The Ministry of Home Affairs has sent a letter to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal regarding the deployment of CISF personnel in the state in response to escalating protests over the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The letter comes in the wake of unabated protests since August 9, when a 31-year-old postgraduate student was found brutally raped and murdered in the Kolkata hospital. On August 14, a violent mob stormed the College, vandalising the property while the police stood by as silent spectators.
Protests have erupted nationwide in response to the brutal incident, with citizens demanding swift justice. Following an investigation, the police arrested a civic volunteer from the Kolkata Police Disaster Management Force stationed near the medical college. The accused, described as a womaniser and domestic abuser, confessed to the crime.
Dissatisfied with the state police’s handling of the case, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13, 2024, citing concerns about potential evidence tampering.
On August 18, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the case. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, criticised the state government, Kolkata police, and the college administration for their mismanagement of the investigation and the vandalism at the hospital on August 14. The court established a national task force to ensure the safety of doctors in the workplace and requested the protesting doctors to return to work.
Additionally, the court ordered the CISF and CRPF to provide security at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Kolkata police directed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the state home minister and health minister, have been going on a threatening spree against people who are vocally criticising the state government about the tragedy.
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Kollywood actor Vijay will launch the official flag of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), on 22 August 2024 at the party’s headquarters in Panayur, Chennai. Vijay will reportedly hoist the party flag in the presence of his party officials. He has already practised for the ceremony earlier this week.
On X, the actor’s official account stated, “It is a great blessing if every day is a new direction and a new force in history. The 22nd of August 2024 is the day God and nature gave us such a boon. It is the day when the flag, our Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam’s main symbol, will be introduced.”
“I am pleased to announce that tomorrow we will introduce our heroic flag, the victory flag, which will become the symbol of our state by working for the welfare of Tamil Nadu, release the party flag song, and hoist the party flag. From tomorrow, our flag will fly across the country, Tamil Nadu will flourish, and victory will be assured,” he added.
Although TVK is still registering with the Election Commission of India, a yellow flag bearing Vijay’s image has gone viral online. However, TVK representatives have not yet verified its authenticity. It is also alleged that a rally is planned for late September this year in Vikravandi, Villupuram district, to mark the official launch of TVK.
Vijay announced the formation of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in February 2024. He plans to transition fully into politics after completing his 69th film project, “G.O.A.T,” which is expected to wrap up by February 2025. Vijay has committed to developing TVK’s grassroots infrastructure over the next two years and has stated he will not endorse any political party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
His primary focus is securing victory in the 2026 assembly elections, aiming to bring “fundamental political change” to Tamil Nadu. Whether Vijay intends to run for the Tamil Nadu Assembly under TVK’s banner remains unclear. Since the party’s announcement, Vijay has actively engaged in community outreach, recognising top-performing students from 10th and 12th grades to build TVK’s support among young voters and their families.
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In a tragic incident at Aavin milk factory in Thiruvallur district, a woman employee named Umarani lost her life after a conveyor belt severed her head. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, 20 August 2024, while Umarani was stacking milk packets in the factory. Her dupatta and hair got caught in the machinery, leading to the horrific accident.
When the tragedy struck, Umarani, a 30-year-old Salem district resident, worked at the Aavin factory. Her husband, Karthi, is employed at a private factory in Irungattukottai. The couple had two children. The police were quick to arrive at the scene, recovering Umarani’s body and sending it to the Thiruvallur District Government Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. The incident has left the employees of the Kakalur dairy and the local community in shock, with milk supply from the facility temporarily suspended.
Addressing the media, DMK Milk & Dairy Development Minister Mano Thangaraj expressed his sorrow over the incident and provided insight into the safety protocols at the Aavin factory. “There are SOPs in place for everything. The machines have operated for 25 years, and we have never encountered such an accident. She [Umarani] may have tilted towards the conveyor belt, causing her dupatta to get caught. The packaging conveyor belt moves slowly, not fast, so we are investigating how this accident occurred,” he said. The minister also mentioned that employees are generally not allowed to wear dupattas due to safety concerns, but some workers insist on wearing them as part of their cultural attire. “We are considering introducing a coat as part of the uniform and are discussing this with the labourers. Either we will ban the dupatta, or they will have to agree to wear the coat,” he added.
When a reporter asked if it was the employee’s fault or if there was some issue with the machine, he said, “This is surely carelessness, but whether it is carelessness or an accident is unclear. This will not happen frequently, nor has it happened before. Her dupatta was slightly longer than usual, and how it got entangled is unknown. This would have been possible only if she had bent/tilted to that side. This is unlike the other belts, which move quickly since they are in the packaging department. It moves very slowly, and it is more likely that this occurred due to her carelessness. But we have asked for this to be investigated.”
