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Sri Lanka won’t allow its territory to be used against security of India and regional stability: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during PM Modi’s visit

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Sri Lanka won’t allow its territory to be used against security of India and regional stability: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during PM Modi’s visit

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to India’s security and regional stability, stating, “I reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.”

He was speaking in Colombo following delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a State visit to the island nation.

The President also sought Prime Minister Modi’s support on a key maritime issue. “I requested Prime Minister Modi’s intervention in convening early bilateral technical discussions pertaining to Sri Lanka’s claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for the Establishment of the Outer limits of the Continental Shelf beyond Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said.

Dissanayake highlighted the potential for cooperation in technology and governance, adding, “Sri Lanka recognises the importance of developing a digital economy to drive growth, innovation and efficiency. Furthering this policy initiative, Prime Minister Modi and I discussed possible collaboration in digitalisation in multiple domains.”

Acknowledging India’s role in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, he stated, “I thank the Government of India for the financial grant of Indian Rupees 300 crores to implement Sri Lanka’s unique Digital Identity Project.”

President Dissanayake also announced that Sri Lanka will honour Prime Minister Modi with its highest civilian award. “I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him the highest Sri Lanka honour – Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana… Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”

Underscoring the long-standing bond between the two neighbours, the President said, “The friendship between India and Sri Lanka is very close… We are neighbours with deep historical, religious and cultural ties that go back over a long period of time and our time-tested relationship is built on shared values, mutual respect and common interests.”

The two leaders met for formal delegation-level talks earlier in the day. They warmly greeted each other before the discussions began. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials. During the meeting, India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE also signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of both heads of state.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of President Dissanayake. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is focused on reviewing progress in priority areas identified under the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” which was adopted during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India.

Earlier on Saturday, Sri Lanka accorded PM Modi a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square–the first time a visiting leader has received such an honour. Modi’s arrival on Friday marked his first visit to the country since 2019 and follows his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.

Despite heavy rain, six Sri Lankan ministers received PM Modi at the airport. “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka,” he posted on X. Later, the Prime Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora and witnessed a traditional puppet performance. He is also scheduled to visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate India-funded development projects.

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

Sri Lankan President honours PM Modi with their highest award – Mitra Vibhushana

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Sri Lankan President honours PM Modi with their highest award – Mitra Vibhushana

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest award to a foreign head of state, Mitra Vibhushana. Dissanayake said that PM Modi highly deserves this honour.

In a joint press statement alongside PM Modi, Dissanayake said, “I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the highest Sri Lankan honour to a foreign head of state/head of government- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. This prestigious honour, which was introduced in 2008, is conferred upon heads of states and government for their friendship, and honourable Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”

The “Dharma Chakra” demonstrates the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. The “Pun Kalasa” (a ceremonial pot) adorned with sheaves of rice symbolizes prosperity and renewal.

The “Navarathna” (nine precious gems) represents the priceless and enduring friendship between the two countries, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals.

The “Sun and Moon” signify the timeless bond, stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future. Together, these elements beautifully capture the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the two nations.

Sri Lankan President made the announcement after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks in Colombo on Saturday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials attended the meeting.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo. It is the first time that Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner.

PM Modi is on a State visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Disanayaka. His arrival in Colombo on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.

Prime Minister Modi reached Colombo after concluding his visit to Thailand, where he attended the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with several world leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

In Sri Lanka, PM Modi was warmly received at the airport by six senior ministers, despite rains: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena.

“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi posted on X.

After arriving at his hotel, PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessed a traditional puppet performance.

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

Delhi Govt to sign MoU with Centre for Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Read how Arvind Kejriwal had deprived Delhi of this scheme for political vendetta

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi Govt to sign MoU with Centre for Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Read how Arvind Kejriwal had deprived Delhi of this scheme for political vendetta

On Saturday (5th April), the newly elected BJP government in Delhi will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA) for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the State.

