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TN Assembly Approves Resolution Opposing Wakf Bill; BJP Walks Out in Protest

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On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a unanimous resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Wakf Amendment Bill, condemning it as a means to restrict religious freedom and a political ploy against Muslims. The BJP chose to walk out during the resolution’s discussion.

Chief Minister MK Stalin, aware of the ruling DMK’s dependence on minority voters, introduced the resolution calling for the Bill’s complete withdrawal. Aside from the BJP, which has four members in the Assembly, all parties, including the main opposition AIADMK, supported the motion.

Stalin stated, “The Bill is fundamentally misleading to Muslims and aims to dismantle the Wakf Board. It bears resemblance to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which deceives Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamils, and Hindi imposition which undermines non-Hindi speaking states. The National Education Policy also misleads the most vulnerable communities.”

He highlighted several issues with the Bill, asserting that it diminishes the authority and autonomy of both national and state Wakf Boards while granting extensive powers to the Union government. He explained that Wakf land designated as government property would no longer belong to the Wakf Board, and that the requirement for individuals establishing a Wakf Board to have practiced Islam for at least five years could invalidate Boards created by non-Muslims. Additionally, the proposal to form separate Wakf Boards for different Muslim sects, along with the mandate for two non-Muslims to be part of the Board, he argued, represents an intrusion into Muslim religious administration.

Further discussing the problematic aspects of the Bill, Stalin pointed out that the repeal of Section 40 of the Wakf Act would not only strip the Boards of their authority to identify properties but would also transfer that power to the Union government, infringing on the freedom of religion protected by Article 26 of the Constitution. He also noted that the application of the Limitation Act to Wakf properties, the removal of ‘Wakf user’ recognition for properties, and the exclusion of public trusts and charities from being classified as Wakf represent significant violations of rights. These concerns raised by the DMK and other parties during the Joint-Parliamentary Committee discussions were dismissed, Stalin added, warning that the Bill could be introduced at any time since the Union Cabinet has already approved the JPC’s recommendations.

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NIA Assumes Control of Pahalgam Terror Attack Investigation

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has assumed control of the Pahalgam terror attack case, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including a Nepali national. Previously, this investigation was managed by the J&K Police, but it was transferred to the NIA following directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, as stated in a press release.

Since April 23, the NIA teams have been stationed at the attack site, intensifying their search for evidence. Under the supervision of an Inspector General (IG), a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and a Superintendent of Police (SP) from the anti-terror agency, investigators are meticulously questioning eyewitnesses who witnessed the attack unfold in the serene Baisaran valley. The agency aims to reconstruct the timeline of events leading to this tragic incident, noted the media release.

Investigators are closely examining entry and exit points for clues regarding the terrorists’ methods. Assisted by forensic experts, they are thoroughly scouring the area for evidence that could uncover the conspiracy behind this shocking attack.

On April 22, a group of terrorists targeted tourists in the Baisaran meadows, a popular destination in Pahalgam. The attack resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene in which the attackers asked victims for their religion before opening fire at close range, specifically targeting 25 Hindu men.

A massive operation is underway in the valley to apprehend the perpetrators. Several suspects have been detained, and the homes of ten identified terrorists have been demolished.

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Unity of 140 Crore Indians: Our Nation’s Greatest Strength; We Will Respond Decisively to Aggressors: PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his firm stance on Sunday, assuring the nation that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack would face the strictest consequences. During his monthly broadcast of ‘Mann ki Baat,’ his first since the attack, he stated, “Global leaders have reached out to me with letters and messages, strongly condemning this heinous act… The entire world stands united with 1.4 billion Indians in our fight against terrorism.”

He reiterated his commitment to the families of the victims, promising justice and emphasizing that the attackers and their backers would be met with severe repercussions.

In his address, he highlighted that the nation’s greatest strength in the battle against terrorism lies in the unity of its people.

“As I share my thoughts with you today, my heart is heavy with grief. The Pahalgam attack on April 22 has devastated every citizen and ignited deep sympathy for the victims’ families… I know the anger that flows through every citizen upon witnessing the tragic images of this attack,” Mr. Modi said during the 121st episode of the radio program.

He pointed out that the attack signifies the desperation of those who support terrorism. “As peace began to take root in Kashmir, the enemies of our nation could not bear it. They aim to unravel the progress, orchestrating such a significant conspiracy. In our fight against terrorism, national unity is our strongest asset… We must reinforce our resolve to confront this challenge.”

PM Modi expressed his profound sorrow for the pain experienced nationwide due to the attack. “The terror incident in Pahalgam on April 22 has inflicted great sadness on every Indian. The suffering of the affected families resonates throughout the country, transcending state lines and languages. I feel the collective anger as we observe the horrific images from the attack. This tragedy reflects the despair and cowardice of those who sponsor terrorism…”

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Pakistani Troops Launch Unprovoked Fire at J&K LoC; Indian Army Responds

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For the third consecutive day on Sunday, the Pakistan Army engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting an appropriate response from the Indian Army. A spokesperson from the Defence Ministry stated, “On the night of April 26-27, 2025, posts of the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in the Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors. Our troops effectively retaliated with appropriate small arms fire.”

On the night of April 25-26, multiple Pakistan Army posts also carried out unprovoked small arms fire along the LoC in Kashmir, to which Indian troops responded effectively. On April 24, further small arms firing occurred from some Pakistani positions along the LoC, which was similarly retaliated against. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported during these ceasefire violations over the past three days.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated following a tragic incident on April 22 in Baisaran, Pahalgam, where terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), backed by Pakistan, killed 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a local resident. This cowardly act sparked national outrage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to track down the terrorists and their sponsors.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha convened a security review meeting with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar on Saturday, directing the Army to employ whatever force necessary to locate the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. Additionally, two houses in Ganderbal district—one belonging to a LeT terrorist and another to a suspected terrorist—were demolished after being identified as potential threats linked to terrorist activities.

These demolitions are part of ongoing security measures aimed at combating terrorism, with five houses associated with terrorists having been dismantled across the Valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.

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