” though he cautioned Iran might have undiscovered covert facilities.

Where could the uranium be? global analysts are evaluating four high-risk scenarios

1.⁠ Hidden Underground: U.S. and Israeli intelligence strongly suspect Iran moved the uranium to another subterranean site, possibly near Isfahan. Annika Ganzeveld of the American Enterprise Institute warned this would allow Iran to “wait out the conflict” and covertly restart enrichment later.
2.⁠ Transferred to allies: Harley Lippman, a Middle East policy expert, raised the alarming prospect of Iran entrusting the material to allies like Russia, North Korea, or China for safeguarding or future weapons development.
3. ⁠Dispersed for Dirty Bombs: While deemed unlikely by nuclear physicists, the risk of non-state actors acquiring the material persists. Experts note, however, that 60%-enriched uranium makes a “really crappy dirty bomb” compared to medical radioactive sources.
4.⁠ Logistical Feasibility: Jeffrey Lewis of the James Martin Center confirmed uranium’s transportability in reinforced steel cylinders, enabling discreet movement by road, rail, or sea consistent with satellite imagery of convoys at Fordow.

The IAEA’s verification crisis

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi urgently addressed the UN Security Council, revealing that inspectors last verified the uranium on June 17, a week before the strikes. Grossi demanded immediate access to account for the stockpile, warning that military escalation “degrades chances of a diplomatic solution.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry had earlier hinted at “special measures” to protect nuclear materials, further complicating verification efforts.

Damage assessment and future threats

While the strikes inflicted heavy damage, particularly at Natanz, where power disruptions likely destroyed centrifuges, the missing uranium represents a latent threat. Before the attacks, Iran’s advanced IR-2m and IR-6 centrifuges could have converted the 400kg stockpile into weapons-grade material for one bomb in under two weeks. Rebuilding this capacity may take years, but Iran’s “indigenous expertise cannot be bombed away,” noted Darya Dolzikova of the Royal United Services Institute.

Global Response & conclusion

The IAEA Board has demanded Iran disclose the uranium’s location, citing legal obligations under nuclear safeguards agreements. Meanwhile, FilterLabs AI detected a surge in Iranian social media sentiment arguing, “this is why we should have a nuclear weapon”, a troubling shift in public opinion.

The mystery of Iran’s missing uranium underscores the limits of military force in halting nuclear proliferation. As diplomatic pressure mounts and intelligence agencies scramble to locate the material, the world faces a destabilizing new chapter in the decades-long effort to contain Iran’s atomic ambitions. The coming weeks will test whether coercive strikes can achieve what years of negotiations could not—or if they have merely scattered a grave threat into the shadows.

Exclusive: Don Bosco School in Assam forcibly removes tilak of Hindu KG student, threatens her with corporal punishment, victim’s uncle files police complaint

Dibakar Dutta
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Exclusive: Don Bosco School in Assam forcibly removes tilak of Hindu KG student, threatens her with corporal punishment, victim’s uncle files police complaint

The Don Bosco School in Sirajuli in Assam’s Sonitpur district has come under the scanner over the forcible removal of the ’tilak’ from the forehead of a Hindu child.

It has come to light that on Monday (23rd June), a teacher of the Christian Catholic school identified as one Rini Rose wiped off the sacred Hindu mark from the forehead of the student studying in Kindergarten.

The incident left the child in a traumatised state. When the victim informed her parents about it, they rushed to the school and complained to the Principal (Father). They were assured that such an incident would never repeat again.

Screengrab of the police complaint filed by Avadh Kishor Verma

However, the child was subjected to a similar treatment on Tuesday (24th June). Tilak, which is sacred to both Hindu culture and religion, was forcibly removed from her forehead.

The kindergarten student was additionally threatened with assault if she showed up with the ’tilak’ on her forehead again. The threat by her class teacher, Rini Rose, has caused immense emotional distress to her.

Forced by circumstances, the victim’s uncle, Avadh Kishor Verma, filed a complaint with the Officer-in-Charge of Dhekiajuli police Station. OpIndia has exclusively accessed a copy of the complaint.

“This act not only hurt our religious sentiments but also amounts to an infringement of our fundamental right to practice and express our religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India. It is a direct act of religious discrimination and a deliberate insult to the Hindu faith,” Verma pointed out in his complaint.

