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In Japan, tens of thousands anti-war protesters reject return to militarism

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‘Instead of enacting such pro-war bills,’ said one demonstrator, ‘I want Japan to exert leadership roles in facilitating world peace.’

Protesters hold up banners reading 'No To War,' during a rally to protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to enact two controversial security bills on Sunday in Ogimachi Park in Osaka's Kita Ward. (Photo: KYODO)

Protesters hold up banners reading ‘No To War,’ during a rally to protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s drive to enact two controversial security bills on Sunday in Ogimachi Park in Osaka’s Kita Ward. (Photo: KYODO)

by Jon Queally, Common Dreams

Tens of thousands of people gathered outisde the Japanese parliament building on Sunday to reject plans put forth by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that would see an aggressive expansion of the nation’s armed forces despite a long-standing constitutional mandate for a “defense only” military posture.

The enormous crowd—estimated by organizers as more than 120,000 people—is opposing a set of bills moving through the country’s legislature which would allow the country’s military to engage in overseas fighting and ratchet up spending on new weapons systems. Despite loud public protest against the plan, Abe has continued to defend the plan. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Peace Not War” and “Abe, Quit!”

“Sitting in front of TV and just complaining wouldn’t do,” Naoko Hiramatsu, a 44-year-old associate professor in French and one of the Tokyo protesters, told Reuters. Holding his four-year-old son in her arms, she continued, “If I don’t take action and try to put a stop on this, I will not be able to explain myself to my child in the future.”

As the Asahi Shimbum reports:

In one of the largest postwar demonstrations in Japan, tens of thousands of protesters swarmed in front of the Diet building in Tokyo on Aug. 30 to oppose the Abe administration’s contentious security legislation.

Following a wave of weekly protests near the Diet building in recent months, rally organizers had worked to mobilize 100,000 participants from across the nation.

Amid the gloomy and rainy weather, protesters held up placards and banners and chanted slogans against the legislation, which is being pushed through the Diet.

A huge banner hanging from dozens of balloons read: “Abe, Quit!”

Opponents blasted the security bills on concerns that they would drag Japan into unwanted conflicts overseas.

Organized by a union of three different anti-war citizens’ groups, the Japan Times reports Sunday’s rally was arguably the most massive in a string of similar protests in recent months.

The Times spoke with several people in the massive crowd who rejected Abe’s arguments that Japan must return to a war footing more than half a century after the carnage that resulted from the Second World War:

Yamada, who at 5 years old witnessed the Great Tokyo Air Raid in 1945, said he was still haunted by the horrifying scene in which his neighbors in the Ryogoku area of northeast Tokyo jumped into the Sumida River in a desperate bid to escape the deadly blast and ensuing inferno.

“With the advance of technologies (over the past seven decades), war is likely to be more deadly than it used to be,” Yamada said. “In this age of nuclear weapons, you will never know how massive a death toll is going to be. The danger is far bigger than before. “We should never let it happen again,” he added.

A 38-year-old mother, who only gave her first name, Naoko, said she was worried about possible consequences of the bills that her children would have to face.

The bills, which she said ran counter to the pacifist policies Japan has adhered to over the past 70 years, could see her children embroiled in wars.

“Instead of enacting such pro-war bills, I want Japan to exert leadership roles in facilitating world peace as has done (since World War II),” she said.

Translator Hiromi Miyasaka, 49, said she resented the way the government was trying to steamroll the bills into enactment despite widespread public concerns.

“The way the government brushes aside public worries . . . it’s as though Japan is slipping back into its pre-World War II state,” she said.

Demonstrators opposing the security bills pack the streets near the Diet building in Tokyo on Aug. 30. (Photo: Asahi Shimnum/Shiro Nishihata)

People protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s security bill outside the parliament in Tokyo August 30. (Photo: Thomas Peter/Reuters)

Protesters hold up banners reading ‘No To War,’ during a rally to protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s drive to enact two controversial security bills on Sunday in Ogimachi Park in Osaka’s Kita Ward. (Photo: KYODO)

Thousands attend flag hoisting at Bengaluru’s Mary’s Basilica

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Bernard Moras

Bengaluru: Even as the clouds seemed to threaten rain, devotees stood their guns (umbrellas of-course) ready to face an impending spell of rain. Thousands of devotees gathered in the lanes and by-lanes of the ‘congested’ Shivajinagar that bustles with business activity.