The incident has also drawn criticism from opposition leaders. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the DMK government for failing to ensure worker safety at the factory. In a statement on his X account, Palaniswami said, “I was shocked to hear the news that Umarani, a female employee who was working at Aavin Dairy Farm in Kakalur, Thiruvallur district, tragically died after her clothes and hair got caught in the conveyor belt. My deepest condolences to Umarani’s family. The management should have ensured the safety of dairy workers while working with dangerous machinery. But in this DMK regime, there is no protection for workers anywhere from firecrackers to dairy farms. Aavin’s safety protocol is that there must be no contamination in the milk. But as a result of this DMK government not providing proper safety facilities, today, a woman worker got her hair caught, and her head was cut off. I strongly condemn the DMK government for being lax in security. I urge the DMK Chief Minister to provide appropriate relief to the family of deceased Umarani and to ensure that adequate safety facilities are provided to the workers in the dairy farms in case such accidents happen again.”
திருவள்ளூர் மாவட்டம் காக்களூரில் உள்ள ஆவின் பால் பண்ணையில் பணிபுரிந்து வந்த உமாராணி என்ற பெண் ஊழியர் கன்வேயர் பெல்டில் துணி, தலைமுடி சிக்கியதால் பரிதாபமாக உயிரிழந்த செய்தி கேட்டு அதிர்ச்சியுற்றேன். உயிரிழந்த திருமதி. உமாராணி அவர்களின் குடும்பத்தாருக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்களையும்… pic.twitter.com/QIeDCXqpMK
— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) August 21, 2024
The accident has raised concerns about workplace safety at Aavin’s dairy farms, with calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and better protection for workers operating around hazardous machinery.
In response to the surge in monkeypox cases worldwide and the World Health Organization (WHO) warning, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian has lauded the central government’s preventive measures after inspecting the protocols at Chennai Airport.
Chennai International Airport has initiated widespread fever screening for all incoming passengers following a warning from the WHO about the virus’s rapid spread in African countries. The goal is to curb the entry of monkeypox into the state.
Initially identified in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, monkeypox is now also reported in parts of the Philippines, Sweden, and Pakistan. In light of this, the Health Department has stepped up its efforts to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Minister Ma Subramanian reviewed the screening process during his visit to Chennai Airport and engaged with officials. He stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary delays for passengers during the screening.
Passengers who appear tired are examined for visible rashes or lesions on their hands and faces. An automated fever screening device has been installed at the airport to detect elevated temperatures. If a passenger shows fever or other symptoms, the device triggers a red light and warning alarm. The individual is then isolated by the medical team and given first aid.
In this regard, DMK Minister Ma Subramanian told reporters, “Monkeypox is spreading rapidly across the globe. First identified in 1958, the virus has now been detected in 116 countries, including many in Africa, America, and China. On the 14th of August, the World Health Organization declared a state of emergency, prompting a serious response from the central health department and handling well.”
“Following the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu’s directives, we have convened a meeting to discuss various preventive measures. Surveillance measures have been implemented at Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore International Airports. Airports will conduct temperature screenings, and an isolation room is available to promptly address individuals who show signs of fever. Those affected will be transferred to a hospital, where a special 10-bed ward will be established at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. Similar wards are being set up in Coimbatore and Madurai,” he added.
“Currently, there are no reported cases of monkeypox in Tamil Nadu. However, any symptoms should be reported immediately. Even in Pakistan, cases have been confirmed, so we monitor them vigilantly. The Union Government is effectively managing the monkeypox outbreak,” he added.
Minister Subramanian assured that monkeypox is not expected to be as severe as the coronavirus pandemic, but he urged the public to remain cautious and follow preventive measures.
The Emmanuel Tribal Mission Society is exposed for operating an illegal children’s home in Chengicherla, Hyderabad. They were also religious proselytising minors. An FIR was filed against them after an inspection by the District Child Protection Officer. He said seven children, two from Nepal and five from Telangana, were at their unauthorised orphanage.
Disturbing evidence, including a video of pastors linked to this group baptising minors, has surfaced. An NGO is working on reuniting these children with their families.
Emmanuel Tribal Mission Society
In a shocking revelation, a Christian missionary organisation named Emmanuel Tribal Mission Society has been found running an illegal children’s home in Chengicherla and indulging in religious proselytisation.