He added, “I am ready to co-operate fully with the investigation and can provide any additional details or evidence required. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.“

Victim’s uncle reveals school authorities forcibly removed ‘Tulsi mala’ of another child

OpIndia spoke to Avadh Kishor Verma on phone and learnt that he filed the police complaint on Tuesday (24th June).

He informed that the police team reached the Don Bosco School in Sirajuli soon after but the Principal (Father) of the Catholic institution informed that the accused teacher Rini Rose had already left for her home.

Verma stated that his niece has been traumatised by the back-to-back episodes and the threat of corporal punishment. The child has been taken aback by the behaviour of the school teacher.

“We want action against the teacher and the school authorities…,” he stated. Verma is committed to taking legal action against Don Bosco School in Sirajuli for their act of disrespect and religious intolerance.

He exclusively told OpIndia that a few days earlier, the Tulsi Mala of a Hindu Bengali student was forcibly removed by the authorities of the Catholic school. Verma assured to put OpIndia team in touch with the parents of the aggrieved family.

A similar case of discrimination from West Bengal

Hindu students, studying at the Nabapalli Jogendranath Balika Vidyamandir in Barasat Sadar in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, were recently stopped from wearing ‘Tulsi Mala’ (Tulsi garland) by the Headmistress of the school.

Identified as one Indrani Dutta Chakraborty, she was heard issuing a ‘fatwa’ of sorts to students at the Nabapalli Jogendranath Balika Vidyamandir. “You cannot wear Tulsi garlands to school,” Chakraborty warned.

The audio clip of her diktat created a storm on social media, forcing the Headmistress of the school to withdraw her order and tender an unconditional apology.

Update: OpIndia reached out to the Don Bosco School in Sirajuli using the phone number provided on its website. We were told by the school authorities that were going to the police station to ‘learn’ about the facts of the case.

Congress reduced to AAP’s “B Team”, BJP’s infighting, and Gujarat’s shifting ground: What the Visavadar, Kadi by-polls reveal

ભાર્ગવ રાજ્યગુરુ
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Congress reduced to AAP’s “B Team”, BJP’s infighting, and Gujarat’s shifting ground: What the Visavadar, Kadi by-polls reveal

The outcomes of the by-elections for two assembly seats in Gujarat have been announced. Aam Aadmi Party candidate Gopal Italia has emerged victorious from the Visavadar assembly seat, whereas Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Rajendra Chavda has claimed victory from the Kadi assembly seat. The performance of Congress has been notably poor in both constituencies. Italia secured his win with a margin of 17,554 votes while Chavda did the same with a lead of 39,452 votes.

The circumstances were different in each constituency, which accounts for the disparity in the results. These outcomes reflect the saffron party’s stronghold in Gujarat, while also shedding light on the AAP-Congress alliance. Clearly, the public is often reluctant to accept a new party, but the Aam Aadmi Party has managed to gain their approval, largely due to the support of Congress party. Additionally, there is a discussion around Congress being perceived as the “B team” for AAP.

Visavadar assembly results

The Visavadar Assembly seat became vacant following the resignation of the former AAP MLA, Bhupat Bhayani. During the by-election for this seat, all three parties BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party nominated their candidates. Nevertheless, the grand old party’s inactivity was also evident in this constituency.

Its performance in the Visavadar elections was significantly lacking. The candidate from Congress, Nitin Ranparia, garnered only 5501 votes. It clearly demonstrated that the party destroyed its former stronghold. Furthermore, its campaign was minimal, there was no effective leadership at the regional level and the public also begun to view other parties as alternatives to Congress.

Nevertheless, as the oldest political party in the country, it is natural to expect that Congress would have a better foothold in the local area compared to other parties, however, the reality in Visavadar was quite the opposite.

The state of Congress is so dire that it has lost its deposit. This constituency was previously regarded as a bastion of Congress, but it now finds itself in a position of stagnation. Moreover, not just in Visavadar, but Congress is currently diminishing in credibility and influence throughout the entire state. The situation have escalated to the point where Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil has acknowledged defeat and stepped down from his role.

