Less than a month after communal tensions rocked the city of Leicester, United Kingdom, over 180 Hindu organisations and temples have written an open letter to the UK Prime Minister Lizz Truss.

Less than a month after communal tensions rocked the city of Leicester, United Kingdom, over 180 Hindu organisations and temples have written an open letter to the UK Prime Minister Lizz Truss. Reportedly, the letter written by Insight UK, a platform for British Hindus and British Indians was signed by 180 Hindu organisations and sought urgent action from targetted hate crimes against the community. “We write to draw your attention to the recent disturbances in Leicester, Birmingham and other towns which have greatly distressed the Indian and Hindu communities in the UK. Hatred towards the Hindu community is at an all-time high, to the point where there has been open violence, intimidation, and abuse levelled at Hindus through physical assaults, harassment on social media, and most recently through soft targeting in schools and the workplace,” read the letter. The letter added that the Hindu community feels like it is 'under a seige' and that many in the community have already left their neighbourhood due to fear. "This Hindu community now lives in a state of fear. While some families have already left the neighbourhood, many more are preparing to relocate. It is worth noting that a small, but highly organised band of radical Islamists took full advantage of the community tensions that existed between this marginalised Hindu community and their Muslim neighbours which previously lived in peace.” OPEN LETTER by INSIGHT UK, signed by 180 Hindu organisations to the PM of UK @trussliz. Authorities must act against targeted hate crimes against the #Hindu community. Failing Liberty: Tolerating intolerance is breaking #Britain. #Hinduphobia #HindusUnderAttackInUK #Leicester 1/2 pic.twitter.com/zw0ZB04sBR — INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) October 14, 2022 × The letter said that the Hindu community has made the UK its home for over 250 years, despite accounting for less than two per cent of the total population. However, despite the low population, the community's socio-economic contribution was 'significantly higher'. Read more: Leicester violence: Hindu-Muslim leaders call for calm after cricket match flare-up To summarise the letter, the Hindu community in the UK demanded that an independent investigation be carried into the attacks to ascertain the cause of anti-Hindu hatred. It added that the government should help fund training for teachers so that they can identify and deal with anti-Hindu hatred in schools. “The above proposals and/or recommendations will go a long way in repairing the damage that has been done to so many by an extremist few." The genesis The violence first erupted in August after Pakistan defeated India in an Asia Cup cricket match. Several clips that went viral on social media showed violence breaking out after the cricket match. Afterwards, multiple reports of targeted attacks and incidents of vandalism against Hindu symbols were reported across the city. Read more: India condemns Leicester violence and vandalism of Hindu religious premises The Indian High Commission, at the time, deplored the incident and urged the UK authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We're under seige', 180 Hindu groups write a letter to Truss, seek action for Leicester attacks

A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community.

In the third instance, a married Hindu woman with three children went missing from Mirpurkhas and later showed up after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.

In the last case, police have refused to register an FIR on the complaint of the woman’s husband Ravi Kurmi who says his wife was forcibly abducted and converted to Islam by their neighbour Ahmed Chandio who used to harass her.

A local police officer in Mirpurkhas said all three cases are being investigated. The officer, however, said married woman Rakhi claims she converted and married the Muslim man of her own will.

The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls has&nbsp;become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers.

In June this year, teenage Hindu girl Kareena Kumari told a court here that she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man.

In March this year, three Hindu girls, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel and Anita Bheel were abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men within eight days.

In another case on March 21, Pooja Kumari was brutally shot dead outside her home in Rohri, Sukkur. Apparently, a Pakistani man wanted to marry her but she refused and he and two of his accomplices opened fire on her a few days later.

On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only.

But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year.

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A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community.

A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community. In the third instance, a married Hindu woman with three children went missing from Mirpurkhas and later showed up after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man. In the last case, police have refused to register an FIR on the complaint of the woman’s husband Ravi Kurmi who says his wife was forcibly abducted and converted to Islam by their neighbour Ahmed Chandio who used to harass her. A local police officer in Mirpurkhas said all three cases are being investigated. The officer, however, said married woman Rakhi claims she converted and married the Muslim man of her own will. The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls has become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers. In June this year, teenage Hindu girl Kareena Kumari told a court here that she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man. In March this year, three Hindu girls, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel and Anita Bheel were abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men within eight days. In another case on March 21, Pooja Kumari was brutally shot dead outside her home in Rohri, Sukkur. Apparently, a Pakistani man wanted to marry her but she refused and he and two of his accomplices opened fire on her a few days later. On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only. But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hindu woman and two teenage girls abducted and converted in Pakistan

A Hindu man&nbsp;in Hyderabad, Pakistan was purportedly booked&nbsp;in a false blasphemy case on Sunday (August 21), over a clash with a local resident, according to multiple media reports. The man, identified as Ashok Kumar, a sweeper, was violently assaulted by a hostile mob. After a fight with shopkeeper Bilal Abbasi, he filed a complaint against Kumar.

The frenzied mob, calling for the Hindu workers’ surrender for desecrating the Quran, was dispersed by the Hyderabad police, ANI reported.

According to a local media report, a Muslim woman was actually the one who burnt the Islamist book.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-booked-under-anti-terrorism-charges-508941">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan booked under anti-terrorism charges</a>

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Hyderabad police dispersed a violent mob which was demanding handing over a Hindu sanitary worker accusing him of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blasphemy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blasphemy</a> Police claims the sanitary worker was targeted because of a personal clash with a local resident <a href="https://t.co/CnSFLNLqhH">pic.twitter.com/CnSFLNLqhH</a>
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In Pakistan, there’s a widespread practise of using the harsh blasphemy law against minorities and even members of the Muslim community to avenge personal grievances. Several people have been killed by lynching for the blasphemy charge alone. Numerous other people spend years in prison without receiving justice because their lawyers, in fear, refuse to represent them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crime-against-women-in-pakistan-horrific-violence-against-257-women-in-sindh-508927">Crime against women in Pakistan: Horrific violence against 257 women in Sindh</a>

However, without considering the facts, judges in subordinate courts frequently sentence the accused to death.

According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan has documented 1,415 blasphemy cases since its independence. The think tank believes that the true number of instances is much higher than the one recorded.

As per reports, the problem of unverified and speculative claims of ‘blasphemy’ has increased in lynchings and extrajudicial executions in the South Asian country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Hindu man in Hyderabad, Pakistan was purportedly booked in a false blasphemy case on Sunday (August 21), over a clash with a local resident, according to multiple media reports.

A Hindu man in Hyderabad, Pakistan was purportedly booked in a false blasphemy case on Sunday (August 21), over a clash with a local resident, according to multiple media reports. The man, identified as Ashok Kumar, a sweeper, was violently assaulted by a hostile mob. After a fight with shopkeeper Bilal Abbasi, he filed a complaint against Kumar. The frenzied mob, calling for the Hindu workers’ surrender for desecrating the Quran, was dispersed by the Hyderabad police, ANI reported. According to a local media report, a Muslim woman was actually the one who burnt the Islamist book. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan booked under anti-terrorism charges Hyderabad police dispersed a violent mob which was demanding handing over a Hindu sanitary worker accusing him of #blasphemy Police claims the sanitary worker was targeted because of a personal clash with a local resident pic.twitter.com/CnSFLNLqhH — Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) August 21, 2022 × In Pakistan, there’s a widespread practise of using the harsh blasphemy law against minorities and even members of the Muslim community to avenge personal grievances. Several people have been killed by lynching for the blasphemy charge alone. Numerous other people spend years in prison without receiving justice because their lawyers, in fear, refuse to represent them. Also read | Crime against women in Pakistan: Horrific violence against 257 women in Sindh However, without considering the facts, judges in subordinate courts frequently sentence the accused to death. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan has documented 1,415 blasphemy cases since its independence. The think tank believes that the true number of instances is much higher than the one recorded. As per reports, the problem of unverified and speculative claims of ‘blasphemy’ has increased in lynchings and extrajudicial executions in the South Asian country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Mob charges at Hindu man's house over fake blasphemy case

A Muslim student named Mohammed Basith M surprised everyone with his deep knowledge of the Indian epic Ramayana in the town of Valanchery in Kerala. Although Ramayana is generally considered to be a significant part of Hindu mythology, the college student got almost all the questions right and even showed exemplary understanding of the verses. Basith’s knowledge was just not restricted to the questions as he effortless recited the verses from “Adhyatma Ramayanam”.

When asked about his favourite part of Ramayana, the student&nbsp;picked "Ayodhya Kanda" – which speaks about the worthlessness of kingdom and power – and even recited it effortlessly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinkhole-in-chile-doubles-in-size-large-enough-to-swallow-frances-arc-de-triomphe-504685" hreflang="en">Sinkhole in Chile doubles in size, large enough to swallow France's Arc de Triomphe</a>

Basith, however, is not familiar with the Sanskrit version and his knowledge comes from Adhyatma Ramayanam - the Malayalam version written by Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan.

According to PTI, the quiz competition organised by major publishing house DC Books as part of the ongoing ‘Ramayana Month’ celebrations was won by Basith and his college mate-friend Mohammed Jabir P K. Both of them are currently students of KKSM Islamic and Arts College at Valanchery.

“All Indians must read and learn the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as they are part of the country’s culture, tradition and history. I believe that it is our responsibility to learn and understand these texts,” Jabir told PTI in an interview after the win.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-met-police-strip-searched-kids-for-two-years-mostly-black-report-504759">UK’s Met Police strip-searched kids for two years, mostly black: Report</a>

“Rama had to sacrifice even his kingdom to fulfil the promise to his beloved father Dasaratha. While living in a period of endless struggles for power, we should draw inspiration from characters like Rama and the message of epics like Ramayana,” the 22-year-old student added.

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(With inputs from agencies)

A Muslim student named Mohammed Basith M surprised everyone with his deep knowledge of the Indian epic Ramayana in the town of Valanchery in Kerala. Although Ramayana is generally considered to be a significant part of Hindu mythology, the college student got almost all the questions right and even showed exemplary understanding of the verses.

