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Isha Foundation Moves Delhi High Court With ₹3 Crore Defamation Suit Against Nakkheeran

By
The Commune
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How Nakkheeran Gopal Is Peddling Fake News Against Isha Foundation

On 2 December 2024, the Isha Foundation filed a defamation lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran and its editor, Gopal. The foundation is seeking the removal of allegedly defamatory videos and reports and has claimed damages amounting to ₹3 crore.

The lawsuit also names Google LLC as a defendant, citing that the content appears on Google search results and YouTube, a company-owned platform. According to the Isha Foundation, the videos published by Nakkheeran contain accusations of misconduct, including exploitation, coercion, and illegal activities.

The contested reports also allege that individuals at the foundation were being held against their will or forced into specific actions. The foundation has denied these allegations, pointing out that the claims persist despite a recent Supreme Court ruling dismissing a related habeas corpus petition.

In October 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by a father alleging that his two daughters had been brainwashed and detained at the Isha Yoga Center. The court, after directly speaking to the women, ruled that they were adults who had willingly chosen to reside at the center. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated, “Both of them said they are living there of their own free will,” closing the habeas corpus case while clarifying that the decision would not hinder any legitimate police investigations.

Isha Foundation argues that, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Nakkheeran continued to publish critical reports, which the foundation claims are defamatory and intended to harm its reputation. The organisation maintains that the allegations are baseless and malicious.
The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Subramonium Prasad, has issued notices to Nakkheeran, its editor, and Google, setting the next hearing for April 2025. At this stage, Isha Foundation has opted not to request an interim injunction against the content.

(With inputs from Swarajya)

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Tamil Film Producers Association Approaches Madras HC To Ban Movie Reviews For First Three Days Post Film Release After Kanguva, Vettaiyan, Indian 2 Disasters

By
The Commune
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Tamil Film Producers Association Approaches Madras HC To Ban Movie Reviews For First Three Days Post Film Release After Kanguva, Vettaiyan, Indian 2 Disasters

The Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking a three-day ban on movie reviews across social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, starting from a film’s release. Filed through counsel Vijayan Subramanian, the petition also seeks directions from the Central and State governments to frame guidelines for online film critics. The case is scheduled to be heard by Justice S. Sounthar.

The move follows escalating concerns within the Tamil film industry regarding the impact of immediate and harsh online reviews on box office performance. According to the Tamil Nadu Producers Council (TNPC), films like Indian 2, Vettaiyan, and Suriya’s Kanguva have suffered significant losses due to negative reviews and personal attacks shared on YouTube and other platforms shortly after release. Kanguva, in particular, failed to impact the box office, which industry insiders attribute partly to unfavorable online reviews.

The TFAPA and TNPC claim that such reviews often include personal malice and incitement of hatred disguised as criticism, severely affecting the reputation of actors, directors, and producers. The TNPC also issued a four-page statement condemning this practice and requesting theatre owners to ban YouTube channels from recording public opinions and reviews inside theatre premises. In response, some theatres have already restricted access to YouTubers during screenings.

The TNPC emphasized that critics have the right to express their opinions but called for responsible reviewing that avoids personal attacks or sowing hatred against films. The association urged all stakeholders in the film industry to take unified action to discourage such practices.

The current petition follows a similar precedent in Kerala, where a seven-day ban on YouTube reviews was implemented in 2023. The decision came after Mubeen Rauf, the director of Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam, alleged that negative public opinion videos adversely affected his film’s business.

The Tamil film industry has been grappling with back-to-back underperforming big-budget films, including those featuring major stars like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Suriya. Producers claim that immediate online reviews, particularly first-day-first-show (FDFS) reactions, discourage audiences from watching movies, leading to financial losses.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)

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Wikipedia Claims Jai Shri Ram Chants Led To Sambhal Violence, Video Evidence Proves It False

By
The Commune
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Wikipedia Claims Jai Shri Ram Chants Led To Sambhal Violence, Video Evidence Proves It False

Wikipedia page on the Sambhal violence has once again highlighted the platform’s susceptibility to biased narratives. The page attempts to frame the incident as being triggered by “Jai Shri Ram” chants, citing sources that rely heavily on allegations without verifying the ground realities.