The much-anticipated event will be attended by Union Minister of Health Affairs JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. On Friday (4th April), Gupta held a meeting over the scheme and gave directions to the concerned officials.

She said, “Under this agreement, millions of families in Delhi will receive health benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh from the central government. Additionally, the Delhi government will provide an extra top-up of Rs 5 lakh. The state and central governments will work together for the effective implementation of the scheme.”

CM Rekha Gupta further added that 11 central government hospitals, 34 Delhi government hospitals and 46 private hospitals have already enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. She informed that an awareness drive will be carried out in the National Capital about this scheme.

The implementation of AB-PMJAY was one of the pre-poll promises of the BJP in the run-up to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.

Arvind Kejriwal maligned Ayushman Bharat, prevented its implementation in Delhi

Ever since Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was launched by the Centre in 2018, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party government saw to it that the scheme was not implemented in Delhi.

Initially, the AAP government demanded that the scheme be renamed to ‘Mukhya Mantri Aam Aadmi Swasthya Bima Yojana-Ayushman Bharat’. In this way, he ensured that the plan did not take off.

A few months later in June 2019, the then AAP Minister Satyendar Kumar Jain said that he would not implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the national capital. He instead promised to ensure 100% free healthcare in Delhi.

“What will come out of it, if it’s implemented in Delhi? Population of Delhi is 2 Cr, 10 Lakh people will benefit. We won’t do this. We’ll provide health facility to 100% population here. We won’t pick&choose. That isn’t needed in Delhi,both poor&rich will receive treatment,” Satyendar Kumar Jain had claimed.

In October 2024, the AAP supreme had demanded the implementation of his ‘Delhi healthcare model’ across the country.

“If medicines, tests, and treatment are all free in Delhi, then there is no need for the Ayushman Bharat scheme here. Modiji should study the Delhi healthcare scheme and implement it across the country,” he had claimed.

PM Modi had lashed out at the Delhi government for not implementing the central scheme in the State.

“I apologise to the people over 70 years from Delhi and West Bengal that I will not be able to serve you. I apologise because I will come to know that you are suffering. I will get the information but I will not be able to help you. The reason is that the Delhi and West Bengal governments are not joining the Ayushman Bharat scheme. I am prevented from serving older people of Delhi and West Bengal because of politics, the Delhi that I am speaking from, I am pained,” he conveyed during his address on the occasion of Dhanvantri Jayanti.

In November last year, all seven BJP MPs moved the Delhi High Court, urging the court to direct the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Department of Health and Family Welfare to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

In January 2025, Arvind Kejriwal dubbed the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana as the ‘biggest scam’ in the country.

“I am happy that the Supreme Court has also said that it is a fake scheme. Across the country it has come out that Ayushman Bharat is the biggest scam. When the central government changes and an inquiry is conducted, people will get to know how big a scam was Ayushman Bharat,” he alleged.

Kejriwal and his AAP government saw to it that Delhites never reaped the benefits of the central scheme. He prioritised politics over the welfare of the people.

With AAP now out of power, the residents of Delhi can finally avail the services provided under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Benefits of Ayushman Bharat

The government-sponsored health insurance policy offers free coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year at public and private hospitals across India for secondary and tertiary medical care. The policy, per the government records, covers all diseases from day one for both before and post-hospitalisation expenses. The beneficiaries can avail of cashless and paperless treatment in empanelled public and private hospitals.

No restrictions apply based on family size, age, or gender. The process identifies 80% of beneficiaries based on Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data in both rural and urban areas. Further, special emphasis is placed on covering diseases and treatments affecting women and children.

Government reports mention that premium payments varying from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 annually collected under the scheme are split by the Central and State Governments in a specific ratio. The scheme also receives additional resources from the Health and Education Cess, as well as financing from states to supplement the Central allotment.

It has been 6.5 years since the launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and it has brought countless smiles on the faces of lakhs of beneficiaries. The flagship health scheme launched by the government 6 years ago provides free necessary medications, diagnostic services, and preventative healthcare. Facilities like non-communicable disease screening- diabetes, hypertension, maternity and child health services, immunisation, and health promotion are also available under the scheme. The policy further improves access to specialised treatment through tele-medicine services, particularly in remote places.

