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“Peaceful Rallies Should Not Be Denied Permission”, Stresses Madras HC As DMK Govt Puts Restrictions On BJP’s ‘Tiranga Rally’

By
The Commune
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On 13 August 2024, the Madras High Court emphasised that “permission should not be denied if rallies can be conducted peacefully and without causing public disruption.” This statement came in response to a writ petition filed by a BJP functionary seeking approval to hold bike rallies with the national flag (Tiranga rally) across the state ahead of 15 August 2024 to celebrate the 78th Independence Day.

The petition was filed by A. Krishna Prasath, the Coimbatore district secretary of BJP Yuva Morcha, challenging an order from the Coimbatore Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – North issued on 10 August 2024, which had denied permission for the rally on several grounds. The judge permitted the petitioner’s lawyer, R.C. Paul Kanagaraj, to file a lunch motion for an expedited hearing. During the afternoon session, Kanagaraj accused the DCP of providing inconsistent reasons for the denial.

Kanagaraj argued that the DCP initially cited insufficient route information for rejecting the permit but later claimed the narrow roads and ongoing flyover construction were also factors. Kanagaraj also mentioned that the general secretary of BJP Tamil Nadu wanted to file a similar petition for rallies across the State. Still, the Registry rejected it due to technical issues. Consequently, the Coimbatore official filed the petition alone.

The Bench headed by Justice G. Jayachandran allowed Government Advocate K.M.D. Muhilan one day to gather necessary instructions but emphasised that permission should not be denied if the rallies can be conducted peacefully and without disrupting the public.

The judge noted that any ruling made in this writ petition would also apply to other police jurisdictions and scheduled it as the first case to be heard on 15 August 2024.

Denial Of Permission Citing Law & Order Issues In TN

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on 15 August 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ call for celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day from 13 August to 15 August 2024, Tamil Nadu, a state known for its history of patriotism, faced a situation where permission for a Tiranga rally denied citing concerns about law and order.

In Gummidipoondi in the Thiruvallur district, the police have denied permission for the Tiranga rally, citing concerns that “… given the proximity of schools and shops to the rally location, the event will impact students and local traffic. Additionally, if the rally takes place on the state highway, it could lead to significant traffic congestion and potential law and order issues. Therefore, permission to hold the rally is denied.” 

In a separate incident, 24 people, including the BJP East District President, were apprehended in Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar district, for conducting an two-wheeler rally with the national flag. Although the Virudhunagar East District BJP had sought police permission to carry the flag from Bavadi Thoppu in Aruppukkottai to Vellakottai, their request was denied. Despite this, they proceeded with the rally, traveling from Bavadi Thoppu through Kasukkadai Bazar and Marakadai Bazar before arriving at Vellakottai.

On 12 August 2024, members of the BJP youth wing were arrested in Trichy while staging a bike rally with the national flag celebrating “Har Ghar Tiranga”. The rally was intended to travel from Major Saravanan Memorial Square to the home of freedom fighter VVS Iyer in Varaganeri as part of the nationwide Independence Day celebrations. However, the city police denied permission for the event, warning that participating vehicles would be confiscated and legal action would be taken.

To prevent any unauthorised gatherings, the police deployed a significant presence around Major Saravanan Memorial Square. In response, the BJP members altered their plans and instead conducted a procession from their district office. Led by BJP state youth wing secretary Ramesh Siva and state general secretary Gautham Nagarajan, over 50 participants rode their two-wheelers, displaying the national flag as they passed through Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Madhuram Hospital, and MGR Statue before returning to the BJP office.

Despite the police prohibition, the BJP carried out their modified rally. Gautham Nagarajan expressed criticism of the restrictions, stating, “We requested permission from the sessions court police station in Trichy on 11 August 2024, but it was refused. We decided to proceed with the rally regardless. It raises questions about whether Tamil Nadu is governed by the Dravidian model or the British system, given the stringent controls on Independence Day celebrations.”

Celebrating Independence Day with a Tiranga (Tri-Colour flag), intended to foster a sense of pride, has become a troubling trend to DMK in Tamil Nadu.

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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Independence Day Celebrations In TN Under Seige? DMK Govt Denies Permission For Tiranga Rallies Citing Law & Order Issues

By
The Commune
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DMK Govt Denies Permission For Tiranga Rallies

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on 15 August 2024, Tamil Nadu, a state known for its history of patriotism, is now facing a situation where permission for a Tiranga rally has been denied, citing concerns about law and order.

