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Two Balochs shot for a minor traffic violation in Sistan and Balochistan

Shubham Bajpai
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Two Balochs shot for a minor traffic violation in Sistan and Balochistan

A traffic police official in Sarbaz, Sistan and Balochistan, opened fire on a car, causing injuries to two Baloch individuals. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and led to clashes between the people and the police.

On 28 June, a traffic police official in Sarbaz, Sistan and Balochistan, fired shots at a car in response to a minor traffic rule violation. The reckless action resulted in the serious injury of two Baloch individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed.

Following the shooting, public resentment quickly escalated, leading to confrontations between angry locals and the police. The incident has exposed the community’s frustration with the perceived irresponsible and anarchic behavior of the police force.

The escalating tension reached its peak when the enraged crowd set a police car on fire as a sign of protest against the incident and their dissatisfaction with the authorities’ handling of the situation.

Why India needs to recalibrate the centre-states relationship and revisit the Constitution

Prof. K.N. Pandita
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Why India needs to recalibrate the centre-states relationship and revisit the Constitution

Two successive stints of the NDA government at the centre have brought forth many discrepancies in our system of governance that must be addressed in the larger interests of a democratic dispensation. I would, in particular, refer to the nature and scope of centre-state relations outlined in the Constitution amended from time to time as per the administrative necessity.

The broad outlines of the relationship were drawn at a time when the euphoria of winning freedom from colonial rule was still at its height. The nationalist and patriotic character of the early years of independence could not anticipate the emergence of an exclusivist perception of the confederating states of the union. The towering personalities of the fathers of the Constitution were visionaries and futurists no doubt, but the vote bank syndrome had not been an overwhelming force from their viewpoint that would, one day, become strong enough to threaten the solidarity of the nation.

It is this syndrome that has given rise to various problems, political, juridical, financial and social in nature and content. The Constitution emphasizes removing the divisive forces hindering national integration such as regionalism, parochialism, communalism, casteism, race-ism etc. Alas! These very harmful forces have become the bane of Indian democracy because leaders with vested interests have made them the instruments of winning an assembly or parliamentary election.

Moreover, ambiguity in the jurisdiction of the powers of the Centre vis-a-vis those of the State has led to the ugly sight of defiance of the authority of the union by the governments of some of the states leading to confusion.

We do not rule out differences of opinion on various issues between the Centre and the State. But differences have to be resolved through dialogue. Even legal expertise would also become part of the dialogue.  But at the root lies the right intention, the general good of the people and the vital interests of the nation.

In this context, the case before us is of West Bengal under Mamata Banerji’s government.  She ousted the entrenched leftist government in Bengal after pandering to the Muslim vote. The Muslim population in West Bengal is 2.47 crore (27.01 per cent) of a total of 9.13 crore. They have a majority in 3 out of the 19 districts which are Murshidabad, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur. Muslim votes in 6 districts play a decider in the West Bengal Elections. The districts are Murshidabad, Malda, South 24-Parganas, North 24-Parganas, Birbhum and Uttar Dinajpur. In these six districts taken together, Muslims make up 42.04% of the population. Illegal Muslim migrants from East Bengal and Rohingyas from Myanmar have also contributed to the disturbing of demographic complexion of the state. As per available reports these people have been clandestinely issued residential documents by the TMC regime.

Out of 42 Lok Sabha seats for West Bengal, 18 went to BJP in the 2019 parliamentary election. In a house of 294 constituencies 42 have gone to Muslim candidates.

