September 2023 - Page 18 of 40 - Lokmarg

Tit For Tat: India Expels Canadian Diplomat In Reciprocal Move

By LokMarg 19th September 2023

India on Tuesday expelled a senior Canadian diplomat to India in a reciprocal move to Canada expelling a senior Indian diplomat.

The move comes after India rejected as “absurd and motivated” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s charge that India played a role in the June killing of a Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay was summoned today to the South Block, the headquarters of Ministry of External Affairs.

“The High Commissioner of Canada to India was summoned today and informed about the decision of the Government of India to expel a senior Canadian diplomat based in India,” a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said today.

“The concerned diplomat has been asked to leave India within the next five days. The decision reflects the Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities,” it said.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on Monday said an Indian diplomat in Canada had been expelled, Joly said the Canadian government had expelled the Indian diplomat over allegations of the country’s involvement in the killing of the Khalistani leader

“We see this possible breach of sovereignty as completely unacceptable, and so, that is also why we’re coming (out) with this information (of the expulsion of the Indian diplomat) today,” Joly said at a news conference.

Meanwhile, India rejected allegations made by Trudeau in the Canadian Parliament.

“We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister” said the MEA in an official statement.

“Allegations of the Indian government’s “involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated” a statement said.

“Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister and were completely rejected,” said the official release.

The statement said India is a democratic polity with a strong commitment to the rule of law.

“Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The inaction of the Canadian Government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern,” the MEA statement said.

The release states that Canadian political figures have openly expressed sympathy for such elements and that remain a matter of deep concern.

“The space given in Canada to a range of illegal activities including murders, human trafficking and organised crime is not new” read the release.

India has strongly rejected any attempts to connect the government to such developments.

“We urge the Government of Canada to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil,” the MEA said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday accused the Indian government of being behind the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, CBC News reported.

Najjar, who was wanted in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara, in a parking area in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia on June 18.

Hailing from Bharsinghpur village in Punjab’s Jalandhar, Nijjar was based in Surrey and had been declared “absconder” by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Earlier on Monday, speaking in a debate in the Canadian Parliament, Canadian PM Trudeau claimed his country’s national security officials had reasons to believe that “agents of the Indian government” carried out the killing of the Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.

“Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” Trudeau said.

He stated that the involvement of a foreign hand or government in the killing of a Canadian citizen in Canada was unacceptable.

“Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. It is contrary to the fundamental rules by which free, open, and democratic societies conduct themselves,” Trudeau added.

He informed further that he was coordinating with Canadian allies on this issue.

“As you would expect, we have been working closely and coordinating with our allies on this very serious matter,” he said. (ANI)

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Moving To New Parliament With Resolve To Be Developed India: PM

By LokMarg 19th September 2023

Ahead of the commencement of the parliament session in the new parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the parliamentarians are moving to the new building with the determination to fulfil the resolve of a developed India.

Speaking at the joint sitting of two Houses of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha moving to the new building, PM Modi said, “Today, we are going to have the beginning of a new future in the new Parliament building. Today, we are going to the new building with the determination to fulfil the resolve of a developed India.”

The Prime Minister said that India will have to “work on a larger canvas” and all laws that will be made and all debates in Parliament must be aimed at encouraging Indian aspirations. “If we cannot enlarge the canvas of our thinking, we will not be able to paint a picture of a grand India,” PM Modi said.

“…In the 25 years of Amrit Kaal, India will have to work on a larger canvas. The time for us to get caught up in smaller issues is over. First of all, we will have to meet the goal of becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat…It is the need of the hour, it is everyone’s duty. Parties do not come in its way. Sirf Dil chahiye, desh ke liye chahiye,”PM Modi said.

