Delhi: Heavy security in Uttam Nagar for Ram Navami procession after Holi violence
New Delhi, Mar 27 (PTI): Elaborate security arrangements are in place in Uttam Nagar, where a procession is being taken out on Ram Navami, with the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces deployed to maintain law and order in the wake of the Holi clashes, officials said.
Police said that the security arrangements were strengthened in view of tensions that had flared earlier this month following a violent clash between two neighbouring families in JJ Colony on the night of Holi, which resulted in the death of an individual.
The 'Shobha Yatra' procession, which is witnessing significant participation, is being closely monitored by senior police officers, with multiple layers of security along the designated route to ensure that the event passes off peacefully.
"Adequate force has been deployed at sensitive points, intersections and densely populated stretches in Uttam Nagar, while barricades have been installed to regulate traffic and crowd movement. Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams have been stationed at strategic locations to respond swiftly to any untoward situation," a senior police officer said.
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The officer further informed that continuous patrolling is being carried out in the area, and surveillance is being maintained through CCTV cameras and drones to keep a close watch on the movement of people during the procession.
Uttam Nagar has been tense since the death of 26-year-old Tarun, who sustained fatal injuries after a dispute broke out between the families. According to police, the altercation was triggered after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun's family accidentally splashed on a woman from the neighbouring family.
The two families, who had known each other for nearly five decades, had a history of disputes over issues such as parking and garbage disposal, which escalated into a violent confrontation. Following the incident, tensions gripped the locality, and an angry mob vandalised several vehicles and set some on fire, prompting heavy deployment of police to restore order.
So far, the police has arrested and apprehended 16 people, including two minors, in connection with the case. The accused have been booked under relevant sections, including murder and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
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In view of the prevailing sensitivities, authorities have taken additional precautionary measures during the Ram Navami procession. "We have deployed sufficient force, including RAF personnel, and senior officers are present on the ground. We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the procession is conducted peacefully," a senior police officer said.
Local police have also been engaging with community members and organisers of the procession to ensure coordination and prevent any rumours or misinformation from spreading. Traffic diversions have been put in place in parts of Uttam Nagar, and commuters have been advised to avoid certain routes during the procession hours.
The situation in the area remains peaceful, with security agencies maintaining a strong vigil to ensure communal harmony and prevent any disruption during the possession, police added.
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Karnataka to scrap marks for third language in SSLC exams, introduce grading
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa said on Friday that, starting this academic year, the government will replace the marks system for the third language in the SSLC (class 10) exam with a grading system that will not impact a student's overall results.
He said that until now, the Secondary School Leaving Certificate exams had a total of 625 marks, including 100 marks for the third language. With this decision, the total will be reduced to 525 marks.
"We had decided to make this change after the assembly session. The session concluded yesterday, and I met CM Siddaramaiah this morning. He has spoken about a two-language policy in the state at several events in the past. From this year onwards, until there is a policy change or another decision is taken, the third language will be graded only," Bangarappa said.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister for School Education and Literacy said the 100 marks previously allotted for the third language will be graded and will not impact a student's overall results.
Noting that Hindi is not the only language taught as a third language in the state, the minister said: "While Hindi is the most commonly taught third language in Karnataka, Kannada organisations and activists have expressed concern that it is being imposed. They also pointed out that Kannadiga children find it difficult to read and write Hindi. This decision aims to ease that burden."
He added that any decision to immediately remove the third language would affect Kannadiga teachers who teach these languages.
"I'm not referring to Hindi alone; there are about 13–14 languages taught as third languages in the state, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Marathi, Tulu, and others," he said.
Stating that the third language exams will now be graded A, B, C, or D, Bangarappa said an official order in this regard will be issued soon.
He said there is no pass or fail in the third language exam. "It will be graded, but it will not count toward a student's passing marks. However, students will still be required to take the exam," he added.
Declining to comment on whether a two-language policy will be implemented in the state, the minister said such matters are to be decided by the government, cabinet, and Assembly, and he would not discuss them at this time.
In response to a question, Bangarappa said that 1.64 lakh students had failed the third language exam last year, of whom 1.48 lakh failed in Hindi. "This highlights the pressure on students… they likely struggled in other subjects as well," he added.