An FIR has been registered against the missionary organisation based on the complaint given by the District Child Protection Officer.
The officer visited the unauthorised childcare institution Emmanuel Children Orphan Home, which is run by the same society. That is where he found seven children (five from Telangana and two from Nepal).
A video uploaded to the Christian organisation’s YouTube channel in May 2021 shows a man baptising children.
Extremely Shocking!!
Pastors of Emmanuel Children Orphanage at Chengicherla, Hyderabad, involved Christian conversions targeting minor girls!
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) August 21, 2024
NGO watchdog Legal Rights Protection Forum is in touch with Nepal’s Hindu groups to reunite the two Nepalese girls with their parents. They are also making efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the other five children.
Last year, an FIR was filed against Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission Orphanage in Pune (Maharashtra) for confining & converting minors. Two girls who had lost their mothers were admitted to the orphanage. The orphanage workers forced these girls to bathe in public, clean toilets, pray to Jesus and have wine. These orphans were denied proper food and clothing for not agreeing to convert to Christianity. They were reportedly prohibited from wearing Hindu symbols.
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European media outlets are actively crafting the narrative that the violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh is not communal but politically motivated.
Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as the last prime minister of Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, there has been widespread violence against Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, with reports of attacks on their homes, businesses, and temples. Local organisations, such as the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, have documented these incidents, which have sparked global outrage among Hindu communities.
According to their narrative, the violence is linked to the victims’ political affiliations with Hasina’s government. Prominent broadcasters such as the BBC (British), DW News (German), and, more recently, France 24 (French) promote this perspective. All these European media outlets seem to advocate for forming a new government in Bangladesh, suggesting a subtle dissatisfaction with the previous administration.
Since 5 August 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed widespread violence against minorities, particularly Hindus. Reports emerged of vandalism targeting Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship such as temples. Social media has been abuzz with distressing accounts from Hindus who have relatives and friends in India, sharing their experiences of threats, assaults, and other forms of violence. These stories have sparked global outrage among Hindu communities, reflecting a deep-seated resentment dating back to 1971 and earlier.
Local organisations dedicated to minority welfare have verified and reported these incidents on social media. For instance, the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council released a report detailing a series of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses amid the unrest since Hasina left. According to the Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus on the social media platform X, these assaults occurred within five hours, though the actual number of incidents may be higher than reported.
How European Media Is Downplaying Attack On Hindus In Bangladesh
European media such as the BBC, DW, and France 24 seem to be following the leftist/anti-Hindu playbook, which toes the Western viewpoint on Bangladesh and Hindus in general.
BBC
BBC, Britain’s state-owned broadcaster, has been attempting to diminish the torment faced by Bangladeshi Hindus at the hands of Islamists through selective fact-checking while blaming the ‘far-right’ in India for the violence.
In its article titled “Far-right spreads false claims about Muslim attacks in Bangladesh”, the BBC said that the far-right influencers in India shared “false videos and information” that gave a “misleading view of the events”.
The BBC asserted that many of the claims circulating online were false. It claimed that the ruling Awami League party, which includes both Hindu and Muslim members, was a primary target. This portrayal subtly justified the violence as a consequence of political tensions rather than religious animosity.
By presenting the situation in this way, the BBC effectively set the stage for dismissing concerns raised globally about the Hindu community’s plight in Bangladesh.
Deutsche Welle (DW)
Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s state-owned broadcaster, has been criticised for downplaying the religious violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly during recent anti-government protests. In a video published on 19 August 2024, DW acknowledged attacks on the Hindu minority but suggested that many of the claims shared on social media were false. The video also portrayed the motives behind these attacks as politically driven rather than religiously motivated, stating that the violent acts were linked to the opposition against the Awami League, which is seen as a protector of minority communities like Hindus.
DW further attempted to shift focus by discussing a case where an arson attack on a Muslim shrine was misrepresented as an attack on a Hindu temple online. The broadcaster brought in ‘experts’ like Thomas Kean to argue that the reasons behind the violence are unclear, implying that religious motivations were not the primary factor despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Violent anti-government protests in Bangladesh have fueled many false claims of attacks against the nation's Hindu minority.
Moreover, DW suggested that disinformation spread by Indians on social media is exacerbating tensions, linking the issue to the close political ties between India and Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina government. This narrative appears to deflect responsibility from the actual perpetrators of the violence, instead framing the discourse as being manipulated by external actors with political interests.
