Home Blog Page 4795

‘No relationship can be one-sided’: Former Indian diplomats slam Trudeau’s continuous support to Khalistani elements in Canada

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘No relationship can be one-sided’: Former Indian diplomats slam Trudeau’s continuous support to Khalistani elements in Canada

Days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tried to interfere in the internal politics of India by extending his support to the ‘organic’ anti-farm law agitation, the Indian Ambassadors’ Group wrote an open letter on Monday, slamming his vote bank politics.

While slamming Justin Trudeau, who was earlier snubbed by India for supporting Khalistani terrorists, the letter emphasised, “It is well-known that the separatist and violent Khalistani elements carry out anti-India activities, from the safety of the Canadian soil. They are also radicalising the Canadian youth with far-reaching consequences, which is being ignored at the altar of short-term political expediency.”

“It is well known that Khalistani elements in Canada control a number of prominent Gurudwaras which gives them access to substantial funds, some of which are allegedly diverted to the electoral campaign of political parties especially the Liberals,” the letter added. The former Indian envoys highlighted that Khalistani terrorists often hold processions and rallies in Canada, which are attended by Canadian politicians, despite them raising anti-India slogans. “Few Canadian politicians have qualms about attending such events which provide the oxygen of publicity to the separatists”, the ex-diplomats reiterated.

The letter slammed Trudeau and other Canadian lawmakers for turning a blind eye to the nexus between Pakistani diplomats and Khalistani terrorists. Even after the activities of Khalistanis were highlighted in the ‘2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada’, all such references were later covertly deleted. “This editorial jugglery, may be good enough for domestic purposes, but the fact remains that neither Canada nor any other state can condone fundamentalism, violent extremism or terrorism, under international law,” the ex envoys stressed.

While slamming Trudeau for his unwarranted comments on the internal affairs of India and fanning the flames of anti-farm law protests, the letter pointed out that Canada has long been a critic of India’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and therefore its critique of the farm laws was thus ironical. “Back home, encouraged by the Canadian support, the protestors have hardened their stance, adopting an all or nothing approach,” they clarified.

“Such blatant interference in India’s internal affairs to appease a section of the Liberal party’s voter base is completely unacceptable and cannot but cast a long shadow on bilateral relations. Such behaviour, against well-established diplomatic norms, is also bound to hurt Canada’s own standing in the world. It further carries the risk of other nations repaying Canada in the same token,” the letter concluded pointing out that bilateral relations cannot be one-sided.

We are all very worried: Justin Trudeau on farmer protests

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers have expressed his concerns over ongoing farmers’ protests in India. During the virtual Gurpurab 2020 celebration, PM Trudeau, at the beginning of his address, talked about the protests in India.

While talking about the protests, Trudeau said, “I would be remiss if I didn’t start also by recognizing the news coming out of India about the protests by farmers. The situation is concerning. And we all are very worried about family and friends; I know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you. Canada will always be ready to defend the right to peaceful protest. We believe in the importance of dialogue and that’s why we reached out to multiple means directly to Indian authorities to highlight our concerns.”

India summons Canadian Ambassador, MEA slams Trudeau

Reacting to his comments, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava called the remarks ill-informed, saying, “We’ve seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. These are unwarranted especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country.”

The Canadian High Commissioner was also summoned on December 4 by the Ministry of External Affairs. He was informed that the remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the farmers’ protest and also the comments of some of the cabinet ministers was unacceptable interference in India’s internal matter.

Family of former Nawab of Junagadh, living in Pakistan, still dreams that Junagadh is part of Pakistan, organises ‘recognition ceremony’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Family of former Nawab of Junagadh, living in Pakistan, still dreams that Junagadh is part of Pakistan, organises ‘recognition ceremony’

The family of former Nawab of Junagadh, who fled to Pakistan after the Independence and partition of 1947, still dreams that the former princely state is part of Pakistan. After Pakistan issued its new political map claiming Junagadh and Jammu & Kashmir as part of Pakistan, the former Nawab’s family has expressed gratitude to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In fact, the absurdities reached a new height last week after the ‘Nawab of Junagadh’, Jehangir Khan, made his son Ahmed Ali, the next ‘Wazir-e-Azam’ (Diwan) of Junagadh.