In a notable case from Gummidipoondi in the Thiruvallur district, Natarajan, the town president of the Municipality, requested permission from the local police to conduct a Tiranga rally as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, aimed at celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day from 13 August to 15 August 2024. This campaign encourages citizens to bring the national flag into their homes and display it proudly. However, the Gummidipoondi police have denied permission to hold the rally.

In their denial letter, the police have cited concerns that “… given the proximity of schools and shops to the rally location, the event will impact students and local traffic. Additionally, if the rally takes place on the state highway, it could lead to significant traffic congestion and potential law and order issues. Therefore, permission to hold the rally is denied.”

Celebrating Independence Day with a Tiranga rally, intended to foster a sense of pride, has become a troubling trend for DMK in Tamil Nadu.

This situation is not an isolated incident.

On 11 August 2024, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai criticised the DMK government for denying permission to the national party to hold a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ (tricolour rally) in the Coimbatore and Tirupur regions. Annamalai argued that this refusal by the DMK government demonstrated a “disdain for the national flag.”

He emphasized that the rally was intended to be inclusive, featuring no BJP flags but only vehicles adorned with the national flag, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to display the flag at their homes. Annamalai noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged citizens to hoist the national flag on August 13, 14, and 15. The BJP had planned to support this initiative with vehicle rallies showcasing the national flag.

However, he claimed that denying permission suggests that the DMK had issues with the national flag. Annamalai further suggested that the State government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin should have organised such awareness rallies, adding that the BJP was stepping in to fill this gap.

In a separate incident, the police have filed a case against individuals who vandalized the flagpole at a government school near Kandamangalam in Villupuram district.

At the Panchayat Union Primary School in Rasamuthirapalayam village, Villupuram district, teachers were repairing the flagpole in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. However, some antisocial elements targeted the school overnight and damaged the recently repaired flagpole. When the teachers arrived at the school this morning, they were dismayed to find the flagpole broken. They promptly reported the incident to the Kandangamangalam police station. Following the complaint, the police have initiated an investigation to identify and address those responsible for the vandalism.

In Tamil Nadu, the police, in conjunction with the state government, are actively undermining the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. They are stopping Tiranga rallies, denying permissions in writing, citing law and order issues. This raises concerns about whether we are living under a regime reminiscent of colonial rule or Pakistan. It is widely acknowledged that the Justice Party and its successor, the Dravidar Kazhagam, had historically favoured continued British rule in India.

The DMK government’s current actions seem to echo this legacy, showing a troubling similarity to past leaders in their suppression of rights won through struggle.

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Bangladesh: Yunus Acquitted In Graft Case, Clears ULFA Arms Smugglers As Chief Advisor

By
The Commune
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Yunus Acquitted In Graft Case

Bangladesh’s interim government has acquitted several high-profile figures, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, of serious charges. Nobel laureate Yunus was cleared of graft and labour law violations. He, in turn, wasted no time in acquitting top officials convicted of the death penalty in the infamous 2004 10-truck arms haul case regarding smuggling weapons for ULFA militants.

 Yunus was acquitted in a graft case filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) just four days after being cleared for labour law violations. He became the Chief Advisor after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned during a mass “student-led uprising” on 5 August 2024. 

Judge Md Rabiul Alam of the Special Judge’s Court-4 of Dhaka accepted the ACC’s application to withdraw the prosecution under Section 494 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This decision, however, was only the beginning of a series of controversial moves under Yunus’s leadership.

Just a day before taking his oath, Prof. Yunus, also the chairman of Grameen Telecom, and its directors, including Ashraful Hassan, M Shahjahan, and Nurjahan Begum, were acquitted of charges related to labour law violations. The interim government also includes Nurjahan Begum as an advisor, who, like Yunus, was acquitted in the graft case. These charges had previously resulted in a six-month imprisonment sentence and fines. The labour law case was filed over the misappropriation of approximately Tk 25.22 crore from Grameen Telecom Workers’ profit participation fund.

The controversies did not stop with Yunus’s acquittals. In a particularly alarming development, Yunus, as Chief Advisor, reportedly approved the acquittal of several individuals convicted in the infamous 10-truck arms haul case.

This case involved the smuggling of a massive consignment of weapons and explosives intended for the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), a terrorist organisation operating in India’s northeast region. The Chittagong court had previously sentenced 14 individuals, including former high-ranking officials from the BNP-Jamaat coalition government, to death for their involvement in this case.