The century old 160 feet tall St. Mary’s Basilica that is nestled amidst a historic Mosque and Hindu temple has been home for devotion for people of all religious faiths. Prelate Archbishop Bernard Moras in his message to devotees in the presence of Chief Guest KJ George (Home Minister of Karnataka) appealed to devotees “we must work for an ambience of peace and harmony between peoples of all religions”. Quoting the papal encyclical of Pope Francis ‘Laudio Si’ he made a clarion call that the “common good” must take utmost place. He called upon devotees of Mother Mary to become catalysts of change where ‘peace and harmony should prevail over violence and hatred’.

Mary Basilica

As the Prelate waved to the multitude, he said ‘my concern is for Justice. Let God’s people feel that God cares’. On the sidelines he said “ This is the year of the family and also the year dedicated to Consecrated Life’. ‘ families in peril need extra prayers. “During the novena let us pray that love, forgiveness and understanding prevails over hatred, revenge among families. The Archbishop persistently pressed for peace both, within Christian families and people of other religions.

Home Minister KJ George said “ As home Minister, God has placed a heavy responsibility upon me to promote Peace. With the Help0of Mother Mary, and all your prayers, I will continue my job of ensuring peace in this State”.

The Arch bishops’ greeting of waving hands at the people sparked a euphoria with people throwing rose petals towards the flag-post of Mother Mary and waving back at the Archbishop and the over hundred priests at the flag-post. Many devotees were seen in tears with hands lifted up towards the flag-post.

Top Police officers attended the celebrations.

The feast will be celebrated septemeber 8th concluding with a grand car procession.

MAX presents Elite Model Look India 2015

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MARC ROBINSON

Bengaluru: MAX, the country’s largest international value fashion brand, is back with the 2nd edition of Elite Model Look India 2015 after getting raving success last year.

Elite Model Look is one of the most sought-after & prestigious contest in the world. This contest is a lifetime opportunity for thousands of boys and girls to become the next international supermodel and reach great heights like Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Gisele Bundchen, Sigrid Agren and Constance Jablonski.

The contest which will tour 6 cities across India to hand pick the best talents, reached Bangalore after getting fabulous response from Delhi, Chandigarh & Chennai. The Bangalore Regional Casting took place at Phoenix Market City, Bangalore on 29th August 2015. The city was brimming with energy and enthusiasm as young boys and girls made a bee-line to participate in a rare, unique and an unbelievable opportunity to be a supermodel. The whole environment was charged as they competed fiercely to get shortlisted. Cheering fans and guidance from the experts turned this contest into a memorable and exciting day for the young contenders.

The esteemed jury included – Max Fashion’s Executive Director VASANTH KUMAR, Licensee Elite Model Look India & highly renowned Fashion Director MARC ROBINSON, Supermodels NICOLE FARIA and RACHAEL BAYROS.

Contestants were shortlisted from hundreds of hopeful contenders based on criteria like their ramp walk, first impression and photogenic appeal. These contestants will compete in the final selection round inNational Casting along with contestants shortlisted from other cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai.

National Casting finalists will undergo a week long grooming sessions by industry experts including Marc Robinson and Erika Oliveira, an Elite Model and winner of prestigious Golden Globe for “Best Model Female”. These rigorous grooming sessions conducted in a safe, supportive and fun environment help aspiring models to understand the concept of stage presentation, poise and most importantly to be confident. Shortlisted aspirants will be put on their road to success though guidance and mentoring by our experts right up to the Grand Finale, schedule to take place in Delhi in September.

The ultimate goal is to win the prestigious World Final and represent India on International level. The winners will aim for the super model trophy and will also secure a 3-year contract with the Elite agency.

Commenting on the occasion, VASANTH KUMAR, Executive Director, Max said “With the launch of Elite Model Look India 2015, Max reinforces its positioning of democratizing fashion and giving the Indian models the exposure to establish themselves in the International fashion circuit.”

