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Bareilly: Dispute over illegal mosque construction in Kela Dandi village, stone pelting videos go viral as communal tension persists

OpIndia Staff
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Bareilly: Dispute over illegal mosque construction in Kela Dandi village, stone pelting videos go viral as communal tension persists

In past few days, communal tension has spread in Kela Dandi village of Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh due to illegal construction of a mosque. This dispute started when some people of the Muslim community started building an illegal mosque inside the village. The situation worsened when people of the Hindu community took to the streets over the illegal construction and a part of the wall of the mosque allegedly fell. After this incident, tension spread in the entire village and police had to be deployed in large numbers to control the situation.

According to media reports, Fida Hussain and his brother Arif of the Muslim community donated their plot for the construction of the mosque. After this, people of the Muslim community erected walls on that plot and started building a mosque there. Painting was done on the walls and Namaz was being observed at the place. However, this construction was done without any government permission, which became the main reason for the dispute.

People of the Hindu community had complained to the administration about this illegal construction about three months ago. At that time, the administration had put a stop to the construction work in the presence of police and also put the place under lockdown. However, even then the illegal construction was not completely demolished, due to which resentment grew in the Hindu society.

The situation worsened when the people of the Hindu society allegedly demolished a part of the wall of the illegal mosque on Friday (27th September, 2024). After this incident, the police immediately reached the spot and got the wall rebuilt under their supervision. This step raises questions on the role of the police, as the Hindu society alleged that the police was working in cahoots with the Muslim side and promoting illegal construction. Reacting to this, the people of the Hindu society again took to the streets and sat on a dharna.

BJP MLA Dr. MP Arya also got actively involved in this dispute. When he came to know about this matter, he immediately reached the village and joined the women sitting on the dharna. He also demanded the removal of this illegal construction and strongly criticized the role of the police-administration. He informed about this whole matter through a post on social media and criticized the attitude of the police.

After this dispute, the police and administration came into action and a large number of police forces were deployed in the village. SP Southern, Mukesh Chandra Mishra, said in this matter that the administration had earlier also taken steps to stop the illegal construction of the mosque. He said that the construction work was already stopped on the orders of the magistrate, but the Hindu side alleged that Namaz was being offered there and this construction started again secretly.

This dispute took a more serious turn when stone pelting started between the two communities. Many videos of this stone pelting went viral on social media, in which it can be seen that people of both sides are throwing stones at each other. After this incident, tension spread further in the area. The police immediately called a fire brigade vehicle to the spot and security was increased to prevent stones being thrown from the rooftops.

After the stone pelting, the police detained 12 people. These people were mainly from the Hindu community, who were accused of demolishing the wall of the illegal construction. These arrests further angered the people from the Hindu side, due to which they started protesting under the leadership of MLA MP Arya. The main demand of the people sitting on the protest was that the arrested youths should be released unconditionally and the illegal construction should be completely stopped. At present, in view of the tense situation, police from many police stations and PSC force were deployed in the village.

At present, the situation in the village is tense but under control. Efforts are being made to maintain peace in the village amid heavy deployment of police force. However, tension still persists between the two communities and questions are also being raised on the role of the administration. MLA MP Arya and his supporters say that they will continue their protest until the illegal construction is completely removed and the arrested youths are released.

Odisha: Administration imposes 48-hour internet shutdown in Bhadrak Disrtict following violence over social media post

OpIndia Staff
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Odisha: Administration imposes 48-hour internet shutdown in Bhadrak Disrtict following violence over social media post

On 28th September, the Odisha government imposed a 48-hour internet shutdown in Bhadrak District following communal clashes over social media posts. The restrictions on internet services will continue until 30th September. “The district administration has expressed concern over the misuse of the internet for spreading communal violence,” read the order by the Odisha government.

The order for internet shutdown in Bhadrak, passed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the state home department, Staybrata Sahu, stated that access to social media platforms has been blocked to maintain peace in the region.

“In order to prevent the spread of inflammatory and motivated messages circulating in the aforementioned media, which disturb public order in Bhadrak district, and to restore peace and amity, the prohibition of the use and access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and any others through the internet and other mediums of data services has been extended for 48 hours until 0200 hrs on 30th September in Bhadrak district,” the order on internet shutdown in Bhadrak added.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Inspector General, Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik, said there were incidents of stone pelting, after which Section 163 of BNSS was imposed, prohibiting the assembly of more than five people in the area. He said, “We have promulgated Section 163 of BNSS in the Purna Bazar area to control the situation and maintain peace.” Notably, several police personnel were reportedly injured during the incident while trying to disperse the stone-pelting mob.

