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The Real Picture Behind “Periyar Portrait” Unveiling At Oxford University: Yet Another Dravidian Model Scam Like UNESCO Mandram Award

By
The Commune
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university of oxford university mk stalin dmk periyar portrait

On 5 September 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced with great fanfare that he had unveiled a portrait of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as “Periyar” by his followers) at Oxford University, describing it as the “greatest honour” of his life.

The DMK ecosystem and sympathetic media outlets amplified this claim, portraying it as if Oxford University itself had formally recognised Periyar alongside figures like Gandhi or Mandela.

But a closer look at the facts exposes the exaggeration and propaganda behind this narrative.

What Really Happened At Oxford

The event was not an official Oxford University ceremony. It was a small academic conference titled the London Self-Respect Movement Conference, organised within a department of St. Antony’s College, Oxford – one among 39 autonomous colleges that make up the university. Two professors facilitated the programme.

To put it in perspective: it’s like a department of some college on OMR Road under Anna University unveiling a portrait of EVR. You wouldn’t call that “Anna University unveils Periyar’s photo.”

This was not a university-wide event endorsed by Oxford’s central administration. It was a departmental seminar, of the kind that happens almost daily in Oxford’s sprawling academic ecosystem.

The much-hyped “portrait unveiling” was not a permanent installation sanctioned by the university. Unlike the statues of Gandhi or Mandela, which were donated by alumni and officially approved by Oxford bodies, this was simply a framed picture displayed at a conference. There is no official record of EVR’s portrait being accepted into Oxford’s collections or archives.

No Mention On Oxford Platforms

Oxford maintains a central event-listing portal called Oxford Talks, where seminars and conferences are recorded. Searches of the site show no listing under EVR or so-called Periyar’s name or the supposed unveiling. Neither the official Oxford University website nor St. Antony’s College made any announcement about EVR.

In other words, the “Oxford honours Periyar” line is a creation of DMK’s spin machinery – a departmental event presented as a university-wide recognition.

Recycling A Familiar Playbook

This is not the first time such claims have been manufactured. In the past, similar narratives were floated about – Periyar UNESCO Award & Karunanidhi Austria Stamp. Let’s take a look at these.

EVR UNESCO Mandram Award

The so-called UNESCO award that was given to Dravidian ideologue EVR known as Periyar among followers has been one of the greatest lies peddled by the Dravidianists. For long, it has been said, written, and ingrained in the minds of people that EVR was conferred with the title of “Socrates of South-East Asia” by UNESCO. This had found its place even in school textbooks of Tamil Nadu and was even asked as a question in annual examinations and Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exams. However, this award has turned out to be a sham. An email response from the UNESCO office in Delhi has confirmed that no such award/title was given to E.V. Ramasamy Naicker.

Even in the award, there exists a conspicuous error. The title of the award says “Socrates of South-East Asia”. India does not fall under the South-East Asia grouping. The Southeast nations include Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. India comes under South Asia and not South-East Asia.

For more than 40 years, this lie has been peddled with several articles and research papers on EVR written based on this lie. None in the media or those belonging to the ‘intellectual’ circle who speak of facts has ever opened their mouths about this blatant lie peddled.

Then who gave the award to EVR? It was none other than late former DMK leader M. Karunanidhi in the presence of Dravida Kazhagam President K. Veeramani.

Austria Stamp For Karunanidhi

In 2013, the Austrian postal service released a limited-edition postage stamp to mark DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s 90th birthday on 3 June that year. The stamp, priced at 90 euros, features Karunanidhi’s portrait alongside the DMK’s red-and-black party flag and the numeral 90. According to Don Ashok, a businessman with ties to Austria, the initiative was taken by a few individuals who requested the postal service to honour Karunanidhi for his contributions to politics, cinema and literature. He described it as a gesture of affection from party supporters worldwide.

