Panel demanding justice for Sowjanya launches 'NOTA' campaign in DK, Udupi for LS polls
Mangaluru: The Sowjanyapara Horata Samiti, which is fighting for justice for rape and murder victim Sowjanya has launched a 'NOTA' campaign, said President Girish Mattannavar, warning political parties that the activists in the group would opt for 'NOTA' (None Of The Above) instead of favouring the party candidates in the Lok Sabha elections this year.
Mattannavar told reporters at the Press Club in Mangaluru on Friday that the panel was demanding justice in several cases of crime especially against women committed across Karnataka, in addition to the crime against Sowjanya in Dharmasthala of Belthangady taluk. Pointing out that the judiciary too has stressed on the importance of spreading awareness among voters about the NOTA option, he called upon the Election Commission as well as the voters to support the campaign conducted by the committee.
While the Election Commission has limited the amount carried by an individual in person to Rs 50,000, the members of the Sangh Parivar are still collecting lakhs of rupees under the pretext of collecting interest over money lent to the people. It is important for the Election Commission to look into this matter, Mattannavar urged.
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Panel leader Prasanna Ravi said during the press meet that the NOTA campaign would be held in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. A NOTA awareness meeting would also be held in Sullia on April 24 for the benefit of the voters, he added.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
