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Union Cabinet approves Phase II of Chennai Metro Rail Project comprising three corridors with an investment of ₹63,246 crore

OpIndia Staff
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Union Cabinet approves Phase II of Chennai Metro Rail Project comprising three corridors with an investment of ₹63,246 crore

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs for Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-II comprising three corridors. The project will involve a substantial investment of ₹61,843 crores, and the total length of the approved lines will be 118.9 km with 128 stations. This ambitious project is expected to improve public transportation and contribute to sustainable urban development in the city.

Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project will extend the existing metro network by 118.9 kilometers, and once completed, the Chennai city will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km. It will introduce three new corridors, connecting key commercial, residential, and institutional hubs across Chennai. This expansion is designed to enhance connectivity within the city, facilitating seamless travel for millions of commuters and significantly reducing travel times.

The Corridor 1 will be from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, it will have a length of 45.8 Km with 50 stations. Corridor 2 will be from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass for a length of 26.1 Km with 30 stations, and Corridor 3 will be from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur with a length of 47 Km with 48 stations.

The project is planned to be completed by 2027.

The Corridors of Phase-II connects North to South and East to the West of Chennai passing through the major influence areas at Madhavaram, Perambur, Thirumayilai, Adyar, Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Porur, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, St. Thomas Mount. It will  connect large number of industrial, commercial, residential and institutional establishments and also provides effective Public Transport for the work force engaged in these clusters and connectivity to various parts of the city. It will extend connectivity to rapidly growing areas like Sholinganallur, which serves as a hub for the south Chennai IT corridor. By connecting Sholinganallur via ELCOT, the metro corridor will cater to the transportation needs of the burgeoning IT workforce.

The project is aligned with the government’s commitment to sustainable development, promoting metro rail as a preferred mode of transport. By doing so, it aims to decrease carbon emissions and mitigate traffic congestion, contributing to a healthier urban environment.

In addition to improving public transport, the implementation of Phase II is expected to generate significant employment opportunities across various sectors, including construction, operations, and maintenance. This job creation will provide a boost to the local economy and support the livelihoods of many residents.

The government aims to complete the construction of Phase II within a specified timeframe, ensuring timely delivery of this crucial infrastructure project. Details regarding the anticipated timeline will be announced following thorough planning and assessments.

The project also emphasizes public-private partnerships, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. This approach is expected to leverage expertise and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project execution.

Furthermore, the Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II will be integrated with other modes of transport, including buses and suburban trains, to create a comprehensive transportation network that promotes last-mile connectivity for commuters.

Ties with Pakistan, links with notorious missionary groups and a Sharia expert: Meet the USCIRF commissioners behind anti-India, anti-Hindu report and their dubious credentials

Rukma Rathore
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Ties with Pakistan, links with notorious missionary groups and a Sharia expert: Meet the USCIRF commissioners behind anti-India, anti-Hindu report and their dubious credentials

The United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a federal government entity established by the US Congress to ‘monitor’ religious freedom abroad despite the multitude of abuses and injustices that exist in its own backyard, released a fresh report on 2nd October. Unsurprisingly, it also had a section titled, “Increasing abuses against minorities in India” written by senior policy analyst Sema Hasan in a desperate effort to further fuel the relentless propaganda industry ongoing in the Western power against the country.

It was an update to its 2024 annual report which designated India as a “Country of Particular Concern” or “CPC” or “engaging in systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.”

Notably, the authenticity and reliability of the piece can be determined by the fact that none of the commissioners are Indians or spent any significant amount of time there. Their lack of familiarity with the fundamentals of the country’s reality speaks volumes about the credibility of their work. Furthermore, a look into the backgrounds of those involved in the report strongly implies that they have a vested interest in discrediting India globally. Notably, the President and leadership of both the largest political parties (Republican and Democratic) in the Senate and House of Representatives select USCIRF Commissioners.

Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi

Dr Mohamed Elsanousi was appointed to USCIRF by President Joseph R. Biden (Joe Biden) on 26th June, according to the commission’s official website. He is also the Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. It is a global network that claims to bridge grassroots peacemakers and major stakeholders to strive towards lasting peace. Formerly, he was the Islamic Society of North America’s Director of Government Relations and Interfaith Relations. Moreover, he served as a member of the US Department of State’s Core Group Taskforce on Religion and Foreign Policy.

“Elsanousi was the Principal Coordinator for developing the standards and protocols for safeguarding the rights of Christian, Jewish, and other religious minorities in Muslim-majority communities,” the website informed providing additional insight into his career. It further added, “His efforts in this role led to the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration, the most recognized Islamic theological document advocating for improved religious freedom. He is the founding Executive Committee Member of Shoulder to Shoulder and co-chair of the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the United Nations. Additionally, he serves on the boards of directors and trustees for numerous interfaith organizations, including the Center for Interreligious Dialogue at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies.”

The official website of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers mentioned that Elsanousi graduated from the International Islamic University in Islamabad, Pakistan, with a bachelor’s degree in Sharia Law. He also has a master’s degree in law from Indiana University, a graduate diploma in philanthropic studies from the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy and a doctorate in law and society from the Indiana University School of Law.

Notably, Elsanousi has studied in Pakistan, India’s hostile neighbour which is infamous as a breeding ground for terrorists from all over the world. Nobody can deny the bloody history and the terrorism inflicted by the Islamic Republic on India. The religious indoctrination and hatred for infidels taught in the institutions there under the guise of imparting education is not a secret either. Interestingly, Elsanousi studied Sharia Law which is inherently draconian, highly oppressive and extremely discriminatory toward non-Muslims and even women, in Pakistan. Therefore, trusting the impartiality of someone with such a background and profound ties to the notorious country becomes rather challenging.

Commissioner Maureen Ferguson

The next name behind the erroneous report is that of Maureen Ferguson. She is a “Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show Conversations with Consequences,” informs USCIRF’s official website. She is the author of various articles published by the Catholic Association. She is a member of the University of Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture Advisory Committee.

The website also stated, “Ferguson is on the Advisory Board of The Belmont House, an initiative of Belmont Abbey College that seeks to restore civil society, cultivate religious freedom, and reclaim the public square for the common good.” She also serves on the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Board of Directors. It is an annual lay prayer event and banquet that takes place in Washington, D.C. It was created in response to Pope John Paul II’s call for a new evangelization (seeking to convert people to Christianity).

Ferguson has ties to missionary organisations and such groups have a history of dehumanizing native cultures and religions under the guise of enlightening them with the name of Jesus Christ and converting from their traditional beliefs to Christianity. These outfits have a very sordid past in India and continue to operate in the country to coerce gullible people into embracing the foreign faith. It is, thus, not surprising that someone like Ferguson would be responsible for such a dubious report which also raises many concerns about her objectivity.