DIG Naik further added that the situation was under control and the police have identified the people allegedly involved in the incident. He said, “An FIR has been registered and the culprits have been identified. Strong legal action will be taken against the culprits.” Furthermore, ten platoons of security forces were deployed in the area on the night of 27th September to patrol and conduct area dominance. He said, “We have deployed 10 platoons of forces who are carrying out flag marches in the area. Area domination is also being conducted. Additionally, picketing, patrolling, and other activities to maintain law and order are being conducted by the police.”

What happened in Bhadrak?

It all started when a group of residents filed a complaint with the police about an alleged inflammatory post, demanding action against the person who posted it on 27th September. Later, they claimed that the police failed to take any action on the complaint, and the group organised a rally in the afternoon to stage a protest. More people gathered at the rally, and when the protesters reached Santhia, it turned violent.

The mob of around 600 people blocked the Santhia bridge connecting Kacheribazar and Purunabazar. They demanded action against a person who allegedly posted an inflammatory comment. When the police tried to detain the “protesters”, the mob forcibly advanced. The police had to use lathi charges to disperse the mob. In response, the mobsters started pelting stones at the police personnel, injuring a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a sub-inspector. The vehicle of Bhadrak’s tehsildar was also damaged by the mob.

History of communal sensitivity in Bhadrak

This is not the first time violent clashes have occurred in Bhadrak over inflammatory social media posts. In April 2017, a similar incident took place, leading to arson, which destroyed 450 establishments and caused property damage worth Rs 9 crore. The incident resulted in a month-long curfew, the longest in the history of the state of Odisha. On 7th April 2017, Bhadrak witnessed communal violence. It all began with a derogatory Facebook post where abusive language was used for Hindus and Hindu gods Rama and Sita. This happened on the eve of Ram Navami (5th April) when three Muslim youths left these abusive messages on the profile page of Bajrang Dal activist Ajit Padhiari.

An outfit named Bhagat Sena Ram Navmi Samiti lodged a complaint with police in this regard with a demand of arresting the youths whose names were identified as Asif Khan, Asif Ali and Mohammed Rehan. With tensions soaring, a peace committee meeting was convened with local MLA and IG police. However, situation turned worse as a group of youths riding nearly hundred bikes rallied in Puruna Bazaaar area shouting “Pakistan Zindabaad” and other anti national slogans even while the peace meeting was on. This group was reported to have targeted shops owned by Hindu traders in Chandan Bazaar area. In retaliation, shops were also burnt in Muslim dominated areas.

The main culprit was Asif Ali Khan, son of a local BJD leader Asghar Ali Khan. Asif, who is pursuing an engineering degree, admitted to the crime according to the Police. Along with Asif, 80 other arrests were made so far in cases of violence and arson in the area.

Bhadrak had witnessed similar riots in 1991, again during Ram Navami, which unfortunately had claimed 17 lives then. With nearly 40% Muslim population, Bhadrak has always been a communally sensitive town. Bordering town Soro too had witnessed such incidents during Ganesh idol immersion last year. In fact, small communal skirmishes have been reported during Ganesh Puja from various part of the state in 2016. Similar scenes were witnessed during Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Jatra (Rath Yatra) in Rourkela in 2015.

With input from ANI.

Pakistan PM once again whines at UN General Assembly about Kashmir, India slams the stale rhetoric, calls it a travesty

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan PM once again whines at UN General Assembly about Kashmir, India slams the stale rhetoric, calls it a travesty

On Friday, 27th September (local time), India slammed Pakistan at United Nations General Assembly. India termed Pakistan’s audacity to attack India and raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir on the platform of the United Nations a ‘travesty’. The First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Bhavika Mangalanandan, called out Pakistan’s “hypocrisy” for raking up Kashmir and questioning the Jammu and Kashmir election in India’s Right to Reply at the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The statement by Mangalanandan came as a rebuttal to the allegations made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, in his address at the UNGA. The Indian diplomat highlighted that Pakistan had used “terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir”. In her statement, she said, “The truth is that Pakistan covets our territory and has continuously used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, an inalienable and integral part of India. A reference has been made to some proposals of strategic restraint.”

“This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics trade, and transnational crime, has had the audacity to attack the world’s largest democracy. I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani PM,” Mangalanandan added.

She also brought up the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament and said, “Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbours. It has attacked our Parliament, our financial capital Mumbai, marketplaces, and pilgrimage routes. The list is long.”

