News for 'communal harmony'

Right-wing activist booked for remarks against Goa's patron saint

Right-wing activist booked for remarks against Goa's patron saint

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for allegedly making objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The controversy erupted after a video of Khattar's address at an event went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for his arrest.

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Police have registered an FIR against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for allegedly making inflammatory statements during the recent assembly elections, based on a complaint filed by a social activist.

11 Arrested After Statue Installation Sparks Clash

11 Arrested After Statue Installation Sparks Clash

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested 11 people following a clash over the alleged unauthorised installation of a Lord Buddha statue. The incident escalated into stone-pelting on police and revenue officials, prompting the registration of two FIRs.

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the prevailing security scenario and review the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering mechanisms across the district.

UP ATS Arrests Two Suspected Of ISI Links

UP ATS Arrests Two Suspected Of ISI Links

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested two men in Noida for allegedly working with Pakistani handlers, including from the ISI, as well as some gangsters and radical YouTubers. The men are accused of planning a major disruptive act and were in direct contact with Pakistani operatives.

J&K Chief Minister Visits Family Of Murdered Girl

J&K Chief Minister Visits Family Of Murdered Girl

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the family of a 12-year-old girl murdered in Budgam, offering condolences after police arrested a neighbour for the crime.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have heightened security across the city ahead of Hanuman Jayanti following the arrest of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler allegedly planning terror strikes. Enhanced surveillance and restrictions are in place to ensure peace during the festival.

Leaders appeal for communal harmony

Leaders appeal for communal harmony

Rediff.com8 Sep 2006

The Lok Sabha speaker also expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the explosions.

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay against the release of 'The Kerala Story 2-Goes Beyond', citing concerns over the censor board's certification process and potential disruption of social harmony.

Clash Over Goat Sacrifice Attempt Rocks Thane Housing Society

Clash Over Goat Sacrifice Attempt Rocks Thane Housing Society

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A dispute over sacrificial goats in a Thane housing society led to clashes, slogan-shouting, and heightened security, raising community tensions.

Muslim man beaten for offering namaz near temple in U'khand

Muslim man beaten for offering namaz near temple in U'khand

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

An elderly Muslim man was allegedly assaulted and forced to chant religious slogans after offering namaz near a temple in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, raising concerns about communal harmony and prompting a police investigation.

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

On Thursday, Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in Srinagar on the first day of its reopening after a gap of 36 years, coinciding with the festival of Ram Navami.

Eid prayers held under heavy security in Delhi's Uttam Nagar days after violence

Eid prayers held under heavy security in Delhi's Uttam Nagar days after violence

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Muslims in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers under heavy security following recent tensions. Despite a subdued atmosphere, residents expressed gratitude for the police presence and emphasised the community's commitment to peace.

TMC Leader Banerjee Blasts BJP for Ram Navami Violence, Claims Bengal Tradition of Amity

TMC Leader Banerjee Blasts BJP for Ram Navami Violence, Claims Bengal Tradition of Amity

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of instigating violence during Ram Navami rallies in West Bengal, alleging the party is disrupting the state's tradition of communal harmony. He also criticised the BJP's governance record and promises in other states.

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

SC raps filmmaker Neeraj Pandey over Ghooskhor Pandat title

SC raps filmmaker Neeraj Pandey over Ghooskhor Pandat title

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the title of the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', questioning its potential to denigrate a section of society. Notices have been issued to relevant authorities.

Delhi: Uttam Nagar markets shut, heavy security after Holi clash murder

Delhi: Uttam Nagar markets shut, heavy security after Holi clash murder

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Following a fatal clash after Holi celebrations in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, the area is experiencing heightened tensions, shuttered businesses, and a heavy police presence, disrupting daily life and impacting local businesses during the crucial Ramzan period.

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Goa Police have issued a Look Out Circular against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier and arrested his brother in Uttarakhand. The arrest follows widespread condemnation and protests over Khattar's remarks at an event in Goa.

