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Trolls share old, edited video to claim Sudarshan News chief was ‘beaten up by people’, Suresh Chavhanke vows to take legal action

OpIndia Staff
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Trolls share old, edited video to claim Sudarshan News chief was ‘beaten up by people’, Suresh Chavhanke vows to take legal action

Suresh Chavhanke, CMD & Editor-in-Chief, Sudarshan News, warned a YouTube channel for spreading old and unrelated videos with claims that he was beaten up by people.

In a Tweet (in Hindi), he wrote, “This news is completely fake. The video of the years-old demonstration is being cut and made viral with claims that it was shot among the farmers. Nothing like this has ever happened in my life. Abhisar Sharma videos are on this channel. The owner is Salman. I will take legal action against whoever spreads this.”

The video has been made private on the channel The Live TV.

The video has been made private on YouTube. Source: YouTube

However, before it got deleted from YouTube and Facebook pages of the channel, it was downloaded and re-uploaded by several others, including the verified Facebook page of Uttarakhand Youth Congress.

Youth Congress, Uttarakhand uploaded the video that has been deleted by the original channel. Source: Facebook

In the last couple of days, several videos have popped up on different social media networks making the same claims.

Source: Facebook
Source: Youtube

It all started when some Twitter users began to post an old video of Chavhanke claiming that he was beaten up and the Police saved him. Congress’s Kamaludin Ansari and Journalist Ramurti Holkar are among those who had spread the video with false claims.

Congress Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter

The reality behind the video

The video is originally from Janta March that took place in November 2020. A large group of people, including reporters, leaders and the general public, had participated in the event.

The march, organised by the Sudarshan News chief, was held to raise awareness and protest against the systemic targeting and violence against Hindu girls at Delhi’s India Gate on November 1. The particular video that has been making rounds is from the time when Chavhanke was being detained by the Police.

JMM MLA alleges CM Hemant Soren’s former friend is trying to topple Jharkhand government

Vijay Deo Jha
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JMM MLA alleges CM Hemant Soren’s former friend is trying to topple Jharkhand government

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Ramdas Soren has accused its own former party leader of attempting to topple the Hemant Soren led JMM-Congress-government in Jharkhand. The Ghatsila MLA has lodged an FIR against Ravi Kejriwal and Ashok Agrawal at Dhurwa police station in Ranchi.

Ravi Kejriwal served as treasurer of the JMM till he was sacked from the post and expelled from the party for six years in August last year. Ravi Kejriwal is said to be used to manage business and financial interests of the Shibu Soren family and he enjoyed the status and confidence as the right hand of Shibu Soren and Hemant Soren. He was not less than a friend of Hemant Soren. It is apparent that his removal was not driven by any political reason. But none in the JMM talk as to when and why and when their relation worsened. Ashok Agrawal is said to be the business friend of Ravi Kejriwal.

Ravi Kejriwal (left) offering sweets to JMM patriarch Shibu Soren

This is the second such FIR in the last three months lodged by any MLA of the ruling alliance specifically alleging that attempts are being made to pull down the Hemant Soren government. In July when Congress Bermo MLA Jaimangal Singh had lodged the FIR police had arrested three persons who are by profession fruit seller, petty contractor and casual labourer respectively.  

On July 22, Congress’ Bermo MLA Jaimangal Singh lodged an FIR at Kotwali police station that some powerbrokers are contacting MLAs to topple the government. Police arrested Amit Singh (casual labourer), Abhishek Kumar Dubey (petty contractor) and Nivaran Prasad Mahto (fruit seller) for hatching conspiracy against the Hemant Soren government with a Maharashtra based politician. Police claimed that they had travelled to Delhi along with two Congress MLAs and an Independent to negotiate the deal with BJP’s Maharashtra based politician Chandrashekhar Rao Babankule and Charan Singh. This FIR had come at a time when Congress MLAs had turned critical about the performances and policies of the government.

Reminding the previous case the BJP said that when the Congress party and MLAs were unhappy with the government a similar case was lodged. “I dare chief minister Hemant Soren to order an enquiry of both the cases by a sitting High Court judge. I don’t know why the government plays the same script every time? He should hire a better script writer,” Jharkhand BJP president Deepak Prakash told OpIndia.