DW’s reporting perceivably glosses over the serious issue of religious persecution in Bangladesh, particularly against Hindus, and downplays the Islamist motives behind many of these attacks.
DW even blamed India. They said, “And Indian Prime Minister Modi and Hasina have close political ties. India views events in Bangladesh as a problem for security, trade, and influence. So, different groups in India might have their own interests in sharing such content.”
France 24
Following the trend, France 24, a public-funded international news network, joined the bandwagon. On 16 August 2024, they shared a video on their Facebook page with the caption, “Ever since students toppled #Bangladesh’s government on August 5, many Indian internet users have been claiming that the #Hindu minority is in danger. Rape, violence or attacks on temples… these images have gone #viral. But they have been taken out of context. According to regional experts, Hindus are not specifically attacked because of their #religion, but rather because of their #political affiliation. The Observers – France 24 looked into the misleading claims.”
This is quite similar to what DW did with its report and “fact-checking” with alleged experts.
However, it is surprising that this report has yet to be posted on YouTube or their website, but only on Facebook.
AltNews As “Fact-Checkers”
In the video, they discuss these “claims” of violence against Hindus with (well, no surprises for guessing) alleged fact checkers – AltNews. While some of the videos that were in circulation at the time of the attacks were from a different time period and did not necessarily involve Hindus, it does not make the fact that Hindus and Hindu temples in Bangladesh were subjected to attacks.
The video goes on to say that the videos and photos shared by the ‘Hindu nationalists’ in India “were a part of a huge disinformation campaign”. The video also claimed that “Hindus in Bangladesh were not attacked because of their religion.”
They got ‘expert opinion’ from a Bangladeshi journalist named Zillur Rahman, who called the attacks ‘politically motivated’.
Zillur Rahman allegedly received US funds to fight disinformation – he allegedly spread disinformation, which was reportedly his political views.
Zillur Rahman launches all-out attack on press freedom; running disinformation with US funds — Zillur Rahman, who himself is a journalist working for a private-owned TV channel in #Bangladesh, has came down heavily on his colleagues calling them biased and partisan.
France 24’s video also received ‘expert opinion’ from alleged fact-checker Abhishek Kumar from Alt News, who told them that Hindu nationalists aim to “defame Muslim community by portraying Hindus as victims.”
He adds this aim would “damage the image of Muslims in India and normalise persecution they suffer in India.”
France 24 also stated that Bangladeshi students were conducting night patrols to prevent these attacks on Hindus.
Misleading Narrative
European media outlets seem intent on shaping a narrative to convince audiences to look favourably upon the new government in Dhaka led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This suppression of information might be a strategic move, as it could later benefit these media and their preferred government through political and economic advantages, including trade, in support of their cause.
Several regional reports confirm that minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, have been subjected to attacks and vandalism. Western media cannot dismiss or minimise these events as fabrications by selectively presenting only specific information. The ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Bangladesh is thoroughly documented. France, dealing with its issues of “wokeism” related to events like the Paris Olympics, should focus on accurate reporting rather than spreading misinformation.
Hindus In Bangladesh
According to Bangladesh’s 2022 census, Hindus make up approximately 7.96% of the population, with other minorities (Buddhists, Christians, etc.) constituting less than 1%. Muslims account for 91.08% of the 165.16 million people in Bangladesh. In a democratic context, winning elections requires substantial support from the majority Muslim population, who previously supported Sheikh Hasina.
However, since Hasina left, mobs targeted only Hindu temples and minority sites. There are no reports of attacks on mosques or Muslim sites. It is disgraceful of European media to label this violence as purely political when it bears a communal aspect.
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On 21 August 2024, the National Commission for Women (NCW) initiated suo motu action regarding a case of sexual assault involving minor girls, which allegedly occurred under the pretense of an “NCC camp” at a private school in Bargur, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Reports indicated that 13 girls were sexually abused during this incident and one them was affiliated with Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) party.
The NCW has instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) in Chennai to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation in Krishnagiri, ensuring that those responsible are charged under the appropriate laws. Additionally, the commission has requested a detailed report on the actions taken from both the police and the state government within three days.
The NCW announced on its official X account that the “National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report titled “13 girl sexually abused at fake NCC camp” from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The commission has directed DGP Chennai to ensure a fair, time bound investigation, booking the accused under relevant laws. A detailed action taken report has been sought from the police and from the state govt within 3 days. @chennaipolice_ @NaduFor.”