A Muslim student named Mohammed Basith M surprised everyone with his deep knowledge of the Indian epic Ramayana in the town of Valanchery in Kerala. Although Ramayana is generally considered to be a significant part of Hindu mythology, the college student got almost all the questions right and even showed exemplary understanding of the verses. Basith’s knowledge was just not restricted to the questions as he effortless recited the verses from “Adhyatma Ramayanam”. When asked about his favourite part of Ramayana, the student picked "Ayodhya Kanda" – which speaks about the worthlessness of kingdom and power – and even recited it effortlessly. Also read | Sinkhole in Chile doubles in size, large enough to swallow France's Arc de Triomphe Basith, however, is not familiar with the Sanskrit version and his knowledge comes from Adhyatma Ramayanam - the Malayalam version written by Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. According to PTI, the quiz competition organised by major publishing house DC Books as part of the ongoing ‘Ramayana Month’ celebrations was won by Basith and his college mate-friend Mohammed Jabir P K. Both of them are currently students of KKSM Islamic and Arts College at Valanchery. “All Indians must read and learn the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as they are part of the country’s culture, tradition and history. I believe that it is our responsibility to learn and understand these texts,” Jabir told PTI in an interview after the win. Also read | UK’s Met Police strip-searched kids for two years, mostly black: Report “Rama had to sacrifice even his kingdom to fulfil the promise to his beloved father Dasaratha. While living in a period of endless struggles for power, we should draw inspiration from characters like Rama and the message of epics like Ramayana,” the 22-year-old student added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - (With inputs from agencies)

Two Muslim students win Ramayana quiz, say 'all Indians must learn the epics'

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday&nbsp;reiterated&nbsp;that all idols and portraits considered worship worthy by Hindus like Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Vivekananda etc. would be allowed in Tirumala.

TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy said a recent social media campaign claiming that Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's idol was not allowed to Tirumala was totally untrue and baseless.

He added that with an objective to maintain the holiness and sanctity of Tirumala hill shrine, the TTD has decided not to allow idols or materials with political and other non-Hindu faiths into Tirumala.

Dharma Reddy further clarified that due to communication lapse, a controversy prevailed about Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji's idol in a vehicle of a Maharashtra devotee a few days ago. “However, the issue was resolved amicably, and the devotee and his vehicle were permitted to proceed to Tirumala after routine security check, but the devotee made a hatred video which became viral on social media impacting the sentiments of scores of Maharashtrians. We appeal to all not to believe such ruthless statements as we very well know Chhatrapati Shivaji was one of the great Hindu Leaders and we have immense respect towards the great soul.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/debris-from-chinese-rocket-crashes-into-indian-ocean-502129" hreflang="en">Debris from Chinese rocket crashes into Indian Ocean</a>

Sanjay Jadhav, an MP from Parbhani, Maharashtra, also found fault with the devotee who made the video criticising the TTD.

“Few days ago, a devotee from Maharashtra made a video viral on social media saying that TTD security insulted him for carrying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s idol in the car which is absolutely baseless. Being a internationally acclaimed place of pilgrimage for Hindus, every vehicle undergoes security check at Alipiri check post. As it is a rule with the TTD board not to carry images or symbols or personalities or flags of political parties, other religious faiths, each vehicle is checked. As a part of the routine check, the vehicle of the said pilgrim was also checked. After verifying that it was idol of Shivaji Maharaj, the&nbsp;vehicle was allowed to proceed. But the devotee made a video abusing TTD board. But in reality, that was incorrect and urged people of Maharashtra to&nbsp;not believe such false rumours and happily visit Tirumala to have darshan of Bhagawan Venkateshwara Balaji,” Jadhav said after darshan of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala.

Earlier in the morning, TTD board member Milind Narwekar presented an idol of Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji idol to TTD EO at the latter’s camp office.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday reiterated that all idols and portraits considered worship worthy by Hindus like Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Vivekananda etc.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday reiterated that all idols and portraits considered worship worthy by Hindus like Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Vivekananda etc. would be allowed in Tirumala. TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy said a recent social media campaign claiming that Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's idol was not allowed to Tirumala was totally untrue and baseless. He added that with an objective to maintain the holiness and sanctity of Tirumala hill shrine, the TTD has decided not to allow idols or materials with political and other non-Hindu faiths into Tirumala. Dharma Reddy further clarified that due to communication lapse, a controversy prevailed about Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji's idol in a vehicle of a Maharashtra devotee a few days ago. “However, the issue was resolved amicably, and the devotee and his vehicle were permitted to proceed to Tirumala after routine security check, but the devotee made a hatred video which became viral on social media impacting the sentiments of scores of Maharashtrians. We appeal to all not to believe such ruthless statements as we very well know Chhatrapati Shivaji was one of the great Hindu Leaders and we have immense respect towards the great soul.'' Also read | Debris from Chinese rocket crashes into Indian Ocean Sanjay Jadhav, an MP from Parbhani, Maharashtra, also found fault with the devotee who made the video criticising the TTD. “Few days ago, a devotee from Maharashtra made a video viral on social media saying that TTD security insulted him for carrying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s idol in the car which is absolutely baseless. Being a internationally acclaimed place of pilgrimage for Hindus, every vehicle undergoes security check at Alipiri check post. As it is a rule with the TTD board not to carry images or symbols or personalities or flags of political parties, other religious faiths, each vehicle is checked. As a part of the routine check, the vehicle of the said pilgrim was also checked. After verifying that it was idol of Shivaji Maharaj, the vehicle was allowed to proceed. But the devotee made a video abusing TTD board. But in reality, that was incorrect and urged people of Maharashtra to not believe such false rumours and happily visit Tirumala to have darshan of Bhagawan Venkateshwara Balaji,” Jadhav said after darshan of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala. Earlier in the morning, TTD board member Milind Narwekar presented an idol of Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji idol to TTD EO at the latter’s camp office.

TTD denies claims in viral video, says Tirumala is pilgrimage centre for all Hindus

Advocates of the Hindu side have claimed that a 'Shivling' (idol of Lord Shiva) has been found inside a well of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The claim was made as court-mandated videography took place on third consecutive day.

Lawyer Vishnu Jain said that he would go to civil court to seek protection of the idol.

An advocate from the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav, claimed that the shivling is Nandi faced.

"The shivling is 12 feet by 8 inches in diameter," he added.

Heavy security was deployed at the complex as court-appointed committee reached spot to carry out the survey on Monday (May 16). On Sunday, nearly 65 per cent of the exercise was completed.

On Sunday, the survey of the areas of the mosque which, according to lawyers Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Jain, used to be a part of the temple, was done.

On the western wall of the Gyanvapi complex, the remains of Hindu temple demolition are visible and the pictures will be surveyed. For this, the fourth lock was opened on Monday, while the first three rooms were opened during the survey on Saturday.

What is the Gyanvapi mosque issue?

Gyanvapi Mosque is near the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the holy city Varanasi. The mosque is currently facing a legal battle. A court in Varanasi has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi Masjid.

The Hindu side&nbsp;wants permission to worship in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex daily. It has demanded videography of the structure to support its claim that in order to prove the existence of Shringar Gauri (a Hindu deity) idol, entry into the mosque is necessary.

The Muslim side, which is, Anjuman Intezamiya Masajid (mosque management committee) says that the idol of Shringar Gauri is on the western side of the mosque.

It is claimed that the temple was built more than two thousand years ago. The claim says that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the Hindu temple and built a mosque.

Five Delhi-based women -- Rakhi Singh, Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu and others moved the court with their plea on April 18, 2021, seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols of Hindu deities.

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Advocates of the Hindu side have claimed that a 'Shivling' (idol of Lord Shiva) has been found inside a well of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The claim was made as court-mandated videography took place on third consecutive day.

Advocates of the Hindu side have claimed that a 'Shivling' (idol of Lord Shiva) has been found inside a well of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The claim was made as court-mandated videography took place on third consecutive day. Lawyer Vishnu Jain said that he would go to civil court to seek protection of the idol. An advocate from the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav, claimed that the shivling is Nandi faced. "The shivling is 12 feet by 8 inches in diameter," he added. Heavy security was deployed at the complex as court-appointed committee reached spot to carry out the survey on Monday (May 16). On Sunday, nearly 65 per cent of the exercise was completed. On Sunday, the survey of the areas of the mosque which, according to lawyers Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Jain, used to be a part of the temple, was done. On the western wall of the Gyanvapi complex, the remains of Hindu temple demolition are visible and the pictures will be surveyed. For this, the fourth lock was opened on Monday, while the first three rooms were opened during the survey on Saturday. What is the Gyanvapi mosque issue? Gyanvapi Mosque is near the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the holy city Varanasi. The mosque is currently facing a legal battle. A court in Varanasi has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi Masjid. The Hindu side wants permission to worship in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex daily. It has demanded videography of the structure to support its claim that in order to prove the existence of Shringar Gauri (a Hindu deity) idol, entry into the mosque is necessary. The Muslim side, which is, Anjuman Intezamiya Masajid (mosque management committee) says that the idol of Shringar Gauri is on the western side of the mosque. It is claimed that the temple was built more than two thousand years ago. The claim says that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the Hindu temple and built a mosque. Five Delhi-based women -- Rakhi Singh, Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu and others moved the court with their plea on April 18, 2021, seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols of Hindu deities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lord Shiva idol found in a well located in Gyanvapi mosque complex, lawyer claims

A Canadian MP of Indian heritage has moved a motion in parliament to get November declared as Hindu Heritage Month. The motion is yet to be debated and passed in houses of the parliament, House of Commons and Senate.

The MP Chandra Arya has moved the motion. Arya has called upon the Canadian government to "recognise the contributions that Hindu-Canadians have made to the socio-economic development of Canada, and their services to the Canadian society, the richness of Hindu Heritage and its vast contribution to the world of arts and science, astronomy to medicine, and its culture and traditions and the importance of educating and reflecting upon it for our future generations in Canada by declaring November, every year, Hindu Heritage Month.”

