Rooted in Ramayana days, Pamban Bridge holds deep spiritual significance :::: PM inaugurates India's first vertical lift sea bridge

 PM Modi inaugurates India's first vertical lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu

Rooted in Ramayana days, the Pamban Bridge holds deep spiritual significance, as the Ramayana recounts the construction of Ram Setu beginning from Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram.

New Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram with mainland Bharat  

"On the way back from Sri Lanka a short while ago, was blessed to have a Darshan of the Ram Setu. And, as a divine coincidence, it happened at the same time as the Surya Tilak was taking place in Ayodhya. Blessed to have the Darshan of both. Prabhu Shri Ram is a uniting force," PM tweeted.

India’s first vertical lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram was inaugurated today (Apr 6) on the occasion of Ram Navami. 

The rail bridge, known as Pamban, has been built at a cost of Rs 550 crore.  

Close to 30 trains, with up and down journeys, are expected from Rameswaram station. The island will have direct trains from Secunderabad, Kanniyakumari, Bhubaneswar, Okha, and Firozpur Cantt, apart from Ayodhya, Varanasi and Chennai.

Executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the project navigated significant challenges—from environmental constraints and logistical hurdles to the rough waters and strong winds of the Palk Strait.

The bridge holds deep spiritual significance, as the Ramayana recounts the construction of Ram Setu beginning from Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram.  

Connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, the bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 550 crore. The 2.08-km-long structure features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that elevates to 17 metres, enabling the smooth passage of large ships without disrupting train services.

Designed to be future-ready, the bridge incorporates stainless steel reinforcements, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints for enhanced durability and reduced maintenance. It is also equipped for dual rail tracks, anticipating future traffic needs. A special polysiloxane coating guards it against corrosion, ensuring a long service life in the challenging marine environment.

The original Pamban Bridge, constructed in 1914 by British engineers, was a cantilever structure featuring a Scherzer Rolling Lift span. For over a century, it served as a crucial link for pilgrims, tourists, and traders travelling to and from Rameswaram Island.

 Trains will cross the Bay of Bengal to reach the stations on Pamban island

Two railway stations in Tamil Nadu – Mandapam and Pamban – are close to five kilometres apart and have been connected by trains since 1914 when the Pamban Bridge was built by the British. A couple of trains were crossing the stations daily. But the Pamban Bridge was getting old and couldn’t bear the burden of these trains.

Of the five km distance between the two stations, two kilometres is the length of the Bay of Bengal between the mainland of India and Pamban island. While Mandapam was the last railway station on mainland India, Pamban is a small station situated on Pamban island, which further connects to the Rameswaram railway station.

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Karnataka High Court bats for Uniform Civil Code :::: ".... under Hindu law, a daughter is given equal status as a son, the same is not under Mahomedan law"

Karnataka High Court bats for Uniform Civil Code: Will give justice to all women

The court emphasised that personal laws based on religion often result in unequal treatment of citizens-particularly women-despite their equal status under the Indian Constitution.  

"A 'woman' in Hindu law has a birthright equal to that of a son. When under Hindu law, a daughter is given equal status and rights in all respects, enjoying rights as that of a son, the same is not so under Mahomedan law," Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar wrote in his judgment.

He added, "The court is of the opinion that our country needs a Uniform Civil Code in respect of their personal laws and religion. 

Only then the object of Article 14 of the Constitution will be achieved."

The judge also referred to the Constituent Assembly debates, pointing out that the UCC has been a contentious subject since the drafting of the Constitution.

"Dr BR Ambedkar, in his most illustrious speech, argued in favour of the Uniform Civil Code," the order noted, backing Ambedkar's vision for a truly secular and egalitarian India.

These remarks were made during the court's adjudication of a property dispute among the heirs of Abdul Basheer Khan, who died intestate. His children-including Shahnaz Begum, now deceased - became embroiled in a legal battle over the division of his assets. Shahnaz's husband, Sirajuddin Macci, pursued her claim in court after her passing, alleging she had been wrongfully denied her share.

