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India’s First Deepwater Seaport Could’ve Been In Tamil Nadu, Here’s How DMK-Supporting Christian Priest Jegath Gaspar Opposed It In The Name Of Jesus

By
The Commune
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As Kerala celebrates the arrival of the world’s largest container ship, MSC Irina, at the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam International Seaport, a wave of reflection has swept across neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Many are now asking: what if India’s first deepwater transshipment hub had been built not in Kerala, but in Tamil Nadu?

That possibility nearly became reality. The proposed Colachel (later Enayam) deepwater port, backed by the Central Government, had the potential to position Tamil Nadu—already a manufacturing powerhouse—directly on the global shipping map. But the project faced fierce opposition from local groups, some of whom were backed by political and religious figures.

Among the most vocal was Jegath Gaspar Raj, a Christian priest with known leanings toward the DMK. Speaking at a church gathering during the height of protests against the Enayam port, Gaspar invoked religious sentiment to mobilize resistance.

“All elders are here, don’t mistake me—but tell me, how many factories are there? Not even one,” Gaspar said, addressing a coastal congregation. “For a district that does not have a factory, what is the need for an international container port? Why? For whom is this destruction meant?”

He went further, describing the proposed port as a threat not only to livelihoods but to divine creation itself, “You are destroying 56 fishing villages… a scheme is being written to destroy the history, livelihood, future of coastal people. This is not just a challenge—it is a danger to a land lovingly created by God… It is our duty to stand up against the evil forces, the forces of the devil.”

The priest’s impassioned speech, delivered at the Arokya Matha church festival in Thoothoor, appealed to religious identity over economic opportunity. “I came here to Arokya Mother’s festival to tell you that message, I was invited by the youth of this village and i decided to come here. That is because, we have to prove that we are god’s children every day. it is one thing to prove that by our daily activities. it is also one thing to cherish his love, yearn for his love, and fall in love with his love is one thing. but when it comes to time and duty, it is important to hold on to and protect the eternal wonders that God created for us. dear people of Thoothoor, you are people of history, I believe that you are, whether you believe it or not. 25-30 years ago, when I came here, it used to be a matter of pride to see the healthy physique of all the people here. it would remind us of the people of olden days. if you are owners of such a legacy, please i request you in the name of God, this district’s coastal side is holy and was created lovingly by God.”

Now, as Vizhinjam surges ahead—hailed by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Adani Ports MD Karan Adani as a transformative hub for global transshipment—many in Tamil Nadu are left wondering whether political short-sightedness and the mixing of religious rhetoric with infrastructure policy cost the state a historic opportunity.

The contrast could not be starker. While Kerala positions Vizhinjam as a strategic answer to Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port, Tamil Nadu’s Colachel proposal remains buried—derailed, in part, by a campaign that, critics argue, sacrificed development at the altar of dogma.

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Who’s Behind The 2025 Anti-ICE Riots In Los Angeles?

By
The Commune
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This past weekend, the streets of Los Angeles erupted into chaos. Protesters clashed with federal officers, American flags were set ablaze, and ICE facilities were targeted in a wave of anti-immigration enforcement demonstrations that soon spiraled into coordinated civil unrest.

On the surface, the riots appeared to be a spontaneous grassroots uprising — but a closer look reveals a web of ideological coordination, hidden funding streams, and the involvement of international propaganda networks.

Our investigation uncovers that these riots were not merely spontaneous acts of dissent, but rather part of a globally-connected, ideologically-driven movement — linked to a network of radical nonprofits, communist parties, and pro-China influence operations. The common thread? Billionaire activist Neville Roy Singham.

The Visible Frontlines: PSL, CHIRLA, and SEIU

Two key names surfaced quickly in the wake of the protests:

  • The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL)
  • The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

Photos and footage from the protest show that many placards and signs were professionally printed by PSLWeb, the website of the Party for Socialism and Liberation — a Marxist-Leninist political group with deep ties to past anti-capitalist protests.

While PSL is not a registered nonprofit and hides its funding sources, its protests often coordinate with nonprofits such as ANSWER Coalition, an anti-imperialist group with similar ideological leanings.

Meanwhile, CHIRLA, which presents itself as an immigrant advocacy organization, reported $34 million in government grants in its most recent fiscal year — a sharp increase from $12 million the previous year.

While only about $450,000 came from federal sources, the bulk appears to be from California state taxpayers, funneled through Democratic-aligned policy initiatives.

Also connected is SEIU California, whose president was arrested during the protests. SEIU remains one of the most powerful labor unions in the U.S., and although it is primarily funded through union dues, its political activism increasingly overlaps with radical leftist causes — many of which are boosted by deeper, less transparent networks.