Commissioner Vicky Hartzler

Vicky Hartzler similar to Maureen Ferguson is a vital part of the Christian missionary groups and propaganda organisations that operate under the guise of minority rights, human rights and whatnot. “She has long been an advocate for those persecuted for their faith. Prior to her public service, she volunteered with the Voice of the Martyrs organization providing tangible help to Christians persecuted for their faith,” revealed USCIRF’s official website. She was a member of the US House of Representatives for twelve years, from 2011 to 2023, representing Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District.

The website added, “In Congress, she participated in the Defending Freedoms Project through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom ‘adopting’ three Chinese pastors imprisoned for their faith. As part of this work, she met with family members, spoke on the House floor advocating for them, and wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the State Department to work to release prisoners of conscience in China as part of their diplomatic efforts.”

Vicky Hartzler has also been awarded for her services to these Christian organisations. “During her 12 years of service in the U.S. Congress, Hartzler was awarded many honours including the U.S. Army Distinguished Public Service Medal, the 2021 Distinguished Christian Statesman Award by the Center for Christian Statesmanship, the Friend of the Family Award by the Faith & Freedom Coalition, the Coburn Statesman Award by the Family Policy Alliance, the Guardian of Life & Liberty Award by the Concerned Women for America, the True Blue Award from the Family Research Council, and The Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award by the Missouri Farm Bureau,” the website highlighted.

She chaired the House Values Action Team, which defended faith, family, and religious freedom and was also a commissioner of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). The website stated, “In Congress, she was the sponsor of HR4821 ‘The Combatting the Persecution of Christians in China Act’ to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the persecution of Christians in China.”

“She co-sponsored the ‘Ughur Stop Oppressive Sterilization (SOS) Act’ with fellow CECC member Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY) to impose sanctions on the individuals responsible for the forced sterilizations and forced abortions in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China and she supported passage of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021 and the Uighur Intervention and Global Humanitarian Unified Response Act (UIGHUR Act) in 2020 which both passed and became law,” it further pointed out.

It’s interesting to note that Hartzler has been linked to organizations known for their anti-India propaganda, despite her career being built on her support of minorities in China, a country notorious for the persecution and oppression of its minorities. Notably, the association appeared to have achieved its objective since she also targeted India in the name of minority rights, which is the preferred propaganda tool of these Christian groups.

Commissioner Asif Mahmood

If the puppets of missionary organizations weren’t enough, a Pakistani man called Asif Mahmood also helped to malign India by contributing to the deceptive report. “Asif Mahmood is a practising physician, human rights activist, interracial and inter-faith community organizer, and philanthropist. He led the advocacy for many human rights campaigns focused on South Asia,” disclosed USCIRF’s official website.

It is pertinent to remember that the oppression of Muslims in ‘secular’ India, where the minority community is expanding far quicker than the majority, is the only way that human rights for persons with Pakistani origins are defined. The dwindling numbers and the grevious state of the minority community especially Hindus in their Islamic country is rarely a concern for them.

Mahmood served in numerous capacities during presidential elections and was a Delegate for the Democratic National Convention from 2008 until 2016. It further stated, “He is also currently the Chair of the Organization for Social Media Safety (OFSSMS) and Board Member of Hope the Mission, one of the largest homeless shelters in California.”

Commissioner Susie Gelman

Commissioner Susie Gelman is a board member of the Goldman Environmental Foundation, where she held the position of president in the past, based on USCIRF’s official website. The organisation presented the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize to Ashok Shukla, Congress aide and convener of the notorious Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (CBA) which tried to pressurise the government to halt mining in the Hasdeo Arand, a highly dense forest area of the state.

Notably, Medha Patkar, a critic of the Narmada Project and an advocate of Shukla’s cause, is a previous Goldman Award winner. The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river was delayed by decades as a result of the “Narmada Bachao Andolan” she organised to protest against it.

“Susie Gelman, a graduate of Harvard University and Georgetown University Law Center, served as board chair of Israel Policy Forum from 2016-2023. She previously served for three terms as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, one term as the Federation’s campaign co-chair, and is a lifetime member of the Federation’s Board of Directors,” the website mentioned.

She previously served as co-chair of the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Israel Religious Expressions Platform (iRep), a program that promoted pluralism in Israel through the freedom of choice in marriage. Susie served as the Birthright Israel Foundation’s first chair and on the Taglit-Birthright Israel Planning Committee in addition to being a board member for many years.

It further added, “She served as co-chair of UJC (now JFNA) Israel and co-chaired JFNA’s General Assembly in Jerusalem in both 2003 and 2013. Susie is a member of the Board of Governors of The Hebrew University, an honorary fellow of Brandeis University, and is past president of the Georgetown Day School Board of Trustees, where she served on the board for 12 years.”

It’s pertinent to note that another person involved in the piece has ties to an alleged environmental group that interferes in India’s affairs by endorsing dubious environmental activists.

Commissioner Meir Soloveichik

According to USCIRF’s official website, “Meir Y. Soloveichik is Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel- the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, the Director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University, and a Senior Scholar at the Tikvah Fund.  He graduated summa cum laude from Yeshiva University and received his PhD in religion from Princeton University.”

He has authored many books including the recent Providence and Power: Ten Portraits in Jewish Statesmanship. “Much of his writing and academic work focuses on the American Founding and the unique story and role of religion in the United States.  His podcasts include Bible365, a daily study of the Hebrew Bible that completes all of Jewish scripture in a year, and Jerusalem365, which tells the 4,000-year history of Jerusalem. In 2018 Rabbi Soloveichik was awarded the Canterbury Medal for his work on behalf of religious liberty by the Becket Fund,” the website further added.

Conclusion

The most glaring feature of the report is that it is commissioned by people whose long career contains no reference to India, a clear indication that they are not from the country, have no connections to it and are ignorant of its complex realities other than releasing misleading reports about it. More importantly, the majority of them have close connections to Pakistan and affiliations with nefarious groups. When such persons finalize a report, one can only imagine how far removed it is from the truth and how heavily biased it is.

Haryana: Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker’s son, while in jail, reportedly seen roaming on streets of Haryana in a fancy car, campaigning for his father

OpIndia Staff
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Haryana: Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker’s son, while in jail, reportedly seen roaming on streets of Haryana in a fancy car, campaigning for his father

Amidst Haryana elections, a Congress MLA’s son has been spotted openly violating the law. Despite being jailed, Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker’s son Sikandar was allegedly seen driving a fancy car on Haryana’s streets, as per Aaj Tak report. While Chhoker’s son was violating every law, no police officer was around, even though the Court had ordered the accused to be admitted to the hospital in the presence of police force under certain conditions. However, Sikandar could be seen enjoying his car ride, the video of which is making rounds on social media. 