The Indian diplomat added, “For such a country to speak about violence anywhere is hypocrisy at its worst. It is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices, that too in a democracy.”

Delivering India’s Right of Reply at the UNGA, she said, “There can be no compact with terrorism. In fact, Pakistan should realise that cross-border terrorism against India will inevitably invite consequences.”

As India slammed Pakistan at UNGA, she also highlighted the Bangladesh genocide of 1971 and stated, “It is ridiculous that a nation that committed genocide in 1971 and which persecuted its minorities relentlessly even now dares to speak about intolerance and phobias. The world can see for itself what Pakistan really is. We are talking about a nation that for long hosted Osama bin Laden.”

“A country whose fingerprints are in so many terrorist incidents across the world, whose policies attract the dregs of many societies to make it their home. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that its PM would speak so in this hallowed hall. Yet, we must make clear how unacceptable his words are to all of us. We know that Pakistan will seek to counter the truth with more lies. Repetition will change nothing. Our stand is clear and needs no reiteration,” said Mangalanandan.

Threats to India, fuss over Kashmir and more – Shehbaz Sharif’s theatrics at UNGA

India slammed Pakistan at UNGA in reponse to Pakistan’s PM’s address. Earlier on 27th September, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, in his address to the UNGA, said that India should reverse the abrogation of Article 370 and enter into a dialogue with Pakistan for a “peaceful” resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. In a post on X, Sharif also remembered terrorist Burhan Wani’s “legacy”. He wrote, “India’s policy of brutal coersion and oppression, in occupied Kashmir has ensured, that Burhan Wani’s legacy, continues to inspire, the struggle and sacrifices, of millions of Kashmiris. Inspired by the legitimacy, of their epic struggle, they remain defiant.”

He claimed, “Let me state in no uncertain terms, Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression. Therefore, to secure durable peace, India must reverse the unilateral and illegal measures it has taken since the 5th of August 2019 and enter into a dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.”

He further claimed that India was “engaged in the massive expansion of its military capabilities”, which are essentially deployed against Pakistan. He said, “It (India) has engaged in a massive expansion of its military capabilities, which are essentially deployed against Pakistan. Its war doctrines envisage a surprise attack and a limited war under the nuclear overhang. Thoughtlessly, India spurned Pakistan’s proposals for a mutual strategic restraint regime. Its leadership has often threatened to cross the Line of Control and take over Azad Kashmir,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

Once again, the Pakistani PM started his usual theatrics over Kashmir at the UN’s platform. He made a reference to the abrogation of Article 370 and claimed that India has initiated unilateral illegal steps since 5th August 2019.

He claimed, “Instead of moving towards peace, India has resiled from its commitments to implement the Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. These resolutions mandate the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination. Since 5th August 2019, India has initiated unilateral illegal steps to impose what its leaders honestly call a final solution for Jammu and Kashmir.”

“Warning” India of consequences if it attacks Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said, “Let me state, in no uncertain terms, that Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression.”

It must be noted that India has already made it clear after the Pulwama attack in 2019 that it wants normal bilateral ties with Pakistan, adding that it is incumbent upon them to create a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities. Moreover, India has repeatedly raised its concerns over Pakistan’s support of cross-border terrorism and has asserted that terror and talks cannot go together. India has also provided evidence at various international forums of Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups.

Pakistan and Kashmir: The master of melodrama irrespective of leadership

When India abrogated Article 370, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. After him, Shehbaz Sharif took over in April 2022, followed by Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, who served as caretaker PM from August 2023 to March 2024, after which Sharif resumed office. In less than five years, three politicians have served as Prime Minister in politically entangled Pakistan. The unrest in the political landscape of the hostile neighbour continues, with the economic downfall adding insult to injury.

However, one thing that hasn’t changed is Pakistan’s “drama queen” attitude on Kashmir. Since the abrogation of Article 370, the trade between India and Pakistan has stopped. Pakistan has repeatedly blamed India for alleged atrocities against Kashmiris. In reality, Jammu and Kashmir has progressed exponentially since the abrogation. Politicians are freely campaigning in the state, and Lal Chowk in Kashmir is no longer under the siege of pro-Pakistani elements. Economic progress, tourism, and other sectors have flourished, with various development projects underway.

While Pakistan continues its obsession with false narratives, Kashmir is steadily emerging as a symbol of peace and prosperity. The region is no longer shackled by external influences, and its new journey towards stability serves as a testament to the success of India’s policies.

With inputs from agencies

5 arrested at Agartala Railway Station for entering India illegally from Bangladesh

ANI
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5 arrested at Agartala Railway Station for entering India illegally from Bangladesh

Five persons were arrested at the Agartala Railway station for entering India illegally from Bangladesh.

