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Under pressure, Imran Khan govt decides against removing Pakistan declared ban on trade with India

OpIndia Staff
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Under pressure, Imran Khan govt decides against removing Pakistan declared ban on trade with India

Under pressure from hardliners, the federal cabinet of Pakistan has rejected the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) proposal to import cotton and sugar from India. This move came a day after Pakistan decided to lift the unilateral ban it had put against import from India after abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

On Wednesday, amid the fear of shortage of input in textile production, Pakistan had decided to lift the ban and import cotton from India. There was criticism in various circles in Pakistan about attempts for better ties with India when India had done nothing to change things in Kashmir. Especially since the bone of contention for the ban was also abrogation of Article 370 which removed all riders for Jammu & Kashmir as being integral part of India.

As per reports, the federal cabinet decided to not lift the ban even as it stares at severe economic crisis because it is a political decision and until and unless India move forward over discussion on Kashmir, the ban cannot be lifted.

In May 2020, less than a year of imposing the ban, Pakistan lifted the ban to import medicines from India amid the Chinese coronavirus outbreak.

Effectively, within 24 hours, Pakistan ‘lifted’ a ban on imports from India which it had unilaterally taken and revoked the same decision.

Kerala: Yogi Adityanath slams LDF and UDF for not enacting law against forced religious conversion

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Yogi Adityanath slams LDF and UDF for not enacting law against forced religious conversion

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday pulled up the ruling party CPI(M) led LDF and Congress-led alliance UDF in Kerala for not bringing laws against forced religious conversion. He also attacked Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan for the alleged role of his office in the gold smuggling scam. CM Yogi addressed a BJP election campaign rally at Haripad in the Alappuzha district for the upcoming April 6 state Assembly elections. He said that the people of Kerala supported LDF and UDF from time to time but both parties have betrayed them.

Why anti-love jihad law was not passed in Kerala, questioned CM Yogi

During his address, CM Yogi attacked both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-led UDF for not bringing anti-love law in the state. He said though the Kerala High Court had talked against Love Jihad in 2009, the state has not done anything to stop forceful conversions in the pretext of marriage.

CM Yogi alleged that neither LDF nor UDF had done anything against such practices though Kerala has been a target of forceful conversions for a long. He further alleged that though the ruling party is well aware of the illegal activities of organizations like Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political wing, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), they are not taking any action against them, putting the state in a dangerous position. Notably, Uttar Pradesh has already passed an anti-love jihad law in the state.

Gold smuggling case is “shameful” – said CM Yogi

During his address, CM Yogi called the gold smuggling case one of the most shameful incidents in Indian history. Last year, 30 KG gold worth Rs.14.82 crore was seized from Thiruvananthapuram airport. Several investigation agencies are probing the case. During the investigation, it was revealed that the former principal secretary of Chief Minister, M Sivasankar, was involved in the case. He was arrested for his alleged connection with the prime accused, Swapna Suresh.

CM Yogi claimed that the ruling party is not taking any strict action in severe cases to protect their vote-bank politics.

‘Covid-19 management is a total faliure’

CM Yogi lashed out at the left government and said that the state government has completely failed in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. It has to be noted that when the pandemic first broke in India, the ‘Kerala model‘ was praised by everyone. However, as time passed, the Kerala model crumbled into pieces, and the number of Covid-19 cases spiked exponentially in the state. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh, despite being the most populous state in the country, has managed Covid-19 much better than the majority of the states.

BJP-NDA is the only option

CM yogi said that the two fronts in Kerala are not competing on development grounds, but they are competing on corruption. He alleged that “The funds are being misused and diverted for their cadres and not for the people of the state.”

He said that the only option for Kerala’s people is to bring BJP-NDA to power so that it can lead the state on the right path of development. “The youth are depressed and ending their lives. The LDF government is not bothered about the welfare of the youth,” he said. In recent times, Kerala has witnessed many protests demanding jobs held by PSC rank holders at the secretariat.

The election for the 140-member Kerala Assembly will be held on April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy attacked in Nandigram allegedly by TMC workers, journalist injured as the mob attack media contingent too

OpIndia Staff
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Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy attacked in Nandigram allegedly by TMC workers, journalist injured as the mob attack media contingent too

Even as the second phase of polling is going on in West Bengal, political violence doesn’t seem to end in the state. On Thursday, BJP leader and Mamata Banerjee’s opponent, Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy was attacked by alleged TMC goons in Nandigram.

