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Why Manipur CM Is A Big Problem For Many – Why Does The Opposition Want Him Gone?

By
The Commune
-

The Congress party and other opposition party members had called for the resignation of Nongthombam Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur in the all-party meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 24 June 2023 over the Manipur unrest.

Source: NDTV

Earlier, Biren Singh had expressed his intention to resign, but on 30 June 2023, he decided not to step down from his position. This change of heart came about after local residents rallied in his support, leading him to tear up his resignation letter.

What Is Biren Singh Doing That Is Irking Everyone?

Since assuming the role of Chief Minister of Manipur in 2017, Biren Singh has been dedicated to combating the issue of drug trafficking that plagued the state. He has taken significant measures to address and suppress the drug-related problems in Manipur.

Below is a compilation of events where significant drug seizures were conducted by the local police and the Army. It is essential to keep in mind that this list does not encompass all such incidents.

2018

In June 2018, a substantial drug bust took place where drugs valued at ₹40 crores were seized. A significant amount of heroin and party drugs were found at the official residence of the chairman of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Chandel district, Manipur. 

Source: TNIE

On 5 June 2018, a joint operation involving the police and commandos of the 11 Assam Rifles led to the seizure of narcotics worth nearly ₹2 crores in Manipur’s Moreh border town. During the operation, three drug traffickers were apprehended.

Source: First Post

2019

In January 2019, a significant drug bust occurred in Manipur when Assam Rifles personnel seized drugs worth ₹5.78 crores. During a routine check at Khudengthabi post in Tengnoupal, located approximately 90 km south of the state capital, they apprehended one alleged smuggler.

Source: HT

The seized drugs included 1,44,000 party drug tablets known as WY (World is Yours) and 732 grams of brown sugar. The operation was a major success in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.

Toward the end of January 2019, the Tengnoupal Battalion of 26 Sector Assam Rifles, operating under the aegis of IGAR (South), achieved significant success by apprehending a narcotics smuggler.

The operation led to the seizure of 64,000 WY tablets, valued at around ₹1.92 crores, at the Permanent Check Post (PVCP) Khudengthabi. 

On 29 June 2019, a joint team consisting of Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) police and Thoubal police conducted a raid, leading to the discovery of a heroin (brown sugar) manufacturing laboratory.

Source: Indian Express

The operation resulted in the recovery of an extensive quantity of drugs valued at approximately ₹100 crores in the international market. 

On 17 August 2019, in the Thoubal district of Manipur, the local police successfully dismantled an illicit drug manufacturing facility and confiscated 184.644 kilograms of brown sugar.

Source: TOI

The estimated value of the seized drugs in the international market is ₹166 crores. This operation marked a significant achievement in the fight against drug production and trafficking in the region.

On 25 August 2019, Thoubal District Police accomplished their largest-ever drug seizure by confiscating contraband drugs valued at ₹400 crores. 

Source: East Mojo

Additionally, during the operation, they apprehended an international drug smuggler. This remarkable achievement highlights the scale of their success in combatting drug trafficking in the region.

In November 2019, Assam Rifles troops conducted a drug bust in Manipur, during which they recovered contraband items valued at over ₹28 lakhs. 

Source: North East Today

2020

On 9 February 2020, a combined effort by Assam Rifles and Maphou Police led to the discovery and dismantling of an illegal drug processing and manufacturing plant in Thoubal district.

Source: TOI

During the operation, a substantial quantity of drugs, including heroin and brown sugar, with an estimated value of ₹120 crores, was seized. This successful operation dealt a significant blow to drug-related activities in the region.

On 12 November 2020, a significant drug bust occurred in Manipur’s Thoubal district when a joint operation involving Manipur Police and Assam Rifles resulted in the seizure of approximately 72 kg of brown sugar.

Source

The estimated value of the seized drugs was over ₹287 crores. 

In December 2020, a well-coordinated operation conducted by Assam Rifles, police, and the NCB resulted in the raid of two locations in the border town of Moreh. During the operation, a significant amount of narcotics and contraband items valued at over ₹165 crores were seized. This drug bust is one of the largest in recent times in Manipur.

Source: Citizen Express

Additionally, the security forces also recovered a foreign-made pistol, a ‘gun,’ and ammunition. They arrested two Myanmar citizens and four Indian drug traffickers in connection with the operation, as stated by the PRO IGAR (South). In another separate operation, Assam Rifles troops intercepted a smuggling attempt on the Larong-Khongjol route in Chandel. The operation resulted in the seizure of brown sugar worth ₹2.92 crores that was being smuggled from Myanmar.

2021

Source: India Today NE

The Manipur Police on 22 February 2023 seized banned party drugs worth ₹14 crores in the international market and arrested 3 persons in Manipur.

Source

In July 2021, a car carrying two drug peddlers was intercepted on Old Lambulane Road in Imphal. During the search, law enforcement officials found four packets containing a total of 40,000 WY tablets in the vehicle. 

In September 2021, a major operation was carried out by the Narcotic Control Bureau (NAB) to combat drug trafficking, resulting in the successful apprehension of a drug smuggler.

Source: NET

As per official reports, the security forces discovered 70 soap cases containing suspected heroin No. 4, weighing a total of 875 grams. These illicit substances were concealed inside a specially designed cabin on the roof of a black Bolero vehicle. The seizure and arrest were part of the ongoing efforts to tackle the drug menace in the region.

Source

During a major drug bust in September 2021, a substantial quantity of brown sugar worth approximately ₹90 crores was seized in Imphal’s east following a raid. 

Source

In November 2021, the Narcotic Control Bureau (NAB) conducted a seizure of a substantial consignment of contraband substances in Manipur. The haul included 1kg of ice drug or crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated value of around ₹2 crores. 

Source

In December 2021, a significant drug seizure took place in a town in Manipur, resulting in the confiscation of drugs worth over ₹508 crores. The operation was carried out during a joint effort by Moreh police and personnel from the 43 Assam Rifles. The seizure occurred on Monday afternoon at a house situated in Moreh, and one individual was arrested in connection with the illegal drugs. 

