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Assam government to intensify efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants, issues detailed directions to border police

OpIndia Staff
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Assam government to intensify efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants, issues detailed directions to border police

Amid renewed debates in Assam over illegal immigration of Bengali Muslims from Bangladesh and rising incidents of attempted infiltration from the country after the fall of Sheikh Hasina govt, Assam govt today announced several measures to intensify efforts to deport illegal immigrants from Assam. The Himanta Biswa Sarma government on 7th September issued an office memorandum listing various measures to detect illegal immigrants and deport them.

The memorandum states that from January 2024 to date, a total of 54 illegal immigrants have been detected in the state. Of these, 45 individuals were successfully pushed back into their country of origin, while nine were arrested in Karimganj. “Additionally, there have been reports of suspected non-Indian nationals and foreign-origin individuals in certain areas of the State, particularly in Upper Assam and North Assam districts. The detection of such individuals is critical, given the potential threat to national security,” the notification said.

It states that in light of the above, and with a view to strengthening efforts to detect illegal immigrants entering Assam via its international borders, the Assam Police Border Organization has been directed to take all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to intensify detection and proactively curb the movement of illegal migrants, while taking steps to repatriate these individuals.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma posted the detailed instructions to the Assam Border Police on X, saying that the State Government is initiating a series of coordinated actions that include enhanced surveillance, closer coordination with central agencies, additional deployment of force among others.

As per notification, the Assam Border Police has been directed to implement the below mentioned measures:

Strengthening Border Surveillance: Increase patrolling and surveillance in areas under the jurisdiction of Border Outposts to detect and prevent illegal border crossings.

Coordination with Border Security Agencies: Establish stronger coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other Central agencies to facilitate seamless information sharing and joint operations for enhanced border security. Frequent meetings on monthly basis may be held by DGP, Assam with DG, BSF for effective coordination.

Regular Intelligence Gathering: Enhance intelligence-gathering mechanisms, focusing on cross-border networks and infiltration routes. Deploy trained personnel in key areas to gather and process actionable intelligence for timely intervention.

Community Engagement and Awareness: Conduct community awareness programmes in border areas to encourage local residents to report suspicious movements or new settlers, aiding in the early detection of potential illegal immigrants.

Timely Legal Action: Ensure that all identified cases of illegal immigrants are promptly documented and forwarded to the Foreigners Tribunals for adjudication.

Additional force deployment in border district: In the border districts, APHQ may make efforts to deploy additional forces as per ground level assessment to assist the Border Police in these sensitive border districts vulnerable to illegal influx. SPs of the border districts shall review the current strength and functioning of the Police Stations in the border areas and take additional support, if required from the APHQ.

Strengthening Border Outposts and Documentation: Intensify checks in areas under Border Outpost jurisdiction to identify suspicious individuals lacking valid identification or documentation. Periodic verification of records should be conducted to prevent illegal immigrants from evading detection.

Enumeration of Suspected Illegal Immigrants: Activate village/ field-level government functionaries such as VDPs, Gaon Panchayat members, and Land Revenue staff to gather information on new and unknown persons of suspected nationality. Upon receiving such information, conduct an enumeration of suspected illegal immigrants, including individuals involved in specific vocations, in consultation with Assam Police (HQ), District Administration, and District Police.

Identification of Absconding Individuals Declared as Foreigners: Launch sustained efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who have absconded after being declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals or the Illegal Migrants Determination Tribunals and who are currently evading the police.

Capturing Biometrics and Aadhaar Numbers of Suspected Individuals: On identifying suspected individuals or families, their biometrics should be collected. If such individuals possess Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, Voter IDs, or passports, their numbers should be recorded for future reference.

Continued enforcement of provisions of the relevant provisions of Citizenship Amendment Act: All concerned in the Border Wing are directed to ensure that the instructions issued by the State Government in this regard vide No. eCF-488857/59 dated 05.07.2024 shall be kept in mind and strictly enforced while taking the steps in detection of illegal foreigners in the State.

The Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Assam, will simultaneously issue detailed instructions to District Police units to provide necessary logistical support and security cover to the assigned teams. All wings of the Assam Police Border Organization are directed to prioritize the aforementioned tasks and submit monthly reports on the progress made and actions taken.

West Bengal: Minor school girl returning from tuition sexually assaulted, found unconscious on road with her clothes torn in Hooghly

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Minor school girl returning from tuition sexually assaulted, found unconscious on road with her clothes torn in Hooghly

Amidst the nationwide outrage over the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, another heinous case of sexual assault has come to light from West Bengal. On Friday (6th September), West Bengal Police filed a case under the POCSO Act, based on the complaint of a victim’s family, after they found a 15-year-old girl in an unconscious state on the roadside in West Bengal’s Hooghly district. As per reports, the Police found the minor victim in a semi-nude state. 

The incident took place on Friday night. According to reports, the minor victim is a 15-year-old girl who was returning home from tuition. According to locals and her family members, unidentified individuals dragged her inside a four-wheeler and kidnapped her. They then took her to a secluded place where they sexually assaulted the minor girl. 

Later, the locals found the minor in an unconscious state with her torn clothes at Haripal in Hooghly district. After they alerted the Police, several Police personnel rushed to the spot. The Police admitted the minor victim to a local hospital for medical treatment and to the police station subsequently for questioning. 

Based on the family’s complaint, the West Bengal Police have lodged a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, Superintendent of Police, Hooghly Rural, Kamanasish Sen said that there was no evidence of rape and the girl had been molested. 

He added that a woman officer is leading the investigation.

Taking to X, the West Bengal Police stated that no suspects have been identified in the investigation so far.  

It wrote, “Investigation till now, including the medico legal opinion, has revealed that there are no suspects at this stage. Request to respect the privacy of the girl child and her family. Stern legal action will be initiated against those spreading rumours.” 

The development comes at a time when protests and outrages have been raging in the state over the concerns of women’s safety, especially after the rape-murder case of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata’s government-run hospital. 

Sharing the news of the heinous incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government and dubbed the state under her regime as an “unsafe place” for women. The party also accused the Police of trying to cover up the incident, stating that the Hospital was cordoned off and media access was denied. 

Taking to X, BJP’s Social media head, Amit Malviya wrote, “Mamata Banerjee’s police have cordoned off the hospital, the media isn’t being given access and local TMC leaders are swirling around, to ensure the incident doesn’t get reported.”

Dubbing West Bengal the most “unsafe place” for women, Malviya also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He further stated, “Mamata Banerjee has failed. She must step down, immediately. Enough is enough. She hasn’t even set up fast-track courts to handle rape and POCSO cases.” 

Recorded video, circulated it on social media instead of helping, has pending criminal cases: MP police arrest Mohammed Salim in Ujjain rape case, to name him as co-accused

OpIndia Staff
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Recorded video, circulated it on social media instead of helping, has pending criminal cases: MP police arrest Mohammed Salim in Ujjain rape case, to name him as co-accused

On Saturday (7th September), an auto driver named Mohammad Salim was arrested for recording the Ujjain rape case video and circulating it on social media.

As per reports, Salim is a resident of Nagda town in Ujjain district and will now be named a co-accused in the case under conspiracy charges.

According to the police, he stepped out of the bus at the Koyla Phatak junction and saw accused Lokesh raping a ragpicker on the roadside.

Instead of helping the victim, he filmed the incident on his phone and shared it on social media. The cops identified the auto driver using the CCTV footage from the area and tracked him using his mobile number.

The police have also seized his phone, recovered the rape video and sent it for forensic analysis.

Reportedly, Salim has a criminal history and has previously been booked by the police under several charges including assault.

While speaking about the matter, Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma stated, “The person who made the video of this entire act has been arrested by the police from Nagda. The youth’s previous criminal record has also come to light. A mobile has also been recovered from him, from which we have recovered the video.”

