Nation Pulse 24

Author: Nation Pulse 24

  • Veteran Urdu Poet Zia Nehtauri Passes Away at 87, Leaving Dehradun’s Literary World in Mourning

    Veteran Urdu Poet Zia Nehtauri Passes Away at 87, Leaving Dehradun’s Literary World in Mourning

    Veteran Urdu Poet Zia Nehtauri Passes Away at 87, Leaving Dehradun’s Literary World in Mourning

     Literary figures and admirers pay heartfelt tributes; demand grows for posthumous recognition of his contributions

    Dehradun: Veteran Urdu poet, renowned fine artist and patron of Progressive Community, Zia Nehtauri, passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Mehunwala after a prolonged illness. He was 87. His demise has sent a wave of grief through the literary, social and cultural circles of Dehradun, where he devoted more than six decades of his life to the promotion of Urdu and Hindi literature, art and social harmony. He was laid to rest in Dehradun on Monday evening.

    Zia Nehtauri was much more than a distinguished poet. He was a multifaceted personality whose contributions to literature, visual arts and social service earned him immense respect. Known for his simplicity, self-respect, warm nature and commitment to literary values, he played an important role in nurturing literary talent and encouraging emerging poets and writers.

    Throughout his long literary journey, Nehtauri worked to strengthen the shared cultural heritage of Urdu and Hindi. His creative work and commitment to communal harmony made him a respected figure among writers, poets, artists and admirers from different walks of life.

    Alongside his literary pursuits, Zia Nehtauri was a professional press photographer and a well-known fine artist. He maintained a close connection with society through his artistic skills and professional work.

    He ran his photography studio at Kamal Market in Dhamawala for nearly 40 years. During this period, he also provided free photography-related services to people in need, reflecting his compassionate nature and commitment to helping others.

    For Nehtauri, art was not merely a means of earning a livelihood; it was also a way to connect with people and contribute to society. Despite limited resources, he continued to help others while maintaining his dignity and independence. This spirit of service remained a defining feature of his personality.

    Expressing profound grief over his demise, internationally recognised poet Afzal Mangalori, a member of the Uttarakhand Language Institute and former Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Urdu Academy, described Nehtauri as a person who lived his entire life with dignity, self-respect and integrity.

    Mangalori said that people like Zia Nehtauri are an invaluable asset to society, and the importance of their contributions extends far beyond their lifetime. He recalled how Nehtauri had encouraged numerous poets and writers, including himself, to develop their abilities and move forward in their literary journeys.

    He said Nehtauri’s contribution to promoting emerging literary talent would always be remembered.

    Highlighting his lifelong service to literature and society, Mangalori said he would meet Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and request appropriate posthumous recognition for the late poet. He stressed that writers, artists and social contributors who dedicate their lives to serving society deserve due recognition for their work.

    Zia Nehtauri was the patron of Progressive Community. The organisation’s office-bearers and members expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing it as an irreparable loss to the literary and social landscape.

    Those paying tribute included Progressive Community President Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui; Vice-Presidents Khalid Farooqui, Ashraf Hashmi and Sabir Siddiqui; General Secretary Dr. Jamshed Usmani; Convener Syed Suhail Zameer, Advocate; Arif Siddiqui; M.M. Siddiqui; Advocate Syed Mubashir Hussain; Advocate Danish; Advocate Farzanullah Usmani Ghazali; Syed Owais Thanvi; Asif Thanvi; and Amanullah Usmani, among others.

    Members of the organisation said Nehtauri’s life exemplified simplicity, brotherhood, mutual respect and dedicated literary service. His passing, they observed, was not merely the loss of a senior poet but also the departure of a representative of a generation that worked tirelessly to connect literature with society and strengthen communal harmony.

    Several prominent personalities from literary and cultural circles also expressed grief over Nehtauri’s demise. Poets and writers Amber Kharbanda, Aslam Khataulvi, Monika Mantasha, Dolly Dabral, Afzal Mangalori, Vijay Droni, R.A. Khan and Dard Garhwali, among others, conveyed their condolences and offered prayers for the departed soul.

