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Indian Army renovates the grave of Maqbool Sherwani: Read how the Kashmiri youth halted advancing Pakistani marauders in 1947

OpIndia Staff
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Indian Army renovates the grave of Maqbool Sherwani: Read how the Kashmiri youth halted advancing Pakistani marauders in 1947

In a moving gesture, the Indian Army on Thursday paid tributes at the renovated grave of Janab Maqbool Sherwani, a Kashmiri youth killed by Pakistani raiders in 1947 for blocking their advance towards Srinagar on Uri-Muzaffarabad highway.

According to the reports, the Indian army finished the renovation work of the grave of the martyr Maqbool Sherwani on July 15, which had been started in April 2021. The Army also held remembrance prayers for the revered martyr at his memorial, which is located in the old town, Baramulla.

In a statement, Defence PRO Col Emron Musavi said, “The work commenced in the month of April 2021 and now stands completed. On 15th July 2021 Indian Army organized remembrance prayers at the grave of Janab Maqbool Sherwani, and floral tributes were paid. The deeds of this valiant warrior will be remembered and revered by generations to come.”

Who was Maqbool Sherwani?

Maqbool Sherwani, a brave Kashmiri young man, had laid his life to protect the lives of innocent people of his homeland. In November 1947, the tribal raiders, instigated by Pakistan, plundered, raped and murdered innocent people in Kashmir. As these raiders began their advance towards Srinagar, Maqbool Sherwani and his group of friends decided to halt their movement.

Maqbool Sherwani, fondly known as the lion of Baramulla, rode his motorcycle and found the raiders plundering the city. The hordes of 20,000 Pakistani tribesmen, known as kabailis, had plundered the beautiful city of Baramulla on October 26. The Pakistani raiders were hoping to capture the strategic Srinagar Airport as it was the only way Delhi could have deployed troops and logistics. Capturing the Srinagar airport meant cutting off the valley from the rest of India.

Anticipating their advance towards Srinagar, Sherwani visited several villagers and held public meetings to unify them to take on the raiders collectively. A few days later, Sherwani intercepted these raiders single-handedly. The Pakistani raiders were perplexed to see a local citizen on the deserted road, who asked him to guide them in the direction of Srinagar airport.

Maqbool Sherwani – “the Lion of Baramulla” halted Pakistani raiders’ advance towards Srinagar

Displaying his presence of mind, Sherwani misguided Pakistani raiders by convincing them to advance in the wrong direction. Maqbool Sherwani and his volunteers, comprising various communities with no military training, set up roadblocks and destroyed bridges, thus protecting the fastest access to Srinagar.

When these raiders realised that they were misled, they caught Maqbool Sherwani, tortured and killed him. The raiders had abducted Sherwani and brought him back to Baramulla to send a message. The barbaric Pakistani raiders mutilated his body and crucified him before firing 14 bullets at him.

Sherwani’s body was nailed to a plank and tied to two pillars of Khan Hotel, near Regina Cinema, which kept on hanging for several days. Finally, the Indian Army had to pull it down days after he was killed on November 7, 1947. The raiders had also pasted a note on his head that read – “He is a traitor, his punishment is death”.

However, the death of Sherwani did not go in vain. Kashmiris rose up against the Pakistani tribesmen with a greater intensity all over the valley. Most importantly, Sherwani’s brave act to keep Pakistani tribesmen away from Srinagar airport provided a buffer time for the Indian soldiers to reach Srinagar and save the airport and the city.

Reportedly, the memorial of Maqbool Sherwani was damaged during the beginning of the Pakistan-supported insurgency in the valley during the late 1980s. The Pakistani supported terrorists had set ablaze the memorial named after Maqbool Sherwani in 1988.

In remembrance of the brave Kashmiri youth, the Indian Army has named the Second Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry after Maqbool Sherwani, which is known as “Sherwani Paltan”.

Indo-Pakistan War of 1947–1948

The partition of India on communal lines and the creation of Pakistan in August 1947 had an impact on the Hindu-ruled but Muslim-majority Kashmir. As Kashmiris decided against joining the newly created Islamic country Pakistan, they faced the wrath of the Pakistan military, who joined hands with the local tribesmen to invade the Indian territory of Kashmir.

Pakistan attempted to invade the Kashmir Valley, however, it did it cowardly by masquerading as raids by tribal invaders. In reality, the raids were instigated by the Pakistani Army in operation – codenamed Operation Gulmarg under the leadership of senior Pakistan Army officers.

On October 22, thousands of tribal mercenaries and Pakistan soldiers entered the Kashmir Valley and over-ran the outposts defended by the Maharaja Hari Singh’s forces in Muzaffarabad and other places. The ultimate goal of the Pakistani Army was to capture Srinagar with the help of these tribesmen.

