India exposes police brutality in PoK, Islamabad’s ‘desperate attempt’ to cover its own failings

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for unleashing a pattern of fake news and videos while making a “desperate attempt” to cover-up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses during the ongoing crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing a weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India hopes that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.

When asked about the ongoing protests and crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Jaiswal responded, “We continue to see in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover-up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses. There are reports of police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in which several people have been killed and there are several more who have been injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.”

As many as 12 people, including eight protesters and four security personnel, have been killed as clashes erupted between the members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), local media reported on Tuesday.

Local authorities confirmed that several security officials were also injured. According to leading Pakistani daily ‘The News International’, after the incident, strict security arrangements have been put in place in PoJK and authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.

The clashes have been reported days after the PoJK government declared JAAC a proscribed group under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on June 9.

Rawalakot has become the epicentre of a widening wave of protests across PoK after authorities launched a crackdown on activists linked to the JAAC, a report stated.

Citing local activists and members of the movement, the ‘European Times’ reported that tensions intensified after authorities designated the JAAC as a banned organisation and rolled out a series of security measures ahead of its planned long march. The protesting leaders also alleged that internet services across PoK had been suspended since the night of June 5, severely disrupting communication throughout the region.

According to the report, public outrage intensified following reports that Shahzaib Habib and Amjid Kashmiri, both from JAAC, lost their lives during confrontations tied to the ongoing demonstrations. It added that their deaths have become a focal point of the movement, with protesters accusing security forces of using excessive force against peaceful protesters.

Reports from various parts of PoK suggest that the protest movement has expanded beyond Rawalakot, with demonstrations and shutter-down strikes reported in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Tata Pani, and Plandari. In Plandari, local activists reportedly blocked key access routes as part of the widening agitation.

–IANS

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Borrowed charging cable: Assam CM engages police to search for the gentleman

Guwahati, April 9 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma boarded his Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, preparing for the first leg of his travels. As he settled in, he realised he needed to charge his phone.

A young gentleman sitting beside him noticed and, without hesitation, offered his international plug and charging cable. It was a small but significant act of kindness, the kind that connects strangers in fleeting yet meaningful ways. With a smile and a nod of appreciation, Sarma accepted the help and plugged in his device.

The journey continued smoothly, and as exhaustion set in, Sarma drifted off to sleep. Hours later, he awoke to find that the plane had landed in Dubai, and the kind gentleman was gone.

In the rush of disembarkation, amidst the movement of passengers, baggage, and airport announcements, one crucial detail had slipped past him: he still had the charger and cable in his possession.

The young man had left without reclaiming them, unaware that his small gesture of kindness would lead to an unexpected twist in the journey.

In Amsterdam, Sarma found himself filled with regret. It wasn’t just about an international plug or a charging cable—it was about honoring a simple act of kindness.

“Today morning I traveled on an Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, where a kind young gentleman lent me his international plug and charging cable. Unfortunately, he disembarked in Dubai while I was asleep, and I couldn’t return them. I’ve just now arrived in Amsterdam and feel deeply apologetic for not returning his belongings. If this message reaches him, please send me a direct message so I can arrange to return your charger and cable promptly. Thank you for your kindness, and I regret any inconvenience caused @emirates,” he wrote on X.

The response was overwhelming. People admired the sincerity behind the post, and many shared the message in hopes that it would reach the unknown traveler.

Sarma also enlisted the help of the Assam Police, who immediately began working to identify the gentleman in question.

His team remained confident that within a few hours, they would have his contact details.

“I am pleased to inform you that, following my request, the @assampolice are currently working to identify and provide the contact details of the gentleman in question. My team is confident that this task will be completed within a few hours. This will enable me to return the charger on my way back or, at the very least, express my gratitude,” the Chief Minister added.

In a world often dominated by headlines of conflict and discord, this simple yet powerful gesture resonated with many. It was a story of gratitude, responsibility, and the lengths one would go to repay a stranger’s kindness.

A journey that started with a borrowed charger had now turned into a testament to humanity’s simple, yet profound, acts of kindness.

–IANS

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NCB secures deportation of key accused from UAE in narcotics case

Bengaluru, May 14 (IANS) In a significant breakthrough, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bangalore Zonal Unit, successfully secured the deportation of a key accused, a resident of Kerala.

The matter pertains to the seizure of LSD in commercial quantity from an accused who was found involved in multiple drug trafficking cases, the official statement from the NCB stated on Tuesday.

