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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state...

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state between 2021-2024.   When asked for his reactions, Fadnavis told media-persons in Nagpur that he had not read the letter, but the issue raised is important and he would reply to it. Fadnavis stated that the NCRB has also provided the reasons why the kids go ‘missing’, how they return and the period, ranging from 3 days to 18 months.   Dwelling on the sufficiency of the NCRB figures, he contended that they reflect only complaints formally registered by the police and thousands of cases may never be reported.   On the ‘rescue, return and reunion’ of such missing children, he pointed to the sheer psychological trauma they may have suffered and sought to know how such child-lifter networks continued to thrive openly and blatantly.   The MNS chief targeted what he claimed was the “state’s lack of proactive measures to identify and dismantle child-begging rackets” as many juveniles can be seen begging at railway stations, bus stands, traffic signals, often accompanied by adults with doubtful authenticity.   “If some woman claims to be the child’s relative or guardian, should the government not order a thorough probe? Is it inappropriate to consider even a DNA test in suspicious cases,” Raj Thackeray demanded.   Slamming the government and the Opposition, he lamented how both sides failed to prioritise such urgent social issues in the legislature where discussions centre around partisan sparring.   The letter also mentions attempts by the Centre to coordinate with states on the ‘missing or trafficked children’, regretting how political upmanships and symbolic debates prevent meaningful action on the ground.   The NCRB said that Maharashtra has consistently ranked among states with the highest number of ‘missing children’, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.   Simultaneously, experts, child rights NGOs and activists have warned about trafficking networks that exploit poverty, migration and weak law enforcement and low convictions, despite official rescue missions or rehab efforts.   In his appeal, Raj Thackeray called upon Fadnavis to take concrete, visible measures rather than discussions and conventions. “Maharashtra expects decisive steps from you, not speeches. Jai Maharashtra,” he signed off.     In October 2023,Sharad Pawar red-flagged ‘missing girls-women’ This is the second major social cause by a political leader, two years after Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar had red-flagged nearly 20,000 ‘missing women and girls’ from the state between Jan-May 2023.   In the present instance, Raj Thackeray said that “behind the statistics lies a far more disturbing reality involving organised, inter-state gangs that kidnap children, physically abuse them and force them into begging rings”.   “Little kids are assaulted, made to beg and shifted across states. Groups of children disappear suddenly, and the government appears unable, or unwilling, to grasp the seriousness of what is happening,” said Thackeray in a strong tone.

Pahalgam attack aftermath: Kashmiri students threatened, businesses hit as tensions rise

Updated: Apr 28


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Srinagar: After the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 tourists, Kashmiri students across India have been facing threats, harassment, and violence.


Several incidents have been reported in different states where students were attacked, forced out of hostels, called terrorists, and warned to leave immediately or face consequences.


At Arni University in Himachal Pradesh, hostel doors were broken by outsiders who abused Kashmiri students. In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, a Hindu Raksha Dal video went viral, warning Kashmiris to leave or be killed, forcing many students to pack up and flee.


In Derabassi, Punjab, attackers entered a hostel after midnight, tore students’ clothes, and injured a student with a sharp weapon. In Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, some landlords asked Kashmiri tenants to vacate their homes. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has called these attacks a targeted hate campaign.


Its convenor, Nasir Khuehami, said this is a planned move to harass Kashmiris and is not just a reaction to the terror attack. He appealed to state governments and national leaders to act quickly and ensure the safety of Kashmiri students. Students have been advised to stay indoors, avoid political arguments, and not post anything sensitive on social media. Police in Dehradun have increased patrolling and removed over two dozen social media posts that promoted violence.


The situation between India and Pakistan has also worsened after the attack. India has accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorists behind the attack and suspended several agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty. Visa services have been cancelled, diplomatic ties have been downgraded, and cross-border trade has been stopped. Pakistan has also retaliated by closing its airspace, halting trade with India, and cutting diplomatic contacts. Both countries are in a tense standoff, and peace talks have completely broken down.


The tension is badly hitting Kashmiri businesses, especially in tourism and trade. Tour bookings to Kashmir are being cancelled, handicraft orders have been put on hold, and many goods are stuck due to the shutdown of trade routes. According to local businessmen, they are suffering huge losses and fear that the situation could get worse in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, security forces have launched large-scale operations against terrorists in Kashmir.


Army and police units have stepped up search operations across southern districts like Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama. The army has increased its presence in sensitive areas to prevent further attacks. Officials say they are working to dismantle the network behind the Pahalgam attack and prevent any future strikes.


Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti have condemned both the terror attack and the violence against Kashmiri students. They have urged the government of India to ensure that innocent Kashmiris are not punished for the acts of a few. Political leaders and student groups are also appealing to citizens to maintain peace and not fall for hate propaganda being spread online. The situation remains tense but under close watch. Both sides, however, remain on high alert.

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