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Karnataka govt withholds Teachers Day Best Principal award to Udupi teacher, who disallowed hijab in college, after objections by SDPI

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka govt withholds Teachers Day Best Principal award to Udupi teacher, who disallowed hijab in college, after objections by SDPI

The Karnataka Education Department on Wednesday, 4th September withdrew the ‘Best Principal’ award for B G Ramakrishna, an important figure in the hijab controversy that arose during the academic year 2021-22. The Congress government’s decision came in response to widespread criticism from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a political wing of the banned terrorist outfit, Popular Front of India.  

Ramakrishna, the principal of Government Pre-University College in Kundapur, Udupi, was blatantly charged by the SDPI with requesting Muslim students wearing headscarves to stand outside in the sun during the hijab controversy while the BJP was in control in the state.

On Tuesday, in honor of Teacher’s Day celebrated on September 5th, the Karnataka government had announced the best teacher awards to 41 teachers, principals, and lecturers from government schools and pre-university colleges. Ramakrishna and A Rame Gowda, principal of Hunsur PU College in Mysuru district, were scheduled to be awarded the ‘Best Principal’ award. However, the government decided otherwise after SDPI raised objection.

Meanwhile, Ramakrishna claimed the award had not been withdrawn, but according to him, the Education Department said it could be delayed owing to ‘technical issues’. He stated that the Education Department did not provide a clear rationale for putting the award on hold. The state administration had planned to congratulate him on Teachers’ Day.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa also commented on the issue and asked the media not to politicize the issue. “I believe the committee overseeing the award to Ramakrishna overlooked a particular issue. After discovering the issue yesterday, we have temporarily put the award on hold. We will clarify the situation and provide an update. I have instructed them to re-evaluate and then report back to us. The concern is the way he treated the children,” he said.

As per the reports, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) fiercely opposed Ramakrishna’s selection for the award, associating him with the hijab controversy. SDPI Dakshina Kannada president Anwar Sadath Bajathur stated on X, “A principal who forced Muslim students to stand in the sun over hijabs has no moral right to receive such an award.”

The hijab controversy began in December 2021 in a government PU college in Udupi and then spread throughout Karnataka. In February 2022, at least 28 students were barred from attending classes at Kundapur PU College given their violations of the college rules regarding uniforms. 

Later the matter went to the Karnataka High Court which dismissed the writ petitions filed by the Muslim girls advocating hijab. The court ruled that the hijab is not an essential practice of the Islamic faith, and therefore, all the petitions filed by Muslim female students seeking permission to wear hijab in educational institutions deserved to be dismissed.

Ramakrishna is also believed to have received hate messages from unknown numbers during the controversy. 

Former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh ordered renovation and construction work near crime scene on the very next day: BJP shares letter

OpIndia Staff
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Former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh ordered renovation and construction work near crime scene on the very next day: BJP shares letter

Former principal Sandip Ghosh ordered renovations and repairs to be carried out at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, a day after the body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered there on 9th August. The letter which was addressed to the Public Works Department (PWD) was written on 10th August. It asked PWD to repair, renovate and reconstruct on-duty doctors’ rooms in multiple departments of the institution and was undersigned by him.

Sandip Ghosh who was ousted from his position after massive backlash sent the letter which read, “I would like to inform you that there is a deficiency of on-duty doctors’ rooms and separate attached toilets in various departments of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. You are hereby requested to do the needful immediately as per the demand of resident doctors of the hospital. The issue has already been discussed and resolved in the meeting with the Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare Government of West Bengal and Director of Medical Education, Department of Health & Family Welfare Government of West Bengal today in the board room of the hospital. Please do the needful immediately.”

The subject of the letter highlighted, “Repair/renovation/reconstruction of on-duty doctors’ rooms along with separate attached toilets in all departments of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata on urgent basis,” pointing out the urgency of the matter.

The opposition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party charged that attempts were being made to tamper with evidence at the crime scene after the remodeling work was discovered. Notably, the Calcutta High Court had already slammed the state government and questioned the urgency to renovate portions of the emergency building’s third floor, where the horrifying crime transpired. Additionally, it ordered that the state government respond to accusations that critical evidence was destroyed during renovations around the third-floor seminar hall of the emergency building’s chest department.

“Is it so important to provide a restroom within 12 hours to meet urgency? You go to any district court complex and see if ladies have any restrooms. I say this with responsibility. What has the PWD done? See the condition of the restrooms in the court complexes,” the high court had questioned to which the government’s lawyer responded, “All these allegations that the place of occurrence (of the crime) has been demolished, destroyed, nothing is correct. The demolition work that happened was not near the place of occurrence.”