Visuals of unidentified men attacking Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy by pelting stones and bricks have been captured by media who were following the convoy.

While Suvendu Adhikari escaped unhurt, the goons attacked the media vehicles trailing him causing injury to a journalist. India TV reporter Pawan Nara sustained injuries on his forehead in an attack on their car which was hit by bricks and stones by the goons.

Suvendu Adhikari while speaking to an India TV reporter informed that there are warrants issued against the miscreants however they have been declared ‘absconding’ in the report filed by the police. He also added that he was aware of the alleged attack being planned on his convoy and that he was supposed to travel by a different route.

India Today too has reported an attack on its media personnel with bricks and bamboo sticks in Keshpur in Paschim Medinipur. The report states that footage of the incident aired by local channels showed the vehicles being vandalized and men armed with sticks were seen chasing the vehicles to hit them.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Tanmay Ghosh’s car was vandalized by alleged TMC workers and a woman polling booth agent was beaten up by the TMC goons who had to be rushed to the hospital.

In another alleged plot by TMC, CPIM workers were seen agitating at Ghatal when they were stopped from reaching the polling booths by creating blockades.

The political battle is getting bigger and bitter with more and more reports of violent attacks and complete anarchy at a few locations coming to the fore.

West Bengal: Violence continues on voting day, BJP worker brutally killed in East Medinipur

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Violence continues on voting day, BJP worker brutally killed in East Medinipur

One more Bharatiya Janata Karyakarta has lost his life in West Bengal, allegedly in the hands of Trinamool Congress’s goons. Neha Joshi, National Media Co-Incharge of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), shared the video of the brutally injured BJP worker.

While tagging Election Commission, she said, “In Chandipur VS of Purba Medinipur, a mob of AITC goons brutally attacked BJP Bengal karyakarta Gurupada Pradhan. He may not survive the attack. Mamata didi is leaving no stone unturned to threaten the voters.”

Later, Major Surendra Poonia shared in a post that Pradhan had died on the spot. He said, “Is this democracy or mobocracy? Gurupada Pradhan, A BJP worker, brutally and mercilessly beaten by Didi’s gundas in Purba Medinipur of West Bengal. He DIED on the spot ….. Karma will come back to her sooner than later!”

Several attacks on BJP leaders and Karyakartas

In the last seven days, several attacks on BJP leaders and Karyakartas took place in West Bengal. On April 1, in Keshpur, BJP leader Tanmay Ghosh’s car has been vandalized by alleged TMC goons and was stopped from entering the polling booth. In another incident, a woman polling booth agent of BJP in Keshpur was beaten up by alleged TMC workers and has been rushed to the hospital for treatment. A BJP karyakarta who was allegedly facing threats from TMC workers was found dead near a polling booth in Nandigram.

On March 30, BJP leader Subhash Rai alleged that his party workers were assaulted for raising the ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans during the Holi celebrations. On March 27, car of Somendu Adhikari, brother of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was reportedly attacked on Saturday. Adhikari blamed the Trinamool Congress for the vandalism of his car. The incident reportedly occurred at Kanthi South.

Terrorists attack at BJP leader Anwar Khan’s residence in North Kashmir, one cop killed

OpIndia Staff
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Terrorists attack at BJP leader Anwar Khan’s residence in North Kashmir, one cop killed

On Thursday, a group of terrorists open-fired at the guard post of BJP leader, Anwar Khan’s residence in Nowgam, North Kashmir. One sentry who was critically injured in the attack and was rushed to the hospital has succumbed to his injuries, as per a Times Now report.

The report suggests that the leader who is leading the North Kashmir campaign for the Bhartiya Janata Party was not at his residence when the attack took place.

Anwar Khan is the district General Secretary of BJP for Baramulla and in charge of the Kupwara district. “The area has been sealed and massive searches launched,” an official said.

BJP Kashmir media incharge Manzoor Bhat informed that the terrorists had come to attack BJP leader Anwar Khan at his residence in Nowgam area of Srinagar. 

This is not the first time that the BJP leader was attacked. Earlier in 2018, terrorists had opened fire at Anwar Khan in the Pulwama district where a police officer who was guarding him was injured in the attack. Khan however had escaped unhurt.

Security of several political workers had been increased suspecting a rise in attacks with the advent of summers. IGP Vijay Kumar in a statement to the press earlier this week had said, “It is of crucial importance to enhance the security of vulnerable persons and take all necessary measures to thwart the nefarious designs of terrorists.”

