Tipu wasn’t anti-Hindus: Litterateur Ramzan Darga
Vijayapura, November 10: Writer and Varthabharati columnist Ramzan Darga said that much against to some misconceptions, Tipu Sultan was not an anti-Hindus and Shivaji was not anti-Muslims.
Giving a special lecture during Tipu Jayanti programme here on Saturday, he said that as the British manipulated the history, some people have been making false propaganda that Tipu was anti-Hindus for their political gains. Tipu was the first freedom fighter. He had toiled hard for the empowerment of dalits and backward classes. It was not fair to oppose Tipu Jayanti just for political reasons, he said.
While fighting against British, the Nizams of Hyderabad had joined hands with the British. But Tipu had fought against British army single handedly. The Britishers had manipulated the history for their benefits. Keeping that history, some people have been opposing the jayanti programme, he said.
Shivaji was not just the king for the Hindus. He had built masjid just beside his home. In the same way, Tippu had protected the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Even today, prayers and poojas were being conducted in more than 156 temples in the name of Tipu Sultan every day. Muslim youth should also celebrate Shivaji Jayanti. Shivaji had appointed total 23 Muslims as his officers in his state, he said.
When he was the chief minister, Jagadish Shettar had appreciated the contribution of Tipu in the book written by Prof B. Sheik Ali and published by the government. But they have been opposing it just for votes. Both Hindus and Muslims should be careful about such dual personalities and parties, he said.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
