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Christian country Papua New Guinea Covid controller first denies permission for Durga Puja because of ‘idol worship’, apologises later: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Christian country Papua New Guinea Covid controller first denies permission for Durga Puja because of ‘idol worship’, apologises later: Details

Papua New Guinea COVID controller David Manning recently issued an apology letter after a previous letter signed by him denied permission to the nation’s Hindus from holding Durga Puja, saying idol worshipping is “morally inappropriate and against Christian values”.

The denial for Durga puja celebrations sparked outrage among residents, following which Manning issued an apology letter and termed the previous statement as “grave and unfortunate error”.

“On the 18th of September, 2021 a letter was drafted for me by the office of the Deputy Controller in regards to the non-approval of your request to host the prayers for Goddess Durga from 12-17 October, 2021. Whilst I ultimately take full responsibilities as the Controller of the National Pandemic Act, 2020, I afforded trust and professionalism to the Deputy Controller’s office. Unfortunately, my trust was misplaced in regards to this matter,” Manning said in a fresh letter seeking an apology.

“I sincerely and without reservation apologise for the comments in regards to “idol worshipping’ and “morally inappropriate and against our Christian values.” The comments in themselves are highly inappropriate and in no way, reflect my personal and professional views. I, as a representative of the Government of Papua New Guinea, respect the right for religious freedom in our country,” the letter further said.

Manning added that the non-approval for Durga Puja celebrations was based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission linked to the congregation of people. He asserted that he had caused the author of the previous letter to be disciplined in regards to the matter and has instigated a secure vetting process within the office of the Deputy Controller so that such a situation is not repeated.

Manning asked for further details of the proposed event, including expected numbers and COVID mitigation protocols, so that he could personally make another assessment of the application.

“Once again, I humbly seek your forgiveness for this unfortunate error and I hope that you accept that this was not in any way deliberate. I will make myself available if you wish to personally discuss this matter with me,” Manning said in the letter.

The apology came in the wake of a letter that rejected permission for the Hindu population to organise the Durga Puja celebrations. The letter said the approval was not granted for religious activities during Durga Puja, not because of COVID-19 but because “idol-worshipping did not conform to Christian values.”

Papua New Guinea’s marked shift to embracing Christianity as state religion

Papua New Guinea or PNG as it is commonly called is a country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands in Melanesia. It is adjacent to Indonesia and located just north of Australia. It won its independence from Australia in 1975 but continues to remain a member of the British ‘Commonwealth of nations’. About 98 per cent of the total 9 million population of PNG is Christian while the Hindu population is in mere thousands.

The preamble to the PNG constitution says the country was founded on two basic principles – of cultural heritage and Christianity. Though the country does not have any state religion, the preamble pledges “to guard and pass on to those who come after us our noble traditions and the Christian principles that are ours now”.

Parliament sessions and most government offices open and close with Christian prayers. Papua New Guinea’s National Executive Council had last year approved a proposal to formally declare the country Christian under the Constitution. The government is aggressively pursuing programs to augment partnerships between churches and the state, including providing subsidies to churches and setting up church councils to help manage local affairs.

Captain Amarinder Singh may float a new party in the coming days? Here is what media speculations say

OpIndia Staff
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Captain Amarinder Singh may float a new party in the coming days? Here is what media speculations say

After his acrimonious exit from the CM post of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh has been keeping his future political step a well-guarded secret, leaving speculations the only option. After Singh dispelled rumours of joining the BJP, the media has now been speculating that with only months left for the Punjab assembly elections, Singh will float his new party in the next 15 days.

News18 quoted sources as saying that a dozen Congress leaders and MLAs are also likely to join him. According to sources, not only legislators are on board, but also certain prominent figures who are disgruntled with the Akalis. Captain Amarinder Singh is also likely to meet some farmer leaders in Punjab.

According to India Today, Amarinder Singh’s new party would primarily focus on security issues for which he had likely met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at his residence in New Delhi on September 30.