The FIR was lodged on October 12 under section 124 A (sedition), 171 E (bribery), 120 B (party to the criminal conspiracy) and 34 (act done by several persons) of IPC and section 8 and 9 of Prevention of Corruption Act on complaint of Ramdas Soren. Hatia DSP Vineet Kumar has been assigned the investigation.  

Ramdas Soren’s complaint

“Many MLAs in the JMM and the UPA alliance may not be happy with the chief minister. This case is a signal that you are being watched if you are unhappy. The kind of majority Hemant Soren enjoys in the assembly it is very difficult for the BJP or anybody to split the JMM and the Congress. Let the police investigate but the interesting fact is that this time the finger has been raised on Ravi Kejriwal. After all Ravi remained a loyalist of the Shibu Soren family all these years,” said a former JMM leader.

The MLA has alleged that in the first week of October, Ravi Kejriwal and Ashok had visited his residence with an offer to split the JMM to topple the Hemant Soren government. The MLA also said that Ravi Kejriwal also spoke to him over phone a couple of times.

“Ravi Kejriwal offered me money and ministerial post in return. He said that me there is a plan to form the government in Jharkhand with the help of the BJP. He said that he is talking to other MLAs also and they are ready to pay any amount,” the MLA told the media.

The JMM spokesperson Suprio Bhattacharya accused the BJP of trying to dislodge the Hemant Soren government. “We are alert and aware that attempts are being made to disturb the government. If the BJP believes that it can execute the conspiracy with the help of some traitors then I feel pity,” he said.

The BJP rubbished the allegation and termed it a state managed stunt. “This is a sponsored sensation created by the government to divert attention from the real issues since the government has failed on every front. Also whenever there is dispute in the JMM and the ruling alliance this kind of sensation is created. People want to know the status of the case lodged by Jaimangal Singh where the Congress MLAs were specifically targeted,” said former MLA and Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Kunal Sarangi told OpIndia.

Few days back Shibu Soren’s granddaughters Rajshree Soren and Jaishree Soren formed Durga Sena in the name of their father late Durga Soren. Durga Soren was pegged as the political heir of his father Shibu Soren but unfortunately he died due to prolonged illness in 2009. Durga Soren’s wife Sita Soren is also a JMM MLA and she has been very critical to the government on different issues.

In this case Ranchi police has not yet filed a chargesheet. But the nondescript background of three accused fuelled suspicion whether such persons can be the part of such a high profile game. The case brought embarrassment for the Congress as selective leaks were made that the accused and others had contacted as many as nine Congress MLAs their plan was going in the right direction. 

The government relented after AICC secretary and Congress’ Mahagama MLA Deepika Pandey Singh after she threatened against character assassination of Congress MLAs.

Mosques in Indonesia to get acoustic fix to soften the volume of loudspeakers, over 70,000 mosques already fixed

OpIndia Staff
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Mosques in Indonesia to get acoustic fix to soften the volume of loudspeakers, over 70,000 mosques already fixed

In an effort to reduce the sound pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques, Indonesia has started to cap the maximum volume of loudspeakers. The Indonesian Mosque Council has undertaken a project to check and fix the sound systems that cause high noise pollution in all the mosques in the country.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim country, with close to 13% of the world’s Muslim population. There are around 800,000 mosques across the country which pose a major problem because of the prayer calls at high volume over the loudspeakers. Reports suggest that 7,000 technicians are working on the project. They have already fixed the volume of speakers at over 70,000 mosques across the country and aim to check and repair the loudspeakers at all mosques.

Jusuf Kalla, Chairman of, Indonesian Mosque Council, said in a statement that around half of the mosques have loudspeakers with poor acoustics that is adding up to the noise problem. Azis Muslim, IMC’s acoustics programme coordinator, pointed out that people in Indonesia believe that the loudspeakers should play prayer calls at high volumes so that worshippers can hear them from far away. “They consider it a symbol of greatness in Islam,” he said.

Ahmad Taufik, Al-Ihkwan mosque, Jakarta, used the program to get the speakers fixed though it is not mandatory. He said he wanted to ensure there was social harmony among the people of Indonesia. “The sound is softer now. That way, it will not disturb people in the neighbourhood, not to mention we have a hospital behind the mosque,” he said.