Among those acquitted are high-profile figures such as:

  • Md. Lutfuzzaman Babar: Former State Minister for Home Affairs during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government.
  • Abdus Salam Pintu: Former Deputy Minister in the same government.
  • Tarique Rahman: Acting Chairman of the BNP.
  • Maj Gen (Retired) Rezzakul Hayder Chowdhury: Former Director General of the Directorate of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).
  • Wing Commander (Sacked) Shahab Uddin: Former Director of the National Security Intelligence (NSI).

The approval for their acquittal was initiated by Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, known for his support of the BNP and strong anti-India stance. This controversial decision will be placed before President Muhammed Shahabuddin for final approval.

The 10-truck arms haul case, which dates back to 2004, exposed the involvement of the state machinery in the smuggling of weapons intended for ULFA terrorists. The haul included rocket launchers, AK-47 rifles, and other sophisticated arms, marking it as one of the largest weapons seized in Bangladesh’s history.

The decision to acquit those involved in the arms haul, coupled with Yunus’s rapid sequence of acquittals, has raised significant concerns about the direction of the interim government. Critics argue that these moves undermine the rule of law and raise questions about the motivations behind such decisions, especially given the historical and geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the ULFA case and its implications for regional security.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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International Outcry Over Attacks On Bangladeshi Hindus; Protests Erupt In US & UK

By
The Commune
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The recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina have garnered global attention with widespread protests. Demonstrations took place over the weekend in the US and the UK, with significant rallies outside the UK Houses of Parliament and in several American cities.

Protests In The UK

In the UK, a large crowd assembled outside the Houses of Parliament in London, including members of the Bangladeshi diaspora and Indian American Hindu allies. Protesters voiced their concerns about the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, holding up posters with messages like “Protect our temples in Bangladesh” and “Hindu lives matter.”

Demonstrators also called for constitutional changes in Bangladesh to ensure equal treatment for all communities.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was criticised for biased coverage of the new Bangladeshi government. Although it has been highlighting the positive aspects of the new administration, it came under fire for its one-sided narrative. This led to protests outside its headquarters at Broadcasting House in London.

Protesters chanted slogans calling for a “BBC boycott” and questioned why the BBC remained silent on the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Protests In The US

On the other hand, in the US, over 300 Indian American and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered in Houston for the “Save Hindus in Bangladesh” rally organised by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities. This coalition, representing prominent Houston Hindu groups, called on the Biden Administration to act decisively to protect minority communities in Bangladesh and to end the violence.

The protesters, including activists from various human rights organisations, carried signs and chanted slogans demanding justice and an end to the violence. They highlighted the severe conditions faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, citing reports of torture, killings, and temple destruction. The rally featured statements from leaders such as Achlesh Amar and Deepti Mahajan, who emphasised the urgent need for international intervention and minority protection.

In addition to these rallies, protests were also held outside the White House, where participants urged the US government to take a firm stance against the violence in Bangladesh. Among other speakers, Shubho Roy and Priyadarshani Saha called for a permanent solution to ensure the safety and dignity of minorities in Bangladesh.

In response to the escalating violence, including attacks on Hindu temples and communities, US lawmakers have voiced strong condemnation. Indian American Congressmen Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi have called for immediate action from the Bangladeshi interim government and emphasised the need for justice and protection for all minorities. They have urged the US government and international bodies to address the situation urgently.

The US State Department has expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and the targeting of religious and political groups in Bangladesh. The situation remains dire, with increasing reports of violence and casualties since the recent upheaval in the country.

Protests At The UN

Activists also assembled outside the United Nations headquarters, calling for the protection of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. Since the fall of the Hasina government, there have been reports of arson, looting, and attacks targeting minorities, including Bengali Hindus, Bengali Christians, and Bangladesh’s janjatiya (adivasi) communities. These incidents have fueled protests both within Bangladesh and internationally.

The global community continues to demand action and justice for the victims of these attacks, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and support for minority communities in Bangladesh.

Widespread Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

On 5 August 2024, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council published a report detailing a series of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses across the country amid ongoing political unrest. According to the Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus on social media platform X, these assaults occurred within a five-hour window. However, the actual number of incidents might be higher than those listed.

