News for 'Sikh State'

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday condemned the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing the opposition of instigating the violence. He also criticized the opposition for their alleged silence over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and emphasized the BJP's commitment to protecting Hindus.

BJP distributes 'Eidi' with 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to Muslims

BJP distributes 'Eidi' with 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to Muslims

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The minority front of the Uttar Pradesh BJP will distribute 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to 32 lakh poor Muslims on the occasion of Eid this year.

'Mamata's Fundamental Concern Is The Muslim Vote'

'Mamata's Fundamental Concern Is The Muslim Vote'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'Rather than assuaging the feelings of the Hindus accommodated in schools and hospitals, she calls a meeting of imams and tries to assuage them.'

Canadian MP Chandra Arya's leadership bid revoked over India ties

Canadian MP Chandra Arya's leadership bid revoked over India ties

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Canada's Liberal Party has revoked Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya's bid to run for the party leadership and his nomination in his own Ottawa Nepean constituency over alleged ties to the Indian government. Citing a source with top-secret clearance, the Globe and Mail daily reported that Arya, who visited India last August and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had not informed the government of that trip even though bilateral relations are in a deep freeze. The Liberals have never revealed why they barred the three-term Liberal MP from the party's recent leadership race or from running again in Nepean constituency. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service had briefed the government about Arya's "alleged close ties to the government of India, including its High Commission in Ottawa". Arya has rejected the allegations and believes he was removed because of his stance against the Sikh Khalistani movement in Canada.

BJP mulls 2 deputy CMs in Delhi to reflect 'mini' India

BJP mulls 2 deputy CMs in Delhi to reflect 'mini' India

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The BJP is considering having two deputy chief ministers in the new Delhi government to represent the city as a "mini" India, party leaders said. The move is aimed at accommodating MLAs from different castes, communities, and regional backgrounds. The proposal is under consideration by the national leadership, which will also decide on the chief minister and other ministers. The process of government formation is expected to gain momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his foreign visit over the weekend.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

When Justice Ahmadi Sentenced Terrorists To Death

When Justice Ahmadi Sentenced Terrorists To Death

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Determined not to be arm-twisted into delaying the execution, he decided to hold a late night hearing at his residence. In the pitch blackness of the night, the original verdict was upheld. The next morning, on 9 October 1992, General Vaidya's assassins were hanged until death.

26 killed as Lashkar offshoot targets tourists in J-K's Pahalgam

26 killed as Lashkar offshoot targets tourists in J-K's Pahalgam

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist spot near Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

Manmohan Singh's ashes immersed in Yamuna after rituals

Manmohan Singh's ashes immersed in Yamuna after rituals

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The ashes of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were immersed in the Yamuna river near the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara in New Delhi. The immersion ceremony was conducted by Singh's family members following Sikh rituals. The ashes were collected from the Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday morning and taken to the 'Asth Ghat' on the Yamuna river bank near the gurdwara. Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur, their three daughters -- Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh -- along with other relatives were present at the immersion site.

Indian-origin becomes 1st female Sikh judge in US

Indian-origin becomes 1st female Sikh judge in US

Rediff.com9 Jan 2023

Singh was born and raised in Houston and now lives in Bellaire with her husband and two children.

When Nandita Danced To Kudi Gujarat Di

When Nandita Danced To Kudi Gujarat Di

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The four-day CIFF was packed with so many other new projects, like Radhika Apte's first directorial effort Koyta, with Vikramaditya Motwane as the producer, Venkatesh Maha's Ko Ko Ko, Jeo Baby's Punishment and Shonali Bose's Black Mountain Monpa.

Stop arresting 'innocent' Sikh youth: SGPC chief on hunt for Amritpal

Stop arresting 'innocent' Sikh youth: SGPC chief on hunt for Amritpal

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

Amid a police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Monday asked the Punjab government to stop arresting 'innocent' Sikh youths.

Akalis cite Rajiv convicts' release, demand freeing of Sikh prisoners

Akalis cite Rajiv convicts' release, demand freeing of Sikh prisoners

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a commitment to the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019 that the sentence of all Sikh detainees serving life sentences would be commuted and that the death sentence of Bhai Rajoana would be commuted to life.'