“Our cyber police team is doing forensic analysis. The people to whom he has sent the video are also being investigated. If this has been done under pre-planning, then action will be taken against him. The accused has been taken on remand and is being questioned,” he emphasised.

The Background of the Case

A man named Lokesh raped a woman in broad daylight in Ujjain’s busiest junction, Koyla Phatak, on Wednesday (4th September).

The incident stirred controversy on social media as no single person came to the victim’s rescue. The police arrested the perpetrator within 2 hours of filing the complaint on Thursday (5th September).

Pilibhit: Changez Khan sexually abused OBC woman, was trying to abduct Dalit widow, got attacked: Muslim crowd gathers in support of the accused, surround police station

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Pilibhit: Changez Khan sexually abused OBC woman, was trying to abduct Dalit widow, got attacked: Muslim crowd gathers in support of the accused, surround police station

A video from Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh is going viral on social media. The viral video is of a fight between an angry mob and a youth named Changez Khan. The police have started investigation by registering an FIR about this incident. The incident took place on Sunday (September 1, 2024). An FIR has already been registered against Changez Khan for molesting a Hindu woman after entering her house. However, a mob from the Muslim community protested in support of Changez instead of the victim woman. OpIndia investigated all the aspects related to this incident.

The viral video is about 2 minutes 20 seconds long. Islamic handles are sharing it calling it ‘mob lynching’ of Changez. In the video, after a quarrel at the start, Changez Khan is beaten up by the mob. At the end of the video, Changez is also seen apologising for his actions. According to the Pilibhit Police, a case has been registered in this matter and investigation and other necessary legal action is underway.

https://x.com/AbrarMalik98032/status/1832284667505967138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1832293754369351872%7Ctwgr%5E5a418193db4082c3cb0cf012501d751557a50898%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhindi.opindia.com%2Fnational%2Fmob-beats-changez-khan-molesting-hindu-women-in-pilibhit-up-police-registered-fir%2F

Changez’s mother has filed an FIR

Changez’s mother Kaiser Jahan has lodged an FIR about this incident on Thursday (5th September, 2024). She described it as an incident from Sunday (1st September). Describing her son as a breadwinner of the family, Kaiser Jahan has accused Sanjay Mishra, Raju Rathore, Dheeraj, and Deepak, along with 10 unidentified people, of beating him. In Kaiser Jahan’s complaint, many allegations have been made against these accused, such as abusing the police, and breaking Changez’s bike.

A case has been registered under sections 191 (2), 191 (3), 190, 109, 140 (1), 351 (3), 309 (4) and 324 (4) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). OpIndia has the FIR copy. However, in the full complaint, Kesar Jahan has not mentioned the reason for a mob beating Changez.

Changez Khan was forcing himself on a Dalit woman, he attacked first

OpIndia spoke to Sanjay Mishra, who is named as the main accused in Kesar Jahan’s FIR, to get his side of the story. Sanjay Mishra says that Changez was harassing a Dalit widow for a long time. The victim was constantly ignoring Changez. However, Changez’s actions did not change. According to Sanjay Mishra, on the day of the incident, on September 1, Changez, along with his brother Amjad, was trying to kidnap the victim. A member of a Hindu organisation saw this criminal act and started protesting.

Sanjay says that seeing the protesting person alone, Changez tried to run over him with his bike. When he failed in this attempt, Changez waved the pistol in his hand and tried to shoot. Changez’s brother Amjad was also said to be involved in this act. Sanjay says that the members of the Hindu organisation acted in self-defense, which later turned into a big controversy. He has demanded action against Changez under SC/ST Act and other sections.

Changez’s sister made a Hindu boy convert and his brother made a Nepali girl accept Islam

Sanjay Mishra says that Changez’s entire family is involved in anti-Hindu activities. He said that Changez’s sister had an affair with a boy from the Sharma community. It is said that first the young man’s properties were sold one by one, and later he was made to convert to Islam. Sanjay Mishra has also accused Changez’s brother that he brought a Hindu girl from Nepal to India, and also forced her to have relations with other members of his family.

