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Women-led Self Help Groups: Frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19

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Women-led Self Help Groups: Frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19

Recently, Prime Minister Modi held a discussion with different banking and NBFC stakeholders. The focus of the discussion revolved around the crucial role financial and banking system play in supporting India’s growth. Among other issues, PM Modi emphasized that banks and NBFCs should encourage the small entrepreneurs, SHGs and farmers to take loans. The mention of SHGs by PM Modi holds significance here.

In the last few years, this women-led movement has become an institution for women empowerment and economic prosperity of rural India. Despite the sheer size of SHGs and the impact, they have on rural economies, their contributions have not been highlighted well. But, these SHGs have shown how they can be a substantial force of rural growth and an important movement to address bigger challenges facing the community through their phenomenal work during COVID pandemic. 

The Self-Help Group movement has helped millions of women of rural India break free from subdued life and become financially independent ever since its inception in 1992. Their phenomenal growth from a small group of 225 to 6.3 million SHGs comprising 69 million women today is a testament to their success. These SHGs have played a crucial role in the social and economic empowerment among rural women and have fostered the spirit of entrepreneurship and financial independence. They have further played a crucial role in instilling among rural women a social and political consciousness thereby gaining a voice which is now heard across all groups of the society.

The impact of this community has been well demonstrated in recent months, ever since the pandemic began its spread. In the fight against this deadly disease, the SHGs have taken up the tasks of providing assistance in numerous ways and alleviated the sufferings of many in their communities. 

SHGs have launched a number of initiatives at the local level since March this year. When the pandemic began, the Indian manufacturers were not able to meet the demand for masks and other protective materials. The SHGs stepped in to fill this demand. As per a report by the ministry of rural development, more than 132 lakh masks were produced by 14,522 SHGs involving 65,936 members in 399 districts (across 24 states) from March 15th to March 30th. In April, 20,000 SHGs managed to produce more than 19 million masks across 27 states (which is in about 90% of India’s districts). By May, this increased to over two lakh women SHGs producing more than 10 crore masks. The masks produced by SHGs were distributed among ASHA workers, ANM and hospital workers and other front line COVID warriors at free of cost. 

Their efforts also included 1 lakh litres of sanitizer and 50,000 litres of handwash; with sanitiser production increasing to 3 lakh litres by May. Again, to meet the demand for PPE kits, the SHGs swung into action. Over 4000 women belonging to SHGs produced more than 2 lakh PPE kits across 12 states from March to May. 

SHGs went on to play a key role in tackling the problems caused due to the restriction of mobility and the loss of livelihoods, especially of the migrant population.The largest of them, – the Kudumbashree network of Kerala comprising  4.4 million womenacross 300,000 SHGs,have been instrumental in running 1300 community kitchens in their state’s panchayats and municipalities. Their efforts continued to assist the stranded and the vulnerable; whilst also delivering food to the quarantined and the bedridden. Kudumbshree spear headed the government’s ‘Break the Chain’ campaign by educating people on social distancing and washing of hands at regular intervals through posters, phone messages and weekly meetings. These women SHGs also started a floating supermarket (in a boat) for delivering essential supplies to the Kainakary residents in Alappuzha.

The SHGs also stepped in to spread awareness on COVID-19 and busting the myths that came along with the disease. The Jeevikas of Bihar conducted door-to-door awareness drives on social distancing, good health, and hygiene. Jeevikas belonging to 1.4 lakh SHGs provided food supplies to the elderly and the quarantined. They used the Mobile-Vaani platform to make public voice messages on safety measures around COVID-19.

Through their vast network of WhatsApp groups, comprising of 190,000 WhatsApp groups with 2.2 million members, the SHGs proactively worked towards countering misinformation about COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the SHGs have done phenomenal work in lending a hand by not just stitching masks and preparing sanitizers, but also in ensuring livelihood to the most marginalized groups. The work done by the SHGs during the pandemic is worthy of being a template for optimal community-led response in times of crisis. 