In 2019, a Bengaluru trial court had ruled that three properties belonged to the joint family estate and granted Shahnaz's legal representative a 1/5th share. Her siblings - Samiulla Khan, Noorulla Khan, and Rahath Jan - appealed the ruling, while Sirajuddin filed a cross-objection seeking inclusion of more properties.

Justice Sanjeevkumar, in a recent ruling on a family property dispute, made a strong case for UCC, observing that its enactment would address long-standing inequities across religious personal laws. 

"The enactment of legislation on Uniform Civil Code as enshrined under Article 44 of the Constitution of India will achieve the object and aspirations enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution," the court stated.

The court further observed that the lack of a uniform civil framework has led to unequal treatment of women from different faiths, even though all citizens are equal before the law. 

 The High Court upheld the trial court's findings on the joint family status of the three properties but dismissed the cross-objection, stating there was insufficient evidence to support Sirajuddin's claim over the additional properties.

Nevertheless, it was during this case that the High Court used the opportunity to stress the broader legal and constitutional implications of unequal personal laws. Justice Sanjeevkumar reiterated that enacting a UCC would not only ensure gender equality but also strengthen the democratic and secular fabric of the nation.  

Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to implement Uniform Civil Code.  

The UCC eliminates discriminatory practices in personal laws, promoting gender equality and women's rights. Simplifies Legal Procedures: associated with marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

The saffron party was the first to promise the implementation of UCC if it comes to power and the issue was part of its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto.

 

Why is Article 44 important?

 

The objective of Article 44 of the Directive Principles in the Indian Constitution was to address the discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonise diverse cultural groups across the country. 

Dr B R Ambedkar, while formulating the Constitution had said that a UCC is desirable but for the moment it should remain voluntary, and thus the Article 35 of the draft Constitution was added as a part of the Directive Principles of the State Policy in part IV of the Constitution of India as Article 44. 

It was incorporated in the Constitution as an aspect that would be fulfilled when the nation would be ready to accept it and the social acceptance to the UCC could be made.

 

Ambedkar in his speech in the Constituent Assembly had said, "No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute…that power in a manner may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so."

 

 

The origin of the UCC dates back to colonial India when the British government submitted its report in 1835 stressing the need for uniformity in the codification of Indian law relating to crimes, evidence, and contracts, specifically recommending that personal laws of Hindus and Muslims be kept outside such codification.

Actor-turned-BJP leader and Union Minister Suresh Gopi is in news :::: He defends new Waqf Bill .... faces 'impropriety' issue with regard film L2: Empuraan

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said the Waqf (Amendment) Bill would benefit Kerala's Munambam residents protesting land claims. 

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation and remaining silent in Parliament debates.

“Waqf is an institution meant for the greater good. However, certain barbaric practices within it needed to be eliminated,” he said.

“The Bill is a legal step towards ending such practices, the Union Minister said on Friday.

He said that the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament would benefit the residents of Kerala’s Munambam, who have been protesting for revenue rights over their properties in opposition to the Waqf Board’s claims.

Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism reiterated that the bill would prove advantageous to the residents of Munambam. 

“Waqf is an institution meant for the greater good. However, certain barbaric practices within it needed to be eliminated,” he said, without elaborating, adding that “The Bill is a legal step towards ending such practices.”  

'Who are you to ask? Be very careful...' MP Suresh Gopi's media outburst over Jabalpur attack ......  

During a press interaction, Gopi became visibly agitated when asked about the recent attack on Christians priests in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.  

"Who are you to ask? Who are you asking? Be very careful when you're speaking! Who is this media? The common people here are bigger than you."  

When media persons insisted that the question was valid, Gopi responded angrily, stating that legal action would be taken in connection with the incident.  