Sanjay Mishra further tells that forced by this harassment, the Nepali girl first tried to commit suicide by consuming poison, but after surviving, she somehow returned to Nepal. We were told that despite having a job of just a few thousand rupees, Changez traps Hindu girls in his net by pretending to be rich. Changez’s brother Amjad, who drives a taxi, takes the mobile numbers of female passengers of the Hindu community. After this, Amjad gives these numbers to Changez. It was claimed that at least a dozen Hindu girls are trapped in Changez’s clutches.

Changez Khan had entered the house of a Hindu woman to molest her

Another FIR against Changez was registered in Pilibhit’s Puranpur police station on 3rd September 2024. This FIR was lodged by a Hindu woman from the OBC community. In the complaint, the victim has stated that Changez has been making obscene gestures to her for a long time. He passes lewd comments on the victim while going or coming somewhere. A month ago, Changez entered the victim’s house with bad intentions. The victim was alone in the house at that time, and Changez started molesting her. To save herself, the victim raised an alarm.

According to the victim, Changez got angry due to that. He threatened to kill the woman and fled from there. The victim then demanded strict action against Changez. The police registered this case under Section 74 and 351 (3) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). OpIndia has the FIR copy. While the police was investigating this case, a case of Changez misbehaving with a woman belonging to the Scheduled Caste surfaced. On this issue, a fight broke out with the members of the Hindu organisations on 1st September.

Muslim crowds on the streets for Changez Khan instead of victims

On Friday (September 6), all the people of the Muslim community united and surrounded the Puranpur police station. All of them were gathered in support of Changez Khan and were demanding action against the members of the Hindu organisations. All of them abused the members of Bajrang Dal and other Hindu organisations. The crowd was also alleging that the police administration is not working with transparency. This crowd has also given an ultimatum to the administration that if Changez’s attackers are not sent to jail soon, then they will start a fierce protest.

It is also surprising that apart from the Muslim mob, Bhim Army is also tweeting in support of the accused Changez Khan and threatening the administration. Delhi State President (Bhim Army Student Union) of Bhim Party, which is allegedly a supporter of Dalits and backward classes, Zuber Chaudhary, writes in a tweet that the police-administration should take strict action or else a protest will be organised. There is not even a single word mentioned in his tweet for justice to the Dalit-OBC woman who was a victim of sexual exploitation.

The notable thing is that during this time the crowd did not discuss the allegations against Changez even once. Nowhere in the entire protest was it said that the women, who were victims of Changez’s actions, should also get justice. A local person Manveer Singh even claims that the person named Noor Ahmed Azhari, who is leading the protest, has many serious crimes registered against him in Puranpur police station. Manveer says that Azhari, who is demonstrating by gathering a crowd in support of the criminal Changez, has also been declared a district outcast in the past.

Kapil Sharma postponed his USA tour so that Rajiv Thakur could play terrorist in controversial Netflix series on IC814 hijacking

OpIndia Staff
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Kapil Sharma postponed his USA tour so that Rajiv Thakur could play terrorist in controversial Netflix series on IC814 hijacking

Amidst the raging controversy over Netflix’s controversial series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, comedian Rajiv Thakur has revealed that it was popular comedian Kapil Sharma who encouraged him to take up the role of a hijacker in the series as he was about to turn down Anubhav Sinha’s offer, citing scheduling issues. 

Notably, Rajiv Thakur has played the role of terrorist Ibrahim Akhtar alias “Chief” in the series based on the Indian Airlines flight IC814 hijacking in 1999. Thakur appeared in the first season of The Great Indian Kapil Show and it is expected that he may also feature in the second season as well. 

In a recent interview, Rajiv Thakur pointed out that he was mulling the idea to decline the role in Anubhav Sinha’s series as his dates were clashing with Kapil Sharma’s America tour. He, however, added that Kapil Sharma not only encouraged him to take up the role but also postponed his America tour so that he could work on the Netflix series directed by Anubhav Sinha. 

