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Telegram Pledges Zero Tolerance For Deepfake Pornography

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The Commune
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Telegram Pledges Zero Tolerance For Deepfake Pornography

South Korea’s media regulator said on Monday that Telegram has pledged to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and immediately remove deepfake pornography and other illegal content from its platform in cooperation with local authorities.

The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) said it had a face-to-face working-level meeting with Telegram on Friday, raising concerns over deep fake content involving doctored images of Korean women that has surfaced on Telegram in recent months. In response, Telegram acknowledged the severity of the issue in Korea and vowed to take strict action against such illegal material, reports Yonhap news agency.

“Telegram said they understood the situation in Korea where deepfake porn content has become a significant social issue,” KCSC Chairman Ryu Hee-lim stated in a press conference, adding that the platform will take stern measures to combat the problem.

In addition to targeting digital sex crimes, Telegram will actively remove content related to pornography, prostitution, drugs, and gambling, as requested by the KCSC, which holds exclusive authority to review and flag illegal content.

The platform has also committed to working closely with Korean authorities, including the police, and will hold regular working-level meetings with the KCSC. As part of these efforts, a new hotline will be established between Telegram and the KCSC to expedite responses to content violations.

The KCSC anticipates that illegal content will be removed more swiftly following the recent agreement. Telegram removed 148 cases of sexual exploitation material from its platform from September 3-25, as requested by the KCSC. On Sunday, the South Korean state telecommunications watchdog noted “significant progress” in its recent talks with Telegram over the handling of deep fake content on the encrypted messaging app.

Amid a surge in deepfake videos, Telegram opened a hotline with the KCSC earlier this month to better respond to such content on its platform. Telegram has since removed dozens of explicit materials and notified the KCSC immediately.

–IANS

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Hezbollah Confirms Death Of Senior Leader Ali Karaki In Israeli Airstrikes

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The Commune
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Hezbollah Confirms Death Of Senior Leader Ali Karaki In Israeli Airstrikes

Hezbollah has confirmed that the group’s senior leader Ali Karaki, head of the southern front, was killed, along with top leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in the Israeli airstrikes targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Hezbollah said on Sunday in a statement that Karaki “was martyred with a group of his jihadist brothers in the enemy’s criminal raid on Haret Hreik, accompanied by… Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah”.

On Friday evening, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Hezbollah’s main headquarters in Dahieh, the southern suburbs of Beirut, during which Nasrallah and some other commanders of the armed group were killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed on Sunday that it killed Nabil Qaouk, the commander of Hezbollah’s Preventive Security Unit and a member of Hezbollah’s central council, in an airstrike on Saturday.

It gave no detail on where the strike took place. The IDF said that Qaouk was “considered to be close to the top of” Hezbollah and “was directly engaged in promoting terrorist designs against the State of Israel and its citizens, even in recent days”.

The US designated Qaouk a global terrorist in October 2020, saying he had represented Hezbollah at events commemorating deceased Hezbollah terrorists as well as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, who died in a US drone strike in January 2020.

The raids flattened several residential buildings, resulting in at least six deaths, 91 injuries, and significant infrastructure damage in the neighbourhood, local media reported earlier.

These heavy assaults mark the latest escalation of the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah started launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel’s retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.

–IANS

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Report Reveals The Story Behind Ouster Of Mano Thangaraj, Gingee Masthan And Ramachandran From Stalin’s Cabinet

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The Commune
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Ouster Of Mano Thangaraj, Gingee Masthan And Ramachandran From Stalin's Cabinet

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has made significant changes in a major cabinet reshuffle, removing three ministers and appointing new faces to key positions. Mano Thangaraj, Senji Mastan, and Ramachandran were removed, while Senthil Balaji, Nasser, Govi Chezhian, and Rajendran were appointed new ministers. The reshuffle also saw the reallocation of portfolios among some senior ministers, sparking speculation and criticism over the reasons behind the changes.

Key Ministerial Changes

One of the most notable moves was the reallocation of the Higher Education Department from senior minister K. Ponmudi, who has been reassigned as Forest Minister. The decision comes after Ponmudi’s public criticism of the Tamil Nadu Governor, including an incident in which he told the governor to “go outside” during an assembly session. Sources within the DMK and the Secretariat suggested to Dinamalar that Ponmudi’s confrontational stance with the Governor and concerns about the state of higher education in Tamil Nadu led to the reshuffle. Several universities are reportedly struggling with funding and appointments of Vice-Chancellors, which raised concerns about the future of the state’s education system. The move is seen as restoring peace between the state government and the governor.

