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We are losing in Haryana because ECI is playing mindgames with us: Congress leader’ bizarre rant after Haryana elections setback

OpIndia Staff
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We are losing in Haryana because ECI is playing mindgames with us: Congress leader’ bizarre rant after Haryana elections setback

The trends of Haryana assembly election results have baffled the psephologists and news anchors cum Congress sympathisers as the incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party has gained the lead defying the exit polls. While the counting is underway, the Congress has unleashed its coping tactic as the trends hint at an unpleasant surprise for the party. In this vein, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has blamed the Election Commission of India alleging an ‘inordinate delay’ in updating trends.

The Congress MP insinuated a foul play at the end of the ECI and also alleged a collusion of BJP and ECI to somehow ‘defeat’ Congress. He alleged that a similar pattern in delayed updating of trends was seen during the Lok Sabha elections as well.

“Like the Lok Sabha elections, in Haryana we are again witnessing slowing down of uploading up-to- date trends on the ECI website. Is the BJP trying to build pressure on administration by sharing outdated and misleading trends @ECISVEEP?,” Ramesh asked on X.

When victory is certain it is Janadesh, when defeat seems inevitable it is ECI and BJP’s ‘mind games’: Congress’s absurd face-saving tactic

In addition to weaving a narrative around the “Hum hare nahi, humein haraya gaya hai” argument, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written a letter to the Election Commission alleging a delay in updating the date on its website.

“Over the last two hours between 9-11AM, there has been an unexplained slowdown in updating of results on the ECI’s website…You can see examples of it already playing out on social media. Our fear is also that such narratives can then be used by these mala fide actors to influence processes where counting is still underway, i.e. in most of the counting centres,” Ramesh wrote.

Jairam Ramesh was joined by Congress leader Pawan Khera who alleged that “there is a mismatch in the actual number of rounds counted and the number of rounds being shown on the television through the Election Commission data.”

“The EC data is lagging behind, they are still showing 4th or the 5th found data while 11 rounds have been counted. Our General Secretary Communications has tweeted to the Election Commission asking – are trying to put pressure on the local administration by delaying the display and uploading of data. In J&K you are getting live data with every round counted but in Haryana, it is not so,” Khera continued.   

It is amusing that a senior leader of the grand old party fails to cope with the fact that perhaps something was lacking in the ‘Tapasya’ of the Congress party in Haryana. Or maybe the people of Haryana are not too sure about the success of the Jalebi factory Rahul Gandhi talked about.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that the Congress party has shown reluctance in gracefully accepting the people’s verdict. Congress has been over the past few years alleging ‘EVM hacking’ and ‘VVPAT tampering’ by the BJP and ECI. However, being the hypocrite of the top order, the party shamelessly accepts the voting results wherever it manages to win and blames the same EVMs wherever it loses. While Congress and I.N.D.I. Alliance has not completely abandoned the apocryphal “EVM khatre mein hai” narrative, it has come up with this new tactic of blaming the ECI and alleged ‘delay’ in uploading poll data to dodge the blame for its electoral setback and play the victim.

It must be recalled how during the Lok Sabha election results declaration this year, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and the CPM(I) leaders had alleged a delay in publishing voter turnout figures. Jairam Ramesh had directly accused the ECI of causing an ‘unacceptable’ delay in publishing voter turnout data. However, OpIndia reported how the former ECI Chief Commissioner N. Gopalaswami had slammed Congress and IndiaToday ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai for making factually incorrect and misleading claims. It appears that Congress itself is playing ‘psychological games’ to escape embarrassment while also exploiting the defeat to create a warp and weft of vicious lies like “democracy khatre mein hai” and the electoral body is ‘compromised’.

Notably, as per the latest trends, the incumbent BJP is leading on 48 seats and has won 3 while Congress is leading on 36 and secured victory on 3 seat.

As Congress trails in Haryana Assembly elections, party leader Jairam Ramesh cries foul, claims ‘misleading trends’ on ECI website

ANI
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As Congress trails in Haryana Assembly elections, party leader Jairam Ramesh cries foul, claims ‘misleading trends’ on ECI website

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, has alleged that there is a slowing down in uploading up-to-date trends in the Haryana Assembly election’s vote counting on the Election Commission website.

He asked whether the BJP trying to build pressure on the administration by sharing “outdated and misleading” trends.

“We are filing a memorandum in the next 5-7 minutes. We are lodging a complaint. We hope that the EC will answer our questions. The results of 10-11 rounds are already out but only 4-5 rounds have been updated on EC website. This is a tactic to pressure the Administration,” Ramesh told ANI.

“There is no need to be disheartened. The game is not over. Mind games are being played. We will not deter, there is no need to be disheartened. We are going to get the mandate. Congress is going to form the government,” he added.

Earlier in the day, in a post on X, he said: “Like the Lok Sabha elections, in Haryana we are again witnessing slowing down of uploading up-to- date trends on the ECI website. Is the BJP trying to build pressure on administration by sharing outdated and misleading trends.”

Ramesh has also written to the Election Commission, requesting to issue immediate directions to officials to update the website with “true and accurate figures”.

“Over the last two hours between 9-11AM, there has been an unexplained slowdown in updating of results on the ECI’s website. As you can imagine this allows bad faith actors to spin narratives that undermine the process. You can see examples of it already playing out on social media. Our fear is also that such narratives can then be used by these mala fide actors to influence processes where counting is still underway i.e. in most of the counting centres,” he wrote in the letter.

We request you to issue immediate directions to your officials to update the website with true and accurate figures so that false news and malicious narratives can be countered immediately.

As per the trends posted by the Election Commission at 12 noon, the BJP was leading on 49 seats while the Congress led on 35 seats. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) were seen to be leading with one seat each while Independents and smaller parties were leading in four seats.

Though exit polls had predicted Congress’s victory in the election, the BJP is poised for a hatrick win in the Assembly election of the State. According to the latest update from the Election Commission, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini led from the Ladwa constituency. As of 12 noon, Saini led with 32,708 votes over Congress’ Mewa Singh.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda was seen leading from the Garhi Sampla-Kiloi seat with 56,875 votes over his nearest rival from BJP Manju.

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

Bengaluru: Parvez Ahmed, who aided a Pakistani preacher to stay illegally in India, arrested; had assisted other such Pakistani citizens with fraudulent Hindu identities

OpIndia Staff
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Bengaluru: Parvez Ahmed, who aided a Pakistani preacher to stay illegally in India, arrested; had assisted other such Pakistani citizens with fraudulent Hindu identities

On 7th October Jigani Police informed that Parvez Ahmed alias Farvez, a 55-year-old native of Uttar Pradesh who lived in Mumbai had been arrested for his role in assisting the four Muslim Pakistani nationals who were earlier apprehended over their illegal entry in India and residency in Delhi and Bengaluru. He was caught near Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) railway station in the Majestic area of Bengaluru on 5th October, upon his arrival. He is a member of Mehdi Foundation International (MFI) in India, per the authorities. He was nabbed from Yeshwanthapura railway station, based on other reports.