One such reference cited on the Wikipedia page comes from a Telegraph article that claims people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission chanted “Jai Shri Ram” at the disputed structure site, provoking communal violence. The article reads, “Some people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission to the Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Sunday had set up a triumphal chant of “Jai Shri Ram” to irritate Muslims, in the presence of senior police and district officials, multiple Opposition MPs in Uttar Pradesh have alleged.”

Without providing independent evidence, the Wikipedia article attributes this information on Sambhal violence to allegations by opposition MPs, such as Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq. This narrative suggests that the chants incited local protests, leading to police action and subsequent violence.

However, video evidence and reports from the ground tell a different story. Footage of advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, and administrative officials conducting the court-ordered survey shows no signs of communal sloganeering or inflammatory behavior.

Wikipedia’s page fails to provide a balanced perspective. Ziaur Rahman Barq, who alleged police provocation, is himself among those charged with inciting violence. His political affiliations and potential vested interests are conspicuously ignored.

Following the violence, 25 individuals were taken into custody, and seven FIRs were registered against 2,500 people. The inclusion of stringent charges under the National Security Act (NSA) indicates that authorities view this as premeditated violence, not spontaneous provocation.

While opposition leaders blame the police, no evidence substantiates claims of excessive force without cause. Instead, reports suggest law enforcement acted to maintain order during a volatile situation.

Wikipedia Edits

The page erroneously refers to Hari Shankar Jain as the advocate involved when it is his son Vishnu Shankar Jain who is representing the Hindu side.

The page also calls Hari Shankar Jain, a pro-Hindutva lawyer. Attempts to edit these out are met with failure. Here are a few screenshots from the edit history that prove these statements were challenged, only to be ignored/rejected and reverted to the narrative-peddling version on the latest update.

By selectively citing allegations while ignoring contradictory evidence, Wikipedia perpetuates a misleading narrative. Its reliance on politically charged sources like The Telegraph to frame an incident as religiously motivated demonstrates a clear bias.

Wikipedia’s role as a supposedly neutral platform demands greater accountability. Misinformation disguised as “facts” not only misguides readers but also risks further polarization.

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PMK Pres Anbumani Ramadoss Slams DMK Govt Over Sathanur Dam Water Release And Poor Flood Response

By
The Commune
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PMK Pres Anbumani Ramadoss Slams DMK Govt Over Sathanur Dam Water Release And Poor Flood Response

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss accused the DMK government of releasing water from the Sathanur Dam into the Thenpennai River without proper warning to residents along its banks, which he claims contributed to the widespread devastation.

Ramadoss also strongly criticized the ruling DMK government, urging them to focus on providing disaster relief and ensuring timely release of funds, rather than engaging in political theatrics during such a critical time.

PMK chief Ramadoss made these remarks after visiting the flood-hit areas of Marakkanam on 2 December 2024. He stated that the sudden release of 1.70 lakh cusecs of water left people unprepared and affected nearly 90% of Cuddalore district. He also pointed out that this action contradicted a previous promise by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had criticized the AIADMK government in 2015 for releasing water from the Chembarambakkam Lake without notice, pledging that the DMK would not repeat such mistakes.

Anbumani Ramadoss criticized Chief Minister MK Stalin’s government, accusing him of boasting about his own efforts while blaming the previous ADMK regime. He remarked,“Yesterday, the Chief Minister tweeted, what of tweet was it? he tweeted about how many people died during the previous ADMK regime because the Chembarambakkam lake was opened at night while people were sleeping. But he tweeted that our regime is not like that. However, today, at around 2 a.m., 1.70 lakh cusecs of water per second from  Sathanur Lake, no one knows this news. As a result, 90% of the houses along the banks of Cuddalore district, especially in the city, are submerged. People have lost their belongings, and the extent of the loss of life is still unknown. The Thenpennai River bed and its banks are flooded, causing significant damage because the public was unaware of this, but he blames the ADMK. Both are to blame. The public needs to be informed about this. I don’t want to do politics in this. This is not the time to boast that we are doing this much. This is the time to help the people.”

