Four fishermen from Seruthur village in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu were injured when a Sri Lankan Naval ship allegedly rammed into their fishing boat, officials said.
The fishing boat capsized after the Sri Lankan Naval vessel allegedly rammed into it, and the fishermen fell into the sea.
The collision resulted in significant losses, including nets, GPS equipment, cell phones, and fishing gear worth Rs 6.5 lakh, which were washed away in the sea.
Sakthivel, Devaraj, Karthikeyan, and Satheesh were injured. These fishermen were admitted to the Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred off the southeast coast of Kodiyakkarai when a fibre boat owned by Dharman, a resident of Seruthur village in Nagapattinam district, was out in the sea.
The four fishermen had ventured into the sea two days ago. While they were fishing on Tuesday night, their boat was allegedly struck by a Sri Lankan Navy vessel, causing it to capsize, the injured fishermen told the Marine Police.
The injured fishermen told the Marine Police authorities that the Sri Lankan Navy had left them struggling at the sea, tangled in their nets and injured.
They also said that even though they were injured, the Sri Lankan Navy officers picked them up and were held for nearly six hours for questioning.
The four injured Tamil Nadu fishermen pleaded with the Sri Lankan officers, saying they were fishing within the Indian waters.
The Sri Lankan Navy later handed the injured fishermen over to other Tamil Nadu fishermen who had arrived at the scene.
Later, the fishermen were brought ashore with the help of others who retrieved their capsized boat from the middle of the sea.
After reaching the Seruthur fish landing site, the injured fishermen were transported to Orathur Medical College Hospital by a 108 ambulance.
Nagapattinam Marine Police sources told IANS that they have recorded the affected fishermen’s statements and would conduct an inquiry based on them.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had written to Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday, requesting the latter to ensure the release of all the fishermen and boats in Sri Lankan custody and secure a waiver of the hefty penalty imposed on them.
The Chief Minister had in his letter expressly referred to the arrest of 14 Indian fishermen from Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan authorities on September 7.
He also urged the Central government to take measures to revive the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries.
Stalin mentioned that as of September 7, a total of 350 fishermen and 49 fishing boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2024, the highest in the last six years,
The Chief Minister also said that the Sri Lankan courts were imposing hefty fines on the fishermen, which they could not pay.
Stalin had also requested EAM Jaishankar to take immediate and concrete diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of all the fishermen and boats in Sri Lankan custody.
–IANS
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On Wednesday, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) launched Saarthi, a reference application designed to assist businesses in creating customised multilingual buyer apps.
Developed with Bhashini, an AI-driven language translation tool, Saarthi will offer advanced multilingual features for a more inclusive digital commerce experience to ONDC participants.
The application initially supports five languages: Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil. It plans to scale up to all 22 languages provided by Bhashini.
This will ensure that businesses can offer a personalised and localised shopping experience, breaking down language barriers and enhancing accessibility for users across India.
“The launch of Saarthi is a pivotal development in our journey towards a more inclusive digital commerce landscape. By providing a reference application that enables businesses to create multilingual buyer apps, we are breaking down language barriers and opening up new avenues for engagement and growth,” said T Koshy, MD and CEO at ONDC.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to democratise access to e-commerce, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can connect with customers across India’s diverse linguistic spectrum,” Koshy said.
Further, the multilingual features of Saarthi, including real-time translation, transliteration, and voice recognition will allow businesses to expand market reach, enabling companies to tap into new regions and increase customer acquisition.
Personalised user experiences enhance customer engagement and loyalty, while the application’s competitive features provide a unique value proposition.
“Collaborating with ONDC on Saarthi underscores Bhashini’s dedication to overcoming language barriers in digital commerce,” said Amitabh Nag, CEO at Bhashini.
The intuitive, localised experience can also lead to higher conversion rates and reduced support costs, streamlining operations and boosting revenue. Overall, ONDC said these features are particularly beneficial for reaching underserved regions and communities where language barriers have historically hindered e-commerce adoption.
–IANS
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Following public discontent from VCK chief Thirumavalavan with his alliance partner, the DMK, the Congress party has also expressed its dissatisfaction with the alliance partner. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai has criticized the DMK government for its inadequate security during the Tyagi Immanuel Sekaran Guru Puja.