On Thursday, the Minister (Suresh Gopi) asserted that the censor board never put any pressure on the makers of Malayalam film 'L2: Empuraan', which is now being shown in theatres after multiple cuts.  

He was replying to CPI MP John Brittas, who had decried the cuts in the Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan as an assault on freedom of speech and expression.

Responding to Brittas, Gopi said: "I am ready to take any punishment if this turns out to be false. It was the decision of the producer and the lead actor of the film, with the permission of the director of the film, to remove 17 portions of the film. 

"It was their decision."  

Gopi also took a dig at CPI-M MP Brittas and asked him whether his party would be courageous enough to re-release the film '51 cuts : T P Chandrasekharan'.  

"He (Brittas) was talking about a cinema Empuraan. Does he dare to have a re-release of 51 cuts: T P Chandrasekharan," the minister said.

The film he mentioned is about Chandrasekharan, a Left party leader, who was hacked to death in 2012 allegedly by his former party workers.

The deceased had sustained 51 injuries on his body before he breathed his last. 

The arguments were exchanged when the Upper House was discussing the Waqf Bill.

ends 

Shahjahan had told his son Aurangzeb -- "... while you deny me an additional pot of drinking water, Hindus are much better as they even offer 'water' to their dead father" : BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi

 The pot will be kept boiling. 

BJP lawmaker Sudhanshu Trivedi said in Rajya Sabha during the debate on Waqf Bill -- that  

"After his arrest emperor Shahjahan had told his son Aurangzeb while you have denied me an additional pot of drinking water, Hindus are much better as they even offer 'water' to their dead father". 

Shahjahan was pained by his son's orders and then he wrote in Parsi - 

"ae fizar tuh ajeeb musalmani je pitre aap tarsani ..... (Sudhanshu quoted a few lines from Shahjahan's letter to Aurangzeb. 

Of  course the reference was greeted by thumping of desks by BJP members and Ministers.  

It is worth mentioning that The new Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 - as passed by both the Houses of Parliament - has received the President’s assent on April 5, officially becoming law.

The Act replaces “Waqf” with “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development.” (UMEED)  

During the debate  BJP MP Sudhashu Trivedi said:

"We stood with brave Muslims, while Congress sided with terrorists...

On the anniversary of Veer Abdul Hamid’s martyrdom in 2015, PM Narendra Modi honoured his entire family, including his wife. 

But during Congress rule, a terrorist like Yasin Malik, who was accused of killing three Air Force officers, was honoured.” 

He also said : “...I want to talk about the Muslim community. Many people don’t even know the history of Muslims. 

When the numeric system first traveled from Bharat, it was Al-Zahrawi who, in 1793, translated Surya Siddhanta into Arabic as Sindh-Hind...”. 

Sudhanshu Trivedi also said:  

“…Jahan Jahan Khuda Hai, Waha Waha Bhagwan Hai... Jo ye kehte hain ki Agra ka Qila, Delhi ka Qila, Hyderabad ka Charminar kiske baap ne banwaya, unke baap ka ye Hindustan nahi hai..” 

He said the real competition is between Sharafat Ali and Shararat Khan adding the Modi Govt is standing with the former.  The new law UMEED symbolises hope for poor Muslims and common people in general.  

He accused previous governments of legalizing dubious land claims by Waqf boards, questioning why similar provisions were not extended to Sikh and Hindu communities. “The British had taken over all the land that once belonged to the Mughals. 

Then how did the Waqf Board’s land claims get legitimized under previous regimes? Why were the lands of Sikhs and Hindus not retrieved in the same manner?"

“When India gained independence, the Muslim community was represented by figures such as Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Fariduddin Dagar, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Hasrat Jaipuri .... 

But today, some sections are associating Muslim identity with individuals like Ishrat Jahan, Yakub Memon, Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmed, and Dawood Ibrahim. Who is responsible for this change? 

It all stated when India was declared ‘secular’ in 1976, leading to the rise of secular politics.”  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and wrote:

"The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. 

This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity."

