The United States and Canada are dialling down their diatribe over the alleged New Delhi hand in the killing of Sikh pro-Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar amid a strong pushback from India about the “operating space” given to violent militants due to domestic political compulsions.
A group of radical Sikh activists in the UK prevented the Indian high commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami, from entering a gurdwara in Scotland. The activists claimed that Indian officials are not welcome in any gurdwara in the UK, citing recent tensions and targeting of British Sikhs. A video of the incident was posted on Instagram, showing a confrontation between the activists and a gurdwara committee member.
A Varanasi court rejected Thursday a plea by the Gyanvapi mosque management to stop the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) scientific study and survey of the complex, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in the city.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington. The meeting comes amid serious diplomatic tensions between India and Canada stirred by the killing of a Khalistani terrorist.
The home ministry has opened up for tourists two forbidden areas close to the strategic Chang Chenmo sector north of Pangong lake in Ladakh, even as the border standoff with China runs into its fourth year. A September 14 circular by the ministry also allows foreign tourists to stay overnight in Hanle, a Mecca for stargazers 254 km east of Leh.
Intelligence agencies are concerned about a meeting between Khalistani separatists and a member of the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA) in Canada. Lien Gangte, president of the Canada chapter of NAMTA, was allowed to speak at a gurdwara controlled by Khalistanis. The NAMTA has posted messages endorsing Gangte's outreach to the gurdwara. The agencies are monitoring the situation, particularly for potential alliances.
Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman has been chosen as the recipient of the 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honor. Rehman, known for her beauty and acting skills, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her, and the timing of the award coincided with the birth centenary of her co-star Dev Anand, with whom she frequently collaborated.