Increased level of anxiety among the residents

Experts believe that speakers playing Azaan at high volumes in the wee hours is adding up to the anxiety among the residents around the mosques. Bangkok Post narrated the story of one Rina who has developed an anxiety disorder as the mosque near her house not only play prayer calls but also wakes up people an hour before at around 3 AM. However, she was reportedly too scared to report as people had been jailed or faced backlash over such complaints in the past. Reports suggest that criticism of such practices can lead to accusations of blasphemy which may result in up to five years in jail.

Rina told AFP, “The loudspeakers are not only used for call to prayer, but they also use it to wake people up 30-40 minutes before the morning prayer time.” There have been online complaints about the loud volume, but there is a serious lack of official statistics on the matter.

A Buddhist woman was jailed in 2018 over blasphemy charges after she claimed that the prayers were hurting her ears. Actress and influencer Zaskia Mecca were heavily criticized online after she spoke against the speaker volume during Ramadan.

Indonesia has been trying to control loudspeaker volume for long

This is not the first time that Indonesia has tried to control the speaker volume at Mosques. In 2012, the administration had met over 1,000 representatives of the Mosque Council and requested them to lower the volume of the call for prayers. However, the council did not budge and claimed “any lowering of the volume would be counterproductive because Muslims need to be “alerted” to their duties.”

In 2015, another attempt was made to tackle the volume problem. At that time, around 100 technicians were deployed to tune the volume of the loudspeakers at the mosques. Usman Roin, one of the technicians, was quoted by the Anadolu Agency saying that the main issue was the lack of maintenance of the loudspeakers and sub-standard equipment.

Yet another attempt was made in 2018 when Indonesia announced that it was planning to bring guidelines over the use of loudspeakers in the mosques. The step was taken after a Chinese-Indonesian Buddhist woman was jailed for 18 months over blasphemy charges for raising her voice against the loudspeakers at mosques.

Noise issues associated with loudspeakers at mosques

Indonesia is not the only country that has attempted to control the volume of loudspeakers at mosques. In June 2021, the Saudi Arabia government restricted the volume of loudspeakers in mosques after series of complaints were filed over high volumes.

Several incidents have happened in India where people from two communities have clashed over loudspeaker volumes at mosques. Notably, as per Supreme Court’s guidelines, loudspeakers cannot be used anywhere, including places of worship between 10:30 PM to 6 AM. In June 2020, a young woman from Mumbai was hackled by Islamic fundamentalists after she requested them to lower down the volume. Rape threats were issued to a social media user after she asked Muslims to recite Azaan at a lower volume.

Rajput women in Rajkot perform ‘Talwar Raas’, ‘liberals’ are triggered: Read about the tradition here

OpIndia Staff
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Rajput women in Rajkot perform ‘Talwar Raas’, ‘liberals’ are triggered: Read about the tradition here

To showcase the tradition of weapons training among women in some martial clans, over 200 Rajput women participated in ‘Talwar Raas’ in Rajkot on Tuesday at a five-day festival organized by the Royal family of Rajkot. 

In ‘Talwar Raas’, Rajput women dress up in traditional colourful clothes and perform a traditional dance form using swords, displaying various skills. Kadambari Devi, the princess of the Royal family of Rajkot said, “Talwar Raas has been held for the last twelve years. Every year there is a new group and women participate with full enthusiasm.”

“The sword is like a goddess and that is why we do Shastra Puja,” added Kadambari Devi.

The event is to keep alive the history of Rajput women warriors and send out a message that women today are just as powerful as they were years back. 

‘Liberals’ diss at women exhibiting strength and skills

The ‘Talwar Raas’, however, has not been well received by the so-called liberals who claim to champion the cause of women empowerment. From comparing it to Muharram to calling it ‘Sanghi terrorism,’ the liberals were frightened by the sight of women displaying power and strength. 

“This could be tricky. Whether call it Upper Caste Supremacy, or Women Empowerment or Simply Sanghi Terrorism?” Tweeted a user. 