A significant number of political leaders and prominent figures are visiting the memorial in Ramanathapuram to honor the 67th Jayanthi of Tyagi Immanuel Sekaran. In this context, Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai has criticized the police for inadequate security at the memorial. He remarked, “The police failed to provide proper security at Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial.” He also highlighted the Congress party’s role in honoring Sekaran, mentioning that the party issued a postage stamp in 2010 recognizing him as a national leader. Selvaperunthagai expressed appreciation for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s support in establishing the mandapam and statue as government-supported initiatives.
Selvaperunthagai called on the Ramanathapuram police to enhance their management of the event, pointing out that while security in Madurai and Sivagangai was satisfactory, it fell short in Ramanathapuram. He warned of potential issues if security remains inadequate and urged for better crowd control and security measures for future events.
Selvaperunthagai said, “We have been given proper protection in Madurai district, and in Sivagangai they also provided adequate protection and brought us here. However, in Ramanathapuram, our MPs and leaders were not treated well without any protection, which is regrettable. We would like to express our regret as to why the Ramanathapuram police department is so lethargic. We arrived with control so there have been no problem. However, it is disappointing why the Superintendent of Police in Ramanathapuram, did not regulate when the Congress leaders were arriving. We are in control, so this had to end satisfactorily. It is concerning who will take responsibility in case of lack of control leading to a skirmish. Therefore, the Ramanathapuram police department must work effectively in the future. Stopping us here and there, detaining leaders as if they were imprisoned, is unacceptable.”
#JUSTIN || ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்ட காவல்துறைக்கு, தமிழ்நாடு காங்கிரஸ் கமிட்டி தலைவர் செல்வப்பெருந்தகை கண்டனம்
தியாகி இமானுவேல் சேகரன் நினைவிடத்திற்கு அஞ்சலி செலுத்த வரும் தலைவர்களுக்கு உரிய பாதுகாப்பு இல்லை என குற்றச்சாட்டு
Later, hitting the DMK, TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai remarked, “If significant events are taking place, you (DMK) should conduct under your control. Should we just come and go like orphans?” He then added, with evident frustration, “There was no protection.”
திமுக அரசுக்கு கும்மாங்குத்து விட்ட காங்கிரஸ்…
அட பாதுகாப்பே இல்லங்க… இமானுவேல் சேகரன் நினைவுநாள் நிகழ்ச்சிக்கு போன செல்வப்பெருந்தகை வேதனை…. pic.twitter.com/JewnN97jFg
Among those scheduled to pay their respects today are DMK Scion and Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, former AIADMK Minister RB Udhayakumar, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, BJP state general secretary Balaganapathi, MDMK MP Durai Vaiko, and Naam Tamilar Katchi Chief Coordinator Seeman.
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Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik of attempting to mislead Indian Muslims and disseminate “false propaganda” regarding the government’s Waqf Amendment Bill. Naik, who is wanted fugitive in India for money laundering and hate speech and has been living abroad since 2016, claimed the proposed legislation would have “detrimental effects.” He urged Muslims to protest the Bill by submitting their objections to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) by 13 September 2024, using a QR code and online petition.
Fugitive Zakir Naik via his official X account stated that, “Save Indian Waqf Properties, Reject The Waqf Amendment Bill! Let’s stand together to defend the sanctity of Waqf and ensure its preservation for future generations. Abu Bakr narrated that he heard the messenger of Allah (pbuh) say, “If people see some evil but do not change it, soon Allah will send His punishment upon them all” – Sunan Ibn Maajah Vol 5, Hadeeth No. 4005.This is an urgent call to the Muslims in India to stop this evil which breaches the sacred status of waqf, and has evil repercussions on the future of Islaamic institutions. We will bear Allah’s wrath and the curse of subsequent generations, if we allow this bill to pass.”
“Stop the evil or bear its liabilities in this life and in the Hereafter! Say no to the Waqf Amendment Bill! At least 5 million Muslims of India should send their rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill. As Muslims of India, we will be held accountable if we do not prevent the Muslim Waqf properties from being taken away from the Ummah. Send your Rejection by Scanning this QR Code. You can send your rejection to Waqf Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee. https: http://waqfbill2024.com Due Date: 13th Sept 2024″, he wrote.
