Disinformation Geopolitics Hindus Human Rights Misinformation Security World

Testing Times in Canada

Trudeau regime will have to address core issue of terrorism to keep its relations with Bharat intact or face consequences. Pummy Pandita Eyebrows were raised when Canadian Parliament paid homage to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a hardcore Pakistan-backed Khalistan terrorist and named in several anti-Bharat campaigns globally. One minute’s silence by Canadian Parliament members to Nijjar, a wanted criminal in Bharat, does not augur well either for bilateral relations or global campaign against terrorism of all shades and hues. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to be playing with ‘Khalistani fire’ to stay in office and even sacrifice the strong and sound footed relations with India at the altar of preserving his political fiefdom with support from the extremist group. It’s not just one minute’s silence that matters! Trudeau hailing Nijjar ‘for his persistent efforts in advancing the diversity and inclusion ideals that Canada cherishes’ is something that’s gross and unpalatable. By buying peace with Khalistanis that campaign for a separate sovereign state which most Sikhs do not support, Trudeau exposed his political opportunism. He seems to have conveniently banked on anti-Bharat forces to portray himself as someone who genuinely cares about his country. In the process, Trudeau has succeeded in appeasing his political crutch group in Khalistanis and diverted attention from Canada’s burning issues. In fact, Indian-descent Member of Parliament Chandan Arya exposed the extremist role of Canadian Khalistani elements when Air India flight 182 was bombed midday 39-years back on June 23. Incidentally, this very day is remembered in Canada as National Day of Remembrance for victims of terrorism. In the mid-air bombing of Kanishka aircraft carrier 329 innocent lives including crew members was lost to terrorists that made Canada their home. Rightly so, Arya pointed to the ideology responsible for Kanishka attack that’s alive and kicking with a small chunk of Canadians. Recent celebration of Indian Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi is yet another incident where terrorism is glorified, violence mainstreamed, hate and violence eulogized. It also indicates that dark forces responsible for these terror events are getting regrouped and portends terrible events to come. Khalistan movement’s past is rife with murder and bloodshed. Tens of thousands of Hindus and Sikhs have been slaughtered by terrorists not just in India but in US, Australia, the UK, and Germany among others. People in Canada seem to have forgotten that tend to forget that 39 years ago when terrorists [Talwinder Singh Parmar (Canadian citizen), Inderjit Singh Reyat (held both British & Canadian citizenship), Ajaib Singh Bagri (US citizen), Ripudaman Singh Malik, Surjan Singh Gill, Hardial Singh Johal, Daljit Sandhu and Lakhbir Singh Rode (all Canadian citizens) bombed Air India flight. Regretfully, there are still locations in Canada where people who pray to these very terrorists as ‘demi-gods’. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice open threat to Hindu Canadians life is nothing but “glorification of terrorism” and acceptance of hate crimes under the pretext of “freedom of expression”. Canada has fallen under Trudeau’s gross mismanagement making it an extreme version of Pakistan. Canadian economy that was in shambles has not yet fully recovered. Meagre income that ordinary Canadians are able to earn is negated by inflation overhang that continues to roil the economy. Cost of living in Canada has about tripled in three years. Steep spike in housing rents left many individuals without a place to live. Over 40,000 people died in eight years due to drug overdose and the country is fast emerging as narco-terrorism hub. As Pakistan is falling Islamic terrorism, Canada has gone the Khalistani way.[1] Since his minority government depends on the backing of New Democratic Party led by Khalistani Jagmeet Singh, Justin Trudeau has gone his way. Trudeau, much like his alliance partner Jagmeet finds nothing wrong with pro-Khalistan operations being carried out on Canadian soil. Justin Trudeau’s open support to a terrorist such as Nijjar has given legitimacy to violence committed by the Khalistani groups in Canada. In addition to endangering security of Hindus residing in Canada, Trudeau has snatched rights of common Canadian citizens to profit from shifting geopolitical conditions. Trudeau, who claims Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder, remained silent on Karima Baloch, an activist who fled persecution by Pakistani government and settled in Canada. Trudeau twiddled his thumb when opposition leader Michael Chong charged that he was being targeted by a Chinese diplomat. Canada’s evolution as a safe sanctuary for Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorism is the result of Trudeau’s silence on legitimate interests of Canadian residents that he breaks only when one terrorist is killed as part of his vote-bank politics. Canada as a nation will now pay the price for appeasement of Khalistanis by its Prime Minister who is responsible from harbouring organised crime, help terrorists and criminals. Trudeau has isolated Canada from Western world. What a catastrophe! Indian is upset with Canadian theatrics. “India stands at the forefront of countering menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks 39th Anniversary of cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) in which 329 innocent victims including 86 children lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in history of civil aviation,” it said in a statement.[2] Canada’s unflinching support to anti-India forces may disturb the delicate applecart. Bracing up to fight terrorists of Khalistani or Islamist shades is in global interest. (Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi) References: [1] https://www.news18.com/opinion/opinion-canada-has-become-new-pakistan-thanks-to-trudeaus-soft-spot-for-khalistan-8585898.html [2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-marks-kanishka-flight-anniversary-as-canadian-parliament-honors-khalistan-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjar/articleshow/111110391.cms?from=mdr