  • Sherpur: The residence of the president of the Sribardi Upazila Youth Unity Council was attacked, vandalised, and looted.
  • Khulna: Multiple properties were targeted, including the homes of Shyamal Kumar Das, Swajan Kumar Das, Biman Bihari Amit, Animesh Sarkar Rinku, and Jayanta Gain. Properties in Darpara, Koyra, were also attacked.
  • Feni: The Durga Temple was attacked, and in Dinajpur, the Fulthala cremation ground was forcibly occupied. Five temples, including the Kali Mandir in Parbatipur, were vandalised, and homes in Setabganj Bochakganj and Dhalla village were looted.
  • Lakshmipur: The house and office of Deepak Saha, leader of the Puja Celebration Council, were attacked and looted. Additionally, homes in Agarupur village and Rauzan, Chattogram, were burned and attacked.
  • Jashore: Three homes in Dhopaidi Palpara village were set on fire, and 22 shops, including Babul Saha’s warehouse, were vandalised in Narikel Bariya, Bagharpara.
  • Satkhira: Shops belonging to minorities in Kolaroa were looted, and the homes of Biswajit Sadhu and Dr. Subrata Ghosh were attacked and burned.
  • Shayestaganj Bazaar, Habiganj: Asit Baran Das’s shop was vandalised and looted. Minority homes in Lohagara, Narail, faced similar violence.
  • Bogra: Several minority shops in Tilpatti and Bargola were vandalised and looted, and Dr Gautam Kumar Mondal’s home in Sahapukur was also targeted.
  • Patuakhali: The Radha Govinda Temple in Kuakata was attacked, and Ananta Mukherjee’s house was vandalised and looted. Similar attacks occurred in Panchagarh’s Sadar.
  • Noakhali: The house of Sahadev Roy in Sonadia, Hatiya, was attacked and looted. Minority homes in Thakurgaon’s Sadar and Pirganj’s cremation temple were also targeted.
  • Jhenaidah: Ongoing violence affected ten minority families in Chaklapara municipality, with shops in Kotchandpur also attacked.
  • Hathuria, Bera Thana, Pabna: Multiple minority homes were attacked, vandalised, and looted.
  • Nilphamari: Minority homes in Bamunia Union, Domar Upazila, faced attacks, vandalism, and looting, including an attempted attack in Barakali Bari.
  • Shariatpur: The Dhanuka Temple in the Sadar area was vandalised, with nearby minority homes also affected.
  • Lalmonirhat: Amiya Prasad’s house in Panchagram Union was attacked, and in Mymensingh, Shyamal Pal’s home in Ward 32 of Shambhuganj was assaulted.
  • Netrokona: The Ramakrishna Mission and ISKCON temple in the Sadar area were attacked, along with nearby minority homes.
  • Faridganj Upazila, Chandpur: Haripada Das’s house was attacked and looted, and an attempted attack was reported at Ram Doctor’s house in Araihazar, Narayanganj.

Social Media Reveals Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh

Beyond the documented attacks, numerous videos and images circulating on social media have shown assaults on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples in Bangladesh, framed as part of the broader political violence. The authenticity of some of these videos remains unverified.

Among several videos shared on X, including one showing a mob attacking the home of Hindus in Bamunia Palpara, Gabtali Upazila, Bogra District.

Another video depicts a Hindu girl in distress in the Mathbaria police station area, Pirojpur district, pleading for help in Bangla.

Additional footage shows the Shani Temple in Navgraha Bari, Chittagong, being set ablaze by rioters.

In Shibpur Upazila, Narsingdi District, a Hindu temple was attacked around 5 PM.

Yudhistir Govinda Das, an ISKCON India spokesperson, reported that an ISKCON centre in Meherpur (Khulna division) was burned, including the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi. Fortunately, three devotees residing there managed to escape.

A video from Visegrad 24 shows Islamists surrounding Hindu homes and threatening the occupants.

According to The Daily Star“, a Bangladeshi newspaper, attacks have occurred in 27 districts. It reports vandalism and looting of homes belonging to Pradip Chandra Roy and Muhin Roy in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila. 12 Hindu houses were torched in Hatibandha upazila’s Purbo Sardubi village. Several Hindu homes were ransacked in Bandhavgarh’s Sadar upazila.

Other attacks targeted ten Hindu houses in Dinajpur, a temple in Railbazarhat, and three homes in Khansama upazila. In Khulna, Oikya Parishad leaders’ residences were attacked, while Aditri Adhikary’s house in Barishal’s Gouranadi was targeted. Similar incidents were reported in Bogura, Patuakhali, Sherpur, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, Chattogram, Jashore, Satkhira, Habiganj, and Narail.

Amidst the severe political unrest in Bangladesh, Hindu and other minority communities are particularly vulnerable to these attacks, with Islamist mobs exploiting the situation. Meanwhile, some left-liberals and Islamist groups have either denied or justified these acts of violence.