Canada has several month dedicated to religious heritage. The month of May is observed as Canadian Jewish Month. Month of October is observed as Canadian Islamic Historic Month. April is celebrated as Sikh Heritage Month.

According to MP Chandra Arya, members of the Hindu community started coming to Canada 100 years ago. Today, their population is about 600,000. The community has people who migrated from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Southeast Asia and even Africa.

“Hindu-Canadians have made and continue to make significant contribution to Canada’s socio-economic, political, and cultural heritage as doctors, scientists, engineers, lawyers, business leaders, artists, academics, government officials, elected officials, etc. From building institutions to being philanthropists, Hindu-Canadians have excelled in all services and sectors and in all walks of life,” said Chandra Arya in his speech in Canadian parliament.

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A Canadian MP of Indian heritage has moved a motion in parliament to get November declared as Hindu Heritage Month. The motion is yet to be debated and passed in houses of the parliament, House of Commons and Senate.

A Canadian MP of Indian heritage has moved a motion in parliament to get November declared as Hindu Heritage Month. The motion is yet to be debated and passed in houses of the parliament, House of Commons and Senate. The MP Chandra Arya has moved the motion. Arya has called upon the Canadian government to "recognise the contributions that Hindu-Canadians have made to the socio-economic development of Canada, and their services to the Canadian society, the richness of Hindu Heritage and its vast contribution to the world of arts and science, astronomy to medicine, and its culture and traditions and the importance of educating and reflecting upon it for our future generations in Canada by declaring November, every year, Hindu Heritage Month.” Canada has several month dedicated to religious heritage. The month of May is observed as Canadian Jewish Month. Month of October is observed as Canadian Islamic Historic Month. April is celebrated as Sikh Heritage Month. According to MP Chandra Arya, members of the Hindu community started coming to Canada 100 years ago. Today, their population is about 600,000. The community has people who migrated from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Southeast Asia and even Africa. “Hindu-Canadians have made and continue to make significant contribution to Canada’s socio-economic, political, and cultural heritage as doctors, scientists, engineers, lawyers, business leaders, artists, academics, government officials, elected officials, etc. From building institutions to being philanthropists, Hindu-Canadians have excelled in all services and sectors and in all walks of life,” said Chandra Arya in his speech in Canadian parliament. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canadian MP moves motion to make November the Hindu Heritage Month

Today, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee is celebrating his 53rd birthday. On his special day,&nbsp;a poem that the actor narrated two years back is again on the trending list.&nbsp; 
 
The poem titled 'Bhagwan Aur Khuda' gives a hard-hitting message to the people who are fighting over their religion. The 2020 poem is penned by a known filmmaker Milap Zaveri, who jotted down his feeling on the communal fights which&nbsp;were recently witnessed in the different parts of the country.&nbsp; 
 
The viral video shows Bajpayee sitting on the mountain peak and narrating the poem with all his heart. The two-minute&nbsp;poem talks about the how two gods - Bhagwaan (Hindu God) and Khuda (Muslim God) who are talking about the current situation of the world where people are just fighting over their religion and why it doesn't matter what ritual or belief one follows, end of the day we all are one.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhagwanAurKhuda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhagwanAurKhuda</a> written and conceptualised by me in 2020 and performed so brilliantly by the legendary <a href="https://twitter.com/BajpayeeManoj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BajpayeeManoj</a> whose presence, performance, narration still gives me goosebumps. An important message for our nation. For all Indians and all humans🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/TSeries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/b23NuGjo6C">pic.twitter.com/b23NuGjo6C</a>
— Milap (@MassZaveri) <a href="https://twitter.com/MassZaveri/status/1516474609503068162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Zaveri, who had written this poem during the covid-19 lockdown, recently shared the video on his Twitter account with the caption explaining why this poem is the need of an hour for all the Indians and humans.&nbsp; 
 
''#BhagwanAurKhuda was written and conceptualised by me in 2020 and performed so brilliantly by the legendary @BajpayeeManoj whose presence, performance, and narration still gives me goosebumps. An important message for our nation. For all Indians and all humans🙏 @TSeries'', Zaveri's tweet reads. 
 
Reacting to the video going viral again, Zaveri told PTI, &nbsp;"It is great to see it (poem) becoming so relevant (again). There have been unfortunate incidents where people of two communities have clashed and that has made this video relevant." 
 
"And people came out to say that people from neither community want disharmony or discord amongst each other. Hindus and Muslims have lived in peace and that is what's the message that the poem tries to give," he added. 
 
"I guess because of recent events, it struck a chord somewhere stronger now and it got the video back into notice. It is a simple video. It doesn't blame anyone or point fingers at anyone and rather says why can't we co-exist in harmony," Zaveri told PTI.

(With inputs from the agency) 
&nbsp;

Today, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee is celebrating his 53rd birthday. On his special day, a poem that the actor narrated two years back is again on the trending list.

Today, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee is celebrating his 53rd birthday. On his special day, a poem that the actor narrated two years back is again on the trending list. The poem titled 'Bhagwan Aur Khuda' gives a hard-hitting message to the people who are fighting over their religion. The 2020 poem is penned by a known filmmaker Milap Zaveri, who jotted down his feeling on the communal fights which were recently witnessed in the different parts of the country. The viral video shows Bajpayee sitting on the mountain peak and narrating the poem with all his heart. The two-minute poem talks about the how two gods - Bhagwaan (Hindu God) and Khuda (Muslim God) who are talking about the current situation of the world where people are just fighting over their religion and why it doesn't matter what ritual or belief one follows, end of the day we all are one. #BhagwanAurKhuda written and conceptualised by me in 2020 and performed so brilliantly by the legendary @BajpayeeManoj whose presence, performance, narration still gives me goosebumps. An important message for our nation. For all Indians and all humans🙏 @TSeries pic.twitter.com/b23NuGjo6C — Milap (@MassZaveri) April 19, 2022 × Zaveri, who had written this poem during the covid-19 lockdown, recently shared the video on his Twitter account with the caption explaining why this poem is the need of an hour for all the Indians and humans. ''#BhagwanAurKhuda was written and conceptualised by me in 2020 and performed so brilliantly by the legendary @BajpayeeManoj whose presence, performance, and narration still gives me goosebumps. An important message for our nation. For all Indians and all humans🙏 @TSeries'', Zaveri's tweet reads. Reacting to the video going viral again, Zaveri told PTI, "It is great to see it (poem) becoming so relevant (again). There have been unfortunate incidents where people of two communities have clashed and that has made this video relevant." "And people came out to say that people from neither community want disharmony or discord amongst each other. Hindus and Muslims have lived in peace and that is what's the message that the poem tries to give," he added. "I guess because of recent events, it struck a chord somewhere stronger now and it got the video back into notice. It is a simple video. It doesn't blame anyone or point fingers at anyone and rather says why can't we co-exist in harmony," Zaveri told PTI. (With inputs from the agency)

Manoj Bajpayee's narrated poem on communal harmony goes viral- Watch

A Hindu man has been sentenced to life in prison&nbsp;for committing 'blasphemy', as per reports in Pakistani media. News outlet SAMAA Digital reported that in addition to life imprisonment, the man has also been fined 50,000 Pakistani rupees for committing the alleged blasphemy. A sessions court in Pakistan's Ghotki delivered the verdict.

As per the report, the verdict was delivered on Tuesday (February 8) after a two-year-long trial. During this period, Nautan Lal, the convicted man, was held in jail as an undertrial. He has been sent back to the same jail.

Case was registered against Nautan Lal after a teenager claimed that he had committed blasphemy. The video made by the teenager had gone viral in September 2019.

Following this, head of a madrassa had filed a complaint against Nautan Lal alleging him of blasphemy. SAMAA Digital says that violence broke out as news of the case against Nautan Lal spread.

Masked men reported attacked Sacho Satram Dham Temple in Ghotki destroying property and even idols after the case was registered against Nautan Lal.

Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and is punishable by law. However, critics have been pointing at the ambiguous nature of things that they say leads to questionable convictions many times.

A Hindu man has been sentenced to life in prison for committing 'blasphemy', as per reports in Pakistani media. News outlet SAMAA Digital reported that in addition to life imprisonment, the man has also been fined 50,000 Pakistani rupees for committing the alleged blasphemy.

A Hindu man has been sentenced to life in prison for committing 'blasphemy', as per reports in Pakistani media. News outlet SAMAA Digital reported that in addition to life imprisonment, the man has also been fined 50,000 Pakistani rupees for committing the alleged blasphemy. A sessions court in Pakistan's Ghotki delivered the verdict. As per the report, the verdict was delivered on Tuesday (February 8) after a two-year-long trial. During this period, Nautan Lal, the convicted man, was held in jail as an undertrial. He has been sent back to the same jail. Case was registered against Nautan Lal after a teenager claimed that he had committed blasphemy. The video made by the teenager had gone viral in September 2019. Following this, head of a madrassa had filed a complaint against Nautan Lal alleging him of blasphemy. SAMAA Digital says that violence broke out as news of the case against Nautan Lal spread. Masked men reported attacked Sacho Satram Dham Temple in Ghotki destroying property and even idols after the case was registered against Nautan Lal. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and is punishable by law. However, critics have been pointing at the ambiguous nature of things that they say leads to questionable convictions many times.

Pakistan: Hindu teacher gets life imprisonment for alleged 'blasphemy'

Malaysian Hindus face muted celebrations of the annual Thaipusam festival, which were scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event sees Hindus, a sizeable minority in multi-ethnic Malaysia, showcase their devotion to the deity Lord Murugan.

Hindus in Malaysia celebrated Thaipusam festival on a smaller scale due to pandemic

After facing backlash, officials in Pakistan’s Islamabad city have restored a land for the construction of a temple for the minority Hindu community.

Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) was severely criticised after it told Islamabad high court, during a hearing, that the allotment for the construction of capital’s first Hindu temple has been cancelled, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Four kanals (0.5 acres) of land was allotted to the community in 2016 for the construction of the first-ever Hindu temple, cremation and community centre.

The CDA said it had to cancel its order following an outcry from the public.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hindu-temple-vandalised-again-india-summons-top-pak-diplomat-403200">Pakistan: Hindu temple vandalised again; India summons top Pak diplomat</a>

CDA’s counsel Javed Iqbal told the court that the civic agency had already cancelled the plot for the Hindu community in February this year for not starting construction on it.

According to officials, they were following a decision of the government which directed that the allotments of all lands issued to various offices, universities and other institutions on which no construction work had been started to be cancelled.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindus-pardon-mob-accused-of-vandalising-temple-in-pakistan-370419">Hindus 'pardon' mob accused of vandalising temple in Pakistan&nbsp;</a>

The officials claimed that they misinterpreted the government’s order and that they ordered to restore the land after it was apprised of the matter.

“We hope this clarifies the confusion the land alloted (sic) to the temple stands valid,” the CDA said in a tweet, along with a notice that showed the notification was withdrawn by the agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-india-lodges-protest-pm-imran-khan-condemns-attack-on-hindu-temple-in-pakistan-403413">After India lodges protest, PM Imran Khan condemns attack on Hindu temple in Pakistan</a>

In July last year, radical Islamist groups had criticised the government for its intention to build a Hindu temple with government funding, following which the CDA had stopped the community from constructing the boundary wall around the plot.

However, the matter was resolved in December when the city managers issued permission to the community to raise the boundary wall around the proposed site.

There is no temple and cremation centre in Islamabad for the Hindu community. After a lot&nbsp;of effort&nbsp;by the Hindu community and on the direction of the Human Right Commission of Pakistan, the CDA allotted the four kanals to the community in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

After facing backlash, officials in Pakistan’s Islamabad city have restored a land for the construction of a temple for the minority Hindu community. Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) was severely criticised after it told Islamabad high court, during a hearing, that the allotment for the construction of capital’s first Hindu temple has been cancelled, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday.

After facing backlash, officials in Pakistan’s Islamabad city have restored a land for the construction of a temple for the minority Hindu community. Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) was severely criticised after it told Islamabad high court, during a hearing, that the allotment for the construction of capital’s first Hindu temple has been cancelled, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday. Four kanals (0.5 acres) of land was allotted to the community in 2016 for the construction of the first-ever Hindu temple, cremation and community centre. The CDA said it had to cancel its order following an outcry from the public. Also read | Pakistan: Hindu temple vandalised again; India summons top Pak diplomat CDA’s counsel Javed Iqbal told the court that the civic agency had already cancelled the plot for the Hindu community in February this year for not starting construction on it. According to officials, they were following a decision of the government which directed that the allotments of all lands issued to various offices, universities and other institutions on which no construction work had been started to be cancelled. Also read | Hindus 'pardon' mob accused of vandalising temple in Pakistan The officials claimed that they misinterpreted the government’s order and that they ordered to restore the land after it was apprised of the matter. “We hope this clarifies the confusion the land alloted (sic) to the temple stands valid,” the CDA said in a tweet, along with a notice that showed the notification was withdrawn by the agency. Also read | After India lodges protest, PM Imran Khan condemns attack on Hindu temple in Pakistan In July last year, radical Islamist groups had criticised the government for its intention to build a Hindu temple with government funding, following which the CDA had stopped the community from constructing the boundary wall around the plot. However, the matter was resolved in December when the city managers issued permission to the community to raise the boundary wall around the proposed site. There is no temple and cremation centre in Islamabad for the Hindu community. After a lot of effort by the Hindu community and on the direction of the Human Right Commission of Pakistan, the CDA allotted the four kanals to the community in 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan officials restore land for Islamabad's first Hindu temple following backlash

Activists, Hindu community leaders, student will go on a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday (October 23) for the demand of ensuring safety and security of religious minorities, said local media.

Various groups like Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad (BPUP) have announced their participation in the protests, said Dhaka Tribune.

The protests will demand quick trial of perpetrators who attacked Hindu temples, Durga Puja venues, and homes in several districts recently.

The BPUP alleged that the administration had failed to act on attacks on Hindus in the country, that were sparked by false allegations of the Holy Quran being desecrated in Comilla. Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee, BPUP General Secretary, said that at the night of the incident, only one guard was present at the temporary Puja venue in Comilla. The power supply to the mandapa area was cut off for a period between 3 am and 4 am that night, according to Dhaka Tribune.

"The question of what caused the power outage remains unresolved. Is the incident being investigated?" the BPUP General Secretary asked.

As per the newspaper, so far, a total of 102 cases have been filed accusing 20,619 people in connection with the recent violence against the Hindu community. Of the accused, police have arrested 583 people and drives are underway to arrest the rest, according to the police`s official data.

On late Thursday, police in Chittagong arrested 10 people, including nine members of former Ducsu VP Nurul Haque Nur-led Bangladesh Students` Rights Council, over their alleged involvement in the recent attack on the Durga Puja pavilion at the JM Sen Hall in the city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Activists, Hindu community leaders, student will go on a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday (October 23) for the demand of ensuring safety and security of religious minorities, said local media.

Activists, Hindu community leaders, student will go on a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday (October 23) for the demand of ensuring safety and security of religious minorities, said local media. Various groups like Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad (BPUP) have announced their participation in the protests, said Dhaka Tribune. The protests will demand quick trial of perpetrators who attacked Hindu temples, Durga Puja venues, and homes in several districts recently. The BPUP alleged that the administration had failed to act on attacks on Hindus in the country, that were sparked by false allegations of the Holy Quran being desecrated in Comilla. Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee, BPUP General Secretary, said that at the night of the incident, only one guard was present at the temporary Puja venue in Comilla. The power supply to the mandapa area was cut off for a period between 3 am and 4 am that night, according to Dhaka Tribune. "The question of what caused the power outage remains unresolved. Is the incident being investigated?" the BPUP General Secretary asked. As per the newspaper, so far, a total of 102 cases have been filed accusing 20,619 people in connection with the recent violence against the Hindu community. Of the accused, police have arrested 583 people and drives are underway to arrest the rest, according to the police`s official data. On late Thursday, police in Chittagong arrested 10 people, including nine members of former Ducsu VP Nurul Haque Nur-led Bangladesh Students` Rights Council, over their alleged involvement in the recent attack on the Durga Puja pavilion at the JM Sen Hall in the city. (With inputs from agencies)

Dhaka to see hunger strike for demands of safety of minorities

A 35-year-old man who triggered the anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh has been arrested. CCTV footage showed him placing a Quran inside a puja pavilion in Comilla. Palki Sharma tells you why this arrest is just the tip of the iceberg.

Gravitas: Man who triggered Bangladesh riots arrested

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week.

The culprit has been identified as Iqbal Hossain, 35, from Sujanagar area of Comilla city. However, he is yet to be arrested.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the police were able to zero in on the identity of the accused after analysing the CCTV footage at the venue where the Hindu holy festival of Durga Puja was taking place.

The CCTV footage showed that on October 13, Iqbal took the Islamic holy book Quran from a mosque and placed it on the knee of a statue of the Hindu god Hanuman in the shrine.

He was later seen walking away with the Hindu God’s club in his hand.

Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed confirmed the identity on Wednesday. Police say Iqbal Hossain is a drifter. It is still unknown whether he has any involvement with any political parties.

Police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people till now. Of them, four were Iqbal’s associates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

Amena Begum, Iqbal's mother, claimed that Iqbal was a drug addict and used to torture his family members in various ways.

“He loved to stay at different shrines across the country,” she was quoted as saying.

Amena claimed Iqbal had some psychological issues for the last 10 years as he had been stabbed in the stomach by some neighbours.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-give-us-justice-hindus-in-bangladesh-stage-protests-422144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the Dhaka Tribune, his younger brother Raihan had been helping the police since Friday to find Iqbal.

Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645">Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</a>

Raihan also said that Iqbal might have been provoked by someone or some groups.

Earlier, Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident.

“I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested,” he said.

Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41, on October 13 and got him on remand to interrogate him. He posted a Facebook live from the festival venue on that day that went viral.

After the video went viral on Facebook earlier this week, mobs of more than 500 people gathered in Cumilla and neighbouring districts over the alleged blasphemy.

About 10 Hindu temples and shrines were attacked and vandalised by the crowds, who threw stones and smashed statues of the Hindu gods.

The anti-Hindu violence continued the following day, where more than 80 special shrines set up for the Durga Puja festival were attacked, with about 150 Hindus injured and two killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week.

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week. The culprit has been identified as Iqbal Hossain, 35, from Sujanagar area of Comilla city. However, he is yet to be arrested. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the police were able to zero in on the identity of the accused after analysing the CCTV footage at the venue where the Hindu holy festival of Durga Puja was taking place. The CCTV footage showed that on October 13, Iqbal took the Islamic holy book Quran from a mosque and placed it on the knee of a statue of the Hindu god Hanuman in the shrine. He was later seen walking away with the Hindu God’s club in his hand. Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed confirmed the identity on Wednesday. Police say Iqbal Hossain is a drifter. It is still unknown whether he has any involvement with any political parties. Police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people till now. Of them, four were Iqbal’s associates. Also read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh Amena Begum, Iqbal's mother, claimed that Iqbal was a drug addict and used to torture his family members in various ways. “He loved to stay at different shrines across the country,” she was quoted as saying. Amena claimed Iqbal had some psychological issues for the last 10 years as he had been stabbed in the stomach by some neighbours. Watch According to the Dhaka Tribune, his younger brother Raihan had been helping the police since Friday to find Iqbal. Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus Raihan also said that Iqbal might have been provoked by someone or some groups. Earlier, Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident. “I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested,” he said. Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41, on October 13 and got him on remand to interrogate him. He posted a Facebook live from the festival venue on that day that went viral. After the video went viral on Facebook earlier this week, mobs of more than 500 people gathered in Cumilla and neighbouring districts over the alleged blasphemy. About 10 Hindu temples and shrines were attacked and vandalised by the crowds, who threw stones and smashed statues of the Hindu gods. The anti-Hindu violence continued the following day, where more than 80 special shrines set up for the Durga Puja festival were attacked, with about 150 Hindus injured and two killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain

According to reports, Afghan Hindus and Sikhs will be allowed to travel to India if they possess valid documents. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a report from Kabul airport.