Amrinder Singh’s meeting with Ajit Doval is significant given the fact that just a few days ago, he had termed Navjot Singh Sidhu a national security threat. After resigning from the post of CM, Singh had said that he will fight any move to make Sidhu the Punjab CM, terming him as anti-national, dangerous, unstable, incompetent and a security threat to the state and the country.

Captain Amarinder Singh changes his Twitter bio after announcing to quit Congress

Amarinder Singh on Thursday, September 30 also changed his Twitter bio hours after he announced his decision that he will quit Congress. His present Twitter bio says Amarinder Singh is an Army veteran, the former chief minister of Punjab who is continuing to serve the state.

Notably, a day earlier, ex-CM Amarinder Singh had met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. However, Singh had denied that meeting BJP leaders were on his agenda during the Delhi visit. His meeting with HM Shah led to the rise in speculations that Amarinder Singh is going to join the BJP ahead of assembly polls next year.

Captain resigns as Punjab CM

Amarinder Singh had resigned from the post of chief minister on September 18 saying that he can’t continue with the humiliation he was facing in the party. He had taken the decision after the party had called for a meeting of the Congress legislative party in Punjab without informing the CM, who is also the leader of the legislative party.

The political drama in Punjab started with the appointment of Navjot Singh Sidhu as the president of the Punjab Congress in July despite opposition from Amarinder Singh. Interestingly, unhappy with the selection of ministers in the new Charanjit Singh Channi government, Sidhu had resigned from the post of Pradesh Congress chief on September 28, which the party high command has not accepted yet.

‘Will not even let dogs come out’: Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni threatens violence, to gherao houses of Haryana MPs, MLAs

OpIndia Staff
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‘Will not even let dogs come out’: Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni threatens violence, to gherao houses of Haryana MPs, MLAs

On Thursday (September 30), a prominent Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni threatened to hold Haryana MPs and MLAs hostage if the ruling BJP government in the State failed to procure paddy from the farmers by October 1.

“We want to warn the Haryana government, CM Manohar Lal Khattar to start purchasing paddy from (farmers) by tomorrow (October 1). Don’t boil our blood and test our patience. If you don’t start procurement, we will gherao the residences of your MLAs, MPs, and leaders,” Chaduni remarked while speaking to Aaj Tak.

He furthered cautioned, “We will put them under house arrest such that even their dog cannot step out. Dear farmers, wait until tomorrow for the government notification. If it doesn’t come, then gherao their houses. Park your tractors and loaded trollies in front of their residences, irrespective of whether they belong to the BJP or JJP.

Gurnam Singh Chaduni also said, “Even their dogs should not be allowed to come out of the houses. Make their condition like this if government notification does not come by tomorrow. We want to warn the government again that we will not sit idle. We cannot withstand the plight of a helpless farmer. If the government does not comply, the consequences will be severe and drastic.”

BKU leader instigated farmers against police

During a rally in Barnala in February this year, Chaduni said, “I’m saying this even today. Dare to touch us. I’m seriously saying this. If anyone of you gets notice, burn it. Burn it. Let me know if the Delhi police enter our village. Announce that no police, whether Delhi or Punjab, must not enter our villages.” The inflammatory speech was aimed to foment unrest and anarchy in the country. He had also sowed seeds of mistrust and apprehensions among unwitting farmers, alleging that the farm laws would render them ‘landless’. He claimed that farmers would no longer be the owner of their own land.

On January 17, Haryana Chief Minister Manoharlal Khattar blamed Bharat Kisan Union leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni for instigating the farmers that led to the clashes between farmers and police at Karnal just before the Kisan Mahapanchayat programme. He added that Congress and Communist parties have hijacked the protests and controlling the narrative of the protests. CM’s programme at Karnal was cancelled after farmers vandalized the venue.