Ahmed reportedly assisted the Pakistani citizens in obtaining bogus identity documents including passports, voter IDs, and Aadhaar cards. According to the initial investigation, he aided at least five families in relocating to India while posing as Hindus. The authorities believe he could have helped other foreign nationals move to Delhi and Mumbai. Jigani police inspector BS Manjunath revealed, “The accused is also a member of Mehdi Foundation India and had been helping others stay in India by creating fake documents.” He is accused of forgery and creating fraudulent documents with the intent to deceive under Section 464 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), among other provisions.

“He was produced before the additional chief metropolitan magistrate (ACMM) court. The total number of arrests of Pakistani nationals now stands at 10, and we are investigating other infiltrators,” the official added. These individuals had succeeded in obtaining Indian identity credentials by illicit means, including passports, PAN cards and Aadhaar cards.

The Jigani police nabbed Syed Tariq (53) alias Chouhan, together with his wife Anila Tariq (48) alias Deepali Chouhan and their 17-year-old daughter from Nelagadaranahalli on 3rd October. Ahmed reportedly helped the family in acquiring fake identity documents with Hindu names for their stay in India. He acquired information on Pakistani nationals who wished to come to India through his links with MFI members abroad. A senior police official confirmed that he is being questioned regarding the funding and support provided by MFI for Pakistani nationals living illegally in India as authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the operation.

The development transpired after Pakistani preacher Rashid Ali Siddiqui (48) alias Siddakki, also known as Shankar Sharma, along with his Bangladeshi wife Ayesha (38) alias Asha Rani and her parents Hanif Mohammed (73) alias Ram Babu Sharma and Rubina (61) alias Asha Rani were captured from Rajapura village near Jigani on 29th September. Rashid Ali Siddiqui is also associated with Mehdi Foundation International. The family was living in the country under the “Sharma” name.

Their arrest led the cops to Sayed Tariq and his family who moved to Kochi in 2015 after spending four months in Davangere, where they remained till 2019. Afterwards, the trio shifted to Bengaluru in the same year and have lived in Peenya ever since, according to the police which added that Mehdi Foundation International provided financial support to this Pakistani family as well. They were given more money by the organization than Siddiqui’s family.

Police disclosed, “We are examining the family’s bank transactions, focusing on how the money was used.” Investigators are examining both families’ spending patterns and motivations to determine why this family was given such substantial funds. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also received electronic devices and documents seized from Sayed Tariq’s residence in order to retrieve their contents. The probe, which has already shown the infiltration of several Pakistani nationals into India, has advanced significantly with Ahmed’s arrest.

MP: Burqa-like attire used for Durga idol in Indore, case registered after Bajrang Dal outrage

OpIndia Staff
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MP: Burqa-like attire used for Durga idol in Indore, case registered after Bajrang Dal outrage

In Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, several Hindu rights organisations were outraged over a sculptor dressing the idol of Maa Durga in a Burqa-like attire. This comes as the Hindus across the nation are celebrating the Navratri festival. The incident was reported on October 2.

The incident pertains to the Khajrana Police Station precinct wherein Bajrang Dal activists informed the police about an offensive Burqa-like attire being used for the idol of Maa Durga.

The agitated Bajrang Dal activists smeared soot on the face of the sculptor Lucky Chauhan, a resident of Malviya Nagar. Reports say that Bajrang Dal leader Lucky Raghuvanshi joined by other activists filed a complaint against the accused artisan and the police assured them of taking necessary action. A Bengali artisan was also reportedly booked in this case.

Meanwhile, Khajrana police station TI Manoj Sendhav said that the idol was being made by Lucky Chauhan, a resident of Malviya Nagar, and the police interrogated both of the persons.

An argument between school mates over Instagram leads to beheading calls by a Muslim mob against a Hindu kid, trolls doxx the victim to paint a target on his back

OpIndia Staff
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An argument between school mates over Instagram leads to beheading calls by a Muslim mob against a Hindu kid, trolls doxx the victim to paint a target on his back

On Monday, 7th October, two school-going teenagers, one Hindu and one Muslim, got into an online spat in Direct Messages on Instagram. At around 5 PM, their conversation turned to religion, and both made comments about each other’s faith. However, the comment made by the Hindu teenager was made viral on social media by the Muslim teenager, where he had allegedly used some derogatory language for Prophet Muhammad. As the post went viral, thousands of Islamists took to the streets and began raising “Sar Tan Se Juda” slogans against the Hindu teenager, demanding his immediate arrest.

The incident took place in Nanpara, in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. Responding to the viral post, the Hindu teen was doxxed for his comment on Prophet.

Screenshot of the online conversation between the Hindu and Muslim teenagers. The identification markers and the derogatory message have been blackened by OpIndia. (Image: X)

As the police received information about the protest, CO Nanpara and Inspector Pradeep Singh rushed to the scene along with a large police force. They assured the protesting Islamists that appropriate legal action would be taken, but the protesters demanded an immediate arrest. As the situation deteriorated, additional police forces were deployed in the area. The police used mild force to disperse the crowd. The protests continued throughout the night, and the police continued their efforts to calm the situation after filing a case against the Hindu teenager.

In a post on X, Bahraich police said, “Taking immediate cognisance of this objectionable post, a case has been registered under the relevant sections, and the accused will soon be taken into police custody. Bahraich police are committed to maintaining peace and harmony in the district.”

Background of the case

Two teenagers, one Hindu and one Muslim, both residents of Nanpara town, were conversing on social media on Monday evening. During the conversation, they had a disagreement over religion. In a fit of anger, they made comments about each other’s religion. The Muslim boy shared a video of controversial Maulana Salman Azhari in which he called Hindus “dogs”. Replying to it, the Hindu teenager used derogatory language for the Prophet. The Muslim teenager took screenshots of the chat and made them viral on social media. As a result, Hindu teen was doxxed for his comment on Prophet.

Owing to the viral post by the Muslim teenager, thousands of Islamists took to the streets, protesting against the Hindu teenager. They raised slogans of “Sar Tan Se Juda”. The police learned of the incident and rushed to the scene. Inspector Pradeep Singh, CO Pradyumna Singh, and SDM Ashwani Pandey were among the senior officials present, attempting to calm the situation. However, the Islamists refused to back down, demanding the immediate arrest of the Hindu boy, which led to further chaos.