(With inputs from News18)

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Pak Olympic Javelin Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem Who Was “Celebrated” By Dravidianists & Leftists Linked To LeT Terrorists?

By
The Commune
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Pak's Arshad Nadeem has terrorist LeT links?

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has drawn attention not only for his gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 but also for his suspected links to the internationally designated terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Videos have surfaced showing Nadeem in the company of LeT’s finance secretary, Harris Dhar.

Despite these concerns, Congress supporters and Dravidianists have praised Nadeem while ignoring India’s Neeraj Chopra, who won silver and humbly apologised to his fans for not defending his title.

Neeraj Chopra Apologises to Fans

The recently concluded Olympic games saw India’s star Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finish second in the finals of the Javelin event. Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem finished at the top of the table with a massive 92.97m throw that also became an Olympic record.

Neeraj Chopra apologised to fans for not winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite becoming the only Indian track and field athlete to win multiple Olympic medals, Neeraj remains humble.

In a viral video, he expressed his regret to fans after failing to defend his javelin throw title. “I don’t have much to say, but I’ve brought something to show you (silver medal). Sorry, like last time, no national anthem was played. What I had thought didn’t happen, but a medal is a medal. I had worked hard and won a medal for the country, and taking a lap of the track with the flag, that’s a different feeling altogether,“ Neeraj is seen telling fans.

Dravidianists, Leftists hail Nadeem, not Chopra

Instead of supporting and congratulating India’s Neeraj Chopra for a podium finish despite injuries, Dravidianists, leftists, and anti-nationals alike were praising Arshad Nadeem.

One Dravidianist handle shared a video calling him, “Pride of the Indian subcontinent..! #ArshadNadeem Congratulations again brother!! #Paris2024.”

Another sympathiser, a Congress member, expressed her pride by stating, “Sanghis are unhappy not because Neeraj got Silver, but because Arshad got gold. Bigots!” In this comment, she labelled Indians who. d by Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal as “Sanghi,” a term often used were disappointe while themselves openly celebrating Pakistan’s victory.

Is Arshad Nadeem Worth The Praise?

During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Nadeem was allegedly seen using Neeraj Chopra’s javelin. Chopra, however, dismissed the claims of stealing, saying it was well within the rules for Nadeem to use it.

In 2021, during the Tokyo Olympics, Nadeem finished 5 in the table, with Neeraj Chopra finishing at the top with a 87.58m throw. Nadeem had thrown 84.62m.

In an interview, he is seen telling the interviewer, “It was my final throw. I was fully focused on winning the medal for Pakistan. But they say whatever happens is Allah’s plan. But when I threw it, and it did not reach where I wanted it to, I was so disappointed because all those people from Pakistan and Muslim countries and Muslims were watching my competition. From my heart, I was feeling disappointed that I could not win a medal, so how would I go back to Pakistan?”

Had Neeraj Chopra mentioned that he wanted to win the medal for the Hindus, we can only imagine the uproar and abuse against him by leftists and Dravidianists.

Who is Harris Dhar?

Following his gold medal win, Nadeem received several gifts, which included a buffalo and a brand new Maruti Alto, upon returning to Pakistan. He also met several people rejoicing in his victory, including members of the internationally designated terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In a video, Arshad Nadeem sits beside LeT’s finance secretary, Harris Dhar. Dhar is gushing over Nadeem’s victory and tells him the outfit will organise javelin competitions privately to popularise it across Pakistan.

It is noteworthy that LeT deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri and Harris Dhar are already allegedly conducting FALCON forest camps in Abottabad and swimming camps all over Pakistan to recruit youths for terrorist activities.

Before anyone claims Dhar is a civilian and has no connections with the LeT, here is a picture where he is seen giving a sermon at the mosque with a man standing guard with an AK-47!

Here are some more videos of Dhar speaking against India and Kashmir. In this video, he says, “If America had to leave Afghanistan, Insha Allah, India will also leave Kashmir and that time will come. The architects of that moment will be Pakistan and its 25-crore population.”

In another video, he says he is travelling around the place near LOC where Indian fighter pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was spotted and detained after his aircraft crashed in February 2019. He claims India was “humiliated” then, just as “India has been humiliated today at the Olympics”.

He further adds, “Insha Allah, Kashmir also will be liberated just like how India was separated from Bangladesh, and the time will come for Kashmir too.”

