In moments of national crisis, India’s unity is often tested—and in that process, those harboring divisive or hostile sentiments are inevitably exposed. One such recent example is actress Mandana Karimi, who hails from Iran but built her career in India’s entertainment industry, featuring in projects like Anil Kapoor’s Thar. Having found in India the professional freedom denied under Iran’s conservative regime, Karimi was once appreciated by Indian audiences. That goodwill, however, appears to have been misplaced.
Following India’s pre-dawn retaliatory strike targeting terror camps in Pakistan, Karimi took to Instagram Stories to express outrage not against terrorism, but against India. In a now-deleted post, captured and circulated by social media users, she accused India of bombing “Pakistani Kashmir” and “murdering civilians and children.” She grouped India with the U.S. and Israel, writing, “The world is on fire… All of these deaths are a direct response from genocidal powers… Whether it’s Zionism, Hindutva fascism, or American exceptionalism, imperialism continues to rage on.”
Her full post read, “The world is on fire. India bombing Pakistani Kashmir murdering civilians and children moments ago. Israel murdered a family in Khan Yunis just moments ago. America bombed Yemen murdering civilians just yesterday. All of these deaths are a direct response from genocidal powers that learned from each other that you can carry out war crimes with impunity while the world swallows its tongue. Whether it’s Zionism, Hindutva fascism or American exceptionalism, imperalism continues to rage on and burn all in its path.”
These comments stood in stark contrast to India’s official position and evidence, which clearly stated that the operation targeted only terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The situation took a more damning turn when Masood Azhar—an internationally recognized terrorist—confirmed that members of his own family were killed in the Indian strike, reinforcing that it was indeed a counter-terror operation, not an attack on civilians.
Mandana Karimi chose India for her modelling and acting career. Because it's not possible in her home country, Iran. She got full support from Indians when she raised her voice against the Iranian regime's atrocities.
Amidst this, Karimi’s comments have sparked widespread backlash. Many netizens have called for her deportation, labelling her views anti-India. “Get out of India!” one user wrote. Another demanded, “Her visa should be revoked. We don’t need such people maligning our country from within.”
Posts Clarification Following Backlash, Deletes It
Amid mounting criticism on social media, Karimi returned to Instagram to issue a clarifying note. Responding to the backlash she received for her previous comments—or lack thereof—on a sensitive issue, Karimi defended her stance, insisting that her message had been misinterpreted.
In her post, Karimi stated that her original intent was a “call for peace” rather than any form of political statement or condemnation.
“Let me say this loud and clear: I’ve lived in India for 16 years. I’ve worked hard, adapted, contributed, and made this place my home—with love, effort, and respect. And yes, I’ve had the most incredible friends and people here who made me feel like I belong. But then there’s the other side—the small-minded, toxic corner that will always see me as an outsider, no matter what I do. Here’s the thing: I’ve always been open, vocal, and woke. But if I choose not to speak about something, not to post about something—that’s also my right. It’s a human right. You don’t get to tell me when to speak, what to say, or how to feel. That’s not how it works.”
She further reiterated her respect and admiration for India, emphasizing the bond she has developed with the country over the years.
“And now, let’s talk facts. I’m proud of India. I’m proud of how far this country has come. I have deep respect for the Indian government—for what it’s done to protect its borders, grow its economy, and stand tall on the global stage. This country has given me space, purpose, and pride. And instead of standing together in that spirit, some people just want to tear down, hate, and harass.”
Despite her efforts to clarify her position, the follow-up post has since been removed from her Instagram feed.
Operation Sindoor
India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, saw the military targeting nine identified terror bases across PoK. It was a precise, tri-services retaliation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Pakistan, unprepared for such a swift and coordinated response, scrambled jets in a dogfight that became one of the most prolonged air confrontations between the two nations. Despite Islamabad’s claims of downing five Indian jets, New Delhi has not responded, choosing instead to focus on facts and outcomes.
Interestingly, Karimi’s home country, Iran, had earlier expressed willingness to mediate peace between India and Pakistan—yet its own citizen, benefiting from India’s freedoms, chose to defame the very nation that gave her a platform.
While many celebrities have lauded the Indian Armed Forces and shown solidarity with the nation’s stand against terror, Karimi’s outburst stands as a glaring exception—one that many believe reveals where her true loyalties lie.
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The Indian government is preparing to initiate appropriate action against global news outlet Al Jazeera after its recent video coverage referred to Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir as mere “explosions.” Government sources told India Today that the Qatari-based broadcaster’s portrayal of the ongoing border violence amounts to misinformation and undermines the gravity of Pakistani aggression against Indian civilians.
