Dialogue must be encouraged rather than adoption of hardline stands, violence and use of force, recommends Biswajit Dasgupta.
'They were hitting students. They are not just students, they are the youth, they are the future. You cannot destroy our future.' LGBTQIA+ activist and makeup artiste Jaanmoni Das, who participated in the youth protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, recounts her experience on The Rediff Podcast.
A police station in Rajasthan's Alwar district was allegedly attacked by a mob late Wednesday over the detention of two youths, leaving four police personnel injured.
West Bengal Police have appealed for peace in North 24 Parganas after the murder of a BJP leader's aide. Security has been increased in sensitive areas following protests by BJP supporters demanding the arrest of the assailants.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a report regarding a woman's alleged suicide in Maharashtra due to prolonged domestic violence, directing the state police chief to ensure the immediate arrest of the accused and a thorough investigation.
Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal has strongly criticised the Central government's crackdown on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters, comparing the police brutality to that of the British Raj. He announced the launch of a helpline to provide medical and legal aid to injured protesters and their families.
Police in Assam have detained seven people in connection with election-related violence in Tamulpur and Sivasagar. Minor clashes also erupted at several polling booths, resulting in minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the incidents and monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted polling.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has reiterated its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on fast-track courts for paper leak cases does not address accountability.
Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remained camped at Jantar Mantar following a police crackdown during their 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and conveyed the government's assurances regarding his demands, including not registering cases against peaceful protesters and considering compensation for NEET paper leak victims.
Recent protests by CJP supporters attempting to march towards Parliament in Delhi highlight a recurring pattern of public demonstrations in the capital over the past 15 years. The article details several significant protests, including the 2021 farmers' tractor rally, the 2011 Anna Hazare movement, the 2012 Nirbhaya protests, anti-CAA demonstrations, and the 2023 wrestlers' protest, all of which involved attempts to reach central Delhi's high-security zones to press demands.
Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday.
Aligarh police arrested twelve members of an interstate gang allegedly involved in trafficking illicit country-made firearms from the ruins of an old fort on the outskirts of Aligarh.
West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.
Jharkhand students are protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities with creative and non-violent methods, including mock job "rate cards," satirical posters, and recitations from the Mahabharata. Their agitation, spearheaded by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, focuses on demanding reforms, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe, while adhering to a strict code of conduct against abusive language.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier decision that no cognisable offence was made out against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma for their alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi.
A shooting at a newly opened fast-food outlet in Twin Falls, Idaho, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The gunman is confirmed deceased, and authorities are investigating the motive and identity of the suspect. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of public shootings in the United States.
Heavy police and central forces deployment outside Mamata Banerjee's Kolkata residence has sparked a political row. The TMC alleges it's to prevent her from visiting the family of an 11-year-old rape and murder victim in Baruipur, while the BJP claims it's routine security. This comes amidst public outrage and violence following the girl's death.
Police seized weapons and mobile phones after inmates clashed in Kapurthala jail. Tear gas and cane charges were used to restore order. Political leaders criticise the state government over the incident.
A wedding celebration in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, turned violent after guests demanded alcohol and assaulted the bride, groom, and their family when their demands were refused.
Haryana Police in Palwal have launched 'Operation Lagam' to curb rowdiness and anti-social behaviour, registering six cases related to promotion of 'gangster culture' on social media. A special cell monitors social media, counselling users and removing offending content. Road safety measures have also been implemented, penalising traffic violators.
August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?
Two Jewish men were stabbed near a synagogue in north-west London, in an attack declared by police as a 'terrorist' incident. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.
Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.
Two Assam Rifles soldiers were killed and several others injured in a militant ambush in Manipur's Ukhrul district. The attack occurred amidst ongoing ethnic violence in the state, which has seen over 260 deaths since May 2023. State Home Minister condemned the incident and vowed strict action against perpetrators.
Sonam Wangchuk has strongly denied allegations of a 'deal' with the Centre, clarifying that he concluded his 26-day hunger strike only after receiving a crucial written assurance.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged as a prominent youth leader, transforming a satirical movement into a powerful force that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke views this as just the beginning, advocating for issue-based politics over identity politics and demanding further reforms in the examination system.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reconstructed the crime scene of a rape and murder case in Baruipur, West Bengal, with the three arrested accused. Forensic experts collected new samples, and the reconstruction aimed to verify statements and corroborate evidence. This follows a previous incident where another accused was killed during a similar reconstruction. The Chief Minister has assured personal monitoring of the investigation, and four separate cases have been registered related to the incident and subsequent events.
The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear the bail plea of advocate Surendra Gadling, who has been incarcerated for seven-and-a-half years in the 2018 Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, with the hearing scheduled for next week.
Awarapan 2 may give Emraan Hashmi the massy comeback his fans have been waiting for, but nostalgia can only do so much, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.
Police in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, are investigating a case of alleged child marriage and sexual exploitation after hospital staff raised concerns during a medical examination of two girls.
Curfew has been extended in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district until Sunday morning, with a brief relaxation period on Saturday for residents to obtain essential supplies. The curfew follows violence related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, which have now been postponed.
Security forces in Manipur have conducted extensive search operations in four violence-affected villages in Kangpokpi district, recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition and destroying thirty illegal bunkers. Similar operations also took place in Churachandpur district. The proactive measures, overseen by the new DGP, aim to curb ethnic violence that has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023, receiving praise from former Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
'The anger among the PoK public is unlikely to subside against Pakistani State in the near future.'
Four policemen have been suspended and two home guards disengaged from service in Odisha following the lynching of a GRP constable. The crime branch is investigating the incident, which occurred after allegations of attempted sexual assault. Opposition parties have criticised the state government over the incident.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.
Gurugram Police have arrested six individuals, alleging a planned conspiracy behind the recent unrest at factories in the IMT-Manesar area. Investigations suggest external elements incited workers to riot and engage in arson over salary hike demands.
