IUML organises massive rally against Israeli bombardment in Gaza
Kozhikode (Ker) (PTI): The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, organised a massive rally here on Thursday denouncing the reported indiscriminate killings of civilians, including women and children, in the Israeli attack on the Gaza strip.
Tens of thousands of IUML supporters took part in the Palestine Solidarity Human Rights rally, inaugurated by IUML leader Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal.
Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Shashi Tharoor attended the event as the chief guest.
Tharoor, addressing the gathering, lamented what he termed as "one of the most distressing human rights catastrophes" witnessed over the past 19 days.
"This may well be one of the most significant political rallies we have seen in India and perhaps across the world in defence of human rights and in favor of peace. This is a rally for peace," the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.
He said that innocent women and children had suffered casualties, initially in Israel and subsequently in Gaza, and emphasised the imperative of ending this conflict.
Tharoor underscored India's historical commitment to peace, tracing it back to the era of Mahatma Gandhi.
"We have always stood for a permanent solution to this crisis," he said.
In unequivocal terms, Tharoor also condemned the attack carried by Palestinian armed group Hamas in Israel on October 7, describing it as an 'act of terror'.
"On October 7, terrorists attacked Israel and claimed 1,400 lives. Two hundred individuals were taken hostage. In response, Israel killed 6000 people. The bombing continues," he said.
The Congress leader said that this was not an issue confined to Muslims alone, but a matter of fundamental human rights.
"The bomb falls without asking anyone's religion. Christians constitute one to two percent of the Palestinian population. They too have perished in this conflict," he asserted.
Recollecting his tenure as a UN diplomat, Tharoor recounted his personal meetings with Palestine Liberation Organisation leader Yasser Arafat, who often referenced Indira Gandhi with pride, highlighting India's enduring support for Palestine.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