It is noteworthy that the news media and the commentators at the Olympics went overboard in highlighting the “bonding” between Chopra and Nadeem at the event.

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YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar Detained Again Under Goondas Act Despite Recent Overturn By Court

By
The Commune
-

Popular YouTuber and political commentator ‘Savukku’ Shankar is detained again under the Goondas Act by Theni District Collector RV Shajeevana in connection with a ganja-related case. Shankar and two accomplices were initially arrested in May 2024 for possessing 500 grams of ganja in his vehicle. On 12 August 2024, Shankar appeared in court in Sivagangai District in connection to this case.

In a related incident, Theni district police also apprehended Mahendran, who is alleged to have supplied the ganja to Shankar and confiscated 3 kg of ganja from his home.

This action follows a recent decision by a division bench of Justices S. M. Subramanian and V. Sivagnanam of the High Court, which had annulled Shankar’s earlier detention under the Goondas Act. The earlier detention was linked to derogatory remarks Shankar made about female police officers.

The court had ruled that preventive detention laws should not be used to suppress speech in the absence of public order or security threats and had ordered Shankar’s release if he was not required in any other cases. Despite the Madras High Court’s strong criticism, the Tamil Nadu Police detained YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar related to a ganja possession case from May 2024. The court remarked, “Preventive detention is a colonial law. Detaining power should be used sparingly. If the voices of YouTubers and media people are strangulated, we’ll return to colonial times. Media is the fourth pillar of democracy.”

Shankar has consistently asserted that the charges against him are being pursued at the direction of Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Shankar said, “New cases are being filed against me, and I’m being arrested every day. Udhayanidhi Stalin is responsible for all these arrests,” following his appearance in the Sivagangai court.

In this context, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, an ally in the DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu, indirectly criticized the DMK government for imposing the Goondas Act on the YouTuber. This move follows a recent court decision that had overturned a previous detention under similar charges.

Sivaganga Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram has criticized Shankar’s detention, calling it “unacceptable” and predicting another reversal by the judiciary. Taking this issue to his official X account stated, “@savukku‘s comments can be below the belt & distasteful. He often indulges in hyperbole & sensationalism. But to book him under #Goondas again is a flagrant overkill & is unacceptable. Another judicial overturn will happen.”

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TN: Newly-Converted Christian Family Constructs Illegal Church On Public Land in Fully Hindu Village in Tirunelveli

By
The Commune
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Newly-Converted Christians Construct Illegal Church in Hindu Village

A Christian family in Tamil Nadu is allegedly constructing a church on public land in a predominantly Hindu village where they are the only Christians. Despite objections from residents, who suggested that the family either worship at home or build the church on their private land, the family has chosen to build it on public land, which has become a major point of contention.

The village of South Eranthai near Thisayanvilai in the Tirunelveli District is home to 130 Hindu families. It is alleged that one of the families recently converted to Christianity and is now building a church for their use. This decision has faced strong opposition from the Hindu community. Locals argue that the Christian family could worship privately and criticize their use of public land for church construction without proper authorization, raising concerns about potential conflict.

The previous day, residents staged a hunger strike at the Uchimakali Amman temple to protest the unauthorised church construction. To underscore their protest, they displayed black flags over their homes.

Village leader Dhana Singh said, “Since their conversion, the family has disrupted Hindu temple ceremonies. They are now constructing a church without the necessary approvals from the revenue department or police. Despite authorities’ orders to halt construction, work continues. We demand action on this issue, or we will be forced to stop sending our children to local schools and colleges and intensify our protest.”

Illegal Constructions To Convert Hindus

Recently, the Hindu Munnani lodged a formal complaint with the Thittacheri police station in Nagapattinam district, calling for a ban on an illegal prayer house opposite the Vinayaka temple in Marungoor main road that was trying to convert temple visitors.

 

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Stock Market Stable: Hindenberg’s Agenda Amplified By Rahul Gandhi Flops As NIFTY Goes Up

By
The Commune
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Stock market Stable. Rahul Gandhi Flops.

The Indian stock market, which has been relatively stable, delivered a tight slap to Hindenburg Research, a US-based short-selling firm, as well as to opposition parties in India, such as Congress and its sympathisers. Their economic conspiracy theories did not yield the results they had hoped for and ultimately backfired.

On the morning of 12 August 2024, there was no major movement in the stock market. The market opened lower than the close on 9 August 2024 but soon regained ground. By noon, the BSE Sensex had risen by over 200 points and the Nifty 50 by 50 points. Most major stocks traded within a narrow range, except Adani Group shares, which had declined since the morning. The BSE Sensex was up 209 points at 79,904, while the Nifty was at 24,412, showing a 50-point increase during the day.

