English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

India angry over Palestinian Ambassador sharing dais with Hafiz Saeed

Published

on

India angry over Palestinian Ambassador sharing dais with Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi refuse to issue visa to Pakistani devotees of Hazrat Nizamuddin

Amidst facing criticism within Bhartiya Janata Party on its vote at United Nations Security Council in favor of the resolution denouncing Washington’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israeli capital, government of India has now expressed anger over Palestinian Ambassador sharing stage with Hafiz Saeed, the main accused in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in Rawalpindi.

Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement on Friday, said, “We are taking up the matter strongly with the Palestinian ambassador in New Delhi and with the Palestinian authorities.”

Pictures of Palestinian ambassador Walid Abu Ali sharing stage with Hafiz Saeed and addressing the rally were circulated on social media on Friday. The rally was organised by Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) at Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi to condemn the recent US Jerusalem move.

Raveesh Kumar further said that Palestinian envoy had been seen at the rally “organised by Jamaat-ud-Daawa (JuD) chief and mastermind of the Mumbai terror attack Hafiz Saeed”. He indicated that government of India will send a strongly worded demarche to the Palestinian government.

India angry over Palestinian Ambassador sharing dais with Hafiz Saeed

Meantime, India has postponed issuing visas to 192 Pakistani nationals for visiting Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin during annual Urs to be held in early January.

Subramanian Swami, a senior BJP leader had on December 22 criticised government’s decision to vote against Trump’s Jerusalem move saying India made “a huge mistake” by going against “its national interest”.

Swami  further said, “Palestine has never supported India on Kashmir question” while Israel stood with India always”. He recalled that the noteworthy friendship between PM Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu is a “Marriage made in heaven”.

The controversy was raged between India and Palestine at a time when government of India is preparing to host Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in January and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Palestine in February.

Though it is not announced officially yet, Israeli PM Bejnamin Netanyahu is expected to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day; January 26, 2018. Several media outlets discussed the possibility in October-November this year. Netanyahu had also told the Knesset (parliament) in October that he will visit India in January 2018, to reciprocate PM Narendra Modi’s trip earlier this year.

In a balancing act, South Block, has reportedly been working towards scheduling PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Palestine in February.  If he visits Ramallah, the headquarters of Palestinian Authority, it will be his first visit to Palestine.

According to reports from Rawalpindi, Hafiz Saeed used the “Tahaffuz Baitul Maqdas” (Defence of Al-Aqsa mosque, Jerusalem) rally organised by Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) to launch campaign against India and rake up Kashmir issue equating it to Israeli occupation of Palestine.

At the event Hafiz Saeed was quoted saying in Urdu, “We consider it our prime responsibility to liberate Kashmir from India. We will free Kashmir in fulfilment of Jinnah’s dream.”

Hafiz Saeed also criticised Pakistan government for allowing Kulbhushan Jadhav’s family members to meet him in Islamabad. He claimed, “Pakistan let the family of Kulbhushan meet him out of kindness and goodwill, but India sent them with spy devices.” He was referring to the alleged presence of the so-called “metallic device” in the confiscated shoes of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s wife.

PM Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in July 2017 since 1947, who chose not to visit Palestine during the same trip. Even US President Donald Trump could not avoid visiting Palestine in March this year.

According to the sources, external affairs ministry was particularly upset as the incident of Palestinian ambassador’s sharing dais with Hafiz Saeed came in less than 10 days of India joining 127 other countries at UN to support the resolution criticising Trump’s Jerusalem move of recognising the city as Israeli capital.

Responding to Israel’s protest over its vote at UN, India has clarified that its position on Palestine is “independent and consistent” and “shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country”.

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, while making statement in parliament on Thursday, had alleged Pakistan for running anti-India campaign over the shoes of Kulbhushan’s wife. She said Kulbhushan’s family members travelled through flights from Delhi to Dubai by Air India and Dubai to Islamabad by Emirates airlines. The so called device was not detected during security checks.

Sushma Swaraj also criticised Pakistani authorities for violating religious sanctities by removing mangal sutra, bindi and even forcing Jadhav’s mother and wife to change clothes.

In the latest development, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a press release on Saturday morning saying that in a last minute decision, India has postponed the issuance of visas to 192 Pakistani pilgrims for attending annual Urs celebrations of Nizamuddin Aulia to be held in Delhi from January 1 to 8.

Pakistan has alleged that the non-issuance of visas was in violation of the spirit of 1974 protocol between the two countries on the visits to religious shrines agreement.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com