Tribals Praising MK Stalin

In June 2025, a viral video was shared on social media and pushed by Dravidianist mouthpiece Kalaignar Seithigal claiming Tanzanian tribals were “spontaneously” praising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin – this was later exposed as a paid PR stunt.

However, upon closer inspection, it emerged that these “greetings” were anything but spontaneous or sincere. A fact-check revealed that for a small fee, roughly ₹4,000 or $40, anyone can pay for a group of individuals in Tanzania or elsewhere in Africa to perform a short video message with a photo or poster of their choosing. A fact check handle exposed the DMK’s propaganda drama.

Websites like africanjoyflix.com, wishesmadevisual.com, africanbirthdaywishes.com, and wishfromafrica.net openly provide these services, allowing clients to select a group and script their messages, all for a flat fee.

Furthermore, there was no credible or independent information suggesting that the people in the video were aware of, much less appreciative of, the initiatives implemented by the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. Dr. Sukumar’s supposed role in this production also stands unsubstantiated.

The Oxford portrait story fits neatly into this pattern: creating an illusion of global recognition to bolster Dravidian icons domestically.

Political and Ideological Packaging

The speech Stalin delivered at Oxford was heavy with symbolism, describing himself as Periyar’s “grandson in ideals,” claiming Periyar had “fed self-respect to a whole race,” and presenting the portrait unveiling as proof of Periyar’s global relevance.

But the reality is far less grand: a portrait unveiled at a conference room, without any institutional sanction from Oxford.

The propaganda value, however, lies in the contrast between perception and fact. To a Tamil Nadu audience, “Oxford honours Periyar” sounds like historic validation. To the global academic community, it was just another departmental seminar.

Dravidian Model Lies

Why exaggerate such events? Because the Dravidian establishment thrives on projecting its ideology as globally validated. By inflating departmental seminars into university honours, it seeks to manufacture prestige and legitimacy.

So, in a nutshell:

Oxford University did not honour EVR.
No official portrait was installed.
No record exists in Oxford’s archives or announcements.

What happened was simple: two professors organised a departmental seminar where a framed picture was unveiled. What followed was propaganda – a small academic event blown up into an “Oxford recognition” story to serve political optics back home.

Once again, the Dravidian establishment has shown how it thrives on projection, not reality.

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Kerala High Court Questions Travancore Devaswom Board On Funding, Nature Of Global Ayyappa Sangamam Event

By
The Commune
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global ayyappa summit sabarimala kerala high court travancore devaswom board

The Kerala High Court on 3 September 2025 admitted a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) decision to organise the “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” at Sabarimala later this month. The court has sought a detailed explanation from the Board regarding the nature and financing of the event.

A division bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and Syam Kumar V.M. was hearing the petition filed by Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi, who appeared in person. He argued that the programme was “political” in nature and could not be permitted in the name of Lord Ayyappa. He also urged the court to direct the removal of temporary structures erected in and around the temple and the Pampa riverbank, where the event is scheduled on 20 September 2025, saying it would compromise the sanctity of the shrine.

The bench observed that there was a lack of clarity on the true nature of the event. “What we have been told are peripheral things, which do not really explain the event fully,” it remarked. The judges reminded the TDB that it must act strictly within the mandate of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950.

Defending the initiative, TDB’s standing counsel G. Biju told the court that the “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” was conceived to highlight Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage centre, spread the universal message of “Thathwamasi,” and promote religious harmony and global unity. He added that the programme coincided with the Platinum Jubilee of the TDB and assured the bench that “no funds from the public exchequer or TDB resources would be spent.” Instead, the event would be “financed entirely through sponsorships.”

The court, however, directed the Board to ensure transparency. It asked the TDB to file on record comprehensive details of the sponsorships, emphasising that the funding must come from “verifiable and credible sources.” The bench underlined that “every step taken by the Board must align with its statutory duties and the trust reposed in it by millions of devotees.”

Appearing for the state, Senior Government Pleader S. Kannan clarified that the government had no role in organising the programme. Its involvement, he said, would be limited to assisting with crowd management, given the large number of devotees expected to participate.