Disinformation Hindus Misinformation Policy Rebuttal Security World

788

Spice, Imagination & Conspiracy

ABC peddles ‘Spies, secrets and threats’ that grossly misrepresents Hindus, RSS & Indian government through agenda-based peddling of lies. Rohan Giri Forty six minutes video report “Spies, secrets and threats: How the Modi regime targets people overseas, Four Corners” broadcast by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) which features infamous reporter Avani Dias declares its extreme antagonism towards Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Through this report, state-run ABC also targets the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) whose senior leader Narendra Modi has been elected Prime Minister for third consecutive term. This ABC report and Dias reek of bias and misrepresentation, constantly presenting RSS as a paramilitary group despite its long-standing efforts as a cultural and service-oriented movement. Easily recognized as the world’s largest voluntary organization, RSS is dedicated to community service particularly for the deprived sections of Indian communities. Overlooking this, Dias intentionally distorts its image, dismissing its substantial contributions to a larger society. Selfless service work carried out by RSS volunteers inspired by its founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s pre-independence movement experiences has been largely ignored or intentionally set aside to paint a shady picture of an open flexible organization. Avani Dias seems to have blinded herself and the ABC viewers on RSS service activities through over 120,000 projects in areas ranging from education, healthcare to socio-economic empowerment. These projects have positively contributed to millions of families in India. A whopping 2.145 million individuals and families in Bharat have benefitted and continue to be supported by projects across half a dozen sectors that contributed to improving living standards. Beneficiaries in the healthcare sector separately have crossed 8.716 million and food support programmes touched 2.735 million. Community well-being and development is the under-lying objective of RSS volunteers’ drive that’s comprehensive and unique in their organization. Avni Dias who left Bharat after being under cloud argued that minorities do not have sufficient opportunities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This is factually incorrect and a false claim made by Avni Dias and concurred by ABC editorial board. Facts on contradict her politically charged propaganda. Since 2014, the Indian government has executed welfare initiatives for minorities. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) gives five years of financial help while the Padho Pardesh scheme provides interest subsidies for study abroad at the Masters, M.Phil., and Ph.D. levels. The Seekho aur Kamao initiative improves minority youngsters’ abilities in a variety of occupations, ensuring employability or self-employment. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram seeks to enhance socio economic infrastructure for minority populations. Despite these substantial initiatives, Avani seems to have peddled anti-India agendas and divisive ideas. The report’s most glaring flaw is its blatant endorsement of Pakistan-backed Khalistani terrorism. The script seems to have been written by Khalistani supporters themselves, with Dias serving just as their representative. This is an attack on journalistic integrity and an insult to sufferers of Khalistani terrorism. In 1980s, Khalistani terrorists in India carried out an upsurge of cruel violence, killing thousands of innocent people. However, Dias selectively disregards this grave and historical fact overlooking to acknowledge the terrible adversity and bloodshed caused by these separatists. Dias’s narrative represents Khalistani terrorists when she says Sikhs were victims and under pressure in Australia which is a flagrant white lie. The fact is otherwise. A handful aggressive Khalistani terrorists has continued their campaign of violence and terrorization not just in India but also in other nations including Australia. In less than a month, pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia have launched three distinct attacks on Hindu temples. On January 23, 2023 Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park, Melbourne of Australia came under attack. On January 17, 2023, Melbourne’s historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs was targeted. On January 12, 2023, Khalistan activists vandalized and destroyed BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Melbourne, by spray-painting anti-India graffiti. The walls of Melbourne’s landmark Swaminarayan temple in the northern suburbs of Mill Park have been spray-painted with ‘Hindustan Murdabad’ slogans. Hundreds of innocent Indians in Australia have been threatened or abused by these terrorists, a reality that Dias completely ignores. Instead, she promotes Khalistani propaganda while ignoring their current terrorist acts and the true threat to peace and security. It’s not that the entire sikh community in India, Australia or elsewhere endorses this divisive agenda. Despite the report’s contentious storylines, it is crucial to highlight India and Australia’s developing strategic, economic and bilateral relations. Both countries have worked together extensively on a range of issues, including trade, defense, education, and cultural exchange. The relationship is based on mutual respect and democratic values with the goal of enhancing regional stability and economic progress. The report’s description of chronic animosity and conflict is refuted by the upward trend in Indo-Australian relations. Collaborative initiatives in education, technology, and counter-terrorism demonstrate both countries’ commitment to fostering a robust and long-term alliance. Avani Dias’s report exemplifies biased and irresponsible journalism. It misrepresents the RSS, glorifies Khalistani crimes and dismisses recent improvements in Indo-Australian ties. This reporting fosters division and promotes radical agendas. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation should be held accountable for broadcasting such an evidently biased and factually wrong story. True media should seek and provide an honest presentation rather than serve as a propaganda weapon for violent extremists. Dias’ report is a disservice to the profession and to innumerable people who have suffered at the hands of the terrorists she explicitly supports. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content head at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Disinformation Geopolitics Misinformation Security

766

Propagating ‘Truth’ That Never Existed!

