The architectural heritage of a land is a pointer to the cultural and historical heritage of that region. And also the study of architectural heritage is regarded as the best means of knowing the rituals and the origins of the past.
The Miskal Masjid is located in the northern part of the Kuttichirai Pond, about half a kilometre away from the Kozhikode Beach. The Masjid is nearly seven hundred years old and has a splendid facade of ancient glory. Among the mosques in Kuttichira are the Miskal Masjid, Muchunthi Masjid and Jumuah Masjid. The architectural beauty of these mosques is awe-inspiring as it combines the unique features of Keralite architecture. Built by local artisans, they resemble the traditional architectural style of Kerala.
Public Pool
The Miskal Masjid was built between 1300 and 1340 AD by the Arab merchant Nahoodah Miskal. He owned several ships and vowed to keep his voyages safe. This masjid is a vow he has made for the safety of his seafarers. It is mostly built on wooden floors, it stands on four floors, that’s why it’s architectural skills are impressive. The rooftops and the surrounding timber columns, which are attached to the top of the building, are a classic example of Kerala’s ancient architecture.
At the beginning of the 15th century, however, the Miskal Masjid was set on fire by Albuquerque’s military expedition to Calicut, the successor of Vasco da Gama. One can still see some of the indestructible marks of that attack at the top of the mosque.Valuable fiqh texts, garments used by the khadis of the time, an old litter , and the tambourine, used to announce information to the public are still kept sacred.
The settlement of Kuttichira reveals the lifestyle, religion and ideals of the Kerala Muslims. And the Miskal Mosque is a fine example of the richness of its Muslim architecture. From every corner of the mosque, we can see how civilized and cultural elements of a community are manifested in its architectural skills. The mosque depicts the cultural and historical presence of the Kerala Muslims.
Roof of MasjidAn old lifter used by Qadis in earlier timesArea of ablutionInside the MasjidRooftop of MasjidStaircase to the rooftop of Masjid
20 Indian Soldiers were martyred following a deadly clash between military personnel from India and China in Galwan on 16th June, 2020.
Issues at the border date back to1962. Since then, there have been conflicts regarding the clarification of the exact position of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both the sides have been patrolling around the area in spite of the tensions prevailing. What exactly triggered the issue is assumed to be the disinterest of the Chinese government to the infrastructure development projects initiated by India in the land, which China claims to be the disputed land.
It seems unethical as well as absurd to see China trying to discard its ties with India by stimulating an issue at the borders. This, in turn, has shifted the national focus from Covid 19 to the LAC. However it is ironic to see China trying to dismantle its peaceful relationship with India at this point of time when the world keeps China as the prime suspect of creating the pernicious virus. China’s present strategy is simple. Primarily, what they are striving to implicate is to dismiss all those suspicions regarding Covid 19 by creating border chaos thus inducting and evoking the hold of global sentiment towards China’s idea of nationalism and national security. Besides, the Chinese government is trying to bring India to the role of the defensive and suspend all the infrastructure development works in Galwan. It was successful in generating and celebrating the idea of nationalism in the minds of people in the wake of elections.
To be more precise, it’s mainly about implementing a vote bank strategy so as to convince the citizens of China that their government stands firm with the cause of nationalism. The Galwan incident also misplaces a naive trust of togetherness that was said to be prevalent between China and India.
Reports of Chinese troops making a move towards the Indian territory reached New Delhi by the mid of April. However, in all probability it is to be understood that officials within the government have seriously overlooked these slow, but overwhelming processes of the People’s Liberation Army. It is also the responsibility of the intelligence agencies of India to maintain effective surveillance and visual records of the entire area. But here, it turned out to be a slip in noticing the PLA moving to its strength. PLA used this as an advantage so as to reinforce and establish their positions in the border. They dug and fortified bunkers along with setting up their gun sights almost 350 metres away from the Indian territory. A shared responsibility has to be taken up by all the central intelligence agencies as well the home ministry for leaving this matter unchecked and unnoticed.