2022

Source: IT

In February 2022, two individuals from Manipur were apprehended in Delhi for their involvement in drug trafficking. They were arrested for supplying 25 kg of heroin, which had an estimated value of over ₹125 crores. 

Source

In March 2022, a significant operation was carried out by a team of Tengnoupal Police to combat the drug menace in Manipur. During the operation, they successfully apprehended an offender and seized a large stash of contraband substances from his possession. The estimated value of the confiscated drugs was around ₹2 crores. 

Source: The Hindu

In March 2022, in response to directives from Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, joint teams comprising the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) and police initiated the eradication of lush poppy plantations cultivated in different areas, particularly in the mountains. Simultaneously, surprise search operations and frisking activities are being conducted in suspected locations. It was reported that poppy plants spanning over 150 acres of land were successfully destroyed in the process. 

In April 2022, Assam Rifles conducted an operation in Manipur’s Moreh town, resulting in the seizure of drugs valued at ₹6.5 crores. The confiscated items included 11.19 kg of World is Yours (WIY) tablets and 0.37 kg of heroin powder.

Source: TOI

These illegal substances were found in a house located near the Myanmar border in Moreh.

On 6 April 2022, Assam Rifles troops made an arrest in Tengnoupal district, Manipur, near a check-post, during which they seized contraband drugs worth ₹3 crores from the individual’s possession.

Source: IT

In May 2022, Kangpokpi police conducted the largest drug seizure in both Kangpokpi district and Manipur. During this operation, they seized a substantial quantity of suspected heroin No. 4 with an estimated value of ₹31.80 crores in the international market.

Source

In May 2022, the police in Manipur conducted another operation as part of their ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking. During this operation, two alleged drug peddlers were arrested by the Tengnoupal district police in separate instances.

Source

The police recovered a significant quantity of smuggled drugs, specifically 22.8 kg of WY tablets from one of the arrested person’s possession. The arrest occurred after 20 bundles of illegal drugs were found in a Bolero vehicle during a routine check at the check post along NH-102 at Tengnoupal. The police estimated the approximate value of the seized WY tablets to be ₹4,56,00,000.

On 14 June 2022, the Manipur police conducted a raid in Thoubal district, resulting in the busting of a drug-manufacturing unit.

Source: IE

During the operation at Moijing Mina Bazaar, the police seized a substantial amount of suspected brown sugar, weighing approximately 222.85 kg. Additionally, a woman was arrested by the police team during the raid. 

On 17 June 2022, the police conducted an intensive frisking and checking operation, during which they recovered four packets of suspected contraband drugs, believed to be brown sugar.

Source

The total weight of these drugs was approximately 2.025 kg, with an estimated value of ₹34,13,20,000/- in the international market. This seizure is a testament to the Kangpokpi police’s commitment to the state’s ‘War on Drugs’ campaign. With this haul, the Kangpokpi police also made two other major seizures, resulting in the confiscation of around 4.271 kg of heroin, valued at approximately ₹58.95 crores in the international market.

In July 2022, the Manipur Police conducted a significant operation in Imphal West, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics valued at ₹10 crores.

Source

According to police, the seizure included approximately 138 packets weighing about 136.03 kgs, which were found in a truck. 

On 23 July 2022, in Manipur’s Churachandpur District, a significant operation was carried out by the Khuga Battalion of Assam Rifles, resulting in the seizure of a substantial quantity of narcotics worth ₹2.78 crores. 

Source

In August 2022, a joint operation was conducted by the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), and Lilong Police, resulting in the busting of a significant drug manufacturing unit in Manipur.

Source

During the operation, seizures with an estimated value of around ₹82 crores were made. 

Another operation in August 2022 carried out in Imphal, resulted in the seizure of ice drugs valued at ₹50 crores.

Source: Times Network

The confiscated drugs included 5 kg of crystal methamphetamine tablets.

On 15 October 2022, the Police and NAB conducted a series of arrests in Manipur, apprehending five individuals in 48 hours for their involvement in drug-related activities. The arrests were made in different parts of the state, and drugs were recovered from the suspects. In two separate incidents, a man was arrested by teams from Kakching district police and NAB police station for possessing 696 grams of heroin, while three others were apprehended for carrying 3.82 kg of opium. 

On 23 October 2022, a joint team of police and Assam Rifles troops arrested a man in Bishnupur’s Torbung Bangla area for possessing 4.3 kg of opium.

Source: Times Network

In December 2022, security forces conducted an operation in the border town of Moreh, resulting in the arrest of four drug smugglers.

Source

During the operation, they seized narcotic items with an estimated value of ₹4.30 crores. 

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh revealed that in the year 2022, a significant amount of drugs, valued at ₹1,228 crores, was seized in the state.

Source: India Today NE

During the drug war carried out by the state government, the authorities managed to arrest 703 individuals involved in drug-related activities. Notably, among the seized drugs were 500 kg of brown sugar and 560 kg of opium and heroin. 

2023

In Jan 2023, the Anti-Smuggling Unit, Customs Division, Imphal, conducted a seizure operation in Imphal West, resulting in the confiscation of 26,800 amphetamine tablets and 760g of raw opium from two individuals.

Source

The total value of the seized contraband drugs in the international market is estimated to be nearly ₹2.7 crores 

In February 2023, as part of the ongoing War on Drugs campaign, the Government of Manipur made significant arrests. At least five poppy growers, two drug smugglers, and one youth were apprehended. During these operations, one kg of ganja was seized from the suspects. Additionally, the two drug smugglers were found to be carrying 114.60 grams of brown sugar. 

Again in February 2023, the police conducted separate operations in Manipur, resulting in the seizure of 1.2 kg of heroin from a vehicle in Bishnupur district’s Moirang Khunou area. The drugs were found packed in 101 soap cases inside a jeep during a regular checking drive conducted by the Bishnupur district police commandos.

Source: Times Network

Following the seizure, the driver, N Lhungdim (30), and his wife, both from Chandel district, were arrested in connection with the drugs. In a joint operation carried out by a security team in Thoubal district, 484 grams of heroin were seized. These successful operations received praise from the Chief Minister. 