In response to Zakir Naik’s misleading and provocative statements, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives.”
Please do not mislead the innocent Muslims from outside our country. India is a democratic country and people have the right to their own opinion. False propaganda will lead to wrong narratives. https://t.co/3W3YwtyJjIpic.twitter.com/LwV9Jh1YTg
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It aims to redefine “waqf” to include only those who have practised Islam for at least five years and hold ownership of the property. The bill also seeks to ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not negate inheritance rights for women.
Key changes include removing provisions related to “waqf by the user,” assigning the role of Survey Commissioner to a Deputy Collector or equivalent officer, broadening the composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to include Muslim women and non-Muslims, and establishing a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis.
The bill also proposes to streamline the registration of waqfs via a central portal, clarify the procedures for property mutation according to revenue laws, and reform the Tribunal structure to include two members with appeals to the High Court within ninety days. Additionally, the government plans to withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, which the previous Congress-led UPA government introduced.
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On 10 September 2024, during his visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with several US lawmakers, some known for their anti-India stance. The meeting, hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, included figures such as Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, and Barbara Lee. Congress shared photographs of the meeting through its official social media channels, sparking debate over the nature of the discussions.
In its Facebook post, the Congress Party wrote, “Shri Rahul Gandhi met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.”
The list of attendees, as shared by Congress, included prominent figures such as Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, Jonathan Jackson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Shri Thanedar, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Hank Johnson, and Jan Schakowsky. Netizens question Rahul Gandhi for meeting Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, who have a history of making controversial statements about India.
Following the meeting, Rahul Gandhi posted on his official Facebook page, “It was a pleasure to meet with a delegation of U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House in Washington, DC. We had a meaningful discussion about our shared commitment to building a progressive future and strengthening the Indo-US relationship.”
However, the Congress Party did not release specific details or videos of the discussions between Rahul Gandhi and lawmakers like Ilhan Omar. They kept the meeting content unclear and prompted speculation about the issues that were addressed.
Political parties and netizens questioned Rahul Gandhi for meeting lawmakers like Ilhan Omar, who has criticised India and the Narendra Modi government. BJP leaders accused Gandhi of aligning with “anti-India” figures during his efforts to oppose the BJP, asking if his actions were driven by political motives rather than a genuine concern for India’s future. His meeting with Omar, in particular, has reignited conversations about the Congress leader’s engagement with figures who have openly voiced anti-India sentiments.
Who Is Ilhan Omar?
Ilhan Abdullahi Omar is a Somali American politician and a member of the US House of Representatives from Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been a polarizing figure in American politics, particularly for her strong views on issues related to Islam, the Middle East, and South Asia. Omar, born in Somalia, fled the country’s civil war with her family and arrived in the US as a refugee at the age of 12. She later became a US citizen and rose to prominence as the first Somali-American and one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress.
Omar’s political career has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding her stance on global issues and allegations of misconduct. In 2019, she was accusedof marrying her brother in an immigration fraud scheme, a claim that garnered widespread attention, including a call from former President Donald Trump for an investigation by the US Department of Justice. Although the claims remain unresolved, they have contributed to her polarizing reputation.
Controversial Is Her Middle Name
Omar has almost always courted controversy with her statements.
In 2019, she said, “Some people did something” about the 11 September terrorist attacks and completely absolved the involvement of Islamic terrorists who carried out the attack. She also insulted the death of over 3,000 Americans and people from other nationalities with such a statement.
In July 2021, Ilhan Omar, with support from Democratic lawmakers, urged the US State Department to create a special envoy to ‘combat Islamophobia’ globally.
Anti-India Stance
Omar has consistently criticized India’s policies, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She has taken a vocal stance against the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and has aligned herself with pro-Pakistan rhetoric in international forums. Omar has repeatedly raised the issue of Kashmir in the US Congress, advocating for intervention in what she portrays as human rights violations in the region. Her positions have often mirrored Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, with Omar visiting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2022 during a trip sponsored by Pakistan.
A reminder of why Ilhan Omar, hero of global wokes & fake liberals, is a deeply illiberal, anti-India figure. My video last year: pic.twitter.com/1VHmgzpjBx
India reacted strongly to Omar’s visit to PoK, calling it a violation of India’s sovereignty and reflecting her “narrow-minded” politics. During her meeting with the president of PoK, Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary, Omar expressed concerns over India’s 5 August 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. She has since continued to criticize India’s handling of Kashmir, framing it as an issue of global concern and urging US agencies to intervene.
