Monthly Archives: August 2018

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday designated Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) as a banned entity. The official notification stated that the group seeks to establish an Islamic state and caliphate worldwide through jihad and terrorism and was banned under the Unlawful Activities (Preventions) Act of 1967.

“‘Hizb-Ut-Tahrir is an organisation which aims to establish Islamic state and Caliphate globally including in India by overthrowing democratically elected Governments through jihad and terrorist activities by involving citizens of the country, which is a grave threat to the democratic setup and internal security of the country…HuT is involved in radicalisation and motivation of gullible youth to join terrorist organisations, such as ISIS (which is listed as a terrorist organisation under the First Schedule to the said Act at serial number 38) and raising funds for terror activities…Hizb-Ut-Tahrir is promoting terrorism by using various social media platforms, secure apps and by conducting Dawah meetings to encourage gullible youth to indulge in acts of terrorism,” stated the order issued by the Centre.

The ministry highlighted that HuT promotes terrorism through social media, secure messaging apps, and ‘Dawah’ meetings, targeting impressionable individuals to engage in violent acts. The notification also emphasised that HuT’s goal of overthrowing democratically elected governments poses a serious threat to India’s democratic framework and internal security.

Consequently, the central government concluded that Hizb-ut-Tahrir is involved in terrorism and has participated in various acts of terrorism within India, leading to its classification as a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

The ban on HuT will extend to all its forms and affiliated groups. Founded in 1953, HuT is an international pan-Islamic organisation with a long-term objective of establishing a caliphate governed by Islamic law. Its headquarters are in Lebanon, and it operates in over 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The group has a history of praising and celebrating attacks against Israel and Jewish communities.

Several countries, including Germany, Egypt, the UK, and various Central Asian and Arab nations, have already banned HuT due to its subversive activities.

Tamil Nadu NIA Arrests

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a key suspect in the Tamil Nadu Hizb-ut-Tahrir case on Tuesday, which involves spreading disaffection and secessionism by promoting the group’s anti-India ideology. So far, the NIA has arrested seven individuals in connection with this case, reported PTI.

The central probe agency has accused these individuals of actively promoting secessionism and seeking military support from Pakistan to liberate Kashmir. According to the PTI report, the NIA allege that the conspiracy’s ultimate aim was to establish a caliphate by overthrowing the Indian government through violent jihad.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) is the law designed to prevent and address unlawful and terrorist activities. Enacted to enhance homeland security, the act facilitates the prosecution of individuals involved in actions that threaten the state or its citizens.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised the centrality of public trust to the credibility and legitimacy of the judiciary, stating that the Indian Supreme Court has evolved into the “people’s court”. He was speaking at the Bhutan Distinguished Speakers’…

Satya Prakash

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised the centrality of public trust to the credibility and legitimacy of the judiciary, stating that the Indian Supreme Court has evolved into the “people’s court”. He was speaking at the Bhutan Distinguished Speakers’ Forum, part of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck Lecture Series, on the theme “Judicial Legitimacy through Accessibility, Transparency and Technology: The Indian Experience.”

Highlighting the Court’s commitment to public accessibility, the CJI said, “The Indian Supreme Court prides itself in being the people’s court,” and as one of the most powerful constitutional courts in the world, it has a heavier obligation toward the people of India.

The CJI underscored the apex court’s efforts to dilute procedural requirements, citing how it often opens itself to matters with as little formality as a letter. He mentioned a recent case where the SC intervened to grant admission to a young Dalit student, whose father was a daily wage earner, after he failed to deposit a fee of Rs 17,500 for IIT, Dhanbad, on time. “We felt that the constitutional power under Article 142 to do complete justice had to be exercised here,” he said.

Hundreds of Punjabi students in Canada have taken to the streets against the government decision to impose a cap on immigration workers. Fearing deportation, these students, who arrived with the hope of a promising future, are now expressing their anguish..

Hundreds of Punjabi students in Canada have taken to the streets against the government decision to impose a cap on immigration workers.

Fearing deportation, these students, who arrived with the hope of a promising future, are now expressing their anguish on the streets.

The new policy, which limits the number of international students eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) and other employment-related immigration pathways, has sparked outrage, particularly among the Punjabi student community, which fears its future prospects in Canada are bleak. The policy changes have had a severe impact on these students as many who intended to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies have now been left in a limbo, their dreams of settling down in Canada shattered.

The protests, which began in Toronto and have since spread to cities like Brampton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Montreal, saw students carrying signs that read “We deserve a future” and “Stop targeting international students”. Many voiced frustration over the sudden change, which, they say, unfairly penalises them after they’ve invested years and significant financial resources in their education in Canada.

Outrage over cap on immigration workers

A new policy, which limits the number of international students eligible for postgraduation work permits, has sparked outrage

• The policy changes have shattered the dreams of many who intended to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies

The students are holding a permanent protest at Queen Street in Brampton since August-end, which has been getting a good response. Punjabi singers Rupinder Handa, Guru Randhawa and many others recently visited the protest site and announced their support to the protesters.

