Political pundit Rajkumar Kalyanjit Singh observed that in view of the ethnic violence, the political parties have to consider the permutation-combination of the prevailing complex ethnic situation in the violence ravaged state…reports SUJIT CHAKRABORTY
As the Election Commission readies to conduct elections to the two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur, the political parties here are grappling with ethnic issues to decide their strategies because of the over 10-month long ethnic violence between the non-tribal Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zomi communities.
Though Manipur has 34 different communities, the non-tribal Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zomi and Naga people dominate the state’s politics and other electoral aspects.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the valley areas comprising six districts while the Nagas, Kuki-Zomi constitute a little over 40 per cent and reside in the remaining 10 mountainous districts.
Even as the Election Commission will issue the statutory notifications in two days (on March 20), the major political parties including the ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress are yet to declare their candidates.
Political pundit Rajkumar Kalyanjit Singh observed that in view of the ethnic violence, the political parties have to consider the permutation-combination of the prevailing complex ethnic situation in the violence ravaged state.
“Political parties in Manipur have to give balanced consideration in selecting candidates and formulating election related strategies,” Singh said.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh of the ruling BJP won from the Inner Manipur seat in 2019 while Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader Lorho S Pfoze represents the Outer Manipur constituency.
The BJP’s senior most state vice-president Nongthombam Nimbus Singh said the party has already formed a state level election management committee to take up the overall task for the polls.
“The committee has 32 different departments and each department will take the onus to smoothen the assigned tasks. Besides the committee, all members of the party numbering over four lakh have begun work at the booth level across the state,” said Nimbus Singh.
Once the party’s central election committee in New Delhi announces the names of the candidates for the state, the statewide campaign would be rolled out for which everything is in place, he pointed out.
On the other hand, the opposition Congress has a different say, as its state vice-president and spokesperson Kh Debabrata Singh said that their first demand was to defer the election taking into account the unceasing ethnic violence.
“Our request is to bring a solution first and polls next. Though election is mandatory, the climate for the polls at this juncture is not conducive,” he said, adding that as the poll dates have been announced, “we have to participate in it.”
The Election Commission has decided to hold the election in Inner Manipur constituency on April 19 while polling would be held in the Outer Manipur seat (reserved for the tribals) in two phases on April 19 and April 26.
Meanwhile, even as the Communist Party of India (CPI) is a partner in the 10 ‘like-minded’ parties’ alliance in Manipur led by the Congress, the Left party on Saturday nominated Laishram Sotinkumar as its candidate from the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency.
A CPI leader said that the party’s national executive meeting held on March 14 decided to field Sotinkumar, a former state council secretary, from the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat.
A veteran Left leader, Sotinkumar, who is currently serving as the General Secretary of the AITUC in Manipur, said that his party would extend full support to the Congress candidate in the Outer Manipur seat.
“We may reconsider contesting the Lok Sabha elections if normalcy and peace are not restored in the state,” the Left leader said.
Besides the Congress and the CPI, the other parties part of the alliance are the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Shiv Sena-UBT, Janata Dal-United and the Nationalist Congress Party.
A Congress leader slammed the CPI for their unilateral announcement of the candidate and said that it will divide the anti-BJP opposition votes.
In Manipur, a total of 20,26,623 voters, including 10,46,706, women, are eligible to cast their votes in 2955 polling stations in the state’s two Lok Sabha seats.
Food insecurity in Somalia to worsen by May 2022: UN.(photo: twitter.com/OCHASom)
The office added that halfway through the year, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia received just 33 per cent of the $2.6 billion needed, heavily impacting the work of the UN…reports Asian Lite News
The risk of famine still lingers in Somalia among displaced people despite increased humanitarian assistance and rains bringing some relief from the devastating drought, UN humanitarians said.
However, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday warned of a funding shortfall and continuing violence affecting the delivery of relief.
According to OCHA, the Unicef reported the lack of financing could affect its provision of water and sanitation services, emergency education and nutrition services. The World Food Programme (WFP) had to cut food assistance from more than four million people assisted in March to 1.8 million people in July.
The office said more partners would be forced to suspend, scale back or shut down programmes if additional funding is not received immediately. In addition to the lack of resources, violence continues to hamper the humanitarian response, OCHA said, noting that on July 25, Medecins Sans Frontieres announced its withdrawal of support to the General Hospital in Laas Caanood due to insecurity.