The system covers both public and private hospitals, allowing for broader access to healthcare facilities. However, the empanelled hospitals are obliged to achieve particular quality and service criteria, resulting in improved healthcare services for the poor and needy people of Indian society.

For ease, the entire system is operated online, providing transparency, traceability, and paperless services to both beneficiaries and hospitals. The initiative actually seeks to reduce catastrophic healthcare spending for vulnerable groups by offering free treatment in empanelled hospitals. The scheme under the leadership of PM Modi ensures that underprivileged families have access to basic and advanced medical treatments without incurring financial hardship.

The first component of Ayushman Bharat involved the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), which were previously known as Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC). The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide a wide range of healthcare services, including preventative, promotional, rehabilitative, and curative treatment. The purpose is to make healthcare services more accessible to communities by providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).

PFI-backed main accused in Sreenivasan murder case arrested after three years on the run

OpIndia Staff
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PFI-backed main accused in Sreenivasan murder case arrested after three years on the run

In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Shamnad E K, also known as Shamnad Illikkal, the prime accused in the 2022 murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan in Palakkad, Kerala. Shamnad had been absconding for nearly three years. He was arrested in Ernakulam after a sustained manhunt by the central agency.

Shamnad was under PFI’s protection, living under a fake identity

Shamnad, who is a resident of Manjeri in the Malappuram district, had been carrying a reward of Rs 7 lakh on his head. Investigators said he was living under an assumed identity, and the now-banned Islamist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI) had been providing him shelter since the gruesome daylight murder of Sreenivasan.

In a statement, NIA officials stated that the murder was not an isolated act. It was part of a broader conspiracy hatched by PFI leaders and operatives aimed at fuelling communal unrest. During the investigation, the agency found that the radical outfit had been radicalising vulnerable Muslim youth across the country with the long-term goal of establishing Islamic rule in India by 2047.

Terror training masked as Yoga and PE

The investigation further revealed that the PFI had been operating several covert wings, including a “Reporters Wing”, “Physical and Arms Training Wing”, and “Service Teams” to execute its violent plans. These units reportedly organised arms training sessions on the pretext of physical education and yoga programmes. Such events were generally hosted at their private campuses.

Fundraising for violent acts of terror was also a key part of the organisation’s structure. The funds were being diverted to finance targeted killings and violent activities. The murder of Sreenivasan was one among several such attacks planned by the Islamist group.

Chargesheets filed against 63 accused

NIA’s probe into the Palakkad killing has gained further traction with the recent arrest of Shamnad. So far, chargesheets have been filed against 63 individuals connected to the larger PFI conspiracy. The case has once again highlighted how the banned organisation had established a vast and secretive network operating with disturbing ideological clarity—one that sought not just to incite riots but to systematically undermine the secular and democratic foundation of India, aiming to establish Sharia rule in the country.

Murder of Sreenivasan

On April 16, SK Sreenivasan, a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader, was hacked to death in broad daylight in Kerala’s Palakkad. He was a former Physical Education instructor of the RSS. Reports suggested he was murdered by a group of 5-6 assailants who arrived on three bikes. They hacked him to death inside his shop in the Melamuri area of Palakkad with sharp weapons. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers were armed with machetes and attacked him several times, inflicting multiple fatal injuries.

Delhi High Court rejects Wikipedia’s “just an intermediary” defence for defamatory content, holds it liable for ANI page content

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi High Court rejects Wikipedia’s “just an intermediary” defence for defamatory content, holds it liable for ANI page content

On 2nd April, in a landmark judgment, the Delhi High Court ruled that Wikipedia cannot hide behind intermediary status to escape liability for defamatory content published on its platform. The order was passed by Justice Subramonium Prasad in response to a plea filed by ANI Media Pvt Ltd, saying that its Wikipedia page hosted on the platform contains false and defamatory content damaging its reputation.

