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Bengal LoP Taunts CM Mamata Over Comments On India’s Olympic Gold Medals

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The Commune
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Bengal LoP Taunts CM Mamata Over Comments On India’s Olympic Gold Medals

West Bengal Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has taunted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her comments on India’s Olympic achievements. Speaking at a program for the West Bengal Archery Academy on Friday, the Chief Minister expressed her hopes that academy students would bring home gold medals. However, she remarked, “India is yet to bag a gold medal in the Olympic Games.” Adhikari was quick to respond, calling Banerjee’s statement “disgraceful.”

He said, “What a shame! How could a Chief Minister claim that India has never won an Olympic gold medal?” He further questioned whether the Chief Minister was aware of India’s sporting achievements, citing names like Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra, as well as the Indian hockey team’s historic victories. “Either she hasn’t heard the names of Abhinav Bindra, Neeraj Chopra and is not acquainted about the laurels earned by the Indian Hockey Team,” he said.

“However, I am doubtful that she has said this purposefully, as because her motto has always been to downgrade India’s achievements,” the leader of the opposition further said. Records say that since 1928 India had won a total of 41 Olympic medals out of which 10 are gold medals. Out of the 10 gold medals, eight have been won by the Indian hockey team.

In 2008, Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in 10-meter air rifle shooting at the Beijing Olympics. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in javelin. Chopra is the youngest-ever Indian Olympic gold medalist in an individual event and the only individual to have won gold on his Olympic debut.

–IANS

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Fact-Finding Committee Accuses 16 Jamia Millia Islamia Faculty Members Of Forced Conversion And Religious Discrimination

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The Commune
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Fact-Finding Committee Accuses 16 Jamia Millia Islamia Faculty Members Of Forced Conversion And Religious Discrimination.

A fact-finding committee investigating allegations of religious discrimination and forced conversions at Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) has accused 16 faculty members of attempting to intimidate and convert non-Muslim students to Islam. The committee’s findings are based on testimonies from 27 current faculty members, non-teaching staff, PhD scholars, students, and seven former students.

The depositions, while summarized, paint a troubling picture of the alleged coercion faced by non-Muslim members of the university community. The full, unedited statements reportedly present even graver details.

Key Allegations from Witness Statements

  • CW1: A female faculty member alleged that her promotion to Associate Professor was blocked because she refused to convert to Islam.
  • CW2: An Assistant Controller of Examinations, who is Hindu, claimed he was denied basic amenities and support at work because he was labeled a “kafir.”
  • CW3: Several faculty members, identified by initials, allegedly pressured a non-Muslim colleague to convert to Islam and marry a Muslim. One professor reportedly threatened to throw acid on her face if she did not comply. She claims she was subsequently denied a promotion and had to seek legal recourse through the High Court, where she was granted relief.
  • CW4: An Assistant Professor who joined JMI two months prior claimed that a senior colleague handed her a copy of the Quran and initiated regular discussions on Islam.
  • CW5 & CW6: Both reported being pressured to read Islamic religious texts, with their professional advancements stalled when they resisted.
  • CW11: A clerical staff member who joined JMI in 2007 said that within six months, she was bullied by Muslim colleagues to convert to Islam, as they argued that Scheduled Castes are not respected in Hindu society.
  • CW13: Another staff member stated that after joining JMI, she was routinely invited to offer Namaz, discouraged from saying “Namaste,” and pressured to say “Salaam Aleikum” instead. She also claimed that colleagues often criticized Hindu customs and named two female students who allegedly converted to Islam under duress.
  • CW16: A PhD student seeking a fellowship faced persistent religious taunts from both Muslim students and professors.
  • CW17: A Muslim JMI employee alleged that there is a nexus between certain JMI professors and organizations like the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), Campus Front of India, Popular Front of India (PFI), and Tablighi Jamaat, all allegedly working to convert non-Muslims on campus.
  • CW19: A student recounted that Muslim peers frequently pressured non-Muslim students to read the Quran and were actively prevented from celebrating Hindu festivals on campus.

Institutional Response and Potential Legal Action

These revelations are set to trigger a significant controversy surrounding JMI, which has long been regarded as a premier educational institution in the country. The university administration has yet to release an official statement addressing the committee’s findings.

The allegations raise serious questions about religious freedom and workplace discrimination within academic institutions. Legal experts suggest that if proven, these actions could lead to severe legal repercussions for those involved, potentially under laws related to religious harassment and discrimination.

