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Delhi Church Attack: Bible desecrated by Hindutva men in Delhi

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A church was attacked and the bible was desecrated in New Delhi during Sunday prayers.

Over 100 individuals affiliated with Bajrang Dal, RSS, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) gathered outside the GTB Enclave police station in Delhi on Sunday, August 20.

The demonstration followed an incident involving members of the Christian community attempting to file a First Information Report (FIR) against these groups, Muslim Mirror reported.

The Christian community alleges that Bajrang Dal members attacked them while they were engaged in prayers, an event that has left a deep rift in the local community.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that on the morning of August 20, around 10:30-11:00 am, members of the Christian community were holding prayers within a church located in the Tahirpur area.

Suddenly, a group of individuals entered the premises armed with sticks and swords. Using a loudspeaker, they proclaimed slogans like ‘Hindu Rashtra will be created, Jai Shri Ram’, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear.

According to Shivam, an eyewitness to the incident, the intruders entered the church without permission and ordered the prayer gathering to cease, asserting that the nation was no longer secular and that the legal landscape had undergone a transformation. The intrusion escalated into violence as the intruders reportedly attacked the worshipers with sticks, resulting in multiple injuries. Shivam’s sister and several women were among those wounded in the altercation.

Video footage obtained by The Wire, a news outlet, displayed extensive vandalism within the church premises, including a torn Bible and a damaged stained glass depiction of Christ. The incident left members of the Christian community traumatized and fearful for their safety.

Outside the GTB Enclave police station, tensions escalated as the groups supporting the attackers chanted slogans, including ‘Jai Shri Ram’, which is commonly associated with Hindu religious sentiment. Anmol, an RSS worker, expressed bewilderment over the Christian community’s choice of location for prayer, given the area’s Hindu-majority demographic.

Pastor Satpal Bhatti, who leads the church where the incident occurred, spoke to The Wire about the distressing incident. He lamented the lack of safety for citizens in their own country and emphasized that the Christian community had been engaging in prayers at the location for 13 years without any prior issues.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Sardar Amjad Abbasi A Kashmiri Labourer Becomes UK’s Youngest Mayor

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Muzaffarabad: (Azadi Times), Sardar Amjad Abbasi, a poor laborer from Azad Kashmir, has become the youngest mayor in the history of the UK’s largest town of Harvest. He was elected mayor at the age of 46, after living in the UK for 16 years.

Abbasi’s story is one of determination and hard work. He came to the UK with a loan and worked as a laborer to make ends meet. He eventually saved enough money to start his own business, and he has since become a successful entrepreneur.

Abbasi is a role model for young people in Azad Kashmir. He shows that it is possible to achieve success, no matter where you come from. He is also a source of pride for the entire region.

In an interview, Abbasi said that he was “humbled and honored” to be elected mayor. He said that he would work hard to represent the people of Harvest and to make the town a better place to live.

Abbasi’s election is a significant moment for Azad Kashmir. It shows that the Kashmiris are talented people who are making their mark on the world. It is also a source of inspiration for young people in Azad Kashmir, who can now see that anything is possible if they work hard and never give up on their dreams.

Escalating Tensions in Nakyal Sector as Ceasefire Violated, Resulting in Civilian Tragedy

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Nakyal Sector, Azad Jammu and Kashmir: The serene landscapes of Kashmir are once again marred by the echoes of violence and conflict, as Indian forces have, yet again, breached the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to devastating civilian casualties and a pervasive sense of fear in the Nakyal sector of Pakistani controlled Jammu Kashmir.

On August 21, the Indian armed forces unleashed unprovoked firing in the tranquil region of Nakyal Sector, blatantly violating the established ceasefire agreement. This act of aggression tragically claimed the life of an elderly civilian, along with three women who were simply toiling in the fields to sustain their families.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army promptly issued a statement condemning this unwarranted aggression. The ISPR affirmed, “The brazen hostility displayed by the Indian army is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan is unwavering in its commitment to fostering peace and stability along its borders and will employ all necessary means to safeguard the lives and property of its people.”

Furthermore, the ISPR underlined that Pakistan would respond resolutely to any aggression against its citizens, with the choice of the timing and location of this response resting solely with Pakistan.

This tragic episode is reminiscent of the recurrent pattern of aggression demonstrated by Indian forces along the LoC. Merely last year, on June 24, Indian forces engaged in unprovoked firing in the Poonch sector, resulting in the grievous loss of two civilians’ lives and severe injuries to another.

At that time, the ISPR had vehemently condemned the act of aggression and underscored the critical importance of maintaining peace along the LoC.

It is imperative to recognize that such acts of aggression not only constitute a violation of the 2003 ceasefire agreement but also flagrantly disregard international human rights and humanitarian laws, as reconfirmed as recently as February 2021. Pakistan has consistently implored India to respect the ceasefire agreement, conduct comprehensive investigations into such unfortunate incidents, and actively strive to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control.

The latest distressing incident in the Nakyal sector underscores the urgent necessity for both India and Pakistan to engage in earnest diplomatic dialogue. This is not only to address their longstanding disputes but, more crucially, to prevent further tragic loss of innocent lives among the Kashmiri populace. The international community bears the moral responsibility of advocating for restraint on both sides and facilitating a return to the path of peaceful coexistence.

As we continue to closely monitor the evolving situation, this pro-freedom Kashmir newspaper stands firmly committed to providing impartial updates on this distressing issue. Our hearts go out to the grieving families of the victims affected by this heart-wrenching incident. We ardently hope for a speedy resolution to the present tensions, with the ultimate goal of granting Kashmiris the autonomy to shape their own destiny, free from external occupations.