Mano Thangaraj’s Removal

Mano Thangaraj’s removal from the cabinet has also drawn attention. Thangaraj made crass comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media during the Sengol installation. On 28 May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new parliament building and installed the historic Sengol while Tamil Aadhenams sang Thevaaram songs inside the parliament.

Priests and Aadheenams performed special poojas before the Sengol was installed in the parliament. PM Modi, before receiving the Sengol from Aadhenams, prostrated before it as a mark of respect and to reflect Indian culture and tradition. While the image of PM Modi prostrating in front of the Sengol was widely circulated on social media, DMK Minister for Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj made disparaging remarks about PM Modi. Sharing the image on his Twitter handle, Minister said, “Is he dead? (Is he breathing?), does he have dignity and self-esteem?”

According to party insiders, Thangaraj also allegedly failed to manage the dairy development portfolio adequately. Complaints of internal conflicts with local party leaders in Nagercoil, coupled with allegations of his involvement in covering up a recent controversy over diluted milk, were reportedly brought to the Chief Minister’s attention by a young IAS officer. These factors led to his dismissal from the cabinet.

Gingee Masthan’s Dismissal

Gingee Masthan, the former minister of minority welfare, faced scrutiny after Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai released a controversial photo showing Mastan feeding cake to a liquor dealer. Further allegations of his family’s involvement in party affairs, government job appointments, and a significant investment in shrimp farming led to his removal. Masthan lost his district secretary position due to similar controversies two months ago. He has now been replaced by Nasser, who returns to the cabinet to oversee minority welfare.

Ramachandran’s Exit

Tourism Minister Ramachandran was removed from the cabinet due to his reported underperformance in the department and poor relations with party members. His replacement has yet to be announced, but sources suggest to Dinamalar that the changes were driven by his inability to work effectively with colleagues. Meanwhile, Minister Kayalvizhi was reassigned from the Adi Dravidian Welfare Department to Human Resource Management, reportedly due to complaints of her husband’s excessive involvement in departmental affairs.

Political Implications

The reshuffle also seems to have been influenced by complaints from various communities about representation in the cabinet. PMK founder Ramadoss had recently criticized the DMK government for neglecting the Vanniyar community, which holds 23 MLAs but only three ministerial posts. In response, Rajendran, from the Vanniyar community, was given a ministerial position. Similarly, Govi Chezhian, from the Adi Dravidar community, has also been appointed, reflecting efforts to balance caste-based representation.

Senthil Balaji Returns

Another key development in the reshuffle was the reappointment of Senthil Balaji, who will oversee the power sector. Balaji’s return to the cabinet comes amid expectations of significant changes in managing the state’s energy policies.

The cabinet reshuffle, though anticipated, has triggered a wave of reactions from political analysts and party members alike. While Chief Minister Stalin assured reporters that the reshuffle would not lead to disappointment, removing key figures and reallocating portfolios has stirred debate over the underlying causes and future implications for Tamil Nadu’s governance. The DMK leadership’s balancing act between community representation, party unity, and governance challenges remains in the spotlight as the new ministers take on their roles.

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Austria’s Pro-Kremlin And Anti-Islam Freedom Party Wins General Election For The First Time

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The Commune
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Austria's Pro-Kremlin And Anti-Islam Freedom Party Wins General Election For The First Time

The right-wing won the most votes in an Austrian election for the first time since the Nazi era on Sunday, as the Freedom Party (FPO) rode a tide of public anger over migration and the cost of living to beat the centre-right People’s Party (OVP).

The pro-Kremlin, anti-Islam FPO won 28.8 per cent of votes, beating the ruling OVP of the Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, into second place on 26.3 per cent, according to near-complete results.

The opposition Social Democratic party scored its worst ever result – 21.1 per cent – while the liberal NEOS drew about nine per cent. Despite devastating flooding this month from Storm Boris bringing the climate crisis to the fore, the Greens, junior partners in the government coalition, tallied 8.3 per cent in a dismal fifth place.

“We’ve made Austrian history because it’s the first time the Freedom Party is Number 1 in a parliamentary election, and you have to think how far we’ve come,” Herbert Kickl said after the party’s record showing, which came seven decades after its foundation in the 1950s under the leadership of a former Nazi lawmaker.

