The whitewashing of the historic Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, commenced on Sunday following the Allahabad High Court’s approval on March 12. The court’s decision came with strict guidelines to ensure the work is carried out without altering the mosque’s structure.

A three-member committee, comprising officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a scientific expert, and a local administration representative, has been formed to oversee the painting work. The move aims to complete the task ahead of the holy month of Ramzan.

Security has been significantly heightened in the Shahi Jama Masjid area to maintain peace during the process. Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra stated, “Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed, and surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones.”

The ASI team conducted measurements and assessments on March 13, following the court’s directive. The contractor assigned by the ASI for the task told ANI that a team of eight workers has begun the whitewashing process, which is expected to be completed within a week. “We have been directed only to whitewash the mosque. The outer part will be painted,” he said.

Jama Masjid Committee secretary Masood Farooqui confirmed the start of the work, stating, “Labourers have come for whitewashing. The outer part will be painted.”

The court’s decision to allow whitewashing and decorative lighting comes amid ongoing tensions in Sambhal following violent clashes on November 24 last year. The riots erupted during an ASI survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in four deaths and injuries to several others, including police personnel. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 8.

In February, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a chargesheet exceeding 4,000 pages in six out of the 12 cases related to the November 24 violence. According to the chargesheet, 80 individuals have been arrested, while 79 remain at large, bringing the total number of accused to 159.

The Allahabad High Court, during its March 12 hearing, emphasized that the whitewashing should not involve any structural changes to the mosque. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal ordered the formation of the oversight committee to ensure compliance with the directive.

The United States has conducted a series of airstrikes in Yemen, resulting in 31 fatalities, as part of an operation targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The strikes, aimed at defending American interests and ensuring freedom of navigation, were announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 15.

CENTCOM shared images on social media showing fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier and a bomb destroying a building compound in Yemen. In a statement, the military said, “On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter adversaries, and restore freedom of navigation.”

U.S. President Donald Trump also addressed the military action on his Truth Social platform, issuing a stern warning to the Houthi rebels and Iran. “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” Trump declared.

He further cautioned Iran, stating, “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!”

Trump justified the strikes as a response to the Houthi rebels disrupting shipping in the Red Sea and threatening American interests. He also criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for failing to take decisive action against the Houthis.

The Houthi rebels, however, have vowed to retaliate. In a statement broadcast on Al-Masirah TV, they declared, “Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation.” The group condemned the strikes as “criminal brutality” and accused the U.S. and its allies of aggression.

The Yemeni health ministry confirmed that 20 people were killed and at least nine others were injured in the strikes. The Houthi Ansarollah website denounced the attacks as a “US-British aggression” and reiterated their commitment to continuing their campaign to obstruct Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts its blockade of aid to Palestinians.

Earlier this month, the U.S. reclassified the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” citing 174 attacks on American warships and 145 attacks on commercial vessels since 2023. The U.S. has been a staunch ally of Israel, and the reclassification underscores the escalating tensions in the region.

The Houthis had announced on Tuesday their intention to resume their campaign to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, aiming to exert pressure on Israel and its allies. The latest U.S. military action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about further violence and instability in the region.

Lauding Tamil as a “sweet” language, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated on Saturday, March 15, that it stands as a significant asset to both the nation and the world. At an event near Sriperumbudur, he emphasized the importance of all Indian languages, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently worked to ensure that every language receives the respect it deserves.

During the inauguration of Zetwerk Electronics’ manufacturing facility, Vaishnaw expressed his gratitude for having a professor named Sadagopan at IIT Kanpur, who introduced him to the richness of the Tamil language. He began his speech with a traditional greeting of ‘Vanakkam’ and shared his limited knowledge of Tamil phrases, stating, “Tamil is a very, very sweet language… I know only three words: Vanakkam, Eppadi Irukeenga (How are you), and Nandri (Thank you).”

He reflected on how Sadagopan enriched his understanding of Tamil culture, which he described as ancient and deeply rooted. “This is one of our country’s assets and also one of the world’s treasures. We should take pride in it and celebrate all Indian languages. This is the spirit that our Prime Minister embodies, ensuring that each language receives its rightful recognition and exposure,” he remarked.

To illustrate his point, Vaishnaw mentioned the Telecom and Data Protection Laws, highlighting the Prime Minister’s encouragement to offer legal notices in all Indian languages, not just in English. He reiterated the goal of fostering unity and understanding among diverse cultures and peoples within India.

“We must aim for a unified objective of strengthening our nation and striving to become the third largest economy,” he concluded, expressing his gratitude in Tamil with “rombha rombha nandri” (many, many thanks).

His remarks come in the context of ongoing language controversies in Tamil Nadu, where the ruling DMK party has accused the central government of enforcing Hindi through the National Education Policy, allegations that the Union government has refuted.