As they entered Kashmir valley, these tribesmen committed large-scale atrocities, who raped, murdered, looted the civilians, resulting in several deaths. The Indian troops launched a counter-attack to stop Pakistani invaders. By November 8, the Indian forces had secured Srinagar – the seat of the princely state.

They forced the Pakistani Army to Muzaffarabad by mid-November. The war continued with lower intensity till the end of 1948 when the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru committed a huge blunder by taking the issue to the United Nations. Due to his actions, a ceasefire was announced, resulting in maintaining a status quo, with India losing nearly one-third of Kashmir to Pakistan, now known as the PoK.

‘Criminal? He’s a birthday boy!’: Senior Mumbai police inspector seen celebrating birthday of a history-sheeter in viral video

OpIndia Staff
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‘Criminal? He’s a birthday boy!’: Senior Mumbai police inspector seen celebrating birthday of a history-sheeter in viral video

When was the last time a bunch of people including a police official gathered around you to sing and clap for your birthday? Well, history-sheeter Danish Sheikh got lucky with the senior inspector of Jogeshwari police station participating in his birthday celebrations. 

However, this did not end well for Mahendra Nerlekar- the Mumbai police officer who has now been transferred to the West Control Room as punishment for taking part in a birthday cake-cutting ceremony of a criminal.

The action was initiated after the video of the celebration went viral where Nerlekar was seen feeding cake to the history-sheeter Danish Sheikh. The short video clip reached the Zonal DCP Maheshwar Reddy and other senior officers following which immediate action was taken. 

The video was shared by Mumbai BJP leader Kirit Somaiya after which several people mocked the incident. Taking a jibe at the sorry state of Mumbai police and Maharashtra government, Somaiya Tweeted, “Birthday of MAFIA Don celebrated at Jogeshwari police station. Thackeray Sarkar’s Police Crime Branch, Sachin Vaze involve in VASOOLI. Mumbai police takes SUPARI to kill Mansukh Hiran. Home Minister Maharashtra & Commissioner of Police accuses each other of taking Haptas Bribe.”

Inquiry initiated against Nerlekar 

Commenting on the incident, a police officer said, “Nerlekar attended the birthday cake cutting in uniform and both he and Shaikh, were captured feeding cake to each other in the housing society’s office.”

The video is reportedly from two weeks ago which went viral only recently. Mumbai Police spokesperson DCP S Chaitanya informed a departmental inquiry has been initiated against Nerlekar. 

Nerlekar justifies his actions

Claiming this to be an old video, Nerlekar as per media reports said, “It is an old video. I had gone to that housing society to see some demolition work going on, but some senior citizens there insisted that I visit the society office. I went there, but I was not aware that Danish was also present there with a cake.”

Additionally, Shaikh, a history-sheeter has been booked in several criminal offences including rioting and attempt to murder. He was arrested by the Jogeshwari police in 2018. 

The police in Maharashtra do seem to have a thing about birthday celebrations of criminals. In an earlier incident in October 2020, cops at the Vasai Visar police station were seen cutting cake and celebrating the birthday of history-sheeter. Before that, in 2019, two police sub-inspectors and three constables were suspended for celebrating the birthday of a history-sheeter. The cops were reportedly celebrating the birthday of a criminal named Ayaan Khan alias Ulla.

Watch: Pro-Pakistan slogans raised in Samajwadi Party rally at Agra in presence of District President Wajid Nisar

OpIndia Staff
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Watch: Pro-Pakistan slogans raised in Samajwadi Party rally at Agra in presence of District President Wajid Nisar

On Thursday, pro-Pakistan slogans were allegedly raised by Samajwadi Party workers during a party rally organised in Agra.

According to the reports, the Samajwadi Party had organised state-wide protests against rising fuel prices and the alleged large scale “fraud” in the recently concluded Panchayat elections in the state.

A video has gone viral in which people present at the Samajwadi Party’s rally were heard raising ‘Pakistan Zindabad slogans. The slogans were raised when Samajwadi Party cadres were returning after the protests against the BJP government.

In the video, a man in a red shirt can be heard raising “Pakistan zindabad” slogans. SP’s Agra district president Wajid Nisar was also present at the rally during the incident.

As the video of the incident viral, Nisar admitted that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised during the rally. However, he claimed that some outsiders had raised such objectionable slogans to malign the party’s image. The Samajwadi Party leader also claimed that he has filed a written complaint with the police and urged strict legal action against the accused.

Reportedly, a person named Pankaj Singh is being accused of raising slogans. However, Singh has denied the charge and said that he only raised slogans in support of Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party.

“I am a Thakur. Why would I raise Pakistan Zindabad slogans?” Singh asked.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh police have taken cognizance of the incident and have initiated a probe.