(The article is written by Akriti Tyagi, who is a lawyer by education but a writer by disposition. Keen on all things historical, cultural and social. An avid traveller and a voracious reader)

Ayodhya Diaries: When Nehru tried to impose his ‘Aurangzeb diktat’, an ICS officer KK Nair refused to budge

OpIndia Staff
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Ayodhya Diaries: When Nehru tried to impose his ‘Aurangzeb diktat’, an ICS officer KK Nair refused to budge

The Ram Janmabhoomi movement is the manifestation of the relentless pursuit and perseverance of leaders who kept everything at stake to ensure that a majestic Ram Mandir is built. When India celebrates Bhoomi Pujan on August 5, it will mark the conclusion of a long-standing struggle by generations of Hindus in rendering justice to Lord Ram in His own country. Despite political pressure and illustrious career at stake, one such man decided to forego everything to ensure that the dream of a magnificent Ram Mandir comes alive.

The man was Kandangalathil Karunakaran Nair, abbreviated as KK Nair. Born in Kerala on September 11, 1907, the erstwhile Indian Civil Service officer was the frontrunner in safeguarding the Fundamental right to worship of Hindus even before India became a Republic. His life began from the village of Kuttanad in Alappuzha in Kerala. After completing his education in the State, Nair went to England for higher studies and cleared the Indian Civil Service (ICS) exam at the age of 21. He was then posted as the Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate of Faizabad, the earlier name of Ayodhya, on June 1, 1949.

Demand for a Ram Mandir left Nehru irked

His endeavour in Ayodhya eventually became the highlight of his career. After receiving a letter from the State government of Uttar Pradesh to do a report on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue, Nair sent his assistant Guru Datt Singh to submit a report on the same. On October 10, 1949, Singh, in his report, recommended the construction of a majestic Ram temple at the site. Singh had visited the site and observed that both Hindus and Muslims performed their ceremonies, side by side.

He wrote, “Hindu public has put in this application with a view to erecting a decent and Vishal temple instead of the small one which exists at present. There is nothing on the way and permission can be given as the Hindu population is very keen to have a nice temple at the place where Bhagwan Ram Chandra Ji was born. The land where the temple is to be erected is of Nazul (government land)”.

KK Nair refused to bow down to Nehru

However, on the directions of an irked Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Govind Vallabh Pant tried to evict the Hindus from the Ram Mandir. However, the KK Nair refused to budge and decided not to implement the order. He highlighted that the Hindus were performing Puja at the site and forcing them to leave would stir riots. He also refused to remove the idols from the site. Nair was eventually suspended by Govind Vallabh Pant from his designation as the District Magistrate. 

However, he moved the court against the then Congress government and secured a judgment in his favour.  On being reinstated as an ICS officer yet again, Nair bid adieu to civil services. He took the decision in the wake of the growing resentment against Nehru.  Nair refused to bow down to the ‘Aurangzebi diktat‘ of Nehru. His open defiance of the then Prime Minister and his firm resolve to ensure justice to the millions of Hindus earned him a place in the hearts of people. As a gesture of endearment, he was called as ‘Nair Sahab’ by people.

KK Nair strives for Ram Mandir politically

Following his resignation from ICS, he started practising as a lawyer in the Allahabad High Court. To strive for the cause of building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, KK Nair and his family joined the Jan Sangh. His wife Shakuntala Nair contested elections and became a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1952.

Both Nair and his wife eventually became the members of the Lok Sabha in 1962. Interestingly, their driver was also elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, Nair and his wife were arrested during the dark days of the National emergency that was proclaimed by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the behest of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

KK Nair continues to inspire a generation of Hindus

KK Nair passed away on September 7, 1977. He dedicated his life to Jan Sangh and the cause of Ram Mandir. Although he was a celebrated figure in the state of Uttar Pradesh, he received a lot of recognition in his home state of Kerala. Reportedly, the nationalists in the state of Kerala have decided to build a memorial on the land donated by Vishva Hindu Parishad in his village.  A Trust by the name of KK Nair Memorial Charitable Trust has also been set up. Besides welfare activities, the trust provides training for civil service aspirants and scholarships for students.

