News for 'religious-identity'

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A street vendor in Bihar's Nawada district died after a group of youth tortured him for hours because he was Muslim.

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

In the recent Bangladesh elections, four minority candidates, including two Hindus, secured parliamentary seats, highlighting the evolving political landscape and representation of minority communities within the BNP's victory.

Lynching Sees No End

Lynching Sees No End

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Between 2014 and 2023, India recorded 189 lynching cases.

'Make A Hindu Kashmir And Declare It Union Territory'

'Make A Hindu Kashmir And Declare It Union Territory'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

'Kashmir needs to be divided and we need the land of Panun Kashmir in Kashmir.'

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 may be a comedy filled with chaos, but in its indirect way, it speaks about a time when the Constitution mattered more than one's religion and when the idea of India was larger than personal hate, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

'Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname'

'Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

After taking a dig at former India skipper Rohit Sharma on his fitness, Congress leader Shama Mohamed, on Wednesday, again sparked controversy, drawing a religious angle to cricketer Sarfaraz Khan's omission from the India and India A squads announced recently by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Terror Module: 'Pakistan's Handlers Shifted Strategy'

Terror Module: 'Pakistan's Handlers Shifted Strategy'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

'Rather than deploying Pakistani nationals or using identifiable cross-border materials, the ISI sought to radicalise and recruit local Indian youth, including well-educated professionals such as doctors.'

SC delivers split verdict on review of Akola riots SIT order

SC delivers split verdict on review of Akola riots SIT order

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on a plea by the Maharashtra government seeking a review of the court's earlier direction to form a special investigation team (SIT) with Hindu and Muslim officers to investigate the 2023 Akola communal riots. Justice Sanjay Kumar refused to review the direction, while Justice Satish Chandra Sharma agreed to hear the review plea in open court.

'Zohran's Victory Gives Me Hope'

'Zohran's Victory Gives Me Hope'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'His campaign reached into every community, every constituency, with a unifying platform of affordability.' 'Zohran began by listening to Trump supporters and brought many of them to his side because they too care about affordability.' 'Care for the poor is a tenet of every faith; this is the best platform to unite us.'

Sarfaraz: 'Selectors Will Always Have A Plan'

Sarfaraz: 'Selectors Will Always Have A Plan'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

'Sometimes it might look wrong in the fans' eyes, but please don't twist things or create narratives that aren't even close to the truth.'

2 men arrested in J-K reveal identities of Pahalgam attackers

2 men arrested in J-K reveal identities of Pahalgam attackers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two men for harbouring the terrorists who had carried out the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, the agency said on Sunday.

School well poisoned to force out Muslim headmaster: Siddaramaiah

School well poisoned to force out Muslim headmaster: Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the alleged poisoning of drinking water at a government school in Belagavi district, reportedly to force the transfer of a Muslim headmaster. He termed it a 'heinous act' driven by religious hatred and fundamentalism.

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

NIA to disclose identities of Pahalgam attackers soon

NIA to disclose identities of Pahalgam attackers soon

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday said that it has gathered a substantial body of evidence regarding identities of the terrorists involved in Pahalgam terror attack.

Pahalgam massacre: 3 months on, attackers still at large

Pahalgam massacre: 3 months on, attackers still at large

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The officials said that intelligence agencies had been alerted about the possibility of a terror attack, but the inputs were utilised at another place, some 90 kilometres away from the site where the attack took place, resulting in a key security lapse.

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Quraishi asserted that India has, is and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles.

Kanwar route vigilantism resurfaces: UP cops summon 6 for targeting dhabas

Kanwar route vigilantism resurfaces: UP cops summon 6 for targeting dhabas

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The incident has brought back into focus the controversy that erupted last year when BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand directed food outlets along the Kanwar route to display the names of their owners and staff.

SEE: Modi-Shah versus Gandhi siblings in LS debate

SEE: Modi-Shah versus Gandhi siblings in LS debate

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The highlight of Tuesday's debate on Operation Sindoor was the speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the rebuttal by Congress's Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi coming a close second.

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In his address, Singh said there should be "no double standards" in combating terrorism and urged the SCO member nations to condemn the menace with unity.

Op Sindoor biggest, most successful anti-terror mission': Modi

Op Sindoor biggest, most successful anti-terror mission': Modi

Rediff.com31 May 2025

"In Pahalgam, terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians, but also attacked our culture. They tried to divide our society and the biggest thing is that the terrorists have challenged the women power of India," Modi said.

'Saw terrorists shoot 6 people right in front of me'

'Saw terrorists shoot 6 people right in front of me'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'The terrorists included underage boys around 15 years old. There were at least four of them. They were taking selfies during the attack and had cameras mounted on their heads'

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

'It is important India to stay focussed on its primary national objectives: Combating terrorism; not losing sight of other security and strategic concerns (on the Sino-Indian front for instance); ensuring a strong economy and registering growth which includes improving the lot of common people; and finally making certain that the social fabric remains intact and harmony among people is not jeopardised, at least any further,' asserts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its interim orders on three key issues related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the power to denotify waqf properties, the composition of waqf boards, and the provision regarding government land. The court heard arguments from both the petitioners, who challenged the validity of the amended law, and the Centre, which defended the Act as a secular concept. The petitioners sought interim orders to prevent the implementation of certain provisions while the court considers the legal challenges.