Speaking with India Today, he said, “It’s all thanks to Kapil that I managed to do the show. The series team asked for my dates in June last year, which were already with him for our America tour. This is why I decided to say no. But when Kapil got to know about it, he encouraged me to take up IC 814. He told me ‘Tu series kar, hum show push kar denge (you do the series, we will push the show)’. And that’s how our show was postponed to July. I had already committed to him, so I would have rejected the show, but he pushed me, and I am thankful for that. This is what true friends do, isn’t it?”

He added that the entire team of the Kapil Sharma show was very supportive of him. 

Thakur further stated, “Archana ji (Archana Puran Singh) was so happy, saying that my credit was long due. And when she watched the show she also posted a long note about us. I remember Kapil also watched the show late at night after a shoot and immediately messaged Anubhav sir. He called me the first thing the next morning and he sounded so happy and proud. I think this makes me so much happier.” 

Netflix Mini-series IC-814 sparked massive outrage with several experts dubbing it as ISI’s PR piece

Pertinently, the newly released propaganda series IC 814 has been facing massive backlash for absolving Pakistan and ISI’s role in the Kandahar hijacking. The series also received a dressing down from all quarters for not disclosing the real names of the terrorists and using only pseudo-Hindu names that were used by the terrorists during the hijacking. 

It also brazenly tried to peddle that ISI was not involved at all in this hijacking by Pakistani terrorists rather it was all Osama Bin Laden’s brainchild alone. Following the controversy, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting summoned Netflix India’s content head who promised not only to update the disclaimer but also to moderate content in the future.

Pakistan Army finally confesses its involvement in the 1999 Kargil War against India, first public admission after 25 years

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan Army finally confesses its involvement in the 1999 Kargil War against India, first public admission after 25 years

On Friday (6th September 2024), the Pakistan Army finally confessed its culpability in the 1999 Kargil War. Notably, it is the first time that the Pakistan Army has publicly accepted its involvement in the Kargil War. This comes nearly 25 years after countless Pakistan Army personnel infiltrated and occupied mountain peaks, in an act of betrayal to India’s bus outreach to improve diplomatic ties with the Islamic Nation.    

On Friday, the Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir delivered an address on its defence day. During his address, the Pakistan Army Chief said, “1948, 1965, 1971 or Kargil war between India and Pakistan, or Siachen, many have sacrificed themselves in them”. 

It is pertinent to note that while the Pakistani media reports have completely omitted his reference and remarks on the Kargil War, he could be heard “lauding” Pakistani soldiers for so-called brave acts during several wars with India including Kargil at around 1:40 minutes into this video. 

Till 6th September 2024, the Pakistani Army had never publicly and officially accepted its direct involvement in the Kargil War. Incidentally, when the Kargil war broke out, Islamabad often referred to the infiltrators as “Kashmiri freedom fighters” or “mujahideen”, while denying their direct military involvement.  

The Islamic nation maintained that the Pakistan forces were ‘actively patrolling’ while “tribal leaders” were occupying the heights.

Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria told WION, “It is well accepted that the Kargil misadventure did not help Pakistan and was Musharraf’s folly, executed by him and a cabal of four generals. Nawaz Sharif has openly criticised it.”

Earlier, only the retired Pakistani officials had accepted the involvement of their country’s army in the mountainous war against India. These retired officials included Lt Gen (retd) Shahid Aziz. After he retired from the forces, he openly revealed the role of regular Pakistani troops in the Kargil misadventure. 

Aziz described the operation as a “four-man show” which was kept secret from other military commanders. According to the retired Pakistani official, the Kargil operation was known only to Gen Pervez Musharraf, chief of general staff Lt Gen Mohammad Aziz, FCNA (Force Command Northern Areas) commander Lt Gen Javed Hassan, and 10-Corps commander Lt Gen Mahmud Ahmad.