The court also stressed that the Pampa riverbank, chosen as the venue, should be treated with the “highest sanctity,” noting its reverence as the “Dakshina Ganga” for devotees. “Their duties and responsibilities are only to the religious institutions under the Act; bound in full by the trust, beliefs and conscience of the multitude of devotees on the deity,” the bench observed.

Admitting the PIL, the court directed the TDB to submit complete details of the event, including its schedule, structure, and financing, before the next hearing on 9 September 2025.

(With inputs from LawBeat)

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Onam Celebration With Loud Music Inside Kanyakumari Government Hospital Housing NICU Sparks Outrage

By
The Commune
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onam celebration kanyakumari

A video featuring female staff members dancing inside Kuzhithurai Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism and recommend for disciplinary action. The footage shows nurses celebrating the Onam festival with songs and traditional dances inside a hospital building that houses both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Surgery Department.

The hospital, situated in the Vettumani area, serves a large number of patients from neighboring regions. During the Onam celebration, the staff reportedly used loudspeakers to performed dance. The video of this event, now circulating widely online, has drawn public backlash due to concerns about noise disturbances near critical care units.

Many social media users have condemned the staff for holding a noisy celebration within the hospital premises, pointing out that such festivities could disturb patients in sensitive departments. Several have suggested that the event should have been held in a less disruptive location also recommended for action.

Onam, a major festival in Kerala, is also widely celebrated in bordering regions of Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari district, where the culture and traditions are closely intertwined with those of Kerala.

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ECI Issues Notice To Congress Leader Pawan Khera’s Wife For Allegedly Holding Two Voter IDs

By
The Commune
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pawan khera eci

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued a notice to Congress leader Pawan Khera’s wife, Kota Neelima, and sought a response by September 10 for allegedly holding two active EPICS – one in Delhi and another in Telangana.

The ECI notice, sent to Neelima at her address in Kaka Nagar in Delhi, was issued by the Election Registration Officer (ERO) of the New Delhi Assembly constituency. The notice said, “As you may be aware, being registered in the electoral roll of more than one constituency is a penal offence under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.”

“You are, therefore, directed to show cause as to why action should not be taken against you under the said Act,” it said. The ERO told Neelima, “Your reply should reach this office by 11 a.m. on September 10 (Wednesday).”

Khera’s wife was issued the notice under Form 7/Rule 20 (3) (b) of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The ERO, in a post on X, also shared the two separate entries from electoral rolls from the two states showing her separate The poll panel’s notice to Neelima comes close to the BJP its attack on the Congress party on the issue of ‘voter theft campaign’.

After revealing Congress national spokesperson Pawan Khera’s two voter IDs, the BJP on Wednesday targeted his wife, also a Congress leader, for also holding “two active EPICS”.

BJP leader and its IT cell chief Amit Malviya on social media platform X, stated that Pawan Khera’s wife Kota Neelima, who contested from the Khairatabad segment in Telangana, also holds two active EPICs — one in Khairatabad and another in New Delhi.

He also shared the details of the two cards — EPIC Number: TDZ2666014 Assembly: 60-Khairatabad, which was active in 2023 and 2025; EPIC Number: SJE0755975 Assembly: 40-New Delhi. Malviya questioned Rahul Gandhi’s silence over the issue.

“Rahul Gandhi held a press conference and, without adequate due diligence, targeted and tarnished honest voters – even putting them at risk by revealing their identities without consent. He doxxed young, upwardly mobile professionals and poor daily wagers who had moved cities in search of better opportunities,” he said on X.

-IANS

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Vellore Court Orders Arrest Of DMK Minister Durai Murugan In Disproportionate Assets Case

By
The Commune
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"Central Govt Has Formed A Committee Full Of Brahmins To Rewrite Indian History, Time For DMK To Show Its Strength", Says DMK Min Durai murugan At DMK's 75th Anniversary Event disproportionate asset

The Vellore Principal Sessions Court has directed police to execute an arrest warrant against senior DMK leader, party general secretary and senior minister Durai Murugan on September 15 in connection with a long-pending disproportionate assets case.