'Totally Unacceptable, act beyond belief':Mirwaiz on Pahalgam attack

'Totally Unacceptable, act beyond belief':Mirwaiz on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling it an "act beyond belief" and "totally unacceptable." He also called for unity and condemned the communal narrative surrounding the incident, urging the government to allow him to visit the injured and offer condolences to the families affected.

Terrorists asked Christian LIC manager 'to recite Kalma'

Terrorists asked Christian LIC manager 'to recite Kalma'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Sushil Nathaniel, an LIC manager from Indore, was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, after being forced to recite the 'Kalma'. His family has demanded the harshest punishment for the assailants. Nathaniel, who was on a family trip to celebrate Easter, was among 26 people killed in the attack. His daughter was injured in the attack, while his wife and son survived.

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reserved the Bill pertaining to four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts for the President's assent, citing constitutional concerns. The Bill, which has been a subject of controversy in Karnataka, was passed by both houses of the state legislature amid protests from the opposition BJP. The Governor's decision to reserve the Bill highlights the ongoing debate over the constitutionality of religious-based reservations in India.

'We removed our bindis, started chanting Allahu Akbar'

'We removed our bindis, started chanting Allahu Akbar'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A Pune-based woman, whose husband was killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, recounted how she and other women in the group quickly removed bindis from their foreheads and began chanting "Allahu Akbar" when they saw the attackers asking men to recite 'azaan'. But the frantic attempts to hide their religious identity failed to help as the gun-wielding terrorists did not spare the woman's husband and his friend, who was also from Pune. Sangita Ganbote, the wife of Kaustubh Ganbote who was among the 26 persons killed by terrorists at Baisaran near Pahalgam, also said that when a local Muslim man confronted the attackers and asked why they were killing innocent people, they stripped him and shot him dead.

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, stating that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quotas. He also said that such reservations go against the wishes of B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He also spoke about the controversy over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra, stating that people who went against the ethos of India were made icons. Hosabale lauded figures like Rajput king Maharana Pratap for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar and said those who resisted invaders were also "freedom fighters". He also spoke about the RSS's idea of 'One Nation, One Culture', stating that it draws inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage and ethos.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The latest issue of "Organiser", an RSS-linked magazine, has argued that the ongoing dispute over the Shri Harihar Mandir in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is not about religious supremacy but about seeking "civilisational justice" by uncovering historical truth. The editorial, penned by Prafulla Ketkar, editor of "Organiser", contends that the debate should not be limited to a Hindu-Muslim perspective but should encompass a wider discussion on historical truths and social justice. The magazine further criticizes the Congress's handling of caste and religious issues, accusing it of whitewashing historical injustices and promoting a false narrative about Mughal rulers.

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Delhi assembly results have underscored that a section of Arvind Kejriwal's committed supporters abandoned him because they were let down by his refusal to take a stand on crucial issues that impinge on the security and Constitutionally enshrined rights of the people, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Is Trump A Lot Like Modi?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

After being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Trump started his inaugural address with a sentence that echoed Modi's coinage some years ago, notes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

SC partly stays Mumbai college order banning hijab

SC partly stays Mumbai college order banning hijab

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar issued notice to the Chembur Trombay Education Society, which runs the 'N G Acharya and D K Marathe College', and sought its response by November 18.

All We Imagine As Light Is Exquisite

All We Imagine As Light Is Exquisite

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

All We Imagine As Light remains heart-warmingly affecting because you know experiences like this are few and far between. Payal Kapadia's film-making voice must be cherished, asserts Mayur Sanap.

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari to face legal action over 'Khalistani' slur

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari to face legal action over 'Khalistani' slur

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

The police condemned the unprovoked, unacceptable attack on an individual's religious identity and added that stern legal action is being initiated.

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

As a consequence of prominence given to the brutality during those few days, a very important aspect of that episode got almost glossed over. This was the intervention by a very significant section of people who restored faith in humanity, and conveyed the message that only a small section of Indians, that too politically backed, were consumed by anti-Sikh majoritarianism. The overlooked facet of the events of 1984 was the story of significant sections of the city's populace, public figures and nondescript ones, stepping out hand-in-hand, to first stand with little but bravery in hands, in the way of attackers, and thereafter to provide immediate relief to those who lives were uprooted and who lost family members in the violence, recalls Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

10 Times Arvind Kejriwal Made Headlines

10 Times Arvind Kejriwal Made Headlines

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

From the time he first rose to prominence during the movement against the then UPA government, Arvind Kejriwal has regularly grabbed headlines for his surprise moves and decisions. Here are 10 such instances.

Hard Choice Modi Must Make

Hard Choice Modi Must Make

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Modi can abandon the path of Hindutva only at risk to his position within his own fraternity. But if he pursues a hard line, he faces the risk of being hauled up by his coalition-partners. For the first time in a decade, Modi is not in enviable situation, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Modi-Yogi Rift Seems Only A Bogey'

'Modi-Yogi Rift Seems Only A Bogey'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

'There might be some internal tussles that can be expected between any two persons in any party.' 'But I do not see any tussle which might weaken the possibility of dictatorship.'

Why Modi Needs To Make Peace With The Opposition

Why Modi Needs To Make Peace With The Opposition

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Modi's inability to make peace with a renewed Opposition will only embolden his coalition partners and it is just a matter of time before they begin asking probing questions besides politely disagreeing with his tactics, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.