In another operation conducted by security agencies in February 2023 in Manipur, they recovered and seized drugs valued at ₹10 crores.

Source

As a result of this operation, four individuals, including two women, were arrested by the security personnel in connection with the seizure of the drugs. 

In February 2023, there was another significant seizure of contraband drugs in Moreh. A combined team of the 5th Assam Rifles and Moreh police, during their routine patrol duty in and around Moreh town, seized 56.255 kgs of WY tablets.

Source

These drugs are estimated to be worth more than ₹25 crores in the international market.

The month of February 2023 also saw seizures of brown sugar worth ₹6 crores in Aisi village and another haul of over 3 kg brown sugar in Manipur’s Tengnoupla district.

In March 2023, Assam Rifles conducted an operation in the Nambol district, during which they recovered drugs valued at ₹80 lakhs. 

On 10 March 2023, Assam Rifles conducted an operation in Manipur, resulting in the seizure of approximately 27.93 kg of brown sugar valued at about ₹55.86 crores. During this operation, two drug peddlers were arrested by the authorities

Source

On March 24, 2023, an operational team from 5 Assam Rifles conducted a seizure operation in General Area Hallanphai near border pillar 76.

Source

During the operation, the team seized suspected brown sugar weighing 1.536 kg, with an estimated value of ₹3.07 crores in the international market. However, despite their efforts, two traffickers on a Kenbo Bike 125 managed to escape using the porous India-Myanmar border and the cover of darkness. 

On 17 April 2023, the Manipur Police conducted an operation based on information received from various sources about drug smuggling activities in the Kshetrigao area, approximately 4 km from Imphal. During the operation, a joint team from the Imphal East District Police and Porompat Police Station recovered 48g of high-quality heroin from two alleged drug traffickers. The operation was launched around 2 pm on the 16th of April in response to intelligence reports on drug-related activities in the area.

In another operation in April 2023, the Kangpokpi police successfully busted an interstate drug ring and arrested four individuals, including a woman, who were allegedly involved in the illegal operation. The arrests took place at different locations, and during the operation, the police seized 1.018 kilograms of brown sugar from the suspects. 

On 21 April 2023, Assam Police seized 1.3kg of heroin from a vehicle coming from Manipur.

Source: India Today NE

On the same day, the Assam Police in Karbi Anglong intercepted a truck that was coming from the neighboring state of Manipur. During the interception, the police recovered 116 soap boxes containing 1.3 kg of heroin in Lahorijan.

Source: Indian Express

As of April 2023, Manipur has witnessed the arrest of over 370 terrorists and the seizure of drugs worth ₹1,300 crores in the span of two years.

Source: India Today

In May 2023, an anti-smuggling team in Imphal successfully arrested two drug peddlers, including a woman, in two separate operations conducted in Imphal and Thoubal districts.

Source

Acting on specific information, the team apprehended the woman along with 78,000 Amphetamine tablets from Wahengleikai Bus Parking in Imphal. 

On 2 May 2023, Manipur police conducted an operation in which they arrested four alleged smugglers, including a female.

Source

During the operation, the police seized a significant quantity of contraband items, including opium, foreign cigarettes, and Amphetamine tablets. The total value of these seized items in the international market is estimated to be around ₹10 crores. 

On 2 May 2023, the Manipur police conducted a successful drug seizure operation in Singhat, located in the Churachandpur district of Manipur near the India-Myanmar border. During the operation, the police seized a consignment of brown sugar weighing 1.08 kg from a vehicle. The estimated value of the seized drugs is over ₹1 crore.

Source

On 3 May 2023, the Manipur Police conducted a significant drug seizure operation, resulting in the confiscation of over 15 kg of heroin. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth around ₹25 crores. The operation led to the arrest of four alleged smugglers, including a woman. 

Source

In a significant drug seizure operation on 1 May 2023, the Kangpokpi district police confiscated 15.011 kilograms of heroin powder at the Kangpokpi police check post. The seized drugs have an estimated value of ₹100 crores. This operation stands as one of the largest drug hauls in the state.

On 10 May 2023, the Narcotics & Affairs of Border (NAB-PS) conducted a raid in Manipur’s Imphal East District, leading to the recovery of a significant quantity of narcotic items.

Source

Acting on specific information, the NAB-PS recovered 77 gunny bags containing suspected poppy seeds, one packet containing 520 grams of synthetic caffeine, and one transparent plastic packet containing 175 grams of Pseudoephedrine. 

War On Drugs

In March 2023, the Manipur state assembly made a significant move to address the increasing problem of drug abuse by unanimously passing a resolution. The resolution designated all 60 members of the assembly as warriors of the “War on Drugs” campaign. This private member resolution was approved on the final day of the 3rd session of the 12th Manipur legislative assembly, with all the MLAs, irrespective of their party affiliations, expressing their support for the resolution. This united step demonstrates the assembly’s collective commitment to combat drug-related issues in the state.

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Zubair, TNM, & Leftist Media Trivialize Udupi Video Scandal

By
The Commune
-

Three female students at Netra Jyoti College in Udupi, Karnataka, were suspended after a mobile camera was found in the women’s bathroom. The students were accused of recording private moments of females and sharing the footage on social media. The college management suspended the three students due to their violation of the campus’s mobile phone ban and their alleged recording of videos of their classmates in the restroom.

The victim was reluctant to file a complaint about the incident. Swarajya attempted to speak with the victims, but they declined to talk, stating that they were fearful of the consequences. Swarajya interviewed Rachan Saliyan, a member of the local student body – All College Student Power (R) (AICP), who filed the report and he revealed that upon catching one of the perpetrators in the act, the students organized a protest on 20 July 2023. Saliyan mentioned that the girls and their families are afraid that their videos may be leaked, exposing their identities and he suspects that the primary reason for the hesitation to file a complaint firsthand may be this.

Rashmi Samant, a Hindu human rights activist, spoke up for the victims who were allegedly recorded in the washrooms of the private institution.  On 24 July 2023, Rashmi took to Twitter to raise questions about the lack of discussion surrounding the Udupi incident of secretly recording videos. 