Speaking at the event MARC ROBINSON, Fashion Director & Licensee Elite Model Look India said, “The fashion industry in India today is bereft of “Supermodels” that once had an iconic influence in the fashion scene in the 1990’s, today they simply and sadly don’t exist. With the introduction of a genuine initiative by the fashion brand like MAX and Elite Model Look, Paris, it will provide an opportunity to aspiring young male and female models”

Supermodel NICOLE FARIA said “It’s a great opportunity for young girls and boys to participate in ​E​lite ​M​odel Look. Not only it’s prestigious, it puts you on a very good platform.”

Commenting on the occasion, Supermodel RACHAEL BAYROS said “Elite Model Look India 2015 is a great opportunity for young aspiring models. Being part of such a credible model search, automatically ensures that you will be noticed by the best people in the fashion and glamour industry. I wish the contestants all the best.”

Yemen hospitals facing closures as fighting rages

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Major hospitals in Sanaa and Taiz facing closure due supply shortages as fighting rages, NGOs say.

More than 15.2 million people are lacking access to basic healthcare across Yemen, according to Save the Children [EPA]

More than 15.2 million people are lacking access to basic healthcare across Yemen, according to Save the Children [EPA]

by Al Jazeera

Major hospitals in Yemen have been struggling to function due to a supply shortages caused by the increased fighting between Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The main hospital in rebel-held capital, Sanaa, is on the verge of shutting down due to limited access to basic medicines and equipments caused by blockade imposed by pro-Hadi fighters, while hospitals in Taiz were under siege by Houthi rebels.

Save the Children said Al-Sabeen Hospital – that caters to children and pregnant women in Sanaa – could shut its doors on Tuesday over critical fuel shortages and a lack of medical supplies.

The hospital, reliant on the Red Sea port of Hodeida for 90 percent of its imports, serves an estimated three million people, the organisation said in a statement.

“The hospital has entirely run out of IV fluid, anaesthetic, blood transfusion tests, Valium to treat seizures and ready-prepared therapeutic food for severely malnourished children,” the statement said citing the hospital’s deputy manager Halel al-Bahri.

Basic healthcare

In Taiz, Yemen’s third city, two major hospitals have already closed due to a supply shortage caused by a blockade imposed by Houthi fighters, Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors without Borders (MSF) said.

“Yemen International Hospital and the military hospital, the biggest in Taiz, have shut their doors because the rebels refused to allow us to deliver drugs and medical supplies,” Salah Ibrahim Dongu’du, a project coordinator at MSF, told Al Jazeera over phone.

“Safwa Hospital is closing today, and Rawda hospital can only accept emergency cases,” he said. “The medical situation in Taiz is not good. It is catastrophic.”

Dongu’du said that there are more than 1,400 people in need of immediate medical help in the besieged city.

The Saudi-led coalition has mounted an air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels late March in support of the exiled President Hadi.

Across Yemen, 15.2 million people are lacking access to basic healthcare, an increase of 40 percent since March, Save the Children warned.

More than half a million children are expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition this year, and there has been a 150 percent increase in hospital admissions for malnutrition since March, it said.

Are the streets safe for men, questions SIFF, a men’s rights organization

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uber-in-india

You start your day normally and carry on with your chores without a slightest of inclination that by evening you would be famous across the country as an eve-teaser, molester and a branded criminal having to apply for bail and attending courts. This is what happened with Sarvjeet Singh on the fateful day of 23rd August 2015 as he was standing at the traffic signal of Tilak Nagar, Delhi. Little would he have known that a minor confusion over traffic lights would lead to the girl Jasleen Kaur taking his picture (without his consent, as per his statement), post it on social media and tag him as a molester and eve-teaser, and the society would brand him as a criminal without any verification.

This also reminds us about the famous Rohtak sisters case which happened in November 2014, wherein 2 girls Aarti and Pooja had mercilessly beaten up 3 innocent boys with belts over seat argument and made a video of the same claiming they were molested by the boys. After a lot of brouhaha and male bashing, it emerged the girls were liars and they not only failed the lie detector test before the SIT but also eye-witnesses supported the boys. But this was not before a false case of molestation was filed against the boys, their lives and reputation ruined and they lost their appointment in army.