The committee has recommended further investigation into the alleged activities of the implicated faculty members and urged authorities to take appropriate action to safeguard the rights of students and staff within the university.

This report has sparked widespread concern, and calls for accountability are growing among alumni and civil society groups. Further developments are anticipated as authorities review the committee’s findings and decide on the next course of action.

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EPFO Playing Key Role In Providing Social Security, Financial Stability To Millions: Minister

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The Commune
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EPFO Playing Key Role In Providing Social Security, Financial Stability To Millions: Minister mansukh mandaviya unemployment

Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, has stressed that the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has played a pivotal role in providing social security and financial stability to millions of members across the country.

In his keynote address at an event in the national capital, Dr Mandaviya lauded the transformative journey of EPFO, underscoring its critical role in managing a vast corpus of savings for its members and enhancing social security provisions across the nation. The minister also stressed the importance of robust IT platform, efficient system for grievance management and the implementation of member centric model of service delivery. Dr Mandaviya urged EPFO employees to embrace the organisation’s slogan, “Hum Hai Na”, reminding them daily of their duty to serve the people. He emphasised that true service is measured by the impact employees make whether by assisting those in need or addressing issues.

The minister further encouraged to increase pension coverage with a focus on enhancing last mile delivery of services. He called on EPFO’s officers and staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity, dedication, empathy and professionalism in their service to members. “Continuous skill enhancement and capacity-building efforts within the organisation are paramount to adapting to evolving challenges and improving service delivery,” said the minister. Meanwhile, the number of contributing members to the EPFO has risen by 7.6 per cent to 7.37 crore in 2023-24 from 6.85 crore in 202-2023 while the number of establishments making contributions to the organisation has risen by 6.6 per cent to 7.66 lakh during this period.

The EPFO also saw an increase of 55.4 per cent to Rs 5,268 crore in realising arrear dues compared to the corresponding figure of Rs 3,390 crore in the previous year. There was also an increase of 7.8 per cent in the number of claims settled over the previous year (4.45 crore from 412.86 crore). The Executive Committee recommended the report for adoption to the Central Board, the press statement added.

—IANS

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India’s Spice Exports Projected To Reach $10 Billion By 2030

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The Commune
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India’s Spice Exports Projected To Reach $10 Billion By 2030

According to Ramkumar Menon, chairman of the World Spice Organisation (WSO), the domestic spice exports market is likely to reach $10 billion by 2030, entering newer geographies.

At the ‘National Spice Conference (NSC) 2024’ event in Ahmedabad, Menon said spice export growth in the first half of this fiscal year had been 8.8 per cent (year-on-year).

India’s spice exports for the first half of FY24 reached Rs 17,488 crore ($2.09 billion), according to Menon. The spice exports are set to surpass $4.7 billion for FY 24-25. To meet the ambitious $10 billion target, India needs to produce nearly 15 million tonnes of spices, he mentioned. The export of spices and spice products reached an all-time high in FY 2023-24 and attained $4.46 billion. During 2023-24 the export of spices and spice products from the country has been 15,39,692 tonnes valued Rs 36,958.80 crore ($4464.17 million), according to data by the Spices Board, under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The growth was seen owing to a rebound in volumes and higher prices for certain varieties such as pepper, cardamom and turmeric. The red chilli exports hit a record $1.5 billion in FY24, a 15 per cent increase from the previous year’s $1.3 billion which is driven by robust demand from China and Bangladesh. Red chilli exports, worth $1.5 billion, comprised about 34 per cent of India’s total spices exports. China was the top importer of Indian red chillies in FY24, purchasing over 1.79 lakh tonnes valued at Rs 4,123 crore, according to Kedia Advisory.

The Spices Board is set with a transformative scheme aimed at significantly enhancing the export of spices and value-added spice products as well as improving the productivity of cardamoms and upgrading the post-harvest quality of spices across India for export. Various programmes rolled out under the scheme ‘Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED)’ will be implemented during the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission cycle, till FY 2025-26, with a total approved outlay of Rs 422.30 crore.

–IANS

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1,440 Smuggled Antiquities Seized By US Authorities Returned To India

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The Commune
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1,440 Smuggled Antiquities Seized By US Authorities Returned To India

Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg has returned to India 1,440 antiquities, including sacred temple sculptures, that had been smuggled to the US. The artefacts were returned at a ceremony to India’s Consulate General, represented by Consul Manish Kulhary by Alexandra de Armas, the Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Group Supervisor, the prosecutor’s office said on Thursday.