In July 2023, officers of the NCB, Bangalore Zonal Unit, had seized 6.624 grams of LSD from a parcel originating from Mexico. The delivery operation that followed led to the interception of two recipients. One other accused, an associate of both receivers, was, however, absconding.

“Investigation revealed that LSD was being trafficked from a foreign country by concealing it in books and magazines. Following a detailed investigation, which included technical and financial analysis, a complaint was filed against the accused under Sections 8(c), 22(c), 23(c), 27A, 28, and 29 of the NDPS Act,” the NCB stated.

The investigation revealed that the above-mentioned accused was also involved in an NDPS case registered at Madukkarai Police Station, Coimbatore, and was absconding in that case too. To locate and apprehend him, a Red Corner Notice (RCN) was published against him on January 24, 2025.

Following close coordination with other Indian and international agencies, the accused was located and detained by the law enforcement authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in pursuance of the Red Corner Notice, and after completion of the requisite legal formalities, he was deported to India and is currently in NCB custody.

“This operation exemplifies India’s relentless approach to nab members of transnational drug syndicates involved in drug trafficking in India, the statement said.

“To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks the support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to the sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number-1933,” it said.

–IANS

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Gujarat’s wetlands saw over 8.33 lakh migratory birds in 2024–25

Gandhinagar, Jan 4 (IANS) Gujarat’s wetlands recorded more than 8.33 lakh birds during 2024–25, reaffirming Gujarat’s position as one of India’s safest and most preferred destinations for avian visitors.

According to official data, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary alone recorded over 3.09 lakh birds belonging to 334 species in the past year.

Meanwhile, the combined count at the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and the Thol Bird Sanctuary crossed 4.67 lakh birds, while Wadhwana Wetland registered more than 54,000 birds.

The Kutch region recorded 2,564 migratory birds in 2025, underscoring its growing importance on international flyways. Globally, of the nearly 9,000 bird species, about 1,200 species are found in India, including over 400 migratory species. These birds travel thousands of kilometres from Siberia, Eastern Europe, North Asia and Central Asia, choosing Gujarat’s wetlands as seasonal shelters.

Officials attribute this sustained rise in migratory bird numbers to Gujarat’s long-standing conservation framework.

Wildlife protection initiatives strengthened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister have been consistently carried forward under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, supported by firm enforcement, habitat protection and community participation.

Under the guidance of Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, the Forest Department and wildlife organisations have undertaken sustained conservation and habitat management efforts. At Khijadiya, species such as flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, ibises, spoonbills, ducks, geese, eagles, kites, kingfishers and herons were prominently recorded.

As per the 2023 population estimate, Gujarat is also home to over 2.85 lakh peafowl, India’s national bird.

Declared a sanctuary in 1969 and recognised as a Ramsar Site in 2012, Nal Sarovar spans 120.82 sq km and lies on the Central Asian Flyway, attracting 329 recorded bird species, including passage migrants that halt briefly during long-distance journeys.

Thol Bird Sanctuary continues to host a wide range of waterbirds, including pelicans, ducks, geese, cranes, ibises, storks, raptors and waders, while Wadhwana Wetland has reported migratory species such as bar-headed geese, northern pintails, common teal, glossy ibises and the rare black-necked stork. Kutch, meanwhile, has gained renewed prominence through the Passage Migrant Count, India’s flagship citizen-science initiative launched in 2022.

During September 19–21, the fourth and largest edition of the survey was conducted across 10,000 sq km of Kutch, with over 200 birders from 17 states covering deserts, grasslands, thorn forests and coastal areas. More than 600 eBird checklists documented over 250 bird species, highlighting the region’s role as a critical refuelling station before birds cross the Arabian Sea.

Notably, sightings included 1,577 European Rollers, 313 Spotted Flycatchers and 379 Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, along with several other migratory species. Complementing habitat conservation, Gujarat has also focused on wildlife rescue and awareness. Since 2017, the state has implemented the annual ‘Karuna Abhiyan’ during Uttarayan to rescue birds injured by kite strings. During Uttarayan 2025 alone, over 17,000 injured birds were rescued and treated.

The state also observes National Bird Day on January 5, promoting citizen awareness and community-led conservation efforts.

With sustained protection, scientific monitoring and public participation, Gujarat continues to strengthen its image as a “paradise for birdlife”, offering a safe seasonal home to migratory birds from across the world.

–IANS

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