The Hidden Architect: Neville Roy Singham

Beneath the surface of these American protest movements lies a shadowy figure with global reach: Neville Roy Singham, a tech billionaire and longtime Marxist ideologue. Singham, the founder of the software consultancy ThoughtWorks, has been widely documented as a financier of pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) narratives across the world. “[Singham is] a Marxist with a massive software company,” says historian Vijay Prashad, who leads one of Singham’s top-funded initiatives: the Tricontinental Institute, based in Massachusetts but with global propaganda ambitions.

A 2023 New York Times exposé confirmed Singham’s network is deeply embedded in American and international leftist activism. Singham’s funding has fueled groups like:

  • The People’s Forum (New York)
  • Code Pink, co-led by his wife Jodie Evans, a former Democratic advisor turned pro-Beijing activist
  • Tricontinental Institute for Social Research
  • NewsClick, the now-defunct Indian digital outlet accused of disseminating Chinese state propaganda

Singham uses shell nonprofits (like United Community Fund and Justice and Education Fund) — many registered to UPS mailbox addresses — to funnel millions of dollars internationally. These funds have reportedly supported everything from South African political parties to protest coordination in the U.S., including leftist activist hubs like ANSWER and PSL.

Who Else Is Promoting The Protests & Riots

It is not just PSL, CHIRLA and ANSWER Coalition, the Million Voters Project (MVP) also appears to have played a role in amplifying the protests.

Their website prominently features the familiar buzzword: Democracy.

MVP is primarily funded through a mix of private grants and foundations, with no known direct taxpayer funding.

If there’s a central figure tying much of this ecosystem together, it’s likely Neville Roy Singham and a Communist-China connection.

Propaganda To Protest: The China Connection

This ecosystem is not merely ideological. It operates like a covert international influence campaign in which protests are used as soft power weapons, aligned with China’s global narrative strategy.

Code Pink, under Evans (Singham’s wife), claimed China is a beacon of peace and progress — even defending the mass detention of Uyghurs. “China is not our enemy,” one of their campaigns declared. “If the U.S. crushes China, it would cut off hope for the human race.”

Singham’s links to Chinese tech firm Huawei, where he served as a consultant, and his $50+ million investments in Chinese businesses, further cement his allegiance. His network has also been accused of rewriting narratives around COVID-19, defending Chinese aggression at the India-China border, and whitewashing domestic authoritarianism through well-funded Western media collaborators.

Notably, the New York Times reported email exchanges between Singham and Prabir Purkayastha, founder of NewsClick, and senior Indian communist leaders like Prakash Karat. These emails involved explicit discussion of Indian border maps and instructions from Chinese officials — clearly breaching the limits of independent journalism.

What This Means: From California To Beijing

The Los Angeles protests of 2025 do not seem to look like isolated, sporadic eruptions — they were the latest flashpoint in a larger ideological project that spans continents and serves geopolitical interests. The fusion of Marxist revolutionary language, nonprofit legitimacy, and tech-driven media manipulation points to a new model of protest: one shaped less by community outrage and more by transnational strategic planning.

Whether it’s NewsClick in India, The People’s Forum in New York, or Code Pink in Washington D.C., the connective tissue is a highly disciplined ideological movement financed by Singham, and amplified by his sprawling network of nonprofits, communist parties, and China-aligned influencers.

(This article is based on an X Thread By DataRepublican)

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“Why Not Learn Hindi To Mingle With North Indians?”: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Veiled Jibe At DMK

By
The Commune
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chandrababu naidu andhra cm stalin dmk hindi

In a pointed departure from the position taken by several southern counterparts, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has defended the inclusion of Hindi in India’s education framework, calling it a tool for national integration and better communication. His remarks come amidst ongoing debates over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the contentious three-language formula, which leaders like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin have strongly opposed, citing concerns over Hindi imposition.

Speaking to India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, Naidu argued for a more pragmatic, less emotional approach to the language issue. “Local language and mother tongue are a must — no compromise on Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, or any regional language,” he asserted. “But why can’t we learn Hindi too, to be fluent and mingle with North Indians? That’s at the national level. We need to recognise Hindi as a national language — there is nothing wrong in it.”

Naidu went on to frame the language debate in terms of opportunity and national cohesion rather than cultural imposition. “Earlier, education served local needs. But due to lack of opportunities, people migrated. Then came English — I told Bill Gates during my first meeting: India has two strengths — mathematics, and English, which the British left behind. These are a deadly combination in the Information Technology age,” he said.

