After US' remarks on Kejriwal's arrest, MEA lodges 'strong objection', summons diplomat
New Delhi: In a diplomatic response to the recent comments made by the United States regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, India summoned a senior US diplomat to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to express its displeasure and lodge a "strong objection."
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena was called to the MEA on Wednesday, more than 24 hours after the remarks from the US were reported.
The US State Department's spokesperson had commented on Kejriwal's arrest, urging for a "fair, transparent, and timely legal process" in the matter, as reported by news agency Reuters on Tuesday.
This development follows a similar incident last week when Germany became the first country to express hope that the "standards regarding the independence of the judiciary and basic democratic principles" would apply to Kejriwal's arrest. Subsequently, the German deputy chief of mission was summoned to the MEA.
In both instances, it was not the highest-ranking diplomat of Germany and the US in India who was summoned but rather the next in line.
However, unlike the statement regarding the protest against Germany, the MEA press release regarding the US did not acknowledge summoning a diplomat.
The MEA's press note on Wednesday expressed strong objection to the remarks made by the US State Department spokesperson, accusing the US of interfering in India's internal affairs. It emphasized the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty and internal affairs, especially among fellow democracies, to avoid setting unhealthy precedents.
The statement reiterated India's commitment to an independent judiciary, stating that casting aspersions on it is unwarranted. Kejriwal, also the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested shortly before the upcoming parliamentary elections next month. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, has been in custody since February last year in connection with the same case.
#WATCH | The Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi summoned the US' Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena, today. The meeting lasted for approximately 40 minutes. pic.twitter.com/LGjD9IvX91
— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2024
#WATCH | The Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi summoned the US' Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena, today. The meeting lasted for approximately 40 minutes. pic.twitter.com/ONLUCI9Hnc
— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2024
India strongly objects to the remarks of the US State Department Spokesperson:https://t.co/mi0Lu2XXDL pic.twitter.com/pa9WYNZQSi
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 27, 2024
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