The arrest was done in a joint operation conducted by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Border Security Force (BSF) and Railway Protection Force (RPF).

The arrested include two Bangladeshi nationals identified as Nasim Molla (19) and Shathi Molla (33), one Rohingya Addus Salam (53) and two Indian touts Shabir Aarab (48) and Abdul Sakur Fakir Mahamad Khavra (40), as per information by Tapan Das, OC at the Agartala Rail Station.

Das confirmed on Friday that a case has been registered at the GRP Police Station and the arrested individuals are to be presented before the court.

Earlier on August 21, acting on a tip-off, Tripura Police arrested three Bangladeshi nationals, including two men and one woman, at Agartala Railway Station.

The individuals had reportedly entered India illegally from Bangladesh and were planning to travel further by train to another state, said the police.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Helal Hossain (25) from Lalmonirhat, Beauty Khatun (22) from Lalmonirhat, who was accompanied by her 15-month-old child Byjit, and Repan Barua (32) from Chattogram.

MUDA scam: Petition filed in Karnataka High Court for CBI probe against CM Siddaramaiah

ANI
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MUDA scam: Petition filed in Karnataka High Court for CBI probe against CM Siddaramaiah

A petition has been filed in the High Court of Karnataka, seeking a CBI probe against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged MUDA scam.

Advocate Vasant Kumar, representing petitioner activist Snehamayi Krishna on Friday said that they have filed a writ petition and are seeking High Court directions to handover the case to the CBI to carry out a fair investigation in the writ petition.

“Today we have filed a writ petition making appeal to direct to hand over the MUDA investigation to the CBI, it will come hearing on Monday. we have also referred in the yesterday’s special court order in the petition, prima facie is that MUDA is a big scam, that’s why we have requested the high court for the CBI inquiry in the case for the free and fair inquiry into the case,” Kumar told ANI.

Earlier, a Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday passed an order directing Karnataka Lokyukta to conduct an investigation against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the allegation of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Karnataka Lokayukta’s Mysuru district police have to conduct the investigation and submit its report in three months. The Special Court’s order came after the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday vacated its interim stay order granted on August 19 directing the court to defer the decision on the complaints against Siddaramaiah.

The order came on the petition of social activist Snehamayi Krishna.

Amidst these developments, despite strong demands from the BJP to resign, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refused to step down.

In response to the BJP’s demands, Siddaramaiah has pointed out that there are also FIRs against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others in connection with the electoral bond issue.

He argued that if he should resign due to an FIR, then Sitharaman and others should also step down.

“As per 17A, they were asked to do an inquiry and to give a report before 3 months as per the special court, as per that, they will file an FIR and do an investigation. There is an FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman as well in the people’s representative court; who is she (Finance Minister) related to electoral bond? An FIR has been filed against her; shouldn’t she also give her resignation?. Let them (BJP) resign; in my case, the lower special court took the decision and asked to enquire and to give the report in 3 months,” Siddaramaiah said.

Siddaramaiah also demanded the resignation of PM Modi and HD Kumaraswamy.

“Let them first take the resignation of HD Kumaraswamy and others; shouldn’t they make them Kumaraswamy resign? Even Modi also has to resign in the electoral bond issue. They have misused the electoral bond and looted; in that issue, HD Kumarswamy, Nirmala Sitharaman and Modi resign first,” Siddaramaiah said.

The matter pertains to the allegation against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Pakistan: Shias and Sunnis kill each other over land dispute, more than 37 dead so far

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Shias and Sunnis kill each other over land dispute, more than 37 dead so far

Shia and Sunni Muslims in Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan have been embroiled in a bloody confrontation since July this year.

The latest orgy of violence began on 21st September, leading to more than 37 deaths so far. According to AFP, over 150 people have been injured in the Shia-Sunni clashes which kickstarted a week ago.

At the heart of the bloody conflict in Kurram district is an ongoing land dispute between the two communities. Although a ceasefire was reached through the tribal council (jigra), clashes continued in 10 areas of the district.

As per security forces, the violence was marked with the use of heavy weaponry. “What began as a land dispute has escalated into a full-fledged sectarian clash involving the use of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, as well as mortar shells,” an official informed.

Besides injuries and deaths, a total of 28 houses were damaged in the bloody confrontation between Shia and Sunni Muslims. The Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan has a long history of violent clashes between the two sects of Islam.

A spokesperson for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Saif Ali informed that efforts were underway to de-escalate the religiously charged situation in the area. Shias make up 15% of the population of Pakistan while the majority belong to the Sunni sect.