Keeping the above demographic complexion in sight, Mamata Banerji, motivated by vote bank presumption, pandered to fraternizing with the Muslim-dominated constituencies. The common formula for any Indian politician caring for personal power and influence and not necessarily driven by any strong urge for national interests is to underrate Hinduism and the Hindu community.  This gift of vote bank syndrome is the bane of India’s existing democratic arrangement.  Mumata learnt the trick from her forerunners like Lalu Prasad and Mulayam Singh. She went a step forward and adopted the policy of demoralizing Hindus in various ways like putting curbs on the performance of their age-old rituals on the occasion of different feasts. She dictated which Hindu festival would be celebrated and which will not. Contrarily, she provided out-of-way facilities and conveniences to the Muslims, attended their feasts, sanctioned scholarships and turned her face away whenever the members of the Muslim community behaved irrationally and even with a degree of anti-national activities and propaganda.

Emboldened by the state support that was quite visible, the miscreants and goons of her party (TMC) resorted to muscle power, particularly on the occasion of elections to civic bodies or state assemblies or the parliament. She let loose a reign of terror and intimidation. Perhaps caught in the web of unremitting rivalry with other stakeholders, Mamata seems to have lost control over her Frankenstein.

On noticing that violence, brutality and abuse of authority had become rampant for campaigning for the Panchayat elections scheduled for 8 July, a case was brought before the High Court which ordered that additional central security forces be deployed to ensure fair and impartial Panchayat election. The High Court ordered that additional forces be invited within 24 hours. The State Election Commission did not implement the court verdict. Hearing the contempt petitions filed by the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari and Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary against the inaction of the State and SEC in implementing the orders of the High Court, dated 13th June and 15th June, the High Court observed: “A division bench of Chief Justice Sivagnaman and Justice Uday Kumar took exception to SEC requisitioning only 22 companies of paramilitary forces as an as against 825 companies deployed in 2013. It orally remarked:

               “Very sorry state of affairs…you are a neutral body…you need not walk any dotted line…We reposed great faith in the SEC and that is why we said that the ultimate decision must lie with the SEC…it did not act based on our confidence…so another order had to be passed…The court shouldn’t lose faith in the system…but if ultimately people are starting to lose faith, then what is the purpose of conducting elections? Independence of the Commission should not be doubted…you have gone to the highest Court…now accept their judgement…if it is difficult for the Commissioner to take orders, he can step down…probably the Governor may appoint someone else…even earlier there was no representation from the Commission…if they are so busy they better wind up their business…if they are not in a position to, then leave it to us, we will handle.”

The strictures passed by the High Court Bench are perhaps the most scathing criticism of the West Bengal government’s conceit and wilful defiance in conducting the affairs of the state according to its will in total disregard of the law governing the fair and free election. It also shows the vanity with which the government is holding the court order. What is more, the State Election Commission, which is supposed to be impartial and non-partisan has behaved in a highly objectionable manner. The SEC is talking of a couple of sensitive constituencies whereas violence and brutalities have been widespread according to dependable sources.

The height of arrogance of the government is that not caring tuppence for the scathing verdict of the High Court, it and its SEC had the audacity of approaching the highest court of the country. The Supreme Court heaped on the State government and its SEC whatever humiliation was spared by the High Court and dismissed the case. Noting that the polls in the state were marred by violence, the top court said there was no need to interfere with the HC order. “ Holding elections cannot be a licence for violence, If persons are not able to file their nominations and if they are finished off while they are going to file, where is the free and fair election”, Justice Nagarathna observed.

Imagine, an elected government dares to disregard and trivialize the judiciary and even after being rebuked, pursues its self-seeking objective of disallowing free and fair elections to civic bodies, which is working against the interests of the state and the nation.  We have cited this instance with the specific purpose that the nation cannot afford such imprudent and silly governments to run the state.  How can the union government go on watching like a disinterested observer while the rights and lives of Indian citizens are gravely jeopardized just because an obtuse and imperceptive government has been put in place?

Abduction and forced conversion of another minor Hindu girl in Sindh

Shubham Bajpai
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Abduction and forced conversion of another minor Hindu girl in Sindh

Another minor Hindu girl named, Roshni Sochi has been forcefully converted to Islam after being abducted. 12-year-old Roshni from Nawabshah, Sindh, was abducted approximately 17 days ago. The kidnappers, identified as Nizam Rind and Saddam, drugged the girl and kidnapped her. Subsequently, they forcefully converted her to Islam.