National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report titled “13 girl sexually abused at fake NCC camp” from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The commission has directed DGP Chennai to ensure a fair, time bound investigation, booking the accused under relevant…
In a disturbing incident in Tamil Nadu, a 13-year-old girl was reportedly been sexually assaulted by a Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) functionary during a fraudulent National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp held at a private school near Bargur in Krishnagiri district on 8th August 2024. Eleven individuals, including the school principal and several teachers, were initially arrested in the case. The primary suspect was on the run but was eventually apprehended on 19 August 2024 and charged under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the BNS Act.
The three-day camp, which ran from 5 to 9 August 2024, was held at a private school with no official connection to the NCC. The school hosted 41 students, including 17 girls, for the fake NCC camp.
The case came to light after the victim complained to the police about being assaulted by a camp trainer despite several threats from school authorities. Police then arrested eleven people, including the camp organiser, school principal, two teachers, and a correspondent. The main accused, a 30-year-old man named Sivaraman, remains absconding.
Fake Camp Trainer Molests Student
During the camp, girls stayed on the first floor of the school auditorium, while boys were housed on the ground floor. No teachers were assigned to supervise them.
On the night of 8th August, Sivaraman, who was a trainer at the fake camp, allegedly coerced a 13-year-old girl to come out of her accommodation and assaulted her. He was the district youth wing secretary of the NTK political party, which expelled him in the wake of this incident. Investigations revealed that Sivaraman was also accused of sexually harassing 13 other girls during the camp.
After a week of the alleged crimes, one of the girls reported the assault by calling the police control room, leading to an investigation. Medical examinations of the girls have been conducted, and the District Child Welfare Committee has initiated action.
It was revealed that the school management, including the principal and two teachers, were aware of the sexual offences but chose to suppress the information rather than report it to the authorities. The students were allegedly instructed not to take the incidents seriously.
Sivaraman Booked Under POCSO Act
In the aftermath, the Bargur All-Women’s Police booked Sivaraman under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and authorities are currently searching for him. The school’s correspondent, principal, and several others, including members of the fake NCC group, have been arrested.
The investigation also uncovered that the school needed to conduct proper background checks on the individuals organising the camp. The Tamil Nadu government and child rights activists have called for stringent action against the school management for failing to protect the students and not reporting the crime promptly.
The Krishnagiri Superintendent of Police, P. Thangadurai, confirmed that the police are investigating whether the group behind the fake NCC camp has conducted similar operations at other schools. The District Child Welfare Committee has initiated further actions, including performing medical examinations of the affected girls and seeking accountability from the school authorities.
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The National Conference released its manifesto as Jammu and Kashmir gear up for their first Assembly elections in a decade. The manifesto suggests the region’s potential erasure of Hindu heritage and the complete restoration of Article 370 in Kashmir. It refers to Shankaracharya Hill as Takht-i-Sulaiman and Hari Parbat as Koh-e-Maran.
The electionsare scheduledin three phases: 18 September, 25 September, and 1 October 2024, with vote counting on 4 October 2024. These elections will be crucial in determining the future political landscape of J&K. NC manifesto promises to address the unique political, economic, and social challenges facing the Union Territory (UT).
Below is a detailed overview of the key NC commitments:
Restoration of Articles 370 & 35A
A central theme of the NC’s manifesto is the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, rescinded in August 2019, leading to the revocation of J&K’s special status. The NC would fight for the return of these constitutional provisions.
Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA)
The manifesto also promises to repeal the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA), which has been criticised for its use in detaining individuals without trial. The NC argues that the PSA has been misused to stifle dissent and that its repeal is necessary to restore civil liberties in J&K.
Indo-Pak Dialogue and Regional Peace
The NC advocates for renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve ongoing conflicts and promote peace in South Asia. The party emphasises that the aspirations for peace among the people of J&K should drive this diplomatic engagement.
Autonomy and Constitutional Safeguards
The NC has reiterated its commitment to fully implementing the autonomy resolution passed by the J&K Assembly in 2000. This resolution seeks to restore the state’s pre-1953 constitutional position.
Opposition to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) & Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA)
The manifesto strongly opposes the implementation of the UCC and the CAA. The NC has promised to protect the land and employment rights of J&K residents.
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits & Community Reconciliation
The NC has reaffirmed its commitment to the “dignified return and rehabilitation” of Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced from the region. The party also proposes the formation of a “truth and reconciliation commission” aimed at healing communal divides and fostering harmony within communities.
Economic Initiatives
The NC has proposed the passage of the J&K Youth Employment Generation Act. This Act aims to provide 1 lakh jobs within three months of coming to power. The party also promises to fill government vacancies within 180 days to address unemployment.