“Every law made in the Parliament, every discussion held in the Parliament, and every signal given by the Parliament should encourage the Indian aspiration. This is our responsibility and the expectation of each and every Indian. Whatever reforms are made here, Indian aspiration should be our priority. Can anyone ever make a big picture on a small canvas? Just as we cannot make a big picture on a small canvas, in the same way, if we cannot enlarge the canvas of our thinking, we will not be able to paint a picture of a grand India”, he added.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Maneka Gandhi said that being a Member of Parliament is an immense responsibility as it entails safeguarding the trust of lakhs of voters and the task demands unwavering commitment, moral rectitude and courage.

Maneka Gandhi, who is the longest-serving among sitting Lok Sabha parliamentarians, said she entered Parliament as an MP when she was 32 and has spent most of her adult life in this institution and has seen seven Prime Ministers and the shaping of grand history.

“This is a historic day today and I am proud to be a part of this historic moment. We are going to a New Building and hopefully, this grand edifice will reflect the aspirations of a new Bharat. Today, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of addressing this esteemed assembly as the most senior parliamentarian in the Lok Sabha… I have spent most of my adult life in this institution and I have seen seven Prime Ministers and the shaping of grand history,” she said.

The lawmakers from both houses will hold a sitting in the new parliament building, which was inaugurated by PM Modi, earlier this year.

Meanwhile, members of the Parliament gathered for a joint photo session ahead of the Parliament session in the New Building of the Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Chairman Om Birla and other Parliamentarians were present for the joint photo session.

A function to ‘commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India and resolve to make Bharat a developed Nation by 2047’ will be held at the Central Hall of the old Parliament.

The Security personnel at the Parliament building were also seen in the new uniform before the special session of the Parliament in the new building.

Both Houses were adjourned on Monday after a discussion on Parliamentary democracy in the last 75 years with the presiding officers stating that the proceedings will commence on Tuesday afternoon in the new Parliament building.

Speaking about the Old Parliament Building, the Prime Minister mentioned that it served as the Imperial Legislative Council before India’s independence and was recognised as the Parliament of India post-independence.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet on Monday cleared the Women’s Reservation Bill, sources said on Monday.

The meeting of the Union Cabinet was held at Parliament House Annexe in Delhi. (ANI)

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Old Parliament Building To Be Called Samvidhan Sadan: Modi

By LokMarg 19th September 2023

With the Parliament shifting from the old building to the new building on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that the building, where meetings of the Constituent Assembly were held to frame the Constitution, should be known as ‘Samvidhan Sadan’.

Speaking at an event in the Central Hall attended by MPs from both Houses, PM Modi said every law made in the Parliament, every discussion held and every signal given should encourage the Indian aspiration.

Referring to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, PM Modi made a suggestion for giving a new name to the old parliament building which has seen history being made.

“I have a suggestion. Now, when we are going to the New Parliament, its (Old Parliament building) dignity should never go down. This should not be left just as the Old Parliament building. So, I urge that if you agree, this should be known as ‘Samvidhan Sadan’,” he said.

PM Modi called upon political parties to make the right decisions about the country’s future and not think only of political benefits.

“We have to make the right decisions at the right time for the future. We cannot restrict ourselves to just thinking about the political benefits…Knowledge and innovation are the demands and we should focus on it. After Chandrayaan-3’s success, our youth is inspired by the science and technology sector. We do not have to miss this opportunity,” PM Modi said.

“Now, we have to walk towards being the best in the world in the manufacturing sector. I had said from the Red Fort – Zero Defect, Zero Effect. There should be no defects in our products and the process should not have an effect on the environment. We have to go before the world with this ‘Zero Defect, Zero Effect’,” he added.

The MP moved to the new Parliament building after the event ended in the central hall. The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be held in the new building on Tuesday.

“Today, we are going to have the beginning of a new future in the new Parliament building. Today, we are going to the new building with the determination to fulfil the resolve of a developed India,” PM Modi said.

He said the country will need to work on a larger canvas to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation.