As a result, the police had to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, as the situation worsened. Additional police forces were called in from four police stations, and PAC personnel were also deployed at the site. The police were using drones to monitor the area, and warnings were issued to prevent the spread of rumours. The police assured strict action against those attempting to disturb the peace and urged everyone to remain calm.

One of the protesters spoke to the media and claimed that people have repeatedly been disrespecting the Prophet. He said, “There has been disrespect towards our Prophet, the accused teenager must be arrested. Everywhere, people are speaking against our Prophet.” According to a report by Sudarshan TV, one of the Islamists mentioned that he had learned about the derogatory post from an announcement made at a madarsa. He said, “I learnt that someone disrespected the Prophet at Madarsa Hussaini.”

Details of the FIR

Rahmat Ali Hashmi and Ashiq Ali of Bhaggapurwa filed a complaint at Nanpara Police Station. Based on their complaint, an FIR was registered under Sections 298, 352 and 353 of Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita (BNS) by the police. According to the complaint, a highly offensive comment was made against Prophet Muhammad, causing significant outrage in the region. The comment appeared on the social media ID of Haider, son of Zeeshan, a resident of Mohalla Patharan, Nanpara. The locals have described the incident as a serious criminal act intended to incite religious hatred and social discord. The complainants stated that if appropriate action against the Hindu teenager was not taken in time, it could disrupt peace in the region.

The complaint further noted that such an offensive comment hurt religious sentiments and posed a threat to peace and harmony. An investigation into the matter has been ordered by SD SSI Prakash Bandh. ASP Rural Pavitra Mohan Tripathi spoke to the media and said, “The two teenagers, both students, were discussing religion on social media, during which they made comments on each other’s religion. As soon as the news of the students’ chat spread, a large crowd gathered outside the house of one of the students due to it being evening. A case has been registered regarding the incident, and further legal action is being taken. The police have been deployed to maintain peace. Security has been put in place in the area due to the ongoing festive season.”

The police have appealed to people in the region to refrain from spreading any kind of rumours and warned against those disturbing the peace. Local police and PAC have been stationed in the region.

Teenager apologised

The Hindu teenager who made the comment about the Prophet has already apologised for his remarks. In a video message, with folded hands, he said, “I made a mistake. I will not make such a mistake again. I was unaware of the consequences. I apologise with folded hands. I will not make this mistake again.”

Media houses and SM users leaked personal information of the Hindu teenager

Despite the fact that leaking information about a teenager, even if he is an accused, is not permissible by law, media houses leaked the information about the Hindu boy. Bharat Samachar Live published a photograph and video of the Hindu teenager, where he was apologising, without blurring his face.

Source: X

Similar posts were made by some social media users. Sartaj wrote in Hindi, “Bahraich, UP: A tense situation has arisen after an offensive comment was made about Prophet Muhammad. A boy from Nanpara had made this comment on Instagram, following which members of the Muslim community took to the streets and protested strongly. How is hatred against Islam being instilled in underage children?”

Source: X

The incident of Hindu teen getting doxxed for comment on Prophet has exposed the disturbing reality of how social media is being weaponised to put lives at risk. A simple argument between two teenagers from different communities was escalated into a communal firestorm just because they commented on each other’s religion, which, of course, should have been avoided.

However, amid all the drama between the two, the Hindu boy was singled out. His personal information was leaked by the Muslim boy and then made viral by members of the Muslim community. Threats of beheading, commonly recognised by the slogan “Sar Tan Se Juda,” were raised against the Hindu teenager.

The deliberate doxxing, orchestrated by online trolls, painted a target on the back of a vulnerable minor and led to mob outrage. So much so that an FIR has been registered, and he might be arrested for an online spat with a schoolmate. Such actions are not only illegal but also morally reprehensible, as they endanger lives in the name of religious offence. The failure to protect the Hindu boy’s identity, despite legal norms, by the media houses is equally alarming. Authorities must act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice and ensure such malicious targeting does not recur, especially when minors are involved.

UP: 60-year-old Nisar Qureshi arrested for raping minor Hindu child in Siddharthnagar, Muslims pelt stones at protesting Hindus

OpIndia Staff
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UP: 60-year-old Nisar Qureshi arrested for raping minor Hindu child in Siddharthnagar, Muslims pelt stones at protesting Hindus

In the Siddharthnagar district in Uttar Pradesh, a minor Hindu child was raped by a 60-year-old Muslim man Nisar Qureshi. On Sunday (6th October), the Hindu locals staged a protest demanding action against the accused Nisar Qureshi. The protestors demanded the culprit be hanged to death and his house be razed down. Some of the locals also attempted to close some of the shops, however, the police stopped them.

While the Hindu side demanded bulldozer action and the accused Nisar Qureshi to be hanged, the Muslim side pelted stones at the protestors. The police had to do lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. Notably, the 60-year-old accused has been arrested after a case was registered against him under POCSO and other relevant BNS sections.

On the 3rd of October, accused Nisar Qureshi lured a 9-year-old girl to a secluded place near Gandhi Adarsh ​​​​Vidyalaya and raped her. The girl reached home crying and informed her family about Nisar Qureshi’s crime. Upon learning about the crime, the victim’s family reached the Dhebarua Police Station and filed a complaint. Based on the complaint,  the police registered an FIR against Nisar Qureshi under BNS section 65(2) and 56 of the POCSO Act.

Informing about the action taken in the matter so far, Dhebarua SO Santosh Kumar Singh said that case number 14682024 has been registered against the accused under section 65(2), and 5/6 of the POCSO Act. The officer said that the minor victim was sent for medical examination. The culprit has been arrested and jailed. On 6th October, the protestors submitted a memorandum to the police seeking the hanging of accused Nisar Qureshi. Later, some of the protestors attempted to shut down some of the shops in the locality. SO Santosh Kumar added that action will taken against such people and at present, the situation in Barhni is calm and under control.

Meanwhile, some youths from the Muslim community started hurling bricks and stones at the people who were closing the shops in the Saraswati Shishu Mandir street of the town. A sword was also seen in the hand of a youth involved in attacking the Hindu side. Upon learning about the unrest, ASP Siddharth, SDM and Tehsildar reached the spot with the police team. During this, the party that was closing the market accused the Muslim side of stone pelting from the roof of a house and said that the stone pelters were hiding in that house. The Hindu side asked the police to drag the stone pelters out of the house. When the situation went out of control, the police resorted to lathi-charge the stone-pelting mob and brought the situation under control.