During the debate making intervention, Union Health Minister and BJP president, JP Nadda slammed Opposition for trying to derail the debate with Irrelevant Issues.

“This was derailed, and along with being derailed, it was also deviate. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to witness it in the Lok Sabha. Now, suddenly, this bill is bringing up the Ram Mandir, the Kumbh Mela, Bihar elections, the sale of Air India, and even Kerala’s cinema. This is all about deviation, derailment, and sensationalism...”, he said. 

As a follow up of Home Minister's commitment, Kukis and Meiti leaders meet Central Govt representatives in Delhi

"The path to communication is open," asserted Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the just concluded Parliament session in the context of Manipur and the process of consultations that has been set into motion between Kukis and Meitis. 

The communities have developed huge differences since 2023 and the violence had claimed about 250 lives and displaced a large number of people from either side. 

The Home Minister also had said that a meeting between the two communities from Manipur was/is likely to take place in the national capital. As a follow up of Amit Shah's commitment, Kukis and Meiti leaders met Central Govt representatives in Delhi on Saturday.  

Representatives from All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), the Federation of Civil Society Organizations, Manipur,  (FOCS) and the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) attended the meeting. 

The discussions for obvious reasons remained inconclusive with both sides presenting their view points rather frankly. 

No much details of the deliberations could be ascertained.

Shah had informed the Rajya Sabha that two meetings between the communities had already taken place in Manipur while Budget session of Parliament was on.

"...We are investing our efforts to bring peace back in Manipur. Thirteen meetings have already taken place," Shah told the members.  

Shah also had slammed the opposition for "politicising" the violence and said similar incidents took place in the state during the Congress regime, when no prime minister visited the state.

 Seven years ago, he said, a 225-day curfew was imposed in Manipur.  

At Saturday's meeting (April 5th, 2025),  sources maintained that the parleys were held in cordial atmosphere. 

About 15 leaders from both sides were present. 

Both short term and long term issues discussed and the same dialogue process will continue.

The focus has been on bringing end to the violence and to open the highways.

Authorities also laid emphasis on "deposit" of weapons and also that the return process of the 'internally displaced people' should continue.  

ends 

Sri Lanka confers Mithra Vibhushana award on PM Narendra Modi :::: India inks first defence cooperation pact with Lanka amid China influence

 The award was bestowed on Modi by Dissanayake during a ceremony at the presidential secretariat in Colombo. 

The previous recipients include former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday conferred with the 'Mithra Vibhushana' award by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in recognition of his role in boosting bilateral ties. 

"It is an honour for me to be awarded the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana by President Dissanayake. It is also an honour for 1.4 billion Indians," Modi said in his remarks. 

The award was bestowed on Modi by Dissanayake during a ceremony at the presidential secretariat in Colombo. 

The recipient of the honour is awarded a citation and a silver medal to be worn around the neck, studded and adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems and the symbols of a lotus, globe, sun, moon and sheaves of rice.  

The Dharma Chakra on the medal reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. 

The Pun Kalasa or ceremonial pot adorned with sheaves of rice symbolises prosperity and renewal, according to an official. 

The Navarathna or nine precious gems are depicted within a globe encircled by lotus petals. 

PM Modi arrived Colombo on Friday  evening after concluding his trip to Bangkok where he attended a summit of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

The award, the highest civilian honour of the island nation, was instituted in February 2008 by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

In a big announcement and relief to several fishermen from Tamil Nadu, PM Modi said that he had also raised their concerns and declared that Sri Lanka has agreed to the immediate release of any Indian fishermen and the prompt return of their boats.

PM's first visit since President Dissanayake took office. 

Key agreements signed on defence, energy and trade

Katchatheevu island, fishermen's issues were discussed

Recurring arrests of fishermen by Lanka have been a longstanding conflict

PM says matter should be handled with a humane approach

Signs first defence cooperation pact with Lanka amid China influence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he sought the immediate release of Tamil fishermen and the return of their boats during his bilateral with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Recurring arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the seizures of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities have been a long-standing conflict between the two countries.