The court noted, “Defendant No.1 (Wikipedia) professes itself to be an encyclopedia and people at large have a tendency to accept the statements made on the web pages… as gospel truth. The responsibility, therefore, of Defendant No.1 is higher.” The court also held that intermediaries such as Wikipedia carry “fiduciary responsibilities and obligations to prevent acts of defamation.”

Court directs removal of defamatory content

The court allowed ANI’s interim application seeking removal of defamatory material from its page titled “Asian News International” and directed the Wikimedia Foundation to also lift the protection status of the page, which had restricted public edits since May 2024.

Justice Prasad observed that the statements on the page were not faithful reproductions of the cited source articles. The court found that the content was instead “twisted” and “devoid of context”, which effectively altered the intended meaning. The judgment stressed that the impugned content violated Wikipedia’s own neutral point of view policy.

The court said, “The opinion of Defendants No.2 to 4 do not represent the true picture of the articles and have been twisted… Defendant No.1 has ensured that the articles cannot be edited by anybody else, thereby putting Plaintiff in a disadvantage to rebut what is given in the page.”

Allegations and editing wars

ANI filed a Rs 2 crore defamation suit against Wikimedia Foundation, saying that the administrators of the portal had edited the page to include serious allegations, including that ANI acts as a “propaganda tool” for the Government of India and spreads fake news. The agency said that attempts to edit the page to present factual clarifications using credible sources, including BBC, were reversed, and the page was eventually locked from public editing.

ANI was presented in the court by Advocate Sidhant Kumar, Advocate Om Batra, Advocate Akshit Mago, and Advocate Anshika Saxena, who argued that the defamatory material damages ANI’s decades-old reputation and is based on unverified opinions masquerading as facts.

Wikipedia’s defence and failed appeal

Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta and a large team of advocates represented Wikipedia in the court. They argued that the platform is merely an intermediary hosting content created by independent users. Wikipedia’s counsel argued that the platform does not itself upload or edit material. They claimed that the injunctions sought would stifle free speech and challenge the very model of collaborative publishing that Wikipedia follows.

However, the argument was categorically rejected by the court, citing Supreme Court precedents which hold that an intermediary must act on defamatory content once notified or ordered by a court. Earlier, Wikipedia had challenged a related order directing it to disclose the identities of its administrators to ANI.

The appeal was dismissed by a division bench that also directed removal of a separate Wikipedia page titled “Asian News International vs Wikimedia Foundation”, which had made comments against the judge hearing the matter. The remarks posted against the bench were found to be prima facie contemptuous.

Case far from over

Though the court has settled the interim application, it is being seen as a significant blow to Wikipedia’s claim of complete immunity. The main suit for damages, along with ANI’s demand for a retraction and apology, remains pending. Meanwhile, Wikipedia has appealed to the Supreme Court against the division bench’s order relating to content takedown, and a notice has been issued in that matter.

After Bajinder Singh, another Punjab pastor Jashan Gill accused of raping a 22-year old girl, the victim died after a botched abortion

OpIndia Staff
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After Bajinder Singh, another Punjab pastor Jashan Gill accused of raping a 22-year old girl, the victim died after a botched abortion

After the tainted pastor Bajinder Singh was recently convicted and sentenced by a court in a 2018 rape case, another pastor named Jashan Gill from Gurdaspur in Punjab is accused of raping a 22-year old women and forcing her to undergo an abortion. The victim allegedly died during the treatment of an infection caused by the botched abortion.

The victim’s father alleged that pastor Jashan Gill lured her daughter and raped her. He forced her to undergo an abortion after she got pregnant without informing her family. The abortion process was performed negligently, and due to this, she developed an infection. She passed away in 2023 during treatment of the infection. The victim’s father has alleged that the Punjab Police did not cooperate with them, and the pastor still roams free. He has demanded a CBI inquiry against pastor Jashan Gill.

