I stand by my tweets, 100% sure there were no Pro-Pakistan slogans: Mohammed Zubair
Bengaluru: Mohammed Zubair, Co-Founder of AltNews, has emphatically refuted allegations of disseminating false claims related to the alleged raising of 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in Vidhana Soudha.
Despite calls from Right-Wing trolls for his arrest, Zubair remains steadfast in his earlier statements, asserting that no pro-Pakistan slogans were indeed raised during the incident. His response further shed light on a broader pattern of misinformation in Karnataka, showcasing instances where baseless narratives have influenced political discourse.
“The Home Minister has also given a statement confirming that Pro-Pakistan sloganeering were raised. Many want @BlrCityPolice to arrest me for my tweet. But ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ. ๐ ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐% ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ง๐จ ๐๐ซ๐จ-๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฌ, ๐๐ฎ๐ญ '๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐๐๐'.” Zubair wrote in his tweet.
“We've seen a pattern in the X thread below of how Right Wing and the media have been accusing opponents and their supporters of raising Pro-Pakistan slogans during celebrations. Even in this case, The FALSE claim was started by Kannada News channels which were denied by many reporters present on the ground, including @smitaprakash's colleague. She and many other RW trolls want @BlrCityPolice to arrest me for starting facts.” He added.
1. Hanuman Flag Incident (January): In January, a narrative accusing the Congress of being anti-Hindu gained traction, alleging that the police, under state government orders, removed a Hanuman flag from a flag post in Keragodu village, Mandya. The reality, however, was that the flag post was on government land, where only the national and Karnataka flags were permitted. Despite the misrepresentation, the false propaganda persisted on television for an extended period, leaving the Congress in Karnataka struggling to counter the narrative effectively.
2. Temple Funds Allegations (February): Post the budget, the BJP and certain media outlets targeted the Congress government, falsely claiming that funds from Hindu temples were being diverted to support non-Hindu religious institutions. The misinformation persisted for several days, leaving the Congress at a loss on how to counter these baseless allegations effectively.
3. Endowment Amendment Bill (February): Following the Endowment Amendment Bill, the BJP and media alleged that the Siddaramaiah government imposed a 10% tax (Jaziya) on Hindu temples. Contrary to the claims, the bill was first amended in 2011 under Yeddyurappa's government. Despite the Akhila Karnataka Archakas (Priests) Association supporting the bill for the upliftment of smaller temples, the false narrative prevailed, branding Congress as anti-Hindu.
In the latest incident, three individuals were arrested for allegedly raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in Vidhana Soudha. Zubair has categorically rejected any involvement in initiating false claims, pointing out a distinct pattern where misinformation has been circulated with significant consequences. He highlighted that misinformation, often amplified by both local and national media, has played a role in shaping political narratives.
“And now after Arresting 3 congress supporters for raising Pro Pakistan Slogans, They have now arrested a BJP supporter for shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' by mistake in Mandya in 2022. Even in this case it was very clear that the BJP supporter said Zindabad instead of Murdabad by mistake.
“This is how, BJP with the help of Local and National Media is winning the Propaganda war and Congress in Karnataka is still clueless on how to counter it.” He further added.
Karnataka Police has arrested 3 individuals for allegedly raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in Vidhana Soudha. The Home Minister has also given a statement confirming that Pro-Pakistan sloganeering were raised.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 5, 2024
Many want @BlrCityPolice to arrest me for my tweet. But ๐… https://t.co/7dk9qUFGHt
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