Kanpur Police dismisses report of assault on Bangladesh cricket team’s ‘super fan’ Tiger Roby, clarifies he collapsed due to illness

ANI
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Kanpur Police dismisses report of assault on Bangladesh cricket team’s ‘super fan’ Tiger Roby, clarifies he collapsed due to illness

The Kanpur Police has dismissed reports that Bangladesh fan Tiger Robby was allegedly assaulted at the Green Park stadium on Day 1 of the 2nd Test against Bangladesh.

The Police Commissionerate of Kanpur Nagar said that the Bangladesh fan fell ill during the match against India at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur and dismissed allegations of attack.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh cricket team fan called Tiger Robby was taken to Regency Hospital in Kanpur during the ongoing second Test match against India at Green Park. Certain reports claimed that Robby was allegedly assaulted.

However, the Police Commissionerate of Kanpur Nagar took to their official X handle and said that the Bangladesh fan fell ill in front of the media gallery, following which the policemen present on the spot took him to the medical camp in the stadium for treatment.

The statement from the police also said that the fan is currently healthy and fine. The statement added that a liaison officer has also been assigned to the fan for immediate assistance if required.

“On 27.09.2024, during the cricket match between India and Bangladesh going on in Green Park Kanpur, a spectator named Tiger suddenly fell ill in front of the media centre and he suddenly collapsed there. On seeing this, the policemen present on the spot, with the help of the medical team present there, took him to the medical camp in the stadium for treatment. He was treated there. At present, he is healthy and fine. A liaison officer has also been assigned to him so that in case of any inconvenience, immediate treatment or other assistance can be provided to him. No incident of assault has been found with him,” Assistant Police Commissioner of Kanpur Nagar Abhishek Kumar Pandey said in a video shared on X.

In a video from the hospital, Tiger Robby also said that his health deteriorated during the match but after the treatment in hospital, he has been feeling better.

“My health deteriorated and police brought me to the hospital and after the treatment, I am feeling better. My name is Robby and I am from Bangladesh’s Khulna district,” Tiger Robby said

Meanwhile, day one of the second Test match was called off early due to heavy rain. At stumps, Bangladesh have posted 107/3 on the board, with Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten with scores of 40 and 6, respectively.

India won the first test by 280 runs and leads the two-match series 1-0.

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

Jagan Mohan Reddy cancels trip to Tirupati temple amid beef fat row claiming ‘denied permission’, TDP claims he refused to sign declaration that he has faith in Balaji

OpIndia Staff
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Jagan Mohan Reddy cancels trip to Tirupati temple amid beef fat row claiming ‘denied permission’, TDP claims he refused to sign declaration that he has faith in Balaji

On Friday (27th September), former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and chief of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), YS Jagan Mohan Reddy cancelled his trip to the renowned Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, popularly known as Tirupati temple, amid the escalating laddu controversy. He was slated to land in Tirumala on Friday night and proceed to the temple the next day to perform darshan. However, the plan was cancelled amidst growing demands for giving declaration of faith and security concerns.

A declaration of faith is required for non-Hindus to enter the temple to see Lord Venkateswara (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The declaration is required at the Vaikuntam queue complex. It is also mandated by the general rules of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) which manages the temple. It states that foreigners and non-Hindus must disclose their religion, declare their reverence for Lord Venkateswara and sign the declaration before entering the temple.

Reddy was scheduled to visit the temple as his party had called for statewide temple rites to atone for the “sin” that CM Naidu has allegedly committed with the allegations surrounding Tirupati laddus. Members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) demanded that Reddy publically sign the declaration of faith before going to the temple in the wake of the development.

The ex-chief minister also attacked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led government during a press conference. He claimed that “demons are now in power in the state” and that he had “never seen political parties creating hurdles even to make a visit to a temple.” The YSRCP had claimed that the state police under orders from Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh warned party leaders prior to Reddy’s visit. YSRCP supremo announced at a press conference that the police were notifying party leaders and cadres ahead of his visit after he had cancelled his trip.

“Police clearly stated in the notices to YSRCP leaders that visit to Tirumala has no permission. Why do we need police permission to visit the temple,” he asked. Reddy further alleged, “The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the program organised by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme.”

Reddy lashes out at CM Naidu, accuses him of damaging TTD’s reputation

According to him, CM Naidu brought up the “faith declaration” controversy to deflect criticism of his inability to persuade people on the matter of Tirupati laddu and claimed, “Many questions have been raised about my caste. I read the Bible at home, and I respect and follow Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. I belong to the community of humanity. What does the Constitution say? If a person equivalent to the Chief Minister is not allowed into the temple, I question how Dalits will be treated.”

