Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi direct the registration of an FIR over the alleged ‘shuddhikaran’ or purification ritual conducted at a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.

The venue at Ramlila Maidan was used by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for a party rally on August 8. Two days later, on August 10, an organisation called Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas conducted a ‘shuddhikaran havan’ at the ground.

Gandhi described the incident as a form of untouchability and alleged that it reflected the mindset of the BJP and RSS. He also sought action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Rahul Gandhi calls incident ‘untouchability’

Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said the incident should not be viewed only in the context of Kharge but as an issue concerning Dalits more broadly.

He said there were “two ideologies” fighting in the country — the ideology of the Constitution and that of the BJP-RSS. Gandhi alleged that Dalits continue to face discrimination in different parts of the country despite constitutional safeguards.

Referring to the Haldwani incident, he alleged that the purification of the venue after Kharge’s rally amounted to untouchability.

Gandhi also claimed that similar incidents involving Dalit leaders had occurred elsewhere and said the Congress would seek action against those responsible for the Haldwani ritual.

Rahul Gandhi seeks FIR under SC/ST Act

Gandhi said the Congress wanted an FIR against those who conducted the purification ceremony.

He alleged that the Prime Minister’s government claims to represent all castes, while BJP leaders had defended the Haldwani ceremony. Gandhi therefore urged PM Modi to direct registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act.

He further said the incident went beyond Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and concerned Dalits across the country.

BJP denies involvement in Haldwani ritual

Uttarakhand BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta rejected Gandhi’s allegations that the BJP or government was behind the incident.

Tamta said the Ramlila ground did not belong to the BJP and that religious programmes were regularly held there. He said the ground had been cleaned after litter was left following the political rally.

According to Tamta, the cleaning was not ordered by the government and was carried out by a religious organisation. He also denied that the incident reflected the kind of discrimination alleged by Gandhi.

Organisation denies BJP-RSS connection

The organisation that conducted the ‘shuddhikaran havan’, Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas, also denied any association with the BJP or RSS.

Its president Girish Chandra Pandey said the ritual was conducted because the Hindu community’s sentiments had allegedly been hurt. He cited Kharge’s earlier remarks about Hindu organisations and the use of the Ramlila ground for a political programme.

Pandey also claimed that four Dalits were among those who participated in the havan.

The Haldwani incident has since turned into a political controversy, with the Congress demanding action and BJP leaders denying any connection with the purification ceremony.

One person was killed and five others were injured after two Naga armed groups clashed in a remote forested area of Manipur’s Noney district, according to sources.

The gunfight took place in the Khumji area, where the JUF-Jenchui (ZUF-J) and JUF-Kamson (ZUF-K) factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) exchanged fire.

Security forces yet to reach site

The confrontation occurred in a remote jungle area, making access difficult for security personnel. Security forces had not yet reached the location when the report was published.

The situation remains fluid, and the death toll could change after security personnel reach the area and assess the situation.

There has been no official account of the incident from security agencies so far.

Clash linked to factional rivalry

The latest confrontation comes amid longstanding tensions and armed rivalry among Naga groups over influence and control in Zeliangrong-inhabited areas.

The ZUF was formed in 2011 following a split involving former NSCN-IM cadres and later developed a separate political position focused on Zeliangrong community interests.

Factional tensions and rivalry have periodically led to armed confrontations in Khoupum Valley and other Zeliangrong-inhabited areas of western Manipur, including parts of Noney and neighbouring districts.

The ZUF has advocated protecting Zeliangrong people, land and natural resources and has demanded the integration of Zeliangrong areas under a single administrative umbrella.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will seek to advance its vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), with security, connectivity and opportunity at its core, during his upcoming visit to Central Asia.

Modi is travelling to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1. He said he is looking forward to working with SCO members towards a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The Prime Minister said his visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and further deepening the civilisational links between India and the region.

PM Modi to visit Uzbekistan

At the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi will visit Tashkent on August 29 and 30 for a state visit.

He said the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has made significant progress in recent years and that his discussions with Mirziyoyev will focus on further expanding cooperation.

The areas of cooperation will include trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, along with the shared visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’.

During his stay in Tashkent, Modi will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Modi to attend 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit.

The summit marks 25 years of the SCO. Modi is also scheduled to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders during the visit.

He will attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which celebrates the cultural heritage of Central Asia.

Security and connectivity among India’s SCO priorities

In his departure statement, Modi said India has remained an active and constructive SCO member since 2017.

He said India’s vision for the region is anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, while terrorism, separatism and extremism continue to pose threats to peace and stability.

Officials said Modi will address the SCO summit and outline India’s priorities. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

The Prime Minister said the visit would contribute to the shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, which he described as central to India’s engagement with the world.