India to initiate appropriate action against Al Jazeera over misinformation. Al Jazeera has termed the shelling by Pakistani army at LoC as "explosion" pic.twitter.com/v4llOjYdRG
The controversial video posted by Al Jazeera English was titled:“Explosions in Indian-administered Kashmir“and stated,“Video filmed in Indian-administered Kashmir captured loud explosions and smoke around the town of Poonch near the Line of Control as Pakistan promised a ‘robust response’ to a series of Indian air attacks.”
The outlet seemingly downplayed the Pakistani Army’s targeted shelling on civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC).
14 Days of Cross-Border Aggression
The controversy comes amid intensified ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, who have reportedly shelled LoC areas in Jammu and Kashmir for 14 consecutive days. The worst-affected areas include Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Akhnoor, and Poonch.
Fifteen civilians have been killed and 59 injured in Pakistani shelling, which has escalated to include heavy artillery and mortar fire. On 8 May 2025 (Thursday), an Indian Army soldier, Dinesh Kumar of 5 Field Regiment, also lost his life in the cross-border firing.
The attacks follow India’s high-precision military operation — Operation Sindoor — launched in the wee hours of 7 May 2025, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In retaliation, Pakistani troops launched mortar and artillery attacks on Indian civilian settlements, particularly in the Karnah sector of Kupwara, forcing mass evacuations.
The situation has become so volatile that United Nations officials stationed in the Poonch district under the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) were evacuated for safety. Authorities in the Uri sector have also begun relocating civilians due to the relentless shelling over the past 48 hours.
Strong Indian Military Response
The Indian Army has responded with “proportionate and punitive” action, targeting Pakistani military positions involved in the shelling. According to defence sources, these strikes have inflicted “significant damage” on Pakistani installations and are believed to have caused substantial casualties on the enemy side.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has reportedly instructed field commanders to take strong retaliatory measures and ensure civilian protection at all costs.
It’s extremely puzzling to see popular Tamil YouTubers consistently express support for countries like Pakistan and Palestine—nations widely known for harboring and backing terrorism. Without a shred of shame, these creators blame sovereign governments for responding to terrorism, while indirectly justifying or downplaying terrorist acts through twisted historical narratives. They frame justified military actions as attacks on innocent civilians, deliberately blurring the lines between self-defense and aggression. The logic is entirely missing—how can any sovereign state arbitrarily target another country’s citizens or wage war without cause? Yet these extremist sympathizers seem more interested in whitewashing terrorism than acknowledging the facts.
This disturbing trend of simping for Pakistan—despite its role as a breeding ground for numerous terror outfits and being behind horrors like the Pahalgam Hindu massacre—shows how far detached from reality some of these influencers are.
A glaring example is Tamil tech YouTuber Nanda Kumar, also known as “PC Doctor,” who recently uploaded a video bizarrely portraying Pakistan as merely poor and uneducated, claiming we shouldn’t fight them but instead offer help. Shockingly, his video thumbnail features provocative visuals suggesting that parts of Jammu and Kashmir belong to Pakistan and China, and he even boldly declares “I support Pakistan,” and makes taglines stating, “Don’t hate Pakistan. No war only love.” Such content isn’t just tone-deaf—it crosses into blatantly anti-national territory.
Right from the beginning of his video, he launches into anti-Indian rhetoric by stating: “India and Pakistan always mean trouble. If you ask me whether it’s in recent time—no, it’s been like this since the formation of Pakistan. From MG to news channels, everyone is posting videos about the recent incident. And if you see, all of India is speaking out against Pakistan. If you ask should we also talk like that? No. What I’m going to say today is: I support Pakistan.”
He begins by pushing a narrative aimed at lecturing the Indian government, claiming there’s no need for war because Pakistan’s economy is already in shambles. He goes on to compare Pakistan’s GDP and per capita income with that of Tamil Nadu, as if economic weakness somehow excuses or overshadows its long-standing support for terrorism.
Whitewashing Communal Riots Instigated by Jinnah While Painting Him as a Secular Icon
Nanda Kumar goes on to whitewash Pakistan’s communal foundation by portraying it as a secular state, claiming that Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a nation where religion had no role in governance. To support this, he selectively cites Jinnah’s famous speech to Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947, in which Jinnah said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the State.”