Reddy further accused, “On one side, they are serving notices to obstruct my temple visit, while on the other side, BJP cadres are coming into the state from elsewhere, and a large number of police are deployed at multiple locations. I don’t know if the BJP leadership is aware of this. To shift the political focus, CM Chandrababu Naidu has brought up the laddu issue. CM Chandrababu Naidu is portraying that animal fat was used in the laddu prasadam manufacturing, which questions the sanctity and pride of Tirumala. Is this justified? Chandrababu Naidu is blatantly lying on TTD laddu prasadam.”

He charged that Chandrababu Naidu had damaged TTD’s reputation. “What happened during the so-called controversy on laddus? TTD’s reputation has been lowered by Chandrababu Naidu. The pride of our Laddus was diminished by Chandrababu Naidu. He intentionally planted a seed of doubt that the laddus were not good to eat, even though he knew very well that he was lying.”

TDP claims Jagan Mohan Reddy refused to sign ‘declaration of faith’

TDP national spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy alleged that the former CM cancelled the trip because he didn’t want to sign the declaration of faith. He said: “By cancelling his trip to Tirumala, Jagan Reddy has once again proved that he is anti-Hindu. The only thing that he had to do to have a darshan of Lord Balaji was to sign a declaration, which is a rule in TTD for more than three decades. Any person belonging to a religion other than Hindu is supposed to sign a small declaration and he has to take permission from the concerned authority to have a darshan of Lord Balaji. So what problem does Jagan Reddy have in signing this declaration? Even people like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who visited Tirmala as President of this country had signed this declaration because he is a Muslim. Many other eminent leaders in our country have done this.”

Kommareddy further asked, “Without having faith and reverence towards Lord Balaji, What will you do by having a darshan of the deity? What kind of drama are you trying to play, Jagan Reddy? On one hand, you say that you’ll have the darshan of Lord Balaji and pray for forgiveness for what had happened. It is an unforgivable sin. Lord Balaji will never forgive you.”

Reddy defends ghee tender process, claims no adulteration

“CM Chandrababu Naidu is telling lies. The ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades, every 6 months. Tirupati laddu is very special. Since my childhood, I know that it is very special. The tender process takes place every 6 months, it’s a routine. It has been happening for years. Anyone who qualifies can participate.,” the former chief minister claimed while defending the ghee tender process.

He added, “Every 6 months, tenders (for laddu) are called and the one who quotes for lower prices, gets approved by the TTD board. There is no government interference. The TTD board is also very special. Union Ministers and other state CMs also recommend the board members. The tenders of TTD were called as per routine and the suppliers were given as per the tender auction. TTD has a robust mechanism. The tankers that come to Tirumala should have an NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) certificate. The suppliers should get the tankers certified and produce the certificate. During the Chandrababu Naidu regime from 2014 to 2019 nearly 14-15 times, the ghee was rejected due to quality issues. There is a robust process. Similarly from 2019 to 2024, 18 times it was rejected and sent back. Whatever I am saying is all facts.”

YSRCP head claimed, “Four tankers failed the test in July during Chandrababu Naidu’s regime in 2024. The samples from those tankers should have been sent to CFTRI Mysore, but instead, they were sent to NDDB in Gujarat for the first time. TTD issued a show-cause notice to the company responsible for the refused tankers. The refused tanker material was not used by TTD, yet Chandrababu Naidu claims that adulterated ghee was used. I question how adulterated ghee could have been used in prasad manufacturing if the tankers were sent back?”

“The TTD Executive Officer, recruited by Chandrababu Naidu, confirmed on July 23 that vegetable fat oil that is Vanaspati Oil was involved and a show-cause notice was issued to the suppliers. The TTD EO later confirmed on September 20 that adulterated ghee was not used for making Laddu prasadam. Chandrababu Naidu, even after EO submitted the reports, is spreading false allegations about our party and on Hindu sentiments and questions about the sanctity of Tirumala prasad and temple,” he further accused the ruling dispensation.

Tirupati laddu controversy

Notably, on 18th September Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration of using animal fat in making laddus served at the renowned Hindu temple during his address at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative party meeting. “They (YSRC government) not only provided substandard food to the devotees, such as Anna Prasadam in Tirumala, but also used inferior quality ingredients to make Prasadam, which is offered to Lord Venkateswara. Instead of using pure ghee, they used animal fat,” he charged.