“Everyone who loves Assam is hurt”, PM Modi slams Maulana Badruddin Ajmal for insulting Assamese cultural symbol Gamosa

OpIndia Staff
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“Everyone who loves Assam is hurt”, PM Modi slams Maulana Badruddin Ajmal for insulting Assamese cultural symbol Gamosa

Badruddin Ajmal, the chief of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), courted a major controversy yesterday after he was seen throwing a Gamosa, the cultural symbol of Assam, at an election rally. AIUDF is contesting the assembly elections in Assam in alliance with the Congress party. The behaviour of Ajmal has attracted widespread criticism in the state, terming it as an insult of Assamese culture. Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi also slammed Ajmal for the same, saying people are hurt and angry with the incident.

In a public display of anger, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal was seen getting angry on a party worker for at an election in Nagarbera in Assam, and he threw a Gamosa at the worker in a visible rage of anger. The Gamosa was offered to him to greet him. Afterwards, he was seen slamming his aides angrily.

According to reports, Ajmal was angry with his party workers for causing ‘unnecessary delays’ by greeting the leaders present at the rally. He was worried that if the rally is delayed, his helicopter may not be able to take off as the weather was cloudy.

Gamosa is both a utilitarian piece of cloth and also a symbol of Assamese culture, which is used to greet visiting dignitaries at public events. The sanctum sanctorum at Namghars is also decorated with Gamosa. Made popular at national level in recent years by PM Narendra Modi, traditional Assamese Gamosa is woven on handloom using mostly cotton yarn, although silk is also used to prepare Gamosa for special occasions.

Ajmal’s act of throwing the Gamosa was considered as an insult of Assamese culture, and BJP was quick to use during the ongoing elections. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted that this was Congress and AIUDF’s design to humiliate and disrespect Assam’s culture and heritage.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted that Ajmal has openly insulted Gamosa, the pride of Assam.

Even PM Modi mentioned the same in his election rally in Kokrajhar in Assam today. He said that Gamosa is the symbol of hard work of women of Assam, which was insulted publicly by Ajmal in anger. “Everyone who loves Assam is hurt and angry after seeing those pictures”, the PM said.

This was not the only occasion when Badruddin Ajmal was seen angry. Earlier, he was seen throwing away the boom mike of reporter waiting to get his comments on the elections.

Industrialist-Politician Badruddin Ajmal is also a Maulana, and he was seen performing his duties as Maulana during elections rallies. While he was angry for some reason, perhaps anticipating a defeat in the elections, he was seen ‘blessing’ the crowd by blowing into the vessels carried by the crowd.

He is known to perform Jhar-Fook, a kind of Islamc sorcery, and some people carry vessels to collect the blessings of his ‘fook’, where he blows into the vessels.

BJP MP and actor Kirron Kher diagnosed with blood cancer, currently on recovery

OpIndia Staff
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BJP MP and actor Kirron Kher diagnosed with blood cancer, currently on recovery

Bharatiya Janata Party’s MP from Chandigarh and a renowned actor Kirron Kher is suffering from multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Anupam Kher, Kirron’s husband, has issued a statement informing about her condition. In his statement, he said that she is on her way to recovery.

Statement by Anupam Kher on Kirron Kher’s health

He said that Kirron Kher is currently undergoing treatment and that she is a fighter. His full statement is below:

Just so that rumours don’t get the better of a situation, Sikandar and I would like to inform everyone that Kirron has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

She is currently undergoing treatment, and we are sure she will come out of this stronger than before. We are very blessed that she is being looked after by a phenomenal set of doctors. She’s always been a fighter and takes things head-on.

She’s all heart, and that’s why she has so many people that love her. So keep sending your love to her in your prayers and in your heart.

She is well on her way to recovery, and we thank everyone for their support and love.

Anupam and Sikandar

BJP Chandigarh Chief cleared the air about her absence

On Wednesday, Chandigarh BJP Chief Arun Sood announced that MP Kher is suffering from multiple myeloma and undergoing treatment for the same at Mumbai hospital. As per reports, Kher has been absent from her office for months which had irked the members of the opposition. Sood’s statement came after Congress Councillor Satish Kainth’s letter to UT Adviser Manoj Parida and Home Secretary. He urged them to remove MP Kher from MC House, considering her absence.