As many as 54 trade unions under the Ontario Federation of Workers and Migrants, an advocacy group for Filipino migrant workers, have extended support to the students’ protest.

Bikram, who heads the Naujawan Support Network, the association which spearheaded the protest at Brampton, said, “We came here with dreams of building a future. We followed the rules, paid our fees and now, they are slamming the door on us. This isn’t fair.”

Mehakdeep Singh, a former student in Canada who belongs to Mansa district in Punjab and is facing deportation, said, “I spent the most crucial six years of my life taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes and earned enough CRS points for my PR, but the government has been unfair.”

Student leaders claimed that the move to not give extension to those with PGWPs was likely to affect around 1.3 lakh international students.

They thanked Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota for supporting their protest and urged Punjabi community MPs to raise their concerns.

Despite the mounting protests, the Canadian government has defended its policy. A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the cap was necessary to ensure that Canada’s immigration system remained sustainable. “We understand the frustration of students, but Canada must manage the flow of workers to meet economic and societal needs,” the spokesperson said.

Known for its warmth and hospitality, Punjab is of ten called the heart of India. Embracing this spirit, delegates from various states visited Ferozepur, expe riencing the rich culture and historical sites especially the National Martyrs’ Memorial (Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev) and Retreat Ceremony near the Zero Line. The visit, organized by Akal E World Mohali, brought together representatives from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Ut tar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh Chawla and Amreek Singh Sandhu, the del egates toured significant landmarks, including the Saragarhi Memorial, Barkhi Memorial, Shaheedi Samarak Hussainiwala, and attended the retreat ceremony. Many of these visitors expressed their admiration for Punjab’s enduring charm and the legendary generosity of its people. They noted that while the media often portrays Punjab in a certain light, their first hand experience revealed a land rich in heritage and generosity. During the meeting, Harmanpreet Singh Chawla and Amreek Singh Sandhu announced their inten tions to promote electric vehicles in Punjab and other states, aiming to combat pollution and foster sustainable growth

PUNJAB EXPRESS BUREAU Chandigarh, October 9 Punjab Minister for De fence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture Depart ments, Mohinder Bhagat said that the Bhgawant Mann government to strengthen the District Defence Services Welfare Offices across the state to facilitate the ex-service men in a big way. During his visit to the Saink Sadan, Phase 10, Mohali (District Defence Services Welfare Office), the Minister said during his interaction with the media and ex-servicemen that the visit is aimed to take the stock of existing set-up and facilities being given by the district de fence services welfare of fices so that the shortcom ings would be overcome. He said that these offices have been taking care of the ex-servicemen, and their families very well by facilitating them with all the entitlements and rais ing their demands with the state in case they need so. After getting a guard of honor from the police contingent during his first visit to the district, he of fered floral tribute to the 1965 Kargil Hero, Maha vir Chakra Major Baljit Singh’s statue at the Sainik Sadan. He said that the martyrs of freedom strug gle and defence forces have great respect among every citizen of the Nation and we must take care of their families for their unparal leled valiant and sacrifice for the Nation. Interacting with the ex-servicemen, Veer Na ris and family members of army personnel, the Minister said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab govern ment will not let them any problem at all and they will be treated as the most respected persons. He said that the ex-gratia amount that has been en hanced to Rs 1 crore is a befitting tribute to the martyrs of the defence forces by the state govern ment to express solidarity with their families. On raising concern over the disparity in PWD pen sion and the need for lump sum honorarium for the war widows till the sanc tion of family pension, the Minister assured that the disparities would be removed besides grant ing a lump sum amount of honorarium is under consideration of the State Government. He assured that the issues raised here and related to the Gov ernment of India would also be taken up with wthe central government for their early disposal

A day after militants allegedly abducted a Territorial Army jawan from a forest area in south Kashmir, the security forces on Wednesday found his bullet-riddled body during a search operation that was launched on Tuesday. Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said…

Adil Akhzer

A day after militants allegedly abducted a Territorial Army jawan from a forest area in south Kashmir, the security forces on Wednesday found his bullet-riddled body during a search operation that was launched on Tuesday.

Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a post on X that following intelligence inputs, a joint operation was launched by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies in Kokernag’s Kazwan forest.

“The operation continued overnight,” the Army said in the morning. A few hours later, it announced the death of the soldier. “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Hilal Ahmad Bhat in the line of duty,” it said.

A day after militants allegedly abducted a Territorial Army jawan from a forest area in south Kashmir, the security forces on Wednesday found his bullet-riddled body during a search operation that was launched on Tuesday.

Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a post on X that following intelligence inputs, a joint operation was launched by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies in Kokernag’s Kazwan forest.

“The operation continued overnight,” the Army said in the morning. A few hours later, it announced the death of the soldier. “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Hilal Ahmad Bhat in the line of duty,” it said.