Ajay Bisaria further explained, “The Pakistan army’s direct involvement in Kargil is well established and accepted in Pakistani writings, including the book by Naseem Zehra, which is based on interviews with Pakistani generals”.

Furthermore, Nawaz Sharif who was Pakistan’s PM during the Kargil war, also acknowledged the country’s role. However, he also admitted Pakistan military’s role only after he left office. He admitted that Pakistan had violated the 1999 Lahore Declaration, which he had signed with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Bangladesh: Official residence of former PM Sheikh Hasina to be converted to ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum’, destructions by mob to be preserved

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Official residence of former PM Sheikh Hasina to be converted to ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum’, destructions by mob to be preserved

The interim govt in Bangladesh has decided to convert Gono Bhaban, the former official residence of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, into a museum. After the decision to covert it into a ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum’ was made at a meeting of the council of advisers on 5th September, today it was announced that a committee for the conversion will be formed by 8th September.

The committee will have architectural experts and museum officials to oversee the conversion of the former PM’s residence into a memorial for the ‘July Revolution’ that resulted in the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. “Possibly we will start our work from the next week,” said Post and telecommunication Adviser Nahid Islam after visiting the Gono Bhaban. He added that the administration wants to inaugurate the museum as soon as possible.

The adviser said that officials concerned have been asked to complete works on the museum within the quickest time. “The museum will be built, highly preserving the current condition of the structures and signs of destruction at Gono Bhaban to keep the image of people’s outburst and anger intact,” he added.

The proposed museum will preserve and display the memories of the July protests, with a chronicle of the daily events from the start of the protests till 5th August, when former PM Sheikh Hasina left the country. It will also have lists of protestors killed and injured during the revolution. Adviser Nahid Islam added that incidents of killings, enforced disappearances and the torture on the people by Awami League government in last 16 years will also be displayed in the museum.

Earlier on 5th September after the decision was made by the interim cabinet led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, Sports and Youth Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan had said that the destructions caused to the building by the protestors will not be repaired, instead, they will be preserved as part of the memorial. He said, “Gono Bhaban will remain as people have left it. That means the government will turn it into a museum without carrying out any major change.”

Although Gana Bhaban was completed in 1975, Sheikh Hasina was the only prime minister to have stayed in it. The house was built by founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as his official residence and secretariat. But after its completion in 1975, Rahman didn’t move into it. After the assassination of Bangabandhu Rahman, the building was turned into a court-martial by the military rulers following the 1975 coup.

The building was renovated in 1985 on the occasion of first SAARC summit.  After that, it was converted to state guest house. During her first term as PM, Sheikh Hasina had leased the building to conduct cabinet meetings.

When Begum Khaleda Zia became Prime Minister for the first time in 1991, she converted the office of the President into the Office of the Prime Minister, and she continued to live in the army cantonment.

When Hasina returned to power in 2009, the parliament passed a law to provide state security to the family of Mujibur Rahman, and Gono Bhaban was assigned as official resident of Sheikh Hasina. She moved into the house in 2010, after renovation of the house.

On 29 August, the interim government repealed the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Family Members Security Act, 2009, revoking the state security provided to Sheikh Hasina and other members of the family.

Maharashtra: Maulana turns monster, rapes minor girl multiple times in the garb of teaching Urdu

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Maulana turns monster, rapes minor girl multiple times in the garb of teaching Urdu

On Friday (6th September), a 30-year-old Maulana was arrested for the rape of a minor girl. The incident took place in Beed City in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

As per reports, the accused was identified as Riyaz Sheikh. An Islamic scholar by occupation, Sheikh used to provide Urdu and Arabic classes to the 11-year-old victim at his home.

During the course of the past 3 months, the accused raped the minor girl 7-8 times. Sheikh would wait for his opportunity to sexually abuse the child after all the students had left the classes.

Riyaz Sheikh intimidated victim into silence

The Maulana had also threatened the victim not to speak about the atrocities perpetrated by him. The matter came to light when the girl complained of stomach pain.