Both, US and China used devious means to force a tilt, influence outcomes of recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Bharat Vinod Kumar Shukla Cognitive warfare is the new tool deployed by a few global powers to ensure their continued dominance on others throwing ethics and internationally accepted practices to wind. These powers have attempted suppression of fair practices in election of a government especially in countries where there is a vibrant democracy. Among others, India too faced challenges where democratic process was allegedly tried to be influenced by creating false narratives with help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Social Media influencers. Most of these falsehoods were not only funded by foreign countries but ideas too were generated on foreign soil. Investigations revealed that STOIC, an Israeli company attempted to interfere in Lok Sabha elections by peddling anti-BJP agenda dubbed as ‘Zero Zeno.’ Efforts were made to manipulate public opinion even in Canada, US, Israel, and Ghana. With help of AI, web articles and social media, comments and content were generated and pushed across Instagram, Facebook, and X focusing on criticizing the BJP and praising the Congress. AI was used to create fictional characters and fake social media accounts with specific variables like age, gender and location. Bogus accounts were created to engage people with such posts that gave the impression of genuine audience interaction. China too was actively involved in this disinformation campaign and escalated its campaign for changing the government in India after People’s Liberation Army was humiliated both in Doklam and Galwan Valley. Artificial intelligence was craftily used to construct propaganda content, images and videos targeting parties and politicians opposed to Chinese hegemonic design. Microsoft had cautioned that China was poised to use generative AI to sway elections all across scheduled for this year. Chinese interference is deeply rooted in its expansive ‘influence operations’ (IO) targeting leaders of other countries with its disinformation campaign to undermine leaders by portraying them as weak and vulnerable. Spamouflage Dragon or Dragon Bridge or Storm 1376, a key Chinese disinformation propagator network has been functioning since 2017-18 on social media. Its activities came to notice when around 9,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to this network were shut down by Meta in August 2023. In November 2023, approximately 4,800 fake Chinese social media accounts impersonating Americans were shut down for disseminating narratives designed to polarise public opinion through biased political content ahead of US elections. The same was done in Australia and the Philippines during 2022 elections. Beyond social media, Chinese IO strategies include both overt and covert tactics involving cultivation of assets like local and independent media, influential personalities, political parties, business figures and NGOs. Preference for particular candidates was subtly communicated not through direct diplomatic utterances but via Chinese state-affiliated media and United Front Work Department (UFWD) which is dedicated to exerting overseas influence. On the parallel, investigation on Chinese funding of NewsClick in Bharat is underway and the matter being heard in the court. Chinese objective of meddling in elections is to ensure that elected candidates or parties should adopt a pro-China stance. These disinformation campaigns aim to sway election outcomes by undermining voters’ confidence in candidates not favoured by China. Recent escalation in Chinese disinformation involves leveraging generative AI technology to prepare propaganda images and videos. These AI-generated materials target parties and politicians critical to China. Initially this technology was used during presidential elections of Taiwan to undermine Taiwan’s democratic framework, promoting a pro-unification narrative, and weakening Taiwan’s ties with the US. In fact, Chinese disinformation campaigns on the national security of various countries have prompted many to ban popular Chinese social media platform TikTok. But, reports indicate that China continues to meddle in foreign elections to emerge as a global power. Besides China and Israel, millions of dollars were spent to impact elections in India. Western interference from European Union and US too were in the game. Media outlets with tacit, explicit funding and a few funded by organizations with background in peddling agenda based narratives through stories on ‘random WhatsApp groups’ by creating heroes out of Pak-sponsored stooges. Recent elections in India witnessed the most intrusive foreign reporting with overwhelming negative and brazen reports about ruling dispensation. All this was done to have a Parliament with leaders who can help impose political agenda of countries which are instrumental in spreading these canards. The objective is to secure a favourable outcome aligning with its strategic interests. Western media was found indulging in mud-slinging to sully the image of select leaders and their party in a sinister attempt to impact voter’s minds. Dangerous narratives were peddled by a so-called Indologist Christophe Jaffrelot as the ‘caste census’ narrative allegedly came from France. Jaffrelot extensively writes on India. The French media had shown special interest in these elections with extensive reporting by Le Monde, Le Soir, France 24, La Croix (International), Le Temps, Reporterre, and Radio France Internationale (RFI) to shape up a particular narrative to impact Indian elections with Jaffrelot as an expert on almost everything in India. With the help of Trivedi Centre for Political Data (TCPD) at Ashoka University, Jaffrelot and his disciple Gilles Verniers aggressively peddled a narrative that ‘lower castes’ had lesser representation in politics, quoting profile of MPs in 2014 Lok Sabha. However, the expert duo immediately changed their stand when the 2019 Lok Sabha had a higher representation from lower castes. In fact, never before was he referred by so many outlets in such a short time. He wrote a paper on ‘need of caste census’, in September 2021. US and China attempted to play dirty in just concluded elections with startling discourse being Caste Census which certainly was not organic. Jaffrelot had allegedly received massive funding from the US-based ‘philanthropic’ organization Henry Luce Foundation (HLF) around the same time. HLF was founded by Henry Luce, the founder of TIME magazine. Lesser known fact about Luce is his alleged deep-state connections. He was born to Presbyterian Christian Missionaries and supported by