Durai Murugan, currently serving as Water Resources Minister in Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s cabinet, earlier held the Public Works Department portfolio in the DMK government led by late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi between 1996 and 2001. During that period, allegations surfaced that he had amassed assets far exceeding his known sources of income.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) subsequently filed a case during the succeeding AIADMK regime, charging Durai Murugan, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, brother, and others with accumulating illicit wealth worth Rs 3.92 crore. Following investigations and questioning, the trial court in 2007 acquitted the minister and his family members.

In 2013, however, during another AIADMK government, the DVAC filed a revision petition before the Madras High Court challenging the acquittal. After hearing both sides, the High Court set aside the earlier order, reinstated the charges, and directed a special court in Vellore to complete the trial within six months.

The case, now transferred to a special court in Chennai, has been under trial. The court had earlier ordered Durai Murugan and his wife to appear in person. While his wife complied and successfully petitioned to have her arrest warrant recalled, Durai Murugan failed to appear.

His absence prompted the court to re-issue an arrest warrant, instructing the police to execute it if he does not appear by September 15. If the senior DMK leader fails to present himself before the court on the specified date, he will have to face arrest, marking a significant development in the decades-long case that continues to shadow his political career.

-IANS

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Hundreds Of Auto Drivers Petition DMK MP Kanimozhi To Support Reopening Sterlite Plant With Green Copper Production

By
The Commune
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dmk mp kanimozhi sterlite thoothukudi
[Image Credit: Kadivaalam News]

Hundreds of auto rickshaw drivers from Thoothukudi, led by Karuppasamy, Secretary of the Muthunagar Auto Drivers Welfare Association, met DMK MP Kanimozhi at her camp office on 4 September 2025 to submit a formal petition.

In the petition, the drivers urged the MP to initiate a special resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the reopening of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi under a “green copper” production model.

The petition highlighted that over a thousand families in Thoothukudi depend on auto driving for their livelihood, with many small businesses and informal workers relying on large-scale industries in the region. The Sterlite Copper plant, they said, had once supported the employment of nearly two lakh people both directly and indirectly.

They noted that the closure of the Sterlite plant allegedly without legal justification had caused widespread economic disruption, not only affecting local livelihoods but also impacting Tamil Nadu’s economy and the nation’s copper supply. Since the shutdown, copper demand has increased, leading to adverse effects such as inflation and rising import costs.

The petition referenced expert recommendations from environmental scientists, including Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Ganapathy D. Yadav and retired environmental professor Dr. R. Nagendran, who have laid out a roadmap for operating the plant under environmentally sustainable conditions.

The auto drivers appealed to MP Kanimozhi to champion their cause by advocating for the plant’s reopening through a special legislative resolution, enabling it to resume operations with a green production approach and restore thousands of lost livelihoods in the region.

Sterlite protest & Shut Down

In 2018, fringe outfits and missionary-backed groups led a campaign against the Sterlite Copper plant, which the DMK leveraged as a political opportunity to push for its closure. However, the situation has since reversed the people of Thoothukudi are now leading calls for the plant’s revival.

The shutdown dealt a major blow to Tamil Nadu’s economy, stripping Thoothukudi of jobs and triggering financial distress. Meanwhile, Gujarat swiftly capitalized on the gap in copper production. What was once hailed as an environmental win has come full circle, with the DMK now facing the fallout of a decision it once championed.

Mounting Protests from the Ground

In July 2025, hundreds of residents staged a protest outside the District Collector’s Office, demanding the reopening of the Sterlite plant they once opposed. Villagers from Pandaram Patti South, Veerapandiapuram, fisherfolk from Threspuram, and members of women’s self-help groups rallied, stating that the plant’s closure had robbed them of jobs and economic security.