On 25 June, the court ordered to send her back to her parents. The parents have filed a case against the perpetrators. Meanwhile, speaking to the media, her advocate, Mahindar Lal, boldly elucidated that Hindus are living under a conspiracy in Pakistan. Advocate Mahindar Lal stated that if enforced abductions and conversions persist, Hindus will move to India to safeguard their honour as it was done in 1970s. The central leader of Hindu Panchayat, Advocate Lal Chand Lohani, also raised concerns about the enforced abduction and targeted conversions of minor Hindu girls. The cases of targeting minor Hindu girls has been a frequent crime in Sindh which is apparently a part of bigger conspiracy of cleansing the minority population.

Madras High Court challenges caste-based traditions for the appointment of temple priests

Sabita Mishra
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Madras High Court challenges caste-based traditions for the appointment of temple priests

In a recent judgement that sparked heated debate, the Madras High Court challenged the age-old practise of assigning temple priests based on caste, instead calling for meritocracy in religious matters. While some see it as a step forward towards inclusivity, others contend that religious organisations should be separate and immune from judicial interference.

The ruling came in response to a writ petition filed by Muthu Subramania Gurukal, who challenged a job posting for the renowned position of Archagar/Sthanigar at Salem’s venerated Sri Sugavaneswarar Swamy Temple. Gurukal contended that appointments should strictly adhere to Agama principles, which control temple rites and emphasise inherited rights.

In an unexpected departure from traditional norms, Justice N Anand Venkatesh said explicitly in his decision that caste should not be used to decide eligibility to become a temple priest. He instead emphasised the need of extensive knowledge and experience in religious scriptures and rituals. The court argued that the core of religious service is its secular component, which distinguishes it from a broader range of religious beliefs.

The order said, “The apex court differentiated between the religious portion and the secular portion, and held that the religious service by an Archaka is the secular part of the religion and the performance of the religious service is an integral part of the religion. Therefore, the prescription provided by the Agamas gains significance only when it comes to the performance of the religious service. Ex consequenti, any person belonging to any caste or creed can be appointed as an Archaka provided he is well-versed and an accomplished person in the Agamas and rituals necessary to be performed in a temple.”

It further added, “…it is made abundantly clear that the pedigree based on caste will have no role to play in the appointment of Archaka if the person so selected otherwise satisfies the requirements.”

While supporters of equality and social progress praised the ruling, critics expressed alarm over the court’s participation in topics normally reserved for religious authorities. They claim that religious institutions, as separate entities with their own set of laws and customs, should be protected from outside intervention, including judicial inspection.

These critics contend that the autonomy of religious institutions must be preserved, as they form an integral part of cultural heritage and spiritual practices deeply rooted in history. They argue that the courts should respect the boundaries between state and religion, allowing religious bodies to function autonomously within the framework of their established traditions.

However, proponents of the court’s decision assert that ensuring merit-based appointments fosters a more inclusive and egalitarian society. They believe that dismantling the caste-based system in temple priest appointments paves the way for qualified individuals, irrespective of their social background, to contribute their expertise and enrich religious practices.

This ruling not only challenges the status quo but also brings to the forefront the ongoing debate on the extent of judicial intervention in religious matters. It underscores the need for a delicate balance between safeguarding the autonomy of religious institutions and upholding the principles of equality and fairness.

Protest erupts in POJK against killings by the Pak Army

News Intervention Bureau
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Protest erupts in POJK against killings by the Pak Army

People from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) protested against the Pakistan Army near the Line of Control (LOC). A couple of days ago, some civilians were shot in Tetrinote near the LOC. Establishments in POJK claimed that the Indian army fired upon the civilians from the other side. However, later findings exposed that the Pakistan Army had been responsible for their deaths, deliberately aiming to falsely accuse the Indian army.