“In the 25 years of Amrit Kaal, India will have to work on a larger canvas. The time for us to get caught up in smaller issues is over. First of all, we will have to meet the goal of becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat…It is the need of the hour, it is everyone’s duty. Parties do not come in its way. Sirf Dil chahiye, desh ke liye chahiye,” he said.

“Can anyone ever make a big picture on a small canvas? Just as we cannot make a big picture on a small canvas, in the same way, if we cannot enlarge the canvas of our thinking, we will not be able to paint a picture of a grand India,” he added.

PM Modi said India is filled with a new energy and this can change the dreams of crores of people into reality.

“I had said from Red Fort – Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai. If we look at the events one after the other, each one of them bears witness that today, India has reawakened with a new consciousness. India is filled with a new energy. This consciousness and energy can change the dreams of crores of people into resolutions and make those resolutions into a reality.”

The Prime Minister also spoke about the significant laws passed by his government in the past nine years.

“Muslim mothers and sisters got justice because of this Parliament, law opposing ‘triple talaq’ was unitedly passed from here. In the last few years, Parliament has also passed laws giving justice to the transgenders. We have unitedly passed laws that will guarantee a bright future for the specially-abled people. It is our privilege that we got the opportunity to abrogate Article 370 from the Parliament.,” he said.

Parliament moved to the new building in the Special Session of Parliament which began on Monday. The two Houses discussed 75 years of parliamentary journey on Monday. The Special Session of Parliament will continue till September 22. (ANI)

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India Rejects Canada’s Charge On Role In Hardeep Nijjar’s Killing

By LokMarg 19th September 2023

India on Tuesday rejected Canada’s allegations of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar the Chief of Khalistan Tiger Force and a designated terrorist.

In a statement the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said ” We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister.”

“Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated” the statement said.

“Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister, and were completely rejected. We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law” the statement further said.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) — a Sikh extremist organisation banned by India — and a “designated terrorist” was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada’s Surrey in June 2018.

His death under suspicious circumstances led to speculation in Canadian media that he had been allegedly eliminated at the hands of his erstwhile comrades who had turned against him.

He was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was designated a ‘terrorist’ by India under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in July 2020 and his property in the country was attached by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in September 2020.

The extremist organisation Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) was also banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The ministry stated that KTF “aims to revive terrorism” in Punjab, challenging the “territorial integrity, unity, national security and sovereignty of India” and “promotes various acts of “terrorism, including targeted killings” in Punjab, as per the Ministry.

In addition to this, an Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against Nijjar in 2016. The local police of Surrey had also put Nijjar under house arrest temporarily in 2018 on suspicion of his terror involvement but he was released later.

Nijjar, a native of village Bhar Singh Pura in Jalandhar, Punjab, had long been involved with Khalistan militancy since migrating to Canada in 1995. Initially, an operative of Babbar Khalsa, he was involved in some of the most high-profile terror cases of the first decade of the millennium including the Shingar Cinema bomb blast in Ludhiana in 2007 and the assassination of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat President Rulda Singh in Patiala in 2009.

He was introduced to Pakistan-based fugitive Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) supremo Jagtar Singh Tara, now incarcerated in India, in 2011 and switched to the newly formed KTF. He kept on meeting Tara in Pakistan in the annual jathas, during which he was allegedly trained in the fabrication of IEDs and handling of high-end guns.

Nijjar also funded Tara handsomely from Canada and financed his shifting of the base from Pakistan to Thailand in 2014, according to sources.

When Tara was facing deportation from Thailand in late 2014, Nijjar made frantic efforts to stop it, making multiple rounds of Thailand and Pakistan.

The next year, Nijjar allegedly trained three Sikh youths in handling AK-47 and Russian sniper guns in the hilly terrain of Mission City, British Columbia before sending them to India to target some senior police officials and popular Dera leaders.

Nijjar also formed an alliance with fellow Surrey-based Punjabi gangster Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala and off late delved into organised financial crimes both in Punjab and in Canada in order to finance his terror plans. This latest venture had also reportedly made Nijjar a target of the warring criminal gangs operating in the Surrey-Delta area.