However, what’s both ironic and deeply misleading is how this single speech is used to gloss over Jinnah’s actual political actions. Despite the idealistic tone of his address, Jinnah was the primary architect behind the creation of a separate Muslim nation—a decision that directly led to the catastrophic Partition of India. That event triggered one of the most violent episodes in the subcontinent’s history, causing the deaths of up to a million people and the displacement of over 10 million. For many, this makes it clear that Jinnah placed political ideology above human lives.
Even more disturbing is Jinnah’s call for Direct Action Day on 16 August 1946, a calculated move that sparked brutal communal riots in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Thousands were killed, and the event marked a turning point that intensified religious polarization. Yet, YouTubers like Nanda Kumar conveniently omit these facts, cherry-picking quotes to whitewash history and present Jinnah as a misunderstood secularist.
To downplay Jinnah’s role, these content creators go further—shifting the blame to the Pakistan Army, claiming it was their influence after Jinnah’s death (just 13 months after independence) that turned the country into a hardline Islamic state. This narrative deliberately ignores the fact that the foundation itself was based on religious separatism, which Jinnah openly championed.
Creating Sympathy for Pakistan after Operation Sindoor
Later in the video, Nanda Kumar shifts gears to generate sympathy for Pakistan—a nation widely known for supporting and sheltering terrorist groups. He paints a picture of Pakistan as economically fragile, with no significant investment except from China, a struggling economy dependent mainly on agriculture and textiles, and a low literacy rate of just 60%. Using this as justification, he argues that India should refrain from retaliating or going to war.
But the logic is baffling—if Pakistan is so economically and structurally weak, what justifies its continued support for terrorism and hostility toward its neighbors? Should a sovereign nation like India, whose primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, simply sit back and show sympathy toward a country that actively fuels cross-border terrorism?
As the video gained traction, Tamil YouTuber Nanda Kumar was called out by netizens for his statements, with many labeling him openly anti-national. This seems to be an increasingly common pattern in the state—whenever terrorists attack innocent civilians, particularly Hindus, certain YouTubers emerge, not to condemn the attackers, but to issue blanket statements like “don’t blame Indian Muslims.” Yet when Indian citizens point out the role of Pakistani-backed jihadist groups, and when the Indian government responds to terror attacks, these same influencers rush to create sympathy for Pakistan, echoing their narratives. This isn’t just hypocritical—it’s shameless and blatantly anti-Indian.
The same YouTuber who was exposed for selling grey-market Windows keys via his company, Nuke Technologies, linked to cdkeylabs.com. Despite preaching against scams, he profited from illegal software sales, earning just ₹1,000–1,500 vs. Microsoft’s ₹8,000–10,000. Investigations revealed his direct involvement, contradicting his “anti-scam” persona. Followers expressed outrage, calling him hypocritical. Nanda admitted to partnering with grey-market suppliers for higher commissions but claimed ignorance of operations.
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The Supreme Court-appointed in-house inquiry committee has confirmed the presence of cash at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident on the night of 14 March 2025. The findings were submitted in a detailed report to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who is expected to decide on further action before retiring next week.
Sources familiar with the matter told India Today that the report has been forwarded to Justice Varma, currently serving at the Allahabad High Court, and he has been given two days to respond. The move is in line with the principles of natural justice, ensuring the judge is given an opportunity to present his side before any decisions are made.
According to highly placed sources, Justice Varma has been offered the option to resign from his position. If he declines, the Supreme Court may consider initiating impeachment proceedings. His response is expected to be submitted by the end of this week.
Chief Justice Khanna, who convened a meeting with Supreme Court judges ahead of Monday’s court proceedings, is believed to have briefed them on the report’s findings. The decision regarding public disclosure of the report also rests with the CJI.
The in-house inquiry was initiated on 22 March 2025 and involved a three-member committee comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana High Court), Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court).
The report, described as “voluminous” by sources, includes a detailed chronology of events surrounding the March 14–15 fire at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence. It documents the timeline of the incident, the emergency response, and the presence of individuals at the scene. Statements were recorded from Justice Varma, his staff, Delhi Fire Services personnel, police officials, and judicial officers, including the Delhi High Court Registrar.
Photographs and videos of burnt currency notes, forensic analysis, and documentation by visiting judges form part of the evidence collected by the panel. Notably, the report is categorized as a fact-finding exercise and is not legally binding. However, its contents are expected to play a crucial role in shaping any forthcoming actions.
The controversy began when firefighters responding to the blaze at Justice Varma’s home discovered large quantities of burnt cash in a storeroom. Footage of the scorched currency circulated on social media, prompting public outcry and allegations of corruption.
