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Abohar BJP MLA assault case: Over 20 lawyers come in support of the accused, offer free legal aid

OpIndia Staff
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Abohar BJP MLA assault case: Over 20 lawyers come in support of the accused, offer free legal aid

At least 20 lawyers from Bathinda and Muktsar districts in Punjab have come forward to support the accused in Abohar BJP MLA Arun Narang assault case. They have offered free legal aid to all the accused. Earlier, the Police had filed a case against Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU-Sidhupur) Muktsar president Sukhdev Singh and 26 others for an attempt to murder BJP MLA Arun Narang at Malout town.

Narang was attacked, assaulted, and stripped by the alleged protesters present when he came to attend a press conference organized by BJP to highlight failures of the Congress-led Punjab government. His clothes were torn, and ink was thrown on him. The incident has been widely criticized.

‘Police deliberately did not take measures to avoid attack’ alleged advocate Mander

Ajitpal Singh Mander, President Rampura Phul Bar Association, is one of the advocates who offered free legal aid to the accused. While talking to The Indian Express, he said that across the country, there is a mob mentality. The administration and Police are responsible for ensuring no mob gathers at any sensitive event. “Police deliberately did not take any measures. And even if a mob had gathered, Police should have ensured that it was dispersed. It is a failure of state machinery,” he added. Blaming BJP leaders for the provocative statements, he added that the Police should have been pro-active when there is an environment of hatred against them.

He further said that Section 307 (murder attempt) is wrongly applied in the FIR. Instead, it should have been a case under Section 355 (assault or criminal force intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation). He claimed tearing someone clothes and throwing ink is “not an attempt to murder”. Mander is also a member of the Kisan Lawyer’s Forum that is providing legal aid to the accused of the January 26 Red Fort riots.

‘It is unclear who did it’ – Advocate Sandhu

The former deputy district attorney, Fateh Singh Sandhu, claimed that it is unclear who had initiated the attack and why it happened. “I don’t know the facts. What I know at this stage is that it was known that there is going to be a press conference (by Narang), and there was a large police presence with ranking police officials. And the police officials, among other things, were armed with batons. And despite that, such a thing happened,“ he said.

Iqbal Singh Buttar also claimed the same. He said the three persons from Bodiwala village were not indulged in any violence. “Some miscreants might be involved in this,” he added. His claims were supported by Kuljinder Singh Sandhu, President, Gidderbaha Bar Association, who called the incident unfortunate. He also supported the three accused from Bodiwala village and alleged they were not part of the agitation.

Sandhu further raised questions on MLA Narang and asked when Police had issued an advisory not to hold any such event why he went ahead and reached the venue.

‘Arun Narang cannot be finished like this’ – Abohar BJP MLA

On Tuesday, MLA Narang alleged that Police did not use any force to protect him. He thanked the people of Abohar and his family and said that it was their good wishes that saved him from the violent mob. “They tried to kill me mentally, to finish me sentimentally. Seeing your support, I am fully sure that Arun Narang cannot be finished like this. I will neither end mentally nor physically. I will go to every place to tell the functioning of the Police and this government,” he added.

Police advised BJP to shift the venue – said SP

In the FIR registered based on the complaint of SP Gurmail Singh, Muktsar, it was mentioned that he had told Muktsar BJP president Gora Phutela and Malout in-charge of BJP Sita Ram and other BJP leaders to shift the venue. Still, they anyway came for the press conference. When OpIndia reached out to MLA Narang, he said that as soon as he stepped out of the vehicle, around 250-300 protesters attacked him. According to the FIR, Muktsar BKU (Sidhupur) president Sukhdev Singh, block president Lakhan Pal Sharma, general secretary Nirmal Singh and several others were involved in the attack.

UK: Greta Thunberg statue worth £24,000 dubbed ‘vanity project’ by protesting students in University of Winchester

OpIndia Staff
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UK: Greta Thunberg statue worth £24,000 dubbed ‘vanity project’ by protesting students in University of Winchester

Students of the University of Winchester are retaliating against the university’s decision to install a £24,000 bronze statue of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist. While the students’ union demand an equal amount be spent by the university for student support, the university is busy taking pride in the installation of the bronze sculpture.