India is not at its best of times now. The largest democratic country is now confronting an unstable political scenario. Central government has invited a lot of criticism from citizens throughout the nation. There has been no effective move from the part of Modi government to calm down millions of people infuriated by the implementation of CAA and NRC, making India’s social fabric a fragile and sensitive one. Nepal has raised issues regarding the boundary with India. Furthermore, they have approved their amended geographical map which has territories of India included in it.
Bangladesh too has developed a sense of resentment towards India after the implementation of CAA. At the same time, China has strengthened its ties with the neighbours of India. Nepal is a partner of the One Belt One Road policy of China. Bangladesh and Pakistan are partners of China in exchanging arms and ammunition. China is now initiating to set up a naval base near Lakshadweep with the help of Abdulla Yameen, President of Maldives. It is also on the move to gain a strategic advantage in the Bay of Bengal with the help of Bangladesh. The economy too is confronting an unprecedented downfall. Besides, the country is lacking an integrated and unified opposition to raise the concerns of the people as well as, bringing the imperious policies and flaws of the government to the limelight. There has been the prevalence of an ample tension scenario with Pakistan which has been aggravated since the abrogation of Article 370.
This evidently posed a big question to the sovereignty of both China and Pakistan. Altogether, China is in a well equipped position to inject chaos within the Indian subcontinent so as to worsen the plight as well as developing a strategic advantage in the borders. China is no longer a follower of the so-called peaceful way of development. It is now a super power which is trying to inculcate and establish its supremacy all over the world. Certain economic forecasts say that China could be the only major economy that does not face negative growth despite of the setbacks it faced during the outbreak of Covid 19.
Their present strategy is defined as ‘salami slice’ strategy in which a dominant power tries to swallow the allies that are considered to be less powerful. India is evidently a target of China for being the victim of the same. For China, it is distracting to see the India US ally which is on the progress. The US is keen on advocating India to be a member of the expanded G7. India’s foreign policies too have managed to enjoy broad consensus in the global scenario irrespective of the changing governments. For India, its partnership with the US is likely to make sense just like the one India had with the Soviet Union in 1971. This is indeed a matter of concern for China. China is doubtful of the creation of an Anti China axis as a result of India’s growing proximity to the US. To wage a war is not at all a practical idea at this point of time given the battering economy of the country and the Covid 19 scenario. As of now, dialogue and negotiation are the primary steps that India can adopt.
At the same time, it is important to gather diplomatic support in addition to the political support from countries around the world. Getting into a stronger military agreement with Japan and Taiwan can prove to be an advantage so as to gather military support if necessary. China plays a filthy game by exporting cheaper goods that replace indigenous goods of the country. The economy of China is boosted by its trade relation with India. It’s important for India to provide ample provisions and support to small scale industries and entrepreneurship so as to replace imported goods from China. India has to ensure that its peaceful coexistence with the neighbouring countries is restored. Diplomacy holds the key for the same.
Given the incidents in the past, the present confrontation in the borders will not be accepted as a matter of China’s good will in the global scenario, but a matter of concussion that has emerged out of India’s strength and position.
However, it’s high time for India to set the ball of diplomacy rolling so as to restore the peace at the borders. We should also realize that a government with a strong and colossal majority in the parliament can do much more than proscribing a few Chinese apps as a matter of counter action to the cause.
“Mental Health” has probably been the most discussed issue on social media, and in households, for the past few weeks. We all have had some opinion or the other on the same and shared helpline numbers with others. But why is it that it only takes a human’s life, or the threat of one’s identity being snatched away, or an incident of racial discrimination, for people to understand and deliberate mental health? Why can’t people regard it as crucial as a three-course meal for dinner?
There’s a stigma around mental health that it’s “unacceptable” and “untrue”. “You sleep too much”, “you’re always on your phone”, “you don’t eat enough”, “you’ve been watching too many shows”, “you’re just being lazy”, “it’s get better once you get into a college”, “don’t be so dramatic” are just some of the popular remarks you will often receive from people when you sit down to discuss the state of your mind with them. And it doesn’t end here, this list goes on, followed by a few threats such as having our cell phones taken away. No one really wants to listen, no one wants to try to step into the shoes of the person sitting opposite to them, screaming internally for help. The bags under the eyes are noticed and reprimanded for, but the sweaty palms and heavy breathing is often overlooked.