Claiming that India has ‘illegally occupied’ Junagadh, Jehangir Khan asserted that Junagadh will become part of Pakistan. “I will always tell Modi that Prime Minister Modi, Junagadh was part of Pakistan yesterday, it is part of Pakistan today and will be part of Pakistan tomorrow as well,” he said.

New newly appointed Diwan Ahmed Ali also asserted that he will ensure Junagadh’s ‘independence’ from India. He also added that he will lead a campaign to let the world know that Junagadh is part of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s new ‘political map’

In August this year, on the eve of 1 year of abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan released its new political map claiming Jammu & Kashmir and Junagadh as its own territory. Former princely state of Junagadh is a city and district in the Indian state of Gujarat. After India’s independence, the then Nawab of Junagadh fled to Pakistan with his pet dogs, jewels and treasures.

Junagadh, of course, continues to be part of India, along with Jammu & Kashmir, part of which is currently illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Speculations rife Donald Trump will pardon Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, activist currently lodged at British prison

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Speculations rife Donald Trump will pardon Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, activist currently lodged at British prison

There are strong rumours floating around that Donald Trump might pardon Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. There is no official confirmation as yet but social media is flooded with posts that claim that the United States President will pardon the journalist currently reported to be struggling in a British prison.

Pastor Mark Burns, who appears on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and other news channels, declared that Donald Trump will pardon Julian Assange. The Wikileaks founder has been indicted by US authorities on 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse related to the publication of secret US military documents.

Ben Quinn, journalist at The Guardian, said that sources close to Wikileaks and Assange have not heard anything official but conceded that the speculation was coming from the pastor who has had access to Donald Trump in the past.

Allum Bokhari, journalist at Breitbart, said that pardoning Julian Assange will be a great blow to “the Deep State that worked overtime” to defeat trump’s reelection bid.

People from both ends of the political spectrum had been urging the US President to officially pardon Julian Assange. The activist committed to transparency has exposed numerous secrets that has embarrassed a lot of governments worldwide. Recently, Australian MP George Christensen had requested Donald Trump to pardon the Wikileaks founder. Democrat Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard had also requested the US President to pardon the Wikileaks founder and Edward Snowden.

‘Judgment Day’ for propagandist Kunal Kamra draws closer, Supreme Court to hear 3 contempt petitions on Dec 17

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Judgment Day’ for propagandist Kunal Kamra draws closer, Supreme Court to hear 3 contempt petitions on Dec 17

The Supreme Court will take up three contempt petitions against Kunal Kamra for hearing on the 17th of December. Attorney General Kunal Kamra has already given his approval for contempt proceedings against the ‘comedian’.

Kunal Kamra has been making contemptuous remarks against the Judiciary in his bid to become a liberal ‘hero’ or a ‘martyr’. In one of his tweets, he had shown CJI Arvind Bobde the middle finger and in another, he had painted the Supreme Court in saffron colour to allege that it had become a puppet of the NDA Government.

AG KK Venugopal, granting his consent to initiate proceedings against Kamra said the tweets by Kamra, where he referred to the Supreme Court of India as Supreme Joke India, and said that humour has left the SC long ago, “were highly objectionable.” 

Kunal Kamra gets ever closer to being a ‘liberal’ hero

A day after Attorney General KK Venugopal granted his consent to initiate contempt of court proceedings against far-left troll Kunal Kamra, the self-proclaimed comedian Kunal Kamra had brazened it out saying that he will not retract or apologize for his abusive tweets that maligned country’s judiciary. Kunal Kamra then proceeded to play the martyr by saying that he would neither apologise nor pay fine if he is convicted in the contempt case that is yet to be filed against him. 

Positioning himself to be some sort of a ‘victim’, Kamra tweeted, “No lawyers, No apology, No fine, No waste of space”. Amusingly, Kamra’s theatrics comes even before the initiation of contempt proceedings against him. Only the consent of the Attorney General has been granted, and the actual proceedings are yet to start in the court.