Despite the threat of violence, the humanitarian office added that relief assistance continues to be delivered. “As of June, our partners have reached some 5.7 million people,” OCHA said.
“A polio vaccination campaign has just been completed, reaching 2.4 million children under the age of five years across the country.” The office added that halfway through the year, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia received just 33 per cent of the $2.6 billion needed, heavily impacting the work of the UN.
Humanitarian assistance must be sustained to avoid a slide into the worst outcomes in Somalia, OCHA said.
Amidst these controversies, on May 3rd, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur organized a rally called the “Tribal Unity Rally” in Churachandpur, approximately 65 kilometers away from Imphal…reports Asian Lite News
Massive violence has been plaguing Manipur, resulting in a devastating human tragedy. Over 150 casualties have been reported and numerous individuals have been forced to evacuate. The horrifying incidents that have unfolded during this period are an affront to humanity. The state government is facing serious allegations amidst this chaos. Additionally, various concerns have been raised about the root causes of the widespread violence in Manipur. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incident in Manipur.
When this controversy began?
There has been an ongoing demand to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. The Meitei Association had filed a petition in the Manipur High Court.The petition stated that prior to India’s merger in 1949, the Meitei community had been recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, but this recognition was withdrawn later. They argued that it is important to grant tribal status to the Meitei community in order to preserve their ancestors’ land, traditions, culture, and language. On April 14, 2023, the Manipur High Court delivered its verdict on this matter, directing the state government to submit its response within four weeks.
The recent decision of the High Court has heated up Manipur’s atmosphere. The Naga and Kuki tribes have started opposing it. According to Tribal groups in Manipur, Meitei community holds significant economic and political dominance. They believe that if Meiteis are granted tribal status, it will result in the reduction of job opportunities for them. Additionally, they worry that Meiteis will start purchasing land in the hills, pushing the other tribal groups to the margins. Not only this, but these tribal groups also mention that the language of the Meitei community is included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, and they also receive benefits under the Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories.
Amidst these controversies, on May 3rd, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur organized a rally called the “Tribal Unity Rally” in Churachandpur, approximately 65 kilometers away from Imphal. Thousands of people participated in this rally. However, clashes broke out between tribal and other groups during the event. Consequently, this violence spread to other areas as well.
Opium cultivation behind Manipur violence?
Opium cultivation has been a significant issue in Manipur for many years. Several media reports have also mentioned opium cultivation is related to the violence in Manipur. These media reports suggest that the state government has been taking strict action against opium cultivation, which is mainly associated with the Kuki community.
According to a report from the BBC,” the underlying tensions in Manipur stem from a complex interplay of various factors, one of which is a recent crackdown on drugs in recent years. The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)-led state government, under Chief Minister N Biren Singh who is a Meitei, launched a controversial campaign targeting poppy farming. Since 2017, his government claims to have destroyed more than 18,600 acres of poppy farms, the majority of them in Kuki-inhabited areas. (Manipur has long battled a drug-addiction crisis and is among four north-eastern Indian states bordering Myanmar, The world’s second-largest opium producer).
In addition to that, several media reports have cited opium cultivation as major reason behind violence in Manipur.
Fake and Misleading News over Manipur Violence
Social media is also being used to spread a variety of false and misleading information about the violence in Manipur. The DFRAC team has fact-checked this fake news. Here are some fact-checks-
Fact-Check 1
A video is shared on Social media, claiming that a separate team of naked women has formed to protest against the police in Manipur.
Viral video is not associated with Manipur. In fact, this video was taken during the civic elections in Uttar Pradesh, when supporters of independent candidate Sonu Kinnar created a ruckus alleging rigging in the municipal council elections in Chandauli district. The fact check can be read by clicking on the link below
Fact-Check 2
Users on Social media are claiming that the 300-year-old has been turned into ashes. When the video was fact-checked, it was discovered that it wasn’t shot in Manipur but rather during the unrest in France.
Fact-Check 3
A video is getting viral on social media, showing a woman being assaulted. Users claim that this Christian woman was murdered for shouting ‘Out Modi’. A user wrote: “Warning, The world needs to know about Hindu terror. Whilst #modi travels the world and is worshiped by the Hindu despora. Back in India. Muslims, Sikhs and Christians are being systematically killed by the state. This poor Christian was murdered for simply calling out modi!”
Fact
The incident shown in the viral video is dated February 2022 and is from Myanmar, not India. That is why the assertion made by users of social media is misleading.
