Celebrate the end of evil by the good, Happy Dussehra dear readers

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October 14, 2021

Many people of the Hindu faith observe Dussehra through special prayer meetings and food offerings to the gods at home or in temples throughout India. They also hold outdoor fairs, food, fun, and large parades with effigies of Ravana. The effigies are burnt on bonfires in the evening. Dussehra is the conclusion of the Navaratri festival. Many Hindus also believe that it is lucky to start a new venture, project or journey on Dussehra. They may also exchange gifts of leaves from the Shami tree as a symbol of the Pandavas brothers’ exile in the Mahabharata stories. Dussehra celebrates the Hindu god Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and the triumph of good over evil. The epic Ramayana tells the story of Lord Rama who wins the lovely Sita for his wife, only to have her carried off by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.

Ravana plays an important role in the Ramayana. Ravana had a sister known as Shoorpanakha. She fell in love with the brothers Rama and Lakshamana and wanted to marry one of them. Lakshamana refused to marry her and Rama could not as he was already married to Sita. Shoorpanakha threatened to kill Sita so that she could marry Rama. This angered Lakshamana who cut off Shoorpanakha’s nose and ears. Ravana then kidnapped Sita to avenge his sister’s injuries. Rama and Lakshamana later fought a battle to rescue Sita. The monkey god Hanuman and a huge army of monkeys helped them.

The Mahabharata is another series of Hindu stories that play a role in the Dussehra festival. The Pandavas were five brothers who fought evil forces with a set of distinctive weapons. They abandoned their weapons and went into exile for one year. They hid their weapons in a Shami tree and found them at the same place when they returned from exile. They then worshipped the tree before going to a battle, which they won.

It is observed on the tenth day in the month of Ashwin or Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is known by different names in various parts of the country and is celebrated in a unique way everywhere. In the south, east and northeast India, it is called Durga Puja and remembers goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. It is the path that goddess Durga took to restore and protect dharma. In the northern and western states of the subcontinent, the festival is known as Dussehra. In these regions, it marks the end of Ramlila and celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king, Ravana. On the same day or occasion, Arjuna single-handedly annihilated the whole of the Kuru clan that included warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Ashwathama and Karna. The victory of the good (Dharma) over the evil (Adharma) is common to all stories behind the festival.

The festival is celebrated differently across all the states in India. In most of northern and western India, it is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama. Drama, dance and music play called Ramlila, based on the tale as described in the Ramcharitramanas are performed at fairs (mela). Large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meganatha (his accomplices) are burnt signifying their end and the restoration of dharma. This traditional practice was even recognized as one of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2008. It describes the festival as being celebrated through songs, narration, recital and dialogue based on the text Ramcharitramanas by Tulsidas, particularly in historically important Hindu cities of Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Almora, Satna and Madhubani. In many regions of Southern India, the festival is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning and arts. People maintain, clean and worship their instruments and tools of their livelihood and worship goddess Saraswati. In west India, both god Rama and goddess Durga are revered for their victory over evil. Celebrations include fasting and prayers at temples and Dandiya and Garba being played while wearing traditional dresses. In Maharashtra, the deities that were installed on the first day of Navratri are immersed in water and sweets are exchanged. On the other hand, the Gondi people, an Adivasi community spread over Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and many parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar celebrate Ravana by carrying an image of him riding an elephant and singing praises about him, as they consider the demon king as their ancestor and one of their gods. In east India, the festival is observed as Bijoy Dashomi. It is marked by clay statues being carried towards a water body for a farewell to goddess Durga. Bengali women mark their faces with vermilion (sindoor) on this day and wear some red clothing. The statue is immersed in water and the goddess is believed to have returned to Mount Kailasha with lord Shiva.

The festival, whether it is called Vijayadashami, Dussehra, Ram Navami, or Durga Puja, celebrates the end of evil by the good. Wherever it is celebrated or the manner it is celebrated indefinitely signifies the establishment of Dharma and the abolishment of Adharma. It marks new beginnings, the establishment of new and fresh ideas in society and freedom from negativity and evil that resides inside us. Through all the different stories, celebrations and enactments, the message that is propagated is liberation and emancipation from the present-day evils and taboos that are not in front of us personified in the form of a human or demon, but inside us in the form of biases, stereotypes and prejudices.

