Latest news with #Hindu-majority
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Trump's renewed interest in Pakistan has India recalibrating China ties
NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump's lunch meeting with Pakistan's military chief prompted a private diplomatic protest from India in a warning to Washington about risks to their bilateral ties while New Delhi is recalibrating relations with China as a hedge, officials and analysts said. The meeting and other tensions in the US-India relationship, after decades of flourishing ties, have cast a shadow in trade negotiations, they said, as Trump's administration weighs tariffs against one of its major partners in the Indo-Pacific. India blames Pakistan, especially its military establishment, for supporting what it calls cross-border terrorism and has told the US it is sending the wrong signals by wooing Field Marshal Asim Munir, three senior Indian government officials directly aware of the matter told Reuters. It has created a sore spot that will hamper relations going forward, they said. Pakistan denies accusations that it supports militants who attack Indian targets and that New Delhi has provided no evidence that it is involved. US-India ties have strengthened in the past two decades despite minor hiccups, at least partly because both countries seek to counter China. The current problems are different, said Michael Kugelman, a Washington-based senior fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation think tank. 'The frequency and intensity with which the US is engaging with Pakistan, and seemingly not taking Indian concerns into account, especially after India's recent conflict with Pakistan, has contributed to a bit of a bilateral malaise.' 'The concern this time around is that one of the triggers for broader tensions, that being Trump's unpredictability, is extending into the trade realm with his approach to tariffs,' he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office and India's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The foreign ministry has previously said that it had 'taken note' of the Trump-Munir meeting. A US official said they do not comment on private diplomatic communications and that the United States enjoys strong relationships with both India and Pakistan. 'These relationships stand on their own merits, and we do not compare our bilateral relationships with one another,' the US official said. The US seems to have taken a different tack on Pakistan after a brief conflict broke out between the nuclear-armed rivals in May when India launched strikes on what it called terrorist targets across the border in response to a deadly attack on tourists from the majority Hindu community in Indian Kashmir the previous month. After four days of aerial dogfights, missile and drone attacks, the two sides agreed to a cease-fire. Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan have skirmished regularly and fought three full-scale wars since independence in 1947, two of them over the disputed Kashmir region. A few weeks after the May fighting, Trump hosted Munir for lunch at the White House, a major boost in ties with the country, which had largely languished under Trump's first term and Joe Biden. It was the first time a US president had hosted the head of Pakistan's army, considered the most powerful man in the country, at the White House unaccompanied by senior Pakistani civilian officials. Indian leaders have said Munir's view of India and Pakistan is steeped in religion. 'Tourists were murdered in front of their families after ascertaining their faith,' Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in May, referring to the Kashmir attack. 'To understand that, you've got to also have a Pakistani leadership, especially their army chief, who is driven by an extreme religious outlook'. Pakistan says it is Modi who is driven by religious extremism, and that his brand of Hindu nationalism has trampled on the rights of India's large Muslim minority. Modi and the Indian government say they do not discriminate against minorities.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Vellappally Natesan slams Muslim community for efforts to enhance foothold over Kerala
Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan on Saturday accused the Muslim community of attempting to enhance its foothold over Kerala. Conducting the State-level inauguration of branch leadership meeting of various SNDP Yogam unions, Mr. Natesan warned that Muslim community would soon become the majority in the State and criticised, what he called, undue interventions by the community in the administrative affairs of the State. 'From school timings to uniform changes, interventions are happening everywhere. This is no longer secularism but religious dominance,' he said. He also pointed out that while the number of constituencies in Hindu-majority regions had been reduced, Malappuram had gained four new seats. 'The Indian Union Muslim League is contesting more seats across the State and, in the next election, will demand even more. They're now eyeing constituencies beyond Malabar. Ultimately, the IUML's aim is the Chief Minister's post,' he alleged. Mr. Natesan also claimed that no law introduced by the government would take effect unless it was first endorsed in Malappuram. 