“Age of sword has gone, now is the Era of education. What is %of Rajput women who secured degrees?” questioned one Satish Patil. 

Whereas, one Jitesh said, “Similar to Muharram procession without blindfolds in my book.”

“What would you have said if the same act was performed by women of other religions?” asked Mohammed Shahid. 

“They need Pens/Books not Swords. Or they will spend their rest of the lives in ghunghat,” remarked another Twitter user. 

Ironically, the nay-sayers will have no qualms promoting foreign ‘self-defense’ techniques but shiver at the sight of traditional Indian art and culture. 

What is ‘Talwar Raas’

As per Dr Utpala Desai, a scholar of the folk traditions of Gujarat, Talwar Raas was created to commemorate Rajput war heroes who died in the historic war of Bhuchar Mori (July 18, 1591).

This is not the only Raas performed in Gujarat. Around six types of Raas are performed by various communities including the agrarian community, warrior community, seafaring community and even Muslim Maldhari community. 

The description of Raas can also be found in various Puranas like Harivamsa Purana, Vishnu Purana and Bhagavad Purana. It typically involves 16-20 musicians and dancers with a set structure.

Elated to be a part of the program, one participant said, “Wars have been fought using swords and it’s a part of Rajput society. It is believed that Rajput women stay veiled inside their homes and don’t step out due to fear, but today these women are displaying their sword skills without any fear.”

“Swords have an extremely important place in our community and without it a Rajput is incomplete,” said another participant, Kiritba.

Uttar Pradesh: PM Modi inaugurates Kushinagar airport, delegation of monks from Sri Lanka brings Buddha’s relics for the ceremony

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: PM Modi inaugurates Kushinagar airport, delegation of monks from Sri Lanka brings Buddha’s relics for the ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20 inaugurated the Kushinagar international airport, Uttar Pradesh in the presence of a special Buddhist delegation from Sri Lanka and ambassadors of at least 10-15 countries where Buddhism is practiced and preached. 

While speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi expressed his happiness and satisfaction on the completion of the international airport. “Kushinagar International Airport is the result of decades of hopes & expectations. My happiness is two-fold today. As curious about the spiritual journey, I’ve a sense of satisfaction. As a representative of Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfilment of a commitment,” said the PM.

He further informed that after Lucknow, Varanasi and Kushinagar, the development of yet another international airport in the district of Jewar is progressing at a good speed. PM Modi also said that in a bid to strengthen aviation, the government will launch eight new flying training schools. Kushinagar is the 9th airport in Uttar Pradesh.

A special delegation

The special delegation which comprises of anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders)- Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, as well as five ministers of the country’s government led by cabinet minister Namal Rajapakshe had departed from Sri Lanka to arrive for the inaugural ceremony in Uttar Pradesh early this morning.

The delegation arrived with the relics of Buddha accompanied by a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by the current mahanayaka of the Waskaduwa Temple. 

Protocols followed to receive state guests were carried out to welcome Buddha’s relics from Sri Lanka. “All protocol associated with state guest will be followed. The relics will be welcomed by ‘Mahayana monks at the venue,” an official informed. 

The relics which had a special seat reserved on the Sri Lankan Airlines flight were received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Inauguration of Kushinagar airport

The Kushinagar airport that has been built at an estimated cost of ₹260 crores will boost tourism on the Buddhist circuit and facilitate domestic and international travel to pilgrims visiting the ‘Mahaparinirvana’ site of Lord Buddha. 

Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar is said to be the place where Buddha left his mortal remains and achieved the supreme state of salvation or permanent bliss. Hence this temple is regarded as one of the most sacred shrines of Buddhists.

The international airport will also serve the nearby districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The project is being looked at as a crucial step in attracting investment and generating employment opportunities in the region.

Before heading for the inauguration, PM Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar. As per government officials, the PM will pay his respects to the reclining statue of Lord Buddha and will also plant a Bodhi tree sapling at the temple. 

Post-inauguration, Modi will be laying the foundation for several other developmental projects. This includes the Rajkiya Medical College, which will be built at a cost of over ₹280 crores, and 12 other developmental projects worth over ₹180 crores.

The event will also be attended by other eminent Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan and Cambodia, as well as ambassadors of various countries.