She posted a series of tweets on this matter. She tweeted, “I’m from Udupi, and nobody is talking about Alimatul Shaifa, Shabanaz, and Aliya, who placed cameras in female toilets of their college to record hundreds of unsuspecting Hindu girls. The perpetrators in community WhatsApp groups circulated videos and photos.”

Following this, on 24th July, Udupi police launched a campaign to locate her. 

Whitewashing Of The Secret Video Recording Incident By Zubair

Mohammad Zubair, co-founder of Alt News and alleged fact-checker, denied the community angle in the matter and chose to amplify Samant’s tweets, as well as those of Shefali Vaidya and Arun Pudur, who were expressing support for the Hindu girls, claiming that they were spreading misinformation.

Samant accused Zubair of having ulterior motives and stated that he was repeating the same modus operandi he exhibited with Nupur Sharma in the past. 

She even shared newspaper cuttings and screenshots of reports to prove her stance. 

In return, he blamed her for posting tweets that incited mobs and accused her of playing the “woman card”. 

Zubair also quoted an article from The News Minute (aka TNMurasoli) which he said the management denied any community angle to the case. 

It is imperative to remember that leftist media like AltNews, The Wire, The News Minute came together to found the DIGIPub News India Foundation. 

How TNM Whitewashes The Incident

TNM brushed off this incident as an instance of bullying and states that the video was promptly deleted upon the victim’s confrontation. According to the article, the girls involved defend their actions as a mere “prank”. 

Source: The News Minute

TNM further asserts that the police have not discovered any video on the phone, nor have such videos been shared on WhatsApp.

Contrary to Zubair’s or the rest of the leftist media’s claims, it is to be noted that the news regarding the secret video recording at the Udupi nursing home and the circulation of videos on WhatsApp has, in fact, been covered by various national media outlets.

How NDTV Reported This News

NDTV reported that their intended target was someone else and the victim got videographed by mistake.

Source: NDTV

The girls apparently deleted the video in front of the victim, as stated by the director of the institution.

 Mohammad Zubair is known for selectively presenting incidents to suit his agenda. In an ironic twist, the Congress-led government in Karnataka is establishing a ‘fact-check unit’ to counter ‘misinformation‘, but it has raised concerns as they are seeking assistance from questionable sources of information like Alt News, which is notorious for spreading fake news. 

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Tamil Hindus Including Malaysian Minister Condemn VCK Head Thirumavalavan’s Anti-Hindu Rant At Tamil Conference

By
The Commune
-

The 11th World Tamil Research Conference commenced at the University of Malaya campus in Malaysia and spanned three days from 21 July-23 July 2023. The purpose of this conference is to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and ideas among Tamil scholars and scholars from various other languages worldwide. It aims to showcase the brilliance of the Tamil language as well as the excellence found in other languages.

Thirumavalavan Speech On Tamil Nationalism

One of the key guests on the first day was Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi (VCK) head Thirumavalavan, who addressed the conference, focusing on Tamil nationalism in his speech. 

“Today, people who can talk about religious nationalism have fallen to show violent fanaticism in Manipur. People who used to live in harmony as brothers no matter what religion they follow are fighting on the basis of religion for the past few years causing India to hang its head in shame on the global stage.”

“So, when religious nationalism becomes a religious ideology, hatred against other religions turns into hate politics. There is a need to present Tamil nationalism as a platform for the restoration of political, socio-cultural rights.”

“As far as India is concerned, linguistic nationalism has to be propagated in each of the states based on the language spoken there among the people, it is our duty to promote recognition of language-based nationality. Tamil nationalism alone cannot grow, Kannada nationalism, Malayalam nationalism, and Telugu nationalism also have to grow only then Tamil nationalism will grow.”

“Linguistic nationalism should be forged in India but this is being prevented by the cultivation of religious nationalism by religious nationalists – ‘Don’t live as a Tamilian, Live as a Hindu’ – this is religious nationalism.”

He said, “Dravidian politics means egalitarian politics and also means social justice politics.”

“The reason for saying that religious nationalism is dangerous for India is that whatever is the majority religion here (Hinduism), whatever is the majority society, it ignores equality. It does not accept equality, it is against equality and encourages caste pride.”

“A village is not one unit – that is the truth, it is divided into streets and slums, Brahmins live in an agraharam where shudras or caste Hindus cannot live together with them or build houses there. The village street is different, the agraharam is different, the slum street is different, and the Kuppam where the fishermen live is different. In this way, the habitats are separate in the Indian social structure. As you enter the village, you have different streets for different castes – there is a Konar street, a Chettiyar street, a Padayachi street, a Mudaliar street, a Pillaimar street, a Mukkulathoor street – even in the same village there is a structure of caste names for streets.”

He went on to say that religions across the world propagate equality and brotherhood.

“Religions function as institutions. The principles and philosophies offered by those religions do not speak of discrimination, it speaks of brotherhood.“, he said.

He further said “Philosophy is different and the institutions that implement the philosophy are different, Islam is philosophy. The Muslim religion is an institution that builds mosques, creates imams and ulema, and provides training to recite Quran – that is the institutional process but Islam is a philosophy, Christianity is philosophy Buddhism is a philosophy – these philosophies speak about brotherhood. What is the philosophy of the Hindu religion? What is the philosophy of Vaishnavism? What is the philosophy of Saivism? Or what is the philosophy of Hindutva? Sanatan Dharma is said to be its philosophy, they claim it is Sanatan Dharma. That Sanatan Dharma rejects brotherhood. This is the problem. It also attacks the Tamil community, it destroys the unity of Tamils. We cannot do anything that can destroy Tamil unity as a Tamil nationalism.”

As he finished speaking and returned to his seat from the dias, within a few minutes, a member from the audience can be heard screaming “Hey nippatra, (hey stop it), the topic you are speaking on itself is not right!”. This created a commotion at the event. The organisers tried to convince the audience and the protestors left the place.  

Following this, Saraswathy Kandasami, the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives in the Pakatan Harapan government led by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia spoke at the event and requested the protestors to remain seated. She also said that the speech made by Thirumavalavan was his own personal views and did not represent the organisation or the Conference. 