The party has worked to moderate its image and broaden its appeal, but Kickl remains a provocative and polarising figure, roundly disliked by the other party leaders, who immediately united in rejecting the notion of forming a coalition with him. If Kickl cannot persuade another party to ally with him, it could end the FPO’s hopes of forming a government and open the door to a coalition of more moderate parties.

Only the OVP has offered any indication it could work with the FPO, but it has ruled out doing so with Kickl, who has given no hint he could step aside to let someone else take charge.

Seat projections suggested the OVP and SPO, which ruled Austria for decades together, could just muster a majority without a third party, which had long looked unlikely. Kickl’s win was hailed by hard-right parties across Europe, where the far-right has made gains in countries including the Netherlands, France and Germany.

That growing support could stoke the risk of divisions inside the European Union over key policy areas like the defence of Ukraine against Russia. Analysts said irrespective of whether Kickl captured the chancellery, Austria was now in uncharted territory.

“Kickl has often said that (Hungarian Prime Minister) Viktor Orban is a role model for him and he will stand by him.” Kickl, who this year forged an alliance with Orban, opposes providing aid to Ukraine and wants sanctions against Russia withdrawn, arguing they hurt Austria more than Moscow.

On Sunday, Kickl said he was ready to talk with all parties over forming a coalition, and President Alexander Van der Bellen, who oversees the formation of governments, urged parties to find common ground in negotiations in the coming weeks. Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, has voiced reservations about the FPO because of its criticism of the EU and its failure to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Late on Sunday, a few dozen anti-FPO protesters assembled outside the party’s election celebrations, one holding a placard reading “Kickl is a Nazi” as police kept them at bay.

The Islam-critical Freedom Party wants to stop granting asylum altogether and build a “fortress Austria” preventing migrants from entering.

–IANS

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Banner Hailing Slain Hezbollah Terrorist Nasrallah Placed Outside Chennai Mosque

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The Commune
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Banner Hailing Slain Hezbollah Terrorist Nasrallah Placed Outside Chennai Mosque

Israel’s neutralization of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah on 28 September 2024 in Lebanon has received widespread condemnation from the Islamist community across the world, India included. Kashmir saw massive protests as well, reminding the observer of the kind of crowds that gathered when the Indian Army neutralized the terrorist Burhan Wani.

Down south in Chennai, a banner paying tribute to Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, has sparked widespread controversy after being displayed outside a mosque (on its gate) in the Mirshahipet locality of Chennai in Royapettah. Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah since 1992, was killed in a recent missile strike by Israel while hiding in an apartment building in Beirut, Lebanon.

Israeli officials have hailed Nasrallah’s death as a significant blow to Hezbollah, a group that has long been attacking Israel from Lebanon. Israel claims that Nasrallah’s demise marks the end of Hezbollah’s 32-year reign of terror.

The banner in this Chennai mosque, however, praises Nasrallah, describing him as “the great hero of the world” and “a lion’s nightmare for Israel.” It also refers to his death as a “heroic” act, sparking outrage and raising concerns about local support for terrorist organizations. Some have interpreted the slogans on the banner as a challenge to police responsible for maintaining internal security.

The banner read, “It is better to die standing upright for the truth than to live your life kneeling down – Imam Ali“

Below the photo of Nasrallah, the words written read, “The greatest hero in the world was the leader Nasrallah, who was a lion’s nightmare for Israel.”

It also stated something that meant Nasrallah had died a martyr’s death.

This incident comes in the wake of another recent controversy involving the Hizb-ut-Tahrir terrorist organization, which was found to be running a secret recruitment and training center in the Royapettah area of Chennai. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been probing these activities, and the emergence of public support for Hezbollah has intensified suspicions about the presence of additional sympathizers in the region.

Local authorities are now conducting a covert investigation to determine the extent of support for terrorist groups within Chennai, particularly in areas such as Royapettah.

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PM Modi Praises Odisha Youth For Developing Digital Platform For Santhali Language

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The Commune
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PM Modi Praises Odisha Youth For Developing Digital Platform For Santhali Language

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Odisha youth Ramjeet Tudu for his unique campaign to preserve the Santhali language and Ol Chiki lipi. Tudu, a resident of the Mayurbhanj district, is currently working as an Assistant Revenue Inspector in the Keonjhar district of the state.