Hindus Human Rights Security

812

California Civil Rights Report: Hinduphobia is real & kicking!

Civil Rights Department (CDR) of California recently put together a report outlining frequency in cases relating to religious hatred in the California state, USA. As per the report, incidences of anti-Hindu hate crimes accounted for 23.3 per cent of all religious hate crimes reported to Department’s Anti-Hate Hotline in one year. Almost one-quarter of all reported religious hate crimes were directed at Hindu community. The rise in such crimes is a serious concern and necessitates a closer look at the underlying reasons, ramifications and possible remedies to stop this worrying trend. Among the states with most diversity in terms of culture and religion in the US is California. Hindus make up a sizable chunk of the state’s population; they are mostly Indian Americans who enrich the social, cultural and economic fabric of the region. This diversity notwithstanding and the ideals of acceptance, reports of religious hatred and intolerance persist. Verbal abuse, physical assaults, vandalism of places of worship, harassment and other types of hate speech or discrimination against Hindu persons or groups are examples of anti-Hindu hate incidents. Substantive absolute number of incidents suggests that the larger problem of religious intolerance is anti-Hindu hostility. (Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)

Disinformation Hindus Misinformation Policy Security

845

Time for US to Take Extradition of Terrorists Rana and Headley to India Seriously

Washington and Ottawa have discarded Bharat’s national security concerns by not extraditing terrorists, David Coleman Headley & Tahawwur Rana Rahul Pawa Bharat has come under scrutiny of Western powers especially United States and Canada along with routine rhetorical accusations from Pakistani military officials on New Delhi’s involvement in elimination of terrorists on foreign shores. This leads us to a critical question. While both Washington and Ottawa take an aggressive stance on alleged Indian clandestine operations, are they committed to extraditing American and Canadian terrorists like David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Rana? Or is there a deeper disregard for Bharat’s legitimate national security and criminal justice concerns? Fifteen years have passed since the devastating 26 / 11 Mumbai attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist assaults that shocked the world. Meticulously orchestrated by Pakistan, ten terrorists from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) crossed Arabian Sea to unleash terror on Mumbai, Bharat’s financial capital. The 60-hour siege that followed claimed 166 lives and injured over 300 civilians and security personnel leaving an indelible mark on the city’s history. Central to reconnaissance efforts leading to these vicious terrorist attacks were David Coleman Headley a.k.a Daood Sayed Gilani, an American citizen of Pakistani origin and Tahawwur Rana, a former Pakistan Army Captain and Canadian citizen. Headley, who conducted extensive surveillance and gathered crucial information on Mumbai targets, played a pivotal role in planning and execution of the attacks. He made multiple trips to Mumbai and provided detailed videos and sketches of the locations to attackers. Rana, an old friend of Headley from their days in Pakistani military school who also visited Mumbai facilitated these reconnaissance missions by providing Headley cover through his Chicago based immigration business. Following the devastating attacks, Headley and Rana were both apprehended and prosecuted for their roles in planning and executing these terrorist activities, as well as for conducting reconnaissance of a Danish daily in Denmark. American terrorist Headley was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in Chicago on October 3, 2009. In March 2010, he pleaded guilty to being terror trained in Pakistan, 12 terrorism-related charges, including aiding and abetting the 26/11 attacks which included six American victims. Headley cooperated with U.S. authorities providing intelligence and testimony