DR Congo: ISIS-Linked Attack Kills Over 40; Uganda "Captures" Ituri Town Firstpost Africa
A deadly ISIS-linked attack in northeastern DR Congo has killed at least 43 people, shattering a period of calm in the region. The assault, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), targeted worshippers at a Catholic church in Ituri province. Uganda and DRC had launched a joint military operation in 2021 to defeat the group, but its threat persists. Meanwhile, Uganda's growing military presence and alleged support for other rebel groups—like M23—are raising serious concerns about its true intentions. Is Kampala fighting terror—or pursuing regional influence and resources? This report investigates the conflict's complex layers and rising civilian toll.
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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Silent protest held in Belagavi demanding release of arrested Kerala nuns
Belagavi: Hundreds of Christians gathered in Belagavi on Friday evening to stage a silent protest rally, demanding the immediate release of two Kerala-based Catholic nuns and a tribal youth, who were recently arrested in Chhattisgarh under controversial circumstances. Organised by the Catholic Association of Belgaum and other Christian organisations, the rally was led by Bishop Rev Dr Derek Fernandes. Around 400 participants, including priests, nuns, seminarians, and laypersons, assembled at the DC Compound at 4.40pm. The peaceful march concluded at the zilla panchayat CEO's office, where a memorandum addressed to the president of India, the prime minister, and the chief minister of Karnataka was submitted to deputy commissioner Mohammed Roshan. The memorandum highlighted the wrongful arrest of the nuns and the youth at Durg Railway Station on July 25 under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act (1968), which pertains to religious conversion through force or inducement. They were accompanying three adult tribal women, aged 18–19, from Narayanpur to Agra for nursing jobs. The women all signed parental consent letters and carried valid identification. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 of These Questions Correctly. IQ International Undo According to the memorandum, the arrests were prompted by pressure from a right-wing activist who falsely alleged forced conversion, sparking a mob protest. It is alleged that the charges were politically and communally motivated. Investigations and family statements later confirmed that the women travelled willingly and without any coercion. Speaking at the rally, Bishop Derek Fernandes condemned the arrests as 'unjust and frivolous,' asserting that Catholics are not involved in forced conversions. He also decried the physical assault on the nuns and warned against the rise of communal violence. "We demand the immediate release of the innocent and an end to baseless persecution. The govt must protect minority rights and uphold India's secular values," Bishop Fernandes stated. Deputy commissioner Mohammed Roshan, who received the memorandum, assured the gathering that appropriate action would be taken. Other notable participants included Rev Fr Philip Kutty, Rev Nooroddin Mulla, Clara Fernandes, Louis Rodrigues, Fr Pramod Kumar, Sr Pastor Ankalgi, and Sister Lourdes Joseph.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Pakistan-linked arms rackets busted in Amritsar, 9 arrested
Amritsar: In coordinated operations targeting Pakistan-linked cross-border arms trafficking, Punjab Police on Friday announced the arrest of nine individuals — including a juvenile — and the seizure of 13 sophisticated pistols in a major crackdown on smuggling modules. Director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the counter-intelligence (CI) team in Amritsar had dismantled a Pakistan-backed network, arresting five operatives and recovering six pistols — four 9mm Glock handguns and two .30-bore pistols — along with magazines and ammunition. The arrested individuals were Jagroop Singh of Dhun, Navdeep Singh of Patti Lahian Di, Gurlal Singh of Rajoke, and Joban Singh of Patti Mana Ki — all from Tarn Taran district — along with Arshdeep Singh of Shaliwal in Amritsar district. Police believe they were acting on instructions from a Pakistan-based smuggler known as Rana, tasked with delivering arms to criminal gangs in Punjab to destabilise the sensitive border region. In a separate but parallel development, Amritsar police commissionerate uncovered two more smuggling modules, arresting four more suspects, including a 17-year-old, and seizing seven pistols. Police commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the weapons haul included two Glock pistols, four .30-bore Star pistols, one .32-bore pistol, six live cartridges, and a motorcycle used for consignment delivery. Those arrested in the commissionerate operation were Sikanderjeet Singh (19) of Bhagwanpura in Tarn Taran; Pradeep Singh 'Babbal' (43) of Antaryami Colony, Amritsar; Jarnail Singh (34) of New Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, Amritsar; and the unnamed juvenile from Tarn Taran. Preliminary investigations revealed that some suspects lived near the international border and retrieved drone-dropped weapons from designated coordinates. Bhullar said the weapons were linked to gang rivalries and intended to spark unrest. Two of the suspects, Pradeep and Jarnail, were associates of the late gangster Ravneet Singh 'Sonu Mota', who had rivalries with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. "The weapons recovered were supplied by Pakistan-based handlers and handed over to the accused prior to Sonu Mota's death," Bhullar said, adding that the timely seizure had likely prevented a major criminal incident. Separate cases have been registered under the Arms Act at the State Special Operation Cell (Amritsar), Gate Hakima police station, and B-Division police station. Authorities concerned say the operations are part of an intensified strategy to dismantle transnational criminal networks operating along Punjab's section of the international border. MSID:: 123045641 413 |
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Nuns' arrest: Pamplany seeks Centre's intervention
Kannur: Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany on Friday criticized Centre over the arrest of two Keralite nuns — Sr Vandana Francis and Sr Preethi Mary — in Chhattisgarh. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a protest meet in Thalassery demanding justice for the nuns, Pamplany said BJP-led Chhattisgarh govt's opposition to the nuns' bail application in NIA court was condemnable and suspicious. "(Union home minister) Amit Shah's words had given us relief. But his words weren't kept in the BJP-led state (Chhattisgarh). Central govt should intervene immediately," he demanded. Some laws like anti-conversion law have been passed by some states to attack persons illegally and send them to jail, Pamplany said. "Citing the law, minority communities are being harassed. Some terror outfits are behind this. Govt should be able to handle them," he said. "If we don't get justice, we will be forced to protest on the street. The Catholic community faced many sufferings earlier too and it always strengthened the community," he added. Venugopal visits nun's family Meanwhile, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal visited Sr Vandana Francis's family at Udayagiri in Kannur. Speaking to the media after visiting the family, he alleged that the ruling-BJP and Sangh Parivar were spreading hate and divisive politics for electoral gains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My family & I lost S$500,000 to a scam. Taking responsibility for it was hard, but it helped me grow CNA Read More Undo "Centre is playing political drama over the two nuns' arrest. If BJP leaders are sincere, they would have responded on the day of arrest itself, just like they react when they distribute cakes at houses of Christians," he said. He added that charges like human trafficking and conversion slapped on the nuns were baseless. "BJP leaders in Kerala are playing drama to attract the Christian community which always stood for secularism. The community will realise BJP's double standards" said Venugopal. Church heads now realise BJP's real character: Satheesan Opposition leader V D Satheesan said Church heads have now realised BJP's real character. He said that opposition warned during Christmas 2023 that wolves in sheep's clothing were arriving at bishop houses with cakes, referring to BJP's attempt to woo Christians. "Priests themselves now say that wolves in sheep's clothing came with cakes and that no one should come with cakes and crowns any more. Nationwide, Christians are being attacked. Nuns and priests cannot travel in their religious attire. We are making efforts to release the two imprisoned nuns," he said.