Following this, the ED reached the hospital where the accused was ‘admitted’ under the guise of illness but found that the accused was violating the rules of the hospital. The agency, as per Aaj Tak, wrote a letter to the Gurugram Police Commissioner and DG Jail Haryana and asked them to register an FIR against the accused.

Sikandar Chhoker is currently in jail on allegations related to a Rs 400 crore scandal. However, he was transferred from jail to PGI hospital Rohtak because of illness, and is now leaving the hospital every day to roam the streets of Haryana. The accused also has reportedly access to a phone, and also holds meetings with party workers regarding the election campaign of his father, who is contesting elections in the upcoming Haryana elections.

Dharam Singh Chhoker, a Congress MLA from Samalkha, Haryana, and his son Sikandar, are accused in a Rs 400 crore scandal. The ED has filed a case against the MLA and his son. Now after the raids, it has been discovered that the duo have been running their business from the hospital.

The Haryana-Punjab High Court has also issued a non-bailable warrant for MLA Chhoker and ordered him to surrender or be arrested. Sikandar is also believed to be active in election campaigns for his father. Dharam Singh Chhoker and his son Sikandar Singh are accused of defrauding over 1500 home buyers. The ED has initiated a money laundering complaint against both of them. Sikandar’s bail application was dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the last week of August 2024. However, after this, he attempted to get out of jail by claiming illness and medical records.

Following his bail rejection, the accused was admitted to PGI Rohtak twice. First, from September 2nd until September 16th, 2024, and again from September 26th till now. It is said that Sikandar has no significant illnesses. According to reports, MLA Dharam Singh’s son has been spotted leaving PGI Rohtak without following regulations.

It is believed that he drove a Fortuner car after leaving the hospital, slept at a hotel, partied, used his phone, and more. The CCTV footage of the given incident is being investigated by the ED. The probe is underway.

UK agrees to hand over sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius after negotiations assisted by India and the USA, American military based on Diego Garcia to continue: Read details

OpIndia Staff
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UK agrees to hand over sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius after negotiations assisted by India and the USA, American military based on Diego Garcia to continue: Read details

In a significant move marking a victory for post-colonial justice, the United Kingdom has announced its decision to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. This transfer comes after decades of legal battles and diplomatic efforts by Mauritius to reclaim the islands, which were separated from it in the 1960s. The UK government’s decision follows international pressure, particularly after a 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and a UN General Assembly resolution, both of which declared the UK’s continued control over the islands in the Indian Ocean illegal.

This decision also marks a turning point in British decolonization efforts, as the Chagos Islands remain one of the last vestiges of its colonial empire. The handover, which will take place gradually over the coming years, is expected to resolve a long-standing territorial dispute while ensuring that the US military presence on Diego Garcia remains intact.

Notably, the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia is used by the US government as a military base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft. UK gave the island to US on lease, and UK will retain the authority over this island for “an initial period” of 99 years, ensuring that the US military base remains there. The military base was a key factor in the negotiations.

A joint statement by the Prime Ministers of UK and Mauritius announced the deal, ending years of negotiations. The deal is still subject to finalisation of a treaty, but both sides have promised to complete it as quickly as possible.

The statement said, “following two years of negotiation, this is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law. Negotiations have been conducted in a constructive and respectful manner, as equal sovereign States, on the basis of international law, and with the intention of resolving all outstanding issues between the United Kingdom and Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including those relating to its former inhabitants.”

“This is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law,” the joint statement added. The leaders of the two countries also committed “to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security”.

The joint statement stated that the new treaty to be formulated will herald a new era of economic, security and environmental partnership between the two nations.

As part of the deal, the UK will provide a package of financial support to Mauritius, including annual payments and infrastructure investment. It will include an indexed annual payment for the duration of the agreement and the establishment of a transformational infrastructure partnership, underpinned by UK grant funding, to deliver strategic projects generating meaningful change for ordinary Mauritians and boosting economic development across the country.  

Mauritius will also be able to resettle people on the Chagos Islands, except Diego Garcia which is completely covered by US military base. Many Chagossians have long demanded the right to return to their ancestral lands, having lived in exile for over five decades. While the return of the population remains uncertain, Mauritius has pledged to address their plight once it gains sovereignty.

The UK and Mauritius governments also thanked India and the US for assisting them in reaching this historic agreement.

Talking about the diplomatic breakthrough, the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that the UK has entered negotiations with Mauritius to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. Cleverly emphasised that this would be a peaceful and cooperative process, ensuring that the existing military arrangements with the US would not be disrupted.

“The UK and Mauritius have agreed to negotiate a settlement, which will include a framework to maintain the existing security arrangements on Diego Garcia,” Cleverly stated. This framework reassures both the UK and the US, which relies heavily on Diego Garcia for its military operations in the region, that their strategic interests will be preserved under Mauritian sovereignty.

According to reports, the negotiations are expected to take several months, and the final sovereignty transfer will likely involve legal, logistical, and diplomatic intricacies. The UK government has expressed that the return of the Chagos Islands is part of its broader commitment to decolonization, acknowledging the need to correct past injustices, especially with regard to the displacement of the Chagossian people.

Many of the Chagos islanders themselves live in Mauritius and the Seychelles, but some others living in Sussex in the UK. Among those in the UK, some are determined to return to live on the isolated islands, some are more focused on their rights and status in the UK.

Historical Background: The Chagos Archipelago and Mauritius’ Claim

The Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, consists of over 60 islands, with Diego Garcia being the largest and most geopolitically significant. The UK forcibly detached the islands from Mauritius in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence. In a controversial move, the UK retained control of the islands and leased Diego Garcia to the United States for the establishment of a military base. This base has been a crucial asset for the US, serving as a hub for military operations, surveillance, and intelligence in the Indian Ocean and surrounding regions.

The most contentious part of the UK’s control over the islands was the forced expulsion of the indigenous Chagossian population between 1968 and 1973. Thousands of Chagossians were deported to Mauritius and the Seychelles to make way for the US military base on Diego Garcia, and their displacement has since been a human rights issue at the core of the dispute. Many such displaced people also took British government to court several times.

Mauritius has consistently argued that the separation of the islands was illegal and violated UN General Assembly Resolution 1514, which prohibits the dismemberment of colonial territories prior to independence. The ICJ and the UN General Assembly, in separate rulings, sided with Mauritius, declaring that the UK’s continued control over the Chagos Islands was unlawful and called for their return to Mauritius.

But the British govt continued to claim that the islands belong to it, and its view on the matter started to change only recently. In recent years, African countries came together to support Mauritius, pressing UK on the issue of decolonialisation.

After Brexit, several European countries also became reluctant to support UK on the issue, weakening UK’s position and support. The negotiations started during the previous govt in the UK, and the majority of talks were held under the Conservative government.

