Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): On the occasion of International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for a united fight against the darkness of hatred and bigotry.

The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which designated March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said: "The UN's International Day to Combat #Islamophobia is a solid call to action, reminding us of the disturbing rise of intolerance against Muslims and hate crimes worldwide."

"We must unite and ignite a flame of compassion and empathy to illuminate the darkness of hatred and bigotry," Vijayan said.

The document stresses that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group.

It calls for a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and the diversity of religions and beliefs.

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Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) (PTI): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lakhimpur Kheri, Khyati Garg, suspended 14 police personnel with immediate effect in a major crackdown on indiscipline within the department, officials said on Wednesday.

The action was taken after an intensive departmental review found the personnel absent from duty for a month or longer without authorisation, according to an official press communique.

The suspended personnel include head constables, constables and other personnel posted at various police stations, Police Lines and the UP-112 emergency response service, the communique said.

The SSP has also ordered departmental inquiries against all the suspended personnel.

"Maintaining departmental discipline and ensuring accountability is an essential parameter for an effective police force," Dr Garg said in the statement.