The chief minister further added, “Today, we are using pure ghee and cleansed the system in the temple. Quality of Prasadam and food have improved and steps are being taken to make further improvements.” His statement was eventually validated by the test findings. The conclusions drawn by the report revealed that there were residues of animal fat in the ghee used to prepare iconic Tirupati laddu prasadam. Furthermore, ingredients like soybean, sunflower, olive, rapeseed, linseed, wheat germ, maize germ, cotton seed, coconut, palm kernel fat, and palm oil were also used in making the laddus.

Bangladesh: Durga Puja celebrations blocked by radical groups in several places, Hindus forced to change venues in some areas

ANI
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Bangladesh: Durga Puja celebrations blocked by radical groups in several places, Hindus forced to change venues in some areas

The Hindu community in Bangladesh has been forced to change the venues of Durga Puja festival at some places due to repeated obstruction by the radical groups.

Durga Puja is set to be celebrated from October 9 to 13.

The celebrations will be held in 32,666 pavilions of Bangladesh, the police said.

Though, majorly, there is no issue with organizing Durga Puja festival by the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. But, Uttara, a suburb of the capital Dhaka, is one of those few places where there have been reports of obstruction.

A week ago, the radical Islamist groups organised several human chains in the name of local people against the Durga Puja in some sectors, including 11, 13 of Uttara, the witness said.

When tension rose in the area, the army and police held a meeting with the local leaders from Hindu and Muslim communities, they said.

Last year, the Hindu community performed Durga Puja in a field in Sector 11 of Uttara, but this time some worshippers of the nearby mosque and students of the madrasas formed a human chain there to stop the puja, they added.

Later, when the Hindu community wanted to organise Durga Puja in Sector 13, there were also obstacles.

Community Police officer, Siraj Mia, 48, who has been serving as a security guard at Uttara Field No. 13 for the past 5 years, opened up on the situation on the ground.

“I heard that there will be a Durga Puja here. But the mosque committee said they will not allow Puja here. So there will be no Puja here”, Siraj Mia told ANI on Friday.

“This field is 13 No. sector playground. Usually, people play sports here. Eid prayers of Muslims are held here”, he added.

“It is a mosque”, Mia said, pointing the corner of the field. “During prayers, everyone goes to the mosque over this field. There is also a Madrasa close to this field.”

In the end, the place of Puja was forced to move away through the intervention of the army and the police, the witness said.

Uttara is like an isolated island in Bangladesh, a country of communal harmony. But, this time there is no enthusiasm among Hindus regarding Durga Puja. None of Hindus, organizing Durga Puja locally in Uttara, agreed to speak on record.

The attention of the National Human Rights Commission has been drawn to the news published in “Protham Alo” newspaper on September 26, 2024 titled “Durga Pratima vandalized in Gouripur, Mymensigh, youth arrested”, said a statement issued by the Commission on Thursday.

“The commission considers the incident of breaking the idols of religious minorities on the occasion of upcoming Durga Puja in non-discrimination and non-communal Bangladesh post-coup to be highly despicable, reprehensible and gross violation of human rights. The commission has accepted Spontaneous Complaints (Suomoto) in this regard,” the statement added.

A review of the published news revealed that an incident of vandalism of Durga idol took place in Gouripur, Mymensigh.

The police arrested the youth from the spot and took them into custody on Thursday evening for his alleged involvement in the incident.

Gouripur Madhya Bazar Puja Celebration Committee organizes Durga Puja every year in Madhya Bazar, it said.

According to the Commission’s resolution, “exemplary legal action” should be taken against those involved in the incident. At the same time, “providing overall security to religious minorities on the occasion of upcoming Durga Puja is very important at present. In such circumstances, the following committee has been constituted to inquire into the complaint,” it said.

Md Ashraful Alam, Director (Complaints & investigations) (District and Sessions Judge, convener and Sushmita Paik, Deputy Director and Md Mozaffar Hossain, Assistant Director (Complaints & Investigations) are member of the committee. The Committee has to be submitted a report within the next 10 working days after visiting the site of the incident, the statement said.

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

Syro Malabar Church stands up against Waqf Board’s plan to lay claim to the land of 600 families in Kerala, BJP extends support

OpIndia Staff
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Syro Malabar Church stands up against Waqf Board’s plan to lay claim to the land of 600 families in Kerala, BJP extends support

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) and the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission (SMPAC) have raised the issue of over 600 families in Munambam who are battling the Waqf Board’s claimed illegal claims on their land before the Lok Sabha Secretariat. The organizations have voiced their support for the Union government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf legislation in two distinct statements. On 27th September, the Munambam residents protested at Vanchi Square in Fort Kochi.

