Month: June 2023

Situation Control In Manipur

Situation Tense But Under Control In Manipur: State police

By LokMarg

The Manipur Police on Saturday said that the situation in the violence-prone state is tense but under control. Though some sporadic incidents have been reported in some districts, in most districts the situation is normal.

The police said in a statement that district security coordination committee meeting is held at the districts regularly. Patrolling, flag marches and cordon and search operations are also conducted in vulnerable areas, they said adding that special emphasis is given on fringe areas in both hill and valley districts.
A combined team of District Police Imphal-West and Central Forces along with Executive Magistrates conducted search operations at two locations in Imphal West District on Saturday.

Earlier on Friday, the Manipur Police conducted a search operation by a joint team of Kangpokpi District Police and Central forces across four locations in Kangpokpi in which four bunkers were destroyed. Six bunkers have been occupied by security forces.

In the press statement, the police said that the movement of essential items along NH-37 is being ensured with strict security measures. Curfew has been relaxed for 12 to 15 hours in five valley districts, Pherzawl and Jiribam districts, eight to ten hours in Tengnoupal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts and no curfew in the remaining six Hill Districts.

The Manipur police said that on Friday evening at 8:35 pm a warehouse at Kangla Sangomshang was set under fire. The Imphal-East under Heingang PS was set on fire by a mob. Imphal East District Police dispersed the mob and the fire service controlled the fire.

Incidents of arson also took place at two other locations in Imphal East District, the police said. The State Police and Central Forces controlled the situation and dispersed the mob by using tear gas and smoke shells.

The Manipur police said that during the last 24 hours, five arms have been recovered from Imphal East districts. A total of 1100 arms, 13,702 ammunitions and 250 bombs of different kinds have been recovered to date, they added. (ANI)

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Kanishka' 1985 Bombing

Canada: Victims Of Air India `Kanishka’ 1985 Bombing Remembered

By LokMarg

The City of Mississauga office lowered its flags at half-mast on Friday in honour of the 38th anniversary of the 1985 terrorist attack on Air India Flight 182 that killed 329 passengers, most of whom were Canadians.

June 23 is remembered as the National Day of Remembrance for victims of Terrorism.
As Canada observed the Kanishka plane crash anniversary, posters across roads in Greater Toronto areas read: “Khalistan ideology brought the largest act of terrorism on Canadians” and “Deadliest Terror Attack in Canadian History – 329 killed by Khalistani Terrorist”.

Liberal MP Chandra Arya issued a video message on Twitter saying, “Today is National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. 38 years back, on this day, Air India Flight 182 operating on the Montreal-London-Delhi-Mumbai route was blown-up mid-air from a bomb planted by Canadian Khalistani extremists. It killed all 329 passengers and crew members, including 268 Canadian citizens who were mostly Indo-Canadians”.

Calling the attack the “largest mass killing” in Canadian history, Chandra Arya condemned the recent tableau parade in Ontario celebrating the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

“The bombing of this Air India Flight is the largest mass killing in Canadian history. It was the deadliest act of aviation terrorism in the world until 9/11. Unfortunately, many Canadians are not aware that even today, the ideology responsible for this terrorist attack is still alive among few people in Canada. Recent celebrations of the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Khalistan supporters, glorifying violence and hate, attacks on Hindu temples, and honouring the convicted killer of the Air India bombing, all these shows that the dark forces have been energized again and point to dreadful times ahead,” he said on Twitter.

“I strongly urge authorities at all levels of the government to take note that the ideology responsible for the Air India bombing is very active again in Canada. We need to be vigilant. On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, my sympathies are with the families of the victims. Their pain never goes away. I stand in solidarity with them,” said Arya.

Canada’s MP Marie-Helene Gaudreau also raised a question in the country’s parliament demanding a public inquiry into the bombing of the Air India flight, which was believed to be the handiwork of Khalistani terrorists.

MP Gaudreau belongs to Canada’s Bloc Quebecois party.

Public Safety Canada’s website stated, “On June 23, 1985, a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182 en route from Toronto to London, England killing all 329 people aboard, most of them Canadians. Thirty-eight years later, the Air India bombing is still the worst terrorist attack in Canadian history.”

It further added that the Canadian government has taken multiple steps to investigate the incident and memorials erected will always stand as a reminder of the horrific attack.