With this latest contempt proceeding against Kamra’s latest rant against the CJI, he seems to be inching one step closer to realising his dream of being a ‘liberal’ hero, who deliberately break the law and then position themselves as crusaders against a tyrannical system. Perhaps, his inspiration is Prashant Bhushan, who had done exactly the same and after being compared to Gandhi, had apologised and paid a Re. 1 fine to the court for his contemptuous tweets.

‘Kab tak royega ek chhote se affair ke liye?’: Kangana Ranaut on transfer of Hrithik Roshan’s FIR to Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch unit

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Kab tak royega ek chhote se affair ke liye?’: Kangana Ranaut on transfer of Hrithik Roshan’s FIR to Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch unit

Kangana Ranaut has reacted strongly to the transfer of Hrithik Roshan’s FIR from the Cyber Cell to the Crime Branch Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU). The FIR was registered in 2016 and the investigation has been pending since then. The actor had alleged that he had received hundreds of emails from the email id of the actress.

Reacting to the development, Kangana Ranaut said, “His sob story starts again, so many years since our break up and his divorce but he refuses to move on, refuses to date any woman, just when I gather courage to find some hope in my personal life he starts the same drama again.” She added, “How long will you keep crying over a small affair?”

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani had written to the Mumbai Commissioner of Police stating that there had been no progress in the case. “We write to you on behalf of our client Mr. Hrithik Roshan. Our client lodged a FIR bearing C.R.No.78/ 2016 dated 23.05.2016, with the cyber crime police station against unidentified individuals for offenses punishable under sections 419 IPC r/w. sections 66(c) and 66 (d) of the IT Act. A copy of the FIR is attached herewith for ease of reference. Our client co-operated with the investigation and handed over his electronic devices. It is pertinent to state that inspite of an order dated 30.11.2016, passed by the Ld. Magistrate, Esplanade Court, directing return of our client’s laptop and phone he has not collected the same as he wanted to assist the police reach the real culprits who had impersonated him,” the letter reads.

“Our client also met the top police officials when he reiterated all the facts and informed them about the trauma being caused to him and his family. He also reiterated his request for a timely investigation. However, till date there has been no progress in the investigation and the aforementioned cases are still pending,” it added.

The letter appealed, “We thus request to kindly look in the matter and issue appropriate orders to kindly direct completion of investigation at the earliest since the same is pending since 2016.”

There has been a feud between the two actors ever since Kangana Ranaut went public about their alleged affair. Hrithik Roshan had then slapped an FIR against the actress, denying the alleged affair.

‘Blasphemous’ keychains attract Raza Academy’s anger, org wants Param Bir Singh to register FIR against Flipkart for permitting sale

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Blasphemous’ keychains attract Raza Academy’s anger, org wants Param Bir Singh to register FIR against Flipkart for permitting sale

The Raza Academy has written to Mumbai Police Commissioner Pram Bir Singh to take action against Flipkart for permitting the sale of ‘blasphemous’ keychains on its platform. The Islamist organisation demanded that the sale be stopped and all such products be seized from the company.

Source: ANI

The letter said, “Flipkart has introduced key chains on its online portal for sale which consists of the Holy Quran, The Bible and the Guru Granth Sahib which is totally unacceptable as it disrespect (sic) the Holy Books of major religions.” “It should be noted that Islam does not allow a Muslim to touch the Holy Quran without ablution and by releasing it on a Keychain it is nothing but blashphemy (sic),” it added.

The Raza Academy also demanded that an FIR be registered against the company to “stop further misuse of religious products in abusive manners.” Earlier this year, the organisation had launched a campaign against France and demanded that Islamic countries issue fatwas against France after its president Emmanuel Macron defend the right of individuals to mock the prophet of Islam.

The dark and violent history of Raza Academy

The Raza Academy has been one of the notorious radical Islamic organisations that has instigated violence on the streets of the country in the past.

In August 2011, Raza Academy had staged a morcha at Azad Maidan ground to protest against the alleged atrocities on Muslims in Assam and Myanmar, which later turned into a riot. The protest turned violent after one of the notorious group attacked the policemen leading to police firing in which two persons were killed and 63 persons including 58 policemen were injured.