‘Anti-India disinformation Campaign’
Pakistani users have tweeted extensively, giving a religious angle to the Manipur incident. These users have portrayed Manipur’s ethnic struggle as a persecution of Christians (Kuki-Naga) by Hindus (Meiteis) and have spread this narrative as a form of Hindu atrocities. However, several media reports have already revealed that this is not a religious violence but a struggle for land and rights. Pakistani users have cleverly linked the Manipur violence with the Sikh opposition riots of 1984. They have even shared a collage of two photos to support their claim. You can see the collage here.
Collage’s Fact-check
One of the most interesting things here is that the photo being circulated in Pakistan’s viral collage, claiming to depict the 1984 Sikh genocide, is actually not from India at all. This photo is from the violence against Tamil-speakers that occurred in Sri Lanka in 1983, which is also known as the civil war. It is also referred to as “Black July.”
Manipur search trend on Google in Pakistan:
“Manipur Violence” is a Google Trend that shows the popularity of this keyword in Pakistan. It started on July 18th and was searched the most. Additionally, Manipur was searched in Pakistan on other days as well. Apart from this, Islamabad had the highest searches for Manipur in Pakistan. Following that, Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the highest number of searches
The Manipur violence has been the most searched topic in India. Following that, significant numbers of searches on the same keyword were made from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Singapore as well.
On the other hand, tweets of some Pakistani users running anti-India campaign are being given here-
“A user named Mudassar (@MudassarJatta) from Pakistan wrote: ” The torture that happened to Sikh women in 1984 by the goons of the Indian government and justice has not been given even after the passage of so many years. And today again Hindu goons are doing it to Christian women’s in Manipur.where is democracy?”
“A user named Proud Pakistani (@S_kamikhan) wrote on Twitter: ” Christian women parraded by Hindus in #manipur , that’s extremely shameful and disgusting.”
“A user named Inaya Ajaz (@InayaAjaz), a resident of Lahore, Pakistan, wrote: ” The torture that happened to Sikh women in 1984 by the goons of the Indian government and justice has not been given even after the passage of so many years. And today again Hindu goons are doing it to Christian women’s in Manipur.where is democracy?”
“A user named M Sufyan Basra (@msufyanbasra), an employee of the School Education Department of Pakistan’s Punjab province, wrote: ” The atrocities inflicted upon Sikh women in 1984 by Hindu goons, along with the absence of justice for so many years, remain deeply concerning. Sadly, even today, similar acts are being perpetrated against Christian women in Manipur by Hindu goons”.
An attempt to link Manipur violence with religion:
Users on social media have shared posts about the ethnic violence in Manipur, labeling it as a religious angle. They are attempting to depict the violence as being motivated by religious intolerance or hatred, by mentioning the religious identity of the victims as Christian women. The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has shared this incident, highlighting its religious aspect.
Ashok Swain has shared a post regarding Manipur. His tweet refers to the situation in Manipur, using a communal tone. In this tweet, he reveals the long-standing violence, the high number of casualties (mostly attributed to the Christian community), multiple church burnings, and the displacement of a significant number of people belonging to a particular religious group. Additionally, the tweet mentions the objectification and sexual harassment of Naga women by the Kuki community.
The tweet by a user named Abu Hafsa gives a communal angle to the Manipur incident by portraying it as two sides Kuki (Christian) and Meitei (Hindu).
The tweet by the South Asia Index reflects a communal angle behind the Manipur violence. It seems to reveals the religious tension prevalent in the region. The tweet highlights the ethnic conflict as a struggle between two religious communities – Christians and Hindus. Additionally, the tweet also attempts to showcase the state government’s support for the Meitei community.
Abdullah Alamadi’s tweet clearly highlights on the communal sentiment focused on Manipur and the negative portrayal of Hindus. It magnifies the communal angle and strengthens the negative image of Hindus. It compares the story of Bilquis Bano, a case of communal violence, which strengthens the religious angle even more. Finally, the mention of the “minority threat” emphasizes the danger faced by minority communities. Overall, the paragraph includes elements that incite religious and communal sentiments.
In a reported incident mentioned by The Washington Post, a possible communal angle has been highlighted. The report describes the depiction of ethnic violence in Manipur, which initially started with a dispute involving Christian Kukis and predominantly Hindu Meitei individuals. The report suggests that the conflict has taken on a communal dimension, as it involves various ethnic groups (Christian Kukis and Hindu Meiteis) related to land rights and government jobs.