Mumbai Local trains to get fully air-conditioned by 2024

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Afternoon Voice

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October 14, 2021

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation will float global tenders and the rough idea is to start getting trains in the city by 2024. The decision could transform the way Mumbaikars travel. The fares proposed for Mumbai Metro are as low as Rs 10 for the first 3-km journey as compared to the present minimum fare of Rs 65 for the AC local train.

This is the first time that the Indian Railways at the Centre has given in-principal approval for lowering AC fares. As per discussions, the MRVC will procure 238 fully AC trains under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 and 3A. Once the tender process starts the first new trains are expected to be manufactured within three years from now.

In a notable move, the Mumbai railways will now get only fully air-conditioned local trains with fare structures on the lines of the Mumbai Metro standards. The existing trains will continue and, as their life ends, be dispatched to other zonal railways or phased out.

The design of the trains, to be made by private partners, will be changed to match international Metro trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting with divisional railway officials and the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) to discuss various aspects of the issue.

Shailesh Goyal Western Railway Zonal Users’ Consultative Committee Official told media the first important thing is that the current AC local’s single journey ticket fare will be brought at par with the fares proposed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) or Delhi Metro. The season tickets, that is monthly and other passes, however, will see no change in prices.

The second key decision is that no new non-AC train will be procured for Mumbai suburban railway. All trains will be full AC—a step that will upgrade the suburban railway. The third is that, as per Vaishnaw’s directions, all trains will be designed as per international Metro standards and will be manufactured by private players. The new AC trains will be made as per the design of international Metro trains.

Govt aims to make forensic teams’ site visit mandatory in crimes that attract over 6-year jail: Amit Shah

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Web Team

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October 14, 2021

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the government aims to make it mandatory for forensic teams to visit the scene of crimes that attract imprisonment of more than six years.

He also said that there is a paucity of trained manpower in the field of forensic science, which affects the conviction rates and leads to piling up of cases.

Shah was addressing a gathering at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) at Dharbandora village in South Goa.

“We need to create fear in the mind of hardened criminals that they will be behind bars. To do this, you need trained manpower in forensic science, which is in shortage,” he said.

The aim is to ensure that the visit of the forensic team would be mandatory in those crimes that attract more than six years of imprisonment, he added.

“To do this, we should have teams in all 600 districts of the country. In all the districts, there should be smaller forensic science laboratories and at each DySP-level (Deputy Superintendent of Police), there should be a mobile forensic van,” the minister said.

To set up this kind of infrastructure, there is a requirement of 30,000 to 40,000 people, he said. “How can we create such an infrastructure?… That is why we require institutions providing forensic education,” Shah said.

He said the world’s first forensic science university was conceived in Gujarat when Narendra Modi was the chief minister. “I am honoured that I was home minister (of Gujarat) at that time in his cabinet and even now when the National Forensic Science University is launched, I am home minister,” he said.

No relief to Aryan Khan: Releasing any accused will hinder investigation: ASG

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Afternoon Voice

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October 13, 2021

Aryan Khan’s newly-appointed lawyer Amit Desai on Wednesday told the special NDPS court that the NCB’s allegation that Aryan was part of an illicit international drug trafficking ring is absurd and being ‘dumped on his casually’ especially because the drug agency didn’t recover any contraband from him and has not even recorded his fresh statement since October 5.

The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil C Singh argues in Court against Aryan Khan: “My contention is so far we have arrested 20 persons, and out of them, 4 are drug peddlers. Commercial quantity was found with them one of them. Aachen and Shivraj were drug peddlers. The reason I am pointing this out is that in a case of conspiracy, it is not necessary that with all the accused, commercial quantity is found or intermediary quantity is found Small, commercial, or no quantity, if Section 29 NDPS Act applies, then there is a conspiracy. When Section 29 is applied, the person who is charged with the offence will be punished with the same offence as the conspirator.”

“They are some young kids. In many countries these substances are legal. Let us not penalize in bail. Let us not make it worse for them. They have suffered enough; they have learned their lesson, if at all. They are not peddlers, racketeers, or traffickers” said Senior Advocate Amit Desai.

ASG Anil Singh for NCB told the court, “This is a responsible agency. The entire nation is concerned with drug issues, drug addiction. College students. It is not only crippling the economy but also otherwise. We have to find out who all are involved in this. We are told Aryan Khan was invited to the cruise but where is the invitation? As of today, Khan and Merchant arrest 20 persons including paddlers and communications with drug peddlers. I showed what Sapp chat with specific reference to bulk quantity. Obviously, someone will not refer to bulk for his own consumption.”

