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Uttar Pradesh: Shiv Sagar files complaint against threats and caste slurs by Muslim youths in Bareilly; accused also used to hurl abuses in front of temple going women

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Shiv Sagar files complaint against threats and caste slurs by Muslim youths in Bareilly; accused also used to hurl abuses in front of temple going women

On 28th March, a Hindu man filed a police complaint against a group of Muslim youths in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of caste-based slurs, issuing death threats, and repeatedly disrupting the sanctity of a village temple by playing volleyball near the premises.

In a written complaint addressed to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Nawabganj police station, the complainant, Shiv Sagar, resident of Sijauliya village, stated that a group comprising Imran, Yusuf, Tasleem, Irmak, Nadeem, and several unidentified individuals had turned a vacant plot next to the Brahmdev Temple into a makeshift volleyball ground.

Sagar, who is a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch, stated that these individuals regularly play volleyball near the temple and use foul language while playing. He further accused them of creating nuisance in the presence of women of the village who came to the temple for prayers. According to him, when he objected to their behaviour, the group of Muslim youths not only refused to stop but resorted to caste-based slurs and threats.

On 28th March at around 5 PM, the incident escalated when the accused started abusing loudly near the temple premises. Upon being confronted, Imran and Irmak, as per the complaint, hurled abuses and called Sagar derogatory names. Sagar further accused Irmak of attempting to physically assault him and Tasleem of issuing death threats by saying, “We’ll keep using foul language here. Do whatever you want.”

Sagar further stated that the group warned him against reporting the incident to the authorities, threatening him with dire consequences. He expressed concerns for his life and requested police protection along with legal action against the accused.

Replying to a post on X, Bareilly police stated that investigation in the matter is underway.

OpIndia attempted to contact Nawabganj police officials for a comment but could not establish communication.

Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Council asks Kerala MPs to support Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, wants changes in unconstitutional and unjust sections of Waqf

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Council asks Kerala MPs to support Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, wants changes in unconstitutional and unjust sections of Waqf

Lending support to the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has urged the members of Parliament from Kerala to vote in favour of the Bill when it is tabled for discussion. In a press release dated March 29, 2025, the KCBC asked for the amendment of the “unconstitutional and unjust sections” of the Waqf Act.

The press release referred to the Munamban land dispute in which the Kerala State Waqf Board laid claim to around 404 acres of land in the Munambam suburb of the Ernakulam district in Kerala. The claims were opposed by 600 families living on the land, primarily Christians from the Latin Catholic community and Hindus from backward sections. The families insisted that they own the legal rights to the land as they purchased it decades ago from Farook College, which was once entrusted with its management.

Through the press release, the KCBC President, Cardinal Clemis Katholika Bava, Vice-President Bishop Polly Kannookkatan and Secretary General Bishop Alex Vadakkumthala urged the Kerala MPs to support the amendments to “objectionable” parts of the Waqf Act.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, is being opposed by Muslims across the country. Recently, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) called for nationwide protests against the bill. The Muslim body also urged Muslims to wear black armbands during the protests. The board referred to the bill as “a sinister conspiracy aimed at depriving Muslims of their mosques, eidgahs, madrasas, dargahs, khanqahs, graveyards and charitable institutions.” Following the AIMPLB’s call, protests were held by groups of Muslims across the states during the last Friday namaz of Ramzan.

Several opposition parties have also expressed strong opposition to the proposed legislation, branding it as an assault on Muslim rights, constitutional values and most amusingly as something that ‘hurts’ Muslim sentiments. The opposition parties opposing the bill include, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). 

Madhya Pradesh: Muslims fight among themselves during protests against Waqf Amendment Bill, attack each other with knives and sticks

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Muslims fight among themselves during protests against Waqf Amendment Bill, attack each other with knives and sticks

A group of Muslims that had gathered to protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill in a mosque in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, on Friday (28th March), fought violently among themselves because of a disagreement over wearing a black band during the protests.

As per reports, on the day of the incident, Shakil Ahmad, president of the Muslim Festival Committee, had an argument with one Syed Sawesh Ali during ‘Zohar’ prayers in Makbara mosque, Begamganj, around 1 pm over the wearing of black armbands as part of the protest. Soon, two groups of Muslims, out of which one was wearing a black armband and the other was not, started fighting. The situation escalated, and violent clashes broke out between the groups. Weapons, including knives and sticks, were used in the clashes, leaving several people seriously injured who had to be hospitalised.