Despite fears of a significant drop following the release of the Hindenburg Research report which alleged that the SEBI chief had connections with offshore funds allegedly used by the Adani’s to manipulate their share prices—the major stock indices remained relatively steady and traded within a limited range.

However, Adani Group’s stocks suffered notable losses, estimated at $13.4 billion, according to Reuters. The S&P BSE Sensex, which had opened 375 points, managed to recover some of the losses throughout the day, ending with a slight drop of 57 points, or 0.07%, at 79,649. Similarly, the NSE Nifty-50 index closed down by 20.50 points, or 0.08%, at 24,347.

Commenting on the market’s subdued reaction, Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research & Investment Services, told The Hindu, “Investors and institutions understand that this [Hindenburg Report] is an extension of the previous report and is largely a personal attack on a regulator, which has already issued a show-cause notice. Hence, the personal allegations against the SEBI chief have been largely disregarded.”

He noted that the recent losses for Adani Group stocks were “minimal” compared to the significant declines experienced following the first Hindenburg report released 18 months ago. On 12 August 2024, eight out of ten Adani Group stocks closed lower, including Adani Enterprises (-1.09%), Adani Ports (-2.02%), Adani Power (-0.65%), Adani Energy Solutions (-3.70%), Adani Total Gas (-4.03%), Adani Wilmar (-4.14%), NDTV (-3.08%), and ACC (-1.55%).

Since the release of the first Hindenburg report in January 2023, both the NIFTY index and investors, including Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), have approached the market with caution. As of 9 August 2024, the NIFTY has risen by approximately 6,249 points. During this period, FIIs have invested a total of about ₹2.1 lakh crores, while DIIs have contributed around ₹4.4 lakh crores. This indicates that investors are not swayed by disruptive actors like Hindenburg Research but instead maintain a “calm and due diligence” approach before reacting to such negative reports or claims.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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“Andha 15 Naatkal” – Tamil Translation Of Prashant Pole’s Book On Partition Announced

By
The Commune
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Andha 15 Naatkal - Tamil Translation Of Prashant Pole's Book On Partition Announced

Andha 15 Naatkal – the Tamil translation of author Prashant Pole’s significant historical work, “Those 15 Days,” will be officially launched at a special event hosted by the Vigil Forum in Chennai on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

The book, titled “அந்த 15 நாட்கள்” in Tamil, sheds light on the dark and bloody days leading up to India’s independence, particularly focusing on the atrocities faced by Hindus and Sikhs during partition.

The launch event is scheduled for 7:00 PM on 14 August 2024 at the KRS Auditorium, Meenakshi College for Women, Kodambakkam High Road, Chennai. Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist Balbir Punj will attend.

Prashant Pole’s book vividly brings to life the horrors experienced in regions like Hyderabad, often overshadowed by the brutalities in East and West Pakistan. The book is available for Hindi readers as ‘Ve Pandraha Din’.

‘Andha 15 Naatkal’ serves not only as a historical account but also as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the continuing relevance of these events in light of current developments in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.

Focus of ‘Andha 15 Naatkal’

The book sheds light on the crucial period leading up to India’s independence on August 15, 1947. It reveals lesser-known events and the actions of leaders from 1 August to 15 August 1947, focusing on the joy of independence intertwined with the sorrow and fear of partition. ‘Andha 15 Naatkal’ highlights the intense atmosphere in regions like Lahore and Karachi, where Hindus and Sikhs faced severe persecution, with no political party stepping in to protect them.

The author emphasises the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), particularly its leader Guru Golwalkar, who visited Sindh in early August to support and organise Hindus and Sikhs amidst widespread violence. Despite the Congress’s surrender to the Muslim League, Golwalkar encouraged unity and resilience among Hindus.

The book argues that partition, driven by religious division, led to the tragic dismemberment of India. It calls attention to the ongoing decline of Hindu populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, urging Indians to remain vigilant about the lessons of partition to protect the nation’s unity and sovereignty.

This translation will allow Tamil readers to engage with a critical part of India’s history, ensuring that the lessons from those harrowing 15 days are not forgotten.

The event will also hear a first-hand account of the horrors of partition by Balbir Punj. This event offers a rare glimpse into the trauma and resilience of that time.