The President of Winchester Student Union, Megan Ball stated that they hold Greta Thunberg in high regard but clarified that the union does not support the sculpture. A statement released on The Winchester Student Unions’ official website stated, “The year in which this artistic piece is being delivered is one that has seen unimaginable financial impacts. Students have seen staff redundancies, library cuts and limitation of provisions. They are being charged full tuition fees for an academic year that is anything but normal. There is a crippling mental health crisis amongst students, and wellbeing services are crying out for additional support. In our view, the unveiling of this statue next week shows that these issues are not their (university’s) priorities.”

The union also released a 5 point motion describing the statue as a ‘vanity project’. The statement released highlighted that the funds should have been spent to prevent redundancies and pay cuts. The union also condemned the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

Some students took to Twitter to register their protest against the statue and condemned the financial management done by the university.

Apart from the students, some locals and other users too expressed their displeasure over the decision.

As per a BBC report, the statue was commissioned in 2019 and funded through money allocated to the construction of the £50m West Downs Centre development, where the sculpture stands currently.

Clarifying about the cost incurred in the making of the statue, the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Joy Carter said, “No money was diverted from student support or from staffing to finance the West Downs project. Indeed, the university has spent £5.2m this year on student support.”

While Professor Carter agrees that Greta Thunberg is a controversial figure, he says, “We welcome debate and critical conversations.”

The statue is the first life-sized depiction of the 18-year-old Swedish school drop-out, who gained international attention after protesting against climate change in 2018 with the help of a widespread PR campaign. She enjoys widespread media attention, to the point of adulation and reverence, while never offering any ‘solutions’ and refusing to answer questions about practical solutions to the climate crisis.

Recently, Greta faced stark criticism after she voiced support for the politically-powerful Indian farmers who have been opposing the Indian government’s long-sought farm reforms. Many experts worldwide questioned the irony, because the ‘farmers’ she was supporting are staunch adherents of environmentally harmful and high-emissions practises of stubble burning, overuse of fertilisers, water-level depletion and much more.

Muslims reluctant to get vaccinated, various parts of India get poor response to COVID-19 vaccination in Muslim-dominated areas

OpIndia Staff
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Muslims reluctant to get vaccinated, various parts of India get poor response to COVID-19 vaccination in Muslim-dominated areas

As India opens up vaccination drive for everyone above 45 years of age, reports are coming in that the response to Chinese coronavirus vaccination is poor amongst Muslim-dominated areas in India. A report in The New Indian Express states that the health works on ground and experts say that the immunisation amongst Muslims is lower in parts of Bengaluru. A BBMP official stated that while the authorities are trying to create awareness and educate people to get vaccinated, people do not come to get the shot.

Dr Giridhara R Babu, a public health expert and an epidemiologist took to Twitter earlier and said that not engaging with the minorities in ‘culturally sensitive and appropriate manner’ will worsen the health inequities. The TNIE report cites religious leaders who blame government for not doing enough to bust the fake news and fears amongst the Muslim community. This despite the fact that the government has time and again issued clarifications that the vaccines are safe.

Maulanas were also quick to blame the government for not issuing notifications urging people to get vaccinated while the government issued notifications to not gather in crowds during festivals.

Similar situation is in other parts of the country. An Indian Express report states that despite awareness campaigns by the corporation, the Muslims are reluctant to get vaccinated. Hazi Asratbaig, the Congress councillor of Muslim-dominated Maktampura ward, said that the Muslims are afraid to get vaccinated the way they were afraid of getting tested.

Asratbaing also claimed that many Muslims are afraid of taking the vaccination because of ‘side effects’, most of which like fever, aches are absolutely normal. The AMC also approached Congress MLAs of Muslim community, Imran Khedawala and Gyasuddin Shaikh, to get themselves vaccinated to create a positive environment, but none of them got vaccinated.

