Ghaziabad: Power bill reduced by 50 per cent, say PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana beneficiaries

Lucknow, Dec 16 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the Winter Session of the Assembly on Monday, accused the Opposition of turning a blind eye to violence against Hindus in Sambhal in the state. Yogi Adityanath stated that 209 Hindus have been killed in communal incidents in Sambhal since 1947.

Yogi Adityanath elaborated on the history of violence in the region, saying, “Riots started in Sambhal from 1947 itself. One person was killed in 1947, six more in 1948. Between 1958 and 1962, several riots took place, and five people were killed in 1976. In 1978, 184 Hindus were burnt alive in mass violence, leading to curfews lasting several months. Riots continued into the 1980s, which claimed more lives — one in 1980, one in 1982, and four in 1986. Violence persisted in 1990-1992, with five deaths, and in 1996, with two more deaths.”

He accused the Opposition of remaining silent during these incidents.

“Since 1947, 209 Hindus have been killed in Sambhal, but not a single word was spoken for the innocent victims. Those shedding crocodile tears today never stood for justice back then,” he said.

Yogi Adityanath also recounted the horrors of the 1978 riots, alleging that a Hindu moneylender who had provided loans to locals was targeted, along with others who had sought refuge in his home.

“They were surrounded, brutally attacked and murdered in the most inhuman ways. Yet, Opposition leaders dare to talk about harmony today,” he said.

Yogi Adityanath also pointed to Uttar Pradesh’s improved law and order situation under his government. Citing NCRB data, Yogi Adityanath said, “From 2017 onwards, there has been a 97–99 per cent reduction in communal riots in Uttar Pradesh. There have been no major riots in the state since 2017, unlike during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure from 2012 to 2017, when 815 communal riots occurred, leading to 192 deaths. Between 2007 and 2011, under the BSP’s rule, there were 616 communal incidents with 121 deaths.”

He also criticised Opposition parties for attempting to create tension over religious matters, particularly in Sambhal.

Referring to recent developments, he said, “On the court’s instructions, a survey was conducted peacefully in Sambhal on November 19, 21, and 24. However, tensions escalated on November 23, following provocative speeches delivered during Friday prayers. The atmosphere deteriorated after that.”

Responding to Leader of the Opposition, Yogi Adityanath said, “Even historical records like the Baburnama mention the destruction of a Harihar temple to build a structure. The Puranas also state that Sambhal will be the site of the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The survey, being conducted under the court’s direction, will reveal the truth.”

He also talked about the historical and cultural connections of the region, asserting, “Even today, many in Sambhal, including Pathans and Sheikhs, acknowledge that their ancestors were Hindus. This ongoing conflict is between Indian and foreign Muslims, this is a struggle for supremacy, not faith.”

CM Yogi accused the Opposition of trying to mislead the public. “The truth cannot be hidden forever. We have said that a judicial enquiry will be conducted and eventually the truth will come out,” he said.

–IANS

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Srinagar, Dec 16, (IANS) Continuing its stringent crackdown on drug trafficking, Srinagar Police has arrested two drug peddlers involved in the trafficking of narcotic substances and recovered substantial quantities of contraband substances from their possession, an official statement said on Monday.

Police said that during a naka checking at Barthana Bund, their team intercepted an Alto vehicle with the accused persons on board, who have been identified as Asif Ahmad Sheikh and Arif Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Babapora Barthana.

“During the search, a substantial quantity of contraband substances was recovered from their possession,” police said.

An FIR has been registered and both the accused persons have been arrested. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime has also been seized.

Police said that the two accused persons are hard-core drug peddlers engaged in large-scale narcotic trafficking among the youth. Notably, one of the accused persons Arif Ahmad Sheikh, was previously involved in another case

“During the course of the investigation, it came to light that the accused person namely Asif Ahmad Sheikh had constructed a double-storeyed house at Babapora Barthana from the proceeds of illegal narcotics trade.

The said property has been seized under the provisions of Section 68 of the NDPS Act, with intimation to the competent authority for further legal action,” the statement added.

“Srinagar police appeals to the public to report any instances of drug peddling or other criminal activities they may witness in their surroundings. You can reach out to the nearest police station or call 112 to share information,” the statement said.

“Tackling the menace of drugs is a collective responsibility and we urge everyone to support the police in this vital effort to protect our society. Rest assured, the police are committed to taking strict and lawful action against those involved in such activities. Together, we can create a safer, drug-free community,” the statement added.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 22 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said with the rapid and continuous development works being carried out across the country, India is set to become a developed nation by 2047.

He said every scheme in the country is being implemented with the aim of benefiting the common people.

Interacting with the public in Ladwa in Kurukshetra district, the Chief Minister heard public issues as well as development works. The Chief Minister directed officials for prompt resolution.

In response to the citizens’ request to relocate the Government Senior Secondary School to the vacant land near the BDPO office, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to prepare a proposal for it. “If the location is deemed suitable for the school, necessary action will be taken to facilitate the shift,” he added.

Upon receiving complaints from citizens regarding contaminated drinking water, the Chief Minister directed the Subdivisional Magistrate to address the issue promptly and improve the system for providing clean drinking water.

He said the health of the residents in the constituency must not be compromised.

Regarding concerns about the quality of the road construction work from Babain to Shahabad, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to assess the road’s quality. “If any deficiencies are found, appropriate action should be taken against the responsible ones.”

The Chief Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is experiencing continuous development in all spheres.

He said the current pace of development is far greater than that of previous governments, and it is evident from the rapid progress being made that by 2047, India will establish itself as a developed nation.

Talking to the media, the Chief Minister said the “One Nation, One Election” initiative is a commendable decision for both the country and its citizens.

“Prime Minister Modi believes that conducting simultaneous elections will help save both time and resources spent on separate elections.”

Regarding tweets from Opposition parties, the Chief Minister said the Opposition has neither any issue and policy, nor leader.

“As a result, those in the opposition, with little to do, tend to oppose any positive initiatives,” Saini added.

–IANS

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