Raza Academy which had organized the protest had earlier assured the Mumbai Police that only 1,500 people would turn up. However, more than 15,000 people assembled at the Azad Maidan and later the crowd swelled to over 40,000 people resulting in Muslim mobs unleashing violence on the streets of Mumbai.

The most shocking incident of the Azad Maidan Riots was the desecration of Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial by the Muslim mobs. The war memorial is dedicated to the fighters of 1857 – the First Indian Freedom Struggle. The riots had caused approximately Rs 2.72 crores worth of damages to various public properties.

Earlier this year, Raza Academy had threatened with ‘law and order situation’ if the movie ‘Muhammad: The Messenger of God’ was not banned. The movie depicts the life of the prophet from birth till the age of 13. The Islamic organisation had issued a fatwa against AR Rahman, the music composer of the movie, and Iranian director Majid Majidi in 2015 as well. 

“A Muslim will die in honour than to see or hear even the slightest insult on his Holy Prophet,” the Raza Academy said threateningly.

Sermons at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, telecast live and watched by millions, spreads misinformation about farm laws

Anurag
-
0
Sermons at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, telecast live and watched by millions, spreads misinformation about farm laws

One of the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara, Bangla Ji Sahib, is known for its water that is believed to have healing properties. Sikhs from around the world visit this Gurudwara and take the holy water with them back home. Originally, Gurudwara was Raja Jai Singh’s bungalow. Eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Kishan, stayed in the place during his stay in Delhi in 1664.

During that era, the smallpox and cholera epidemic had hit the region, and Guru Har Kishan Ji served the ailing by giving them aid and fresh water. Soon he too contracted the disease and died on March 30, 1664. Raja Jai Singh constructed a small tank over the well from where Guru Har Kishan Ji used to draw fresh water. It is now believed that the water from this tank has healing powers.

Due to its historical connection, popularity, location, and beautiful construction, it is visited by lakhs of devotees every year. Its kitchen is one of the most famous Gurudwara kitchens in India. The beautiful golden dome is visible from a distance, and you cannot miss it while visiting Connaught Place in Delhi.

The morning Gurbani and Kirtan

Gurbani and Kirtan are live telecasted on several channels and on social media platforms like YouTube. Millions of devotees around the world tune in to the live telecast on different channels. The peaceful recitation of Guru Granth Sahib, followed by Kirtan Path, is a real stress buster for many. The platform is often used to recite stories of Sikh Gurus.

The misinformation about Agriculture laws

On December 13, after Gurbani and Kirtan Path, Katha Vachak Baba Banta Singh Ji shared stories of Gurus. However, towards the end, he talked about the ongoing farmers’ protests and Agriculture laws, during which he shared some misinformation about the laws. Towards the end of the Morning Prayer session, he talked about the protests and said that there are three laws that the government has passed, Trade, Produce, and Commerce. In general language, it is known as ‘free market.’ He said that the concept has already failed in America and Canada.

MSP and produce price in general

Claim: He said, “These Acts are the first step to end MSP. The government wants to withdraw MSP. As per the new law, there will be private markets alongside government markets. These private markets will pay more compared to the government markets. The farmers will be lured towards private markets because of price, convenience and facilities. While in government markets it takes days to get the produce unloaded, the process will be quick in the private markets.”

He further said that this would continue for a few years. “Once the farmers stop going to government markets, the government will close them down on the pretext of losses. Then, the corporate will say that as there is no competition, they will only pay half the price to the farmers. With no option left, the farmers have to sell the produce at low rate.”

Fact: The government has clearly said that there are no plans to withdraw MSP. Even after passing the laws, the government has procured all-time high Kharif produce from the farmers. MSP for the next produce for 2021 has already been set, and the government has spent 67,248.22 crores on the procurement of Kharif produce.

Essential Commodity

Claim: He said that the government had removed the limit of storage capacity. The corporate houses can store as much produce as they want. “Even those farmers who have 100 acre land do not have the facility to store their produce. The corporate who live in Mumbai will store all the grains, potato, pulses etc. and will create shortage in the market. When there is shortage, the price will rise. There will be time when you will have to pay Rs.500 for the KG of rice that you buy for Rs.100 these days. Corporate will set the price as per their wish.” He further added that the corporate houses would increase every commodity’s price just like Reliance sells corn for Rs.50 that the farmer sells for a mere Rs.5.