Coming back to Sarvjeet Singh’s case, eye witness statements emerged and also Sarvjeet himself spoke up and reality came out. It was a false case and the girl Jasleen just thought of claiming fame by making out a story of molestation while she was an Aam Aadmi Party volunteer for traffic management at Tilak Nagar traffic signal.

While we are it, it is pertinent to mention about Dimapur Lynching incident also wherein a 7000 strong crowd marched into the prison facility at Dimapur, Assam and lynched a man accused of rape mercilessly by dragging him on streets and raining blows on him. Later, it turned out that he was trapped in a false rape case.

So, what did we learn from these cases?

The message is very clear – Men are unsafe on streets

Any argument or disagreement with a woman can end up in the man being trapped in a false case of rape, molestation, eve-teasing, his life and reputation ruined and many such innocent men have either been jailed, or worse, they have been beaten up mercilessly or even killed.

That’s not the worst part. The worst part is, society justifies such killings and attacks on men by calling it “Instant Social Justice”. Such a social mindset, which emerges from a patriarchal society, makes the lives of men extremely precarious. Conservative and traditionalist people refuse to see this as a social issue despite numerous examples coming to fore.

Also, no action is taken on people who abuse men based on assumptions without verification of facts. As a result no man is safe on streets.

The role of media in such cases also cannot be ignored. More often than not media channels blow the issue out of proportion without verifying facts in a blind race for TRPs. Most often media channels resort to passing stereotypes against men which make the situation for men more dangerous with each passing day.

“We need to remove people like Arnab Goswami from journalism. In a recent TV Debate on Times Now channel, Arnab was spotted saying, “Do not throw data at me”. Had he said the same thing in some other debate, he would have been out of job by now and his journalistic career would have come to an end, but because he said it in a gender debate and his statement was against men, he is still in the job. However, in the interest of journalistic ethics, Arnab must be fired” rued Sujit Deshpande, National Coordinator for Save Indian Family Foundation, a men’s rights organization.

“Save Indian Family Foundation strongly condemns such horrific acts of violence on men and the vilification of men in general discourse. Such behavior against men is extremely sexist in nature. As a society we only teach men to respect women but we don’t teach women to respect men, this must change. Otherwise I can see a dangerous trend setting in, wherein men are refusing to help any women fearing that she will take a picture of him and ruin his life by uploading it on social media”, says Jyoti Tiwari, spokesperson for Save Indian Family Foundation.

Save Indian Family Foundation urges the society to take a pro-male approach in dealing with such cases. Let’s make the streets safer for men.

Hey Bob – Bengaluru meets its first ever Bike Taxi

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Endless traffic jams, no free cabs during peak hours and expensive everyday commute.

Here’s the answer to all your commute woes – Say Hey Bob!

Hey-Bob

Let’s face it, we live in one of the most crowded cities of the world. More than 50 lakh vehicles are vying for space on Bangalore roads. It’s a huge urban crisis and individual citizens have to now take matters into their own hands and make their commute sustainable.

S​pending half of your day being stuck in traffic? Not finding free cabs during peak hours? Everyday commute making big holes in your pocket? Say ‘No more’! Bangalore’s first ever bike taxi, Hey Bob, is here to make your commute smoother and your wallets happier.

Bangalore has been recorded as one of the most crowded city in India. Owing to the magnitude of the problem, it has come down to individual citizen to take matters into their own hands and make their commute sustainable. Vishal, Girish, Suman, Vinay are the co-founders of Hey Bob & have embarked on this journey to make lives much easier for the commoners of Bangalore. Utilizing the potential of technology, the budding entrepreneurs have aligned the app to the business models of four-wheeler cab services – Ola and Uber.

