Terrorism an evil affecting life and liberty of people, says Kerala HC
Kochi (PTI): Terrorism is an evil affecting the life and liberty of people and the growth of the nation in all respects, Kerala High Court said while refusing to suspend the sentence of three persons convicted of attempting to travel to Syria to join ISIS.
No religion propagates terrorism or hatred but some fanatics or religious fundamentalists have distorted the views of religion for spreading messages of terrorism and hatred, the court said.
A bench of Justice Alexander Thomas and Justice Sophy Thomas refused to suspend the sentence and grant bail to the trio -- Midlaj, Abdul Razak and Hamsa -- considering the gravity of the offence prima facie proved against them even though they have undergone a major portion of their sentence.
"Terrorism is an evil affecting the life and liberty of people. It affects the growth of the nation in all respects. In fact, no religion propagates terrorism or hatred.
"But, unfortunately, some fanatics or religious fundamentalists have distorted the views of religion, for spreading messages of terrorism and hatred, without realising the amount of damage it is doing to the society as well as to the country as a whole," the high court said.
The court said in its order that innocent youth attracted by the call of terror organisations fall prey to violence and anti-national activities, destroying the tranquillity in society, unmindful of the freedom, liberty and safety of their fellow beings, and the integrity of the nation.
It noted that the application of the convicts was to be considered with seriousness as they were acting against the security and integrity of the nation and also the liberty and freedom of citizens.
"Considering the gravity of the offence prima facie proved against the applicants/appellants, though they have undergone (a) major portion of their sentence, we are not inclined to suspend their sentence and to release them on bail at present," the court said in its February 10 order.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons, six in number, attempted to join the terror outfit for indulging in violent "jihad" as part of waging war against Asiatic powers at peace with the Government of India.
Midlaj and Razak were intercepted by Turkish authorities when they were trying to cross over into Syria and deported to India. Hamsa was arrested after he cancelled a ticket to leave India after learning that another accused in the same case was arrested from Mangaluru airport.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) told the court that Hamsa was one of the "masterminds in teaching ISIS/Daish ideology in Kerala, indoctrinated and recruited youngsters into the proscribed terrorist organisation, besides motivating and sending them to the Islamic State".
They were arrested on October 25, 2017, and convicted on July 15, 2022.
The accused contended that since set-off was allowed for the period of remand during the trial, a major portion of their sentence was already over and the period remaining was less than two years.
They claimed that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and there was every chance for them to succeed in the appeal. They sought to suspend the sentence and release on bail or else the appeals may become infructuous.
The high court noted that the nature of the offence alleged against the convicts was "very serious in nature".
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