BJP, Hindu organisations slam Samajwadi Party for pro-Pakistan slogans

Following the incident, BJP and various Hindu organisations attacked the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party, asking whether Samajwadi Party was operating from Pakistan.

“Today in Agra, slogans of Pakistan Zindabad were raised in a rally against the BJP under the leadership of Samajwadi Party city president Wajid Nisar. Is Samajwadi Party operating from Pakistan?” the saffron party said in a tweet.

Hindu Jagran Manch has also condemned the incident, accusing Samajwadi Party of carrying out activities against the country’s interest. The Hindu activist group will be protesting on Friday, demanding sedition charges against the Samajwadi Party leaders for raising such anti-India slogans.

Interestingly, the raising of pro-Pakistan slogans by Samajwadi Party workers comes just days after former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had courted a controversy by speaking against the state police’ action against Al Qaeda suspects. 

Reacting to the arrests of two Al-Qaeda terror suspects from Kakori, the SP supremo had said, “I can’t trust the actions of the Uttar Pradesh police and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state.”

Racial violence in South Africa: Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini calls for peace, asks his people to stop attacking Indians

OpIndia Staff
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Racial violence in South Africa: Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini calls for peace, asks his people to stop attacking Indians

Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini while giving a live address on television asked fellow Zulus to end violence against Indians with ‘immediate effect.’ On Wednesday, KaZwelithini addressed Zulus giving a call for peace as the riots and unbridled violence against the Indian diaspora in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, entered the sixth day. 

“Our Indian brothers are our neighbours and we have the second biggest population of Indians in KwaZulu-Natal outside of India and through that, we have had certain people who have come to us to say thank you to the Zulu nation and to the Zulu royal family that you are living with our Indian brothers in peace,” appealed the king. 

Expressing his displeasure over the turn of events, KaZwelithini said that violence is “not the right way of expressing and it creates a picture of people who have lost their dignity.”

The Zulu King highlighted that he had not expected his “own people (would be) so complicit” in burning down South Africa”. “I must appeal to all of us to take a great step back and consider the damage that is being done by our own actions,” KaZwelithini said.

KaZwelithini added that he fully understands the depression born of poverty and joblessness but also pointed out that the violence and arson would further affect the poor people as significant supply chains of medicine and food have been affected due to the ongoing pandemic.

Calling this an act that brought ‘much disgrace’ to the Zulu people, the Zulu King urged them to “embrace the Indians” because they share the land with them. 

South Africa continues to burn

As violent protests, riots, and arson engulfed South Africa, the city of Durban especially has been witnessing an unprecedented amount of damages caused due to continuous looting and rioting.

We reported earlier that according to eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, around 45,000 businesses have been deemed out of commission, and it is estimated that properties worth R16 billion (around 8225 crores) have been looted or destroyed during the riots that include damage to infrastructure and equipment.

Schools and warehouses were also burnt with visuals of gallons of milk flowing like a river on the roads going viral on social media.

It is also reported that what. started as a protest, soon turned into racial violence against the Indian community in South Africa. However, despite the continuous attack on the Indian community, the Indians came out to hand over bread to anyone who needs it.

What started the riots?

Last week, former President Jacob Zuma was arrested in contempt of court charges after he had failed to appear for a corruption hearing. The arrest of Jacob Zuma sent his supporters into a violent rage, as they rioted, indulged in arson and rampant loot in several parts of South Africa. Protests got converted into arson, looting, and other criminal activities. Despite the government’s announcement of the deployment of SA National Defence Forces, the arson and looting continued on July 13 and July 14.

Several reports have emerged where the rioters and looters are targeting people of Indian descent. It is believed that the locals are using corruption accused Gupta Brothers as an excuse to target the Indian community. In a desperate attempt to protect their businesses from looting, Indians have now stepped up their fight against the arsonists and looters. Visuals had emerged where the Indian community retaliated and shot at the looters.

Members of the Indian community were seen armed with guns and artillery to ward off rioters, looters, and arsonists. Willem Petzer, the Chairman of Taxpayers Union of South Africa, tweeted, “I have to say, after watching everything that happened today, I am looking at the Durban Indian community in a whole different light. These guys showed us they are willing to go all the way to defend their communities when they are threatened, whatever it takes.”

Pakistani Air Force has warned Afghan forces against taking action on Taliban, says the Vice President of Afghanistan

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistani Air Force has warned Afghan forces against taking action on Taliban, says the Vice President of Afghanistan

The Vice President of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh has said that Pakistan has warned the Afghan forces against taking any action against the Taliban, which is rapidly capturing the country. In a tweet,

The First Vice President of Afghanistan said that the Pakistani Air Force is now providing close air support to the Taliban in certain areas.