Significance of Kushinagar

As per reports, archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India in 1898 had excavated a large mound in the estate of British landowner William Claxton Peppe in Piprahwa, in Uttar Pradesh’s Sidharthnagar district, 160 km away from Kushinagar.

A big stone box containing some caskets was recovered from the excavation. The inscription on one casket read, “Iyang saleela nidhane Budhasa bhagawathe sakiyanan sukithi bahathanan sabhagini kathan sasuna dalatha” which means “This noble deed of depositing of Buddha’s relics were carried out by the brothers, the sisters and the children of Sakyas.” 

“Thus, these relics are accepted as real (bone fragments, ashes, pieces of jewels of the Buddha,” informed an official. 

The Buddha relics obtained from this stupa were sent in parts to the kings of two countries- Thailand and Burma. While the third part was given to Sri Subhuthi Mahanayake Thero of the Waskaduwa Temple, Sri Lanka, who had helped the ASI team.

Especially for the event, a part of the relics embedded in three small lotuses encased in a crystal ball kept in a casket fixed on a wooden stand is being brought to Kushinagar for public exposition.

Mamita Meher murder case in Odisha: Charred, buried body recovered, opposition demands removal of minister Dibyashankar Mishra

OpIndia Staff
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Mamita Meher murder case in Odisha: Charred, buried body recovered, opposition demands removal of minister Dibyashankar Mishra

In Odisha’s Kalahandi district, a 24-year-old teacher named Mamita Meher had gone missing on October 8. On October 19, a badly charred and decomposed corpse of a woman was found buried in an under-construction stadium that is owned by the same institution where the teacher worked.

Though the identity of the body is yet to be confirmed, there is a strong possibility that it was the missing school teacher.

The case has created a political storm in the state. Accusations have been hurled at Dibyashankar Mishra, a BJD Minister and MLA of the same constituency where the incident has occurred. Both BJP and Congress have called for protests in the state.

Balangir’s BJP MP Sangeeta Singh Deo has called the incident shameful. Mamita hailed from a village in the Balangir district and had been working in the neighbouring Kalahandi district as a teacher in Mahaling Sunshine School.

Allegations against state minister and BJD leader Dibyashankar Mishra

A barrage of allegations, from involvement in a sex racket to complicity in the disappearance and possible murder of the schoolteacher, have been levelled against minister Dibyashankar Mishra. Mishra is an MLA from Junagarh, the constituency where Mahaling school is located.

On October 19, when the said corpse was being dug out from the Mahaling stadium with the help of an excavator, local political leaders stated that the minister was a frequent visitor to the schools and even stayed there in the night.

Speaking to Odia daily Sambada, Kalahandi Zilla Parishad chairperson Namitarani Sahu alleged, “Many ministers used to visit this school. Dibyashankar Mishra visited this school every week. There are three other colleges in this constituency, why did he have to visit this particular institution every time? He was also granting govt aid to this institution. He even stayed here in the night.”

It is notable here that the schoolteacher Mamita Meher was also the warden of the Girls’ hostel run by the Mahaling institution. There are some reports claiming that Mamita was on the verge of exposing an alleged sex racket running in the school before she suddenly disappeared.

Main accused flees from police custody, nabbed two days later

Gobinda Sahu, the main accused in the Mamita Meher disappearance (and now most likely murder) case, was nabbed and was under the custody of Titilagarh police when he escaped on October 17. The escape of the main accused has further irked the public and political opposition. Sahu was later arrested from Budhipadar in Bangomunda block, Balangir district on October 19.

Odisha police drew sharp criticism after Sahu’s escape. He had escaped from Titilagarh police barracks. The escape has further consolidated the allegations of complicity of ruling party leaders in the case.

Gobinda Sahu is the Management Committee president of the school where Mamita worked. As per reports, Sahu had called Mamita to come and meet him on the day she went missing. Reports say that Sahu and some other persons were allegedly sexually exploiting some women employees and Mamita had threatened to expose it.

Sahu was reportedly close to minister Minister Dibyashanakr Mishra. He had been involved in government projects and had also got grants from MPLAD and MLALAD funds.