During the 114th episode of his weekly Man ki Baat address, PM Modi said that a child learns his mother tongue easily and quickly, adding that India has almost 20,000 languages and dialects. Each one of them is surely the mother tongue of someone or the other “There are some languages which very few people use, but you will be happy to know that today, unique efforts are being made to preserve those languages. One such language is our ‘Santhali’ language. A campaign has been started to give a new identity to Santhali with the help of digital innovation. ‘Santhali’ is spoken by the people of the Santhal tribal community residing in many states of our country,” stated PM Modi.

The Prime Minister further noted that many tribal communities, apart from India, in neighbouring Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan speak in Santhali. “Shriman Ramjeet Tudu, a resident of Mayurbhanj, Odisha is running a campaign to create an online identity of the Santhali language. Ramjeet ji has prepared a digital platform where literature related to the Santhali language can be read and written in the Santhali language. Actually, a few years ago when Ramjit ji started using the mobile phone, he was saddened by the fact that he could not send messages in his mother tongue,” added PM Modi. “After that, he started exploring the possibilities of typing ‘Ol Chiki’, a script of the Santhali language. With the help of some of his friends, he developed the technique of typing in ‘Ol Chiki’. Today, due to his efforts, articles written in the Santhali language are reaching millions of people,” said the PM.

Speaking to media persons, an elated Tudu said that he is happy and feels proud that the Prime Minister of India has praised his small effort on his programme. “I started work on the digital platform for the Santhali Language in 2015 and the digitisation work is continuing till date. Initially, no tools were supporting the Ol Chiki dialect but now they are available on the internet. However, there is a lack of enough content in the Santhali language and to address that problem, we have been writing on Wikimedia’s project Wikipedia. This apart, we have launched a website ‘Birmali’ which is the first Santhali eMagazine where we publish the works of various writers. We are providing the Santhali language and literature to the people accessing the internet,” said Tudu.

He urged the youths that many languages in the world have completely gone extinct. He stated that if we continue our efforts then a language and its heritage can be preserved.

–IANS

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Piyush Goyal Lauds PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ For Highlighting Non-Political Topics

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The Commune
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Goyal Mann Ki Baat

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday praised the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, underlining how it has helped people connect with non-political topics and broaden their perspectives. “The connection that PM Modi has with the people is remarkable. He not only addresses the public about government initiatives but also about non-political topics,” Goyal said.

He highlighted that, on the last Sunday of every month, PM Modi shares his thoughts through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, focusing on subjects that go beyond politics. “This initiative of the Prime Minister aims to boost the enthusiasm, spirit, and self-confidence of the nation by discussing various subjects. I consider myself very fortunate that the insights we gain from ‘Mann Ki Baat’ expand our own perspectives, which we don’t usually get, not even through the press,” Goyal added, noting how the programme has inspired many to expand their initiatives across the country.

First aired on October 3, 2014, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary this week. The platform has become a space where PM Modi addresses the nation, discussing key issues and sharing thoughts on topics of national importance. In the 114th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi reflected on the upcoming milestone, acknowledging the crores of listeners who have accompanied him on this journey.

He added that the programme has consistently received support and contributions from people across the country. Recalling the beginnings of the programme, which aired on Vijayadashmi, October 3, 2014, PM Modi noted the significance of its 10-year anniversary coinciding with the start of Navratri on October 3 this year. He also broke the perception that only negative or sensational content draws public attention, stating that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has shown that people are eager for positive information and encouraging stories. The 10-year journey of the programme, he said, is like a garland, adding new stories, records, and personalities with each episode while recognising the collective efforts being made in society.

–IANS

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Want Article 370 Back, But Not Expecting Anything From BJP: Ghulam Nabi Azad

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The Commune
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Ghulam Nabi Azad speaking on Article 370

Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said that the people in J&K want Article 370 reinstated, but they have no expectations from the BJP. “We all want the return of Article 370 but we cannot expect anything from the BJP. Even Congress fails to speak on this crucial issue. Restoring Article 370 through the Assembly is impossible, but we can introduce legislation to ensure that no outsider can buy land or secure jobs in our region. This was the essence of Article 370,” Azad said while addressing a poll rally in Jammu.

“I do not cheat, lie, or mislead. I recognise that some people have become accustomed to falsehoods and have been voting based on those lies, but I speak the truth, which only a few may comprehend. I will never give false hope or make unrealistic promises,” he added. He said that for years, political parties have used division as a tactic, offering excuses not to develop both regions that have led to conflict, while those in power continue to enjoy their privileges. Ghulam Nabi Azad urged people to recognise that their shared struggles should unite them rather than create rifts, stressing that only through unity can genuine progress be achieved. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he noted, “People witnessed real progress and development during my time. Through double and triple shifts, we initiated a developmental revolution that no other leader has been able to replicate. Many projects that I sanctioned remain incomplete to this day, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus on development.”