Digvijay Singh sings praises of Amit Shah and RSS, shares how they had helped him during his Narmada Parikrama Yatra

OpIndia Staff
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Digvijay Singh sings praises of Amit Shah and RSS, shares how they had helped him during his Narmada Parikrama Yatra

While Congress leadership is busy patching the cracks in the party in Punjab, Chhattisgarh and even Kerala, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh was suddenly found singing praises for Home Minister Amit Shah.

At a book launch event in Bhopal yesterday, the senior Congress leader was seen praising the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. As per reports, he was sharing the memories of his ‘Narmada Parikrama’ yatra 4 years ago.

Narrating an incident, Digvijay Singh stated that during the Yatra, he had once reached Gujarat late in the night. It was a hilly and forest area with no proper roads and no boarding facilities.

There, a forest officer came to meet them, Singh narrated further. He had introduced himself and said to Singh that he has been instructed by Amit Shah to see to it that Digvijay Singh and his associates face no trouble and are well taken care of.

Singh further stated that even though it was a remote area, they were given places to rest and good food. They were also helped in their travel and sent safely to their destination.

He added that Gujarat elections were going on at that time and as usual, he, (Digvijay Singh) was one of Amit Shah’s biggest critics. Yet Amit Shah saw to it that they get to reach their destination safely and face no hardships on the way.

Image via ANI

Singh further stated that he has never met Amit Shah in person, but he had conveyed his gratitude to him after that incident. He further added that what Shah did, was a mark of how political opponents should be, respectful and cordial towards each other in behaviour while continuing with their political duties.

Digvijay Singh praises RSS too

Digvijay Singh, who has long been a constant mud-slinger at the RSS and had even tried to pass off the 26/11 Mumbai attacks as ‘RSS ki Saajish’ (RSS conspiracy) was suddenly found praising the RSS too.

As per reports, Singh stated that during his ‘Narmada Parikrama’ Yatra, RSS workers met him regularly and kept asking him about his well being and comfort. During the Yatra, once RSS workers had even helped him to spend a night at a Dharmashala run by the Manjhi community in Gujarat’s Bharuch area. Digvijay Singh states that he was surprised by the care and hospitality shown by RSS workers and had asked why they are doing so.

The RSS swayamsevaks had replied that they have been instructed by the senior leadership of the Sangh to help Digvijay Singh during the Narmada Yatra. Digvijay Singh, his wife Amruta and some Congress leaders had undertaken the Narmada Yatra in 2017, walking along the length of the Narmada river.

Digvijay Singh was speaking at the launch event of a new book ‘Narmada Ke Pathik’ (the travellers of Narmada), written by his long time associate OP Sharma at Bhopal yesterday.

Digvijay’s praise for Amit Shah and RSS comes amid Congress crisis

It is notable here that the Congress party is facing a major crisis in Punjab. Days after forcing Amarinder Singh to resign and making Charanjit Singh Channi the CM, the party has been in turmoil with the resignation of Sidhu. Former CM Amarinder Singh has also been going vocal with his dissatisfaction with party leadership.

A big faction of Congress leaders in Punjab is against the high command’s decision to back Sidhu and Amarinder Singh’s meeting with Amit Shah has created new worries. At such a time, a party veteran like Digvijay Singh singing praises of Amit Shah comes as a rather amusing development.

‘Wherever he is, he will be dragged back’: What Arnab Goswami said about suspicions that Parambir Singh has fled to Russia

OpIndia Staff
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‘Wherever he is, he will be dragged back’: What Arnab Goswami said about suspicions that Parambir Singh has fled to Russia

Hours after reports surfaced about former Mumbai Police Commissioner leaving the country for Russia, Arnab Goswami lambasted the tainted cop and questioned the failure of the law enforcement authorities.

“It is simply impossible that he got up and vanished. Till date, he has not been suspended. Till date, he has not been interrogated in custody. Now we are told that he may be in Hungary or Russia,” the Republic TV Editor-in-Chief lamented during the Prime Time debate.