In the midst of the uproar, Justice Varma was transferred to the Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court later clarified that the transfer was an administrative decision, independent of the ongoing inquiry.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retires next week, is expected to take a final call on the matter in what could be one of the last major decisions of his tenure.
Current news suggests that the HQ9’s terminal missile guidance system, despite its impressive specifications on paper (derived from reverse-engineering the S300 with claims of superior capabilities to the Patriot), is proving ineffective on the actual battlefield. This poses a significant threat to Pakistan.
The Shifting Sands of Air Defence: From Pakistan’s Dominance to a Question Mark
Until 2018, Pakistan’s air defence system was considered more advanced than India’s, and it had reportedly shot down several Indian aircraft in the past. The acquisition of the HQ9 was expected to enhance this capability further. However, India’s acquisition of S300 and S400 systems seems to have altered the equation.
We are now witnessing disappointment and leaks from retired Pakistani officers who had faith in the HQ9 system. Pakistan urgently needs to protect itself from Indian aircraft and would ideally seek an S400 system. However, Russia is unlikely to provide it, and while Pakistan might want to acquire the American Patriot system, its financial situation makes this improbable.
Therefore, Pakistan’s air defence, once seemingly dominant,has become a major question mark, particularly concerning China’s claims.
Tactics to Evade HQ9 Radar and Missiles
Let’s consider the tactics employed by Indian aircraft to evade the HQ9 radar and its missiles. The Radar Cross Section (RCS) of an aircraft like the Sukhoi 30 MK plays a crucial role. A smaller RCS makes an aircraft less visible to radar. It appears that the “shoot and scoot” method is being utilized. While we await official mission briefings for confirmation, certain factors are likely at play.
Firstly, it is a known limitation that the HQ9 radar struggles to detect low-flying aircraft. This has been pointed out by American experts. Secondly, India’s Early Warning Systems and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) are likely playing a vital role. Radar is the “eye” of the missile system, and to neutralize it, ECM, including jamming devices (possibly the Israeli “Alpha” system and India’s indigenous “Dhruti” radar system), are employed. These systems provide our pilots with accurate warnings about active enemy radars, allowing them to take evasive action or jam the signal.
Furthermore, when attacking with missiles like the Tukula Pavel Bora at a range of 100 km and speeds of Mach 2, the HQ9 radar has a limited window of approximately 25-30 seconds to detect, process, and launch an interceptor. At such close ranges, the HQ9’s ability to effectively counter these attacks is significantly diminished.
Reports indicate that approximately eight HQ9 surface-to-air missiles were fired, with one even landing near an S-35 aircraft – a telling incident.
The F-7 Aircraft and the P-15 Missile: Debunking Pakistani Claims
Pakistani claims of their F-7 aircraft posing a significant threat to the Indian Air Force, capable of emptying our skies, now appear hollow.
The P-15 type PVS missile, with a reported range of 200-250 kilometers and a speed of Mach 3, has also been a subject of analysis. One such missile landed unexploded in Rajasthan and has been secured by the Indian Air Force. This intact missile will undoubtedly be handed over to the DRDO for thorough examination. Allied nations like the USA and Taiwan will also likely be keen to analyze their technology and vulnerabilities. This incident suggests a failure in the P-15’s detonation mechanism.
A Helicopter View: China’s Military Hardware Underperforming
Taking a broader perspective, it is evident that in the current conflict, two out of the three key pieces of Chinese military hardware supplied to Pakistan – the F-7 aircraft and the HQ9 air defence system – are underperforming significantly.
Thisis underscored by the Pakistani Prime Minister’s recent speech lamenting an attack by 50 Indian fighter jets simultaneously. If the HQ9 system, with its claimed 250 km range, were effective, Indian aircraft should not have been able to approach the border unchallenged, and at least some should have been intercepted.
The Importance of Air Defence Systems: A Bulletproof Vest for the Nation
An air defence system is akin to a bulletproof vest for a soldier – a crucial layer of protection. If this system is compromised, even the most potent offensive capabilities, like nuclear weapons (potentially stationed at Karachi port), become vulnerable. The apparent failure of the HQ9 raises serious questions about the security of Pakistan’s strategic assets.
A One-Sided Comedy: The Failure of Pakistan’s Media Narrative
The Pakistani government’s attempts to control the media narrative surrounding the ineffectiveness of its air defence systems appear to be failing. They seem unable to effectively propagate their own version of events. This weakness in information warfare is concerning.
Global Perception and China’s Arms Trade
Interestingly, several other countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Algeria, Serbia, and Turkey (potentially), have purchased or are considering purchasing the HQ9 system. Had the world been effectively informed about its poor performance, China’s arms trade could have suffered a significant setback. This psychological blow could have been a major advantage for China’s adversaries.