Similar situation is there in Surat and Godhra too. Recently, the mosques were roped in to put out a message to create awareness on vaccine awareness. Godhra, in Panchmahal district, has seen the lowest figures of inoculation. Muslim leaders are also roped in to explain that vaccination is not against Sharia.

Last year, after huge number Muslims attending Tablighi Jamaat event in Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi tested positive, many Muslims, especially those who attended the event resorted to violently attacking doctors and healthcare workers who went to get them tested. Some Tablighi Jamaat members, who had tested positive, also excreted in hallways at quarantine facilities as protest.

Tablighi Jamaat event was one of the first ‘single source’ super spreader event in March 2020 for coronavirus in India.

Canada: Protesters opposing farm laws disrupt Holi celebrations in Edmonton, Khalistani flags spotted

OpIndia Staff
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Canada: Protesters opposing farm laws disrupt Holi celebrations in Edmonton, Khalistani flags spotted

On March 27, in the city of Edmonton, Canada, the Indo-Canadian community was celebrating the Holi festival. However, the celebrations were disrupted by the protesters opposing the three Agriculture Laws passed by the Indian government in September last year.

As per Hindustan Times’ report, over 400 people had gathered at the Heritage Valley Park in Edmonton, a city in the province of Alberta, to celebrate Holi. The event was organised by the Bharatiya Multicultural and Heritage Society of Alberta. A Peace and Harmony Indo-Canadian Tiranga Yatra was also planned on the day.

While they gathered at the Park, a group of around 100 protesters barged and started shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government. They also blocked the route on which the Tiranga Yatra was supposed to take place. The event was delayed for around three hours.

Khalistani flags were spotted at the scene

The organisers of the event alleged that some protesters were carrying Khalistani flags. Reports suggest that a Khalistani group Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Canada), also sent out a message saying that the rally was to “demonise the farmers’ protest in India.”

“You are a rodent in front of Bhindranwale” – protester screamed at the participants

A video that Punjab Spectrum uploaded on Youtube showed the protesters blocking the route of Tiranga Yatra. While organizers were trying to get the route cleared, an argument erupted between them and the protesters. One of the protester who was recording the video said, “Bhindranwale de saamne tu chuha lagda ae (You are a rodent in front of Bhindranwale).” Another protester was heard saying, ”Bhindranwale di tan jutti de jaisa vi nahi hai (You are not even equivalent to the slippers of Bhindranwale)”.

There was no political agenda behind the rally, claimed organisers

The organisers of the Holi event said that there was no political agenda behind the rally. “This was an expression of solidarity in the community as we haven’t been able to gather together to celebrate our festivals for over a year due to Covid-19,” they added. “The permission to hold the event and the car rally was taken weeks earlier from the city and the police,” the organisers added.

The organiser further added that it had been a year since all of them had met, and it was a great opportunity for them to catch up with the loved ones. However, the protesters spoilt the day. “We have been separated for a year, and we were looking forward to being together, but these nearly 100 protesters spoilt the day for some of us,” they said.

The event was delayed by three hours

The organiser said that the rally was supposed to start at 1 PM (local time). However, the protesters blocked the route, and the event was delayed by three hours. The Police were at the spot, and they cordoned off the protesters from the event, but it took time for them to get the area cleared for the rally. There were around 250 cars that took part in the rally. Both Indian and Canadian flags were flown during the rally, and it lasted for about an hour.

Similar Tiranga Yatra was disrupted in February

A similar Tiranga Yatra was organised in February 2021, which was also disrupted by the pro-Khalistani protesters. There were reports of violence during that incident. The participants of the previous rally were assaulted and harassed, which could be seen in several videos that surfaced on social media. The protesters also disrespected Indian National Flag during the Tiranga-Maple Rally in the Greater Toronto Area. In the aftermath of the violence, Jodhveer Dhaliwal, brother-in-law of New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and one other person were arrested.

New Zealand snubs Australia to stand with China over WHO’s Covid-19 origin report

OpIndia Staff
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New Zealand snubs Australia to stand with China over WHO’s Covid-19 origin report

The WHO on Tuesday released the much-awaited report into the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A team of international experts was sent to Wuhan, where the virus was first detected, on a fact-finding mission to study the origins of the virus and transmission within China before spreading globally.