'When I spoke the truth in Malappuram, I was attacked en masse. Everyone only calmed down after the Chief Minister voiced support. But when the truth is told, it is branded as communal or casteism.' Reservation issue Reflecting on the past, he remarked that even though the SNDP Yogam supported Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty in the reservation issue, only the Muslim community benefitted. 'The Ezhavas got nothing. No one talks about social justice anymore. At a time when caste is evident even in names, if Ezhavas speak of caste, it is misrepresented as a distortion of Sree Narayana Guru's vision.' He went on to claim that Muslims dominated the industrial sector, while Christians had monopolised the education sector. 'Ezhavas are represented only in the employment guarantee scheme. In Kottayam, no new courses are sanctioned for Ezhava-run educational institutions. In fact, across Kerala, the only community-specific institution for Ezhavas is located in Kottayam.' Community solidarity Calling for community solidarity, Mr. Natesan said: 'If Ezhavas unite, we have the strength to govern. We can decide who should rule Kerala. Whichever party we join, we must assert our right to representation. In areas where Ezhavas are strong, we must aim to capture political power.' The event also featured an organisational briefing by SNDP vice-president Thushar Vellappally. Union convener Suresh Parameswaran, vice-chairman Sinil Mundappally and joint convener V. Sashikumar also addressed the gathering.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
U.S. Lists Group Behind Indian Kashmir Killings As Terrorists
The United States designated a Muslim militant group a "foreign terrorist organization" over an attack on Indian tourists in the Kashmir region in April in which 26 people were killed, saying the organization was a front for Pakistan-based Islamists who have been battling Indian forces in the disputed Himalayan region for decades. The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, which ramped up tensions between India and Pakistan and sparked a four-day war between the nuclear-armed rivals in May. The TRF later disavowed responsibility for the attack on Hindu tourists but U.S. and Indian security organizations dismissed the group's attempt to shirk responsibility. Newsweek reached out to Pakistan's foreign ministry for comment. The U.S. listing of the group as a "foreign terrorist organization" and "specially designated global terrorist" upholds U.S. opposition to Islamist militancy and demonstrates support for Hindu-majority India as it tries to end a simmering separatist insurgency in Muslim-majority Kashmir, for which it blames Pakistan. ThePahalgam attack prompted the worst confrontation between India and Pakistan in decades, with India attacking what it said were terrorist targets inside Pakistan. Pakistan rejected allegations of cross-border involvement in that or other attacks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the TRF was a "front and proxy" for the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani group responsible for some of the most deadly attacks in India over the past 20 years. The United States designated it a terrorist group in 2001. "These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," Rubio said in a statement. Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan both claim Kashmir and rule over parts of it. Muslim militants, most of whom call for Indian Kashmir to be ruled by Pakistan, have been battling security forces in the Indian part of Kashmir since the late 1980s. India accuses Pakistan of supporting the militants. Pakistan denies that but says it supports the people of Kashmir in their quest for self-determination. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar referred to the perpetrators of the April attack as "freedom fighters", drawing criticism in India and the U.S. India welcomed the U.S. designation. "A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation," Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on the X social media platform. "Zero tolerance for Terrorism," he added. The U.S. decision adds the TRF "and other associated aliases" to the Lashkar-e-Taiba designation as a terrorist group, the State Department said, making it illegal for any U.S. individual or entity to knowingly provide material support. The group's U.S.-linked assets, if any, are subject to immediate freeze. The April attack triggered Operation Sindoor on May 7, an Indian military operation targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistani-controlled territory. A ceasefire was brokered on May 10, with Trump publicly claiming a role in the de-escalation. India has long maintained opposition to any mediation in its dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir and it denied any U.S. role in ending its latest war with its neighbor. Indian government spokesperson: "India has consistently emphasized the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure. The designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counter-terrorism." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack." The May 10 ceasefire has held but India has vowed to respond to any new militant attack in its part of Kashmir or anywhere else in India. Related Articles Full List as Supreme Court Rules for Donald Trump 15 Times in a RowHow Will Putin React to Trump's Ukraine Pivot? Newsweek Contributors DebateChina's Global Popularity Rises as US StumblesChina Denounces US Tariff "Bullying" 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