    His death has dealt a significant blow to Dehradun’s rich literary tradition, where Urdu and Hindi writers have worked together over the years to promote creativity, cultural understanding and shared values.

    Through his decades-long literary and artistic journey, Nehtauri made a meaningful contribution to preserving and strengthening this composite cultural heritage.

    The passing of Zia Nehtauri has left his family and loved ones in profound grief. Members of the literary and social fraternity extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience during this difficult time.

    Nehtauri’s life stands as an example of how a person can earn a respected place in society through artistic talent, integrity, self-respect and a commitment to serving others, regardless of financial circumstances.

    His contributions to Urdu and Hindi literature, fine arts, photography and the encouragement of young literary talent will remain part of Dehradun’s cultural memory for years to come.

    With his demise, Dehradun has lost a veteran literary figure whose legacy was defined not only by his creative achievements but also by his humanity, simplicity, dignity and enduring commitment to social harmony.

    Nation Pulse 24 extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the literary fraternity. May the departed soul rest in peace.

  • Haridwar Raises Its Voice Against Drugs Through Mini Marathon

    Haridwar Raises Its Voice Against Drugs Through Mini Marathon

    Haridwar Raises Its Voice Against Drugs Through Mini Marathon

     Atulya Foundation and Haridwar Police Join Hands to Spread Awareness; Children and Youth Participate Enthusiastically

    Nation Pulse 24

    Haridwar (Deepak Maurya): With the aim of spreading public awareness against drug abuse and encouraging young people to lead a drug-free life, the Run Against Drugs Mini Marathon was organised on Sunday through a joint initiative of Atulya Foundation and Haridwar Police.

    The marathon began at Rishikul Ground and witnessed enthusiastic participation from schoolchildren, young people, representatives and members of voluntary organisations, and individuals from various walks of life across the district.

    The event was flagged off by District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, Mayor Kiran Jaisal, SP City Deepak Singh, Archana Jain, head of the ACUMS family, and Pragya Dixit. Through their participation, the runners conveyed a strong message about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and the need to build a drug-free society.

    As per the designated route, the marathon started from Rishikul Ground and passed through Ranipur Mor, Arya Nagar, Jwalapur Railway Station, Bhagat Singh Chowk, Tibri Underpass and Old Ranipur Mor before returning to Rishikul Ground. The participants displayed great enthusiasm throughout the event.

    Competitions were organised in different categories as part of the marathon. According to the available information, Sagar Pal secured first place, Yash Kumar finished second, and Nitin came third in the professional category.

    In the senior citizens’ category, Muniram secured first place, Vineet Jelan finished second, and Yogendra took third place. In the women’s category, Shivangi won first place, Anjali secured second place, and Radhika finished third.

    Several prominent personalities and social workers attended the event, including Mahavir Negi, Founder-President of Atulya Foundation; senior journalist Rupesh Walia; Vishal Goswami; Om Prakash; Aditya Goswami; Suryakant Belwal, General Secretary of the Press Club; senior journalist Ashwani Arora; and Mudit Agarwal, along with members of various social organisations.

    The primary objective of the initiative was to motivate young people and the general public to stay away from drugs and encourage greater public participation in building a healthier, safer and more aware society.

    The mini marathon served as a platform to reinforce the message that collective efforts, public awareness and youth participation are essential to tackling the growing challenge of drug abuse.

  • Jamiat Helps Rebuild Roof for Three Orphaned Children in Vikasnagar, Fulfils Its Promise

    Jamiat Helps Rebuild Roof for Three Orphaned Children in Vikasnagar, Fulfils Its Promise

    Jamiat Helps Rebuild Roof for Three Orphaned Children in Vikasnagar, Fulfils Its Promise Vikasnagar 

    Vikasnagar, September 26: Three orphaned children in Bhimawala village, who had been forced to live under the open sky after their house collapsed during heavy rains, have received a ray of hope after Jamiat Ulama-e-Uttarakhand, with the support of local community members, completed the construction of their house roof.