It is noteworthy that this critical information is primarily being discussed by online experts and those in open-source intelligence, rather than mainstream high-level discussions.
While acknowledging China’s significant advancements in civilian technology, with their modern and clean cities, the performance of their military technology in this conflict raises serious doubts about their claims in this domain. Despite possessing vast arsenals, the effectiveness of their systems is now under scrutiny.
India’s Drone Warfare: Learning from Ukraine
The second attack reportedly involved UAV drones utilized by India. The notion, prevalent as recently as 2022, that India only used drones for wedding photography and TikTok videos has been decisively shattered. India is now effectively employing both indigenous and imported drone models in warfare, drawing lessons from the conflict in Ukraine. It is encouraging to see our military adapting and our new endeavors succeeding.
The Critical Importance of Propaganda Warfare
However, our apparent weakness in propaganda warfare remains a significant concern. Failing to effectively highlight China’s military shortcomings on the international stage is a missed opportunity.
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In a shocking display of disregard for India’s sovereignty and security, Dravidianist Christian priest Jegath Gaspar, who is close to the ruling DMK government, has once again used YouTube to undermine India’s decisive military action against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. During a recent interview discussing Operation Sindoor—India’s precision strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—Gaspar peddled dangerous narratives that echo Pakistani propaganda rather than standing with his own nation.
Dismissing India’s Counter-Terror Ops As “Theatrics”
Gaspar ridiculed India’s surgical strikes, calling them “mere theatre” and “not a full-scale war”, implying they were politically motivated rather than a necessary response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. His exact words, “This is just a drama… India has no intention of waging a full-scale war. According to me, this is ‘theatrics and optics”. This is a sensation that we have created here, and there is a need to respond. I think it is being done with the need to make it a political one, but as I have been saying over and over again, if this will end terrorist acts from now on, then it is a real action. I repeat. Whatever action is taken, there is a goal, what are we going to achieve with this, isn’t that the goal?”
Sympathizing With Pakistan, Casting Doubt On India’s Claims
Gaspar went further, casting doubt on India’s military success, suggesting that Pakistan’s terror camps were empty and that India’s strikes only killed “innocent people”—a talking point straight from Islamabad’s playbook, “I doubt many terrorists were even present there… Some innocent people may have died.” He further said, “If you take Pakistani data, there is evidence that civilians have been killed and that the civilian population is under threat.”
Casting Doubts On Surgical Strikes’ Efficacy
Questioning the aftermath of the surgical strikes, he said, “So every time they said surgical strikes, they said that we took this action to limit/stop the terrorists’ ability to attack. But it did not stop there, they are continuing to carry out that attack, right?” He further added, “Whether your military and political goals will be achieved, it will not be achieved. That is why we should do ‘calm thinking’ at this time, rather than everyone joining the war cry and shouting with a frenzy.”
Calls War ‘Bad Timing’
Gaspar even said the ‘timing of war’ was bad, he said, “Very bad timing means that the world has no interest in another war, no interest in another war, no desire, and a boredom and hatred because of the Ukraine war on one side and the Gaza war on the other, both of these are giving a headache and boredom to the countries of the world, especially the major powers and the United Nations.”
Maybe he should try telling Pakistan about the timing of the war? Can India afford to wait for eternity till the Gaza and Ukraine wars end?
Mocking India’s Nuclear Deterrence
Gaspar fear-mongered about nuclear war, portraying India’s military response as reckless. He said, “India has 172 nuclear warheads, Pakistan has 170… Escalation will be catastrophic.” While nuclear caution may be valid, Gaspar uses it to paralyze India’s strategic options, effectively arguing that Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail should deter India from defending itself.
Displays Loyalty To Muslims & Undermining Army During 1947 War
Quoting Pakistani occupation of Kashmir in 1947, he said, “During independence in 1947, it was the Pakistani army, even though it was called a tribal army, but it was the army sent by Pakistan. When they entered Kashmir, it was the Kashmiri people, Muslims, not non-Muslims, who stopped them and fought against them, not the Indian army. Only later did the Indian army join in as support.”
Praising Sheikh Abdullah, he said, “This resistance was to such an extent that Sheikh Abdullah, the grandfather of Omar Abdullah and father of Farooq Abdullah, grabbed Jawaharlal Nehru, and put him on his horse and said, ‘We will also go and fight.” That is the Kashmiri unity, similar to what we call the Tamil-based unity among us Tamils. At that time, when Pakistan invaded in 1947, before the Indian army arrived to stop the Pakistani forces, it was the Muslim people of Kashmir who were stopping the Pakistani invasion.”