Anwar Ibrahim Aims To Promote Tamil Language Learning In Malaysia

It is to be noted that Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, pledged an additional allocation of RM2 million for the Department of Indian Studies at University Malaya. He also allocated another RM2 million for the translation of significant Tamil literary works into Bahasa and English. He also expressed his commitment to promote the learning of Tamil and aims to introduce it as an extra language in public schools.

It is alleged that there were no representatives Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam at the World Tamil Conference that took place over the 3 days.

Saraswathy Kandasami later spoke to TNTV Tamil Oodagam and this is what she had to say. 

Condemn Comments Made By Thirumavalavan

When asked about the speech made by Thirumavalavan on Tamil Nationalism, she said that his comments were incorrect. “While I agree with him that we must not indulge in hate propaganda, but he went on blaming one specific religion for indulging in hate propaganda, that too, he has flown across the seas and spoken about a religion that we Malaysians consider equal to the language (Tamil). We cannot accept his views. Yes, it may be his political philosophy and we do not accept the fact that he used this platform (of the World Conference) to speak about it.”

Ms. Saraswathy also added, “We have all congregated here as Tamils, yes, we welcome his views on Tamil nationalism but Tamil nationalism must be for the growth and spreading of the Tamil language and not be the root cause of separatism or target a particular community, ie, Hinduism.

He mentioned that Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism propagate brotherhood but he separates Hinduism and says it is actually Sanatan and it propagates inequality, which means I think he has not understood Sanatan Dharma. As per our understanding of Sanatan Dharma, all are equal, everyone has equal rights over this land and everyone must lead a life based on Dharma. This is what we have understood about Sanatan Dharma. His opinion, placed on an inappropriate platform with ill intentions, is being strongly rejected, and numerous Malaysians are expressing their condemnation of it.”

When asked about casteism in Malaysia, she spoke about how Bali, an Indonesian island with a Hindu majority had no caste-related issues. She said that it was the politicians that were raking up casteism and connecting it to Hinduism for the sake of votes. She also spoke about the issues they were facing among Indians who came to Malaysia for work. She said that alcoholism was a major problem among the Indians. “Alcoholism is a problem in Tamil Nadu too. Will people accept if I say that the Dravidian Model of governance promotes alcoholism? Both are different. Caste is a negative on our society and we have to overcome it but what are they trying to dig by connecting it to only one particular religion? We live in a fast-paced digital world, we are on the path of progress and we talk about unity, we do not agree to dig up a particular ideology and make a structure out of it and claim that this is the cause of casteism.”

She added, “Tamilians must live well and prosper if India/Tamilians do well, we Malaysian Indians feel proud about it because that is our identity. When India wins, when India is praised on the global platform, we feel proud about the epithet given to us as Indians. We want to see Tamil Nadu also do well like us.”

Condemnation By Tamil Hindus In Malaysia

University of Malaya’s Professor Rajendran spoke to a gathering of Malaysian Tamils at Kuala Lumpur where he mentioned the repeated use of the Thirukkural “Yaadhum Oorey Yaavarum Kelir”. This kural was used by Thirumavalavan during his speech at the World Tamil Conference.

Without mentioning Thirumavalavan’s name, Rajendran said, “When you go to a country as a guest, it is important to understand the country’s culture, what are the challenges there, and how we behave there is the exact meaning of that kural. 

If it is our country, we will follow all rules and regulations. Out of that, 99% followed all those rules and we saw that at the conference and we appreciate it. However, less than 1% of them spoke about religion. It would have been okay if they spoke in praise of it. Had someone, even if one person got agitated by the speech and informed the police that someone is speaking disparagingly of religion, today he wouldn’t have returned home but rather have had to go to prison.

In Malaysia, in recent times, the 3Rs should not be touched at all – Religion, Race, and Royalty. If anyone touches these things, no one will be spared is what our PM has said several times and repeated it at the Conference. So we request those people who have come from Tamil Nadu, dear friends, you may have several problems in your country/state, you may be a big shot there but don’t bring that garbage and dump it here.

What should one speak when you come here – something that is common to all, about Tamil, how to do better research in Tamil, how to improve the language, how to better commerce through Tamil, how to improve Tamil research departments, how to create opportunities to do this. Had they spoken healthy politics, it would have made sense but contrarily they spoke unhealthily just because they got a platform. If they thought the people would take this lying down, I think it will lead to very disastrous consequences.”

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Suriya Who Opposed NEP That Proposed 3 Language Policy Promotes Movie In 6 Languages Including Hindi

By
The Commune
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Back in 2019, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre proposed the National Education Policy (NEP) that included a 3-language system for schools, actor Suriya voiced out his opposition to the imposition of Hindi on students in the state of Tamil Nadu.

He opposed the NEP saying that it tried to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states and that the policy as a whole is anti-poor. He claimed that the draft NEP was against rural students.

 “From three years, three languages are being imposed on students and government school students are most affected by this,” he had said.

“I find it difficult to teach even my kids the third language, who will teach the government school students then? If we are going to be silent about this policy, it will be imposed on us,” he had claimed.

A few months ago, he even shifted to Mumbai with his wife and children allegedly for reasons varying from his wife, Jyothika’s acting career to their children’s schooling to his mother-in-law’s health. He is said to have allegedly bought a luxurious apartment worth ₹70 crores in a gated-community in Mumbai.

In a tweet yesterday to promote his upcoming film Kanguva, he tweeted in 6 languages including Hindi to attract audience attention.

However, netizens were quick to call out his apparent hypocrisy. They pointed out that Suriya had been vocal against Hindi “imposition” allegedly under the NEP, and his multi-language tweet seemed contradictory to his previous stance.

This is not the first time ‘actor’ Suriya has been called out for his hypocrisy.

His film ‘Jai Bhim’ features a controversial scene in which a north-Indian man gets slapped for speaking Hindi.

Prakash Raj who plays the role of a police officer slaps a north-Indian (who has been stereotyped as a ‘Marwari’ Saet) for speaking in Hindi and asks him to speak in Tamil. In Hindi, the same scene shows Prakash Raj uttering the dialogue “Speak the truth”. Only in Telugu and Tamil, the makers of the film seem to have deliberately kept the dialogue to exploit linguistic faultlines.