The study which was conducted by international experts in collaboration with Chinese scientists left many questions unanswered such as the exact source of the virus. This prompted the 14 countries to release a joint statement on Wednesday expressing concerns over the study which was not only delayed but also lacked access to complete, original data and samples. New Zealand however was the only Five Eyes country that refused to sign the statement condemning the research and study.

China is now New Zealand’s biggest trading partner with annual two-way trade of more than NZ$32 billion ($22.3 billion), has been releasing a number of other statements with its partners on China.

Justifying its absence from the list, New Zealand’s foreign ministry told Reuters in an email response, “New Zealand acknowledges that member states have expressed a number of concerns. New Zealand wants to make sure we conduct an independent analysis to ensure we understand the science before making any comment.”

Responding to another question by Newshub about its decision to not participate in the release of the statement, a spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said, “New Zealand is pleased that the report has now been released. Our technical experts are currently analyzing the report. We will wait until our experts have finished analyzing the report.”

The countrys’ absence has raised suspicion considering Beijing this year upgraded a free trade agreement with New Zealand that had been in discussion for years. The decision received flak from academicians who questioned New Zealand’s quiet shift on China.

On the other hand, responding to criticism of China’s transparency with the WHO report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, “The Chinese side presented item by item raw data of particular concern. The WHO and international experts gave positive comments on the joint research, stressing a level of openness they hadn’t anticipated. The drafting of the origin-tracing report has been carried out between experts from both China and WHO, and conclusions have been reached through repeated research in a science-based way.”

What’s in the joint statement:

The Governments of Australia, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America emphasized that there is a need to conduct a transparent and independent analysis and evaluation, without any interference and undue influence.

The statement read, “We note the findings and recommendations, including the need for further studies of animals to find the means of introduction into humans and urge momentum for expert-driven phase 2 studies. Going forward, there must now be a renewed commitment by WHO and all member states to access, transparency, and timeliness.”

The statement demanded “full access to all pertinent human, animal, and environmental data, research, and personnel involved in the early stages of the outbreak relevant to determining how this pandemic emerged.”

China had withheld data

It is notable here that the WHO study has received criticism over lack of raw data. It is rather known that the WHO team was prevented from accessing raw data and that has cast global suspicions on the authenticity and reliability of the report.

WHO chief Dr Tedros had himself acknowledged that data had been withheld from the scientific fact-finding team. “In my discussions with the team they expressed the difficulties they encountered in accessing raw data. I expect future collaborative studies to include more timely and comprehensive data sharing,” Tedros had told on Wednesday.

Reports stated that Tedros’ address was censored in Chinese internet.

WHO report conclusion:

The report by WHO concluded by stating that it’s “extremely unlikely” the virus originated from a laboratory. The other likely option as per the report is a spillover from an animal reservoir host to human, followed by direct person-to-person transmission. It is interesting to note that the report having studied the supply chain of the Huanan market (and other markets in Wuhan), did not find any evidence for the presence of infected animals, but said the analysis of supply chains has provided potential information that will inform a targeted design of follow up studies. The report then states that animal products from areas “outside southeast Asia” where more distantly related SARSr-CoVs circulate should not be disregarded.

As the origins of the virus could not be traced successfully, the team called for a continued scientific and collaborative approach to be taken towards tracing the origins of COVID-19.

Aam Aadmi Party passes off pics of different locations of Chandni Chowk as ‘before and after’ pic

Nirwa Mehta
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Aam Aadmi Party passes off pics of different locations of Chandni Chowk as ‘before and after’ pic

On April Fools’ eve, Aam Aadmi Party official Twitter handle took everyone for a ride after it showed two image of separate locations in Chandni Chowk in New Delhi as ‘before and after’ picture.

In a tweet, to boast how Delhi CM Kejriwal has ‘developed’ Delhi, AAP shared two images. First image is of a crowded street with narrow lanes and hardly any trees for greenery. The second picture showed a broad road, lots of greenery and a visibly clean street.