He acknowledged that states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala face a linguistic disadvantage in the national capital due to limited fluency in Hindi. “Today, people from Hyderabad and North India have more advantage in Delhi because of their Hindi. Why can’t we bridge that gap?” he asked.

While Naidu did not name any leader directly, his remarks are being seen as a subtle counter to Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, who has consistently resisted the inclusion of Hindi in schools in Tamil Nadu and government institutions, accusing the Centre of attempting cultural ‘imposition’ through the NEP.

Naidu’s comments mark a clear ideological shift from the strong anti-Hindi sentiment historically associated with many Dravidianist leaders, suggesting a more integrationist approach that prioritizes communication and mobility across states.

The debate over language policy continues to polarize political opinion across India, particularly in the South, where linguistic identity is deeply tied to cultural pride. Naidu’s nuanced stance — advocating both preservation of regional languages and acquisition of Hindi — adds a new dimension to the national discourse.

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“Infringement Of Religious Rights”: TTV Dhinakaran Slams HR&CE’s ₹200 Fee For Local Devotees At Ramanathaswamy Temple In Rameswaram

By
The Commune
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ttv dhinakaran ramanathaswamy temple

TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has strongly criticized the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government for enforcing a ₹200 fee on local devotees visiting the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.

Traditionally, local residents have accessed the temple through a designated special darshan route without charge. However, under the instructions of the newly appointed Joint Commissioner, locals are now being directed to use only the ₹200 paid darshan path, sparking confrontations between worshippers and temple officials.

Amid growing discontent, the People’s Welfare Association has announced plans for a protest on the 17 June 2025, condemning the temple administration’s actions, which they argue infringe on the fundamental right to worship. The protest seeks to restore access for local devotees via the previously used special darshan route without imposing fees.

In response to the protest call, a peace meeting was convened at the Rameswaram Taluk Office. However, the discussions ended in deadlock, as the Joint Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department remained unwavering in the decision to enforce the paid entry.

Reacting to the controversy, TTV Dhinakaran took to his official X account, issuing a strong warning to the HR&CE Department. He demanded that the mandatory ₹200 fee for local devotees be immediately revoked, stating, “Is it justifiable to impose a fee on local residents to have darshan of Lord Ramanathaswamy in Rameswaram? The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department must immediately withdraw this action, which infringes upon the religious rights of local devotees. Recent reports in newspapers have highlighted that the administration of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, located in Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram district, has shut down the traditional darshan route and locals are now being forced to take a paid route requiring a fee for darshan. Closing off a historically used path without any prior notice and restricting darshan only to those who pay the ₹200 fee is a direct violation of the religious rights of local worshippers. Additionally, devotees have complained that metal barricades have been erected in front of the Kasi Viswanathar and Dakshinamurthy shrines inside the temple, to ensure that everyone passes only through the fee-based route. A peace meeting held at the Rameswaram Taluk Office, under the leadership of the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), failed to reach a resolution. As a result, local devotees have been left with no choice but to organize a temple entry protest on the 17th, demanding their right to worship be restored. Therefore, I urge the temple administration, the HR&CE Department, and the Government of Tamil Nadu to lift the restrictions imposed on local devotees at the world-renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram and allow them to use the special darshan route without any fee, as has been the tradition for generations.”

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Jawaharlal Nehru Rejected UNSC Permanent Seat For India Not Once But Twice: Historical Records Confirm

By
The Commune
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Recent discussions on India’s historical foreign policy decisions have reignited interest in the claim that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined offers for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While some have dismissed these claims as myths, documented evidence from multiple credible sources—including archived letters, historical records/accounts, and statements by senior diplomats—affirm that Nehru did, in fact, reject at least two such offers: one in 1950 from the United States and another in 1955 from the Soviet Union.

1950: US Proposal To Replace China With India

According to a widely cited report by The Hindu (10 January 2004), former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor revealed that Nehru declined an offer from the United States in 1953 to take over China’s seat in the Security Council. Tharoor documented this in his biography “Nehru: The Invention of India“, stating that Nehru instead suggested the seat be given to the People’s Republic of China, despite its recent Communist takeover. The report stated, “Jawaharlal Nehru declined the United States offer to India to take the permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council around 1953 and suggested that it be given to China.”

Further corroboration comes from letters written by Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Nehru’s sister and India’s Ambassador to the United States at the time. During a 1950 meeting with U.S. adviser John Foster Dulles, Pandit was reportedly offered a proposal to have India replace China in the Security Council. Pandit’s correspondence with Nehru relays that he declined, explaining, “India, because of many factors, is certainly entitled to a permanent seat in the Security Council, but we are not going in at the cost of China.”

