Shiv Sena demands suspension of Mumbai-Turkey flights over alleged pro-Pakistan stance
Mumbai: Shiv Sena Social Media In-Charge Rahool Kanal has called on Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to suspend all flights from Mumbai to Istanbul, citing Turkey’s alleged support for Pakistan in matters of cross-border terrorism.
Kanal urged the state and central governments to take a strong stand, stating, "Given the gravity of the situation, I strongly believe that India should reevaluate its relationship with Turkey." He demanded that Turkey publicly clarify its position on terrorism and disassociate from Pakistan’s actions against India.
He pointed out that Mumbai, contributing 36 per cent to India’s tourism sector, plays a key role in international relations. "Indians are among the biggest spenders in Turkey. Until Turkey distances itself from Pakistan's anti-India terror support, I urge the government to suspend all Mumbai-Istanbul flights," he said.
Kanal specifically demanded that the three Turkish Airlines flights and one IndiGo flight scheduled for May 29 be cancelled. "Banning these flights would be a befitting response to Turkey's actions, demonstrating India’s commitment to national security and sovereignty," he added.
He also proposed a range of retaliatory measures, including suspending diplomatic ties, imposing economic sanctions, restricting trade and investment, raising the issue on global platforms, and banning tourism to Turkey.
Highlighting the scale of Indian tourism to Turkey, Kanal stated that over three lakh Indian tourists visited the country in 2024, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of its total tourist arrivals.
His remarks come after Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, on May 22, asserted India’s expectations from Turkey to pressurise Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism. “We expect Turkey to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades,” Jaiswal said.
In a related development, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. The company has challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court.
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Dharmasthala mass burial case: Two complainants appear before SIT in Belthangady
Belthangady: Two people, Purandara Gowda and Thularama Gowda of Dharmasthala, who had earlier filed complaints in relation to the Dharmasthala mass burial case and claimed to have witnessed the burial of bodies, spoke to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials on Wednesday.
Prior to the meeting, Purandara Gowda told reporters that he used to own a shop situated on the banks of River Nethravathi. “While at the shop, I had seen bodies being buried, in all likelihood, by the anonymous witness. I have, however, seen more than one person being involved in this work at the first and 13th sites identified by the witness,” he has said.
Thularama Gowda has said that he had seen the burial of bodies at sites beyond those identified by the witness. “The SIT will be provided the information on the matter,” Gowda added.
