National

Sajad Lone Exits J&K Assembly, Accusing Censorship of Dissenting Voices

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

On Tuesday, Sajad Lone, an MLA from the People’s Conference, exited the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, claiming that the authorities were suppressing dissent after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected his motion to include amendments aimed at reinstating Articles 370 and 35A. Lone compared this incident to the alleged “rigging” of the 1987 Assembly elections that ignited militancy in the region.

Lone, formerly a minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government, made his exit during the discussion on the Lt. Governor’s address that followed the Question Hour. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s response, stating, “I am not convinced by the speaker’s reply and I believe they are trying to muzzle us.”

As the assembly was set to debate the Lt Governor’s address, Lone highlighted seven amendments he proposed, including the restoration of Article 370. He stated that five of these amendments were turned down. The Speaker informed him that a resolution regarding special status had already been passed and that rules prohibit the issue from being tabled again.

“I proposed several amendments related to the Lt Governor’s address, but five of the seven were rejected,” Lone told reporters post-departure from the assembly. His proposals included the restoration of Article 370, the repeal of the Public Safety Act, investigations into recent civilian deaths, Kashmir-specific police verification, and an inquiry into the rigging of the 1987 assembly elections, all of which were dismissed.

Lone criticized the National Conference for not honoring the topics they campaigned on, stating, “It is ironic that this same National Conference, which raised these issues during their campaign, now refuses to address them and has placed a gag order on discussions.” He pointed out that the NC’s election manifesto included commitments regarding Article 370, but they have since shifted to using the term “special status.”

The Speaker noted that the house lacks the authority to address the Public Safety Act and police verification issues, as these fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry. Regarding the alleged election rigging of 1987, the Speaker indicated that sufficient time had passed to conduct an investigation.

Opposition leader and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma argued that Article 370 is now a moot point. Following heated exchanges between the National Conference and BJP MLAs concerning the status of border areas, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that development in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was primarily aided by China, with little significant involvement from the Pakistan government.

Abdullah’s comments came amid back-and-forth debates surrounding the condition of border regions. “While there’s only limited development on our side, attempts are being made to highlight progress on the other side, facilitated by China, not Pakistan,” he asserted. He added that India has not sought foreign aid for infrastructure projects in border areas and criticized the PoK government’s efforts to create an illusion of progress.

In another matter, the assembly was shaken by allegations of malpractice concerning the Rs 401 crore National Saffron Mission (NSM), prompting legislators to demand a comprehensive inquiry.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

7 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.

National

Google Marks India’s Independence Day With Vibrant Doodle

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: India is celebrating its Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Google has joined the celebrations with a special Doodle on its homepage.

The colourful Doodle reflects India’s rich culture and heritage. It features patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles.

The artwork replaces the usual Google logo with bright colours and traditional motifs. It gives the familiar logo a distinct Indian look.

The Doodle also highlights India’s cultural diversity. Its detailed designs are inspired by India’s traditional art and textile heritage.

India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and other patriotic events.

Kite flying and cultural activities are also part of the Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the country.

India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British rule.

The freedom struggle involved the sacrifices of millions of Indians. Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters played important roles in the movement.

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh are among the prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle.

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Google’s special Doodle adds a colourful digital tribute to India’s history, culture and national spirit.

National

India Celebrates Independence Day with Focus on Viksit Bharat

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The ceremony highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event also focused on the power of the youth, or Yuva Shakti.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He called on the youth to play a key role In achieving this goal.

For the first time in the history of the Red Fort celebrations, Vande Mataram was officially rendered during the ceremony.

Prime Minister Modi appeared in a traditional tie-and-dye red turban. He paired it with a white kurta and a chocolate-brown jacket.

The celebrations followed the traditional state protocol. The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort. A 21-gun salute was also given.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister. He later addressed the nation from the Red Fort.

The 2026 Independence Day celebrations combined India’s historic legacy with a strong message for the future. The focus remained on youth power and the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.