The violence and clashes resulted in the death of over 130 people and the formation of armed militias by warring factions. The victims of the attack mentioned in the video have been identified as members of the Kuki-Zomi community, an indigenous organization in Manipur. The fact that the violence is happening on a basis of ethnicity suggests the communal aspect of the conflict.
The same incident has been underlined in an article by Al Jazeera (@AJEnglish) with clear sectarian tones. This incident has been described as a deadly communal riot between the Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki-Zomi tribes.
Picture Credits : Pallav Paliwal
According to a report from Aaj Tak, Violence in Manipur is being characterized as a “battle for control.” This is justified by the claim that only 10% of the Meitei group, which represents around 55% of the state’s population, can reside in the Plain areas. Meanwhile, the Kuki and Naga communities, accounting for 40% of the population, are predominantly located in the hilly areas, which constitute 90% of the state. As per Manipur’s laws, only tribals can settle in the hilly regions. However, the Meiteis, being non-tribals, are unable to settle in these areas.
A report by BBC has also revealed that the dispute is associated with land rights. According to the report, ” This is the reason for the dispute, because the Meitei people cannot buy land in the Kuki areas and now they also want the status of a tribe. Obviously, the dispute is associated with the issue of rights on the land. The majority of the population of 2.8 million have lived in the Meitei Valley, while the Kuki population is settled in four hill districts”.
Moreover, several media reports have listed the causes of the violence alongside issues such as tribal status and land rights.
Land rights and tribal status are the main causes of the violence in Manipur. There is no religious conflict involved in this violence, as mentioned in any media reports. Moreover, there is no indication of any religious motivations for the violence.
However, there are various fake and misleading news circulating on social media regarding Manipur. Additionally, Pakistan and Western media are referring to this incident as a dispute between the Christian and Hindu communities. Pakistani users are also trying to use this incident to underline anti-Sikh violence in India, creating an atmosphere that suggests that minorities are not safe in India. (by: Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui)
Many individuals fleeing violence have sought refuge in these neighboring countries, and there is “a pressing need to address their increasing needs,” as stated in the release…reports Asian Lite News
Senior UN officials have expressed shock and condemnation in response to the increasing reports of gender-based violence in Sudan, including sexual violence against internally displaced and refugee women and girls of the violence-hit nation.
The officials called for “an immediate end to gender-based violence”, particularly sexual violence used as a tactic of war to terrorise people, Xinhua news agency.
They emphasised the importance of conducting “prompt, thorough, impartial, and independent investigations” into all alleged gross violations and abuses of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law.
They also stressed “the need for accountability for the perpetrators”.
The officials underscored that all parties must fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law to protect civilians, including women and girls. This includes ensuring safe passage for survivors to access healthcare and allowing health workers to reach health facilities.
The heads of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN Human Rights Office, the UN Refugee Agency, the UN Children’s Fund, the UN Population Fund, UN Women, and the World Health Organization also highlighted the urgent need “to scale up gender-based violence prevention and response services” in Sudan and neighboring countries.
Many individuals fleeing violence have sought refuge in these neighboring countries, and there is “a pressing need to address their increasing needs,” as stated in the release.
Prior to the outbreak of the conflict on April 15, the UN estimated that over 3 million women and girls in Sudan were at risk of gender-based violence, including intimate-partner violence.
This number has now increased to an estimated 4.2 million people.
Assisting women and girls on a large scale “requires generous support from donors”.
The revised Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan calls for $63 million to fund prevention and response services for survivors of gender-based violence in Sudan, aiming to reach 1.3 million people.
Funding requirements for protection programs, including gender-based violence prevention and response for those who fled Sudan to neighboring countries, stand at nearly $63 million in the complementary Regional Refugee Response Plan.
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has “left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation” while appealing for peace and harmony in the state…reports Asian Lite News
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Thursday for a two-day visit to the violence-hit state.
He was received by former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Keisham Meghachandra Singh at the Imphal airport. Rahul Gandhi on Thursday morning left from Delhi airport for Imphal.
The Congress leader will be in Manipur on June 29 and 30 during which he is scheduled to visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur.”Rahul Gandhi will visit relief camps and meet people displaced by the ethnic clashes and also interact with representatives of civil society in Imphal and Churachandpur during the visit,” Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said in a tweet.
Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). “Rahul Gandhi ji will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit. Manipur has been burning for nearly two months and desperately needs a healing touch so that society can move from conflict to peace. This is a humanitarian tragedy and it is our responsibility to be a force of love, not hate,” said KC Venugopal in a tweet.