Report: Afghan Hindus, Sikhs can travel to India with valid documents

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.”

Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

“Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted.

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Op Devi Shakti continues. 
 
78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. 
 
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirIndiain</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMEA</a> for their untiring efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeviShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeviShakti</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1430062198219366403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-world-silent-asks-afghanistans-first-female-sikh-mp-407905">‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP</a>

So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport.

Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule.

On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India.

After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan. “Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted. Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts. #DeviShakti — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021 × India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city. Also read | ‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport. Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule. On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India. After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

‘Operation Devi Shakti’: 78 more evacuees from Afghanistan land in India, 800 rescued so far

India will repatriate Afghan Hindus and Sikhs amid the Taliban's takeover and bring them to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said.

"There are several Afghans who've been our partners in [promoting] mutual developmental, educational and people-to-people endeavours. We'll stand by them," said MEA spokesperson.

"Commercial operations from Kabul airport have been suspended today. This has forced a pause in our repatriation efforts. We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process," he said.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that "We'll facilitate repatriation to India of those who wishes to leave Afghanistan. There are also several Afghans who've been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational &amp; people to people endeavours. We will stand by them."

"We had circulated emergency contact numbers &amp; had also been extending assistance to community members. We're aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return &amp; we're in touch with them," he added. 
 
Indians living or working in Afghanistan had been receiving periodic advice from New Delhi.

As the Taliban marched towards Kabul, they were encouraged to flee the country.

Although many Indians have gone, there are still others who are stranded in Afghanistan and want to return.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India will repatriate Afghan Hindus and Sikhs amid the Taliban's takeover and bring them to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said. "There are several Afghans who've been our partners in [promoting] mutual developmental, educational and people-to-people endeavours.

India will repatriate Afghan Hindus and Sikhs amid the Taliban's takeover and bring them to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said. "There are several Afghans who've been our partners in [promoting] mutual developmental, educational and people-to-people endeavours. We'll stand by them," said MEA spokesperson. "Commercial operations from Kabul airport have been suspended today. This has forced a pause in our repatriation efforts. We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process," he said. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that "We'll facilitate repatriation to India of those who wishes to leave Afghanistan. There are also several Afghans who've been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational & people to people endeavours. We will stand by them." "We had circulated emergency contact numbers & had also been extending assistance to community members. We're aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return & we're in touch with them," he added. Indians living or working in Afghanistan had been receiving periodic advice from New Delhi. As the Taliban marched towards Kabul, they were encouraged to flee the country. Although many Indians have gone, there are still others who are stranded in Afghanistan and want to return. (With inputs from agencies)

We'll help Afghan partners, Hindus and Sikhs come to India: New Delhi

Inviting applications for new interns, NASA recently shared some images of its former interns on Twitter. The idea seemed to be to showcase the diversity of people serving at the US space agency.

Among the pictures of four interns was one of an Indian American girl, sitting on a desk wearing a sweater sporting NASA logo and with Hindu god sculptures and posters in the background.&nbsp;

What followed was widespread trolling of her faith, with some asking how the US space agency, a scientific organisation, could allow somebody who believes in God. Some comments bordered on Hinduphobia.&nbsp;

Some users&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the presence of the&nbsp;idols at the workspace of the Indian-origin intern, while others questioned NASA for putting up a stereotypical image of an Indian girl.&nbsp;

But the trolling has now backfired on the pundits, with supporters saying they were completely okay with the fact that&nbsp;the Indian NASA intern had Hindu idols beside her.&nbsp;

One user wrote on Twitter: "All those mocking her : Hijab, polygamy, child marriages, Niqab, prayers on road, etc are supposed to be respected under the concept of 'choice' and 'pluralism' but a Hindu lady practicing her faith has to be ridiculed. Carry on! Your bigotry will make her faith more stronger."

"So many people exposing their casual bigotry &amp; racism.... while dissing on a minority Girl.. all because she's proud of her roots,” said another.&nbsp;

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Today's the day: applications for fall NASA internships are due! 
 
Are you ready? Visit <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAInterns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAInterns</a> and apply at: <a href="https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ">https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/CVwFJGYbms">pic.twitter.com/CVwFJGYbms</a>
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The girl was shown in the picture sitting with a laptop&nbsp;and&nbsp;idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and others in the background, a typical scene from many Indian households.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Inviting applications for new interns, NASA recently shared some images of its former interns on Twitter. The idea seemed to be to showcase the diversity of people serving at the US space agency.

Inviting applications for new interns, NASA recently shared some images of its former interns on Twitter. The idea seemed to be to showcase the diversity of people serving at the US space agency. Among the pictures of four interns was one of an Indian American girl, sitting on a desk wearing a sweater sporting NASA logo and with Hindu god sculptures and posters in the background. What followed was widespread trolling of her faith, with some asking how the US space agency, a scientific organisation, could allow somebody who believes in God. Some comments bordered on Hinduphobia. Some users criticised the presence of the idols at the workspace of the Indian-origin intern, while others questioned NASA for putting up a stereotypical image of an Indian girl. But the trolling has now backfired on the pundits, with supporters saying they were completely okay with the fact that the Indian NASA intern had Hindu idols beside her. One user wrote on Twitter: "All those mocking her : Hijab, polygamy, child marriages, Niqab, prayers on road, etc are supposed to be respected under the concept of 'choice' and 'pluralism' but a Hindu lady practicing her faith has to be ridiculed. Carry on! Your bigotry will make her faith more stronger." "So many people exposing their casual bigotry & racism.... while dissing on a minority Girl.. all because she's proud of her roots,” said another. Today's the day: applications for fall NASA internships are due! Are you ready? Visit @NASAInterns and apply at: https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ pic.twitter.com/CVwFJGYbms — NASA (@NASA) July 9, 2021 × The girl was shown in the picture sitting with a laptop and idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and others in the background, a typical scene from many Indian households.

Trolled for her Hindu faith, NASA intern finds strong support online 

According to an extensive study&nbsp;conducted by the Pew Research Centre, 84 per cent of Indians said that to be “truly Indian”, it is very important to respect all religions.

The study, which covered 29,999 Indian adults, concluded that citizens of India are "united in the view" that respecting other religions is a very important part.

People in six major religious groups openly asserted they are "free to practice their faith" and that people of other religions are also free to practice their own religion.

The research was conducted in 2019 and early 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that nearly 97 per cent of Indians believe in God and 80 per cent people across religious groups&nbsp;feel that God exists, however, one-third Buddhists said they do not believe in God.

Interestingly, the Pew research found that India’s religious groups share several religious practices and beliefs.

For example, 29 per cent Sikhs, 22 per cent Christian women and 18 per cent Muslim women wear a bindi&nbsp;(marking on the forehead of a married woman) although it is a Hindu symbol, with Muslims, Hindus and Christians likely to believe in&nbsp;Karma.

The study also found that some members of the majority Hindu community celebrate Muslim and Christian festivals.

The research further found that 48 per cent of Indian Muslims said that the Partition of the subcontinent in 1947 was a bad thing for Hindu-Muslim relations, with 74 per cent Muslims in support of access to existing Islamic courts.

As far as religious identity is concerned, nearly 72 per cent people surveyed said a person cannot be a Hindu if they eat beef, while among Muslims 77 per cent said a person cannot be a Muslim if they eat pork.

The research revealed&nbsp;that close friends of Indian citizens come mainly or entirely from their own religious community.

But they have a&nbsp;different view when it comes to inter-religious marriages. Both Hindus and Muslims are averse to interfaith marriages, with majority of respondents from both communities opposing it.

According to an extensive study conducted by the Pew Research Centre, 84 per cent of Indians said that to be “truly Indian”, it is very important to respect all religions.

According to an extensive study conducted by the Pew Research Centre, 84 per cent of Indians said that to be “truly Indian”, it is very important to respect all religions. The study, which covered 29,999 Indian adults, concluded that citizens of India are "united in the view" that respecting other religions is a very important part. People in six major religious groups openly asserted they are "free to practice their faith" and that people of other religions are also free to practice their own religion. The research was conducted in 2019 and early 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that nearly 97 per cent of Indians believe in God and 80 per cent people across religious groups feel that God exists, however, one-third Buddhists said they do not believe in God. Interestingly, the Pew research found that India’s religious groups share several religious practices and beliefs. For example, 29 per cent Sikhs, 22 per cent Christian women and 18 per cent Muslim women wear a bindi (marking on the forehead of a married woman) although it is a Hindu symbol, with Muslims, Hindus and Christians likely to believe in Karma. The study also found that some members of the majority Hindu community celebrate Muslim and Christian festivals. The research further found that 48 per cent of Indian Muslims said that the Partition of the subcontinent in 1947 was a bad thing for Hindu-Muslim relations, with 74 per cent Muslims in support of access to existing Islamic courts. As far as religious identity is concerned, nearly 72 per cent people surveyed said a person cannot be a Hindu if they eat beef, while among Muslims 77 per cent said a person cannot be a Muslim if they eat pork. The research revealed that close friends of Indian citizens come mainly or entirely from their own religious community. But they have a different view when it comes to inter-religious marriages. Both Hindus and Muslims are averse to interfaith marriages, with majority of respondents from both communities opposing it.

Indians believe it's important to respect all religions: Pew research

The Pakistan Supreme Court has barred the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) from demolishing a Hindu Dharamshala in Karachi and leasing it out to an individual. 
 
A three-judge bench issued the order in the case related to the implementation of a 2014 judgment on minorities rights. 
 