Hindus, minorities in Mizoram, fear Hari Mandir will suffer if control goes to State govt after Assam Rifles leaves Aizawl base: Read how they are trying to protect the temple

Dibakar Dutta
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Hindus, minorities in Mizoram, fear Hari Mandir will suffer if control goes to State govt after Assam Rifles leaves Aizawl base: Read how they are trying to protect the temple

Mizoram, a Christian-majority State in Northeastern India, is witnessing an indigenous, grassroots-level campaign against the potential takeover of a historic Hindu temple by the State government.

The Assam Rifles Hari Mandir, which is located at the Canteen Square in Aizwal, has been the centre for religious practice and spiritual guidance for Gorkha Hindus and Bru Reangs.

The Hindu community, which constitutes a meagre 2.75% of the population, is worried that the administration of the historic temple might go into the hands of the Mizoram government.

Assam Rifles Hari Mandir in Aizwal

The Hari Mandir (also known as Mahadev Tran) was previously located in the Assam Rifles complex in Bethlehem. It has been in existence for more than 70 years.

Assam Rifles, a premier paramilitary force (now called Central Armed Police Forces), has been responsible for the establishment, maintenance and upkeep of this Hindu temple in Aizawl.

The Hari Mandir hosts festivities such as Durga Puja, Diwali, and Janmashtami and serves as the centre for cultural events like weddings and kirtans.

Screengrab of the letter by the Mizoram Gorkha Mandir Sanchalan Samiti

On 30th September this year, the President of the Mizoram Gorkha Mandir Sanchalan Samiti wrote to the Commandant of the 2nd Assam Rifles in Aizawal, expressing concerns about the future of the Hari Mandir.

In his letter, Mankumar Jaishi informed, “The Assam Rifles Mandir area holds a profound emotional significance for the descendants of the Assam Rifles personnel who have dutifully served our nation. These sacred grounds serve as a symbol of their sacrifice, dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation’s integrity…”

He added, “It is our humble plea that these Mandir areas be preserved and allocated for the continued use of the descendants of the Assam Rifies personnel as well as other local Hindu community.”

MoU between the Centre and the State

Talks have been underway since 2023 to shift the Assam Rifles battalion from the heart of Aizwal to a designated complex located 15 km east of the city in Zokhawsang.

The Mizoram government had reached out to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to ensure that the paramilitary force was shifted to a new location.

A PTI report from July this year stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre and the Mizoram government to relocate the Assam Rifles complex was set to be approved.

Assam Rifles Complex

While the final status of the MoU remains unclear, it is evident that the Government of Mizoram would take over the Assam Rifles complex at the Canteen Square in Aizwal following the approval of the MHA.

Given that the historic Hari Mandir is located within the premises of the Assam Rifles complex, local Hindus fear that the responsibility to run, administer and maintain the temple too would go into the hands of the Mizoram government.

Demand to allot temple administration to local Hindu Gorkhas

Mizoram Gorkha Mandir Sanchalan Samiti President Mankumar Jaishi has therefore urged the 2nd Assam Rifles Commandant to take up the matter with the State government and ensure that the administration of the temple remained with the local Gorkha community in Aizwal.

In his letter dated 30th September 2024, he said, “We pray for your kind consideration to allot the Hari Mandir to the local Gorkha community of Aizawl so that we are not deprived of a place for our religious and spiritual needs.”

“We will manage the temple for the use of all the local Hindu community just as we believe the Assam Rifles Church area has been earmarked for allotment to the local Church,” Mankumar Jaishi emphasised.

Closeup shot of Assam Rifles Hari Mandir in Aizwal

OpIndia spoke to the President of the Mizoram Gorkha Mandir Sanchalan Samiti President over the phone and he confirmed the fears and anxieties of the local Hindu population.

He told us that the Mizoram government is eyeing expanding the Canteen Square area and widening the roads.

The future of Assam Rifles Hari Mandir, a cultural centre for local Hindus, is now in jeopardy.

Hindus take the fight to social media

Concerns about the fate of the historic Hindu temple are also being raised on social media.

“Temples are vital cultural and spiritual centers. Removing the Assam Rifles temple would diminish our community’s identity #ProtectOurTemple #Aizawl #Mizoram,” wrote one X user.

Another X user stated, “We stand united in preserving the Assam Rifles temple for future generations. Let’s raise our voices to protect it. #ProtectOurTemple #Aizawl #Mizoram”

“The Assam Rifles temple has stood for decades as a place of peace and prayer. Why destroy what means so much to so many? #ProtectOurTemple #Mizoram”, one user emphasised.

“Unite for the preservation of Assam Rifles temple and school, treasures of Aizawl.#ProtectOurTemple #Aizawl #Mizoram,” one Abhiranjan Jha tweeted.

A Hindu man named Balram Sharma posted, “The Assam Rifles have long been part of Mizoram’s history; we should honor their legacy by protecting these sites. #ProtectOurTemple #Aizawl #Mizoram”

“We must advocate for the preservation of our history and heritage,” tweeted one Anamika Sharma.

Hindu persecution in Mizoram

According to 2001 census data, there are only about 31,562 Hindus in Mizoram compared to 7.72 lakh Christians.

The Hindu community in the State is comprised primarily of Gorkhas and Bru Rehangs. For the unversed, the Bru Rehangs suffered a genocide at the hands of Mizos in 1997.

This forced them to flee the State and seek refuge in the nearby State of Tripura. It was not until 2018 that an agreement was reached between the governments of Tripura and Mizoram for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the Hindu minority ethnic group.

There have also been instances of attacks on the temple. For instance, OpIndia found a large plaque outside the Assam Rifles Hari Mandir in Aizawl which states that the Hindu place of worship was destroyed by miscreants.

The current temple, as it stands today, was in fact reconstructed by Brigadier Shri Ram Singh and inaugurated by the Commandant of 1st Battalion of Assam Rifles in August 1993.

In May 2013, an explosion rocked a temple in Aizawl which was located within the complex of the 26th Battalion Assam Rifles.

“The explosion shattered 26 window panes and some window frames, the police said. Police suspected that the explosive used was gelatin and the bundle of gelatin sticks must have been thrown from the main road as the compound housing the temple was encircled by the road,” the report added.

On the day of the targeted attack, the Mizo National Front (MNF) had organised a rally dubbed ‘Milem Biak Duhloh Kawngzawh‘ (Anti-idol
Worshipping Rally). OpIndia could not independently verify whether the targeted temple was the Assam Rifles Hari Mandir in Aizawl.

Screengrab of the report on attack

Nonetheless, a sense of general hostility always persisted against Hindu practices in the Northeastern State. For instance, if a prominent political leader is seen associated with Hindus, then, he becomes the subject of a smear campaign.