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CPI-M Polit Bureau Member Peddles Fake News That RSS Workers Were Behind Manipur Viral Video Incident, Puts Innocent Father-Son Duo At Risk

By
The Commune
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On 23 July 2023, Subhashini Ali, a former Lok Sabha MP and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, posted a picture of two men dressed in RSS attire, along with a screenshot from a viral video of the Manipur incident claiming that the men were the accused involved in the Manipur incident in which a mob paraded two women naked and allegedly gang-raped one of them.

She said “They are the Manipur accused. Recognise them by their clothes.”

https://twitter.com/SubhashiniAli/status/1683029085851914244

However, her claim was challenged by netizens who called it propaganda and pointed out that it was fake news. The two individuals in the picture are BJP State Vice-President Chidananda Singh and his son.

Subhashini Ali later apologized for the misinformation but did not correct or delete her initial tweet.

The same image and claim were also shared by other social media accounts, supporting the Congress and Communists. One handle by the name of Shankar Kondaparthi on Twitter stated that these two individuals were the ones who led women naked in Manipur.

Incidentally, Student Union President of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Aishe Ghosh shared a drawing that implied RSS to be behind the tragic incident.

https://twitter.com/aishe_ghosh/status/1681889790386655232

In response to the fake news being circulated, BJP State Vice-President Chidananda Singh took action and wrote a letter to the Manipur DGP, requesting legal measures be taken.

He clarified that the photo used in the fake news was edited and pasted with pictures of himself and his son wearing the RSS uniform. The original photo had been downloaded from his Facebook page.

Chidananda Singh mentioned the names of the groups and individuals who shared the false information and asked the DGP to take necessary actions against them. He emphasized that he and his family had no connection to the 4 May 2023 incident portrayed in the viral video.

He further expressed his intention to file defamation cases against those responsible for spreading the fake news on Twitter, maligning him, his family, and the RSS organization.

Later on, the Manipur Police confirmed on Twitter that they had registered a case at the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS) based on Chidananda Singh’s complaint.

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Modi Govt’s Actions To Contain Manipur Unrest & Safeguard Innocent Lives Yield Positive Results

By
The Commune
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Several netizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the central government’s communication regarding the measures taken to address the ongoing violence in Manipur since May 2023. Fake news and misinformation spread through various Twitter handles, leading people to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government for its failure to effectively communicate to the public. This lack of proper communication allowed rumors to circulate unchecked, causing frustration among the people.

So What Have The Modi Government & The Biren Singh Government In Manipur Done To Contain Manipur Unrest & Help The Innocents?

The government was aware of the potential unrest following a judicial order. On 3 May 2023, violence erupted, prompting the immediate deployment of 55 columns of the Indian Army. During that same night, the Army successfully rescued and evacuated approximately 9,000 individuals to ensure their safety. A continuous and unwavering effort was maintained to restore normalcy in the region.

There was a potential risk of food scarcity, which led the government to halt the auction of OMSS (Open Market Sale Scheme) to states, including Karnataka. Despite this, the government ensured that free food grains were supplied to the hill state. A consistent flow of stocks was maintained to prevent any shortage of food grains in the affected region.

To ensure the safety of farmers during the cropping season, the government deployed approximately 2000 security forces to protect them from individuals carrying illegal weapons. The government took strict measures to prevent militants from targeting those working in the fields, prioritizing the well-being of the farmers at all costs.

Under the leadership of Sri Amit Shah, the Home Ministry has overseen Assam Rifles’ efforts to evacuate almost 50,000 individuals to date. This paramilitary force has been instrumental in providing these people with safe passage, shelter, food, and medical assistance, ensuring their well-being and complete security throughout the evacuation process.

Assam Rifles played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of a convoy of civil trucks, which consisted of approximately 9,000 vehicles transporting essential supplies such as food, medicines, and oil to Imphal Valley via NH-37. The paramilitary force provided round-the-clock protection, ensuring the incident-free movement of the convoy. Throughout the operation, human values, compassion, and commitment were given the utmost priority.

The Modi Government has consistently prioritised healthcare. In response to the situation in Manipur, doctors from renowned medical institutions like AIIMS-Kalyani, AIIMS-Guwahati, and NEIGRIHMS-Shillong were promptly sent to provide medical assistance. The well-being of the injured and evacuated individuals was carefully looked after by specialized doctors in various fields, including surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics, and emergency care, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support for those affected.

The timely deployment of specialized doctors significantly bolstered the state’s health facilities. In a heartening incident, pregnant women who were rescued safely delivered their babies in an army camp. Both the Modi Government and the leadership of N Biren Singh employed a comprehensive “all of government” approach to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Manipur. This approach aimed to safeguard the population and provide them with necessary support and assistance during challenging times.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the government made sure that no individual was left behind. They took special care of 50 Manipur children who had been abandoned by their parents in camps, ensuring their safe transfer to shelters. The government handled the situation with sensitivity and made sure that these children were protected from falling into the hands of those involved in the civil war.

During this period, Home Minister Amit Shah was actively involved in planning, instructing, and coordinating with officials and community leaders. His efforts were crucial in the government’s initiatives to restore normalcy in the state. In addition, civil society groups provided robust support for these initiatives, aligning with the government’s actions to bring stability and peace to the region.

Amidst these developments, PM Modi was regularly briefed about the situation and remained constantly vigilant. The government left no room for compromise in ensuring the distribution of essential resources, including petrol and cooking gas, in Manipur. These measures were part of the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy in the region.

Following Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Manipur, an all-party meeting was convened to discuss the ongoing actions in the state. During the meeting, he provided a detailed briefing to parties, including Congress and others, about the measures taken, such as arrests and the number of FIRs filed. Despite the government’s efforts to address the situation, the opposition parties continued with their opportunistic and divisive politics.

In a strong response, a regional party in Manipur countered the scion of Vadra-Congress by attributing the Manipur issue to the Congress party. According to their letter, the root cause of the problem lies in the continuation of the British policy to contain Meiteis, which has contributed to the current situation.