In addition to her stance on Kashmir, Omar has propagated narratives of human rights abuses and alleged discrimination against Muslims in India. She has accused the Modi government of fostering an environment of intolerance, targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims, and stifling freedom of speech. Omar’s criticism has often been amplified by Islamist organizations and leftist groups in both the US and India, creating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
She, however, had no word for Pakistan’s treatment of minorities in the country.
Ties To Radical Organizations
Omar’s connections with radical Islamic groups have been a subject of controversy throughout her political career. Allegations have surfaced linking her to organizations such as Islamic Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), which have ties to Islamic terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan. These associations have fueled suspicions about her broader agenda, with some accusing her of furthering the interests of extremist groups under the guise of political advocacy.
Her ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist organization, and Qatar’s rulers have also drawn criticism. Omar has been accused of using her platform to promote Islamist ideologies in the US, positioning herself as a spokesperson for Muslim communities while aligning with controversial groups. Critics have viewed her role in the US House of Representatives as an extension of her association with these organizations, which aim to push a radical agenda in Western societies.
In September 2023, she expressed her support for Canada’s unfounded claim that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Niijar.
Anti-Semitic Remarks & Support for Hamas
Omar has also been embroiled in accusations of anti-Semitism, particularly about her views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. She has been a vocal critic of Israel’s policies and has expressed support for the Palestinian cause, often siding with extremist groups like Hamas. During the 2021 Israel-Palestine conflict, Omar came under fire for allegedly whitewashing Hamas’s attacks on Israel and placing the blame solely on Israel for the violence.
Additionally, Omar has advocated for a “one-nation solution” to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which many interpret as a refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation.
Following the 8 October Hamas attack on Israel, Omar, known for her history of anti-Semitism, stated, “Just as we honour the humanity of the hundreds of innocent Israeli civilians and 9 Americans who were killed this weekend, we must honour the humanity of the innocent Palestinian civilians who have been killed and whose lives are upended.” However, she failed to condemn Hamas and its terror attacks against civilians explicitly.
It must also be noted that Ilhan Omar, a member of the US House of Representatives from Minnesota,boycotted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was on a state visit to the US. She even tried to lobby President Joe Biden to attack PM Modi but failed.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reviewed the flood situation in Eluru district on Wednesday. Rising water levels in the Godavari River prompted authorities to issue a danger alert at Dowleswaram Cotton Barrage.
Rajahmundry District Collector P Prasanthi said that people in areas along the river banks have been alerted as the Godavari River is in spate. The irrigation officials are releasing 13 lakh cusecs of water downstream.
People have been cautioned against bathing in the river, and fishermen have also been warned against venturing into it.
The authorities have also advised people not to immerse Ganesh idols in the river for 48 hours as the river is in spate. They have been urged to postpone the immersion.
Dy CM Pawan Kalyan spoke to Eluru District Collector K Vetri Selvi over the phone to review the district’s flood situation.
The District Collector informed him that due to heavy rains upstream, Eluru and Thandava reservoirs received huge inflows, and as a result, crops over 62,000 acres in the district were submerged.
Breaches and overflowing canals inundated roads, affecting vehicle movement in the Pithapuram and Peddapuram constituencies.
Traffic came to a halt on Pithapuram-Raparthi, Peddapuram-Gudivada, and Samarlakota-Pithapuram roads. The flood water overflowed the national highway at Gollaprolu, diverting vehicular traffic.
The Collector informed the Deputy CM that boats and rescue teams were pressed into service for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. The Collector said the intensity of floods in Eluru reservoir was receding.
On Wednesday morning, the inflows were 12,567 cusecs. The storage in the reservoirs stood at 22.16 TMC, compared to its full capacity of 24.11 TMC.
The authorities have opened four gates of the reservoir. Pawan Kalyan directed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army teams be used for rescue and relief works in the affected areas.
He also asked officials to provide food, drinking water, milk and other essentials to people in the flood-hit areas.
He said the officials should speak to farmers affected by the floods and assure them that the government will extend all possible help to them.
