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The Print
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Revoke Gaddar award for Razakar movie produced by BJP leader—civil rights body to Telangana govt
In a press conference Wednesday, the APCR sought the reassessment of the award selection process to ensure 'alignment with principles of historical accuracy and social unity'. It also sought a public statement from Revanth clarifying his government's position on endorsing a film, which 'distorts history and promotes communal disharmony through a state-backed award named after Gaddar'. The movie, 'Razakar: Silent Genocide of Hyderabad', is on the paramilitary wing Razakar which was active during the Nizam's rule in the erstwhile Hyderabad state. Hyderabad: The Telangana chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to revoke the Gaddar award conferred on a movie produced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gudur Narayan Reddy. Born as Gummadi Vithal Rao in 1949, Gaddar was a former Naxalite-turned-social activist who became associated with the Telangana statehood movement. The balladeer passed away in 2023. APCR members took exception to his name being associated with a movie produced by a BJP leader, and one which purportedly paints the Muslims in a negative light. 'This action is critical to restore the integrity of the Gaddar Awards, honour the secular and revolutionary legacy of Gaddar, and address the hurt caused to Telangana's secular communities which want to protect its Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb (read, syncretic ethos),' the APCR said, seeking revocation of the award, Last week, the Congress government-instituted Telangana Gaddar Film Awards gave the movie an award under the 'Environment/Heritage/History' category. It was given three awards—feature film on environment/heritage/ history; best makeup artist, and best music director. This, the APCR members said, is a 'profound insult to the legacy of legendary communist leader and balladeer Gaddar who dedicated his life to secular values and the upliftment of marginalised communities.' They said that the movie blatantly contradicts the Gaddar Awards, which was instituted to celebrate cinematic excellence and cultural integrity. 'The film presents a selective and distorted portrayal of history, reducing the complex Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51) to a communal Hindu-Muslim narrative,' the APCR stated. Originally slated ahead of the 2023 Telangana polls, the movie was released before the 2024 general elections. BJP's Narayan Reddy was accused of creating communal disharmony by portraying the entire Muslim community as anti-Hindu. The Congress party, the association said, opposed the movie before its release due to the divisive content and now endorsed it through the state-backed award. 'This contradictory stance has deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims and secular-minded people across Telangana, who view the awards as an endorsement of communal propaganda.' Meanwhile, a senior functionary of the Telangana Congress Pradesh Committee (TPCC) said that such episode would only distance the minorities from the party. 'Many already take swipe at CM Revanth Reddy by calling him an RSS agent due to his ABVP days. This will only add to it,' he told ThePrint. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Congress in Telangana gave award to Razakar—a propaganda film that demonises Muslims
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Civil rights body urges CM to clarify on giving award to ‘Razakar'
Hyderabad: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Telangana Chapter, along with activists, historians, and members of the Telugu film industry, demanded that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy issue an immediate public statement clarifying the Telangana government's stance on conferring the Gaddar Telangana Film Award to the film 'Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad'. During a press conference held at Basheerbagh Press Club, the activists found that the decision to honor this film with three awards—Feature Film on Environment, Heritage, History; Best Makeup Artist, and Best Music Director—is a profound insult to the legacy of legendary communist leader and balladeer Gaddar, who dedicated his life to secular values and the upliftment of marginalised communities. They demanded that the award be revoked, and to reassess the award selection process to ensure alignment with principles of historical accuracy and social unity. They held that the film presents a selective and distorted portrayal of history, reducing the complex Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51) to a communal Hindu-Muslim narrative. Rather than addressing the feudal, caste, and social power issues central to the struggle, it falsely depicts Razakars as exclusively Muslim, ignoring their diverse composition and the broader context of the Communist-led peasant rebellion against feudal oppression. This communal agenda, evident throughout the film, vilifies the Muslim community and distorts the legacy of the Nizam's rule, undermining the principles of communal harmony and historical integrity that Gaddar championed. Awarding such a film in his name is a betrayal of his lifelong fight for justice and equality, they claimed.