The Spin Boldak area in the Kandahar district was captured by the Taliban yesterday, including the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing with Pakistan. The second most important border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan was closed for the public by Pakistan after the Taliban took it over. The Talibs had removed the Afghanistan flag and hoisted its own flag at the border crossing. Now according to Amrullah Saleh, Pakistan is supporting the Taliban so that Afghan forces can’t regain control of the area.

Some reports had said that the Afghanistan govt had claimed that its forces have re-captured the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing, but the Taliban has denied the reports. The Islamic terror group continues to control the border town including the border post.

According to social media users from the area, Pakistan has started delivering weapons to Taliban through the border crossing after the Afghan forces were forced to retreat. One Twitter user claimed that Pakistani Army loaded weapons from the Quetta military cantonment this morning and delivered the same to the Taliban through the Chaman border.

Amrullah Saleh also gave update on the efforts of the Afghan forces to recapture areas lost to Taliban. He said that the Afghan forces are defending Qala Naw, the provincial centre of Badghis province. The forces encircled the town, making it a kill zone for the Talibs, which forced the Taliban to use the community elders to negotiate a ceasefire so that they can leave the town.

He said that the 215 Corps have re-captured the Chakansour district in Nimroz, killing the Talib fighters. Saleh informed that they have now regained 10 APCs which were captured by Taliban last week.

He further said that Afghanistan is too big for Pakistan to swallow, implying that Pakistan will never be able to take control of Afghanistan using the Taliban as proxy.

Haryana police slap sedition charge on 100 farmer protestors for attacking Haryana Deputy Speaker’s car, 5 arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Haryana police slap sedition charge on 100 farmer protestors for attacking Haryana Deputy Speaker’s car, 5 arrested

As ‘farmers’ continue to stage protest against farm laws, reports have emerged that Haryana police have booked as many as 100 unidentified protestors under the sedition law after they attacked and damaged an official vehicle of Haryana Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Ranbir Gangwa. The FIR also names farmer leaders Harcharan Singh and Prahlad Singh. The attack reportedly took place on July 11 in Haryana’s Sirsa district. The FIR was filed on the same day under IPC sections 124-A (sedition) and 307 (attempt to murder).

Today Haryana Police arrested five people for involvement in the attack. “Five protesters have been arrested. We analysed the video footage of the incident in the past two days. The pictures were magnified and later based on the evidence, the five who were identified have been arrested,” Sirsa superintendent of police Dr Arpit Jain told media over the phone.

More people have been identified who were present near the site of the incident on Sunday and further action will depend on to what extent their involvement, informed the police officer.

According to reports, the Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker was in his car when it was attacked with stones. Though the rear windscreen of the car was completely shattered in the attack, Ranbir Gangwa, who was sitting on the front seat, escaped unhurt.

Ranbir Gangwa was in Sirsa on Sunday to take part in BJP’s executive committee meeting. The protesters attacked his vehicle when he was leaving the venue after the meeting was over. Despite heavy security, some protesters managed to surround the vehicle and banged against it with their hands. Police said that they also pelted stones at the car and broke its rear windscreen.

Police had used mild force to disperse the protestors, after which Gangwa’s car left the spot. Meanwhile, the SHO of civil lines Vikram Singh has also been suspended for allegedly mishandling the situation which resulted in the vandalism of the Deputy Speaker’s car on Sunday. 

Deputy Speaker Ranbir Gangwa had said on Tuesday that those who pelted his vehicle with stones on Sunday cannot be called farmers. “They cannot be called farmers. I can say those who attacked looked like addicts,” he had said.

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij slammed the ‘farmers’ saying that they were getting more and more violent with each passing day. “The violent agitation cannot be allowed to continue in a democratic and peaceful country,” he asserted.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha calls allegations “false, frivolous and cooked up”

However, refuting the allegations, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha called it “false, frivolous and cooked up”. In a statement, the SKM, which has been in the forefront of the agitation, said: “Farmer leaders Harcharan Singh and Prahlad Singh and around 100 farmers have been booked under false cases… with grave charge of sedition… merely because they were protesting against Haryana Deputy Speaker in Sirsa.”

‘Farmers’ launching attacks on BJP leaders emerging as a repeated trend in Haryana

While the farmer leaders have called the accusation baseless and frivolous, multiple such incidents have been reported in the past as well. In the beginning of the month, OpIndia reported how a group of protesting ‘farmers’, which included women, destroyed paddy from 1.5 acres of land that is owned by BJP leader Harjeet Singh Grewal in his native place in the Dhanaula village of Barnala district of Punjab. These ‘farmers’ under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), made videos of the act and also raised anti-BJP slogans while destroying the crop.