Ram Janmabhoomi movement spearheaded by KK Nair was later continued by tall leaders like of LK Advani, Ashok Kumar, Kalyan Singh, Vinay Katiyar, and Uma Bharti. Following the historic judgment by the supreme court in 2019, a trust has been constituted to build the Majestic Ram Mandir at the same site for which Nair espoused his career. Although KK Nair is no more in this mortal world, yet his contribution to the movement will be cherished for years to come.

Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh dies at the age of 64

OpIndia Staff
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Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh dies at the age of 64

Veteran political leader Amar Singh passed away on Saturday after a prolonged period of illness. The former Samajwadi Party leader was receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore. He was an elected representative of the Rajya Sabha.

The Indian Embassy in Singapore was reportedly extending support to the veteran leader. His daughters and wife were by his side in Singapore as Amar Singh was receiving treatment. He was receiving treatment for the past 6 months. In 2013, he had suffered a kidney failure. He was reported to be critical then as well but had made a healthy recovery.

Condolence messages for the veteran leader are pouring in as we speak. Paying tribute to him, BJP’s Shahnawaz hussain said, “No matter which party he belonged to, he had good relations with everybody.” Kalraj Mishra said, “We had very close relations. This is a personal loss for me.”

This is a developing story. The report will be updated with more information as and when we receive it.

Incentive scheme for mobile phone & component manufacturing a huge success, production of ₹11.50 lakh crore and export of ₹7 lakh crore expected in 5 years

OpIndia Staff
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Incentive scheme for mobile phone & component manufacturing a huge success, production of ₹11.50 lakh crore and export of ₹7 lakh crore expected in 5 years

Union Electronics & IT, Communications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today that the Production Linked Incentive Scheme announced by the government of India for Scale Electronics Manufacturing has been a huge success. In a press conference held via video conferencing, the minister informed that a large number of applications have been received from both global as well as domestic mobile phone manufacturing companies and electronic components manufacturers willing to set up facilities in India taking the benefits of the scheme.

“Industry has reposed its faith in India’s stellar progress as a world class manufacturing destination and this resonates strongly with Prime Minister’s clarion call of AtmaNirbhar Bharat – a self-reliant India. We are optimistic and looking forward to building a strong ecosystem across the value chain and integrating with the global value chains, thereby strengthening electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country,” Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing was notified by the ministry on 1st April, 2020. This scheme extends an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods under target segments that are manufactured in India to eligible companies, for a period of five years subsequent to the base year (FY2019-20). The scheme was open for filing applications till 31st July 2020. Incentives are applicable under the scheme from 1st August this year.

On 2nd June, detailed guidelines for the three initiatives under the scheme were announced by the minister, which included a total incentive of Rs 50,000 crore. The scheme has a goal of increasing production to $106 billion from $70 billion in 2018-19. The target for exports of electronic components is $77 billion. The Production linked Incentive scheme is the largest scheme with value of Rs 40,000 crore, and it is expected to help large scale manufacturing of mobile and other gadgets.

A total of 22 companies have filed their applications under the PLI Scheme. International mobile phone manufacturing companies that have applied under the Mobile Phone Segment are Samsung, Foxcon Hon Hai, Rising Star, Wistron and Pegatron. Out of these, Foxcon Hon Hai, Wistron and Pegatron are contract manufacturers for Apple iPhones. Apple (37%) and Samsung (22%) together account for nearly 60% of global sales revenue of mobile phones and this scheme is expected to increase their manufacturing base manifold in the country.