This story is based on an IANS wire feed.
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Tamil Nadu BJP coordinator and national executive member H. Raja has severely criticized the recent political moves by the ruling DMK, accusing them of using political stunts, like the Mahavishnu speech, to win over the minority vote bank at the expense of Hinduism. Speaking at the Vinayagar Chaturthi Visarjana Festival public meeting on 9 September 2024, in Thudiyalur, Coimbatore, organized by the Hindu Munnani, Raja proudly declared that they have made idols of Ganesha in EVR’s territory. EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers) was an anti-Hindu bigot who, along with cadres, went on a rampage, breaking the idols of Vinayagar.
Raja began his speech by highlighting that 150 of the 251 Ganesha idols meant for the Vinayagar Chaturthi festival had not arrived. He alleged that these idols were blocked from reaching the festival due to the DMK government’s anti-Hindu policies. Raja also accused higher police officials of complicit in this obstruction, suggesting they were rewarded for their actions in their CR reports.
Raja condemned the Tamil Nadu government as anti-Hindu and emphasized that they have placed Ganesha idols even in Periyar’s stronghold. He stated, “Already they claim this (land) as Periyar’s soil, indeed it is and from this soil we have made idols.”
Then Raja revisited historical events related to the DMK and its ideologue, E.V. Ramasamy, also known as Periyar, and criticized the party using facts, highlighting that they were anti-nationals, self-doubters, and ignorant.
Raja stated,“EVR was an English imperial Christian mercenary. I do not speak without evidence. Do you know what resolution was passed by the Dravidar Kazhagham under the leadership of EVR and later passed by Annadurai in Salem in 1944? ‘Gandhi said that English should go, but Gandhi has gone mad. To cure his madness, a good doctor must be brought from England. If the white man leaves, science leaves.’ Look at how insecure the DK and DMK are, but we will refer to them as scholars and Periyar. Therefore, the whites should not leave the country. ‘If the whites leave, science leaves. Cars and buses won’t run, there will be no telegraph or postal services, and we won’t even be able to produce a pin.’ Whose resolution is this? It belongs to EVR and Annadurai. On the other hand, our Vajpayee made an atomic bomb and demonstrated it. The first conference of the Dravida Kazhagam is evidence of how far these people talk about rationale and how ignorant they are.”
He further remarked that the DK and DMK, who once passed resolutions advocating for the end of British rule in England and aimed to influence at least Chennai, are now the ones ruling the state. He warned that such anti-national forces are unlikely to support the preservation of our nationalism and culture.
He further criticized Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K Stalin for not taking action against Minister T. M. Anbarasan who had made threatening remarks about Prime Minister, and questioned why he was not arrested or removed from his position.
He further criticized Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for failing to take action against Minister T.M. Anbarasan, who had made threatening remarks “tearing the Prime Minister into pieces.” He questioned why Anbarasan had not been arrested or removed from his position does he accept his remark.
Raja then spoke about spiritual motivational speaker Mahavishnu, criticizing the action taken against him. He noted that Mahavishnu had discussed the teachings of Tamil saints like Thirumoolar and Thiruvalluvar. Still, he questioned whether the School Education Minister had shown similar resolve in addressing the sexual exploitation of students in a government-aided minority school by a mother and son duo in his own constituency. Raja ridiculed the minister, saying that when he saw the name, Samson Daniel, he became submissive and behaved meekly. Raja pointed out that the minister’s actions differ for Mahavishnu being Hindu while Samson Daniel is Christian.
He then criticized the current Tamil Nadu government for failing to take action against minorities, even when they commit wrongdoings while turning a blind eye. He questioned why there is objection when someone speaks about Thirumoolar and Thiruvalluvar.
Then, Raja concluded his speech by presenting straightforward facts about E.V. Ramasamy (EVR) and Karunanidhi, questioning whether such cultural degradation should be taught to schoolchildren.
Raja questioned, “What did EVR say about women?” and continued, “Women should not wear sarees; they should wear lungis. These are not my words; they are the words of EVR. ‘They should not have long hair, they cut it short, and should wear t-shirts. ‘How do we go to our favourite shop and eat our favourite snack? Similarly, women should have sex with their favourite man,’ who said all of these? EVR said it. So women should remove their uterus.”