Calling them “aatanki (terroists) kisan, Congress and Maowadi’s (Maoist)”, the minister had asserted that these people are being able to carry out such felonious activities with impunity because of the backing of Punjab police, working at the behest of the Congress government in the state.

Similarly in May, farmers at Hisar, Hayarana got violent and tried to disrupt a Covid-19 facility inauguration event attended by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. As per reports, a huge crowd gathered at the site all of a sudden charging at the security forces which resulted in a clash. The farmers had also attacked DSP Abhimanyu, leaving him seriously injured. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha protesting on the border had also backed the protest. 

After writing fake report on India-China clash, Ajai Shukla claims there was no official rebuttal from Indian Army, deletes tweet later

OpIndia Staff
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After writing fake report on India-China clash, Ajai Shukla claims there was no official rebuttal from Indian Army, deletes tweet later

On Wednesday, Business Standard had published a report claiming that there were fresh clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Easter Ladakh, which was rubbished by the Indian Army. The army had said that the article written by Ajai Shukla was riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation, and the intention of the author was malafide.

However, even after a strong rebuttal issued by the Indian Army, Ajai Shukla had chosen to stand his ground. In a tweet, he had claimed that his article was not rebutted through any official channel, and that it was an unofficial rebuttal sent to a group of defence journalists on WhatsApp. He claimed that the journalists treated the same as an official rebuttal.

But just like his report on an imaginary fresh clash between India and China in Ladakh, his claims on the rebuttal by the Indian Army was also false and baseless. Because the Public Relations Office of the Indian Army had indeed issued an official response to Business Standard, rebutting all the charges made by Ajai Shukla.Contrary to the claim by Shukla, the rebuttal was an official statement issued by the Indian Army, which was signed by Col Sudhir Chamoli. The official statement is given below:

After the official statement of the Indian Army was pointed to Ajai Shukla, he quickly deleted his tweet claiming that there was no official rebuttal to his baseless article. It is interesting that while the official rebuttal was issued by the Indian Army on 14 July itself, Ajai Shukla claimed on 15th July that it was only an unofficial message on WhatsApp.

The Indian Army had said in the statement that the article is riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation. “It is reiterated that the news report mentioning that agreements with China have collapsed, is false and baseless. Ever since the disengagement agreement in February this year, there has been no attempt by either side to occupy the areas from where the dis-engagement had been undertaken. There have been no clashes in Galwan or any other area, as reported in the article. The intention of the reporter is malafide and not based on any truth”, the statement said.

It further added that both sides have continued with negotiations to resolve balance issues, and regular patrolling in respective areas continues. It said, “The situation on ground continues to be as hithertofore. PLA activities, including turnover of troops continue to be monitored by Indian Army. The news article has been published with uncorroborated facts and is strongly rebutted.” The PRO of Indian had also asked Business Standard to carry the rebuttal prominently on both the newspaper and its online platform. They had further advised the publication to exercise editorial oversight when reporting matters of national security.

‘They’ve leaked it’, Mamata Banerjee cries foul as NHRC submits report on Bengal post-poll violence, lies that report not submitted to court yet

OpIndia Staff
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‘They’ve leaked it’, Mamata Banerjee cries foul as NHRC submits report on Bengal post-poll violence, lies that report not submitted to court yet

After the NHRC tore into the state machinery for the “retributive violence” by Trinamool Congress supporters after the West Bengal polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has started crying foul. She has accused the statutory body of leaking its final report on the post-poll violence to the media before submitting it in court.

Accusing the statutory body of pursuing ‘political vendetta’ of the BJP, she slammed NHRC for disrespecting the court. “Instead of submitting (NHRC) report in the court, they’ve leaked it. They should respect the court. If it is not a political vendetta, how can they leak the report? They are maligning people of Bengal,” said Mamata Banerjee as soon as reports emerged on the scathing observations made by the statutory public body in its final report on the post-poll violence in the state.

Interestingly, NHRC had already submitted its final report in the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, only after which the report was shared with the media today. Therefore, Mamata Banerjee’s accusations don’t make any sense as she is making false and baseless allegations against the NHRC.

Cleary deflecting the truth, Mamata Banerjee added: “PM Modi knows very well that there is no rule of law in UP. How many commissions has he sent there? So many incidents, from Hathras to Unnao, have taken place. Even journalists are not spared. They give a bad name to Bengal. Maximum violence was pre-poll”.

Earlier in the day when the media had started to reveal the content of the NHRC report, CM Mamata Banerjee had refused to comment on it, saying as the matter is sub-judice, she would not comment on it respecting the court. The TMC leaders had also rejected the report, saying no such report has been tabled. But after the NHRC report was widely reported by media, Mamata Banerjee changed her position, and chose to attack NHRC accusing them of leaking the report.

