Ex-Pentagon official compares Asim Munir to Osama Bin Laden, slams nuke threat
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The Hindu
7 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Crossing a line: on drive against undocumented immigrants
Police in several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled States are trying to identify undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants by their language: Bengali. This approach has led to some comical errors, such as the Delhi police listing 'Bangladeshi' as a language — a massive leap in linguistics. However, in most cases, this has become a tragic and farcical exercise. Several documented instances have shown Indian citizens being pushed across the border into Bangladesh. This has caused significant hardship for the families involved and embarrassment to the government. Some individuals have been repatriated to their families in West Bengal after intervention by the State government or courts. This 'pushback' of suspected Bangladeshis is a part of a larger effort to bypass the due process of law, which is often lengthy and rigorous. The rounding up of Bengali speakers has sparked a debate in West Bengal, where the ruling party, the Trinamool Congress, has called it an 'attack on Bengali identity' and launched a language movement. The targeting of Bengali migrants has immediate consequences for their livelihoods. Fearing detention and forced relocation to Bangladesh — a country to which they may have no connection — many migrant workers from West Bengal have left their jobs. In one particular case, Delhi police detained Bengali speakers who had been granted Indian citizenship under a well-known land exchange treaty with Bangladesh signed by the Narendra Modi government. Bengali is India's second-largest language by number of speakers. The State of West Bengal is both a source and a destination for migrant workers. The divisions being created over language and identity could easily escalate into conflict and violence. Even for the BJP, this exercise makes little political sense and may be counterproductive ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal. The migrant workers from West Bengal who are being harassed in other States do not belong to a single community. BJP leaders in West Bengal are already facing criticism over the issue and are setting up camps to assist citizens with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in various constituencies across the State. The issue of Bangladeshi citizens entering and working in India is not new. For decades, people from the neighbouring country have entered India for political and social reasons, including better economic opportunities. The boundaries of India are a creation of colonialism and a violent history of political conflicts. While sovereign borders must be protected, the central government must ensure that law enforcement does not become counterproductive and lead to the harassment of its citizens.
The Hindu
7 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — August 15, 2025
Reflections on August 15 On Independence Day, I wonder whether we are truly free. We broke the chains of colonialism, yet we forged new ones: corruption that has seeped into the system making it rotten; injustice that spares the powerful; the divisions of caste and religion, and the silent suffering of the poor. Women still fight for safety and millions still sleep hungry. Our freedom fighters dreamed of dignity, equality and unity but speeches and parades cannot hide how far we are from that dream. True independence will come to us only when justice is swift, opportunities are equal, and no Indian lives in fear. Until then, August 15 is not just a celebration. It is a reminder that the fight for real freedom is not over. Hemashree, Bengaluru Lessons from the West The Data Point, 'Before tackling stray dogs issue, India must count them properly' (Opinion page, August 13), has pertinent data. Last year when I was travelling in western Europe, I did not spot a single stray dog on any street. In Switzerland, most people have pet dogs and great care is taken to ensure that no one is disturbed when the pet travels with the owner on public transportation systems such as trams, trains and buses. We have much to learn from the West. Vijaya Segara Ramsait, Courtallam, Tamil Nadu Workers' strike It is most unfortunate that the Tamil Nadu government has not been able to solve the problems of the conservancy workers, despite days of protest, and has resorted to forcibly vacating and detaining the protesting workers. It is ironic that the demand of the conservancy workers for permanency has not been considered by the ruling DMK government despite this being a part of its election promise. The authorities cannot ask the workers, who have been directly engaged by the Corporation, to go and work under contractors. The Supreme Court, as early as 1985, in the Food Corporation case, made it clear that the march of law is from contract labour to direct labour and not the other way. The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act 1970 was meant for regulating and ultimately abolishing contract labour. Courts and politicians keep saying that the Constitution is a living instrument meant for emancipating the weaker sections. But not only are promises not kept, they are being forgotten. N.G.R. Prasad, Chennai
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Former Manipur CM Biren leads Tiranga Yatra in Imphal
Imphal: Ahead of 79th Independence Day celebrations, former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh , along with BJP state unit president A Sharda Devi, on Thursday led a Tiranga Yatra as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign at Luwangshangbam in Imphal East. The rally commenced from the residence of Singh and saw an enthusiastic participation from a large number of people displaying respect and pride. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the rally, Singh said, "We are Indians. We should be proud of being an Indian. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instilled feelings of nationalism among the people further strengthening support for national unity and the idea of making a strong India." He said to make India strong and united is the responsibility of every citizen. "Every Indian should be ready to contribute and make sacrifices for a strong India," he added. When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent criticism of the Election Commission of India, he said, "The Election Commission is a constitutionally autonomous body. Criticism should have been done legally and not on the streets." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