The victim was a student pursuing BCA at the time of the incident. She used to visit a church with her family in Abul Khair village in the Gurdaspur district. “We used to go to a church in Abul Khair village of Gurdaspur district with our family. A pastor named Jashan Gill misled my daughter and raped her. My daughter was 22 years old and was a BCA student. He made her pregnant and later made her undergo an abortion by a nurse named Kulwant Kaur in Khokhar village. The abortion was performed carelessly, after which she got an infection,” the victim’s father told ANI. Disappointed with the Punjab Police, the father has approached the High Court seeking a CBI inquiry into the case.

Pastor Bajinder convicted in a 2018 rape case

On Tuesday (1st April), Christian evangelist pastor Bajinder Singh was granted life imprisonment by a court in Mohali in a 2018 rape case. He was convicted under sections 376 (rape), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The victim in the case said, “Bajinder is a psycho and will do the same offense after coming out of jail, so I want him to stay in prison. A lot of girls (victims) have won today. I request that DGP ensure our security since there is a possibility of attacks on us.”

Recently, several women who worked with missionary Bajinder Singh in his “Ministry” have come out with allegations of sexual harassment against him. In a viral CCTV footage of his office, he was seen physically attacking a woman in front of her child.

Bareilly: Asif Qureshi pretends to be Ashish, sexually exploits a Dalit Hindu woman, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Bareilly: Asif Qureshi pretends to be Ashish, sexually exploits a Dalit Hindu woman, arrested

In a shocking case of love jihad in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim man sexually exploited a Dalit Hindu woman by lying to her about his identity. The culprit, Asif Qureshi, misled the woman by introducing himself as a Hindu man named Ashish Sahu. Qureshi used to wear a kalawa and a tilak to portray himself as a Hindu. He hid his identity to sexually exploit the victim.

Qureshi sexually exploited the victim by hiding his identity

According to reports, Qureshi booked a room in the Rajdhani hotel in Faridpur on Thursday (3rd April). He took the victim to the hotel room where he sexually exploited her by promising to marry her. However, she came to know about his identity and informed her family about the incident. The victim’s father informed the police police and lodged a complaint at the Faridpur police station against Qureshi. Qureshi has been arrested by the police. Inspector Harendra Singh, Faridpur Police Station, said that a case has been registered against him. The police immediately sent a forensic team to collect evidence from the hotel room and sent the victim for a medical examination.

Qureshi forged a fake Aadhaar card under a Hindu name

Qureshi, a resident of Mathiya, used to follow the victim, a resident of Bhuta, on her way to college. The victim is pursuing graduation at a college in Faridpur. Qureshi reportedly works as a Munshi (assistant) under a local advocate. Qureshi lured the victim into a relationship by faking his identity. He wore all the Hindu symbols to convince the victim that he was a Hindu. He even forged a fake Aadhaar card with the name Ashish Sahu written on it. Qureshi used the same Aadhaar card to book the hotel room on the day of the incident.

Hindu organisations protest, demand strict action against Qureshi

On receiving the information about the incident, members of some Hindu organisations reached the police station and protested. They demanded the strictest action against the accused. The police have also invoked the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

50 Christians join BJP in Kerala after passage of Waqf bill, their land was being claimed by Waqf

OpIndia Staff
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50 Christians join BJP in Kerala after passage of Waqf bill, their land was being claimed by Waqf

On 4th April, just after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament, fifty residents of Munambam, a coastal village in Kerala, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Munambam is at the heart of the Waqf land row in the state. Most of the villagers belong to the Christian community. They have been fighting against the Kerala Waqf Board for the past 175 days over the claim laid down by the board on 400 acres of land that the villagers have owned for generations.

BJP sees the moment as a political shift

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar visited Munambam shortly after the Bill was passed and met the families protesting against the Waqf Board. He hailed the day as a turning point in the political history of the state. Chandrasekhar said, “This is an important day in the state’s political history.”