India’s Support for Mauritius and the Chagos Claim

India has played a crucial role in supporting Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Archipelago. As a close historical and cultural ally of Mauritius, India has consistently advocated for the decolonization of the islands. At the United Nations, India strongly backed Mauritius’ case and welcomed the 2019 ICJ ruling that declared the UK’s occupation of the Chagos Islands illegal.

India’s support for Mauritius is rooted not only in shared cultural ties but also in strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. With China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, India has sought to strengthen its alliances with countries like Mauritius to maintain regional stability and ensure the security of vital maritime routes. The resolution of the Chagos dispute underlines India’s commitment to upholding international law and supporting decolonization efforts globally.

At the ICJ hearings, India emphasized that the Chagos Archipelago had always been part of Mauritius and that the UK’s separation of the islands was a violation of Mauritius’ territorial integrity. India’s diplomatic efforts were instrumental in building international support for Mauritius’ claim, and this recent decision by the UK represents a significant victory for Indian diplomacy as well.

The UK-Mauritius joint statement acknowledged the support of India along with the USA in the negotiations. It stated, “In reaching today’s political agreement, we have enjoyed the full support and assistance of our close partners, the United States of America and the Republic of India.”

The Geopolitical and Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia in Chagos Islands is strictly out of bounds to most civilians, and remains a crucial asset in global geopolitics. It is described as a secretive UK-US military base shrouded for decades in rumour and mystery.

Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it serves as a key base for US military operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and the Pacific. The base has played an important role in supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as in broader counter-terrorism efforts.

Despite the sovereignty transfer, Diego Garcia will continue to serve as a US military base. The UK Foreign Office said the status of the base will be undisputed and legally secure following a political agreement between the two countries.

Mauritius also has expressed its willingness to continue the US military lease, ensuring that the strategic interests of the US and its allies in the Indian Ocean remain intact. This continuity will also be critical for the UK, which shares defence cooperation agreements with the US.

A Step Toward Decolonization and Justice

The UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius marks a major step in addressing the legacies of colonialism. While the agreement will preserve the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for US and UK defence interests, it also represents a long-awaited victory for Mauritius and the Chagossians, who have fought for decades to regain control of their homeland.

For Mauritius, the sovereignty transfer is a culmination of years of diplomatic and legal efforts to reclaim the islands and secure justice for the displaced Chagossians. For the international community, this move represents a reaffirmation of the principles of decolonization and international law.

India’s steadfast support for Mauritius throughout this process further underscores its role as a champion of decolonisation and post-colonial justice. The successful resolution of the Chagos dispute strengthens India’s diplomatic standing in the Indian Ocean region, where geopolitical competition continues to intensify.

As the world watches this peaceful resolution unfold, the return of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius is a reminder that historical injustices can be rectified through international cooperation and legal frameworks. For the Chagossians, it is a long-overdue step toward the possibility of returning to their homeland and reclaiming their heritage.

Congress leader Konda Surekha retracts her comments on Samantha Prabhu divorce after the outrage, had blamed BRS’s KT Rama Rao for the actor’s divorce

OpIndia Staff
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Congress leader Konda Surekha retracts her comments on Samantha Prabhu divorce after the outrage, had blamed BRS’s KT Rama Rao for the actor’s divorce

Following the outrage over her comments, Telangana Congress leader Konda Surekha has retracted her controversial remarks blaming Bharat Rashtra Samiti leader KT Rama Rao for actress Samantha Prabhu and actor Naga Chaitanya’s divorce. On Thursday (3rd October), Konda Surekha said that she did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments and “unconditionally” retracted her remarks.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Congress leader and Telangana Minister Konda Surekha said, “My comments are meant to question a leader’s belittling of women and not to hurt your @Samanthaprabhu2 sentiments. The way you have grown up with self-power is not only an admiration for me.. but also an ideal..”

“If you or your fans are offended by my comments, I unconditionally retract my comments.. Don’t think otherwise,” Konda Surekha added.

This comes after BRS leader KT Rama Rao sent a legal notice to Konda Surekha and even asked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to send Surekha to a mental health specialist or a rehabilitation centre for her controversial comments. In his legal notice to the Congress leader, KT Rama Rao called the claims made by Surekha as “baseless and malicious”. KTR also accused Konda Surekha of trying to tarnish his reputation by making unsubstantiated claims.

Notably, the Congress leader on Wednesday, October 2, said that KTR used to tap the phones of the actress and blackmail them. “It is KT Rama Rao because of whom (actress) Samantha’s divorce happened, He was a minister at that time and used to tap the phones of the actresses and then find their weaknesses to blackmail them…He used to make them drug addicts and then do this…Everyone knows this, Samantha, Naga Chaitanya, his family, everybody is aware that such a thing happened,” Surekha said during a media interaction.

Soon after, a massive outrage erupted on social media over the Congress leader’s remarks and superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni, who is the father of Naga Chaitanya condemned Surekha’s remarks, saying that she should not use the lives of movie stars to criticise her opponents, and urged her to respect the privacy of others.

Naga Chaitanya also slammed the Congress minister for her contentious remarks and said that “the claim made by Minister Konda Surekha is not only false, it is ridiculous and unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Samantha Prabhu took to her Instagram page to address the controversy and said that her divorce was a “personal matter”, “mutual consent and amicable” and devoid of any political conspiracy.

“…My divorce is a personal matter, and I request that you refrain from speculating about it. Our choice to keep things private doesn’t invite misrepresentation. To clarify: my divorce was mutual consent and amicable, with no political conspiracy involved. Could you please keep my name out of political battles? I have always remained non-political and wish to continue doing so,” Samantha said.

Attack on civilians in Jaffa: Israel’s National Security Agency says Hamas terrorists used Al Nuzha mosque, which will be demolished if required

OpIndia Staff
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Attack on civilians in Jaffa: Israel’s National Security Agency says Hamas terrorists used Al Nuzha mosque, which will be demolished if required

Islamic terrorists used a mosque in their recent attack on Jaffa, Israel, on Wednesday (2nd October). This was revealed following an investigation into the attack. The attack killed seven people, and the identities of six have been disclosed. Israel’s National Security Minister Ben Gvir has spoken about demolishing the mosque used in the attack.

The two terrorists who carried out the attack were identified as Muhammad Mask and Ahmed Himouni. Both were Palestinians, and residents of the West Bank and were affiliated with Hamas. The duo had entered Israel without a permit and then attacked a metro station.

The investigation into the Hamas attack uncovered that both terrorists visited the Al Nuzha mosque in Jaffa before carrying out the attack. The Hamas terrorists had come in via the women’s gate. Both of them had kept their guns in the restroom. They intimidated the people there, claiming that anyone who left the mosque would be killed. Following this, both of them exited the mosque and started indiscriminate firing.