Addressing Power Crisis & Welfare Schemes
The NC has pledged to transfer hydroelectric projects to J&K to address the UT’s power crisis. The party also promises residents 200 free units of electricity and a one-time settlement for outstanding electricity bills.
The manifesto also includes social welfare measures such as monthly assistance of Rs 5,000 to female heads of EWS households and increasing the monthly rice allocation to 10 kg per person. Further promises include providing six free cylinders annually to economically weaker sections, free travel for women on public transport, and establishing a minority commission.
Furthermore, the party has also committed to enhancing pensioners’ medical allowances and improving the region’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
Troubling Aspects Of National Conference’s Manifesto
The National Conference manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections includes several promises that raise significant concerns.
NC has pledged to strive for the complete restoration of Articles 370 and 35A and reinstate Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as it existed before 5 August 2019. On this date, the central government abrogated Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories.
Reintroducing Article 370 would re-establish the constitutional division between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India, which is viewed as a step backwards in national integration. The abrogation of Article 370 was a move towards bringing Jammu and Kashmir into complete constitutional alignment with the rest of the country, eliminating the perceived legal and political barriers that separated the region from the rest of India.
The special status under Article 370 was primarily responsible for fostering a sense of separatism in the region. Bringing it back could reignite tensions and instability. The manifesto’s promise to undo post-August 2019 legislation could reverse the progress toward normalcy and peace in J&K over the past five years.
Potential Erasure Of Hindu Heritage In Kashmir?
NC proposes connecting Shankaracharya Hill with Hari Parbat Fort through a gondola system to promote tourism. However, the language used in the National Conference manifesto—referring to Shankaracharya Hill as Takht-i-Sulaiman and Hari Parbat as Koh-e-Maran—raises concerns about the erasure of these significant landmarks’ Hindu history and identity.
National Conference Manifesto
Hindu temple of Shankaracharya called Takht-I-Sulaiman and the hill where Hari Parbat Temple Goddess presides is called Koh-e-Maran. This is how Hindu origin/history of #Kashmir is erased.
Shankaracharya Hill and Hari Parbat are deeply significant to Hindus and are a legacy of Kashmir’s Hindu ancestors. By referring to these sites by their Islamic names, NC is severing Kashmir from its Hindu heritage. This shift in vocabulary might contribute to a broader narrative that sidelines the region’s Hindu past. The whitewashing of Hindu identity in Kashmir is already a sensitive issue, given the historical exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
Such moves could further deepen communal divides and can be seen as an attempt to alter or rewrite the region’s cultural and religious history.
It is noteworthy that for the first time in the history of J&K, 1.88 crore tourists visited the UT in the previous year, 2022. This was possible only after the abrogation of Article 370. Such a record was among the 17 firsts J&K and Ladakh saw after the abrogation.
The city of Udaipur has been gripped by tension following the death of a 15-year-old boy, Devraj Mochi, who succumbed to injuries after being ‘allegedly‘ stabbed by his classmate, Ayaan Sheikh, at a government school. The incident, which has resulted in communal unrest, took place on 16 August 2024 and has led to widespread violence and a significant security clampdown in the city.
Background
Devraj, a class 10 student at Government Senior Secondary School in Bhatiyani Chauhatta, Udaipur, was stabbed with a knife during a heated exchange on school premises by his classmate allegedly named Ayan Khan and sustained severe injuries. He was rushed to Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital, where he battled for his life in the intensive care unit under the supervision of a team of specialists from Jaipur. After four days in critical condition, Devraj passed away on Monday, 19 August 2024.
BREAKING: The Udaipur Hindu kid, who was brutally stabbed multiple times by Ayan Khan, has succumbed to his injuries after fighting for his life for three days.
The news of his death triggered immediate unrest across Udaipur. A large crowd gathered at Mukherjee Nagar Chowk and marched to the hospital, demanding justice and access to the boy. Protests quickly escalated, with mobs taking to the streets, setting vehicles on fire, and attacking properties, including a shopping mall. The situation prompted the district administration to impose Section 144, banning public gatherings and suspending mobile internet services to restore order.
In response to the tragedy, the local government in Udaipur announced a compensation package of ₹51 lakh for Devraj’s family and promised a government job to a family member. However, this announcement has done little to soothe the aggrieved Hindu community, which feels deeply affected by the incident.