He added, “This agitation gave strength to the Prime Minister and Parliament to pass the amendment. We will stand with you until you regain revenue rights over your land. The people of Munambam have been betrayed by the very MPs and MLAs they voted for, but their voice reached Parliament. It’s a shining moment for Indian democracy.”

Joseph Benny, who is the convener of the Munambam protest action committee, said in a statement that all fifty new BJP members were earlier supporters of the Congress or the CPI(M).

In a post on X, Chandrasekhar wrote, “With the people of Munambam today after the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill. Joined them in their celebrations as they expressed their respect and gratitude to PM Narendra Modi ji for supporting them in their hour of need. I assured them that the BJP would stand firmly with the people of Munambam until their revenue rights are reestablished.”

Slamming UDF and LDF, Chandrasekhar wrote, “The UDF and LDF have once again exposed their shameless politics of appeasement by opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill. Nothing but a blatant betrayal of the people of Kerala, especially the residents of Munambam who were facing eviction from their own land! Despite opposition, BJP pushed through the bill, proving that when it comes to protecting citizens, we stand on the side of justice, not vote bank politics.”

Church-backed media slams Congress and Left

Interestingly, the Church and its associated media in the state have criticised the Congress and the Left. Deepika, a prominent Catholic Church-backed Malayalam daily, criticised the CPI(M) and Congress for ignoring the Church’s call to support the amendment. Notably, the Church has termed the sections that allowed the Waqf to claim land out of thin air as “anti-people sections” of the Waqf Act. The daily accused both parties of trying to instil fear among minorities by claiming Christians face persecution by Sangh-affiliated groups in North Indian states and Manipur.

Kerala has always been a difficult state for the BJP. However, the fallout between the Church and the Congress and Left is an indication that a chance might arise in the future to disrupt traditional political formations. The BJP is aiming to make inroads by aligning with the grievances of minority communities over land rights, something that both the Congress and the Left have ignored owing to appeasement politics.

The Munambam Waqf land dispute

The Munambam Waqf land dispute in Kerala is rooted in historical ambiguity and community grievances. It has turned into a politically charged conflict in recent months. Around 600 Christian and Hindu families in the region are resisting the Kerala State Waqf Board’s claim over 404 acres that the Board claims were dedicated as Waqf property in 1950.

However, residents argue that they purchased the land legally from Farook College, which managed the land at that time. The families have been paying taxes on their land for decades. The origin of the controversy can be traced back to a 1902 lease by the Travancore royal family to a local trader and a 1950 deed by his son-in-law creating the Waqf. Over time, Farook College sold the land to occupants without disclosing its Waqf status, which laid the groundwork for future disputes.

The issue lay dormant until the Nissar Commission in 2009 declared the land as Waqf property. The Board acted on this in 2019, ceasing acceptance of land tax. Though the Kerala government overruled it in 2022, the decision was stayed by the Kerala High Court, which trapped the residents in legal uncertainty. The problem is worsened by severe coastal erosion, reducing the land to just 225 acres. OpIndia’s detailed report on the dispute can be checked here.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Court records statement of former chief of Delhi Sikh body against then Congress leader Jagdish Tytler

ANI
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1984 anti-Sikh riots: Court records statement of former chief of Delhi Sikh body against then Congress leader Jagdish Tytler

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court on Friday recorded the statement of former president of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Manjeet Singh GK, as a prosecution witness in a 1984-anti Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler.

Appearing before special judge Jitendra Singh, GK testified that in 2018 he had received an envelope containing a letter and a pen drive allegedly containing the voice recording of Tytler about his role in the riots.

GK said that he had later handed over the letter and the pendrive to the CBI, which was investigating the matter.

Tytler is facing trial in a case of the alleged killing of three Sikhs by a mob in the Pul Bangash area in 1984.

Special CBI Judge Jitendra Singh recorded Manjeet Singh GK’s statement on the questions put to him by CBI public prosecutor Amit Jindal.

He said that the said recording on the pen drive was played in the office of DSGMC. In the said pen drive, there were revelations of the accused Jagdish Tytler about the killing of 100 Sikhs through him.