In the Mobile Phone’s domestic company segment, including Lava, Dixon Technologies, Bhagwati (Micromax), Padget Electronics, Sojo Manufacturing Services and Optiemus Electronics have submitted applications under the scheme. These companies are expected to expand their manufacturing operations in a significant manner and grow into national champion companies in mobile phone production.

Apart from phone makers, 10 companies have filed applications under the Specified Electronic Components Segment, which include AT&S, Ascent Circuits, Visicon, Walsin, Sahasra, Vitesco and Neolync.

This Scheme is expected to lead to total production of about Rs 11.5 lakh crore in the next 5 years. Out of this, international mobile phone manufacturers have proposed a production of over Rs 9 lakh crore, domestic mobile phone companies are expected to contribute Rs 2 lakh crore and the companies under Specified Electronic Components segment have proposed production of over Rs 45,000 crore.

This scheme will lead to a significant increase in export of mobile phones and electronics components from India. Over the next 5 years, around 60% of the total production of Rs 11.5 lakh is expected to be exported, which will be around Rs 7 lakh crore.

The Production Linked Incentive Scheme will scheme will bring additional investment of around Rs 11,000 crore to the electronics manufacturing sector. This is expected to generate approximately 3 lakh direct employment opportunities in next 5 years. In addition to that, additional indirect employment of nearly 3 times the direct employment is also estimated. Domestic Value Addition is expected to grow from the current 15-20% to 35-40% in case of Mobile Phones and 45-50% for electronic components.

With the demand for electronics in India expected to grow manifold by 2025, the Minister expressed confidence that PLI scheme and other initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing will help in making India a competitive destination for electronics manufacturing and give boost to Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign. Creation of domestic champion companies in electronics manufacturing under the Scheme will give fillip to vocal for local while aiming for global scale.

Under the leadership Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his visionary initiatives like the “Digital India” and “Make in India” programmes, India has witnessed an unprecedented growth in electronics manufacturing in the last five years. The National Policy on Electronics 2019 envisions positioning India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) by focusing on size and scale, promoting exports and enhancing domestic value addition by creating an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally.

Hypocrisy in the time of pandemic: How NDTV shames Hindus during a temple festival but did the opposite during Eid

OpIndia Staff
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Hypocrisy in the time of pandemic: How NDTV shames Hindus during a temple festival but did the opposite during Eid

The Hinduphobia that the mainstream media engages in is no secret. It is known that the media continuously attacks Hindu traditions and tries to spread negativity around Hindu festivals while giving other religions a free pass even when the latter is extremely toxic. ‘Save Water’ campaigns during Holi, ‘Crackerless Diwali’ and other such campaigns have become the mainstay of Hindu festivals while others are not subjected to such negativity. One media network which has been particularly guilty of this is NDTV.

On the occasion of Eid-al-Adha or Bakri-Eid, NDTV posted a tweet where it reported on the fact that Muslims had gathered on the rooftop of a house in Coimbatore to offer prayers. There was obviously no social distancing observed by the faithfuls. The images shared did not portray them wearing any masks either. Amidst the Coronavirus crisis, this could lead to further spread of the disease.

NDTV, however, chose not to comment on the matter. The stance of the network was quite different when a public gathering at a Temple was concerned. The NDTV sermonised how the devotees were not practising social distancing and masks were lacking. The objective was, quite clearly, to hold the gathering at a Hindu Temple responsible for the spread of the Coronavirus.

Thus, while NDTV tried to blame a Hindu Temple festival for the spread of the Wuhan Coronavirus citing a lack of social distancing and masks, it refrained from making similar comments on public gatherings for Eid. The concerted attacks on Hindu traditions and festivals while giving other religions a free pass has, of course, become the hallmark of secularism in India.

In the past, we have observed how the mainstream media which spreads negativity continuously during Diwali suddenly finds itself in a cheerful mood during Christmas. During Diwali, they preach that ‘high calorie’ food should be avoided while for Christmas, they share plum-cake recipes because ‘What is any festival without food?’

