Philippines flood: Death toll reaches 60
Beijing [China], Dec 31: Landslide and floods triggered by torrential rain claimed 61 lives in Philippines.
Xinhua citing a report from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) stated that 50 people have been reported dead in the Bicol region and 11 in the Eastern Visayas region of the nation.
At least 18 people are still missing in both regions. The agency also stated that the NDRRMC offices in the affected regions are on alert and are also continuously monitoring the on-going response in the affected areas.
Search and rescue operations are underway. Rescuers from the military, the police and other government agencies have been deployed. The death toll is expected to rise.
According to NDRRMC reports, more than 79,000 people from 150 areas in the Philippines have been affected by landslides and flooding. Family food packs and other relief goods have been provided by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development to the evacuees.
Courtesy: www.aninews.in
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