Nehru believed that such a move would provoke Beijing and compromise India’s stance on Asian solidarity. Ironically, twelve years later, China invaded India in 1962.

1955: Soviet Offer To Expand UNSC And Include India

In 1955, a second documented offer was made by the Soviet Union. This time, the proposal was not to replace any country but to expand the UNSC and include India as the sixth permanent member. Soviet Premier Nikolai Bulganin made the offer directly to Nehru.

Nehru once again declined, citing similar reasons. His statement at the time was, “We are opposed to pushing ourselves forward to occupy certain positions because that may itself create difficulties… This should not be done till the question of China’s admission and possibly of others is first solved.”

This position was consistent with what scholars refer to as “Nehruvian foreign policy,” which prioritized the idealistic unity of developing nations and respect for multilateral norms over strategic self-interest.

A detailed analysis of this offer is provided by the Wilson Center’s Cold War International History Project, titled “Not at the Cost of China: India and the United Nations Security Council, 1950”. The article confirms that Nehru’s primary objection was based on the principle—that the People’s Republic of China should first be admitted to the UN in place of the Chinese Nationalists (Taiwan), and only after resolving that issue should India be considered.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Public Denial In Parliament

Despite these documented interactions, Nehru publicly denied in 1955 that any offer had been made. When asked in Parliament, he stated:

“There has been no offer, formal or informal, of this kind. Some vague references have appeared in the Press about it which have no foundation in fact.”

Historians have since speculated that Nehru either did not consider the proposals “serious” or sought to avoid domestic political complications.

Analysts have long debated whether these rejections were principled or imprudent. Critics argue that Nehru’s decisions deprived India of geopolitical leverage in crises such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Kashmir disputes, and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. In these instances, India had to rely on Soviet vetoes in the Security Council—a privilege it could have exercised independently had it accepted permanent membership.

Supporters of Nehru, on the other hand, argue that the U.S. proposal was never formal and was possibly a diplomatic maneuver to alienate India from China or enlist it in the Western bloc during the early Cold War.

As of today, all current permanent members of the UNSC—except China—publicly support India’s bid for permanent membership. Ironically, it is China, the very country for which Nehru sacrificed India’s seat, that continues to block India’s inclusion.

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Chengalamma Parameswari Temple: Sriharikota’s Grama Devata And The Divine Force Behind ISRO Space Launches

By
Ratnakar Sadasyula
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India, that is Bharat, is a land steeped in tradition, spirituality, and deep respect for nature. Here, everything—from the boundless cosmos to the smallest elements of the earth is believed to be interconnected. Ancient sages, understanding this cosmic harmony, channeled divine energies through numerous local deities to benefit humanity.

Have you ever heard of a temple with no doors? A temple that even ISRO scientists visit before every satellite launch to seek divine blessings? Welcome to the Chengalamma Parameswari Temple in Sullurpeta, Andhra Pradesh. The goddess, affectionately called Ammavaru, is revered as the village deity (Grama Devata) of nearby Sriharikota, home to India’s space launches, and is also closely associated with the Pulicat Lake.

The Origins of Sullurpeta and the Deity

Sullurpeta, a small town near the Andhra-Tamil Nadu border, was once a humble village called Subagiri, mostly inhabited by cowherds. According to local legend, while some villagers were grazing cattle and bathing in the Kalangi River, a sudden current threatened to sweep them away. They clung to what appeared to be an old statue and managed to reach the shore safely.

Once the river calmed, they discovered a majestic idol—Ammavaru, depicted with eight arms, weapons in hand, and crushing a demon beneath her feet. The villagers placed the murti under a sacred Raavi (peepal) tree facing east. Strangely, when they returned the next day, the idol had mysteriously turned to face south in her full form as Mahishasura Mardini. That night, the goddess appeared in a dream to the village elder, expressing her wish to remain there. Honoring her request, they built a temple on the same spot.

Over time, Subagiri came to be known as Chengali, then Chengali Peta, and eventually became Sullurpeta during the British era.

Temple Architecture and Unique Traditions

The temple complex is expansive, with a grand eastern entrance (Raja Gopuram) and shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, and the Naga Devatas. The sanctum sanctorum (Garba Gudi) houses the idol of Chengalamma Parameswari, and the temple priests traditionally belong to the Balija community, who were instrumental in building the temple.

One remarkable feature of this temple is that it has no doors. Legend says a thief once attempted to steal from the temple, prompting plans to install doors for protection. However, the goddess appeared in a dream and declared that no barrier should exist between her and her devotees. The doors that were built were set aside in a corner. In time, a tree began to grow from the carved wooden doors, which devotees believe is an embodiment of the goddess herself. Today, people worship both this sacred tree and the main deity.