Sources told The Tribune that two Army personnel of the 162 Battalion came face to face with militants during a reconnaissance mission in the forest. While one of them managed to escape and reported back at his unit, the other was allegedly abducted. The security forces launched a search operation, which led to the recovery of the body. “The operation is underway to hunt down the militants,” said a senior police officer.

This is not the first time that militants have abducted Army soldiers in the Valley. In 2022, Sameer Ahmad Malla was abducted in central Kashmir and his body was recovered three days later. In 2020, Territorial Army’s Shakir Manzoor Wagay was picked up from Shopian and his body was found a year later in an orchard.

Sources told The Tribune that two Army personnel of the 162 Battalion came face to face with militants during a reconnaissance mission in the forest. While one of them managed to escape and reported back at his unit, the other was allegedly abducted. The security forces launched a search operation, which led to the recovery of the body. “The operation is underway to hunt down the militants,” said a senior police officer.

This is not the first time that militants have abducted Army soldiers in the Valley. In 2022, Sameer Ahmad Malla was abducted in central Kashmir and his body was recovered three days later. In 2020, Territorial Army’s Shakir Manzoor Wagay was picked up from Shopian and his body was found a year later in an orchard.

Kidnapped Hero soldier, Hilal Ahmad Bhat

An Indian Army soldier was found dead, with bullet injuries on his body, after being kidnapped by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, police sources said on Wednesday, October 9.

Two soldiers, belonging to the 161 unit of the Territorial Army, were kidnapped from the forest area in Anantnag during a joint anti-terror operation that was launched on October 8 by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. But, one of them managed to escape, even after suffering two bullet injuries.

The injured soldier was rushed to a medical facility for necessary treatment and his condition remains stable, sources said.

Later, the bullet-ridden body of the kidnapped soldier, Hilal Ahmad Bhat, was recovered from Anantnag’s Pathribal forest area on Wednesday. The incident came a day after the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly results.

A massive operation has been launched by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir to track the terrorists involved in the incident.

Chinar Corp’s Post On X.

“Based on intelligence input, a joint counter-terrorist operation was launched by the Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies in Kazwan Forest in Kokernag on October 8. The operation continued overnight as one soldier of the Territorial Army was reported missing,” Indian Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Core said in a post on X.

Earlier in August this year, two soldiers were killed, and three others were injured in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Anantnag.

Prior to this, four Army personnel and a police officer lost their lives in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district in an encounter with heavily armed terrorists. The attack was claimed by the ‘Kashmir Tigers,’ a proxy group of the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

(With Inputs From Agencies)

Sources told India Today that the conference will be addressed by several key figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

All senior commanders of the Indian Army will be convening in Sikkim for a crucial conference. This meeting, scheduled for October 10-11, marks the first time top Army officials will gather at a location near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The conference will be addressed by key figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told India Today. The discussions will focus on pressing security concerns, particularly the ongoing situation along the LAC, with special attention to the sensitive regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where frequent stand-offs and face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces have occurred.

This meeting also serves as the inaugural conference for General Upendra Dwivedi, who assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2024. Recently, General Dwivedi described the border situation with China as “stable but not normal,” reflecting the complexities of the ongoing tensions, which have persisted for four years, entering their fifth winter.

The second phase of the conference is expected to take place in New Delhi on October 28-29. Commanders will also analyse lessons from recent global conflicts to better equip the Indian forces, considering the challenges faced by different arms of the Army.

As the Army leadership comes together to address these critical issues, the focus remains on ensuring the security and stability of India’s borders amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

Guwahati: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA was extended in four districts of Assam for six months in view of the “recent disturbances” in Bangladesh and its potentially inimical effect on the internal law and order situation, according to a notification issued on Tuesday. The districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar will remain “disturbed area” under the AFSPA, it said.

Reports from various agencies obtained through the police headquarters have indicated that “due to sustained efforts and proactive counter-insurgency measures of the security forces, the overall scenario in the state of Assam has significantly improved during the last few years and particularly during last three years”, the notification said.

“However, due to the recent disturbances in the neighbouring country Bangladesh and its potentially inimical effect on internal law and order situation, the Government of Assam recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 may be retained for another 6 (six) months,” it added.

Under the AFSPA, an area is declared “disturbed” for the convenience of security forces.

The proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which after due consideration decided to maintain the “status quo” regarding disturbed areas in the state for a further period of six months from October 1, the notification said.

The four districts have been the only areas under AFSPA in the state since October last year, with the law being gradually withdrawn from other parts.

It was withdrawn from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao last year, while other areas were taken out of its purview earlier.

The AFSPA was first imposed in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then.

The Act empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. It also gives a certain level of immunity to the security forces in case of an operation going wrong.

Civil society groups and rights activists have been demanding the withdrawal of the “draconian law” from the entire Northeast, claiming a violation of human rights by the armed forces.

The cry to repeal the Act gained renewed momentum following the death of 14 civilians in firing by security forces in a botched anti-insurgency operation and retaliatory violence in the Mon district of Nagaland on December 4, 2021.

(With Inputs From Agencies)