Further, speaking about the same, Kh Debabrata, Working President MPCC said, “Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Churachandpur to meet people staying in the relief camps and stay with the affected families. Later he will visit Moirang and will interact with the affected families and Civil Society Organisations. Tomorrow he will meet important people in Imphal and also visit two more relief camps.” Congress has been vocal on Manipur since the outbreak of violence started in the BJP-ruled state.
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has “left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation” while appealing for peace and harmony in the state.
Ajoy Kumar, AICC Incharge North East on Thursday said that there is total law and order “failure” in the state right now. “Rahul Gandhi and Congress party has always been raising the Manipur issue. Rahul Gandhi believes that the country needs to know the situation of Manipur. There is total law and order failure in the state right now. The double-engine government has become the triple problem government. Rahul Gandhi will be meeting the people of the state and I think the government should take a lesson, after this visit,” Kumar said while speaking to ANI.
Notably, the BJP is under fire from the Opposition and other quarters over the continuing violence in Manipur. The Congress has been making scathing attacks against the BJP governments, both at the Centre and in the state of Manipur, over their handling of the violence. The party has already demanded the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Earlier on June 24, Home Minister Shah held an all-party meeting in Delhi and gave an assurance of restoring peace in the state, while the opposition parties questioned PM Narendra Modi’s ‘silence’ on the matter at the all-party meeting on the violence in Manipur. BJP national president JP Nadda, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, and CPI (M) MP John Brittas, among other leaders, were present in the meeting. (ANI)
Convoy stoped by police
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy which was on its way to Manipur’s Churachandpur was on Thursday stopped by local police at a check post near Bishnupur, which is about 20 kilometres from the State capital Imphal.
Gandhi who had landed in Imphal earlier today for a two-day visit was on his way to Churachandpur where he planned to meet people, displaced by the recent clashes, at the relief camps. Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal while speaking to ANI said that the police said that they are not in a “position” to allow the leaders to head forward.
“Rahul Gandhi’s convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur. Police say that they are not in a position to allow us. People are standing on both sides of the road to wave to Rahul Gandhi. We are not able to understand why have they stopped us” Venugopal told ANI. Venugopal had earlier had confirmed that during his stay, Rahul Gandhi will engage with civil society representatives and visit relief camps in Imphal and Churachandpur, two of the worst affected places in the State due to violence.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Students Union’ issued a statement today condemning the successive governments in the state and said that the Congress Party has a big role to play in it. “.. We believe that the present communal crisis in Manipur is a result of the political blunders that have been committed by the successive governments that have ruled Manipur over time and Congress has a big role to play,” the union said. Addressing a press conference here, the All Manipur Students Union Secretary-General said “In 2012, the Congress party deleted four Gram Panchayats and one Zila Parishad constituency which were part of the Imphal West district from the Manipur Panchayati Raj system and they were allotted to come under the autonomous district council of Kangopi district. It had further enhanced the dreamland of Kuki nation state.” Ethnic clashes broke out in the State nearly two months ago on May 3 after clashes erupted during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).(ANI)
The US Department of State spokesperson termed that violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the US a “grave concern.”..reports Reena Bharadwaj
The United States government has condemned recent violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities in the US, while also terming that violence, or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest and is of “grave concern.”
The response from the US Department of State comes after the pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu during their protest on Saturday. On Saturday, Pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu during their protest. While rallying outside the mission, a protestor in his speech made a direct threat to the Ambassador that the “hypocrisy” will come to an end and that the Ambassador could face a similar fate to what former president of India Zail Singh faced back in 1994.
“Violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the United States is a grave concern and will not be tolerated,” US Department of State spokesperson said.
Multiple incidents of protests by supporters of Khalistan have been staged outside the Indian embassy and the San Francisco Consulate. Earlier this week, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was also attacked on March 20. Recently a video surfaced on social media in which pro-Khalistani protestors gathered at the consulate in San Francisco, shouting slogans in support of Amritpal and heckling staff as they abandoned the diplomatic mission.
“The United States government condemns recent violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities in the United States,” the Spokesperson further added.
“The Department supports the First Amendment rights of protestors in the United States to engage in free speech. However, violence, or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest,” the spokesperson further said.