Nearby are a Naga Lingam and a Navagraha Mandapam. Couples who wish for children often tie small cloth cradles to the tree and perform pradakshina (circumambulation) to seek the goddess’s blessings.

Festivals and Ceremonies

Every full moon (Pournami), special rituals like Maha Chandi Yagnam and Nava Kalasa Abhishekam are conducted with great devotion. The temple is a favored venue for sacred rites such as ear-piercing ceremonies for girls, Aksharabhyasam (beginning of formal education), marriages, and Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony).

Major festivals like Ganapati Navaratri, Ugadi, Mahashivaratri, and Nagula Chavithi are celebrated with fervor, attracting pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Tamil Nadu.

The Grand Brahmotsavam

Every seven years, during the months of May–June, the temple hosts a grand Brahmotsavam festival lasting seven days. The celebrations begin with the Sudi Maanu ritual, where a chakra (disc), a black goat, and a garland are tied to a pole and spun around. Symbolizing the victory over evil, an effigy of a large bull—representing Mahishasura—is ritually beheaded.

Devotees also bathe in the Kalangi River, and the festival includes a Teppotsavam (float festival) where the deity is paraded in a beautifully decorated boat. The final day features a grand procession of Ammavaru carried in a flower-adorned pallaki (palanquin).

Visiting the Temple

Sullurpeta is situated along the Chennai–Howrah railway line and is easily accessible by road. With its proximity to Sriharikota and Pulicat Lake, the Chengalamma Temple is not just a spiritual destination but also a place of cultural and natural significance—definitely worth a visit.

(This was originally published on social media platform X and has been republished here with permission.)

Ratnakar Sadasyalu is a blogger with a passion in movies, music, books, and history. A techie by profession, and a writer at heart. Author of City of Victory a book on Vijayanagar Empire.

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Timeline Of Los Angeles Protests & Chaos Following ICE Raids

By
The Commune
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los angeles protest ice raids trump california national guard marines mexico immigrants

Between 6 June 2025 and 9 June 2025, a series of violent and politically charged events unfolded in Los Angeles County, California, following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting businesses that employed undocumented immigrants using forged documents. The raids, conducted from 6-7 June 2025, triggered widespread protests by undocumented immigrants and activist groups.

The demonstrations quickly escalated into riots, with incidents of stone-pelting, vehicle arson, and road blockades reported across the city. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared multiple gatherings unlawful and made over 100 arrests in an effort to restore order.

In response to the unrest, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on 7 June 2025, a move that was met with strong opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

This report chronicles 16 reported incidents, presenting a sequential account of arson attacks, assaults, and official administrative responses that occurred in the wake of the ICE operations.

#1 6 June 2025: ICE Raids Target Illegal Employment In L.A.

On 6 June 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted coordinated raids across Los Angeles, targeting businesses suspected of employing undocumented immigrants using forged documents. Key locations included a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District and a Home Depot parking lot in the Westlake area. A total of 44 individuals were arrested for immigration violations. The raids were based on evidence that certain employers knowingly hired illegal workers with fake identification. These operations marked the beginning of a tense and volatile period in Los Angeles, triggering strong backlash from immigrant communities and activists.

#2 6 June 2025: Chaos Escalates as National Guard Faces Off with Protesters

Violence erupted in Los Angeles on 9 June 2025 as protests intensified against ICE raids and President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard. Protesters blocked major freeways, set self-driving cars ablaze, and hurled rocks, concrete, fireworks, and electric scooters at police and federal officers. Authorities declared an unlawful assembly by 7:30 PM, prompting LAPD, county sheriffs, and federal agents to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, flash-bangs, and pepper spray. Despite California Governor Newsom’s objections, 2,000 National Guard troops were deployed, triggering outrage and accusations of federal overreach and political provocation.

#3 6 June 2025: LAPD Declares Unlawful Assembly Amid Violent ICE Protest

On the evening of 6 June 2025, protests over ICE raids escalated in downtown Los Angeles. Around 7 PM, LAPD declared an unlawful assembly on Alameda Street between Temple and Aliso, as protesters threw concrete, bottles, and scooters at officers and ICE vehicles. A violent crowd attempted to breach the Roybal Federal Building, prompting the use of tear gas. By 8:20 PM, a citywide tactical alert was issued. LAPD and CHP made 27 arrests. Graffiti, arson attempts, and property damage marked a chaotic response to the day’s immigration enforcement actions.