“Since that terrible day in June 1985, the Government of Canada has worked to investigate the crash of Flight 182, to bring the perpetrators of this act to justice, and to make the necessary changes to our policies, regulations and legislation to safeguard Canadians from terror. The Government has also continually adjusted its approach to airline and national security, and security intelligence,” the website stated.

It added, “In 2007, the Government of Canada established a program to erect three new memorials and to refurbish an existing one in Ottawa so that Canadians would never forget the tragedy. The fourth and final memorial was dedicated in Montreal to remember the victims, following those dedicated in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa. These memorials will forever stand as a reminder of the innocent lives lost during a very sad chapter in our shared history.” (ANI)

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Poland Monitoring Situation In Russia

Prezs’ Of France, Poland Monitoring Situation In Russia

By LokMarg

French President Emmanuel Macron is “closely” monitoring the situation in Russia, CNN reported. Similarly, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said that events beyond their eastern border are being “monitored.”

In a statement released by the Elysee, “The President is monitoring the situation closely. We remain focused on supporting Ukraine.” Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group, on Saturday, announced that his troops had taken control of military facilities in two Russian cities, CNN reported.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that due to the situation in Russia, he held talks with the country’s Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence and allies.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, he stated, “Due to the situation in Russia, we held consultations this morning with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of National Defense, as well as with the Allies. The course of events beyond our eastern border is monitored on an ongoing basis.”

Meanwhile, Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that they were following the development of the situation in Russia. She urged the people of Estonia not to travel to any region of Russia.

Kaja Kallas in a tweet stated, “Estonia is closely following the development of the situation in Russia and exchanging information with allies. I can assure that there is no direct threat to our country. Border security has been strengthened. I also urge our people not to travel to any part of Russia.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a televised address to the nation on Saturday said that the “armed mutiny” by the Wagner Group is a “stab in the back” and vowed to punish those who were on the “path of treason” or anyone who takes up arms against the Russian military.

In his televised address to the nation, Putin said, “Renegade actions against those fighting in the front is a stab in the back of our country,” CNN reported. Putin also pledged a harsh response and punishment to those who plan “an armed rebellion.”

“We will defend both our people and our statehood from any threats, including internal treachery. What we have been confronted with can be precisely called treachery. The unbounded ambitions and personal interests have led to treason and a betrayal of the country and its people,” Putin was quoted as saying by TASS.

Putin’s statement came hours after The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia opened a criminal case into a call for an armed mutiny by the Wagner group. The FSB urged Wagner fighters not to obey Prigozhin’s orders and take measures for his detention.

Russian President said that “any internal turmoil” is a “deadly threat” to Russia’s statehood and Moscow’s actions to protect the homeland. He noted that such a threat will “face a severe response.”

Calling the situation in Rostov-on-Don “difficult,” Putin in his address noted that the work of civil and military administration had been blocked in Rostov. “The situation in Rostov-on-Don remains difficult during the armed uprising. In Rostov, the work of civil and military administration is basically blocked,” Putin said as per the CNN report.

Earlier today, the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said his forces have taken control of military facilities, including the airfield in Rostov-on-Don, according to CNN. Prigozhin’s actions come after he accused Russian forces of striking a Wagner military camp and killing “a huge amount” of his fighters. Russia’s Ministry of Defense has denied his claim and termed it an “information provocation.” (ANI)

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Procurement Of Drones on India's Aerospace

Procurement Of Drones Will Strengthen India’s Aerospace, Defence Ecosystems

By LokMarg

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and MD of Bharat Forge Limited and founding president of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden for emphasising on co-production of critical systems and platforms “identifying avenues for joint research and development in advanced technologies.”

Kalyani termed the PM Modi’s US visit, a reflection of “strengthening engagement between two great and large democracies.”
He said, “Historic state visit being accorded to PM Modi by US President Joe Biden is reflective of strengthening engagement between two great and large democracies, to scale up the Indian market and its requirements, combined with our overlapping strategic interest, create both an opportunity and imperative for businesses on either side…to expand bilateral trade & commerce, to strengthen engagement including strategic sectors such as defence, space, 5G, semi-conductor amongst others and collaborate to co-develop critical and emerging technologies.”

The Indian billionaire businessman also thanked PM Modi and President Biden for “placing special emphasis on promoting industry, start-ups and academia linkages on either side encouraging co-development and coproduction of critical systems and platforms identifying avenues for joint research and development in advanced technologies.”