Furthermore, videos circulating on social media clearly show that ambulance services were not provided to the victims. People were forced to carry the injured and deceased on their backs and shoulders.

Nevertheless, upon learning the truth, people began protesting against the Pakistan Army and the jihadists. They took to the streets, raising slogans like “Yeh jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai” (Behind this terrorism, there is the Pakistan Army). Additionally, the protestors chanted slogans that labeled the Pakistan Army as murderers, cruel oppressors, killers of Kashmiris, and irrelevant

“Qaatil Fauj-Qaatil Fauj- Pakistan ki Baatil Fauj,

Zaalim Fauj-Zaalim Fauj- Pakistan ki Qaatil Fauj,

Chor Fauj-Chor Fauj- Pakistan ki Qaatil Fauj,

Kashmiriyon ki Qaatil-Pakistan ki Baatil Fauj.”

The Pakistan Army has consistently employed despicable tactics to defame India, continually stooping to new lows. The people in POJK have now become vocal against Pakistan’s tactics and oppression, organizing protests and expressing their concerns over jihadi operatives in the region. It is worth noting that the Pak Army has recently reactivated jihadists in POJK, who are abducting Kashmiri youth for jihad.

Protest in Sindh against the rape of a Hindu girl

News Intervention Bureau
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Protest in Sindh against the rape of a Hindu girl

In their pursuit of justice, the Hindu community in Ghulam Nabi Shah, Sindh, has organized a protest against the Khipro Police. A few days ago, reports emerged of the rape of a poor farmer named Hemi Kolhi by Mashoq Mallah, a local thug. Displaying tremendous bravery, the girl resolved to fight her battle through the legal system, but unfortunately, the police force has proven to be utterly hopeless, failing to apprehend the perpetrator.

Now, alongside Hemi’s family, other members of the minority Hindu community have taken their grievances to the streets. The protesters have fervently appealed to Shazia Marri, a Member of the National Assembly, to ensure the arrest of the rapist. The fact that the accused continues to roam freely, even after being named in the complaint itself, speaks volumes about the state of law enforcement in Pakistan. It serves as a disheartening illustration of how a local criminal and rapist receive greater protection than the very victim from the minority Hindu community.

Deputy Commissioner’s vehicle targeted in Balochistan

News Intervention Bureau
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Deputy Commissioner’s vehicle targeted in Balochistan

In the Harnai district of Balochistan, the vehicle of the Deputy Commissioner was deliberately attacked by armed individuals. However, further information regarding the incident is still awaited.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that unidentified armed individuals have taken control of the Harnai Mangi road. They have caused damage to coal-carrying vehicles near the base through acts of burning and firing.

Furthermore, armed men have detained a resident from the Rahim Yar Khan area of Punjab.

According to the latest updates, the highway remains closed, and the armed assailants targeted not only the vehicles of the deputy commissioner but also the security forces that arrived at the scene subsequent to the attack.

BLA fidayeen Sumaiya Qalandrani attacks ISI Convoy in Turbat

Shubham Bajpai
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BLA fidayeen Sumaiya Qalandrani attacks ISI Convoy in Turbat

Majeed Brigade, the fidayeen wing of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has attacked a high-profile convoy of the ISI. The attack was carried out at Chakar Chowk in Turbat. On Saturday, a convoy of five vehicles was moving from Turbat Airport to the ISI headquarters. The BLA stated that its intelligence wing had received credible information indicating that the convoy included a delegation of senior officials from the secret agency. Soon after the attack, the Pakistan Army sealed the entire area, concealing information about casualties and losses.

Earlier, the Pakistan forces claimed that the attack targeted the police. However, the BLA clarified that it did not target police force vehicles. In fact, Pakistan forces targeted the police vehicles to cover up the attack on their own convoy.