Further, Anbumani criticized the government’s flood mitigation efforts, arguing that they have been primarily focused on Chennai, while other regions remain neglected. He emphasized that the government should not rely solely on central funds for disaster relief, advocating for a dedicated budget allocation for such emergencies, given that floods are an annual occurrence. He also stressed the need for more accurate weather forecasts, highlighting that the unexpected heavy rainfall in Villupuram, which recorded 50 cm, caught authorities off guard.

Anbumani highlighted the exceptional rainfall in Uthangarai, Krishnagiri district, where 50 cm fell within 24 hours, marking the highest recorded in 300 years. He explained that this extreme weather has severely affected hundreds of villages and inundated thousands of homes, causing immense distress to the people.

While acknowledging the historical nature of the rainfall, Anbumani attributed the severity of the floods to the government’s failure to properly desilt water bodies and waterways. He questioned the whereabouts of funds allocated for desilting, noting that the government has yet to announce any relief for the affected populations. He also cited the tragic landslide in Tiruvannamalai, where seven people were trapped, and rescue teams could not reach them even after 18 hours, as an example of the challenges faced in the current crisis.

The PMK leader called for an immediate increase in rescue and relief efforts, urging the government to mobilize more personnel to assist in the response. He cited rainfall data from various regions, such as 33 cm in Harur, Dharmapuri district, and 32 cm in Tirupalapanthal, Kallakurichi, underscoring the urgent need for swift intervention to prevent further loss of life.

Anbumani also drew attention to the destruction in Krishnagiri, where vehicles were swept away by the floods, and road access was completely cut off along the Tirupattur-Tiruvannamalai stretch. He further pointed to severe flooding along the Sarabanga River in Salem and the Thenpennai River, which runs from Krishnagiri to Cuddalore, and demanded that the government take immediate steps to restore normalcy in these affected areas.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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Midnight Water Release From Sathanur Dam Leaves Four Districts In TN Underwater

By
The Commune
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Midnight Water Release From Sathanur Dam Leaves Four Districts In TN Underwater

In an incident reminiscent of the 2015 Chembarambakkam Lake flooding, the sudden release of 1.68 lakh cubic feet of water per second from Sathanur Dam in Tiruvannamalai district early Sunday has led to significant distress for residents in four districts. The release, which occurred at 2:45 AM, followed a rapid increase in inflow due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the Thenpennaiyar catchment area caused by Cyclone Fengal.

According to the Water Resources Department (WRD), water inflow to the dam rose sharply over a few hours. The inflow, measured at 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) at 6 AM on 1 December 2024, surged to 1 lakh cusecs by 12:45 AM on 2 December 2024 and further escalated to 1.68 lakh cusecs by 2:45 AM. As the dam’s water level approached its full capacity of 119 feet, officials discharged the incoming water to ensure its structural safety.

The release of water caused widespread flooding along the Thenpennai River, impacting Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts. Homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure were inundated, livestock perished, and vehicles were swept away. Traffic was severely disrupted on key routes, including the Chennai-Trichy National Highway. Floodwaters overflowed parts of the highway at Arasur, cutting off road connectivity to southern districts.

The WRD stated that flood warnings were issued in stages on 1 December 2024. A first warning was released around 9 AM, followed by subsequent updates at 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon. A later notification at 7:00 PM announced that 30,000 cusecs of water would be released. However, the actual release far exceeded the estimate, with 1 lakh cusecs discharged by 12:45 am and 1.68 lakh cusecs by 2:45 AM.

The WRD informed the media of the situation at 4:15 AM, but many residents were caught off guard as the rapid escalation occurred during the night. Owing to insufficient awareness and limited media outreach, affected residents could likely have been unprepared.

Officials from the WRD defended their actions, citing the need to protect the Sathanur Dam and manage increased inflows from other water sources, including Krishnagiri, Vaniyar, and Pambar dams. The department emphasized that the water release was necessary to prevent a potential dam breach.

