Home Blog Page 747

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

ANI
-
0
“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
-
0
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.

Jharkhand: Government school teacher Anwarul shows obscene videos and uses lewd language with minor female students, transferred after public outrage

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Jharkhand: Government school teacher Anwarul shows obscene videos and uses lewd language with minor female students, transferred after public outrage

A shocking case of obscenity with minor female students inside a government school has come to light from the Godda district of Jharkhand. An assistant teacher working in the school, Anwarul Hoda, has been accused of forcing minor students to watch obscene videos. He is also accused of using lewd language with the minor students. The incident has sparked massive outrage in the area. 

On 5th September ( when the nation marked Teachers Day), several parents of the aggrieved minor students gathered within the school premises. They demanded strict action against the accused teacher Anwarul Hoda. Meanwhile, following a massive outrage, the accused Assistant teacher Anwarul was transferred and further investigation is underway in this matter. 

According to reports, this incident pertains to the Bishwaskhani Panchayat area in the Mahagama block of Godda district. There is an Upgraded High School in the Sangrampur area where the accused teacher, Anwarul Hoda was posted as an assistant teacher. 

Recently, many minor girls studying in this school complained to their parents about the misdeeds of Anwarul Hoda. They told their parents that the accused teacher was not only showing them obscene videos on the mobile phone but also used lewd language. 

The teacher’s obscene acts sparked anger among the aggrieved families and locals. On Thursday, family members of many female students reached the school and staged a protest. Along with angry parents, locals also participated in this protest. The situation became tense and a scuffle broke out. However, the school Principal tried to diffuse the situation. He pacified the angry parents and assured them of action in this matter. He told them that he would write a letter to the authorities to demand action against the accused teacher, Anwarul Hoda. 

After getting assurance from the Principal, the angry family members returned home.

The parents had firmly noted that they would not send their daughters to school as long as Anwarul Hoda remained in school. 

Consequently, the school principal has sent a report of the entire matter to the concerned authorities. Based on this report, the DEO (District Education Officer) has currently transferred the accused teacher Anwarul Hoda to another school. 

Additionally, the DEO has also sought clarification from the school principal asking him to clarify the delay in this case. However, as per reports, no written application has been given by the parents to the Police. As a result, the Police have not registered a case in this matter. 

Responding to the query, Hanwara police station in-charge Rajan Kumar Ram said that a case will be registered on written application.

Assam: Dhing gangrape accused Faridul Islam and Golap Hussain arrested after 15 days, third accused Tafazul had died trying to escape custody

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Assam: Dhing gangrape accused Faridul Islam and Golap Hussain arrested after 15 days, third accused Tafazul had died trying to escape custody

The Assam Police have arrested the two absconding accused of raping a minor in Dhing area of Nagaon district on Friday. According to police, Faridul Islam Khan and Golap Uddin Hussain surrendered in front of police on Friday and now, they will be produced before the court.

Both were on the run since the day of the incident, while third accused Tafazul Islam were arrested and then died after trying to escape police custody. As per reports, one of them was hiding in Dimapur in Nagaland, while the other was in Hojai in Assam.

Notably, both were brought by minority organisation Sankhyalaghu Sangram Parishad (minority struggle council) in a vehicle to the police station and handed over them to police.

Nagaon SP, Swapnaneel Deka, said on Friday, “Both have surrendered today (September 6). We are now interrogating them. We will take action as per law. We will arrest them. Procedures are going on. Tomorrow we will produce them before the court and will seek remand. We were searching for them following the incident and the family members told us that they wanted to surrender. Today they surrendered.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also informed about their arrest through a social media post on X and wrote, “The Assam Police have arrested both absconding accused in the Dhing rape incident.”

The minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by three persons in the Dhing area on August 22 evening while she was returning to home from tuition classes.

According to reports, locals found the girl in a semi-conscious state by the side of a road and immediately admitted her to a hospital.

The prime accused was arrested on the night they had allegedly committed the crime but, police said they have recovered the body of the prime accused from a pond on August 23 a day after allegedly escaping from police custody.

On August 28, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted in the state assembly that he won’t let “Miya Muslim” take over the state.