Ramesh Kumar, the co-opted member of the one-man commission on minorities, upraised the court that the property, located in the heart of Saddar Town in Karachi city and measuring about 716 square yards, was a Dharamshala. 
 
Kumar also submitted photographs of the building and told the Supreme Court that the ETPB had leased the property to the individual for the demolition and allowed construction of a commercial plaza. 
 
The Supreme Court`s order in the case, maintained: "The very photograph apparently shows that the building is of a Dharamshala constructed in the year 1932, which can be read from the marble slab affixed on the building and must be protected heritage building." 
 
The court issued a notice to the Sindh provincial secretary heritage, asking for a report on the building and barred authorities from demolishing it. 
 
"In the meantime, no demolition activity of the said building shall be conducted by anyone and possession of the building and the land shall be taken over by the Commissioner Karachi, who shall manage the same and not allow any person to enter upon it," the order added. 
 
The court noted that the one-man commission has also requested for allocation of more funds for clearance of outstanding liabilities and also for allocation of budget for the year. 
 
"In the meantime, the amount of 14.994 million PKR be disbursed to the commission. For allocation of a new budget, let a proper response be filed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony."

The Pakistan Supreme Court has barred the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) from demolishing a Hindu Dharamshala in Karachi and leasing it out to an individual.

The Pakistan Supreme Court has barred the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) from demolishing a Hindu Dharamshala in Karachi and leasing it out to an individual. A three-judge bench issued the order in the case related to the implementation of a 2014 judgment on minorities rights. Ramesh Kumar, the co-opted member of the one-man commission on minorities, upraised the court that the property, located in the heart of Saddar Town in Karachi city and measuring about 716 square yards, was a Dharamshala. Kumar also submitted photographs of the building and told the Supreme Court that the ETPB had leased the property to the individual for the demolition and allowed construction of a commercial plaza. The Supreme Court`s order in the case, maintained: "The very photograph apparently shows that the building is of a Dharamshala constructed in the year 1932, which can be read from the marble slab affixed on the building and must be protected heritage building." The court issued a notice to the Sindh provincial secretary heritage, asking for a report on the building and barred authorities from demolishing it. "In the meantime, no demolition activity of the said building shall be conducted by anyone and possession of the building and the land shall be taken over by the Commissioner Karachi, who shall manage the same and not allow any person to enter upon it," the order added. The court noted that the one-man commission has also requested for allocation of more funds for clearance of outstanding liabilities and also for allocation of budget for the year. "In the meantime, the amount of 14.994 million PKR be disbursed to the commission. For allocation of a new budget, let a proper response be filed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony."

Pakistan Supreme Court stops demolition of Hindu dharamshala

Police in Bangladesh on Saturday arrested the alleged prime accused and instigator in connection with the attack on about 80 houses of Hindus by a hardline Islamist group in the country's northeastern Sylhet division following a social media post reportedly by a youth from the minority community.&nbsp;

Shahidul Islam Swadhin, a Union Parishad member, who is also the president of the local ward Jubo League, was arrested by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PIB) from Moulvibazar district, bdnews24.Com reported.&nbsp;

"Swadhin is the prime suspect in the attacks at Noagaon village in Shalla Upazila," Special Superintendent of Police Khaled Uz Zaman of the PBI said, adding that he was held as an 'instigator' of the attacks.&nbsp;

A total of 23 people, including Swadhin, have been arrested so far, the police said. The arrests were made following the attack on a Hindu village by several thousand followers of Hefazat-e-Islam's leader Mamunul Haque in Shalla upazila of Sunamganj district in Sylhet division on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Haque's supporters gathered in Noagaon village and attacked the homes of local Hindus with sticks and locally-made weapons, vandalising 70-80 houses, according to the police.&nbsp;

Many local Hindus fled their homes to save themselves, the report said, adding that the mob entered the village, ransacked and looted many houses.&nbsp;

The incident happened after Hefazat-e-Islam's Amir Allama Junaid Babunagari, Joint-Secretary General Mawlana Mufti Mamunul Haque and several other central leaders attended a conference at Derai upazila on Monday.&nbsp;

Enraged by Haque's speech, a young Hindu man allegedly made a Facebook post criticising him. Following the social media post, the mob attacked the homes of the minority community in the village on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A large number of police personnel rushed to the spot to control the situation.&nbsp;

A senior police officer said that elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was also deployed.&nbsp;

Shalla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Muktadir Hossain said in a statement that the accused youth has been arrested and handed over to the law enforcement for insulting Haque on Facebook. Legal action is being taken against him.&nbsp;

"Criminal cases were filed against 700 and a manhunt for the attackers is underway," Sunamganj district police chief Mizanur Rahman told reporters.&nbsp;

Ruling Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader said the government has ordered stern actions to bring the culprits to justice.&nbsp;

"The government is committed to ensure security and peaceful coexistence of people of all religious faiths," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, rights groups and Hindu leaders said the minority community was targeted in a planned way to drive them away.&nbsp;

Several Hindu organisations like the Bangladesh Hindu Parishad and the National Hindu Grand Alliance staged separate street protests in Dhaka and other places.&nbsp;

"This country belongs to everyone. We want harmony," Hindu Parishad leader Sajan Kumar Mishra told one of the major rallies in front of the National Press Club.&nbsp;

Hefazat is mainly a grouping of teachers and students of hundreds of non-government madrasas across the country. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Police in Bangladesh on Saturday arrested the alleged prime accused and instigator in connection with the attack on about 80 houses of Hindus by a hardline Islamist group in the country's northeastern Sylhet division following a social media post reportedly by a youth from the minority community.

Police in Bangladesh on Saturday arrested the alleged prime accused and instigator in connection with the attack on about 80 houses of Hindus by a hardline Islamist group in the country's northeastern Sylhet division following a social media post reportedly by a youth from the minority community. Shahidul Islam Swadhin, a Union Parishad member, who is also the president of the local ward Jubo League, was arrested by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PIB) from Moulvibazar district, bdnews24.Com reported. "Swadhin is the prime suspect in the attacks at Noagaon village in Shalla Upazila," Special Superintendent of Police Khaled Uz Zaman of the PBI said, adding that he was held as an 'instigator' of the attacks. A total of 23 people, including Swadhin, have been arrested so far, the police said. The arrests were made following the attack on a Hindu village by several thousand followers of Hefazat-e-Islam's leader Mamunul Haque in Shalla upazila of Sunamganj district in Sylhet division on Wednesday. Haque's supporters gathered in Noagaon village and attacked the homes of local Hindus with sticks and locally-made weapons, vandalising 70-80 houses, according to the police. Many local Hindus fled their homes to save themselves, the report said, adding that the mob entered the village, ransacked and looted many houses. The incident happened after Hefazat-e-Islam's Amir Allama Junaid Babunagari, Joint-Secretary General Mawlana Mufti Mamunul Haque and several other central leaders attended a conference at Derai upazila on Monday. Enraged by Haque's speech, a young Hindu man allegedly made a Facebook post criticising him. Following the social media post, the mob attacked the homes of the minority community in the village on Wednesday. A large number of police personnel rushed to the spot to control the situation. A senior police officer said that elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was also deployed. Shalla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Muktadir Hossain said in a statement that the accused youth has been arrested and handed over to the law enforcement for insulting Haque on Facebook. Legal action is being taken against him. "Criminal cases were filed against 700 and a manhunt for the attackers is underway," Sunamganj district police chief Mizanur Rahman told reporters. Ruling Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader said the government has ordered stern actions to bring the culprits to justice. "The government is committed to ensure security and peaceful coexistence of people of all religious faiths," he said. Meanwhile, rights groups and Hindu leaders said the minority community was targeted in a planned way to drive them away. Several Hindu organisations like the Bangladesh Hindu Parishad and the National Hindu Grand Alliance staged separate street protests in Dhaka and other places. "This country belongs to everyone. We want harmony," Hindu Parishad leader Sajan Kumar Mishra told one of the major rallies in front of the National Press Club. Hefazat is mainly a grouping of teachers and students of hundreds of non-government madrasas across the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime suspect in attack on Hindu homes in Bangladesh held 

A 13-yr-old Hindu girl in Pakistan has been converted to Islam at a public ceremony. 2 other minor girls have been converted in the last 26 days. The life of minorities in Pakistan has become an endless ordeal of indignity & humiliation.

Gravitas: Being a Hindu in Pakistan

Pakistan's Hindu community is in shock following the killing of a five-member family in mysterious circumstances in Pakistan on Friday.&nbsp;

The members of the family were found dead with their throats slit with some sharp-edged weapon in their house in Abu Dhabi Colony, Chak No 135-P, 15-kilometre away from Rahim Yar Khan city, reported The News International.&nbsp;

Police have recovered murder weapons including a knife and an axe. Social activist Birbal Das in Rahim Yar Khan told The News International that Ram Chand was a Meghwal Hindu and he was 35-36 years old. &nbsp;

He used to run a tailor shop. He was a peaceful man and lived a happy life, and the incident was shocking for everyone. &nbsp;

According to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 5 has revealed that most of the Hindu holy sites across the country were in a state of decay.&nbsp;

The seventh report of the one-man Dr Shoaib Suddle commission submitted to the Apex Court has depicted a dismal picture of most revered Hindu sites in the country.&nbsp;

The Commission was set up by the apex court in 2019 to oversee implementation of its judgement on minority rights.&nbsp;

It regretted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) 'failed to maintain most of the ancient and holy sites of the minority Hindu community'.&nbsp;

Dr Shoaib Suddle's one-man commission has been established by the Supreme Court but it has three supporting members, Dr Ramesh Vankwani, Saqib Jillani and the attorney general for Pakistan, who has nominated the deputy attorney general to participate in fact-finding activities of the commission, the report said.&nbsp;

Some of the major Hindu temples in Pakistan include Shri Hinglaj Mata temple (Balochistan), Shri Ramdev Pir temple (Sindh), Umarkot Shiv Mandir (Sindh), and the Churrio Jabal Durga Mata temple (Sindh).&nbsp;

In December last year, a temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district was torched by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group).&nbsp;

The attack on the temple drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan's Hindu community is in shock following the killing of a five-member family in mysterious circumstances in Pakistan on Friday. The members of the family were found dead with their throats slit with some sharp-edged weapon in their house in Abu Dhabi Colony, Chak No 135-P, 15-kilometre away from Rahim Yar Khan city, reported The News International.