He also welcomed the news around the manufacturing and assembling of the General Electric-F414 engine for LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) and also the phased procurement of General Atomics Predator MQ -9 Reaper guardian Drones.

“I believe these programs will go a long way in strengthening the aerospace and defence ecosystems in India,” he said.

Such important discussions that have taken place in Washington, will help the Indian industry and Indian defence industry to get into the supply chain of the US defence sector, he added.

Chairman and MD of Bharat Forge also hailed the discussions on green initiatives, strategic clean energy partnership.

“There’s a new task force that is going to be set up through SCEP (Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol) launch of the US India New and Emerging Renewable Energy Technologies Action Platform, which will accelerate cooperation, green hydrogen, offshore and onshore wind, amongst other technologies,” he said.

Kalyani also noted that PM Modi’s US visit has “created a position for India on the high table of global commerce.”

He also said that the relationship between the legal relationship between India and the United States is going to be of great benefit to the Indian economy and to the Indian industry.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi said that the decision of General Electric Company (GE) to manufacture fighter planes in India will prove to be a milestone for India’s defence sector, as both nations are taking strong steps towards a better future through their cooperation.

During his address to the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, PM Modi said, “In these 3 days, a new and glorious journey of India and the US relations has begun. This new journey is of our convergence on global strategic issues, of our cooperation for Make in India Make for the World.”

In a major announcement coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, GE Aerospace on Thursday announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force.

The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India.

GE Aerospace said in a release that it continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorization for this. The effort is part of the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 programme.

The US company said that the MoU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines for IAF is a major milestone amidst PM Modi’s official state visit to the United States and a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement about the MoU came ahead of PM Modi’s bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden on Thursday. (ANI)

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US Govt Has Decided To Return, Stolen Antiquities Of India: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a cheerful Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Center and expressed happiness over the American government’s decision to return more than 100 stolen antiquities back to India.

PM Modi on the last day of his maiden US State visit interacted with the Indian diaspora at Ronald Reagan Center here on Friday (Local Time).

“I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities of India that were stolen from us. These antiquities had reached the international markets. I express my gratitude to the American government for this,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said, “These antiquities of Indian origin had reached the international market through right or wrong paths, but America’s decision to return them to India shows the emotional bond between the two nations.”

In a bid to rejuvenate India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is bringing back antiquities and artefacts from across the world.

“Over centuries, innumerable priceless artefacts, some with deep cultural and religious significance, had been stolen and smuggled abroad. The government adopted a proactive approach to ‘bringing back Indian artefacts and cultural heritage,” said a government release.

On numerous foreign visits, Prime Minister discussed the matter with global leaders and multilateral institutions and total of 251 antiquities have been brought back to India, out of which 238 were brought back since 2014.

In 2022 also the US authorities returned 307 antiquities that were stolen by multiple smaller trafficking networks to India, valued at nearly 4 million USD.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr had announced in October 2022 that they are returning 307 antiquities valued at nearly USD 4 million to the people of India and the majority of them were seized from disgraced art dealer Subhash Kapoor, a statement said.

Subhas Kapoor had assisted in trafficking the items from Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries.

According to the statement, “Five of the antiquities were seized according to the Office’s investigation into Nancy Wiener, and one according to an investigation into Nayef Homsi.”

All the antiquities were returned during a repatriation ceremony at the Indian Consulate in New York attended by India’s Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, and US Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Acting Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge, Tom Lau.

Among the pieces being returned was the Arch Parikara, crafted from marble and valued at approximately USD 85,000. The Arch Parikara first surfaced in photographs depicting antiquity in a dirty, pre-restoration condition. These photographs, along with dozens of others depicting antiquities lying in the grass or on the ground, were sent to Kapoor by a supplier of illicit in India. The piece was smuggled out of India and into New York in May 2002, the statement read.

Thereafter, Kapoor laundered the Arch Parikara to the Nathan Rubin – Ida Ladd Family Foundation, who donated the piece to the Yale University Art Gallery in 2007, the statement added.

In 2022 alone, the Office has returned 682 antiquities, valued at over USD 84 million to 13 countries. Since its founding, the Antiquities Trafficking Unit has returned nearly 2,200 antiquities, valued at over USD 160 million, to 22 countries.

