Asia Press Agency

Tag: attack

  • Hindu Attacked in Bengaluru for Playing Hanuman Chalisa

    Hindu Attacked in Bengaluru for Playing Hanuman Chalisa

    Amidst the diverse cultural landscape of Bengaluru, a disturbing incident unfolded when a shopkeeper was allegedly attacked near Siddanna Layout on Sunday for playing Hanuman Chalisa during the time of Azaan. Videos capturing the confrontation between the shopkeeper and a group of youngsters circulated widely on social media, revealing a violent escalation of the situation.

     

    According to reports, the shopkeeper recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “I was playing Hanuman bhajan. 4-5 people came and said it is time for Azaan and if you play it we will beat you. They beat me and also threatened me that they would stab me with a knife.” The incident left the shopkeeper traumatized and fearing for his safety.

     

    The gravity of the situation prompted the Bengaluru Police to register an FIR at the Halasuru Gate Police Limit. Assurances were made that the perpetrators would be apprehended swiftly, instilling a sense of hope for justice among the victim and the community at large.

     

    The incident sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading the charge against the ruling Congress government in Karnataka. BJP leaders wasted no time in denouncing the incident as a direct consequence of the Congress’ alleged policy of appeasement.

     

    Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, expressed his dismay over the incident and questioned the stance of the state government regarding the playing of Hanuman Chalisa. He criticized the government’s handling of law and order issues, citing previous incidents as evidence of its failure to maintain peace and security.

     

    Similarly, Tejasvi Surya, the young BJP leader and Member of Parliament from Bengaluru South, condemned the attack and demanded swift action against the perpetrators. He highlighted the broader implications of the incident, linking it to what he described as the Congress’ appeasement politics and its impact on law enforcement and communal harmony in the state.

     

    The incident underscored deep-seated tensions and polarizations within the community, raising concerns about religious intolerance and the need for greater social cohesion. It also reignited debates about freedom of expression and religious rights in a pluralistic society like India.

     

    In response to the BJP’s allegations, the Congress government maintained that it was committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the public that the authorities would leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice.

     

    The incident prompted soul-searching among citizens and leaders alike, with many calling for introspection and dialogue to address the underlying grievances and prejudices that fuel such acts of violence. Religious leaders and civil society organizations echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity in a multicultural society.

     

    As investigations into the incident continue, there is a growing consensus on the need for collective action to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future. This includes efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, enhance community policing, and strengthen legal mechanisms to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.

     

    Ultimately, the attack on the shopkeeper in Bengaluru serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by religious intolerance and communal polarization in contemporary India. It calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to build a more inclusive and harmonious society where every individual can live and worship freely without fear of persecution or discrimination.

  • Nikhil Wagle’s Attacked in Pune Over Remarks Against PM Modi

    Nikhil Wagle’s Attacked in Pune Over Remarks Against PM Modi

    The recent attack on journalist Nikhil Wagle’s car in Pune has once again brought to the forefront the issue of freedom of speech and expression in India’s political landscape. The incident, which occurred while Wagle was on his way to attend an event, has raised concerns about the safety and security of journalists who are critical of the government and its policies.

     

    According to reports from the PTI news agency, the attack was allegedly carried out by workers affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The assailants targeted Wagle’s car, throwing ink and vandalizing the vehicle as it made its way to the ‘Nirbhay Bano’ event organized by Rashtra Seva Dal. Despite the attack, Wagle managed to reach the event venue under police protection.

     

    The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with many expressing solidarity with Wagle and decrying the assault on press freedom. It is not the first time that Wagle has been targeted for his outspoken views. He has previously faced similar attacks, with this latest incident marking the seventh such assault on him.

     

    The attack on Wagle’s car comes in the wake of his critical remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP veteran LK Advani. Wagle had reportedly made defamatory comments on social media platforms following the announcement that Advani would be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.

     

    In response to Wagle’s comments, a case was registered against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including promoting enmity between different groups, defamation, and statements conducing to public mischief. Senior BJP leader Sunil Deodhar filed a complaint against Wagle, leading to the initiation of a police investigation into the matter.

     

    The incident has reignited the debate on freedom of speech and the role of journalists in a democratic society. Critics argue that attacks on journalists for expressing dissenting views undermine the principles of democracy and threaten the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. They call for stringent action against those responsible for such attacks to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of journalists to report without fear or favor.

     

    In response to the attack, opposition parties have lashed out at the Maharashtra government, accusing it of failing to ensure the safety and security of journalists. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut condemned the incident as a “brazen bid to murder democracy” and criticized the BJP for allegedly orchestrating the attack on Wagle’s car.

     

    Similarly, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the attack, describing it as an act of “goondagardi” (hooliganism) under the “gundaraj” (lawlessness) of the BJP. She called for accountability and justice for journalists who are targeted for their critical reporting.

     

    The attack on Nikhil Wagle’s car underscores the challenges faced by journalists in India, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists in the face of threats and intimidation.

     

    As the investigation into the incident continues, it is imperative that authorities take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable and send a strong message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in a democratic society. Only then can the principles of freedom of speech and expression be safeguarded and upheld for the benefit of all citizens.

  • Violent Protest- Swedish Embassy Ablaze in Baghdad

    Violent Protest- Swedish Embassy Ablaze in Baghdad

    In the early hours of Thursday morning, a violent protest unfolded at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, as protesters stormed the premises and set it ablaze. The incident was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation and witnessed by Reuters personnel.

     

    Remarkably, no harm was inflicted upon embassy staff members during the tumultuous events, as reported by the aforementioned source. However, the source refrained from divulging further details. Meanwhile, the Swedish embassy officials in Baghdad have yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving the situation without official clarification.

     

    The protest was orchestrated by fervent supporters of Shi’ite cleric Muqtada Sadr, who had called for this demonstration in response to alleged plans of burning the Muslim holy book, the Koran, in Sweden. Such actions in the past have triggered outrage and condemnation in various Muslim-majority countries, leading to widespread protests.

     

    Videos capturing the incident were disseminated via One Baghdad, a prominent Telegram channel known for supporting Sadr and his followers. The videos exhibited a gathering of people around the embassy at approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday (2200 GMT on Wednesday), followed by the protesters storming the embassy complex about an hour later.

     

     

    As the situation escalated, subsequent videos emerged, showing thick smoke rising from a building within the embassy complex. However, the authenticity of these videos could not be independently verified at the time. It remains unclear whether anyone was present inside the embassy during the chaotic events.

     

    As the situation unfolds, authorities and international communities are closely monitoring the developments in hopes of understanding the motives and repercussions of the violent protest at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.

     

    The government of several Muslim countries, including Iraq, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Morocco issued protests about the incident.

     

    The United States also condemned it, but added that issuing the permit supported freedom of expression and was not an endorsement of the action.