This is why I think there is a lot that is wrong with our understanding of mental health or mental illness. We claim ourselves to have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) for simply cringing at a messy room. We casually say we are depressed when, in fact, we’re really just bored. Someone who is short tempered is said to have bipolar disorder when they both are very different from each other. Throwing away phrases like, “Why can’t you let me be? I am very depressed right now,” at our mothers after having an argument with a friend that smacked your ego, or yelling, “Why are you so bipolar?” at your sister who is an ambivert, or saying, “I’m having a panic attack,” over an assignment submission due the next day (and the only reason you’re running out of time is because you couldn’t miss your best friend’s cousin’s Diwali party), is not acceptable.
Do you know why? Because there are people in this world, people around us, who are actually suffering from depression, or who’re really bipolar. People who can’t step out of their houses because of OCD, people who have authentic anxiety attacks, people who’re hyperactive, or schizophrenic, or autistic, or undergoing PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder). We cannot carelessly use these terms to bully someone, or for the sole reason of gaining attention, or victimising ourselves because we can’t bear the sight of other people being taken care of. A classmate of ours could be suffocating within while we’re gathered like a pack of wolves, laughing away. A colleague could be shaking their leg constantly, praying for their meeting to be over without being asked for a suggestion. A passenger in the metro could be counting down the number of stations left and the steps they need to take to carefully step out of the compartment, without bumping into someone or stumbling. An old friend could be struggling today searching for motivation to just get out of bed. We know them, but we don’t know them; their smiles can be deceptive, holding tears back, cloaking pain, suppressing screams.
This is not to say that we can’t go through falls in our lives. I’ve always compared human life with a rollercoaster – there are loops big and small, steep slopes, tight turns and sometimes inversions. I’m a big fan of rollercoasters and I’m sure many of you readers are, too. But are we also fans of the ride that our life is? Not so much. I don’t mean that we cannot get worked up to the extent that we start crying, that we cannot have a heart-breaking experience that stings so bad it makes us want to curl up and go inside a shell like the turtle. We’re humans, feeling blue is natural, going through strenuous chapters is a part of life.
Our friends and family, work, news, social media, studies etc. can sometimes be too overwhelming and we may need a break from them. Our brains can only take too much strain. When they start delivering the red warning signs, that should be your cue to let it rest, to let it breathe. And I have a few suggestions on what we can do to encourage and convince our mind to bounce back up again.
The very first step towards getting better is not feeling guilty about feeling upset. You can vent and cry, regardless of your sex, and no one is in a position to judge you. You shouldn’t bottle up your emotions in the fear of being judged, of what your friends or parents will say, or because you’re constantly hearing the ringing bells of “boys don’t cry” or “girls are so weak because they’re so emotional”. Once the cap of that bottle pops open, your feelings will hit you like a huge wave and you will find yourself drowning in them. Sometimes you may find a hand to pull you out of the water, but other times it may be too late before you start sinking to the bottom.
Talk it out. Get your parent(s), or your best friend, or your favourite sibling, or your diary, or your pet to sit with you and make them listen. The human heart and mind are dainty, and they’re connected – what affects one affects the other, so it’s necessary to treasure both. When the shards of glass can be felt piercing through your heart, the only way to prevent them from tearing it apart is by letting it all out. And trust me when I say that people do make a genuine effort to listen and understand and help you, because they love you and care about you. Never forget that.
If you’re not much of a talker, go for a walk, or a jog, or engage yourself in any other form of physical exercise. Mediate. Nothing is more peaceful than letting your mind free of all thoughts and focusing on your breath. You can go for the 4-7-8 technique – breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 7, and breathe out for 8. Hear your breaths, count every single one of them, and be grateful that you’re alive. Listen to music. Lay in the middle of your bed without a pillow and all lights off, plug in your earphones and let the instrumental version of your favourite ballad blast through them. Pick a song that doesn’t make you sad but instead gives you peace of mind. Shut the world out for some time; you’re the only person in the room, in your own world, you, you, you.Give yourself a pedicure, play with your pets, spend time with your grandparents, read a good book, watch a rom-com (let’s face it, we all have a favourite), listen to a podcast, bake/cook something for yourself, order your preferred donuts, coffee and watch Friends (or any other comedy show of your choice). I never thought I’d say this but Netflix can be your best friend when you need it to. My personal therapist has been the Qur’an and I’m not exaggerating this in the slightest. I cannot stress enough on the fact that being close to your God does do wonders. So have faith.
