Bengaluru Violence: Impartial Inquiry Needed
It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Those who use this sword must have the wisdom, discretion, and must be pro-people. In the hands of immature people, this sword can very well become dangerous. It is because of the might of the pen that even if newspapers make the slightest mistake or write with pre-conceived notions, they can fan fires of controversies that might even lead to deaths and extensive destruction. Usually, in the print media, sub-editors first read articles, understand the nuances, and then publish them based on their judgment. But this changed with the advent of Facebook and social media when ‘the pen’ went astray and lost its sense of direction. The might of the pen in the hands of immature people who believe that it can be brandished whenever and however they please has done more damage to society than benefitting it. The trend of people abusing caste, religion, party, and individuals by using fake accounts has increased. Anti-social elements are using social media effectively to disturb the peace and order in the society. Ironically, the interest shown by social media to curb writers with social commitment is not shown towards those who want to disturb peace. The cyber-crime cells of the police department set up to prevent such crimes have been turning a blind eye to these incidents. There is no doubt then that the violence that took place in Bangalore on Tuesday night is a result of all these developments.
A relative of Pulakeshi Nagar MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy had made certain derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad in a Facebook post. Such distorted writings against a great soul reflects the personality of the writer and does not in any way affect the image of the great man. Many evil minds have spun webs of lies not only against Prophet Mohammad but also against noble men such as Jesus, Gandhi, and Ambedkar. But such rowdy elements have themselves become irrelevant over time whereas noble men have only grown in their stature and have become role models to the world. If anyone is deeply hurt by the writings against the Prophet Mohamad in Facebook, there are several options available in a democratic set up to take action against the writer. Cases can be filed against him in many police stations in the state and protests can be held to demand action against him. Moreover, attempts can be made to change the writer’s thinking and perspective by ensuring that the teachings of Prophet Mohammad reach him. But what happened in Bangalore is just the opposite with a group of people attacking the residence of the legislator. They also attached police and set vehicles on fire. Eventually, three people died in police firing. But what did the protestors achieve by causing the deaths of people, injuring several others, and leaving behind a trail of destruction of property? The loss of precious lives and the destruction in the arson and violence have created misleading impression on the teachings of the Prophet and not succeeded in achieving anything. Ultimately, a situation has emerged in which those hurt by the criticism against the Prophet are now forced to stand as accused.
It is being suspected that a few political leaders are behind Tuesday’s sudden and unexpected violence. How could so many people assemble in such large numbers in such a short time? It is difficult to believe that the Facebook post by a miscreant would result in a gathering of such a large number of people. There is no doubt that on the pretext of protesting, miscreants deliberately set fire on the MLA’s house and destroyed public property. It is clear that the protest was organized due to political malice so that protestors could indulge in such misconduct. Therefore, the police should identify the political forces responsible for this instead of arresting innocents on whom they can lay their hands. The names of a few senior politicians who are now sidelined are being thrown around for having caused the violence and the veracity of these rumours can be established only through a serious inquiry. Conspiracies are being hatched within the BJP to unseat the Yediyurappa government in the state. Recently, on the Facebook page of BJP leader Murugesh Nirani, derogatory statements were written against Vedic Gods, but the episode was closed with his apology. Subsequently, BJP leader K.S.Eshwarappa issued inflammatory statements in the media by referring to ‘Kashi and Mathura’. Now, a relative of Congress legislator has abused Prophet Mohammad and a few people have misused the situation and have resorted to violence. That this happened despite the clarification issued by MLA Srinivasa Murthy and apologizing shows that it was pre-planned. It is therefore important that an independent agency investigate the abusive remarks against the Prophet and the subsequent developments.
About 1500 years ago, the Prophet was responsible for introducing several revolutionary changes in society. The Prophet dreamt of an egalitarian society, opposed social discrimination, and provided land rights to women. He encouraged widow remarriage and banned the practice of levying interests. He announced compulsory Zakath for the rich and prohibited liquor. The Prophet’s views on religion, economy, and society changed the entire world. This being the case, a miscreant abusing the Prophet does not have any impact on the Prophet, rather it only reveals the personality of the writer. Those who took to the street for justice and caused destruction and losses protesting against the humiliation caused to the Prophet are those who have shown the greatest disrespect to the teachings of the Prophet.
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GST Council clarifies on popcorn taxation
Jaisalmer, Dec 21: The GST Council on Saturday agreed to issue a clarification on the taxation of popcorn, stating that pre-packed and labelled ready-to-eat snacks will attract a 12% tax, while an 18% GST will be levied if the popcorn is caramelised.
There is no change in the tax rate for popcorn, and the GST Council has decided that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will issue a circular clarifying the current taxation regime for popcorn.
"Ready-to-eat popcorn," which is mixed with salt and spices and has the essential character of namkeens, currently attracts a 5% GST if it is not pre-packaged and labelled.
If it is supplied as pre-packaged and labelled, a 12% GST is levied.
However, when popcorn is mixed with sugar (caramel popcorn), its essential character changes to that of a sugar confectionery, and it would therefore be classified under HS 1704 90 90, attracting an 18% GST, as per the clarification.