While comparing the escape of the tainted cop as a ‘slap on the face of common men,’ Goswami remarked, “The system has stood by Parambir Singh…I am getting calls from all over the country…People are outraged across the world…This fight is for you and Parambir must know and realise that he will be dragged back,” he added.

Arnab Goswami explains the difference between the cases against Parambir Singh and Vijay Mallya

He emphasised, “You can catch him (Parambir Singh) within seconds if you want…In the case of Vijay Mallya, the cases came up after he fled. In the case of Parambir Singh, the cases are there and he is allowed to go. And you expect me to not ask questions.” Goswami then asked his fellow panellists whether he should open the phone lines to seek a public referendum.

Republic Editor-in-Chief hinted at underlying nexus between Maha govt and the tainted cop

Arnab Goswami pointed out that Parambir Singh only testified against Anil Deshmukh, once he realised that he would be caught. “He made allegations against Anil Deshmukh and now he is missing. Parambir is also missing. But, we don’t know if Anil Deshmukh has fled the country. But it seems Parambir has fled the country,” Goswami hinted at an underlying nexus within the State apparatus.

Arnab Goswami questions the lack of govt accountability

While calling out the ‘system’, Goswami asked, “What answer will the system give next if Justice Chandrachud or anyone in any Court asks that the people who misuse the system just fled/ ran away?” He pointed out the failure of the CBI, ED, Mumbai Police, Intel, IB, R&AW, and other law enforcement authorities in preventing Parambir Singh from fleeing the country. “They could do nothing. There is no answerability. The belief is that people have short public memory. They will forget,” the Republic TV Editor-in-Chief said.

Maharastra govt trying to locate Parambir Singh, claimed State Home Minister

Earlier on Thursday (September 30), Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse Patil said that his govt had been trying to locate Param Bir Singh, who is currently posted as Director General (DG) of the Maharashtra Home Guard. The comments by the Maharashtra home minister came amid reports that Parambir Singh had fled to Russia. While reacting to reports, he said, “I have heard something like this but as a government official he cannot go abroad without government approval. If he’s gone, it’s no good.” He informed that a Lookout Circular was issued against Singh for not appearing before probe agencies despite several notices.

Parambir Singh is wanted in several ongoing cases being probed by investigating agencies, including the Antilia Bomb scare, Mansukh Hiren murder case, and the Mumbai police extortion case. Param Bir Singh is on leave from his post since May 5, citing health issues. Since then, he had sought several extensions of his leave by sending communications to the state govt. His last communication was in the second week of August, seeking an extension of leave till August 29. However, there has been no communication from him after that.

Nigerians attack Delhi Police leaving 3 injured, 53 arrested after the assault on the police station: Read what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Nigerians attack Delhi Police leaving 3 injured, 53 arrested after the assault on the police station: Read what happened

The Delhi Police has reportedly arrested 53 foreign nationals, believed to be Nigerians, for attacking the police with sticks and bricks. Reportedly, on the 27th of September, a mob of Nigerians gathered at the Mohan Garden police station and attacked the station and the police personnel. They started pelted stones and in the process, injured 3 policemen as well.

According to a Republic TV report, after the mob gathered and started pelting stones at the police, the police had to open fire in the air to control and disperse the mob. At this point, the mob had even entered the police station and was indulging in rampant violence and vandalism.

Soon after the mob had entered the police station, Delhi Police arrested 8 of the assailants and reportedly, the rest of the assailants were arrested soon after.

Why did the Nigerian mob attack Delhi Police

According to the report in Republic TV, the Nigerian mob was irate about the death of one of their people. After the death of a member of their group, the police was to conduct a medical examination to establish the cause of death, however, the African natives did not want a medical examination to be conducted on the deceased individual.

The attack occurred when a group of foreign nationals gathered outside the Mohan Garden Police Station. Following this, they were angry and had a spat with the police personnel while objecting to the medical examination of the deceased.