Faith in Him and faith in yourself. In one of the verses of the holy Qur’an it has been said, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (2:286). It’s my absolute favourite quote and I honestly elevate my spirits every time it comes to my mind. Take care of yourself. You may feel the need to change your company if your heart’s turning bitter and you’re having negative thoughts. You may feel the need to go off social media to get away from the toxic world that it sometimes becomes. You may feel the need to analyse the behaviour of your family to understand where the real problem lies. Do not ever compare yourself with anyone. We’re all born different and unique, help your parents understand that after you yourself do so.
Always be kind. To anyone and everyone. We never know what effect our actions and words can have on someone. Think before you speak, act wisely. It doesn’t cost us anything to show acts of kindness.
Lastly, it’s never too late to seek help, professional or not. Asking for support and comfort is not a sign of weakness and is nothing to be ashamed of. There are people who want to help you, reach out to them. You’re never alone.
Your mental health is more important than any job, any internship or assignment, more important than being aware about current affairs. Take some time off from this world to spend it for your well-being in another world you need to create for yourselves. You being mentally alive should be your top priority.Mental health is complex, it’s real and worth making time for.
Three Jamia Millia Islamia alumni have been offered membership in the judging panel of Oscar. Nishtha Jain, Shirley Abraham and Amit Mahadesiya, have been nominated in the list of documentary filmmakers. Three of these Indian filmmakers are post graduates from Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC).
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS), USA has offered membership to more than 800 film professionals across the globe in order to give itself a wider and more diverse representation in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity. The Academy is known around the world for its annual Academy Awards, now officially and popularly known as ‘The Oscars’.
The new invitees, which include a number of Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, also include a number of Indian film professionals.
Nishtha Jain completed her post-graduation at the AJK MCRC and later specialized in Film Direction at the FTII, Pune. Her filmography includes the City of Photos (2004), Lakshmi and Me (2007), At my Doorstep (2009), Family Album (2011) and Gulabi Gang (2012) which won the National Award for the Best film on Social Issues in 2014.
She has won 25 international and national film awards and has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships that include the Global Media maker Award (2019) and the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship to teach and research at the University of Texas (Austin) during 2019.
Jain was among six outstanding women documentary filmmakers to receive the Chicken and Egg award 2020 for her film The Golden Thread on the crisis in the jute textile industry. She has just completed her first fiction feature titled Proof (2019).
Shirley Abraham and Amit Mahadesiya graduated from the AJK MCRC in 2006 and collaborated on a series of internationally acclaimed projects. Their debut feature-length documentary Cinema Travelers premiered as an official selection at Cannes Film festival and received a standing ovation.
The film has achieved the rare festival trifecta of Cannes, Toronto, and New York Film Festival and has won 19 awards including the Presidents Gold Medal in India.
Amit Mahedesiya is also a much-acclaimed photographer whose series of 12 photographs titled `Night Screening of Traveling Cinema in India’ received the World Press Photo Award in 2011.
Their documentary Searching for Saraswati (2018) about two villages in the grip of blind faith was commissioned by New York Times Op-Docs. In 2019, Abraham and Mahadesiya made the short and powerful documentary titled The Hour of the Lynching about a case of Muslims being lynched by cow vigilantes. The film can be streamed on The Guardian news website.
After receiving the invite, which would allow her along with the rest of the class of 2020 to vote across categories in the Academy Awards or `Oscars’, Shirley Abraham tweeted: “As an independent filmmaker, I know the value of legitimacy of my voice; of a place at the table. Honored to be invited by @Academy to join as a member A world of work ahead of us and I am so ready.”