Residents in affected districts expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication and preparedness. Many reported losing belongings and facing challenges evacuating in the middle of the night. Relief efforts are underway, with authorities working to restore road connectivity and assess the damage.

(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)

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Devotees Protest Vadakara Panchayat’s Alleged Attempt To Seize Ganapati Temple Land For Public Toilet Construction

By
The Commune
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Devotees Protest Vadakara Panchayat's Alleged Attempt To Seize Ganapati Temple Land For Public Toilet Construction
Image Source: Janam TV

The local panchayat’s encroachment on Ganapati temple land in Vadakara Orchateri has triggered widespread protests among devotees. The panchayat, led by the Muslim League with the support of the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), is accused of adding the temple land to its asset register under dubious circumstances. Devotees allege this move aims to reclassify the land as government property to facilitate the construction of a public toilet.

In 2023, the panchayat first attempted to take over the temple land, which the devotees thwarted. Subsequently, the land was reportedly acquired using forged documents, allegedly with the connivance of the then temple management committee. Despite claiming ownership, the panchayat has failed to produce legal documents supporting its claims.

Documents obtained from the Kozhikode archives later confirmed the Vadakara land belonged to the Orkattery Ganapati temple. Despite this evidence and ongoing court proceedings, the panchayat continues its efforts to construct a toilet on the temple premises, even though alternative locations are available.

Similar Case In Cherpulassery, Palakkad

A similar controversy unfolded at the Sree Ayyappan Kavu Temple in Cherpulassery, Palakkad. Under the Kerala government’s “100-Day Karma Program,” the Cherpulassery Municipality constructed a building with public toilets on temple property. This led to a petition filed by Hindu Aikya Vedi President P.N. Sreeraman, resulting in the Kerala High Court intervening.

In January 2024, the High Court deemed such constructions legally impermissible, emphasizing that temple lands controlled by the Malabar Devaswom Board cannot be used for public facilities intended for non-devotees. The court highlighted that prominently displaying the municipality’s name on the structure further violated regulations.

The court criticized the trustees of Cherpulassery Sree Ayyappan Kavu for failing to safeguard the temple’s interests and properties. It directed the Malabar Devaswom Board to exercise strict supervisory control and prevent any misuse of temple land. Referring to the construction under the “Suchithwamithra Toilet Construction Project,” the court underscored that acts of negligence akin to “fence eating the crops” must be addressed firmly.

The municipality was ordered to halt the operation of the toilet block. The court also instructed the Devaswom Board to decide on the reimbursement of construction costs incurred by the municipality within two months.

The Cherpulassery region, often referred to as the “Sabarimala of Malabar,” has seen significant demographic changes and rising criminal activities. Devotees have raised concerns about the area becoming a hub for crimes like extortion, smuggling, and drug peddling. The arrest of notorious criminal Charal Faisal under the Kerala Anti-social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) further highlights these issues.

The developments in Vadakara Orchateri echo the concerns raised in Cherpulassery. Devotees at both locations remain resolute in protecting temple lands, emphasizing that religious sanctity cannot be compromised for public infrastructure projects. The Kerala High Court’s rulings have provided a precedent, reinforcing the legal and moral responsibility to safeguard temple properties.

As the panchayat and devotees in Vadakara prepare for further legal battles, the larger question of respecting religious institutions while addressing public needs remains a contentious issue in Kerala.

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Victim’s Wife Grills DMK Minister MP Swaminathan Over Palladam Triple Murder, Video Goes Viral

By
The Commune
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Victim's Wife Grills DMK Minister MP Swaminathan Over Palladam Triple Murder, Video Goes Viral

The wife of one of the victims in the shocking triple murder burglary case in Palladam lambasted the DMK Minister for Tamil Development, Information, and Publicity MP Swaminathan over the tragic triple murder that happened in Palladam near Tirupur. A video capturing the minister’s struggle to answer her questions has since gone viral on social media.