    The children — Sohel Malik, Mohammad Salman and Israel — lost the roof over their heads when their kutcha house collapsed on August 5, 2026, following continuous heavy rainfall. All three children had already lost their parents and were left without a safe shelter.

    After receiving information about the incident, a team of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Uttarakhand, visited the spot on August 7 and assessed the situation. After seeing the difficult circumstances faced by the children, the Jamiat team assured them of all possible assistance and promised to support the reconstruction of the house and arrange for the roof to be built.

    On September 26, the Jamiat team returned to Bhimawala village along with community supporters and completed the roof construction work.

    With the roof now in place, the children are hopeful of getting a safe and secure home. Local residents appreciated the initiative and the humanitarian efforts of the Jamiat, saying that while government assistance was taking time, the organisation stepped forward to support the children.

    Muhammad Shah Nazar, Media In-charge and spokesperson of Jamiat Ulama-e-Uttarakhand, said that the organisation’s team had visited the site after receiving information about the house collapse. At that time, the children were assured that their roof would be rebuilt, and the promise has now been fulfilled with the support of members of the community.

    He said that Jamiat has been continuously involved in social welfare, disaster relief and assistance for poor and orphaned people, and would continue such humanitarian initiatives in the future.

    According to Shah Nazar, Jamiat has undertaken various welfare activities across Uttarakhand, including assistance to disaster victims, distribution of blankets and ration to needy families, and educational support.

    Recently, a special camp related to the Umeed Portal for registration of Waqf properties was also organised at Madrasa Dar-e-Arqam in Dehradun.

    Members of the Jamiat delegation present on the occasion included Qari Abid, General Secretary of the Dehradun District Unit; Mufti Ayaz Ahmad, President of Dehradun City Unit; Master Abdul Sattar, District Treasurer; Maulana Abdul Khaliq, General Secretary of the Vikasnagar Unit; Qari Farid, Maulana Rehan Ghani and Maulana Zeeshan, along with other members.

  • Journalist Union of Uttarakhand Elects New Dehradun District Body

    Journalist Union of Uttarakhand Elects New Dehradun District Body

    Journalist Union of Uttarakhand Elects New Dehradun District Body

    Moolchand Shirshwal elected District President, Jyoti Bhatt Dhayani General Secretary and Devendra Chamoli Treasurer

    Dehradun: The Dehradun district elections of the Journalist Union of Uttarakhand were successfully concluded on Thursday, following which a new district executive committee of the organisation was constituted.

    Moolchand Shirshwal was elected District President, Jyoti Bhatt Dhayani as District General Secretary, and Devendra Chamoli as District Treasurer.

    With the formation of the new executive body, the Dehradun district unit of the organisation has been entrusted with new responsibilities.

    Speaking on the occasion, State General Secretary Girish Pant said that journalism is currently facing several challenges. In such circumstances, the responsibility of journalist organisations becomes even more important. He said the organisation must work towards better coordination among journalists and play an active role in taking their various issues to the appropriate forums.

    The programme was presided over by State President Uma Shankar Praveen Mehta, who said that the newly elected district executive would give priority to issues concerning journalists and work collectively to further strengthen the organisation. He said that a united effort would help ensure that journalists’ concerns are effectively presented before the concerned authorities and forums.

    Blood Donation Champion Anil Verma and environmentalist Jagdish Bawla also expressed their views on the occasion. They said that journalism is facing several challenges in the present era and, therefore, the role of journalist organisations has become increasingly significant.

    They said that the Journalist Union has been among the organisations in Uttarakhand that have consistently raised the issues faced by journalists and has undertaken several notable initiatives in the interest of the journalist community.

    They expressed hope that the newly elected district executive would work actively to strengthen coordination among journalists, strengthen the organisation and take various issues concerning journalists to the appropriate platforms.