In 2011, the Mizo National Front (MNF) lashed out at then-Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla for participating in the Hindu festivals of Durga Puja and Dusshera in Kolkata.

MNF vice president R Tlanghmingthanga had infamously said, “We strongly condemn Lal Thanhawla for attending the celebrations and hope that he will seek forgiveness from God.”

Screengrab of the news report

He further alleged that the CM ‘forsook Christianity’ and ‘betrayed his God’ by partaking in Hindu rituals.

Kummanam Rajasekharan, a prominent Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) activist, faced stiff opposition from a political party named People’s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) after he was appointed the Governor of Mizoram in May 2018.

They objected to Rajasekharan’s strong stance against deceitful conversions by Christian missionaries in the State of Kerala.

Free the Temples campaign

Hindu temples in India are not free from the clutches of the State governments. In several States like Tamil Nadu, the government runs the administration of Hindu places of worship and determines their functioning.

The power to run a Hindu temple must lie with the worshippers and their representatives without any governmental interference. Failure to do so results in mismanagement and hurting the broader interests of the community.

As the Centre and the Mizoram government are all set to sign the MoU to relocate the Assam Rifles battalion from Aizawal, Hindus are putting up a fight to protect their Hari Mandir from being run by the government.

One year since Hamas’ terror attack on Israel: How Israel’s resilience in the face of terrorism is reshaping the Middle East

Anurag
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One year since Hamas’ terror attack on Israel: How Israel’s resilience in the face of terrorism is reshaping the Middle East

On 7th October 2023, Israel witnessed one of the darkest days in its history. On that day, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented assault on unsuspecting civilians close to the Israel-Palestine border, including attendees of a music festival.

Over 1,300 civilians, including foreigners, were killed, and several hundred were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists and transported to Gaza. Other terror outfits like Hezbollah have supported Hamas for these attacks. It has been a year since Israel declared war against Hamas and Hezbollah following that terrorist attack.

The attack not only ignited a conflict between Israel and Hamas but also set off a chain of events that has been changing the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East since that day. One year has passed, and Israel has shown strong determination to protect its citizens and dismantle Hamas, along with other terrorist outfits in the region, including Hezbollah. The region has transformed into an active war zone, where Israel has been dominating tactically and strategically with the help of its allies.

Amid the changed geopolitical landscape and ongoing war in the region, it is essential to understand how the world views the conflict and the importance of creating a balance between security and justice.

Chronology of events: A year in review

Before we discuss what happened in the one year of Israel-Hamas war, here is a brief timeline of key events that unfolded since the 7th October 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, marking a year of war, resilience, and global ramifications.

  • 7th October 2023: On this day, Hamas terrorist launched a large-scape coordinated attack on Israel. Over 1,300 civilians were killed and hundreds were taken hostages.
  • 8th October 2023: Government of Israel declared a state of war and vowed to eliminate Hamas. Airstrikes on Gaza begin targeting key Hamas infrastructures.
  • 11th October 2023: Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terrorist group in Lebanon, launches rockets into northern Israel. Hezbollah’s actions opened a second front in the conflict. Aircrafts entered Israel from Lebanon.
  • 15th October 2023: Israeli forces prepared for entering Gaza. It marked the start of full-scale invasion aiming at dismantling military capabilities of Hamas.
  • 20th October 2023: International protests intensified in Europe and the US, with anti-Israel demonstrators condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza. Pro-Israel rallies also begin as tensions rise globally.
  • 25th October 2023: Reports came out that Iran supported Hamas and Hezbollah, providing weaponry and financial assistance, deepening its involvement in the conflict.
  • 31st October 2023: Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen declare war against Israel, claim responsibility for missile and drone attacks on the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat.
  • 15th November 2023: As Israeli forces advance deeper into Gaza, international concerns grow over civilian casualties. Israel maintained its focus on eliminating Hamas’ leadership.
  • 12th November 2023: Israel launched attack on Hezbollah via a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
  • 10th December 2023: Reports emerge that Hamas was using Gaza’s civilian population as human shields, It increased the complexity of Israel’s military campaign.
  • 15th January 2024: Hamas continued to hold a significant number of Israeli hostages. Israeli intelligence and international negotiators work tirelessly to secure their release.
  • March 2024: Cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah persisted, with neither side backing down, adding further instability to the region.
  • June 2024: The conflict’s widened scale, especially the Houthi attacks on shipping lanes. The attacks begun to disrupt global trade, impacting the shipping industry and oil prices.
  • September 2024: Israel launched coordinated attacks on Hezbollah operatives using pagers and appliances as they blew up across Lebanon. Over 800 Hezbollah operatives reportedly died.
  • October 2024: Iran launched missile attack on Israel in retaliation to attack on Hezbollah that led to death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. 7th October 2024: – One year later: Israel continues to fight the terrorist organisations in the region.

The 7th October attack: A barbaric act of terror

What happened on 7th October 2023 can only be described as a barbaric act of terror. The terrorist attack on Israel was not a military strike, as the pro-Hamas side of the political landscape wants to project it. It was a ruthless act of terror that targeted Israeli civilians and foreign nationals, who became victims of the attack. The terrorists also kidnapped a significant number of Israelis, many of whom are still being held in Gaza as bargaining chips. All of this was done by Hamas and its associated terror outfits without any regard for human decency or international law. For Israel, it was not just an attack on its people but an assault on its right to exist as a nation.

The brutality of the attack shocked the world. Dead bodies of women, children, and the elderly were scattered all over the place. One infant was found baked in an oven. Though the reports about the child in the oven were “debunked” by many media houses, this was later proven by the Israeli authorities. Retaliation in the form of a swift military response was the only logical answer to the terror attack, and this is exactly what Israel has done and continues to do to this day.

Israel’s operation in Gaza: Defending its right to exist

After the 7th October attack, Israel announced its decision to move decisively into Gaza. It launched a military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’ terror infrastructure. Hamas had entrenched itself in Gaza for years, using civilian areas to shield its command centres, weapons depots, and tunnels. The mission of the Israeli forces was clear: to eliminate the terrorist organisation responsible for the heinous attack on Israel and to ensure that such atrocities could never be repeated.

However, the path was not easy for Israel. Several international voices raised concerns about the civilian casualties in Gaza. Ignoring these concerns, Israel made it clear that it would continue to target Hamas’ military assets while minimising harm to civilians, who were not meant to be part of the war between Israel and the terrorist organisation, Hamas.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted several precise and sophisticated operations in Gaza. Interestingly, they made sure to issue warnings to civilians to leave the area before striking, in order to avoid unnecessary loss of life. Nevertheless, Hamas had a different plan and continued to use civilians as human shields, further endangering the people in the region. Several videos and reports confirmed that Hamas forcefully prevented civilians from leaving conflict areas, pushing them back to where Israel was scheduled to strike.