Bulldozer Action
Authorities demolished the rented house where Ayan Sheikh’s family lived, which was reportedly constructed illegally on Forest Department land. The 15-year-old accused has been detained under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Devraj’s funeral, held on Tuesday under tight security, saw a large turnout of people expressing their grief and anger. The procession, which started from his home, was accompanied by senior district officials, and chants demanding justice for Devraj echoed throughout the city.
How The Wire Peddled Its Narrative
Leftist mouthpiece The Wire went overboard with their reporting – they downplayed the murder as an ‘injury‘ and the focus of the report was on the bulldozer action on Khan’s home.
The headline read, “‘Is This Justice?’: Muslim Auto Driver’s House Bulldozed After Tenant’s Minor Son Injures Classmate“ while inside the article, it says, “The dispute between the minor accused (a Muslim) and the minor victim (a Hindu) – both students of class 10 – had turned communal after Hindu outfits staged massive protests.“
This is an insult to the victim, his family, and the Hindu community. A young life was lost due to an unprovoked and violent attack. Yet, instead of calling out the mentality of the Islamist classmate, The Wire’s framing of this murder as a mere injury is a blatant attempt to diminish the severity of the crime, as if it were a minor altercation.
While the demolition of the house where the accused lived is undoubtedly a significant event, The Wire’s disproportionate focus on this aspect of the story seems like a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the core issue—the brutal murder of a teenage boy. Instead of prioritising the crime, The Wire has highlighted the demolition, framing it as an unjust act against the homeowner, Rashid Khan, who purchased the house in 2019. The article dedicates considerable space to detailing Khan’s financial losses and the hardships faced by tenants while the horrific nature of the murder is downplayed.
Furthermore, The Wire criticises the authorities for demolishing the house because it was illegally constructed on forest land, questioning why the demolition occurred only after the incident. However, the same article fails to hold the accused’s family accountable for their illegal occupation of the land, instead portraying them as victims of a draconian government action.
The Wire’s ‘Illustrious’ History Of Peddling False Narratives
The Wire, run by NRI Siddharth Varadarajan, has been indulging in peddling a certain anti-Hindu, anti-India narrative since its inception. Columnists at The Wire, like Ajai Shukla, published a fake report on US drone sales to India and linked it to Pannun’s “assassination conspiracy.”
In October 2022, The Wire released a controversial article claiming that ShareChat’s parent company Mohalla Tech Pvt. Ltd is involved with Tek Fog, and both were engaged in sharing news favourable to the BJP; ShareChat has released a statement asking the media house to take down the previously disputed articles. Earlier that month, on 10 October 2022, The Wire had published a story in which it alleged that BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya can get any social media post on Facebook or Instagram taken down because Meta had given him special privileges. Meta rubbished this allegation.
Siddharth Varadarajan’s wife, a US citizen named Nandini Sundar, who also works as a professor at Delhi University, blamed Israel for Hamas terrorist attack in October last year.
An ‘independent journalist’ made false claims about SBI electoral bonds earlier this year, and The Wire peddled the same propaganda.
The Wire’s columnists are of a separate type – they indulge in all kinds of uncivilised behaviour – Ravi Nair made derogatory comments about PM Modi.
One columnist named Natasha Narwal was booked for inciting the Delhi riots.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani repeatedly makes pro-Muslim (read anti-Hindu) comments and peddles Islamist propaganda through The Wire, ably aided by her boss Varadarajan – they downplayed the attacks against Bangladeshi Hindus. They claimed that they were ‘safe‘ and that the claims were ‘baseless and stupid’.
In such times, themedia is responsible for reporting the truth, not manipulating it. As always, The Wire’s coverage of this incident falls woefully short of that standard.
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Congress chief Rahul Gandhi deflected a question about his stance on the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, terming the query a distraction. He rejected the question by focusing on his visit to RaeBareli, where he sought justice for a Dalit individual killed in Nasirabad.
His refusal to address the Kolkata incident reeks of hypocrisy to support INDI ally Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This response has also raised concerns that he selectively engages with victims based on political convenience, particularly avoiding cases of crime against women in states governed by his allies.
Rahul Gandhi’s Comments On Kolkata Rape & Murder
On 20 August 2024, Gandhi deflected questions regarding his position on the rape-murder case of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Instead, he highlighted his visit to his parliamentary constituency, RaeBareli, where he claimed to be seeking justice for a Dalit individual killed in Nasirabad. This move has further fueled allegations of selective political manoeuvring.
The Congress scion travelled to Uttar Pradesh to support the family of a Dalit individual who was killed, emphasising his role as Leader of the Opposition.