U.S. Lists Group Behind Indian Kashmir Killings As Terrorists
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States designated a Muslim militant group a "foreign terrorist organization" over an attack on Indian tourists in the Kashmir region in April in which 26 people were killed, saying the organization was a front for Pakistan-based Islamists who have been battling Indian forces in the disputed Himalayan region for decades. The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, which ramped up tensions between India and Pakistan and sparked a four-day war between the nuclear-armed rivals in May. The TRF later disavowed responsibility for the attack on Hindu tourists but U.S. and Indian security organizations dismissed the group's attempt to shirk responsibility. Newsweek reached out to Pakistan's foreign ministry for comment. An Indian paramilitary soldier on guard on the bank of the Dal lake in Indian Kashmir following an attack on Indian tourists in the region by gunmen on April 24, 2025. The U.S. has designated... An Indian paramilitary soldier on guard on the bank of the Dal lake in Indian Kashmir following an attack on Indian tourists in the region by gunmen on April 24, 2025. The U.S. has designated the group deemed responsible for the attack a terrorist organization. MoreWhy It Matters The U.S. listing of the group as a "foreign terrorist organization" and "specially designated global terrorist" upholds U.S. opposition to Islamist militancy and demonstrates support for Hindu-majority India as it tries to end a simmering separatist insurgency in Muslim-majority Kashmir, for which it blames Pakistan. ThePahalgam attack prompted the worst confrontation between India and Pakistan in decades, with India attacking what it said were terrorist targets inside Pakistan. Pakistan rejected allegations of cross-border involvement in that or other attacks. What To Know Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the TRF was a "front and proxy" for the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani group responsible for some of the most deadly attacks in India over the past 20 years. The United States designated it a terrorist group in 2001. "These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," Rubio said in a statement. Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan both claim Kashmir and rule over parts of it. Muslim militants, most of whom call for Indian Kashmir to be ruled by Pakistan, have been battling security forces in the Indian part of Kashmir since the late 1980s. India accuses Pakistan of supporting the militants. Pakistan denies that but says it supports the people of Kashmir in their quest for self-determination. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar referred to the perpetrators of the April attack as "freedom fighters", drawing criticism in India and the U.S. India welcomed the U.S. designation. "A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation," Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on the X social media platform. "Zero tolerance for Terrorism," he added. The U.S. decision adds the TRF "and other associated aliases" to the Lashkar-e-Taiba designation as a terrorist group, the State Department said, making it illegal for any U.S. individual or entity to knowingly provide material support. The group's U.S.-linked assets, if any, are subject to immediate freeze. The April attack triggered Operation Sindoor on May 7, an Indian military operation targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistani-controlled territory. A ceasefire was brokered on May 10, with Trump publicly claiming a role in the de-escalation. India has long maintained opposition to any mediation in its dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir and it denied any U.S. role in ending its latest war with its neighbor. What People Are Saying Indian government spokesperson: "India has consistently emphasized the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure. The designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counter-terrorism." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack." What Happens Next The May 10 ceasefire has held but India has vowed to respond to any new militant attack in its part of Kashmir or anywhere else in India.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Paschimbanga Diwas: The Day Bengal Chose Her Soul