He continued praising Kashmiris, especially Muslims, and tried to establish their ‘loyalty’ to the nation. Gaspar continued repeating these same lines over and over again about Kashmiri loyalty to India, how Sheikh Abdullah did great things to save the state, and whatnot.
He further added, “In the ’65 war, 100% of the Muslims supported the Indian army. They collected all the intelligence information for the Indian army. In the ’71 war, 7.5-8 crore Muslims of East Pakistan saw India as a protector country. This was the situation at that time.”
Undermines Indian Army
Blaming the army and politicians, he said, “Today, not a single person would mentally support the Indian army. This is the basic difference, why can’t you wage a ground war? What are you embarrassed about? If you wage a full-scale ground war, at least half of the people of that territory should support you. We have made them our enemies. Where does this militancy start? Congress is also responsible for all this. BJP alone should not be blamed. The seeds for this were sown and nurtured during the Congress rule.”
Going Off Track To Blame Ambani-Adani
Calling it “New Delhi dictatorship”, he began peddling the anti-Hindi, anti-centre rhetoric of the DMK, he said, “Have you seen how much the New Delhi dictatorship irritates us? You are interfering with our school education. In the name of India, you are bringing Adani and Ambani, you are trying to control the sea – this makes us angry.”
‘Disproportionate’ Army Presence In Kashmir
He then talks about the “disproportionate army presence in Kashmir. He said, “The number of Kashmiris who have been killed is 70,000; they are also living beings. According to the government’s calculation, if it is 70,000, then it is twice that. So 1.5 lakh have died. Then you have the disabled, people who have lost their livelihood, 60% of them are mentally ill, depressed, have war disorder, etc. We do not consider all this. Today, I think the total population may be around 15 lakhs because the census was conducted last in 2011. But the number of soldiers and paramilitary personnel stationed along the border and inside the country is 7 lakhs. As on paper, there are 3.43 lakh personnel in Kashmir, we do not know how many are unaccounted for. If you consider a population of 15 lakhs, it is equivalent to the Kanyakumari district or Tirunelveli district. Now, if you are in the Kanyakumari district or the Tirunelveli district. If you see 7 lakh army personnel, how will the daily life of the people be? Think about it, it is shameful, they will do what they want, no one can question it. This problem is not even an India-Pakistan problem. It is about self-esteem, self-respect, the existence, the sense of self-nationality of the Kashmiri people, etc. None of us talks about it today. Everyone creates a sensation and creates a fake narrative. The stupid people here, as long as you are not affected, you can say that there is pride and obsession about the war going on somewhere. This is an irritation that they scratch and enjoy.”
He further said, “You only know what war is when it happens in your city. If they bombard Mylapore, Alwarpet, Guindy, and Annanagar daily, they’ll know. I have seen war. I am for that war because if there were justice in it, I would have supported it. Only if you live with 7 lakh soldiers around you will you know the pain. All this is politically choreographed.”
Likens Pahalgam Terror Attack To Pakistan Train Hijack
Comparing the Pahalgam terror attack to the recent train hijacking incident near Balochistan, Gaspar said, “Didn’t something similar to Pahalgam happen in Balochistan when a train was hijacked? Just like what happened in broad daylight, a train hijack also killed many innocent people, and it is said that India’s intelligence was behind it. So India is encouraging all the terrorist acts happening in Balochistan. We don’t talk about this. They also have a problem. We tried to kill someone in Canada.”
Praises Manmohan Singh
Praising Manmohan Singh, he said, “As long as Manmohan Singh was there, India had great respect in the world for the national security system that exists in India today. I mean, diplomatic support is 100%. China would support Pakistan, but European countries, North American countries, and South American countries have completely understood India. Now they don’t say it openly. India tried to interfere in Canada’s internal politics. To what extent can they go to another country’s homeland and act like them?”
Gaspar then recounts the Tamil song “Paramasivan kazhuthil irundu,” and points out that everything will be great if everyone stays within their boundaries. He said, “I must know my limit, I must know what my height is. When you go to other countries, your ‘moral stock’, the level of your morality. I repeat, when Manmohan Singh was PM, the world trusted him. But we do not have that trust today.”