“We will continue to investigate the many trafficking networks that have targeted Indian cultural heritage,” Bragg said. The pieces were recovered during investigations into criminal trafficking networks, including those of antiquities traffickers Subash Kapoor, who has been convicted in India, and Nancy Wiener, convicted in the US, according to the prosecutor’s office. “Today’s repatriation marks another victory in what has been a multi-year, international investigation into antiquities trafficked by one of history’s most prolific offenders,” HSI New York Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker said.

Some of the antiques had been on display in museums until they were seized by the Manhattan prosecutor’s Antiquities Traffic Unit (ATU). They are valued at $10 million. A warrant has been issued in New York for the arrest of Kapoor, the alleged ring leader of the antiquities smugglers network and his extradition from India is pending, according to the prosecutor’s office. One of the returned sculptures depicts a Celestial Dancer and it was looted from a temple in Madhya Pradesh in the early 1980s. Looters cut it into two and smuggled it to New York via London for sale. One of Kapoor’s clients donated it to the New York Metropolitan Museum (Met) from where it was seized by the ATU in 2023. Another was the Tanesar Mother Goddess looted from the village of Tanesara-Mahadeva in Rajasthan in the early 1960s and ended up with Wiener at her New York gallery.

After passing through two collectors, it was added by the Met to its collection in 1993 and the ATU seized it in 2022. These antiquities were the latest in a series of efforts by US authorities to reunite stolen artefacts with India. During his visit to Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had thanked President Joe Biden for returning the stolen antiquities and said, “For us, these are not just art but part of our heritage, culture and religion. So when this lost heritage returns home, they will be received with a lot of emotion.” Soon after, 105 antiquities were handed over to India by the Manhattan prosecutor’s office.

In 2022, Bragg handed over 307 items valued at about $4 million to the consulate general. Bragg said at that time, “Kapoor was one of the world’s most prolific antiquities traffickers.” Kapoor, who ran an art gallery in New York, was arrested in Germany in 2011 in an operation known as Operation Hidden Idol and extradited to India. He was sentenced in 2022 by a court in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, to a 10-year prison term for the theft of a religious statue from a temple.

–IANS

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Now Terrorists Feel Unsafe In Their Own Homes: PM Modi

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The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that terrorists, backed by neighbouring countries to disrupt India, now feel unsafe within their own homes. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, PM Modi recalled the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and emphasised India’s strengthened resolve in combating terrorism.

Referring to significant changes in the nation’s security environment, he credited these advancements to the government’s decisive actions and steadfast focus on national security. “There was a time when people felt unsafe in their own homes and cities due to terror activities sponsored by neighbouring countries. However, times have changed, and today, terrorists themselves feel insecure in their own homes,” he said. Recalling his participation in the first Bodoland Mohotsav on Friday, the Prime Minister lauded the transformation in the lives of people in the region post the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord. He highlighted how, after five decades of violence, the youth and communities have embraced peace and are now celebrating cultural events in Delhi.

Declaring that the 21st century belongs to India, PM Modi urged everyone to work toward achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, stressing the government’s focus on public welfare and transformative changes. Reflecting on India’s resilience, he said, “When the British left India, many predicted disintegration. During the Emergency, it was assumed that democracy would be permanently suppressed. Yet, the citizens of India stood up and defended democracy.” He also referred to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “When the pandemic hit, the world doubted India’s ability to cope. Yet, the resilience of Indian citizens proved them wrong, and we extended help to other nations by supplying vaccines.”

PM Modi stressed that his government has steered clear of vote-bank politics, focussing instead on inclusive and sustainable development. “Our mantra is ‘progress of the people, progress by the people, progress for the people.’ Our aim is to build a new India — a Viksit Bharat,” he affirmed. Highlighting reforms, the Prime Minister said, “In the past decade, India has reignited a risk-taking culture among its citizens. Aspirations have become the cornerstone of our policies.” Discussing India’s economic growth, he highlighted the government’s approach of “Spend Big For The People, Save Big For The People.” “This approach directs investments toward generating employment while ensuring development projects restore dignity to citizens,” he explained.