Pre-registration for the event is mandatory and interested people can register to attend using the link – https://tinyurl.com/46862we9

VIGIL

VIGIL, a public forum for discussions and public dialogue, was an initiative of various public-spirited citizens of Chennai and was active from the 1990s until 2010. Various intellectuals and luminaries, like Swami Dayananda Saraswati, have graced VIGIL occasions.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the 14th of August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. This day is dedicated in memory of the millions of people who were displaced and killed due to mindless hate and violence during the partition of India in 1947.

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How U.S. Diplomatically “Engages” With Bangladeshis – A Pattern Repeating Itself In India

By
The Commune
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How U.S. Diplomatically "Engages" With Bangladeshis - A Pattern Repeating Itself In India

After Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh during a coup on August 5, 2024, she accused the U.S. of orchestrating her ouster due to her refusal to cede Saint Martin’s Island, a strategically important location in the Bay of Bengal. Such claims, though denied by the Americans, match the pattern that emerged in India ahead of our general elections. 

Her allegations follow an October 2023 meeting between a key member of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami outfit and a U.S. diplomat, which raised suspicions due to its political significance.

The Island is geographically significant due to its location in the Bay of Bengal and proximity to China and Myanmar. Hasina alleged that the U.S. had long been interested in establishing a military base on the island to gain strategic control over the Bay of Bengal. 

The U.S. has denied these allegations. However, this pattern of engagement was also found in India, where the U.S. has interacted with social media influencers and politicians before the 2024 general elections.

How US Officials Engaged with Bangladeshi Politicians and Civil Society Over Years

In October 2023, ahead of the elections in Bangladesh, a key Jamaat-e-Islami official, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, met with Matthew Bey, the US Embassy’s first Political Secretary, at the American Club in Dhaka ahead of the opposition BNP’s planned grand rally. This meeting, which lasted over an hour, drew media attention due to its timing and the political significance of the upcoming rallies.

It is noteworthy that the Jamaat-e-Islami is a banned organisation in Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself banned it since its members were involved with the formation of auxiliary forces such as Razakars. On August 1, 2013, the Bangladesh Supreme Court annulled the registration of the Jamaat-e-Islami, deeming the party ineligible to participate in national elections. Following this, the government imposed a complete ban on the party on 1 August 2024.

The US Embassy has regularly engaged with the opposition and social media influencers in Bangladesh. In 2018, the US Embassy in Dhaka had already ‘activated’ the social media ‘citizen journalist’ work.

In May 2021, Ambassador Miller spoke about his experience in Bangladesh and U.S. government initiatives for Bangladeshi students in an interview with Radio Padma.

In May 2023, DAS Afreen Akhter discussed “areas of cooperation, free & fair elections, human rights, & Rohingya issues over lunch with MOFA North America DG Khandker Masudul Alam“.

 

Three months later, in August 2023, Rep McCormick and Reps. Ed Case met with FM Momen, government officials, and civil society members to discuss the importance of ”free and fair elections”

In September 2023, Deputy Assistant Secretary Mira Resnick met with “civil society leaders promoting positive civic engagement in Bangladesh despite obstacles and resistance.”

All these events happened in the run-up to the Bangladesh elections last year.

In June 2024, Ambassador Haas and Assistant Secretary Don Lu engaged with three of Bangladesh’s social media influencers on climate action and other topics.

In July 2024, the US Embassy in Bangladesh met with “brave patriots” who help” advance the democracies. They meant – journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists, who “challenge the status quo, point out the shortcomings of our democracies, and fight for change.”

Similar Pattern in India

This pattern is also seen in India. It is noteworthy that the US Embassy nominated fake news spreader RJ Sayema as the equality ambassador in March 2023.

YouTuber and fake news peddler Akash Banerjee of The DeshBhakt was also invited to deliver a talk at a programme titled “Influence to Impact”. The post made by US Embassy India handle read, “Are you a social media influencer or a content creator curious about impactful content that drives real change? Here’s your chance to learn from the best! Join us at American Center New Delhi for “Influence to Impact” with @TheDeshBhakt Akash Banerjee.”

More recently, on 12 August 2024, the US Consul General in Hyderabad met with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The post caption read, “Thank you, Member of Parliament and leader of AlMIM @asadowaisi for your kind hospitality and for sharing your informed and important views on a range of shared issues and concerns. I look forward to continuing our discussions! #USIndiaFWD”

The US has been trying to implement a regime change in India for quite some time. However, PM Modi continues to be at the helm. Had something drastic taken place, it is possible that India would have had someone else as Prime Minister.

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