"The Indian side emphasised the immediate release of the fishermen and the return of their boats. We agreed that we should move forward in this matter with a humane approach," PM Modi said, with the President by his side.

Maharashtra ... "a new Hindutva laboratory" :::::: How does it suit BJP and Narendra Modi ? --- Why Aurangzeb will remain a burning issue ?

Gujarat was easily designated as a Hindu laboratory state. Uttar Pradesh was one by its own quality of neo-nationalism and polarised politics. Now comes Maharashta which houses RSS headquarters Nagpur and is now under rule of BJP-Shiv Sena government. 

The state of Maharashtra now is in the grip of another kind of politics. Analysts may say the public outcry of "razing the tomb" of Aurangzeb is probably intended for turning Maharashtra into another Hindutva laboratory. And it is happening almost.  

Narendra Modi is in power since 2014. The stint will enter the 12th year on May 26th. Of course the honeymoon has been long over. In 2024 general elections, he was punished in a mild manner but saved from being given the marching order. 

He still symbolises 'hope' for Hindutva forces as also poor people. And hence even as the BJP could not repeat the magic of 2014 and 2019 in Uttar Pradesh, it did well in some states such as Odisha. 

In overall context, we may ask what does Narendra Modi's progress card look like?  

But it is also true his opponents have failed against Namo. 

The popular support of the voters with which Modi and BJP won the 2014 polls and repeated the same in 2019 did not quite convince his detractors. The electoral victories the BJP scored in parliamentary polls for three consecutive terms and in several states was equally matched by a hate campaign and gross negativity. 

They did not seem to believe that Modi had the right to occupy the chair in the corridors of power in Delhi. To their prejudiced minds and hateful hearts -- the logic of Modi winning the mandate to govern India was perhaps of no relevance. 

Of course Hindutva played a part. But there were other issues of his governance too. His development programmes were constantly slammed and even opposed without any reason or rhyme. 

They could not entertain the argument that Diplomacy was one area where Namo continued to shine.  There is a vicious cycle and hence both the BJP and Modi himself have been often compelled to play Hindutva cards.  

Thus, Ram Mandir definitely helped in 2024. It virtually has given him a fresh lease of political life. 

Over to Maharashtra and the issue around Aurangzeb. 

The Mughal emperor is the most glaring symbol of an anti-Hindu ruler in the state and also in other parts of India. 

The 'Aurangzeb' as a political issue and the more recent amendments to the Waqf law have helped the BJP to 'paint' the entire Opposition as anti-Hindu.

The Congress had numerous mistakes in the past that only took away overwhelming numbers of Hindu votes. Others are more known as and to an extent they draw pride in being dubbed as pro-Muslim parties. One is the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal - that goes to the polls in 2026 and the other one is Samajwadi Party of Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh - where Yogi Adityanath is already the Hindutva mascot.

In most cases, the opposition parties often take Hindu voters for granted. The demand for caste census is seen by Hindus from that perspective. Rahul Gandhi made it worse wherein he used Gautam Adani bashing a major electoral plank in Maharashtra. 

The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament is a smart move in more ways than one. 

From the perspective of Maharashtra and demand related to demolishing the tomb of Aurabgzeb, the fact of the matter is the grave in Khultabad in the Marathwada region is on the Waqf land. 

The Lotus party thus has a marketable issue at hand to keep the electoral pot boiling. 

Politics is ruthless. It is more so during elections. It is more so when issues involved are emotive.

People of northeastern states and especially three Christian-ruled states Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram represent a dichotomy. They wanted to punish a political party, its mentor RSS -- known for alleged anti-Christian policies and intent and ultimately the sword of anguish fell on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also on 'local regional heroes' and regional parties in the states.