It is similar to the kind of activism PETA engages in. While it goes out of its way to initiate an anti-leather campaign during Rakshabandhan, insinuating in a bizarre fashion that the Hindu festival has something to do somehow with the use of leather, it develops cold feet when it comes to advocating the prevention of animal slaughter during Eid. It only goes on to demonstrate that activists only seek to make a name for themselves by attacking a soft target while taking great care to keep themselves away from any serious trouble.

Aaditya Thackeray meets Mumbai Police Commissioner, reports say Sushant Singh Rajput’s death was discussed

OpIndia Staff
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Aaditya Thackeray meets Mumbai Police Commissioner, reports say Sushant Singh Rajput’s death was discussed

A day after new reports claimed that a big politician’s son had reportedly attended the party at Sushant Singh Rajput’s residence and allegedly had a spat with him, a night before his purported suicide, son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, had a meeting with Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. According to the reports, actor Akshay Kumar was also present in the meeting.

According to a report, extending his support in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, Akshay Kumar has reportedly presented the Mumbai Police with 1,000 additional GOQii fitness bands of the new model VITAL 3.0. Earlier too, the Bollywood actor had donated the wrist bands with sensors that can detect COVID-19 symptoms.

The Bollywood superstar donated the GOQii smartwatches to Maharashtra Minister of Tourism and Environment Aditya Thackeray and Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh at the Mayor’s Bungalow this afternoon.

However, it has also been reported that the meeting between the actor Akshay Kumar, Aaditya Thackeray and Mumbai Police Commissioner may have also included discussion on the progress of the probe into the alleged suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Bihar Police alleges non-cooperation from Mumbai Police

The meeting between the Maharashtra Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray and Mumbai Police commissioner comes on the heels of the FIR filed by Sushant Singh Rajput’s father KK Singh in Patna. The Bihar police that had reached Mumbai to investigate the suicide of the late actor had yesterday claimed that the Mumbai Police has been less than forthcoming in helping them in the investigation. Bihar Police had also failed to secure the postmortem report of Sushant Singh Rajput even after visiting the Cooper Hospital in Mumbai, as the hospital refused to hand-over the same to them.

Reports claim a bigshot politician’s son was present at Sushant Singh Rajput’s flat a night before his suicide

The alleged suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput took a completely new turn after his father, KK Singh, filed an FIR against actor Rhea Chakraborty and five others, including three of her family members, for abetment of suicide. Yesterday, a report by Times Now claimed that an eminent personality was possibly present at the party, a night before Sushant Singh’s demise, alleging that the Mumbai Police report can be compromised.

According to reports, a politician’s son was present at the late actor’s apartment at the party. As per Times Now report, there was a heated argument between the person and Sushant Singh Rajput post which the late actor left the place. Curiously, the CCTV has been dysfunctional since then. Sources claim the police officials are trying to conceal the identity of this person. People close to Sushant Singh Rajput have revealed that there was a party at his apartment and the aforesaid personality was also present there along with others.

FIR against Rhea Chakraborty and others

The last few days have seen major developments in the probe of the alleged suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput after his father KK Singh filed an FIR against Rhea Chakraborty and others, under the charges of Abetment of Suicide (IPC Section 306), Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (IPC Section 420), Punishment for wrongful restraint (IPC Section 341), Punishment for wrongful confinement (IPC Section 342), Theft in a dwelling house (IPC Section 380) and Punishment for criminal breach of trust (IPC Section 406).

Kashmir: Residents heave a sigh of relief as 3 remote villages near LoC get electricity for the first time after 73 years

OpIndia Staff
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Kashmir: Residents heave a sigh of relief as 3 remote villages near LoC get electricity for the first time after 73 years

In a positive development, three villages in North Kashmir located in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kupwara district, which are frequent targets of shelling from Pakistan, will get electricity after 73 years. 