“Our government has provided a unique combination of employment through investment and dignity through development,” he added. PM Modi noted that today, India is a land of aspirations, with citizens driving progress. “The transformations over the past 10 years reflect a confident, ambitious, and progressive nation,” he remarked. Reiterating his vision for a developed India, the Prime Minister stressed the collective responsibility of every citizen. “This is India’s century, and we will achieve our dream of a Viksit Bharat,” he concluded.

–IANS

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‘This Is India’s Century’, Says PM Modi; Urges All To Aim For ‘Viksit Bharat’

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The Commune
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‘This Is India’s Century’, Says PM Modi; Urges All To Aim For ‘Viksit Bharat’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday declared that the 21st century belongs to India and urged everyone to aim ‘Viksit Bharat‘ even as the nation continues its journey toward achieving this goal by 2047. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, PM Modi emphasised government’s commitment for prioritising public welfare and driving transformative changes.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “When the British left India, many believed the country would disintegrate. During the Emergency, it was assumed that the suppression of democracy would become permanent. Even then, the people of India rose up and defended democracy.” Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, “When the pandemic hit, the world thought India would prove to be a laggard. However, the resilience of Indian citizens proved them wrong and the nation also extended a helping hand to other economies with vaccine supply.” Stressing on India’s fight against terrorism, he cited the significant changes in the security environment and said, “There was a time when terrorism made Indians feel unsafe. Today, terrorists are the ones who feel insecure, even in their own homes.”

He credited this transformation to government’s decisive actions and unwavering focus on national security. The Prime Minister stressed that his government has avoided vote-bank politics, focusing instead on inclusive and sustainable development. “We are going by the mantra of ‘progress of the people, progress by the people, progress for the people’. Our aim is to make a new India. Make India a Viksit Bharat,” he stated. Highlighting the government’s reforms, he added, “In the last decade, India has witnessed a transformation that has reignited a risk-taking culture among its citizens. Aspirations have become the foundation of our policies.” Discussing India’s economic progress, PM Modi highlighted the unique model adopted by his government. “To understand the growth trajectory that India is on today, it is important to look at another approach of our government. The approach is– ‘Spend Big For The People, Save Big For The People’,” he added.

He explained how investments have been directed toward generating employment while development projects have been designed to restore dignity to citizens. “Our government has provided citizens with a unique combination of employment from investment and dignity from development,” he noted. “Today, India is brimming with aspirations, and these aspirations have become the cornerstone of our policies. The transformations over the past 10 years reflect the emergence of a confident, ambitious, and progressive nation,” he remarked. PM Modi also reiterated his vision for a developed India, highlighting the collective responsibility of every citizen to make it a reality. “This is India’s century, and we will achieve our dream of a Viksit Bharat,” he affirmed.

–IANS

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Rescued Others, Couldn’t Find My Own: Grieving Parents Share Tragic Ordeal After Fire Kills 10 At Jhansi Hospital

By
The Commune
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At least 10 newborns were charred to death while 16 children are battling for lives after fire broke out at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, last night. While the investigation is underway, the parents who lost their infants are devastated and inconsolable.

The grieving parents are demanding justice for their child and severe punishment for those, whose negligence led to such tragedy. A couple of grieving parents, who witnessed the fire, first-hand also shared their nightmarish experience with the press and explained the frightening chaos that broke out after the blaze.

They also shared about how some parents broke into the glass window of neonatal ICU to rescue the infants from inferno. Kuldeep, whose newborn perished in the fire, recalled his desperate attempts to save other children while searching for his own.

“I protected 4 to 5 children, but I couldn’t find my own,” he said in a trembling voice. “No one can tell me if I will ever see my child again. My wife and mother are devastated. One doctor even told me, ‘Let him die.’ I want to ask him—would he say that if it were his son?” Maya, another grieving parent, shared her horror as she lost her grandson.

“My grandson was on life support,” she said, with tears streaming down her face. “Some parents went in through windows to save the children. A woman who went to feed her child informed us about the fire.”

Ankit, whose six-month-old nephew was among the victims, voiced his disbelief. “They say my nephew is dead because of a short circuit,” he said. “But how can we trust them? We are demanding a DNA test to confirm.” The tragedy unfolded around 10:45 PM on Friday when smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the ward, which housed 55 newborns.

According to hospital officials, at least 54 children were admitted to the NICU, when the fire broke out. After the fire engulfed the infant ward, hospital staff and others swung into action and rescued 44 newborns. Initial investigations suggest a short circuit triggered the blaze, though failures in fire safety protocols are being investigated.