The State Department and the local law enforcement agencies are in touch with local law enforcement on the next steps in this matter. India too lodged a strong protest with the US Charge d’Affaires in Delhi over the incident of vandalism at the Consulate General in San Francisco.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said the US government was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that took place earlier this month.
The US Department of State spokesperson termed that violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the US a “grave concern.”
“Violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the United States is a grave concern and will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.
The US Department of State spokesperson further said, “Consistent with our Vienna Convention obligations, the Department is committed to taking all appropriate steps, including coordination with federal and state law enforcement authorities, to protect the safety and security of these facilities and the diplomats who work within them.”
When asked about journalists being abused by Khalistani supporters, the US Department of State spokesperson said, “attacks against journalists are never acceptable. We condemn any incidence of violence against a member of the media for doing their job, and any act of vandalism against diplomatic facilities.”
A Washington DC-based Indian journalist was physically attacked and verbally abused by Khalistan supporters in Washington while covering a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian Embassy on Saturday afternoon. The Indian embassy in the US has condemned the incident.
Condemning the incident, the Indian embassy said in a statement, “We condemn such a grave and unwarranted attack on a senior journalist. Such activities only underscore the violent and anti-social tendencies of the so-called ‘Khalistani protestors’ and their supporters, who routinely engage in wanton violence and vandalism.”
Hundreds of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian Embassy in the United States. The protesters included turbaned men of all ages who raised pro-Khalistan slogans. They came in from different parts of the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area and Philadelphia. The organisers used mics to make anti-India speeches both in English and Punjabi and targeted the Punjab Police for alleged human rights violations.
Visuals shared online show a huge mob brandishing Khalistan flags mounted on wooden poles, using them to smash glass doors and windows of the consulate building. The United States strongly condemned the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco by a group of separatist Sikhs, terming it absolutely unacceptable. (ANI)
Some Leicestershire officers were recalled from the capital as a result and extra officers have been drafted in from other forces to help…reports Asian Lite News
A group of masked men marched through Leicester with one seen armed with a 2×4 foot piece of wood amid violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims, media reports said.
Fifteen people were arrested during a policing operation in east Leicester “to deter further disorder” on Sunday evening after another night of violence, which has continued to plague the city in recent weeks, Daily Mail reported.
Footage has emerged showing the brewing tensions between the two groups with mass marches showing hundreds of people encroaching upon Green Lane Road – with very few police officers in sight to control the situation, the report said.
A further update on our response to the disorder in areas of East Leicester.
Many officers were deployed to London for the Queen’s ‘s funeral on Monday – but the chaos taking place in Leicester has led chiefs to redivert them back to the east midlands to be on hand to deal with any further potential unrest in Leicester.
Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon told LeicestershireLive that local officers had previously been deployed to help cover the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II – which is expected to lead to a million people travelling to London to pay their respects to the late monarch.
However, a review was then carried out after violence and disorder broke out again in the east of Leicester on Saturday night.
Some Leicestershire officers were recalled from the capital as a result and extra officers have been drafted in from other forces to help.
Leicestershire Police had a ‘large presence in Belgrave Road’ on Sunday afternoon, as a crowd gathered for an unauthorised protest.
A large number of people wearing masks then attempted to march down the city’s golden mile, but the road was closed and the group was dispersed quickly, Daily Mail reported.
Nixon on Sunday night said there will continue to be a strong police presence on the streets of the city.
He said: “This continues to be a fast-moving situation, linked with a large-scale policing operation. We are still using stop and search powers and any outbreaks of disorder will be dealt with positively. I am repeating my call for calm.”
There were ugly scenes across the east of the city on Sunday night, which began after police received reports of an unauthorised protest involving up to 200 people marching towards Highfields.
All available local officers were sent to the scene immediately in an attempt to engage with the crowd, while extra officers were called in. But the protesters continued their march before the extra officers arrived.
An opposing group then gathered. Police issued a dispersal order, but several other incidents of violence and disorder then broke out across the east of the city, Daily Mail reported.
Footage has since emerged of police wielding batons shouting at people to get back as bottles were thrown, narrowly missing officers.
Video of fights breaking out on the streets surfaced Sunday with police breaking up the two groups — just hours after two arrests were made when disturbances broke out at an unplanned protest on Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning, Daily Mail reported.
The trouble in the city came after a period of unrest between Hindi and Islamic communities in Leicester.
Violence first flared following the India v Pakistan Cricket match on August 28, which led to a number of incidents in the days that followed. However the situation appeared to be calming until last night.