PM Modi conducted meetings where he gave assurances of implementing a Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups, aiming to bring about a ceasefire in the region. The primary objective now is to achieve peace at all costs.

Under the leadership of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the government is devising a plan to establish pre-fabricated houses for the innocent victims affected by the unrest. Initially, they aim to build 3,000-4,000 such houses as a starting point. Considering that many homes were destroyed during the violence, the government is committed to providing shelter to the affected individuals until new permanent homes are constructed for them.

With the assistance of the Government of India, the Manipur government is making every effort to protect innocent lives and ensure their safety and well-being.

The collective efforts of the BJP Government, both at the central and state levels, are yielding positive results as normalcy returns to Manipur. Schools have reopened as of 5 July 2023, and although the student turnout is relatively low, many have returned to their classes. Among the 4,617 schools in the region, only 96 are yet to resume, indicating a significant improvement in the situation.

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Gender Parity In Rajya Sabha: Chairman Nominates Equal Number Of Women Members To Vice-Chairperson Panel

By
The Commune
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In a groundbreaking decision, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, has selected four women Parliamentarians to serve as Vice-Chairpersons on the panel. This historic move marks a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity and representation in the parliamentary leadership.

It is important to highlight that the women members chosen for the panel are all serving their first term as Parliamentarians. Notably, Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak holds a remarkable distinction as the first woman from Nagaland ever to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Prior to the Monsoon Session, the panel was reconstituted and now comprises a total of eight members, with half of them being women. This marks a momentous occasion in the history of the Upper House, as it is the first time that women members have been granted equal representation in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.

In a noteworthy advancement, the Rajya Sabha Chair has transitioned to a fully digital approach. The Chair will now utilise electronic tablets for various aspects related to the House’s functioning, including matters pertaining to conducting business, maintaining attendance records, tracking details of Members speaking, and other relevant information. Here are the particulars of the women Members selected for the panel of Vice-Chairpersons:

Smt. P.T. Usha

A distinguished athlete and recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in July 2022. Within her role as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, she actively serves on various committees, including the Committee on Defence, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Committee on Ethics.

Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak

A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, she holds significant distinctions within the realm of politics. In April 2022, she made history by becoming the first woman elected as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from Nagaland. She also holds the honour of being only the second woman from the state to be elected to either the Parliament or the State Assembly.

As an active and engaged parliamentarian, Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak serves on multiple committees, including the Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the Committee on Empowerment of Women, and the House Committee. She is also a valued member of the Governing Council of the North-Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong.

Dr. Fauzia Khan

A member of the Nationalist Congress Party, she earned her seat in the Rajya Sabha through the April 2020 elections. In her role as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Fauzia Khan actively participates in various committees, including the Committee on Empowerment of Women, the Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Smt. Sulata Deo

A member of the Biju Janata Dal, she secured her position in the Rajya Sabha through the July 2022 elections. As an active parliamentarian, she serves on several committees, including the Committee on Industry, the Committee on Empowerment of Women, the Joint Committee on Office of Profit, the Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

(With inputs from PIB)

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PM Modi Voices Anguish Over Manipur Incident, Vows No Culprit Will Escape Justice

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The Commune
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On 20 July 2023, Prime Minister Modi delivered a concise address before the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament. During his speech, he emphasised that the Parliament will convene to fulfill its democratic responsibilities during the sacred month of ‘Shravan’. The Prime Minister urged all members of Parliament to actively engage in their parliamentary duties and make the most of the session by discussing, debating, and addressing crucial issues for the betterment of the people.

In the concluding part of his 8-minute speech, PM Modi spoke about a disturbing viral video that surfaced from Manipur. The video depicted a horrifying incident in which certain women were forcibly stripped naked, paraded, and reportedly subjected to gang rape by an armed mob.

He said, “Today I stand before you in this temple of democracy with a heavy heart filled with sorrow and anger. The incident that recently came to light in Manipur is an absolute disgrace to any civilized society. It doesn’t matter who the perpetrators are and how many of them there are; our nation and every single Indian are shamed because of the incident. I appeal to every Chief Minister of our country to prioritise and strengthen law and order in their respective states, especially for the safety and security of our sisters and mothers. They must take the strictest action, regardless of whether such incidents occur in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, or Manipur. The significance of law and order should transcend political interests and debates in every state government across the country. We must show the utmost respect for women, and I assure my fellow countrymen that no wrongdoer will escape justice. The law will take its course with full might, and those responsible for what happened to the daughters of Manipur will be brought to justice.”

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Surat Diamond Bourse: Outshining The Pentagon As The World’s Largest Office Building

By
The Commune
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Cover Image Credits: Commercial Design

Surat, renowned as the global center for crafting 90% of the world’s diamonds, has proudly unveiled a remarkable new addition to support its thriving industry. The recently inaugurated Surat Diamond Bourse serves as an all-encompassing hub for more than 65,000 diamond professionals, comprising cutters, polishers, and traders.

CNN reports that the Surat Diamond Bourse, covering an extensive area of over 7.1 million square feet, surpassed the Pentagon, making it the largest office building globally. Spanning 35 acres, the impressive 15-story complex showcases a distinctive architectural design, featuring nine interconnected rectangular structures radiating from a central “spine.”

Following four years of construction, which faced some setbacks due to Covid-related delays, the Surat Diamond Bourse is poised to welcome its first occupants in November. The official inauguration will be done by Prime Minister Modi later this year. 

The Surat Diamond Bourse offers an impressive array of more than 4,700 office spaces, which can also function as small diamond-cutting and polishing workshops. The development encompasses 131 elevators, along with various amenities such as dining, retail, wellness, and conference facilities too, to cater to the needs of the workers.

PM Modi Hails The Diamond Bourse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the impressive Surat Diamond Bourse, expressing that it reflects the vibrancy and progress of Surat’s diamond industry. He took to Twitter to tweet about this and he said, “Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the dynamism and growth of Surat’s diamond industry. It is also a testament to India’s entrepreneurial spirit. It will serve as a hub for trade, innovation, and collaboration, further boosting our economy and creating employment opportunities.”

