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J&K: Pak likely to raise matter day after UN Human Rights chief expressed concern asking India to ease lockdown

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Pak likely to raise matter day after UN Human Rights chief expressed concern asking India to ease lockdown

While India has got more or less the entire international community to treat Kashmir dispute as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, the current phase – post revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and its bifurcation into two union territories – is attracting close international attention.

India and Pakistan are expected to face off today – Tuesday, Sep 10 – over the issue at the ongoing UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva, Switzerland.

Pakistan has announced that it will speak on the matter. It has been trying hard to rope in support from other countries and to have the issue discussed in UN forums. Yesterday, Pakistan and China put out a statement saying they opposed India’s “unilateral actions” in Kashmir and called for a dialogue.

India responded today, rejecting the joint reference to Kashmir and protested against the “so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” running through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said: “We reject the reference to Jammu & Kashmir in the Joint Statement issued by China and Pakistan. J&K is an integral part of India. On the other hand, India has consistently expressed concerns to both China and Pakistan on the projects in so-called ‘China Pakistan Economic Corridor’, which is in the territory of India that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947. India is resolutely opposed to any actions by other countries to change the status quo in Pakistan occupied J&K. We call on the parties concerned to cease such actions.”

There was some embarrassment for India yesterday when the UNHCR chief Michelle Bachelet expressed “deep concern” at the communication shutdown and detention of political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and urged the Indian government to ensure that human rights are respected and protected.

Also Read: See Delhi, Meri Jaan, On Its Roads

In her opening statement at the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bachelet said: “My office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the Line of Control. I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the Government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, including restrictions on Internet communication and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists.”

“While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected, I have appealed, particularly to India, to ease the current lockdowns or curfews; to ensure people’s access to basic services; and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained. It is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future,” she said.

Bachelet said it was important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.

Bachelet also said the recent National Register of Citizens verification process in Assam has caused great uncertainty and anxiety, with some 1.9 million people excluded from the final list published on August 31. She appealed to the Indian government to ensure due process during the appeals process, prevent deportation or detention, and ensure people are protected from statelessness.

This was Bachelet’s first comment on Indian situation after the government revoked J&K’s special status. While there was no official response from New Delhi, India has sent a team of senior officials. The Indian delegation is led by Ajay Bisaria, the High Commissioner expelled by Pakistan as part of a five-point plan to downgrade ties with India, and Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary East.

Also Read: Goa Congress accuses: ‘BJP’s beef ban policy is divisive’

Pakistan wrote to the United Nations last month, flagging what it called “massive violations of International Human Rights Law” in Jammu and Kashmir. But its efforts fell flat as at the closed-door meeting held at UN, the participating nations – barring China – had sided with India, agreeing that the changes in Jammu and Kashmir were an internal matter.

“The letter is not worth the paper it is written on,” the foreign ministry later responded.

US President Donald Trump, who earlier offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, has offered his help again. “I get along with both countries very well,” President Trump told reporters.”I am willing to help them if they want. They know that. That (offer) is out there,” he said.

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Musk, Trump claim Sunita Williams was left in space due to politics

Elon Musk and Donald Trump alleged that the Biden administration delayed the return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS for political reasons. Musk stated that SpaceX is now working to bring them back as soon as possible.

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Sunita Williams

Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump have accused the Biden administration of abandoning NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore at the International Space Station (ISS) for political reasons. The claims were made during an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, where the two suggested that the astronauts’ return was postponed unnecessarily.

Musk, who is the CEO of SpaceX, stated, “At the President’s request, we are accelerating the return of the astronauts, which was postponed to a ridiculous degree.” Trump further added, “They got left in space.”

Musk: Return mission being expedited

When questioned about the SpaceX mission to bring the astronauts back, Musk confirmed that his company had been asked to take charge of their return. “We have brought astronauts back from the space station many times before, and always with success,” he said.

The mission to return Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore is expected to take approximately four weeks. Trump, addressing Musk, claimed that his administration had to intervene to ensure the mission proceeded. “You now have the go-ahead,” Trump told Musk, to which Musk responded, “Yes. Well, thanks to you.”

Was the return of Williams and Wilmore politically motivated?

Trump went a step further, asserting that the Biden administration had actively prevented SpaceX from retrieving the astronauts. “He (Biden) was going to leave them in space. I think he was going to leave them there,” he stated.

Musk agreed with Trump’s stance, describing the prolonged stay of the astronauts at the ISS as “terrible” and suggesting that it was influenced by political motivations.

What happened to Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore?

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 for a mission initially planned to last only 10 days. However, after a series of technical issues with the Starliner, NASA and Boeing decided that it was too risky to bring the astronauts back using the same spacecraft.