The victims were 78-year-old Deivasigamani and his 75-year-old wife Alamelu, who lived in Goundenpalayam village near Palladam in Tiruppur district. The couple had two children, a son living in Coimbatore and a daughter in Chennimalai. Deivasigamani and Alamelu were farmers. Last 28 November 2024, their relative Senthil Kumar came from Coimbatore to attend an engagement ceremony. After sharing a meal, the three went to bed. In the middle of the night, they were disturbed by unusually loud barking from the dogs outside. When Deivasigamani went to investigate, he was attacked by a group of assailants who hacked him with a sickle. The attackers then entered the house and beheaded both Alamelu and Senthil Kumar before fleeing the scene.

The gruesome discovery was made on the next day when a barber arrived at the farmhouse and found all three victims lying in a pool of blood. While Deivasigamani was rushed to the hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries. The shocking crime has left the Palladam town in deep mourning.

In the aftermath, DMK Minister M.P. Swaminathan visited the family to offer his condolences. However, Senthilkumar’s wife, Kavitha, and other relatives seized the opportunity to pose a series of questions to the minister, leaving him visibly uncomfortable.

Kavitha expressed her anger, saying, “Your government is completely at fault, sir. You only seek publicity saying, ‘farmers, farmers’. It’s not just our family, there is a farm house next door, there is another house next too that. Tell me for sure what happened here won’t happen again.”

The DMK minister attempted to justify the situation by claiming that the accused had been caught within a week. However, the victim’s wife was unwilling to accept this as a satisfactory answer. She pressed the DMK minister, demanding to know how the perpetrators could have had the audacity to carry out such a brutal act.

She continued, “Catching the murderers isn’t the problem. People need to know what punishment they will face, and only then will other criminals be deterred. The murderers must be severely punished. None of our family members had any bad habits. They were hardworking, decent people. But now, three innocent lives have been taken, and we are left standing on the street. Think about our situation. Even if there was some dispute, it wouldn’t justify this brutality. There isn’t even a camera at such a busy junction in Avinashipalayam. Farmers need to be given proper security, but the police have no authority. They should be given complete protection.”

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“Politics Has Turned Even Intelligent Into Slaves, “Annamalai Takes A Jibe At DMK Min PTR’s Sycophantic Praise Of Udhayanidhi Stalin

By
The Commune
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Annamalai Takes A Jibe At DMK Min PTR Sycophantic Praise Of Udhayanidhi Stalin

Since K. Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), returned from the United Kingdom after completing the three-month Chevening Gurukul Fellowship for Leadership and Excellence at Oxford University, the political scene in the state has been buzzing with activity. Upon his return, Annamalai wasted no time launching a series of sharp criticisms at key DMK figures, including party scion and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK IT Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan (PTR) or New political entrant, actor-turned-politician TVK Vijay.

On 1 December 2024, in Coimbatore, during the conclusion of A3, a two-day conference organized by Voice of Covai, Annamalai took aim at PTR, an MIT Sloan MBA graduate with a PhD and a career in global financial markets. Annamalai criticized PTR for his sycophantic behavior, by releasing a two-page advertisement in the DMK official mouthpiece ‘Murasoli’ to honor of DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin‘s birthday.

Annamalai said, “When I was abroad, I saw an advertisement in a paper ‘The one who was born to rule Mother Tamil Nadu! The illustrious Dravidian son who won against Aryanism, The icon of youth uprising/rebellion! An unparalleled success story! The life painting of siblings! A hero of policy that the town admires! He is one for everyone! He is an uplifting hero! Five-letter mantra! (Udhayanidhi) Hope for all Tamils! The Dravidian generation of restless hard work! You are full of authority! I thought, as usual in DMK, someone was posting an ad, and when I checked who actually published the ad, it was P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan. I then asked, “Is this why you went to America to study?” The audience burst into laughter as Annamalai continued, “What’s happening today is that ‘some politics has turned even the intelligent into slaves.’ Remember this well—Tamil Nadu has reached a point where even the brightest can only do politics here if they’re slaves.”