    The newly elected District President Moolchand Shirshwal, District General Secretary Jyoti Bhatt Dhayani and District Treasurer Devendra Chamoli thanked the members of the organisation and their fellow journalists for entrusting them with the responsibility.

    They assured the gathering that they would discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them with complete dedication and honesty. They said that issues concerning journalists would be taken up on priority and collective efforts would be made to safeguard their interests.

    During the programme, outgoing District President Mohammad Shah Nazar presented a report on the work carried out during his tenure.

    Several office-bearers and members were present on the occasion, including State Treasurer Lalita Baluni, State Vice-President Rajendra Verma, S.P. Uniyal, Adhir Mukherjee, Dwijendra Bahuguna, Sanjay Agarwal, Aarti Verma, Javed, Naveen Badthwal, Kishan Singh Gusain, Satish Kumar Pundir, Viresh Rohila, Deepak Kumar Gupta, Vishwajit, Afroz Khan, Mohammad Khalid, Raksha Sharma, Deepika Anand, Rajiv Anand, Arif Khan, Virendra Dutt Gairola, Zahid, Dharmendra Prasad Bhatt, Smita Khanduri, Sonakshi, Vikas Chauhan, Vijay Lakshmi, Saurabh Dhaundiyal and Lalit Mohan Lakheda.

    Haridwar Press Club General Secretary Suryakant Belwal, Jagdish Singh Rawat, Rampal Bharti, C.R. Bhatt and Pratap Singh, among others, were also present.

    The newly constituted Dehradun district executive is expected to focus on strengthening coordination among journalists and raising issues related to the profession before the appropriate platforms.

  • Journalist Union of Uttarakhand Expresses Concern Over Harassment of Journalists

    Journalist Union of Uttarakhand Expresses Concern Over Harassment of Journalists

    Journalist Union of Uttarakhand Expresses Concern Over Harassment of Journalists

    Dehradun: The state executive committee meeting of the Journalist Union of Uttarakhand discussed in detail the problems being faced by journalists and expressed serious concern over alleged incidents of assault, harassment, threats and detention of journalists for asking questions in different parts of the country.

    The meeting, held at a restaurant in Dehradun on Monday, also decided to hold elections for the Dehradun district executive committee on September 24.

    Addressing the meeting, state president of the union Uma Shankar Praveen Mehta said that journalists play an important role in a democracy by bringing the voice of the people before the authorities and society. He said it was essential to provide journalists with a safe environment where they could work independently and fearlessly.

    Mehta expressed concern over the alleged assault on women journalists in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, saying that targeting journalists while they are performing their professional duties is a serious matter and raises questions about freedom of expression and the democratic system.

    State general secretary Girish Pant referred to several recent incidents involving journalists. He said that in Delhi, journalists Nafisa Khan and Shaheen Khan allegedly faced physical assault while in police custody. The meeting also discussed the registration of a case against Pooja Mathur, a journalist involved in ground reporting in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

    Girish Pant said that a journalist’s responsibility is to reach the spot, understand the situation and present the facts before the public. If journalists engaged in ground reporting are subjected to cases and harassment for asking questions, independent journalism will inevitably be affected.

    He also raised concern over the alleged harassment of woman journalist Divya Srivastava in Lucknow in connection with asking questions.

    Union office-bearers said that complaints of attacks, threats and harassment of journalists are emerging from different parts of the country. They said that if such incidents are not effectively prevented, they could have a direct impact on independent journalism and the democratic process.

    Taking the matter seriously, the meeting unanimously decided that letters would be sent to the President of India, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) regarding the alleged incidents involving journalists. Through these letters, the union will demand necessary steps to ensure the safety of journalists, protect their constitutional rights and provide them with an environment conducive to independent reporting.

    The meeting also discussed the union’s upcoming organisational activities. It was decided that a souvenir would be published in October, while a national-level conference would be organised in November. The members also agreed to send a delegation from Uttarakhand to represent the state at the proposed national conference of women journalists in Hyderabad.