“At around 1 pm, during ‘Zohar’ prayers, a dispute broke out between Shakil Ahmad, president of the Muslim Festival Committee, and one Syed Sawesh Ali over wearing the black armband as part of the protest. It resulted in a clash in which knives were used, leading to blood spilling on the mosque floor, which delayed the prayers by an hour,” said Sub Inspector Rajkumar Singh Choudhary. Some arrests have been made by the police in connection with the violence.

The demonstrations were organised a day after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) urged all Muslims across the country to attend the Alvida Jumma prayers wearing black armbands. The AIMPLB claimed that the Central government’s Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 will result in Muslims losing control over their religious institutions, including mosques, dargahs, madrassas, and graveyards. Responding to AIMPLB’s call for protests, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also offered the Friday prayers in Hyderabad wearing a black armband. However, some Muslim Maulanas were opposed to wearing the black armbands.

Lashing out at the Centre over the Waqf amendment bill, Owaisi supported the protests and accused the central government of unfairly targeting Muslim institutions. “I am wearing this black band against the Waqf bill. Through this Waqf bill, Narendra Modi is shooting at our chests, our integrity, our mosques, our dargahs and khanqahs. You tell me, when in Hindu temples only a Hindu can manage the temple affairs, then how can a non-Muslim become a member of the management in our mosques?” he said.

British MPs lobby for construction of ‘international airport’ in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, meddle in India’s internal affairs

OpIndia Staff
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British MPs lobby for construction of ‘international airport’ in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, meddle in India’s internal affairs

On 26th March, British MPs wrote to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, advocating the construction of an international airport in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The letter was shared on the social media platform X by MP Tahir Ali. In the letter, MPs stated that several development and welfare projects promised by successive Prime Ministers of Pakistan, including an international airport in Mirpur in PoJK, remained unrealised and claimed that it would economically benefit the region if built.

The letter read, “The long-standing promise of an international airport in Mirpur has yet to be met,” suggesting that the nearest airport is the Islamabad International Airport, which is 130 km away from Mirpur city. The MPs stated that the excess of three hours’ driving following long-haul flights has pushed for demands for an international airport in the region.

“Delivering a new international airport will unlock the potential for greater economic development across the region, creating jobs and attracting much-needed investment,” the letter read. The MPs further claimed that over a million British Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom would benefit directly from the airport. Furthermore, it would benefit the neighbouring regions, including Jhelum, Dina and Gujrat.

The letter was signed by Mohammad Yasin, Debbie Abrahams, Zubair Ahmed, Tahir Ali, Rosena Allin-Khan, Stella Creasy, Tan Dhesi, James Frith, Gill Furniss, Adnan Hussain, Imran Hussain, Lord Qurban Hussain, Afzal Khan, Abtisam Mohamed, Lord Mohammed of Tinsley, Andrew Pakes, Yasmin Qureshi, Naz Shah, Baggy Shanker and Zahra Sultana.

In a post on X, Tahir Ali wrote that the absence of an airport in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir causes “issues to a number of my constituents, who are having to drive over three hours to get to the nearest airport in Pakistan” and promised to continue to push for the cause.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, aka Tan Dhesi, a Sikh MP from the UK, wrote, “British Kashmiris, including in Slough, would like an international airport in Mirpur, which will also raise trade and tourism between both nations.”

Notably, Tan Dhesi is known for his anti-India and pro-Khalistani stance.

PoJK belongs to India

India, on several occasions, has reiterated that PoJK is Indian territory and that it will be taken back. In March 2024, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that PoJK is an integral part of India. He said, “The people of PoK are also Indians, be it Hindu or Muslim. Both Hindus and Muslims of PoK are our own.”

In May 2024, External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, said India lost its hold on PoJK due to “someone’s weakness or mistake”. Reaffirming the parliamentary resolution to reclaim PoJK, the career diplomat and former ambassador to Beijing highlighted the historical context of China’s involvement in the region, stressing that neither Pakistan nor its neighbour can assert sovereignty over PoJK, as India has a ‘legitimate claim’ to the territory.

