May 2023 - Page 26 of 51 - Lokmarg

‘Forced Conversion Is A Bitter Truth But Kerala Story Weaponises The Issue’

By LokMarg 17th May 2023

Mitin Raj Singh, a movie buff who works with a reputed MNC at Banglore, says the movie merely seeks to pit one community against another. His views

Recently I watched the much-hyped movie The Kerala Story with my wife and friends. I am a well-informed citizen and proud Hindu and I am happy about the fact that someone came forward and made a movie about forced religious conversions in the country.

The movie has been at the center of controversy ever since the teaser of the film dropped and that had made me curious to watch it. The Kerala Story claims to be based on forceful conversion of 32,000-plus women in Kerala to Islam (I believe the actual number is more than this) out of which many of them were taken to ISIS-ruled-Syria as ‘brides of the Islamic State’.

Having said this, frankly speaking, The Kerala Story does little justice to the subject at hand, Instead, it seeks to pit one religion against the other and that is where the problem with the film lies. Sure, it does not want to malign Islam as a whole, but it definitely tries to provoke Hindus and poke at their sentiments. For Islamists, this movie hits where it hurts the most. It brings out the fact that promoting conversion to Islam is an organized and well networked activity. But the handling of such an importan subject leaves much to be desired.

The movie, attempting to capture the ambience of Kerala, falls short in its portrayal. In addition, the acting fails to communicate any feeling of authenticity or true connection to the inhabitants and culture of Kerala. The movie additionally incorporates a forced and unappealing Malayali accent and the dialogues are quite artificial-sounding. Over all, it is a half-baked venture.

ALSO READ: ‘We Must Counter Propaganda Films Instead of Banning Them’

The Kerala Story claims to be based on “many true stories.” However it lacks a sincere concern for the whole truth. The film constructs a narrative that tries to portray Kerala which is said to be God’s own country as a breeding ground for ISIS recruitment, implying that hundreds of people had joined the organization from the region highlighting a few events of missing females.

The whole controversy over the movie was triggered when our Prime Minister endorsed the film during the recent Karnataka election campaign and really escalated with Mamata Banerjee’s ban of the film in West Bengal.

Politicians have clearly used this movie to whip up anti-Muslim hate and violence. Already love jihad has been weaponised to allow horrific crimes. More people choosing to act on such a wrong belief will only worsen things. Before jumping into any conclusion, one should first be well read and aware of what actually happened and how easily religion is used for voting politics.

At the same time, we cannot bury our heads in sand, like an ostrich. Even if one single family has been destroyed by ISIS, their story must be told. But such an exercise must be undertaken without stoking hatred through propaganda films.

It is an irresponsible movie for sure. The Kerala Story is not The Kashmir Files when it comes to execution. However, it does, unfortunately, have the capability to stir communal tension. It could have been better and more responsibly made, for sure.

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As told to Deepti Sharma

We Won’t Let MP Become Kerala Story: CM Chouhan

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that the state will not be allowed to be “The Kerala Story”- the movie that had sparked controversy months before its release.

CM Chouhan made the remark while talking to the reporters after watching ‘The Kerala Story’ about the recent action of the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) against members associated with the radical Islamic organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) in the state capital Bhopal on Tuesday.
“Ten persons were arrested here and six in Hyderabad. We won’t let Madhya Pradesh become Kerala Story,” he said.

Chouhan watched the movie along with several of his cabinet ministers.

“This film should be watched by everyone,” he told the reporters.

Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film which was released last week in theatres has triggered a massive political row with various leaders reacting to the upcoming movie.

The controversy surrounding the film started when its trailer claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS. This statement triggered a heated political debate and many leaders questioned the veracity of the claim.

‘The Kerala Story’ stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in the lead roles. Faced with backlash the makers then withdrew the figure and called the movie the story of three women from Kerala, in its trailer description. (ANI)

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This Is What Mrunal Says About Her Cannes Debut

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

Actress Mrunal Thakur is all set to attend Cannes Film Festival for the first time.

She will be in the French Rivera from May 17 to May 19.
Excited about her Cannes debut, Mrunal said, “I am thrilled to be attending the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. It is an honour to represent Grey Goose at such a prestigious platform. I am looking forward to interacting with global filmmakers, exploring new opportunities, and showcasing the talent that Indian cinema has to offer.”

Sara Ali Khan, Anushka Sharma and Manushi Chillar are also making their Cannes debut this year.