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan condemns rising Islamophobia in India
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in Islamophobic incidents and human rights violations across India. Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stated this while responding to media queries about increase in Islamophobic incidents across India. Pakistan calls upon the Government of India to uphold the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of faith, the spokesperson added. 'The targeting of Muslims through hate speech, discriminatory actions, and state complicity is a matter of serious concern for the international community,' Ambassador Shafqat remarked. Foreign office summons Indian diplomat in Islamabad At a time when restraint and reconciliation are most needed, the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes violates international human rights obligations and vitiates the prospects for communal harmony, and regional stability.' Earlier this month, New Delhi-based Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) reported that over 184 hate crimes targeting Muslims were recorded across India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Each case has been documented with verified sources and relevant details in our updated report. According to the Association report, Pahalgam terror attack spiked incidents of hate crime targeted at Muslims. This is an updated version of the previous report, with incidents dating from 22 April 2025 to 8 May 2025. To access data about hate crime incidents. Around 184 hate crimes were reported across India. 106 of these were linked to the Pahalgam terror attack, with the latter serving as the triggering factor. A minimum of 316 individuals were affected, physically or otherwise; this figure is an estimate and the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting and lack of documentation, APCR pointed out. The acts had common patterns that were neither random nor isolated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan says India violating human rights obligations through Islamophobic actions
Listen to article Pakistan on Saturday expressed deep concern over the growing number of Islamophobic incidents across India and warned that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes violates India's international human rights obligations. In a statement responding to media queries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan strongly condemned the targeting of Muslims through hate speech, discriminatory policies, and acts of violence, reportedly carried out with the complicity or silence of Indian authorities. 'Pakistan calls upon the Indian government to uphold the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of faith,' the spokesperson said, warning that the deliberate incitement of religious hatred for political or ideological purposes was in violation of India's international human rights obligations. Khan added that such actions, at a time when restraint and reconciliation are most needed, further undermine prospects for communal harmony and regional stability. Read more: Indian Muslim's home demolished over 'Pakistan Zindabad' chant during cricket match The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following New Delhi's accusations—leveled without evidence—linking Islamabad to the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Pakistani government has strongly rejected the allegations. Human rights organisations, including the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), have recorded at least 21 incidents of anti-Muslim violence across India in the days following the attack. These include physical assaults on Kashmiri Muslims, hate speeches at public rallies, and reported calls for the expulsion of Muslim students from hostels. The situation has been further inflamed by the rise of incendiary music aligned with Hindutva ideology. Songs disseminated widely through platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp have been accused of inciting hatred against Muslims. One such song, Pehle Dharam Pocha ('They Asked About Religion First'), surfaced shortly after the Pahalgam incident, accusing Indian Muslims of conspiring against Hindus. It has garnered over 140,000 views in less than a week. Other tracks such as Ab Ek Nahi Huye Toh Kat Jaaoge ('If You Don't Unite Now You Will Be Slaughtered') and Jaago Hindu Jaago ('Wake Up, Hindus') have called on Hindus to identify 'traitors within the country'—a phrase widely seen as a veiled reference to Muslims. In parallel with the online hate campaign, authorities in Gujarat reportedly demolished around 2,000 huts, which officials claimed were illegally occupied by undocumented migrants from Bangladesh. Activists, however, argue that the demolitions are part of a broader pattern of systemic discrimination aimed at portraying Indian Muslims as 'outsiders' and pushing them further to the margins of society. Also read: Pakistan condemns Modi's Gujarat speech as 'reckless provocation' The demolitions have displaced thousands, worsening the precarious living conditions of affected families and contributing to a growing sense of insecurity within the community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government—widely seen as closely aligned with right-wing Hindu nationalist groups—has come under increasing criticism for its failure to curb hate speech and protect minority communities. Critics argue that the state's silence, and in some cases active participation, in anti-Muslim actions has emboldened extremist elements.
See - Sada Elbalad
18-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
APCR Report: Dozens of Attacks on Muslims Recorded Since Pahalgam Incident
H-Tayea A recent report released by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has documented a disturbing surge in violence and harassment targeting the Muslim community in India following the Pahalgam incident. According to the report, there have been 39 physical assaults, 19 acts of vandalism, and 42 incidents of harassment against Muslims recorded in the days since the Pahalgam episode. The findings suggest a pattern of targeted communal aggression, rather than random or isolated acts. The report, cited in The Wire and amplified by journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani, warns that these incidents come at a critical juncture when national unity and solidarity are most needed. Instead, the period has been marked by a sharp rise in communal polarization, according to the APCR. 'These incidents were neither random nor isolated,' the report states. 'At a time when unity and solidarity were the need of the hour, the nation witnessed increased communal polarization.' Civil rights advocates and legal experts have expressed concern over the growing normalization of hate crimes and the apparent lack of accountability for those responsible. The report calls for urgent intervention by law enforcement agencies and political leaders to restore communal harmony and uphold the constitutional promise of equality and protection for all citizens. The APCR has urged the government to take immediate steps to investigate the incidents, provide justice for victims, and implement stronger safeguards against hate-driven violence. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