“I was China’s ambassador, and we all are aware of China’s past actions and it working hand in glove with Pakistan… its old history. We repeatedly told them that this land, neither Pakistan nor China claims it as theirs. If there’s any sovereign claimant, it’s India. You’re occupying, you’re building there, but the legal title is mine,” Jaishankar added.

Chhattisgarh: 15 Naxalites surrender before Police in Dantewada, to receive benefits under rehabilitation policy

ANI
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Chhattisgarh: 15 Naxalites surrender before Police in Dantewada, to receive benefits under rehabilitation policy

In a significant development, 15 Naxalites surrendered before the Dantewada police on Saturday. Superintendent of Police (SP) Dantewada confirmed the surrender, stating that all 15 individuals would receive the benefits provided by the state government under the rehabilitation policy.

Speaking to the media, Dantewada SP Smruthik Rajanala said, “15 Naxalites have surrendered infront of the Dantewada police today…All the benefits of the state government will be given to all these 15 Naxalites who have surrendered today.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Nine Naxals surrendered in Sukma in the presence of Superintendent of Police Kiran Gangaram Chavan.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday congratulated the security forces for their bravery as they neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in a major encounter in the Kerlapal area of the Sukma district.

He said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 2026 would be fulfilled.

“I congratulate the security forces for their bravery, and I bow to their courage. Our government is continuously getting success in this regard… I believe that Union HM Amit Shah’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 2026 will be fulfilled,” Sai told ANI.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the killing of a top Naxal leader in an encounter in the Sukma district.

The Naxal leader has been identified as Jagdish, who was carrying a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh. The killed naxal was involved in the Jhiram Ghati incident earlier, in which top Congress leaders of Chhattisgarh were killed, and the Narayanpur incident, where several security personnel were killed.

Earlier, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan confirmed the recovery of 16 Naxal bodies from the site and said, “Two of our jawans sustained injuries during the operation and are being evacuated for medical attention.”

He said that security forces also seized a large cache of sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), and INSAS rifles from the area.

“This can be called one of the biggest encounters Sukma has seen to date,” SP Chavan added.

The official said that the identities of the slain Naxals are yet to be ascertained. The exchange of fire began following a joint anti-Naxal operation launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday.

According to officials, the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of Naxals in the Kerlapal area under Sukma police station limits.

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

Trump administration to formally shut down USAID, its activities to be fully merged with State Department

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Trump administration to formally shut down USAID, its activities to be fully merged with State Department

US President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to formally end the US Agency for International Development (USAID), notifying the remaining employees they will be terminated and the agency will be merged with the State Department, The Hill reported.

The move will fully absorb all remaining USAID functions into the State Department effective July 1, and according to a reduction in force notice to remaining staff, will “obviate” the need for an independent USAID.

By September 2, USAID’s operations will have been substantially transferred to State or otherwise wound down, the notice stated. Jeremy Lewin, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer who joined USAID last week, said the State Department “will seek to retire USAID’s independent operation, consistent with applicable law,” as per The Hill.

“As Secretary Rubio has said, following congressional consultations, the State Department intends to assume responsibility for many of USAID’s functions and its ongoing programming,” Lewin wrote.

“It will also obviate the need for USAID to continue operating as an independent establishment. Accordingly, the Department will seek to retire USAID’s independent operation, consistent with applicable law.”

It’s not clear which specific USAID programs would survive the transfer, as per The Hill.

According to a memo to Congress obtained by CNN, just 900 employees remain at an agency that once employed 10,000, as per The Hill.

USAID employees will be terminated either on July 1 or September 2, with those in the later group responsible for “winding down” the agency, The Hill reported.

“The remaining USAID personnel will then supervise the responsible decommissioning of USAID assets and the wind-down of the Agency’s independent operations,” Lewin wrote.

In a separate move on late Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing a number of agencies to suspend union bargain rights. Included on the list was USAID as the administration classified it as a national security agency.

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

Another lie to target Hindus? Islamists first lie about Muslim man being killed for resisting Holi colours, then obfuscate why rioters were arrested in Unnao: Details

Anurag
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Another lie to target Hindus? Islamists first lie about Muslim man being killed for resisting Holi colours, then obfuscate why rioters were arrested in Unnao: Details

On 27th March, propagandist media outlet Maktoob Media published a report targeting Hindus and the Uttar Pradesh Police over a matter related to the death of a Muslim man named Mohammad Sharif, who died on 15th March, the day of the Hindu festival Holi. The report revolved around the FIR registered by Unnao Police against 117 people, including family members of Sharif, for blocking the road and creating a riot-like situation. Maktoob Media claimed that the family “did not understand” why they were booked, and accused Hindus of killing Sharif, suggesting they beat him up as he had resisted Holi colours.