As per reports, the villages of Keran, Mundian, and Patruu in the district remain cut-off for 6 months due to heavy snow. Besides, due to natural geographical barriers, the life of 14000 residents of the three villages remain endangered due to heavy shelling from the Pakistani side of the LoC. A two-year-long electrification project is now close to completion and will ease the woes of the local inhabitants of the Kupwara district.

Under the electrification project, 979 utility posts, a receiving station, and a 33 Kilovolt line have been installed by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). According to Muhammad Aijaz Asad, who serves as the Managing Director of KPDCL, the Coronavirus lockdown has helped speed up the project. He informed that it was an uphill task to lay high tension wires and utility poles due to the difficult terrain and the proximity of the villages to the LoC. “We are able to divert manpower which would otherwise have been engaged in regular work to this project,” Asad was quoted as saying.

Electrification project boon for farmers in Kashmir

An official from the district administration stated that a lot of time was spent in seeking approvals for the project that has been built on defence land. Around 14,000 people living in the area had to depend on solar power or diesel generators for electricity. The farmers in the area have expressed hope that electrification in the region will boost their earnings. When Times of India spoke to farmers named Mohammad, Imran Zayed, and Ghulam Hasan Lone, they informed that they have been using digital generators to water crops such as rice, walnuts, and apples for just 3 hours. According to Zayed, the presence of a 24/7 electricity supply will be like a dream come true moment for him and can boost his income.

Bihar Police fails to receive Sushant Singh Rajput postmortem report from Cooper Hospital, Rhea Chakraborty goes underground: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar Police fails to receive Sushant Singh Rajput postmortem report from Cooper Hospital, Rhea Chakraborty goes underground: Reports

Bihar Police failed to secure the postmortem report of Sushant Singh Rajput even after visiting the Cooper Hospital in Mumbai, ANI has reported. The Bihar Police got involved in the matter after the deceased actor’s father filed a police complaint in the state on tha basis of which an FIR was registered.

It is further being reported that Bihar Police intends to submit crucial evidence against Rhea Chakraborty, girlfriend of Sushant Singh Rajput, in the Court and secure an arrest warrant against her. It is also reported that in order to avoid interrogation and arrest, Rhea Chakraborty is constantly changing her whereabouts. It is reported that Rhea Chakraborty and her family have gone underground as of now.

As per Jagran, the Bihar Police has acquired crucial evidence in connection with the alleged suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput. The bank documents acquired by the Police is being considered important in the matter. After enough evidence has been collected and an arrest warrant has been secured, Bihar Police wishes to visit Mumbai in order to secure the arrest of the actress.

Furthermore, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister of State Sambhuraj Desai has said that the Bihar Police will have to seek permission from Mumbai Police in order to investigate the matter in Maharashtra. He also emphasized that there was no need to transfer the case to the CBI as the Mumbai Police is fully equipped to deal with the matter.

FIR against Rhea Chakraborty and others

The last few days have seen major developments in the probe of the alleged suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput after his father KK Singh filed an FIR against Rhea Chakraborty and others, under the charges of Abetment of Suicide (IPC Section 306), Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (IPC Section 420), Punishment for wrongful restraint (IPC Section 341), Punishment for wrongful confinement (IPC Section 342), Theft in dwelling house (IPC Section 380) and Punishment for criminal breach of trust (IPC Section 406).

Politician’s son attended Sushant Singh Rajput’s party

A report by Times Now claimed that an eminent personality was possibly present at the party, a night before Sushant Singh’s demise, alleging that the Mumbai Police report can be compromised.

According to TimesNow, a politician’s son was present at the late actor’s apartment at the party. As per Times Now report, there was a heated argument between the person and Sushant Singh Rajput post which the late actor left the place. Curiously, the CCTV has been dysfunctional since then. Sources claim the police officials are trying to conceal the identity of this person.