After being taken to a doctor, it was revealed that the 11-year-old was being sexually abused. Thereafter, the girl’s parents filed a complaint with the police leading to the arrest of Riyaz Sheikh.

Maulana booked for child rape, sent to police custody

The Islamic scholar was booked under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 76 (assault against woman with the intent to disrobe her), 64
(2) (F) (i) (M) (committing rape of woman in custody), 65 (2) (rape of a woman under age 12), and 351 (2) (3) for criminal intimidation of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

He was additionally charged with six relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Riyaz Sheikh was produced before a local court on Friday and sent to police custody.

“Reflects mindset of INDI Alliance which backs terrorist”: BJP reacts to Omar Abdullah’s remarks on Afzal Guru

ANI
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“Reflects mindset of INDI Alliance which backs terrorist”: BJP reacts to Omar Abdullah’s remarks on Afzal Guru

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Saturday reacted to former JK CM Omar Abdullah’s remarks on Afzal Guru and said that his statement reflects mindset of INDIA alliance which is about backing the terrorists.

Bhandari further praised PM Modi and his policies for Jammu and Kashmir and said that PM Modi has always a vision of development.

BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir has been a vision of development. It has been a vision which has ensured that there is no terror or terror is uprooted from the valley. On the other hand, the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah, believe in giving soft support to terrorists. Omar Abdullah said that if it had been in his capacity, he would not have allowed Afzal Guru’s hanging, a terrorist’s hanging. This speaks volumes about the mindset of the INDI Alliance, which is about backing the terrorists. In the last 10 years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed no stone pelting incident and the terror in the valley has gone down. We are extremely confident that that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will choose a BJP-led government in order to continue to be on the path of development.”

BJP leader Altaf Thakur said, “Omar Abdullah is openly supporting Pakistan’s policy and Pakistan so that he can win the election. He is scared after the loss in the Parliament election.”

Regarding the execution of Afzal Guru, Omar Abdullah earlier said that the Jammu and Kashmir government had no involvement in the process. He stated that if state approval had been required, it would not have been granted.

“The unfortunate thing was that the J-K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru’s execution. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn’t have done it. I don’t believe that any purpose was served by executing him,” Abdullah said.

Assembly polls in the Union territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. 

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

The world famous Onam festival begins in Kerala with Athachamayam: The festival that is about King Bali and the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu

श्रवण शुक्ल
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The world famous Onam festival begins in Kerala with Athachamayam: The festival that is about King Bali and the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu

The 10-day grand festival of Onam festival started on Friday (6 September 2024) with a grand ‘Athachamayam’ parade in Tripunithura, just 10 kms from Kochi, the cultural capital of Kerala. From now on, for the next 10 days, there will be a buzz of Sanatan culture everywhere in Kerala. Basically, the festival of Onam is associated with new crops, but culturally and mythologically, Onam has special significance. OpIndia is making you aware of every aspect of Onam in its Discovery of India.

Onam is the most prominent and grand festival of the state of Kerala in South India, which symbolises the cultural heritage and religious traditions of the state. It is celebrated in the Chingam month (first month of the calendar) of the Malayalam calendar, which falls during August-September. The importance of Onam is not only religious, but it also reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The festival is associated with the legend of King Mahabali (also known as Raja Bali), who is remembered even today for his greatness and piety.

Mythology of Onam

The basis of celebrating Onam festival is the legend of King Mahabali. His reign is remembered as the golden age, when all people were equal and the country had an abundance of food, wealth and peace. No one in the kingdom was hungry or poor. King Mahabali’s greatness worried the Gods, as he was challenging their position. Therefore, Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar and asked for alms from King Mahabali in the form of a Brahmin boy. He asked for a donation of three steps of land from the king, which the king happily accepted.

In the Vamana avatar, Lord Vishnu measured the earth and the sky in two steps with his divine power and for the third step the King Mahabali offered himself. Seeing his devotion and sacrifice, Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that he could come back to meet his subjects once a year. This day is celebrated as Onam.