Quoting Sharif’s brother-in-law, Minhaz, Maktoob Media wrote, “I don’t understand what kind of system this is. We lost a family member. We filed a complaint against those who assaulted Sharif, leading to his death, and now the police have booked us instead of taking action against the accused.”

Background of the case

On 15th March, media reports surfaced that a 48-year-old man named Mohammad Sharif died allegedly after being assaulted by Hindus playing Holi. Media reports claimed that a dispute between Sharif and Hindus broke out over throwing colour on the former. Sharif was heading towards the mosque from his ancestral home in Mohalla Kanji when a group playing Holi near Mohalla Kashif Ali Sarai Chingu Power House tried to throw colour at him, and an argument broke out between them.

The verbal altercation allegedly escalated into a physical assault. Bystanders rescued him and helped him sit on a platform, but moments later, he collapsed and died. The news of his death enraged the residents, who gathered at the site and demanded action. A heavy police force was deployed to control the situation.

Muslims took to the streets and called for the immediate arrest of the accused. Police took Sharif’s body into their custody and apprehended three persons accused of beating him. The FIR against the Hindu youth was registered based on a complaint by Sharif’s brother-in-law, Minhaz, under Sections 105, 352 and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). His body was sent for post-mortem.

Replying to social media posts, Unnao Police categorically clarified that the post-mortem was conducted by a panel of doctors and that videography was done during the process. The doctors did not find any evidence of physical assault, and Sharif died due to cardiac arrest. Furthermore, the investigation into his death was underway.

Muslims blocked roads and instigated mob while taking Sharif for last rites

On 16th March, Unnao Police registered another FIR under Sections 191(2), 223, 49, 221 and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against 117 individuals, including Sharif’s relatives, based on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Rajesh Dixit, posted at Kotwali Police Station.

In his complaint, SI Dixit stated that on 15th March 2025 at around 11:45 PM, a large crowd gathered for Sharif’s last rites. While taking the dead body to the graveyard, some anti-social elements placed Sharif’s body on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway at IBP crossing and blocked the road. They raised slogans to press for unjust demands.

As they had blocked the road, patients, attendants, children, and elderly people travelling via the District Hospital, Railway Station, and Roadways Bus Stand had to face difficulties. When police personnel tried to pacify the situation, the mob did not stop their unlawful behaviour. One of the protesters, Hafeez, was allegedly continuously provoking the mob. Despite repeated attempts by the police to reason with them, they remained adamant and continued blocking the road.

Senior police officials present at the scene tried to counsel the relatives of the deceased and the crowd, after which the family took the body to the graveyard for burial. SI Dixit named Minhaz, Samim, Sadab, Rizwan, Naved, Monu Kariya, Ataullah, Guddu Tikki, Arif, Neyaaz, former MP candidate Saif, Mausin, Sanu, Ajmeri, Asfaq, and 100 other unidentified individuals in his complaint, accusing them of inciting people during the funeral and provoking them to block the road.

An attempt to set a narrative against Hindus and UP Police

As evident from the post-mortem report and police statement, Sharif died due to a heart attack. However, propagandist media outlets like Maktoob Media tried to set a narrative that Sharif died due to physical assault by Hindus as he protested against Holi colour being thrown at him.

Maktoob Media also quoted an unnamed relative of Sharif who cast doubt on the post-mortem report. He claimed that the post-mortem report “fuelled more anger and tension in the area”, after which a heavy police force, including Rapid Response Teams from multiple stations, was deployed to maintain law and order. Protesters also took to the streets demanding the immediate arrest of those accused of beating Sharif. He claimed, “But we never imagined we would face an FIR for expressing our outrage and protesting.”

Furthermore, Sharif’s family claimed they did not understand why they were booked by the police. However, the FIR registered by Unnao Police made it clear that several attendees of Sharif’s last rites tried to instigate the mob and blocked the national highway, causing difficulties to commuters.

It is a clear attempt to paint a negative picture of Hindus by alleging they assaulted a Muslim man during the Hindu festival of Holi, and to vilify the UP Police by claiming they booked Sharif’s relatives without justification.