Delhi-based Morphogenesis Behind The Designing Of The Bourse

Delhi-based architecture firm Morphogenesis was the mastermind behind the construction of the Surat Diamond Bourse, securing victory in an international design competition. The project’s size was carefully planned based on demand, as all the offices were purchased by diamond companies before the commencement of construction. 

Speaking to CNN, the CEO of the project, Mahesh Gadhavi said that surpassing the Pentagon’s size was not the primary objective of the project. Instead, the building’s size was determined based on the demand and requirements of the diamond industry.

The Thought Behind The Design

The layout of the Surat Diamond Bourse is thoughtfully designed to offer an equitable environment for both small and large businesses. The interconnected offices through a central corridor ensure easy access to various amenities and facilities for all occupants.

The state-of-the-art building is equipped with energy-efficient features, designed to consume up to 50% less energy, earning it a coveted “platinum” rating from the Indian Green Building Council. Among its innovations is a “radiant cooling” system that utilizes chilled water circulation beneath its floors, effectively lowering indoor temperatures.

Moreover, the building utilizes solar energy to power the common areas, while the offices are connected through a spacious central corridor, resembling the layout of an airport terminal. 

According to Sonali Rastogi, the co-founder of Morphogenesis, the design of the Surat Diamond Bourse was specifically focused on ensuring equal accessibility for all occupants. The goal was to ensure that no office would take more than seven minutes to reach from any of the entry gates, providing convenience and efficiency for everyone within the complex.

Morphogenesis’s research into the Indian diamond trade played a significant role in shaping the design of the building. Rastogi emphasized the incorporation of nine courtyards within the complex, strategically designed to serve as relaxed meeting places for traders.

The landscaped areas, resembling traditional bazaars, were intentionally included to acknowledge the prevalence of informal transactions happening beyond the office spaces. Rastogi described the courtyards as public parks, designed to facilitate various activities and interactions within the Surat Diamond Bourse.

At present, the surrounding areas of the Surat Diamond Bourse are characterized by low-rise structures. However, the landscape is poised for potential transformation with the ambitious “Dream City” redevelopment plan. This visionary initiative envisions the construction of a smart city spanning nearly 700 hectares in south Surat, with the new diamond hub serving as a prominent anchor tenant within the grand project.

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India’s Passport Strength Surges In 2023 Henley Passport Index, Moving Up To 80th Position, Granting Visa-Free Access To 57 Countries

By
The Commune
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According to the latest report from Henley and Partners, the ranking of the Indian passport has improved, moving up from the 87th position in 2022 to the 80th position in 2023. This advancement grants Indian passport holders visa-free access to 57 countries. The rankings in the Henley Passport Index are determined by the number of destinations that passport holders can visit without requiring a visa in advance. This is primarily based on data sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

India shares the 80th position in the Henley Passport Index with Senegal and Togo. 

Singapore Takes Top Spot

Singapore has taken over the top spot on the Henley Passport Index, displacing Japan for the first time in five years. Japan, previously holding the leading position, now stands in third place. Singapore’s passport has officially been declared the most powerful in the world, granting its citizens visa-free access to 192 out of 227 travel destinations worldwide.

Germany, Italy, and Spain have ascended to the second position in the rankings with visa-free access to 190 destinations. Japan’s passport holders now join Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden in the third position, with access to 189 destinations without requiring a prior visa.

After experiencing a six-year decline, the UK has now made a significant improvement, rising two places in the latest ranking to reach the fourth position. This position is the same one it last held in 2017.

In contrast, the United States continues its decade-long decline on the index, falling another two spots to the 8th position. US passport holders now have visa-free access to 184 destinations. Nearly 10 years ago, in 2014, both the UK and the US jointly held the top position on the index, but they have been steadily descending in rankings since then.

Among the countries within the ‘Top 10,’ the United States has observed the smallest rise in its score on the Henley Passport Index over the last decade, acquiring visa-free access to only 12 additional destinations between 2013 and 2023. In contrast, Singapore has notably increased its score by 25, propelling it five positions higher in the ranking over the past 10 years, ultimately securing the top spot on the index.

Afghanistan retains its position at the bottom of the Index, offering visa-free access to only 27 destinations. It is followed by Iraq with access to 29 destinations and Syria with access to 30 destinations. These three countries have the weakest passports in the world in terms of travel freedom.

Over the 18-year history of the ranking, there has been a consistent trend towards increased travel freedom, with the average number of destinations accessible to travelers visa-free almost doubling from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2023.

Nevertheless, the disparity in global mobility between the highest and lowest rankings on the index has reached its widest point. Singapore, holding the top position, enjoys visa-free access to 165 more destinations compared to Afghanistan, which is at the bottom of the ranking.

According to Christian H. Kaelin, the Chairman of Henley and Partners and the creator of the passport index concept, only eight countries globally have experienced a reduction in visa-free access over the past decade. In contrast, many other countries have achieved more success in providing their citizens with increased travel freedom.

“The UAE has added an impressive 107 destinations to its visa-free score since 2013, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking over the past 10 years from 56th to 12th position. This is almost double the next biggest climber, Colombia, which has enjoyed a jump of 28 places in the ranking to sit in 37th spot,” Kaelin added.

Ukraine and China have also emerged as two of the top 10 countries with the most notable improvements in their rankings over the past decade.

“Far more than just a travel document that defines our freedom of movement, a strong passport also provides significant financial freedoms in terms of international investment and business opportunities. Global connectivity and access have become indispensable features of wealth creation and preservation, and its value will only grow as geopolitical volatility and regional instability increase.”

“Most Open” Countries

In terms of the “most open” countries, the top 20 consists primarily of small island nations and African states, with the exception of Cambodia. 

A total of 12 countries are considered completely open, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to all 198 passports worldwide (excluding their own). These countries include Burundi, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Micronesia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu.

The Henley Openness Index’s lowest rankings are held by four countries that score zero, offering no visa-free access to any passport. These countries are Afghanistan, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Turkmenistan. Following the four countries at the bottom of the Henley Openness Index, there are five additional countries that grant visa-free access to fewer than five other nationalities. These countries are Libya, Bhutan, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, and India, according to the report.

(With inputs from ANI)

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