Mamata Banerjee asks Calcutta HC to stop NHRC from probing WB post-poll violence, HC rejects plea

It is pertinent to note here that after the Calcutta HC, on June 18, directed the chairperson of NHRC to form a panel to examine the cases of alleged human rights violation during post-poll violence, Mamata Banerjee government had requested the HC to recall the order. However, on June 21, Calcutta High Court rejected the Mamata Banerjee government’s plea, giving a go-ahead to NHRC to probe the post-poll violence in the state.

However, in response to the CM allegations, NHRC fact-finding team member Atif Rasheed said that Mamata Banerjee needs to answer how the leaked report is the same submitted to Calcutta High Court and how come she knows about our confidential report.

NHRC makes damning disclosures on spates of violence after the Assembly polls in West Bengal

Earlier in the day, OpIndia reported the details of the final report on the West Bengal post-poll violence which NHRC submitted in Calcutta High Court on Wednesday. In the report, the statutory public body made some damning disclosures regarding the spate of violence carried out with impunity by the TMC goons after Mamata Banerjee steered TMC to victory in the West Bengal assembly elections on May 2.

Castigating the state machinery for its appalling apathy towards the plight of victims, NHRC hinted at a dangerous politico-bureaucratic-criminal nexus in the state. It said that the spate of violence also attacked some pillars of democracy, including the rule of law, political pluralism and free, fair and secure polling.

NHRC was vexed that the victims were left on their own to protect themselves against the violation of their human and fundamental rights, including the right to life, liberty, dignified living and health.

It said that almost all the victims told the inquiry team that either the police did not respond to their phone calls or came and stood there like mute spectators while TMC goons went on a rampage from one place to the other. It said that the WB police were either negligent or under some sort of pressure not to take action against the goons belonging to the ruling party.

It is notable here that the NHRC has recommended a CBI and court monitored SIT probe of the post-poll violence cases, adding that the trial of the cases should happen outside Bengal.

Post-poll violence in Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal

During post-poll violence, over two dozen BJP karyakartas were reportedly killed. While Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal turns a blind eye towards the post-poll violence and abuse, several victimised women have come up to narrate horrific details of grievous bodily harm and sexual violence meted out at them allegedly by TMC cadres.

In a report submitted by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA), it was mentioned that those who suffered the wrath of TMC workers after winning the elections were from marginal sections of Hindu society who had voted for BJP.

The Calcutta High Court had on July 2, ordered the Kolkata police to file an FIR against those TMC goons who were involved in sectarian and political violence in the state post the electoral victory of TMC. It said that the FIR should be filed based on National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommendations.

Raihan Rajiv Vadra and ‘Dark Perception’ photography exhibition: How privilege trumps talent

Anurag
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Raihan Rajiv Vadra and ‘Dark Perception’ photography exhibition: How privilege trumps talent

20-year-old Raihan Rajiv Vadra is hosting his photography exhibition titled ‘Dark Perception’ in the national capital.

Here are some of the praises for ‘private citizen’ Vadra’s photographs.

Bollywood entertainer Swara Bhasker found his photographs ‘stunning dramatic captures’.

‘Journalist’ Supriya Bhardwaj, too lauded his talent at ‘such a young age’. It is no secret that she holds a soft corner for Congress and its leaders.

Other ‘neutral’ journalists too were also excited to check out his photography exhibition.

The level of talent is so damn high that Shekhar Gupta’s ThePrint was this close to calling him the next big thing to hit the photography space.

Who is this Raihan Rajiv Vadra who is so immensely talented that everyone from national media to Bollywood is falling over backward praising his artwork?

Well, the 20-year-old is – wait for it – son of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra. That makes him: grandson of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi, nephew of senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, great-grandson of former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and great great grandson of former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.

It is being hosted at Bikaner House, Delhi, spread over an area of 8 acres. Originally, the residence of Maharajah of Bikaner, it is currently owned by the Rajasthan government, which is currently ruled by Congress. It was one of several houses built by the British govt for Indian kings for their stay in Delhi, like Patiala house, Hyderabad House, Jaipur House and Baroda House, all located around the India Gate Hexagon. Bikaner House was purchased by the Rajasthan govt after independence.

This is privilege.

I am a photographer. I have spent lakhs on photography equipment. I have spent months on a photography assignment for a mere few thousand rupees. Before I write about the photographs I have added here to show I have the eye of a good photographer, I would like to tell a little bit about the history of me becoming the owner of a camera followed by an amateur photographer and finally a professional one.

I starting my journey with a humble S5IS camera that I bought from the money I had saved from my part-time work during college. It took me only four months to mention “photographer” in my email signature that led to the realization that calling yourself one is not that easy.