“The untiring efforts of the Government of India have led to the repatriation of our rightful artefacts that reflect and epitomise the glory of our ancient civilisation,” the release read . (ANI)

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Jaishankar On Passport Seva Prog Version 2.0

Will Soon Embark On Passport Seva Prog Version 2.0: Jaishankar

By LokMarg

India will soon embark on the second phase of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP-Version 2.0), which includes new and upgraded e-passports, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on the occasion of Passport Seva Divas.

Jaishankar called on passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad to join him in renewing the pledge to provide passport and related services to people in a “timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner.”
“We will soon be embarking on Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, including new and upgraded e-passports,” Jaishankar said in his message on Passport Seva Kendra.

He further stated, “In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of enhancing the ‘Ease of Living’ for citizens, these initiatives will usher in a new paradigm of ‘EASE”: E: Enhanced passport services to citizens, using a digital eco-system A: Artificial Intelligence-powered service delivery S: Smoother overseas travel using chip-enabled e-passports E: Enhanced data security.”

Jaishankar in his message stated, “I would like to call on all our passport issuing authorities in India and abroad to join me in renewing our pledge to provide passport and related services to citizens in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner.”

While sharing Jaishankar’s message on Twitter, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Here is a message from EAM @DrSJaishankar, as we observe the Passport Seva Divas today. #TeamMEA reaffirms its commitment to provide passport and related services to citizens in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner.”

Jaishankar said it was a matter of pleasure to felicitate all passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad and their colleagues from the Central Passport Organization on the occasion of the Passport Seva Divas 2023. He noted that this day is an occasion to take stock of what has been achieved and to reaffirm India’s resolve to strive to attain the highest standards in the delivery of passport services.

EAM Jaishankar said that Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after the COVID-19 pandemic rose to address the surge in demand for passport-related services by increasing the number of daily appointments and organising special Drives over the weekends. He noted that the ministry processed a record 13.32 million passports and miscellaneous services in 2022, marking a rise of 63 per cent from 2021.

In his message, Jaishankar stated that Passport Seva Programme (PSP) has contributed significantly towards the Indian government’s goal of a ‘Digital India.’ He spoke about his visits to Passport Seva Kendras in several states.

Jaishankar noted that similar visits have been made by other ministers and senior officials of MEA. He further said, “These visits have enabled us to build a congruence between the levels of policy and operational governance. There will be no slowing down of such efforts in future as well.”

“PSP has significantly contributed towards the Government’s goal of a Digital India’, with milestones such as mPassport Seva Mobile App, mPassport Police App, integration of PSP with DigiLocker, and the ‘apply from anywhere’ scheme,” Jaishankar said in his message.

He further added, “While in 2014, there were 77 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) in the country, this number has increased 7-fold and stands at 523 today. In the context of POPSKS, I would like to acknowledge the role of the Department of Posts and state police authorities as esteemed partners.” (ANI)

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Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin

Putin Expected To Address Nation Soon, Says State Media

By LokMarg

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a televised address to the nation “soon,” state news agency TASS reported citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

“Indeed, Putin will deliver an address shortly,” Peskov said in response to a question as reported by TASS.
The news follows claims of the Wagner private military group taking military control of a Russian city, reported CNN.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has said that his forces have taken control of military facilities in Rostov-on-Don and of the airfield as well.

According to the CNN, Prigozhin has in a series of messages on Telegram accused the Russian forces of striking a Wagner military camp and killing a “a huge amount” of his fighters.

A CNN report said that Prigozhin in a video posted on the Wagner official Telegram channel stated, “We are at headquarters at 7:30 a.m. Military facilities in Rostov, including the airfield are under [our] control.”

“Planes that leave for combat work leave as usual no problems. Medical flights are leaving as usual. All we did was to take control so that the attack aviation would not strike us but strike in the Ukrainian direction,” he added.

Prigozhin said he is in Rostov-on-Don and his men are not stopping the officers from carrying out their duties.

“The main headquarters, the main control point is working as normal, there are no problems. No officers have been cut off,” Prigozhin said, CNN reported.

Earlier, Prigozhin said that his men had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and were ready to go “all the way” against the Russian military.

As a long-running standoff between Prigozhin and the military top brass appeared to come to a head, Russia’s FSB security service opened a criminal case against him, TASS news agency said. It called on the Wagner private military company forces to ignore his orders and arrest him.

The move came not long after the Kremlin accused Prigozhin of calling for armed mutiny.