When the victim’s family members disclosed that the hospital authorities had informed them the woman had committed suicide, Sandip Ghosh’s involvement in the alleged attempts to downplay and cover up the case came under scrutiny. According to the victim’s father, they had to wait more than three hours to see their daughter’s body. Sandip Ghosh was eventually arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the evening of 2nd September for his reported involvement in financial misconduct including selling unclaimed bodies, extortion from students and kickbacks from medicine suppliers at the establishment.

Concerns over workplace safety led to widespread protests by healthcare professionals around the nation when the 31-year-old doctor was brutally raped and killed inside the hospital’s seminar hall. Sanjay Roy, a community volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was taken into custody regarding the case. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has been under fire since the shocking instance surfaced as her administration vehemently tried to cover up the matter, curb the agitation and even attack the protestors.

In Kolkata, doctors are continuing their strike demanding justice and a large number of common people have also joined in.

Himachal Pradesh: Congress minister raises the issue of illegal construction in Shimla mosque, says love jihad is serious issue, faces backlash from party MLAs

OpIndia Staff
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Himachal Pradesh: Congress minister raises the issue of illegal construction in Shimla mosque, says love jihad is serious issue, faces backlash from party MLAs

The controversy around the construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is growing intense every day. On 4th September, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly also witnessed a heated argument as members engaged in a verbal sparring session regarding the building of the mosque. The Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC Shimla) has also come under fire in this case for implementing the construction codes selectively. The matter has led to a dispute amongst leaders of the ruling Congress and heightened communal tension in the state’s capital.

Congress MLA Harish Janartha moved the motion and claimed that there was no tension in the area. He alleged that the mosque was built before 1960 and in 2010 three stories were erected unlawfully on land owned by the Waqf Board. He added that illegally built restrooms were dismantled and that not only outsiders but local Muslims were also staying in the mosque. He alleged that some elements were stirring the situation.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s cabinet, Anirudh Singh, however, refuted the claims that the mosque was constructed in the 1950s and questioned if permission was taken from the administration to build the mosque. “I am not against any community but they started work in 2010 without permission. Afterwards, unauthorised construction of 2500 square feet was completed. A hearing was again held on the matter in 2012, however, these people didn’t comply. There were four more illegally built floors by 2019. How was the four-story building constructed by 2019 when the lawsuit was still pending in 2010? Where was the administration sleeping,” he asked in the house.

He accused that these works went on unnoticed for almost ten years, right in front of MC Shimla. He added that 6357 square feet of illegal construction has been carried out till now. The minister highlighted, “There’s another surprising detail, the government of Himachal Pradesh owns the land (where the mosque is built). Our administration does not oppose anyone. However, I would ask the chief minister to ascertain the origins of every person involved in this. Women now find it challenging to go around the Sanjauli market. Objectionalibale comments are passed. I have personally witnessed it.” He further stressed, “They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”

Anirudh Singh asserted that there are 1900 Muslim Tehbazari and the authorization to practice Tehbazari (license to hawk) should only be granted to citizens of Himachal Pradesh. He urged that the permission allotted to outsiders should be revoked. He reported to know a few Bangladeshi nationals and sought confirmation of their identity. In response to the motion, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that action would be executed as soon as the case was resolved.

“The hearing (in the mosque case) is on 7th September. I want to inform the administration that fourteen years have passed. There have been 44 hearings thus far. They do not even know whose land it is. How can a map be approved on government land? If it belongs to the occupier, then first of all the map should be cancelled. Action should be taken against illegal construction,” he voiced.

The matter has been pending in the Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court since 2010. He urged both sides to act in tolerance and preserve peace within the community. Communal harmony has been negatively impacted by the tension surrounding the mosque. “We must proceed with caution on this issue. We respect everyone’s sentiments and will act with justice. The government will take action per the law. Our state is Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods). Politics should not be played in the name of religion. Let the law take its course,” Vikramaditya Singh conveyed. 44 hearings have been held about the illegal building, but no decision has been made as of yet.

“I don’t have much information. If someone has done illegal construction, then strict action will be taken,” claimed Jagat Singh Negi Horticulture, Revenue and Tribal Minister of the state who seemed to steer clear of the dispute

The debate was started by Balbir Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who urged that the mosque’s four illegal floors be dismantled and all operations beneath it cease to protect the sentiments of the local community’s Muslims. He explained that the people of Sanjauli had protested against the unauthorized development inside the mosque. On 1st September, a sizable Hindu crowd gathered in Sanjauli to demonstrate against the construction and demand that the unapproved edifice be demolished.

Anirudh Singh also expressed concern over love jihad and noted that robberies in the Sanjauli market area were on the rise. “It has become difficult for women to walk in the Sanjauli market, and thefts are occurring. Love Jihad is another serious issue that needs attention and is dangerous for our country and state. Fights are taking place. Did our local people start the violence? This too has to be probed. I request that the chief minister verify everyone who comes to Himachal Pradesh for employment.”