#4 7 June 2025: LAPD Issues Dispersal Orders as National Guard Arrives

On 7 June 2025, LAPD issued dispersal orders around 2:30 PM near a Home Depot on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount, where protesters had blocked streets with shopping carts and large debris. Demonstrators hurled rocks, bottles, and fireworks at officers and vehicles. Clashes intensified as hundreds of National Guard troops arrived following President Trump’s deployment order, citing “violence and disorder” amid ongoing anti-ICE protests. Demonstrations spread across downtown Los Angeles, Compton, and Paramount. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as unnecessary and vowed legal action, arguing that the situation was being exaggerated and was under control.

#5 7 June 2025: Car Set Ablaze Amid Protests in Paramount

At around 5 PM on 7 June 2025, during escalating anti-ICE protests in Paramount, a white sedan caught fire near Atlantic Avenue and Alondra Boulevard. Los Angeles Fire Department crews quickly responded and extinguished the blaze. The protests, now in their second day, saw clashes between protesters and federal agents, including rock-throwing and use of smoke bombs. The Paramount site was believed to be a federal staging area, not an ICE raid location. As tensions mounted across L.A. County, National Guard troops were deployed by President Trump, drawing criticism from local officials and escalating public unrest.

#6 7 June 2025: Trump Orders National Guard to L.A., Drawing Legal Fire

President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid anti-ICE protests, bypassing Governor Newsom’s authority—a move legal experts call unprecedented and potentially unconstitutional. The order invokes a rarely used federal statute allowing deployment without state consent, raising fears Trump is sidestepping the Insurrection Act while still asserting military control. Governor Newsom condemned the action as inflammatory and legally flawed, vowing a lawsuit. Civil liberties groups warned of militarized crackdowns on civilian protests. The deployment followed the violent clashes and sets up a constitutional showdown over executive power and the militarization of immigration enforcement.

#7 7 June 2025: Cali Guv Newsom Sues Trump Over National Guard Deployment in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom sued President Trump over the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles during immigration-related protests. Newsom called the move illegal and a violation of state sovereignty, as it bypassed state approval. Trump invoked Title 10 but not the Insurrection Act, raising constitutional and legal concerns. Newsom accused Trump of fueling chaos for political gain, while Trump labeled Newsom incompetent. The lawsuit cites violations of the Tenth Amendment and Posse Comitatus Act. Newsom dared federal officials to arrest him, insisting his fight is for California’s communities, not political theater.

 #8 7 June 2025: LA Mayor, Officials Slam Trump’s Guard Deployment

On 7 June 2025, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops as a “chaotic escalation” and political stunt. Governor Newsom and other California leaders echoed the criticism, calling the move unlawful, unnecessary, and an abuse of power. Newsom accused Trump of inciting unrest for political gain, while Rep. Maxine Waters and AG Rob Bonta denounced the intimidation of immigrant communities. Trump allies defended the action, blaming California’s sanctuary policies. Federal officials warned of arrests for obstructing operations, while critics warned the crackdown threatens civil liberties and inflames tensions, not public safety.

#9 8 June 2025: Violence Erupts at Anti-ICE Protest in Compton

On 8 June 2025, anti-ICE protests in Compton turned violent as a gas station near Atlantic Avenue and Alondra Boulevard was looted. Protesters also set a white sedan on fire, which was later extinguished by fire crews. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting law enforcement to deploy pepper spray and flashbangs to disperse the crowd. The incident marked a surge in unrest linked to federal immigration raids and the controversial deployment of National Guard troops. Authorities are investigating the looting and arson, while community leaders urge protesters to remain peaceful to avoid further chaos and confrontation.

#10 8 June 2025: National Guard Arrives in LA Amid Escalating Protests

On 8 June 2025, around 300 National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles under Title 10—the first such federal deployment in 60 years. President Trump, en route to Camp David, hinted at possibly sending Marines, saying the decision depends on “what I think it is.” Marines at Camp Pendleton were placed on high alert, with 500 more at Twentynine Palms prepared to deploy. The action followed violent anti-ICE protests sparked by federal raids. Tear gas and flash-bangs were deployed as crowds clashed with Guard troops and DHS officers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

#11 8 June 2025: Violence Erupts as LA Protests Escalate

On 8 June 2025, protests in Los Angeles intensified following the arrival of 300 National Guard troops. Demonstrators blocked Highway 101, torched vehicles—including autonomous cars—and clashed with federal agents outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. Authorities used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs to disperse crowds. Protesters shouted at Guard troops, some advancing toward them before officers deployed smoke canisters. Over 30 arrests were made, with injuries reported to a Border Patrol officer and one protester. The unrest marks the third consecutive day of protests against President Trump’s immigration raids and military response across Southern California.