Ace Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan, who was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital at Bandra, Mumbai on June 20, is dead. Saroj Khan, who was admitted with breathing complaints died of cardiac arrest at 1.52 am early on Friday. Saroj Khan, the legendary choreographer, had severe diabetes and related illness. She had tested negative for coronavirus. She was 71.
Saroj Khan was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital at Bandra in Mumbai on June 17 after complaining of breathing issues. Her daughter Sukyna Khan informed that her mother has tested negative for Covid-19 and, said that the breathlessness was caused due to cold. Furthermore, she added that Saroj Khan is likely to be discharged from the hospital in the next two to three days.
In a career spanning more than four decades, Saroj Khan choreographed more than 2000 songs.
Saroj Khan, who began working as a background dancer at the age of three, got her first break as an independent choreographer with Geeta Mera Naam in 1974. The three-time National Award winner has been credited with choreographing over 2000 songs, including iconic numbers such as Hawa Hawai from Mr India (1987), Ek Do Teen from Tezaab (1988), Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta (1992) and Dola Re Dola from Devdas (2002).
She last choreographed Madhuri Dixit in the song Tabaah Ho Gaye from Karan Johar’s production Kalank in 2019.
On behalf of Sarojji’s family, her daughter Sukaina Khan conveyed her gratitude to each and everyone who has expressed their condolences. She has also clarified that given the current COVID-19 crisis, there will be no prayer meeting. A gathering to celebrate Masterji’s life will be held at a later date when the pandemic situation is under control.
Saroj Khan’s burial took place in Mumbai. Son Raju Khan performed last rites
The body of Saroj Khan is taken to the Ahle Sunnat cemetery in Malad. Family members have reached the cemetery.
Burial to take place in the cemetery near Malad Chowki today.
Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining US President Donald Trump and dozens of others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad.
Tehran prosecutor Ali Alqasimehr said on Monday that Trump, along with more than 30 others Iran accuses of involvement in the January 3 attack that killed General Qassem Soleimani, face “murder and terrorism charges”, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported.
Alqasimehr did not identify anyone else sought other than Trump, but stressed Iran would continue to pursue his prosecution even after his presidency ends.
Interpol, based in Lyon, France, said in a statement that its constitution forbade it to undertake “any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character”.
“Therefore, if or when any such requests were to be sent to the General Secretariat,” it added, “… Interpol would not consider requests of this nature.”
The US’s Iran envoy Brian Hook described the move as a “propaganda stunt”.
“Our assessment is that Interpol does not intervene and issue Red Notices that are based on a political nature,” Hook said at a news conference in Saudi Arabia.
“This is a political nature. This has nothing to do with national security, international peace or promoting stability … It is a propaganda stunt that no-one takes seriously,” he said.
The Central Government has blocked 59 Chinese apps that included the widely popular TikTok, WeChat and UC Browser, amid a huge economic backlash against China following the June 15 clashes at Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died in action. Sources said inputs from intelligence agencies suggested that the apps have been violating the terms of usage, compromising users privacy, and being used as spyware or malware. Within minutes of the announcement, the Indian government’s TikTok account MyGov, which had 1.1 million followers, was disabled.
The move comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has given a “befitting response” to China. He also spoke of the countrywide call for boycott of Chinese goods, juxtaposing it against the government’s “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” campaign. “We will buy local and be vocal for local and this will help India become stronger,” he said.
In a statement this evening, the government said the apps were blocked “in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.
The statement from the Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology said it had received an “exhaustive recommendation” from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ministry said it also received representations from people on “security of data and risk to privacy” regarding certain apps.
“The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures. At the same time, there have been raging concerns on aspects relating to data security and safeguarding the privacy of 130 crore Indians,” said the release.
The move comes amid a countrywide call from traders and civil society to boycott Chinese products and services after the June 15 clashes. The government had chipped in with a bar on Chinese equipment for the 4G upgradation of the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and sacking of a Chinese firm that had a Rs 471-crore railways contract.
Last week, the government also made the mention of the “Country of Origin” mandatory for sellers listing their products in the Government e-Marketplace — a move that’s expected to add to the odds against Chinese products. E-commerce companies including Amazon and Flipkart, have decided to follow suit.