He went on, “I can’t blame PTR. He’s well-educated, worked in major companies, became Finance Minister, and then IT Minister—there’s no fault in it. He’s an extremely competent Human being. He’s achieved a lot, and his family has a similar legacy; his father was the same. Honestly, P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan wins in his own constituency without offering money, and we should appreciate that, even he’s part of the opposition and different ideology.  We should appreciate that. But look, even he has to praise Udhayanidhi Stalin now. Just compare him with Udhayanidhi Stalin on a scale.”

Annamalai commented against the backdrop of DMK Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan, who is known for frequently highlighting his privileged background, academic credentials, and professional accomplishments recently surprised many by adopting a distinctly sycophantic tone in honour of DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin‘s birthday.

PTR marked the occasion by releasing a two-page advertisement in the ‘Murasoli’. This move has been seen as unusual for a leader of his stature, especially considering his usual criticism of BJP cadres’ admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he often dismisses as sycophancy.

The Advertisement That Outshone All Others

While it seemed to be a contest of sorts among the DMK cadre and minister as to who would outshine the others, some ministers chose modest one-page advertisements to celebrate the Chief Minister’s son, one released a song for the scion’s birthday, PTR went a step further, doubling down with a two-page spread.

It is noteworthy that DMK ministers who were elected as MPs hailed Udhayanidhi during their oath-taking ceremony in parliament earlier this year.

Coming back to the elaborate gesture by PTR, it featured effusive praises for Udhayanidhi, who, in stark contrast to PTR’s Ivy League pedigree, is a graduate of Loyola College with a career in Tamil cinema churning out back-to-back flop film before entering politics.

PTR’s lavish tribute stands out even in a party known for its public displays of loyalty. The advertisement which explains/gives a statement for each vowel in the Tamil language reads,

“November 27 is the day of the dawn of the vowel (uyir ezhuthu)

The one who was born to rule Mother Tamil Nadu!

The illustrious Dravidian son who won against Aryanism

The icon of youth uprising/rebellion!

An unparalleled success story!

The life painting of siblings!

A hero of policy that the town admires!

He is one for everyone!

He is an uplifting hero!

Five-letter mantra! (Udhayanidhi)

Hope for all Tamils!

The Dravidian generation of restless hard work!

You are full of authority!

May you live for many years….“

The advertisement is signed as follows:

P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan

Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services

In your path as long as I am alive…

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Kerala Travel Agency Publishes Full-Page Ad In Malayala Manorama Depicting Kashmir As A Separate Entity

By
The Commune
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Kerala Travel Agency Publishes Full-Page Ad In Malayala Manorama Depicting Kashmir As A Separate Entity

An advertisement by Santa Monica Tours and Travels, a travel agency based in Kerala, published on the front page of Malayala Manorama, one of Kerala’s leading newspapers on 29 November 2024. The advert featured a world map that misrepresented India’s territorial boundaries by depicting Kashmir as a separate entity. This has raised questions on the intentions of the advertiser and the publisher, as such distortions are regarded as a violation of Indian law and an affront to the country’s sovereignty.

Source: Tatwamayi News TV

The advert shows a world map with each country highlighted specifically and also shows India and Kashmir as separate countries to say the least.

The issue was first brought to light by the Tatwamayi News TV channel. In the video, the grave nature of the map’s misrepresentation is highlighted, citing its implications as not just an oversight but a potential anti-national act. According to Section 79(3)(B) of the IT Act and provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1990, any such misrepresentation is deemed illegal.

It is alleged that Santa Monica Tours and Travels did not respond with a positive attitude when questioned about the fallacy of the advertisement and attributed the advertisement’s design to an external media agency and refrained from taking immediate corrective action. Despite being informed of the error, the company neither issued a public apology nor retracted the advertisement in subsequent editions of Malayala Manorama.

This incident echoes a similar controversy involving the DMK’s NRI wing last month, where a map also portrayed Kashmir incorrectly, leading to widespread public and governmental backlash. In that case, following public backlash, the incorrect image was deleted, and the correct map was shared once again.