The other person with the accused Jagdish Tytler in the said audio-video conversation/sting is Ravinder Singh Chauhan, GK said.

He further said that during a meeting, Ravinder Singh Chauhan admitted to the confession/revelation made by Jagdish Tytler in front of him, which were contained in the said pen drive. “I also audio-video recorded my conversation with Ravinder Singh Chauhan in the office of DSGMC”, GK added.

GK further testified that in the year 2008, Surinder Singh Granthi had met GK and said that that there was threats to him from the accused Jagdish Tytler.

GK said that he gave Surinder Singh courage and assured him that he and the whole Sikh community are with him and that he should tell the truth to the CBI and investigating agencies. Consequently, he got his statement recorded before the CBI, but unfortunately, he died before the case reached a logical conclusion.

Defense counsel Anil Kumar Sharma appeared along with Apoorv Sharma and Anuj Sharma.

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

Karnataka: BJP worker commits suicide in Bengaluru, blames Congress leaders, police in suicide note

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: BJP worker commits suicide in Bengaluru, blames Congress leaders, police in suicide note

A 35-year-old BJP worker from Madikeri, Karnataka, allegedly died by suicide in Bengaluru late Thursday night. Vinay Somayya was found hanging at his Nagawara office shortly after posting a detailed suicide note on WhatsApp and Facebook. In the thousand-word note, he accused several Congress leaders of harassment and claimed political pressure drove him to take the drastic step.

Vinay said he had been made admin of a WhatsApp group, “Kodagu Problems and Suggestions,” just days before a controversial message was shared. Though he denied any involvement, he said he was blamed and slapped with a politically motivated FIR, which tarnished his reputation.

He accused Congress leader Tenneera Maheena of deliberately spreading the case details and his photo to defame him. Vinay was recently arrested based on Maheena’s complaint, and said even after getting bail, police continued to target his family under orders from Congress MLA AS Ponnanna. He also denied accusations of instigating communal tensions, claiming he never made the alleged phone calls.

“I only forwarded a voice message and its screenshot. Why was an FIR filed against me, but not against the source?” he wrote, questioning the fairness of the case.

Vinay also alleged that Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda scolded him for raising concerns about the Kushalnagar Government Hospital in a group chat, asserting he had proof that the MLA initiated the call.

He claimed a campaign was underway to paint him as a repeat offender, including attempts to label him a “rowdy.” He named Harish Poovayya for repeatedly posting defamatory content and added that efforts were being made to open a rowdy sheet against him.

Despite a High Court stay on the FIR, Vinay said the harassment didn’t stop. He also referenced another alleged suicide tied to Maheena’s family, urging a probe into the Congress leader’s role in that incident.

In an emotional appeal, he asked for support for his wife and daughter. “Even one rupee from each person will help their future. Please don’t let my family be harassed,” he wrote. He also thanked BJP leaders like Pratap Simha, KG Bopaiah, and Appachu Ranjan for their support.

Police have launched a preliminary investigation and sent the body for a post-mortem. While acknowledging the suicide could be linked to the FIR and arrest, they declined to comment on the detailed allegations.

BJP Slams Congress Over ‘Political Vendetta’

The BJP condemned the incident as a result of political persecution. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka called it “100 per cent political revenge” and claimed the Kodagu administration had become a “Congress office.” He demanded the suspension of the district’s SP before any probe proceeds.

Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also blamed the Congress and urged a CBI inquiry. “This is not an isolated case,” he said, calling for FIRs against MLA Ponnanna and his aide while rejecting any police or CID probe.

State BJP president BY Vijayendra expressed deep sorrow and demanded a fair, transparent investigation. “BJP workers have been constantly harassed since the Congress came to power,” he said, calling for legal action against those responsible.

Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara responded by assuring a thorough inquiry by the local DCP. “We will verify what’s been shared on social media. If the claims are true, action will be taken,” he said, adding that a review would happen regardless of motive.

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