Burned, then buried

The case was already under investigation after Mamita’s family filed a missing complaint. On October 19, the police brought in an excavator to dig in a spot at the under-construction stadium that is owned by the Mahaling institution. A badly charred body was then recovered from the ground.

Though the body, decomposed beyond recognition, was sent for forensic examination, Mamita’s family present at the spot confirmed that the gold chain, handbag and some other items found on the body belonged to their daughter.

As per the latest reports, the accused Gobinda Sahu, who was nabbed after 2 days of fleeing from custody, has now confessed to killing Mamita.

Latest reports say that Mamita’s murder was pre-planned. A car involved in the murder (OD08K 1002) has been confiscated by the police. Mamita was reportedly murdered after an argument with Gobinda Sahu. The body was burned and was later buried in a pit that was dug up on October 6. The suspected car was seized on October 14, and Mamita’s anklet and a jar of petrol was found in the car.

Bangladesh ISKCON Twitter account removed days after attacks on Hindus

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh ISKCON Twitter account removed days after attacks on Hindus

The Twitter account of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Bangladesh Chapter, has been removed from Twitter days after series of attacks on Hindus. If someone tries to visit the handle, it shows that the account does not exist.

Screenshot of deactivated/deleted ISKCON Bangladesh Twitter Account. Source: Twitter

ISKCON, from its official Twitter handle, questioned Twitter the reason behind the removal. They said, “We call on Twitter to clarify the reason on why @IskconBDH and @unitycouncilBD  are currently unavailable: Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON Communications.”

Yudhistir Govinda Das, Director of Communications for ISKCON in India, raised doubts if the removal of the account was because of the pressure from the Bangladesh government or Twitter’s headquarters. He said, “Twitter needs to explain why have they shut down @IskconBDH and @unitycouncilBD amidst the brutal attacks. Is this pressure from the #Bangladesh government or @Twitter? Why are Hindu voices are being silenced in the midst of an emergency.”

ISKCON Communication Director questioned Twitter and raise doubts if the account was deactivated under pressure of Bangladesh govt. Source: Twitter

Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

A series of attacks on the Hindu minority took place in the neighbouring country Bangladesh between October 12 and October 17. It was reported that the series of attacks took place after alleged disrespect of the Quran at a Puja Pandal. Notably, the Hindu community has pointed towards a conspiracy against Hindus in Bangladesh. In the wee hours of Wednesday (October 13), radical Islamists reportedly entered the Nanuar Dighir Par Durga Mandir in Cumilla district. They placed a copy of the Quran on the feet of the idol of Bhagwan Hanuman. According to Shibu Prasad Dutta, the general secretary of Cumilla Mahanagar Puja Udjapon Committee, someone carried out the mischief in the morning when the guard was asleep.

As per reports, houses and temples were burnt down. ISKCON was one of the Hindu organizations that faced the attacks by Islamic radicals in Bangladesh. The attack happened on Friday, October 15. A frenzied mob of radical Islamists attacked the ISKCON temple in the Noakhali district in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh. Disturbing videos of mob attacking the temple surfaced on social media networks. Reports suggest that 400-500 strong mob of radical Islamists were seen desecrating the temple.

Advertisements of ‘Muslim only’ colony being built in Uttarakhand surface in some districts of UP, locals concerned

OpIndia Staff
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Advertisements of ‘Muslim only’ colony being built in Uttarakhand surface in some districts of UP, locals concerned

Posters of a ‘Muslim only’ colony being built in Uttarakhand’s Rudrapur district have sparked outrage amongst the locals. As per a Dainik Jagran report, several advertising banners and posters for purchasing a plot in this colony have surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Baheri and Bilaspur district 

The banners read, “First time in Lalpur (Rudrapur), a Muslim colony. 50 square meter plot available for Rs 2.5 lakhs.”

Alaska Residency, the company selling these plots has also announced special offers on purchase and EMI options for buyers. Reportedly, the booking is open only for Muslims. 

The company has also set up an office near Janta Inter College to facilitate the purchase of this plot in Uttarakhand, the advertisement announced. 