What triggered the matter

On the night of 30th August, 37-year-old businessman Vikram Singh was seriously injured in an altercation that took place in the Malyana region by half a dozen people belonging to the minority community who attacked him with rods and sticks and also injured four other traders. The perpetrators, including two minors, were swiftly taken into custody by the police, who are currently looking into the situation. The accused sought sanctuary within the mosque to elude the police, which sparked protests outside the building and further fueled the charges that the mosque was illegal. The mosque’s demolition has been advocated by several locals and Hindu organizations.

Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, the superintendent of police in Shimla, implored the demonstrators to keep the peace and stated that the case involving the attack on the businessman would fall under the category of attempted murder. He mentioned that an officer of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank had taken over the case’s investigation and that immigrants from other states would required to be registered.

Almost five hundred individuals from various areas of the city took part in the protest, voicing their worries about the growing number of migrants from the minority group in Shimla. They also called for the police to verify and register these “outsiders.” Senior district administration representatives arrived at the scene to calm the protestors. The officials acknowledged that a part of the structure built on Waqf Board’s land was “illegal.”

A conflict has also emerged between MLA Harish Janartha, who is advocating for the mosque and Anirudh Singh who stands by the protests. The comments made by the minister prompted a heated debate in the assembly and garnered support from BJP Lawmakers as it also threw light on the corporation’s negligence in enforcing construction laws.

‘We kept begging to see the body of our daughter, everyone was moving around crime scene freely’: Parents of RG Kar victim say they were forced to cremate in a hurry

OpIndia Staff
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‘We kept begging to see the body of our daughter, everyone was moving around crime scene freely’: Parents of RG Kar victim say they were forced to cremate in a hurry

On 5th September, Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya called for the immediate resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, alleging gross mishandling of the rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he accused the West Bengal administration of forcing the family to cremate the victim’s body without their consent and failing to conduct a transparent investigation.

Notably, the matter has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Malviya shared two videos of the victim’s family, where they expressed their grievances, highlighting several issues with the police and hospital authorities. According to the victim’s father, the police coerced the family into cremating the body against their wishes, and they were made to wait for hours outside the crime scene while others moved in and out freely. He stated, “My wife kept begging to the authorities to let her in, she wanted to see her daughter, but she was not allowed to go in.”

In his statement, the victim’s father said that despite filing a complaint for an FIR between 6-7 pm, the police delayed registering the FIR until 11:45 pm. This contradicts the claims made by Kapil Sibal, counsel for the West Bengal Government, in the Supreme Court. Sibal had suggested that the victim’s father was responsible for the delay in filing the FIR; however, the father’s statement raises doubts about Sibal’s remarks in the apex court.

The victim’s father further alleged that DC North offered him money to withdraw the case, raising questions about the involvement and motives of higher authorities. The family also reported being unaware of who financed the cremation of their daughter. Malviya pointed out the presence of a TMC MLA and two councillors at the crematorium during the last rites, which he described as suspicious.

The victim’s father also criticised the remorseless attitude of Kolkata police officers while addressing the press, accusing them of lying about the case details. He questioned why the authorities initially declared it a suicide even before examining the body and why the police registered an unnatural death case without proper investigation. He said, “We had to wait for three-and-a-half hours to see our daughter’s face. Her mother fell on their feet to let us see her. Why was autopsy delayed? Why did police file an unnatural death case? I filed the complaint at Tala Police Station around 7 pm. Why then was FIR registered at 11.45?”

Malviya suggested that a fair investigation is impossible unless CM Banerjee and Goyal step down, alleging that much of the evidence has already been tampered with. He demanded that the call records of both the Chief Minister and the police official from the 72 hours following the crime be made public and investigated. He also called for a polygraph test for both Mamata Banerjee and Vineet Goyal to uncover the truth.

Rape and murder of woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College

On 9th August, the woman doctor’s body was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, with subsequent examinations confirming that she had been raped. Her body bore 16 external and 9 internal injuries, and there were signs of bleeding from her eyes and private parts, indicating the brutal nature of the assault.

The rape and murder case of the 31-year-old trainee female doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital has sparked nationwide protests to seek justice for the deceased victim. Hospital administration, Police, and the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee have been facing massive public ire over the initial handling of the case and the subsequent ‘transfer’ of the controversial Hospital principal, Sandip Ghosh. Both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court made several scathing remarks about the developments in the case, particularly ones revolving around Sandip Ghosh.