Nijjar also led an intimidatory campaign against the then Jathedar Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh who was to visit Canada on Malik’s invitation last year forcing Jathedar to cancel his visit. Nijjar’s name was also figured as a suspect in Ripudaman Malik’s assassination.

Wanted in several violent terrorist incidents in India and Canada, 45-year-old Nijjar carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs on his head.

There have been frequent allegations that funds from the Surrey shrine were being embezzled for funding terror activities in Punjab. (ANI)

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Cong Sounds Poll Bugle In Telangana With Massive Rally

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

Sounding the poll bugle in Telangana with a mammoth rally, the Congress party announced six guarantees for the people of the state after the two-day Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Hyderabad.

General Secretary KC Venugopal said, “The Congress has announced 6 Guarantees to transform Telangana into a prosperous state so as to address the needs of the poor, backward and ensure that marginalised are uplifted and live a life of dignity.”

The Telangana Assembly election is slated to be held this year.

The Congress MP Rahul Gandhi listed out six guarantees by the party once it comes to power in the state including houses for all homeless, Rs 4,000 old age pension, Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for all women, gas cylinders for Rs 500, free bus travel for women and Rs ten lakh health insurance, besides several other things.

The first Guarantee “Indiramma Indlu” promises House site + Rs. 5 lakh and 250 sq yards plot for Telangana movement fighters

“We have promised to provide a house plot and Rs 5 lakh for the construction of a house for the homeless through the Indirimma Indlu scheme. 250-square-foot house for those who fought for the Telangana movement. Whenever we come to power you will get a house over your head,” Rahul Gandhi said.

The second Guarantee is “Mahalakshmi” Rs 2500 monthly allowance to all women,Gas cylinder at Rs. 500 and Free travel in all TSRTC buses across the state.

“Every month women will get Rs 2500. Narendra Modi has given you Rs 1000 gas cylinder, we will give you Rs 500 cylinder,” he said speaking on the Mahalaxmi scheme. “Karnataka buses are free for Karnataka women…Telangana women will also get this benefit once the Congress party comes to power,” he added.

The third Guarantee is Gruha Jyoti – 200 units free electricity

Rahul Gandhi also promised “200 units of free electricity every month through Griha Jyoti Scheme.” Moreover, under the Yuva Vikasam scheme, he promised “five lakh assistance to youths going to colleges, and for coaching fees.”

Fourth Guarantee is for the elderly: Cheyutha – Rs. 4000 pension – Rs. 10 lakh Rajiv Arogyasri insurance

The Congress MP also promised Rs 4000 monthly pension for the elderly and Rs 10 lakh health insurance under the Rajiv ArogyaShri scheme.’

Fifth Guarantee is Rythu Bharosa: Rs 15,000 annually to all farmers and tenant farmers alongwith Rs. 12,000 for agri labour and Rs. 500 bonus for paddy crops

Moreover, under Rythu Bharosa, Rahul Gandhi promised “Rs 15,000 for every acre to our farmer and Rs 12000 for every agricultural labourer.”

The sixth Guarantee is for youth i.e. Yuva Vikasam – Vidya Bharosa card worth Rs. 5 lakh for students – Telangana International Schools in every mandal

Assuring people that these guarantees will be fulfilled in the first meeting of the cabinet once Congress forms the government in the state, he asked them that they can crosscheck and verify in neighbouring Karnataka where they had promised similar guarantees and which have already been fulfilled.

The party leaders also lashed out at the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for his secret understanding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and indulging in rampant corruption and benefitting his own family.

Leading the charge, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said that while the Congress delivered the promise of a separate Telangana state, KCR brought it to the brink of bankruptcy with over Rs 3.60 lakh crore debt, while the state was earlier financially surplus.

He alleged that Prime Minister Modi and the Chief Minister KCR had joined hands together.