15 Arrested
The count of people arrested in East Leicester violence has reached 15 after a clash broke out among groups of young men on Sunday, the Leicestershire Police said in a statement. The cycle of violence was triggered on August 28 after India won the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan. This comes after various videos and reports have been circulating on social media about Pakistani organized gangs seen vandalising and terrorising Hindus in the UK’s Leicester City. The incident follows a spate of violence and disorder in the eastern part of the city. The violence first started on August 28 after India won the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022, following which a fight broke out in Melton Road, Belgrave, leading to 27 arrests so far, according to a UK-based media publication Leicester Mercury. Following the incident, the Leicestershire Police assured to continue to call for dialogue and calm with support from local community leaders. The police while calling for calm told everyone to return home and asked to share the information that has been checked and is true. After the reports of the clash on Saturday night, the Leicestershire Police Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon, in a video message shared on the Twitter handle, said, “We have had numerous reports of a disorder on the streets of Leicester tonight, Saturday, September 17. We have got officers there, we are taking control of the situation, there are additional officers en route and dispersal powers, stop search powers, have been authorised. Please do not get involved. We are calling for calm.” (ANI)
High Commission condemns the violence
The High Commission of India in London on Monday condemned the violence perpetrated against the Indian community in Leicester and has sought immediate action against those involved in the attacks.
The High Commission issued a statement on Monday saying that it has taken up the matter with the UK authorities. “We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated against the Indian Community in Leicester and vandalisation of premises and symbols of Hindu religion. We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks. We call on the authorities to provide protection to the affected people,” the statement read.
The cycle of violence was triggered on August 28 after India won the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan. On Sunday, a clash broke out among groups of young men in Leicestershire, according to the police statement. At least 15 people have been arrested so far in the matter.
This comes after various videos and reports have been circulating on social media about Pakistani organised gangs seen vandalising and terrorising Hindus in the UK’s Leicester City. The incident follows a spate of violence and disorder in the eastern part of the city. The violence first started on August 28 after India won the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022, following which a fight broke out in Melton Road, Belgrave, leading to 27 arrests so far, according to a UK-based media publication Leicester Mercury.
Following the incident, the Leicestershire Police assured to continue to call for dialogue and calm with support from local community leaders.
The police while calling for calm told everyone to return home and asked to share the information that has been checked and is true.
After the reports of the clash on Saturday night, the Leicestershire Police Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon, in a video message shared on the Twitter handle, said, “We have had numerous reports of a disorder on the streets of Leicester tonight, Saturday, September 17. We have got officers there, we are taking control of the situation, there are additional officers en route and dispersal powers, stop search powers, have been authorised. Please do not get involved. We are calling for calm.” (ANI)
Access to healthcare is limited or non-existent, while food and water have been in short supply, he said…reports Asian Lite News
Humanitarians are delivering aid primarily in the Cite Soleil neighbourhood of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, where a week of violence claimed 471 casualties, a UN spokesman said.
“In the past few days, the UN has distributed enough food to feed 7,000 people for a week,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“We have also distributed drinking water, as well as kits of basic relief items, including hygiene and baby supplies, plastic sheeting and repair items for damaged houses.”
Haq added that the world body tallied more than 471 people killed, injured or unaccounted for in clashes between rival gangs in the capital city on July 8-17 alone. About 3,000 people fled their homes, including hundreds of unaccompanied children. At least 140 houses were destroyed, several of them by fire.
Access to healthcare is limited or non-existent, while food and water have been in short supply, he said.
The Humanitarian Coordinator, Ulrika Richardson, called on all parties to end violence and to ensure unhindered access to provide emergency humanitarian and medical assistance to civilians in need, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Protection remains a real concern,” the Spokesman told correspondents at a regular briefing, adding there were reports of serious incidents of sexual violence against women and girls and boys recruited by gangs.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported earlier this month in a background report that since June 2021, violent clashes between armed gangs have dominated socio-economic life in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, spreading fear and terror among the population. The security situation has deteriorated significantly and reached new levels since April 2022.
The report cautioned that “the situation is expected to remain tense and volatile in the coming months”.
Boat capsized
At least 17 people have died after a boat carrying dozens of Haitian refugees capsized off the coast of the Bahamas during a “suspected human smuggling operation”.
Rescue teams recovered the bodies of 15 females, a male, and an infant after the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force responded to the reports of a boating incident, which took place seven miles off New Providence just after 1 am on Sunday, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis said in a statement.