Israel-Hezbollah clashes: Another front in the war for survival

While Israel was focused on rooting out the terrorist organisation Hamas in Gaza, the northern front also ignited. In fact, when Hamas was attacking Israel on 7th October, Hezbollah provided cover fire. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organisation based in Lebanon, launched rocket attacks on northern Israel, opening a second front in the existential war. Israel responded swiftly to the attack and targeted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure with precision strikes, while the ground operation in Gaza continued.

The way Israel fought the war on two fronts demonstrated how well the country is prepared for any kind of conflict. The IDF not only managed to contain the attacks launched by Hezbollah but also sent a clear message that it would not tolerate aggression from any front.

Iran’s direct involvement: Stoking the flames of terror Iran has long been known for supporting terror groups like Hezbollah. It played a vital role in fuelling the conflict. Iran reportedly provided weapons and funding to the terrorists of Hezbollah to ensure they were capable of attacking Israel. Tehran’s involvement became more direct as it pushed its proxies into the fight, making clear that Iran views Israel’s destruction as a long-term goal.

Houthi attacks on Israeli-linked vessels: A widening conflict

The Israel-Hamas war, which extended to Hezbollah, further spread beyond Israel’s borders and its immediate neighbours. In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthis targeted Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, aiming to disrupt Israel’s trade routes. The Houthis posed a new challenge to Israel, which was met with effective and measured retaliation. Israel worked with its international partners to secure the maritime routes. However, during this period, several ships were targeted, and routes had to be changed to ensure the safety of the crew and cargo.

These attacks further illustrated Iran’s involvement in the assault on Israel and the lengths it was willing to go to harm the Jewish nation. The Houthis’ participation showed that it was no longer a conflict between Israel and Hamas, but a broader battle between Israel and the forces of terror in the region.

Global protests: Misinformed outrage

Soon after Israel intensified operations in Gaza, pro-Palestinian protests erupted across Europe and the United States. Many demonstrations were driven by pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel sentiments. The protesters mischaracterised Israel’s actions as disproportionate or unjust. In fact, several pro-Palestinian protesters called for wiping out Israel from the map and removed posters of Israelis who were taken hostage by Hamas.

These protests failed to acknowledge the context of Israel’s military action against Hamas. They neglected to recognise that the attack on Gaza to eliminate Hamas was an act of self-defence in response to a vicious terror attack that targeted civilians in Israel.

The global narrative was shaped by media outlets sympathetic to Hamas’ cause. Interestingly, protests at universities across the US, UK, and Europe were found to be funded by anti-Israel organisations, with links to George Soros, Pritzker and Rockefeller were also uncovered. Ironically, Soros himself is Jewish.

While targeting Israel during the protests, these groups overlooked the fact that Israel made every effort to avoid civilian casualties, whereas Hamas deliberately placed its military infrastructure in schools, hospitals, and residential areas. During raids, the IDF uncovered extensive tunnels full of equipment and ammunition under hospitals and residential areas across Gaza, which were subsequently destroyed and neutralised.

In many Western capitals, political divisions widened as supporters of Israel’s right to self-defence clashed with pro-Palestinian groups who refused to condemn Hamas’ terror.

The ongoing hostage crisis: Hamas’ inhumanity continues

It has been one year since Hamas took hundreds of civilians hostage and transported them to Gaza. While the IDF has rescued several, Hamas continues to refuse to release the rest, despite international pressure. For Israel, the safety and return of these hostages remains a top priority. The hostage crisis is a painful reminder of Hamas’ inhuman tactics and disregard for human life. Meanwhile, Israel has worked tirelessly through diplomatic channels and military intelligence to secure the release of the hostages.

Reshaping the political landscape

The conflict that began with Hamas’ barbaric attack on 7th October 2023 is on the path to fundamentally altering the political landscape of Middle East. Israel has stood firm against terrorist outfits, not only defending its citizens but also exposing the true nature of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. The war has forced the world to reassess its alliances. While many recognise the importance of supporting Israel in its fight against extremism, there are countries that side with Hamas.

Although Israel’s resilience in the face of terror has strengthened its position on the global platform, some of its tactics and strategies are being criticised as human rights violations. Furthermore, the death toll in Gaza has raised concerns worldwide. The International Court of Justice has condemned some of Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, these criticisms ignore the fact that Israel repeatedly warned Gaza’s civilians to leave conflict areas, but Hamas prevented them from doing so.

Israel’s determination to protect its people has paved the way for reshaping regional politics and the geopolitical landscape. It has forced Israel’s enemies to come out and launch direct attacks on the Jewish nation, rather than relying solely on proxies. The recent missile attack by Iran, in which over 100 missiles were fired towards Israel, is an example of how Israel’s resilience and strategic military actions have angered its enemies.

Top terror outfit leaders killed since October 2023 in Israeli attacks

  • Mohammed Deif: Head of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas’ military wing), Mohammed Deif, was a key architect of the 7th October attack. He was killed in an Israeli airstrike in August 2024, delivering a severe blow to Hamas’ military leadership.
  • Ayman Nofal: A senior Hamas military leader, Ayman Nofal was a commander responsible for rocket fire and military coordination. He was killed in October 2023.
  • Fuad Shukr: A senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah military leader and close associate of Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in Beirut in July 2024 as part of Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah’s leadership.
  • Ibrahim Aqil: Senior Hezbollah military commander Ibrahim Aqil, another top Hezbollah leader, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut in September 2024. Aqil had been a key figure in Hezbollah’s military operations.
  • Hassan Nasrallah: One of the most significant assassinations during the conflict was that of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. A long-time leader of Hezbollah, Nasrallah was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike on 27th September 2024.

In the year since the brutal 7th October 2023 attack, Israel has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic prowess in its battle against terrorism. The conflict has reshaped the region, highlighting Israel’s firm commitment to protect its citizens from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel’s war against Hamas and Hezbollah continues aiming at eliminating the terror outfits.

Purported Al-Jazeera ‘columnist’, who wanted Ali’s sword to deal with Yati Narsinghanand, celebrates the first anniversary of Oct 7 attacks on Israel

OpIndia Staff
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Purported Al-Jazeera ‘columnist’, who wanted Ali’s sword to deal with Yati Narsinghanand, celebrates the first anniversary of Oct 7 attacks on Israel

Al Jazeera, a state-sponsored media house funded by Qatar is infamous for its anti-Hindu and anti-India coverage as well as its support for jihadi and Islamist elements worldwide. Now, a notorious extremist and Khamenei-Hamas admirer Wajid Khan, who claims to be working for the platform has posted a series of tweets to celebrate the first anniversary of the brutal attack on innocent Jewish citizens by the terrorist group.