He reminded people that it was Sonia Gandhi who had promised them a separate Telangana state and fulfilled her promise, but everything was squandered away and looted by KCR in the last ten years.

Meanwhile, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi announced the Mahalakshmi scheme for empowering the women of Telangana. She said, that under the Mahalakshmi scheme Rs 2,500 per month, financial assistance will be given to every woman in the state. Besides, she added, gas cylinders will be provided at Rs 500 and women will get free travel facilities in TSRTC buses across the state.

Reminding people about the creation of a separate state of Telangana, she said, “I along with my colleagues have the opportunity to be a part of the birth of this great state, Telangana. Now it is our duty to elevate it to new heights.”

“It has been my dream to see the Congress government in Telangana that will work for all sections of society. Are you all going to give us your support?” she asked the public.

Earlier today, the two-day Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Hyderabad concluded, with party leaders expressing optimism about receiving a “clear mandate” in the upcoming assembly elections in five states.

Congress chief of all poll-bound States has given presentations during the meeting about their strategy and preparations, sources said.

Calling the upcoming polls a “do-or-die fight”, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said that the party is determined to remove the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“This two-day meeting has put up a clear-cut agenda. It is a do-or-die fight for Congressmen. In 2024 we have to remove this (BJP) government. Therefore this is a call from the CWC to the workers of the party throughout the country. Now without taking a rest, we have to fight to win,” Venugopal said after concluding the two-day Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

He further asserted that Congress is going to form the government in all five states.

“As far as assembly elections are concerned, we are very confident that we are going to form the government in all five states.”

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Pilot who attended the meeting said that we have discussed and made strategies on how to defeat the BJP and other parties.

“This meeting was held for elections…Despite getting a complete majority, the BJP government has failed… We have discussed and made strategies on how to defeat the BJP and other parties. The Congress will win the upcoming elections in all five states,” Pilot said.

After the CWC meeting, Congress leader Ambika Soni said, “That (discussion on INDIA alliance) was not on the agenda but to fight the election, everybody gave their opinion”

Moreover, Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar called the meeting fruitful.

“Very very fruitful (meeting). It will change the face of Telangana, it will change the face of India…we have assured the country that Congress will come back,” Shivakumar said.

Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls later this year. (ANI)

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Greater Collaboration Needed Between Judges & Lawyers: CJI

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, while addressing lawyers at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, remarked that greater collaboration between judges and lawyers is a prerequisite for strengthening the legal system and making it resilient for future challenges.

While addressing a gathering of over 600 advocates at Chatrapati Sambhaji

Nagar today, the Chief Justice of India emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between judges and lawyers to find solutions for the betterment of the legal system and the administration of justice.

The CJI was addressing an event organised to mark the 75th Marathwada Liberation Day, also known as Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Chandrachud shared the importance of the Marathwada liberation movement in Marathi.

The CJI unfurled the national flag at the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court, in accordance with the annual tradition to commemorate a day of historic significance to Marathwada, Maharashtra and the nation.

Speaking to the lawyers, the CJI cautioned against lawyers resorting to strikes and boycotting courts. He emphasised that issues could always be amicably resolved by discussion and co-operation between the Bar and the Bench.

Emphasizing the need to ensure that women are given a significant voice in the legal system, as legal professionals, the CJI stated that it is a constitutional duty of every member of the legal profession to provide substantive institutional support and encouragement to women lawyers.

For the young lawyers, he encouraged all lawyers to provide proper guidance and support to the young members of the legal profession.

Though India obtained freedom from colonial rule on 15 August 1947, a few princely states including Hyderabad (which was under the Nizam) refused to merge with the Union of India.

There was popular unrest against the Nizam and a movement for liberating Marathwada gained roots. The populace was subjected to unrelenting atrocities. Innumerable people sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Marathwada. Amidst the unrest, the government of India launched a military operation named Operation Polo.