Onam festival begins with Athachamayam

Onam begins with Athachamayam, a grand parade held in Tripunithura. The parade showcases various folk arts of Kerala, including traditional dances such as Kathakali, Theyyam, Pulikali, and Kolkali. The procession welcomes the symbolic return of King Mahabali and marks the beginning of the ten-day celebration of Onam. During Athachamayam, people from all communities come together to celebrate the festival, making it a symbol of social unity and harmony.

10 days grand celebration of Onam

Each of the 10 days of Onam has its own special significance. During these days, houses are decorated with floral rangolis (Pookalam), cultural programs are held, and traditional games are played. Each day is associated with a specific activity, which makes Onam even more special.

Atham: This is the first day of Onam, which begins with the Athachamayam parade. From this day onwards, the “Pookalam” (flower decorations) in the houses begin.

Chithira: On the second day, the Pookalam decorations are further enhanced. Houses are also cleaned on this day.

Choddhi: On this day, new clothes and jewellery are bought. Preparations for Onam gain momentum on this day.

Anizham: This day is important for shopping in the markets and preparations for the Onasadya (special feast).

Vishakam: On this day, boat races (Vallam Kali) are organised, in which traditional boats of Kerala race.

Thrikkata: On this day people give gifts to their relatives and loved ones and send Onam wishes.

Moolam: On this day pujas and religious rituals are conducted in various temples. Cultural programs also begin.

Pooram: On this day the festive preparations are at their peak. Various cultural and religious activities continue.

Uthradam: It is called the ‘Little Onam’ of Onam. On this day people decorate their houses and prepare for Onasadhya.

Thiruvonam: This is the main day of Onam. On this day family members sit together and enjoy Onasadhya to welcome the return of King Mahabali. This feast consists of more than 26 dishes served on banana leaves, such as Aviyal, Sambar, Payasam, and other delicious dishes served on banana leaves. Pookkalam is given the most beautiful look on this day.

Cultural and Social Significance of Onam

The most prominent attraction of Onam is Onasadya, a traditional feast. More than 26 types of dishes are served in this feast. Onasadya is served on a banana leaf and includes delicious dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, kichadi, payasam. Family members eat this feast sitting together, which symbolizes mutual love and harmony.

Onam also has immense cultural significance. This festival keeps the cultural heritage and traditions of Kerala alive. Many cultural programs are organised during this time, including Kathakali dance, Pulikali (tiger dance), Vallam Kali (boat race), and other traditional dances. Pulikali is especially famous, in which people dress up as tigers and dance. This dance is organised in different parts of Kerala on the occasion of Onam.

Onam is not only a religious festival but it is also a celebration of Kerala’s cultural heritage. The festival brings together all sections of society, irrespective of caste or religion. The cultural programs held on the occasion of Onam include traditional dances such as Kathakali, Pulikali, and Theyyam. These art forms are important means of preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage and transmitting it to the next generation.

The social impact of Onam is also important, as this festival symbolises social harmony, equality and brotherhood. During this time, people visit each other’s house, give gifts, and take part in feasts. This festival spreads the message of mutual love and goodwill in the society.

Onam is also very important from the religious point of view. During this time, Lord Vishnu and King Mahabali are worshiped. It is believed that on the day of Onam, King Mahabali comes to meet his subjects.

Historical Background of Onam

The history of Onam is linked to ancient times. It is believed that the celebration of this festival has been taking place since the time of the Maharajas of Travancore and Kochi. Earlier, this festival was limited to the royal families only, but gradually it became important for every section of the Kerala society. This festival is also associated with the prosperity and agricultural production of the state, as it symbolises the harvest season.

Onam is not just a festival, but it is a symbol of cultural, social and religious unity of Kerala. During this great festival, the people of Kerala cherish their traditional values, ​​and transmit them to the next generation. This festival gives the message of social harmony, equality, and brotherhood. Every corner of Kerala becomes colorful and festive during the 10 days of Onam.

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