Israel’s National Security Minister, Ben Gvir stated that the mosque had been used in the terrorist attack. He stated that if it is confirmed that terrorists used the mosque to carry out the attack, it would be razed immediately. He made this statement outside the said mosque.

Notably, both of the Islamic terrorists who stormed the mosque were killed by security authorities on Wednesday, October 2. This attack targeted four women, including a Greek citizen. The attack came at the same time when Iran was striking Israel with missiles.

USCIRF, headed by Pakistan origin commissioner tarnishes India and Hindus with half-truth and full-lies yet again: Dubious data, missing Hindu victims, terrorists branded activists and more

Siddhi Somani
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USCIRF, headed by Pakistan origin commissioner tarnishes India and Hindus with half-truth and full-lies yet again: Dubious data, missing Hindu victims, terrorists branded activists and more

On the 2nd of October 2024, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) published yet another report to demonise India and Hindus, with fantastical tales of Muslim and Christian persecution in India based on dubious data sets and misinformation. The USCIRF is a US Federal Government Commission with the commissioners appointed by the President of the US. The USCIRF reports on India are largely seen as an effort to interfere in India’s internal matters by the US government and the deep state. It is pertinent to note that the Commissioner of USCIRF is an ‘activist’ of Pakistani origin who is deeply prejudiced against India and Hindus.

The USCIRF website about their India reports says, “This report highlights how throughout 2024, individuals have been killed, beaten, and lynched by vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and homes and places of worship have been demolished. These events constitute particularly severe violations of religious freedom. It describes the use of misinformation and disinformation, including hate speech, by government officials to incite violent attacks against religious minorities and their places of worship. It further describes changes to and enforcement of India’s legal framework to target and disenfranchise religious minorities, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and several state-level anti-conversion and cow slaughter laws”.  

Saying thus, the report recommends that India be declared a ‘country of particular concern’ for religious persecution.

The section on India, written by ‘senior policy analyst’ Sema Hasan, also claims that government officials use misinformation and disinformation, including hate speech, to ‘encourage’ violent attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship. 

“This article details how vigilante gangs killed, assaulted, and lynched people throughout 2024, jailed religious leaders, and destroyed houses and places of worship. These events constitute particularly severe violations of religious freedom,” the report said. However, it selectively reported such incidents and stated that the state deliberately provoked violence in several parts of the country using misinformation and disinformation. 

The report further selectively discusses modifications to and enforcement of India’s legal system that according to the organization targets and disenfranchises religious minorities, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and many state-level anti-conversion and cow slaughter legislation.

“Religious freedom conditions in India have continued to worsen throughout 2024, particularly in the months before and immediately following the country’s national elections. In addition to the enforcement of discriminatory state-level legislation and propagation of hateful rhetoric, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government made a concerted effort to implement election promises that negatively and disproportionately impacted religious minorities and their ability to practice their faith. Such promises included enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), inaugurating the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and introducing a national code to replace religion-specific personal laws. Each action was justified by government officials as necessary to protect India’s cultural [and] linguistic heritage- a common euphemism for Hindu supremacy, often at the expense of religious minorities,” the report read.

The report criticizes the Centre for implementing CAA

The biased report on religious freedom in India mentions the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the Indian government in May 2024 as one of the markers of religious rights being compromised, even though the Act has nothing to do with Indian citizens – regardless of religious identity. The report says that several states and communities have opposed the bill. The report implied that the centre implemented the law as a part of BJP’s long-anticipated campaign promise and that it targeted only the Muslim community in India.

It is crucial to note that Islamists hatched a conspiracy to create massive riots in the city of Delhi specifically targeting the Hindus of the area under the garb of opposing CAA, as revealed in the witness statements, the Special Cell investigation, disclosure statements and some of the court judgements in the cases of violence. On the 24th and 25th of February 2020, Delhi saw large-scale anti-Hindu riots which marked the culmination of the hostility, hatred, and anger spread by the anti-CAA protests by the Islamists in Shaheen Bagh and other areas. Shahdara, Maujpur, Bhajanpura, Brahmapuri, and other parts of northeast Delhi witnessed violence perpetrated by the Islamists. 53 people died in these riots while more than 200 people were left injured.

Several Islamists like Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Meeran Haider, Tahir Hussain, Asif Iqbal Tanha etc were arrested and put behind bars for instigating the riots against the government over CAA. The charges and the evidence show that these Islamists conspired right from the 5th of December 2019 to create violence in Northeast Delhi, directed at Hindus, coinciding with the visit of then President Donald Trump to get maximum media coverage and to ensure that global attention would ‘bring the government to its knees’.

All the accused had given insidious hate speech against Hindus, instigated the violence, arranged the money for the violence and mobilised mobs of Muslims to target Hindus. The violence that USCIRF brands anti-Muslim was specifically targeted against Hindus with the first casualty being a police officer – Ratan Lal – who was mercilessly lynched by a Muslim mob. When the conspiracy started being hatched back on the 5th of December 2019, the driving motivation of the violence was many – not just the CAA. For example, Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and many of the other Islamists had distributed pamphlets talking about the illegal structure called Babri and the Supreme Court judgement which confirmed that the land indeed belonged to Hindus where an ancient Hindu Temple was demolished and desecrated to built the Babri mosque.

The immediate facade adopted by the Islamists for the violence, was however, the Citizenship Amendment Act. While USCIRF brands it one that discriminated against Muslims, the truth is it had nothing to do with Indian Muslims as all. The act amendment aims to provide a dignified life to persecuted religious minorities who are unable to practice their faith in their home countries freely. Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, illegal migrants were ineligible for Indian citizenship. They could apply for citizenship under Section 5 of the Citizenship Act, but if unable to provide evidence of Indian origin, they were required to pursue citizenship through ‘naturalization’ under Section 6. This often resulted in the deprivation of numerous opportunities and benefits for them.

The Citizenship Amendment Act provided that these persons- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan should stay in India for at least 11 years to get citizenship by naturalization. These Islamic countries were formed by the partition based on religion. Therefore, this amendment does not make any provision for the Muslim community there because Muslims are neither a minority in these countries nor are they facing any persecution on religious grounds. One of the arguments furthered by many was that a section of Muslims, like the Ahmadiyas, often face persecution in Pakistan and therefore, should be given asylum in India. However, firstly, the act aimed to give persecuted religious minorities refuge in India – including Christians and not just Hindus. Since Muslims – any sect of Muslims – are not religious minorities in Islamic nations, they cannot avail benefit of the act. However, there are other methods by which persecuted Muslims too can apply for citizenship of India. That is not even considered by the USCIRF report while vilifying India and peddling Muslim victimhood. The act also does not affect the citizenship of any Indian minority, especially the Muslim community. This amendment does not violate anyone’s citizenship but gives legal rights to the deprived minorities of Islamic nations who are facing persecution today because of the partition of India based on religious lines.