that significantly advanced the investigation including key tip offs regarding Rana. In January 2013, Headley was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Around the same time, Canadian terrorist Rana was arrested on October 18, 2009. He was charged with providing material support to terrorist plots, including the Mumbai terrorist attacks and a planned terror attack on Jyllands-Posten in Denmark. In June 2011, Rana was convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, terrorist group responsible for Mumbai attacks and for supporting the plot against Danish newspaper. However, strikingly, he was acquitted of direct involvement in Mumbai attacks. Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison in January 2013. For over 11 years, Bharat diligently pursued extradition of David Headley and Tahawwur Rana from US under India-U.S. Extradition Treaty of 1997seeking justice for their roles in 26 / 11 Mumbai terrorist attacks. The extradition request for Headley was sent on December 7, 2012. Headley’s cooperation with U.S. authorities and his plea agreement which precluded his extradition to India, Pakistan, or Denmark, Bharat remains steadfast in its efforts to hold him accountable under her own laws where the crime was abetted, planned and committed. The plea agreement spared Headley from death penalty and barred his extradition. It has been a point of contention with Indian authorities which feels that US soft-pedaled and did not cooperate in providing access to Headley. Although officials from India’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were able to interrogate Headley in Chicago in June 2010, they could do so only in the presence of FBI agents, leading to concerns that the information obtained was restricted. Importantly, while the plea agreement limits Headley’s extradition for the crimes he confessed to, the U.S. Secretary of State holds the authority to potentially extradite Headley for offenses other than those related to the 26/11 attacks or if he violates the plea agreement. Secretary of State seems to have been party to this plea agreement thereby denying extradition of Headley. Bharat has been pursuing extradition of Tahawwur Rana. Following his conviction in US, New Delhi requested his extradition along with evidence on August 13, 2020. On May 16, 2023, a US court concluded that Rana was extraditable for offenses related to Mumbai attacks and certified this finding to US Secretary of State. In May, Rana had filed a writ of habeas corpus, challenging the court order that agreed with US government’s request for his extradition to India. On August 2, 2023, Judge Dale S. Fischer of US District Court in California denied Rana’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus, paving the way for US Secretary of State to issue a certification for his extradition to India. However, Rana has filed an appeal against the order and sought a stay on his extradition to India until his appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court is heard, leading to his extradition being stayed on August 18, 2023. His extradition remains pending. US and Canada played hardball on both these key extraditions that were to be tried for waging a war against Bharat’s sovereignty. On the other hand, the two countries were working in tandem to corner Bharat on the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar is a Khalistani terrorist trained by Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and funded to carry out terrorist activities in India and posed significant threats. Similarly, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, face of proscribed entity, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), is another example. SFJ has been declared an unlawful association under Sub-Section (1) and (3) of Section 3 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Numerous scholars of terrorism and international relations, as well as the Indian government, recognise both Nijjar and Pannun as terrorists. They frequently expose the so-called “Khalistani Movement” as a front for Pakistan recently furthered by Communist Party of China (CPC) to engage in