Fact: The Law [PDF] allow storage according to the ceiling capacity of the storage house. Every storage house has a specific limit. They cannot store more than that. Also, the government will strictly monitor the price of every commodity and will intervene when the price increases for horticulture produce by 100% or 50% for non-perishable produce.

It has to be noted that there are hundreds of commodities, especially under horticulture produce or perishable produce, that do not come under MSP. Their price fluctuates every year based on the season. The government will compare the price of every commodity to its price in the last twelve months or to the price of the last five years, whichever is lower, and intervene accordingly.

Contract farming

Claim: He said that the corporate houses would offer double the price of contract farming to the farmers compared to current rates. However, they will put a clause of multiple years in the contract. The farmer will get lured due to the higher price. For one year, they will pay the decided price, but after one year, they will say that due to low productivity, they can only pay the lower price.

“If the farmer ask them to leave his land, they will show him the contract for multiple years. No one will listen to him including police or SDM, where farmers are allowed to file a complaint. The law does not allow farmers to go to court.” He further added that the farmer would have no choice but to sell his land to the corporate houses.

Fact: The law allows contracts for one crop season or a maximum of up to five years. If the crop needs more than five years to grow, then the farmer and the sponsor may get into a mutual contract for a longer period. The price has to be mentioned in the contract, along with the quality of the produce.

If the price may vary depending on the product, a guaranteed price has to be mentioned in the contract. Any bonus or premium that the farmer may get must be mentioned in the contract. The price can be decided on the line of APMC yard or electronic trading or transaction platform. The sponsor will not have the right to retract from accepting the produce. He may, however, check the quality of the produce as per the agreement.

The law says [PDF] that the two-thirds payment has to be made immediately at the time of accepting the produce in case of seed production, and the remaining amount has to be paid within 30 days of accepting the produce. In other cases, the payment has to be made at the time of accepting the produce.

The law also bars any of the party from adding farmers’ land in the agreement. The land cannot be sold, transferred, or leased. The contract will be for the produce only. The sponsor can raise structure on the land, but he has to remove it as the contract ends. If he fails to do so, the farmer will own the structure after the conclusion of the agreement. In case of a dispute, the parties can approach SDM, and the case has to be settled in 30 days. In case the parties are not happy with the outcome of the judgment, they can appeal to the Appellate Authority, i.e., the Collector. In the recent discussions, the government has shown willingness to amend the law further to allow the parties to approach courts.

‘Hindu religion was never so narrow’: Karnataka HC dismisses pleas seeking strict implementation of section of Act that requires Temple officials to be Hindu

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Hindu religion was never so narrow’: Karnataka HC dismisses pleas seeking strict implementation of section of Act that requires Temple officials to be Hindu

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed pleas that sought the strict implementation of Section 7 of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, which maintains that only Hindus can be employed in the management of Hindu Temples, LiveLaw has reported. The petitions were dismissed without providing any relief.

One petition questioned the printing of the name of one A B Ibrahim, working as Deputy Commissioner with the HRCE department in Mangaluru, on the invitation card of Mahalingeswara Temple’s annual festival. The other was filed by Bharata Punarutthana Trust objecting to the appointment of Mohamad Deshav Alikhan as Superintendent in the office of the Commissioner under the Act.

“What heavens are going to fall if respondent 4 being the Deputy Commissioner, for overlooking the arrangements will enter the temple. Hindu religion was never so narrow. Hindu religion as professed never consisted of people who are so narrow minded,” the bench comprising of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice S Vishwajith Shetty observed orally as per the report.

The bench cited ‘Constitutional philosophy’, which appears to be a variant of the more popular term ‘Constitutional morality’, to question the maintainability of such petitions. “After the Constitution has come into force, we will never entertain such petitions in the court. There is something known as the Constitution, there is something known as Constitutional philosophy. We will not entertain a petition which will take us 100 years back.”