Hindu religious flags removed ahead of Navratri in Damoh, Hindu groups demand suspension of official

OpIndia Staff
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Hindu religious flags removed ahead of Navratri in Damoh, Hindu groups demand suspension of official

On 29th March, Damoh witnessed high drama after the local civic body allegedly attempted to remove religious flags installed by Hindu groups at the Ghantaghar ahead of the Hindu festival Navratri. Hindu organisations and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers staged a massive protest and blocked roads, demanding the immediate suspension of CMO Pradeep Sharma, who has been accused of being “anti-Sanatan”

Tensions further escalated in the area after a few protestors reportedly blackened the face of CMO outside his residence. The protestors alleged that the official ordered the removal of religious flags despite them being part of an annual Navratri tradition. Speaking to media, BJP leader Satish Tiwari said, “Our opposition will continue against those who insult Sanatan Dharma.”

Demands for apology and suspension

The protest was led by Vishwa Hindu Parishad, BJP and Sakal Hindu Samaj and it lasted for almost 90 minutes. Only essential services were allowed to pass through the blocked roads. The Hindu groups later met the District Collector and SP demanding Sharma’s immediate suspension and public apology. VHP’s district head Anuj Khatri insisted that Sharma should be removed from his post and made to apologise for his actions.

Administration promised inquiry

Collector Sudhir Kochar confirmed that notices have been issued in the matter and a report will be submitted to the state by 10th April. Superintendent of Police (SP) Shrutikirti Somvanshi assured a high-level inquiry into the matter to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Police is continuously monitoring the situation.

Mohanlal starrer Empuraan receives backlash for grotesque misportrayal of 2002 Gujarat riots and pushing an anti-Hindu narrative

OpIndia Staff
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Mohanlal starrer Empuraan receives backlash for grotesque misportrayal of 2002 Gujarat riots and pushing an anti-Hindu narrative

South Indian actor Mohanlal starrer ‘L2:Empuraan’ is facing major backlash for the alleged misportrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The much-anticipated movie has been accused of showing Hindus as insensitive and merciless, using the context of the Godhra riots. Following the criticism, the movie’s producer, Gokulam Gopalan, has reportedly asked director-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran to modify certain controversial parts of the movie. “If any scenes or dialogues shown in the movie Empuraan hurt anyone, I have told director Prithviraj to make changes,” said Gopalan as quoted by India Today.

“Some words have been muted for the time being. There have been protests about certain things shown in the movie, and I have asked the director if he can make any changes; he should. The film was censored, and there was no issue then. We have no connection with any political party, I see politics as a service,” the producer clarified.

The movie portrays Hindus as insensitive

The movie, which is a sequel to Lucifer (2019), allegedly portrayed the events after the Godhra riots in a manner that pushes an anti-Hindu narrative. Among other controversial scenes, there is reportedly a scene in the movie where a Muslim family is shown as being brutally killed by Hindu right-wing extremists. Sukumaran, playing second fiddle to Mohanlal’s character in the movie, portrayed a character named Zayed Masood. The controversial scenes relating to the Godhra riots appear in the introduction of the background of Sukumaran’s character. Besides, the movie allegedly shows how the then-ruling party, which was the BJP led by erstwhile Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, misused the central agencies during the riots.

Organiser, an English weekly, pointed out certain scenes in the movie that show Hindus in a bad light, including one where a Hindu man is shown committing violence against a pregnant Muslim woman. “The film opens with a powerful and disturbing sequence depicting a Muslim village burning during the 2002 post-Godhra riots. What follows is a series of graphic and intense scenes which disturb every human mind. It includes Hindu men mercilessly beating a Muslim child and committing horrific violence against a pregnant Muslim woman, ” the Organiser wrote. “These scenes go beyond mere shock value; they are purposefully designed to reinforce the image of Hindus as the primary aggressors during the 2002 riots, perpetuating hatred between the two communities and portraying Hindus as villains, ” it added.

The truth of the Godhra riots

The Godhra riots are perhaps among the most misrepresented and the most politicised events in the country’s history of communal riots. While the riots have been used by politicians, media houses and left liberals over the years to paint an anti-Hindu narrative, the carnage that preceded the riots, in which 59 karsevaks were charred to death in a train coach set on fire by a Muslim mob, has never found mention in that narrative.