Notably, OpIndia was unable to locate any traces of his work or proof of his professional credentials. He posted a picture of an armed terrorist holding an Israeli soldier on top of a tank and referred to it as an “iconic picture,” from 7th October as well as added a victory emoticon. He also asserted that the day is no less than a festival which commemorates Israel’s overwhelming loss to Palestine

Khan even termed 7th October as a “happy day” and posted an alleged video of a Hamas assailant being shown entering the Israeli state through a parachute on the fateful event.

“On 7th October, Palestinians shattered Israel’s pride of being a superpower,” Khan boasted in another tweet while gleefully referring to the event as a massacre.

Khan even quoted Hamas in a post and shared, “Today marks one year since the attack on Israel, its illusion of being powerful has been destroyed.”

True to the duplicity displayed by every radical Muslim, Khan too uploaded a post stating, “People in Delhi gathered in support of Palestine at Jantar Mantar and demanded to stop the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.” On one hand, he is celebrating the deaths of innocent Israelis at the hands of Hamas and on the other he is protesting against Israel’s action against the latter as a consequence of the terror attack.

Interestingly, in another post which Khan later alleged had been edited, he was shown cheering the gruesome assault on Shani Louk as the terrorists paraded her half-naked body in the back of a pickup truck.

Khan hailed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar who orchestrated the heinous operation as the “Lion of Gaza.”

“The lovers of freedom will never forget the day of 7th October 2023, because on this day Hamas gave hope of freedom of Palestine to the Muslims of the world,” Khan expressed in another tweet.

Furthermore, Khan retweeted other posts that celebrated the murder of Jews and dubbed the terrorists as “lions” by his ideological brethren while simultaneously condemning the retribution carried out by the Jewish state.

Wajid Khan, his Hindu hatred and anti-India antics

Khan is not only full of hate for Jews but also, predictably, towards the Hindu community. In addition to engaging in deviant behaviour to express his disdain for the two, he doesn’t refrain from making death threats either. He detests Hindus standing with Israel against the terrorism perpetrated by his religious brethren, akin to others from his cabal. Notably, he was one of the most vocal voices demanding action against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati who was later arrested by the authorities over alleged blasphemy.

Khan even issued death threats to him and his followers on 4th October and declared, “Yesterday Ati (mocking his name) Narsinghanand had insulted the Prophet but no arrests were made. And now the disciples of that cursed person are also demeaning the Prophet and Hazrat Ali. There is only one cure for them and that is Hazrat Ali’s Zulfikar.” Zulfikar is the sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib (Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law). Khan wanted the Hindu saint and his followers to suffer the same fate (death) as those who disapproved of Islam during the reign of the Muslim caliphs and rulers.

Khan posted another tweet targetting the Hindus in the name of a Jewish religious leader and claimed that the latter was quoting the Talmud and slamming idol worshippers. He wrote, “Those who worship idols do not have the right to live in this world. Those 6 billion people around the world are a burden,” citing the latter. He further claimed that the person referred to idol worship as a sham and added that such people would be destroyed by famine. He remarked, “Fools are worshipping stone calendars and this hoax persists even in the 21st century,” according to the religious leader. Khan intended to disgrace Hindus by implying that this is how the Israelis, whom they support, view them and their faith.

“People who support Jews who eat beef and pork cannot be Sanatani Hindus. These people should undergo DNA check,” Khan taunted in another post. Ironically, Muslims in India argue that, in the name of secularism, they should be allowed to consume beef without facing any opposition from Hindus.

Khan posted a tweet mocking several Indian journalists including Suresh Chavhanke, Rajat Sharma, Sudhir Chaudhary and Arnab Goswami among others. He showed them as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members and called them “mandarin oranges” mocking the organisation’s association with saffron, a significant colour in the Hindu religion. He remarked, “Mandarin oranges going to help Israel fight Iran.”

Khan in another tweet claimed victimhood by asserting that no Muslim has ever made an offensive remark about Sanatan Dharm. He should have read his tweets or visited the remarks uttered by the likes of Mufti Salman Azhari or Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Khan added, “Hindu religious gurus or Hindu extremists repeatedly make derogatory comments on the Prophet or Islam. Muslims have tolerated it every time. No action is taken against those who make such statements. Rather, the government and administration seem to be supporting both the accused.”

However, no lamentation of victimhood is complete without a veiled threat, hence he warned, “This is a matter of concern because you are pressuring a community which is trusting the law right now. But for how long will it do so?”

Khan also made fun of the concerns of Indians who went to Israel for work but were stuck there due to war. “It seems that their Jewish brothers are not giving them a place to hide in the bunker,” he mocked.

Khan in a separate tweet claimed that Israel removed Jammu and Kashmir from the map showcasing it as a part of Pakistan. He made an obscene comment which read, “Look, bhakton (Modi supporters), you got the reward of becoming a mare in front of the Jews,” with the emoticon of a pig at the end. However, the Israeli envoy to India, Reuven Azar, took to X to inform that the incorrect map had been removed. Notably, Khan was pleased that the union territory had been removed from India’s map and saw it as an opportunity to attack his opponents.

It should come as no surprise that Khan is followed by those who share his fanatic views including All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan, alleged journalists Ashraf Husain, Zakir Ali Tyagi and Wasim Akram Tyagi and chief spokesperson of Peace Party Shadab Chauhan.

Conclusion

Wajid Khan who is reportedly from India has no love or loyalty for the country and is purely guided by his Islamist beliefs which is the reason behind his blind support of Hamas and more lately, Iran’s mullah regime under Khamenei. He has expressed hatred towards India and Hindus and praised Hamas, Hezbollah and its ex-supremo late Hassan Nasrullah who he dubbed as a martyr and other Islamic elements in many similar posts.

He resents India’s majority community, particularly those connected to the BJP or RSS, not only because they are infidels but also for their backing of Israel in its struggle against Muslim fanaticism and terrorism. The fightback is especially infuriating to those like him, who in their ignorance cannot envision any opposition or protests against Islamic radicals.

Many others, including Rana Ayyub, Mohammed Zubair and Meer Faisal, view the violence committed by jihadis as justified and moral, but any form of reprisal as cruel and genocide. They exalt the terrorist acts of Hamas as “resistance,” yet they denounce Israel’s policies as discriminatory and portray it as an apartheid state because it stood up against the bloodshed and violence perpetrated by terrorists.