I did not get any professional training in photography, nor I got a chance to do some courses. However, I was lucky enough to learn the basics and techniques of photography from some of the best in their field. My training for the basics was with a former captain in the Indian Army who is a professional photographer now. Someday, I would love to introduce him formally, but this is not the right time. When he saw “photographer” in my email signature, he called me and scolded me for good 20 minutes and made me understand that I had not yet earned the title. From 2007 to 2009, I was in his contact on and off, learning basic skills. I stood for hours holding up lights while he worked in his studio. It was tiring but rewarding.

From there, I learned tricks from many ace photographers who were humble enough to share their secrets. I checked YouTube tutorials, went on photo walks, did self assignments and even taught people how to click photographs. In 2010 when I bought my first DSLR (second hand), I realized I did not have money for lenses. Just buying a DSLR is not enough, you see. You must have a good set of lenses to make sure you can click photographs that suit your style. As I was not “rich” enough to spend tens of thousands on lenses, I followed the saying of one of my dearest teachers that “Photography equipment does not matter, the eye behind the camera matters.” While point and shoot S5IS gave me the power to play with macro, DSLR took away that power. It broke my heart. It still pains me that I could not buy a good macro lens even now.

But anyway, I could not and cannot go beyond what I can afford! So by playing with settings for hours, getting bitten by countless bugs, making friends with squirrels and birds, getting drenched with sweat and even losing some blood because I was not looking where I was going, I learned everything that I know now. If I click one photograph and it comes out good in the first click, it is not some luck, but it is years of training and trials. There was a time when I worked as a professional photographer. I was paid pennies and soon faced huge losses. That was a dark time. A member of a privileged family would not understand the pain of losing your faith in your own skills.

The point is, till the time you have used your camera roughly, got your clothes dirty while working in the field, clicked thousands of photographs till you understand the light and worked your way up in the ladder, it is not right to call yourself a photographer. To be honest, I prefer to call use ‘camera owner’ for the majority of the ‘photographers’ out there. Even if you were born with the ‘creative eye’, it takes years to perfect the skills and become a photographer. Interestingly, once you have perfected the skills, they get outdated, and you have to start all over again to learn what’s hot in the market! The journey never ends.

Every photograph has a story. The phrases “Photo is worth a thousand words” or “The photograph tells its own story” are just philosophies. The photographer must explain the photograph in their own words. Otherwise, it will become an empty canvas for anyone to narrate their own story. I have added five photographs here, and I would like to explain how they were clicked when they were clicked and how they are close to my heart.

The year was 2014. I was on an assignment in Shimla. It rained for two straight days, and the project almost got ruined as we could not get the photographs we needed and had to extend the stay for two additional days. On the third day, when I woke up early in the morning, this was the view from the terrace. I clicked on three photographs, and for the rest of the 30 minutes, I just stood there while watching the unbelievable beauty of the mountains. That day, for a moment, I thought things could get better in life, and this photograph gives me hope that things will be alright soon. 

Shimla, 2014

The year was 2009. I was shifting my concentration towards macro photography. The closer I got to the bugs, the more exciting things I was able to find. I love shooting spiders with the camera. They are fascinating creatures but very hard to find. This little bundle of cuteness was seen while I was on a photowalk with a bunch of photographers. They all were interested in shooting portraits while I was looking for insects. I found this little one enjoying the feast on a marigold flower and just sat there clicking photographs. As it had rained that day, my clothes were all muddy. But hey! I found what I was looking for.

The bug that moved my heard, 2009

Self assignments are an essential part of honing the skills. From 2008 to 2010, I did five self assignments. Unfortunately, my hard drive crashed, and I lost almost 700 GB of high-resolution photographs. I do not have a single photograph in full resolution from that period, and it pains me. However, when I look at this photograph, it reminds me of the excellent time I had while going alone and shooting photographs. This photograph was clicked in the winter of 2009.

The symbol of struggle, 2009

Remember I said I did not have money for equipment back then? I still don’t have money to buy what I want. So how I clicked this photograph? It looks like it was clicked in a studio. Right? No. This photograph was clicked in bright sunlight on a black cloth that was draped on an old plastic chair that I had for over 10 years. This photograph is a reminder that I learned photography the hard way, and every time I see it, I feel proud of what I had achieved. You do not need high-end equipment for things you want to click. You need skills, determination and passion. And a lot of practice. Yes, money helps as after one point you would need the equipment, but till then do not stop yourself from trying just because there is no money.