Initially, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in its reply to the special court, said that Aryan Khan used to procure contraband from friend Arbaaz Merchant. The agency accused Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s 23-year-old son of being an integral part of a drug nexus. They added that Aryan is in touch with people who are a part of the ‘international drug network’ for the illegal procurement of drugs.

Meanwhile, SRK’s manager Puja Dadlani filed an application before the court, requesting it to allow her in for a hearing as Aryan’s representative. The case came to the special court after a magistrate’s court rejected its plea on the ground that it did not have the jurisdiction to decide on the matter.

Mumbai Navratri was the source of earnings for struggling models

By

Vaidehi Taman

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October 13, 2021

This year eight days of Navratri gone without glamour and Raas, people had to control their thrill cravings and got in a private event zone. COVID threat has faded every festival including this festival of joy. Navratri is not only the event but also a source of income for many. From fashion designers, tattoo makers to struggling models and beauty parlours this was a moneymaking month.

Navratri brings a lot of innovations and inventions like backless cholis, late-night merriment, drugs, alcohol, and a strong hint of sexual intimacy. It is in the air; it is in the music and the attires; it is in the sensuous dance, as the Raas – a form of Garba performed by all ages. From teenage girls who bank on Navratri for escapades with boyfriends to some young girls who make a quick buck out of the mood to middle-aged married women willing to pay a bomb for teenage escorts – the forbidden fruit is ever-present and basks in the glory of the nine festive nights of Navratri.

On the other hand, those strugglers in the film and modelling industry get lured into the flesh trade; they become contractual partners for outsiders who land up in glossy cities to spend their celebration nights. While none of this is new, but this year the Navratri was not much visible. Above all the constant raids by cops and NCB has taken out the sheen of this dance festival.

Lockdown and unemployment in the modelling and film industry guided many strugglers to escorting business. Many middle-aged women get young men to escort them for the night at private parties. While this happens around the year under wraps, during Navratri, this clan gets the gusto to wear their ‘able-bodied’ gains on their sleeve and flaunt them.

These models are paid 500 to 50000 depending on their body, fame, and performance. And unabashed fun is not limited to the elderly. For the young ones, Garbha provides a good excuse to sneak out and have fun. But sadly, they had to struggle this year.

Whereas the glamour industry is concerned, many aspiring actresses, struggling models, and side dances have pushed themselves to flesh trading. Many have joined those friendship clubs where the choices are picked up for one-night stands. Navratri used to be the earning event for these girls and guys because rich celebrities and business tycoons hire them as escorts.

This year even the wedding season was a low-key affair, so the business of attending weddings as paid hosts was also a remote chance. These youngsters walk into Bollywood and its colourful fringes — being clueless. They knock on various doors; some get some work, some get some role and maximum land up doing what they never thought of, because returning becomes a dilemma.

Young boys and girls with starry dreams arrive by the dozens every day. Only 3% of these strugglers ever make it to the glitzy side of the real Bollywood, but this depressing statistic never affects the surge of hopefuls who finally don’t even care if they make it in the film as long as they find some way of earning. In the struggle for perceived stardom and the mirage of megabucks, ethics and so-called societal values have no place. They call themselves aspiring models or aspiring actors as soon as they disembark in Mumbai. Bollywood’s sordid underside is not news anymore and is a matter of great concern.

Those who genuinely want a career in film and those who want to use their looks to make money. Most of the youngsters come here to make more money than a career. The struggle for the ‘strugglers’ begins right at the beginning — finding a roof in Mumbai to feed them and commute three big challenges. Their needs increase as the pockets get stretched, to fill this gap they force themselves to work in all those zones where money can be earned.

Given this parallel industry, for the genuine ones, it is often a struggle to ensure that one is not taken for a ride. Such as routine fake auditions, there are coordinators who come to offer help but with ulterior motives, auditions are sometimes euphemisms for ‘pleasure sessions’. Many moneyed people check out young, good-looking men and women through such auditions. Many strugglers are called often for parties and pleasure by some so-called socialists and film financiers.

