I stand by my tweets, 100% sure there were no Pro-Pakistan slogans: Mohammed Zubair
Bengaluru: Mohammed Zubair, Co-Founder of AltNews, has emphatically refuted allegations of disseminating false claims related to the alleged raising of 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in Vidhana Soudha.
Despite calls from Right-Wing trolls for his arrest, Zubair remains steadfast in his earlier statements, asserting that no pro-Pakistan slogans were indeed raised during the incident. His response further shed light on a broader pattern of misinformation in Karnataka, showcasing instances where baseless narratives have influenced political discourse.
“The Home Minister has also given a statement confirming that Pro-Pakistan sloganeering were raised. Many want @BlrCityPolice to arrest me for my tweet. But 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 '𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐚𝐛 𝐙𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝'.” Zubair wrote in his tweet.
“We've seen a pattern in the X thread below of how Right Wing and the media have been accusing opponents and their supporters of raising Pro-Pakistan slogans during celebrations. Even in this case, The FALSE claim was started by Kannada News channels which were denied by many reporters present on the ground, including @smitaprakash's colleague. She and many other RW trolls want @BlrCityPolice to arrest me for starting facts.” He added.
1. Hanuman Flag Incident (January): In January, a narrative accusing the Congress of being anti-Hindu gained traction, alleging that the police, under state government orders, removed a Hanuman flag from a flag post in Keragodu village, Mandya. The reality, however, was that the flag post was on government land, where only the national and Karnataka flags were permitted. Despite the misrepresentation, the false propaganda persisted on television for an extended period, leaving the Congress in Karnataka struggling to counter the narrative effectively.
2. Temple Funds Allegations (February): Post the budget, the BJP and certain media outlets targeted the Congress government, falsely claiming that funds from Hindu temples were being diverted to support non-Hindu religious institutions. The misinformation persisted for several days, leaving the Congress at a loss on how to counter these baseless allegations effectively.
3. Endowment Amendment Bill (February): Following the Endowment Amendment Bill, the BJP and media alleged that the Siddaramaiah government imposed a 10% tax (Jaziya) on Hindu temples. Contrary to the claims, the bill was first amended in 2011 under Yeddyurappa's government. Despite the Akhila Karnataka Archakas (Priests) Association supporting the bill for the upliftment of smaller temples, the false narrative prevailed, branding Congress as anti-Hindu.
In the latest incident, three individuals were arrested for allegedly raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in Vidhana Soudha. Zubair has categorically rejected any involvement in initiating false claims, pointing out a distinct pattern where misinformation has been circulated with significant consequences. He highlighted that misinformation, often amplified by both local and national media, has played a role in shaping political narratives.
“And now after Arresting 3 congress supporters for raising Pro Pakistan Slogans, They have now arrested a BJP supporter for shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' by mistake in Mandya in 2022. Even in this case it was very clear that the BJP supporter said Zindabad instead of Murdabad by mistake.
“This is how, BJP with the help of Local and National Media is winning the Propaganda war and Congress in Karnataka is still clueless on how to counter it.” He further added.
Karnataka Police has arrested 3 individuals for allegedly raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in Vidhana Soudha. The Home Minister has also given a statement confirming that Pro-Pakistan sloganeering were raised.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 5, 2024
Many want @BlrCityPolice to arrest me for my tweet. But 𝐈… https://t.co/7dk9qUFGHt
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Govt launches Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for ease of pilgrims
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Minority Affairs Ministry on Saturday launched the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 with the new version introducing key features such as air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims going on Haj.
The application was launched by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after he inaugurated the Conference of Chairpersons of State and UT Haj Committees in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian and Chairman of the Haj Committee of India Abdullahkutti, among others.
In his address, Rijiju noted that the Haj pilgrimage is the largest logistical operation undertaken annually by the government of India beyond its borders.
He emphasised that Haj has long been a cornerstone of the strong bilateral relationship between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rijiju highlighted several significant reforms aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience, including the removal of the discretionary quota, the integration of technology through the Haj Suvidha App, and the provision of facilities for female pilgrims without Mehram.
Kurian spoke about the new measures being implemented for Haj 2025, designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of the Indian pilgrims.
Among the key initiatives, he mentioned the procurement of modern buildings with lifts not only in Aziziya but also in nearby areas close to the Haram.
Additionally, the latest model buses will be introduced for travel between Makkah, Madinah, and within the Mashaer region.
The conference, organised by the Haj Committee of India under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, also marked the launch of the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 by Rijiju.
Building on the success of the Haj Suvidha App 1.0 in 2024, the new version introduces key features such as the selection process, boarding pass and air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims.
The conference included discussions on stakeholder feedback, suggestions and preparations.