Many foreign news channels and brands have repeatedly used the distorted map of India, showing the PoK region as part of Pakistan. But this coming from an Indian firm that, too, shows the entire Jammu and Kashmir region as Kashmir and as a separate entity in itself drives one to question the intentions of the company that put forth the advertisement and of Malayala Manorama, which published the advertisement albeit unquestioningly.

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Cyclone Fengal Unleashes Devastation In Krishnagiri And Tiruvannamalai Districts

By
The Commune
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Cyclone Fengal Unleashes Devastation In Krishnagiri And Tiruvannamalai Districts

Cyclone Fengal has left a devastating impact across Tamil Nadu, with the districts of Uthangarai in Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai bearing the brunt of the disaster. The cyclone’s torrential rains and strong winds have caused widespread destruction, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and crippling infrastructure.

Uthangarai: A Region Submerged

Uthangarai has been hardest hit in Krishnagiri district, recording an unprecedented 503 mm of rainfall. The relentless downpour caused the breach of a lake near the Uthangarai bus stand, resulting in flash floods that washed away vehicles, including cars and maxi cabs. Areas such as Anna Nagar, Kamarajar Nagar, and Kalaignar Nagar were inundated, with over 20 vehicles submerged near Parasan Lake Bund.

 

Krishnagiri District Affected

The floods also affected Kennedy Nagar near Singarapettai, forcing emergency evacuations. Rising water levels in the Pambar River, which saw 15,000 cusecs of water released, compounded the crisis. Krishnagiri district received a total of 1,952.7 mm of rain, with other areas like Pochampalli (250 mm), Pambar Dam (205 mm), and Barur (200.2 mm) also severely affected.

Emergency teams, including the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to assist with rescue operations. Over 100 personnel are working to evacuate stranded residents and provide relief. So far, 368 people, including 87 children, have been sheltered in eight relief centers across Uthangarai and Pochampalli taluks. Despite these efforts, many remain trapped without access to food and water due to power outages and flooded streets.

Krishnagiri District Collector K.M. Sarayu has urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and avoid flood-prone zones. However, logistical challenges, including damaged power and communication networks, have hampered rescue and relief efforts.

Tiruvannamalai: Lives Lost and Landslides

Cyclone Fengal’s rains in neighbouring Tiruvannamalai district led to tragic loss of life and significant damage. Three people died in rain-related incidents: a four-year-old boy and a two-year-old drowned in separate accidents, while a 50-year-old man was electrocuted after touching an electrified iron gate.

A landslide near the lower slopes of Annamalaiyar Hill buried several huts, trapping a family of seven, including five children. Persistent rains and unstable terrain have hampered rescue operations, though NDRF teams resumed efforts early Monday.

The district received 142.48 mm of rain on Sunday, flooding major roads such as Mada Veedi, Durgai Amman Kovil Street, and Gandhi Nagar. Floodwaters inundated the Kali Amman Temple on the Girivalam route, while a road in Paliyampattu village collapsed due to incessant rains.

District Collector D. Baskara Pandian has been overseeing rescue operations, which remain challenging due to continuous rainfall. Nearly 500 residents were evacuated to safer locations, even as the situation remains precarious.

 

Authorities Launch Relief Operations

Local authorities and disaster response teams in both districts are working tirelessly to provide relief to affected communities. Over 60,000 food packets have been distributed in Krishnagiri, and efforts to restore power and communication are underway. In Tiruvannamalai, rescue teams search for those trapped while addressing immediate needs such as shelter and food.

Political leaders, including Krishnagiri MLA K.P. Munusamy and District Monitoring Officer Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, have visited affected areas to oversee relief operations. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Weatherman R. Pradeep John has warned of continued heavy rainfall in several districts as Cyclone Fengal moves westward.

Notably, most Tamil media have not been sufficiently focused on the tragedies in the affected districts. This could slow relief efforts and leave the victims stranded and vulnerable for an extended period.

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TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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“Brahminical Patriarchy, Varnashrama Dharma, Caste Hierarchy”: DMK Supporter Goes On A...

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On 12 May 2026, Udhayanidhi Stalin, making his maiden speech as Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, repeated a now-familiar...
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