New Delhi: The Janata Dal (United), a key ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has joined Opposition leaders in calling on the Indian government to cease the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Gaza. The appeal was led by JD(U) General Secretary KC Tyagi, who, along with other Opposition leaders, met with Mohammed Makram Balawi, Secretary General of the League of Parliamentarians for Al Quds, in Delhi on Sunday.

The League of Parliamentarians for Al Quds is an independent institution that coordinates global parliamentary efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, in line with United Nations resolutions and efforts to maintain peace in West Asia.

Tyagi said that the JD(U) has historically supported the Palestinian cause, a stance echoed by the Indian government, including during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He stressed the importance of ending the violence against civilians in Gaza and upholding UN resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Following the meeting, Tyagi and other leaders issued a joint statement urging the Union government to refrain from supplying arms to Israel. The statement condemned the "Zionist aggression and the heinous genocide of the Palestinian people" and asserted that India's complicity in the conflict would be contrary to its longstanding commitment to justice and human rights.

The signatories of the statement include Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh, Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Javed Ali Khan, Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal, and other prominent figures from various political parties.

Reports have surfaced earlier this year suggesting that India may have been supplying drones and other military equipment to Israel, although the government has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. This issue has drawn international attention, particularly following Spain's refusal to allow an Israel-bound ship carrying arms from Chennai to dock at its port in line with its ban on arms exports to Israel since the conflict began.

The ongoing conflict escalated on October 7 when Hamas launched an incursion into southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties. In response, Israel has conducted extensive air and ground strikes on Gaza, leading to widespread devastation and a significant loss of life.

India has traditionally supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for direct negotiations aimed at establishing a sovereign and independent state of Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.

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Bengaluru: A minute-long video is being widely shared on social media showing a classroom incident purportedly from PES University, Bengaluru, where a professor is allegedly seen calling a Muslim student a “terrorist” multiple times. According to claims circulating online, the professor identified as Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande repeated his remark caling the Muslim student a terrorist 13 times during the class on Friday, March 27.

Following the circulation of the video, fresh developments have emerged. PES University has suspended the professor pending a detailed enquiry. This was confirmed through an official document accessed by Vartha Bharati.

The document dated March 27 states, “A case of student complaint has been received. Pending a detailed enquiry into the matter, you are kept under suspension with immediate effect.” The order has been signed by the Vice Chancellor of the university. However, the document does not mention the nature of the incident or provide any further details.

Mohammed Haiyan, PR Secretary of Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), speaking to Vartha Bharati over a phone call, condemned the incident. He said the incident took place at the Electronic City campus of the university.

He added that they are demanding that an FIR be registered against the professor. He also said that the NSUI has already registered an NCR with the local police. However, an FIR has not been registered so far in connection with the case.

A report by The Observer Post has made several additional claims regarding the incident. It stated:

“In PES University, Bengaluru, a professor allegedly verbally abused a Muslim student named Affan in class. Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande reportedly called him a "terrorist" 13 times and said, "Iran war happened because of people like you," "Trump will take you away," and "You are idiots, you will go to hell." These remarks were made in front of around 60 students, creating a humiliating environment. CCTV footage that could have been evidence was allegedly deleted, raising concerns about accountability. Some students who supported Affan were reportedly suspended for "talking during class." The professor later apologized to the college but not directly to Affan, while the department head allegedly pressured him further.”

However, Vartha Bharati could not independently verify all of these claims mentioned in the report.

Vartha Bharati has sent an email to the university and Dr. Muralidhar Deshpande seeking clarification on the incident and the action taken. A response is awaited. The story will be updated once an official reply is received.