Hindus Human Rights Pakistan Policy Security

720

Combating Terrorism, Not Targeting Sikh Community

Nobody supports violating sanctity of Harmandir Sahib, hurting panthic traditions, culture or devout Sikhs way of life. Handful of terrorists aligned to Khalistan forced Operation Blue Star. Operation Blue Star was carried out by the Indian Armed Forces from June 1 to 10, 1984. The key objective was to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his associates from the Golden Temple compound in Amritsar, Punjab, where they had seized control of this sacred site revered in Sikhism and other Dharmic faiths. This holy place, recognized as the most sacred in Dharmic culture, became the center of a significant criminal justice operation. Many have misinterpreted it as an attack on the Sikh community. However, a broader perspective reveals that Operation Blue Star was a necessary response to escalating terrorism in Punjab, which was supported and backed by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Zia-Ul-Haq’s K2 policy. K2 aimed to foster several secession movements by promoting insurgencies and terrorism as part of its larger objective to destabilize India. Context and Catalysts for Operation Blue Star The roots of Operation Blue Star can be traced back to the early 1980s, when insurgency in Punjab was on the rise. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a radical Sikh preacher, emerged as a strong supporter of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. This resolution advocated for more autonomy for Punjab, and Bhindranwale controversially manipulated its narrative to the larger community to establish a separate Sikh state called Khalistan. His speeches and actions drew a large following, and by 1982, he and his armed supporters had fortified themselves inside the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) complex. Bhindranwale held captive pilgrims belonging to Hindu and Sikh Dharmic faiths, encouraged violence, carried out assassinations, and stockpiled weapons within the sacred compound. The initial bloodshed was ignited by Bhindranwale’s gang within the Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple. The first murder was that of DIG Avtar Singh Atwal, killed in broad daylight. After Atwal’s murder, police officers were afraid to touch the body without Bhindranwale’s permission. This murder sparked a debate over the sanctity of the Darbar Sahib, which was undermined by Bhindranwale’s terrorist associates. The Indian government was under increasing pressure to maintain law and order and combat the growing threat of terrorism. Despite numerous attempts to negotiate, Bhindranwale’s intransigence forced the government to launch an operation to reclaim the Golden Temple and eliminate the militant threat. Operation Blue Star Operation Blue Star was carried out in two phases: Operation Metal and Operation Woodrose. Operation Metal aimed to eliminate the terrorists entrenched in the Golden Temple compound. Following this, Operation Woodrose sought to combat terrorism in Punjab by apprehending or neutralizing suspected terrorists. On June 3, 1984, a 36-hour curfew was imposed in Punjab, cutting off all communication, electricity, and transportation. Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims who had arrived to mark Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom anniversary found themselves trapped inside the Golden Temple. The Indian Army, led by Lt. General Kuldip Singh Brar, surrounded the temple complex with troops, tanks, and artillery. The operation began on the night of June 5, 1984, and lasted five days. The Akal Takht, a significant structure inside the complex, was occupied by Bhindranwale’s armed followers, making it a focal point of fierce confrontation. In the effort to save the Akal Takht, the Indian Army incurred heavy losses. By the morning of June 7, the army had taken control of the Harmandir Sahib complex, and Bhindranwale, along with his associates, were neutralized. Separating Fact from Fiction Operation Blue Star was not an attack on the Sikh community or its believers; it was a targeted response to terrorism. The Indian government’s primary objective was to reestablish law and order in Punjab by ending the criminals’ occupation of the Golden Temple. Critics of the operation often overlook the fact that Bhindranwale and his companions had turned a holy site into an armed fortress, risking the lives of innocent pilgrims and undermining the temple’s sanctity. Despite the adverse conditions, the Indian Armed Forces took extraordinary steps to defend the holy site and avert civilian casualties. The timing of the operation was planned to prevent further mobilization and violence by Bhindranwale and his associates. To maintain the sanctity of the temple, it was critical to reclaim the sacred site from Bhindranwale and his terror accomplices, who had transformed it into a terrorist hotspot. Global Propaganda In subsequent years, outfits like Pakistan backed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) have continued to use unfortunate unraveling’s at the Golden temple to advance their radical cause. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a proscribed terrorist and face of SFJ has spread false propaganda to legitimize Pakistan’s agenda within the Sikh community. Pannun and his outfit continue to portray Operation Blue Star as an intentional attack on Sikhism, neglecting the background of escalating terrorism and the government’s responsibilities to maintain law and order. The SFJ’s activities are part of a larger successionist propaganda to legitimize the Khalistan movement. This narrative is intended to manipulate emotions and create outrage, particularly among younger generations who may lack a systematic understanding of the historical background. By presenting the operation as an act of religious oppression, the SFJ aspires to impart a sense of hate and regularize their separatist and violent actions. The Impact of Fabricated Narratives The misleading narratives crafted by SFJ have grave consequences for civic harmony and national security. By misrepresenting the facts, these entities feed a cycle of distrust and anger within the dharmic community especially Sikhs in India as well as abroad. This divisive discourse undermines efforts toward reconciliation and peace, intensifying contentions and potentially inspiring future violence. Moreover, describing Operation Blue Star as an attack on the Sikh community rather than a counter-terrorism operation diminishes the sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces. Many soldiers, especially Sikhs, endangered their lives to reestablish peace and safeguard the nation’s integrity. Recognizing the true nature of Operation Blue Star is critical to honoring their bravery while also acknowledging the government’s complicated challenges in dealing with terrorism. Eyewitness Accounts A veteran journalist, Satish Jacob, who was then freelancing