Amid heightened tensions, a strong police presence was deployed. Only a few representatives were permitted to meet the Collector and submit a petition on behalf of the demonstrators.

On 16 June 2025, villagers from South Veerapandiapuram, Saminatham, and nearby communities gathered outside the Thoothukudi District Collector’s Office. Their demand was simple: reopen the Sterlite Copper plant and the associated thermal power station. Many of the protesters were former employees, who now struggle to survive as low-paid laborers. According to their statements, over 300 youth from these villages had worked at the plant, and the shutdown pushed them into economic instability.

Surprisingly, the call for reopening the facility has come not just from locals, but also from the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) a key ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu. INTUC national secretary Kathirvelu openly questioned the inconsistency in allowing copper smelters to operate in other states while Sterlite remains shut. He pointed out that if pollution was the concern, it should be addressed with uniform regulations across India.

INTUC maintained that the economic cost of closure has been immense. Thousands of jobs were lost—not only within Sterlite itself but across hundreds of ancillary businesses that depended on the plant’s operations.

Wider Impact Across Industries

The plant’s closure didn’t just affect direct employees. On 6 January 2024, members of the Namakkal Lorry Owners’ and Trailer Owners’ Associations staged protests, claiming the shutdown paralyzed the logistics sector in the region. Over 6,500 trucks were impacted, and more than 600 vehicle owners had to seek alternative sources of income. Daily revenue losses were estimated at around ₹10 crore. Protesters proposed restarting the plant under strict environmental guidelines to balance development and sustainability.

In February 2025, the Thoothukudi Contractors’ Association joined the demand, highlighting job losses for 20,000 workers and severe financial strain on 400 SMEs, with income levels dropping by 40%. They have called for a Government Order to restart operations.

On 13 May 2025, representatives from the Thoothukudi People Livelihood Protection Association met with MP Kanimozhi, urging her to support efforts to revive the copper plant. Their appeal noted that the facility had supported 20,000+ families across 50 villages for over two decades. Around 64 contractors had invested in trucks and machinery solely to serve Sterlite’s logistics operations. When the plant was shut, many were left facing crippling debts, having mortgaged personal property to finance their businesses.

Association president S. Thiyagarajan criticized the misleading narrative that labeled Thoothukudi as the “cancer capital” due to the plant’s presence. He pointed to multiple independent environmental assessments that found no such link, yet the perception persisted, fueling protests and ultimately the closure.

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CCTV Footage Shows Kunnamkulam Assaulting Youth Congress Leader Sujith V S; Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Calls for Action

By
The Commune
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CCTV footage has surfaced showing Youth Congress Chovannur Mandalam president Sujith V S being brutally assaulted inside the Kunnamkulam police station on 6 April 2023. The visuals were obtained following a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Sujith.

According to the case registered in the Kunnamkulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court, Sujith suffered hearing loss following alleged custodial violence by Sub-Inspector Nuhman and CPOs Sashindran, Sandeep, and Sajeevan.

The incident reportedly began when Sujith questioned police officers who were allegedly threatening his friends standing by the roadside at Chovannur. Enraged, SI Nuhman allegedly brought Sujith to the station in a police jeep, where he was assaulted in custody. Sujith stated, “Just before reaching the station, the police jeep was stopped on the road. Sajeevan, one of the officers, opened the back door and assaulted me. Once inside the station, the officers together subjected me to brutal thrashing.”

Police later filed a FIR against Sujith, accusing him of public nuisance and obstructing duty under the influence of alcohol. However, a medical report confirmed he had not consumed alcohol, and the Chavakkad Magistrate Court granted him bail.

Following the assault, Sujith filed complaints with senior police officials and the Human Rights Commission. A departmental inquiry retrieved CCTV evidence showing five policemen beating him inside the station. Judicial Magistrate L Jayanth subsequently ordered a case to be registered against the accused officers. Advocate CB Rajeev, also Kunnamkulam Block Congress president, represented Sujith in court.