A Decade: Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal vanish from competition leaving Modi almost unchallenged 

Ten years --- certainly a long period. In 2014, intellectuals and political commentators believed Narendra Modi as a chief challenger to power by ousting Manmohan Singh faced competition from becoming Prime Minister from Rahul Gandhi and also Arvind Kejriwal. 

Today, circa 2024, the AAP boss lost power in Delhi and Rahul is still the same old lackluster performer. Thus, it's advantage Modi. This also means advantage Hindutva.  

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is another emerging BJP face. His statement that it was 'unfortunate' that his government was 'forced to protect' the Aurangzeb tomb has been endorsed by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 

This also means the Lotus party and other Sanghparivar stakeholders will make use of the tomb imbroglio when political time matures. 

Hence, the Aurangzeb's tyrannical regime and the tomb issues will come up in a big way around 2027 when UP goes to the polls and also around 2029 when the time will be ripe for a much important and fierce electoral battle.  

The Uttar Pradesh CM has also started talking about a 'new India'. And acording to Yogi what will not be accepted by that 'new India' is glorification of invaders who had attacked Bharat's pride and heritage and had dishonoured Hindus. 

Between Aurangzeb and Babar -- the former was the most anti-Hindu ruler and the latter the founder of dynastic Mughal rule. 

Some studies ought to be made now what will generate a more powerful and grievous Hindu emotions;  Babar or the latter era's tyrannical ruler who is also seen as someone who insulted and harassed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

And what is 'Shivaji as a political power' in Maharashtra and even in the rest of India is known when one visit the state.

I stayed in Thane (near Mumbai) for more than seven years. The Chhatrapati is hailed as the dearest “Rayatecha Raja” -- the king of the people.

History has often shown that the Success carries its own seeds. 

ends 

Why Kerala Catholics back Waqf (Amendment) Bill ::::: 610 families of Munambam coastal area near Kochi are pinning high hopes

Why Kerala Catholics back Waqf (Amendment) Bill 

Waqf Bill effect: 50 people from Munambam join BJP  

Around 610 families of Munambam coastal area near Kochi in Kerala are pinning high hopes that their plight against the Waqf board's claim on their land could be resolved as the new Waqf law is set to come in. 

Far away from the political heat it has generated in Parliament and various parts of the country, the debate over the new Waqf (Amendment) Bill, is playing out in micro ways in Kerala. 

Catholics in the state believe the new law will bring a permanent solution to the land dispute plaguing their community in Munambam, a suburb of Kochi, where around 600 families are facing eviction from plots purchased from the Kozhikode-based Farook College in the 1960s.

The Kerala State Waqf Board has staked claim over the land, measuring over 400 acres, after six decades. 

The BJP has jumped into the matter and is supporting the local Latin Catholics residing on the disputed land. Party leaders have also visited Munambam and reassured the residents.

On March 31, the Catholics Bishops Conference of India had appealed to Lok Sabha MPs from Kerala to back the Waqf bill in Parliament and adopt an “unbiased and constructive approach” on the issue. Earlier, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council asked the MPs to vote in favour of the bill.

Kerala has around 6.5 million Christians, who account for around 19 per cent of the state’s population. Of them, Catholics, comprising the Syro Malabar Church, Latin Church and Syro-Malankara Church, together make up over 60 per cent of the Christian community.

“Certain provisions in the existing Waqf laws are inconsistent with the Indian Constitution and against the secular democratic values of the country,” the Catholics Bishops Conference of India said in a media statement.

Delving into the Munambam row, the statement read: 

“The Waqf Board has invoked these provisions to declare the ancestral residential properties of more than 600 families in Munambam as Waqf land. 

Over the past three years, this issue has escalated into a complex legal dispute. 

Only a legal amendment [to the laws] can provide a permanent solution, and this must be recognised by the people’s representatives.”

Muslim organisations, such as the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, a Sunni-Shafi’i scholarly body administering madrasas and mosques, condemned the Catholics Bishops Conference of India for seeking MPs’ support for the Waqf bill. 