    The meeting also observed a two-minute silence and expressed condolences over the sudden demise of Girja Shankar Joshi, Information Officer and Assistant Director posted in Nainital district. The members prayed for peace to the departed soul and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.

    Those present at the meeting included state treasurer Lalita Baluni, Sanjeev Pant, S.P. Uniyal, Dwijendra Bahuguna, Virendra Dutt Gairola, Anil Verma, Adhir Mukherjee, Devendra Prasad Chamoli, Girish Tiwari, Zahid Ali, Veniram Uniyal, Abhinav Nayak, Sumit Dabral, C.R. Bhatt, Dharmendra Bhatt, Jyoti Bhatt, Ashok Sharma, Mohammad Khalid, Mohammad Shahnazar, Afroz Khan, Viresh Rohila, Kishan Singh Gusain and Ashutosh Uniyal, besides other office-bearers and members of the union.

  • Syed Sartaj Ahmad Appointed Vice President of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Syed Sartaj Ahmad Appointed Vice President of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Syed Sartaj Ahmad Appointed Vice President of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Dehradun: Senior social worker and Congress leader Syed Sartaj Ahmad has been appointed as the Vice President of Uttarakhand Minority Congress. The appointment has been made through the state Minority Congress Committee, following an order issued by the National Coordinator of the All India Minority Congress Committee.

    The appointment of Syed Sartaj Ahmad is being viewed as an important responsibility in recognition of his long-standing association with the Congress organization and his active involvement in social work. Following the announcement, Congress workers and his supporters expressed happiness and congratulated him on the new responsibility.

    Syed Sartaj Ahmad has been associated with the Congress organization for several years and has held various organizational positions. He has also served as Secretary and General Secretary in the Dehradun Metropolitan Congress organization, where he remained actively involved in organizational activities and public issues.

    His organizational journey includes several important assignments. In 2013, he served as District Vice President of the IT Department. In 2015, he was appointed State Secretary of the IT Department, followed by his appointment as State General Secretary of the Minority Department in 2016. In 2021, he was given the responsibility of State Coordinator of the Vichar Department.

    Apart from his political activities, Ahmad has also remained actively associated with several social organizations. He has served as Metropolitan Vice President of the Nirbhala Varg Jankalyan Parishad and has also held the position of District President of Janhit Forum and Civil Liberties Organization. Through these organizations, he has remained associated with various social and public welfare issues.

    Syed Sartaj Ahmad has also held important positions in Congress-supported organizations. He served as State General Secretary of the National Congress Brigade and as State Vice President of the National Sonia Gandhi Brigade Congress.

    With his extensive organizational experience and long association with both political and social activities, his appointment as Vice President of the Uttarakhand Minority Congress is considered significant. He is expected to play an active role in strengthening the organization at the grassroots level and connecting the party with different sections of society.

    After his appointment, Syed Sartaj Ahmad expressed gratitude to the senior leadership and organizational authorities for entrusting him with the responsibility. He said that he would discharge his new responsibility with full dedication, sincerity and commitment and would continue working to strengthen the Congress organization and raise issues concerning the public.

    Congress workers, social activists and his supporters congratulated Syed Sartaj Ahmad on his appointment and expressed confidence that his experience and organizational capabilities would further strengthen the Minority Congress in Uttarakhand.

  • Shadab Alam Joins All India National Monitoring Committee

    Shadab Alam Joins All India National Monitoring Committee

    Shadab Alam Joins All India National Monitoring Committee

    Gets Responsibility Alongside 51 Prominent Personalities; Committee to Monitor Alleged Cases of Persecution, Violence and Hate Crimes

    Haldwani: Shadab Alam, a resident of Haldwani, has been given a responsibility in the All India National Monitoring Committee, a committee formed with the participation of former chief ministers, MPs, former Union ministers, members of commissions, social workers, lawyers, academics and prominent activists from across the country.