Disinformation Hindus Media Misinformation Security World

817

Fuelling Discontent Dishonestly

Ziya Us Salam’s propagandist anti-Hindu book, “Being Muslim in Hindu India” promoted by habitual offender The New York Times Dr Shailendra Kumar Pathak The book, “Being Muslim in Hindu India,” by Ziya Us Salam, an author infamous for his agenda driven writings has sparked controversy and debate, particularly due to its propagation of what many perceive as a narrative steeped in victimhood and misinformation. A recent article in The New York Times edition of May 18, 2024, titled ‘Strangers in Their Own Land: Being Muslim in Modi’s India’ by Mujib Mashal and Hari Kumar seems to be an attempt at amplifying this very min-information. Assertions made in the book that are one-sided may have suited anti-Hindu and anti-Bharat agenda of The New York Times. Media outlets like ABC News, AFP News from US also echoed the packaged mis-information peddled by Ziya Us Islam. On closer scrutiny, it becomes evident that claims made in the book and related articles are riddled with inaccuracies and lack substantive evidence. A few media outlets had to cut a sorry figure as US State Department debunked their claims on lack of religious freedom in Bharat. On May 20, US foreign ministry spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the state rejects such reports outright. “We are deeply committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide. We have engaged many countries including India on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religious communities,” Miller said at a briefing. In this write up, claims made by Ziya Us Islam in his book and related foreign media reports are being closely scrutinised to expose the fallacies and distortions that underpin them. Salam’s book propagates false victimhood narrative suggesting that Muslims in Bharat are constantly oppressed and marginalized due to their religious identity. This portrayal ignores the socio-political realities of Bharat where Muslims have held significant positions in government, businesses, academia and arts. Dharmic ethos has led Bharat to accommodating diverse religious communities and faiths including Muslims over the millennia. It may not be an exaggeration to say that Bharat is the only country that’s home to most sects and sub-sects of Muslims. Overplay by foreign media sporadic localised incidents involving minorities in Bharat are absurd. Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council said in a report that from 1950 to 2015, muslim population in Bharat increased by 43.15 per cent. On the contrary, a decline of 7.82 per cent has been reported for Hindus during the same period. If muslims faced atrocities or were under attack as Ziya Us Islam and his media friends claim, will the absolute number of muslims surge? The research found that Christian, Sikh and Buddhist numbers increased while Jain and Parsi populations fell. Is there, any country across the world where any community faced discrimination and wrath of majority but its number grew consistently over 65-year time frame? Propagandist book alleges systemic discrimination by Indian state against Muslim citizens. On the contrary, Bharat’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens, irrespective of religion. Government policies and initiatives aim to uplift marginalized communities including Muslims, through affirmative action and welfare schemes. Accusations of state-sponsored discrimination lack evidence and serve only to fuel divisive agendas. One glaring flaw in Salam’s book is his selective interpretation of history. He conveniently ignores instances where Hindu-Muslim harmony prevailed and exaggerates isolated incidents of conflict to paint a grim picture of interfaith relations in Bharat. In reality, Bharat’s cultural tapestry is woven with threads of coexistence and mutual respect, exemplified by centuries-old syncretic traditions and shared cultural practices. Salam’s work ventures to perpetuate stereotypes about Hinduism, portraying it as inherently hostile towards Muslims. This misrepresentation not only undermines the rich tapestry of Hindu philosophy and spirituality but reinforces divisive narratives that fuel communal tensions. Hinduism encompasses diverse beliefs and practices embodied by principles of tolerance, compassion and pluralism. Salam’s lies hit the roof when he claims that ancestors of Bhagwan Ram were Muslims. It has been proved with scientific research that Ram existed more than 3000 years before Islam took birth on this earth. The book sensationalizes Hindu – Muslim relations by highlighting isolated incidents of communal violence while ignoring the vast majority of harmonious interactions between two communities. Bharat’s cultural fabric is woven with threads of diversity and tolerance where Hindus and Muslims coexisted peacefully celebrating each other’s festivals and sharing social bonds. Instances of communal harmony far outweigh sporadic conflicts, a fact conveniently overlooked in the propaganda narrative. Salam illustrates some incidents where those accused in murder of Muslims were given heroic welcome. The author deliberately keeps silent on targeted killing, rape and sexual abuse of Hindu girls and women perpetuated by Muslims through predesigned means and campaigns. Salam appears very upset towards laws against ‘love jehad’ encouraged by Muslim families through fake identity. His conscience does not stir when reports appear each day on rapes, murders, discords, divorce, abuse of Hindu girls. By singularly portraying Muslims as victims of purported Hindu oppression, Salam overlooks the agency and resilience of the Muslim community in Bharat. Despite facing challenges, Muslims have made significant contributions to Bharat’s cultural, economic and social fabric. From art and literature to science and technology, Muslims have excelled in various fields enriching the nation’s diversity and heritage. Attributing violence to Hindu extremism oversimplifies complex socio-political dynamics. Like any other country Bharat also grapples with various forms of violence including caste-based and intra-religious conflicts. Blaming Hindu nationalism for all instances of violence undermines efforts to address broader issues of social justice and communal harmony. Salam’s book risks exacerbating sectarian tensions by essentializing Hindu-Muslim identities and reinforcing a binary narrative of “us versus them.” Such divisive rhetoric not only undermines Bharat’s secular ethos but plays into the hands of extremists on both sides who seek to sow discord and hatred. Instead of fostering unity and understanding, Salam’s work could fuel polarization and mistrust. The propaganda propagated in Ziya Us Salam’s book, “Being Muslim in Hindu

Disinformation Hindus Misinformation Security World

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Canada Unsafe for Indians & Hindus

Recent years have posed significant challenges to Canada’s reputation as a safe destination for immigrants, particularly for Indians. Nation’s appeal as a place of opportunity and inclusivity notwithstanding, reports of hate crimes, violence against Indians, Hindus and racial prejudice have increased. This radicalism and governmental biases have mounted concerns regarding safety. (Author Pummy Pandita is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)

Disinformation Hindus

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American Paradox: Campus Protests in U.S. Universities