Having bike taxi as an alternative will reduce the number of cars on the road that run only with one passenger most of the time. Also, it will save several hours every week because of its swift and hassle-free commute. The only catch in the entire project is the absence of bike taxi laws in Bangalore currently. But this has not dampened the spirits of the founders as they are in continued talks with the state transport department to make this initiative a success. Thanks to Mr. Rame Gowda (Transport Commissioner ), Mr. H. G. Kumar (Additional commissioner For Transport) and Mr. Sambrani (Joint Commissioner for Transport, Environment & E-Governance), the law is soon to be passed. The operations are underway in full force and will only begin once the law is in place to strictly adhere to the road safety rules and regulations.

To top it all off, free rides are to be awarded for the first few users after downloading their mobile app. Refer your buddies and you can earn huge discount too.

Say ‘Hey Bob!’ this Saturday, 29th Aug, and meet the team who are making this initiative a reality. The Launch of the App Hey Bob. Get answers to all your questions and find out more about their future plans at Cubbon Park between 10.30am – 11am after which the team moves to M G Road. We’d love to see you there.

Southern Films Round Up

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Ram Charan Bruce Lee

Keerthi Suresh To Be Replaced

Jiiva & Bobby Simha are coming together for a new film ‘Kavalai Vendaam’ produced by Elred Kumar of R. S. Infotainment & directed by Deekay, who gave the sleeper hit ‘Yamirkka Bayamey’. The film had Keerthi Suresh & Nikki Galrani as the 2 heroines with Karunakaran in a pivotal role. But Keerti Suresh is not a part of the project any more due to issues with dates and the team is on the lookout for a suitable replacement.

’10 Endrathukulla’ Packs Up From Rajasthan

Renowned for his action thrillers, director ARM has always held the audience spellbound, waiting in anticipation of his next adventure biggie, ’10 Endrathukulla’. The rugged scenes from the teaser has built further on the anticipation quotient of the movie and the team has reported to us that they are almost done with the shooting. Some risky shots, including a high adrenaline train fight sequence, were shot in Rajasthan and the team has wrapped up and returned back to Chennai. Back home, ’10 Endrathukulla’ will complete the shooting for patches, in localess in & around Chennai. The film stars Vikram & Samantha in the lead, while Charmee will be seen again on Kolly screens after a long hiatus, for a cameo in a song.

Vidhya Balan Replaced by Lakshmi Menon

After ‘Maari’, Dhanush is a busy man, he has been shuttling between the sets of an untitled movie with Prabhu Solomon, ‘VIP 2’ and yet another flick with Durai of ‘Kaakisattai’ & ‘Ethirneechal’ fame. Its rumored that the movie will figure Dhanush in a dual role, that of brothers, the 1st for the remarkable actor. Earlier on Vidya Balan was supposed to be playing the heroine, however due to dates clashes the actress might be replaced by Lakshmi Menon. With ‘Thala56’ almost nearing its end, Lakshmi Menon’s inclusion for Dhanush’s next looks to be a reality however the makers are in full flow to sign the actress up.

The New Title Of Suriya’s Film Is ‘Pasanga 2’

The title of ‘Haikku’ directed by Pandiraj & produced by Suriya’s 2 D Entertainment has been changed to ‘Pasanga 2’ and is expected to hit the screens in Sept, 2015. Bindu Madhavi & Karthik Kumar are playing important supporting roles for the 3 children Kavin, Nayana & Abhiman who are the heroes of the film. Suriya & Amala Paul pair up as a psychologist & a teacher respectively and also appear in supporting roles. Cinematography is by Balasubramaniam, editing by Praveen K L & music by Arrol Corelli.

Ram Charan’s ‘Bruce Lee’ 1st Look Poster Revealed

Finally, the makers of Ram Charan’s 9th film has fixed the title ‘Bruce Lee’ for the film, with the tagline ‘The Fighter’. Cherry plays a stuntman in this Sreenu Vaitla directorial and the teaser is intriguing. Rakul Preet Singh is playing the leading lady & Kriti Karbhanda will be seen as Charan’s sister in this action entertainer, which is being produced by D. V. V. Danayya on D V V Entertainment’s banner as production no.1. Thaman is the music director.