Azad acknowledged the disillusionment among people. “People are fed up with the empty promises that have resulted in nothing but chaos and division,” Azad stated. “Today, we must focus on creating jobs for our youth, who are increasingly becoming involved in drugs, this is the biggest issue we face.” He highlighted the desire for peace and unity among the people of Jammu, stating, “Whether in Samba, Gandhi Nagar, or Bakshi Nagar, the people of Jammu yearn for harmony. This is part of our Dogra culture and we must strive to maintain this unity. We cannot allow ourselves to be influenced by parties that seek to divide us.” Azad further said that his return to the state is driven by a desire to serve the poor, who remain deprived of basic necessities such as water and electricity. “We will restore the Roshni scheme, which previously benefited the poor, but unfortunately, this government revoked it. Our focus will be on ensuring that every citizen has access to the essential services they deserve,” Azad stated.

In his address, he also outlined a development agenda that includes the creation of more districts, schools, tehsils, colleges, and roads to enhance infrastructure and educational opportunities in the region.

–IANS

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Agniveers Will Be Given A Pensionable Job: Amit Shah

By
The Commune
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Agniveers job Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Agniveers will be given a pensionable job and also appealed to the people not to hesitate to send their sons to the Army.

The Home Minister delivered a fiery speech while addressing a ‘Jan Aashirwaad Rally’ at village Dhorka Sector-95 in Gurgaon in support of BJP Badshahpur candidate Rao Narbir Singh.

“Every Agniveer will get pension benefits. The Agniveer scheme was meant to make the Army young,” said the Home Minister. While targeting Rahul Gandhi, the Home Minister said that the Congress leader is a ‘lying machine’. “Rahul Gandhi says that Agniveer Yojana has been brought because the government does not want to give pensionable jobs. I am telling you that every Agniveer will be given a pensionable job.”

He also criticised Congress, saying, “There was a Congress government in Haryana, it ran on cuts, commissions and corruption. The rule of dealers, brokers and sons-in-law was prevalent. In the BJP government, neither dealers nor brokers are left, there is no question of sons-in-law.”

He said that during the Hooda government, the Congress had only developed one district and one caste, but after the BJP gained power, the party had developed the entire state equally. “The party had given jobs based on ‘Kharchi and Parchi’ system while the BJP has given five lakh jobs without any ‘Kharchi and Parchi,” he said.

The Home Minister said that the UPA government gave 41,000 crores to Haryana whereas the Modi government gave 292,000 crores rupees for development to Haryana in 10 years. “PM Modi loves Haryana the most among all the states,” the Home Minister said.

He said that the Congress could not fulfil the promises it made in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. “This is their false guarantee, but the BJP has fulfilled the promises it made.”

He said that people are raising pro-Pakistan slogans from Congress platforms. “Why is Rahul Gandhi silent? Why doesn’t he speak? Congress has become blind in appeasement. Congress and Rahul Gandhi want to bring back Article 370 in Kashmir. Even their three generations cannot bring back Article 370. India’s flag has to be hoisted in Kashmir,” he said.

He added that as long as the Modi government is there, only the Tricolour flag will fly in Kashmir. While attacking the Hooda government, the Home Minister said brokers, dealers and ‘damaad’ auctioned Gurugram land. “In a public meeting, the Congress candidate says that he will give 50-50 jobs to his supporters. If they will jobs to their supporters from where will the common man got a job,” he said. He added that Haryana is such a state where every tenth man is in the army.

“PM Modi had promised that we will implement One Rank One Pension. Three generations of Congress did not respect One Rank One Pension and it was not implemented. When you made Modi the PM, he implemented One Rank One Pension. The third version of One Rank One Pension has been implemented by PM Modi.” He said that the Waqf Board Bill will be brought in the upcoming winter session.

–IANS

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Khalistani Terrorist Attempts To Make Rahul Poster Boy For Separatism

By
The Commune
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Khalistani Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments in the US on Indian Sikhs have inadvertently provided a platform for Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist under the UAPA, to bolster his divisive agenda. Pannun, who has been implicated in instigating violence in Punjab, is using Gandhi’s remarks to justify claims of an “existential threat” faced by Sikhs in India.