Undermining Op Sindoor
When the anchor asked about the recent Operation Sindoor, where terror locations were struck, Gaspar came up with his own formula. He said, “We have the photos and other details of the perpetrators of the (Pahalgam)attack. What India should have done is this – It took an hour for the security forces to reach the place. You have 7 lakh security forces in Kashmir. According to the data of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 3 lakh 43 thousand people are in Kashmir. Such a brutal attack took place. It will take you an hour to reach that place. There were no engagements (with security), and they escaped. We got their photos. India’s economic strength and, more importantly, diplomatic strength are many times greater than Pakistan’s. Use this to hand them over. Then, when they come to hand them over, we know through which organization they were sent, whether it is Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammad. Then you declare those movements as global terrorist organizations. When the world declares that, a list of Pakistan as a country that nurtures terrorists will also come up globally. It will be subjected to economic pressure. Other issues like technology transfer will pressure Pakistan. Pakistan will automatically conclude that we should not interfere in India. Only if we do that can we assume that India has adopted a rational approach. I repeat, your goals have not been achieved by any of the steps you have taken so far. This is a catharsis for us, like watching a Rajinikanth movie or something, but can we stop that terrorism with that? Escalation will happen, that too, as I said, if we have 172 nuclear weapons, then they have 170 loaded, it is like loaded, armed missiles. Whenever we want, we can launch it on a missile. Both countries have intercontinental missiles, both have guided missiles. We may have a lot in numbers, but the question is, do we need all this, can we achieve our goals?”
Peddles Bihar Election Lie
Peddling the Pakistani and Dravidianist propaganda once again, he said, “I said it myself, all this is for the Bihar election, they come here and use religion as a base to create polarization for their politics. This will only help in that polarization.”
Peddles Separatist Agenda
He continued peddling the Pakistani propaganda and said, “First ceasefire has been broken down. With great difficulty and so many rounds of talks, a ceasefire was achieved on the Line of Control. Now, the Indian government’s account is that 28 people have been injured. We don’t know how many people have died. But the ceasefire is broken. Although it was used as it is, only small arms were used. Heavy weapons have been used since yesterday. So what is this escalation for? What is the need for this escalation? Is there no other way than that? Unless you look at this terrorism from the perspective of the people of Kashmir, you will not be able to find a solution to this problem. They are approaching this problem from the basis of RSS’s one India and based on New Delhi’s power. Otherwise, why, from 87 till today, for 20 to 40 years, two soldiers per person in a territory – police do not come into this calculation. If there are two soldiers per person, how can you get rid of that situation? Think about that situation. How would it be if there were two army personnel per person? Approach the problem from the perspective of the people and the standpoint of the people. You should have that mindset. These are the same people who resisted the Pakistani entry into Kashmir in 1947 and who gathered intelligence by going on bicycles during the 1965 war. Only if you bring them back to this level with your trust, that land will have peace, be yours, otherwise your continental India, that is, these religiously fanatic Indian lands, will continue to help you win elections in Kashmir, and the Kashmir problem will not come to an end.”
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DMK-supporting Dravidianist actor Suriya appears eager to portray Retro, his latest box office flop, as a major success—going so far as to claim a ₹104 crore gross using flashy posters and financial muscle. What’s baffling is that the film has received little to no response from Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam audiences, yet the team is still planning a celebration. Even more absurd is the fact that many theaters in major cities are empty with wind passing during prime showtimes, making the ₹104 crore claim seem highly exaggerated.
Take Sathyam Cinemas on Thursday evening and night shows, 8 May 2025, for example—hardly anyone showed interest. Only four seats were booked for the evening show, and just eight for the night show. Such visibly low occupancy highlights the lack of interest in Suriya’s Retro, even in a prime location on a weekday evening.
Even the weekend shows on Saturday and Sunday saw little to no pre-bookings. Tickets were easily available at the counter on Sunday, which clearly reflects the poor reception for Suriya’s Retro.
A similar situation was observed at AGS Cinemas in T. Nagar, where only a handful of seats were booked for the prime-time evening and night shows on both Saturday and Sunday.
Released on 1 May 2025, Retro has grossed around ₹50 crore in its first week, according to trade tracker Sacnilk. This figure falls well short of expectations and reflects the film’s lukewarm reception. Despite this, the team went ahead with celebratory events, including a “Thanksgiving meet,” and circulated posters claiming inflated box office numbers.
What’s even more puzzling is the team’s insistence on celebrating a ‘success’ when another small-scale film, Tourist Family, which released on the same day, has reportedly outperformed Retro at the box office. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Retro has resonated with only a limited segment of the audience, failing to strike a chord with the wider public.
The exaggerated claims and celebration of a clearly underperforming film suggest a disconnect from reality. While there’s nothing wrong with promoting a film or appreciating the effort behind it, portraying a commercial failure as a blockbuster can backfire and damage the credibility of those involved.