Sections among Catholics in Kerala are seen as gradually aligning with the BJP. The community’s support is thought to be one of the reasons for the party’s Lok Sabha debut from Kerala (Suresh Gopi, Thrissur seat) last year. The support of the Church is expected to bolster the BJP’s vote base in the coastal areas and high ranges of the state in the assembly polls next year.

BJP state vice-president Dr K.S. Radhakrishnan termed the Waqf law amendment as a ‘Modi guarantee’ to the residents of Munambam, who face the threat of eviction . 

“The Munambam issue will be resolved and people will continue to reside on their land and reclaim their titles. The BJP promised them justice. We resolved the issue with a surgical strike,” Radhakrishnan claimed. 

Local people strongly flayed the stand of Congress, CPI(M), IUML and other I.N.D.I.A. bloc members for opposing the bill and hailed the BJP for addressing their concern.

"Ongoing stir by people of Munambam in Kochi that entered 172 days on Wednesday" / Deccan Herald

Modi's tough talk to Bangladesh's Yunus : "Avoid rhetoric that vitiates environment, ensure safety of Hindus"

Avoid rhetoric that vitiates environment, ensure safety of Hindus: PM to Yunus

PM Narendra Modi's candid remarks come against the backdrop of Muhammad Yunus inviting China to expand its influence in India's Northeast and calling the region 'landlocked'. 

The comments were strongly denounced by India.  

PM Modi stressed positive India-Bangladesh ties, avoiding harmful rhetoric

Border security and minority safety were key discussion points

Modi cautioned Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus against rhetoric that could strain bilateral ties and stressed the need to ensure the safety of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. 

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral and Technical Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok, marking their first meeting since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024.

Bangladesh chief adviser presented a throwback picture of Indian Science Congress from 2015 to the Prime Minister during the bilateral meet. 

Sharing the images, the government of Bangladesh said, = "The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Professor Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress on January 3, 2015." 

(This somehow shows desperation on the part of Dhaka to gain legitimacy for Yunus -- who came to power in August 2024 after ousting Sheikh Hasina, who enjoyed both a smooth bilateral and personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi and also Indian government.)  

Relations between the South Asian neighbours, which were robust under Sheikh Hasina, have deteriorated after August 5, 2024 in the face of massive student-led protests. 

The involvement of foreign mercenaries in the protest has not been ruled out by several quarters.  

"Prime Minister (Modi) urged ... that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri told reporters.

"(Modi) reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," Misri said, adding that the Indian leader had also stressed New Delhi's desire for "a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on a spirit of pragmatism".

The two leaders discussed Bangladesh's request seeking Hasina's extradition, Misri said, without elaborating further.

"She has consistently made false and inflammatory accusations against the interim government of Bangladesh," the statement from Bangladesh quoted Yunus as saying.  

Foreign Secretary Misri said Modi had asked Yunus to help maintain border security and stability, and expressed his hope that Bangladesh would thoroughly investigate all cases of "atrocities" committed against people from minority groups, including Hindus.

India has repeatedly urged Bangladesh to protect its minority Hindus, saying they were being targeted in the Muslim-majority country since Yunus took charge.  

Yunus, who assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, sought the support of India for a Free Trade Agreement among the seven members of the group.

He called for discussions to renew the Ganges Water Treaty and to conclude the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement. 

Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar twice -- once in New York in September last year and again in February in Oman. However, bilateral relations have remained strained.

India has repeatedly expressed concerns over alleged attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh. 

Taking North East India to the 'western world' :::: Time to reorient ideological leanings .... between China and the US

We need not be everyone's cup of tea. We cannot be. The reality is ... Tea has never apologised for not being coffee. 

It simply gravitated towards those who chose it. 

Fidel Castro had famously given the quote to cherish and perhaps also ponder and debate about: "Men do not shape destiny, destiny produces the man for the hour". 