He had added that “As per Section 36 (1A), Act, regarding the removal of seat of councillor, if he/she during three successive months, without permission of the corporation, is absent from all meetings, the corporation may declare his/her seat vacant, so we all are bound by the Act.”

Sood said that people had been using words like ‘missing’, ‘gumshuda’ for Kher. “I just want to announce that she is suffering from multiple myeloma and undergoing treatment for the same at Mumbai’s hospital.”

Kher was diagnosed with cancer in November last year

Back in November, Kher was rushed to hospital in Chandigarh for her broken arm. It was surprising for Kher to break the arm as she did not fall. After performing some tests, including a PET scan, it was found that she was suffering from multiple myeloma in her left shoulder and right arm. “Cancer affected her bone marrow,” Sood added. She went to Mumbai for treatment on December 4.

When Sood was asked why her medical condition was not revealed before, he said that Kher had been in touch with her office constantly while receiving Mumbai treatment. He added, “many had started hitting below the belt and were using uncharitable words for Kher. So, I spoke to her that though this is something that is personal, yet it was high time that people knew what she was going through. Everyone has the right to take treatment.”

“Till the time, MP Kher is undergoing treatment, we are here for the public of Chandigarh as we have been constantly doing. Kher has been and is constantly in touch with us,” Sood further said.

Sood said that she is out of danger and has to go regularly for her Chemotherapy. Apart from the ongoing treatment, she has been in and out of the hospital due to medical care. “Even though she is recovering after her four-month treatment and no longer admitted at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai, she has to visit the hospital regularly for treatment”, he added.

Kher has been elected as Member of Parliament two times in a row from Chandigarh.

Sikh body SGPC passes resolution against RSS alleging it is attempting to make India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’

OpIndia Staff
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Sikh body SGPC passes resolution against RSS alleging it is attempting to make India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) passed a resolution against Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh on Tuesday. In the resolution, SGPC alleged that RSS is suppressing the freedom of other religions and minorities. It further added that RSS wants to make India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, and condemned the alleged attempts of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh to make India a Hindu Rashtra.

The resolution passed by the SGPC said that “for a long time now, religious freedom of other religions has been suppressed in the wake of the RSS’s move to make the country a Hindu Rashtra. Minorities are being targeted through direct and indirect intervention.” The resolution asked the Centre to protect all the religions in the country.

Notably, acting Akak Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh had spoken several times against RSS. He had also demanded a ban on RSS in the past. In June 2020, during the 36th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, he had spoken in favour of Khalistan and alleged that every Sikh wants Khalistan. He said, “There’s no harm if slogans are raised in favour of Khalistan by hard-liner Sikhs after the function. If the government offers us Khalistan, we need nothing else. We will accept it because every Sikh wants it.”

In 2019, Singh had said, “It [RSS] is not in the interest of the country. It would hurt the country and destroy it”. When he was questioned about his statement, he said, “Yes, it should be banned. I believe what RSS is doing can’t keep the nation together but to divide it. The statements being made by RSS leaders are not in the interest of the country. Indian government should rein in”.

The resolution against RSS

Though the SGPC members have spoken several times against RSS, this was the first time they passed a resolution against the largest Hindu organization. In the resolution passed during the budget session on March 30, SGPC accused RSS of threatening the minorities in India by intervening in their affairs.

According to the SGPC website, the resolution strongly opposed the move to suppress minorities in India, including the Sikhs. It read, ‘India is a multi-religious, multilingual and multi-ethnic country. Every religion has made a great contribution to its freedom, especially the Sikh community, which has made more than 80% sacrifices. But sadly, for a long time now, religious freedom of other religions has been suppressed in the wake of the RSS’s (Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh) move to make the country a Hindu Rashtra. Minorities are being targeted through direct and indirect intervention.”

Resolution against RSS (Image: Excerpt from statement issued by SGPC)

The resolution ‘urged’ the government of India to protect the rights and freedom of all religions instead of implementing the efforts initiated by the RSS. “All those elements who try to suppress the minorities should be punished sought the resolution,” it added.

The resolution against Agriculture Laws

SGPC also passed a resolution condemning the Agriculture laws passed by the Government of India. It demanded the repealation of the laws. It reads, “The agriculture could not be ignored in the country, as the farmer feeds the country and the world by producing food grains after great difficulties. The black laws passed by the Centre government are going to ruin the farmers, so they should be withdrawn immediately.”