In its statement, the BLA revealed that Sumaiya Qalandrani, a journalist by profession, executed the attack. Sumaiya has been associated with the BLA for seven years. She played a key role in the BLA’s media wing for over five years. For the past four years, she has undergone rigorous training under the Majeed Brigade.

Who is Sumaiya Qalandrani?

The attacks on Pakistan forces are a consequence of their oppressive policies and attitude towards the people of Balochistan. Cases of enforced disappearances are on the rise in the region, to which the BLA is countering through an armed struggle. In fact, Sumaiya Qalandrani herself was a victim of Pakistan-sponsored enforced disappearance. On 28th February 2011, Pakistan forces killed her uncle, Naeem Jan Qalandrani (17), and forcefully abducted her grandfather and several cousins from her hometown, Tootak in Khuzdar. She was the fiancée of Fidayee Rehan Baloch and the daughter-in-law of BLA’s founding leader, General Aslam Baloch.

It is worth noting that a female freedom fighter of the BLA has carried out this attack, marking it as the second fidayeen attack of its kind. Last year, Shari Baloch executed a self-sacrificing attack outside Karachi University, killing three Chinese officials.

The BLA has stated that hundreds of Baloch fidayeen, including women, are part of the Majeed Brigade and are ready to wreak havoc on the occupying forces of Pakistan and its ally China if they do not withdraw immediately.

80 per cent of Himalayan glaciers could melt by the end of the century

News Intervention Bureau
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80 per cent of Himalayan glaciers could melt by the end of the century

Scientists have warned that due to climate change, Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, leading to accelerated melting beyond previous expectations. These glaciers provide water to nearly 2 billion people and are now posing unforeseen and perilous threats.

According to a report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the glaciers in the Himalayas have receded rapidly by 65% from 2011 to 2020.

Leading author Philipp Wester explained, “As it gets warmer, the snow will melt as anticipated, but the alarming aspect is the speed. It is melting at a much faster rate than we had anticipated.”

The report highlights that the glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region are a crucial source of water for approximately 240 million people residing in mountainous areas and an additional 1.65 billion people living in the valleys downstream.

ICIMOD, an intergovernmental organization based in Nepal, includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China. The organization has cautioned that at the current pace, the glaciers could shrink by 80% of their current volume by the end of the century.

The Himalayan glaciers play a vital role in sustaining the world’s top 10 river systems, including the Ganges, Indus, Yellow River, Mekong, and Irrawaddy. Furthermore, they directly or indirectly contribute to the livelihoods of billions of people by providing food, energy, clean air, and income.

Even if the internationally agreed targets outlined in the Paris Agreement are met, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, the volume of these glaciers could still decline by half to three-quarters by the end of the century.

Since the mid-1800s, the world has experienced an average temperature increase of approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius, resulting in severe impacts on weather patterns. Intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and devastating storms have further compounded the situation.

The countries most affected by these climate changes are often the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Radical Islamists attack Sikh minorities in Peshawar

Shubham Bajpai
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Radical Islamists attack Sikh minorities in Peshawar

In a horrifying act of violence, a Sikh shopkeeper named Manmohan Singh has been brutally killed in Peshawar. According to reports, two extremists on motorcycles targeted and fatally shot him at Rashidgarhi Bazaar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

This tragic incident serves as a distressing reminder of the precarious situation faced by the Sikh minority residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as it marks the second attack on a Sikh individual in less than 24 hours. Prior to this shocking event, Tarlok Singh was also targeted by assailants affiliated with the ‘Islamic State of Khorasan Province’.

The terrorists unleashed a hail of gunfire, firing at least seven rounds at Tarlok Singh. Fortunately, he managed to evade the attack and survived. It is unfateful that attacks on religious minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, have become distressingly repetitive in Pakistan. Unfortunately, rather than taking decisive action to prevent such incidents, Pakistan has consistently failed to address the issue, allowing the assailants and radical Islamists to operate with impunity.

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