Indian para athletes shine at Paris Paralympics, script history: Here’s how PM Modi has been encouraging them

OpIndia Staff
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Indian para athletes shine at Paris Paralympics, script history: Here’s how PM Modi has been encouraging them

Indian Paralympic athletes are scripting history in the 2024 Paris Paralympics registering India’s best-ever showing in the event surpassing previous records, both in terms of the number of medals won as well as the overall impact. The Indian athletes showed outstanding skill, perseverance, and showcased their indomitable spirit, earning their highest medal total in Paralympic history. On day 8 of the event, Indian archer Harvinder Singh won the country its first gold medal in an archery event at the Paralympics.

“The thing that was in my mind was, ‘I have done it for India’ because at the last Paralympics, I just won bronze. I had to change the colour and perform well, and these are the things that I have done. Then finally, I took a long breath and said, Oh, I finally got the gold,” a triumphant Harvinder Singh said.

In an X post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harvinder on his achievement and said, “A very special Gold in Para Archery! Congratulations to Harvinder Singh for winning the Gold medal in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open at the #Paralympics2024! His precision, focus and unwavering spirit are outstanding. India is very happy with his accomplishment.”

Notably, India, so far, has won 24 medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024 with 5 golds, 9 silvers and 10 bronze. India had won 19 medals at Tokyo 2020 with 5 golds, 8 silvers and 6 bronze.

Lauding the historic achievement of Indian paralympic athletes, PM Modi said: “India is proud and delighted! Our incredible Paralympic contingent has set a record for the highest-ever medals for our country in any Paralympics. This shows the dedication, passion and determination of our athletes. Congrats to each and every player.”

Dharambir and Pranav Soorma: The “Soormas” of the men’s club throw F51 event

With Dharambir winning gold and Pranav Soorma bagging silver in the men’s club throw F51 event, India’s Paralympics medal tally has reached 24 taking the nation to 13th rank among all participant countries.

“When we left India, we promised that we would come back with 25 medals, and these two medals have brought us very close – to 24. So they are the most crucial of the entire campaign. Don’t have words to explain the joy and emotions that are going through me right now,” Dharambir said after winning gold in his event.

Hailing from Haryana, Dharambir had a life-threatening accident while diving into a canal in his village. Misjudging the depth of the water, he hit with the rocks below, paralysing him from the waist down.

Notably, Dharambir’s victory at the Stade de France stadium marked his first big competition gold medal. He ranked ninth in Rio 2016 and eighth in Tokyo 2020, with a bronze medal at the Para World Championships in Japan earlier this year. Last year, in the Asian Para Games, he finished second to Pranav Soorma after losing the gold medal.

Taking to X, PM Modi congratulated Dharambir on his historic win and said: “The exceptional Dharambir creates history as he wins India’s first ever Paralympic Gold in Men’s Club Throw F51 event at the #Paralympics2024! This incredible achievement is because of his unstoppable spirit. India is overjoyed by this feat.”

Silver medalist Pranav Soorma’s life took a devastating turn when he was 16, as a cement sheet fell on his head, resulting in a serious spinal cord injury that rendered him paraplegic. Doctors warned him he would never walk again, and he spent six months in the hospital. While it took much time for Pranav to accept life with a wheelchair, once he did, sports became his passion and now his passion has elevated him as a national hero.

Congratulating Pranav Soorma, PM Modi said on , “Congratulations to Pranav Soorma for winning the Silver medal in the Men’s Club Throw F51 at the #Paralympics2024! His success will motivate countless youngsters. His perseverance and tenacity are admirable. #Cheer4Bharat.”

Mechanical engineer to Paralympics silver medalist, meet the two-time reigning champion Sachin Khilari

On the 4th of September, World champion Sachin Sarjerao Khilari won silver in the men’s shot put F46 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Khilari won the silver medal with an Asian record of 16.32m on his second attempt.

Sachin Khilari, who was born into a farmer’s family in Sangli, Maharashtra, became handicapped with a crippled left hand after falling off a bicycle in school. In addition to being a paraathlete, Sachin is a mechanical engineer who helps students prepare for state (MPSC) and national (UPSC) public service commission exams.

Calling Sachin’s performance a “remarkable display of strength and determination”, PM Modi said that “India is proud of him”.

“Congratulations to Sachin Khilari for his incredible achievement at the #Paralympics2024! In a remarkable display of strength and determination, he has won a Silver medal in the Men’s Shotput F46 event. India is proud of him,” the Prime Minster posted.

Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu stun the world with their “high jump” of success

Adding more medals to the Indian tally on Tuesday, our para athletes Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu won the silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the men’s high jump T63 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Notably, Sharad was infected with polio at the age of two.