J&K govt refutes lies peddled by Rahul Gandhi and NDTV, says Saiffudin Soz not under arrest or detention, visited Delhi twice in October and December

OpIndia Staff
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J&K govt refutes lies peddled by Rahul Gandhi and NDTV, says Saiffudin Soz not under arrest or detention, visited Delhi twice in October and December

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday refuted lies peddled by the Congress party, especially Rahul Gandhi, and its ecosystem over the house arrest of former Congress MP Saifuddin Soz.

A controversy had erupted on Wednesday after senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz had alleged that he has been detained in his house since August 5 last year, ever since the Modi government abolished the controversial Article 370 that granted autonomy to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Soz’s wife Mumtazunnisa had filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court on Wednesday saying that he had been detained since August 5 last year and the grounds for his arrest had not been furnished till date.

However, the Jammu and Kashmir administration submitted to the Supreme Court that senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz is neither detained nor put under house arrest after the abrogation of Article 370. The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department also said that the former union minister was never under any kind of restraint and that he was always free to move.

With the government submitting that he was never detained or put under house arrest, the Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of the plea by the claiming Sozz had been illegally detained.

A day after his claims were rejected by the Supreme Court, in a dramatic event, Former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz on Thursday scaled a tall wall of his gate at Srinagar’s Friends Colony to make a point that he remained “under house arrest without any formal orders” since August 5 last year.

“The government lied to the Supreme Court. If I am a free man, then allow me to leave the premises. I am not a free man. These policemen are saying they have ordered from the top,” said Soz, who stood behind the gate.

Congress party, its media ecosystem launch attack on J&K administration

Soon after the dramatic event, the Congress party and its media ecosystem jumped into the scene to attack the Modi government over its submission to the court on the issue of Soz’s detention. The controversial news channel NDTV released a purported video to claim that the senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz was kept under house arrest by the J&K administration.

The contention of the left-wing NDTV, which has a rich history of peddling fake news, was that the Congress leader was not allowed to leave his residence in Srinagar and went on to insinuate that the J&K administration had lied before the Supreme Court. In the video released by NDTV, Soz, who is seen inside, was screaming against the J&K administration to portray that he was being kept under house detention.

Rahul Gandhi misleads public

Even Gandhi-scion Rahul Gandhi latched up to the misleading claims pushed by NDTV, to call for an ‘immediate release’ of Jammu and Kashmir Congress leader Saifuddin Soz and claimed that the ‘illegal’ detention of political leaders damaged the fabric of the country.

“The illegal detention of political leaders with absolutely no basis damages the fabric of our nation. Mr Soz must be released at once,” Gandhi tweeted by sharing the NDTV news report.

However, all the claims made by the Congress party and its ecosystem was categorically rejected by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, who insisted on the fact that the former Union Minister Soz was neither detained nor put under house arrest and he was always free to move.

Saifuddin Soz roams freely, visited Delhi twice: J&K administration

Contrary to the claims made by Saifuddin Soz and the Congress party over his ‘illegal detention’, the Jammu and Kashmir has stated that they have not made any false claims in the Supreme Court. Interestingly, it was revealed that Soz, who claims to have been under house arrest, had visited Delhi twice, once in October and another time in December.

Rohit Kansal, the Principal Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Information department, also confirmed Soz’s visit to Delhi and also categorically stated that he was free to go wherever he wishes to but with usual security drill. 

It is pertinent to note that Soz is a categorised protectee, who has been provided with round the clock security guards and personal security officers, who escort him wherever he goes and follows the security protocol.

Image Source: Rohit Kansal

Interestingly, Soz, who all along claimed to have been under house arrest, himself confessed to have gone to Delhi twice.

Speaking to the Hindu, Soz said, “I did meet my ailing sister twice and visited Delhi for medical check-ups twice since August 5, 2019, but only after seeking formal permission from the police, that too in October and December. On many occasions, I was denied permission. I remain under house arrest without any formal orders”.