He continued, “All of this is detailed in EVR’s writings. If we teach these ideas to schoolchildren, won’t it ruin their lives?”
Raja then questioned, “Can we include lessons about Karunanidhi?” and added, “Kannadasan has written in the book Vanavasam.It’s very disgusting if we talk about it on stage.”
Raja questioned, “Why are lessons from culturally degraded individuals included in school textbooks, while any spiritual discussions in schools provoke criticism?” He noted that despite the long-standing bans on our festivals and the recent prohibitions against Hindu ideology, Samson Daniel has not been scrutinized similarly over the years.
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On September 10, Khalistani terrorist and founder of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, publicly expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a visit to the United States. Pannun praised Gandhi’s remarks about Sikhs, made during a public speech in Washington, D.C., calling them “bold and pioneering.” According to Pannun, Gandhi’s comments align with SFJ’s narrative on the challenges faced by Sikhs since 1947 and their justification for the Punjab Independence Referendum, which aims to establish Khalistan.
Pannun’s statement read, “Rahul Gandhi echoes SFJ’s position on Khalistan,” referring to Gandhi’s remarks during an event where several pro-Khalistan supporters were present. He claimed that Gandhi had justified SFJ’s global Khalistan Referendum campaign when he spoke about the existential threat Sikhs face in India. Pannun added that Gandhi’s words reflected the historical difficulties Sikhs have faced under successive Indian governments.
During his address in Washington, Gandhi pointed to a Sikh attendee and suggested that the fight in India is about whether Sikhs can wear their religious symbols, such as the turban and kara, and practice their faith freely by visiting gurdwaras. He extended this argument to all religions, stating that the battle is for the preservation of religious traditions and regional identities, which he claims are under attack from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Gandhi’s comments on the Sikh community drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri accused the Congress leader of spreading a dangerous narrative on foreign soil. He highlighted the Modi government’s efforts to address the concerns of the Sikh community, asserting that Sikhs in India have never been safer. Puri also referenced the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, holding the Congress responsible for the violence and accusing Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy for raising concerns about Sikhs while his party shielded those responsible for the pogrom.
Puri further criticized Gandhi on social media, calling his statements about Sikhs’ freedom to wear religious symbols in India “delusional and absurd.” He reminded people that it was under Congress’s rule that Sikhs were subjected to violence and discrimination, particularly during the 1984 riots. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reopening cases related to the violence and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned Gandhi’s remarks, questioning his commitment to the Constitution. He pointed out that Gandhi’s comments in America, including those about reservations, revealed his deep-seated biases.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani separatist, has long been involved in promoting anti-India activities. He holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada and presents himself as an advocate for Sikh rights. Pannun has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his involvement in violent activities and promoting secessionist ideas through his organization Sikhs For Justice, which has also been declared a terrorist outfit in India.
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Renowned advertising film director Revathy Varma announced her intention to take legal action against an online portal for misrepresenting her comments about a prominent actor in the Malayalam film industry.
In an interview with Manorama News, Revathy discussed her difficulties during her directorial debut, Maad Dad. She revealed that she faced challenges from various prominent figures, including actor Lal, during filmmaking. However, an online portal erroneously reported that Revathy had criticized Mohanlal, who was not involved in the film.
Expressing her frustration on Facebook, Revathy clarified, “I am a hugely private person but felt it was my responsibility to speak up when I was approached by Malayala Manorama for my opinion on the industry in the wake of the Hema Commission report. The interviewer specifically asked me about my experience in my directorial debut Maad Dad. Those who picked up the news know that Mohanlal has not acted in the film. Yet, it is disturbing to see misleading reports about Mohanlal. I have worked with Mohanlal on one occasion for an advertisement. Let me tell you, he is extremely respectful of directors. I will be taking action against the online portal for sharing such misleading news,” she said.
During the interview, Revathy also voiced her discontent with the film industry’s internal grievance redressal mechanisms, criticizing them as ineffective. The renowned director highlighted the shortcomings in handling complaints, particularly in light of the Hema Committee report, which she believes has failed to address issues transparently. Revathy emphasized that the survivors had provided testimonies based on assurances from the Chief Minister and called for a more robust system involving the judiciary and police to handle industry-related grievances.