Anushka recently met the France ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenin with her husband Virat Kohli at the French Embassy in New Delhi. The ambassador captioned his social media post with a hint of Sharma’s trip to the festival which will take place in the fashion capital of the world.

“A pleasure meeting @imVkohli and @AnushkaSharma! I wished Virat & #TeamIndia all the best for the upcoming tournaments, and discussed Anushka’s trip to #CannesFilmFestival,” Emmanuel tweeted.

Content creator Dolly Singh will also be seen at the Cannes Film Festival this year.”The Cannes Film Festival has been an important platform for Indian artists to showcase their talent on the international stage. Over the years Indian talent has not only brought Indian cinema to the world stage but has also helped to break down cultural barriers and promote cross-cultural exchange. Today I am honoured to be contributing in my own unique way to this exchange and making my debut this year at the festival. From making candles in the small town of Nainital to walking the red carpet at Cannes, I’m truly grateful and excited for this opportunity. This was a long-standing dream and I’ve finally ticked an important milestone off my bucket list,” she shared.

The 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival will take place on May 16 to May 27, 2023. (ANI)

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Newly Engaged Parineeti Pens A Special Note For Delhi

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

Delhi will always remain special for actress Parineeti Chopra as she recently got engaged to AAP leader Raghav Chadha in the national capital.

A few days after exchanging rings with Raghav at Delhi’s Kapurthala House on May 13, Parineeti penned a special note for “Dilli” as she bid adieu to the place.
Sharing a picture of the Delhi airport, she wrote, “Bye Bye Dilli. Leaving my dil behind”

On Tuesday, Parineeti and Raghav expressed gratitude to their well-wishers.

Taking to Instagram, Parineeti dropped a picture with a message written on it, “Raghav and I are overwhelmed with the love and abundance of positivity we have received over the past few weeks, particularly on our engagement. We both come from different worlds, and it’s amazing to know that our worlds also unite with our union. We have gained a bigger family than we could have ever imagined.”

Parineeti and Raghav’s engagement was an intimate ceremony, attended by close friends and family. Members from the political fraternity and film industry also attended the function.

CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, former finance minister P Chidambaram, and Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray marked their presence at the ceremony.

Parineeti’s cousin and actor Priyanka Chopra also attended the engagement ceremony in Delhi.

The couple greeted the paps outside the Kapurthala house after the ceremony. The newly engaged duo were all smiles for the camera. The family members of the Chopra and Chadhas distributed sweets for the paps stationed outside the venue.

For the special day, Parineeti wore a full-sleeve suit, designed by Manish Malhotra. She kept her hair loose and completed the look with heavy earrings and a mangtika and rings. The neckline of the suit is adorned with a string of pearls. Raghav wore an Achkan designed by Pawan Sachdev.

Manish Malhotra gave the details of her dress as a “rose-pink kurta complemented with pearl-adorned flair trousers and ethereal signature Kashmiri threadwork dupatta with our exquisite uncut jewellery for an idyllic engagement ensemble.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Parineeti will be seen sharing screen space with Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Chamkila’. Helmed by Imtiaz Ali, the film revolves around two popular Punjabi singers Amarjot Kaur and Amar Singh Chamkila. (ANI)

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Alia Steals The Show At Gucci Cruise 2024

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

Actor Alia Bhatt, on Tuesday, attended Gucci Cruise Show 2024 as the global brand ambassador in Seoul, South Korea.

Several images of Alia went viral which are garnering her fans’ attention.
The ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ actor makes an appearance in front of a historic place. She wore mini black dress with polka dotted cutout. She completed her look with black platform heels and a Gucci Jackie 1961 transparent bag.

Recently, Thai superstar Davikah Hoorne shared a couple of adorable pictures where Alia and Davikah can be posing in different styles from the Gucci event.

Last week, Alia was announced as the first Indian global ambassador of the luxury fashion brand, Gucci.

Taking to Instagram, the fashion brand shared the news and captioned it, “Alia Bhatt is the House’s newest Global Brand Ambassador. To mark the occasion, the actress, producer, and entrepreneur were captured with the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia will rekindle her on-screen romance with Ranveer Singh in Karan Johar’s directorial ‘Rocky Aur Rani ki Prem Kahani.’ (ANI)

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Rashtrapati Bhavan To Open For Public Six Days A Week From June 1

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open for public viewing six days a week from June 1, 2023, said an official statement on Tuesday.

The tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be available from Tuesday to Sunday (except on Gazetted Holidays) in seven-time slots between 0930 hrs and 1630 hrs. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex is also open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday (except on Gazetted Holidays), the statement added.
According to the statement, people can witness the Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan every Saturday from 0800 hrs to 0900 hrs. The Ceremony will not take place on Saturday if it is a Gazetted Holiday or if Rashtrapati Bhavan so notifies it.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco last week presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Ambassadors of the United States of America, Qatar and Monaco at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.

Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President.

Garcetti, former mayor of Los Angeles, was sworn in by US Vice President Kamala Harris as the new US Ambassador to India in March this year. Earlier, the Senate confirmed his appointment as the next US ambassador to India.

On Garcetti’s arrival in India, Indian Embassy in the US tweeted, “Namaste, Ambassador-Designate Eric Garcetti! We’re thrilled to welcome you to #IncredibleIndia and work with you to build even stronger ties between our two great nations.”

The US Embassy in India had been without an ambassador since January 2021, which is the longest stretch in the history of US-India relations that the post remained vacant.

Kenneth Juster had stepped down after the change of government in the United States. (ANI)

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Have Legitimacy To Serve…Looking Forward To India’s Response: Afghan Envoy

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

Outright rejecting the claims from the Taliban that they have appointed the Charge d’Affaires to replace him as the head of the mission in India, Afghanistan’s envoy Farid Mamumdzay said that he was appointed by a legitimately elected government and has the legitimacy to serve here.

Stressing that he is Afghanistan’s legitimate representative, Mamumdzay said that he has shared his concerns with the Indian government and is awaiting a response.
The Afghan embassy in India on Monday said there is no change in its leadership following reports that the Taliban have appointed a charge d’affaires to head the mission replacing incumbent Farid Mamundzay.

“We categorically rejected the claims from the Taliban that they have appointed the Charge d’Affaires at the mission. The embassy operates as normal as it did in the past. There has been an individual working at our mission who defected to the Taliban sadly and who pledged allegiance to the Taliban movement. I got to know about this on April 25. So, this episode has been weighing on since the last three weeks while I was travelling outside India and as soon as I get to know, I returned back to the mission”, the Afghan envoy told ANI in an exclusive interview.

Mamundzay was appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government and he has been operating as the Afghan envoy even after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

When asked what can be the motive behind the Taliban in doing so, the Envoy said that as it carries no legitimacy, it is their way of making wider contacts within the “international community”.

“Taliban carries no legitimacy, either in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world. No government has recognized their regime so far. And India has consistently taken that principle position by not extending any recognition to the Taliban. The motive behind taking over our mission in such a manner is to increase their contacts with the wider international community”, said the Envoy.

“Taliban feel internationally alienated and isolated from the wider world, which is something that they have done at themselves. They need to form an inclusive government and begin to respect the rule of law, Extend the required services and liberty to the people of Afghanistan, particularly by treating women and girls as they deserve. I’m sure the people of Afghanistan wouldn’t grant them legitimacy,” he added.

Speaking further about Qadir Shah who has been appointed by the Taliban as the envoy for the mission in India, the envoy said that he wasn’t an accredited diplomat and that he collaborated and worked closely without his or his staff’s knowledge with the Taliban and revolted against the mission breaking all those diplomatic norms and standards.

“This particular individual has been working at the mission for the past two years and three months. He was not an accredited diplomat from Kabul. His accreditation was done here, sometime back, he worked as an administrative staff, appointed from Kabul in the rank of a local staff here. So, he was not in the Ministry of foreign affairs records, he has never been a diplomat. He was promoted to being a diplomat on April 25, 2023, just less than three weeks ago. Almost three weeks ago. After the collapse of our government, he was given the portfolio of the trade office. He worked together with the trade officers. He collaborated and worked closely without my or my staff’s knowledge with the Taliban and revolted against the mission, Against all diplomats, breaking all those diplomatic norms and standards, and sadly tried to implement those instructions, those orders that were given to him from Kabul”, said the Envoy.

“While I was away from India at that time, spoke to him (Qadir Shah) a few times to convince him to avoid creating a situation where the mission would be in a difficult position. Sadly, he continued with the plans given to him, apparently by the Taliban. My colleagues then decided on April 29 to expel him from the mission, terminate his contract and by the time I returned here, he was no longer working for the mission”, he added.