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In a much-anticipated public event set to explore the challenges facing Indian journalism today, VIGIL, a citizens’ forum known for its cultural and national discourse, will host a thought-provoking discussion between prominent journalists Palki Sharma and Rangaraj Pandey.
The event, titled “Politicised Journalism: Fall of the Fourth Pillar,” is scheduled for 11 May 2025 at 6:30 PM at Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai. Organized in collaboration with the SMaRT Media-MassCom Platform, the forum will tackle issues surrounding media bias, erosion of journalistic standards, and the need for integrity in public discourse.
Palki Sharma, former Managing Editor at WION and a widely respected voice in international journalism, will share the stage with Rangaraj Pandey, one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential public commentators and founder of Chanakyaa Network. Together, they will offer insights into the evolution of Indian media, the dangers of agenda-driven narratives, and the responsibility of the press in a democracy.
Originally active from the 1990s to 2010, VIGIL is a Chennai-based initiative that brought together intellectuals, scholars, and citizens to deliberate on matters of national and cultural relevance. Past events have been graced by the likes of Swami Dayananda Saraswati and other luminaries, reinforcing VIGIL’s commitment to informed, values-based civic engagement.
With media credibility under growing scrutiny, the upcoming discussion promises to be an incisive look at the state of the fourth estate.
Registration is open, and interested participants can call 8730550455 or register at https://tinyurl.com/46862we9
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The Karnataka unit of the Indian National Congress drew flak on Wednesday 7 May 2025 after posting — and then deleting — a quote by Mahatma Gandhi promoting peace on social media, shortly after the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The now-deleted post on platform X featured a quote attributed to Gandhi: “The most powerful weapon of mankind is peace – Mahatma Gandhi.” The timing of the post raised eyebrows, as it came within hours of the Indian armed forces striking nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting alleged terror infrastructure.
Following backlash and criticism over perceived insensitivity or mixed messaging, the Congress’ Karnataka unit issued a new post aligning firmly with the national sentiment and military response. “The Indian Air Force, widely recognised as one of the world’s strongest air forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. #OperationSindoor,” the Congress stated.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), widely recognised as one of the world's strongest air forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also released a series of messages on X, strongly backing the Indian armed forces. “I salute the extraordinary courage of our armed forces behind Operation Sindhoor. Their heroic action reaffirms that India will never tolerate terror in any form. The brutal attack in Pahalgam was not just on innocent lives, it was an assault on the dreams and spirit of India. Every effort of our brave soldiers is a pledge to bring justice to the victims, their families, and to every Indian who believes in peace and humanity. Karnataka joins the nation in expressing unwavering solidarity with our forces. We are proud of your valour, sacrifice, and unflinching commitment to protect our sovereignty. Terror has no place in our land. India will respond with strength and unity.”
I salute the extraordinary courage of our armed forces behind Operation Sindhoor. Their heroic action reaffirms that India will never tolerate terror in any form.
The brutal attack in Pahalgam was not just on innocent lives, it was an assault on the dreams and spirit of India.…
Echoing these sentiments, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar posted: “#OperationSindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. Jai Hind.”
#OperationSindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack.
We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces.
In an unusual turn of events, the Tamil Nadu police have initiated an investigation into two women who posted Instagram reels featuring a Vadivelu comedy sketch in front of a government bus. In the video, the women mimicked Vadivelu’s iconic scene, comparing the bus to a garbage truck. The video, which sparked controversy in Salem, has led to calls from social activists for action against the women for allegedly disrespecting the government bus service
Recently, there have been ongoing complaints about the maintenance of these buses, with some alleging that poorly maintained vehicles, with holes and other issues, are causing accidents. For instance, a recent incident saw a conductor fall out of a bus traveling from Trichy to KK Nagar due to faulty conditions. Furthermore, there have been reports of buses stopping unexpectedly in the middle of the road, leading to public frustration and criticism.
In light of this, the video posted by the two women in Salem comparing a government bus to a garbage truck has attracted significant backlash. The video was made in front of a government bus at the Vazhapadi bus stand, where the bus was preparing to head to Athur.
The Vazhapadi police have launched an investigation into the incident after the video went viral, with transport officials calling for accountability over what they view as an offensive depiction of the government bus service. The incident has sparked mixed reactions among netizens. While some question the need for an investigation, considering the video was just a lighthearted reel, others, including DMK cadres, feel their sentiments were hurt and argue that it amounts to criticism of the government, demanding action.