Nigerian man arrested in Delhi with crores worth of drugs, was living in India illegally

Only a few days ago, in an unconnected case, a Nigerian man was arrested by the Delhi Police with drugs worth Rs 30 crores. While the Delhi Police arrested two people, one of the accused was a Nigerian who was living in India illegally.

The Nigerian national was identified as Chigozie Foster Okafor alias David. He arrived in the country in July 2019, on a six-month business visa. Reportedly, David did not return to Nigeria even after his visa expired. 

According to reports, the Nigerian had started procuring drugs from an Afghan living in Delhi and later had started his own network. During his interrogation, he had revealed that many people from Punjab would procure drugs from him and he used fake identities to send contraband to UK, Sri Lanka, Nepal, UAE and other nations.

‘We are trying to find his whereabouts’: Maharashtra home minister on reports that Param Bir Singh has fled to Russia

OpIndia Staff
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‘We are trying to find his whereabouts’: Maharashtra home minister on reports that Param Bir Singh has fled to Russia

Shiv Sena ruled Maharashtra has seen the strange incidents of its former home minister and former Mumbai Police commissioner going ‘missing’. After former home minister Anil Deshmukh, now former police commissioner Param Bir Singh has also gone missing, as per probe agencies and the state government. And if reports are to be believed, Singh has fled to Russia.

Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse Patil today said that his govt is trying to locate Param Bir Singh, who is currently posted as Director General (DG) of Maharashtra Home Guard. The comments by the Maharashtra home minister came amid reports that Parambir Singh has left the country to Russia.

The home minister said that the investigating agencies suspect that Singh has fled the country, saying that the agencies have no information on his location. He said that along with the union home ministry, his ministry is also trying to locate the missing police officer. Responding to reports of Param Bir Singh fleeing to Russia, he said, “I have heard something like this but as a government official he cannot go abroad without government approval. If he’s gone, it’s no good.”

He informed that a Lookout Circular has been issued against Singh for not appearing before probe agencies even after several notices were issued to him.

Parambir Singh is wanted in several ongoing cases being probed by investigating agencies, including the Antilia Bomb scare, Mansukh Hiren murder case, and the Mumbai police extortion case.

NIA has sent him several notices in its investigation in the Antilia and Mansukh Hiren cases. A state govt appointed commission is probing allegations of extortion by Mumbai police on behalf of Maharashtra ministers including former home minister Anil Deshmukh. Interestingly, this allegation was made by Parambir Singh himself in a letter written to CM, along with dismissed cop Sachin Vaze.

Param Bir Singh is on leave from his post since May 5, citing health issues. Since then, he had sought several extensions of his leave by sending communications to the state govt. His last communication was in the second week of August, seeking extension of leave till August 29. However, there has been no communication from him after that.

Singh has filed affidavits in the ongoing cases through his lawyers, but has not responded to notices to appear before the probe agencies. His lawyers had also submitted that he could appear through video conferencing, but it was objected by prosecution lawyers.

UP govt suspends 6 cops accused of murder: All you need to know about the death of Kanpur businessman in Gorakhpur hotel

Jhankar Mohta
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UP govt suspends 6 cops accused of murder: All you need to know about the death of Kanpur businessman in Gorakhpur hotel

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has met the family of the Kanpur based deceased businessman Manish Gupta, who was allegedly killed in a police raid at a hotel room in Gorakhpur and assured fair and speedy investigation into the case. According to reports, Yogi Adityanath on Thursday in stern words said that illegal activities by police officers in the state are not acceptable and warned that those found involved in “very serious offences” will be dismissed.

Such people have no place in the Police Department and will be dealt with strictly according to the rules, CM Yogi Adityanath said, urging officials to identify them and provide a list of names with proof.