The Crime Records Bureau (CRB) inquiry, led by Assistant Commissioner Sethu K C, confirmed the assault. The footage reportedly shows officers continuing the assault upstairs in the CCTN room in the presence of Sub-Inspector Nuhman. Officers were also seen removing Sujith’s ring, bracelet, and chain, and one officer carried a stick while escorting him out of the room.

Sujith further alleged that police tried to offer ₹20 lakh through Congress leader Varghese Chovannur to withdraw the case, an offer he refused.

Reacting to the incident, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the custodial violence, wrote, “The custodial violence against Youth Congress leader Sujith by Kunnamkulam Police is deeply disturbing. Assaulting a citizen for questioning police threats is not just unlawful — it is inhuman. Such officers, who violate the very principles of justice and dignity, have no place in the police force. They have forfeited the moral right to continue in service. The CM and Home Department must act. Silence cannot be the shield for such brutality. @CMOKerala @IYCKerala”

Disciplinary action is being considered against the police officers involved, and further proceedings are expected to be conducted under the direct supervision of the court.

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Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees Who Arrived Before 2015 Exempted From Penal Action

By
The Commune
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sri lankan tamil refugees 2015 penal action
Image Source: India Today

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced exemptions for certain refugees and undocumented migrants from penal provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Under the new Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who arrived in India before 9 January 2015 will not be penalised for being without valid passports, travel documents, or visas. India does not formally recognise refugees, and the exemption effectively ensures that registered Sri Lankan Tamils will not be treated as illegal migrants.

The MHA had earlier, in 2015, waived visa fees and overstay penalties for Sri Lankan refugees arriving before the same date who opted to voluntarily return to Sri Lanka. The 2025 Act, which replaced earlier immigration laws, criminalises entry or stay of foreigners without valid documents with fines of up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

According to the September 2 notification, the provisions of sub-sections (1), (2), and (3) of Section 3 of the 2025 Act, regarding the requirement of a passport, other travel documents, or visa, shall not apply to registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took shelter in India up to 9 January 2015.

Exemption Extends To Other Minority Communities In Neighbouring Countries

In addition, the exemption extends to undocumented members of six minority communities: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before 31 December 2024. These measures ensure that these migrants will not face criminal prosecution and can apply for long-term visas (LTVs), a precursor to citizenship.

A senior government official stated that the exemption aims to protect those who were compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear thereof. However, the official clarified that the move does not extend the cut-off date of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), which remains 31 December 2014.

The CAA allows citizenship for undocumented migrants from the six non-Muslim communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, who entered India on or before 31 December 2014, reducing the residence requirement for naturalisation from 11 years to five years. The LTVs issued under the September 2 order ensure that no criminal action will be taken against these migrants for illegal stay.

The September 2 notification also specifies that provisions under Section 3 and rules 7, 8, and 9 of the Foreigners and Immigration Act, 2025, regarding the requirement of valid passports or visas for entry, stay, and exit, shall not apply to undocumented migrants from the six minority communities who entered India on or before 31 December 2024, including those whose documents have expired.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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13 Heroic Rescue And Relief Operations Carried Out By Indian Army In 2025

By
The Commune
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indian army rescue operations jammu kashmir himachal uttarakhand punjab

In the wake of devastating flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army swiftly responded by constructing a Bailey bridge over the Jangalwar stream on National Highway 244, restoring connectivity to the Doda and Kishtwar districts on 2 September 2025.

This report compiles 13 major rescue and relief operations carried out by the Indian Army in 2025, where troops responded swiftly to floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and other disasters across multiple states of Bharat, saving thousands of lives and restoring vital connectivity.