Pakistan's Hindu community is in shock following the killing of a five-member family in mysterious circumstances in Pakistan on Friday. The members of the family were found dead with their throats slit with some sharp-edged weapon in their house in Abu Dhabi Colony, Chak No 135-P, 15-kilometre away from Rahim Yar Khan city, reported The News International. Police have recovered murder weapons including a knife and an axe. Social activist Birbal Das in Rahim Yar Khan told The News International that Ram Chand was a Meghwal Hindu and he was 35-36 years old. He used to run a tailor shop. He was a peaceful man and lived a happy life, and the incident was shocking for everyone. According to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists. Meanwhile, a report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 5 has revealed that most of the Hindu holy sites across the country were in a state of decay. The seventh report of the one-man Dr Shoaib Suddle commission submitted to the Apex Court has depicted a dismal picture of most revered Hindu sites in the country. The Commission was set up by the apex court in 2019 to oversee implementation of its judgement on minority rights. It regretted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) 'failed to maintain most of the ancient and holy sites of the minority Hindu community'. Dr Shoaib Suddle's one-man commission has been established by the Supreme Court but it has three supporting members, Dr Ramesh Vankwani, Saqib Jillani and the attorney general for Pakistan, who has nominated the deputy attorney general to participate in fact-finding activities of the commission, the report said. Some of the major Hindu temples in Pakistan include Shri Hinglaj Mata temple (Balochistan), Shri Ramdev Pir temple (Sindh), Umarkot Shiv Mandir (Sindh), and the Churrio Jabal Durga Mata temple (Sindh). In December last year, a temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district was torched by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group). The attack on the temple drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction. (With inputs from agencies)

5-member Hindu family found dead under mysterious circumstances in Pakistan 

A new Hindu temple is being constructed in Dubai with an Arabian look and will be ready by Diwali next year.

The temple is being planned adjacent to the famous Guru Nanak Darbar in Jebel Ali and will be considered an extension of the Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple in Souq Baniyas, Bur Dubai — which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-community-leader-demands-protection-for-temple-in-northwest-pakistan-357365">Hindu community leader demands protection for temple in northwest Pakistan</a>

Construction of this new temple in Jebel Ali will make the locality a multi-religious corridor in the city.

"Once complete, there will be several churches, the Sikh Guru Nanak Darbar, and a Hindu temple in the same location," Raju Shroff, a trustee of the&nbsp;Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple told local media.

This temple is being constructed at an area of 25,000 sq. ft. and will cost around Dirham 75 million (Rs 1,48,86,24,396). The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place in February last year and the basement of the temple has already been constructed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/british-hindus-write-to-boris-johnson-over-rampant-persecution-of-minority-group-in-pakistan-356060">British Hindus write to Boris Johnson over 'rampant persecution' of minority group in Pakistan</a>

There are two basements, a ground floor and the first floor with a total height of 24 metres, as per the local media.‭ Its main dome will have a design inspired by the Nagara style of Hindu temple.

Rest of the construction is also underway and the authorities are hoping to open doors for visitors by Diwali 2022.

"Piling, shoring and casting of basements one and two are complete as of now. We are on track to open during Diwali 2022," Shroff said.

While the temple will have 11 deities, its architecture will have an Arabian look infused with the Indian decor.

"We want to give back to the local economy and this our way to repay the gratitude we have for the UAE leadership for celebrating religious tolerance," Shroff said.

The temple will also offer a 4,000 sq. ft. banquet hall to visitors to organise cultural events and religious gatherings.

A new Hindu temple is being constructed in Dubai with an Arabian look and will be ready by Diwali next year. The temple is being planned adjacent to the famous Guru Nanak Darbar in Jebel Ali and will be considered an extension of the Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple in Souq Baniyas, Bur Dubai — which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE.

A new Hindu temple is being constructed in Dubai with an Arabian look and will be ready by Diwali next year. The temple is being planned adjacent to the famous Guru Nanak Darbar in Jebel Ali and will be considered an extension of the Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple in Souq Baniyas, Bur Dubai — which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE. Also read| Hindu community leader demands protection for temple in northwest Pakistan Construction of this new temple in Jebel Ali will make the locality a multi-religious corridor in the city. "Once complete, there will be several churches, the Sikh Guru Nanak Darbar, and a Hindu temple in the same location," Raju Shroff, a trustee of the Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple told local media. This temple is being constructed at an area of 25,000 sq. ft. and will cost around Dirham 75 million (Rs 1,48,86,24,396). The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place in February last year and the basement of the temple has already been constructed. Also read| British Hindus write to Boris Johnson over 'rampant persecution' of minority group in Pakistan There are two basements, a ground floor and the first floor with a total height of 24 metres, as per the local media.‭ Its main dome will have a design inspired by the Nagara style of Hindu temple. Rest of the construction is also underway and the authorities are hoping to open doors for visitors by Diwali 2022. "Piling, shoring and casting of basements one and two are complete as of now. We are on track to open during Diwali 2022," Shroff said. While the temple will have 11 deities, its architecture will have an Arabian look infused with the Indian decor. "We want to give back to the local economy and this our way to repay the gratitude we have for the UAE leadership for celebrating religious tolerance," Shroff said. The temple will also offer a 4,000 sq. ft. banquet hall to visitors to organise cultural events and religious gatherings.

New Hindu temple to open in Dubai by Diwali 2022

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads. A single-judge bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Choudhury passed the order. The order was passed after decision in a case was finalised.

Earlier, women only had right to homestead and not any property like agricultural land. The inheritance rights of of a women with respect to her husband's property was guided by Property Act, 1937. This act curtailed rights of Hindu women.

The historic verdict on Wednesday has come after 83 years.

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&nbsp;

The week has had two encouraging stories for women's rights in South Asia. Other than the historic judgment in Bangladesh, a development in Afghanistan has had women's rights activists celebrating.

A cabinet committee of Afghanistan government has okayed the inclusion of mother's name in the national identity card of a person. This seemingly small step is a big leap in a deeply patriarchal Afghan society.

In Afghanistan, women do not enjoy equal social rights as men and are often only represented with respect to male relatives in their family.

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads.

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads. A single-judge bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Choudhury passed the order. The order was passed after decision in a case was finalised. Earlier, women only had right to homestead and not any property like agricultural land. The inheritance rights of of a women with respect to her husband's property was guided by Property Act, 1937. This act curtailed rights of Hindu women. The historic verdict on Wednesday has come after 83 years. × The week has had two encouraging stories for women's rights in South Asia. Other than the historic judgment in Bangladesh, a development in Afghanistan has had women's rights activists celebrating. A cabinet committee of Afghanistan government has okayed the inclusion of mother's name in the national identity card of a person. This seemingly small step is a big leap in a deeply patriarchal Afghan society. In Afghanistan, women do not enjoy equal social rights as men and are often only represented with respect to male relatives in their family.

Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court

The Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple will participate in the "Prayers for Humanity" initiative. This initiative is being organized by&nbsp;the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity.

The prayer will be held on May 14 with the objective to&nbsp;unite&nbsp;people in the fight against coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-indian-nationals-flown-back-from-gulf-to-kerala-test-coronavirus-positive-297666">Also read:&nbsp;Two Indian nationals flown back from Gulf to Kerala test coronavirus positive</a>

The prayer meeting will commence at 9pm on Thursday and will include prayers from different cultures of India.

Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, Brahmavihari Swamiji said, "We are honoured to join the Pray for Humanity initiative organised by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity (HCHF). It is an inspiring call to action which will unite humanity in prayer to the Almighty whose compassion, guidance and protection we all seek in these trying times."

Talking about the prayer meeting,&nbsp;Brahmavihari Swamiji urged everyone to come together and pray for the betterment of humanity. Talking about the coronavirus, he said the prayer will help people unite through heart and soul and pray that the world overcomes this deadly virus that has already claimed so many lives.

The prayer meeting will also include&nbsp;devotional songs, a video presentation, chanting and meditation.

Interested person can log onto "prayer.Mandir.Ae" to join the service.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple will participate in the "Prayers for Humanity" initiative. This initiative is being organized by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity.

The Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Temple will participate in the "Prayers for Humanity" initiative. This initiative is being organized by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity. The prayer will be held on May 14 with the objective to unite people in the fight against coronavirus. Also read: Two Indian nationals flown back from Gulf to Kerala test coronavirus positive The prayer meeting will commence at 9pm on Thursday and will include prayers from different cultures of India. Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, Brahmavihari Swamiji said, "We are honoured to join the Pray for Humanity initiative organised by the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity (HCHF). It is an inspiring call to action which will unite humanity in prayer to the Almighty whose compassion, guidance and protection we all seek in these trying times." Talking about the prayer meeting, Brahmavihari Swamiji urged everyone to come together and pray for the betterment of humanity. Talking about the coronavirus, he said the prayer will help people unite through heart and soul and pray that the world overcomes this deadly virus that has already claimed so many lives. The prayer meeting will also include devotional songs, a video presentation, chanting and meditation. Interested person can log onto "prayer.Mandir.Ae" to join the service. (With inputs from PTI)

Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi to hold prayer meeting

The death toll in violence in the Indian capital Delhi has risen to 32. The Anti-CAA protests have now turned into violent riots. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to maintain harmony and peace.

India: Death toll in Delhi violence rises to 32

This Swiss couple got married in Indian style. Their wedding took place in King Daksha Prajapati's city Kankhal in Haridwar, India. Not only this, they were also joined by their family and friends from Australia, Germany and Switzerland. This is setting an example, how couples around the globe are attracted towards Indian style weddings and are excited about Indian culture and Indian civilization.