When Rahul Gandhi was pressed by reporters about why he hadn’t addressed the Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case, Gandhi responded, “I have come here (Raebareli) to support the family of the victim (Dalit youth). I will not let you distract from this matter. I will speak on the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case later.”
VIDEO | "I have come here (Raebareli) to support the family of the victim (Dalit youth). I will not let you distract from this matter. I will speak on Kolkata doctor rape and murder case later," says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) as he reaches Uttar Pradesh's… pic.twitter.com/geidPmZJoV
This response has raised severe concerns about Gandhi’s credibility. It suggests he may only engaget victims in opposition-ruled states while neglecting those in states governed by his allies. This selective approach appears to elevate his hypocrisy to a new level.
Here are a few instances where the Congress scion has shown solidarity with victims in states ruled by rival parties:
Prajwal Revanna Case 2024:
Prajwal Revanna, affiliated with the Janata Dal (Secular) party—an ally of the BJP in Karnataka—was embroiled in controversy ahead of the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, held on 26 April 2024. Revanna faced suspension from his party after videos surfaced showing non-consensual sexual acts involving him.
Politicising the issue, Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Shivamogga, labelling the situation not merely a sex scandal but “mass rape.” He accused BJP leaders of knowing about Revanna’s alleged crimes yet supporting him and forming alliances with JD(S). Gandhi claimed that Revanna had raped 400 women and recorded the assaults. He demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for campaigning on behalf of Revanna.
Gandhi, in a letter, urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to “extend all possible support to the victims” of the alleged sexual abuse case involving Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna. He wanted to ensure that “all parties responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable.”
In his letter, Gandhi expressed concern that women across India—from wrestlers in Haryana to sisters in Manipur—are suffering.
Manipur Issue 2023
When Manipur was engulfed in ethnic violence and two Kuki women were paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Churachandpur district, the Congress scion tweeted, “Prime Minister, the issue is not that it’s a shame for the country. The issue is the immense pain and trauma inflicted on the women of Manipur. Stop the violence immediately.”
Prime Minister, the issue is not that it’s a shame for the country.
The issue is the immense pain and trauma inflicted on the women of Manipur.
The BJP government in Gujarat released all 11 individuals convicted of raping Bilkis Bano and murdering seven of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots under their remission policy. Gandhi criticised their move.
“Those who raped a five-month-pregnant woman and killed her three-year-old daughter have been released during ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.’ What message are those who claim to champion ‘Nari Shakti’ sending to the women of our country? Prime Minister, the entire nation is witnessing the gap between your words and your actions,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.
5 महीने की गर्भवती महिला से बलात्कार और उनकी 3 साल की बच्ची की हत्या करने वालों को 'आज़ादी के अमृत महोत्सव' के दौरान रिहा किया गया।
नारी शक्ति की झूठी बातें करने वाले देश की महिलाओं को क्या संदेश दे रहे हैं?
प्रधानमंत्री जी, पूरा देश आपकी कथनी और करनी में अंतर देख रहा है।
In 2018, Gandhi and senior Congress leaders, including his mother, Sonia Gandhi, led a midnight candlelight vigil at India Gate in New Delhi. They were demanding justice for two girls, who were raped and murdered in Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir), and Unnao (Uttar Pradesh).
Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka, and her husband, Robert Vadra, were among hundreds of people who participated in the march, which was heavily secured.
Gandhi addressed reporters, stating, “We demand that the government take immediate action. Women and children are being raped and murdered everywhere. This is not a political issue but a national crisis that affects all women in the country. The government must address these atrocities.”
Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does.
Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice.
He also tweeted, “How can anyone defend the culprits of such horrific acts? The crime in #Kathua is a grave violation of humanity and must not go unpunished. What have we become if we let politics interfere with such unimaginable brutality against an innocent child?” Gandhi faced criticism on social media for his perceived delayed response, especially as some Congress leaders in Jammu seemed to support protests for those arrested in connection with the case.
Gandhi and his sister Priyanka visited Hathras in solidarity with the victim.
It seems that Rahul Gandhi won’t acknowledge the suffering and rights of victims. Instead, he seems to be cherry-picking states where the government must be held responsible for women’s safety. It is apparent from his selective approach, including his recent dismissive response to reporters regarding the Kolkata rape and murder.
By saying, “Don’t distract me,” Gandhi seems eager to safeguard his political prospects. After all, the state where the rape and murder occurred is governed by his ally Mamata Banerjee-led TMC. He appears to prioritise political strategy over genuine concern for the victims’ plight, right to safety, and justice.
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