White House condemns harassment of journalist who questioned PM Modi on minority rights
Washington: The White House said on Monday that it was “completely unacceptable” that Sabrina Siddiqui, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter was subjected to harassment and online abuse after she asked a question to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding minority rights in India during a joint press event in the United States last week.
Biden administration officials pushed back strongly against this online trolling and harassment and asserted that they condemn any efforts of intimidation or harassment of a journalist while adding that they are committed to the freedom of press.
"It’s completely unacceptable and it's antithetical to the very principles of democracy that ... were on display last week during the state visit," said John Kirby, White House Spokesperson on National Security Issues.
The WSJ highlighted that Siddiqui was facing “intense online harassment from people inside India”. They also added that she was being targeted partly because of her Muslim faith.
During the joint press event, Siddiqui had raised concerns about religious minorities rights, including Muslims who are being blatantly discriminated under Modi’s government. She asked Modi about the steps being considered and taken to improve the rights of minorities in the country. Modi responded by stating that there is no discrimination in India as it runs on the principles on democracy.
The Wall Street Journal issued a statement and mentioned that Siddiqui is a respected journalist known for her integrity and unbiased reporting. South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) also defended Siddiqui and expressed their support to her. Siddiqui, like many South Asian and female journalists, is experiencing harassment for simply doing her job, they added
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.
Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and… pic.twitter.com/clJTKPrlRT