#1 Army Restores Connectivity in Ramban, J&K

In the wake of devastating flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army swiftly responded by constructing a Bailey bridge over the Jangalwar stream on National Highway 244, restoring connectivity to the Doda and Kishtwar districts on 2 September 2025. The washed-away road portion had cut off strategic national projects and vital highways, severely impacting the movement of essential supplies. Army engineers from the White Knight Corps mobilized bridging equipment and executed the mission under challenging conditions, ensuring remote communities regained access to crucial resources and transportation routes.

#2 Bailey Bridge Constructed In 12 Hrs Over Tawi River

On 29 August 2025, after a section of the ₹147 crore fourth bridge collapsed in Jammu due to heavy rains, the Indian Army demonstrated remarkable efficiency by building a 110-foot Bailey bridge within 12 hours. The soldiers, belonging to the Rising Star Corps, launched multiple concurrent rescue missions with assistance from Army and IAF helicopters, evacuating nearly 1,000 people, including children and paramilitary personnel. These concerted efforts rapidly reestablished key communication links between Jammu and Srinagar at a critical time.

#3 Amphibious Vehicle Rescue in Punjab

Severe flooding in Punjab saw the Indian Army deploying the advanced ATOR N1200 amphibious vehicles on 28 August 2025, to rescue civilians stranded in submerged villages. Manufactured in collaboration between JSW Gecko Motors and Copato, these vehicles enabled access to isolated pockets unreachable by conventional means. Army and NDRF teams used this technology to move villagers to safety, exemplifying effective collaboration between Indian innovation and military efficiency during natural calamities.

#4 Gangotri Highway Reopens After Disaster

After a destructive flood submerged a critical segment of the Gangotri National Highway between Harsil and Dharali, the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation worked tirelessly to clear debris and install Hume pipes. Their efforts allowed vehicular movement to Gangotri Dham to resume by 30 August 2025—24 days after the highway became impassable. The reopening reconnected pilgrims and locals, underscoring the army’s pivotal role in restoring mobility in disaster-stricken areas.

#5 Pilgrims Rescued at Machail Mata Temple

Following a deadly cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, on 17 August 2025, Indian Army personnel, alongside disaster response teams, swiftly rescued pilgrims stranded at the Machail Mata temple. The catastrophe claimed at least 55 lives, but the Army’s rapid mobilization led troops to the scene within 45 minutes, enabling them to save lives under hazardous conditions. Timely medical and logistical support were provided to the survivors in this remote location.

#6 Air Operations Evacuate Thousands

On August 16 and 17, 2025, Indian Army aviation undertook over 250 hours of sorties using Mi-17s, a Chinook, and other aircraft to rescue more than 5,000 civilians and 300 paramilitary personnel from flood-affected regions in Punjab, Jammu, and Himachal Pradesh. Forty-seven army columns collaborated closely with civil authorities, NDRF, and SDRF to evacuate the stranded, airdrop 21 tonnes of relief materials, restore communications, and lay a critical Bailey bridge at Jammu Tawi, proving the army’s comprehensive disaster management capabilities.

#7 Army Responds Swiftly in Arunachal Valley

After a catastrophic landslide, triggered by a cloudburst on the night of August 16-17, 2025, Indian Army troops under the Spear Corps teamed with the Civil Administration in Angrim Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Battling treacherous terrain, the teams conducted immediate rescue and relief operations, delivering essential aid and rekindling hope amidst devastation. Their prompt courage and teamwork minimized casualties and initiated the rebuilding of affected communities.

#8 Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Rapid Army Response

Responding to the severe cloudburst that struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi on 5 August 2025, the Indian Army’s IBEX Brigade launched immediate rescue operations in rugged, debris-laden terrain. The troops successfully rescued more than 550 civilians, providing emergency medical care and evacuation services. Their swift intervention amidst landslides was crucial in safeguarding lives and mitigating the disaster’s impact in the flood-hit region.