In today’s political landscape, when a party like the Aam Aadmi Party enters the electoral contest, the oldest party, Congress, must take responsibility for its own downfall if it lacks a strategy or vision. It is evident that Congress effectively ceded the ground to AAP in Visavadar, as if it were its “B team.” Its lackadaisical stance towards AAP could have also served as an important factor in shaping the election results.

Congress did not campaign vigorously in this region nor did it address local concerns. Consequently, Congress completely failed to engage Patidar voters in Visavadar, who were drawn to Gopal Italia. This indicated that the country’s oldest political party capitulated to the newest one. Another contributing factor was the absence of workers within Congress. Other than the 5-7 individuals accompanying the candidate, it had no local workers, which led to a deteriorating situation in the election.

This inability to act can be likened to political suicide, which raises concerns about the party’s future in the state. Furthermore, it is important to mention that the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress have historically accused each other of being the BJP’s “B team.” Leaders from both parties often invoked the BJP while attacking each other. Gopal Italia also referred to Congress as the BJP’s “B team.” However, in light of these results, it is clear that Congress is, in reality, AAP’s “B team.”

Internal strife and candidate dispute leads to BJP’s loss

The loss of the BJP in Visavadar has certainly become a focal point of discussion in the state’s political arena. While this seat has not been a traditional stronghold for the BJP as they did not win it in the past either, but it presented an opportunity for progress. The opposition has consistently dominated this seat since 2012 and AAP’s prior victory bolstered its local organization.

Nevertheless, the primary factor contributing to the BJP’s loss was internal discord and poor candidate selection. The decision to field Kirit Patel led to dissatisfaction among local BJP members, which was apparent during the campaign. A massive number of voters from the Patidar community were drawn to Gopal Italia in this constituency.

Moreover, the Jawahar Chavda factor had been pivotal in the BJP’s defeat. He holds considerable influence at the local level and attempts to exclude him might have adverse effects. Furthermore, the candidate Kirit Patel had previously defeated the BJP in two elections. There was also discontent among the local workers regarding the selection, which was reflected in the campaign. Nevertheless, the BJP refrained from blaming the EVM following this defeat, showcasing its political maturity.

BJP leader Rishikesh Patel stated that the party will conduct an internal review of this defeat and will work on improvements for the future. This is the sole aspect that sets it apart from other political parties. Other parties are unwilling to acknowledge their defeats and instead begin to criticize the government, the Election Commission and the EVM.

In contrast, BJP refrains from such actions. This mature conduct was evident during the Lok Sabha elections as well. On the other hand, the success of Gopal Italia has infused new vigor into the party. However, this victory can also be attributed to the internal conflicts within BJP and the indecisiveness of Congress.

BJP wins in Kadi as party continue to dominate Gujarat

The triumph Rajendra Kumar Chavda by a margin of 39,452 votes in Kadi has solidified the party’s dominant status in the state. This victory indicated that the BJP’s influence in Gujarat remains robust and its organizational foundation is still intact. The selection of Chavda, regarded as a veteran leader of the Jan Sangh, enabled the BJP to strengthen its support among traditional voters. The polling rate of 57.51% demonstrated that the BJP’s campaign sparked excitement among the electorate.

The BJP campaigned on the themes of development, industrialization and farmers in Kadi, which resonated with both urban and rural voters. Rishikesh Patel characterized the victory as a ‘people’s victory’, suggesting that the BJP interprets the outcome as a confirmation of its popularity. The AAP and Congress candidates did not mount a significant challenge against the BJP, reflecting the weak opposition presence in Kadi. Aam Aadmi Party candidate Jagdishbhai Ganpatbhai Chavda was able to obtain just 3090 votes.

Now, the loss in Visavadar will compel the BJP to reassess its strategies. It must concentrate on new challenges and leadership to tackle internal conflicts and the grievances of local leaders. However, the substantial win in Kadi indicates that the BJP’s popularity and organizational capabilities are still as formidable as ever and will persist.

BJP now in better positions than in 2022

Now if we talk about the entire state, the defeat in Visavadar elections has not caused any harm to the BJP. The reality is that today the BJP is more successful with more seats than the it had in the 2022 assembly elections. As for Visavadar, as previously mentioned, that seat was not in the possession of the BJP before, thus the issue of loss is not applicable. Additionally, let us examine the outcomes of the 2022 assembly elections in relation to the present situation.