On 10 September 2024, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi participated in a discussion hosted by Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS). The event, moderated by Edward Luce, has stirred interest due to the SFS’s controversial reputation and Luce’s background. Gandhi, currently on a three-day visit to the US, has been meeting people and making controversial remarks during his first foreign visit since becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Walsh School of Foreign Service: The ‘Spy Factory’
The Walsh School of Foreign Service, where Gandhi’s discussion took place, is notorious among some investigative circles for its alleged close ties to intelligence and defence agencies. Dubbed the “Spy Factory of the CIA,” the SFS is reputed to be a training ground for operatives who go on to serve in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, and other national security entities. This reputation has led to numerous reports suggesting that SFS plays a pivotal role in the intelligence community.
Edward Luce: A Controversial Moderator
Edward Luce, who moderated the event, has a contentious history. Formerly a speechwriter for Treasury Secretary Larry Summers during the Clinton administration from 1999 to 2000, Luce is now the chief US commentator for the Financial Times. He served as the South Asia bureau chief for the Financial Times (FT) in New Delhi from 2001 to 2006. Known for his critical stance on Indian politics and public disagreements with supporters of the BJP, Luce’s background includes a family history of colonial service and a career often intersecting with criticism of Indian institutions. Educated at Oxford and married into an Indian family, Luce now resides in Washington, D.C., serving as FT’s chief US Commentator. Known for blocking BJP supporters on Twitter and his critical writings on India and its leadership, Luce’s current role at FT coincides with the paper’s ongoing scrutiny of the Adani Group.
Given Luce’s colonial legacy, it is worth noting that the Congress party was founded by imperial interests as a counterbalance to Indian freedom fighters. Given this historical context, it seems likely that Edward Luce made a concerted effort to make Rahul Gandhi feel welcome.
Funding and Affiliations: Concerns Over Influence
The SFS is also linked to several controversial funding sources. Many faculty members have received substantial grants from organizations associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Qatari royal family and have connections to Al Jazeera’s network. These faculty members are said to be heavily involved with Islamic organizations that oppose India, supporting activists from various backgrounds. This has raised concerns about potential biases and external influences on the academic environment at Georgetown.
Regime Change Allegations
A recent report by Disinfo Lab implicated various organizations, such as the Henry Luce Foundation, in efforts related to regime change in India.
The report “The Invisible Hands: Foreign Interference in Indian Elections 2024” alleged that Western entities invested significant financial resources to influence the 2024 Indian Lok Sabha elections. It accused the US-based Henry Luce Foundation (HLF), George Soros’ Open Society Foundation (OSF), and French Indolologist Christophe Jaffrelot of a coordinated effort to sway Indian voters.
The 85-page document claims that these global actors, including academic and media figures, campaigned to shape public opinion during the election period from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024. Key figure Christophe Jaffrelot is noted for promoting anti-India narratives, mainly through Western media. His advocacy for a caste census, a prominent issue in the Congress Party’s manifesto, is cited as evidence of his influence. Additionally, Jaffrelot is accused of spreading false claims about the dominance of upper castes in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The report details substantial financial contributions from HLF, including support for Jaffrelot’s research and various projects critical of Hindu nationalism. HLF is also linked to funding for the Berkley Center at Georgetown University and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Similarly, Soros’ OSF is said to have financed activist Ricken Patel’s efforts, including propaganda critical of the ruling party and support for Indian think tanks.
EXPOSÉ: Millions of $ funded to impact #IndianElection results!
Just concluded #loksabhaelections24 reported massive interference from China to Israel.
However, the most significant remains obscure – The Western interference: From EU to the US!
The Lok Sabha elections concluded with the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, securing a third consecutive term. The report highlights the high voter turnout, with 642 million participants and a record 312 million female voters.
This raises questions about the nature of academic and political exchanges involving prominent Indian leaders and institutions with such affiliations.
The convergence of these factors—Gandhi’s engagement with a department known for its intelligence connections, Luce’s controversial background, and the funding ties of the SFS faculty—has sparked debate. Critics are questioning the implications of these affiliations for Gandhi’s visit and the broader context of international political interactions. While some dismiss these concerns as coincidental, the scrutiny reflects ongoing tensions over global influence and domestic politics.