Here is the full list of apps that have been banned:
1. TikTok 2. Shareit 3. Kwai 4. UC Browser 5. Baidu map 6. Shein 7. Clash of Kings 8. DU battery saver 9. Helo 10. Likee 11. YouCam makeup 12. Mi Community 13. CM Browers 14. Virus Cleaner 15. APUS Browser 16. ROMWE 17. Club Factory 18. Newsdog 19. Beutry Plus 20. WeChat 21. UC News 22. QQ Mail 23. Weibo 24. Xender 25. QQ Music 26. QQ Newsfeed 27. Bigo Live 28. SelfieCity 29. Mail Master 30. Parallel Space 31. Mi Video Call — Xiaomi 32. WeSync 33. ES File Explorer 34. Viva Video — QU Video Inc 35. Meitu 36. Vigo Video 37. New Video Status 38. DU Recorder 39. Vault- Hide 40. Cache Cleaner DU App studio 41. DU Cleaner 42. DU Browser 43. Hago Play With New Friends 44. Cam Scanner 45. Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile 46. Wonder Camera 47. Photo Wonder 48. QQ Player 49. We Meet 50. Sweet Selfie 51. Baidu Translate 52. Vmate 53. QQ International 54. QQ Security Center 55. QQ Launcher 56. U Video 57. V fly Status Video 58. Mobile Legends 59. DU Privacy
The National Human Rights Commission released its report on Anti CAA violence between Students and Police, which occurred more than 7 months ago, where it has blamed and criticized students and university administration for it. The report justified Delhi Police’s assault on students in the library on December 15, 2019 stating that the protesters used the library as a cover and the incident was avoidable.
Protests erupted in and around Jamia Millia Islamia as soon as CAA was passed in the Parliament. People were detained and many were injured during clashes with police during the protests as permission to hold these protests was denied by the university and police authorities.
On December 15, 2019 the report alleges that the gathering had turned violent and was declared “unlawful assembly” by the police. As clashes intensified, the protesters ran for cover from the police into the University library.
“The police was law bound to contain the activities of these unlawful assembly to maintain the law & Order” the report states. “Seeing no other alternative, police also entered inside the campus to contain the violent/unruly mob and to remove them from the campus”
Police officer fires inside the campus of Jamia Millia Islamia during an Anti CAA protest of Jamia students on 13th December 2019. Photo: Sreekanth Sivadasan
The report then shifts the blame on to the university for its lack of security and vigilance which inadvertently led to the assault on students in the library. It states that ID cards were not checked at the entrance of the University of the “unruly mob”.
“It is beyond doubt that students of Jamia Millia Islamia University, local residents, doubtful character, political leaders were actively involved in various violent protests in Jamia area. There is every apprehension that outsiders also entered in the University.” The report also blamed the university for failure of administration as they did not seek any assistance from local police in preventing the gathering.
The report justified the use of disproportionate force against students inside the campus stating that the police action was “avoidable” had the protesters not entered the university.
It called out the use of tear gas shells found inside the library as “irresponsible action” by the police. The report then recommends Government of India to direct the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Director General, CRPF for RAF, to identify members of force (both Delhi Police and RAF), as seen in CCTV footages involved in damaging CCTV Cameras, unnecessarily caning inside the reading rooms of libraries of Jamia Millia Islamia and also using tear gas shells inside the close compound of library, “which has no bearing on the task of controlling law and order.” It meekly suggested that “a suitable action may also be taken against them as per rules and provisions that exist in the respective organizations”.
The report by NHRC then implies of a conspiracy from external forces. “There is need to uncover real actors and motive behind overall protest at Jamia Millia Islamia which seems to be smartly and purportedly organized under disguise of students.” It said.
The NHRC report further cites Article 19 and said, “freedom of speech/expression and assemble peaceably has ‘constitutional limitation attached to it’. The fundamental rights as envisaged under Article 19 of the Constitution cannot be given absolute.” It states that an assembly must be peaceful to get the benefit of this Article as per the constitution and that “law enforcing authorities are the best judge” to take a final call on the situation.