    According to the information available, 51 prominent personalities from different fields have been included in the committee. The committee is aimed at monitoring cases allegedly involving persecution, violence, discrimination and hate crimes against Muslims and bringing relevant facts, documents and reports into the public domain.

    Shadab Alam Included in Committee Secretariat

    Shadab Alam has reportedly been included in the secretariat of the committee. He has been associated with social and legal issues for a considerable period and has worked on matters related to High Court cases, fact-finding reports and tracking of alleged hate-crime incidents.

    His new responsibility is being viewed as significant, particularly because the committee brings together people from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the country.

    Several Prominent Names Associated With Committee

    According to the information provided, the committee includes several prominent personalities, including former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, Nadeem Khan, MP Iqra Hasan, MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, Imran Masood, Mohammad Adeeb, former Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Shia scholar Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, Professor Mohammad Ali Mahmoodabad, Abu Azmi, Maulana Ubaidullah Azmi and Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, among others.

    The inclusion of personalities from politics, law, academia and civil society is intended to give the committee a broad-based character.

    Focus on Fact-Finding and Monitoring

    The committee is expected to focus on collecting information related to reported incidents, examining available documents and conducting fact-finding exercises. Monitoring the progress of cases and compiling reports related to alleged hate crimes will also form an important part of its work.

    The stated objective is to ensure that facts and documentation relating to such incidents are systematically collected and brought before the public.

    Recognition for Haldwani-Based Activist

    Shadab Alam’s inclusion in the national-level committee is being seen as an important development for Haldwani. His experience in dealing with legal matters, High Court-related cases, fact-finding initiatives and hate-crime tracking is expected to be relevant to the responsibilities assigned to him.

    With his inclusion in the committee’s secretariat, Alam will now have an opportunity to work at the national level alongside prominent personalities associated with social, political, legal and public-interest issues.

  • Shadab Alam Joins All India National Monitoring Committee

    Shadab Alam Joins All India National Monitoring Committee

    Shadab Alam Joins All India National Monitoring Committee

    Gets Responsibility Alongside 51 Prominent Personalities; Committee to Monitor Alleged Cases of Persecution, Violence and Hate Crimes

     

    Haldwani: Shadab Alam, a resident of Haldwani, has been given a responsibility in the All India National Monitoring Committee, a committee formed with the participation of former chief ministers, MPs, former Union ministers, members of commissions, social workers, lawyers, academics and prominent activists from across the country.
    According to the information available, 51 prominent personalities from different fields have been included in the committee. The committee is aimed at monitoring cases allegedly involving persecution, violence, discrimination and hate crimes against Muslims and bringing relevant facts, documents and reports into the public domain.

    Shadab Alam Included in Committee Secretariat

    Shadab Alam has reportedly been included in the secretariat of the committee. He has been associated with social and legal issues for a considerable period and has worked on matters related to High Court cases, fact-finding reports and tracking of alleged hate-crime incidents.
    His new responsibility is being viewed as significant, particularly because the committee brings together people from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the country.

    Several Prominent Names Associated With Committee

    According to the information provided, the committee includes several prominent personalities, including former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, Nadeem Khan, MP Iqra Hasan, MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, Imran Masood, Mohammad Adeeb, former Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Shia scholar Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, Professor Mohammad Ali Mahmoodabad, Abu Azmi, Maulana Ubaidullah Azmi and Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, among others.
    The inclusion of personalities from politics, law, academia and civil society is intended to give the committee a broad-based character.

    Focus on Fact-Finding and Monitoring

    The committee is expected to focus on collecting information related to reported incidents, examining available documents and conducting fact-finding exercises. Monitoring the progress of cases and compiling reports related to alleged hate crimes will also form an important part of its work.
    The stated objective is to ensure that facts and documentation relating to such incidents are systematically collected and brought before the public.

    Recognition for Haldwani-Based Activist

    Shadab Alam’s inclusion in the national-level committee is being seen as an important development for Haldwani. His experience in dealing with legal matters, High Court-related cases, fact-finding initiatives and hate-crime tracking is expected to be relevant to the responsibilities assigned to him.
    With his inclusion in the committee’s secretariat, Alam will now have an opportunity to work at the national level alongside prominent personalities associated with social, political, legal and public-interest issues.

  • Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui Appointed Chief Spokesperson of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui Appointed Chief Spokesperson of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui Appointed Chief Spokesperson of Uttarakhand Minority Congress

    Appointed in New Executive Body; Dr. Siddiqui is the Only Spokesperson from Garhwal Division

    Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Minority Congress has expanded and reorganized its state executive committee as part of efforts to strengthen the organization and increase its activities across the state.

    The new executive committee was announced by Shamim Alvi, National Coordinator of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Minority Cell. The newly constituted body includes several office-bearers, including vice presidents, secretaries and state secretaries, besides the appointment of five state spokespersons.

    Among the five spokespersons, Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui has been placed at the top of the list and appointed as the Chief Spokesperson of the Uttarakhand Minority Congress.

    A significant aspect of the appointment is that while four of the five spokespersons belong to the Kumaon Division, Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui is the only spokesperson from the Garhwal Division, representing the state capital Dehradun.

    His appointment is being viewed by his supporters and well-wishers as an important representation for Dehradun and the Garhwal region within the state-level Minority Congress organization.

    Long Association with Social and Organizational Activities

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui has been associated with political, social and organizational activities for a long time. He holds a PhD from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and was actively involved in political and social activities during his student days.

    During his time at the university, he was associated with the Students’ Executive, gaining early experience in student representation and organizational activities.

    After completing his education, Dr. Siddiqui continued his involvement in various social organizations and public initiatives. His association with different social platforms has enabled him to remain connected with people and issues concerning society.

    Active Role in AMU Old Boys Association

    Dr. Siddiqui has also remained actively associated with the activities of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association. His continued engagement with the university’s alumni network has kept him connected with a wide range of educational, social and professional circles.

    At present, he is also holding responsibilities in several prominent social organizations and continues to participate in activities related to social welfare and community engagement.

    President of Progressive Community Trust

    Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui is the President of Progressive Community Trust, a prominent social organization based in Dehradun.

    Through the organization, he has been involved in various social initiatives and issues concerning the community. His long-standing involvement in social activities is being seen as one of the key factors behind his growing organizational profile.

    Supporters Celebrate His Appointment

    The announcement of his appointment as the Chief Spokesperson of the Uttarakhand Minority Congress has brought considerable happiness among his supporters, friends and well-wishers.

    A large number of people have been visiting his residence, Mashallah House, to congratulate him on being entrusted with the new responsibility. The flow of congratulatory messages and visits has continued since the announcement.

    Among those who congratulated Dr. Siddiqui are Khalid Farooqui, Syed Owais Ahmed Thanvi, Ashraf Hashmi, Sabir Siddiqui, Rao Naseem Ahmed, Advocate Syed Suhail Zameer and Dr. J. Usmani, along with several other supporters and well-wishers.

    They expressed happiness over his appointment and conveyed their best wishes for his new organizational responsibility.

    Dr. Siddiqui Thanks Party Leadership

    Expressing gratitude over his appointment, Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui thanked the Congress high command, the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress leadership and Minority Cell State President Haji Suleman Ansari for placing their trust in him.

    He assured the party leadership that he would work with full dedication, ability and sincerity to strengthen the organization.

    Dr. Siddiqui said that the responsibility entrusted to him would be carried out with commitment and that he would make every possible effort to live up to the confidence placed in him by the party leadership.

    Expected to Strengthen Minority Congress in Uttarakhand

    His supporters believe that Dr. Siddiqui’s academic background, experience in student politics, long association with social organizations and organizational abilities will help him perform his new role effectively.

    As Chief Spokesperson, he is expected to play an important role in presenting the policies and programmes of the Minority Congress before the people and strengthening communication between the organization and the public.

    Supporters also expressed confidence that his experience and social engagement will contribute towards strengthening the Uttarakhand Minority Congress, particularly in the Garhwal region and the state capital Dehradun.