Says, the government deliberately is targeting Muslim places of worship, demolishing them

In a separate section, the said report claimed that the government was deliberately targeting the minority community, getting their homes and places of worship demolished. It also added that the the Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced in the year 2024 seeks to broaden the government’s regulatory authority over these endowments and proposes the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards which might allegedly erode the community’s autonomy over its own religious institutions.

It stated that the BJP government also built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on the place where there was an illegal mosque. It indicated that the Indian government had been deliberately targeting the Muslim community and running bulldozers over their places. But it is crucial to note here that all the places of worship in question belonging to the Muslim community, be it the Faizyab Mosque and Madrassa in Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan area, the Akhoondji Mosque, the Babri Masjid, etc had been illegally built by practising illegal encroachment.

In the case of Ram Mandir also, the Supreme Court in November 2019 stated that the land on which the Babri Masjid was built earlier actually belonged to Ram Lalla. The Apex court then also ordered the union government to provide 5 acres of land at an alternate site at a prominent location in Ayodhya to the Sunni Waqf Board to rebuild the Babri Masjid which was demolished in 1992.

The Supreme Court said that there was adequate material in the ASI report to conclude the following the Babri Masjid was not constructed on vacant land. “There was a structure underlying the disputed structure. The underlying structure was not an Islamic structure,” the Supreme Court was quoted as saying during the verdict.

Further OpIndia has recorded several incidents of bulldozer action executed by the state. It is worth noting that all these actions have legally proceeded to demolish properties or places of worship constructed illegally, by practising illegal encroachments. The government has never targeted the minority community but the illegal encroachments, then be it by the majority community or the minority community.

For instance, in the recently reported Kukrail River project in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, the state was demolishing all the illegal houses that were built in the Akbar Nagar area of Lucknow. Islamists then claimed that the Yogi Adityanath government was deliberately targeting the Muslims in the state post-elections. However, several Hindu families also had to face evacuation from the area given their properties were illegally constructed. The India TV reporter on the ground highlighted the list of residents who were asked by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to vacate their illegal properties before the ultimate bulldozer action. The list of names includes several Hindus identified as Asha Devi, Devi Prasad, Amit Kumar, Sham Kashyap, Ramesh Chandra, etc who have lost their properties to the demolition drive. Detailed reports in this case can be read here.

The report claims ‘Love Jihad’ is a conspiracy theory, but here’s the truth

The report further blatantly claims that 12 of 28 Indian states at present have implemented anti-conversion laws to target minority communities. “These laws prohibit conversion under circumstances that far exceed cases of coercion, and they are often punishable by hefty fines and prison terms. Authorities frequently enforce such laws under the pretext of preventing so-called “love jihad”—a conspiracy theory that claims Muslim men target and seduce Hindu women for conversion to Islam—while in effect targeting interfaith relationships,” the report quoted.

It is important to note that Islamists have been habitual in peddling the misleading narrative which believes that the incidents of Love Jihad are fake. Many even today consider love jihad a hoax, but several cases continue to be reported almost daily in which Islamist men deliberately trap Hindu women in a love affair and then force them to convert to their religion.

The Islamist men target the Hindu women using fake Hindu identities. Then they sexually assault, and torture them before forcing them to convert their religion to Islam. When the Indian government imposed a ban on the terrorist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), several incriminating documents were recovered from the PFI hideouts. In one of the documents, it was mentioned that Muslim men would be offered hefty money, a fancy home, and all the required support for trapping Hindu women in a ‘love affair’ and then converting them to Islam.

OpIndia has in the past few years reported several such cases from various parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, etc. The lives of Hindu women are ruined due to these deliberate trappings, so much so that sometimes they even have to face brutal deaths. Detailed reports regarding Love Jihad can be read here.

USCIRF selectively believes Muslims and Christians are detained for religious beliefs

In its India section, the Commission stated that Muslims and Christians are the two largest groups detained for their religious beliefs. “Indian authorities have arrested both Muslims and Christians under false claims of facilitating forced conversions. Religious clerics have been accused of arranging marriages. Muslim student activists have also been detained for their religious freedom advocacy, often under anti-terrorism laws,” it said.

The list of arrested individuals mentioned by the commission included names of Meeran Haider, Umar Khalid, Rona Wilson, Irfan Mehraj, Rupesh Singh, and Gokarkonda Naga Saibaba. It said that “Dalit Rights Activists like Saibaba and Wilson have been detained for advocating on behalf of Dalits (members of India’s lowest caste), as illustrated by the 2020 arrest of 16 advocates in Bhima Koregaon. While many Dalits are Hindu, they face discrimination and violence and lack recognition in Hindu society. Dalit Christians also face severe religious intolerance.”

It also added that journalists and human rights activists have been targeted for their religious freedom advocacy efforts. Now, all the members referred to as targeted by the USCIRF have been accused under serious charges.

Meeran Haider is accused in the larger conspiracy related to the anti-Hindu Delhi Riots of 2020. Haider was a Jamia student and leader of the RJD youth wing. He was arrested in April 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots case on allegations of coordinating efforts to incite violence during the riots.

In September 2020, Umar Khalid former JNU student and son of an ex-SIMI member was arrested for his role in the Delhi anti-Hindu riots that broke out on the 24th of February and claimed over 50 lives. He was booked under the stringent UAPA and accused of deliberately instigating people to commit communal riots. He was in touch with several Islamists and Congress leaders like Sushant Singh, the Savdhan India actor, Jignesh Mewani, Yogendra Yadav, Swara Bhaskar, etc to create and spread the anti-Hindu narrative.

Rona Wilson was among the top 5 supposed urban Maoist operatives who were arrested by Pune Police in 2018 over charges of inciting the Bhima Koregaon violence in January of that year. Wilson is a supposed “close aide” of Delhi University professor GN Saibaba who was convicted in March 2017 for waging a war against India via his Maoist links and anti-national activities. Saibaba was awarded life imprisonment by the Gadchiroli sessions court. 

On March 20 last year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested ‘journalist’ Irfan Mehraj, Editor of ‘Two Circles’ in connection with a ‘terror funding case’, which was registered in October 2020. ‘Independent journalist’ Rupesh Singh along with his two associates Mithilesh Kumar and Mohammad Kalam were arrested by Bihar Police in Bhagalpur’s Dobhi region in the year 2019. Also, a huge quantity of explosives and Naxal literature was recovered from their car when they were on their way to Chhakarbandha. As per the police, they were on their way to deliver the explosives to the Naxals. 15 bundles of detonators and 32 gelatin rods were recovered.

Conclusion

It seems that the report by USCRF has selectively reported incidents accusing the Indian government of targeting the minority community in the country. It came to the conclusion that the India government had deliberately employed resources to allegedly harass the minority community.