Prigozhin, whose frequent tirades on social media belie his limited role in the war as head of the Wagner private militia, has for months been openly accusing Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, of rank incompetence and of denying his forces ammunition and support, reported CBC News.

Prigozhin urged Russians to join his forces and punish Moscow’s military leadership in the most audacious challenge to President Vladimir Putin since the start of the offensive in Ukraine last year. (ANI)

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Shah Lays Foundation Stone Of Balidaan Stambh

Shah Lays Foundation Stone Of ‘Balidaan Stambh’ In Srinagar

By LokMarg

Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir has arrived at Srinagar’s Pratap Park to lay the foundation stone of ‘Balidaan Stambh’.

On Friday, Union Home Minister arrived in Jammu and laid the foundation stone for various development projects and launch public welfare schemes.
The Union Home Minister also met the family members of victims in the Rajouri terror attack.

Shah also addressed a public meeting in Jammu and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will form the government in 2024 by securing over 300 seats and becoming the Prime Minister again.

The Union Minister also remembered the contributions of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerji on his death anniversary and recalled that Bengal is a part of India due to the late leader’s efforts.

Shah also addressed the Vitasta Mahotsav organised by the Ministry of Culture as the chief guest in Srinagar on Friday as part of his 2-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Several dignitaries including the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi, Union Home Secretary and Secretary, Ministry of Culture were present on this occasion.

“This is the same Vitasta, which has been witness to many kinds of research in Kashmir for thousands of years and also has the privilege of being an amalgamation place of many cultures. This Jhelum has also seen Adishankar. Scholars of every field have come out of this land and made their arts famous not only in India but in the whole world; the assimilation of all these can be seen in today’s culture of Kashmir,” said Shah.

Union Home Minister said that Jhelum has seen difficult times, the stream of Vitasta has also seen blood, attacks by fanatics, and many regime changes and Jhelum has also been a witness to the horrific scourge of terrorism.

He said that Vitasta has given affection, love and enthusiasm to its children by incorporating all these in herself.

Union Home Minister said that about 1,900 artists from Kashmir and about 150 artists from across the country will exhibit and exchange their art in the Vitasta Mahotsav starting in Kashmir today.

He said that the Vitasta Mahotsav is the festival of the upcoming future of Kashmir, a link connecting our glorious history with the bright future, and Kashmir and the country move forward, create a great India, this is the goal of this festival. (ANI)

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Assam Affected People in 16 districts

Assam: Over 4.89L People Affected In 16 Districts

By LokMarg

The flood situation in Assam is still grim as nearly 4.89 lakh people in 19 districts have been affected.

In the last 24 hours, one person drowned in flood waters in Nalbari district taking the death toll to two.
According to the flood report of Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 2.67 lakh people have been affected alone in Bajali district followed by 80,061 people affected in Nalbari, 73,233 people in Barpeta, 22,577 people in Lakhimpur, 14,583 people in Darrang, 14180 people in Tamulpur, 7,282 people in Baksa, 4,750 people in Goalpara district.

The flood waters have submerged 10782.80 hectares of cropland.

1,538 villages under 54 revenue circles in Bajali, Baksa, Barpeta, Biswanath, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Tamulpur, Udalguri district have been affected in the deluge.

Following the torrential rains, the water level of the Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger level mark at Neamatighat in Jorhat district and at Dhubri, Manas River at Nh Road Crossing, Pagladiya River at Nt Road Crossing, Puthimari river at Nh Road Crossing.

The district administration has set up 140 relief camps, and 75 relief distribution centres in flood-hit districts and 35142 people have taken shelter in these relief camps.

On the other hand, many others have taken shelter on roads, highlands, and embankments.

The ASDMA flood report also stated that 427474 domestic animals have also affected by the flood.

In the last 24 hours, the flood waters breached 1 embankment and damaged 14 other embankments, 213 roads, 14 bridges, several agri bundhs, school buildings, irrigation canals, and culverts.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in the Bajali district is still critical as 2,67,253 people from 191 villages have been affected.

According to the ASDMA, 176678 people have been affected in the Bajali revenue circle and 90575 people in the Sarupeta revenue circle in the district.

The flood waters also submerged 368.30 hectares of cropland in the district.

Around 200 families in the Doloi Gaon Shantipur village area have been badly affected after the flood waters of the Pahumara River breached a large portion of the embankment and the villagers are now taking shelter on the embankment, road by making makeshift tents.