With desperate aspirants willing to almost throw themselves at everyone’s mercy. According to insiders, things have only become more rampant of late because of the willingness of starlets to give in. One has to seriously think about this ongoing trend that has lured many youngsters in the flesh trade for the extra perks.

Government employees can be seen in ‘shakhas’ wearing RSS uniforms

By

Vaidehi Taman

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October 12, 2021

rashtriya swayamsevak sangh, rss, haryana, chattisgarh, haryana government, rss shakha, jamaat-e-islam — Image: PTI

Employees of the Haryana government, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh government and will now be able to attend ‘shakhas’ of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with the ruling BJP lifting the ban on their participation in ‘non-political activities’ of the Sangh Parivar. The state government has revoked the ban, which was imposed during undivided Madhya Pradesh, barring government employees from participating in RSS’s activities.

Madhya Pradesh, also ruled by BJP, the ban was lifted a few years back, but was still in place in Haryana, and has been removed now. The ban on participating in political activities is still in force.

Though such a move may insipid the difference between government and a political party. RSS is known as a social-service organization but they are also running the BJP from the backdoor. Hence, the association of government employees with such organizations can harm the democratic process. Even though without abolishing such rules, most of the government employees have already taken sides and they are functioning for their favorites, now it would be little in open.

Now the Haryana government has scrapped a 54-year-old rule that restricted state government employees from joining or being associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jamaat-e-Islami. The government employees were first barred under Service (Conduct) Rules from joining these organizations on November 30, 1966, when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister, with the government believing they were not merely cultural or social organizations. The ban was briefly lifted in 1975 but re-imposed in 1980.

An MHA order issued on November 30, 1966, read: “The attention of the Ministry of Finance, etc., is invited to the provisions of sub-rule (1) of Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 under which no government servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organization which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity.

Ascertain doubts have been raised about the government’s policy with respect to the membership of any participation in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Jamaat-e-Islami by government servants, it is clarified that the government has always held the activities of these two organizations to be of such a nature that participation in them by Government servants would attract the provisions of sub-rule (1) of Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rule, 1964. Any government servant, who is a member of or is otherwise associated with the aforesaid organizations or with their activities, is liable to disciplinary action.

Then, on July 25, 1970, the MHA reiterated its 1996 order and once again reiterated the same on October 28, 1980. The 1980 order also added: “In the context of the current situation in the country the need to ensure a secular outlook on the part of government servants is all the more important. The need to eradicate communal feelings and communal bias cannot be over-emphasized. The government and its officers, local bodies, state-aided institutions of petitions or representations on a communal basis, and no patronage whatsoever should be extended to any communal organization should take no notice. The Ministry of Finance etc., are, therefore, requested to especially bring once again to the notice of all government employees, working in or under them, the above-quoted provisions in para 1 (regarding ban on joining RSS or Jamaat-e-Islami) on the subject. It is emphasized that any disregard of these instructions should be considered as a serious act of indiscipline and suitable action initiated against the erring employees”.

In April 1980, instructions issued by the then general administration department of the Haryana’s chief secretary’s office restrained the State government employees from any association with RSS activities.

Before that in January 1967, the political and services branch of the chief secretary’s office in Haryana had issued an instruction saying that participation in RSS activities by government employees would invite action under the service rules.

Rain caused coal shortage resulting in pressure on domestic stock, says Coal Min Pralhad Joshi

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Web Team

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October 12, 2021

Amid the reports of power crisis due to coal shortage in the country, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said that the shortage of fossil fuel was triggered due to rains causing an increase in its international prices. He further explained that imported coal power plants were either shut for 15-20 days or were producing very less, putting pressure on domestic coal.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Union Minister said, “Due to rains, there was coal shortage, causing an increase in international prices- from Rs 60 per ton to Rs 190 per ton. Subsequently, imported coal power plants are either shut for 15-20 days or producing very less. This put pressure on domestic coal.”

“We have continued our supply, even continued in the past despite dues. We are requesting them (states) to increase stock…There won’t be a coal shortage,” he assured.

He further stated that on Monday the Ministry of Coal supplied the highest ever quantity of coal at 1.94 million tons. Joshi also alleged that when the Centre asked the States to increase the stock of coal, they told the government to stop supplying them coal.

“Yesterday we supplied 1.94 million tons, the highest ever supply of domestic coal… As far as states are concerned, this year till June, we requested them to increase stock, some of them went on to say that “please do a favour, don’t send coal now,” said the Union Minister.

