English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Not In My Name protest meet makes Modi speak against killings

Published

8 years ago

on

Not In My Name protest meet makes Modi speak against killings

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Lilly Paul

What started as a Facebook post ended with hundreds of people taking to the streets at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to join the protest, “Not In My Name”, initiated by filmmaker Saba Dewan. The protests started at 6pm on Wednesday (June 29) and was attended by students, artists, activists and common people of Delhi along with the family members of 16-year-old Junaid, who was killed on June 22 in a Mathura-bound train.

The protest made headlines around the country and even in the foreign press. The immediate effect of the protest was the breaking of months-long silence by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said on Friday (June 29) that killing in the name of an animal sacred to majority Hindus was wrong, a comment that came seven days after the horrific killing that moved the conscience of the entire country.

“Killing people in the name of ‘gau bhakti’ is not acceptable,” Modi told a crowd at the centenary celebrations of the Sabarmati Ashram, according to agencies. “No person in this nation has the right to take the law in his or her own hands.”

Till Thursday, there had been not even an acknowledgement of the killing of the 16-year-old Junaid by the Prime Minister, neither of any other cow related killing so far. There have been 28 cow related killings from 2010 and 86 percent victims were Muslims and 97 percent of such attacks happened after the NDA came to power in 2014, according to a report by Indiaspend.

Reacting to Modi’s comment senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury said: “I am glad that the Prime Minister finally came out and said something, but it is not enough. We have to put our money where our mouth is. We want action. The ground reality is something else. What is the government going to do? What action plan do they have? Are we to live in terror?”

At Jantar Mantar on Wednesday the protest was observed to register the people’s anger over the incessant lynchings of Muslims by cow and beef vigilantes. Apart from Delhi, protests were held in 11 other Indian cities of Allahabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna and Thiruvananthapuram.

More importantly, it received primetime coverage by all major television news channels, including foreign channels. Back from another of his hurricane international tours, Modi, at least, reacts when his image is in danger of being tarnished.

The event witnessed an emotional moment when Junaid’s brother Mohammed Asaruddin read out a letter, called “letter to his mother from heaven”,  written on behalf of Junaid. It read: Dear Ma, I am home. Mother you lied when you said Hindus and Muslims are brothers because how can a brother watch his brother being killed and do nothing to save him. I am alive now. Here there is no fear of marauding mobs. Yours, Junaid.”

People could be seen crying uncontrollably in the protest after Asaruddin read out the letter. He quivered as he read out the letter against the backdrop of ‘lynch map of India’, a map made on the dais spotting the states in red where mob lynchings have took place since 2015.

Works of revolutionary poets Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Sahir Ludhianvi were recited in the event. Veteran journalist Vinod Dua too read out a couplet by Faiz in the event. Actor-dancer Maya Rao performed on an act she composed for the event.

“Junaid was my brother, my fellow countrymen, I have seen Bharat Mata weeping in the eyes of his mother”, read a placard in the protest. The other one read, “hum sab musalmaan hai, hum sab insaan hai (We all are Muslims, we all are humans)”.

Although the protest was attended by hundreds, it is not sure if the common people participated in substantial numbers. The place was filled with students, lawyers, educationists, activists and artists. Muslims wearing traditional attire with a black band could also be spotted in the protest.

Although many families joined the protest with their children, still the presence of the common public was missing. Even the auto-drivers dropping the people to the venue could be seen asking their customers about the issue behind the protest. Some performances were still due as people left due to rain.

Although the intention and the motive behind the protests were genuine but lesser participation suggest that people are yet not aware of the cynical lynchings taking place across the country. This is the same Delhi which had turned out in huge numbers during the Nirbhaya rape tragedy. But such a turnout of people was missing in this protest.

The protest was also criticised by both left and the right groups for its idea and execution. Still the protests could be marked as a beginning of resistance against mob lynchings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

India and Russia vow to walk together against terrorism, reaffirm strategic partnership

PM Modi and President Putin reaffirm India-Russia unity against terrorism, deepen energy and trade cooperation, and discuss peace efforts amid the Ukraine conflict.

Published

40 mins ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday underlined that India and Russia “walk together in the fight against terrorism,” reinforcing a decades-old strategic partnership that remains steady amid global geopolitical churn. The leaders issued the joint statement following talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi, where they also announced steps to boost trade, economic cooperation, and energy collaboration.

India-Russia stand firm on counter-terror cooperation

PM Modi described President Putin as a “dear friend” and highlighted Moscow’s consistent support to India on counter-terror efforts. Russia had earlier strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, and reiterated solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism in all forms.

The joint remarks emphasized that the bilateral friendship, rooted in trust and mutual respect, has remained resilient for decades despite global challenges.

Focus on energy, trade and use of national currencies

A key highlight of the engagement was Russia reaffirming “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India. PM Modi expressed gratitude for Russia’s commitment, noting energy cooperation as a crucial pillar of the relationship. While he did not specifically mention oil purchases, given ongoing Western pressure, he emphasised cooperation in civil nuclear and clean energy.