Kamal Barman, a flood-affected villager said that as many as 8-10 houses in the village were washed away by the flood waters.

“The flood waters breached the embankment at around 3 am morning and all villagers were sleeping at that time. The villagers didn’t able to get out their stuff at that time. The people just moved to a safer place. The villagers are now facing lots of problems as rain is also continuing and they are also facing a food crisis,” Kamal Barman said.

Abanita Das, another villager said that the flood waters submerged the entire village and entered their homes.

“We weren’t able to get out our household goods, stuff because of the high level of water. We are now taking shelter at this embankment. The flood waters washed away all stuff from our home. We don’t have any food. We don’t have tarpaulin to make a makeshift tent or items for cook. Now there is 4-5 feet of water on the road and can’t go to another place. We are also facing a drinking water problem,” Abanita Das said.

Hriday Talukdar said that the flood waters totally damaged his house and washed away all household goods.

NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency services and Civil Defence personnel are engaged in rescue operations in different flood-hit districts. (ANI)

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‘Academia Was Subverted Earlier Too, But The Assault Post-2014 Is Unprecedented’

By LokMarg

Nandini Sundar, Professor of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, asks why the DU syllabus dropped Iqbal but glorified Savarkar when both were proponents of two-nation theory. Her views:

Undoubtedly, since 2014, there has been a huge decline in academic freedom on the ground. We have documented some of this in the form of tables that list incidents of censorship, arrests of faculty and students, denial of visas to research scholars etc. Indian academics are also trying to develop a website and network to deal with issues of academic freedom.

The changes in the syllabus of Delhi University have been an ongoing process. Even before 2014, there was some interference. Rohinton Mistry’s novel on the Emergency was removed from the Bombay University syllabus. Then AK Ramanujan’s acclaimed Three Hundred Ramayanas was removed from the Delhi University undergraduate history syllabus. But, since 2014, the assaults on academic freedom have intensified at an unprecedented pace.

Most recently, the university removed the poet and philosopher Mohammad Iqbal from the Political Science BA syllabus on the grounds that he had initiated the two-nation theory which led to the Partition of India. There are two problems with this approach. The first is that all streams of thought and ideologies must be critically taught – simply erasing one ideology will not help students understand what happened. Secondly, the two-nation theory was as much propounded by VD Savarkar who is being glorified by the Hindu supremacist Modi regime. For instance, the new parliament was inaugurated on his birthday,despite evidence that he was culpable for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi.

The crisis of precarity and contractual employment in universities is a global problem. In Delhi University, 40 per cent teachers were on contract working on an ad-hoc basis for a decade or more. They got no summer vacation, and no benefits.

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These teachers held up the fort against all odds during the difficult and prolonged phase of the pandemic. That is simply not being recognized. They were deeply involved in addressing the widespread mental health issues of students during Covid-19, and, yet teaching. Now, the university is seeking to create a permanent faculty which is a good thing by itself. However, instead of regularizing the existing ad hocs, they have held interviews in which there are widespread reports of teachers who are ideologically committed to the Hindu right being appointed. By some estimates, almost 80 per cent of existing ad hocs have been displaced.

We routinely hear of ‘lists’ given to the selection panels, i.e. the candidates are decided in advance. Further, even the interview panels are not constructed as per procedure. They are constructed according to the agenda of the RSS. By longstanding convention, the department sends a list of candidates for the selection panel. For instance, we sent a list of eminent sociologists drawn from different fields. However, under the current regime, none of them are appointed to the final selection panel. Instead, all the experts are selected by the vice-chancellor.

We also hear that in many interviews, the questions asked to the candidates are humiliating, and random. The ad-hoc teachers are extremely vulnerable and therefore few are willing to testify. However, certainly, the rigging of the recruitment process seems very systematic, and it is happening across colleges, departments, subjects, etc, in the entire university.

The unfortunate death by suicide of a brilliant ad hoc philosophy teacher, Samarveer, teaching in Hindu College, should have been a wake-up call regarding the subversion of procedures, but, sadly, there has been little public outrage and it appears to have made no difference.

The narrator, an eminent sociologist deeply aligned with public interest issues and human rights, is the author of the acclaimed The Burning Forest: India’s War against Maoists (Verso 2019)

As told to Amit Sengupta