Speaking in the state assembly on the adjournment motions brought by the opposition Congress and AIUDF to discuss the law and order situation in the state in the backdrop of a 14-year-old minor girl gang rape incident that took place at Dhing area in Nagaon district and a recent incident in Upper Assam, the Assam Chief Minister said that – “I won’t let Assam become a land of Miyas.”

-With inputs from ANI

Pakistani national living in Canada conspiring with ISIS to launch terror attacks against Jews in USA around October 7, arrested

ANI
-
0
Pakistani national living in Canada conspiring with ISIS to launch terror attacks against Jews in USA around October 7, arrested

A Pakistani national residing in Canada was arrested after being charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a statement by the US Department of Justice said.

The 20-year-old arrested accused, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 “with the intent of slaughtering in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible,” Attorney General Merrick B Garland said, as per the statement.

“The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan’s plan,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

“The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority,” Wray added.

As alleged in the complaint, Khan, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, he began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, the statement said.

Khan repeatedly instructed the undercover law enforcement officers to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified locations where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks.

During these conversations, Khan emphasised that “Oct 7th and Oct 11th are the best days for targeting the Jews” because October 7 is the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. October 11 is Yom Kippur, a Jewish religious holiday.

The Pakistani national is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Israel Defense Forces on October 7 last year declared a state of readiness for war following a massive barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltration of Hamas terrorists into Israel, and the war is on ever since.

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

Kuki terrorists unleash carnage in Manipur, brutally murder elderly Meitei man day after killing priest

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Kuki terrorists unleash carnage in Manipur, brutally murder elderly Meitei man day after killing priest

On Saturday (7th September) morning, an elderly man belonging to the Meitei community was brutally murdered by suspected Kuki terrorists.

The incident occurred in Bakhal Ningthembam Nungchappi village in the Jiribam district of Manipur. In visuals that have surfaced on social media, the victim could be seen lying dead on his bed in a bloodied state.

Deep cuts and injury marks could also be spotted on his head and upper part of the body. However, some media reports have claimed that the elderly man was shot dead after Kuki terrorists barged into his house.

An estimated 3-4 people have reportedly been killed in the Jiribam district, owing to the ongoing ethnic clashes.

While speaking about the matter to The Hindustan Times, a security official informed, “The gunfight started in the morning after militants entered a village and killed a man. The killing was part of the ethnic clashes. The gunfight is on.”

Attack on Hindu priest

On Friday afternoon (6th September), a long-range rocket was fired at the residence of former Chief Minister M C Koireng at Moirang Kumam in Bishnupur District. One person died and five others were injured as a result of the attack by what has been described as a ‘crude rocket’.

The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old priest RK Rabei of Moirang Pheewangbam Leikai. He was reportedly struck by the suspected crude rocket while preparing for an Asti ceremony at the former CM’s residence.

The injured persons are 13-year-old Sherina Mairenbam, 51-year-old Konjenbam Jugendro, 58-year-old Rajeev alias Bobo, 40-year-old Salam Nanao and 62-year-old Ngangom Ibobi.

Priest Rabei was offering prayers when shrapnel from the rocket hit his head, killing him on the spot, locals said.

This proves Congress was behind the wrestlers’ protest: Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh on Bajrang, Vinesh joining Congress party

ANI
-
0
This proves Congress was behind the wrestlers’ protest: Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh on Bajrang, Vinesh joining Congress party

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh said on Saturday that the joining of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to the Congress party was proof that the Congress was behind the wrestlers’ protest and that Deepender Hooda and the Hooda family were the masterminds behind it.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said that this move was bound to happen and that this entire protest was happening at the behest of the Congress party.

“They joined the Congress, so this proves that they were behind that protest. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was associated with the BJP. I am not associated with any party or person but they still opposed me too… This whole protest was politically motivated,” he said.

“This was bound to happen. It is known to the whole country that this entire protest was happening at the behest of Congress and its mastermind was Deepender Hooda, the Hooda family. The foundation of this protest was laid on the day when our Prime Minister praised Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying that wrestling is in safe hands,” he added.