In August 2024, NASA announced that it had assigned SpaceX the responsibility of bringing Williams and Wilmore back using its Crew-9 capsule. SpaceX has been conducting regular missions to rotate ISS crews every six months.

Despite this, Musk recently stated that the return of the astronauts was delayed unnecessarily. On January 20, Musk claimed that Trump personally requested him to expedite the astronauts’ return, accusing Biden’s administration of deliberately leaving them stranded at the ISS for months.

Political controversy deepens

The claims by Trump and Musk have added a political dimension to what was originally a technical issue with the Starliner spacecraft. While NASA had already enlisted SpaceX for the astronauts’ return, Trump’s comments suggest that political rivalries may have influenced the timeline.

As of now, neither NASA nor the Biden administration has officially responded to the allegations made by Musk and Trump. Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing to bring Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore home, ensuring their safe return after an unexpectedly extended mission.

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Sheikh Hasina vows return, accuses Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating political conspiracy

Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina, in a teary address, accuses Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a conspiracy against her. Dhaka pushes for her extradition as India remains silent.

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Sheikh Hasina

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently exiled in India, has vowed to return to her country, accusing interim government leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a violent conspiracy to remove her from power. In an emotional address via Zoom, she alleged that Yunus had fostered “lawlessness” and unleashed “terrorists” to overthrow her administration.

Speaking to the widows of four policemen killed during the student-led uprising in July 2024, Hasina reassured them that she would seek justice upon her return. “The killings were part of his meticulous conspiracy to throw me out of power,” she asserted. She further claimed she narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during the coup that led to her exile.

Accusations against the interim government

Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus of dissolving all inquiry committees investigating the deaths of security personnel and unrest in the country. She alleged that the interim government has been involved in suppressing political opposition through violent means.

“They are destroying Bangladesh,” she said, vowing that she would return and ensure justice is served. She labeled Yunus a “mobster” and asserted that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

Backdrop of political turmoil

The student-led protests that led to Hasina’s downfall initially began as a movement against a controversial quota system but soon escalated into demands for her resignation. The protests culminated in her government’s collapse in August 2024, forcing her to seek refuge in India. During the uprising, nearly 450 police stations were reportedly set on fire, and multiple incidents of violence were recorded.

Muhammad Yunus, the interim government leader, has acknowledged the existence of a “design and conspiracy” to remove Hasina, but he has not explicitly taken responsibility for orchestrating the movement.

Dhaka’s call for extradition

Following Hasina’s remarks, Bangladesh’s interim government reiterated its commitment to securing her return. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government’s priority is to extradite Hasina and hold her accountable for alleged crimes under her administration.

“The people and political parties of Bangladesh will decide whether her party, the Awami League, should remain in the country’s political framework. But those responsible for killings, enforced disappearances, and other crimes must face justice,” Alam added.

Citing reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Alam emphasized that Hasina’s government had been accused of human rights violations, increasing pressure on India to respond to Bangladesh’s extradition request.

India’s silence on the extradition request

Bangladesh’s Foreign Office has formally requested Hasina’s repatriation through a diplomatic note. While New Delhi has acknowledged receipt, it has yet to provide an official response on the matter.

As Bangladesh’s political crisis deepens, the international community remains watchful of India’s stance on the situation. The ongoing tension between Hasina and the interim government is expected to shape the country’s political trajectory in the coming months.

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Prince William, Kate Middleton celebrate Valentine’s Day, share a romantic photo

“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you,” he wrote.

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On this Valentine’s Day, as the world revels in celebrations of love, social media is awash with heartwarming images, including a particularly poignant photograph of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Shared on the official X account of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this touching image has resonated with people across the globe, sparking a wave of affectionate comments for the beloved royal couple.

The enchanting photo features the couple sitting together on a mat, surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery. Middleton is captured laughing joyfully as Prince William gives her a tender kiss on the cheek. The couple is colour-coordinated, donning outfits in similar shades that enhance their close bond.

Not only a visual delight, this photograph also serves as a tribute to what the couple has described as their “hardest year.” It is taken from a video shared last year where Kate announced her successful completion of chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis she received nine months prior. The emotional weight of the image is underscored by the single red heart emoji accompanying the post.

Earlier this month, on January 9, which marked Kate Middleton’s 43rd birthday, Prince William paid tribute to his wife, expressing admiration for her remarkable strength throughout the challenging year. “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you,” he wrote.

In her video marking the end of her cancer treatment, Kate reflected on her journey, stating, “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters.” She also shared her insights on the vulnerabilities faced during such a journey and emphasized the new perspective it brings.

The couple, proud parents to three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—continues to inspire many through their resilience and love.

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