Locals protest against ‘Muslim only’ plots

The locals have taken strong objection to the selling of plots on the lines of religion or faith. President of District Bar Association, Divakar Pandey said that no land can be sold on the basis of religion. 

Vice President of District Development Authority (DDA), Harish Chandra Kandpal also stated that nobody has the authority to sell land only to people belonging to a certain community. He also said that the builder will not be permitted to carry out the selling of plots on religious lines. 

Mithilesh Singh, SP Crime, Udham Singh Nagar said, “The matter has been brought to our notice and we will initiate an investigation. Strict action will be taken against the colonizer.”

OpIndia speaks to Alaska Residency

OpIndia reached out to Alaska Residency, the real estate company name mentioned in the advertisement. While the owner Satpal Yadav was unavailable, an associate informed that the owner had purchased a 3-acre plot and planned to sell it to Muslims. But the proposal did not work out.

We were further told that the owner has now sold the land to a businessman for setting up a factory. The associate informed us that the advertisement was put up four months back and the plots are no longer available.

Concerns over demographic change in Uttarakhand

We had reported earlier on how the influx of Muslim workers and settlers from neighbouring states and the subsequent problem of land encroachment in Uttarakhand has become a major source of concern for state officials. 

Many reports have highlighted the concerns that the Muslim migrants, who have settled in many towns in Uttarakhand, have now started interfering and snatching businesses from the locals living there.

The government’s intelligence agencies believe that Muslim migrants’ intervention in the leasing of horses, taxis, ferries, tourist guide jobs, and hotels has increased significantly in the recent decade.

Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP workers vandalise TDP offices, attack TDP national spokesman K Pattabhi Ram’s residence

OpIndia Staff
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Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP workers vandalise TDP offices, attack TDP national spokesman K Pattabhi Ram’s residence

YSRCP workers have reportedly vandalised TDP offices across Andhra Pradesh including TDP’s Central Office in Mangalagiri and TDP national spokesman K Pattabhi Ram’s residence in Vijayawada.

According to reports, TDP offices located in 13 districts including Amaravati, Mangalagiri, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam were attacked in what appears to be a coordinated attack. Property was damaged and workers were also assaulted.

Office of DGP Andhra Pradesh has issued a statement where it said, “We will take strict action against attackers and also on those making provocative speeches. Additional forces have been deployed across the state. We request citizens to co-operate in maintaining peace and to not get provoked.”

According to reports, the YSR Congress Party has denied its involvement in the attacks saying, “The YSRC party has nothing to do with the attacks. Making such abusive statements against a loved CM and leader could’ve provoked fans of our beloved leader but the party has absolutely nothing to do with what unfolded.”

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said that the attacks on TDP were an attempt to stifle voice of the opposition party. Stating that law and order situation in the state has declined, he called for the President’s rule in the state. He also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Biswa Bhushan Harichandan and sought security cover by central forces.

Priyanka Gandhi ducks question on Congress MLA’s son accused of rape while preaching women empowerment in Uttar Pradesh

OpIndia Staff
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Priyanka Gandhi ducks question on Congress MLA’s son accused of rape while preaching women empowerment in Uttar Pradesh

Priyanka Gandhi in a press conference in Lucknow announced Congress party’s decision to give 40% tickets to women in the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. It was the party’s attempt to court the women vote-bank in the state ahead of polls.

She said, ‘We have decided that in the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, we would give 40% tickets to women. It is our promise that women would be a part of Uttar Pradesh politics.’ She also spoke about the alleged discrimination against women in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad University and that the decision is based to empower women in Uttar Pradesh.

However, a journalist raised questions about the absconding Karan Morwal, the son of Congress’ Badnagar MLA Murli Morwal who has been on the run for the past seven months in an alleged rape case where the victim is a functionary of Youth Congress.

In the video, it could be seen that the journalist was left disappointed with no answer from Priyanka Gandhi.

Earlier this year, on International Women’s Day, Haryana Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda led a protest march called ‘tractor march’, where women Congress leaders were seen manually pulling the tractors.

Just recently, Rajasthan’s Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra sparked a controversy with his demeaning remarks against female employees at a women empowerment event. He had said, “As the chief of my department, I must say whichever school has more women staffers, squabbles are bound to happen for various reasons.”

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