    Dr. Siddiqui’s appointment has therefore generated considerable enthusiasm among his supporters, who see the new responsibility as an important opportunity for him to contribute to the party’s organizational expansion and public outreach across Uttarakhand.

  • Will Rahul Gandhi and Mahendra Bhatt Be Arrested?

    Will Rahul Gandhi and Mahendra Bhatt Be Arrested?

    Will Rahul Gandhi and Mahendra Bhatt Be Arrested?

     FIR Registered Against Those Allegedly Involved in ‘Purification’ Ritual; Government Informs High Court

    Haldwani/Nainital: The controversy surrounding the alleged ‘purification’ ritual at Ramleela Maidan in Haldwani following Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s public meeting has now taken a legal turn. Haldwani Kotwali Police has registered an FIR on the complaint of advocate and Congress worker Anju against unidentified persons.

    According to the information provided in the case, Sections 196 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 3(1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, have been invoked.

    The development has further intensified the political controversy, as separate FIRs and complaints have emerged in connection with the dispute. An FIR has already been registered against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani. Meanwhile, a Zero FIR was also registered at the Vidhan Soudha Police Station in Bengaluru against Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt and some others in connection with allegations relating to the alleged purification programme.

    With legal action now being reported from both sides, a major political question has emerged: could Rahul Gandhi, Mahendra Bhatt or any other person connected with the controversy face arrest? At present, however, there is no official confirmation of the arrest of either Rahul Gandhi or Mahendra Bhatt. Any further action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the evidence available to the police.

    The controversy began after Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a Congress public meeting at Ramleela Maidan in Haldwani on August 8, 2026. Videos and photographs subsequently surfaced showing an alleged havan and ‘purification’ ritual being performed at the same venue.

    The Congress objected strongly to the incident and linked it to the alleged insult of Kharge and the Dalit community. The party demanded action against those allegedly involved. Kharge also raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, following which an assurance of investigation and action was given by Leader of the House J.P. Nadda.

    Rahul Gandhi later raised the matter at a press conference in Delhi. After an FIR was registered against him in Haldwani, the issue gained further political momentum, with Congress workers holding protests in different parts of the country. A protest was also held in Dehradun, including a programme to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence.

    As the controversy escalated, the Congress approached the police and administration seeking registration of an FIR against those allegedly involved in the purification ritual. A Public Interest Litigation was subsequently filed before the Uttarakhand High Court.

    During the hearing, Advocate General S.N. Babulkar, appearing for the Uttarakhand government, informed the High Court that FIR No. 0297/2026 had already been registered at Haldwani Police Station on August 30, 2026.

    The government also assured the court that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with law and that CCTV footage and other electronic evidence connected with the incident would be preserved.

    The court was further informed that the Zero FIR registered in Bengaluru could potentially be transferred to Haldwani for investigation. The information indicates that such a transfer was under consideration; it should not be understood as confirmation that the Zero FIR had already been transferred.

    After the government informed the court about the registration of the FIR and assured a lawful and fair investigation, the High Court disposed of the petition rather than issuing further immediate judicial directions. The police were expected to proceed with the investigation in accordance with law.

    The latest FIR has brought the controversy into a formal investigative stage. Police will now have to determine who was allegedly involved in the purification programme, under whose initiative or authority it was conducted, and what exactly took place at the venue.

    CCTV footage, videos, photographs and other electronic evidence could play an important role in establishing the sequence of events and identifying the persons allegedly involved.

    The registration of an FIR, however, does not by itself establish guilt, nor does it automatically mean that an accused person will be arrested. Any arrest or further legal action would depend on the investigation, the evidence collected and the applicable provisions of law.

    For now, the key focus remains on the police investigation and the evidence that emerges from it. The question of whether Rahul Gandhi, Mahendra Bhatt or anyone else connected with the controversy will face arrest can only be determined after the investigation progresses and the legal requirements are assessed.