Watch: How Indian wedding vows are attracting couples from all over the world

In some parts of India, protest against the controversial law that is Citizenship (Amendment) Act still continue. Hindu refugee family from Pakistan named newly born daughter as 'Nagarikta' over the CAA. #WIONDispatch #India #AntiCAAProtest #WION

WION Dispatch: Hindu refugee family from Pak named their daughter as 'Nagarikta'

“Am I a Hindu or a Muslim?” 
“What do you think?” 
“I don’t know. Maybe a Muslim.” 
“Why do you say so?” 
“I don’t know.” 
“Why do you ask?” 
“My judo teacher asked me.” 
 
The boy asking the question is six and a half years old. This conversation happened a week ago. It has been bothering me since. We never needed religion as a qualifier. So we never told him what his religion was. We’ve long pulled up the judo teacher for asking the question. But that’s not even the point. He’s not an evil bigot. He’s just another person, unwittingly offensive. This is an unacceptable yet casual question in India — a secular country with a majority that harbours the angst of perceived wrongs and a minority that has forever been used as a political pawn. 
 
The makers of India’s constitution wanted a secular state but the biggest proponents of secularism, Nehru and Ambedkar, did not allow the word secular to be part of the Preamble. The debate is worth revisiting. The crux is this — for the state to truly distance itself from religion, as secularism demands, there should be no recognition of minority on the basis of religion, no reservation, no muslim personal law, no directive principle for protection of cows. In the Indian context such detachment was hard to achieve. So it was agreed to drop the term, than to “fraudulently” use it. It was only inserted much later by Indira Gandhi in 1976 through unconstitutional means. The preamble was amended without a debate in Parliament. 
 
This unsettled debate is manifesting itself today, seven decades since Independence. Secularism in India is an ideal that has been pursued but not truly achieved. It has systematically been abused for political gain. The confusion and lack of consensus has come back to bite us. The repressed Islamophobia of India is revealing itself and it makes a sorry picture. It is easy to blame a party or its leaders, but who put them there? They never hid what they stood for. Perhaps Indians hid what they really stood for, or were wary of expressing themselves. And so it is important to view this protest beyond the binaries. 
 
India is not a monolith. There are many Indias, many ideologies and beliefs that clash and co-exist. One India is protesting today. On the streets and on social media. Another India is supporting this law. And a third, perhaps much bigger India, is watching from the sidelines. Most of these people have no political agenda, no real understanding of the subject and no direct stakes in this battle of ideologies. They’re trying to make sense of the frenzy, to fathom the full import of what’s happening. The questions are confounding. 
 
Is India sliding into a majoritarian abyss? Is this politically stimulated hype? Are the policemen devils? The pictures show them raining lathis on hapless protestors. The pictures also show them pouring tea for people on a cold Delhi evening. The pictures show people pelting stones at them. And yet others show a muslim cop telling a lady to let him do his job. So many protestors have sustained head injuries. Why are the police hitting children? What were the children doing at a protest site? Should children not be allowed to protest? At what age do you qualify? Why detain journalists? Why say things like “identifying people by their clothes” in such a volatile situation? Isn’t protest a basic right of every citizen? Isn’t civil disobedience the bedrock of Indian democracy? But what justifies violence? Should police not do their duty? Who are the people indulging in violence? It’s so vitiated now, with so many conflicting versions that sifting the “truth” is well nigh impossible. 
 
But here’s what can be done. The government has every right to pass laws, even controversial ones. They did not do it on the sly. They followed due procedure, got it passed in Parliament. What they seem to have forgotten is the universal mantra of democracy - “a government of the people, for the people, by the people.” And that includes all people. When they complain listen to them, don’t discredit them. When they break the law, investigate and punish them. Don’t&nbsp;pander to their basest emotions, don’t exploit their anxieties. 
 
Reach out. Restore peace.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

“Am I a Hindu or a Muslim?” “What do you think?” “I don’t know. Maybe a Muslim.” “Why do you say so?” “I don’t know.” “Why do you ask?” “My judo teacher asked me.

“Am I a Hindu or a Muslim?” “What do you think?” “I don’t know. Maybe a Muslim.” “Why do you say so?” “I don’t know.” “Why do you ask?” “My judo teacher asked me.” The boy asking the question is six and a half years old. This conversation happened a week ago. It has been bothering me since. We never needed religion as a qualifier. So we never told him what his religion was. We’ve long pulled up the judo teacher for asking the question. But that’s not even the point. He’s not an evil bigot. He’s just another person, unwittingly offensive. This is an unacceptable yet casual question in India — a secular country with a majority that harbours the angst of perceived wrongs and a minority that has forever been used as a political pawn. The makers of India’s constitution wanted a secular state but the biggest proponents of secularism, Nehru and Ambedkar, did not allow the word secular to be part of the Preamble. The debate is worth revisiting. The crux is this — for the state to truly distance itself from religion, as secularism demands, there should be no recognition of minority on the basis of religion, no reservation, no muslim personal law, no directive principle for protection of cows. In the Indian context such detachment was hard to achieve. So it was agreed to drop the term, than to “fraudulently” use it. It was only inserted much later by Indira Gandhi in 1976 through unconstitutional means. The preamble was amended without a debate in Parliament. This unsettled debate is manifesting itself today, seven decades since Independence. Secularism in India is an ideal that has been pursued but not truly achieved. It has systematically been abused for political gain. The confusion and lack of consensus has come back to bite us. The repressed Islamophobia of India is revealing itself and it makes a sorry picture. It is easy to blame a party or its leaders, but who put them there? They never hid what they stood for. Perhaps Indians hid what they really stood for, or were wary of expressing themselves. And so it is important to view this protest beyond the binaries. India is not a monolith. There are many Indias, many ideologies and beliefs that clash and co-exist. One India is protesting today. On the streets and on social media. Another India is supporting this law. And a third, perhaps much bigger India, is watching from the sidelines. Most of these people have no political agenda, no real understanding of the subject and no direct stakes in this battle of ideologies. They’re trying to make sense of the frenzy, to fathom the full import of what’s happening. The questions are confounding. Is India sliding into a majoritarian abyss? Is this politically stimulated hype? Are the policemen devils? The pictures show them raining lathis on hapless protestors. The pictures also show them pouring tea for people on a cold Delhi evening. The pictures show people pelting stones at them. And yet others show a muslim cop telling a lady to let him do his job. So many protestors have sustained head injuries. Why are the police hitting children? What were the children doing at a protest site? Should children not be allowed to protest? At what age do you qualify? Why detain journalists? Why say things like “identifying people by their clothes” in such a volatile situation? Isn’t protest a basic right of every citizen? Isn’t civil disobedience the bedrock of Indian democracy? But what justifies violence? Should police not do their duty? Who are the people indulging in violence? It’s so vitiated now, with so many conflicting versions that sifting the “truth” is well nigh impossible. But here’s what can be done. The government has every right to pass laws, even controversial ones. They did not do it on the sly. They followed due procedure, got it passed in Parliament. What they seem to have forgotten is the universal mantra of democracy - “a government of the people, for the people, by the people.” And that includes all people. When they complain listen to them, don’t discredit them. When they break the law, investigate and punish them. Don’t pander to their basest emotions, don’t exploit their anxieties. Reach out. Restore peace. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why India is conflicted

No visa is required for Afghanistan origin Hindu and Sikh Indian citizens residing in India to travel to Afghanistan as Afghanistan government has granted long term permits and National identification card to them even if they have taken an Indian passport.

"Under this scheme, the Afghan Hindu and Sikh citizens can travel to Afghanistan on special travel documents. I also extended the embassy’s full support to the Afghans living in India in this regard", Tahir Qadiry, Chief of the mission, Afghan Embassy, Delhi.

"This is part of the Afghan government’s plan to acknowledge special status of Afghan Hindus &amp; Sikhs," he further said.

In the past, only month-long, single entry permits were granted to the Afghan Origin Hindus and Sikhs. Now the permit will last as long as the validity of the passport, viz. if the passport is valid for 10 years, the permit will be valid for 10 years.

The process to grant permits started on November 19 at Khalsa Diwan Gurdwara, Tilak Nagar and ended on December 13. Some 3500 Afghan and Afghan origin Hindus and Sikhs benefitted from the Afghan government's initiative.

The process of granting the special permit and national identity card or Tazkera was done by an ad-hoc team of Afghan National statistics and information authority under a special decree by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani.

No visa is required for Afghanistan origin Hindu and Sikh Indian citizens residing in India to travel to Afghanistan as Afghanistan government has granted long term permits and National identification card to them even if they have taken an Indian passport.

No visa is required for Afghanistan origin Hindu and Sikh Indian citizens residing in India to travel to Afghanistan as Afghanistan government has granted long term permits and National identification card to them even if they have taken an Indian passport. "Under this scheme, the Afghan Hindu and Sikh citizens can travel to Afghanistan on special travel documents. I also extended the embassy’s full support to the Afghans living in India in this regard", Tahir Qadiry, Chief of the mission, Afghan Embassy, Delhi. "This is part of the Afghan government’s plan to acknowledge special status of Afghan Hindus & Sikhs," he further said. In the past, only month-long, single entry permits were granted to the Afghan Origin Hindus and Sikhs. Now the permit will last as long as the validity of the passport, viz. if the passport is valid for 10 years, the permit will be valid for 10 years. The process to grant permits started on November 19 at Khalsa Diwan Gurdwara, Tilak Nagar and ended on December 13. Some 3500 Afghan and Afghan origin Hindus and Sikhs benefitted from the Afghan government's initiative. The process of granting the special permit and national identity card or Tazkera was done by an ad-hoc team of Afghan National statistics and information authority under a special decree by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani.

Afghanistan grants long term permits to Afghan origin Hindu, Sikh Indian citizens 

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