To AAP supporters, this would come across as sure shot proof how Kejriwal is the only hope. Except, on closer inspection one can see that the above two images, even though from Chandni Chowk, are of two separate locations. Delhi-based residents were quick to point it out.

Netizens have just had enough of AAP taking credit for things it has not contributed for.

Others even pointed out that despite the changes made in Chandni Chowk development, it is still short of basic amenities.

People resorted to self deprecating humour to cope with tragedy that Aam Aadmi Party is.

And some just let out the well-kept secret.

While Chandni Chowk has been redeveloped and some streets have been cleaned up, AAP using two images of separate locations as ‘before and after’ quite kills the purpose.

Ministry of Finance withdraws order reducing interest rates for Small Savings Schemes

OpIndia Staff
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Ministry of Finance withdraws order reducing interest rates for Small Savings Schemes

The Ministry of Finance on Thursday withdrew the order reducing interest rates for Small Savings Scheme. The order issued on 31st March had slashed the interest rates for Public Provident Fund (PPF) and other small savings schemes for the June quarter.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says 50% of UDF Kerala candidates “between the age of 20 and 40”, hilarity ensues

OpIndia Staff
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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says 50% of UDF Kerala candidates “between the age of 20 and 40”, hilarity ensues

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became a target for online mockery today, as she declared that 50% of UDF’s Kerala candidates are between the ages of 20 and 40. Unfortunately for Priyanka, according to the Constitution of India, the minimum age to contest elections in India is 25, whether it be for Lok Sabha or state legislative assemblies.

Article 84 (b) of the Constitution of India provides that the minimum age for becoming a candidate for the Lok Sabha election shall be 25 years. A similar provision exists for a candidate to the Legislative Assemblies vide Article 173 (b) of the Constitution read with Sec. 36 (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

This faux pas from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra resulted in a strong backlash against her, led by the BJP MP from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal. In response to Mrs. Vadra, the Ladakhi MP wrote, “If you don’t know election law, please remain silent”.

The MP from Ladakh also added in Hindi, “Dear Priyanka Gandhi ji, if you don’t know the core aspects of active politics and election rules then remaining silent is a better option.”

He was also joined by scores of Twitter users who joined in the fun. “Madam Minimum age For MLA qualifications is 25+. Aapke 20 age wale Kon Kon MLA hai,” wrote one user

“Age scam??? Pinki Minimum age for MLA is 25 …,” said another user.

Another user harshly criticized the Gandhi siblings, writing, “Minimum age for contesting elections is 25 years or more. But for dumbness, no. You siblings’ duo is not age bound from doing ‘murkhata’ anywhere.”

Voting in the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held on 6th April, with results being declared on 2nd May.

Signature of journalist Pallavi Ghosh forged to fraudulently withdraw her nomination from Press Club of India elections

OpIndia Staff
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Signature of journalist Pallavi Ghosh forged to fraudulently withdraw her nomination from Press Club of India elections

In India, it is not unusual for Bahubali politicians to get their rival candidates to withdraw their nomination from elections, either threatening with dire consequences or inducing with generous payments. A similar but bizarre incident has happened at the Press Club of India, where someone forged the signature of a journalist to fraudulently withdraw the nomination of that journalist from the elections for the office-bearers of the body. In the shocking incident, the signature of journalist Pallavi Ghosh was forged on a nomination withdrawal form, which was submitted at the Press Club to remove her for the ongoing elections.

The senior editor at CNN News 18 is contesting for the post of Vice President at the Press Club of India. Pallavi Ghosh contesting from the panel of journalist Sanjay Basak, Chief of Bureau at The Asian Age, who is contesting for the post of president of Press Club of India.

The incident was confirmed by Basak who wrote to the Election Commission of the Press Club of India, requesting them to preserve the CCTV footage, the envelope containing the letter and the forged letter, as they intend to file a police complaint on the issue. He said that this evidence will help in the investigation.