The two countries also discussed expanding economic ties, including a possible free trade agreement. President Putin said bilateral trade was being targeted to reach USD 100 billion, and acknowledged progress toward using national currencies for payments — a remark expected to draw global attention.

Putin shares peace plan insights on Ukraine conflict

Putin briefed the Prime Minister on Russia’s perspective for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war and appreciated India’s continued role as a “champion of peace.” PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position on dialogue and diplomacy.

Agreements across jobs, health, shipping and minerals

Officials exchanged multiple agreements covering employment mobility, health, shipping, chemicals and cooperation in critical minerals — further broadening the strategic footprint of the partnership.

Continue Reading

India News

RBI cuts repo rate to 5.25%, paving the way for cheaper loans

The RBI has cut the repo rate to 5.25%, aiming to support growth as inflation softens. The central bank also raised GDP projections and announced liquidity-boosting measures.

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on Thursday, signalling relief for borrowers as banks are expected to offer lower EMIs on home and vehicle loans. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the move after the conclusion of the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

RBI prioritises growth as inflation eases

Malhotra said the decision was unanimous, with the central bank choosing to focus on supporting economic momentum despite concerns over a weak rupee. The repo rate was earlier cut in June from 6% to 5.5% amid easing inflation trends.

The RBI now projects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2% for FY2025-26, significantly softer than earlier estimates. For the first quarter of FY2026-27, inflation is expected at 3.9%, lower than the previous projection. The governor noted that rising precious metal prices may contribute to the headline CPI, but overall risks to inflation remain balanced.

GDP outlook strengthened

In a strong upward revision, the central bank increased the GDP forecast for the current financial year to 7.3%, previously estimated at 6.8%. Growth for the October–December quarter has also been revised to 6.7%.

The last quarter registered a six-quarter high expansion of 8.2%, reflecting resilient demand and steady credit flow.

“The growth-inflation balance continues to offer policy space,” Malhotra said, reiterating that the RBI’s stance remains neutral.

Other key decisions

Alongside the repo rate cut, the RBI announced adjustments to key policy corridors:

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.5%

To improve liquidity and strengthen monetary transmission, the RBI will conduct forex swaps and purchase ₹1 lakh crore worth of government bonds through Open Market Operations (OMO).

RBI reviews a challenging year

Reflecting on 2025, Malhotra said the year delivered strong growth and moderate inflation even as global trade and geopolitical uncertainties persisted. He added that bank credit and retail lending remained healthy, providing support to the economy.

Continue Reading

India News

IndiGo flight chaos deepens as over 500 services cancelled, passengers stranded for hours

Over 500 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded without food, clarity or their luggage as airports struggled to manage the disruption.

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

IndiGo flight

India’s largest airline continued to face massive operational breakdowns, triggering frustration among travellers at major airports across the country. From piles of unattended suitcases to passengers waiting over 12 hours without food or clarity, the disruption stretched into its fourth consecutive day.

Long delays, no communication leave passengers anguished

Several travellers at Delhi airport described the situation as “mental torture”, as thousands of unclaimed suitcases lay scattered across the terminal. Many slept on the floor, while others expressed anger over the lack of communication from airline staff.

One flier said he had been waiting for over 12 hours without any explanation: “Every time they say one-hour or two-hour delays. We were going to a wedding but don’t even have our luggage.”

A passenger in Hyderabad recounted a similar ordeal, saying the flight was delayed indefinitely with no food, water, or updates from the airline. At the airport, some travellers blocked an Air India flight in protest over the lack of arrangements.

Goa and Chennai airports also witnessed tense moments. Videos from Goa showed fliers shouting at IndiGo staff as police attempted to calm the situation. At Chennai, CISF denied entry to IndiGo passengers due to heavy congestion.

Major metro airports impacted; cascading cancellations nationwide

Flight cancellations and delays were reported across multiple airports:

  • Over 200 flights were cancelled in Delhi
  • More than 100 each in Mumbai and Bengaluru
  • Around 90 in Hyderabad
  • Dozens more in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bhopal

Pune airport stated that parking bay congestion worsened the situation, as several IndiGo aircraft remained grounded due to lack of crew. Other airlines continued operations without disruption.

Airport authorities said they had mobilised additional manpower for crowd control and passenger support.

IndiGo admits planning lapses, says more cancellations expected

The airline acknowledged a “misjudgment” in assessing crew requirements under revised night-duty norms, which it said created planning gaps. Winter weather and airport congestion further aggravated the crisis.

IndiGo informed the aviation ministry and DGCA that some regulatory changes—such as the shift in night-duty timings and a cap on night landings—have been rolled back temporarily to stabilise operations.

The airline warned that cancellations may continue for another two to three days, and from December 8, schedules will be trimmed to prevent further disruption.

In a message to employees, CEO Pieter Elbers said restoring punctuality would not be an “easy target”.

Airline issues apology amid nationwide frustration

In a late-night statement, IndiGo apologised to customers and industry partners, acknowledging the widespread inconvenience caused by the disruptions. The airline said all teams were working with authorities to bring operations back to normal.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com