A criminal is a criminal regardless of his position: Yogi Adityanath

The Uttar Pradesh CM also assured on Twitter today that those who are responsible for the unfortunate incident in Gorakhpur, regardless of their position, shall not be spared at any cost. “A criminal is a criminal”, remarked Yogi Adityanath, adding that a case was registered immediately after the incident.

“District Kanpur exemplifies our “Zero Tolerance Policy” against crime and criminals. It is our responsibility to empathise with the victim’s pain. The government is by the family’s side at all times, and they will receive prompt justice at all costs. My heartfelt condolences go out to them”, added Yogi in his subsequent Tweet.

Wife of deceased businessman thanks Yogi Adityanath for meeting family’s demands

On Thursday, September 30, Yogi Adityanath personally met the family of the victim in Kanpur. After the meeting, Meenakshi Gupta, the wife of deceased Manish Gupta said that she was glad that at least the government is by their side and standing with them in this difficult time.

“He has understood my case deeply and with a lot of compassion and taken a call regarding my case. I am very satisfied. I am deeply grateful to him”, said Meenakshi Gupta thanking Yogi Adityanath for his cooperation.

She confirmed that Yogi Adityanath had agreed to fulfil all their demands. Meenakshi Gupta said that Yogi Adityanath has said that the case would be transferred to Kanpur and also accepted their request for a CBI probe.

She further added that Yogi Adityanath has accepted her request for a government job and all other demands which they had put forward before him.

“CM has assured me, he himself said to transfer the case to Kanpur and investigate it here by forming a new team. Secondly, postmortem to be done through panel and FIR should be registered”, Meenakshi Gupta was quoted by ANI as saying.

“He accepted my demand for govt job and will provide some money for my son’s future. He told me to write an application for the CBI probe and then he will see to it. I am happy that he acted as an elder guardian for my family”, she added.

Yogi Adityanath creates post to provide a govt job to Meenakshi Gupta, declares 10 lakhs compensation

According to ANI, the state government has said that “an OSD post in Kanpur Development Authority will be formed and Meenakshi Gupta will be deputed on the post. CM also gave a proposal to the district administration to increase compensation to the family of the deceased to Rs 10 Lakhs”.

UP Government suspends six police officers, charges them with murder of Kanpur businessman

According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh CM had spoken to the deceased’s wife, Meenakshi Gupta, on the night of Tuesday (September 28) and extended his condolences. Soon afterwards, six policemen were suspended in connection with Gupta’s death.

The authorities also charged these six police officers with murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada, adding that they have also launched a manhunt to apprehend them.

According to Gorakhpur DM Vijay Kiran Anand, JN Singh, Sub-Inspector Vijay Yadav, and Phalmandi police post-in-charge, Akshay Mishra are among the officers charged with murder. Moreover, the state authorities had suspended the policemen, including the Ramgarhtal SHO, on Tuesday and handed over the probe to the superintendent of police (city).

Kanpur based businessman Manish Gupta found dead in a hotel in Gorakhpur

The 38-year-old Manish Gupta, a Kanpur based property dealer had died in a hotel in Gorakhpur in the early hours of Tuesday, September 28. Police had said that they entered his hotel room as they were on the lookout for “suspicious persons”. They claimed Manish Gupta died of a head injury caused when he fell to the ground in an inebriated state.

In a statement released by ADG (Law and Order) on September 30, he said that they received information that on the night of September 27, checking was done at the hotel. There were three people in a room. Two of them had IDs while the third probably didn’t. He tried to flee, fell down and got injured. He was taken to hospital where he died.

Manish Gupta’s wife alleges husband died after police thrashed him

It may be noted that after Manish Gupta’s death his wife, Meenakshi Gupta had alleged that her husband died after police beat him up. Meenakshi had refused to accept her husband’s body after the post-mortem, insisting on first registering a case against the policemen.