Three other journalists have also filed an application with the Chief Election Officer of the Press Club of India, demanding probe into allegations that Pallavi Ghosh’s signature was forged to fraudulently withdraw her nomination from the elections. Chandra Shekhar Luthra, Vinay Kumar and Umakant Lakhera, signed the application demanding an impartial, in-depth and thorough enquiry into the matter. Among them, Vinay Kumar and Umakant Lakhera are contestants for the post of President.

It may be noted that while her candidature for the post of Vice President of Press Club of India is witnessing high drama in Delhi, Pallavi Ghosh is currently away in West Bengal covering the assembly elections in the state.

At present, it is difficult to assume who may have tried to remove Pallavi Ghosh from the contest. But it is certain that there are sections in the Press Club of India that do not want her as the vice president of the organisation.

Modi government clamps down on radicalisation among J&K government employees, mandates social media scrutiny and CID inquiry

OpIndia Staff
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Modi government clamps down on radicalisation among J&K government employees, mandates social media scrutiny and CID inquiry

Earlier this month, Jammu and Kashmir’s General Administration Department (O9JK-GAD of 2021) issued a circular, asking all the administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners and heads of various departments to get security clearance of unverified government employees from the J&K Police’s criminal investigation department (CID).

The new guidelines by the government included scrutiny of social media accounts of employees. Though in 2017, the government had released a list of dos and don’ts for its employees who have a presence on social media, this is the first time that the police have been entrusted with the task of scrutinising the social media activity of employees.

Besides seeking basic details such as name, date of birth, and address, the heads of government departments have also been asked to provide details of “social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc)” of employees whose verification is yet to be carried out.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced that it would not clear salaries and allowances to new government employees who do not pass security clearance by the criminal investigation department (CID) of the J&K Police. The circular noted that “many individuals with dubious character antecedents and conduct have been paid salaries and other allowances, without obtaining their mandatory CID verification”.

The GAD circular further added that the verification of such cases should be “completed expeditiously and no new entrant in the Government Service (will be) paid salary/allowances till verification” is completed.

The new circular issued by the J&K administration an attempt to curb radicalisation among government employees

The circular is an attempt by the Modi government to clampdown on the Islamic radicalisation that is prevalent among the employees of the J&K government, who are drawing a salary from the central government but harbour anti-India sentiments.

For a long time now, social media platforms were used by fanatics, terrorists and radicalised youth in the valley to disseminate hatred against India. The platforms were exploited by these anti-India elements to plan violent uprisings against the Indian government. It widely documented how the social media websites were used by the Pakistan-based handlers to recruit fresh blood for their terror activities and to foment trouble in the Valley. Social media websites were also used by the separatists to mobilise youth to provoke them for stone-pelting.

With the latest circular, the government plans to identify those employees, who officially swear allegiance to the Indian Constitution, but extend their support to nefarious activities of separatists, terrorists and harbour dream of Jammu and Kashmir’s secession from India.

The latest move by the Government of India is in line with its attempts to curb rumours and misinformation that is spread by people with separatist ideology. Soon after the Centre abrogated Article 370, the government asked Twitter to take down some handles that were indulging in spreading rumours and misinformation to disturb the peace and calm in the valley.

In November 2019, three employees were suspended after a photograph of them attending a political function had gone viral on the internet. Earlier in April 2019, a power department employee was suspended for an objectionable post on new domicile rules.

A news report published in August 2020 stated that up to 500 to 1000 government employees posing threat to security and integrity of the State could be dismissed in the next two to three months.

Similarly, earlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Police stepped up its efforts of de-radicalisation by inviting volunteers to patrol social media and flag posts on “radicalisation” and “anti-national activities” among others issues for the government.

In 2020, the Centre had altered civil service regulations to allow it to retire government servants who served at least 22 years or reached the age of 48 years based on the performance of the employees. In February 2021, the government ordered deputy commissioners of all districts in the Kashmir Valley to forward details of all employees who would complete 22 years of service or attain the age of 48 by December 2021 and specify whether they are involved in any “political activity”.

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