Davis further said that twenty-five people were recovered and handed to health officials for monitoring, but still, some people were presumed to be missing and the operation is underway, CNN reported.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that a twin-engine speed boat left a docking facility off West Bay Street around 1 am with approximately 60 people on board. It is believed that their final destination was Miami, Florida,” the Prime Minister said.
“Law enforcement officials will update you on the criminal matter as well as other rescue and recovery efforts. However, I would like to convey the condolences of my government and the people of The Bahamas to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” the Prime Minister said as quoted by CNN.
Condemning the smuggling operation in the country, the Bahamas PM said, “We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the organization of smuggling operations which risk human life and compromise our national security. Those found to be involved will face prosecution.”
Davis further said that he understands their (migrants) situation that led them to take such great risk.
Bahamas Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander told reporters on Sunday that an estimated 50 to 60 people were believed to have been on board the 20-ft speedboat and that the search for survivors or bodies was ongoing.
It will target the behaviour of those who perpetrate abuse and make sure they are the focus for change…reports Asian Lite News
A new plan that champions a public health approach to ending violence against women and girls has been unveiled by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan on a visit to Waltham Forest.
While there the Mayor met a beautician and visited a dry cleaners and library to see first-hand the training and education being delivered to men about VAWG to help them become more active allies.
Cafes, libraries, dry cleaners, pubs, beauticians, gyms and other everyday venues across London are being encouraged to be part of the Mayor’s ‘whole society’ approach to tackling violence against women and girls.
The holistic approach will see close to £18m of additional investment from City Hall on specialist services to improve support for victims and survivors, tackle the behaviour of perpetrators and better educate the public on the help they can provide.
The investment in support services includes a specialised response to support all victims to have equal access to justice and services.
The Mayor’s newly refreshed strategy recognises that more robust policing or the threat of the criminal justice system alone cannot prevent violence against women and girls.
Sadiq’s new strategy will adopt a public health approach to preventing and reducing violence against women and girls. It will place a stronger emphasis on partnership working, prevention and education across a wide range of services in London.
It will target the behaviour of those who perpetrate abuse and make sure they are the focus for change.
“The epidemic of violence is a crisis which should shame us all which is why I’m uniting with partners across London to not only provide support to women and girls but to help educate and inform all Londoners, especially men, about the danger posed by misogynistic attitudes and behaviours,” Sadiq Khan said.
“As well as record investment in services for victims and survivors, I am also funding initiatives which address the behaviour of those at risk of offending or reoffending to help prevent them turning to violence,” he added.
As part of the new plan, local authorities, the NHS, night-time venues, high street shops, Transport for London and the transport industry, universities, the police and the criminal justice system will work more closely with support services tackling VAWG to spot the signs and intervene earlier as part of the Mayor’s whole society approach to effectively tackling violence against women and girls.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says there is an 'epidemic' of violence against women and girls across the country, as he launches a new London initiative to tackle the problem across the capital.@SadiqKhanpic.twitter.com/GHzWUKhTAE
High street venues across London, including dry cleaners, beauticians and cafes are being urged to sign up to become information points so that victims of violence or those at risk can be directed to support services safely, quickly and discreetly.
Civic settings such as libraries are also being encouraged to become disclosure settings where women and girls can seek specialist help. City Hall will also convene a round table discussion next month with partners to determine how the NHS and wider health sector can better tackle VAWG collectively in the capital.
There were instances of stone-pelting by groups and police used batons and teargas in response to the situation…reports Asian Lite News
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres hopes that security forces will ensure that all religious celebrations can take place peacefully and communities can work together, his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Tuesday.
“I think the basic point is our hope that the various communities will work together and that the government and the security forces will ensure that everyone can go about their activities, including their celebratory activities, peacefully”, he said in answer to a question about violence in Jodhpur during Eid celebrations.
Some areas of the city in Rajasthan have been put under curfew after clashes over the display of flags.
According to media reports, tensions rose when a saffron flag was replaced with an Islamic flag.
Police reportedly replaced the flags with the national tricolour.
There were instances of stone-pelting by groups and police used batons and teargas in response to the situation, according to reports.
State Minister Rajendra Singh Yadav said that more than 50 people have been arrested.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted a call for brotherhood and peace.
“While respecting the tradition of love and brotherhood of Jodhpur, Marwar, I make a touching appeal to all the parties to maintain peace and cooperate in restoring law and order,” he said.
