New Delhi: The alleged custodial deaths of three civilians in Kashmir in the aftermath of the Poonch ambush earlier this month got significant space in the Urdu newspapers this week, with an editorial in Inquilab calling for a “multi-dimensional internal strategy” to help bring normalcy in the region.
On 21 December, two army vehicles in Poonch district came under attack from some heavily armed militants. Four soldiers were killed and two were wounded in the incident.
In the aftermath, three civilians who were reportedly picked up for questioning in connection with the incident were eventually found dead while five others were hospitalised. Faced with allegations of custodial torture, the Indian Army instituted an investigation and transferred four officers of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles.
In a separate incident, on 24 December, a retired senior superintendent of police was shot dead by militants while he was offering prayers at a mosque in Baramulla district.
In its editorial on 29 December, Inquilab said that the spate of recent violence in Kashmir was a cause for concern. The recent events have instilled fear and worry among the public, it said.
“The deaths of four soldiers, a retired SSP during prayers, and the (subsequent) deaths of three detained individuals suspected in the killing of soldiers in Rajouri have heightened their apprehension. In light of such incidents, there’s hope that the central government, particularly the Union Home Ministry, comprehends the nature and delicacy of the situation and adopts a strategy that fosters trust among Kashmiris and ensures soldiers’ security,” it said.
Apart from the developments in Kashmir, the Urdu press covered Indian wrestlers’ decision to return their awards in protest of last week’s elections to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and political parties’ preparation for next year’s parliamentary polls.
Here’s a roundup of all the news that made it to the front pages and editorials of Urdu newspapers this week.
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INDIA bloc
In its editorial on 27 December, Siasat suggested that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi could contest the 2024 elections from Telangana. Priyanka’s candidature, this editorial said, could be beneficial for the Congress, although it could also spark contesting claims from other key leaders. Together with Rahul Gandhi, who could re-contest next year’s election from his current constituency, Wayanad, Priyanka’s candidature from Telangana could impact the parliamentary election in the south, it said.
“Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi’s choice of contesting the polls from Rae Bareli (her current seat) could help maintain the north-south balance. Priyanka’s active role in Uttar Pradesh campaigns and potential Telangana involvement might uplift Congress morale,” it said, although it acknowledged that while Priyanka has been active in party responsibilities and campaigns, “she hasn’t directly engaged in electoral contests yet”.
In its editorial on 26 December, Inquilab said that although it isn’t quite known what the INDIA bloc has accomplished so far, what is certain is that there is widespread negative propaganda against it. This one was commenting on reports that the Janata Dal (United) — in particular, its de facto leader Nitish Kumar — is upset with the INDIA bloc after its meeting in New Delhi earlier this month.
“Often, there are reports of discord. If these reports are to be believed, it must be acknowledged that (Bihar CM) Nitish Kumar has been displeased several times,” this editorial said. “It is our assertion that until the India bloc completes its preparations and unveils its cards, such reports will not cease.”
It also conceded that the alliance had several weaknesses — such as a shortage of workers in some parties, inadequate booth management, absence of media support, and an inability to leverage social media tools.
“Skills are also lacking,” it said. “But one advantage that it has that could outweigh all these deficiencies is it’s a coalition of 28 parties whose combined political force surpasses that of the BJP.”
In its 24 December editorial, Siasat said that the coalition should begin serious discussions on seat distribution for next year’s polls.
“A decision should be reached as soon as possible so that the alliance’s candidates get a chance to work in their respective constituencies and reach out to the people. While developing programmes, it’s necessary to send a unified message to the public so that efforts to create differences can be thwarted and no misconceptions arise among the people,” it said.
Wrestlers’ protest
The wrestlers’ opposition to last week’s WFI polls got significant coverage this week. At elections to the wrestling body held on 21 December, Sanjay Singh, an aide of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was unanimously elected as chief of the body.
Brij Bhushan, BJP’s MP from Kaiser Ganj, has been charged with sexual assault allegations by some woman wrestlers.
In protest of the election, Sakshee Malikkh — India’s first female wrestler to have won an Olympic medal — announced she would quit the sport.
In the days that followed, India’s top wrestling names such as Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat announced they would return the awards and honours given to them by the Indian government.
Meanwhile, on 24 December, the Union sports ministry suspended the WFI for flouting its constitution while taking certain decisions — which included the announcement of U-15 and U-20 National Championships.
In its editorial on 28 December, Sahara highlighted the “politicisation” of India’s sports culture, even noting the allegations of communal influence in player selection for games like cricket, football, and wrestling. “Despite complaints, these issues haven’t affected sports management in India,” the editorial said.
On 26 December, Inquilab’s editorial wondered if the wrestlers’ pleas would go unheard.
“If that happens, it signals a significant obstacle in the path of women’s safety and careers,” the editorial said. “On one hand, we talk about saving, educating, and empowering women, while on the other hand, we turn a blind eye to the challenges they face and are reluctant to ensure their safety.”
It was only after wrestlers protested that the government took some decisions, the editorial said. “Understanding the reasons behind these decisions will be crucial,” it said. “But the question remains whether action will be taken against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.”
Siasat’s editorial the same day worried about the impact of continued political interference on India’s sports. “It’s regrettable that women who achieved success nationwide through their hard work, who’ve brought glory to the country by winning international medals, are deprived of justice,” it said.
It also highlighted the delay in filing a First Information Report against Brij Bhushan. Significantly, Delhi Police filed an FIR in April — four months after wrestlers first began their protest.
“All this was possible due to government interference. If such behaviour continues toward the country’s esteemed daughters and sons, if wrongdoers continue to be shielded via political interference and influence, it’s natural for the situation to spiral out of control,” the editorial said, adding that while the sport’s ministry’s decision is a step in the right direction, “there’s a need to capitalise on this opportunity”.
(Edited by Uttara Ramaswamy)
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