She had also shared a video on Twitter on Tuesday, September 28, where she had sought justice and support from the people. Manish Gupta’s wife, Meenakshi, has accused the police and hotel staff of a cover-up. “My husband was murdered in that hotel, he was killed by a policeman. There was no blood on the scene even though my husband was beaten bloody. Two of his friends said that there was blood everywhere, but the hotel staff cleaned it up,” she rued.

Viral video shows multi-storey building crumbling down in Shimla. This is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Viral video shows multi-storey building crumbling down in Shimla. This is what happened

An eight-storey apartment building collapsed in Shimla on Thursday in front of its residents and neighbours. However, a major tragedy associated with the incident was averted as the building was vacated on time.

Videos shared on social media show the building crumbling down to the ground within seconds like a house of cards, followed by a huge cloud of dust.

The building, located on a fragile hill slope of Kacchi Ghat area at Ghoda Chowki near Hali Palace in Shimla, collapsed after the ground below it was eroded by recent rains in the area. No causalities were reported in the incident, as the building was vacated hours before it collapsed at around 5.45 PM.

The police, administration and fire brigade was already on the spot when the building came down.

The Shimla municipal corporation had asked the families in the building to vacate it as soon as possible 15 days ago. However, the families were still living there till today, not believing the warning that it could collapse. However, all the occupants moved out earlier today hours before the building collapsed, because the building had already started to tilt in one direction.

It appears that rains and landslides in recent days had loosened the soil on which the building was standing. Moreover, the structure was built without a strong foundation, contributing to its collapse. Although attempts were made to salvage the structure, it was not successful as the foundation had become too weak.

Reportedly, sewerage of waters from adjoining buildings and the buildings located above on the hills was also seeping in the foundation of the collapsed building. Now, another building in the area also has been identified as in danger of collapse.

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi said, “All eight families were evacuated this afternoon and are being rehabilitated and as such there was no loss of human life, another building has been endangered.” Several large buildings have come up in the fragile hill known as “Kachchi Ghati”, creating panic among people in the area.

Pakistanis share video of Muslims beaten by Muslims to claim Hindu atrocities on Muslims in India in anti-India campaign

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistanis share video of Muslims beaten by Muslims to claim Hindu atrocities on Muslims in India in anti-India campaign

Muslim social media users from several countries are sharing tweets calling for the boycott of Indian products, alleging atrocities on Muslims in the country. Muslim netizens, many of them from Pakistan and Gulf countries, are sharing images and videos alleging Muslims being attacked by the majority of Hindus in India, trying to build the narrative that Muslims are not safe in India. They are posting such tweets with the hashtag #BoycottIndianProducts. However, at least one such video has no communal angle.

The online campaign was triggered by the recent incidents in Assam when an eviction drive against illegal encroachment by Bangladesh origin Muslims had turned violent. Along with the visuals of the incident, Muslims mainly from Pakistan also shared several other images and videos from past incidents, claiming that they are from attacks on Muslims by Hindus. But in an eagerness to spread the anti-India campaign, the social media users also shared incidents that had no communal angle like they were claiming.

For example, one Twitter user with the name Zia Khan shared a video that showed a man beaten up by others by sticks. While Zia Khan shared the video as an example of alleged atrocities on Muslims by Hindus in India, the fact is that, even though the incident is from India, both the victims and the attackers were Muslims.

The incident seen in the video took place in July last year in Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh. The same video was shared by a journalist named Prashant Shukla. Replying to the tweet, Siddharthnagar Police had informed that the incident was the result of quarrel between kids of the victim and the accused, where one Ijaz and his family members were beaten by Istekhar, Anwar Raja, Mohammed Kaleem and Haleem.

Later Prashant Shukla had shared a video where victim Ijaz was naming the people who had attacked him and his family. His statement confirms that he was attacked by Muslims.

This makes it clear that a Muslim man was beaten by four Muslims in a dispute that started with a quarrel among their children, and it was not an incident of Hindus attacking Muslims. In fact, the incident had no communal angle at all.

But this incident has been used by Islamists on social media to run an anti-India campaign.

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