“The Indian government continues to repress and restrict religious communities through the enforcement of discriminatory legislation like anti-conversion laws, cow slaughter laws, and antiterrorism laws. In doing so, authorities have arbitrarily detained individuals highlighting violations of religious freedom, including religious leaders, journalists, and human rights activists, without due process—in some cases for years. Indian officials have repeatedly employed hateful and derogatory rhetoric and misinformation to perpetuate false narratives about religious minorities, inciting widespread violence, lynchings, and demolition of places of worship,” the report noted.

However, it failed to report several incidents of targeted attacks on Hindus at the hands of Islamists. OpIndia has reported several such incidents in which the Hindu community has been deliberately targeted for following a particular religion in India, incidents of jihad (Love Jihad, land Jihad) being classic examples. Hindus have been murdered by Islamists for supporting Nupur Sharma, they have been targeted for following and celebrating Hindu festivals, and they have been targeted for raising voices against extreme Islamist activities intended to destroy peace within the nation.

The USCIRF seemingly has sided with the Islamists who keep on dismissing such targeted attacks on Hindus as part of a huge hoax narrative. It has selectively downplayed events against Hindus, arguing instead that the latter allegedly backed by the state poses a threat to India’s minority communities. Aside from ignoring Love Jihad and attacks on Hindus, the report has also attempted to glorify the activists and journalists who have been arrested under serious charges and have usually sided with Islamists, come what may.

The Islamists as mentioned in the incriminating PFI document want the rule of Islam in the country by the year 2047 when India would complete its 100 years of independence. Moreover, such Islamists who look up to the rule of Islam by 2047 are provided funds from several Islamic countries to propagate the narrative against the majority community in India. USCIRF says the Indian government is allegedly harassing, and threatening the Islamists but it fails to report that these Islamists actually are engaged in posing a threat to the country’s independence.

Gaza’s de-facto PM Rawhi Mushtaha killed in airstrike 3 months ago, announces Israel, says Hamas kept it secret to prevent loss of morale

OpIndia Staff
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Gaza’s de-facto PM Rawhi Mushtaha killed in airstrike 3 months ago, announces Israel, says Hamas kept it secret to prevent loss of morale

On Thursday, 3rd October, the Israeli military declared that it had eliminated another Hamas leader identified as Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of the Hamas administration in Gaza. The country also stated that two more security officers along with Mushtaha were eliminated during airstrikes three months ago.

According to an Israeli military statement, the strike targeted an underground facility in northern Gaza, killing Mushtaha and leaders Sameh al-Siraj and Sami Oudeh. Rawhi Mushtaha was the de facto prime minister of the Gaza Strip, Siraj held the security portfolio of the Hamas political bureau and Hamas Labor Committee whereas Oudeh was Commander of Hamas General Security Mechanism.

“During a precise IDF and ISA intelligence-based strike, IAF fighter jets struck and eliminated the terrorists while they were hiding in a fortified and equipped underground compound in the northern Gaza Strip. The compound served as a Hamas command and control centre and enabled senior operatives to remain inside of it for extended periods,” the official statement by Israel read.

“Following the strike on the compound and the elimination of the terrorists, Hamas did not announce their deaths as it had done following previous eliminations, in order to prevent loss of morale and functioning of its terror operatives,” added the statement.

As per the statement, Rawhi Mushtaha was a prominent Hamas agent with direct influence over Hamas troop deployment choices. Mushtaha participated in military decisions while simultaneously serving as the Head of Hamas Civil Governance in the Gaza Strip and the Prisoners Affairs Portfolio. He formerly held the finance portfolio.

Mushtaha and Yahya Sinwar founded Hamas’ General Security Mechanism, the official statement was quoted. They served a prison sentence together in an Israeli jail. Mushtaha was regarded as the most senior official in Hamas’ political bureau in the Gaza Strip, and he maintained civil control of the Hamas administration while engaging in terrorist operations against Israel during the conflict. Mushtaha was believed to be Sinwar’s right-hand person and one of his closest confidants.

The Israel govt added that “The IDF and ISA will continue to pursue all of the terrorists responsible for the October 7th massacre and will operate against anyone who threatens the State of Israel.”

This comes days after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in his bunker in an Israeli air strike. Apparently, the strike that happened on 29th September was approved by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu while he was attending a United Nations meeting in New York. Also on July 13th, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that Hamas military wing commander Mohammed Deif had been killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip.

On July 31st, Hamas confirmed that their chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran. He was killed in an Israeli air strike on his house. His three sons, Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad, along with a number of his grandchildren, were also killed in an Israeli attack in April this year. Several other Islamist leaders belonging to Hamas are being targeted by Israel after the former launched a dreadful attack on Israel in October 2023, parading women naked and murdering innocent.

Hamas, short for “Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya” (Islamic Resistance Movement), was established in 1987. It was an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza. In the beginning, the Muslim Brotherhood was relatively moderate. However, with the evolution of Hamas, it turned into a radical Islamist organization. The full name of the Palestinian terrorist organization translates to the “Islamic Resistance Movement”.

In its founding documents, specifically in the Hamas Charter published on 18th August 1988, the group emphasized jihad and the establishment of an Islamic state from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. From the charter, came the infamous murderous slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. The ultimate goal of the terrorist organization is the destruction of Israel.

Varanasi: Here’s why some Hindu groups are removing Sai Baba idols from temples and immersing them in Ganga river

Shraddha Pandey
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Varanasi: Here’s why some Hindu groups are removing Sai Baba idols from temples and immersing them in Ganga river

On Tuesday (1st October), Sai Baba statues were removed from several temples in Varanasi as part of a campaign launched by the ‘Sanatan Rakshak Dal’. The Hindu rights group removed a 5-foot-tall Sai idol from the Bada Ganesh Temple in Lohatia. Members of Sanatan Rakshak Dal took the idol of Sai from here wrapped it in white cloth and immersed it in the Ganga river. Similar demands to remove Sai Baba idols from Hindu temples have been raised in Lucknow and several other cities.

Speaking about why Sai Baba statues were being removed, Rammu Guru, the head priest of the Bada Ganesh temple in Varanasi said: “Sai Baba was being worshipped without proper knowledge, which is forbidden according to scriptures.”

Meanwhile, Ajay Sharma, state president of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal said: “Only the worship of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, should take place in Kashi. Respecting the sentiments of devotees, statues of Sai Baba have already been removed from 14 temples. In the coming days, statues will also be removed from the Agastyakunda and Bhuteshwar temples.”

Notably, on Wednesday (2nd October), Sanatan Rakshak Dal leader Ajay Sharma was detained by the local police after he along with other activists removed Sai Baba statues from some Hindu temples. While Sharma said that Sai Baba’s idol will be removed from 50 more temples, several locals have raised objections.

