India revives terrorism mantra to hide atrocities in IIOJK

NEW DELHI: In what is being seen as a desperate attempt to divert international and domestic attention from its brutal suppression in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the India has designated 23 Pakistan-based individuals as “terrorists” under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah claimed the move is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “zero tolerance” policy against terror.

However, analysts and observers view this latest designation as a well-timed propaganda exercise.

With Indian forces engaged in prolonged military operations in Rajouri and Shopian, and facing growing international scrutiny over human rights violations, New Delhi appears to be resorting to its old tactic of labelling Kashmiri resistance as “terrorism” to justify its occupation and state repression.

The move will allow the National Investigation Agency to freeze assets and impose travel bans, but it is widely regarded as a political stunt rather than a genuine counter-terrorism effort.

Muslim man assaulted, forced into religious ritual by cow vigilantes in UP

A Muslim man was assaulted and forced to perform a Hindu religious ritual by a self-styled cow vigilante group in the Barabanki district of India's Uttar Pradesh state.

Around 15 to 20 members of a group identifying itself as the Sanatan Gauraksha Dal accused the man of allegedly making derogatory remarks about cows. A video circulating on social media reportedly shows the group beating him despite his apologies, forcing him to call his father, and threatening him with abusive language.

The victim was dragged to a shed, compelled to kneel before a calf, touch its legs, and chant a religious slogan while being forced to perform acts of worship.

Following the circulation of the video, police sought details of the incident through social media and asked for a formal complaint to initiate action.

The incident drew sharp criticism from Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain, who described it as a grave violation of human dignity and constitutional rights. He urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take strict action against those involved, saying such vigilante violence reflects growing lawlessness and intimidation targeting religious minorities.