India has not yet recognised the Taliban set-up and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil should not be used for any terrorist activities against any country. Until now, there has been no response on the matter from the Indian side. (ANI)

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SC Transfers Plea Against Shifting Of Detenues Out Of J-K Jails To HC

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

The Supreme Court on Tuesday transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, a plea against shifting of J-K prisoners to jails in other states apart from Union Territory prisons.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala observed that Jammu and Kashmir High Court has seized the matter relating to the constitutional validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety amendment.
The top court said, “Let the High Court deal with the matter first and transfer this petition to the HC.”

The court was hearing a plea filed by relatives which alleged that 20 people detained under the public safety law had been shifted to various jails in different states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union Territory, informed the top court, “They are permitting meetings of the family members with the detenues lodged in jails in other states.”

The court was apprised by the respondents that the petition challenging the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety amendment act is pending before HC. (ANI)

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Mirwaiz Case: Two Absconding Hizbul Mujahideen Terrorists Arrested

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two absconding terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen involved in the killing of Mirwaiz Farooq in 1990, said Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh on Tuesday.

According to police, five terrorists were involved in the killing of Farooq.
“Among the accused, Abdullah Bangroo and Rehman Shigan were killed in encounters.

Ayub Dar underwent a trial and was convicted for life. He is currently serving a life sentence in Srinagar central jail. Javaid Bhat and Zahoor Bhat were absconding and hence escaped trial. They are now apprehended,” DGP Dilbagh Singh said.

The arrested terrorists Javaid Ahmad Bhat and Zahoor Ahmad Bhat are residents of Srinagar. They were absconding after murdering Mirwaiz Farooq on May 21, 1990.

“The two had gone underground and during all these years were hiding in Nepal and Pakistan among other places before surreptitiously returning back to Kashmir a few years ago. Maintaining a low profile, changing addresses and shifting residences, they avoided the gaze of law enforcement agencies,” said the DGP.

Accused in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case (pertaining to the killing of Mirwaiz Farooq) are now liable to immediately face trial in a designated Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act (TADA) court in Delhi which has already completed the trial in respect of one of the five accused namely Ayub Dar who has been convicted and serving a life sentence.

Two other absconding accused terrorists found guilty in the killing of Mirwaiz, Abdullah Bangroo and Abdul Rehman Shigan, got killed in encounters with security forces in the 1990s.

To recapitulate, on May 21, 1990, Mirwaiz Farooq, the head priest of Kashmir was killed by terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen accusing him of being a ‘peacenik’ and an ‘Indian agent’.

A case was registered in Nageen police station, Srinagar to investigate the crime. Thereafter the case was transferred to CBI on June 11, 1990.

After a long and arduous legal process of investigation and prosecution, the designated TADA court, in 2009, convicted the only arrested accused Ayub Dar for life.

Ayub Dar, the convicted terrorist and one of the killers appealed against his conviction, which however, was upheld by the Division Bench of the Supreme Court on July 21, 2010.

Before killing Mirwaiz, all five HM terrorists had gone to Pakistan for terrorist training in 1990. Back in Srinagar, Abdullah Bangroo received instructions in April 1990 from his Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) handler in Pakistan to eliminate Mirwaiz. (ANI)

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Sara, Manushi To Make Debut At Cannes 2023?

By LokMarg 16th May 2023

If reports are to be believed, actors Sara Ali Khan and Manushi Chhillar are to make their mark on the red carpets of the Cannes Festival, 2023 alongside actor Anushka Sharma.

The two beauties of the tinsel town are spotted at Mumbai airports on Monday night. They are reportedly flying to France to attend the event. Sara was seen in a black stylish jacket, teaming it up with black tights. Manushi sported a halter-neck white top with blue baggy jeans. Sara also clicked selfies with a young bunch of fans.
Meanwhile, Anushka will be present at Cannes Film Festival 2023 to honour women in cinema. Popular actress Kate Winslet will join her.

The 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival will take place on May 16 to May 27, 2023.

After making her Bollywood debut with ‘Prithviraj’, Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar is now busy working on her new film titled ‘Tehran’, which also stars John Abraham.

Opening up about the project, Manushi said, “I have started the second schedule of my film Tehran with John Abraham. It is hugely validating that I’m being offered roles that allow me to explore different characters. Tehran is a project that I’m extremely excited about as it not only gives me a chance to present myself in a new avatar but will also allow me to learn and grow as an actor, given my role in the film.”

Sara will be seen in director Laxman Utekar’s next ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bach Ke’ romantic drama film alongside Vicky Kaushal.

Apart from that, She will be seen in Karan Johar’s next ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ in which she will play a brave freedom fighter in a fictional tale set against the backdrop of the Quit India Movement in 1942. (ANI)

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