North East India has a complex history and a turbulent journey since independence. Soon after India gained independence or maybe even before that, the Britons have played their games. 

Divide and Rule and also 'misrule' from distance !! 

It is said some of the Christian missionaries and other foreigners started promoting sentiments in favour of separate and "independent" states in North East India. 

The Simon Commission had played its role since 1929 itself. Britishers knew they had to go and so the 'preparation' started way back. 

There was another vital element. The virtual absence of any political or cultural contact of the tribals in the North-East with the political life of the rest of India. An infant nation was not much bothered. Assam though was an exception. 

There was another 'striking difference' even as tribals also had a wonderful track record of fighting the colonial masters. Netaji Subhas Bose had admirers even in Naga inhabited areas of Manipur. 

But the fact is that the struggle for independence had little impact among the tribals of the North East and perhaps also vice versa. 

Separately all north eastern states - the original seven sisters and later the 8th state - Sikkim --- all are distinctly different from each other. Even the so-called history of insurgency or anti-India resistance in each state were basically owing to different reasons. 

The Nagas gave the first state of guerrilla warfare. Mizos followed them. 

Arunachal Pradesh displayed its peculiarity and a distinct pro-nationalist stance and also love for Hindi. 

In Assam, the ULFA movement was definitely anti-India but the real 'Assam movement' was simply against influx of foreigners. Had this issue was better handled by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her loyalist Home Minister Gyani Zail Singh - the story would have been different.  

Blogger with soldiers guarding the nation in wilds of northeast 

There is no doubt that the insurgency in North East India would not have assumed the ominous contour as it has without foreign support -- both coverts and overt. 

Pakistan, China and later Bangladesh did play an enthusiastic role sometime jointly and sometime separately. 

The hidden hand of the Uncle Sam too was quite pronounced notwithstanding the new found bonhomie with the Americans.  

We will try to analyse things further. 

But before that a few questions deserve closer scrutiny and effective understanding.

Should the insurgents in northeast continue to look up to China and follow their communist ideas?

Should insurgent groups try to understand on their part whether they have been "misled" by Beijing and China sympathisers from time to time?

Or, thirdly and perhaps quite important in circa 2025 -  the militant groups should "embrace democratic ideals" and look up to the United States to create pressure on India.

All these are vital to examine on the given context that the US and India are now close ally and strategic partner of India. 

Hard Facts:

Of course, insurgents have tried to draw mileage on two scores -- taking American money and taking 'ground/logistic' support and training from China. 

The synthesis between the two was not balanced. In 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 during wartime - tribals in northeast and even insurgent groups did not go against India or Indian army. 

Most insurgent groups thus cannot be designated as 'enemies' of India. There was a policy dispute. 

Nagas or Mizos did not opt for 'disgrace' and ungratefulness as against the affairs of honour. During Kargil, Khashi soldiers from Meghalaya and Naga from Kohima region laid down their lives for 'mother India' and Indian army. 

Thankfully most 1999-New Delhi did not forget that.  

Naga Kargil Martyr :::  Capt. Neikezhakuo Kengurüse, Maha Vir Chakra 

So what inference we can draw. 

Militancy in northeast has a strong political overtone. It also means honour and at the next stage that 'honour' or self respect is also about telling the truth. For many insurgent cadres and leaders - the 'freedom movement' is also public service and hence taking a more practical viewpoint vis-a-vis enlisting foreign support. 

If US money does make sense; co could be greater involvements of Washington in ensuring a lasting peace package for north east India.  

On religious angle also, for most of insurgent groups, they will have a better ally in America.

China is anti-religion and it has been proved that probably it only enjoys instigating the insurgent groups to destabilise the north east region.

Arms sale is something Beijing has always made India  see things better and in a more sensitive manner.

Unlike the US, China may not be interested in "peace" ... more so when it is India due their geopolitical rivalry. 

The US on the other hand does not have any geopolitical vested interests and can leverage its friendship with India to broker peace.

ends