The BJP accomplished a historic feat by winning 156 seats out of a total of 182, in the 2022 assembly elections. Meanwhile, Congress obtained 17 seats and the Aam Aadmi Party garnered 5 seats. Additionally, the Samajwadi Party won one seat, while independent candidates took over 3 seats. The BJP established the government following its unprecedented achievement.

When we examine the current circumstances, the BJP possesses 162 seats in the assembly, whereas Congress has fallen to 12. The Aam Aadmi Party has successfully preserved its position by winning in Visavadar. To summarize, the BJP has augmented its assembly seats by 6 from 2022 to 2025, indicating a strong presence and influence in the state. Thus, the BJP’s defeat in the Visavadar by-election does not pose a threat, as that seat was not with BJP’s earlier. The party has added 6 more seats to its tally.

Read the report in Gujarati here.

12-day war ends? Trump declares ceasefire between Israel and Iran but sirens continue to sound in Israel

OpIndia Staff
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12-day war ends? Trump declares ceasefire between Israel and Iran but sirens continue to sound in Israel

On 23rd June (local time), President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire”. In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the conflict would be over in 24 hours, calling it the “12-day war”.

Source: Truth Social

Congratulating everyone, Trump said, “! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE.” Interestingly, Trump pointed out that the ceasefire would be done in phases, starting from six hours from the moment he posted on the social media platform, as Israel and Iran would have completed their in-progress missions by then.

He added, “Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World.” He further announced that during the ceasefire, the other side will remain “peaceful and respectful”.

Congratulating both Iran and Israel on having the stamina, courage and intelligence to end the conflict, he added, “This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”

In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that both Iran and Israel approached him seeking ceasefire. He said, “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, “PEACE!” I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS! Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures. They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!”

Source: Truth Social

Conflicting statements by Iran

Following the announcement by the US President, initially Iran said in a statement that the agreement on ceasefire had not been reached. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said in a statement that Iran has repeatedly made clear that Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around. He added, “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards. The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”

Source: X

However, only 15 minutes after the initial post, without saying the ceasefire was to happen, he thanked the Iranian Armed Forces for responding to the attack by the “enemy” until the very last minute.

Source: X

He wrote, “The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am. Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute.”

Israel says it achieved ‘all objectives’ of Operation Rising Lion

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Prime Minister Netanyahu reported during a Security Cabinet meeting that Israel had achieved all the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, and much more. The double existential threat had been removed, and the IDF had achieved complete air superiority in the skies over Tehran, striking a severe blow to the military leadership and destroying dozens of Iran’s main regime targets.

Israel thanked Trump and the United States for their defensive support and for participating in the removal of the Iranian nuclear threat. “In light of having achieved the objectives of the operation, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel agrees to the President’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire,” the ministry added.

Israel accuses Iran of violating ceasefire

Hours after Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Israel accused Iran of violating the agreement. Defence Minister of Israel, Israel Katz, reportedly instructed the IDF to respond forcefully to Iran’s “violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes on regime targets in the heart of Tehran”.

According to a post by Israel War Room, Iran fired a missile directed at Israel following Trump’s ceasefire announcement. Katz, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, instructed the IDF to continue intense operations in Tehran. “These strikes are aimed at regime targets and terror infrastructure in the capital, building on the operations carried out yesterday,” Katz added.

Sirens sounding despite announcement of ceasefire

Despite the announcement of ceasefire and Israel agreeing to it, Iran has reportedly continued to fire missiles towards Israel. In a post on X, IDF reported sirens sounded at several locations in Israel due to missiles fired by Iran.

Israel-Iran conflict

The conflict between Israel and Iran began on 13th June, when Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military establishments, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion”. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile campaign against Israel, codenamed “Operation True Promise 3”.

The US also entered the conflict and, on 22nd June, it initiated military strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer”. Iran retaliated by launching multiple missiles at US military installations in Iraq and Qatar, including the largest US military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Israel and the US argued that Iran was on the path to develop nuclear bombs and it was essential to cripple its nuclear programme to ensure that the Islamic nation does not get the nuclear arsenal. However, Iran has repeatedly claimed that its nuclear program is only for peace, not for developing nuclear warheads.

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