Notably, Sai Baba, a renowned spiritual figure, is noted for his teachings on love, forgiveness, and compassion. Sai Baba is believed to be revered by several people belonging to the Hindu and other religious communities. However, it is contended by a significant section of Hindus and Hindu rights groups that Sai Baba was a Muslim and thus, he should not be worshipped by Hindus. While some of the Sai devotees also believe Sai Baba to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, however, there is no reference of the same in Vedic or Puranic texts.

According to the website of the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi, Sai Baba is revered as one of the greatest saints ever seen in India, endowed with extraordinary powers, and worshipped as a God incarnate. (SAI stands for Sakshaat Ishwar) (God, the absolute).

Emphasising Sai Baba’s life and teachings transcending the religious barriers, the  Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust says “An outstanding aspect of Sai Baba is that he is beyond distinctions of religion, caste or creed. He embodied all religions and preached the Universal religion of Love. Devotees of all faiths find their meeting point in the Sai and people from all communities and all walks of life are united by the great love and reverence Baba inspires in them.”

The Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust also mentioned how Sai Baba addressed God as “Allah”. It states that Sai Baba spent much time at a mosque and went on to describe himself as the servant of Allah whose soul constantly remembers Allah. “Baba had great regard for his Hindu devotees and their Gurus and he responded to their needs and permitted worship according to the Hindu and other religious rituals. At the same time, his dwelling place was a Masjid (Mosque) and the name of Allah was ever on his lips. He described himself as in Service to GOD (ALLAH) and as a soul ever remembering ALLAH -(YAD – A – HAKKA),” the Saibaba Sansthan Trust states.

Source: Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust website

“People today flock to Shirdi in ever-increasing numbers to pay homage to the Divine and to experience the truth of Baba’s promise that He would be active in answering devotees’ prayers even from his tomb. Like Ten Commandments BABA has given eleven assurances to humanity for welfare. Baba said that he was a slave in the service of those who loved him that he was ever living to help those who turn to him and that he has to take care of his children day and night. He then taught the values of total surrender to the Almighty Master (ALLAH MALIK EK- The only ONE) and experience his grace,” it adds.

BJP and Congress condemn removal of Sai Baba idols in Varanasi

On Wednesday, Congress and BJP leaders in Maharashtra condemned the removal of Sai Baba statues from various temples in Varanasi, saying disrespect to the 19th-century spiritual leader and said that the removal of Sai Baba statues is intolerable. “Sai Baba was a revered figure and nobody should be allowed to insult him. “This campaign to remove his statues should stop,” BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. Similarly, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat called the incident “unfortunate”.

When Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati called Saibaba as “Chand Miya”

Back in 2014, the late Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati launched a campaign to urge Hindus not to worship Sai Baba since he was not a Hindu. He even called Sai Baba as Chand Miya emphasising his Muslim identity. Swaroopanand Saraswati had even released posters featuring Lord Hanuman ‘driving out’ Sai with a tree trunk.

Poster issued by Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati in 2014 featuring angry Lord Hanuman ‘driving out’ Sai Baba with a tree trunk

Slamming the Sai Baba Trust, Swaroopanand Saraswati had alleged that the Trust was behind ‘ruining’ Hindu Dharma by projecting Sai Baba as superior to Lord Hanuman and other Hindu gods. Sai Baba’s real name was Chand Miya who is dead and we treat him as a ghost and not God,” Swaroopanand said back then.

In April last year, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the Mahant of Bageshwar Dham opined that Sai Baba was not a Hindu god. He said that Sai Baba can be called a saint or fakir, but he cannot be called a God. He has also said that no vulture can pretend to be a lion.

“Shankaracharya ji of our Dharma has not given Sai Baba the place of a deity. Shankaracharya is the Prime Minister of the Hindu Dharma. Therefore, obeying him is the duty of every Sanatani. Any saint of our Dharma, be it Goswami Tulsidas ji or Surdas ji, is a saint, a great man, a Yug Purush, a Kalpa Purush but not a God,” Shastri said. Later, an FIR was filed against Shastri for his comments on Sai Baba.

OpIndia has documented incidents in the recent years wherein Muslim mobs vandalised Sai Baba idols, pelted stones in Gujarat and other cases, attempts were made to convert his temple into a Mazar in Uttar Pradesh.

Madras HC quashes charges against stunt choreographer in Periyar speech case, says the anti-Hindu statements inscribed on stature caused him to react

OpIndia Staff
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Madras HC quashes charges against stunt choreographer in Periyar speech case, says the anti-Hindu statements inscribed on stature caused him to react

On 3rd October, the Madras High Court quashed a charge sheet that the Chennai Central Crime Branch police had filed against film 61-year-old action choreographer Kanal Kannan, also known as V. Kannan. The case pertained to his 2022 speech where he demanded the removal of a statue of the anti-Hindu EV Ramasamy, popularly known as “Periyar” among his followers. The statue is located outside the prominent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchi district and was erected there in 2006.

Justice G. Jayachandran highlighted, “It is the member of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam who has given the complaint. In fact, the display of provocative words, commenting about believers of God opposite to a Hindu temple, is the cause for the speech and the person who had provoked the speech cannot take advantage of their provocations and prosecute the petitioner for his reaction.”

The judge approved the plea submitted by Kannan and set aside the whole prosecution proceeding before a Metropolitan Magistrate court at Egmore in Chennai. The case was booked in 2022 and the petitioner was arrested immediately. Subsequently, he was granted bail by Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan, subject to the stunt master submitting an affidavit promising not to make such offensive comments in the future.

Kannan, however, contended that there was nothing wrong with calling for the statue which is situated directly outside a temple that is frequented by thousands of worshippers each day to be taken down, along with some “disparaging comments” about theists. He added that rather than apprehending the people who had installed the statue in front of the sacred place, the police had arrested him. Kannan stated that the speech was delivered during a public gathering hosted by the Hindu Munnani, of which he was an office bearer. Speaking to the attendees, he had declared that the statue outside the temple should be destroyed since it displayed remarks that all those who worship God and believe in him are “fools and barbarians.”

He submitted that he did not think his remarks violated any laws. However, the presence of the statue containing such statements is undoubtedly illegal and is punishable by the Indian Penal Code’s Sections 153 (promoting hostility between various groups), 505(1)(b) (disturbing public tranquillity), and 505(2) (promoting enmity between classes). The petitioner further stated that several videos denigrating Hindu gods and the Hindu faith had been making the rounds on social media in recent days, but the police had declined to file complaints against the perpetrators.

In his speech, Kannan pointed out, “Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is a holy one where at least one lakh Hindus worship every day. But opposite the temple, there is a statue of someone who said that there is no god. The day when that statue is broken will be the day we Hindus will rise.” Kannan has choreographed stunts for multiple Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayali films. Furthermore, he has given cameos in numerous movies.

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