Earlier on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level meeting with Power Minister RK Singh, Coal Minister Prahlad Joshi along with top officials of both the ministries in the North Block.

The meeting also saw the presence of top officials of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC). The high-level meeting was convened a day after the Union Power Minister assured that the supply stock of coal to power plants has exceeded consumption, adding that it will help in improving the fuel stock position gradually.

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi had earlier denied allegations of power failure due to a shortage of coal. The Power Ministry asserted that the Inter-Ministerial sub-group has been monitoring the status of coal reserves twice a week.

Haryana government allows its employees to take part in RSS & Jamaat-e-Islam activities

By

Vaidehi Taman

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October 12, 2021

Recently the Haryana government withdrew two orders, issued in 1967 and 1980, which restrained its employees from taking part in the activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Jamaat-e-Islam. With this decision, now Haryana government employees can take part in RSS and Jamaat-e-Islam’s respective activities. The order prompted strong reactions from various think tanks of India.

BJP worker, advocate Devendra Sharma said, “I welcome the decision of Khattar Govt to abolish order which restricted participation of Govt employees in RSS activities as it will lead to an integration of Nationalist cultural values in Govt employees it is a much desirable step. At the same time, the government lifted the ban on Jamaat-e-Islam activities also which is dangerous. I am afraid this will further fuel rabid Islamification of treacherously sensitive Mewat region that is harshly affecting the adjacent areas also. Law and order are not a game of parity, instead of balancing dribbling Govt must initiate serious measures to control the radicalization of the Mewat region.”

Advocate Rohini Salian, a former Special Public Prosecutor of Maharashtra told Afternoon Voice, “All the governments should ban all those members who are affiliated from police to executives Judiciary and also Lawmakers and government employees from associating with all political communal religious organizations. Once a constitutional oath is taken, they are supposed to salute only mother India and the Indian flag. As per the constitution, we elect our representatives who are supposed to govern the nation ably.”

Bharat Dabholkar, Veteran Actor and Director said, “I think whatever rules apply to government employees regarding participating in activities of other organizations, should apply to RSS.”

Preeti Sharma Menon of Aam Aadmi Party said, “We must all remember that at one time our venerated leader Shri Sardar Patel had banned the RSS. It is and has been an anti-national, political outfit. It is shocking that Haryana CM has disrespected the order of Sardarbhai Patel and other founding fathers of our nation. The AAP condemns this unequivocally as it is against the constitution.”

Prof. Dr Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, Former MP from Latur said, “The Haryana government welcomes the revocation of the ban on participation of government employees in the RSS as the RSS is a social organization and no one has any objection to its participation. Should not be. I think it is a good decision in the public interest.”

Suresh Nakhua, BJP Mumbai Unit Spokesperson said, “RSS is the World’s largest volunteer and social organization. If government employees can take part in other organized programs of Institutes and Clubs for social service; then why can’t they take part in RSS? It’s the most Nationalistic organization I have ever seen. They firstly respond to any crisis and calamity. So this decision is well appreciated and should be followed by all states in the country that work with the central government.”

Dr Satveer Sinh Maratha, a member of Panipat Atal Mandal said, “This is a diplomatic and intelligent political move by the Haryana State Government. It is to keep a balance between the farmers and the government. Haryana is an Agro-cultural and traditional Warrior region of India. The BJP Government here is impartial and works in brotherhood. This decision will be implied till Manohar Lal Khattar’s BJP Governance is there in our province. Tomorrow as Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s Congress gains power in the state, this well-versed decision will be halted for sure.”

Amandeep Singh, a farmer in the Tech domain said, “Desperate attempt of ‘Bhagwakaran’ of red tape which will give control to RSS in any to every government sector despite the ruling party’s orientation towards Hinduism. The governments change after five years; however, the red tape stays for decades.”

Nishant Varma, a veteran political analyst said, “The purpose of the Ban was to not let Govt employees be brainwashed with religious, Fascist ideology, which is definitely against the basic essence of ‘Constitution of India’. Such abolition as a balancing act by lifting the ban on RSS and Jamaat e Islami together is completely unacceptable in a Nation where Govt employees are restricted from voicing dissent towards the Ruling Dispensation and any Govt criticism lands them into Suspension from Service and/or Criminal cases filed against such employees.”

