INDIA

A disturbing incident occurred in Prakasha village, Nandurbar district, when a Hindutva supporter entered a mosque during the azaan (Islamic call to prayer) and demanded that the loudspeaker be turned off. The individual, dressed in saffron, confronted the muezzin (prayer caller), who refused to comply with the demand. CCTV footage shared on social media shows the man arguing with the muezzin inside the mosque. As tensions rose, other worshippers intervened, attempting to calm the situation and escort the muezzin away from the confrontation. They also spoke with the saffron-clad individual, urging him to leave peacefully. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and challenges regarding religious practices and public spaces in the region.

The music world is in mourning following the demise of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on Sunday, December 15, in San Francisco. The Padma Vibhushan awardee had been receiving treatment for heart-related complications in the ICU for two weeks. His death was attributed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, according to a statement from Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family. Tributes have poured in from across the globe for the maestro, whose influence transcended borders and genres. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej expressed his grief, describing Zakir Hussain as "one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced." In an emotional Instagram post, Kej highlighted the tabla maestro’s humility, his role in nurtu...

Over 40 Kashmiri students at Mewar University, Rajasthan, were allegedly harassed and subjected to violence by university authorities and local police. The students, enrolled in a B.Sc. Nursing program, have been protesting for months, demanding recognition for their course, which lacks mandatory approvals from the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and the Indian Nursing Council (INC). On Saturday evening, the situation escalated when the protesting students were reportedly beaten and forcibly removed from the university premises. The students, in a viral video said, Many were left to spend cold winter nights outside the gates, as the university refused to address their demands. The students also claim they have faced consistent intimidation, including threats of suspension and polic...

A Pakistani drone carrying nearly half a kg of high-grade narcotic substance was seized by the Border Security Force near the International Border here, officials said on Sunday. The quadcopter entered India from across the border and was seized from the Chinaz Border Outpost area in the Arnia sector late Saturday, they said. Confirming the recovery, a BSF spokesperson said a smuggling attempt was foiled by the alert troops with the successful interception of the Pakistani drone along with 495 grams of narcotic substance at 8.10 pm on Saturday. “The relentless dedication and sharp vigil of BSF Jammu personnel have once again defeated the nefarious design of anti-national elements, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the nation’s security,” the official said in a statement. P...

The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant directive, barring surveys of places of worship and the registration of fresh lawsuits related to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, until it concludes hearing the petitions challenging the law. The Act, which aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, has been under scrutiny, with some petitioners claiming that certain provisions violate constitutional rights. The apex court has also directed lower courts to refrain from hearing cases or passing orders related to this matter until a final decision is made. The ruling is part of ongoing deliberations to determine the law's validity and its compliance with the Constitution. This development comes amidst d...

A portion of the 185-year-old Noori Masjid in Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh, was demolished on Tuesday following allegations of encroachment. The action came weeks after the district administration issued a notice, claiming the structure obstructed the widening of the Banda-Bahraich State Highway (SH-13). The demolished section, reportedly constructed in the last three years, was built over the highway. However, the mosque's main building remains untouched and intact. The demolition was carried out under heavy security, with police and Rapid Action Force personnel deployed to the site. Avinash Tripathi, Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue), stated, “The Public Works Department had issued a notice in August to remove the structure, built by encroaching upon th...

Controversy has erupted following remarks by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, who described certain Muslims using the term "Kathmullah," a word widely regarded as derogatory. Justice Yadav's comments, captured in a viral video, have been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and targeting the Muslim community.   Referring to "Kathmullahs," Justice Yadav stated, “The word may be inappropriate, but I have no hesitation in saying it because such people are harmful to the country. They incite the public and hinder the nation's progress. Such individuals must be cautious.” He further remarked, “Our (Hindu) children are tolerant and kind because they chant mantras and study Vedas, but their (Muslim) children cannot be expected to be compassionate as they w...

A Kashmiri vendor was allegedly manhandled by a group of men during the ongoing International Gita Festival here, prompting police to register an FIR in the matter, officials said on Monday The incident took place on Saturday when the vendor from Srinagar was allegedly manhandled by a group of men who were holding saffron flags in their hands and walking past various stalls, they said. Several craftspersons drawn from around the country have put up their stalls at the Craft Mela of International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav-2024 which have been allotted by the authorities here. The Craft Mela is being organised on the periphery of holy Brahmasarovar here. The incident went viral on social media, in which it can be seen how a group of men holding saffron flags and chanting slogans ente...

The Kashmiri Pandit organization Youth 4 Panun Kashmir has filed a police complaint against PDP leader Iltija Mufti, accusing her of insulting Lord Rama and the Hindu community. The complaint was filed by Vithal Chowdhary, President of Youth 4 Panun Kashmir, alleging that Iltija Mufti made a derogatory and inflammatory tweet about Lord Rama, Hinduism, and Hindus. The complaint has been lodged with the Cyber Crime Cell in Delhi, accusing Mufti of making a deeply offensive statement designed to incite communal discord and deliberately insult Lord Rama, the Hindu religion, and its followers. The complaint cites Sections 302, 325, and 323 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 67 of the IT Act, as per the statement issued by the organization. Meanwhile, Roots in Kashmir ...

Varanasi’s Uday Pratap College witnessed heightened tensions on Friday, December 6, as a large group of students staged a protest demanding the removal of a mosque located on the campus. Hundreds of students gathered at the college gate, chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and waving saffron flags. Attempts to forcefully enter the campus were thwarted by police stationed at the entrance, ensuring the situation did not escalate further. Student leader Vivekanand Singh argued that if the mosque's land does not belong to the Waqf Board, the structure should be removed. To manage the growing unrest, authorities restricted campus access to only those with valid identity cards, a measure implemented on Thursday after tensions flared earlier in the week. On Tuesday, students recited th...