The NHRC then makes the following recommendations based on the findings, and material on record made by NHRC Investigation team
A scene from Jamia library after Police crackdown on 15th December, 2019. Photo: Sreekanth Sivadasan
i. Recommends the Chief Secretary, GNCT Delhi to provide suitable compensation to the injured students on humanitarian grounds;
ii. Recommends the Government of India to, direct the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Director General, CRPF for RAF, to identify members of force (both Delhi Police and RAF), as seen in CCTV footages involved in damaging CCTV Cameras, unnecessarily caning inside the reading rooms of libraries of Jamia Millia Islamia and also using tear gas shells inside the close compound of library, which has no bearing on the task of controlling law and order. A suitable action may also be taken against them as per rules and provisions that exist in the respective organizations;
iii. Recommends the Government of India, to direct to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Director General, CRPF for RAF to ensure that the police force should be sensitized and special training modules be carried out to inculcate professionalism in handling such Law & Order situations;
iv. Recommends the Government of India to direct to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to ensure that the SIT of Crime Branch, Delhi Police investigates all the related cases on merits and in a time bound manner by identifying and arresting the real perpetrators behind this violent protest;
v. Recommends the Government of India to direct to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to expedite administrative enquiry into alleged atrocities by Police inside the library building of Jamia Millia Islamia University on 15/12/2019 being conducted by Addl. CP/Cyber and Technology. The action on its findings and recommendations may be taken promptly;
vi. Recommends to the Government of India to advise to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and other senior officers also to improve and set up a robust intelligence gathering system to ensure better preparedness to prevent such incidents in future. Special steps may be taken to counter rumour mongering and circulation of distorted and false news especially on the social media;
vii. Recommends the Vice Chancellor, Registrar and other authorities of JMI University to establish a mechanism of better communication with the students’ fraternity so that they are not influenced by outsiders and local goons or petty politicians. Also, the university management should ensure timely sharing of information and regular Liaisoning with local police so that such incidents can be prevented in future. A SOP may be prepared to deal with such incident in future;
viii. Recommends to the Secretary, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt of India to look into the difficulty of Jamia Millia Islamia in regard to division of campus across public road namely Mohd. Ali Jauhar Marg and to sort out the issue amicably to avoid Law & Order problems in future.
ix. Recommends to, the Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt of India to submit action taken reports on the letter dated 20.12.2019 of the Registrar, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi.
Police personnel confront students during an Anti CAA protest in Jamia Millia Islamia on 13th December, 2019. Photo: Sreekanth Sivadasan
Upon asking one of the students who were present on campus in the library on 15 December, 2019, when the police barged in, Hashmat, a Masters student at Jamia Millia Islamia said that she was very angry with the National Human Rights body. “There couldn’t have been any more pathetic excuse to suppress us. That they (NHRC) are not questioning the police on their actions in the library. It’s rather a snide remark in the entire report”.
Thousands of people in Sathakulam, a place in the Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, took to the streets to pay their respects for Jayaraj and Fenix, the father-son duo who were brutally tortured and killed while in police custody. There is a wide protest emerged in social media demanding justice for Jayaraj and Fenix.
From May 19, many in the district have been demanding justice for Jayaraj and Fenix. As the father-son duo’s coffins were carried from their residence, many people gathered to say their goodbyes.
Jayaraj and Fenix were one amongst the general public, ordinary middle-class individuals who were tortured and allegedly killed in police custody for one violation – keeping their mobile store open beyond the permitted time during the coronavirus lockdown.
Jayaraj (59) and his son Fenix Emmanuel (31) ran a mobile shop in Tuticorin. On June 19, around 8:15 pm Jayaraj was pulled up by the Sathankulam police officials who were on patrol. They upbraided him for exceeding the curfew by 15 minutes. On Saturday, Jayaraj was taken in by the police and soon after his son Fenix was arrested too when he went to enquire about his father’s arrest.
The two of them were booked under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 353 (use of force to deter public servant from duty) 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), and 506(2) (Punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
In custody, they were allegedly tortured. They were later released and taken to a hospital where a doctor declared them fit despite eyewitnesses reporting that they beaten up and still bleeding.
