Escalating protests by students, CJP members, Congress and other opposition parties, coupled with allegations of excessive state action and restrictions on media access, raise serious concerns about democratic freedoms. Undignified exchanges within and outside Parliament further undermine public confidence in democratic institutions. These developments, reported nationally and internationally, risk aggravating public unrest.
The continuing confrontation between protesters and the authorities has caused widespread concern among social activists and conscientious citizens. An amicable resolution remains imperative. Respect for peaceful dissent, media freedom, parliamentary dignity and the rule of law is essential to restore public trust and safeguard democratic governance.
A.Z. Rafeeque Ahmed
Ambur, Tamil Nadu
BJP’s Reputation of ‘Washing Machine’
The allegation against the saffron party that it is a WASHING MACHINE for tainted leaders who seek immunity by coming under the BJP fold, has once again been in the limelight with the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim governor. A CBI case is ongoing to probe Mr. Gautam’s alleged involvement in the murder of Ankita Bhandari in Rishikesh in the year 2022. Shamelessly, the saffron party appointed him as governor so that he remains immune to the probe by CBI, say reports.
This is extremely dangerous and damaging for democracy and such tainted political persons should be kept out of any posts, let alone Constitutional ones. The Centre under Modi-Shah is increasingly becoming fascist.
Tarun Dutta
Bengaluru, Karnataka
A Strange Practice
The law – enforcement agencies in India have initiated a new practice of demolishing the houses of accused. According to media reports, the Supreme Court of India has raised objections against it, but the practice is continuing. Practically, it is an unwritten law. Muslims are disproportionately affected by it. Nowhere in the world are the accused punished with demolition of their residential places. Governments and International human rights bodies have to take notice of this grave violation.
Qasim Abbas
Toronto, Canada
The Qur’an: The Most Read Book in the World
The Qur’an occupies a unique position over the earliest scriptures mainly because it is the most read and has been preserved with its original Arabic text since its revelation to Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Its central doctrine is: “There is no God save Allah.” It signifies that Allah is theonly Supreme Being to be worshipped and served by man for his success and redemption in both worlds. And it is called Tauhid (monotheism) in Islam. Allah announces in the Qur’an: “Lo! I am Allah. There is no God save Me. So worship Me alone.” (20:14) “Your Lord is only one God (Allah). There is no God save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” (2:163)
The unadulterated oneness of God as taught in the Qur’an has basically contributed to the rapid spread and expansion of Islam and its massive acceptance by people across the world. Muslims recite a section of the Qur’an especially during their five-time daily obligatory prayers. They are not bored nor fatigued while they do it. The more they read it, the more it soothes their heart. As such the Qur’an is called a healing and mercy for believers (17:82). Moreover, Muslims recite and re-recite the whole Qur’an in prayers (Taraveeh) during Ramadan. Even a Muslim begins a good work reciting at least the Qur’anic verse: “Bismillah hir Rahmanir Rahim” (27:30). No scripture or any book is thus most read and recited as the Qur’an by people.
Another miracle attached to the Qur’an is that it still exists with its original Arabic text. Allah says in the Qur’an: “I have sent down the Message (Qur’an) and I will assuredly guard it.” (15:9) This is indeed a Qur’an most honourable in a Book well-protected.”(56:77-78) As soon as the Qur’an was revealed, Prophet Muhammad ﷺfirst memorised and subsequently his companions did so and the practice still continues. There are millions of Muslims who have preserved the entire Qur’an in its original text in their heart. The Qur’an is the only scripture in the world that can be fully memorised. It proves the Qur’an is the most read scripture preserved for guidance of humanity. Allah says: “This is a Book (Qur’an) which I have revealed as blessings; so follow it that ye may receive mercy.” (6:155)
Muhammad Abdus Samad
Ambari,Dhupdhara, Assam