Section 7 of the said Act says, “The Commissioner and every Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner and every other Officer or servant, appointed to carry out the purposes of this Act by whomsoever appointed, shall be a person professing Hindu Religion, and shall cease to hold office as such when he ceases to profess that religion.”

The bench stated, “On plain reading of section 7, there is no general prohibition on appointing an officer or servant to work in the offices of commissioner, deputy commissioner or assistant commissioner. The restriction imposed by section 7 is that Commissioner, Dy Commissioner, Asst Commissioner and every officer or servant appointed to carry out purposes of the said act of 1997, shall be a person professing Hindu religion. The test for applicability is that the officer or servant is appointed to carry out the purpose of the Act.”

The bench noted before concluding, “Judicial notice will have to be taken of the fact that government officers, police officers, irrespective of their religious faith and beliefs effectively assist all religions in celebrating their respective religious festivals. In fact that is part of the Constitutional philosophy and concept of Secularism.”

Bangladeshis protest outside in Washington outside Pak embassy seeking apology for 1971 ‘Operation Searchlight’: Read details

Dibakar Dutta
-
0
Bangladeshis protest outside in Washington outside Pak embassy seeking apology for 1971 ‘Operation Searchlight’: Read details

Two days ahead of the ‘Bijoy Diwas’, a US-based Bangladeshi organisation staged a protest outside the Pakistani embassy in Washington seeking an apology for the human rights violations committed by the country in 1971. The demonstration included Bangladeshi nationals as well as other South Asian minorities.

“Pakistan! Stop sheltering 175 war criminals,” a banner read. “Time for Pakistan to apologise for the 1971 genocide”, read another placard. The protestors demanded an ‘unconditional apology’ from the State of Pakistan for 3 million deaths and 4 lac rapes committed by its forces during ‘Operation Searchlight’.

The development comes just 2 days ahead of the 39th anniversary of Pakistan’s humiliating defeat to India and the ‘Mukti Bahini’ in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. As such, December 16 is celebrated as Bijoy Diwas in Bangladesh and Vijay Diwas in India to mark the victory to honour those who laid their lives in the line of duty.

The Prelude to Operation Searchlight

The story began in 1970. In the General elections held on December 7 that year, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League secured a huge majority (167 seats) in the provincial legislature in East Pakistan. With constant interference in the affairs of East Pakistan by its Islamic counterpart, Rahman had begun demanding for greater regional autonomy.

This was just within 13 years of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent, when Muslims sought for a separate country of their own. Although united by the common Faith, the resentment between the West and East Pakistan towards each other continued to grow. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), who won the most seats in West Pakistan in 1970 elections, was opposed to the demands of Rahman. He had threatened to boycott the Assembly and sought for the dissolution of the provincial legislature in East Pakistan, if PPP was not included in the government.

Miffed over the denial of power and autonomy to East Pakistan, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called civil disobedience movement, on March 7, 1971. Bhutto feared civil war and President Yahya Khan, therefore, declared martial law and ordered the arrest of Rahman and other leaders.

What happened during Operation Searchlight?

In order to contain the civil and political unrest, the Pakistan army launched Operation Searchlight on March 26, 1971. Rahman, disillusioned by the high-handedness of West Pakistan, had already called for independence from West Pakistan.

The Pakistani soldiers launched their attack on the Bengali population in Rajararbagh and Peelkhana area. They put Mujibur Rahman behind bars and ambushed the Dhaka university, resulting in the death of 9 teachers and 200 students in Iqbal Hal. Similarly, the Pakistan army continued with its barbaric attacks on civilians in Old Dhaka, Tejgaon, Indira Road, Mirpur, Kalabagan and other places.

On the same night, several people in Chittagong were shot dead by the army personnel. National newspapers, including, Daily Ittefaq, the Daily Sangbad were shut down and their offices were set ablaze, resulting in the death of several media personnel. Mass graves were dug out and hastily bulldozed. An estimated 700 people were burnt to death in Dhaka. Similarly, they set fire to the houses of slum dwellers, fired bullets at those running away to save their lives, razed a Kali Mandir and also destroyed the Central Shaheed Minar.