“CJI Dismisses PIL Seeking Validity of Article 370 Abrogation Set-Up”

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In a significant ruling, The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking declaration affirming the validity of the Centre’s decision to abrogate the special status of Jammu Kashmir under Article 370(1) and the deletion of Article 35A of the Indian Constitution.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who presided over the bench alongside Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra, expressed his initial skepticism about the petition’s nature, Live Law reported.

Chief Justice Chandrachud, as per Live Law questioned the petitioner’s intent during the hearing, stating, “What kind of a petition is this? Who has set your client up?”

He further clarified the court’s position, saying, “A declaration cannot be issued by this court regarding the constitutional validity of the action taken by the central government. The question of constitutional validity is pending before this court. This plea is misconceived.”

Subsequently, the plea was dismissed.

The PIL had sought an official declaration from the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional validity of the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370(1) and revoke Article 35A, which granted special autonomy to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

It’s important to note that a constitution bench is currently hearing a series of pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370(1), which occurred on August 5, 2019. Simultaneously, the challenge to the deletion of Article 35A, which granted special privileges to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir in matters related to property and employment, is also under consideration by the court.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

A 25-year-old woman allegedly hangs self in Bandipora

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A woman from Quilmpora area of north Kashmir Bandipora district has allegedly committed suicide at her rented room.

An official told the news agency Kashmir Scroll that a 25 year old life has taken her life by hanging herself at their rented accommodation in Quilmuqam during the intervening night.

He said that police party reached to the spot and body has been taken to SDH Bandipora for medical formalities.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further investigation.(KS)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

JK Bank sacks its chief Sajad Bazaz

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Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd Saturday dismissed its chief manager Sajad Bazaz from services with immediate effect.

An official order issued by J&K Bank, accessed by news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while quoting its MD, reads that the undersigned is satisfied after considering the facts and circumstances of the case contained in the report received from credible agencies, that the activities of Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484 posted at Internal Communication and Marketing Department are such as to warrant his dismissal from service under Rule/Provision.

State Bank’s announcement to set the interest rate at 20 percent

“Whereas the undersigned is satisfied under Rule/Provision 12.29 in OSM that in the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484. Accordingly, I hereby dismiss Mr. Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484 from service, with immediate effect,” the order reads—(KNO)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

AI-powered scams on the rise, as criminals use technology to mint money from people

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Police stated that learning includes pronunciation of words, tone of the voice and emotions. Now criminals use this Al-ml model to convert text to speech as it generates a waveform to represent the sound of any person.”

“The computer-generated call is then used by the criminal to call his/her relatives or friends and based upon the familiarity of the voice, the victim ends up paying the money,” he said.

Police however, spreading awareness on the concern said that the receiver must listen carefully to unnatural pause or robotic speech styles, look for errors in pronunciation or speaking tone.

BJP is trying to save rapists, says Mehbooba Mufti

“The voice can be compared with the original person and notice if the voice lacks emotional expression or difference.”

“The receiver must always try to call the original person with the saved number to recheck, adding, “the voice sample or recordings shall not be shared to an unknown person while limiting access to sensitive voice recordings or audio files.” [KNT]

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Consumer Price Inflation Surges to Highest in 15 Months”

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Representational Image

Retail inflation jumped to a 15-month high of 7.44 percent in July as prices of vegetables and other food items spiked, according to official data released on Monday.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was at 4.87 in June and 6.71 percent in July 2022.

Previously, high inflation was recorded at 7.79 per cent in April 2022.

The inflation in the food basket was 11.51 percent in July compared to 4.55 percent in June and 6.69 percent in July 2022, as per the data.

The retail inflation in vegetables year-on-year was 37.43 percent while the rate of price rise in ‘cereals and products’ was 13 percent, showing the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO). (Agencies)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

PIA’s Inaugural International Flight from Dubai Lands in Skardu

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GILGIT-BALTISTAN: (Azadi Times) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has successfully operated its first international flight, PK 234, from Dubai to Skardu, (Pakistan Controlled)  marking a significant milestone. Following the flight’s arrival, Skardu has been designated as an international airport.

According to a private television channel, Dunya News, PIA will commence weekly flights from Dubai to Skardu starting this Saturday. These flights are expected to play a crucial role in promoting tourism in the northern regions of Pakistan. Travelers from Dubai can now directly reach Skardu in approximately 3 hours.

A grand ceremony was held at Skardu Airport to mark this occasion, with Chief Operating Officer (COO) PIA Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat welcoming the passengers. High-ranking officials, as well as political and social personalities, were also present. The pilot proudly unfurled the flag of Pakistan upon landing.

The arrival of this flight has introduced Skardu to the world, allowing tourists to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Neelum Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. During the flight, travelers can also catch breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. The stunning landscapes of Toba and Nanga Parbat are sure to captivate the tourists, creating unforgettable memories.

CPI(M) Condemns Renaming of SKICC, Accuses Administration of Erasing Kashmir’s History

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CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami on Monday said that removing the Jammu Kashmir admin was obliterating the history of Jammu Kashmir.

In a statement, MY Tarigami said removal of title ‘Sher’ from the name of Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) reflects that the government is more serious about obliterating the history of Jammu Kashmir than addressing the pressing issues like unemployment, health care, price rise, and other such problems.

Pertinently, the LG-led administration in Jammu Kashmir on August 13, in its official communique referred to ‘Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre’ (SKICC), as ‘Kashmir International Convention Centre’ (KICC), dropping the title ‘Sher’ (lion) attributed to the founder the first Prime Minister of Jammu Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, from the name of the convention centre.

The statement regarding the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Srinagar, had also KICC mentioned in it several times, instead of the original name SKICC.

After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Jammu Kashmir administration has changed the names of schools and streets among other places of public significance.

In May last year, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah’s photograph was also dropped from the State Police awards.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Azadi Times staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)