Sharad Kumar, 32, soared to a height of 1.88m in the final but lost gold to Ezra Frech of the United States, who cleared 1.94m for a new Paralympic record. This was Sharad Kumar’s second Paralympic medal. He earned the bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 with a height of 1.83 meters.

“That was an amazing competition. All the athletes pushed each other to perform to the best, especially Ezra and myself. This was the toughest competition I have faced in my life. It was the greatest event I have ever attended,” Sharad said after winning silver.

Taking to X, PM Modi conveyed the nation’s greetings to Sharad and said: “Sharad Kumar wins Silver in Men’s High Jump T63 at #Paralympics2024! He is admired for his consistency and excellence. Congrats to him. He inspires the entire nation.”

Meanwhile, Mariyappan Thangavelu who won the bronze medal at the same event, had a bus run over him in a road accident, leaving him permanently disabled in the right leg at the age of five.

“Mariyappan Thangavelu, with a height of 1.85m, won the bronze medal. He also achieved the historic feat of becoming the first Indian para-athlete to win medals at three consecutive Games. He won the gold medal at Rio 2016 with a jump of 1.89m and silver at Tokyo 2020 with a 1.86m attempt,” an Olympics website article reads.

“Congratulations to Mariyappan Thangavelu on winning the Bronze medal in the Men’s High Jump T63 event. It is commendable that he has won medals in three consecutive editions of the Paralympics. His skills, consistency and determination are exceptional,” PM Modi said.

Sumit Antil: The first male Indian para-athlete to defend the title, wins gold

On Monday, Sumit Antil won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F64 class at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The 26-year-old para-athlete became the first Indian male para-athlete to defend his title in the Paralympics. He achieved the feat with a new Paralympic record of 70.59m at the Stade de France breaking his previous record.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Paris Paralympics medal winners Sumit Antil and others including Yogesh Kathuniya, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar. He congratulated them on their victory.

In a first, Avani Lekhara wins two gold medals at Paralympics  

On the 30th of August, defending champion Avani Lekhara won gold in women’s 10m air rifle shooting. With this, Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games’ history. The star para shooter scored 249.7 in the final – creating a new Paralympic record and also shattering the previous record of 249.6, set by her exactly three years ago on her Games debut at Tokyo games.

In a telephonic conversation with Lekhara, Prime Minister Modi congratulated her while Lekhara said that PM Modi’s words of motivation helped her negate the pressure during her event.

“Avani, many congratulations to you. You are constantly performing well and keep working hard,” PM Modi said.

To this, Avani replied, “This is my second Paralympics. I was a bit nervous. But you said that don’t play under the pressure of expectations and I followed it accordingly.”

Notably, PM Modi has congratulated several other athletes over the telephone after their wins. On 1st September, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with the Indian medal winners in the Paris Paralympics till then. These included Mona Agarwal, Preethi Pal, Manish Narwal, and Rubina Francis. He congratulated each of the winners and said they had made the country proud with their performances.

PM Modi also spoke to Preethi Pal who became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals in track and field events, having bagged a bronze in the women’s 200 T35 class at Paris Paralympics 2024 on Sunday.

Modi government’s efforts to support athletes

As discussed above, PM Modi has personally interacted with Paralympic athletes and congratulated them on their wins. Following significant victories, he regularly publishes on social media to acknowledge their accomplishments and recognise their hard work and commitment to their sport. PM Modi’s appreciation boosts the morale of the athletes and also provides them with wider recognition across the nation.

The Modi government has also launched key support programs and increased funding for Olympics and Paralympic athletes. Under the Modi government, programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have expanded to include Paralympic athletes. These efforts offer financial assistance, international-level coaching, physiotherapists, and dieticians to athletes preparing for worldwide events.

The government has significantly enhanced the training facilities and resources offered to Paralympic athletes. Modi’s administration has also sought to improve access to sports infrastructure for para-athletes, allowing them to train under better conditions.

Back in 2021 at the Tokyo Paralympics, Indian para-athletes scripted history by winning 19 medals in total, a tremendous jump from 4 medals in 2016. Back then, OpIndia reported about the 4 medalists praising the Modi government for ensuring that the sportspersons got whatever support they needed for their participation in the competition. Sharad Kumar, who won a bronze medal in the High Jump T63 event at the Tokyo Games, revealed that even athletes from the USA complimented the efforts the Indian government has made to provide support to para-athletes. He said such recognition and effort that the government has made is much bigger than any medal for the athletes.

Putin sarcastically backs Kamala Harris in US Elections, cites her ‘Infectious Laughter’ saying she would refrain from further sanctions against Russia

OpIndia Staff
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Putin sarcastically backs Kamala Harris in US Elections, cites her ‘Infectious Laughter’ saying she would refrain from further sanctions against Russia

On Thursday, 5th September, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would support Kamala Harris in the upcoming US presidential elections. Putin said that his country desired to see Democratic party’s presidential candidate Harris win. Notably, the remarks were made in an apparent satirical statement, citing her “infectious” laugh as a reason to favour her over Republican candidate Donald Trump.