Jaishankar discusses 'present state' of ties with Canadian counterpart

Jaishankar discusses 'present state' of ties with Canadian counterpart

Rediff.com17 Feb 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that he discussed the 'present state' of bilateral ties and the current global issues with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, amidst a diplomatic row between the two countries over the killing of a Sikh separatist in Canada.

Pannun case: US 'satisfied' with Indian response

Pannun case: US 'satisfied' with Indian response

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The United States had a 'productive meeting' with visiting officials of the India Enquiry Committee, a State Department official said on Wednesday, adding they were satisfied with the cooperation from the Indian side.

Why Cong didn't attend Manmohan Singh's 'Asthi Visarjan'

Why Cong didn't attend Manmohan Singh's 'Asthi Visarjan'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

The Congress party on Monday defended its decision not to accompany the family of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the immersion of his ashes in the Yamuna, stating it was to ensure their privacy. Congress leader Pawan Khera said senior leaders did not accompany the family to gather and immerse the ashes of Dr Singh "out of our deference to the privacy of the family."

Ex-RAW official charged in US in plot to kill Pannun

Ex-RAW official charged in US in plot to kill Pannun

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Vikas Yadav, 39, was employed by the Cabinet Secretariat, which houses India's foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the federal prosecutors claimed on Thursday in an indictment filed in a US court in New York.

'I Am Dying For My Country'

'I Am Dying For My Country'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

It took Udham Singh 21 years to avenge the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh. And 34 years for his remains to return to India after execution in a British prison.

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Canada's Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya has announced that he is running to be the next prime minister, hours before his Liberal Party announced that their next leader will be chosen on March 9.

India taking it seriously: US on 'assassination plot'

India taking it seriously: US on 'assassination plot'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

India is taking the allegations regarding the assassination plot of Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States seriously, the White House has said but refrained from commenting on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) probe into the matter and the criminal case filed by the Department of Justice.

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Pannun plot: Govt panel recommends action against unnamed individual

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A high-powered enquiry committee set up by the Indian government has recommended legal action against an unnamed individual after probing activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations that undermined the security interests of both India and the US. The probe was ordered after the US alleged an attempt to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by Indian agents in New York in 2023. The committee, which received full cooperation from US authorities, has also recommended functional improvements in systems and procedures to strengthen India's response capability.

Can Jains seek relief under Hindu Marriage Act? HC to decide

Can Jains seek relief under Hindu Marriage Act? HC to decide

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Madhya Pradesh High Court will decide whether Jain individuals can seek relief under the Hindu Marriage Act, including divorce by mutual consent. This decision stems from a family court's refusal to accept a divorce petition from a Jain software engineer, citing the community's minority status. The high court appointed an amicus curiae to assist in the case, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 18.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets 30-day parole ahead of Delhi poll

Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets 30-day parole ahead of Delhi poll

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Sirsa-headquartered Dera Sacha Sauda has a number of followers in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and other states.

Police foil targeted killing plan in Punjab, nab 2 Babbar Khalsa men

Police foil targeted killing plan in Punjab, nab 2 Babbar Khalsa men

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Punjab Police have arrested two key operatives of the banned organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) who had direct links to Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and US-based gangster Happy Passian. The accused, Jagdish Singh alias Jagga and Shubhdeep Singh Aulakh alias Shubh, were instructed to carry out targeted killings in Punjab as part of a larger coordinated terror operation. Jagdish is a key shooter involved in a murder case in Maharashtra two weeks ago. Both accused were arrested from Mohali and a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act at SSOC police station, Mohali.

More trouble for Kangana over 'Emergency' controversy

More trouble for Kangana over 'Emergency' controversy

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

A court in Chandigarh has issued notices to Kangana on a complaint accusing them of maligning the image of Sikhs in her upcoming movie Emergency.