Not only that, a video has also surfaced on social media platforms in which Soz can be seen roaming freely on the streets of Srinagar. Apparently, the video was shot on Thursday, few hours after Soz’s had climbed the wall to claim that he was under house arrest.

With such damning evidences to prove that senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz was not at all under house arrest contrary to his claims, it is rather shocking to know why was Congress party and its media ecosystem like NDTV trying to misleading public by making such false claims.

If Bakra Eid was a Hindu festival: 10 images that tell the tale of how ‘liberal’ media and celebs would have reacted

THE SKIN DOCTOR
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If Bakra Eid was a Hindu festival: 10 images that tell the tale of how ‘liberal’ media and celebs would have reacted

Today is the Islamic festival of Bakra Eid where thousands of cattle, goats and buffaloes specifically are slaughtered by pious Muslims as an offering to Allah. For the entire duration of the festival and the build-up to it, you probably did not read any preachy articles from the Left media or even the righteous Liberals who during every Hindu festival, tell Hindus what they should or should not do to uphold the collective morality of the country.

From preaching to save milk during Mahashivratri to saving the water bodies during Ganesh Chaturthi, to caring about pollution on Diwali to talking about saving water on Holi – Hindus have seen it all. In fact, recently Holi was equated with terrorism and fake story about semen filled balloons was propagated. Media and the celebs are pushing the bar higher every year.

The very same celebrities and media go completely silent during any Islamic festivals. Well, not completely silent. They wish the Muslims of India and of the entire world. Hope that peace prevails and that all of the rest of us learn the principles of sacrifice, brotherhood and devotion from the Islamic festival.

But have you ever wondered how would the media and these very liberals who hold sanctimonious placards at the drop of a hat react if Eid was a Hindu festival? What if everything else was constant – the festival, the Qurbani et al and just the religion had changed? Would the Liberals still be talking about peace and brotherhood? Or would their reaction be completely different?

Here are 10 images that show how the Liberals would have reacted had Eid been a Hindu festival:

What would PETA and Prashant Bhushan be doing if Eid was a Hindu festival? Surely, running to the court.

PETA and Prashant Bhushan if Eid was a Hindu festival
PETA poster if Eid was a Hindu festival

And Bengal?

What would Bengal look like if Eid was a Hindus festival

When there is a scope for Hindu shaming, Swara Bhaskar would surely not be left far behind.

What placard would Swara Bhaskar hold if Eid was a Hindu Festival

If Eid was a Hindu festival, Barkha Dutt would surely be interviewing Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM.

Barkha Dutt and Owaisi if Eid was a Hindu Festival

If the Liberals had the chance to shame Hindus on a festival where Hindus went around slaughtering thousands of animals, it would be quite a surprise if the media and their favourite Hinduphobes would not have branded Hindus are terrorists.

Veteran Hinduphobe Arundhati Roy talking to The Print
Unfunny comedian Kunal Kamra would have pretty much lost his mental balance all over again

And, of course, the portal that turned Holi in a terrorist attack with children being the terrorist would have gone hammer and tongs against the Hindus.

Let’s just keep ‘scrolling’, shall we?

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation would have condemned Hindu Nationalists and passed a resolution to ban the festival.

Oh! I see!

And, of course, no Hindu shaming event would be complete till the secularist would invoke Jinnah and justify the partition – “See? This is why Muslims did not want to live with Hindus!” Ram Guha would certainly be the best person to give a whole new meaning to the Shaheen Bagh slogan ‘Jinnah wali Azadi’.

Ram Guha if Eid was a Hindu festival

Disclaimer: I wish Happy Eid to everyone! This article is just to show how the ‘liberal’ crowd is as bigoted as people they brand as bigots, and how their preaching and disdain are reserved for only one community. I wish no ill will to anyone or wish to offend any sensibilities, except the ‘liberal’ kind.

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