This is a day after the US Justice Department indicted two Russian media executives with an alleged criminal conspiracy to influence the November election with pro-Russian propaganda.

The Kremlin leader had stated earlier this year, before President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign, with obvious sarcasm, that he preferred him over Trump because Biden was a more predictable ‘old school’ politician.

When asked how he saw the election now, Putin while addressing an Eastern Economic Forum in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok, said it was the choice of the American people. However, he went on to say that, as Biden had advised his followers to support Harris, “We will do the same, we will support her.”

The comments drew applause from the audience, while Putin and the moderator smiled.

“She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her,” Putin was quoted as saying. He added also that maybe this meant she would refrain from further sanctions against Russia. Putin added that President Trump had introduced more sanctions against Russia than anyone in the White House before him.

Notably, the Democrats had claimed after the 2016 presidential elections that Russia ran a disinformation campaign to boost Trump’s campaign against Hillary Clinton. However, later the allegations were found to be false.

Meanwhile, as per the reports, US intelligence agencies believe Russia wants Trump to win because he is less devoted to supporting Ukraine in the conflict against Russia. But now Putin has claimed that Trump has imposed more sanctions against Russia than any previous president.

As Congress tries to attack BJP for being ‘soft on terror’ using Netflix propaganda series IC 814, its old sins are still haunting the nation

Paurush Gupta
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As Congress tries to attack BJP for being ‘soft on terror’ using Netflix propaganda series IC 814, its old sins are still haunting the nation

Amidst the raging controversy over the newly released propaganda series IC 814 for absolving Pakistan and ISI over the Kandahar hijacking, the Congress party has trained its guns on the BJP, alleging it to be ‘soft on terror’ over the release of three terrorists by the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government in 1999. Several Congress leaders spearheaded by the party’s National Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate and its regional units have alleged that while Congress caught dreaded terrorists, the BJP government set them free.

Taking to X, Supriya Shrinate lauded the Netflix mini-series, IC814, claiming that it has shown the truth. According to the Congress leader, the series has rightfully shown the truth that the BJP released the terrorists who were caught by the Congress party. While targeting the BJP, she also shared an old picture of the then IB Chief Ajit Doval which was taken at the time of the IC814 negotiation. 

In her long post, Shrinate alleged, “There is a ruckus on the OTT show of IC814 because the truth is bitter…Congress caught terrorists and BJP released them – this is true. And no matter how difficult it is to digest the truth, but the truth is the truth”.

She further alleged, “The flight stopped for 45 minutes in Punjab – where the BJP’s coalition government was in power – but no action was taken there, after which it reached Kandahar.” 

Additionally, her media bites alleging the same have been widely shared by Congress supporters as well as by party’s local units and seva dal.

Quoting the then RA&W Chief Dulat who admitted that there were some shortcomings after the flight was hijacked, Congress leader Pawan Khera wrote, “A courageous and honest officer came and told the truth. It is true that the country paid the price for the mysterious inaction of the then BJP government.”

While the Congress leader has been targeting the BJP-led NDA government for its so-called soft stance against terrorism, and lauding the Netflix series, IC814, it has been in the eye of the storm for being a PR job for Pakistan’s ISI, absolving the notorious spy agency of its sins, humanising dreaded terrorists and portraying India’s security and political apparatus as meek. 

Netflix’s web series “IC814: The Kandhar Hijack” has stirred controversy as it has been alleged that the makers of the series did not disclose the real names of the terrorists and used pseudo-Hindu names that the terrorists had used. 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.

While the Congress party is targeting the BJP over the release of three dreaded terrorists when guns were virtually lurking over the heads of 176 innocent Indian civilians in the aftermath of a flight hijacking, it has seemingly forgotten its inglorious past. Ironically, when it not only followed soft policy on Pakistan-sponsored terror industry, and let go dastardly terror attacks like 2008 Mumbai attack unpunished, it had also freed dreaded terrorists in peacetime as “goodwill gesture”. The Congress also didn’t adapt a strict stand on Jihadi groups like PFI in time, allowing them to spread tentacles throughout the country.

Ironically, in its efforts to corner the BJP government for releasing 3 terrorists to secure the lives of 176 Indians, the Congress party has conveniently overlooked that the UPA government released terrorists in 2010 as a “goodwill gesture” to mollycoddle Pakistan. Terrorists who were incidentally on the “wish list” of Jaish-e-Mohammad and were not released by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government even in the grave scare of hijack. 