Initial reports suggest that the fire spread quickly, fueled by oxygen concentrators in the ward, and the fire alarm system failed to activate. Preliminary reports indicate that hospital’s fire extinguishers had expired, and safety checks were inadequate. Local opposition parties have blamed administrative negligence and called for a full investigation.

–IANS

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“I Wish You Were Half The Person You Portray To Be”: Nayanthara Accuses Dhanush Of Sabotaging Her Marriage Documentary On Netflix, Calls Out His “Vengeance” In Open Letter

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The Commune
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Nayanthara Accuses Dhanush Of Sabotaging Her Marriage Documentary On Netflix, Calls Out His "Vengeance" In Open Letter

In a scathing open letter addressed to actor Dhanush, popular actress Nayanthara has accused him of sabotaging her much-awaited Netflix documentary by refusing permission to use clips from their hit film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. The actress, who has built her career from the ground up, alleges that Dhanush’s refusal to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) stems from a personal grudge against her and her partner.

Nayanthara’s letter highlights her struggles in producing the documentary, which she says was a labour of love involving many industry friends and collaborators. The documentary, which delves into her life, love, and marriage, should include special clips and songs from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, a film that remains a fan favourite. However, according to Nayanthara, Dhanush blocked her team’s attempts for over two years to get the necessary approvals, forcing them to re-edit the project.

“Broke My Heart”

“Your refusal to grant permission for even a few seconds of footage or lyrics broke my heart,” Nayanthara wrote, expressing her disappointment over Dhanush’s stance. She hinted that his decision wasn’t driven by business reasons but rather by personal vendetta, especially since the film became a blockbuster hit, much to his apparent displeasure.

The issue escalated after Dhanush allegedly sent a legal notice demanding ₹10 crore in damages for using just three seconds of behind-the-scenes footage in the documentary’s trailer, which Nayanthara claims were shot on personal devices and are already available on social media.

“A Mask in Front of the World”

The actress did not hold back in criticizing Dhanush’s character, accusing him of being two-faced. “I wish you were half the person you portray to be on stage in front of your innocent fans,” she stated, calling out his public image as a humble star while alleging he is vindictive behind the scenes. Nayanthara recalled that Dhanush was reportedly unhappy with the success of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, with his discontent visible even at award functions following the film’s release.

“Schadenfreude and Spreading Love”

Nayanthara ended her letter philosophically, introducing Dhanush to the German term “schadenfreude” (finding joy in others’ misfortunes) and advising him to embrace positivity instead. She urged him to watch her Netflix documentary to understand the pleasure of celebrating others’ success, emphasizing the importance of spreading love over harbouring grudges.

The letter, which has quickly gone viral, has sparked discussions on social media about industry politics and the challenges self-made actors face like Nayanthara. Fans and industry insiders are waiting to see if Dhanush will respond to these serious allegations or if the legal battle over the documentary will escalate further.

This latest controversy adds a new chapter to the ongoing tensions between two of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, highlighting the murky undercurrents in the film industry.

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Petrol Bombs Target Theaters Screening ‘Amaran’ In Tirunelveli Amidst Threats From Usual Suspects

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The Commune
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Petrol Bombs Target Theaters Screening 'Amaran' In Tirunelveli Amidst Threats From Usual Suspects

In an unprecedented event, three petrol bombs were thrown at theaters screening the movie ‘Amaran’ in Tirunelveli, sending shockwaves. The police have launched an investigation,

On the morning of 16 November 2024, ‘unidentified individuals’ threw petrol bombs at the ‘Alangar’ theatre as it was showcasing ‘Amaran’ in Melapalayam, Tirunelveli district, escalating tensions in the area.

The Melapalayam police have filed a case and launched an investigation into the attack. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify those responsible. The attack is believed to be linked to protests against the Tamil film ‘Amaran’, which has been criticized by some groups for its portrayal of Muslims. In response, additional security has been deployed to maintain order.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of condemnation from a coalition of leftists, Islamists, and Dravidianists, who have expressed discomfort with the rise of nationalism fueled by the film ‘Amaran’ The movie, which tells the story of Major Mukund Varadharajan’s heroic sacrifice during a counter-terror operation in Shopian, Kashmir, has drawn criticism from these groups. Initially, these groups pushed the narrative that the film was “Islamophobic,” a claim that was baseless and misleading, which led Muslim leaders in the state to protest and demand a ban.

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