This unfolding scenario in U.S. campuses, casts a sobering light on the United States, a nation that brands itself as a global proponent of human rights and freedom of expression, underscoring the imperative for the U.S. to embody the principles it espouses, lest its credibility, be called into question. Rahul Pawa Nearly seven months have passed since Operation Al-Aqsa Storm—a military-grade terrorist attack carried out by sunni Islamist terror outfit Hamas and supported by four other Palestinian terrorist groups. This dreaded terrorist attack resulted in tragic deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, and more than 240 people were taken hostage into Gaza from Israel, marking it as Israel’s deadliest day since its founding in 1948. In response to the terrorist attacks, Israel vowed to annihilate Hamas, launching a series of airstrikes and subsequent ground operations inside Gaza. According to the latest reports from the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, at least 34,596 individuals have been killed in Gaza since then. Fast forward to today, in the aftermath of the attack and Israel’s subsequent response, universities across the United States have become epicentres of heated debate, discord, and violence characterised by anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric. In the past month alone, escalating contentions at US universities have led to the arrest of over 1500 protesters across 30 U.S. campuses. This unfolding scenario casts a sobering light on the United States, a nation that brands itself as a global proponent of human rights and freedom of expression, underscoring the imperative for the U.S. to embody the principles it espouses, lest its credibility, be called into question. (Author is Director – Research at New Delhi based think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Uncategorized

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BBC Revamps, ‘Collective Newsroom’ Takes Off In Bharat

Former BBC professionals float Indian media firm, run BBC six languages news operations along with Youtube channel Rupa Jha A few colleagues and I working with the BBC in India decided to start our own venture, ��Collective Newsroom’, an independent media company. But, it was not the most obvious and easy choice. It came out of a very real and difficult situation that our employer BBC in India faced. Foreign Direct Investments in India will have to be capped at 26 per cent for digital news outfits. So far, over 99 percent of BBC India shares were owned by UK-based British Broadcasting Corporation. This meant that the BBC could not operate the way it has for so many years in India. It meant hundreds of employees in India could lose jobs and space to do independent and credible journalism. The thought itself was very demoralising. Why should I quit journalism or leave my country to do journalism. At end of the day, we wanted two things – continue to do trustworthy journalism and be in India. It became evident that this needed a very out of box thinking, courage and sense of entrepreneurship. Four of us decided to quit The BBC and launch Collective Newsroom. We got five others as shareholders. As a fully owned independent Indians owned media company, Collective newsroom secured BBC as its first client. It was a historic moment for us all and we embarked on this new venture with a clear vision to be home to India’s most credible, creative and courageous journalism. The journey to our launch that happened on April 10 this year has not been without challenges. While we had to seek answers to previously unasked questions, work imaginatively and innovatively, I am proud that working collaboratively and closely with all those journalists working in different language in India; we have reached this milestone. The level of commitment, dedication and aspiration that the staff members have shown in recent months is evident. Starting April 10, 2024, Collective Newsroom is the sole producer and publisher for BBC content in six Indian languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi and Marathi. We also run BBC Youtube channel in English for Indian audiences. It’s historic for the BBC to give a third-party license to operate its platforms. Therefore, I call this as a project in trust and innovation. On personal front, it’s a huge learning curve for me. Being chief executive officer of Collective Newsroom, I’m certainly in a space which is very new, different and male dominated but what could be more exciting than breaking the glass ceiling!! The fear of unknown stops us from taking an uncharted route. Is this scary? Of course it is!! But with my team, I feel everything is possible. Do I fear? Yes, I do, but I will also overcome it. The Courage is resistance to fear and faith is a fundamental part of life and I lean on the faith that together with my team, we shall overcome. I believe we have the skills and expertise to make Collective Newsroom a standout success in the market. As we say in our mission, we will lead with facts and bring audiences diverse voices through innovative and impactful journalism in public interest. It’s a formidable offer. In a world inundated with breaking news updates, sensational and misleading headlines, Collective Newsroom is committed to authenticity, depth and empathy in storytelling. Collective Newsroom is committed to a digital-first strategy for modern newsrooms, producing superior quality stories spanning a myriad of platforms and formats, ensuring our reach are as diverse as communities that we serve. What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on going beyond the headlines. We delve deep into the heart of stories, bringing in-depth ground reports and human narratives brimming with empathy and clearly marked by fairness and impartiality. Our skilled, experienced and brave reporters go where many dare not—within India and around the world—all in pursuit of facts from the ground. Our fearless approach to storytelling ensures that we amplify voices of those often overlooked, putting humans at the centre of every narrative. Our explainers and analysis make sense of the intricate tapestry of local, national and international events and offer valued reach for a meaningful growth trajectory. We use cutting-edge technology and innovate with media to produce unique stories you are not likely to see elsewhere. The accolades we’ve garnered, national and international serve as a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence. Yet, more than any shiny trophy, it is trust of the audience that remains our greatest honour. This trust is reflected in the fact that our client, BBC has its largest international audience in India. Such recognition is testament to our shared commitment to truth, integrity, and the power of storytelling. (Author is chief executive officer, Collective Newsroom, BBC News Indian languages)

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