Both KCBC and the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission have called on the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to take prompt and decisive action to rectify the situation and ensure that such claims on lawfully owned Indian residents’ properties do not occur again in future.

“It is the committee’s responsibility to ensure that the law is enforced fairly and justly, without infringing on citizens’ constitutional rights to live with dignity and own property,” stated the KCBC and SMPAC missives to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, agreed to by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis and Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, the organizations’ president and chairman, respectively.

Fr Michael Pulickal CMI, secretary of KCBC’s Commission for Social Harmony and Vigilance, stated, “Nearly five years ago, the Waqf Board had laid claim to the areas of Munambam, Cherai, and Pallikal islands in Ernakulam district, located along the northern coast of Vypeen.” 

This location has over 1,000 land titles and is home to over 600 households from various religious backgrounds, with land ownership records dating back to 1989. These residents are currently experiencing extreme hardship as they are forced to abandon the land they legitimately owned. This scenario has resulted in major infringement of their constitutional rights to live and own property.

“The history of ownership of this disputed land dates back to 1902. At that time, the King of Travancore leased 404 acres of land and 60 acres of water to Abdul Sattar Musa Haji Seth, who had come to Kerala from Gujarat for farming purposes. The lease had previously excluded the land of local fishermen who had lived there for many years before it,” he said elaborating on the issue.

“Later in 1948, his successor Siddique Seth registered this land at Edapally (Ernakulam) Sub-Registrar Office. During the last 50 years, sea erosion led to significant land loss in this region. In particular, torrential rains and rough seas in 1934 completely obliterated a locality ‘Pandara seaside’. A significant portion of this was the land leased by the King to Seth. But, later on, land registered by Seth included areas where fishermen had resided for nearly a century,” he added.

On November 1st, 1950, Siddique Seth handed up this registered land to the Farook College management as a gift deed. “However, it was registered at the time under the condition that the management of Farook College should not use that land for any purpose other than educational objectives. If Farook College ceases to exist at any point, the land should be returned to the descendants. But knowingly or unknowingly, the word ‘Waqf’ was written in that document,” explained Fr Pulickal. 

According to him, several of the households had already gotten occupancy permits from the taluk office before the land transfer. The residents did so since the certificate would grant them access to electricity, drinking water, and other necessities. “A few years later, some uneasiness arose between the management of Farook College and the residents due to some disputes over land use. This case continued for several years. Following the assessment that the land had been gifted to Farook College, subsequent court orders were not favorable to the residents,” he explained.

“The main contention before the court is that the present ‘Waqf’ claims cannot stand. Such land cannot be established as ‘Waqf’ as earlier judgments have often referred to the land as a gift to Farook College. According to the 2013 amendments to the Waqf Act, a claim for land to be designated as ‘Waqf’ must be made within three years. However, it was only in 2019 that the Waqf Board raised the claim that the land of Munambam residents is ‘Waqf’. However, no legal procedures had been taken to inform the residents,” Fr Pulickal said.

He stated that the state administration has also turned a blind eye to the plight of Munambam locals. “We urge the Centre to take the grievances raised by Muslim organizations about the Waqf Act amendment seriously. Denial of constitutional rights to any religion should never happen. At the same time, the government must take steps to ensure that incidents like this never occur again. Amendments to the Waqf Act are essential,” he said.

Meanwhile, they made several attempts to reach the Kerala Waqf Board chairperson but received no response.

The state branch of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) meanwhile has stated that it will back the protest action against what it calls “illegal” claims made by the Waqf Board on more than 400 acres in Munambam, affecting people from approximately 600 families who have lived on the land for three generations.

On September 25th, Wednesday, BJP leader Shaun George made a statement saying that the party would back the Munambam Bhoosamrakshana Samithi’s protest action to defend the land. District President KS Shaiju and spokesperson KVS Haridas reiterated the BJP’s support for those protesting land alienation.  

The district leaders of the BJP met with party State President K Surendran on Wednesday before delivering the statement, according to a press release. The party claimed that persons with extremist links were now claiming the land as Waqf property. The BJP urged an investigation into the extremist links of people who applied to the Munambam Waqf Board for property ownership through the Munambam Waqf Samrakshana Samithi.

The BJP leaders also applauded the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council’s support for the Waqf Board Bill modification, which was introduced in parliament. Since the Christian community is openly supportive of the Bill, the United Democratic Front and the Left Democratic Front should also come forward to state their positions on the topic.

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