Month: January 2025

Former RAW chief AS Dulat cautioned that the “happiness” of Kashmiris following the elections in 2024 is “temporary.” As they await the fulfilment of the promise of J-K’s statehood, the credibility of both Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Centre is on the line. Dulat said that Abdullah, who expressed his desire for a good relationship with the central government soon after becoming chief minister, is not “asking for much” by seeking the restoration of Jammu Kashmir’s statehood. “What’s Omar asking for? What does a Kashmiri expect? Article 370 is gone, it’s not that it has gone out of Kashmiris’ minds; they still think about 370. But Omar knows it is not coming back. What he craves is self-respect—the statehood. “I think it is in the interest of both Delhi and Srinagar that the...

Sadhvi Rithambhara, who played a pivotal role in the Babri Masjid demolition and was charged in connection with the incident, has been awarded the Padma Bhushan this year in the social work category. The recognition has sparked widespread controversy, given her long history of incendiary rhetoric and involvement in various communal controversies. Rithambhara first rose to prominence in the late 1980s as a star speaker for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), where her fiery speeches on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement gained considerable attention. Her speeches, often described as the “most aggressive,” were broadcast on public loudspeakers, making her a vocal advocate for Hindu nationalism. According to political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot, these speeches helped shape the narrative o...

A video from Barahat block in Bihar's Banka district showing madrasa students being forced to chant "Jai Shri Ram" has sparked outrage on social media, prompting calls for swift action. Authorities, including the Bihar Police and Banka Police, have confirmed an investigation into the incident. Four juvenile offenders have been arrested in connection with the case, and officials have assured strict action against those responsible. To maintain communal harmony, a peace meeting was convened by the Superintendent of Police, Banka, alongside the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Officials from various administrative and police divisions also attended, emphasizing the importance of preserving law and order. In a statement, Banka Police said the situation is under control, and both commu...