On 17 September 1948, the Nizam eventually surrendered and agreed to the merger. There were several internal freedom movements such as the Marathwada Mukti Sangram which ensured that India became a union of states. (ANI)

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Protests Erupt In Iran On Death Anniv On Mahsa Amini

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

Protests broke out across Iran to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who passed away while being held by Iran’s morality police after being detained for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly in September last year, reported CNN.

Mahsa was imprisoned for allegedly violating Iranian law about headscarves.

According to CNN, the protests took place in a number of Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashad, Ahvaz, Lahijan, Arak, and the Kurdish city of Senandaj.

Some demonstrators also shouted anti-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death slogans.

As a show of force, the authorities stationed armed guards in various places, and Lahijan in the north saw images of police pursuing protestors, CNN reported.

Even as Saturday marked the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a progressive Iranian woman who stood up against the draconian Hijab rule and whose alleged custodial death sparked furious protests, the Iranian authorities detained her father, CNN reported citing Iranian journalists and rights group.

Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, died last September after being detained by the regime’s infamous morality police and taken to a “re-education centre,” allegedly for failing to wear her headscarf properly.

According to an Iranian journalist, Amini’s father, Amjad, was regularly summoned by the security officers in recent months following her daughter’s death. “Today he was detained for a few hours,” CNN reported, citing the journalist.

Amini’s family visited her grace in the western Kurdish city of Saqqez on the eve of the one-year anniversary of her death, CNN reported citing IranWire.

However, following that day, Amjad was detained by the authorities for three to four hours with his son.

Moreover, Amjad’s son was warned that he would be banished to a remote village if he encouraged people to attend Amini’s death anniversary ceremonies, the report claimed.

However, Iranian authorities denied reports of Amjad’s detention.

IRNA, Iran’s local media outlet, described the reports as “false” in a Telegram post, according to CNN. Earlier, on Tuesday, Amini’s uncle, Sada Aeli, was apprehended by the Iranian authorities, according to a member of her family and reports from the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

Amini’s death triggered the largest protests Iran had witnessed in years, turning into a larger social movement with demonstrators protesting the regime’s treatment of women among other issues as well.

Earlier, on Saturday, over 20 Iranian individuals and entities connected to the harsh repression of protests after Amini’s death a year ago were subjected to penalties by the Joe Biden administration on Friday, reported CNN.

The newest round of sanctions was in retaliation for Tehran’s ruthless crackdown on the demonstrators, who took to the streets after Amini passed away while in the custody of Iran’s morality police. (ANI)

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Congress Fighting Against BJP-BRS-AIMIM, Says Rahul Gandhi

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

Asserting that though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) call themselves different parties, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that they work together in unison in Telangana but the Congress party is fighting against BJP-BRS-AIMIM combine.

“In Telangana, the Congress party is not fighting against BRS but with BRS, BJP and AIMIM combined. They call themselves different parties but they are working together unitedly,” Rahul Gandhi said speaking at Vijayabheri Sabha at Telangana’s Tukkuguda.

“I have watched the BRS with my own eyes in Parliament. Whenever BJP needed them the BRS supported them. They supported Narendra Modi while passing the Farmers’ Bill. When it came to the election for the President, Vice President they supported Narendra Modi. They supported GST,” Rahul Gandhi listed out the instances the BRS supported the BJP in Parliament.

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the three parties chose to disturb the Congress party’s Vijayabheri Sabha by holding public meetings on the same day.

“We decided to hold a public meeting today, all three chose to hold public meetings today so that they can disturb our meeting. But Telangana supported the Congress, so they were not able to disturb us. They will call each other up in the evening and will figure something out to oppose the Congress party,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi also claimed that there are no cases against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao or AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi since Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers them his “own people”.

“There are cases against every Opposition leader by the central agencies, whether it is the ED or the CBI. But there is no case against the Telangana Chief Minister KCR nor the AIMIM chief. They just fight against the opposition. Narendra Modi does not fight against their own people. They think your Chief Minister and AIMIM to be their own. So there is no case against them. They have broken all records of corruption but there is no case by the ED, CBI,” he said.