Their overwhelming hatred towards everyone who opposes terrorism in India, particularly Hindus, stems from the same cause. They don’t seem to care when India suffers from numerous terrorist attacks and incidences of Muslim mob violence that affect Hindus and their festivals but cry victimhood and human rights violations as soon as the other side responds. These individuals either ignore, justify, or whitewash the crimes committed by the jihadis on the ground, shamelessly as it seems to be the only playbook adopted by their ilk throughout the world.

Israel’s agency Mossad had bombs inside Hezbollah walkie-talkies for several years, they waited: The story behind exploding pagers and walkie-talkies

OpIndia Staff
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Israel’s agency Mossad had bombs inside Hezbollah walkie-talkies for several years, they waited: The story behind exploding pagers and walkie-talkies

On the 17th of September 2024, the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad carried out one of its most effective anti-terrorist operations against the Islamic terrorist outfit Hezbollah in Lebanon. The sophisticated attack left thousands of Hezbollah terrorists injured and over 30 dead.

It was reported how Mossad carried out a long-term operation which included setting up a legitimate company in Hungary to supply communication devices to Hezbollah. A Washington Post report says that Israel carefully planted booby-traps in the devices for almost ten years, using them to eavesdrop, while retaining the capacity to remotely detonate these walkie-talkies.

Mossad launched the first step of the plot against Hezbollah in 2015 when the devices were secretly brought into Lebanon.

Citing officials, The Post reported: “For nine years, the Israelis contented themselves with eavesdropping on Hezbollah, while reserving the option to turn the walkie-talkies into bombs in a future crisis. But then came a new opportunity and a glitzy new product: a small pager equipped with a powerful explosive.”

An exploded Hezbollah walkie-talkie (Source: IndiaTV)

The plan for the pager explosive operation originated in 2022, over a year before Hamas’s brutal onslaught against Israeli civilians on 7th October 2023. The first sales pitches for Apollo AR924 pagers to Hezbollah were also received two years ago.

Interestingly, the moderately bulky pagers and huge batteries, which could provide long operative days, made it easier for Israeli experts to set the explosives. One of the most deadly features of these pagers was a two-step decryption process that required its user’s hands.

This ensured most users [Hezbollah terrorists] would be holding the pager with both hands when Mossad triggered the devices remotely on the 17th of September. The WaPo report says that the user had to press two buttons to read the message. An official said that since both the hands of terrorists would be wounded in the page explosion, they would be rendered “incapable to fight”. Probably, Mossad wanted Hezbollah terrorists dead or almost dead [read “useless”].

Mossad used a Taiwanese company to penetrate Hezbollah’s communication system and cause the ultimate ‘explosion’

Notably, Mossad has long been attempting to break into Hezbollah using electronic monitoring and human informants and it found that one of the Iran-backed terror group’s top priorities was establishing a surveillance-free communication system among terrorists that Israel could not trace or hack. The Mossad investigated this, and Apollo pagers were offered to the terrorist organisation as a gadget with no risk of surveillance.

The WaPo report suggests that the choice of a Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo was also pertinent, as Hezbollah leaders were cautious about gadgets from countries with ties to Israel. Hezbollah leadership did not suspect a foul play, as Taiwanese Apollo pagers, a well-known trademark and product line with global distribution, had no evident links to Israeli or Jewish interests.

Last year, the sales pitch was made by a female marketing executive trusted by Hezbollah and linked to Apollo,  she was a former Middle East sales agent for the Taiwanese firm, as well as an Apollo pager licensee through her company.

“She was the one in touch with Hezbollah, and explained to them why the bigger pager with the larger battery was better than the original model,” said an Israeli official briefed on details of the operation. One of the main selling points about the AR924 was that it was “possible to charge with a cable. And the batteries were longer lasting,” an official told WaPo.

Notably, the marketing official was unaware of Israel’s designs and was clueless that the pagers were physically built in Israel under Mossad’s supervision.

It is pertinent to note that Taiwanese company Gold Apollo has denied making the pagers, saying that they were made by Hungarian company BAC Consulting under licence from them.

As reported earlier, BAC Consulting headquartered in Budapest is nothing but a front established by Mossad and two more such shell companies were created by the Israeli intelligence agency. An NYT report said that BAC Consulting is only an intermediary and has no operative site in Hungary. BAC CEO Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono also said that the company did not make the pagers and that she was just a link in the supply chain. While BAC may have been unaware of Mossad’s involvement, it somehow received the rigged pagers from Mossad and supplied them to Lebanon as per order.

Japanese walkie-talkies made over 10 years ago were also used in explosion

While Hezbollah was still to fathom what happened as the pager explosion created chaos, a day after the pager explosion, walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah exploded, killing 25 people and injuring over 1000. In addition, the two-way radios were rigged with explosives and were remotely detonated. Among these walkie-talkies, some were made by Japanese radio equipment maker Icom.

The interesting part here is that Icom confirmed that they discontinued the manufacturing of the model used in the attack a decade ago. The company exported the IC-V82 two-way radio to the Middle East and other regions till October 2014. This adds substance to the information emerging that Icom may have sold the devices in 2014 and the same were acquired by Mossad, altered later on, only to be eventually bought by Hezbollah.

Why Hezbollah was using old-fashioned tech?

Notably, the demand for pagers and walkie-talkies arose after the killings of Wissam al-Tawil, Taleb Abdallah, and Mohammed Nasser, commanders in charge of Hezbollah’s operations in the south, as well as Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas’ deputy leader in Beirut. Hezbollah suspected that Israel is tracking their cell phones. The terror group used its affiliated Al-Nour radio to caution its terrorists not to heed cold calls from callers claiming to be local officials as they could be Israeli agents. Since then, the cell phone ban is strictly implemented and any Hezbollah terrorist found in possession of a cell phone is kicked out of the terror group. Besides, Hezbollah is using small, homemade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather information about Israeli targets and attack its surveillance systems.

Netanyahu approved the pager and walkie-talkie explosion after calculating the potential risks

The Israeli security officials and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that carrying out such a massive attack on Hezbollah might escalate tensions with Iran and result in a full-fledged war with Hezbollah, particularly at a time when the Israeli forces are fighting against Hamas. “But others, chiefly Mossad, saw an opportunity to disrupt the status quo with “something more intense”,” the WaPo report says adding that the US, which has been a major ally of Israel was not informed about the planned pager and walkie-talkie explosion attack.

“Ultimately, Netanyahu approved triggering the devices while they could inflict maximum damage. Over the following week, Mossad began preparations for detonating both the pagers and walkie-talkies already in circulation,” WaPo reported.

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