Varma further stated that “Our constitution doesn’t allow any serving government employee to indulge in Political inclinations, such abolition would only fuel Anti-Constitutional inducement of thoughts into serving government employees. I call it “Bhagwa Karan” of government institutions which is evidently visible already in many ministries and government, independent agencies. RSS has been instrumental in igniting anti-National sentiments since Independence, No Khattar is Greater Patriot than Sardar Patel (who banned RSS, and allowed them back only on one condition-No participation in Indian politics, which they adhere officially to date), and this says it all. Lastly, I ask Mr Haryana CM, does he know that RSS is not even a Registered Organization with any government agency? So, who is he trying to please?”

Aakash Pandey, a Right-wing activist from Varanasi said, “This is a politically balanced act by lifting the ban on RSS and Jamaat-e-Islam together. This move can never be considered as a brave move, this is appeasement.”

Exact revenge for soldiers killed in J-K encounter: Sena in its ‘Saamana’ editorial

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Web Team

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October 12, 2021

A day after five army personnel were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday said revenge must be exacted five times the fatality of soldiers in the face-off with terrorists. An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ claimed that after the nullification of special provisions of Article 370, which took away the special rights given to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan sympathizers have been emboldened.

Militants are trying to create an environment where people from different faiths cannot enter the Valley, it said. There has been a spurt in terrorist attacks in recent weeks in which several civilians, including a prominent Kashmiri Pandit businessman and a school teacher, were killed. Referring to these killings, the Sena said such violent incidents give a feeling of whether the situation is becoming like the one in the 1990s when thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were compelled to leave the Valley. “The Indian minds will not get peace till the time terrorists who killed the five soldiers are pulverized,” the party said in its editorial.

“Before the blood of the five soldiers killed in the Surankote encounter dries, revenge must be exacted five times the soldiers (panch ka pachchis) killed,” it added.

Five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and two terrorists were killed in three encounters in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The soldiers lost their lives in firing by terrorists in a village close to Dera Ki Gali (DKG) in the Surankote area of the border district of Poonch after the army and police launched a joint operation following intelligence inputs about the presence of ultras who had infiltrated from across the Line of Control (LoC).

Two militants were killed and a policeman was injured during encounters in Anantnag and Bandipora districts. On Monday, activists of the Shiv Sena and Dogra Front held anti-Pakistan protests after the death of five army personnel and also burnt an effigy of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mundra drug haul case: NIA conducts raids at 5 places in Delhi-NCR area

By

Afternoon Voice

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October 12, 2021

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted raids at five locations in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) linked to the seizure of 2,998 kg drugs at Gujarat’s Mundra Port. This was the second in a series of raids carried out by the NIA on October 9 in connection with the case.

Earlier, the agency had conducted raids in Chennai, Coimbatore and Vijayawada at the premises of accused persons and suspects involved in the import of semi-processed Talc stones with contraband.

The case relates to the seizure of 2988.21 kg of narcotics substance (heroin) seized at Mundra Port in Gujarat having the involvement of foreign persons in procurement and delivery of the consignment. The narcotics drugs were found concealed in import consignment of ‘Semi-processed Talc stones’ originating from Afghanistan which had arrived from Bandar Abbas Port, Iran. The NIA on October 6 took over the Mundra Port drug haul case, in which 2,988.21 kg of heroin was seized at Mundra port by the Directorate of Revenue last month.

The NIA has not only invoked sections of IPC and the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act but also Section 17 (punishment for raising funds for the terrorist act) and Section 18 (punishment for conspiracy to commit terror acts) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The NIA FIR has mentioned Machavaram Sudhakaran, Durga PV Govindaraju and Rajkumar P as accused, among others.

Chennai-based Sudhakaran and Govindaraju own the company which was shipping the contraband. Govindaraju is the proprietor of Aashi Trading Company, registered in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada, that was importing the talc from a firm called Hasan Husain Ltd. Rajkumar, from Coimbatore, worked in Iran and “was coordinating with foreign suppliers”.

To date, nine people have been arrested in the case. Four among these are Afghans and one is an Uzbek national. The total seizure has gone up to 3,004 kg. All the arrests have been made by the DRI. Parallelly, the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are also probing the case.

The September 16 seizure is said to be one of the single-biggest hauls in India, worth over Rs 21,000 crore.