The Skill Sharpener

Remember the former Captain of the Indian Army I talked about? He is a snake rescuer too! Yeah, I was that lucky! One fine day, he was called to rescue a baby rat snake. He was literally the smallest snake I had ever seen, and I thank my stars million times that I was with him that day. Before the snake was let off in the forest area, we clicked some photographs. Can you notice the light in the snake’s eyes? That is called the catch light. Look closer, it is not just the catch light but a reflection of the setting sun behind the mountains. YES, I WAS THAT LUCKY! With minimal equipment, I was able to shoot a photograph of the lifetime. But that luck does not come on its own. By the time I had a chance to click this shot, I had already spent over a year with the Captain. This was clicked in the year 2008.

The snake, 2008

Now the question is, will I ever get a chance to hold an exhibition on government property in Lutyens Delhi? Will I have national media covering my artwork?

Not to say Raihan is not talented. He may or may not be talented. But this is what privilege brings you. His association with The Family in India allows him to hold an exhibition at one of the premium places in India.

This is how nepotism is perpetuated. How having the blood of one of the most powerful families in India can beat talent and open an ocean of opportunities the lesser mortals like myself will never have.

Am I bitter? No, not at all. But am I a better photographer than Raihan Rajiv Vadra? Yes, I am.

‘No smoking, shaving, girls above 15 to be married to Taliban fighters’: Read rules imposed by Taliban after taking over parts of Afghanistan

OpIndia Staff
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‘No smoking, shaving, girls above 15 to be married to Taliban fighters’: Read rules imposed by Taliban after taking over parts of Afghanistan

With the Taliban making rapid advancements in Afghanistan after the US troops quietly abandoned the war-torn region, it is fast imposing its old and set of religious rules. 

The Taliban insists that they will protect human rights particularly those of women but only according to “Islamic values”. The only condition- not following them would lead to unfathomable punishment.

Here are the set of rules imposed by the Taliban in the newly seized areas of Afghanistan. 

Women cannot venture out alone

Shortly after capturing a district in northern Afghanistan, the Taliban issued the first set of orders in the form of a letter to the local imam.

Sefatullah, 25, a resident of Kalafgan district narrated, “It said women can’t go to the bazaar without a male companion, and men should not shave their beards,” said.

Similar orders were issued in Shir Khan Bandar, a northern customs post that connected the country to Tajikistan over a US-funded bridge that spanned the Panj river.

Sajeda, a woman who works in a local factory, in an interview to AFP said, “After Shir Khan Bandar fell, the Taliban ordered women not to step out of their homes.”

“There were many women and young girls doing embroidery, tailoring and shoe-making […] The Taliban’s order has now terrified us,” she added.

Just a few days of Taliban rule and Sajeda fled south to the nearby city of Kunduz.

“We will never be able to work in areas under the Taliban,” she said, “So, we left,” justifying her decision.

‘Marry your daughters to the Taliban’

As per a letter issued in the name of the Taliban’s cultural commission, villagers have been ordered to marry off their daughters and widows to the movement’s foot soldiers.

“All imams and mullahs in captured areas should provide the Taliban with a list of girls above 15 and widows under 45 to be married to Taliban fighters,” read the letter.

‘No smoking and shaving’

The terrorists have also issued a ban on smoking, and have warned that anybody violating the rules “will be seriously dealt with”, as per the locals.

Nazir Mohammad, 32, told the AFP that everybody has been ordered to wear a turban and no man is allowed to shave.

‘Nobody can leave home at night’

Validating the alleged social media rumours, in Yawan district on the Tajikistan border, the Taliban gathered residents at a local mosque after taking over.

“Their commanders told us that nobody is allowed to leave home at night,” confirmed Mohammad. 

‘No wearing red and green’ and ‘no school for girls’

Mohammad further informed that people have been forbidden from wearing certain colours. “And no person — especially the youths — can wear red and green clothes,” he said, referring to the colours of the Afghan flag.

Additionally, “Girls attending schools beyond sixth grade were barred from classes,” the report said. 

Taliban spokesperson denies claims

Wanting to maintain the image, Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson of the Taliban said, “They are rumours spread using fabricated papers.”

“These are baseless claims,” he added.

Reign of Taliban

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan according to a hardline and radicalized interpretation of the Holy Quran from 1996 to 2001 

Women were ordered to stay indoors unless accompanied by a male, girls were banned from school, and those found guilty of crimes such as adultery were stoned to death in the land ruled by the Taliban. 

While men relatively had more freedom, they were even previously ordered not to shave, would be beaten if they didn’t attend prayers, and were told to only wear traditional clothing.

Taliban also prohibits watching television, imposes restrictions on smartphones or ban them. The move is to limit residents’ access to information and their ability to communicate or educate themselves.

Talking to the opposite gender or dressing “immodestly” attracts harsh punishments like lashing in the Taliban courts. Residents who criticize Taliban actions are beaten and even executed in some cases.

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