Here are glaring instances when the Congress party faced public ire for its meek policy against terrorism and going “soft on terror and terrorists” —-

  1. “Goodwill gesture”: In 2010, UPA freed 25 terrorists including JeM terrorist Shahid Latif who was on the ‘wish list’ of IC814 hijackers and was later responsible for the Pathankot attack

According to 2016 media reports, one of the UPA government’s goodwill gestures boomeranged and cost dearly for the country as the terrorist it freed in 2010 went on to inflict terror on India. As per the TOI report, on 28th May 2010, the UPA government freed 25 terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and JeM as part of its special outreach to our hostile neighbor, Pakistan. 

Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terrorist Shahid Latif, who was languishing in an Indian jail for 11 years for acts of terrorism, was one of those terrorists. Interestingly, the IC814 hijackers had also sought his release. His name was also on the list of 35-odd terrorists whom the hijackers wanted to be released in exchange for passengers of the hijacked flight. 

His release cost dearly as JeM terrorist Shahid Latif went on to become the chief handler of the fidayeen squad that attacked the Pathankot airbase in January 2016. He also acted as the main handler of JeM terrorists in India. 

Incidentally, in October 2023, the Pathankot attack mastermind Shahid Latif was neutralised by unknown gunmen outside a mosque in Pakistan. While foreign media outlets have alleged that the Modi government has let loose its Intelligence agents to kill anti-India elements and terrorists on foreign soil, there is no official confirmation for this assertion. However, it had resulted in a reduction in terror attacks on India. 

  1. Dropping serious cases against members of Jihadi outfits and not nipping PFI-like Jihadi organisation in the bud

In 2013, the Congress government dropped criminal cases against several members of the SDPI and Popular Front of India (PFI). It was later banned under UAPA for anti-India and terror activities by the NDA govrernment. They were accused of being involved in creating communal disturbances in the state. These cases were related to protests and communal flare-ups in Shivamogga (114 cases from 2015), Mysuru (40 cases from 2009), Hassan (21 cases from 2010), and Karwar (1 case in 2017).

According to R Ashoka, who was Revenue Minister during BJP’s government in the state, the Congress government withdrew 175 cases against 1,600 PFI and Karnataka Forum of Dignity (KFD) members in 2015, despite a dissent note by the law department and police. It is said that this ultimately helped the Jihadi outfit to spread its tentacles throughout the country from its erstwhile stronghold, Congress-ruled Karnataka. 

  1. Terror attacks went unpunished and terrorists carried out recee in the guise of cricket fans 

It has been widely reported how Sajid Mir who conspired to execute the dastardly Mumbai 26/11 attacks had carried out recee in India in the guise of a Pakistani cricket fan. Alarmingly, he clandestinely travelled across India for 15 days. According to Indian investigators, Mir was part of an operation: spying, terrorist scouting, or both involving a dozen Pakistani “cricket fans” who went missing after crossing the border. After turning to his Pakistani-American agent David Headley, they masterminded the Mumbai terrorist attack.

Again, coincidentally, it was reported in December 2023 that some unknown person had poisoned Sajid Mir in Pakistan jail after which he went on ventilator support. Several such incidents of anti-India terrorists dying under mysterious circumstances have occurred in the last few years under the Modi government. 

Not only Congress regimes faced a spate of terror attacks, but also the government under MMS, was shockingly pusillanimous in retaliating against the 26/11 terror attack in which hundreds of civilians and India’s financial centre were held hostage by 10 Pakistani terrorists for over 4 days killing 166 and injuring over 300.

Former IAF chief BS Dhanoa had categorically pointed out that the Congress-led UPA government had rejected a proposal of the air force to strike Pakistani terrorist camps after 26/11. 

  1. Vicious campaign against anti-terror laws and operations 

Further, in a comprehensive article titled ‘Congress & its friends have weakened the battle against extremism & terror’ BJP stalwart late Arun Jaitley wrote in 2019 how stringent anti-terror laws like TADA and POTA were diluted or annulled as the battle against terrorism and insurgency got blurred because of vote bank consideration. 

(Excerpt from Arjun Jaitley’s The Print article on how Congress & its friends have weakened the battle against extremism & terror)

In the article, he categorically noted that Congress governments had launched vicious campaigns against TADA and POTA as it was not only going “soft on terror” but also was following “appeasement of terror”. 

Similarly, several Congress leaders have created hindrances in the fight against terrorism by either floating the boogie of Hindu/saffron terror or painting anti-terror operations with communal colour, providing a moral shield to the Overground workers (OGWs), sleeper cells, and underground terrorists. Infamously, the Congress party leader and Former Union Law and Foreign Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid once stated that Sonia Gandhi was weeping in her office when the Batla House operation was carried out. 