He further stated that the entire protest had halted the wrestling activity for two years, due to which the country got fewer medals in the Paris Olympics.

“They started the protest and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distanced himself from wrestling, so the issue should have ended there, but it was politically motivated and Congress was behind it…This entire conspiracy was also hatched because 4-5 wrestling medals were going to come in the Olympics. The protest also affected those medals. There was no wrestling activity for 2 years in the Olympic year, so due to that, we got fewer medals. Our wrestlers were not able to practice… Now these people are not going to have any impact on our wrestling association.”,” the WFI president said.

Earlier today, former WFI president and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the joining of Phogat and Punia to the Congress party proves that the entire wrestlers’ movement was a “conspiracy” against him and the Congress party was behind it. Brij Bhushan further stated that just when the wrestler’s protest started at Jantar Mantar in January last year, he had claimed that it was not a movement of sportspersons and Congress was behind it, led by Bhupinder Hooda.

“On 18th January 2023, when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I said that this is not a movement of sportspersons; Congress is behind it. Especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka Ji, and Rahul Ji. This is a movement of Congress. And today this thing has been proved. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Congress was involved in it and Bhupinder Hooda was leading it,” he said.

Singh further alleged that the wrestler’s protest was not for the dignity of women, adding that because of the protests, the ‘daughters’ of Haryana are facing embarrassment.

Earlier on Friday, the two ace wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls.

Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final in Paris last month.

The wrestlers resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways earlier on that day.

Within hours of them joining the party, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was fielded in the Julana constituency for the upcoming Haryana polls. Whereas, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress.

Punia and Phogat joined the Congress in the presence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Udai Bhan, and AICC incharge of Haryana Deepak Babaria. 

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

Bangladesh: Ganesha idol procession attacked near masjid, Hindus stage protest after extremists throw hot water and hurl bricks

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bangladesh: Ganesha idol procession attacked near masjid, Hindus stage protest after extremists throw hot water and hurl bricks

On Friday (6th September), a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

The incident occurred a day before the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were scheduled to be held in the city. As per reports, members of the ‘Batargalli Dhwapara Sarbajanin Puja Committee’ were bringing the idol of the Hindu deity in a van from the factory of artisan Uttam Pal.

At that time, hot water was thrown on the Lord Ganesha idol and the Hindu devotees from atop a high-rise building on Momin Road. It must be mentioned that the said building is close to the Kadam Mubarak mosque.

The deliberate attack led to a heated argument between the devotees and residents of the building.

According to eyewitnesses, bricks were also hurled at the Hindu procession. A young Hindu man, who was hurt during the incident, informed that another Hindu devotee sustained serious injuries to his head.

“Why are minorities being attacked,” he was heard saying in a video posted by the Bangladesh Awami League.

On learning about the matter, hundreds of Hindus thronged the Momin road and Jamal Khan ward of Chittagong and staged a protest.

Soon after, a large team of police and armed forces was deployed in the Kadam Mubarak area to prevent any untoward situation.

The security personnel thereafter conducted a room-by-room search of the high-rise building, which was used by the accused to attack the idol procession of Lord Ganesha.

Attacks on Hindus continue unabated in Bangladesh

The members of the ‘Batargalli Dhwapara Sarbajanin Puja Committee’ have expressed shock and disappointment over the targeted attack and malicious attempt to hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.

The incident comes amid the lynching of a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city.

We previously reported how Muslim students have forced as many as 60 Hindu teachers, professors and government officials to resign from their positions.

There have been at least 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops and businesses since the ouster of Sheikha Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Over 120 protected historical monuments claimed by Waqf Board: ASI tells Joint Parliamentary Committee, highlights need of amendment to Waqf Act

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Over 120 protected historical monuments claimed by Waqf Board: ASI tells Joint Parliamentary Committee, highlights need of amendment to Waqf Act

On Friday, September 6, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made a presentation before the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 extending their support to the bill. ASI’s presentation took place during the 4th meeting of the JPC examining the amendment.

Lending support to the Waqf Amendment Bill, ASI cited its ongoing tussle with Waqf Boards around India over 120 historical monuments, as per reports. Reportedly, the discussions during the JPC meeting took a heated turn with the officials of the culture ministry, which supervises ASI, hinting that the Waqf Boards held arbitrary powers, while opposition members defended Waqf Boards.