The aftermath of Operation Searchlight

It is believed that around 10,000-35,000 Bengalis were killed by the Pakistan army under the Operation Searchlight while the death toll to increased to over 3 lacs in the months to follow. “Thanks to God that Pakistan could have been saved,” Bhutto had famously remarked. The genocide against the Bengali population intensified. In the months to follow, around 4 lac Bengali women were raped by the Pakistan army while a majority of the victims being Hindus.

The situation worsened, forcing neighbouring India to step in to prevent the further continuation of genocide. In 14 days, Pakistani forces under AK Niazi signed the Instrument of surrender and thus a new nation of Bangladesh was born. While Bangaldesh has tried and hanged several war criminals, Pakistan continues to dispute the 1971 genocide, far from being apologetic about the heinous crimes.

Bangladesh Prime Minister lambasts Pakistan over 1971 genocide

Recently, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina confronted Pakistan over the atrocities it unleashed against Bangladesh during the 1971 war. Hasina said that human rights violations Pakistani forces unleashed during the war of independence in 1971 are “unshakeable memories” for Bangladesh.

Her strong remarks against Pakistan came during her meeting with Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, the Pakistani high commissioner in Dhaka. “Incidents of 1971 cannot be forgotten. The pain will remain forever,” she said as she met Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Ahmed Siddiqui in Dhaka on Friday. Citing to the volumes of the book titled “Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said all can learn many historical facts from 1948 to 1971 from the books.

‘Elements spreading misconceptions’: Ten farmer leaders, led by AIKCC, which has presence in 28 states, pledge support to farm laws

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Elements spreading misconceptions’: Ten farmer leaders, led by AIKCC, which has presence in 28 states, pledge support to farm laws

While some misled farmers continue to protest against the new farm laws, ten farmer leaders associated with the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and extended their support to the three new agrarian laws passed by Parliament. The All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) is the fourth group of farmers who have pledged their support to the laws in the last two weeks.

It is pertinent to note that AIKCC has presence in 28 states, and is considered as one of the largest farmer organisations in India.

These representatives of farmers’ unions came to the national capital from several states such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar and Haryana to meet the Union Agriculture Minister and hand over a memorandum to extend their support to the three farm laws.

The memorandum speciafically slammed those few elements who were trying to spread misinformation and instigate the farmers against the new laws. According to them, some elements involved in the farmers’ protest were trying to spread misconceptions about the agrarian laws among the protesters.

Some elements involved in the farmer’s stir were trying to push the farmers back into the dungeons by provoking them against the new farm laws: AIKCC

The farmer leaders mentioned that the AIKCC has always raised its voice against laws that exploit farmers in the last three decades and would continue to do so. Throwing its weight behind the new laws, it said that the new farmer’s laws would mark a new beginning for the farmers and that these elements involved in the farmer’s stir were trying to push the farmers back into the dungeons by provoking them against these laws brought by the Modi government.

They argued that the farmers should not be forced to adhere to the APMCs. Moreover, the farmers’ representatives warned that they will hit the streets if Centre repeals the agrarian laws. The memorandum also listed other demands such as the availability of modern technology to farmers, reduction of GST on farm equipment and fertilizers and the complete repeal of the Essential Commodities Act. 

All India Kisan Coordination Committee express gratitude, requests Govt to not give in to the protesting farmer’s flawed demands

The farmer leaders associated with the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) urged the central government to stick to its decision to implement the new farm laws and not give in to the flawed and inapt demands of the protesting farmers.

They said that they have come together from different parts of the country to express their gratitude towards the central government for bringing in such laws which would change the fate of the farmers in the country.

Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has been leading the negotiations with 40 farmer unions, along with Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce and Industries Som Parkash. “We tried to convince farmers and farmer unions leaders. Our wish is that they come for clause-by-clause discussion. If they are ready to express their views clause by clause, we are ready for discussion,” he said.

Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the central government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country, thereby getting them the best rate for their produce. However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of Minimum Support Price and do away with the mandis, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates, a fallacy that the Congress and the leftist liberals have been peddling day and night to mislead farmers. However, Modi government has, again and again, stressed that they are neither abolishing APMC Mandis not repealing MSPs. 

1...4,7944,7954,796...7,677Page 4,795 of 7,677