This might just be one case out of many but it takes only one case to begin the snowball effect. #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix It could’ve been anyone we know. Details are scary and gut wrenching.
The Sathankulam police then approached magistrate B Saravanan for the remand of Jayaraj and Fenix. The magistrate allegedly gave the remand order without physically seeing the father-son duo, which is required to ascertain if detainees are injured.
Fenix’s lawyer who was there in the station when the police officials hit the father-son duo had a horrifying tale to share.
Advocate S Manimaran, an eyewitness to the brutality said, “We were standing out and we were seeing the whole incident from outside through a glass gate. Fenix and his father were beaten. In the morning there was blood all over the place where they were sitting.”
He added that Fenix was beaten so brutally, his flesh was ripped off.
He said, “I gave them four clothes to change. We had laid down a blanket in the seat of the car when we went to pick them up, Fenix had lost a lot of flesh on his back. He was a well-built man. The car driver was in tears seeing their state. The spot where Fenix sat was covered with blood, the place where Jayaraj was sitting was also all blood. The blankets are still with us. They were beaten to death.”
Other eyewitnesses have also claimed that Jayaraj and Fenix were bleeding from their rectum and were allegedly sodomised while in prison.
Jayaraj and his son were later produced before the magistrate and the duo was sent to Kovilpatti sub-jail. That evening, both the father and son were taken to the Kovilpatti government hospital. Fenix died on Monday evening and the following morning Jayaraj succumbed to respiratory illness.
Ever since the news of the deaths first broke, the district of Tuticorin has seen widespread turmoil and protests have broken out in several parts of Tamil Nadu. Across the state several trader union bodies, political outfits, activists, have staged protests against the death of the duo. In Tuticorin, traders downed shutters, protests were held throughout the week.
Celebrities, too, have taken to social media demanding that action be taken against those involved in the death of the duo.
Jayaraj’s wife Selvarani has lodged a complaint and has alleged police brutality as the cause of death of her husband and son.
Famous Tamil radio jockey RJ Suchitra, who made a video on the brutalities endured by the father-son duo also claimed that they were beaten so badly their knee caps were broken and that they were sexually abused and left bleeding in the jail. Her video went viral and has now led to momentum on social media with #JusticeForJayarajAndFenix trending on Twitter.
On social media, many have been drawing a parallel between the death of the duo with the death of African-American George Floyd in the US and are demanding justice. People have been demanding that murder charges be filed against those involved in the tragic death of the two people.
Liverpool’s 30 years of hurt and wait are over. The Premier League is finally heading to Anfield.
Manager Jürgen Klopp was overwhelmed by the emotion of the moment as Kop legends instantly branded his team ‘The Immortals’ for finally ending the three-decade crusade to re-establish their place at the top of English football.
The players partied into the night having gathered at a city centre location in the hope nearest challengers Manchester City would formally relinquish their crown.
Many supporters could not restrain themselves, with road blocks needed around Anfield to prevent thousands heading to the stadium, despite the pleas from Klopp and his players.
Heroes of the past and present delivered eulogies to the manager who has triumphed where seven predecessors have failed since 1990, and when Klopp was interviewed by broadcasters on Sky TV he had to break off as he wept tears of joy.
“It is a big moment. I am completely overwhelmed. I had no idea it would feel like this,” he said. “We had to convince people and that is what we did together.
“For the fans, it is for you. It is incredible. I could not be more proud or what a lot of people in Liverpool did. It has been a very exciting ride since the first day. Now we can enjoy this moment. It is the best thing I can imagine. It is more than I can dream of.
“It was quite intense. But it was an incredible achievement of my players, what they did over the last two or three years is exceptional and a huge joy for me to coach them.”
“It’s relief because of the three-month interruption and nobody knew how it would go on and then we don’t know 100 percent how we would come back.”
Liverpool players gathered together to watch City’s defeat but Klopp acknowledged the unusual circumstances of their triumph.
“We are in a bubble. I know it is difficult out there for a lot of people but these moments are unforgettable,” said Klopp.