Paschimbanga Diwas is not just a political date. It is the heartbeat of the soil that once gave India her greatest reformers, artists, thinkers and martyrs There are dates in history that shine not with fireworks but with the quiet glow of conscience. June 20, 1947 was one such day, a day when Bengal, bloodied and bewildered, stood at the edge of oblivion and made a fateful choice. It chose India, civilisation over surrender, memory over amnesia. This day, now observed as Paschimbanga Diwas, marks the moment when Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee stood like a solitary flame in a storm, refusing to let the ambitions of the Muslim League devour Bengal. As the architects of Partition redrew borders in haste and indifference, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee invoked not maps, but moral memory. His resistance was not loud, it was luminous. In 1947, amidst the chaos of impending Partition, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, then Premier of Bengal, proposed the idea of a 'United Bengal", an independent sovereign state that would remain undivided and separate from both India and Pakistan. This idea, echoed with Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Two-Nation Theory and was widely seen as a strategic attempt to create a Muslim-majority country under the guise of unity, with Kolkata as its capital. Syama Prasad Mookerjee emerged as the strongest voice against this plan. Recognising the danger it posed to Bengal's Hindu population and India's national interest, he vehemently opposed Suhrawardy's proposal. Dr. Mookerjee mobilised public opinion, warned the Congress leadership and argued forcefully for the partition of Bengal to ensure that its Hindu-majority regions, including Kolkata, remained part of India. He warned it would be a 'virtual Pakistan," a land where the soul of Bengal, its temples, poets, women, and identity would be erased. It was not merely a political stand, it was a civilisational intervention. His efforts were instrumental in derailing the United Bengal scheme and securing West Bengal's inclusion in the Indian Union, thus safeguarding its cultural and civilisational heritage. Yet today, as West Bengal marks another year of existence, the state government refuses to remember, seeking to erase this date, rewrite identity, and obscure sacrifice. Paschimbanga Diwas is replaced by Poila Boishakh, a cultural celebration repurposed as political camouflage. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose once warned, 'The greatest crime is to compromise with injustice and accept wrong as the norm." This warning echoes hollow in the actions of Mamata Banerjee's government. Mamata Banerjee's regime, in its eagerness to appease and recalibrate identity politics, has abandoned the very legacy that saved Bengal from cultural annihilation. By rejecting 20th June, it rejects the sanctity of memory, the pain of Partition and the fierce foresight of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. We must ask, Is this historical innocence or deliberate amnesia? Let us recall, it was Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee who, after the genocide of Direct Action Day, refused to play by the rules of fatalism. He warned Lord Mountbatten, debated Jawaharlal Nehru, opposed Suhrawardy and appealed directly to the people of Bengal. His voice was not communal, it was existential. It was the luminous defiance of a civilisation that refused to be erased. What he salvaged was not merely a province, it was the dream of Bengal. Not the Bengal of geography, but of poetry and pride, the Bengal of Chaitanya's kirtan, Vidyasagar's reform, Tagore's song and Subhas Bose's fire. A Bengal whose rivers flow with memory and resistance, not just water. Paschimbanga Diwas, therefore, is not just a political date. It is the ethical inheritance of every Bengali. It is the heartbeat of the soil that once gave India her greatest reformers, artists, thinkers and martyrs. As Rabindranath Tagore wrote: 'Bipode more rokkha koro e nohe mor prarthona, bipode ami na jeno kori bhoy" (Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them.) Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee did more than pray, he acted. Let Bengal seek its heart again. Let this not be nostalgia, but necessity. In remembering 20th June, we do not glorify Partition, we sanctify the resolve to survive it with dignity. Today, as West Bengal contends with violence, unemployment, and cultural erosion, it must look to 20th June not as history, but as instruction. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the son of Bengal's soil, and 20th June marks the day when this son reclaimed the rights of his motherland. In this moment of drift, we must turn to the compass of conscience. And 20th June, luminous with sacrifice and foresight, is that compass. Let us rise, as Bengal once rose, choosing India, choosing civilisation, choosing the soul over silence. On Paschimbanga Diwas, Bengal must speak again. And this time, the world must listen. Dr Sukanta Majumdar is the Union Minister of State and President of BJP's West Bengal unit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: News opinion Opinion | Paschimbanga Diwas: The Day Bengal Chose Her Soul Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