#12 8 June 2025: Socialist-Led Protests Condemn ICE Arrests in LA and San Antonio

On 9 June 2025, the Party for Socialism and Liberation led protests outside Los Angeles City Hall, chanting “National Guard go away, ICE get out of Los Angeles.” Similar protests erupted in San Antonio, where hundreds marched against recent ICE arrests, including at immigration courts. Protesters decried the erosion of due process and called for local leaders to resist federal crackdowns. Activists held signs reading “Abolish ICE” and “Mexicans Ain’t Going Anywhere.” Organizers urged mass resistance, citing fear among undocumented families. Protesters criticized elected officials for inaction and demanded protection and solidarity from local governments.

#13 9 June 2025: Cali Guv Newsom Condemns Trump’s Guard Deployment as Illegal

On 9 June 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned President Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as “unlawful” and vowed legal action. Newsom accused Trump of bypassing state authority and inciting chaos over immigration protests. He pledged to sue, citing constitutional violations. Trump, invoking Title 10, defended the move as necessary to protect federal property amid escalating demonstrations. Protesters clashed with police; over 30 arrests were made. Marines remain on high alert. Critics, including LA Mayor Karen Bass and Mexico’s President Sheinbaum, accused Trump of abusing power and escalating tensions unnecessarily with immigration crackdowns.

#14 9 June 2025: Tensions Escalate in LA as Trump Deploys Troops Amid Immigration Protests

Amid growing protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, LAPD Chief McDonnell admitted his force was “overwhelmed.” Mayor Karen Bass accused the federal government of using LA as a “test case” and condemned the deployment of 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops. She warned of fear among residents, including legal immigrants. California filed a lawsuit against Trump, calling the deployment unconstitutional. Trump hinted at arresting Governor Newsom, who vowed legal action. Homeland Security Secretary Noem alleged—without evidence—that protesters were paid agitators. Protests spread to cities including Austin, where arrests were reported outside a federal ICE facility.

#15 9 June 2025: Chaos Intensifies in LA Amid Immigration Raids, Car Set On Fire

Clashes intensified in Los Angeles after federal immigration raids led to mass protests. Demonstrators shut down the US-101 freeway, set five driverless cars on fire, and confronted National Guard troops deployed by President Trump. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets as tensions escalated near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Trump declared on Truth Social that he would “liberate Los Angeles” from a “migrant invasion.” Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal takeover of California’s National Guard and labeled threats to deploy Marines as “deranged.” Over 100 people were arrested in the raids, sparking citywide outrage and unrest.

#16 9 June 2025: Marines on Standby as LA Protests Escalate Over ICE Raids

The Trump administration placed 500 Marines from Twentynine Palms on standby to deploy to Los Angeles amid intensifying protests against immigration raids. The unrest, sparked by ICE arrests and National Guard deployment, led to clashes, tear gas, and the burning of self-driving cars. Trump vowed to “liberate Los Angeles” and restore “law and order,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom called the troop deployment unlawful and inflammatory. The Insurrection Act has not yet been invoked, but officials have warned Marines may be sent if violence persists. Hundreds have protested daily, confronting federal agents and blocking roads.

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Israel To Deport Alleged ‘Activist’ Greta Thunberg And Others On Gaza-Bound ‘Selfie Yacht’

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The Commune
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Twelve passengers, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who were aboard a yacht bound for Gaza with humanitarian aid, have been brought to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation after the vessel was seized in the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The deportation process follows their interception at sea by Israeli forces. Taking to X, the Israel Foreign Ministry said, “The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries.” “Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority,” it added.

The group of activists, part of a mission organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), had set out on a journey to deliver critical aid to Gaza, including rice and baby formula. The boat, named Madleen, was reportedly intercepted about 185 kilometres west of the coast of Gaza. A video released by the group showed Israeli forces boarding the vessel as the activists stood with their hands raised, with one of them stating that nobody was injured during the operation.

Following the seizure, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the activists were taken for medical examinations on Monday evening and shown a “horror film documenting the October 7 massacre” committed by Hamas.

“When they saw what it was about, they refused to continue watching,” Gallant claimed, accusing Thunberg and the other activists of ignoring Hamas’s atrocities and “closing their eyes to the truth.” The FFC strongly condemned the operation, accusing Israeli forces of “attacking” and “unlawfully boarding” the vessel.

The coalition said the aid mission was entirely humanitarian, aiming to bring relief to Gaza, which has faced significant restrictions on aid since the beginning of Israel’s blockade. Among those on board were citizens from Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Apart from Greta, the group included notable figures such as Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament, and Omar Faiad, a French journalist with Al Jazeera. French President Emmanuel Macron was among the leaders who spoke out strongly, urging Israel to release the detained activists swiftly.

