Will Kaladan restore what Dhaka may take away?
Bangladesh's Yunus-led interim govt once again triggered controversy last week when one of its advisers, ALM Fazlur Rahman, suggested on his social media account that if India attacks Pakistan (after the Pahalgam terror), Bangladesh should occupy India's Northeast through a joint military arrangement with China.
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Hindustan Times
11 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Saamna hints at Thackeray cousins getting together for municipal polls
MUMBAI: A day after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray declared that whatever the people of Maharashtra wanted would happen, fuelling speculation about the estranged Thackeray cousins coming together, the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamna published an old picture of him with Raj Thackeray on its front page. Meanwhile, Raj held another meeting of leaders of his party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), on Saturday, reportedly seeking to gauge the mood among his workers as well as the people on the issue. After Raj, who parted ways with the undivided Shiv Sena in 2006, said in a podcast in April that he would set aside his differences with cousin Uddhav in the interest of Maharashtra, and Uddhav echoed similar sentiments, there has been rising pressure from the workers of both parties for their leaders to join hands. Uddhav on Friday said that the wish of the people of Maharashtra would be fulfilled. He also said that instead of giving any message to party workers, he would give the news to them directly. The statement was highlighted with a picture of the two cousins together in Saamna on Saturday, saying that Uddhav had been hinting about the reconciliation. This is seen as yet another indication that the Sena (UBT) is seeking a reunion. 'Leaders from both sides have been deliberating on the possibilities of coming together, as it is seen as the need of the hour for both parties,' said a Sena leader. 'Both are going through troubled phases and it is a battle for survival for them.' Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Chandrakant Khaire claimed that the issue was discussed in a meeting at Thackeray's residence Matoshree a month ago. 'Uddhavji was favourably inclined towards joining hands with Raj Thackeray, and the responsibility of talks was given to Anil Parab,' he said on Saturday. The MNS too is believed to be holding meetings of its senior leaders. In one such meeting on Saturday, the issue was reportedly discussed. However, senior party leader Bala Nandgaonkar, who was part of the meeting, chose to remain silent on it. 'The decision (about joining hands with the Sena-UBT) will be taken by our top leader (Raj) and it would not be proper for me to speak about it,' he said after the meeting. Shinde Sena leader Gajanan Kirtikar surprised many in political circles by saying that even the Shinde-led Sena should join hands with the two Thackerays. 'The revival of the Thackeray brand is the need of the hour and is the sentiment among the people of Maharashtra,' he said. 'It will be a people-friendly alliance. The Shinde-led Sena should join them to revive the Shiv Sena.' Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said it would be premature to react to the potential alliance. 'It would not be fair for me to react to what Raj Thackeray has said and how Uddhav Thackeray has reacted,' said Fadnavis. 'More than the two cousins, the media is excited about the reconciliation. I will react when it actually happens.' Shinde echoed Fadnavis' remarks. 'Everybody has the right to decide whom to go with,' he said. 'There is no point in reacting to possibilities based on ifs and buts.' As positive reactions have started emerging from the two parties over the Thackeray cousins joining hands, the ruling and opposition combines have begun assessing the repercussions. The BJP leadership, while admitting that it would hamper its prospects in the urban parts of the state, claimed that it would damage the Shinde-led Shiv Sena more. The ruling alliance is wary of the consolidation of Marathi votes in urban areas, especially in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region which houses nine municipal corporations due for elections. The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) expects to benefit from the two cousins joining hands. 'Raj draws crowds to his rallies but Uddhav translates the crowds into voters,' NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar remarked on Saturday while talking informally to the media. 'The MVA has a fair opportunity of benefitting from potential clashes among the ruling parties over seat-sharing in the forthcoming elections.'
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Manipur govt suspends internet services in 5 districts for five days
The Manipur government has suspended all internet and mobile data services in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for five days starting 11:45 pm on 7 June. The order also covers VSAT and VPN services. Citing a deteriorating law and order situation, the official notification stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation.' The government order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, was taken under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo — ANI (@ANI) Officials warn of social media's role in escalating violence Officials believe the temporary shutdown is essential to stop the circulation of harmful content. Live Events The order warned of an 'imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services.' It further stated, 'To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony… it has become necessary to take adequate measures… to stop the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.' According to the directive, social media posts and bulk messaging were being used to mobilise mobs and incite vandalism and arson, putting public safety at serious risk. 'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted. Arrest sparks protests, roads blocked and tensions rise The blackout came shortly after street protests erupted in Imphal East and West districts on the night of 7 June. Protesters were reacting to the arrest of a key leader from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organisation. In areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok, residents blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture. The demonstrations drew attention across the state. In a video widely shared online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronted security personnel and said, 'If this continues, arrest me and another MLA as well.' The statement was made in response to the police crackdown on local leaders. Militants arrested, weapons seized in crackdown At the same time, security operations intensified across the state. Three individuals linked to banned militant outfits—the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK)—were arrested. During the raids, police recovered arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mortars. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown aimed at tackling rising militant activity in the region. State under President's rule as ethnic violence continues Manipur has remained under tension since May 2023. A prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives. Thousands have been displaced, and the violence shows no signs of slowing. In February this year, President's Rule was imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from office. The administration has since functioned under the oversight of the Union Government. This latest shutdown marks another flashpoint in the state's deepening crisis. With internet services down, movement restricted, and tensions high, residents remain caught between violence, fear, and uncertainty.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Manipur cuts internet in 5 districts: Mobile services shut; crackdown follows protest flare-up
NEW DELHI: The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services in five key districts for five days, citing a serious law and order situation and the risk of social media being misused to spread inflammatory content. The order, issued late on 7 June by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. The official directive stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation. ' The government cited an 'imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property' and the risk of 'wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony' due to the circulation of false rumours and inflammatory material on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The suspension, according to the order, covers internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, and took effect from 11:45 pm on 7 June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted. The action followed protests on Saturday night in Imphal East and Imphal West, where demonstrators took to the streets after the arrest of a leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. Protesters reportedly blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture in areas like Kwakeithel and Uripok, demanding the leader's release. In a video widely circulated online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba appeared to confront security personnel, urging them to arrest him alongside another MLA if such arrests continued. The unrest coincided with an intensified security crackdown. Police confirmed the arrest of three militants from banned groups including the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK). Weapons, IEDs and mortars were also recovered during search operations in multiple districts. The state remains tense amid ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. President's rule was imposed in February this year after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned.