Kanhaiya Lal beheading by Islamists: Rajasthan High Court grants bail to Mohammed Javed who informed the killers about his whereabouts

OpIndia Staff
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Kanhaiya Lal beheading by Islamists: Rajasthan High Court grants bail to Mohammed Javed who informed the killers about his whereabouts

On Thursday, September 5, Rajasthan High Court granted bail to Mohammed Javed in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case. Kanhaiya Lal was slaughtered by 2 rabid Islamists in Udaipur just because he posted a social media message in support of Nupur Sharma, former BJP spokesperson.

The division bench of Justice Pankaj Bhandari and Justice Praveen Bhatnagar approved the bail on a bond of Rs 2 lakh and an additional surety of Rs 1 lakh.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested Mohammed Javed from Udaipur, Rajasthan, on July 22, 2022, 20 days after the brutal beheading of Kanhaiya Lal.

Javed reportedly played a role in the conspiracy, informing one of the killers Riyaz Attari about Kanhaiya Lal’s presence at his shop prior to the beheading.

Kanhaiya Lal murder

Kanhaiya Lal was murdered on June 29, 2022, by two radical Islamists named Riyaz and Ghous Mohammed. The duo disguised as customers and entered the tailoring shop of the deceased. While Kanhaiya Lal was busy taking the cloth measurements, one of the accused attacked him with a long sharp knife. According to the post-mortem report, he was stabbed 26 times on his body from his neck to shoulder. Kanhaiya Lal was killed for uploading a social media post in support of ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

The eight-year-old son of the deceased victim Kanhaiya Lal had shared a social media post in support of Nupur Sharma from his mobile. However, after this, Kanhaiyalal was arrested by the Dhanmandi police station officials. He continued receiving death threats over the post after his release.

Scared of the threats, Kanhaiya Lal had appealed to then Congress government in Rajasthan for protection but the police did not take him seriously.

Yet another suicide by a student in Kota: Mathura student preparing for medical entrance exam found hanging from the ceiling

ANI
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Yet another suicide by a student in Kota: Mathura student preparing for medical entrance exam found hanging from the ceiling

A student who was preparing for medical entrance exam, was found hanging inside his rented apartment in Rajasthan’s Kota, police said on Thursday.

According to officials, the deceased has been identified as Parshuram, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura. He had come to Kota a week ago to prepare for the medical entrance exam.

On Wednesday night, the student was found hanging from the ceiling by the owner of his rented accommodation.

Jawahar Lal, an ASI with Jawahar Nagar Police, said, “Prima facie, it appears that the student died by suicide. The body has been sent for post mortem examination and we are further looking into the incident to ascertain the exact reason behind him taking the extreme step of ending his life.”

“The deceased’s father has made serious allegations against the coaching institute. We are further looking into it” he added.

More details are awaited.

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

India and Singapore sign MoU to cooperate in development of the semiconductor ecosystem during PM Modi’s visit

ANI
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India and Singapore sign MoU to cooperate in development of the semiconductor ecosystem during PM Modi’s visit

India and Singapore agreed to cooperate in the development of the semiconductor ecosystem, the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore said in a release on Thursday.

Both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the sector. The MOU was exchanged in the presence of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during Prime Minister Modi’s Official Visit to Singapore.

The MoU aims to support India’s growing semiconductor industry while facilitating Singapore’s ecosystem of semiconductor companies and related supply chains to participate in the fast-growing Indian market, the statement added.

Under the MOU, Singapore and India will leverage complementary strengths in their semiconductor ecosystems and tap into opportunities to build resilience in their semiconductor supply chains. This will include government policy exchanges on ecosystem development, supply chain resilience, and workforce development.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will establish a Policy Dialogue to facilitate discussions, oversee the implementation of the areas of collaboration, and exchange best practices.

A parallel business-to-business Cooperation Forum will be established and led by Enterprise Singapore and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to encourage and catalyze more private-sector partnerships between both countries.

PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Singapore, visited the semiconductor facility of AEM Holdings Ltd. Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong accompanied PM Modi during his visit to the semiconductor facility.

The visit comprised a sharing led by the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) on the development of Singapore’s semiconductor industry opportunities for mutual collaboration between Singapore and India partners, and a tour of AEM’s facilities.

Prime Minister Modi also engaged with ecosystem players and institutions such as APP Systems, Century Water, Ecsal Technologies, NexGen Wafer Systems, PEP Innovation, and Temasek Polytechnic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said, “This MOU signals India’s and Singapore’s commitment to work together in the field of semiconductors to address the demand from industries around the world. This will also strengthen semiconductor supply chain resilience and create new markets and opportunities for businesses in our countries.”

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

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