“Requested that the six French nationals be allowed to return to France as soon as possible,” said the French presidential office. Macron emphasised France’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad, stating the country was “vigilant” and “stands by all its nationals when they are in danger.” The French government also demanded Israel ensure the “protection” of the activists, with Macron labelling the humanitarian blockade on Gaza as “a scandal” and a “disgrace.”

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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Slams Rahul Gandhi For Betraying Nation And Peddling Pro-Pakistan Propaganda; Praises Owaisi And Shashi Tharoor

By
The Commune
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday praised several opposition leaders for defending India’s stance on international platforms following the country’s retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, while launching a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of undermining national interests.

Speaking during a discussion in the Assam Assembly about the successful ‘Operation Sindoor’, CM Sarma acknowledged the efforts of opposition figures like Shashi Tharoor, Asaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule, commending them for standing up for India on foreign soil. “I am thankful to Congress and other opposition leaders, especially Shashi Tharoor, who have strongly defended India’s position abroad. Leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule also upheld the nation’s honour outside the country,” CM Sarma said.

However, the Chief Minister drew a sharp contrast with Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha of betraying both the nation and the armed forces.

“Rahul Gandhi did not stand with the country. He betrayed the nation. He betrayed our armed forces,” the Assam CM alleged, criticising Rahul Gandhi for raising questions about India’s military losses during the conflict. CM Sarma claimed that while Gandhi repeatedly sought details on India’s casualties during the operation, he showed no concern about the damage inflicted on Pakistan.

“There’s a difference between questioning losses after a military operation and doing so while it’s ongoing. Rahul Gandhi chose the latter — and never once asked what losses Pakistan suffered,” the Chief Minister asserted. Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, and the resolution in the Assembly marked a unified acknowledgment of the Indian armed forces’ role in the counter-offensive. Earlier on Monday, CM Sarma asserted that the government would speed up the process of deporting illegal immigrants from the state to safeguard the indigenous community.

While speaking at the Assembly, CM Sarma said: “The state government is set to use the 1950 law to expel the illegal immigrants here. The apex court of the country has also given a nod regarding this. The administrative machinery will work accordingly to make Assam free from illegal immigrants.” The Chief Minister also pressed for safeguarding the interests of Assamese people.

He said, “I am an Assamese first and a Chief Minister later.” The Assam government has decided to invoke a little-known law from 1950 — the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Order — to fast-track the deportation of undocumented immigrants, bypassing the usual judicial process.

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Akhanda 2 – Thandavam: Nandamuri Balakrishna Returns In A Spiritually Stunning Avatar

By
The Commune
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Kicking off the birthday celebration of Tollywood actor Nandamuri Balakrishna in style, the makers of his upcoming entertainer, “Akhanda 2: Thandavam” unveiled the gripping teaser from the much-discussed drama. The teaser introduces us to Balakrishna’s fiercely divine avatar in his next. The clip showed Lord Shiva’s vahan Nandi flaking the Trishul.

We also get a glimpse of the protagonist’s intense fight against evil. Set against the snow-capped backdrop of Kailasam, the sequel enjoys high-intensity action sequences choreographed by the stunt directors Ram-Lakshman, who have attempted to make the most of Balakrishna’s mass appeal. Renowned composer S Thaman’s background score adds to the whole cinematic experience. “Akhanda 2: Thandavam” marks Balakrishna’s fourth professional collaboration with filmmaker Boyapati Sreenu. A sequel to the 2021 blockbuster “Akhanda” the movie promises all the elements of a mass entertainer.

The drama has been produced by Raam Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under the prestigious banner of 14 Reels Plus, and presented by M Tejeswini Nandamuri. At the moment, the sequel is being filmed in the scenic locales of Georgia, where the team is shooting a major sequence for the movie. Certain parts of the movie were also shot at the sacred Maha Kumbh Mela that took place in Prayagraj this year and witnessed a tremendous footfall of devotees to take a dip in the holy water. With Balakrishna as the protagonist, the action entertainer will also see Samyuktha is the leading lady of the flick.

In addition to these two, Aadhi Pinisetty has been roped in as the antagonist for “Akhanda 2: Thandavam”. The camera work for the film is being taken care of by C. Ramprasad, along with Santoshh D Detake, whereas Tammiraju is the head of the editing department. The technical crew of the drama further includes A.S. Prakash as the art director. “Akhanda 2: Thandavam” is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 25, during Dussehra.

–IANS

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TheCommune
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