Now, a comic book for communal harmony

Now, a comic book for communal harmony

Rediff.com11 Mar 2011

In an attempt to effectively educate the masses about the complexities of communalism, a new graphical account addresses this age-old sensitive issue. Communalism Explained! A Graphic Account, penned by Professor Ram Puniyani along with founder of World Comics India, Sharad Sharma, seeks to break the stereotypical image of the minority community.

Punjab To Enact Anti-Drug Law To Confiscate Properties

Punjab To Enact Anti-Drug Law To Confiscate Properties

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the state government will introduce an anti-drug law allowing for the confiscation of drug smugglers' properties. Mann criticised previous administrations for enabling drug trafficking and highlighted the enactment of an anti-sacrilege law, promising stricter measures against sacrilege and drug-related offences.

Punjab CM Blames BJP For Blasts, BJP Demands Evidence

Punjab CM Blames BJP For Blasts, BJP Demands Evidence

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating recent blasts in the state, alleging it's part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP has strongly refuted these claims, demanding proof or Mann's resignation, while the state DGP suggests Pakistani ISI involvement.

Hyderabad YouTuber booked for remarks against Hindu religion, deities

Hyderabad YouTuber booked for remarks against Hindu religion, deities

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A case has been registered against YouTuber Anvesh for allegedly making derogatory and provocative statements against Hindu society, religious beliefs, and deities, following a complaint by BJP leader Karate Kalyani.

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'.

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'. She framed the upcoming assembly elections as a fight for democratic rights and Bengal's social harmony.

'The Kerala Story 2' depicts Kerala in a wrong light: HC

'The Kerala Story 2' depicts Kerala in a wrong light: HC

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court is scrutinising The Kerala Story 2 amid concerns that the film misrepresents the state and could incite communal tensions, potentially impacting public order.

Uttam Nagar Holi Clash: Victim's Family Seeks CBI Investigation After House Demolition

Uttam Nagar Holi Clash: Victim's Family Seeks CBI Investigation After House Demolition

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Following the demolition of a house linked to an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash, the victim's family is demanding a CBI probe and strict action against all those involved in the incident.

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of attempting to suppress voting rights and polarise the electorate ahead of the assembly elections.

Family Denies Terror Links Of Man Arrested In UP

Family Denies Terror Links Of Man Arrested In UP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The family of a man arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly working with Pakistani handlers, including the ISI, has claimed he is mentally unstable and has no connection with any terrorist organisation. They stated that if any links are found, they support strict action against him.

Sikh Activist Ends 560-Day BSNL Tower Protest After Sacrilege Law Change

Sikh Activist Ends 560-Day BSNL Tower Protest After Sacrilege Law Change

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa ended his 560-day protest atop a BSNL tower after the Punjab government notified a stricter anti-sacrilege law. Khalsa had been demanding stricter laws against sacrilege incidents in Punjab.

Punjab To Enact Strict Anti-Drug Law, Confiscate Properties

Punjab To Enact Strict Anti-Drug Law, Confiscate Properties

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the state government will introduce a stringent anti-drug law allowing for the confiscation of drug smugglers' properties. Mann criticised previous administrations for allegedly enabling the drug trade and vowed stricter penalties for sacrilege. He also accused the BJP of divisive politics and criticised the Akali Dal for alleged political manipulation of religious institutions.

ISI-linked sleeper cell busted in Noida; 2 arrested over terror plot

ISI-linked sleeper cell busted in Noida; 2 arrested over terror plot

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Two men have been arrested in Noida for allegedly working with Pakistani handlers, including those from the ISI, as well as gangsters and radical YouTubers. The suspects were allegedly planning disruptive acts and were in contact with Pakistani operatives.

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Imtiaz Ali's new film Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to delve into the enduring trauma of the 1947 Partition, continuing Bollywood's complex cinematic journey of depicting one of history's most violent and impactful events.

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Calcutta high court on Friday refused to intervene in the construction of a mosque -- modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid -- at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad, proposed by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the state and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of upcoming elections, following twin blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Protests in UP against film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story

Protests in UP against film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Members of the Yadav community in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, staged a protest against the film 'Yadav Ji Ki Love Story,' claiming it could disrupt social harmony and hurt community sentiments. Protesters burned posters and demanded a ban on the film's release, threatening legal action and further agitation if their demands are not met.