Unlike several earlier ones, it was a series of emails that couldn’t be ignored. After all, why should space be given to a designated terrorist, someone who operates on behalf of sinister forces?

But when a top opposition leader of the country provides the space, the terrorist uses it as an alibi to justify violent and divisive actions. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was designated a terrorist under the UAPA by the Ministry of Home Affairs on July 1, 2020.

The notification says, “He has been speaking against India…is advocating a separate State, Khalistan; and whereas, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, presently residing in the United States of America, is instigating and abetting youths to join them in Khalistan Referendum 2020 and providing financial help to youths in the region for creating violence or fear to disturb peace in the region… is accused in various cases registered and being investigated by the Punjab Police related to Referendum 2020 and a case registered by National Investigation Agency… Pannun is involved in terrorism and …is to be notified as a terrorist.”

Of late, this terrorist has found a poster boy in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the latter’s ‘explosive revelations’ about Sikhs in India. During an interaction at an event in the US, Rahul Gandhi said, “…The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India and he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a ‘kada’ (bracelet) in India, or he as a Sikh is going to be able to go to a Gurdwara…”

Since the day Rahul Gandhi made the remarks during his September 8-10 US visit, Pannun has been flaunting those almost every day to justify his agenda and further his ‘cause’. The email statements that he has been forwarding almost every day show how he is using the Congress leader’s remarks to twist facts. On September 27 the terrorist wrote: “Sikhs are facing existential threat in Modi’s India which has also been acknowledged by the Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi. India can avoid 1990s bloodshed and accept the peaceful means of Khalistan referendum to resolve the status of Indian-held Punjab.”

On September 16, he declared that Rahul Gandhi is the new face of India. “…Gandhi’s American visit is a testament that Rahul will be the new face of India after Modi is removed as Prime Minister after regime change. Key issue that has been settled with Congress and its alliance parties “is the Independence of Punjab”. Rahul Gandhi’s statement that “Sikhs are facing existential threat In India” reflects Congress party’s realisation and acceptance that Khalistan is a reality…” On September 14, Pannun wrote in the email: “Will serve as a catalyst for Khalistan referendum …” The email further reads, “…Rahul Gandhi has also briefed members of Congress about the persecution that Sikhs are facing in Modi’s India. ..Rahul Gandhi’s statement not only justifies Khalistan referendum for the independence of Punjab, but it also reflects a realisation by the Congress party, by the opposition leader, that Punjab is on the verge of seceding from the Union of India to become an independent Sikh country, a new neighbour of Pakistan and India. That is why the opposition leader has launched his diplomatic move to build rapport with future neighbour Khalistan.

Gandhi has signalled to the US that the Congress Party has accepted that Punjab will be an independent country because Sikhs are facing an existential threat in Modi’s India.” On September 12, Pannun said: “Rahul Gandhi opposes Modi’s policy of transnational. During an informal chat on September 10 at National Press Club, Washington DC, Rahul Gandhi, was asked: …Do you support that transnational repression policy? Answer By Rahul Gandhi: No Congress Party does not support Modi’s policy of ‘ghar main ghus ke marenge’. Earlier an American journalist asked Rahul Gandhi: Do you believe Indian agents are behind Nijjar’s assassination and murder-for-plot against Sikh separatists lawyer Pannun…Rahul Gandhi in his response used PM Modi’s statement given in the parliament ‘Under his strong government India kills terrorists in their homes’, shows how the BJP wants to run the country’.” These statements of the designated terrorist are clear enough to show how Rahul Gandhi’s statements are being used and misused against India. But, the claims of the terrorists that Rahul Gandhi has signalled to the US about his party, Congress, accepting Punjab to be an independent country, needs some explaining from the grand old party. Why should Pannun repeatedly say this?

Rahul Gandhi and the Congress instead of denouncing these claims have only furthered the offensive by attacking the BJP and accusing it “of spreading lies”. He wrote on X on September 21, “I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad – is there anything wrong in what I have said…” His recent statements in the US or here have somehow been contrary to the spirit of the Bharat Jodo Yatra which the Congress claimed was aimed to “re-unite the people of India; to come together and strengthen the nation against divisive forces”. Rather than promoting unity, Rahul Gandhi’s comments appear to fuel divisions based on caste, religion, and class. In doing so, a designated terrorist has found an unexpected advocate in the Congress leader.

–IANS

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