On 27th February 2002, the Sabarmati Express, after running four hours late, reached Godhra station by 7:40 am. at about 3:30 am. Coach S6 of the train was carrying 59 karsevaks returning from the Ramjanmabhoomi site in Ayodhya. Within minutes of the train arriving at the station, a mob of around 2000 Muslims from the nearby Muslim-dominated area of Signal Falia surrounded the coach carrying karsevaks and set it on fire. All the karsevaks inside the coach, including 25 women and 15 children, were burnt alive.

After years of judicial trial, the trial court convicted 31 Muslims on 22nd February, 2011, for the Godhra massacre. The convictions were later affirmed by the Gujarat High Court in 2017. In February 2003, one of the accused gave a judicial confession in which he admitted that the Godhra carnage was a pre-planned attack.

Several stories were cooked up by the Islamist apologists to justify the planned attack on the karsevaks, including the karsevaks allegedly kidnapping a Muslim girl, or the karsevaks entering into an argument with some Muslim vendors at the railway station and so on. However, all these stories were rejected by the Nanavati-Mehta Commission, which was set up to investigate the Godhra massacre of karsevaks and the Godhra riots. The commission concluded that no instigation happened from the side of the karsevaks. It said that the attack was pre-planned. About 60 litres of inflammable liquid must have been used in burning that coach. The floor of the coach in some places was totally burnt. After explaining the difference between a fire in an open space and a fire in a confined place, he stated that the phenomenon of flashover can happen in a place that is small and completely closed. The size of S/6 was quite big. Its total area of it was 5000 sq. ft. Therefore, there was no possibility of a flashover in that coach unless the fire was big. The fire had not started from below the coach. The total quantity of liquid that was required for burning the coach could not have been thrown from outside, nor the fire which took place in S/6 could have been caused only by the burning rags thrown in it. As there was more damage in the eastern part of the coach, he had come to the conclusion that the fire had originated in the eastern part of that coach,” observed the commission.

Rahul Gandhi demands cancellation of offshore mining tenders, writes to PM Modi

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Rahul Gandhi demands cancellation of offshore mining tenders, writes to PM Modi

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has strongly opposed the central government’s decision to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, calling it a move that threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi criticized the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, which he said had faced strong objections due to concerns over its environmental and socio-economic impact. He pointed out that the decision to open offshore mining blocks to private players was made without rigorous environmental assessment or consultation with stakeholders.

“The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2023 was met with strong objections. Opening up offshore mining blocks to Private players without any rigorous assessment of its impact was concerning. Studies point to its adverse impacts, including threats to marine life, damage to coral reefs and the depletion of fish stock. Against this backdrop. When the Ministry of Mines invited tenders for the grant of license for 13 offshore blocks, protests erupted against this arbitrary move. Among the 13 blocks are three blocks for mining construction sand in the coast of Kollam – a vital fish breeding habitat, and three blocks for polymetallic nodules off the coast of the Great Nicobar Islands- a marine biodiversity hotspot,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“In fact, the ongoing survey of the Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) of the University of Kerala’s Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries found that offshore mining could have a devastating impact on fish breeding, especially in Kollam,” he highlighted.

The Lok Sabha LoP urged the government to immediately cancel the offshore mining tenders and conduct comprehensive environmental and socio-economic studies before proceeding with any further decisions. He also called for greater consultation with stakeholders, especially fisher folk, whose livelihoods are directly tied to the health of marine ecosystems.

“Over 11 lakh People rely on fishing in Kerala. Any major is their traditional occupation and is closely tied to their way of life. Great Nicobar is globally recognised for harbouring diverse ecosystems and is home to several endemic species of wildlife. Any damage due to onshore miring could potentially do irreparable damage. At a juncture where erosion of our coastal ecosystems has worsened the impact of natural calamities like cyclones, it is concerning that the government is wilfully greenlighting activities without scientific assessment,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“I strongly urge the government to cancel the tenders issued for the offshore mining blocks. Furthermore, rigorous scientific studies must be undertaken to assess the environmental and socio-economic impact of offshore mining. But most importantly, all stakeholders, especially our fisherfolk, must be consulted before any major decision is taken. Their lives are intertwined with the fate of our oceans. Let us work collectively towards building a sustainable future for all,” he asserted.

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

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