According to sources, the Archaeological Survey of India gave a detailed presentation in the JPC meeting on issues related to Waqf in protected monuments and sites and explained the problems they are facing with so many historical monuments. They also discussed why the Waqf Board Amendment Bill is necessary.

The Waqf Act 1995 empowers the Waqf Board to declare any property or building as Waqf property in the name of charity. According to sources, using this authority, the Waqf Board has issued notifications to declare protected monuments as Waqf properties, resulting in conflicts with the rights granted under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Speaking after the JPC-led meeting, Shiv Sena (Shinde group) leader and panellist of the JPC, Naresh Mhaske told ANI that Waqf Board properties are not being used for the welfare of the poor.

“This is why the Waqf Board Amendment Bill has been brought and as members of the committee, we are deliberating on the bill, and it will soon be tabled in the Parliament for approval. ASI also attended the meeting. ASI said that many properties which have previously been conserved by the government of India, have been claimed by the Waqf without any proof,” Mhaske told ANI.

Naresh Mhaske said that the opposition only talks about opposing, and there is a competition among them to see who can speak out more against the amendment bill and deliver more speeches.

Waqf Amendment Bill

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to “effectively address” issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties and removal of encroachments, was introduced in Lok Sabha on Thursday, August 8.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which amends the Waqf Act, 1995, was introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Opposition parties including the Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress and AIMIM strongly opposed the introduction of the bill, saying its provisions were against federalism and the constitutional provisions. While some members demanded the withdrawal of the bill, many suggested that should be sent to a standing committee. 

Rijijiu agreed to the suggestions for further scrutiny of the bill by a parliamentary committee.

The proposed bill renames the Waqf Act (1995) as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. The draft wants to establish separate boards of Auqaf for Bohras and Aghakhanis. It also proposes broad-based representation for Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis and other backward classes among Muslim communities as well as including a few non-Muslims. 

(With inputs from ANI)

Bankrupt Pakistan’s latest measures to revive economy: Ban on purchase of vehicles and machinery, no medical treatment abroad using state funds

ANI
-
0
Bankrupt Pakistan’s latest measures to revive economy: Ban on purchase of vehicles and machinery, no medical treatment abroad using state funds

Pakistan’s government imposed a “complete ban” on specific expenditures, including the purchase of new vehicles, machinery, and state-funded medical treatment abroad, a statement by the Finance Division stated, as per Dawn’s report.

The notification, dated September 4, was accessed by Dawn on September 6. It stated that with respect to the new budget, select expenditures will be completely prohibited to ease the burden on the overstrained national treasury.

It said that a ban will be imposed on the “purchase of all types of vehicles, with the exception of operational vehicles, such as ambulances & other medically equipped vehicles, fire fighting vehicles, buses & vans for educational institutions, solid waste vehicles and motorbikes,” Dawn reported.

The procurement of machinery and equipment, except those required for hospitals, laboratories, schools, and the agriculture and mining sector, will also be prohibited. The notification further said that there will be a complete ban on the formation of new governmental posts, including temporary ones, while posts lying vacant for three years will be abolished.

The notification stated that medical treatments in foreign countries using government funds will also be prohibited, while there will also be a ban on “non-obligatory visits abroad where GoP funding is involved,” the notification added.

“All Ministries / Divisions are requested to disseminate the above instructions to all departments under their administrative control for strict compliance,” it stated.

There would be a complete ban on the appointment of staff to federal universities and hospitals except for academic staff that would be hired on a lump sum remuneration package without any future liability on the federal exchequer, as per the report.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance department in April this year banned the creation of posts, the purchase of vehicles, participation in foreign training programmes and workshops, and the holding of seminars in five-star hotels when they implemented austerity measures, Dawn reported.

The move came as the Pakistani budget drew flak for imposing high taxes and raising energy costs in its bid to secure a USD 7 billion economic bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) without implementing effective and proportional expenditure control in the public sector, Dawn reported.

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

1...746747748...7,581Page 747 of 7,581