The Congress MP also listed out six guarantees by the party once it comes to power in the state.

“We have promised to provide a house plot and 5 lakh rupees for the construction of a house to the homeless through the Indirimma Illu scheme. 250-square-foot house for those who fought for the Telangana movement. Whenever we come to power you will get a house over your head,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi also promised “200 units of free electricity every month through Griha Jyoti Scheme.” Moreover under the Yuva Vikasam scheme he promised “five lakh assistance to youths going to colleges, and for coaching fees.”

The Congress MP also promised Rs 4000 monthly pension for the elderly and Rs 10 lakh health insurance under Rajiv ArogyaShri scheme.

Moreover, under Rythu Bharosa, Rahul Gandhi promised “Rs 15,000 for every acre to our farmer and Rs 12000 for every agricultural labourer.”

Drawing a reference from the success of their guarantees in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi said, “In Karnataka elections, Narendra Modi said in his speech that the Congress party won’t be able to fulfill its guarantees. We gave five guarantees to Karnataka. We implemented them the day our Cabinet was sworn in. The day the Congress party will form the government here, that very day you will receive your guarantees.”

Speaking about the scams undertaken by the BRS government through their schemes, Rahul Gandhi said, “They (BRS) stole Rs 1 lakh crore in the Kaleshwaram project, they took away your land in the Dharinin portal scam,…big landowners were benefitted from the Rythu Bandhi scheme…,they leaked your public service paper. We want to give you back what they have looted.”

Telangana will go to polls by the end of this year. The state is expected to see a three-pronged contest against the Congress, BJP and BRS. The results of the assembly elections is expected to set the tone for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. (ANI)

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Sonia Promises Six Guarantees To Telangana Ahead of Polls

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly election that is slated to be held this year, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday announced “six guarantees” adding that it’s her dream to see the Congress government in the state.

“To fulfil the aspiration of the people of Telangana, we (Congress) are announcing six guarantees Mahalakshmi been the first one. We are committed to fulfilling each one of them,” Sonia said at a public rally at Vijayabheri Sabha in Tukkuguda.

Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls later this year.

She further said that 2,500 per month financial assistance will be given to women in Telangana under the Mahalakshmi scheme.

“Rs 2,500 per month financial assistance will be given to women in Telangana under the Mahalakshmi scheme, gas cylinders at Rs 500, and free travel for women in TSRC buses across the state,” she added.

While concluding her speech, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson further said that I along with my colleagues had the opportunity to be part of the birth of this great state Telangana. Now it is our duty to take it to a new height.

“It has been my dream to see the Congress government in Telangana that will work for all sections of society. Are you all going to give us your support?” she asked the public.

Congress chief of all poll-bound States has given presentations during the meeting about their strategy and preparations, sources said. (ANI)

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Indian Army Soldier on Leave Abducted, Killed In Manipur

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

A 41-year-old Indian Army soldier was abducted and later killed while he was on leave in Manipur’s Imphal West district, officials said on Sunday.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ministry of Defence, Sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom (41), was abducted and later killed by three unidentified miscreants, while on leave at Tarung, Happy Valley, Imphal West.

He was deployed at Leimakhong Military Station, Manipur, officials said, adding that he is survived by his wife and two children.

“Sepoy Serto was abducted from his home at about 10:00 am on September 16, 2023. As per the statement of his 10-year-old son, who is the only eyewitness to the crime, said that three miscreants entered the home while the father and son were working on the porch and placed a pistol on his father’s head and forced him into a white coloured vehicle, and drove away with him,” Defence PRO said in a statement.

“There was no news of the braveheart till this morning. At about 9:30 AM his body was found at Khuningthek Village, East of Mongjam under Sogolmang Police Station, Imphal East,” the statement read. (ANI)