Manchu Adopts 10 Villages

Tollywood actors are showing their philanthropic side of late. It’s been only a few days since Mahesh Babu announced that he is going to adopt a Telangana Village apart from his native village Burripalem. Now it’s the turn of Manchu Vishnu. The ‘Dynamite’ actor revealed that he has adopted 10 villages in Chandragiri Mandal in Chittoor district and he will be providing basic amenities for those villages, apart from building toilets for girls studying in Government schools. The Manchu hero will meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu soon and will discuss about his plan of action.

Sudeep To Turn Rajamouli

Kannada actor Sudeep, who made his Telugu debut with ‘Eega’ says that he’s lucky to be a part of Telugu’s ‘Baahubali’. He further hopes to direct his own epic drama like ‘Baahubali’ in 5 languages sometime next year. Sudeep, who was also part of ‘Baahubali’ & Tamil film ‘Puli’ says that he was fortunate to be a part of such epic fantasies. The actor says that Telugu & Tamil industries have grown over the years and while budgets in Kannada are much smaller, they have shown us that it is not impossible to grow.

Sanjjanaa’s Next Is ‘Happy Birthday’

Sanjjanaa has began shooting for her next Telugu film, a female oriented horror thriller titled ‘Happy Birthday’. The actress is pretty kicked up about it as she believes the role gives her scope to show off her acting chops.

Sanjjanaa has also recently shot for another horror film in Kannada titled ‘She Is Deadly Dangerous’. “Horror films offer a lot of thrill and when the makers cast a good looking woman in such a film, it adds to the appeal visually,” believes Sanjjanaa.

Parineethi Chopra To Enact The Role Of Malar

Bollywood actress Parineethi Chopra has signed a Telugu movie which is the remake of Mollywood’s hit movie ‘Premam’, The actress will reprise Sai Pallavi’s role in the movie. Parineethi’s role as Malar will be the one to watch out for, since the actress has not appeared in so toned down a role.

The Telugu version will have Nagachaitanya essaying the role of George played by Nivin Pauly in the original. There is also a buzz that Anupama Prameshwaran, who played the role of Mary has been approached to reprise the role in Telugu also.

Mohanlal In Telugu Movie After Nearly 2 decades

Mohanlal will play the lead role in a Telugu movie after a gap of more than 21 years, He was last seen in a Telugu movie directed by Priyadarshan titled ‘Gandheevan’ in which he played a small yet significant part. Mohanlal’s upcoming Telugu movie is being directed by Suresh Vamshi. The actor will don the role of a police officer in it. Suresh believes that the role would be apt for the actor and that he had to wait a while to get Mohanlal on board for the project.

‘Jwalantham’ Ready

An archeologist on a hunt for a new discovery is himself hunted with strange developments in ‘Jwalantham’. The protagonist on the way to his discoveries traces strange moments in this Divine Developers Organization ‘Jwalantham’ that has completed shooting. Anu Rao maiden venture ‘Jwalantham’ is at the dubbing stage. The shoot was held in Bengaluru, Channapattana, Karkala, Honnavara, Karawara and other places. Ambarish is making his debut as a story, screenplay & dialogue writer besides being the director. Vikram Subramanyam has scored music for 4 songs & Kurinan F are composing music, Srinivas is cinematographer, Vinod is stunt director, Arasu Anthare has penned the songs.

‘Kanchana’ Gets ‘A’

Amarchand Jain Presents, Om Shanthi Vijay Productions ‘Kanchana’ has been cleared by regional censor board with ‘A’ certificate recently. The film was referred to Revising Committee when regional censor board had given ‘A’ certificate. Similar certificate was granted in the Revising Committee also. The film’s producer Vijay Surana also story & screenplay writer besides a director is now content with the certificate and he is making arrangements for the release of the film. Rahul is making debut with Roopa Nataraj of ‘Miss Mallige’ fame. Hemanth, Hanumanthe Gowda, Vijay Chendur, Geetha are also in the cast.

Supreme Court recalls Mangaluru pub attack, bans Muthalik’s Goa entry

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Pramod Muthalik

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday banned the Hindutva activist and Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik from entering into Goa over so called moral policing issues.