Resolution against Agriculture Laws (Image: Excerpt from statement issued by SGPC)

The resolution further condemned the death of Navreet Singh, the protestor who died when his tractor flipped during the January 26 riots. Further, it condemned the imprisonment of rioters and agitators by the Police and demanded their release immediately. It also demanded compensation to the alleged victims and inquiry into the alleged role of the government into the incidents that had happened during farmers’ protests.

Stones pelted on Dalits by Muslims on Holi in Saraiya, Varanasi, eyewitness says women, too, indulged in violence

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Stones pelted on Dalits by Muslims on Holi in Saraiya, Varanasi, eyewitness says women, too, indulged in violence

In a Muslim dominated area of Saraiya in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, a minor incident flared up as a result of which, stones were pelted on Hindus celebrating Holi. The incident took place on 29th March 2021. As per the reports, the Hindus were celebrating Holi amongst themselves when some colour accidentally splashed on a Muslim man passing by. This escalated tensions. The Hindus say that at first the Muslims started to pelt stones from the roofs of their houses, which injured many.

A video of the incident was shared by Twitter user @Vedic_Revival.

When members of Hindu Vahini reached the spot, they got to know of shocking things.

One of the women residents said that the boys were enjoying and dancing and the Muslims got jealous and started pelting stones. “Even women have attacked. Muslims were pelting stones from the roofs. This has happened at least 4-5 times. Hindus are less in number here,” she said.

Speaking to OpIndia, the Saraiya Chowki incharge Manoj Singh said that the Muslims and Hindus live close by. “There is an open space which has a Durga temple. The Hindu boys were playing Holi there only with water and colours. At that time, one Muslim man who was passing by also got some colour on him. After that, they started pelting stones,” he said. He said that two people have been arrested till now.

Speaking to OpIndia, the investigating incharge said that the Muslims first started pelting stones. Police is also in possession of the video. Further investigation is currently underway.

The Hindus have filed an FIR in this regard. No FIR has been filed by the Muslims. Some media reports claim that the Hindus kicked open a door and damaged instruments. However, the Police said that this followed the stonepelting by Muslims on Hindus.

According to media reports, a case has been registered under section 147, 149, 323, 504, 336, 352 of the IPC and other relevant sections of the SC/ST Act. Two men, Azim and Aseem, have been arrested. The area is Muslim dominated and communally sensitive. Earlier too there have been communal tension because of Holi and Shab e Barat.

Second phase voting in Bengal: Violence reported from several areas, BJP leader’s car attacked in Keshpur

OpIndia Staff
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Second phase voting in Bengal: Violence reported from several areas, BJP leader’s car attacked in Keshpur

After a few peaceful hours, several cases of violence are being reported amid the second phase of polling in West Bengal. Nandigram, where incumbent CM Mamata Banerjee is facing BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, is also voting today.

Agitation by the voters has been reported from East Midnapore where the police have been accused of not allowing locals to cast their vote. The roads have been allegedly blocked by tree trunks in some areas at Moyna Bakcha.

In another update from Keshpur, BJP leader Tanmay Ghosh’s car has been vandalized by alleged TMC goons and was stopped from entering the polling booth. Upon trying to register a complaint with the local police, Tanmay alleged that the police refused to take his complaint.

In another incident, a woman polling booth agent of BJP in Keshpur was beaten up by alleged TMC workers and has been rushed to the hospital for treatment. BJP says that the situation is extremely tense in the area for now.

A BJP karyakarta who was allegedly facing threats from TMC workers was found dead near a polling booth in Nandigram. BJP has blamed TMC threats for the death, allegedly a suicide. The police are investigating the matter while the locals have boycotted voting in the area after the body was found.

Bharti Ghosh, a BJP candidate from Debra constituency has alleged that her polling agent in Nawapara is being prevented from going to the booth and is surrounded by TMC goons, as per a Jagran report.

Not just the BJP but even CPIM workers alleged that they were being stopped by TMC workers at Ghatal while they were on their way to cast vote. The spot was cleared by the security forces who removed the road blockades.

Amidst the reports of violence, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee has decided to stay in Nandigram till tomorrow as opposed to her original plan of leaving at 04:00 pm today.

13.14% voter turnout was recorded till 9 am in the second phase of polling West Bengal. Voting is being held for a total of 30 seats in the four districts of the state which include East and West Midnapore, Bankura and South 24 Parganas.

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