#9 Boy Airlifted from Flooded River in Rajouri

In a dramatic operation on 23 July 2025, an Army helicopter rescued a minor boy trapped atop a rock in a flooded Rajouri river in Jammu and Kashmir. The joint mission involved the Indian Army, SDRF, local police, and civilian divers braving adverse weather and dangerous currents. The successful airlift showcased close cooperation among agencies and highlighted the valor of the 662 Army Aviation Squadron deployed from the White Knight Corps.

#10 Operation SHIVA: Safeguarding Amarnath Yatra

Following heavy rain and a landslide along the Baltal route in July 2025, the Indian Army played a vital role in ‘Operation SHIVA’ to ensure the safety of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Kashmir. The army responded promptly, providing food, medical assistance, and essential support to hundreds stranded by washed-out roads. Their intervention rescued over 500 pilgrims, emphasizing the military’s commitment to protecting lives during religious events affected by natural disasters.

#11 Vital Himachal Track Cleared for Relief

Between July 6 and 11, 2025, the Indian Army, working alongside SDRF, NDRF, and local authorities, restored crucial access in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Floodwaters had isolated several villages, but army columns delivered relief material, set up medical camps, and distributed rations. Aid reached areas like Degi, Rushad, and Chapad, ensuring essential supplies continued to vulnerable populations despite challenging conditions.

#12 Massive Rescue Across Northeast India

From May 31 to June 3, 2025, Indian Army, Air Force, Assam Rifles, and multiple agencies executed ‘Operation Jal Rahat-II’ across Manipur, Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh after floods and landslides severed communication. Over 1,560 civilians were rescued from isolated communities, with dedicated medical camps, food, and water supplied to relief centers. The army’s well-coordinated efforts ensured the safety and support of affected populations during this widespread humanitarian crisis.

#13 Avalanche Response in Uttarakhand

On February 28, 2025, a massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation camp in Mana, Uttarakhand. Indian Army troops from the IBEX Brigade undertook a dangerous and determined rescue operation, saving 46 people amidst harsh weather and challenging terrain. Despite their best efforts, eight lives were lost. The operation demonstrated the army’s bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment under the most adverse circumstances.

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Kerala Crime Branch Files FIR Against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Over Alleged Sexual Harassment, Stalking, And Intimidation Of Women

By
The Commune
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With just less than two weeks left for a fresh Assembly session in Kerala, the Crime Branch Police has filed an FIR against Youth Congress former state president and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with multiple allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and intimidation of women. The FIR was submitted before the Thiruvananthapuram Judicial First Class Magistrate Court.

According to the FIR, Rahul allegedly harassed women on social media, sent threatening messages, and even pressured one woman to undergo an abortion. He has been booked under BNS Section 78(2), Section 351 of the Police Act, and Section 120. The charges were filed based on complaints received by the State Police Chief. The case stems from complaints filed by five individuals, all of whom are third parties not directly connected to the alleged victims. While the women at the centre of the allegations have not yet lodged formal complaints, the Crime Branch has said their statements will be recorded if evidence is produced.

The agency has already taken the deposition of Advocate Shino, one of the complainants, and indicated that it will also question journalists who posted about the controversy on Facebook. Investigators have reportedly traced one of the alleged abortion incidents to a hospital in Bengaluru, from where information has already been collected.

The Crime Branch is preparing to record the statement of the woman said to have undergone the procedure. There are also indications that a second woman may have had an abortion, allegedly with assistance from a relative of the first. These claims, however, remain under verification. The FIR notes that the police took up the case suo motu, citing repeated harassment of women by Rahul on digital platforms. It also records allegations that he threatened women over the phone and sent coercive messages related to abortion.

With the case now before the court, the Crime Branch maintains that further action will depend on direct testimonies and corroborative evidence from the women allegedly involved. With Mamkootathil now suspended from the Congress party, all eyes are on how the party will re-engage with the issue especially amid growing concerns that the state government is targeting him for political gain. This comes at a time when the Congress-led opposition is gearing up to challenge the Vijayan government over its alleged mismanagement.

-IANS

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The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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