The court slammed Muthalik for beating up girls at a Mangaluru pub a few years ago and restrained him from entering Goa for at least six months.

The SC withheld the Bombay High Court’s order barring the Sri Ram Sene Chief from entering Goa.

Muthalik had moved the Supreme Court against Bombay High Court’s order.

Pramod Muthalik, 52, grabbed the headlines after a group of men headed by him attacked women visiting a pub in Mangaluru in 2009.

In 2010 Muthalik and top aides of his outfit, were caught on camera agreeing to vandalise an art exhibition in return for money. Despite warnings, he continued to deliver provocative statements in public meetings and press conferences.

(Agencies)

Karnataka government orders CID probe into M M Kalburgi’s assassination

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M M Kalburgi

Bengaluru: A CID probe was today announced by the Karnataka Chief Minister into the murder of progressive Kannada thinker and scholar M M Kalburgi at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka.

“We have decided to hand over the case to CID…. This incident should not have happened. It is highly condemnable,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters here, a day after Kalaburgi was shot dead at point-blank range by two unidentified men.

77-year-old Kalburgi was an associate of rationalist Govind Pansare of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, who also fell victim in similar circumstances in February, and had drawn the ire of some right-wing Hindu outfits like VHP and Bajrang Dal with his remarks about idol worship by Hindus.

He had often spoken against superstitions and courted controversies with his outspoken stand.

At Dharwad this morning, hundreds of admirers of Kalburgi paid last respects to him. The funeral will take place later in the day today.

Yesterday, the attackers had knocked at the door of Kalburgi’s house claiming to be his students and as it was opened, they pumped bullets into his forehead and chest and fled. He died in a hospital.

“Whoever is behind this, we will catch them and punish according to law,” said the Chief Minister, who visited Dharwad to pay last respects to Kalburgi yesterday.

Asked if the sleuths have got any clues, Home Minister K J George said the probe was being started. “It will be investigated from all angles.”

The Hubli-Dharwad police had announced a special team to probe the murder that has shaken the Kannada literary world.

Kalburgi had raised the hackles of right-wing outfits when he made certain remarks about idol worship by Hindus that were considered “derogatory” and “blasphemous” and also led to protests by them.

A winner of central and state “Sahitya Akademi” awards, he had also suggested the need for a better state anthem.

Part of his works on “Vachana”(verses)” literature had also come under criticism of the state’s majority “veerashaiva” (Lingayat) community, a liberal Shaivism founded by 12th century philosopher, poet and social reformer Basaveshwara.

(Agencies)

Bajrang Dal activist defends killing of MM Kalburgi, says Prof. Bhagawan is next target

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bajrang-dal

Mangaluru: A few Sangh Parivar activists in the coastal Karnataka have openly justified the killing of thinker Prof. MM Kalburgi and warned that a similar fate was awaited for those who “mock” Hinduism.

Bhuvith Shetty, who claims to be the co-convener of Bajrang Dal in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kananda district, tweeted on Sunday morning from his twitter handle @GarudaPurana that Prof. KS Bhagwan, a well known critic, would be the next target.

He tweeted at 10:41 a.m.: “Then it was UR Anantamoorty and now its MM Kalburgi. Mock Hinduism and die a dogs death. And dear KS Bhagwan you are next”(sic). The same person had tweeted on July 15: “You should know that I myself chopped off one Muslim’s hand for smuggling cows in Kalladka” (sic)

Both the tweets were retweeted by many tiwtterati on Sunday triggering a heated debated on social media. Some right wing social media activists even defended his provocative comments. When the matter was brought to the notice of authorities, the man deleted his tweets. However, the screenshots of his tweets continued to go viral on social media.

Prof. Kalburugi, the former vice chancellor of Hampi University, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman at the former’s residence in Dharwad in the morning. Hindutva activists had warned him of dire consequences after he raised his voice against blind beliefs in Hindu society and criticised idol worship.

It is worth mentioning here that Sangh Parivar activists in Karnataka had organised celebrations and burst crackers on hearing the news of the death of Jnanpith award winner UR Ananthamoorthy one year ago.

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