Kirtan singer criticises Kamal Nath for attending Sikh religious event

Kirtan singer criticises Kamal Nath for attending Sikh religious event

Rediff.com9 Nov 2022

A row erupted over the presence of Congress leader Kamal Nath at a Sikh religious event in Indore where kirtan singer Manpreet Singh Kanpuri apparently referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots after Nath left the venue and slammed organisers.

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi was celebrated with pomp and splendor across India on Friday, with people soaking in the festivities by smearing 'gulaal' on each other and exchanging greetings and sweets. Homes and streets wore a colourful look as the revellers splashed colours and feasted on traditional delicacies. Public transport did not ply in the morning in most major cities while metro services started functioning from noon. As Holi coincided with the second Friday prayers during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan, security -- including increased patrolling and picketing -- was beefed up in several states. In Delhi, more than 25,000 security personnel were deployed. Police closely monitored about 300 sensitive areas with CCTV cameras and drones.

J-K polls: 2 Hindu faces in NC; BJP's all 25 Muslim candidates lose

J-K polls: 2 Hindu faces in NC; BJP's all 25 Muslim candidates lose

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party which had emerged victorious on 29 seats have 28 Hindus and one Sikh member as none of its Muslim candidates, including two former ministers, managed to win.

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

Snakes, crocodiles: US deportees recall 'donkey' route horror

Snakes, crocodiles: US deportees recall 'donkey' route horror

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'We were told by fellow travellers that if we ask too many questions, we could be shot'

Trump nominates another Desi to DoJ

Trump nominates another Desi to DoJ

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Monday nominated Indian-American Harmeet K Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice.

Anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court summons Jagdish Tytler on Aug 5

Anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court summons Jagdish Tytler on Aug 5

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

The CMM noted the prosecutor, citing eyewitnesses, said Tytler was leading and inciting the mob carrying deadly weapons which committed the alleged offences.

US court allows Sikh marines to keep beard, wear turbans

US court allows Sikh marines to keep beard, wear turbans

Rediff.com25 Dec 2022

A United States court has ruled that Marine Corps cannot deny entry to Sikhs sporting a beard and wearing a turban, in a major victory for three recruits from the community who can now join the elite unit's basic training without having to forfeit their religious beliefs.

Review: The Waking Of A Nation: Boring!

Review: The Waking Of A Nation: Boring!

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Ram Madhvani's series is all over the place and also boring to watch, complains Deepa Gahlot.

2 Sikh men attacked, robbed in New York

2 Sikh men attacked, robbed in New York

Rediff.com13 Apr 2022

The Consulate General of India in New York said in a tweet that the 'assault on two Sikh gentlemen in Richmond Hills, New York' is deplorable.

RAW official behind Pannun murder plot? Here is what media report says

RAW official behind Pannun murder plot? Here is what media report says

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

Quoting officials, The Washington Post said, the foiled assassination was part of an escalating campaign of aggression by RAW against the Indian diaspora in Asia, Europe and North America.

Canada agreed to extradite only 5 terrorists: Ex-envoy

Canada agreed to extradite only 5 terrorists: Ex-envoy

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Of the 26 requests sent to Canada for extraditing Khalistani terrorists, Ottawa has resolved only five and the rest remain in limbo, India's top envoy to that country has said, calling it the result of 'inaction'.

Union minister booked over remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Union minister booked over remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for his alleged remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the statements he made in the US about the condition of Sikhs in India, police said on Thursday.

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The BJP government in Gujarat has formed a five-member committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to assess the need for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and to draft a bill for the same. The committee will submit its report within 45 days. The decision has sparked debate with the Opposition claiming it is an attempt to divert attention from pressing issues ahead of the upcoming local body polls, while the government insists the UCC will protect the rights of tribal communities. The committee will consult with religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community.

Amritpal Singh in video calls for 'Sarbat Khalsa' to save Sikh youth

Amritpal Singh in video calls for 'Sarbat Khalsa' to save Sikh youth

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

Amid a police crackdown on Amritpal Singh and his outfit, the pro-Khalistan preacher appeared in a video on Wednesday, calling for a 'Sarbat Khalsa' congregation on Baisakhi to discuss issues related to the Sikh community and saying he is in high spirits.